A/N: You know, every show is entitled to ONE WTF episode: yesterday's was definitely OTH's.
I Didn't Make This Bed
That night Nathan watched his wife sleep. She still hadn't cried. At this rate, he figured she wasn't going to.
The unsettling fact was the looked her happiest in her sleep. It seemed to be the only time she could forget, if only at night, and dream of the future of their family. Sometimes she would smile; sometimes she would snuggle unconsciously as if she were holding the baby and curled against Nathan. Night was the time Nathan saw Haley fight to live, no matter what she did or said during the day. In the darkness was when he could see her clearly.
Hours later Haley woke up and reached for Nathan, only to find the space vacant. The aroma that drifted into her bedroom screened his location. She hobbled out of the bed and into the kitchen. She didn't make any noise until she sat down at the nook.
"Geez Hales!" Nathan said as he caught his breath and nearly dropped the plate he was holding. "You surprised me."
Haley laughed as she continued to find the position that both her belly and arms could agree on.
Nathan placed the plate in front of her and kissed her forehead. "You are by far the quietest pregnant woman I've seen."
"Just because I weigh a ton doesn't mean I've lost my grace," Haley commented with her mouth full.
The couple grinned at each other has Nathan joined her, enjoying their breakfast in married silence.
Lucas was working on his novel when Nathan walked into his room from the back. He walked over to his bed and lied down.
Still typing, Lucas asked, "How is she?"
Nathan put his hands behind his head and sighed. "I don't know. I think she just needs some time to process. I went to her yesterday man, she's given up."
Lucas pressed save and swiveled toward his brother. "What do you mean?"
Nathan sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. "She hasn't said anything about it. I watched and sat with her yesterday, she just looked so…"
"Defeated?"
Nathan thought and curved his mouth as he shook is head. "No, more like she accepted what the doctor said and neglected her promise."
Lucas got up and sat beside his brother, placing a hand on his shoulder. "So, what are you going to do?"
"I don't know, I haven't seen her like this." A tear rolled down his cheek.
"You know you have to fight for all of you, right?"
Nathan nodded and wiped the tear away. "I know, but it would be a little easier if she helped."
"How about yellow?"
Haley looked at the one-zie Brooke held up. It was adorable.
"Brooke, that's huge. It's a baby."
Brooke pouted while Peyton laughed. "Brooke, she's right," she added while staring at the article of clothing. "That looks like it'll fit a three-year old."
Brooke retorted as she put it back on the rack. "Well, you never know how big your kid is gonna be. Plus, he/she can grow in to it."
Sensing that this little thing would make Brooke happy, Haley conceded. "Okay, fine, add Big Bird's pajamas to the cart."
Brooke squealed and threw the outfit into the basket. The three made their way to the check-out.
Brooke and Peyton noticed Haley rubbing her temple.
"You okay Tutor Mom?"
"Yea, I'm just hungry."
Brooke laughed. "When aren't you hungry?"
They paid for the clothes and made their way to the car. As they placed their bags in the trunk a mom, dad, and baby boy were entering the mall. They looked blissfully happy.
"So, where to?" Brooke asked.
When Haley didn't answer, Peyton followed her gaze. She gave Brooke an empathetic shrug and placed a hand on Haley's arm.
"Haley?"
Haley snapped out of it and smiled at her friend. She was staring into two pairs of concern. She smiled weakly. "I'm fine guys, really."
Deciding that it was probably not the best time to talk about the day before, Peyton and Brooke helped Haley into the car. Ignoring the pain she used to being used to, Haley sat back and closed her eyes, eagerly awaiting their arrival to the café.
"Hey Luke, your mom said the girls are headed to the café. Do you want to-"
Nathan stopped when he saw Lucas on the floor on his back. "LUKE!"
Haley was asleep and the girls were near the café. Peyton and Brooke were listening to Dander when they pulled up. Brooke put the car in park, took the keys out the ignition, and turned to rouse Haley.
"Hey, Tutor Mom, wake up."
Peyton chuckled when Haley refused to budge.
"Hey, fat girl, were at the food spot."
Brooke nudged Haley which caused her to further lean against the window, eyes remaining shut.
Brooke began to panic. "Haley?"
Peyton noticed the fear in her eyes and turned to look at Haley. "Oh my gosh!" Peyton noticed her grayish color and bolted out of the car and rushed to the side opposite Haley. "Haley?!"
Peyton had tears in her eyes while Brooke was already crying.
"Pey, we gotta get her to the hospital," Brooke gulped. "Is she breathing?"
Peyton checked trembling. "Yeah, but it's not so good."
Brooke sat back down and started the car. "Let's go P. Sawyer!"
Peyton didn't move. Brooke turned to face her, panic on her face.
"What is it?"
Peyton regained her composure, shut the door, ran back to her seat and buckled up.
"Her water just broke."
Brooke shakily reversed the car and sped towards the hospital. Neither of them were calm enough or thought to call the boys.
If they had, they would've seen the three missed calls from Nathan.
A/N: Sorry so short! Had to set up of hard times! There are two directions this could go…one involves a character death. Also, I know NONE of you want to see this happen, but when you review, please comment on who you would 'prefer' (that is such a harsh word for this!) to…die. I'm NOT saying that'll happen, but it's a possibility. I love them just as much as you do! This is a first for me, blatantly giving you a choice. Remember, only if it comes down to it!
HJS-NS-23, bellasmomma, courtneylovejason: Here's what you wanted, plus some you didn't!
Vampiregurl: She better fight!
Ell6ange: Thanks!
Daymiracle: Whaddua think?
Krizue: Very optimistic of ya! Keep it up, you'll need it. :D
TutorGal23: I hope no sad endings, but can't promise anything! The only thing I can is that you will get closure.
sNaley-2158x: I love your reviews when I get them, so no apologies! They make me smile. This one is kind of a filler. Don't worry, more detail to come!
Naley: As always, thanks!
