Listen To My Eyes

The third week of March was hotter than Haley remembered. Maybe it was the fact that she was 'with child,' but every degree seemed like it was ten. She lied on the couch, her new favorite spot, but soon decided that the couch against her skin was doing more harm than good. It was making her sweat.

She got off the couch and pulled some ice cream out of the fridge. Careful to take her phone and keys with her, she walked out the back door and into their makeshift backyard. She sat down slowly, welcoming the breeze, and began to eat her ice cream contently.

The rest of the carton and half an hour later Haley drifted off into a light sleep. Two minutes later her phone alerted her of its presence.

Fumbling from almost-sleep she answered, "Hello?"

"Hales, get up."

"Why must you always call me when I'm about to go to sleep?"

"Because you need to stop being lazy and do something besides sleep," Lucas chuckled.

Haley removed the strands of hair that had flown into her face. "You know, you sound more and more like her everyday. You're even beginning to act like her, all giddy and un-broody."

"Who?" Lucas inquired.

"Brooke, dork," Haley replied. "She's rubbing off on you. I want my best friend back." It was Haley's turn to giggle.

Lucas soon joined in. Once the laughter subsided, Haley was curious as to why he was calling.

"So, what do you want Luke?"

She could hear Lucas smile. "I can't just call my best friend to chat?"

"You can, but we usually do every other day. You called yesterday and you're supposed to call tomorrow."

Both knew the other too well. "Are you still going home next week?"

"Yup. Why?"

"I need to tell you something, but need to do it in person."

"Oh," Haley responded. "Is everything all right? Why can't you tell me now? Aren't you gonna be in California?"

Lucas chuckled. "The rambling again I see. Yes, everything is all right, it's something I need to share in person, and I'll be in California for the first half of the break. I'll be in Tree Hill after."

Haley let out a breath. "Good, you scared me there." Haley thought a moment. "Oh my gosh, are you gonna propose to Brooke?!"

"No Hales, calm down," he chuckled. "At least not yet." He felt bad for getting her hopes up, but then again, she was on an emotional rollercoaster these days.

Glad to know nothing bad was happening and that Lucas still confided in her when he had Brooke, Haley was relieved.

"So, tell me about this party tomorrow night."

"Well, Bevin, Skills, and Mouth are throwing a going away party for us tomorrow. I'm not sure what's happening, but…"

Haley relayed the information she knew to Lucas, content with the fact that she was leaving one set of friends in tact, officially secure that their friendship would endure the distance.

"Ready for this?" Nathan asked Haley as they walked up the sidewalk.

"Yes, but it's going to make it real. I'm going to miss them." Haley's eyes started to well.

"Don't cry babe, we're not gone yet, and even when we are, we'll still keep in touch."

Nathan was trying his best to assuage his wife. Pregnant Haley proved most difficult.

Haley sniffled and instantly turned cheerful. "You're right. Let's get this party started!"

Nathan just laughed and followed his wife into the house. All those inside were there to wish them well and bid them adieu.

The party was in full-swing even though it was only eight in the evening. The gang had opted to have the party a little early, considering Haley got tired easily and they had to get on the road the next day.

After saying a few hellos Haley stepped in the backyard to get a little air. Out of habit, she checked her phone and saw that she had two missed calls. Scrolling down she saw one was from Brooke and the other one was from a number she didn't recognize. Curiosity got the best of her. She decided to call the unknown number.

The caller picked up on the fourth ring. "Hello?" inquired a sweet professional voice.

Haley stuttered, "Uh, I'm Haley Scott, someone called this number earlier?"

"Oh, yes, Mrs. Scott, it's Dr. Morris, how are you?"

Haley relaxed. "I'm good. Just at a going away party for me and my husband. Did you get the rest of the results?"

Dr. Morris paused for a moment. "Yes, I did. I think it's best if we discuss them in person."

Haley sighed. What was it with people not wanting to talk to her over the phone today?

"Do you think you can tell me now? I'm leaving tomorrow for Tree Hill, and then New York the next week."

"Well, it's your choice." Dr. Morris sounded hesitant to continue. "Now, keep in mind, we need to do more extensive tests to find out exactly what we are dealing with."

Haley didn't like where this conversation was going. She couldn't take suspense these days.

"You can just say it Dr. Morris. It's better that way."

"The tests showed some abnormalities."

"Abnormalities?"

"Yes, you have a growth." Dr. Morris took a deep breath. "It could be nothing to worry about, so we'll need to do some more tests."

Haley collected herself and forced herself to ask what she needed to know. "Worst case scenario?"

"A tumor. Possibly cancer."

Haley was exhausted. They were now on their way to Tree Hill. She was a crying mess the night before. She was going to miss her friends deeply. The other reason was the uncertainty of her health and what it would mean for her family.

Although she opted not to tell anyone until she was sure of the results, Nathan could tell that she wasn't fine. He had begged her over and over to tell him what was wrong. She would simply look at him and attempt to ensure him and herself that she was just sad and tired. He would give an unconvinced smile, squeeze her hand, and continue driving.

After a couple of naps Haley awoke to find them twenty miles outside of Tree Hill. She yawned and ran her hand through Nathan's hair.

"Sorry, I was trying to stay awake with you," Haley offered as she stifled another yawn.

"It's okay," Nathan chuckled. "You needed it."

He glanced over and took her hand in his. "This is the last time to day I'll ask you so you don't kill me." Nathan's smirk was bordered with curiosity. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Haley looked at her husband. Some part of her wanted to tell him, but most of her didn't. He didn't need baggage when he was playing professional basketball as a rookie and she didn't want to admit that anything could be wrong.

"I'm fine. I promise."

Vampiregirl, OTHbabe23, TutorGal23, brucas3: luv ur reviews!

xNaley-2158x: hope this quenched ur thirst…at least a little.

HJS-NS-23: thanks. Think you'll be watching the spin-off with Addy?

Echogrl1345: thank you.

Krizue: how clever u r!

Naley: thanks, I like the Bevin/Haley too. I LOVED when Bevin told Rachel off in the bathroom. That was awesome.

Soundinmymouth3, daymiracle: I might take you up on your suggestion!

Ell6ange: pregnant now or before? Lol, was the protectiveness cute or annoying?