Chapter 3 Another Lifetime

Haley sat in the sitting area of LAX waiting for Brooke, Rachel and Mouth. She and Nathan had just been there a few days ago dropping off Karen, Deb and Kaci. It was really nice having them around. They had helped her so much just in a few days. Deb even started buying things for the baby and had promised to come out again for a few months closer to the time of Haley's due date. Nathan was supposed to come with Haley to pick everyone up but his coach had called another practice, leaving Haley alone, yet again.

"Haley James Scott!" a cheerful voice yelled as she approached Haley.
"Well, well. Brooke Davis! I have missed you so much!" Haley smiled as she ran over to hug her friend. Brooke dropped her bags and returned Haley's hug.
"How have you been? You look great!" Brooke grinned.
"I'm great now that you guys are here," Haley replied.
"You're absolutely glowing... When's the baby due?" Brooke asked.
"August 5th... We just found out a few days ago," Haley smiled, "Where's Rachel and Mouth?"
"Probably making out somewhere near the luggage claim, I swear if they weren't my best friends I'd be completely grossed out!" Brooke laughed.
"Wow, Mouth and Rachel..." Haley raised her eyebrows.
"Yeah, 2 years now. It's really great actually. She gives him confidence and well he gives her great sex... at least thats what it sounds like through our oh so thin walls," Brooke laughed.
"Mouth? Who would have known?" Haley laughed.
"Well, come on, my feet are killing me... Where's that hubby of yours anyway?" Brooke asked.

"Basketball practice. He's going to meet us for dinner though."
"I've really missed you, Tutor Girl!" Brooke grinned as she hugged her friend again.

Brooke and Haley walked over to the luggage claim and found Rachel and Mouth exactly how Brooke predicted they would be. Haley just laughed. After hugging all her friends, Haley led them to her SUV. Once Mouth had packed all their luggage in, Haley drove towards her house.

"Mansion, much?" Brooke looked on in shock at the size of Haley's house.
"This house is bigger than ours in Tree Hill," Rachel said in amazement.
"Courtesy of the Lakers," Haley laughed.
"What? You don't like your house, Hales?" Mouth asked.
"It's not the house... it's how empty it is," Haley sighed as she parked her car and popped the hatch so everyone could get their luggage.
"You and Nathan don't have any kids already?" Brooke asked, sad that she and her friend had lost touch.
"Nope, it's just us... well, just me, most of the time," Haley spoke up.
"Well, you know, I wasn't going to say anything, but... I might be moving out here next month. There's this designer named Jackson Bishop..." Brooke started
"Yeah, I know of him. His stuff is awesome!" Haley cut Brooke off.
"Well, he's interested in my designs... and forming a partnership. I told him I'd meet with him while I was out here," Brooke squealed.
"That would be so great, Brooke!" Haley hugged her former best friend.
"So, where's Nate?" Rachel asked as they walked into the house.
"Practice. As usual... But we made reservations for 8 at this Italian restaraunt downtown. He'll meet us there."

Haley showed them to their rooms and then went into her room and layed down on the bed.

"Haley, who is this in this picture?" Brooke asked as she barged into Haley's room with a picture in her hand.
"That's Kaci Scott," Haley smiled, "sweet little girl. Very funny!"
"Luke's little sister?" Brooke asked. Haley nodded. Brooke jumped on the bed with Haley.
"Feels like another lifetime ago, us in our apartment..." Haley spoke up.
"Yeah, everything feels like another lifetime ago," Brooke said sadly.
"I know what you mean."

"Haley, can I borrow your straightner? I forgot mine in New York?" Rachel yelled as she entered Haley's room.
"Sure, its in my bathroom," Haley replied sitting up.

Rachel went into Haley and Nathans bathroom and turned on the straightner. She heard a buzzing sound coming from the other side of the counter. She noticed a cell phone going off. She picked it up to read the caller i.d. Madison.

"Haley, somebody named Madison tried to call you. 7 times it looks like," Rachel yelled through the wall. Haley gave Brooke a questioning look before walking into the bathroom to see the phone.

"That's Nathan's phone. Probably somebody with the Lakers. They're working on his contract..." Haley spoke up as she took the phone and tossed it on her bed then returned to the bathroom to turn on her shower. Once she was in, Rachel pulled Brooke out of the bathroom by her arm.

"Ouch! What the hell, Rachel?" Brooke spat.
"I think Nathan's having an affair!"
"Yeah right! He loves Haley. Everyone knows that!" Brooke shook her head at how ridiclous Rachel sounded.
"We know he did when we were in high schoo, but seriously, Brooke, people change after 6 years. Maybe the real reason Nathan invited us here was to keep Haley occupied."
"I don't buy it..." Brooke shook her head.
"I'm telling you. I'm going to find out for sure," Rachel said as she returned back to the bathroom to finish fixing her hair.

Brooke stormed off to her room to get ready for their dinner. Meanwhile, Nathan had just picked Lucas and his fiance Mac up at the airport.

"So, no one knows we were coming tonight?" Lucas asked his brother.
"Not a soul. Haley picked up Brooke, Rach, and Mouth earlier today and we're going to be meeting them for dinner," Nathan spoke as he drove.
"I can't wait to meet Haley, Nathan. Lucas talks about her all the time," Mac spoke up.
"Yeah, she's really great. I'm sure you guys will get along great," Nathan smiled at his future sister in law in the rear view mirror.

They pulled into the Italian restaurant and Nathan handed his keys to the valet. Once they were in, Nathan headed back to his usual table and saw Brooke, Rachel, Mouth, and Haley laughing. Haley's eyes lit up when she saw her husband. She stood and hugged him. He kissed her softly on the mouth. She looked amazing. She was wearing a short black strapless dress and her hair was up and off her neck. It had been so long since Nathan saw his wife all dressed up and he loved it.

"How was the flight from New York?" Nathan asked.
"Long..." Brooke spoke up.
"Congratulations on the pregnancy," Rachel spoke up.
"Thanks Rachel. We're really excited about it," Nathan smiled.
"Honey, you forgot your cell phone at home again," Haley spoke as she handed him the phone from her purse.
"Yeah, I thought I had lost it again," Nathan added as he started looking through the missed calls.
"That Madison girl called quite a few times," Haley added.
"Yeah, they're working on my contract," Nathan replied uneasily. Brooke shot a look at Rachel and she shook her head.

"Hey guys! Mind if we join you?" Lucas called out as he walked over with some skinny brunette girl. Brooke had to admit she was gorgeous.
"What is he doing here?" Brooke whispered to Haley. Haley shrugged.
"Hey Lucas, it's been a long time... You must be Mac, I'm Haley, Nathan's wife," Haley stuck her hand out for Mac to shake.
"Stand up and give me a hug, already..." Lucas grinned at Haley. She stood and hugged him tight.
"I've missed you Luke," Haley whispered.
"You too, Hales. More than you can possibly know," he whispered back.

As they were all looking at their menus, Lucas looked up and made eye contact with Brooke. 'You look great,' he mouthed at her. She only nodded.

"If you guys will excuse me," Haley stood and rushed to the ladies room.
"Damn, morning sickness," Nathan laughed. Brooke and Rachel got up to check on her.

"So, Mac, what do you do?" Mouth asked.
"I teach at Tree Hill High," she replied.
"Very cool," He responded.
"So this weekend is going to be fun, isn't it?" Lucas asked with a hint of laughter in his voice. Nathan laughed as he nodded.
"So, Mouth... you and Rachel?" Nathan asked.
"Yeah, she's really great..." Mouth answered.

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Brooke and Rachel waited for Haley to come out of the stall.

"You okay?" Brooke asked.

"I will be once this baby gets here..." Haley responded.
"You knew Lucas was coming?" Brooke asked.
"I did, but only after I got off the phone with you. Please don't be mad at me," Haley begged.
"So, when's Peyton getting here?" Rachel asked jokingly.
"Tomorrow," Haley replied after she rinsed her mouth out.
"Seriously?" Brooke asked.
"Yep."

The three of them walked back out to their table. Most of the meal was awkward and silent until Nathan suggested going out to a new club that had just opened.

"You guys go, I'm feeling really tired," Haley said as she put on her coat outside the restaurant.
"You sure?" Nathan asked helping her.
"Yeah, I'll be fine..." Haley forced a smile on her face. Her husband should know she didn't want him to go. She wanted him to stay home with her.
"I'll stay with you," Mac spoke up, "Give us a chance to get to know eachother."
"Okay," Haley smiled. This definitely wasn't what she had planned. 'Damn you, Nathan.' She thought to herself.

Everyone gave Haley quick hugs before they headed their separate ways. Once home, Haley put on her pajamas and sat on the couch. Mac came in and joined her.

"Nathan seems really nice," Mac smiled.
"He is most of the time..." Haley replied, a little surprised that she was feeling so upset towards him.
"He should have offered to come home with you?" Mac asked.
"I don't mean to be a party pooper by any means, it's just that he's never here and now I'm pregnant with our baby and he should take some responsibility for that," Haley said as tears started falling down her face.
"You're absolutely right... I know this doesn't make it any better but Lucas was telling me how stressed out Nathan can get when contracts are up in the air."
"How would Luke know?" Haley asked.
"They talk all the time. They're pretty close for living on opposite sides of the country," Mac added surprised Haley didn't know.
"Wow, I had no idea."
"I'm really sorry, Haley."
"No, its okay. I'm glad Nathan and Lucas can be so close after everything thats happened," Haley cried.
"Are you okay? You seem so upset?"

"It's my hormones, don't worry. I'll be fine," Haley choked as she lay her head down on a pillow.

Meanwhile at the club, Nathan, Lucas, and Mouth had wandered off to get drinks leaving Brooke and Rachel sitting alone.

"Why wouldn't that jerk go home with Haley?" Brooke asked.
"Somethings up, I'm telling you... Who's that blonde Nathan's talking to?" Rachel asked pointing towards the dance floor.
"His hands on her lower back!" Brooke watched in shock. As soon as Nathan started whispering to the girl, Brooke stood up and marched over to where they were standing.

"Nathan Scott, you and me, now!" Brooke demanded.
"What's up?" Nathan asked.

"How could you even ask? Who is that girl?!!" Brooke demanded not letting go of Nathan's arm.
"Just a fan. It's not a big deal. Haley thinks its awesome that so many know me," Nathan laughed.
"Something tells me Haley would not like this, you ass!" Brooke spat, turning around to storm off she bumped into Lucas.

"Hey, why ya look so angry?" Lucas asked.
"Your brother is an ass. He's flirting with every girl here while his pregnant wife sits at home," Brooke spoke angrily.
"It's probably not a big deal. He's got lots of fans and more than half of them are probably women..." Lucas tried to rationalize.
"I just want to go home. I'm tired of seeing him be like this while Haley's heart keeps breaking because she's so alone."

"So, lets go. We'll get a cab. Mouth will make sure Nathan gets home safely."

Brooke whispered to Rachel before they left. Rachel was determined to catch Nathan doing something he shouldn't be doing.

In the cab on the way home, Lucas was trying to get Brooke to calm down before they went in and saw Haley.

"Maybe Nate's just scared?" Lucas thought out loud.
"I don't buy it," Brooke shook her head.
"We have to give him the benefit of the doubt. It's been 6 years. He and Haley could have a very solid relationship and worrying about nothing..."
"Then why does she feel so alone all the time?" Brooke started crying. She hated seeing Haley like this.

Meanwhile, Mac and Haley are watching some sappy movie on t.v.

"So, when are you due?" Haley asked Mac.
"July 18th. You?"
"August 5th," Haley answered back, "You know, I really wish our kids could grow up together..."

"Yeah, that would be really nice. Any chance you guys will come back to Tree Hill?" Mac asked.
"Not likely," Haley sighed, "I wish we could though..."

They were interrupted when Brooke and Lucas walked in.

"Hey, Brooke! Luke!" Haley raised her eyebrows.
"Hey," the both replied.
"This house is great," Lucas added.
"Yeah..." Haley replied.
"Haley was just about to pull out her guitar. She's been writing music for her baby," Mac smiled as Lucas sat down next to her on the couch.
"I'll go get it," Brooke grinned. She loved listening to Haley play and it always cheered Haley up. A few moments later, Brooke returned with the guitar. Haley started playing and singing and everyone just smiled as she played. Before they knew it, Rachel, Mouth and Nathan were back home as well. As soon as Nathan heard his wives voice it brought him back from whatever planet he had been on all night. He walked over to where she was sitting and sat next to her, kissing her ear and neck while she played. She laughed but kept going. Brooke glanced over at Rachel who only shook her head. He didn't do anything bad at the club, at least not that she had seen. When Haley finished playing, Nathan took the guitar from her hands and tackled her on the couch.

"Nathan," Haley laughed as everyone else watched on.
"Baby, I'm really sorry I didn't come home with you tonight. Practice really sucked. Coach was yelling at me..." Nathan tried to apologize.
"It's okay. Mac and I had a great time talking."
"Yeah," Mac added, "We want our babies to grow up together..."
"Wait, you're pregnant too?" Brooke asked her. Mac nodded. Lucas could see that there was hurt in Brooke's eyes. He hated seeing her that way.

"Well," Rachel began, "as fun as this has been, Mouth and I are very tired..." She faked a yawn and winked at the crowd. Everyone laughed.
"Thank you so much for not putting me in the room next to theirs," Brooke laughed.
"Wait? Who is in that room?" Lucas asked.
"You guys, and us..." Nathan laughed.
"I guess you guys will be giving them a run for their money, then," Luke laughed.
"What?" Brooke asked.
"Last weekend, when mom, Deb, and my little sister Kaci were out here, they woke Kaci up one night and she went into their bathroom and started screaming at Nathan for hurting Haley..." Lucas laughed.

Everyone started laughing.

"I swear, Nathan doesn't know how to keep it quiet," Haley laughed through embarassment.
"Must be a Scott thing," Mac added.
"Hey!" Lucas yelled.
"Yeah, Kaci told us about you two," Nathan laughed.
"Hey you guys, remember the time at Rachels cabin, Luke and I thought we'd be sneaky and do it in the hot tub while everyone was sleeping?" Brooke laughed.
"Yeah," Haley started giggling, "except both of you were soooo loud, it woke all of us up and when we went outside to see what the noise was, we all saw some position that had never even been invented before."
"Seriously, what was that?" Nathan asked laughing.
"Remember the look on Pete from Fall Out Boy's face? He was mortified!" Haley laughed.
"No, that face was a turned on face..." Brooke laughed. She glanced over at Lucas and he grinned at her. She winked at him. Mac saw the looks between them and stood up and stormed out of the room.

"I'm really sorry, Lucas," Brooke tried to apologize as Lucas stood up to leave the room.
"It's not your fault, pretty girl. I'll be back in a little bit," Lucas smiled.
"Well, we're gonna head to bed," Nathan stood up, helping Haley up also.
"Yeah, I'm exhausted," Haley winked at her husband. He grabbed her hand and practically ran down the hall to their room. Brooke realized she was all alone, so she stood up and headed towards her room.

TBC! Peyton will be arriving soon! Hope you guys are enjoying it so far!