Hey guys! I'm sorry about the delay. Ayway here's the new chapter. It's short but I'll post more later.

Chapter 11

Nathan and Mary spent quite a good time together. The little girl had started to warm up a little, she still wasn't talking much, but she had smiled and laughed a few times and Nathan thought it was a good way to begin.

Later that afternoon, Nathan took her to his appartement. He knocked on the door and Haley openned it. She would alway remember the first time she saw the Mary. The little girl had messy pigtails and was wearing a dark blue coat.

"This is Haley," Nathan told the child.

"Hi Mary," Haley smiled. The little girl smiled back and then unexpectandly, surprising both adults, she launched herself in Haley's arms.

Haley had tears in her eyes while she hugged Mary. Nathan watched the scene before him with a grin. Maybe things would work out after all.

For the rest of her time with them, Mary played with Haley, often stopping to hug her.

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That night, after having brought Mary back at Peyton's, Nathan took Haley for a walk on the beach.

"Mary's a very sweet little girl. She's so cute." Haley smiled thinking about the time she had spent with the little girl.

"Yeah she is." Nathan was glad that they had gotten along.

"I like her so much already Nate. And I feel so bad for her. She's so young and she has been through so much already. It must be so hard for her right now."

"I think she'll be ok. We'll make sure she is." That day with his daughter had given Nathan more faith about the trial. She was his daughter and he was going to fight for her.

"When is the next hearing?" Haley asked softly.

"In a month." Nathan sighed.

15th december 2006

When he got home that night, Nathan was worned out.

"What did the judge say?" Haley asked him when he entered the kitchen where she was cooking.

"Nothing's changed. He said I had to spend some time with Mary to get to know her better."

"That's a good thing. Isn't it?" Haley was confused, Nathan seemed worried.

"He didn't say when, which means that I can see her when Peyton will let me." he explained.

"Oh."

"I don't know anymore Hales. Maybe everyone who says that I shouldn't get custody of Mary is right. Maybe she's better off without me." His voice was deep and hoarse.

"Nathan!" Haley was shocked.

"Maybe I should just drop it." He stood helplessly at the window.

"How can you say that? You cannot give up. She's your daughter, you have to fight for her."

"It's just so hard, Hales." Nathan mumbled. Haley came closer to him.

"Nobody said it was gonna be easy. But that doesn't mean you have to give up when things get tough. That's not how it works," Haley spitted angrily before leaving the room.