Chapter 31
Nathan walked up the front steps of his house, passing the familiar car in the driveway and straight into the kitchen where he figured he'd find her. Sure enough, there sat Deb Scott at the counter sipping at a glass of wine and looking through an old photo album.
"Old habits die hard, huh Mom?" Nathan stated, leaning against the doorway to the kitchen, his arms crossed in front of his chest.
"Nathan! I didn't hear you come in."
"And I didn't hear you came home. I found out from my new land lord."
"Listen Nathan…"
"Whatever you came here to try and do or fix Mom, just forget it. You left me, and whatever was left of our family. Therefore, I leave you," he sneered, beginning to turn to go down the hall.
"Nathan wait," Deb called after him, causing him to stop in his tracks. "You have to know my reasons. I started because of your father, but then I knew I had to stop. So I left for a few short months but I was always going to come back. You didn't think I'd leave you with your father forever did you?"
"You're not making sense Mom. You can't just have an affair then call it off and come back. It doesn't work like that!" Nathan replied in a huff.
"An affair Nathan? You thought I was having an affair?" Deb questioned, confusion and anger etched across her face.
"Well, yeah. That's what Dad said."
"Son of a bitch. That lying no good ass of a father," Deb began, the fury within her rising. "Nathan I was not having an affair. Your manipulative father tried to use my time away to get you against me."
"Well then why did you go away mom?"
"I was trying to protect you from this but… I was in rehab Nathan."
"Rehab?"
"Since your father and I have been having problems, which basically started when his basketball obsession with you started, back in the junior leagues, I've been on anti-depressants."
"God mom…" Nathan scoffed, hurt beginning to form on his face.
"And recently, your father had just been so unbearable that I've been abusing them. When I was away on business trips I was really at a hotel drinking away my sorrows and taking a few of my pills."
"Could our family be any more messed up?" Nathan whispered to himself.
"Nathan, sweetie. You've got to know I never meant to hurt you. One night, several weeks ago, after I had kicked your father out, and got to finally spend some time with you, I realized I didn't know you anymore. I'd neglected my motherly duties for so long and I'm sorry. I am so sorry Nathan. So, soon after I checked into the Rehabilitation Center in Charlotte."
"Jesus Mom. Do you know how tough it's been lately?"
"Nathan…"
"No Mom, listen. Dad has been riding my ass at basketball and messing with my head. I couldn't take it anymore, and you weren't home to take care of me, the freaking kid of this family, so you know what I did? I got emancipated. Legally, you no longer have rights over me. So go get drunk and hopped up on your pills now Mom because you no longer have to worry about me anymore. Not that you did before, but you know."
"Nathan Daniel Scott, you know that's not damn true! I love you, but because of your father I've done some things I regret. Some things I want to push past and start over with."
"Well Mom, congratulations, you get to start over, but without me," Nathan spat out before turning and running up to his room leaving Deb in the kitchen all alone.
"Dammit Dan, you've made my life a fucking hell," she muttered under her breath, smacking the countertop in frustration.
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Nathan sat on his bed, anger still pumping through him because of his mother's new revelations. He was about to dial Haley's number when he spotted the box of letters on the edge of his bed. Curiosity getting the best of him, he decided to open one up before he gave her a ring.
Looking for the envelope he could see it was sealed, even addressed to him, yet no stamp. On the back there was a single heart over the part where the envelope sealed together. He used his finger, pushing open the tightly sealed piece of paper and finally opened it up. As he unfolded the letter, the slightest scent of sun-ripened raspberries hit his nostrils.
"Haley must have sprayed this," he said, smiling to himself as he began to read.
Dear Nathan,
I know you must be really confused right now. I know I am. I didn't want to leave like that, but I just… I needed to get away. It seems like right now we're having trouble with this five-letter word we use to think nothing of: trust. I trust you, but it seems you don't trust me, and that hurts Nathan. It does. .
Nathan took a deep breath, soaking in what he just read. She thought he didn't trust her and that broke his heart. He'd trust Haley with his life, just as she would with him. Why had he been so stupid and listened to Taylor. He just jumped to conclusions and ultimately sided with Taylor instead of his girlfriend. His Haley. Letting out a sigh, he kept on reading.
I would never do something like that to you Nathan. Your secrets once they reached my ears were buried deep within my heart. The same place everything else about you goes. You see, me leaving had nothing to do with that little four-letter word that makes my heart flutter and my stomach do flip-flops, love. I love you Nathan, there's no denying that. Always have and always will. But what about trust? Will you trust me forever? I could trust you. I don't have to worry about you protect me. I know you will, even when I push you away. I was almost half expecting you to follow me here… it's okay you didn't though. As much as I'd like for you to have, I need some time to myself. Some time to evaluate everything that's been happening lately.
Just remember, for every day that I'm gone, there's never a moment or a second in that day that I don't think about you. I know your hearing is Friday so I'm going to try and make it there. For you, and for me. It'd be nice to see you. I miss you like no other, but I don't know if I'm ready.
I love you Nathan… Always and Forever,
Haley
He inhaled her scent once more as he folded up the letter, letting the words he had just read sink in. He was both full of hope and full of sadness. Full of hope because she still loved him. He'd known that already, but it was good to see she still felt that way when she left Tree Hill. That she didn't hate him. That she still cared. But he also felt sadness, not in Haley, but in himself. She truly thought he didn't trust her. He had to change that. Of course he trusted her. If he didn't he wouldn't be about to run to her about all the stuff with his mom. He had to talk to her. Had to reassure her. He had to call her.
And just like that his phone was in his hands, the familiar number being dialed, and after several rings, the girl he loved picked up on the other end.
"Hello?"
"Hales?"
"Nathan, I'm so glad it's you."
"I need to see you. Meet me somewhere?"
"Okay."
"I want to talk with no distraction so why don't we try out my new apartment. It's got no furniture but I want to show it to you… see it for myself too."
"Alright, but I have to bring someone with me," Haley noted.
"Okay, want me to pick you up?"
"No, I'll meet you there just give me the address."
After giving her the address, Nathan made his way through the house, making sure not to run into his mother and got into the car to meet Haley. Once he arrived he perched himself on the steps up to apartments waiting for her to arrive and sure enough, five minutes later she pulled up in Taylor's car and got out.
"I thought you said you were bringing someone Hales?"
"I am, hold on a sec," she said moving to the backdoor and reappearing with a toddler in her hands.
"Uh Hales…" Nathan began, unsure of what to say.
"This Nathan, is Lee, or should I say, Harley."
"Harley as in…"
"Yeah. Can you say hello Lee?" She questioned in a baby voice as the toddler timidly placed his hear on her shoulder.
"Hewwo," the small child whispered.
"Uh, hi there bud," Nathan stated unsure of himself. "You're okay with this Hales? Being around him ya know since…"
"Today when I got home I saw Taylor holding this kid and I realized I do not want her to have the same grasp on him that she has on me. I don't want his life ruined because of his messed up parents."
"I think that's really strong of you Haley. You're pretty great you know that?"
"I try," she glowed as Nathan wrapped an arm around her and pulled her to his side.
"Speaking of messed up parents… my mom's back," he stated as they continued to stand in front of the apartments.
"Are you serious?"
"As a hear attack Hales. She's back. And you want to know what's even more messed up? My dad lied on why she left. She wasn't having an affair, she was popping pills and getting drunk, then she went to rehab. I mean, she's back now but still. My dad was riding me like never before and she just leaves?"
"Nathan I am so sorry. I wish, I wish things were different," Haley said snuggling her side next to him.
"So do I Hales. It's like my parents forget that I'm the kid. I'm always freaking taking care of them or on my own and I'm sick of it. I'm glad I can just come to my apartment now and not have to deal with either of them. Speaking of which, what to do you I show you it?"
"Of course! I want to see this new pad," she said giggling climbing up the stairs behind him with Lee in her arms.
"Here we are, apartment 23. Welcome to my humble abode," Nathan joked as they stepped inside. Looking around Haley immediately noted the size. It wasn't to small or to big. It was perfect. There was a quaint kitchen-slash-dining area, a living room where she knew he would hook up his Playstation up in right off the bat, and of course a bedroom and bathroom.
"Nathan this is really nice."
"Well, it's nowhere as big as my house but it's just perfect for me… and maybe other people should they care to visit," he stated, giving her a wink.
"Nathan," Haley sighed, rolling her eyes and pointing to the kid in her arms.
"A guy can dream," he kidded back.
"Here Lee, go walk around," Haley stated, putting the toddler on the floor so he could explore. "All you need is furniture Nate then you're all set."
"Speaking of which… c'mere," he stated, pulling her arms so she was instantly wrapped up in his arms, her head against his chest. "You see, I know nothing about decorating. You on the other hand at least know how to color coordinate right?"
"Well, of course."
"What do you say you help me revamp this apartment?"
"Are you serious?" Haley said, jumping a bit in excitement.
"Well, yeah."
"Oh goodie!" Haley said clapping her hands together. "This is going to be so much fun! We should go to the furniture store after school tomorrow!"
"Sounds perfect, I don't have practice."
"This is going to be so exciting Nathan. I can just see it now, couches, shelves, new paint on the walls…"
"Oh man, what have I got myself into…"
"Hey!" She said slapping his well-defined abs. "You know you love spending time with me."
"Oh that I wont deny," he said squeezing her closer giving her a passionate kiss on the lips which began to turn into a bit more… that is until they heard a little cry from the kitchen.
"Oh no," Haley said startled, walking over to the kitchen to find Lee holding his head, about to burst into tears. "Lee-Lee, what happened?"
The small child just looked at her pointing to the counter before holding his arms up to be held. As soon as he entered her arms, the tears began to flow.
"Shh… shh…" Haley said soothingly. "Honey it looks like you just have a little booboo on your head. Let Auntie Haley see." After inspecting his head, Haley looked the small boy in the eyes. "It's going to be okay, let me find a band-aid. Big Nate here will hold you okay?"
"Wha-what?" Nathan said startled from behind her. "I uh, I don't do kids."
"Oh come on Nathan. He's just a little kid, what harm can he do ya?"
"He's a crying kid with a huge booger running down his face. I just, I've never dealt with that nor do I intend to."
"Oh stop being such a wuss and just hold him," Haley said laughing, placing the toddler into his arms. She then proceeded to look through her bag for those trustee band-aids she kept in her purse. She always had at least one for emergencies like this. "Come on, come on. Where are you?"
"Hales he won't stop crying."
"Just rock him Nate and just talk to him soothingly."
"Uh…" Nathan stated, looking at the crying kid in his arms before talking to him in a soothingly tone. "Hey bud. It'll be okay. I fall all the time in basketball. You just got to get back up, that's all." The child continued to cry, but now less, as Nathan continued to talk to him, transfixing him in conversation. "Do you like basketball? I think you would. I'll have to teach you one time. You know, take a ball and throw it in the little basket. It's a lot of fun."
"Uh Nathan," Haley interrupted pointing to Lee, who had now stopped crying and has his eyes closed.
"He's asleep!" Nathan began to yell before bringing it down to a whisper.
"Seems you bored him with your basketball talk," Haley said giggling.
"Hey! He must have just been tired from all the crying. Basketball is anything but boring."
"Whatever you say. I do have to tell ya though, you were pretty good with him. I can tell he likes you."
"Ya think?" Nathan stated, the slightest bit of happiness passing through his eyes.
"Yeah I do. Looks like you can handle kids after all."
"Maybe I can."
"Well, hold him still while I put this band-aid on him," Haley stated unwrapping the band-aid before placing it on Lee's head on giving him a little kiss.
"You know I hurt too."
"Oh you do, do you?" Haley stated giving him a little smirk. "And where is that?"
"My lips… all that talking made them ache," Nathan stated, giving her his puppy dog eyes.
"Well I guess we'll have to do something about that," Haley stated before getting on her tiptoes to give Nathan a peck on the lips. "Better?"
"For now. You're just glad this kids here," he said laughing. "Speaking of which. I'm glad you're protecting him Haley. I wish uh, I wish I had someone like you to look after me when I was little. I come from the king and queen of messed up parents."
"I wish I could have been there for you then too," Haley stated giving his forearm a squeeze. "But I'm here for you now."
"I know Hales. And that's why I love you… and trust you, don't think I ever wouldn't."
"So I guess you read my first letter?"
"Perhaps," Nathan smirked. "Okay yes. And Haley, don't think I didn't trust you. Cause I did, I just was stupid. I jumped to conclusions which I shouldn't have and I'm sorry."
"I know Nathan. I know. I'm past that. Now all I want to know is why Taylor did it."
"Any luck with that?"
"Not yet. But it's getting there. I got to get her to think I'm on her side completely."
"Well, I hope you find out eventually. I don't know what would possess her to try and break us apart."
"Oh, she's Taylor. Anything could posses her to do it. Anything and everything is fair game. Let's just hope she doesn't surprise me too much. But, on the subject of Taylor, I got to get home. I told her I was just going to the playground."
"Yeah, I should get home too. You know, pack up some of my crap. Here's Lee," he stated, gently passing the child back over to Haley. " I like this little guy."
"I do too. That's why I've got to protect him."
"You'll do a great job Hales."
"Thanks, and Nate?"
"Yeah?"
"Maybe you should give your mom a chance. I mean, she realized her wrong and went to rehab to try and get better. Maybe she can change into the mom she used to be."
"Maybe. I've thought about it… it'll just take time."
"I understand, just don't push the idea out of your head."
"I won't. Bye Hales," he said before placing a soft kiss on her lips.
"Goodbye Nathan," she said before leaving the door and walking out to her car.
Nathan leaned again his apartment door, catching his breath from that slightest of kisses. "You're my family now Hales," he whispered to himself. "I don't need my parents, just you."
Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know! I know it was kind of a filler chapter but it let you get to know Harley aka "Lee" better and it had some Naley fluff, which I mean, who doesn't love that? haha. Leave reviews and let me know what you think! Until next time... Katie!