Chapter 15 continued
"Haley James? My Haley James?" he asked and I just nodded. He pulled me into a huge bear hug. I was shocked at first, but I quickly reacted, hugging him close. "I'm so glad you're here, Haley! I haven't seen you since you were just a little girl!"
I laughed slightly. "It's good to see you, too, Larry. So good," I said and then looked up at him. He kissed my forhead.
"So, who's this guy here?" he asked me.
I turned to Nathan and then grinned. "Oh, this is my boyfriend, Nathan. Nathan, this is Larry," I introduced and they shook hands.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Larry," Nathan said.
"It's nice to meet you as well, Nathan," he replied and then stepped aside. "Well, come on in. We've got a lot of catching up to do."
My smile grew and I took Nathan's hand, leading him into the house that I used to call my own. We went into the living room and sat on one couch and Larry sat across from us. "Where's Peyton, Larry?"
"She's not here," Larry said and I had a mini panic attack.
"Did she- is she-"
"Oh, no. She's just up at the store right now. She'll be back soon, I hope. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you, Haley," he said with a smile.
I sighed, relieved. "I can't wait to see her. I bet she hasn't changed a bit," I replied with a smile.
"So, what's been up with you? Where are you going to school?" he asked, sitting back.
"Well, I go to Duke University. I'm double majoring in English and Journalism. I can't decide if I want to teach or be a writer," I said.
"Well, why not be both?" he suggested. "You always were the overachiever."
I laughed. "I probably will be both, you know me too well!" I joked and we all laughed. "Well, I met Nathan there and my best friend, Brooke."
"You'll have to bring this Brooke next time so that I can meet all your new friends," he said with a smile.
"I'll be sure to do that," I replied. Conversation went on like this; Nathan and I talking about school, becoming a cheerleader and him playing basketball.
I stood up, looking around. "Nothing has changed in this house," I stated, puting my hand on the pictures on the wall. I walked over to a table with pictures displayed and smiled. I picked up one of Larry, Anne, Peyton, and I. We looked so happy. "I loved this picture. I'd always just analyse it when I was in here." I said, showing it to Larry and Nathan.
Larry nodded. "It's a great picture. You-"
He was interupted when the door opened. We heard a voice. "Hey, dad! Could you help me?"
I looked at him and he nodded. I walked over to where she was. I saw her placing a couple of paper bags filled with groceries on the kitchen counter. Nathan and Larry were waiting at the door to the kitchen as I walked over to her. "Peyt?" I said softly.
She turned, startled. She gasped. "Haleybub?" she said just as quiet. I nodded and we embraced. "Oh my gosh! It's so good to see you!"
"You have no idea how good it is to see you," I whispered. We pulled back, both of us crying. We laughed. "Sorry, I'm a bottle of emotions right now! I wasn't sure if you or papa sawyer would want to see me."
She laughed at her father's nickname. "Haley, we are so happy you're here, aren't we daddy?"
He nodded. "We are always happy to see family, especially our daughter slash sister," he said, coming over to hug us both.
We all pulled back, smiling at one another. We were finally reunited and I had no reason to worry all those years. I looked over to see Nathan smiling at us. I hit my forhead. "I'm sorry! Where are my manners! Peyton, this is my wonderful boyfriend, Nathan. Nate, this is my sister, Peyton," I said the last part as I put my arm around her shoulder.
He walked over and shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, Peyton. I've heard a lot about you," he said.
She shook her head, pulling him into a hug. "We hug around here, Nathan, and I hope you don't believe all the mean things she said about me!" she replied with a laugh.
"Oh, I've never said a bad thing about you!" I exclaimed and they all laughed at me.
"Well, why don't you three go chat in the living room while 'papa sawyer' makes dinner? Okay?" We all nodded and made our way into the living room.
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