Drinking Courage

"Home sweet home!" Lucas yelled as he got out of the car.

Everyone got out of the cars, looked around, and smiled at Lucas' comment.

Karen didn't have to look up when the door opened and the bell jingled. The stampede only meant one thing.

"Mom!"

"Well if it isn't my little boy and the rest of the trouble makers." Karen smirked and gave everyone a hug.

After everyone ordered and ate, it was well past eleven in the morning. Hayley had barely touched her food and was leaning on Nathan's shoulder asleep. Brooke, Bevin and Rachael were talking about what they were gonna buy for their families. Jake, Mouth, Skills, Nathan, and Lucas were talking about basketball. Nathan was given an offer to turn pro, as was Skills. Mouth was already the only paid announcer at the college games. Jake still played and enjoyed basketball, but music was his first love. Lucas supported all of his friends. He somewhat lived vicariously through Nathan. He couldn't play basketball, but that didn't stop him from going to whatever games he could.

After Peyton stifled a yawn for the third time Jake spoke up. "Okay guys. Think it's about time to go to sleep."

As if that was the cue to make others yawn, they did. They all agreed to meet up for dinner at Rachel and Brooke's place, which would be easy; considering half of them would be staying there while in town. Of course, they wouldn't be doing the cooking. Karen and Deb had volunteered to go over and cook.

Peyton and Jake were staying at her house, Lucas and Skills at theirs, respectively, Bevin, Rachel, Brooke, and Mouth at Rachel's, and Nathan and Hayley at their old apartment. Parents still weren't really around, with the exception of Karen and Keith, and Deb.

Hayley looked out the window as she passed her parents' home. She felt a pang of loss but quickly shook it off by closing her eyes, willing it to disappear. Some things she just wasn't ready for.

"Hayley?"

She looked up to be greeting by her husband's inquiring eyes. "Hmm?"

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just a little tired."

"You don't have to lie to me."

As much as she didn't want to talk about it, she didn't want to shut him completely out. He deserved at least that much.

"I'll be fine." She genuinely smiled and took his hand. "Want to do something today?"

Nathan decided to let it go, for now. "What about the dinner?"

"We'll do it before. What about a movie?"

He smiled, she'd been wanting to see a lot of those lately. "As long as it's not Reign on Me or In The Land of Women. Nothing that's sappy or emotionally involved."

"Deal. What about… The Invisible?"

"Sounds good."

A few hours later the gang found themselves at Rachel's, sprawled all over the floor, stuffed. Karen, Keith, and Deb left a little after dinner and made them promise to be at Tyler's birthday party the next weekend. Of course, they were all going anyway, but formalities were hard to let go of.

It was unspoken but unanimously decided that everyone would be spending the night. They were pretty sure it would end up like this most of the time. Everyone was asleep except Nathan. He made sure not to wake Hayley and stepped into the backyard. He was soon accompanied by Lucas.

"That bad huh?"

Nathan didn't look back but smiled.

"Sometimes."

Lucas sat down opposite his brother. He waited for him to continue.

"She doesn't want to talk about it, I understand. I know it's selfish, but I do. I just think it would be best for both of us if she just got everything out. That way, at least we know what we're dealing with."

Nathan sat down beside Lucas. They both were silent for awhile.

"Is this about her parents or the baby?"

Nathan paused. "I think both. They happened close to each other. She barely got over one and then the other happened."

"We have a whole month Nate."

"I know."

"We're all here. She's going to need everyone when she decides to face things."

"I just hope it's sooner rather than later."

Hayley leaned against the wall. She woke up when she heard Lucas get up and go outside. She was going to check on him but stopped once she realized that's what he was doing for her husband. She knew she was hurting them both. She knew before, but it was different now, hearing them talk candidly. If not for herself, than she had to get over her issues for them. She went back to bed and decided to start dealing with them tomorrow.

Lucas looked pensive, as if he had more to say.

"Lucas?"

Lucas smiled at his brother. Even though they didn't grow up together, one knew the other all too well.

"I need her back."

"She'll get there."

"I have to tell you something. I wanted to tell Hayley, but I don't think it's the time."

Nathan didn't like Lucas's tone. He covered up his anxiety and motioned for him to continue.

"The medicine isn't working anymore. They've done everything they can, but it's not enough."

"What do you mean it's not enough?" Nathan was careful to keep his voice down but began to tear up. "There's always something else. What's next?"

"A heart transplant."

"Good, then that's what we'll do."

"Nate, it's going to take a while. I might not-"

"Then we better hurry. Are you on the list?"

"Yes."

"Good. We'll get you the best doctors."

"You do realize you're a college student whose broke right?

"Not entirely."

"What do you mean?"

"Dad left money."

"Yeah, and you can't touch it until you graduate."

"True. But that doesn't mean I can't sell my apartment."

Lucas chuckled. "As generous as that is, it's not going buy me a heart."

Nathan shuffled his feet. "No, but my salary will."

"Salary? You work at Circuit City, you mean wages?"

"No, umm…you know that offer we were talking about?"

Lucas looked at him inquiringly. "Yes…"

"Well, I took it."

"You took it."

"Yes."

"Does Hayley know?"

Lucas had his question answered by silence. "She's going to kill you!"

"I did it for us."

Lucas laughed a genuine amused laugh. "You mean for you." Lucas regained his composure. "Congratulations, nice knowing you." Lucas started back into the house.

"What?"

"Congratulations on your offer, and nice knowing you, 'cuz Hayley is going to kill you."

Lucas left Nathan alone, mumbling to himself. "No she won't." Nathan attempted to assure his nerves. "Not if I tell her the right way, at the right time. Whenever that is…"

The next morning Hayley had a blinding headache. She awoke to blankets and pillows everywhere, but no one occupying them.

"No more wine for me." Hayley attempted to get up but was forced to lay back down by lack of strength.

"Talking to yourself now Hales?" Nathan walked over and knelt beside her. He held two aspirin and some water. "Here, take these, go back to sleep. You'll feel better in an hour."

She attempted to grin but it hurt too much. "Thanks babe. Where's everyone else?"

"In the kitchen, cleaning up breakfast. I'm gonna go work out with Jake and Skills. The girls are going shopping later, you going?"

Hayley pulled the covers up to her chin. "No, I think I'm going to go for a walk. I'll call you when I'm done."

Nathan kissed her temple and walked towards the door. "Okay, call me, you know, if you need anything."

"I will."

Nathan closed the door and waited for the guys. He sadly smiled to himself. He knew where she was going. He was just glad she was finally doing it.

A/N: I promise, next chapter you'll know what's on her mind. It's only the beginning.