Chapter 22 – Pictures of You
I had an idea of what I wanted this chapter to be and then for some reason, something completely different took over, lol. I also anticipated a shorter chapter too but for some reasons, it just kept going on for pages and pages lol. Now there is a relationship in this chapter that I barely write about but for some reason, it worked and I hope you like it too. It's also been a while since I've had any flashbacks. At the beginning of the story, those flashbacks were more important but as the story progressed, I thought it better to focus in on the present since a lot of the exposition has already taken place. But this flashback will definitely help set up for this chapter as well as next chapter. Just a reminder that I did use most of season 1 as the general background for this story. Obviously they didn't get married and season 2 onward never happened. Enjoy and please review.
Nathan closed his locker shut and nearly did a double take when he saw Brooke after he closed the metal door.
"Oh it's you." Nathan remarked dryly.
"No, good morning Brooke." Brooke teased.
"Morning Brooke." Nathan rolled his eyes. He figured that playing her little game would make her go away faster.
"And no thank you.. why Nathan I'm hurt." Brooke feigned being hurt and placed a hand over her heart. "Not after everything I've done for you and Haley."
"Whatever Brooke. You're the one that made her think I passed that note around at the party." Nathan started walking away.
"While that might be true." Brooke followed him. "I did make up for it."
"Whatever." Nathan mumbled.
"And judging by the way I saw you grab Haley this morning and practically pounced on her inside Mr. Fisher's empty class room, I'd say the date was a success." Brooke smirked.
Nathan normally didn't get embarrassed but right now he was feeling a little red. Normally, he wouldn't care who saw him making out with who but the fact that it was Haley was .. different. Sure he could've made out with her in the hallway but that's not how Haley operates and he likes that. She's not with him because he's a basketball god or popular. She likes him for him, which was different but also nice. He pulled her alone for a reason, to be alone. If their disastrous dinner was any indication, it's much easier when it's just the two of them. Besides, he knew that putting Haley in the spot light like that would probably make her feel a little uncomfortable. It was bad enough that everyone was speculating about them. The popular jock and the innocent tutor had scandalous written all over it.
He knew that people would find out about their relationship.. or whatever it is they were doing. They never parted their lips long enough to actually discuss what they actually were but regardless. People will find out but until them, but it's not like he was ashamed of her, far from it but he had enough to deal with. There was his Dad, basketball and the upcoming game with Cove City. Plus everyone would be staring at him and Haley, especially all the guys. They had their chance with her now she was his, or will be his once they finally have a proper conversation about their relationship. He only knew Haley a short time but she was doing something to him, something he never felt before.
"Actually, the date was a disaster."
"What?" Brooke questioned. "How can that be? I planned that personally and hey I even threw in a shopping trip to the lingerie store just for you!"
"Well, that part didn't suck .. and you're right thank you for that." Nathan smirked. Seeing Haley's reaction when he gave her that nightgown was priceless, plus all the fantasies he had of her wearing it.
"What happened? I mean it must've went well if you two were sucking face this morning."
"Actually I messed up. .this time all on my own over dinner. I said.. well did something stupid."
"What did you do?"
"It doesn't matter." Nathan replied as the images of a hurt Haley flashed in his eyes. He could've believe he was able to hurt her .. twice in two nights.
"But I went to her house the next morning and practically begged for her forgiveness."
"Well, well, little ol' Haley James has Nathan Scott groveling on hand and foot."
Nathan rolled his eyes. "I said practically begged." He corrected. "I said I'm sorry and she forgave me and well yeah."
"See, and no love for me. It hurts Nate!"
"Whatever Brooke." Nathan shook his head. "I got to go to class."
"Look at you, going to class on time. Haley sure must be doing something to you."
"No it's you. You that I'm trying to get away from." Nathan quickly muttered and turned the corner to the next hallway.
Brooke huffed. "Well, if that's how you are, don't bother asking me for anything.."
"Brooke." Nathan scratched his head. "Look thank you."
"What?"
"I said thank you." Nathan replied. "You were a bitch for starting that shit up at my house but you did make up for it with the date. The date was actually fun until I messed it up but if it wasn't for your meddling me and Haley would probably still be dancing around the fact that we like each other so.. thank you."
"Wow, coming from you, it actually sounds genuine."
"Don't be so surprised." Nathan replied. "Besides, come to think of it, I need a girl's opinion?"
"Huh?"
"Look, the date you set up was nice and it's not like Peyton and I did that sort of stuff .. but with Haley I want to do those things.. like go on dates and stuff but we already did the whole dinner thing."
"And you need me for? "
Nathan couldn't believe this but he had no choice. Haley may forgiven his sorry ass but he definitely wanted to make up for their first failed date. "Our first date ended badly so for our next one I want it to end good .. but I just don't know what to do."
"Boys." Brooke rolled her eyes "You guys are really clueless."
"Never mind." Nathan mumbled and turned on his heels.
"You know what, since I'm in a good mood, I'll try to get some intel on what tutor girl likes."
"You know she has a real name you know?"
Brooke rolled her eyes and Nathan continued to talk. "How're you going to do that?"
"Simple, I'm going to talk to Lucas."
A week later
"So you found anything out?" Nathan walked up to Brooke.
"Geez, Nathan you scared me." Brooke clutched her chest.
"Well?" Nathan asked impatiently.
"Gosh you're worst than me when I'm shopping."
"Oh that's disturbing." Nathan shuddered. "So what you got for me?"
"Why don't you ask your girlfriend .. or better yet your brother?" Brooke teased.
"Brooke." Nathan warned.
"Fine.. fine. I was just kidding." Brooke replied. "Besides, I still don't know why you need my help. You and Haley seem to be doing. You're the talk of the town."
"Look Brooke, we've had nothing but drama the past week, especially after Cove City."
"You mean after you collapsed on the gym floor."
"Yeah, that." Nathan replied bluntly. That was a night Nathan would care to not relive. Collapsing on the floor, all he saw was Haley, all that he thought about was her. He'd been a jerk to her again and he let basketball take over. But she took him back, her beautiful heart took his sorry back. This girl who can look past all the mistakes, he's done. That night cemented their relationship, took it to a new level. It made Nathan realize that he wasn't falling for Haley James because he already had.
"Look, things with Haley and I are really good right now but I just want to do something fun and you remember who my last girlfriend was.. we didn't actually do fun. So please Brooke I'm desperate, I'm even asking you for help."
"I don't know whether or not I should be insulted or touched that you'll go so far out of your way to impress Haley."
"I'll take the latter, so you have anything for me?"
"Nathan seriously, you spent more time with Haley than me. Surely, she must've told you what she likes to do?"
"You mean other than work at the café or study." Nathan pointed out.
"True." Brooke tapped a finger against her lips. "Actually, I was with Lucas last night and he did mention something about him and Haley playing miniature golf."
"Miniature golf?" Nathan cocked his head. "That's all you got. Shit, I might as just invite Haley over and rent a movie."
"You obviously don't see the big picture." Brooke rolled her eyes. "Think about it, you're putting on the green, seeing how Haley is a klutz, she'll probably lob that golf ball into some poor kids eyes, she gets frustrated, you come up behind and her and teach her how to do the proper stance…" Brooke trailed off.
"You.. you might be on to something." Nathan was liking the idea even more. Sure he can do the same thing over a game of billiards but he wasn't sure if Haley would be down for that. At least, he knows that she likes miniature golf even though it was something she did with Lucas. But at least if they went, she would think of him instead of Lucas. That in itself was worth it.
. . . . .
"So where are you taking me to?" Haley turned to face Nathan.
Nathan gripped the steering wheel harder and tried to keep a straight face. "A surprise."
"I hate surprises." Haley huffed. "And clowns." She added. "Wait, you're not taking to a circus are you? Cuz if you are Nathan Scott then I swear.."
Nathan started cracking up. "Hales, I'm not taking you to a circus. I don't even know where a circus is."
"So where are we going?"
"Well, we're right here."
Haley looked out the window and clapped her hands excitedly. "Ohh, I love miniature golf."
"Good." Nathan smiled and put the car in park. "I thought we'd do something different tonight."
"You mean other than making out on my bed." Haley deadpanned.
"Well, we can go back to your house if that's what you want?" Nathan wiggled his eyebrows.
"No, can we stay? Please please please." Haley gave him those puppy dog eyes and Nathan knew he could never say no to that.
Nathan checked his watch. Time seem to have flew by and he hoped they would have enough time to actually play.
"Come on, let's go."
. . . . .
"YES!" Haley threw her hands up and started doing a little victory dance after sinking yet another hole in one.
"Who are you? And what have you done to my girlfriend?" Nathan eyed her curiously.
"Oh come on, you big baby, you're just mad because I'm beating you in a sport."
"Miniature golf Hales, it's not a sport."
"Yes it is, look at what's his name, Tiger Woods. He's always on like ESPN or something."
"That's GOLF Hales, this is MINIATURE GOLF." Nathan emphasized.
"So I'm beating you in a small sport." Haley grinned and leaned up to give Nathan a quick peck on the cheek.
"That makes no sense and no fair for distracting me with your lips."
"Excuses, excuses, now come on, you're only a few strokes behind me."
"Whatever." Nathan mumbled and picked up his club and went into position. He gently hit the ball but unfortunately for him, it didn't make it in.. again.
"Don't worry Nathan, I'm sure you can get it in on the next try." Haley tried to suppress he laughter.
"Oh you think you're so…" Nathan started to speak but the PA system cut him off.
"ATTENION CUSTOMERS WE'LL BE CLOSING IN FIVE MINUTES. PLEASE DROP OFF ANY EQUIPMENT TO THE FRONT. I REPEAT WE ARE CLOSING IN FIVE MINUTES.".
"Oh well you look at that. Time to go." Nathan quickly replied and picked up his ball.
"What? Already?"
"Well, you heard the man, we have to get going."
"Well, whatever, I still beat you anyway."
"Since we technically couldn't finish then no body won." Nathan smirked.
"Well, good thing I know a place where we can finish?"
"Huh?" Nathan eyed her curiously.
. . . . .
"What're we doing here Hales? The café is closed?"
"Luckily I have the keys." Haley jingled them in her hands and then proceeded to open the door. "Come on."
"Where we going?" Nathan asked as he followed Haley up the stairs.
"The secret to my miniature golf skills." She laughed and opened the door and flipped on a switch.
Suddenly the roof was flooded with Christmas lights and lanterns and Nathan can make out the clear signs of a make shift miniature golf course.
"Wow, this is .. impressive." Nathan commented.
Haley went to the corner and picked up one of the clubs. "Lucas and I built this place. We were sure Karen would make us tear it down but she actually liked it. She goes up here too sometimes. It's a nice retreat from the madness of it all, you know."
"So you and Lucas spent a lot of time up here?"
Haley nodded. "I hope you're okay with that because I can't help that I'm Lucas' best friends and we've known each other since we were little kids and .."
"Hales." Nathan interrupted her. "It's okay. I.. I like it up here. I can see why you're so good but there is one thing I don't understand."
"What?"
"I don't understand how you and Lucas can be up here.. always hanging out and not want to do this."
"Do what?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, Nathan leaned over and kissed her. His tongue sought entrance and she easily granted it. After a few moments their lips finally unlocked and Haley rested her head against Nathan's chest.
"Well if Lucas ever did that, then that would be weird considering he's like a brother to me." Haley giggled.
Nathan chuckled. "I can't believe he never noticed how beautiful and smart and funny you are. He must be gay."
Haley laughed despite herself. "He did notice all those things in me, he just never wanted to kiss me.. well.. there was that one time.."
"Hey." Nathan protested.
"What, you're the one bringing it up?"
"I'm just saying. There's no way I can be related to the guy, I mean look at you.. how can he not want you?"
"Believe it or not, a guy and a girl can be friends and have it remain strictly platonic." Haley pointed out. "But correct me if I am wrong but did you finally acknowledge that you and Lucas are brothers."
"I said related."
Haley laughed. "Well that's a start, but I'm not sure how I feel knowing that my boyfriend is thinking of my best friend while he kisses me."
"You brought him up." Nathan pointed out.
Haley laughed. "Look, thank you for cutting him some slack. I know this hasn't been easy on you.. or Lucas."
"Or you." Nathan pointed out. "Look Hales, I don't want to see you hurt or upset so if that means putting up with Lucas and playing nice then I'll do it .. for you."
"Well maybe one day you'll do it for you."
"Doubt it." Nathan replied.
"Still, it's been nice to see you two not ripping your heads off but I really think that if you two get to know each other, you'll see that he's not the enemy Nathan."
"I know he's not. But enough about him. I want to talk about you."
"What about me?"
Nathan took the golf club from her hand and tossed it aside. "I don't think I'm in the mood for miniature golf."
"Afraid I'll kick your ass again."
"Well you are at a home court advantage here but.." Nathan grabbed her hands and pulled her close to him. He tucked a stray hair behind her ears and took a moment to look at her, to really look at her. "I just want to do this." Nathan hugged her tight. "The way you look and the way you are.. you amaze me Haley James." Nathan kissed the top of her head.
"You're pretty amazing too." Haley smiled against his chest, all the whiles butterflies fluttered in her stomach. For the rest of the night they just stood there basking in each other's arms.
"You're name?" The security guard asked.
"Brooke Davis."
The security guard checked the list and once he saw her name, he let her pass. "Studio 2, at the end of the hall, make a left 3rd door on the right."
"Thanks." Brooke put on her visitor's pass and proceeded down the hall. The studio wasn't particularly big as was the case with New York production offices but there was still a good twenty people inside.
"And cut!" The director announced. Brooke waited on the sidelines, not sure where she should go.
Nathan wiped the sweat from his forehead with a towel and nodded towards Brooke.
"Hey Brooke." Nathan came up to her.
"Hey yourself. This is quite a set up you got going here."
"Yeah not a bad way of earning six figures for doing nothing but running on a treadmill and drinking some water." Nathan looked around various crew members.
"I'll bet." Brooke announced. "So how long are you in town? I'm sure you're dying to get back to Tutor mom."
"She has a name Brooke." Nathan shook his head and motioned for her to follow him.
"Yeah but my name sounds more fun."
Nathan ignored her and continued walking towards his dressing room. "Tomorrow morning we're shooting another commercial and I'm heading back to Tree Hill right after that."
"So you're message said you needed me for something?" Brooke eyed Nathan curiously. Brooke wasn't use to a getting a call from Nathan Scott to hang out. Something was definitely up.
"Yeah, I need your help with something."
"Should I be worried?"
"No.. well. . I .. I hope not." Nathan muttered and went behind a changing screen. Nathan quickly changed his shirt and slipped on a pair of jeans.
Brooke leaned against the vanity while Nathan sat on a nearby couch, trying his shoe laces.
"Okay Scott, but this better good."
"It is." Nathan reached into his pocket and pulled out a diamond ring.
"Holy shit is that?" Brooke lunged forward and grabbed the ring from him.
"Yes it is."
"You know, for a person who just made over six figures in one afternoon, I thought you'd spring for a bigger rock."
"Well, I knew it would be something Haley would love."
Brooke looked back at the ring and her eyes flickered in reorganization. "Wait, this isn't the ring." Brooke looked back to Nathan and then held the ring up as the memories came flooding back to her.
"Holy shit, this is it!" Brooke exclaimed.
"Brooke, I asked you to help me buy something Haley would like, not what you would like." Nathan complained as they entered a small jewelry store.
"Listen, I told you. Haley, Peyton and I were here last week shopping and she was definitely scooping some items out. And besides, you're lucky I'm taking time away from my busy duties to help you."
"You're class president, not president of the country."
"Yeah yeah don't push you luck Scott, you're lucky I love Haley so much."
"No, I love Haley." Nathan pointed out. "Now what're we doing here?"
"So impatient, luckily for you, I know that Haley will love the present you're going to get her. But I am surprised you're asking me for help again, I know I'm awesome and all but you've guys have been dating for over a year now, surely you must've developed some sense of what she would like for Christmas or my theory that all Scott men are thick headed is ttrue."
"Look I'm not the best gift-giver and Lucas is just as clueless. Besides I do have other things I got for her but I want to get her at least something that I know for sure she would love."
"Well, I called the clerk ahead of time to put it on the side. It's these gorgeous pair of earrings. I saw Haley staring at it for a while and made her try it on. She totally loved it but thought it was too expensive to get for herself." Brooke went up front to the cashier to get the earrings.
Nathan leaned against one of the glass casings and he looked down at the assortment of jewelry before him. One item in particular caught his attention. It was a small diamond ring, it looked out flanked by the other flashier rings around it but for some reason it caught his eye. It wasn't flashy or as big as the other rings but maybe that was the point. The ring was simple, plain yet still extremely elegant and beautiful. It reminded him a lot of Haley.
"Maybe you aren't such a lost cause after all."
Nathan whipped his head around and found Brooke standing next to him. He completely zoned out there.
"Huh?"
"You know Haley was looking at that same exact ring too, you know."
"She was?"
"Yeah, I teased her and asked if she was taking a glimpse into the future, maybe I was right after all." Brooke smirked and headed back to the clerk who just came out of the back to grab the earrings."
"Maybe." Nathan muttered to himself, taking one last glance at the ring and then following Brooke to the front register.
"I can't believe that store still had this ring after all this time." Brooke still couldn't believe it.
Nathan snatched it back from her and put it on a chain that was on his neck.
"Actually, I bought it a long time ago."
"How long ago?" Brooke cocked her head.
"Like 5 years ago."
"WHAT!" Brooke smacked his arm. "You bought her this ring and yet you left her!" Now Brooke was getting mad. She wasn't thrilled that Nathan was back in Haley's life. In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that Haley was pregnant with his child, she would've paid him no mind. But Haley was pregnant with Nathan's son and like it or not that meant that both her and Nathan would be part of each other's lives. She tolerated Nathan and eventually warmed up to him, seeing his devotion for both Haley and his son. Even the most cynical of people can see that Nathan loves Haley. Brooke knew that too but that didn't mean she didn't worry about her friend. When Nathan left Haley, a part of Brooke left with him. She always looked up to them. She would've been jealous of their love if she didn't admire it so much. Nathan and Haley gave her hope, hope that one day she might find love like they had. Seeing their love end and how it ended jaded Brooke. But seeing them back together and so happy and in love had Brooke reconsidering things. Now it seems the tide was once again turning.
"I bought it on a whim a few weeks after we went shopping that Christmas during senior year. Haley told me she was going to Duke, we were going to go to college together. I saw a future for us and I just bought the ring. But after that I had time to think, we were still in high school, I mean who gets engaged at high school. And that whole mess with Duke happened and well, you know the rest." Nathan looked down. "It's not something I'm not proud of but it's something I have to live with for the rest of my life. For five years, I tried so hard to get rid of the ring but getting rid of it meant that Haley was really gone too. I knew I ended things, I knew that she was better of with out me but at least when I look at this ring, I can at least imagine, you know. For a second pretend that I didn't let go of the most important thing in my life. So I kept it."
"And you're showing me this now because?" Brooke eyed him curiously.
"Because Haley and I wasted 5 years of our lives that should've been spent together. Haley is it for me Brooke, you know that and whether she'll marry me now or in five years, I wanted you to know that I intend to spend the rest of my life with her, if she'll let me." Nathan stated. "You and I have always butted heads but I never got to thank you. Thank you for being there for Haley when I wasn't. You're a good friend to her Brooke. She values your friendship and I know that you must hate me for what I've done. I've already apologized, I don't know what else I can do."
"So you're seeking my approval?"
"No, Haley's a big girl. She'll do what she wants to do. Would I like your blessing, yeah sure why not. But I'm not asking for that either. There's only one person who I asked and if Mr. James were alive, I would've came to him too."
"Wait, you went to Mrs. James? She gave you her blessing?"
Nathan nodded. "Well, I don't know if she gave me her blessing per say. She said that she'll support Haley in whatever Haley wants to do. But you and her did agree on one thing."
"What?"
"The rock is a little small." Nathan smirked. "Look Brooke." Nathan started to pace. "You're Haley's friend and I'd like to think at one point we were friends too.. or very good acquaintances at the very least and I need your help with this cuz I sure as hell can't go to Lucas or Clay with this."
"…"
Nathan sighed. "Ok, maybe this was a mistake.. but please hate me all you want but just please don't tell anyone about this .. especially Haley."
"When are you exactly going to pop the question?"
"Like I told Lydia, I don't know .. when the moment is right, I'll do it. But I'd at least liked to be prepared. So please, just don't say anything." Nathan pleaded.
Brooke sighed.
"Let me see it again?" Brooke stuck out her hand.
"Huh?"
"The ring, let me see it."
Nathan removed the necklace from his neck and handed it to Brooke. Brooke held the ring up to her eyes and studied it carefully.
"The diamond on this is about three fifths a carrot. The setting is beautiful, platinum band, you can easily fit a two carrot in it but knowing Haley, she wouldn't want something that big so maybe one and half carrot, princess cut." Brooke handed the ring back to Nathan.
"I can't believe I'm going to say this but I'll do it. I'll help you." Brooke stated.
. . . . . .
A few days later
"So the doctor's visit went okay?" Lucas turned to Nathan as they waited at a clinic in Charlotte.
"Yeah, the doctor drew some blood, did some extra scans."
"And did Haley suspect anything?"
"No, she just thought it was one of their routine check ups on the baby."
Lucas nodded. "I was doing research and you're doctor was right, they would've caught HCM on your son by now with all the routine testing they do now but you never know."
"Yeah, I looked it up too. It definitely made me feel better but I'll be a lot happier once I get the official word."
Lucas nodded his head.
"You nervous?" Nathan asked.
"Terrified best sums it up." Lucas started tapping his foot and started flipping through a magazine that was on the chair next to him. "But you don't have anything to worry about."
"What're you talking about?"
"Didn't they do a ton of physicals for you to be on the Sonics anyways? Especially after you're back injury."
"Well yeah but professional athletes have dropped dead over this disease so I'm just as terrified about this as you."
Lucas paused for a minute. "You think Dan could've just left us his beach house instead of this." Lucas tried to lighten up the situation.
"Or a car from the dealership." Nathan sat back. "You know Luke, I'm glad we're doing this now. At least we'll know."
"But what about you Nate? I mean sure I play ball at the River Court but basketball is your career."
"You're right, it's my career. But I can also change careers. I'm not going to say it's not going to suck because if I have it, it will but I have Haley and the baby to think about. They come first."
Lucas couldn't help but smile. He had to admit that he was pleasantly surprised to see how far Nathan has come in the past couple of months. "I still can't believe Haley moved in with you."
"You and I both." Nathan chuckled. "You're.. you're okay with that right?"
Lucas shrugged. "Normally, I would've said yes but it's not like I didn't see it coming. And I'm happy for you .. and Haley too."
"Yeah, I just don't like keeping this from her."
"Yeah, same here."
"As soon as I get the results, I'm telling her. We're at a good place right now.. a really good place. I .. I just don't want anything to mess that up.."
Lucas nodded his head in agreement and flipped a few more pages of the celebrity magazine he was skimming over. There was nothing in there worth reading except who was wearing who but then he stopped at one particular page.
"Think you spoke too soon little brother."
"Huh?"
"You saw Brooke right? When you were in New York two days ago?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Cuz I think Haley won't be too thrilled to read about this."
"Huh?" Nathan grabbed the magazine from Lucas. In it was a couple of pictures of him and Brooke entering a jewelry store, followed by shots Nathan at the cashier, and then the two leaving the store with Brooke carrying a small shopping bag.
"Nathan Scott: NBA Dog
First, he was dating up and coming actress Alex DuPree, then came the revelation that he got an old fling pregnant from his home town in North Carolina. Now, it appears Sonics player Nathan Scott is back on the prowl. Shown here are photos of Scott with an unknown brunette on a recent shopping trip in New York City. Scott may be a dog but at least he the boy knows where to shop."
"What the fuck!" Nathan's eyes went wide. HCM or not, Nathan felt like his heart rate speed and up and his whole body turn numb.
To Be Continued . . . . .