"So, are you excited?" Nathan asked.
I was hesitant, but quickly said, "Yeah, I'm so excited."
I heard him sigh and then I turned to him. "You don't have to lie to me, Haley. If you're not excited just say so. Tell me what you're really feeling."
I thanked god for Nathan having a truck so I could sit closer to him. I undid my seatbelt and moved to the middle seat, putting my hand on his thigh. "Nathan, I am excited. I wasn't lying. It's just that I'm really nervous, too. I mean, what if they aren't happy to see me? That will not help whatever 'condition' I have. That will only make it worse! I mean, if they don't want me there it's only going to make me more distant from you and Brooke, and I don't want that. That's why I'm so nervous."
He was quiet for a little bit. He put his arm around me and then kissed my forhead. "They are going to be so happy to see you, Haley. You just wait and see," he said softly. I yawned and then rested my head on his shoulder. He whispered. "Go to sleep, baby. I'll let you know when we get there."
I sighed, content, and then fell asleep.
"We're here, Haley," Nathan said and we started to get out of the car. I suprised myself by actually not feeling nervous. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. "You okay?"
I nodded. "Suprisingly, I'm not so nervous anymore. That nap must of really helped me," I replied and he pulled me closer to him, kissing me soundly.
"Come on. Let's go see them and prove to you that they'll be happy to see you, okay?" he asked and I nodded.
We walked up to their house, the same house from my childhood. I looked at him before knocking at the door. The man I remembered as Larry opened it, looking at us confused. "Can I help you?" he asked.
I let out a deep breath before saying, "It's me, Larry. Haley."
He looked at me for a minute before stepping aside, motioning for us to come in. "What brings you back here, Haley?" he asked.
I was sad that he didn't seem happy to see me. "Well, I really wanted to see you and Peyton again. How's she doing?"
He was silent for a few seconds. "Peyton isn't around anymore, Haley."
I was confused. "Well, where is she? Did she go off to school? I mean-"
"She's dead, Haley! She killed herself back when she was 13," he said, tearing up.
I was in shock. "How-? When-? What?"
"Right after they took you back, Haley, she became real distant. I mean, she just didn't want to live anymore. Now, thanks to you, I have no wife and no daughter!" He shouted, glaring at me.
"Larry, I'm so sorry! I-"
"Shut up, Haley! This is all your fault and you don't get to say anything! Now, I want you to leave and never come back here again, you hear me?"
I nodded and stood up. Nathan guided me out of there and we got into his truck. Immediately I was pulled into his arms. I was sobbing uncontrolably and he just rubbed my back, soothingly. "I'm so sorry, Haley. I should've never taken you here," he said softly.
I shook my head against his shoulder. "No, it's not your fault. I wanted to come."
"It's gonna be okay, Haley," he whispered. "Haley? Haley?" I felt myself being shaken. "Hales, wake up, sweetheart."
My head shot up. I was panting, tears were streaming down my face. "Oh, my god!"
"Haley, are you okay?" he asked and I nodded. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. It was just a bad dream," I explained.
He pulled me closer, mating our forheads. "Do you want to tell me about it?" I shook my head. "Are you sure? That's what I'm here for."
I smiled and kissed him lightly. "I know, but I'm okay. I promise."
He nodded and we got out of the car. "Are you sure you want to see them right away, Hales? I mean, we can go rest for tonight and then see them tomorrow."
I shook my head. "No, let's get this over with now," I said, grabbing his hand for support. We walked up to the house, the same house from my childhood. "Here goes nothing," I muttered and rang the door bell.
Larry answered the door, just like in my dream. "Can I help you?"
I took a deep breath. "It's me, Larry. Haley James. Do you remember me?"
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