With concern, Lucas asked, "Haley?"

Between laughs Haley answered, "Yes?"

"Why are you laughing?"

Her laughter began to subside. "It's just ironic."

"What is?"

"You're dying."

Lucas still was confused. "And?"

Haley spoke calmly and without emotion. "So am I."

Time Will Tell

Lucas stuttered. "You're wha…what…what do you mean."

Haley couldn't look at Lucas just yet. She was staring at the river attempting to calm herself so she could explain.

"I have a tumor."

Haley took the silence as Lucas processing like she had moments before. She decided to continue and tell him everything so he wouldn't feel obligated to respond. She stole a glance to find him staring at the floor where he had previously been the one giving bad news.

"It's pretty bad but it could be worse." She was attempting to think that things could be worse. But she knew better.

"Okay, they couldn't be worse." Haley sighed and began telling Lucas the information she received from Dr. Macy.

"It's operable but they need to do chemo to shrink it first. I said no."

Haley didn't get to finish when Lucas interrupted. "Why? Why would you say no?" Lucas got up and faced Haley. She still had yet to look him in the eye.

Screw it.

Haley looked Lucas in the face. "Because I will not lose another baby!" Lucas' face softened. "If I do the chemo now, it could hurt the baby." Lucas made his way back to his seat. "I can't do that again." He took her hand in his as she continued.

"So, I decided to wait until the baby is born to have the chemo, and then the operation." Haley gulped, "If I make it."

The tears Lucas was trying to hold back continued to obey him. That didn't stop them from congregating no matter how many times he blinked.

"You will make it Hales." He pulled her close again.

"The longer I wait, the worse it gets. I'm on medication to shrink it until the chemo, but they gave me about six months."

Haley felt Lucas tense. "What do you mean they gave you six months?! They don't know how long you'll live. You could live to be 100."

Haley wiped away some of her tears and chuckled. "It's called a hypothesis, an educated guess. They did go to school for it you know."

They sat in silence for awhile. Haley didn't speak because she was enjoying the peace. She also decided to focus on Lucas and the fact that he needed her too. She was going to be strong. The all needed to support each other. She was going to tell Nathan the moment she saw him. Okay, maybe not the moment.

Lucas was quiet for another reason; he feared that if he spoke he would cry. He couldn't. He had to be strong for Haley. How did Nathan take it?

Haley kept feeling Lucas' jaw shift on top of her head.

"Okay Luke, spill it already."

"Have you told Nathan yet?"

Haley responded expecting him to be furious. "Umm…no. Not yet. I tried, but he had to leave early. They said if he went today that he could have a starting position. I'm pretty sure that's a good thing."

To her surprise, Lucas chuckled. "Yes, that's a very good thing, but I'm sure he'd rather be here with you and know what's going on."

"You're not mad?"

"No." Lucas took a deep breath. "It took me a while to tell Brooke."

Haley turned to face him. "You mean you didn't tell me first Scott?" Haley faked insulted. "I'm offended."

Lucas put his hands up in defense. "Hey, if Nathan stayed you would have told him first. Plus, does it count if I wanted to tell you first?"

Haley let down her play offense. "Yes, you do get points for that. Plus Brooke would have killed you otherwise."

Haley glanced at her watch. "Well, I gotta go. Dinner tonight?"

Lucas helped her up. "Of course." He gave her a kiss and held her in a hug. "You sure it's safe for you to be alone?"

Haley put a hand to the side of his face. "I could ask the same about you."

Knowing both would cry if they talked about it any longer, Haley pulled away. "Yes, I'll be fine. Plus, my dad's back," she added with a huge grin.

She hopped away with some difficulty from her protruding belly and waved to Lucas.

Lucas shouted to her retreating figure, "The surprises just keep coming!"

"Yup!"

He saw her get into her car and drive away. When he was sure she was out of sight he sat back down on the bench.

His best friend was dying.

He couldn't save her just like she couldn't save him.

Lucas finally allowed the tears to fall that influenced his throat along the way, making it that much harder to breathe.

Haley was officially not willing to get out of bed. She had two more days in Tree Hill. Two more days before she had to tell Nathan. It was the day after last night. One she dreaded but was nonetheless glad it was over.

Dinner was going smoothly. The day before Haley asked if it was okay to invite her dad to her and Lucas' regular dinners. Of course, Lucas said yes. They were cleaning up the table when Haley's headache decided to remind her that it was still there.

Haley dropped the plate. She tried not to yell to bring attention to herself. That's too late. I already dropped the plate.

"Hales, are you okay? Do you need to sit down?" Lucas was the first one by her side followed by Jimmy.

"Yeah, Haley, are you okay?"

Haley tried to force a smile but it wasn't working. "Umm, I think I just need to sit down." She still hadn't let go of her head.

"Is it the tumor?" Lucas asked.

"THE WHAT?"

Haley nodded at Lucas as he left to get her pills. She looked at her dad painfully. She didn't want him to find out like this. She also felt like someone was playing chess with her brain.

"I was going to tell you tomorrow. I just wanted you to be happy for a little longer."

Lucas came back with the pills just in time to hear her statement. He looked between daughter and father after he gave Haley her pills.

"Oh. You didn't know." Jimmy shook his head.

"I would leave to give you room, but I want to make sure she's okay."

Jimmy stood up. "It's okay, I'll take it from here."

Lucas looked at Haley for confirmation. He kissed her forehead and mouthed 'call me later.' Once he was gone Jimmy sat beside Haley. She was feeling much better.

"So." Haley played with her hands.

"So. You have a tumor."

Haley felt like she was in trouble as a little girl. "Yes."

Jimmy didn't comment.

"I know it'll be hard for you because of what happened with mom, so I understand if you can't see me-"

"What do you need?"

Haley's eyes watered. "Just for you to be there."

"Then that's what I'll do." Jimmy hugged Haley.

"Promise to tell me if you can't handle it or need to take a break okay?"

Jimmy chuckled through unshed tears. "Always taking care of everyone else before yourself."

Haley smiled. "Ice cream?!"

"I thought we were having a moment?"

"Baby says otherwise."

Haley smiled at the memory and got up to take a shower. She and Lucas had some calls and personal appearances to make. They were going to leave a day early to tell the gang at Duke and NYC. She knew what to expect from her friends.

It was how Nathan would take it was what she was concerned about.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed it! Next one is Monday. Have a great weekend! Happy Mother's Day!

othnaleyfan101: Thank you so much! I'll see what I can do to make you happy!

Vampiregurl: Next up: Nathan!

Naley: Next chapter!

Ell6ange: Your comments always make me 'smirk!'

Krizue: Hope this is enough family for ya! No worries…they still have to tell the gang, but more importantly, Nathan!

ScOtt-bruthR-LuVr3-23: I will do my best to oblige! I think ur safe!

xNaley-2158x: I know, drama!

DukeForever: Next chapter!

daymiracle: I'm with ya!