It's Gone
Nathan smiled through tears as he held his baby girl. She was a spitting image of Haley. He was now responsible for such a tiny human being that depended entirely on him to survive.
He placed Denise in her bassinet as she woke up, harshly separated from the warmth her father's body brought her. Quickly adjusting she yawned and gave in to heavy lids.
Nathan watched her, full of awe at the little life he and his wife created. Peyton entered the room cautiously.
"You can go see them if you want, I'll watch her."
Nathan gave a sad smile and nodded, walking out the door and towards his loved ones.
Lucas lay still on the hospital bed, barely awake from the anesthesia. Brooke was gripping his hand firmly as she watched him stir.
"Lucas," she said, the heavy joy evident in her smile. "You're awake."
Lucas croaked a yes as he adjusted to the post-surgery pain. He looked around and noticed that he was no longer sharing the same room with Haley.
"Haley?" Lucas asked Brooke as her head went down at the sound of her name. "Where is she?"
Just then Nathan walked in, looking how Lucas felt after the transplant. Brooke stood as he entered. She leaned down and kissed Lucas as she nodded towards Nathan.
"He'll explain." Brooke walked by Nathan and gave his shoulder a firm squeeze on her way out.
Nathan slowly made his way to where Brooke sat just moments before, mustering any semblance of a smile he could gather.
"Luke, you're gonna be okay."
Lucas shifted uncomfortably. Nathan couldn't look him in the eye.
"What happened? Where's Hales?" Lucas wanted an answer that wouldn't come.
Nathan continued to avert his gaze. "We had a baby girl. We named her Denise."
Lucas' eyes began to well. "Who's heart do I have, Nate?"
Nathan's eyes met Lucas'. "She wanted you to have it."
A/N: JUST KIDDING! I know, I'm evil. I don't want to kill anyone either. Judging by the overwhelming responses (which I love), you guys really want everyone to be okay. So, I decided to see what I can do. Wink, wink.
Click on for the real chapter!