The Search for Something More
Chapter 6 – Truth, Bitter Truth
Thank you all for the reviews. I know Alex may have come as a surprise but then again Lucas did allude to it. I did find it funny how some people thought Nathan was lying about Alex but from Lucas' conversation with Nathan, you can see that Alex was public knowledge. And since this storyline is based off season 7, I thought it was fitting to bring Alex into this story. Now this chapter will clear up a few things, that's all I have to say about that lol. I haven't forgotten about Dan or Renee, they'll be coming back, maybe in the next chapter or two. I'm glad you guys like Clay and Julian. I never wanted to write Haley as pining away for Nathan all this time and being single. As the flashbacks has shown, Nathan and Haley, during their time apart, had their own different lives. Nor did I want to write Nathan as the saint he is on the show currently. I actually like Nathan as an ass because when he's down, it's just that much better when he picks himself up. I've focused a lot on Nathan's past but probably next chapter or two I'll focus in more on Haley.
I'm sorry for the delay in updating but I've come off vacation, am suffering from allergies, really busy at work and have a million things going on. Believe me, I just want to sit home and write because there's a lot of story to tell but I just don't have the time! The next should hopefully be up sooner rather than later, your words motivate me, so please review!!
. . . . . .
Hearing footsteps approaching her door, Haley tried her best to wipe her teary eyes but it was no use.
"I was worried when I didn't hear from you after this morning." Lucas called out from the hallway, letting Haley know that he was approaching. When he opened the door, his face fell when he saw her sitting on her bed, her eyes red and puffy and clutching onto Mr. Waffles, which by the way was never a good sign.
"Is this bed taken?" Lucas asked as he lied on the bed next to Haley, stretching his arm, Haley readily accepted the invitation and leaned into his chest.
"You know, just this once, I deserve a big fat I told you so."
"Well, you won't get it from me."
Haley laughed slightly. "What happened?" Lucas prodded.
"Exactly what you told me was gonna happen. I started believing that he wasn't terrible, and he proved me wrong. Once again, the smart girl is really stupid."
Lucas pulled back and wiped her tears. "Hey,. You are not stupid."
"Everything's just blown up in my face. I led Julian on and now Nathan is in town and he brought his girlfriend." Even saying it sounded bitter to Haley. "God, you should've seen her, so bubbly and pretty and tanned.." As soon as she mentioned her name and that she was Nathan's girlfriend, she bolted as fast as she could.
"Wait, Alex DuPree is in town?"
"You know her?"
"She was in a bunch of indie films last year.." Lucas pointed out but Haley still looked lost. "She made it onto People's Top 25 under 25." Lucas added and Haley gave him a freaked out look. "Don't look at me like that, you know how Lindsey likes to read those things."
"Great, so not only is he dating a model, he's dating an actress as well." Haley huffed out.
"You didn't know she was going out with Nathan?" Lucas asked a little surprised.
"NO, obviously I did not, thanks for the heads up best friend." Haley said sarcastically.
"I thought you knew." Lucas muttered.
"You know I don't pay attention to that stuff." During her first year of college, it was already bad enough to see him on the sports news page. If she had dated anyone else, it would've been easy to avoid Nathan but with his rise to the NBA, it wasn't the case. Haley learned to avoid it all together, it always made her stomach churn when she heard stories of him partying and so on. She didn't need that. So every time she heard or saw anything related to Nathan, she tried to tune it out.
Lucas chuckled, "So are you upset that he's dating someone?"
"What? No..."
"Hales, look at me." Lucas straightened up. "Do you still have feelings for Nathan?"
"No of course not .. I mean. .do I care for him, well yeah. I mean he was a big part of my life so it makes sense that I feel weirded out seeing his new girlfriend, right. Oh God please tell me I'm right."
Lucas chuckled. "Yes Hales, it's perfectly normal. I mean every time I hear about Brooke and whoever she's with, I'm still a little weirded out by it too. I guess it's normal, but are you sure Hales? You don't want something more from Nathan?"
"No, I don't." Haley stated.
"I know that you told me that you breaking up with Julian had nothing to do with Nathan but.."
"Look, it's over between Nathan and I." Haley cut him off. "What happened three months ago was a moment of weakness." Haley stated. "Plus he has a girlfriend, and if he's the one to chase around after girls when he's already in a relationship then eww, no thanks. He's a bigger dog than I thought he was." Haley shook her head.
"Oh God, now I'm the other woman, the one you hear about in the tabloids, I'm a home wrecker!!" Haley rambled. "That's why he was so quick to kick me out of his hotel room.. he called me the freaking masseuse, which is code for side piece!" She couldn't believe what he did to her.
Lucas couldn't help but chuckle. "I think you're over reacting a little bit. And according to Access Hollywood, they've been dating for a like a month or two now, so don't worry about it." Lucas stated.
"Okay Ryan Seacrest, you need to lay off the E! Network." Haley felt slightly better but still. They may have only been dating recently but that didn't mean that something didn't happen before. Haley sighed and leaned back into Lucas' chest, "What am I going to do Luke?"
"Haley, whatever happens between Nathan and his girlfriend, that's up to him. I'm not his biggest fan either but I at least have to respect his decision to be a part of his child's life."
"You're right, I know. I am glad that he does want to be a part of this pregnancy but I'm just worried, worried how our past won't screw up our baby's future. Now he has this girlfriend, I don't know, everything is already screwed up."
"I know." Lucas said softly. He wondered about the same thing as well. He knew there was still some unresolved feelings between Haley and Nathan and now their forced into a situation that ties them for life. He wished he had the answers but one thing was for sure. One way or another, it's only going to get messy.
. . . . . .
"You're awfully quiet." Alex commented as she stared out of the windows of the limo they were in.
"I'm fine." Nathan muttered, staring out of the window from his side of the limo.
"You sure, something seems off." Alex turned to face him.
"It's nothing.. just dealing with some family stuff."
"Is everything okay?" Alex looked at him curiously.
Nathan turned to face Alex.
"Yeah." He lied.
After Alex introduced herself to Haley earlier, Haley bolted out of the room. Luckily, Clay came charging into the room and distracted Alex and discussed about the charity event they were currently heading to. He wanted to chase after Haley but couldn't. Nathan had to get ready to for a charity function in Atlanta. When he arrived in Tree Hill, he had Clay book him a charter flight so that way he could make the event. He thought he was going to meet Alex there but she surprised him by showing up to Tree Hill. She insisted that it wouldn't look good if they came separately.
Before Alex could ask anything else, the driver slowed down and the throngs of people and cameras indicated that they were already here. The driver stopped the limo and got out and opened the door for Nathan. Nathan stepped out and stuck his hand out so Alex could take it. Gripping her hand with his, he pulled her close to him as the flashes of light started to blind them.
Nathan was tense but he wasn't showing it. He knew he couldn't keep Haley's pregnancy a secret for very long. He could only imagine how Alex and Miranda would react, the press, the team. He couldn't believe how much had changed in just a short time. Everything was closing in around him and he felt trapped. Damn if he did, damn if he don't. He hoped it wouldn't be like that. This was the last thing he expected but nevertheless it was here and he hoped he was making the right calls because lord knows he made some wrong ones.
. . . . .
"What does that mean?" Nathan asked as he sat back in his living room. "I know I'm not back to my old numbers but it's only been three games since I came back from my accident."
"You're doing great Nathan but.."
"But what?" Nathan interrupted Clay.
"My contact on the inside is telling me that the Sonics aren't sure."
"What?"
"You're a great player Nate and if this accident never happened then you would've been a shoe in for your next contract but.."
"But they still think I'm a risk." Nathan shook his head and clenched his fist.
"Yes and the fact that you got drunk, picked a fight and ended up being thrown out a window didn't help either. It's about your image as well."
"Image?!" Nathan couldn't believe this. "I came back from the brink of paralysis!"
"I know that and we're going to use that. I scheduled you bookings, next week, you're going to a local school for disabled children. I got a charity basketball event next month in Chicago and I'm working on getting you into the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons gala in Atlanta in a few months. These are all high profile events that not only paint you in a good light but highlight the fact that you've been there as well."
"Fine, I'll go to these events."
"Great, that's what I was hoping to hear. But there is one more thing." Clay said carefully.
"What thing?"
"Well all these things are great, I mean go to the events, kill it on the court but me and some of the guys from the agency were talking.."
"By guys, you mean Antwon?"
"Yes.. but before you shoot the idea down, there's a reason we nicknamed him Skills."
"Look, I know what you're going to say and the answer is NO." Nathan stated.
. . . . .
A week later
Nathan couldn't believe he was going along with this stupid idea but desperate times called for desperate measures. It was clear to him that basketball was the only thing going on in his life and if he wanted to keep playing, he needed to do whatever it takes.
"What's the name of this school again?" Nathan turned to Clay and Skills.
"The Openheimer School for the Gifted." Clay reminded him from the driver's seat.
"That's a mouthful." Nathan stated, repeating the name over in his head so he wouldn't forget.
"You're telling me dog." Skills added. The three of them were currently in the car on their way to the school where Nathan was going to talk to the disabled children that attended there and would join some of the students in the gym. Nathan was happy to do it of course, after his accident he had a new appreciation and respect for all those disabled. It was the other part that he was not looking forward to.
"And what's her name again?" Nathan asked.
"Alex DuPree." Skills stated.
"Who is she again?"
"She was in a bunch of indie films last year.." Clay pointed out but Nathan had a blank face. "She made it onto People's Top 25 under 25." Clay added.
"Okay, Ryan Seacrest, you need to lay off the E! Network, you know I don't pay attention to those sort of things." Nathan pointed out with a freaked out look.
"Don't look at me like that, you know I have to keep up with today's pop culture."
"Great, so you're setting me up with an actress." Nathan huffed out.
"Not only an actress but a banging actress, aint that right Clay?" Skills tapped Clay's shoulder.
"What's he talking about?" Nathan asked. "Oh don't tell me you slept with her? Great, on top of this, you gave me your left overs.
"Well when you say it like that.." Clay joked. "But listen me and Alex are cool. I'm surprised you didn't see her. She was at that party I threw for you back in Charlotte two weeks ago."
Nathan shifted uncomfortably from his seat. "No, I didn't." He mumbled.
"That's right, you were too drunk and passed out early." Clay teased Nathan. "Unlike you, I actually got some action that night."
Images of going to Tree Hill flooded his mind, of Haley, of sneaking up to her room, of him on top of her while he rocked his hips in and out.. Nathan shook his head, trying to put away those thoughts. Was it only a month ago he was with her? It felt like it was last night. . He still felt bad about just leaving a note and bailing on her but who was he kidding. In his moment of weakness, they both had too much to drink that night and he took advantage of her. She had her life, he had his. From what he saw, she was happy and more than anything that's what he wanted for her. She deserved better than Nathan Scott, he told himself.
"Wait, Nate has that far away look in his eyes." Skills piped in. "Come on dog, what's her name?"
"Yeah, Nate, care to share?" Clay added.
"Look, back to Alex." Nathan said annoyed and Clay and Skills knew not to piss him off. They were already close to the school and needed to have Nathan on his best behavior.
"So how does you sleeping with Alex end up with me now dating her?" Nathan inquired.
"Actually, I didn't sleep with her, I slept with her agent Miranda." Clay stated.
"She's one tough British bull dog." Skills added.
"Anyways, after the whole awkward morning after, we exchanged numbers and we've kept in touch. Alex is a star on the rise, but she's had image problems of her own as well."
"In other words, she gets her freak on in the clubs." Skills added once more. "Look Nate, I worked things out with Miranda, you and Alex are gonna meet today in front of the kids, tonight you're going to go to dinner, we'll have one or two photographers around to catch some long distance shots of you two."
"The press will eat it up." Clay added. "She'll end up showing up to the games, boost some ticket sales, give the team free press and next thing you know, the Sonics will be begging for you to resign."
"You guys are crazy." Nathan shook his head. "There's no way I can go along with this."
Clay and Skills looked at each other then turned back to Nathan. "Like we said Nate, you're game is good but you're still a risk for injury, the team wants more. It's either this or no ball." Skill stated.
"You don't know that." Nathan affirmed.
"You're right Nate, we don't. We have no clue how management will go but the only thing we can do is try our best.. on and off the court, so what do you say Nathan? You worked hard to make it into the NBA and even harder after the accident. This is it man." Clay added.
Nathan stared down as thoughts of Haley once again filled his mind but like always he needed to block them out, block her out. In giving her up, he gave everything up except basketball. It was the only thing he had left.
"This better work." Nathan gritted his teeth.
. . . . .
Haley woke up feeling a little bit better than last night. Lucas stayed for a little bit and the two ended up ordering in before Lucas left and Haley went back to sleep.
Haley grabbed her cell phone and dialed Julian's number. She still felt completely horrible about how everything turned out yesterday. She wasn't surprised when he didn't pick up.
"Hey Julian, it's me. Look, I'm really sorry about yesterday. I never meant for you to find out like that. I know we've been over for a while now and I'm sorry if I led you on but you have to believe me that, that night with Nathan was just a one night thing. I wasn't seeing him this whole time and certainly when we were together. I know that might not mean anything to you right now but it's the truth. Please call me back when you get this."
Haley sighed and hung up the phone. She went to the bathroom and washed her face. She still had a little bit of morning sickness but it wasn't as bad this morning. Grabbing a box of cereal, some milk and a bowl, she made her way to the tables and started eating. She turned on the television and started to watch some of the morning news.
"And last night, the annual Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons gala was held in Atlanta this year. This annual charity event raises awareness in the field of orthopedics as well as much needed research money. Last year's event drew in over $5 million in donations and this year looks to top that. But the event didn't just draw in doctors and scientists but Hollywood as well. Reporting from Atlanta we turn over to our entertainment correspondent Maria Menounos."
Haley continued to eat her cereal as she watched the morning news.
"Hello everyone, I'm Maria Menounos coming from Atlanta, Georgia where Hollywood has come out in support for the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Some of the biggest stars to come out where philanthropists Brad and Angelina, Demi and Aston and what insider's are calling the new it couple, Nathan Scott and Alex DuPree. I caught up with Nathan and Alex on the red carpet."
The next clip showed Maria on the red carpet with Nathan next to her.
"I'm very happy to be here and support the Academy." Nathan spoke to the cameras. "If it wasn't for the hard working and dedicated men and women of the Academy, I wouldn't be standing here right now."
"That's right, only what 6 months ago, you had an accident and lost feelings to both legs."
"Yes, it was pretty scary there for a moment, there was a point that I thought I wouldn't walk again, let alone play basketball but after some surgery, physical therapy and a lot of hard work, I've been able to come through."
"Now would the gorgeous woman next to you the inspiration for your recovery." Maria asked as the camera panned to Alex.
Alex laughed into the microphone, "I'd love to say that it was me but Nathan and I met after the accident. We actually met while we were both doing a community out reach program at the Openheimer School for the Gifted in Seattle." Alex leaned up to kiss Nathan's cheeks.
Haley turned off the television and dropped her spoon. She suddenly wasn't very hungry anymore and in fact, she thought her morning sickness had returned. She heard a knock on the door and she went to the front to see who it was.
Looking through the peep hole, she saw Nathan standing there. Great, she thought to herself. She really couldn't shake Nathan Scott. Reluctantly though, she opened the door.
"So you're back." Haley crossed her arms and Nathan gave her a curious look.
"Just saw you on the news.. Atlanta." Haley added.
"Oh. I took a red eye back to Tree Hill." Nathan's face fell. "About Alex."
"What? She wants a massage too?" Haley replied sarcastically.
"Look, I'm sorry too about Alex." He needed to come straight about her.
"Nathan, I don't want to hear it." Haley shook her head. "I'm sure you two have enough to deal with, with saving the world and all." Haley said sarcastically.
"Haley, the thing with Alex is.."
"I have a doctor's appointment today." She cut him. She really didn't want to hear him talking about his girlfriend.
"What?"
"Look, you said you wanted to be a part of our child's life and you have a right to be there."
"Okay thank you but."
"Nathan, I said it's fine. Please I got some things I need to do this morning. Now give me your phone."
"What for?" He asked pulling his cell phone out.
She took it from him and she tried not to flinch at the touch of him. She dialed her number on it and ended the call quickly.
"That's my number, I'll send you a text message of the address and time."
"I can pick you up."
"No, it's okay." She gave him a polite smile. Nathan wanted to explain everything about Alex to her but Haley was being stubborn. He didn't want her to think that him and Alex were together like that.
"Ok but.."
"Nathan," she cut him off. "Please, however you want to deal with this pregnancy and her is up to you. I have no part in it."
"Haley its not about that.. well yes it is but."
"You haven't told her yet have you?"
"No one knows except my agent. We don't want to get it leaked out in the press."
Haley nodded. With Nathan in the NBA, she was worried about this sort of thing. "If the press does find out?"
"I'm not going to lie Haley, they could be pretty vicious but I'll try my best to protect you from that. Like I said no one knows on my end except Clay."
Haley nodded. "I was thinking about that too, if the press finds out. Julian knows the truth but he's a good man, plus his family's into that whole Hollywood scene, he understands, he won't.. he won't tell anyone…I don't want that attention Nathan."
"Of course, I don't want you to go through that either."
"Good, I'm glad we're on the same page because I've thought of something.. to make sure the press don't bother me."
"What?"
"If anyone finds out and it gets leaked to the press, I can say it's Lucas'."
"OH HELL NO!" Nathan's voice boomed. First Julian, now Lucas. "I'm the father of your baby.. no one else!"
"But we just agreed that we don't want the press finding out."
"Yeah and how do you think people will react when they realize it's my baby?"
"That's just it, no one will care if the baby is Lucas'!"
"And have you spoke with Lucas about this brilliant idea of your's?"
"No, I was just thinking… I mean it's a crazy idea I know, but I don't know what to do. I can't keep this a secret any longer and people will start asking and you're the one that has press following you around!"
"No, Hales.. I'm tired of the lies!" Nathan said frustrated. "I'm tired of it all! Alex and I aren't together. I've been trying to tell you that!"
"But I saw you on TV?" Haley was so confused.
"Exactly, that was a marketing ploy our agents talked us into."
"It.. it was an act?" Haley couldn't believe it. How was it that Nathan Scott could pull the rug from underneath her all over again?
"It's why I tried to get you out of the room and lied to her that you were the masseuse. If she knew you were pregnant, it would ruin the plan and she could out us in the press to make her look like the victim and then all hell would've broken loose.. I .. I wish I hadn't agreed to it." Nathan sighed. "I know I made some huge mistakes, mistakes that I regret and that I wish I could take back, you being on top of that list Haley. But I won't… I won't let that happen again!" Nathan stated firmly. "Alex and I aren't together and I'm going to put an end to this charade."
"I.. I can't believe this." Haley shook her head. "It was all an act?" Haley said softly.
"Despite my comeback, the Sonics haven't resigned me yet."
"Oh." Haley's mouth formed an "o". Of course it was about basketball. "And so Alex was brought in to sweeten the pot?" Haley already knew the answer.
"Yes, but."
"But what? It was an act, you just said so yourself…so you can get your contract." Haley shook her head. "I mean, I always knew that basketball was important to you.. I just never thought that.."
"That I'd what?"
"That you'd lie like this." Haley looked at him with disappointed eyes. "I never thought you'd go that far. The Nathan I knew would never do that but then over the years I've come to realize that maybe I don't know you." Haley shook her head. "Maybe I just built up this idea of you in my head, maybe I was wrong. The Nathan Scott I knew wouldn't lie about something like that to advance his career."
"It was my agent's idea." Nathan said frustrated. "And you're the one who just suggested to lie to everyone and name Lucas the father!" Nathan countered.
"First of all that was just an idea!" Haley countered. "Second.." Haley grew heated. "I was looking out for my HEALTH and my well being and that of MY BABY.. all you ever cared about has been and always will be your precious basketball!!!"
Her hormones and anger getting the best of her, Haley pushed him out and slammed the door in his face.
To Be Continued . . . .