A/N: I would like to start off with an apology. It was brought to my attention by echogrl1345 that I spelled Haley's name wrong in the fist chapter or two, inhibiting the reader to continue. It was a mistake on my part; I should have proof-read closer. I spelled hers how I spell mine, so it was unconscious, but an error nonetheless. If I make any more mistakes in this manner, please inform me and I will correct it. Enjoy the rest!
Reminding You
Crap.
Haley shook the tube one more time as if it would shake the answer away. Opening the third and fifteen minutes later her thoughts were undeniably confirmed: she was pregnant.
Pregnant, again.
She wasn't sure what she should feel. Okay, that was a lie. She knew that right now she should be jumping up and down and running to tell her husband. Nathan.
Crap.
The last time she did this he was on cloud nine. Before descending to cloud one and ultimately crashing into reality, Nathan had been so happy, helpful, and excited. He had three months of expecting bliss only for it to be taken away from him and leaving them with a lifetime of longing. But, this is it. They had their chance again, right?
Haley stood up from the toilet seat cover and stared in the mirror. She was torn. She wanted to be happy. Really, she did. But experience told her she was only fooling herself. She was setting up herself and Nathan for heartbreak. It was a possibility that she could loose this baby as well. It wasn't anybody's fault; her body was just made differently.
She walked over to the bed and willed herself to pick up the phone. There was someone she needed to talk to. Someone she knew would talk to sense into her and remind her of how to do the right thing. In a moment of strength she decided to visit in person. Talking on the phone would allow hesitation to morph into neglect. She threw away the tests, grabbed her keys, purse, and jacket, and headed out the door.
"This is what you want to get Haley?"
Nathan's smile dwindled as he paused for a moment and looked at Lucas. "Yes. Is there a problem?"
Lucas was stunned. "Five years of marriage and you would get her this?"
Again, Nathan didn't see the problem. He narrowed his eyes and dared Lucas to suggest what was wrong with it. He did just that.
"It's…it's, it's ugly man."
"How do you know, you're not a girl," Nathan retorted.
Lucas looked at the sweater, then back at Nathan. "Dude, remember that poncho she had in…"
Lucas didn't have to finish. Nathan grabbed the sweater and put it back on the rack.
"I get it."
The two laughed and made their way through the store. It was the week before Christmas and he still hadn't got her a present. After seeing nothing of interest they headed for another store.
"So what did you get Brooke?" Nathan asked after they exited the store.
"Oh, well, I learned to stay away from clothes. That's her thing. So, I got her this trip to California for the both of us. What do you think?" Lucas looked beside him but Nathan wasn't there.
"Nate?"
Lucas turned back to find Nathan looking through a storefront window. Lucas joined him and followed his gaze. He smiled.
"I guess you found it."
Nathan finally looked at his brother and smirked. "I guess I did."
Karen was cleaning up a customer's table when she heard the bell ring, signaling that someone had entered. Out of habit, without looking up, she bellowed out her intro.
"Hi, welcome to Karen's Café. Pick a seat and I'll be right with you."
"I'd like to order some advice."
Karen looked up and smiled. It was Haley.
"For you, anytime. It's even on the house."
Haley returned the smile and took a seat on a stool. A few minutes later Karen joined her on the opposite side of the counter.
"So, what kind of advice do you need tonight?"
Haley paused for a brief moment and decided it was just best to say it.
"I'm pregnant," she blurted out.
Karen stopped rearranging the counter, walked around, and engulfed Haley in a hug. "Congratulations."
She pulled away and noticed Haley's expression. It was happiness but laced with uncertainty.
"But you think what happened last time will repeat itself."
Haley let a small smile creep across her features and let out a sigh.
"How do you do that?"
Karen leaned against the counter with her side. "How do I do what?"
"Read me like Lucas reads his books."
Karen chuckled. "You've been with me since elementary school. That and you wear your heart on your sleeve. I've known you long enough and what you've been through to know how your brain works. You want to believe everything will be okay but you can't."
"I want to. I really want this baby. I just don't know what to do. Should I tell Nathan? But what if I miscarriage before I even show? I could spare him and not tell him till then."
Karen took one of Haley's hands in hers. "Haley, you don't know what will happen. Nathan loves you. More than anything. He'll want to be there for you no matter what. Don't keep this a secret."
Haley felt some of her resolve returning. "I know. Thanks Karen."
"For what? You already were going to tell him."
It was Haley's turn to laugh. "I know, but I just needed to reason out loud."
"We all do."
Both women smiled at one another. "How about some-"
"Mac and cheese."
Haley chuckled. "Thanks Karen."
"Coming right up." Karen turned and walked toward the kitchen. "And Haley?"
"Yes?"
"Do not let that baby call me grandma." She smoothed out her hair and apron. "I'm way too young."
Christmas day came soon after. The big Christmas celebration would be held at Haley's house. It was Christmas morning and following tradition, Haley and Nathan exchanged one gift. Nathan was so excited that he brought Haley's gift into the room before she woke up. He placed it in their closet. After waiting for a total of three minutes, he began to wake her up like a little kid.
"Hales. Hales. Haley, wake up!"
"No more cookies."
"What?"
"What do you want?"
Nathan laughed, "What about cookies?"
Haley sat up and leaned back on the headboard. "What are you talking about?"
"You said 'no more cookies.'"
Haley turned a shade of red. "No I didn't."
"Yes, you did."
"Whatever," Haley ceded, his excited state rubbing off on her. "Presents!"
"Me first!"
"To open or give?" Haley inquired.
"To give."
Haley clapped her ands in anticipation. "Okay, where is it?"
"You have to get up."
Haley stood up. "Okay."
"It's in the closet."
Haley walked over and opened the door. She gasped and put her hand over her heart.
"Nathan," she managed to get out, never taking her eyes off of the item. "It's, it's…I."
"So you like it huh?"
Nathan came from behind and put his arms around Haley.
"I love it. It's beautiful." She kissed him and picked up the instrument. It was an acoustic guitar, pewter grey with silver chords. Upon closer examination she found their initials in the back.
She smiled. She was truly happy. She wanted to make Nathan feel the same way. Haley put the guitar down and walker over to her dresser. She pulled out a box and handed it to Nathan.
"Merry Christmas, baby."
Nathan smirked and opened the box. He held its contents up in brief confusion.
"I think you gave me the wrong gift. These are yellow…baby socks." He ran his fingers through his hair. "Wait a minute, whose having a baby?"
Haley loved how dense he could be sometimes. She took a step closer.
"We are."
Nathan froze and looked at Haley.
"We're what?!"
Scott-bruthr-luvr3-23: No worries about reviewing…happens to all of us! Glad you enjoyed the song and hope this chapter answered your question…or at least shed some light on it!
Ell6ange, HJS-NS-23: Thanks for the constant support and reviews!
Naley: Glad I could oblige! You are so on it with the signs. Thanks for enjoying Tyler! I had fun writing him. I want that name for my boy…in about four years.
