The Search For Something More
Chapter 12 - You Know I Love You, Don't You
Thank you guys for the reviews. I know some thought that Nathan declaring his love was a little too soon but then again it's Naley, when haven't they not waited. There is a little explanation in this chapter how Nathan declared his love like that. Now I have some bad news, I recently had an accident and I may have fractured one of the bones on my foot among other injuries. This can not come at a worst time as you can imagine. Things are really starting to heat up in this story and I really enjoyed writing this chapter. There are some light hearted moments and some serious moments and some heart warming moments. This chapter really gets the ball moving. It's actually very long that I didn't even include a flashback but I think the chapter works well without it anyways. I'm going to try my best to get the next chapter up ASAP but I need to rest and I can't really type on my bed. Tom, I'm getting a CAT scan done and hopefully I didn't fracture anything. So please send your love and your thoughts as it helps me get through the pain. Like I said, I'm a but injured which is why I didn't update sooner and I tried my best to clean up any grammar mistakes.
On a side note, I liked the last nights episode better than last week's but I still don't like the sara 2.0 storyline as well as the focus on grubbs and Miranda. I find it funny that Alex is in a fake relationship to bolster her career? Hmm sound familiar, lol. I knew the writers on the show were heading in that direction and which is why I incorporated it into this story. I don't know if I'm buying Haley's depression, I mean I know losing a parent is tough. I lost one when I was very young and to this day it can still bring me to tears so it's not like I don't know what she's going through, I guess it's the severity of it that I'm not buying. I can understand her slacking off work and stuff but the piano on fire thing was a little intense. Luckily Joy and James are great and they were able to sell that scene to me. I'm hoping Nathan steps up to the plate. Also, nice to see Brooke being funny, sexy and bubbly instead of jealousy and being mopey. Millie was actually not too bad and Mouth is doing the right thing. He needs to back off from Lauren. So please please support One Tree Hill. There might only be 2 episodes EVER ! We can't let that happen! Please continue to support the show!
Enjoy and please review !
. . . . .
"So what you think?" Nathan asked, not bother to say hi to Lucas as he entered the house.
"I'm thinking that security guard at the gate is wondering why you're trespassing." Lucas stepped inside the empty house. "Hi by the way." Lucas added with a hint of annoyance.
Nathan rolled his eyes and motioned for him to follow him.
"By the way, I passed by your hotel, there's a bunch of press outside, what's going on?"
"A sex tape of Alex got leaked to the press."
"What? You guys made a sex tape?!"
"No not with me.. with Chris Keller."
"Chris Keller?" Lucas squinted.
Nathan nodded. "Yeah him and he leaked it.. now the press are dubbing it as the reason why we broke up or some crap like that. I don't care. Those vultures are just dying for a statement from me." Nathan stated. Luckily, he saw them before they saw him and he sneaked out using a different exit.
"Damn, Chris Keller?" Lucas shook his head. "What're you going to say?"
"Nothing, doesn't affect me. To everyone, Alex and I have been over, this is her problem and me saying something will just bring the focus back on me which is the last thing I need."
"So just like that, you think they're going to go away?"
"I hope so, my agent told me not to say anything. He's on his way to the airport to come here as we speak."
"And here would be?" Lucas questioned as he followed Nathan inside the empty house.
"You got the kitchen here." Nathan pointed to the kitchen on his right. "And then you got a nice family room here and behind us is a sweet backyard with a pool." Nathan pointed to the back. "There's a bedroom slash den down that hallway as well as a half bath and upstairs there's three more bedrooms."
"Umm.. I'm going to take a wild guess here… you're thinking of buying this place?"
Nathan rolled his eyes; Lucas could be so slow sometimes. "Not shit Sherlock, so what you think?"
"I think it's a nice house.. a little big don't you think?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean all this space just for you."
"And the baby you moron.." Nathan shook his head. "Now I know what you're thinking.."?
"You don't want to know what I'm thinking.." Lucas muttered under his breath.
"Little baby.. pool, don't worry, I'll fence it up or something but when he's older, I know he's going to love it."
"Wait.. did you just say he?" Lucas whipped his head around.
Nathan sported a shit eating grin. "Yep.. we just found out.. it's a boy!"
"Wow.. shoot." Lucas laughed. "Congrats man.." The two pumped fists.
"Thanks man, a boy!" Nathan beamed, which Lucas noticed. "You know, there's a room upstairs, it has this baby blue plaid wall paper up already, I think it'd make for a great nursery."
Lucas never saw him so happy, which made what he was going to say all the sadder.
"Whoa, have you talked to Haley about setting up a nursery?"
"No but we need to set one up.. the baby's coming in a couple of months."
"So you and the baby.. in a three… four bedroom house?"
"Yeah." Nathan cleared his throat.
"Nathan.."
"What? Luke, it gives me space to grow into.."
"A house seems a bit much."
"What're you talking about, it's a house."
"I figured you'd get your own place in Tree Hill, I just thought hat maybe you'd get a condo or something but a big house like this, it's setting up roots, what's going on?" Lucas questioned.
Nathan sighed and placed his hands on the kitchen counter and looked down, there was no point in beating around the bush. "I told her I loved her." Nathan said softly.
"You did not?!" Lucas threw his hands up.
Nathan looked up and looked at Lucas straight in the eye. "I told her I want to be a family.. me.. her.. the baby."
"Nathan, why would you say something like that?"
"Why shouldn't I? It's the truth." Nathan shook his head. "I'm tired of putting aside my feelings .. I thought I could do this but after finding out we're having a boy.. I can't.. I can't hold back anymore."
"And I'm sure Haley was thrilled." Lucas said sarcastically.
"No but it's okay. I don't expect her to just come running back into my arms. I'm not an idiot, I know it's going to take time."
"Are you hearing yourself? Do I need to remind you that you live across the country, or that you travel half the year, or wait let me see." Lucas paused for dramatic effect. "Oh yeah that's right, the fact that you broke her heart!"
"I know that!" Nathan replied back. "I didn't say I had everything figured out but I love her Luke .. I can't help that."
"I know you do but that doesn't change anything you've done!"
"Don't you think that's her decision to make?"
"Trust me, from someone who's actually been there for most of her life, you're not going to like the answer. Nate, I'm happy that you're stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility for your son but you and Haley.." Lucas shook his head.
"I know I hurt her and I wasn't there but I'm here now."
"Are you? Cuz last time I checked, you're here until your next game." Lucas fired back. "You say you love her, you say you want her back and you're right it is up to Haley but do you really think she'll fall in love with you all over again, after all you've put her through."
"You may want to hit me in the face again but I was hurting too Luke.."
"You're right, I do." Lucas clenched his fist.
"But you were there, you remember how we were, I'm not asking you for your blessing but can you honestly say that there's been anyone else who's made her that happy? If there's a chance it can happen, then I have to take it."
Lucas thought about it and his mind flashbacked to all the times he saw of Nathan and Haley, how happy both of them were. He saw first hand the incredible change that happened between the two of them and between him and Nathan. "Fine Nathan." Lucas put his hands up in mock surrender. "But you're going to be digging up old wounds and it's not pretty.. and I'm sure it's something Haley doesn't need right now."
"I know.." Nathan looked down. "I know that I can't just make her fall back in love with me." Nathan shook his head. "I just have to show her that I'm here and I'm not going anywhere and then she'll know." Nathan looked his brother straight in the eye.
"Know what?"
"That she's always loved me."
. . . . . .
"Haley!" Peyton called out as she headed upstairs towards Haley's room.
"Go away." She mumbled putting her pillow over her head. The whole day had been draining with talking with her mother and of course Nathan. The bright spot in all this was that she finally knew the sex of the baby.
"Aww, Hales, were you sleeping?" Peyton stepped inside.
"Not really." Haley took the pillow off her face. "Just a long day."
"And?" Peyton took a seat on Haley's bed.
"It's a boy." Haley smiled.
"Oh that's so great!" The two hugged. "Although, I'm pretty sure Brooke was hoping for a girl."
"She would." Haley laughed. "Speaking of which, where is she?"
"Oh, I'd stay clear of her if I were you."
"How come?"
"She got inspired today to do a maternity line, I had to practically yell at her to not come over here and start measuring you."
"Oh lord, thanks." Haley laughed. "Well I am in need of new clothes."
"Yeah, you will."
Haley paused and looked down at her belly. "I told her.. my mom that is."
"Oh? How'd she take it?"
"Better than expected, actually with my mom, you never know what you're going to get."
"And what does she feel about Nathan being the father?" Peyton questioned.
"Pretty okay. She actually told me that I owe it to myself to see if there's something there with Nathan.. you know, romantically.."
"She said that?" Peyton was a little surprised.
"Yeah, she said that after I told her that Nathan told me he loves me and wants us to be a family."
"Whoa." Peyton shook her head. "He said, what?! I can't believe him."
"Yeah so all in all a busy day." Haley laid back down on her pillow.
Peyton gave her a small smile. "You want to talk about it."
"No, I'm all talked out.. what I want actually is some food."
Peyton nodded in agreement. She knew Haley had a lot to deal with and sometimes doing the best thing for someone is knowing when to take a step back. When Haley was ready to talk, Peyton would be there. "Let's grab some dinner."
. . . . .
::Knock Knock::
"Come in." Dan called out.
"Here are the budget reports you requested." Renee walked over to his desk and handed him the folders. "My contact at the real estate office also gave me this." Renee pulled out another folder. "This is the property Nathan requested to look at today."
"Thank you." Dan took the reports. "Are the reporters still outside the hotel?"
"Yes, they found out that Nathan made a reservation there but no one has seen him."
"Ok, call the police commissioner and send a unit out there to disperse the press. I'm sure the last thing Nathan wants is media coverage over some ex bimbo girlfriend."
"I'll get on it." Renee nodded her head. "My contact at the airlines informed me that Nathan is due to fly back to Seattle in a few days . Do you want me to fly back there?"
"No." Dan replied.
Renee looked at Dan curiously.
"I just assumed that you want still want me to keep an eye on Nathan."
"The season's almost over, Nathan's looking into a house." Dan looked through the property report. "Nathan's coming home." Dan smiled.
Dan pulled an envelope of cash from his drawer and handed it to Renee. "You're a great secretary and this is all for that over time you've done for me."
"Thank you, Mr. Scott .. but how about Lucas, he's supposed to go to New York to meet with his publisher?"
"No, it's okay." Dan leaned back in his chair. "In fact, I don't think I'll need you do anything else.. both my sons are home, everything's coming together." Dan sat back on his chair.
Renee gave him a tight smile. "Well I'm here if you need anything." Renee turned around and headed out of his office. Once she was alone, Renee took out her phone and dialed a number but no one picked up and it went to voice mail.
"Hey, it's me. We have a problem."
. . . . .
Haley walked up to Lucas' red door by his bedroom and slowly turned the knob. As quiet as she could, she walked into Lucas' room and on his bed. She found him buried under the sheets.
Pouncing on top of him, "Wake up loser!" Haley pulled the covers and was shocked to find that it wasn't Lucas underneath the sheets.
Nathan opened his eyes and found Haley straddling him. Grinning from ear to ear, he grabbed onto the side of her thighs.
"Morning babe." He smirked.
"Nathan!" Haley shrieked and quickly got off of him. This hasn't happened since college, she thought.
"Damn, that wasn't a dream."Nathan muttered and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
"What're you doing here?"
"I slept over." Nathan got up and stretched. Haley quickly turned away, the image of Nathan in only his boxers was something she definitely didn't need at the moment.
"Why? And where's Luke?" Haley tried to look at the wall and not as his chiseled abs.
"Morning to you too." He smirked and bent down to talk to her belly. "How's my little baller today?" Nathan cooed to his son and then stood back up, Haley looked pissed.
"Would you put some clothes?" Haley huffed.
Nathan bit his tongue, he didn't want to tick her off anymore, especially since he wasn't expecting to see her this morning. He went over to a nearby chair and grabbed his jeans and put it on.
"You still haven't answered me."
Nathan chuckled. "I spent the night on the couch, Lucas had to open the café this morning so I decided to trade the couch for his bed, you know for my back." Nathan rubbed his back.
Haley cursed to herself, not only for checking Nathan out but that she completely forgot Karen was out of town. She took the weekend off and hasn't been at the café for a couple days, damn pregnancy hormones making her forget things.
"And why did you sleep over in the first place?" Haley crossed her arms.
"The press was outside my hotel, I didn't want to give them a chance to ambush me."
"Why are they here?" Haley questioned.
"They probably want to question me about the sex tape of Alex and Chris Keller that went viral on the web."
"Are you serious?" Haley questioned.
Nathan nodded.
"Chris Keller.. that's so.. weird."
"Tell me about it and he released it! I remember when you and Peyton were all ga-ga eyed over him."
"I was not ga-ga eyed!" Haley protested. "That was Peyton." Haley added.
Nathan chuckled. "Whatever you need to tell yourself."
"So what does this mean for you?"
"Like I told Luke, nothing." Nathan shrugged. "I told you that I would end things with her and I have. The rest of the world can gossip all they want but I'm not going to feed the hype. Whatever Alex does is on her."
Haley nodded in understanding.
"And what brings you here?" Nathan questioned as he took one of Lucas' t-shirts and put it on. It was a little snug but if fit him. "You always wake Luke up with a lap dance?" He meant it to sound like a joke but a hint of annoyance and jealousy came out.
"Oh get your head out of the gutter Scott.. I just wanted to see if he wanted to get breakfast, I never did get a chance to talk to him yesterday."
"Well Lucas, should be back in a bit. Let's see if we can scrounge up some breakfast." He motioned her to follow him. Haley hesitated for a second but getting food in her stomach was more pressing at the moment.
Haley sat by the kitchen table as Nathan peered in the fridge. Haley tried to look away but his butt looked so good, as he leaned over. Haley mentally kicked herself, she really needed to get a handle of her raging hormones.
Nathan placed a bottle of milk and orange juice in front her as well as a bowl. Then, he started to raid through the cabinets,
" Alright, we got Dip-n-Dots, no G. Snack-pack puddin', no G. And my personal favourite, Cap'ain Crunch, no T."
Haley couldn't help but laugh as Nathan placed the items in front of her.
"Basically, foods missing consonants."
Haley laughed again, pleasantly surprised it wasn't as awkward as their last conversation yesterday. This side of Nathan, so care free and relaxed, she hadn't seen in a while.
"You know, I used to love snarfing down Cap'ain Crunch; watching Saturday morning cartoons when I was a kid."
"What, was that, like, a year ago?" Nathan teased as he poured some milk and cereal into his bowl.
She gave him a dirty look but with a small smirk tugging at the corners of her lip.
"How can I be so young… and feel so old. It's like I-I never thought that I would have this many big questions on my plate by now."
"I know how you feel." Nathan nodded in agreement. "About yesterday Hales.. Finding about your dad and then finding out that we're having a boy, I got caught up in the moment, I'm sorry about what happened, I didn't want to upset your or make you mad."
"So the part about you loving me and wanting us to be a family was just in the heat of the moment?" Haley bit back.
"No, I meant all those things." Nathan quickly replied with conviction. "But I also know I hurt you .. a lot and I know that seeing me is enough to bring back all those painful memories. I'm sorry that I just sprung it on you like that, that's all."
Haley looked down and started swirling her spoon in her bowl.
"I don't know what you want me to say Nathan."
"Well it'd be nice if you told me you loved me too." He said with a mischievous grin but she stayed silent with her head down.
"But honestly, Hales, you don't need to say anything. I just want you to know where I stand, I know you hate for all the mess I've caused."
"I don't hate you Nathan." Haley said softly. "You hurt me .. badly .. and for all the wrong reasons but I can't be mad about you about this." Haley placed her hand on her belly. "I was so scared when I found out I was pregnant .. actually I'm still scared." Haley gave a nervous chuckle and Nathan smiled back. "But I don't know.. I just love him already.. it's a piece of me.. of us growing inside me."
"I know the feeling." Nathan replied and cleared his throat, this was as good of a time to tell her. "I want to let you know that I've been looking into getting a place in Tree Hill."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, the baby is going to be here in a couple of months and I don't want to be spending my time crashing at Luke's or at some hotel."
"But Seattle?"
"Basketball season is over in a few weeks, I wish it were sooner but unfortunately, I'm under contract but once the season is over, I'll be back here for good in time for the baby to arrive."
"And next season?"
"Honestly, I don't know. The Sonics haven't given me my contract yet and I already told my agent to field some offers from the teams on the East coast… like the Bobcats." Nathan said softly.
"You're going to transfer to Charlotte?"
"Maybe, I don't know. I told you Hales, you and the baby is what matters and Charlotte isn't very far from here .. I don't want you to feel like you're doing this on your own." Nathan reached over to her and squeezed her hand.
"Thank.. thank you Nathan.. that means a lot." Haley pulled her hand back and cleared her throat. "But I don't want you to get the wrong idea Nathan, just because we're going to be parents doesn't mean we're back together."
"I know that but I still love you and the baby either way." He gave her a warm smile that sent her heart racing. "I know this baby will bring us closer together but anything more than that, I want it to be for the right reasons. I don't want our son to go through what I did. My mom and my dad got married for all the wrong reasons, mainly because my mom was pregnant with me and my grandparents forced it, and look what happened. They had this illusion of love but all it did was make every one miserable." Nathan shook his head. "My mom's been in and out of rehab and my dad.. well he's still an ass." Nathan gave a nervous chuckle.
Haley nodded in quiet appreciation. It was clear to her Nathan spent a lot of time reflecting over things and wasn't trying to use their baby as a means for them to get back together. Letting Nathan back in her life again was one thing, but opening her heart to him was something else quiet different. Things were getting too close for comfort and Haley desperately needed a change of pace.
"So you and Luke have been spending some time together?" Haley decided to change topics and took another spoonful of her cereal.
"If you call me beating his ass in basketball and playing X-box, spending time together then yeah." He smirked.
Haley chuckled. "I can imagine the two of you going at it but I'm .. I'm really glad that you two have found together again."
"So you don't mind me sharing your best friend?" He smirked.
Haley paused and bit her lips nervously. "Can I tell you something?"
"What?" Nathan raised his eyebrows.
"I remember when I was tutoring you and how mad Luke was."
"He was pretty pissed as I recalled."
"And then I started having feelings for you and it was like this back and forth thing between the both of you. I felt like a tennis ball sometimes."
"Yeah, I remember." Nathan grimaced.
"The point is, I knew that if you guys would just put your differences aside, you'll see that the other isn't the enemy and that something great would be there."
"That was some gamble you took on us."
"Well as much as my sister Taylor and I go at, she's still my sister and I do love her. You and Luke are brothers, you guys should be together. Back in high school, I thought to myself, even if you and I didn't work out, at least the two of you would still have each other." Haley smiled.
Nathan smiled back. "I took everyone I ever cared about for granted." Nathan's smile fell but he quickly rebounded. "I won't make that mistake again.. but you Hales.. you not only gave me a brother but a son as well.. you gave me family, I'll.. I'll never be able to thank you enough."
Haley was about to say something when her face suddenly scrunched up and her hands fell to her stomach.
"Haley?!" Are you okay?" Nathan started to get worried and stood up and bent down next to her. "Is it the baby?"
"Yes but..." Haley raised her oversized sweater and placed his hand a top her swollen belly. "I've felt him move before but not.. not like this."
Nathan's eyes went wide in awe as he felt distinct jabs and presses against his hand.
"That's normal right?" Nathan said nervously.
Haley smiled. "Yeah, it is."
"Wow.. look at him go." Nathan replied as he felt his son kick.
Haley laughed. "I know, he got some legs there.."
"That's my boy!" Nathan beamed.
"Wow, it's like he's playing soccer or something."
"Soccer Hales?" Nathan questioned her. "No way is our son playing soccer."
Haley playfully rolled her eyes but she was all smiles again as they felt their son move and flail about.
Unbeknownst to them, Lucas quietly entered the house and spotted the two of them in the kitchen. He stood in the sidelines and watched them smile and fawn over their baby son. The sight tugged at the strings of Lucas' heart. He never saw Nathan so happy nor Haley. He was still scared and worried over his best friend. Nathan had hurt her so badly and part of him was in denial that she never moved on from Nathan. She may have dated Julian for a few years but most of the time it was a long distance relationship with her on the west coast and he on the east. He knew Julian made her happy but Lucas wasn't blind. The spark and passion was never really there, not like what Haley had with Nathan.
The smile Haley currently had on her face was something he hadn't seen in over five years. It was funny, when Nathan and Haley first started going out in high school, he was their biggest opponent but by the end, he supported his brother and Haley to the fullest. He used to think their love was epic and grand. Everyone around them could see how happy and in love they were, so it was a big shot in the gut when their relationship ended. As much as he hated to admit it, maybe Nathan was right all along. For the sake of all three of them, he hoped that Nathan won't screw up again and the three of them could be the family they all deserved.
Deciding to let the proud parents-to-be have their moment, Lucas stepped back outside just in time to see a cab pull up. Lucas watched curiously as a man about his height with spikey hair and a goofy grin came walking up to his footsteps.
"You must be Lucas." Clay smiled as stuck out his hand.
"And you must be Clay." Lucas replied back and shook his hand.
"You know the last few weeks, Nathan's been non-stop talking about you."
"Good things I hope." Lucas smiled politely.
"You know I read up about you.. you were a great player back in the day.. helped Nathan win the state championship."
"More like Nathan helped me out." Lucas quickly replied.
Clay laughed. "You know, I would never guess you two were brothers." Clay took in Lucas' appearance, he was blond haired and Nathan was dark but they both shared similar blue eyes. "But I see it now.. that Scott cockiness."
"Lucas is that you?"
Luke turned his head around and heard Nathan calling out for him.
A second later, Nathan appeared on the patio.
"Clay." Nathan smiled as he saw his agent. "Come in guys, Luke you got to see this, the baby is kicking up a storm."
Clay and Luke followed Nathan inside and Luke immediately went over to Haley. "So how's my little nephew?" Luke smiled at Haley.
"You're going to be this kid's favorite Uncle." Haley smiled back.
"I better." Luke laughed and stood up. It seems that his unborn nephew finally calmed down.
"Haley, you remember Clay?" Nathan motioned to Clay.
"Yes I do." Haley gave a tight smile. "You accused me of being a gold digger and a bitch."
Clay laughed nervously. "Only cuz my client here never bothered to share details." Clay gave Nathan a pointed look. "I'm sorry about that Haley but you look radiant. Congratulations on having a son." Clay turned on the charm.
Haley smiled. "You're forgiven and you're welcome."
The rest of the morning went smoothly. Luke grabbed some pastries from his car and the four had breakfast and chatted. Afterwards, Haley felt a little tired and both brothers insisted that Haley take a nap in Lucas' room. Haley closed the door behind her as the guys starting talking sports. She made her way over to Lucas' bed and turned to her side and hugged one of Lucas' pillows. She was surprised to smell Nathan's scent on the pillow. It seems that he still used the same aftershave as he did in high school. Haley sighed at the memory and hugged the pillow tighter before drifting off to a peaceful slumber.
. . . . .
"Rachel, I'm home!" Renee called out as she entered their apartment.
"Hey Babe." The red headed vixen got up from the couch and greeted her lover. The two shared a kiss and Rachel led Renee over to the couch.
"This is the money Dan paid me." Renee reached into her purse and handed Rachel the envelope full of money. "But did you get my message?"
"Yeah, I did." Rachel counted the hundreds inside.
"That's it we're screwed. Dan doesn't need me anymore."
"That's okay." Rachel reassured her.
"Okay?" Renee stood up. "I don't know about you but I like how we're living but we won't be able to keep this up with me just working as Dan's secretary … unless you want to go back to dancing on polls." Renee bit back.
"Sweety, you worry too much." Rachel got up and pecked her lips. "Look, we know that Dan wouldn't keep paying us forever. That's why we have a back up plan."
"Some pictures of me and Nathan won't do anything.. in fact, I'm sure Dan will blow a gasket when he finds out that I actually interacted with Nathan."
"Don't worry about that. Nathan sees fans all the time, I'm sure he doesn't remember you. Besides we don't need Dan anyways, I figured out how we're going to make so much money that neither of us will have to lift a finger again."
"And what's this brilliant plan of your's?"
"I know someone who has much deeper pockets than Dan Scott." Rachel smirked and took the remote control and hired up the volume.
"Hello everyone, Maria Menounos here with today's latest entertainment headlines. As you know, a sex tape of musician Chris Keller and actress Alex DuPre was leaked on the internet. As of yet, no statements have been released by either camps. DuPre recently got out of a romance with Sonics Player Nathan Scott. Reps for Dupre and Scott both say the break up was mutual but the rumor mill is buzzing that DuPre's hook up with Keller was the reason for the break up. But reporters caught up with Nathan in his hometown of Tree Hill and this is what he had to say."
The screen turned to reporters outside Nathan's hotel, with Nathan and Clay walking through the crowd.
"Are you back home to mend your heart after Alex cheated on you?"
"Did Chris Keller break you and Alex apart?"
The press were firing questions at Nathan. Once at the entrance to the hotel, Nathan finally turned around to address the press.
"I came back to my home town to visit my brother and some friends." Nathan cleared his throat and choose his next words carefully. "Alex and I aren't together because it wasn't there. We both knew it wouldn't work out and we went our separate ways. I consider Alex a great person, a wonderful actress, and someone I consider to be a friend. Alex and I hold no grudge against each other and during this time, I'm sure if everyone would just give her some space."
"So Chris Keller didn't break you two apart?" One reporter yelled out.
"No." Nathan quickly replied and waved the cameras off as he stepped inside. Tree Hill police were on patrol outside the hotel and made sure that the press didn't go any further.
Rachel turned the television off and then turned back to Renee.
"Well I give Nathan credit, he is visiting his brother and friends .. too bad he left the part about visiting his baby mama." Rachel grinned and Renee started to catch on.
"We don't need Dan." Renee muttered.
"Exactly!" Rachel replied. "How much do you think Nathan Scott will pay to keep his little love child a secret?" She smirked.
To Be Continued . . . .