Epilogue
Haley strummed her guitar as she sat on the plush sofa, warming up her voice. In less than ten minutes it would be her turn to perform. She was nervous; eight years of being in the business and she still had jitters. Funny thing was, those jitters and the shouts of the crowd eventually thrilled her. It kept her coming back every time.
And breathing you in
Was all that I could do
She sang softly, wanting to save her voice. She finished just as there was a knock at the door. Not waiting for an answer, the guest entered.
"Just thought I'd check on my favorite girl." Nathan smiled broadly, kissed Haley on the forehead as she beamed up at him, and took a seat beside her. "You nervous?"
"When am I not?" She let out a sigh, eager to exhale the nervous vibes and inhale confidence.
"You'll be fine," he chuckled. "You always are."
Haley kissed him, pulling back and looking into his blue eyes. "Where's my other favorite Scott?"
Haley playfully pushed him. "He's sitting with Brooke."
Haley's eyes went wide. "You brought our son to a club? What's wrong with you?! He's three for crying out loud!"
Nathan let out the laughter he was holding. "Oh. You're talking about Aiden. I was referring to Lucas."
Realization struck Haley as she turned a bit red; then she hit Nathan in the shoulder.
"Ow!" Nathan chuckled. "What was that for?"
"For being a jerk and nearly giving me a heart attack! You knew who I was talking about!"
"Evidently not honey. By the way, he's with Tyler and Lucas' parents," Nathan offered. "You seriously need a new system. There's three Scotts now; four if you count Tyler; five if you count Keith. It's all getting very confusing."
Haley smiled, her mock-anger dissipated. "Ok, I'll think of something," Haley responded when the door opened.
"Five minutes Mrs. Scott," the PA informed. "Mr. Scott," as he nodded at Nathan.
"Thanks Michael," Haley said, smiling and nodding in confirmation.
"Well, Mrs. Scott, I shall leave you now. You'll be great, as always. See you after your set," Nathan smiled and passionately kissed his wife before exiting."
"Nate?"
"Umhmm?"
"Thanks for making it. I know you had a practice you're missing and will have to make up. It means a lot to me."
Nathan walked back over and squeezed his wife's hands. "Anything for you." He walked back to the door and turned, "Plus, I'm the MVP. I can kind of get away with missing a practice or two," he winked.
Haley scoffed, "Whatever, Hot Shot."
Three minutes later Haley was on stage, smiling at the crowd. The lights blinded her from most of the audience; she liked it. It put her into a zone. She tilted so that she could see a large gathering of her friends; her family. They were all waving and smiling ridiculously.
She returned the waves and smiles, quickly reflecting on her family as she sang her heart out. This was for them. More importantly, it was for her.
Lucas. Her best friend. He had sold his book and basically made enough money to put his kids through college; granted, when he had some. He was currently married to Brooke and they were expecting their first child. Brooke's fashion line took off; she also served as Haley's stylist.
Peyton became Haley's manager; and everyone else's on the east coast. She and Lucas co-owned a magazine that featured his writing and her drawings, as well as works by other artists. Jake was on the Knicks with Nathan and was doing well; he and Haley even put out an album together. Peyton and Jake were happily engaged.
Skills and Bevin were the epitome of a successful high-profile sports entertainment career-marriage besides the Scotts of course. Bevin and Rachel were the most sought after dance girls in all entertainment arenas. Bevin was also a choreographer. Skills went on to join the Knicks as well, making it very easy for the group to stay together. The two were married with their one and a half-year old son, Antwon.
Believe it or not, Rachel and Mouth made it. Rachel was also Brooke's top model. Mouth was a famed announcer who could be seen at every basketball game in the NBA. It was a little hard on their relationship with all the traveling, but Mouth was winding it down to two games a week. He would later inform Rachel and propose to her after Haley's show; she would accept.
Haley sang her fifth and last song, unable to stop the smile from faltering. She had the life she always wanted. Nathan was one of the best players in the NBA. He spent as much time with her and Aiden as much as possible. They were the joy of his life. Haley went back to music a year after her recovery. She was more popular than ever. More importantly, she had complete control over her music. Business never got in the way of her second love.
The gang had graduated two years before, all with various degrees in law, business, composition, and communications; ironically, one even in sports medicine. Their relationships solidified and helped sustain each other well into adulthood. Some were parents; others were aunts and uncles. Either way, they were family. All of them.
The roar of the crowd was deafening, causing Haley to revel in the moment for a few moments before returning back stage to her dressing room. She let out a big sigh, and plopped on the couch with a goofy grin. She leaned back and closed her eyes, remembering how she felt in the moment, saving it for the day she would be out of her mind and would consider giving it all up.
"So, three years this girl and I were talking."
Haley's eyes remained closed as she smiled, recognizing the intruder's voice as it neared and rested to her left.
"We said that we would look back in a year, in this case three, and remember where we were. Now, all I can think about it how lucky we are and how far we've come."
Haley opened her eyes and was greeting by her best friend's smirk.
"Hmm… I think I remember the girl saying that this recollection would occur while we were on vacation." Haley looked around the room sarcastically. "Looks like we're in a dressing room: far from heaven."
The two shared a moment and hugged each other tightly, that one gesture speaking more than they could ever say.
A minute later they pulled apart, smiling at the second life they were given and the opportunities that they had received and seized.
Lucas stood up and held out his hand. "So, rock star, I say we go get the family and get a couple of drinks."
Haley took his hand and stood, both of them walking and talking louder as they approached the group.
"Sounds like a plan."
After hugs and comments were exchanged, Haley leaned into Nathan and held his hand, mouthing 'I love you' and kissed him. She then smiled and made eye contact with Lucas.
"So, everyone, Luke and I were thinking that we all deserve a little vacation. What do you guys say?"
The group lit up, well, Brooke did. "Oh, yea! But we have to go like a month or two after the baby is born. I'm pretty sure I'll need one!"
Everyone laughed as they headed out to the cars. Nathan and Haley walked slowly behind, Haley still clinging to Nate.
"Thank you."
"For what?" Nathan smirked. "I haven't even taken you home yet."
Haley playfully brushed him off. "For believing in me and us. I'm here because of you."
Nathan thought about her comment, realizing what she was talking about quickly. "No Hales, that's where you're wrong. You're here because of you; you're the fighter."
She returned the smile, sitting comfortably in the passenger seat as he closed her car door.
After entering the driver's side, Nathan leaned over and spoke softly, "I'm telling you, you have way more strength than you realize. You never give up. That's one of the things that make me love you."
Haley smiled and kissed him just as softly. "And I'm telling you, your strength is mine."
A/N: Okay…this is so hard! It's over! I'm so sad! I must say that ALL of you are the best group of reviewers I have EVER had! You make my day (sad, I know) constantly and your reviews are the best, funniest, insightful, and encouraging! Each and every one of you I love…thanks for ALL of your support! Muah!