Chapter 38: X-Ray Vision
Thanks for the feedback, the constructive criticism, the support, for reading, and for your patience! I had a lot going on yesterday, including work
and fellowship, and wasn't able to post. Even when it hurts, I'll only sing Your praise. "She won't like me leaving so soon, after a fight." (Batman v.)
"Tell me about it." (Superman v.)
"I want you to meet my parents. Well…at least my mom." Nathan noticed something was wrong with the expression on Haley's face.
"Maybe that's not such a good idea." Haley avoided his confused stare.
"Why not?" Nathan demanded.
"It's tearing everything apart." Haley said, looking up at Nathan, tears welling up in her eyes.
Nathan stormed off, seeing Luke in the distance. Luke was talking to Jake. Haley hurried after Nathan. Nathan shoved Luke, and his heated glance dared Jake to butt
in. Jake met his heated glance with a shake of his head.
"Stop!" Haley yelled.
"Can't you let her be happy?"
"Is she going to be happy, with you?" Luke raised an eyebrow.
Nathan lunged forward, but stopped as Jake stepped in. Nathan smirked at Jake and looked past Jake at Luke. He knew he had this coming from his big brother. He
had every reason to object.
"It's not up to you." Nathan said, quietly.
Luke groaned.
"You're using her!" Luke yelled.
"Are you that jealous? Do you have a thing for Haley?"
Haley and Luke both gave Nathan an unbelievable look.
"You're trying to get back at me."
"It's not all about you, mistake." Nathan bitterly retorted.
"Stop it, both of you! Tell me," Haley asked, looking into Nathans' eyes. "Are you using me to get back at Luke, to twist the knife?"
Nathan sighed.
"At first yeah, but-"
Haley didn't let him finish. Her slap stung his face before he could get out the rest of his sentence. She looked at Luke and stormed off, a torrent of tears falling down
her face. Nathan, Luke, and Jake stared after her.
"We thought we could be decent men in an indecent time," Jake shook his head. "The conflict between you two is tearing her apart."