The Search For Something More Chapter 9: An Attempt to Tip the Scales, an one tree hill fanfic

The Search for Something More

Chapter 9 - An Attempt to Tip the Scales

Thank you for the reviews, I'm glad you enjoyed it and yeah about Dan, well I'll you'll just have to wait and see. Some of you did catch on about Haley, whether she told Nathan because of Dan or what? Well, I'll have to keep silent about that as well lol. Someone made a good point about the treatment should be free and although you are correct in most cases, Lydia is not part of the testing group, meaning she wasn't pick to do the study and therefore is not eligible for free payments. Thanks for picking up on that detail but I did consider that when crafting this storyline. This story is personal for me as well because at the moment, my sister and my cousin are both pregnant and my other cousin just had a baby so stories about the pregnancy, I'm drawing from real life experience. The whole cracker scene in a previous chapter happened with my sister. It was the first time she ever saw the baby move. I've also been deeply affected by cancer, my sister had it, two of my uncles died from it, my aunt died recently from it and my other aunt had breast cancer so I know every type of situation there is and why I wanted to bring this particular storyline from season 7 into this story. Renee and Lydia were my inspirations for this story. Anyways, I blab too much. This chapter was much longer than anticipated and this is the first chapter with out a flashback. With everything so dramatic lately, I attempted to make the chapter a little light, well as light as possible. lol

OTH is coming back on the air soon, so please please support our beloved show, send postcards, emails, anything, let the CW know we want a season 8. I probably bought out all the toy basketballs in the local targets by me lol.

Enjoy and please review!

. . . . .

Haley looked over at her mom and noticed that she had fallen asleep. She looked better today, she had some color to her skin instead of her looking pale. Her strength was coming back too. She was able to take a short walk yesterday and went to the bathroom with little assistance. Lydia felt better too and the doctor had told Haley that the treatment was working so far.

Haley had been relieved. She had been so worried about everything and the thought of losing her mother sent chills down her spine. She knew she was being a little selfish but she couldn't help it. She was going to be a mother herself and she needed her own mother, now more than ever. Haley promised herself that she would tell people about her pregnancy after she told Nathan but that had been over two weeks ago and she hadn't told anyone else. She wasn't sure how or if she should tell her mom. If the treatment wasn't working, Haley would be hesitant to tell her. Lydia didn't need another reminder of what she would be missing out on, not only seeing her children grow up more but her grandchildren as well. But now that the doctors had given her a better outlook, Haley knew she should tell her mother soon. She knew that Lydia would be thrilled despite the circumstances surrounding it.

Haley looked down at her phone and then turned back to the television. She knew she should change the channel but she couldn't help it as she continued to watch.

"Hello everyone, Maria Menounos here. Our first story is on up and coming actress Alex DuPree and NBA player Nathan Scott. They attended the premiere of Alex's new movie in Seattle the other week and Alex was spotted in Nathan's recent basketball game."

Haley watched as she saw footage of Alex and Nathan at a movie premiere and then of Alex watching from the stands, cheering Nathan on. The whole sight made her sick. Her phone beeped and Haley looked at the text message she just received. Not able to stand watching another second of Alex and Nathan, Haley turned off the television and made her way downstairs to the main lobby and looked around.

"Haley!!"

Haley whipped her head around and lunged into the arms of one of her best friends.

"Brooke!" Haley smiled as she pulled away from the brunette's embrace. "Thanks so much for coming."

"Not a problem."

"I wish we could've met somewhere else but I'm watching my mom until my sister comes by later."

"Oh you don't need to explain anything. I'm just so glad we can sit and catch up, it's been far too long."

"I know." Haley agreed. "Is Peyton here yet?"

"She should be here soon. How about we grab some coffee, I'm in need of a caffeine fix."

"Sounds good, the nurse is with my mom now anyway."

The two walked towards the coffee shop, Brooke ordered an iced latte with skim milk while Haley got a hot chocolate. She desperately wanted coffee but being pregnant she had to sacrifice that.

"So what's up Hales? On the phone, it sounded like you wanted to talk about something."

"Yeah, I do actually." Haley looked around and saw the scores of people around her. "It's a nice day out, let's go to the back, they have a nice garden out there." Haley wanted some privacy. The last thing she wanted was people over hearing them or another run in with Dan Scott. She knew she couldn't trust him, no man spends this time at the hospital. She didn't care if he was on the board or not. She had a lot of other things to deal with and there was no point in trying to figure out how the mind of Dan Scott worked. He seemed genuine about making sure his grandchild was okay. She promptly told him to make sure he stays away from her, less stress for her. Still, he helped her out with her mom and she couldn't fault him for that.

"It's pretty nice out here." Brooke commented as she took a seat and pulled out her phone, texting Peyton to let her know where they were. The garden was nice, there were wild flowers to the side, and the grass was green and trimmed. It made for a tranquil scene for such a busy hospital.

"Yeah, I come out here to think sometime." Haley commented. "How's the line going?"

"It's going. It's funny my mom actually banished me to Tree Hill."

"Banished?" Haley gave her a weird look.

"She said I was too distracted in New York. She agreed that I can use some downtime to get my sketches in order for next season's line."

"That's great… and are you still opening your own store?"

"Yep, our sales with Macy's has been strong so we're going to try and branch out and open our store in New York that my mom is taking care of. If that does well, then who knows?" Brooke smiled.

"Wow, I'm so happy for you Brooke. I knew you could do it. You know sometimes, I see what you've done and Peyton and Lucas and .."

"Haley stop right there."

"But.."

"Haley I know what you are getting at. I know you weren't able to finish your degree in Stanford, not a big deal. Your mom was sick and your family needed you. And when you're ready, you can go back and finish up."

"I wish it was as easy as that." Haley mumbled, clutching onto her stomach.

"But seriously Hales, what's up? You said you needed to talk about something, is everything okay with your mom?" Brooke asked concerned.

"Things are better now." She nodded. "For a while there it was touch and go but this new treatment we have her on seems to be working. She has a little more color to her skin and her strength is coming back."

"That's good."

"Yeah, it is. The doctor's are hopeful and my mom's been such a trooper about everything."

"That Lydia, she's a strong woman." Brooke toasted with her latte.

"Yes she is." Haley took a deep breath. "But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about."

"Oh?"

Haley was about to speak but shut her mouth, she knew she couldn't break her news without Peyton there.

"Is Peyton here yet?"

Brooke looked back at her phone. "Peyton should be here soon."

"Oh this must be big." Brooke commented as she texted Peyton to get her skinny legs here pronto.

A minute later, Haley spotted her blond friend and waved over to her.

Peyton smiled and took a seat next to her two friends.

"Haley… bitch." Peyton playfully stuck her tongue out at Brooke.

"Slut!" Brooke playfully smiled back. "You're just in time. Tutorgirl here was about to announce her big news."

"Big news?" Peyton asked.

"If you ask me, she came back to her senses and got back with Julian." Brooke not so subtly whispered over to Peyton.

"Brooke!" Haley admonished. "It's not that."

"Well, what is it?" Peyton interrupted.

"Okay, I don't know how to say this but .. I'm.. I'm pregnant." Haley said softly, looking down, not able to see her friends' reactions.

Peyton's and Brooke's mouth fell open for a good minute before either of them spoke up.

"Wow.. cong.. congratulations!" Peyton was speechless.

"Yeah, Hales.. congrats.. Julian.. must be thrilled." Brooke added the last part in.

"…." Haley stayed quiet.

"Julian is happy, right?" Peyton turned to Brooke and then back to Haley.

"No, he's definitely not happy." Haley gulped. Brooke immediately went into protective mode.

"That son of a bitch, just wait until I get my hands.."

"Brooke.." Haley interrupted her. "Julian's not happy because it's not his."

An audible gasp could be heard between the two girls. Haley knew this would happen.

"Wait, if it's not Julian.." Peyton started to speak. She didn't know Haley was seeing anyone else. From what she knew, she figured Haley and Julian were still in that weird post break up maybe get back together phase.

"It's not Lucas' is it?" Brooke snapped, surprising both Peyton and Haley.

Haley and Peyton looked at each other knowingly and then towards Brooke.

"What?" Brooke asked annoyed.

"Well, we can save that for a later conversation." Haley winked over towards Peyton and then turned back to Brooke.

"Brooke, Lucas is one of my best friends."

"Wait Hales, so who's the father?" Peyton asked.

"Yeah." Brooke added. "If it's not Julian or Lucas.."

"Oh my God!" Peyton exclaimed and turned to Brooke. "Don't tell me.."

"Holy Shit!" Brooke replied back. "It's that bartender guy from Tric.. umm.. what's his name.. Chase.."

Both Peyton and Haley gave her a confused look.

"Owen?" Brooke added.

"Brooke!" Haley admonished.

"Yeah, Brooke!" Peyton slapped her upside the head. "Hooking up with bartenders is your thing.. who else would Haley sleep with?"

Brooke threw dirty looks at Peyton as she soothed the back of her head.

"No.. no.. no." Brooke was finally catching on. "Don't tell me..Nathan?"

"…."

"Nathan!" Brooke said louder.

"SHHH!!!" Haley told her to keep her voice down.

"Oh my God, Nathan Scott!" Brooke said in a much quieter tone. "But how, when ? HOW!?"

"Keep your voice down." Haley looked around and luckily there wasn't that many people around them and there were sitting in a secluded area outside.

"I'm with Brooke, Hales. What's going on? How did this happen and are you sure?" Peyton asked.

"I'm sure." Haley sighed and then she proceeded to tell them everything that had been happening over the past few months.

. . . . .

"Are you sure?" Clay asked.

"For the millionth time, yes." Nathan replied annoyed. They were currently in Clay's office, arguing again for the last ten minutes.

"I went to that stupid premiere, I had Alex go to my games.. that's it I'm, done. I told you that I don't want to do this anymore.. in fact, I never wanted to do this in the first place."

"But think about it Nathan. If you're trying to protect Haley, then you breaking up with Alex will just bring attention to both of you."

"As opposed to now where the press already thinks we're going out." Nathan fired back. "Look Clay, no matter what the press will find out, but I'll do my best to keep Haley and the baby off the limelight for as long as possible."

"Fine, I can't change your mind but you're not fooling anyone Nathan."

"What're you talking about?"

"If we're going to do this, you got to start being honest with me at least."

"I have been honest with you."

"Are you kidding? Yeah, you may have kept me in the loop but why is it only in the past few weeks that I am hearing about Haley or your brother? Huh?"

"Clay.." Nathan whined.

"No Nathan, you say Haley was an ex-girlfriend and that things ended bad.. how bad was it?"

"It was bad, okay. I screwed up, there you happy."

"And now?"

"Now, I'm still screwing up and Alex is one of them."

"Why is it so hard for you to admit that Haley is just not some ex girlfriend?" Clay almost wanted to laugh.

"She's the mother of my child dumbass."

"Oh no no my friend. Admit it, you love her and I have a gnawing suspicion that you've always loved her."

"Look Dr. Phil.."

"See, you're trying to dodge the question."

"You're my agent not my counselor."

"No Nathan, I'm your friend and as both your agent and your friend, I'm trying to do what's best for you but you need to let me know what's up. What is it you want?"

"I told you, I want this whole arrangement with Alex over with."

"I'm not talking about just that, what do you want Nathan?"

"What I want is Alex gone, what I want is for Haley to not look at me with disappointment in her eyes. I want my brother to actually trust that I'm trying to do the right, I want my dad to stop calling me, I want Haley! Okay, you happy? I want her, I love her, I've always loved her!" Nathan said fuming. "But all of that means crap because she doesn't love me. I've hurt her enough and the only thing I can do is prove to her that I won't be a bastard of a father as my own dad!"

Clay studied Nathan for a moment before taking a seat. "That's all I wanted to hear."

"What're you trying to do to me?" Nathan sat down as well and shook his head, his heart racing. He can't believe he just told Clay all of that. He knew he'd been stressed trying to figure things out, he just didn't know he'd explode like that.

"I'm trying to get you to be honest with me and for the first time in a long time, I think you are. You know, this might come as a surprise but I know a thing or two about love."

"Really? You?" Nathan snorted.

"Yes, I do but that's neither here nor there at the moment." Clay tapped his pen. "Now Nate, I need to know, we had a plan to renew your contract, so what's the deal? The agency is still working on it but I need to know if plans have changed."

"I.. I don't know." Nathan answered after a moment of silence. "I love the game.. I do.. but somehow along the way.. things changed."

"You mean Haley?"

"Yes but it's more than that." Nathan shook his head. "Even before I found out about the pregnancy it hasn't been the same and I don't know maybe this baby is a sign."

"A sign of what?"

"That I need to start thinking things over." Nathan said softly. "I want to be part of my child's life but Haley is in Tree Hill and I'm here .. I can't just ask her to uproot her life and come here."

"Why not?"

"I told you, I hurt her enough."

"What did you to do her exactly?" Clay asked curiously.

Nathan didn't want to relieve old wounds but Clay had a point. Clay needed to know. If he wanted Haley to trust in him again then he would need all the help he could get. "You know how I was supposed to play at Duke?"

Clay nodded.

"Well Haley was going to follow me but as you know, it didn't work out and when I left for Maryland, I broke up with her. I didn't want her to follow me, she already sacrificed her dream school to go to Duke and I couldn't let her do that again. She deserved more, she still deserves more." Nathan said softly.

"I'm sorry, Nate." Clay leaned forward. "We'll keep working with the Sonics to get you a deal, but you and Haley need to figure things out."

"I know, I plan on going back to Tree Hill tomorrow, I got the weekend free."

"Smart move, who knows how Alex might take the news.. ehh forget Alex, I'm more worried about Miranda."

"Clay, I don't need to tell you what's at stake here."

"Don't worry, I know."

Just then, Clay's phone went off and he picked it up. "Hello… okay.. send her in." Clay hung up the phone and turned to Nathan.

"Show time."

. . . . .

She told them her visiting Nathan at the hospital after the accident, her random hook up with Nathan, how she went to San Francisco with Lucas to tell Nathan, how Nathan followed her back to Tree Hill. How Julian was beyond pissed and still wasn't talking to her. By the end of it all, Haley was in near tears, her emotions getting the best of her.

Peyton and Brooke were at her sides, trying their best to soothe her.

"I'm sorry to be such a mess but with the pregnancy and then telling Nathan and then Lucas, then Julian found out and my mom .. I .."

"Shhh!" Peyton spoke up. "It's okay Hales."

"Yeah Hales, it's a lot to take in." Brooke added.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner but it was just too much to admit it to myself… telling Nathan alone was so hard."

"Hales, it's okay. We understand." Peyton added.

"But Nathan, Hales?" Brooke questioned.

"Brooke not now." Peyton chided.

"No it's okay." Haley composed herself. "Look, whatever you're thinking of, don't think I didn't think of it too. It's Nathan for crying out loud."

"How does he feel about it?" Peyton asked.

"He was shocked.. but actually really supportive."

"Really?" Brooke couldn't believe it.

"He apologized for everything and wants to be a part of this baby's life."

"Are we talking about the same Nathan Scott who left you high and dry with not so much as a care in the world?" Brooke replied.

"Brooke.." Peyton warned again.

"I'm sorry Hales, I'm just trying to figure him out, he comes into town knocks you up and expect the three of you to be one big happy family."

"Brooke, just because I'm having his baby doesn't mean that Nathan and I are getting back together again."

"Well I would hope not since he's dating Alex DuPre." Brooke replied.

"Umm.. about that.." Haley spoke.

"Haley, what else aren't you telling us?" Peyton's eyebrows raised.

. . . . .

Alex came breezing through the hallway and entered Clay's office.

"Nathan .. Clay." Alex took a seat next to Nathan. "What's up?"

"Alex good to see you again." Clay smiled. "There's something we wanted to discuss with you."

"Yeah?"

"The thing is Alex, I don't think this is working out anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"Nathan's been real busy lately and it's hard for him to go out with you and all your functions."

"So let me get this straight, you guys just used me and now your throwing me off to the side?" Alex was annoyed.

"No Alex, it's not like that. Shoot, Nathan doesn't even have a contract with the Sonics yet."

"Alex." Nathan finally spoke up. "As you know, I was against this from the start, I wanted to the Sonics to sign me because of me and my abilities not who I was going out with. I'm.. I'm sorry."

"And what about me?"

"Alex.." Clay piped in. "You're a talented actress before you met Nathan and you're still going to be a great actress."

"No.. something is wrong here." Alex shook her head.

"Alex.."

"Clay.. I'd like a minute with Nathan."

"But.."

"Clay, it's okay." Nathan turned to Clay.

"You sure?" Clay asked.

"Yeah."

Clay reluctantly got up and headed for the door.

"Now Nathan.." Alex stood up and started to pace across the office. "We've known each other for several weeks now.. I know we were putting on a show for the press but I'd like to think we are at least friends.., more than friends actually." Alex stood behind Nathan and put her hands on his broad shoulders.

. . . . .

"You guys can pick you jaws from up the floors now." Haley tried to joke.

Brooke and Peyton were once again stunned into silence.

"I don't know what to say." Peyton finally commented.

"For once I agree with you." Brooke added. "But I can't say I'm surprised, I know people in Hollywood do this all the time but Nathan?" Brooke shook her head.

"Yeah I know." Haley replied. "It was already hard enough to think of him with another woman but this, I don't know. All this does is make me worry.. worry about Nathan's celebrity and how it'll affect me and our baby."

"But he say's he's ending it right?" Peyton added.

"Yeah but that doesn't change anything."

"As much as I hate the guy, you guys do need to figure things out." Brooke added.

"I know, Nathan left a message, he's supposed to be coming to Tree Hill tomorrow."

"Really?" Brooke smirked and turned to Peyton.

"Whatever you two are thinking about, don't!" Haley warned. "Things are already complicated as it is."

"We're not going to do anything." Brooke sweetly replied.

"I mean if we happen to see him." Peyton added.

"Yeah." Brooke nodded. "I mean, wouldn't it be great if we just have a sleep over at your house Hales, it'll be like high school. We can catch up some more.."

"And if Nathan passes by tomorrow…" Peyton added.

"We can say hi to him." Brooke gave an evil grin.

. . . . .

"Okay?" Nathan got up from his seat and jumped over to the next one. He didn't like it when other people touched him.

"So I want to know? Why now?"

"Honestly, plans change. That's it Alex, I swear."

"I'm actually getting tired of the whole charade myself. I mean there's a lot of fish in the sea.. and well you're not biting." Alex smiled at him playfully. "But my manager will have a problem with that and you met Miranda. She's tough as nails but she gets the job done. I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for her."

"Okay, so what do you want Alex?"

"It's not about what I want, it's about getting Miranda both off our backs about canceling our arrangement."

"And how do we do that?"

"Well first you are going to tell me why your plans suddenly have changed?"

"Alex, it's personal."

"Like that personal trip you took to your home town a few weeks ago?" Alex smiled. "Don't let the pretty face fool you, I suspected something was up with you now what is it? If you want my help in ending this arrangement, you got to meet me half way."

Nathan studied Alex for a moment, unsure if he should tell her or not. But keeping the truth had only managed to hurt him.

"Fine, there's a girl.. and she's pregnant.. with my child."

Alex started laughing. "Really?"

"Alex, this isn't funny."

"No, I'm just surprised that's all."

"Yeah, you and me both."

"Don't tell me.. it was that girl you claimed was the masseuse?"

"…."

"Haha.. oh well at least she's hot." Alex shrugged. "I can't say I'm a little hurt Nate." Alex went to sit on his lap. "I mean, you go after some small town girl when I was here all along."

Nathan pushed his chair back and got up, distancing himself from Alex.

"She's more than just a small town girl."

"Well that explains it."

"Explains what?"

"You know, I couldn't figure you out but now I'm starting to see. I mean how many times have you turned me down? I thought you were gay or something." Alex laughed. "I actually thought that's why you needed my help."

"What?"

"I mean you and Clay seem pretty close."

"Alex.."

"Haha.. relax Nathan, I was just joking around. Geez, loosen up."

"So now you know, look I don't need to tell you what'll happen if the press finds out about this… they'll hound her and that won't be good for her or the baby." Nathan pleaded.

"You're right. "Alex nodded. But the thing is that I need to tell Miranda this."

"Alex, you can't."

"Wait, before you get your jockstrap in a bunch, I have an idea."

"What?"

"Miranda isn't just going to let this one go, to her you're just some guy who knocked some girl up and is screwing over her client. I on the other hand wouldn't mind going out and playing the field again. So that's why, I'm giving you this." Alex reached into her purse and gave Nathan a USB Flashdrive.

"What is this?"

"Inside you'll find a homemade movie?"

"Home made movie?"

"Of me and Chris Keller, from when I went to his concert. I went to the after party, had some cocktails, he sang to me and yeah.."

"Eww.." Nathan didn't need that mental image.

"The point is, we'll end our deal .. we won't say anything about the baby.. you won't leak my sex tape."

"Deal." Nathan smirked. "Let me tell Clay the plan."

"Wait, Nathan."

Nathan turned around.

"If this girl wasn't pregnant … did I have a shot?"

"Not for a second." Nathan smirked as he headed out of the office to grab Clay.

To Be Continued . .. .