Title: Defining Happiness on Our Own Terms
Summary: A look into the future. Haley&Nathan want another addition to their family & Peyton&Lucas have just begun expanding there's.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own One Tree Hill.
Author: Maygen Lauren
Chapter Ten: Angry in Time
SocietyGirl (Hells yea to the 1st reviewer), taylor, Reddevil6394 (You are always the genius! I don't know how you figured "it" out, but gosh, you're good! Who's gonna cause the drama!? I think you know…), HJS-NS-23, Annie's OTH love, aracely6, luvinoth1, jamyj30, ReeseHolden (You're still my best friend! Your reviews make me so happy!), bendecida82 (Oh boy, I hope you didn't get head butted by your niece)
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT SEEN THE PROMO FOR EPISODE 17 OF SEASON 6, DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING: CAN I JUST SAY ONE THING… I TOTALLY CALLED IT. WHAT, OKAY I LIED, I HAVE TO SAY MORE. DID YOU NOT HEAR THAT "IF YOU HAVE THIS BABY, YOU COULD DIE" LINE. EXCUSE ME!? JUST LIKE A CERTAIN STORY YOU'VE ALL BEEN READING FOR SOMETIME NOW. DID YOU NOT ALSO NOTICE HOW I CALLED THE PREGNANCY, BACK IN THE DAY. I AM HELLA GOOD FOLKS. BUT I SWEAR TO YOU, IF PEYTON DIES, OR IF THEY LOSE THE BABY, I WILL NOT WATCH OR WRITE ABOUT ONE TREE HILL EVER AGAIN. MARK SCHWAN WILL HAVE MY SUICIDE ON HIS CONCIOUS FOR LIFE,
A nice cool September breeze filtered in through an open window. The air smelt of flower pedals, freshly cut grass and hazelnut coffee. A game of footie had just begun underneath the dark blue comforter on the king sized bed. It ended in a draw, both bed occupants afraid of spilling the hot contents of the mugs while there arms were securely wrapped around each other.
"This is nice" Peyton whispered, taking a long sip of her caffeinated beverage before retiring her head against Luke's chest.
His left hand gripped tighter on his wife's bare hip bone as he used his other hand to bring the "#1 Dad" mug to his lips. "I could live for Sundays."
A slight moan relished from her lips as she rolled away from him to place her glass on the nightstand. "Can we do this every Sunday? I really kind of like just loungin' around in bed, drinking coffee, using your chest as a pillow. It's all very…amazing. I could do this all day" He raised his eye brow at her and she nodded, serving him a mysterious grin.
"Well Mrs. Scott, you seem to have forgotten that you have a four month old daughter who is very precise when it comes to being fed. I doubt we'll get away with this for much longer." Peyton shrugged against his arms.
"A consequence I am more than willing to live with" She traced his shirtless chest with her painted finger nails, remaining silent for a time. "Four months old" A deep breath paced through Peyton's partially parted lips. (Try and Say that 5 times fast) "Wow. Where did that time go?" The baby monitor lying at the end of the bed came to life as an abrupt cry echoed through their room. "My turn!" The mother cheered as she sprung up from the bed.
"Haley and Nathan used to argue about whose turn it was to feed Jamie. I really don't see the big deal. I love my kid" She eyed him playfully as she pulled on a pair of sweets over her underpants. "We've got to be the most over obsessive parents in the whole god damn world"
"What can I say Luke, we're dorks" She left the room, while throwing her hair up with an elastic band. She entered the nursery, a smile growing over her cheeks, as she saw Elizabeth's tear filled eyes looking back at her. The baby was now a pro at maneuvering in circles, lying on her back, stomach and sides. Doctor Daniels assured the couple that SBD was no longer a threat. So there she lay, propped up on her knees and elbows, widely staring at her mother as if to say "What took you so long"
"Elle Belly" Peyton cooed as she leaned over the rails to lift her daughter, placing her hands under each arm, something the new mother was just getting used to. "How's Momma's favorite girl?" Luke, who was still lying in bed, listened to his wife fawn over Elizabeth, through the baby monitor which was still hiding amongst the sheets. "Are you hungry?"Her lips pressed against the baby's soft head. "I know you are. You're going to start eating big girl food soon. Isn't that exciting? You've gotten so heavy Elle. Look at you, almost holding your head up. I'm so proud of you." When her parents fawned over her like this, Elle always felt important. She'd reach out to hold on to something, to show her affection. The baby gurgled, swishing her tongue around outside of her mouth. "Okay, no need to say anything else. I'll feed you" Peyton fixed her shirt and Luke came to stand in the doorway. "Someone's got their radars going."
He rolled his eyes, briefly, not wishing to miss the second before Elle's face covered Peyton's bare breast.
"You going to want another one of these someday soon?" She asked, sitting down in the rocker, Elle held carefully in her arms.
He ignored her, circling the room touching the paint murals his wife had made on the walls. "This is a good picture" He whispered dryly, holding up a small frame. It was a simple photo of Elle, reaching up at the camera as the photo was taken. Peyton nodded and leaned back into the bars.
"You didn't answer my question"
He turned to her. "I didn't hear you,; what was it" Luke lied, his back turned towards her.
"When are you going to want to have more kids? The first girl is fantastic, so I think number two could be just as great" Luke's heart was wrenched slightly, as he was overcome with grief.
She waited for his response, but got none immediately. "One's fine"
"One Luke? You always said you wanted a big family, and I agreed. Are you sure? Because I'm fine with more, not now of course, but eventually"
He leaned against the doorframe, facing out into the hallway. "One's fine" His steps left down the hall and into the kitchen. Peyton looked down at the baby in her arms and sighed.
"Don't ask me." She whispered sadly to the child. "I know nothing"
--
"And he didn't say anything else?" Brooke pressed the conversation further, later that afternoon, as Haley, Peyton and herself, walked through the mall, doing some last minute Wedding shopping. "Just "one's fine" and walked away?" Peyton nodded sadly.
"Right before I called to get you to pick me up, we got in an argument and I just BEGGED him to talk to me, but you know Luke, stubborn as hell. And he was just so angry, giving me one worded answers and retreating behind is laptop."
"Now doesn't sound like the Lucas Scott I know; Does it beautiful?" Elizabeth was perched lightly on Brooke's hip as they strolled in and out of shops. Elle's head rested lightly against her god mother's chest and her tiny fists were balled around the collar of Brooke's jacket.
"Nah, I mean when Luke was even a kid, he'd always talk about how he wanted to have a big family, like I did, and he wanted to be there when his kids grew up, unlike his father. Do you think its doubt?" Haley asked and Peyton raised her eyebrows at the pregnant female. "I mean fear that he will end up like Dan still."
"I think we're over fear." Peyton explained. "We tackled that together, my fear of dying and leaving my baby motherless, and Luke's fear of abandoning her. This morning were we talking about what dorks we are because we love our kid too much, but this new attitude just came up outta nowhere."
"Maybe that's it?" Brooke suggested. "Maybe he feels too attached to her, although I don't blame him. Maybe he's still not over the initial freak out from when Elle was in the hospital. Maybe he's afraid another kid would just be another attachment he wouldn't want to lose."
"Maybe" Haley whispered.
"Maybe we're all wrong. Maybe he really only does want one kid." Peyton placed her hand on the back of Elle's head as they walked.
"Are you okay with that?" Haley asked as they entered another clothing store, for the wedding, of course…
Peyton's shoulder's shrugged upward. "I mean we'd always talked about having two or three. I'd have to wrap my head around it for a while, but if that's what he wants."
"P. Scott, I would just talk to him later; then you wouldn't have to ask questions anymore." Brooke handed Elizabeth over to her mother. "How long do we have until the alarm goes off?"
Peyton checked her watch. "Elle normally get's fed around three , three thirty, four, she won't get fussy until then."
"So about an hour or so. Good, cause I really wanna try these jeans on." Brooke grabbed a pair of dark blue skinnys and ran for the changing room, beating an older woman carrying a pile of clothes.
Haley and Peyton continued to walk around the clothing store, Peyton too aggravated and Haley too pregnant to actually try anything on. "So Haley, how's my new niece or nephew cooking?"
"Cooking or kicking?" Haley laughed.
"Wow, it's kicking already?"
The woman shook her head. "No, but Nathan won't stop bothering me about it. "Let me know if you feel anything. Call me if it moves" blah blah blah"
"Aw Nate" She smirked at her exboyfriends parental personality. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask you if you got Ryden's folder for me?"
"Oh, yeah" She nodded her head franticly. "It's on my desk at home. I'll just run in and get it when Brooke drops me off."
"Thanks, it'll help to know more about her before she starts working for me."
"Her medical history is pretty extensive. She was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Lymphoma when her mother was still alive. She has diabetes and is allergic to life itself."
"Oh boy, I've got my work cut out for me."
"Listen Peyton, it means a lot that you would do this for her, but this is your business. This should benefit you and your time, she shouldn't be a burden."
Peyton shook her head. "No, I know, I just, I feel for this girl, I do and I want her to get a lot out of this. This is more for me; I want to give her the opportunity I never had."
"She's just a lonely girl Peyton. She has nothing and this means the world to her I bet."
"You guys talking about me?" Brooke asked, wrapping her arms around both women.
"You wish girly" Haley pulled away from the brunettes hold and crossed her arms. "I'm hungry, you wanna head to the food court and get some lunch before we head home."
"Lunch, haven't we already done that?" Brooke questioned.
"Hello, I'm pregnant"
"You know Brooke" Peyton winked, holding her daughters head closer to her own. "I could always go for some ice cream"
"Oh, ice cream sounds fantastic!" Haley cheered.
"Why do I even bother trying to diet before my wedding? My two best friends are Juno and Mary Poppins" Brooke threw her purse over her shoulder and led the way out of the store.
--
Later, Brooke dropped Peyton and Haley off at the Jr. Scott residency seeing how she had an afternoon meeting with a biller wanting to franchise her new boutique. Peyton decided to take Haley's offer to stay for diner after she agreed to call Luke for her and tell him to pick Peyton up at their house.
"What time'll Nathan and Jamie be home? Peyton asked, seated at the kitchen table, overlooking Ryden's folder.
"Nathan's leaving for a few days so he was going to pick Jamie up from Andre's house and then go and shoot some hoops at the River Court." She explained and sat down across from her. "I'll just send him a quick text to let him know you guys are coming to dinner." She pulled her phone from her jean pocket, flipping it open for a moment before shutting it closed.
"Thanks for letting Elle crash in the office." Peyton said holding up the baby monitor. "That's probably the longest she's ever gone without a nap."
"No problem man, anything for my favorite niece. Just don't let my sisters hear that" Her phone vibrated on the table besides her. She clicked it open and smiled up at Peyton. "Luke met up with Nate and Jamie so they'll be home around five thirty, which means, I've gotta find something to cook."
"Don't be silly, I'll help"
--
Lucas stood at the free throw line, squared his shoulders and aliened his feet before tossing the ball up in the air and swishing it through the net. "Way to go Uncle Lucas!" Jamie cheered, highfiving his partner.
"Thanks J-Luke"
Nathan leaned forward, dragging in a breath. "Come on guys, this seriously isn't funny, I'm getting beat here."
"Hey Uncle Luke, do you think we should try out for the B-League? We're kicking Daddy's butt!"
"Alright Jimmy Jam, go grab yourself some water and let me show your Uncle Luke here how it's done." He pointed to the bench as Jamie threw the basketball to his Uncle. The brother's started a quick game of one on one, including a bit of small talk.
"So you're saying you know Elle has HCM, and there's nothing you can do about it until she's four?"
"She's too young to handle the medication, so the doctor's suggest waiting until kids are at least in Pre-K. I didn't take anything until my junior year in high school, so I don't see that as a threat"
Nathan passed the ball to Luke, who in return, passed it back to him before they shot off in another round. "So if you don't mind me asking" Nathan pressed on. "What did you do to Peyton to get her agree to go shopping today. Aren't Sundays your "relaxation" day? You guys don't even leave the house, which isn't really different than any other day, but I mean Sunday's in particular"
His shoulders went up in a shrug as Nathan caught the rebound and held the ball at his side to give his brother his full attention. "Peyton brought up the idea of eventually having more kids and I kind of shot it down."
"Wow man, why? Aren't you like Mr. Obsessive father and in love with your kid? Why wouldn't you want more?"
Luke kicked at a rock on the court. "It's complicated, but anyway, it ended pissing her off in the long run, and I didn't help by being dismissive. So she kind of just packed Elle's bag, said something about shopping, and left with Brooke, who'd picked her up."
"Well if it's complicated you should talk to her" He bounced the ball to his brother.
"I would, but I don't think she'd understand. We'd just end getting in another fight and we haven't really had one of those in forever."
"Luke that's an important thing to talk about. She may want more kids."
"But I don't!" He yelled throwing the basketball down to the ground and watched it roll to the foot of the benches, where Jamie lifted it into his arms.
"Come on son, let's get going" He met Jamie by the car in the dirt parking lot, throwing his sweats on over his shorts and accepted the bottle of water outstretched in the six year olds hand. Nathan looked up at Luke was still standing center court. "You're invited to dinner"
"I know" He said dryly.
"Peyton doesn't have a car." Lucas didn't respond. "She'll need a ride home, but if you're not-"
"-I'll be there" He sat down on the pavement, burring his hands in his hair.
--
"He said he'd be here soon" Nathan assured both his wife and Luke's as they stood in the kitchen over the counter. Peyton clenched her hands.
"And he was angry?"
The dark haired man shrugged, holding Elle more securely in his arms. "He felt bad for how he treated you, but then became dry and..yea, angry."
Peyton slumped down into a chair. "I don't understand, and I guess I wouldn't. We haven't exactly spent much time talking about anything other than our kid for months."
"It's understandable, she's still new" The blonde laughed at her sister in laws humor. "Anyway, we could get started without Luke. It's just pasta. It can be heated up when gets here."
The front door creaked as it opened and was shut shortly after.
The three adults watched as Lucas Scott strode into the room.
"Hey man" Haley said with a smile. "Thanks for showing up"
He nodded, his lips brooding with slight depression. "I had to stop at home for a minute. Sorry I'm late"
"It's no problem, let me just get the food off the stove and I'll meet you guys at the table. Nate, could you go get Jamie?" Nathan handed Elizabeth back to her mother and eyed Lucas carefully, before walking past him. Peyton and Luke took seats next to each other at the table in the other room.
"How was your afternoon?" She asked. Luke shrugged. "Did you get any writing done?"
"No"
Peyton nodded, bringing Elizabeth's face up to hers, briefly kissing her soft forehead. The four month old coddled into her mother's embrace, pressing her head into the crock of Peyton's neck as Jamie bound from the stairs with Nathan in tow. The boys took their seats and soon Haley came from the kitchen carrying the pot of pasta.
"Yum! Spaghetti my favorite!" Jamie bounced up and down in his seat, taking a quick sip of his milk
"Daddy's too" Nathan replied, squeezing his son's knee. Haley set the pot down and instructed people to serve themselves.
"Do you wanna lie Elizabeth down in the other room again while you eat?" The brunette suggested, taking her seat on the other side of Jamie.
"I've got her, but thanks anyway Hale. I'm pretty used to eating with her attached to my waist." They all dished out their bowls of spaghetti and began to eat in a comfortable silence. Haley locked eyes with Nathan and reached around Jamie to nudge his side.
"You guys made a pretty cute kid" Nathan said twirling spaghetti onto his fork. "I wouldn't be surprised if you over populated the place with blonde Scott children."
Peyton tightened her grip on Elle's body, eyeing Nathan cautiously, begging him with her eyes to go no further. "Yea, I mean you're both great parents" Haley continued. "I could see you both ten years from now with like four or five."
"Four or five seems a little much" Peyton argued, glaring at her sister in law.
"But you'll love it, two small family kids, making a big family of their own."
Luke finished off his bottle of beer, giving it a shake before setting it down on the table. "I don't see the point when you've got one already."
The blonde frowned, kissing Elle's cheek. "Well that's just a little selfish, don't you think?"
"Selfish Peyton, do you even know what you're saying"
"Jamie, why don't you go feed Chester" Haley encouraged as the boy hopped down off the seat and ran from the room.
"Do you!?" She yelled back. "You rant and rave about wanting a big family and then freak out when I mention having more"
"It isn't like that!"
"Well how the hell would I know what it's like? You don't talk to me"
"We talk all the time Peyton, this is ridiculous." Nathan and Haley gripped hands under the table. "You're acting crazy"
"No we don't "talk" Luke. We should, but we don't." Elle whined, grasping on tighter to her mother's shirt.
"Can you guys take this into another room? Jamie needs to finish eating." Nathan nodded towards the living room, persuading them to leave.
"It's fine," Luke said standing up. "I'll go"
"Are you serious!?" Peyton yelled following him to the front door. "You can't just leave. This whole fight is insane. It's dumb Luke. It didn't mean anything" She clutched Elle to her.
"It does Peyton; we've just learned we can't, and won't see eye to eye on this." He opened the door, taking one step outside.
"One kids fine Luke. I'm okay with that, just talk to me" He closed the door, leaving her standing in the hallway.
What an ass right!? Well he's obviously got some feelings to share…
So I need help. And this is very important.( I still need reviews, because without them, I wouldn't post new chapters) BUT, I need one persons help in particular. And this one person can be anyone.
HERES THE CATCH- I'm thinking about redoing my next chapter, so that'd be chapter eleven….I have two scenarios and I'm not sure which one I like better. So if you're interested in having chapter eleven spoiled to you in one way or another, would you mind shooting me a PM? I'll lay out the two situations and you just have to tell me which one you like better.
There's the DRAMATIC one
&the ROMANTIC one…
SO SHOOT ME A PM
&leave a REVIEW!