The Search for Something More
Chapter 2 – Quicksand
You guys are the best! Thank you for all the feedback. They mean a lot to me. I'm glad a lot of you are enjoying the story so far, so please keep them coming! I know last chapter was a lot to take in and I'm sorry if I confused some of you, but I wanted Haley showing up at the end to be the last thing anyone would suspect. Like I said, this story is AU, I borrow from the show and put my own little twist to it. So my best advice is just to keep an open mind and just because I use something from the show, it doesn't mean its going to be an exact copy, I mean where would the fun be in that lol. Obviously, Haley is the mystery girl pregnant and Renee and the other girl at the Chris Keller concert, well keep reading, lol.
This chapter is a little longer than I wanted it to be but I think it works better if I didn't split it up. It'll definitely help answer some questions from last chapter and hopefully clear up some things for people who were confused. Right now I've written up to seven chapters for this story. They are all in draft form and I'll try to be more consistent with updating than in the past. As a reader myself, I hate the long delays. Special thanks to Kelly for her help. Once again flashbacks are in italics.
Also, still no word for OTH season 8. Keep giving the show some love and let the CW know we want one more season !
So enjoy this chapter and please review !!!
. . . . .
Clay looked at Nathan curiously and the woman behind him and then back to Nathan.
"You .. you know her?" Clay asked softly.
"H.. Haley?" Nathan muttered in disbelief.
By now, everyone in the restaurant was staring at them. Haley felt like she was in a fishbowl. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. She wanted to meet in public so that way Nathan wouldn't cause a scene because lord knows what happened the last time they were alone. But it seemed that it didn't matter anyway. Haley looked around and saw all the faces looking at them. She couldn't take it anymore and grabbed her things and headed out towards the back entrance.
"Haley wait!" Nathan called out to her. Clay held him back and reluctantly dragged him out of the restaurant.
"Clay let go of me!"
"Nathan, what the hell were you thinking?"
"I need to talk to her."
"No, you're gonna stay right here and tell me what the hell is going on?"
Nathan clenched his fist and took a deep breath. He knew Haley was probably long gone by now. He wished he wasn't so blind sided by all this. Why didn't she just come to me? He wondered. Clay's cell phone started to ring but he ignored it.
"Answer it Clay." Nathan said annoyed, he couldn't stand the ringing.
Clay reached into his pocket and saw the name on the caller ID. "It's Miranda." He muttered. "They're done with the concert by now."
"I can't deal with her right now." Nathan shook his head. He just found out he was going to be a father, to Haley's child no less. He couldn't handle anything else at the moment.
"You're right." Clay clicked the end button to let the call go to voice mail. "But you're going to deal with me, what the hell Nathan? What's going on? Who is she?" Clay rushed out.
Nathan closed his eyes for a second and then looked down on the ground. He didn't want to talk to anyone else right now except Haley but he knew he couldn't keep Clay in the dark. He deserved to know. "Her name's Haley James." Nathan paused and turned to Clay.
"And apparently, she's carrying my child." Nathan took a shakey breath and leaned against his car.
. . . . .
"You killed it, Nate!" Clay smiled as he poured the shot glasses. " This is to your contract year and for making my job a whole lot easier."
"Clay, this was only my first game back and I've got to prepare for our game with Charlotte coming up."
"No, no!" Clay shook his head. "I know for a fact that tomorrow you're off.. we didn't get to celebrate last night cuz we had to leave Memphis.. so tonight we're making up for it." Clay slid the shot glass over to Nathan.
Nathan sighed, Fine, he thought to himself. Lifting the shot glass up, "Cheers!"
Luckily the bottle was chilled and didn't burn as much down his throat. He shook his head and his face soured.
"Excuse me.. but I was wondering if I can get a picture?" A young woman approached them. She wore a pink v-cut top with a group of girls behind her.
"Absolutely, just give us one second." Clay smiled and whispered over to Nathan, "Dude, having you around is so much better than a puppy."
Nathan shook his head and chuckled. He'd fought tooth and nail over the past three months to get back into his old form, but something was still off and it wasn't just the accident. He'd be lying to himself if he just chalked it up to the accident but really it was more than that. It was Haley. It was always Haley. She came back into his life and completely flipped it around much like in high school when she tutored him and didn't take his bullshit.
He could still remember that day so vividly, as if it were yesterday. It was the crack of dawn and the sunlight framed her face so perfectly. She was pissed at him for coming in late and a peace offering of coffee and some plastic bracelet wasn't cutting it. When she started rambling about him being Mr. Nathan Scott, scoring his touch downs, he laughed. For crying out loud, he didn't even play football. But God, he missed her. Haley James, he repeated her name in his head. Three months after she stormed out of his hospital room in New York, he still couldn't shake her, but that was nothing new, he'd been trying for years.
Clay handed him another shot which brought Nathan's thoughts back to the party. Nathan looked around, drinks, shots, girls and music, he used to live for this . He'd drink and party, anything to fill the void in his heart that he thought his basketball career would fill. And now, he was just numb. Basketball, it seemed, was all he had left.
"But seriously," Clay raised his shot glass. "I'm proud of you and I love and you absolutely deserve this."
The two banged their shot glasses together one more time and took the shot.
"Oh that'll do it." Nathan wiped his mouth.
Grabbing the camera, Clay held it up to the group.
"Girls, Nathan Scott.. Nathan Scott the girls."
"Hi." Nathan smiled trying to be polite and went over to pose with the girls.
"Hmm, something smells good." The girl in pink remarked.
"Must be the rainstorm body spray." Nathan smirked and smiled for the camera.
"Alright, let's make it look sexy, on the count of two.. one.. two." Clay took the picture and the group broke off. One of the other girls asked for an autograph, which Nathan obliged.
Clay handed the camera back to the young woman.
"Thanks for the shot."
Clay replied, "You're welcome.."
"Renee." Renee smiled and the two shook hands.
"How'd you like to take another shot?" Clay motioned to the bar.
Renee took a quick glance at Nathan and then back at Clay. "I'd love to." She smiled.
. . . . .
The party was in full swing and by this time Nathan would usually be too drunk or tipsy to care but not tonight. Sure, he'd had a couple of drinks and maybe it was hitting him but he still couldn't get into the spirit of things. Nathan headed out back towards the deck and looked out across the night sky.
It wasn't lost to him why where he was, or rather how close he was. With no traffic, he could make it to Tree Hill in about an hour. He hadn't been back home since he left for college, since he left HER. Ironically, it was because of her that he stayed away but now it was because of her that he was drawn to go back home. Deciding enough was enough, he went back inside and saw Clay talking to a group of guys in suits, most likely other agents or other business wigs. Clay held up his drink and nodded towards Nathan. Nathan held up his drink and plastered a fake smile. Clay had been drinking way more than he had, so he was fairly certain that he could make his move without being caught.
Nathan stepped out of the front door and saw one the limos parked there. The driver rolled down his window when he saw Nathan approaching him.
"Can I help you?"
"Yeah." Nathan looked at his name tag. "Mark, how'd you like to make some money?"
"Huh?"
"I need a driver tonight."
"I'm sorry sir, but I got a call, I'm supposed to pick up.."
Before he could finish his sentence, Nathan threw a stack of money his way.
"That's a grand right there, you'll get two more after we're done."
The driver looked at the cash for a moment and then got out of the car and opened the door for Nathan. Nathan grinned and stepped inside. The driver closed the door and went back to the front.
"Look, I got two rules." Nathan spoke up. "One, you don't ask questions, second, you don't tell anyone."
"Got it sir, where to?"
Nathan smirked, "Ever heard of Tree Hill, North Carolina?"
. . . . .
"Alright, just pull up to that corner and wait for me." Nathan ordered his driver. Nathan got out of the limo and looked at the familiar streets around him. Not wanting to over do it and show up in a stretch limo, he opted for a more subtle approach on foot. He had the driver park the limo and wait for him a block away. He reached the front steps of Karen's Café and saw it was already closed.
Nathan looked at his watch and sighed. "Of course it's closed." Nathan mumbled to himself. Scratching his head, he was about to make his way back when a flyer on the window caught his eye. Apparently, Tric was having an open mike night tonight. He raced back to the limo and took the short drive to the club.
"Wait here." Nathan got out of the car and took a couple of steps but turned back to the limo. Mark rolled down his window.
"What is it?"
Nathan looked the driver, they were about the same build. "Give me your jacket.. oh and that baseball cap." Nathan motioned to the baseball cap on the passenger seat. Mark did as he was asked and Nathan stepped inside Tric, the hat hung low on his brow. The last thing he wanted was for people to recognize him.
He stepped inside easily and no one seemed to notice him. The place looked different than the last time he was here. The arrangement was different, pool tables were added to the back and the stage looked bigger. The place was busy but it wasn't crammed shoulder to shoulder with people.
He found a lonely stool on the bar that gave him a clear view of the stage.
"Jack on the rocks." Nathan ordered, his nerves starting to get the best of him. He still wasn't sure he was here, just a hunch that she would be. His gamble paid off as he saw Karen walk up stage.
"And our next performer.." Karen started to speak and the crowd already started to clap and cheer. Karen laughed. "Oh, I take it you know her?" Karen mused. "Well without further ado, Haley James!"
Nathan swallowed the lump in his throat at the sight of her, gorgeous as always. Like every man in the room, he was hypnotized by her. Her hair was darker now, in loose curls flowing down her shoulders. She wore a red buttoned down flannel shirt that hugged her chest and tiny waist and a denim skirt that came down just above her knees and heels that made her legs look like they stretched to eternity. Stunning, beautiful, everything Nathan had always remembered about her.
The lights turned low and the music started playing. She grabbed the microphone and started to sing.
I like to say, I've made good use of my time while you've been away.
And it's true,
I've been in my piano everyday
thinking of you.
They talk around, I hear them whisper, It's the funniest thing really they think you're gone forever
I know the truth, It's just getting hard to believe it.
When they all tell me it's over
even the stars are aligned and I,
I follow the signs so clearly,
and still I've fallen
the quicksand's pulling me down.
I follow the signs so clearly,
and still they catch me
the quicksand's pulling me down.
I'm not the same, I can't sleep nights and now I'm calling your name when I do.
and yet without you, they say I get along better, better, better.
When they all tell me It's over
I'll damn the gods until the stars are aligned and I,
I follow the signs so clearly,
and still I've fallen
the quicksand's pulling me down.
I follow the signs so clearly,
and still they catch me
the quicksand's pulling me down.
Look at my life, look at my face, can't you see my heart bleeding down my sleeve,
you're holding my hand and holding my heart but I just want to feel your breath inside me so I can breath.
Somewhere in the distance I catch a spark of grace I hope it's something that makes me feel like I'm alive.
It's never to soon,
it's never to late,
so I start screaming out
I see your face
I see your hand reaching down and I yell to you and I say,
I follow the signs to clearly,
and still I've fallen
the quicksand's pulling me down.
I follow the signs so clearly,
and still they caught me
the quicksand's pulling me down.
Nathan watched awe struck. The way she sang, the way her hips swayed to the music, he was enthralled. He used to beg her to sing for him and to see her so free and open, he was so proud of her but he couldn't help but feel a little sad. She finally found her voice and learned to share her incredible talent with the rest of the world. Yet, it was bitter sweet as it was just another reminder of how she didn't need him anymore. But in retrospect, back when they were together, she never needed him, he thought. It was always the other way around with him needing her.
Look at my life, and look at my face,
look where I've come to get to this place with you.
Being here to sit and lay at your feet and rest in your arms
And listen to your heart beat.
When the music ended, the crowd gave a thunderous applause and rightfully so. She ended up singing three more songs and all the while he sat in a dark corner drinking away. He watched her get off stage as throngs of people came up to her to tell her how great she was and then he saw them. The people who used to be his life, his friends.. his brother. He winced at the sight, not only did he leave her, he left them as well. He watched as Lucas and Haley hug and then join their other friends. They laughed, smiled, they were happy and they certainly didn't need him to ruin their night. Not able to stand the torture any more, Nathan paid the bartender and made his way outside.
. . . . .
"Thank you so much." Haley reached over and paid the driver and stepped out of the taxi. It was a fun night but she was tired and her feet were aching. The liquor was still in her system and walking through her front lawn, up the stairs to her patio took a little longer than usual. Stopping in front of her door, she opened her purse to grab her keys.
"You were great tonight." A lonely figured stepped out of the shadows.
Haley gasped as she dropped her keys. She followed the voice and was shocked to find Nathan in front of her. He wore black pants, a silver dress shirt that emphasized his broad shoulders but trim waist, a black tie hung loosely down his neck. He still looked as handsome as ever with his piercing blue eyes that still managed to shine in the low light. She wondered if maybe she had one too many drinks tonight and her mind was playing tricks on her again.
"I'm.. I'm sorry I scared you." Nathan said softly, bending down to pick up the keys. When Haley felt the keys back on her hands, she was brought back to reality. She instantly took a step back.
"What're you doing here?"
"I was in the area, I saw you at Tric." He mumbled.
"You.. you were there?"
Nathan nodded.
"Look, I'm tired Nathan.. good.. good night." She fumbled with the keys to open the front door. In her current condition, this was the last thing she wanted.
Stepping in front of her and blocking her way inside, "Why'd you see me?" He asked and then quickly added, " In the hospital?" Nathan needed answers.
Haley sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "I was in town. I heard what happened. I .. I just wanted to see if you were okay. It's wasn't a big deal." She tried to shrug it off.
"It was to me." Nathan spoke up. "Look Haley, I'm sorry about everything.. I didn't mean to.."
"Nathan, just stop!" Haley interrupted. "You don't just get to come here in the middle of the night, scare me half to death and apologize after years of no contact from you.. it .. it doesn't work like that!" Haley shook her head..
"Then why'd you see me then. It was a big deal Haley." Nathan countered.
"It was a mistake." Haley replied back.
"Call it what you want but it's because of you that I'm standing.. why I'm even walking. When I saw you run out of that hospital room, I just knew I had to get up again.. to stand .. to walk.. anything to."
::SMACK::
Haley slapped him hard before he could utter another word. Both of them were surprised by her outburst but Haley had been drinking herself and her emotions were bubbling at the surface.
"Don't you dare!" Tears were springing from her eyes.
"Haley."
"NO!" Haley exclaimed, her voice cracking. "I was the one to give up everything, I was the one who stood by you and would've followed you but you didn't want me. One minute you were telling me how much you loved me and the next minute you were gone. You're the one that left me, you're the one who ignored me! You're the one that never answered my calls, my texts my emails!" She let years of pent up anger burst at the seam.
"I made a mistake!" Nathan groaned in frustration. "I was young and stupid and if I could take it back I would!"
"Well, you can't, so why don't you just go. It's what you do best." Haley stated with conviction.
"If you just let me explain.."
"I know enough." Haley said coldly. And she stepped inside the house, slamming the door in front of his face.
"Haley! Haley!" Nathan knocked through the door but Haley didn't budge. She closed her eyes for a second and tried to reign in her beating heart. If she just pretended the last five minutes didn't happen, then everything would be okay. She went up to her room and quickly changed into a tank top and a comfortable pair of boy shorts. She crashed onto her bed and threw the covers over her, hugging her pillow tight. The room felt like it was spinning and she wondered if it was from the drinks she had tonight or her encounter with Nathan. She wished for sleep to take over anything to get her mind off what just happened.
She heard rustling from the outside and then the sound of her window opening and the sound of someone slipping in. Haley shook her head, there was only one person in her life that ever climbed the tree outside her window.
"You could've fallen and broken your back again, you know?" Haley sat up from bed and faced Nathan.
"See you do care." Nathan pointed out with a smile but any attempts at a joke wasn't working and she was definitely not laughing.
"I think about it a lot you know, if I had done things differently." Nathan needed to at least let her hear what he wanted to say. "Our lives were pulling us in different directions.. yes I fucked up but there hasn't been a single day that I don't think…"
"Oh you're such a saint!" Haley said sarcastically. "Spare me, Nathan. I'm not an idiot." Haley got up. " I've seen the pictures, heard the stories.. the partying the drinking.. it's why you got thrown out of a window wasn't it?" Haley countered. Over the years, she saw his face plastered on various magazines or tv shows but she did her best to ignore them, ignore him but there were times she got weak, like when she decided to visit him in the hospital after his accident.
"Yes, I was out drinking but.."
"God, the only time you talked to me was like what? A few years ago when you were recruited by the NBA?!" Haley shook her head, "You're precious basketball was nearly taken from you and now all of a sudden you suddenly saw the light and you expect me to just come crawling back to you.."
"I didn't say that." Nathan grew more frustrated but couldn't help admire the fire he saw in her eyes, even if her anger was directed at him. Sure Haley was what you called a nerd, tutorgirl, but those people didn't know her like he did, the fire and passion she had was endless. It was one of the things that drew him to her and after all these years it hasn't changed.
"You didn't have to." Haley replied. " Yes I came to the stupid hospital room not because I loved you but because I thought it was the right thing to do."
"Now that's crap right there!" Nathan countered.
"What?" Haley couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"When you say you don't love me.. you and I both know that's bull shit Hales.."
"Don't call me that!" Haley groaned in frustration. The way he used her nickname sent Haley aback. How dare he call her that as if they hadn't spoken in years.
"Why? Cuz I'm getting under your skin, Hales." He smirked and emphasized her name. "It's still there Hales, I feel it .. you wouldn't be so worked up otherwise."
Haley could smell the alcohol from his breath as well as the after shave he still used, the scene taking her back to a time when she was the most happiest.
"And apparently, you're still drunk. It's in your head Nathan.. now leave!"
He walked closer to her and Haley looked up and saw his deep blue eyes cutting down on her. She lost count over how many times she lost herself in those eyes.
"Make me." He gave his classic Nathan Scott smirk. One that always left Haley weak in the knees. Sure he knew he was pushing her buttons but he couldn't help it. He knew had way more to drink tonight than he should but that didn't matter, all that mattered was that he was once again in her presence. "It's there Hales.. I know it is." Nathan said softly more, not an ounce of cockiness or arrogance in his voice but of hope and faith that he was right. He caressed her cheeks and instantly felt the spark between them.
"Nathan.. pl.. please.." Haley mumbled, still looking up at him, wanting to tell him to please go.. leave… anything but she was frozen in her spot.
His lips slowly descended onto her's and she would later claim tiredness and a little bit of tipsiness from her part but she didn't move or stop him. She placed her hands on his chest in an effort to push him off of her but it was no use as he deepened the kiss and she found herself snaking her arms around his neck.
His kisses left her body feeling hot and on fire. She couldn't stop this even if she tried to. His hand started to roam her body and she could feel his want for her press against her belly. The next thing she knew, she found her hands reaching for the buttons of his shirt and within seconds they were both removing clothes as they made their way to her bed. She laid on the bed while he hovered over her. His lips left hers as he stood up and dropped his pants and boxers on the ground. The sight of ALL of him left her breathless. His body was perfection in every single way.
Inside, Haley was a mess, with her body telling her one thing while her mind telling her the other. Carefully, he slid her shorts along with her now soaked panties down her legs.
He kissed her again and despite herself, she found her mouth opening up to him, their tongues battling each other. This wasn't happening, she told herself. She needed to take control and she placed her hands against his bare chest. Trying to push him off her, he still didn't budge and he just deepened the kiss. She moaned into his mouth and her hands, instead of fighting him off, wrapped around his back, pulling him towards her.
She was so heated, he was the only one that could ever make her feel like this. She hated how handsome he was, how his muscles were so ripped, how despite everything he's done, she succumbed to his charms like nothing has happened. His lips finally left her's and started trailing down her jaw and on her neck.
"I don't want this." She moaned out, her own voice betraying her.
"I'm right here." He whispered into her ear and started to nibble on her ear lobe. "Just say the word and I'll give it to you." He then started to suck on the soft spot on her neck, a spot he knew always worked her up.
He sat up, placing himself at her entrance, his erection throbbed, too afraid to touch himself, he felt like he could go at any minute. His eyes found hers and he hesitated for a moment. As much as he wanted this, he knew in his heart that he could never cross that line except if she wanted him to.
'This.. this doesn't mean a thing… Get off me' Haley tried to form the words but it wouldn't come. Trying to regain some sort of control was dwarfed by the throbbing between her legs. The torture and pleasure of it all was almost unbearable. She raised her legs slightly and parted them. That was all Nathan needed. This wasn't what he planned but he couldn't stop himself. It had been way too long and he dreamed of this for so long, fantasizing it to the point that his arms were sore. He couldn't walk away from this now, not while he was so close. Besides, he was Nathan Scott, NBA star who no one thought could bounce back and Nathan Scott always gets what he wants.
As gently as he could, he entered her, both of them moaning in pleasure at being connected as one once more. God, she was so tight and warm, Nathan was about to lose it. He leaned down and captured her lips, stifling Haley's cries of pleasure.
"God, I missed you." Nathan mumbled against her.
She couldn't deal with that now, not with him pounding in and out of her. She would worry about the consequences later, right now all she could do was concentrate on the pleasure not the pain. She kissed him hard silencing him. He held onto her tight as he picked up the pace, thrusting in and out of her.
Throwing her head back, Haley moaned his name as she tightened her grip around him, her nails digging into his back, her legs wrapping behind his ass. The sensation only spurred Nathan on as he held onto her shoulders and worked both of them so hard and furious that within minutes they were both going over the edge, moaning each other's name.
. . . . .
Nathan woke up, the morning sun hitting his face. It took him a second to remember what had happened and that it wasn't some drunken fantasy. He turned to his side and found Haley sleeping contently. He smiled at the sight and gently brushed his hands against her cheeks. The night starting coming back to him, nothing but a haze of lust and sex. He lost count how many times they'd both gotten off.
Slowly making his way out of her bed, he surveyed her room. For the most part, it looked like how it did back in high school. He looked at the wall by her desk where various photos were placed. He saw the various ones of her family and then of her friends. It was then he realized that she had taken down all the ones where he was in. As he had done to her, she cut him out of her life as well. He looked at some group photos of her with their friends, Lucas, Brooke, Peyton and the others, some he recognized others he didn't. Some photos were newer, a further reminder of just how long it has been. And then he saw it, the picture of THEM. Julian, Nathan muttered to himself. He found out who this punk was and looked on at the various photos of them together or with friends She looked happy, she had a good life, one that didn't involve him or the mess he'd surely bring. He thought about her last night, how she sang her heart out, how happy she looked with her friends. She didn't need him, she didn't need any of it.
He looked back at Haley and shook his head. What have I done? In his need to see her, he would just end up hurting her.. again. He felt sick to his stomach. He had used her, cheapened her. She was right all along and all he did was take advantage of her. He heard the slight vibration of his phone and saw some text messages from some of his teammates, from Clay and the agency. He had this whole other life to get back to, one filled with basketball, and training, physical therapy, away games, a life that didn't include Haley, a life that she wouldn't want to be a part of. He never felt so low. Feeling suffocated, he scribbled a quick note on her desk and quietly gathered his clothes and left her house.
. . . . .
Nathan looked down the corridor and spotted the hotel room, num 2332. He had the agency call every hotel in San Francisco to find out where she was saying. Taking a deep breath, he was about to knock on the door when it suddenly flew open.
"Nathan?" Haley looked at him curiously.
Nathan was about to speak when he looked down and saw the suit case in her hand.
"You're.. you're leaving?"
Haley stepped aside to let him in.
Closing the door, Haley turned back to Nathan.
"What your lapdog isn't with you?"
"Clay, my agent, he doesn't know I'm here."
"Ok." Haley eyed him carefully.
"So you are leaving?"
"Yes, I am."
"Don't you think we should talk about this?"
"I tried talking, you sent your minions after me as if I was some gold digging whore."
"I'm sorry about that, I .. I didn't know it was you."
"Fine, whatever. I have to go."
"Look, can you just stay here? We need to talk."
"Like how you stayed that night three months ago?" Haley countered. "Look Nathan, we both had too much to drink, we had sex, I got pregnant." She said bluntly but she tried to calm herself down. Her emotions were up and down lately. Sure it sounded cheap but she didn't want him to think of that night meant anymore than it was. Haley reached into her purse and pulled out some sonograms.
"Here are the latest photos, you can keep them." She handed them to him. "I don't know the sex but the doctor said we're both doing fine."
"Is this real?" Nathan mumbled, flipping through the photos.
"As real as it gets." Haley hesitated for a moment but then took his hand and placed it over her small bump. Despite their history, he was still the father, no matter how much she wished he wasn't. Feeling the small but swollen bump, Nathan was taken aback. There it was, his child, their child. Haley might've told him about the pregnancy and showed him the photos but this, this made it truly feel real.
"Haley look.." Nathan spoke up and Haley took a step back.
"Nathan, I came here because I wanted to tell you in person. Unfortunately, your agent wouldn't even let me get near you so I had to tell him I was pregnant first. But I did my part, I told you and now I..I have to go."
"So that's it, you're taking off?"
"So?" Haley shrugged. "You did it or would you have preferred me leaving a note!" She sarcastically pointed out. She knew she was being petty but her hormones were on the fritz and telling Nathan she was pregnant with his child was something she didn't want to do.
Nathan tried to stay cool. He deserved that, shoot he deserved a lot more. "We have to figure things out, this is a big deal Haley."
"Don't you think I know that? But there's nothing to figure out. I'm fully capable of raising this child on my own. You deserved the right to know and now you can do whatever you want to do but either way I'm leaving."
"What is that supposed to mean!?" Nathan interrupted.
"Look, I'm not asking you for child support or anything."
"Money, you think this is about money?"
"Didn't you hear me, I don't want or need your money."
"You can't just come into my life and drop this bomb on me." Nathan said frustrated.
"Say's the person who showed up in the middle of the night and knocked me up." Haley rolled her eyes.
Growing annoyed himself, Nathan fired back. "How am I even sure it's mine? Or is it your little friend's name.. what is it Julie .. opps I mean Julian."
She smacked him hard across the face.
Nathan clenched his fist, trying to calm himself. "I deserved that." He mumbled, rubbing his cheeks.
"You deserve more." Haley pointed out. "It's your's Nathan's. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't."
"Okay, fine but would you just stay?"
"And then what, talk about what a happy family we're going to be? I'm not that dumb or naive. I'm done putting my life on hold for you, I have responsibilities back home that I need to tend to."
"And what about my responsibility to OUR child? "
"I told you.. I can do this on my own!" Haley looked away.
It was as if she had punched him in the stomach as he realized what was going on. "Oh I get it, you think I'm just like him."
"Like who?"
"Dan." Nathan crossed his arms. "Is that what you think of me? That I'll be like him? That I'll abandon you like how he did with Karen and Lucas!"
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to."
The two stared each other down, the tension so thick it could be cut with a butter knife.
"Hales, you ready!" Lucas barged into the hotel room. "My book signing ended earlier than I thought…" Lucas' voice trailed off as he saw Nathan.
"You." Lucas turned to face his estranged half brother.
"Luke, this is between me and …." Before Nathan could get another word in, Lucas let a mean left hook land squarely on Nathan's jaw.
Nathan fell to the ground as Haley gasped in shock.
What is this, beat on Nathan day? Nathan shook his head as he got up.
"Get out!" Lucas barked.
"I'm not going anywhere." Nathan got back on his feet.
"Doesn't matter, we're leaving anyways." Lucas turned to Haley. "Hales, let's go." He took her suitcase from her.
"Lucas, you can't keep me away.. it's my child, I have a right to be .."
"What?" Lucas squinted back at Nathan and then turned to Haley who looked like a frightened little girl.
"Haley, what's he talking about?"
"He doesn't know does he?" Nathan looked at Haley.
"Know what?" Lucas looked between Nathan and Haley. "What the hell is going on?" Lucas felt a sense of dread.
Nathan handed Lucas one of the sonogram photos. Lucas took a look at it and looked at and his eyes went wide as he stared at it and saw Haley's name on the corner. Oh no, he thought to himself. Lucas lifted his head, his eyes pleading with Haley to tell him that this was just some sick joke.
"I'm sorry Luke." Haley's voice cracked. "I'm pregnant...and Nathan's the father."
The sonogram pictures fell from Lucas' hand and he was left utterly speechless.
. . . .
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's me. Where are you?"
"Outside Haley James' hotel?"
"And?"
"Your son is here… actually both of them are."
"I thought Lucas was having a book signing."
"I don't know but I just saw him walk in."
"Okay, keep me posted Renee."
"Will do, Mr. Scott?" Renee smirked as she put her phone back in her purse.
To Be Continued.
And the plot thickens, lol. Please review!