My Security 6-8-07 2nd update
Some people believe that holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength...however, there are times when it takes far more strength just to let go. Author unknown.
Chapter 14
Nathan gulped down his juice.
Jim and Jules were both pleased, since it contained his medication which was now supposedly back on track. Over a week had past since Jimmy James came home to stay. Nathan's nightmares hadn't gotten any better even though the adults took turns staying up with him. However, they usually fell asleep before he did.
Nathan's lack of rest became was longer and longer with each passing day.
Jim thought about Haley's words as he watched the boy shake off the much needed sleep his body needed while watching television on night. Maybe the boy really did need to be with her. He seemed to be coping rather well with the lack of sleep, usually napping an hour before work to compensate for some of it.
Haley hadn't noticed any drastic changes in his behavior or returned to grill them. She hadn't visited at all. Their foster son spent time with her at work or at the beach house to Jules pleasure. However, this morning she would be arriving soon. She and Nathan were going to ride the bus to church together like, they had done it almost every Sunday for three years.
Jimmy watched as Taylor stared at Nathan. She sure had a thing for tall dark and handsome type, some of which he didn't want to be reminded of. Taylor's eyes followed Nate's hand as he tore off pieces of his toasted bagel and tossed it in his mouth or nibbled on his bacon. Every time he licked his fingers between his full lips, she sighed. Her father hoped his crush passed soon. Nathan's interest in girls were open to one person, Haley Myers. The doorbell rang and the exuberant boy almost leap from his seat, but Jules stopped him.
"I thought you were cooler than that, Nathan. No wonder that girl runs all over you." She admonished.
He rolled her eyes and smirked. Mrs. James was really starting to get on his nerves. The look on his gorgeous face said it all. He turned to Mr. James with a head nod. He wasn't his natural son, but they had already bonded and he had that "That's my boy" thing down.
"I'll get it." The older man winked at him and placed his napkin on the table before taking upon himself to answer the door.
Meanwhile Jules decided this was an opportunity to give Nathan a few pointers about relationships. "You really shouldn't get tied down to one girl at your age, Nathan. You're so good looking and popular. You have so many options. Have fun with it."
"That's the truth. There are PLENTY of girl WAITING to go out with you." Taylor added licking her lips seductively.
He blushed and stirred his food around on his plate. "I don't need plenty of girls, but I couldn't live without Hales." Nathan said simply.
Jules thought she would gag at his sweetness.
Jimmy returned with Haley was still lagging far behind. He had overheard his wife's manipulation, noting to call her on it later.
"You say that now, but you will fall in love with someone else when you go off your separate ways after high school."
Nathan's hand balled into a fist, thinking of Haley leaving for Princeton in fall. They had discuss the early admission special semester which had been moved to March, but she declined the offer, wanting to wait to the could go away together.
Luckily, Haley entered the room. She was pretty in the red knee length wrap dress.
Nathan ran to her, lifting her off the in a tight embrace dressed in his gray button down dress shirt and black slacks that fit perfectly.
"Hey, Handsome?" Haley giggled and smiled joyously, gushing at his affection.
Nathan chuckled back, nuzzling his nose into her neck. It was a rare occasion in the James home to see him elated. The nice to see him relaxed and energetic for a change it made them all feel good inside.
"Great, but I missed your kisses!" His heavy gentle voice exclaimed.
"I'll fix that." The girl teased batting her doe eyes as she pressed her mouth to his in a hot and romantic public display.
Taylor started back eating, trying not to focus on the perky couple.
Jules cleared her throat as they came up for air.
"Haley! Nathan needs to finish his breakfast." Was her smug shun.
"Excuse me. I didn't mean to interrupt." A beet red girl cut her eyes at the woman.
Nathan put her back down, but remained by her side, not liking Mrs. James tone. Eating didn't even rank with a visit from his sexy mate.
Jimmy recognized how jumpy he got at his wife's words. Jules was determined to have her way when it came to these two. He was going to try and diffuse the situation, not understanding why she was so hard on Haley.
"Kiddo, how about finishing up for me? Please... You're welcome to join us, Haley."
Neither Haley nor Jules had have time to protest before Nathan dragged her the chair beside his. He was talking a mile a minute and feeding her most of his remaining breakfast.
The dotting girl was under his spell, hanging on his every word She even opened her mouth at just the right time for more food.
Jimmy thought back to his teenage days. He wouldn't have given a girl a second glance if he weren't sleeping with her. He was glad Nathan was smarter than that. Haley was a keeper. Nathan was a lot brighter than given credit. He remembered his meeting with his lawyer, Andy Nichols his trust last Wednesday. That's when he had really impressed him.
When they pulled into the James's driveway and parked, he sat still.
"Mr. Scott could you please take me to get Haley a present?"
"Where do want to go, Sweetheart?" She drawled ever so nicely.
Pouting, he looked at Mr. James's reflection in the rear view mirror.
Jules nearly choked and Jimmy had to bit his tongue to hinder his laughter.
"Oh, she doesn't?" He probed, eying his wife.
"I like Haley just fine, Nathan. I would be glad to help you." She lied.
After they drove off, Jim could see an exciting Nathan in the rear view mirror. Humming Christmas carols.
"So my wife doesn't like Haley? Why do you say that, Kiddo?"
"She always pretends to like Hales, but we can always tell when people aren't being genuine……… Mrs. James shouldn't be upset. Hales doesn't care for her much either."
His foster parent laughed, reminding him of Haley. He really liked Jimmy and knew he honestly cared for him and Haley too.
"Are you sure you want to get this, Kiddo? We could get her some jewelry or a puppy?"
Jimmy knew he had thought this through and wasn't going to back down.
Haley checked her lip gloss, while Nathan helped Jules clear the table.
Mr. James had excused himself, leaving Taylor sitting with the visitor. The girl had an innocence and bluntness to her, much like Nathan.
Haley checked the time on her watch as Nathan strutted around the table collecting items.
"Would you mind keeping your eyes off my man's ass?" The slip of a girl ordered to Taylor.
"Sorry girl. It's just he's so damn fine and sweet."
" Yeah, Nathan's the best." Realizing she did want to talk up her boyfriend to another girl.
"Aren't you dating someone?"
"No, but if you guys break up. I'm going for it." She challenged, watching steam for in Haley's brown eyes.
"You'll have a long wait...eternity." She sassed.
"Whatever, Chica! It's just a first love. Nathan told me how smart you are. I know you'll be going away to college. I'll still be here." She stated daringly, licking the similar full lips as her unbeknownst sibling.
Nathan strolled back into the room again and Taylor returned to lusting. She had already become a pain in the ass little sister. Haley wanted to choke this blond, yet felt a strong bond to her.
When Nathan returned, Haley rose. She had to get Taylor's leers off him before the girl ending up eating the rest of his breakfast through a straw.
"We need to go, Nathan. The bus will be here soon." She surmised.
He followed her out of the dinning room, waving bye to Taylor.
She blew him a kiss and mouthed "dump her...take me".
He chortled, shook his head no and kept walking.
In the foyer, he put on his coat and carried Haley's. It wasn't that cold and she always took if off once they were on the bus or in a car. He reached in the pocket and took out a pair of sunglasses, handing them to her.
"What are these for?"
"Your eyes, Hales. I bought them to go with your surprise." He grinned broadly.
That got her attention. She loved surprises or any display of affection Nathan gave her. It was always sincere and meaningful. She put on the stylish accessories and pulled him close and flirting shamelessly.
" Really! Where is it?" She proposed.
"A thousand kisses would be a good start." She starting moving her mouth up his neck and over his ear lobe before bringing him into a magical merger of the lips.
Finally, he broke free of her passionate embrace and caught his breath.
She pushed the front door of the house open. There sat a brand new, ruby red Mustang with chrome rims and a license plate that read "NATESGRL".
Haley had seen the car at the Scott dealership one Sunday last winter when Deb forced them to spend the day helping wash the new shipment of Ford Focuses in the freezing cold.
"I can't drive, Nathan! I can't believe you bought me this!" The stunned girl appraised the fully loaded vehicle.
"I'll teach you. Remember, I'm a licensed driver now." He bragged patting the wallet in the back of his jeans.
"All of Tree Hill beware!" She razzed as her fingers lingered over the beautiful automobile.
"It's so expensive, Sweetheart. You have to take it back."
But her expression betrayed her and proved him right. Her heart was so full of love for him. She couldn't believe he remembered! They were always close but far from buddies at the time of the car wash. His thoughtfulness and generosity overwhelmed her.
"It's a gift, Haley. You give me so much, I just wanted to do something nice for you." He resolved sincerely.
Jimmy walked up to the shiny new ride and handed her the keys.
"You know some women would kill for a guy like that. I'm already rubbing off on the boy." He teased.
"Don't let him go."
"Not a chance!" She gazed at her dream man, totally smitten.
Nathan lowered his head bashfully as both James's smile appreciatively at him.
The father leaned in close and patted Haley on the shoulder before whispering to her.
"I know what your thinking. I would have been the same way...but don't fight him on this. Please!... Giving you this has made Nate happier than he's been in a very long time. Of course he got a great deal because he pretty much owns the dealership now, but he haggled with the salesman like a pro and did everything on his own including picking insurance and tag. Kiddo can be tough and smart went he wants to. Don't take it away from him, Pumpkin."
Haley nodded and grinned. It was nice to hear someone else praise Nathan so dearly. Especially her father. Today was turning out to be on one of the best days in years!
She turned to Nathan, her lips were already puckered before she could reach his mouth. She lunged herself at him, attacking his succulent mouth. they fell in the soft grass above the parking space and indulged in a very steamy lip lock. He paused with a quick nip at her lip, so much in love with this young woman. Her adoring eyes gazed back at him.
"I really love it, Nate! It's the best gift I have ever received!" She boasted, giddily. "Well, besides your love. Thank you!"
He flashed her a sexy smirk that made her practically melt.
"You're welcome. I'm glad you like it." His hand stroked her face as his thumb ran along her jaw line.
"I do, but most of all, I love you. You can't know how much, Nathan." She whispered passionately, sweeping her lips over his cool cheek.
The depth of her conviction brought tears to both their eyes and he leaned his mouth to her beanie clad ear. "Actually, I do. As much as I love you."
He reached for one more steamy smack of the lips, then clutched her hand, helping her off the ground. He took the keys and ran toward the new automobile.
"I will be glad when you get your license. I am not a chauffeur."
Haley ignored him, an took a seat in the passengers side as he held the door open before taking his position as driver. Jimmy watched them pull away, feeling like Nathan and Haley were more his family than Jules ever was...
Mr. James had already left for the office.
Jules was sleeping late, having stayed up half the night with a Nathan and his night scares.
Nathan yawned and dragged his sluggish self from the dinning room after hearing the bell ring. The young man hurried to slip on his coat as Taylor pounced down the stairs and blew him kiss. He waved and laughed before leaving.
Haley took him by the hand, greeted him with a kiss and lead him to the car. She was a license drive only two days after receiving the car.
They were both pretty quiet and tense on the ride to school. Today, they were getting out for holiday break.
The tense brunette had her first home inspection on the road to emancipation the previous day and she wasn't sure how it went. The social worker walked through the cottage with a clipboard and a pencil, writing something down ever so often. She would receive a phone call after school letting her know if she passed.
Nate was just beat. His limited sleep was wearing him down and making the usually fun guy excessively irritable. Not to mention if Jules or Jimmy weren't at breakfast with him, Nathan ate, but didn't drink the nasty medicated juice the cook prepared for him daily. He had missed his medication twice in the last four days.
They parked at the school in no time. He grabbed his book bag and got out of the car before going around and holding the door open for his girlfriend.
They walked toward the building with a gap between them.
Haley noticed he was a little shaky. "Nathan, are you okay? You're jittery." She halted for a moment before they entered the school.
"Stop worrying so much! It's just cold out here, and I didn't want to put my coat on just to walk into the school!" He remarked roughly zipping up his navy fleece pullover.
"Alright, I was just making sure. Simmer down." The smaller student was a little skeptical, but let it go.
She didn't want fight.
"Hales don't forget the James's plans to go to New York for Christmas in a few days. Jules's parents live there. Mr. James said you can come if you want. We're leaving tomorrow morning. You are coming?" Intertwining her fingers with his, he urged her to say yes, knowing he was going to be very uncomfortable in a new setting and miss her terribly.
Haley wanted no part of that trip. She didn't even like Jules and had no interest in meeting more of her family. Maybe if it were the James side they were visiting.
She would love to have the quality time with her handsome guy, especially since he seem to be avoiding her a lot lately, but she knew Nathan was safe with them. They would have other chances to spend time together.
"No, the Sawyers invited me to their house, but you'll have a great time. I'll be waiting for you when you get back." She smiled firmly and ran her finger down his chest.
He jerked away, apparently unhappy with her answer as he replied sarcastically, feeling abandoned.
"Whatever! Taylor said she would love to show me around New York. I don't need you anyway!" He barked pointedly. "She know some hot clubs where we can hang out and get to know each other better." He insinuated.
"Oh yeah! Well the city isn't the only thing she wants to show you, but a great time is part of it!" Haley bounced back, appalled and confused by his behavior.
It was as if he were trying to make her jealous and she refused to play into his games.
"Well at least she wants me in that way, a guy likes to know he's a turn on...even if it's not by his girlfriend!" He snapped before shoving his bag in his locker and taking out his literature notebook.
Haley was just standing there in disbelief. Did he not know how completely sexy she thought he was? The luscious man child gave her goose bumps with one glance. She was eying, him now in the baggy dark denims and the navy fleece that brought out his sultry eyes.
Spontaneously, she pulled him into the empty chemistry lab.
Other students could see them through the glass. Most surprised that they were arguing. Haley leaned him against a table and put boxing in the large lad.
He threw his things on the table placing his body weigh on his hips, lounging against the table with his arms folded and his face distorted with unhappiness. His eye were droopy from lack of sleep.
"How could you not think I'm attracted to you?... You're beautiful and I love you!" Haley professed emotional. "You're being very irrational, Nathan Scott!"
"Am not, Haley! I know we have this special bond because of our situation...but I was hoping I was more than a safe friend too! Sure...we make out and sometimes it gets deep, but you always back away. You never have to fight it like I do." He griped.
"Are you kidding?" The female threw out with astonishment.
"I have to fight it every time I see you enter a room, every time you give me that cocky smirk, and every time I kiss you, Sweetheart. The only reason our relationship hasn't progress in that way is because it's not the right time, Nate! You know that!" She emphasized.
"Will it ever be?" He plead impatiently, bringing her into one arm along the waist and letting the other play with the cinnamon tendril shading her pretty face.
"So you just want to get laid." His girlfriend dared defensively.
He shook his head frantically from left to right.
"This isn't about sex, Haley. I love and trust you more than anyone. I want to share myself with you, all of me. I want that closeness………. It would be so incredible, Haley." His eyes began to water as he nervously rocked in front of her.
He had just opened herself up scared to death that she didn't feel the same. They had discuss sex a few times before, always planning on waiting, but he was so sensual and passionate when it came to her that his desire for her was growing out of control. He had experience sex with women, but this would be making love.
She lifted his chin and looked into distant brown eyes.
"Nathan there are reasons why I haven't made love to you and none of them have anything to do with my strong physical attraction or hunger to connect our souls completely. I imagined being intimate with you way before we were ever a couple, but there are things holding me back, important things."
"Such as? Let me guess...cause you think I'm a man whore! You think less of me, don't you?" He accused, turning away in shame.
She forced him to return eye contact.
"No! I don't give a damn about that!" She said truthful know most of his bravado and reputation was hearsay. "But one reason is cause I'm a virgin and not ashamed of it! I only plan on being with one man in my life...you!"
That piqued his interest and he listened as she went on with her thoughts.
"I'm not willing to compromise that if you we don't have something long term. You keep telling me this perfect thing we have will end when I go off to college. Even though, I plan for you to be wherever I am." She blew out sadly.
"The only other thing stopping me is timing. There's no way you can sleep over so I'll wait." She smiled dreamily. "It's not going to be a quickie after school, in the back seat of the car in the James's driveway or a date at some clique hotel scene. I know how amazing it's going to be and I want take my time savoring every moment of being with intimate with you, no rushing, no fear of getting caught. You mean that much to me, Nathan."
She pulled his large palm to her mouth and kissed it.
"If you can't understand my stance on this, then I guess we don't need to be together." She walked off.
Nate tried to follow, but it was too late. The first period bell was ringing.
They day inched by.
Hales and Lucas were cool again. He noticed she didn't seem her normally cheery self during one of their classes. He had heard the gossip of Nathan and Haley's Chemistry lab spat and her actions confirmed it. Rumor had it, they were finished as a couple.
Yet, splitting up was the last thing Haley wanted. She hoped her raven haired mate would see things her way and realize how committed she was to him. She would agree to opening up the boundaries she had placed on the relationship if he would just embrace how special what they had could be and reassured her he wouldn't take that for granted.
A few corridors away, Nate was having difficulties of his own. He was having trouble focusing on the story they were discussing in history. His mind was on the things Haley had said. It's looks like the possibility of taking their relationship to the next level was out the window. He would never agree to go to New Jersey with her. As far as he was concerned, he would only weigh her down and she would end up resenting him. He could never live with himself if that happened, but how could he live without her in his life? How?
By the time sixth period rolled around, Lucas was practically floating at the news if the Naley break up.
A huddle of guys were chatting, more like gossiping when Nate made it to the only class they share without Haley. He took his seat, two tables behind them and laid his pounding head against the coolness of the slate.
The mischievous blond caught his less than jovial action. Oh yeah! Nate and Haley were over.
He elbowed his loud mouth friend Vegas Humphries, senior instigator and all around big mouth Marcus Johnson gaining the attention of the entire basketball team. A half a dozen guys looked Nate's way.
Vegas claim to be toning down his voice but he couldn't whisper to an elephant.
"I can't believe he dumped Haley Myers."
"Dude! She's way hot! Why would he give that up?" Fergie shook his head.
"I'm not one to let a chick hold me down, but you have to admit, the girl got fine as hell this year and she's sweet too." Marcus added lustfully. "My girlfriends a bossy bitch."
"I've been telling you guys! It won't take long for another lose to swoop her up." Luke gloated as he faced Nathan's desk.
"You mean like you, huh? Alright, Playa!" Vegas and a few of the other guys high fived him.
He really tried to lay it on thick, not realizing the Scott boy couldn't hear a word they said.
"We're both going to Princeton next fall and she is going to be my date for the Holiday Ball next week………. I think I might get to know her even better." He sneered suggestively.
"Well, if you win king and queen you are so getting laid." Marcus scoffed.
"But a lot of people are voting for her and Nathan." Fergie gave frankly.
"The females like them. They go all gaga for that cute couple shit."
"With all the stuff that happened to him recently, I doubt he'll show." Luke countered confidently. "Besides, Haley and I will be so close by then it won't matter. I told her it wouldn't last."
"I thought it would." Fergie admitted gathering a few harsh glares from the crowd.
"I hope he gets her back. He wasn't such an ass when they hooked up. He stopped bullying my ass." James approved of the pairing too.
Lucas couldn't believe what he was hearing! His punk ass team mates were into Nathan and Haley. Their girlfriends had damaged their brain with all those teen dramas and stupid ass soap operas they rammed down their throats a few times a week!
The bell sounded and everyone took their seats.
Luke sat beside Nathan.
Kelly, Nathan's most recent ex spoke as she passed his desk, but he didn't reply.
A cunning grin spread across the Sawyer son's face when he saw his nemesis still hadn't looked up. He was glad to see him suffer.
Mrs. Donaldson had the class discussing what they considered a the difference between a friend and a boyfriend or girlfriend in the Sociology class. She went around the room asking opinions.
"Nathan!"
There was no response. He didn't even flinch.
"Nathan Scott, what do you think?" She asked again, never having known the mostly active kid to fall asleep in her class.
Everyone's attention became directed at the table Lucas and Nathan shared. The other teen gave Nate two harsh elbows to the ribs not aware he was in a deep sleep. He sprung up, screaming, flailing his strong arms and grasping at air. He knocked Luke right out of his chair and over the table with a big bam!
Lost in his nightmare, the tortured child hurried to hide under the table, kicking and drawing his knees into his chest.
"Mom no, you can't die! Pleeeeaaaassssse Mooommm! Help me get to dad! He's not moving!... No! Wake up, Mom!... Don't leave me! I need you and dad! No! Wake up!... Don't leave me here alone! I want to go too!"
Luke was annoyed and embarrassed at his mortifying outburst. He was going to try and pull Nate from under the table, but the guys he had gossiped with about him earlier, shoved him away.
"Luke, man he's out of it! What's wrong with you?" Vegas now chastised.
"Yea. Lay off. You're being an ass." Fergie reprimanded.
They wouldn't let Lucas near him, while the teacher ran to get the nurse as Nathan continued to panic.
Suddenly, Kelly took control of the situation.
"Everybody, get out. You're scaring him." She said calmly and nodded toward the door.
Everyone accept Luke hurried out as the haunted boy continued his cries. The whole scene had them startled, shook, and saddened them. They sympathized with Nathan, not able to truly imagine what he was going through.
"What are you doing? He's just faking!" Lucas commanded in disbelief.
"Shut up, know-it-all! I'll go get Haley! Who's class is she in?"
She took a few steps and he tried to stop her. She kneed him in the groin and he doubled over in pain, letting her go.
"She's not his girlfriend anymore! Keep her out of this!"
Nathan was yelling and cowering. His eyes were open, but he was far from awake.
Kelly grabbed Lucas by the nipples and squeezed and twisted with all her might. "Which class in Haley in?"
"Owwww! Alright, she's in Mr. Jameson's room, but this isn't her problem!"
"Damn you're a whiny little geek, Luke! Back off and go out into the hall!" She didn't let go of his chest, tearing him outside.
Big Wayne, the linebacker and Nick "The Brick", the nose guard were left to guard the door.
In a matter of minutes, Kelly was walking through Mr. Jameson's room.
"Young lady, what do you think you're doing?" The teacher implored.
The girl ignore him and walked right over to Haley's desk.
Ten Minutes later, Haley was guiding her now calm and sleeping boyfriend to the nurses office. His teacher and Kelly were by her side.
"I called his foster parents. They should be here soon." The principle consoled.
Steam was practically coming from Haley's ears. She had dreaded something like this was going to happen. Changes had to made and made today!
Haley sighed, stroking Nathan's hair as his head lay in her lap.
Pamela