Find Our Way Back

Chapter 14

Where You Are

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these OTH characters, as much as I'd like to. And none of these songs are mine.

There you are standing strong, I may leave holding on
You believe like a child, in this fire runnin' wild
Oh I love how you see right to the heart of me
You're a waterfall, washing over me
I'm a thirsty man let me drink you in
Well I am on my way, you're a mountain top
When I reach for you, your love lifts me up
All that I want to be is where you are

Lucas chuckled at Haley as she busied herself around the kitchen fixing dinner. In an effort not to think about Nathan's absence she'd invited he and Brooke over for dinner every night the past week. She was still miffed that Nathan wouldn't agree to move in with her and Jimmy. They'd argued just before he left, and she was still upset about that too. Lucas knew they talked on the phone every night, but she was still in a funk.

By Nathan's request, Jimmy was not told exactly what his daddy was doing in Chicago, just that he'd be back soon. They did tell him that daddy was 'taking care of thing' so that he'd never have to leave again.

Brooke smiled too, Lucas had filled her in last night about Nathan's plan and she couldn't wait, "So Haley."

"Hmmm…"

"What time does Nathan call?"

"Why?"

"Because I wanted to tell him about a job he might be interested in."

"What is it?"

"A coaching position at the high school; I told them my brother-in-law might be interested."

"He says he doesn't want to work."

"He could change his mind."

"He could. Anyway, he normally calls after 10. But he said he was going to call early tonight so he can talk to Jimmy. Probably around 7 o'clock. You're welcome to stay."

"Thanks Hales."

I'm the frozen ground, you're the warm sunlight
Shining down on me, baby just in time
Well I have never been in a love like this
Oh, you move my soul every time we kiss
And I love how you heal; I can't believe how alive I feel

When Nathan called, they let Jimmy answer the phone, "Hello, Scott's."

"Hey buddy."

"Daddy! I miss you!"

"Miss you too buddy."

"When you coming back?"

"In a few weeks."

"That a long time?"

"Kind of. But what do you think about coming to visit with mommy?"

"Really!"

"Yep. And we can go to a basketball game."

"YAY!"

"What have you been doing?"

"Practicing my basketball."

"Mom got your hoop?"

"No, Uncle Luke."

"What else?"

"Watch Nemo. And go to school."

"Sounds like fun."

"Can you ask mommy now?"

"Sure. Love you."

"Love you daddy."

Haley took the phone from her son, "So what do you have to ask me?"

"Ahhh, you heard that did you."

"Of course."

"I thought it might be nice if you guys came up for a few days, and could come to the last home game."

"Where would we stay?"

"I thought my place."

"Oh, so you're ready now?" Brooke and Lucas looked at each other.

"Don't do this Haley," Nathan said calmly.

"Do what?"

Nathan knew she was just being ornery, "I can rent you a room if it's that big of a deal."

"I'm just trying to understand Nathan. Two weeks ago you told me that you weren't ready for us to live together, and now you are?"

"It's two, three nights max. It's a little different," Nathan was getting frustrated now, "So do you want to come or not?"

"Of course I want to be there, and so does Jimmy."

"Do you want me to book a room?"

"No, just a flight for Thursday afternoon."

"What about school?"

"He can miss a few days."

"Sounds good. I love you."

"Love you too," Haley paused, "Wait! Brooke wanted to talk to you."

Haley passed off the phone and found herself face-to-face with Lucas, "What are you doing Hales?"

"If you weren't standing in my way, I'd be getting my son ready for bed."

"I mean with Nathan," he was surprised at her extreme change in attitude. He couldn't remember her ever flipping the switch so quickly.

"I'm taking Jimmy up there for the weekend."

"What was with the argument?"

"Mister, I'm-avoiding-commitment, wants us to stay with him."

"Why wouldn't you? It'd save on a hotel."

"We are, but that's not the point. The point is, two weeks ago he said he didn't think we were ready to live together. Now all of the sudden we are?"

"It's different. This is just for a few nights. The other is forever."

"But we will be together forever," she looked up at Lucas, tears in her eyes, "Right? I can't loose him again."

Lucas hugged her, suddenly understanding, "That's what this has all been about. You're afraid of losing him."

Haley squeezed Lucas tighter and spoke softly into his shoulder, "Well, yeah. What if he changed his mind? Things were going so well, and then when I asked him to move in he froze up. Did he suddenly realize that he doesn't want to spend the rest of his life with us? Maybe he's not going to give up the NBA."

Lucas stopped her ramblings by pushing her away, "Haley, listen to me. Nathan loves you, and Jimmy, more than life itself. He's coming back. I promise. Maybe he's just scared, and doesn't want to screw things up."

"You're sure he's coming back?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll give him all the time he needs."

"So, are you good now?"

"Yeah, thanks Lucas. Now, where's that kid of mine?"

"Brooke took him upstairs to get ready for bed."

"She's the greatest Lucas."

"Yeah, she is. Crazy lady thinks she needs practice."

"She's been helping with Jimmy for five years. What does she need practice for?" Haley's eyes got really big, "Lucas, are you guys!"

Lucas nodded his head.

She wrapped him in a big hug, "Congratulations!"

"Shhh. I wasn't supposed to tell you yet. Brooke wanted to wait until Nathan was back."

"I won't tell a soul," Haley smiled, "And I'll act surprised when she tells us."

"Thanks Hales. That'll mean a lot to Brooke."

You're a waterfall, washing over me
I'm a thirsty man let me drink you in
Well I am on my way, you're a mountain top
When I reach for you, your love lifts me up
All that I want to be is where you are