My Security

I'm not please with it, but I couldn't figure out why so I'm going to post. I would love any feedback. Thank you.

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family:
Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one... Jane Howard

Chapter 22

Nathan did his best to manage his free time, splitting it equally with Haley and his daughter. At first, his beautiful girlfriend accepted their fate and tried to make the best of their time left together. He insisted that they would work things out before she headed off to Princeton, but Hales was use to doubt and disappointment. She was slipping away and he wasn't sure how to repair the damage. Coming out of his thoughts, he cleared his head, the doorbell was ringing.

The athletic lad yawned and tore himself from the dinning room he had just entered. He was very sluggish from a restless nights sleep. Jimmy had already left for the office and Jules was still upstairs doing whatever the hell she does. He hurried to slip on his coat as Taylor pounced down the stairs and blew him kiss. He chuckled, waved and open the door. Haley hugged him awkwardly, barley brushing his cheek with a kiss before pivoting and leading the way to the car. They were both pretty quiet and tense on the ride to school.

Haley was having another home inspection on her road to emancipation. The social worker was doing a walk-through of the cottage by noon. She would receive a phone call after school letting her know if she passed. She only had herself to depend on now, she might as well make it legal.

Nathan was just beat. Nikki seemed to be leaving Helena with him every day, for several hours at a time so she could be with Lucas. He loved spending time with the adorable tot and savored every moment. Not to mention his piles of homework, job, and the much needed, but limited time with Haley was leaving him exhausted. He was becoming irritable, not to mention he was skipping his medication on occasion. Accidentally, he had forgotten to take his pills on more than one occasion when cramped for time.

After his girlfriend parked. Nate grabbed her and his books before leaving the truck. He got out and walked around to hold the door open for the little lady. They walked toward the building hand in hand. Haley noticed he was a shaky and his palms were clammy.

"Are you okay? You're trembling?"

"I'm cool. I just didn't eat breakfast, Hales." He answered a little too quickly.

She was a skeptical, but let it go, not wanted to fight.

"You're still coming to dinner tonight. Right?" Nathan quizzed his increasingly distant mate before slipping his medication in his mouth before she noticed.

"I have another inspection today and work at the café." She abruptly made excuses. She was sure Nikki would pop up and push Helena off on Nathan mid-date, ending any romance for the evening. She hated herself for being jealous of Nathan's daughter or for withdrawing herself more and more from the person she loved most in this world, Nathan and the person she was sure to feel the same about, Helena because she knew the happiness wouldn't last. Nikki would never let her be a serious part of their lives. She would go to Princeton soon and they would stay here. He'd probably marry Nikki leaving her heart broken and lost for the rest of her life.

"Hales, your off by 6 o'clock! Karen told me." He taunted seductively whispering in her ear. "I have something special for you."

"Valentine's Day is just another lame-ass holiday government made up so we would blow money on frivolous crap like flowers, candy and cards!" She replied sarcastically before jerking away.

"Whatever! Maybe I'll find somebody else to buy frivolous stuff." Nathan threatened, feeling abandoned and aggravated. "Someone who'll enjoy my company!"

"If that's going to make you feel like a big man. Do what's good for you, Nathan!" She challenged with a shrug.

Insulted and trying not to let their sparring escalate he stormed off to meet his buddies before class. Haley could be so infuriating when she was scared or hurt! He knew exactly that the little brain was trying to sabotage their relationship because she thought they no longer had a future. Would she ever give him a chance to surprise her with the solution?

In 2nd Period, Haley had received her "government generated" bouquet of flowers, box of candy, and giant bunny with a perky squeal. What? Girls loved to be loved, no matter what they say!

Nathan was feeling pretty good about getting back in her good graces only to be upstaged by her boys in 3rd period block!

Knowing how depressed their buddy had been lately, Skills and Mouth purchased one of Haley Bop's favorite movies, Sweet November (thanks Brooke's box of movies).

The pair coerce the teacher into letting class watch it during the two hour block and made sure all the girls in the class had Cherry Cokes, hot popcorn, Mike and Ike's and a box of tissues (Haley's chick flick essentials.)! She showered them with hugs and kisses. Earlier, Nathan had barely gotten a peck on the lips for his thoughtfulness. But she was laughing a some of the sparks had return to her baby browns. He didn't mind Skills and Mouth giving her that. There were not false motives from those guys.

However, Lucas knew exactly what he was doing when he sat close on the bench, facing Haley in the crowded lunch room with gift-in-hand. Puzzled, he watched as she took the disk labeled Where Your Heart Lies, politely thanking him for the what she apparently deemed a mixed of songs. Upon starting it in her laptop it was sooo much more.

Lucas had created this beautiful movie from video footage of special times Haley and her mother had shares from the petite girl's birth and continuing through Lydia's final birthday. It was beautiful, funny, sweet and loving and done to perfection. Honestly, Nathan wished he had thought of it. The gift was of great sentimental value to her. It was something she would always cherish. He was afraid he may not be able to ever top the prize.

Haley composed herself after briefly viewing segments of the movie and bursting into tears of joy. She dove for Lucas, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and whispering thank you many times. He looked over her shoulder at Nathan with a shit-faced grin, daring me to ruin the moment. Honestly, he wished I had thought of his idea first. The gift was of great sentimental value to her. Nathan swallowed his pride and thank his nemesis. Haley was too important to him to become that petty and call Luke out for using her undying bond with her late mother to gain Brownie points. Yet, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before the raven haired lad end up cutting that blonde pricks balls off with a very dull butter knife! Everyone in the damn school just witnessed Lucas Sawyer basically make a move on my woman! Nathan thought. Hasn't he realized by now winning is a habit with me?"

Later….

Haley had been lucky enough to get to leave work a few minutes after arriving, since business was slow. It had been one hell of a day.

Eying the Valentine's Day presents that now littered her bed gleefully she noticed the blinking light on her answering machine hitting the playback button. The words coming from machine gave more cause for celebration. Not only could she relax now, but she could put another great inspection behind her. Yes!. However, without the person she longed to share all her triumphs and failure with, her joy was hollow. Sighing, she rose and began searching her closet for an outfit. She had no right being angry with her boyfriend because he loved her and wanted to spend time with her. She missed him too. She needed to be with him tonight, even if she ended up sharing their night with Helena, so be it.

Nathan and she shared this rare connection. Haley knew Lucas's gift brought out insecurities in her guy that could turn destructive and weren't necessary. Sure she was flabbergasted by her friends gift, but she knew he wanted something back in return, her heart. She had given that to someone much more deserving long ago. Picking up the phone she dialed the familiar number.

Nathan and Haley hurried to dinner in their foster home, having spent most of the last two hours napping after making love at the beach cottage. There was a weird vibe in air, but the pair was so giddy on passion and the spirit of the day to care. Nathan planned on giving Haley her final gift once they returned and life would once again be perfect.

The James Estate….

When Mrs. James asked for Nathan's assistance in the kitchen and Taylor went to set the table, Jimmy made his move. The nervous man walked over and sat on the table in front of Haley.

"Pumpkin, there's something I need to make you and my family aware of. Do you know what I'm referring to?" He asked cryptically.

The young woman looked at him with the same intense brown eyes as her own, totally caught off guard. They sat there in silence for a moment before she responded.

"Look, if you think I'm here to get you to accept me. Your wrong. I think we should keep things the way they are. We haven't gotten to know each other and that's all that matters. I'm not looking for a hand out or your pity."

"But, I'm proud to have you as my daughter and I think you deserve all the rights Taylor has as a James. I love you just the same, Haley." He choked with sincerity.

The girl stood up and started to pace, chewing on her bottom lip. She really didn't want to cause anymore friction in what she saw as a growingly tense relationship between Mr. and Mrs. James. She was just pleased knowing her father was a good guy and he could count on him in a pinch. That's more than she could have ever hoped for.

"Noooo!" Shaking her head vigorously left to right. "I have enough problems. I don't need to ruin your life too."

"You wouldn't be." He explained as Haley listened intensely. "I begged your mother for the truth a million times, but she seem afraid to admit it. I never understood why. I will finally get to be the father to you I always wanted to be. I'm sure Taylor and Jules will understand."

"I'm don't!" The small lass admitted, now standing with her arms folded across her chest. "I don't want to be the cause of Taylor or Mrs. James hating you or me . You're my dad and I'm your daughter. Cool! Let's leave it at that!"

Suddenly, Taylor's presence was revealed. She had overheard the entire conversation She was literally numb, having a seat as Jimmy rushed to comfort her. Haley couldn't move.

"Sweet Potato, I didn't want you to find out like this." Mr. James sighed, running his hands through his salt-n-pepper hair. "But this is a good thing!" His eyes twinkled until Taylor pushed her father away. In a bitter tone she shouted. "Didn't you think I knew, Dad? I 'm not stupid!... God! We look so much alike and you have been doting over her since the day she showed up on the door step. You should have had the guts to tell me weeks ago!"

"But I was still in denial myself!"

Taylor waved him off. "Whatever! All I know is we have a few month age difference. That means you were cheating on my mom with her you cheating bastard!"

"No, Sweetheart. It was the…"

The skinny blonde held her ears and started marching for the staircase. "Shut up! Just shut up! I can't believe you would do that to mom! I hate you! Comfort your precious Pumpkin and stay the hell away from me! I never want to speak to you again!" She screamed as she stomped to the kitchen with Haley hot on her trail. She already loved her sister and didn't want their relationship to come to a crashing halt.

Jules and Nathan came rushing past the pair to find out from Mr. James what was really going on. She already loved her sister and didn't want their relationship to come to a crashing halt.

Taylor was getting all the fixing for a banana split when Haley leaned against the counter. She always pigged out on ice cream when she was upset.

"Can I get one of those? I'm starving." Haley coaxed sweetly as she scramble her brain on a way to broche the subject at hand.

"Suit yourself. You take anything else you want around here!" The younger James barked with a familiar eye roll.

Haley sighed. This was going to be harder than she expected. "You're way off base, Tay. All of this is as knew to me as it is to you."

"Bullsh!t, Hay! You planned this!" She slammed down a carton of ice cream before pouting and batting her eyes. " Poor little abused girl finds long, lost rich daddy!" She mocked Haley's voice. "I bet you've been waiting years for this!" She insinuated as she continue to prepare the sweet treat.

Haley took a deep breath and blew it out, tapping her hand against her forehead. She had avoided getting into this, but it was time set the record straight. " Fine! You want to know the truth?"

"I would be nice to hear the truth from somebody!" She screamed loud enough for her father to hear in the other room.

"The truth is when I was fifteen, I found out Jimmy was my dad in an old letter that my mother had written and never mailed. She never told him I was her child and never planned to, the same way I kept it. Today, your dad approached me with the revelation. Hell, the only reason why I ever met your family is because they became Nathan's foster parents. He's the family I can't do without! So, there it is!"

"Well, you're here now and you're a constant reminder that my dad cheated on my mom!" Taylor got in her face. Haley poked her in the forehead with her pointer finger, fed up with her stupidity. Taylor knocked her hand away and rubbed the reddening spot.

"Can you count, Idiot? I don't mean to hurt you, but I'M the oldest! "The brunette shook her head.

"So?" Taylor vexed densely.

"It was my mama that he was unfaithful too, damn it! It's my mama he left pregnant to marry your mom when she purposely got knocked up so Jimmy would have to marry her. It was all in the letter too! She threaten to take me from my mama to have me killed if she told Mr. James I was his! My mama was the victim!" She shouted and Taylor started pulling her hair, swinging her against the kitchen island. Haley forced her sibling off her, slamming her into the refrigerator.

"Shut the hell up! How dare you talk about my mom like that! She wouldn't do something like that! She's a good person! with class and morals...But she told me all about your slut of a mom! She was known for dating married men...Brandon Davis...Keith Scott. Isn't that how she died? In the car with one of her lovers, Mrs. Scott's husband? What a ho! No wonder Deb hated you!"

Haley charged her and they started rolling on the floor with Haley choking her at first.

"Nobody talks about my mama like that! I'm sick of this crap. I didn't even want or need a dad. You've had him all your life and get to know him for a few weeks and I'm stealing him from you! Whatever! Keep him! It's not worth it, he's not worth it and you' and your classy ass mom sure as hell not worth it!" She panted before getting punched in the stomach.

It was an all out brawl when Nathan and Jules came through the door. Haley was pounding Taylor's head into the linoleum while Taylor's bony frame fought to be freed.

"Jimmy! Get in here! Jimmmyyyyyy!! " Jules shouted as Nathan ran over and tried to peel his tiny girlfriend off her sister. He had rarely seen her so angry. It's was frightening since she was usually so calm and composed.

"Don't you ever say anything about my mama again! She was no ho! She was a kind, loving and beautiful woman! She wasn't a slut you bitch!"

"Sweetheart. No!...Haley!...Haley, stop!...Stop this!" Nathan commanded, but she was unresponsive. Her emotions had gone overboard from the hurtful words about Lydia. Again he tried to drag her away for the beating she was putting on Taylor. Full of rage she kicked him so hard he fell back onto the kitchen floor, hitting his head on the corner of one of the breakfast nook benches. Haley instantly came out of her ire fearing she had hurt Nathan. She rushed to him.

"Nate! Nathan did I hurt you." She heaved with desperation, stroking his hair away from his forehead.

Taylor sat up with her mother cradling her upper body. Her left eye and lip were swollen and she wiped blood from her nose with her shirt sleeve.

"WHAT THE HELL IN GOING ON IN HERE?" Jimmy demanded, but no one answered immediately.

Nathan was shaken, but fine. He was more worried about Haley's state of mind as he sat her up and started to check him for any injury.

Jules was furious, walking over to her husband as he too made sure the young man was okay. "YOU'RE TO BLAME FOR THIS, JIMMY JAMES! YOU HAVE TORN THIS FAMILY APART, CLAIMING THAT BASTARDS YOUR DAUGHTER! SHE CAME IN THE DOOR AND YOU FORGOT ALL ABOUT TAYLOR AND ME BECAUSE YOU WERE SCREWING HIS MOM AT ONE TIME!...YOU HAVEN'T EVEN HAD A BLOOD TEST!...I WISH SHE NEVER EXISTED! DAMN YOU, HALEY! ...CHOOSE JIM!... WHO'S IT GOING TO BE? YOUR REAL FAMILY OR THIS PRETEND HOME WRECKING BITCH?"

The older man almost hit her for her cruelness and lost what little love or respect he had for his wife immediately. Nathan's protective nature was much like her father's, watching the sad little brown eyed girl tear up in dismay at hearing Jules impression of her. He thought his aunt was the only person he could hate, until now. Haley looked up at her dad with similar serious and somber eyes.

"You don't have to choose, Mr. James. Thank you for inviting me to dinner, but I'll be get my things and go." She got up and marched up the back stairs to Nate's room.

Taylor sat in pain, absorbing the activities of the room. Her mother's rant about Haley had even ripped at her heart. Maybe she didn't like how things came out the girl's paternity, but she was sure her smart and shy new best friend was also her sister and a good girl to boot. She didn't think her mother could be so cold or evil. She wondered if she knew his mother at all.

Nathan felt like he was in one of his nightmares. He was following Haley when Jules blocked his way up the stairs. For some odd reason, she wanted to make him understand her point-of-view. After all, he was very rich boy. Who would probably be single in the very near future and so would she.

"Get out of my way, Mrs. James!"

"I'm sorry, Nate. I let things slip. I was upset."

"No you weren't! You were being honest, you selfish witch!" He couldn't believe her audacity. "You hate Haley for no reason at all! The sweetest most loving person in this entire world!..You should be honored to know her! It's not her fault she was born or that Mr. James loved her mom instead of you!"

Jules slapped him, leaving a hand print over his handsome face. Nathan just took it in stride, leaving her with a terrifying look as he worked his way around the bitter woman and rushed up to his room. Haley was coming out. She had put on his jacket and grabbed her purse. She locked finger with his, ready to get the hell out of there. He picked up his backpack and let her lead the way.

Jimmy made it to the foyer while Nathan was getting his letter jacket from the coat rack. "You don't have to leave, Pumpkin. You either, Son. Jules and my marriage was over a long time ago. Don't listen to her, Haley. I love you. Taylor does too. She was just surprised.

Taylor stood behind her father with a reassuring grin, mouthing "sorry". The older James girl stared at both of them before walking out. Nathan hugged Taylor and shook her father's hand.

" Don't worry. I'll take care of her for a change." He ran out and they watched them leave. Jimmy put his arm around his younger daughter, walking to the den.

"It's time you knew everything, Sweet Potato."

The beach house...

The cottage was freezing when the boy and girl arrived. He took off his coat and then helped a mute Haley with hers before making a fire. He was going to make her favorite cocoa when she reached out for him, pulling her small frame as close as possible to his firm body. She was kissing him and unbuttoning his jeans. He knew she was hurting and need to feel their incomparable closeness. He held her face in his hands and let agonizing mocha eyes meet tender blue orbs o as she continued work. He's be lying if he said he wasn't enjoying it.

"I love you, Haley. Everything is going to be okay." He whispered softly, stepping out of the clothing and pulled her shirt over her head. His lips pecked at her neck and sucked at the tops of her breast peeking from her yellow demi bra. Her body was relaxing, releasing some of her tension in soft moans. He quickly went to work on unsnapping the clasp in the front of her pretty bra. Her lover roamed her muscular body, kissing and caressing her passionately, reminding her how deeply he loved her with words every so often.

"I'm here for you. Anything you want, Baby. I love you forever and ever, Haley." He confesses thinking of the box in his pocket he was going to use to prove that until the disaster that was suppose to be dinner occurred. Now it would have to wait.

Sexy brow tresses fell when she took the clip from her pinned up hair. Their tongues intertwined and their lips collided as led them to the plush rug right in front of the fireplace. They made tender, romantic and sensual love for hours.

Haley finally fell into a deep slumber and Mr. Scott carried the light weight beauty to the master bed of their love nest. "She had been so vulnerable tonight,, so needy and lost. My poor baby." Nathan ponder in distress. He was finally making some headway on the Helena situation and this happens!" She was always his protector and greatest defender. It's my turn, Hales." He whispered to his sleeping mate. "I'm not going to let Mrs. James or anybody else treat you like shit. You're the most remarkable person I know and I love you to the depths of my soul. You can lean on me, Hales. I'm strong and I'll stand by you. You and Helena are my family. A man takes care of his girls."

The exhausted kid eyes got heavy as he inhale the scent of fruits from the chocolate strands spread across his chest. He didn't see her smile as she snuggled closer to his muscular torso. Lying in his arms and his words, she felt safe and secure. She was where he belonged and was loved. But for how long?

Pamela