Chapter 13: You still love her. Don't you?t

It was the next day and Nathan was sitting in his office getting ready for practice to begin today. It was around 10:00 am and he was looking at his play book but then got destracted when he opened his drawer and saw a picture of him and Haley. He pulled it out and looked at the back of it. It was taken right before they got married. He smiled at the sight of the girl he loved so much even after everything that's happened. He was starring at it so hard that he didn't even realize that his brother walked in. Lucas chuckled lightly. That got Nathan's attention right away.

" Hey, man. What are you doing here?" Nathan asked Luke.

" Just getting a good laugh." Lucas responded. " You still love her. Don't you?" He said look at the picture in his little brother's hands.

" What? What are you talking about? I am nothing but friends with Haley now. I'm not even sure if I'm that right now."

" Uh-huh. Sure little brother. But you are always going to be more than friends with Haley. You have two kids with her for god sake. And she is still your wife."

" Yeah. But that doesn't change anything. Besides I don't think she'd ever really feel the way we did in High School again."

" How do you know that? Maybe she feels the way you do. Maybe she's just scared. Not just about getting hurt again but about her kids as well."

" I never said I felt anything for he now Luke." Nathan said lying so badly. " Anyway, what is your real reason for coming"

" Yeah sure. Oh and I came to see how it went with Haley about Nate...Jr.?"

" Not quite sure. She didn't seem as mad as I thought she'd be. But of course I was the one stuck telling when Nathan ran to his room. I'll try to remember to ask him at practice today."

" Wow. Okay, I'll let you get back to work. Besides I have somethings I have to take care of anyway. I'll see you later Nate."

" Ok. Bye Luke."

Nathan knew Lucas was right. I mean of course he was still in love with Haley. He never stopped. Not in sixteen years. But he could never admit that to his brother or to anyone else for that matter. He placed the photo at the top of his desk and went back to work.

At Haley's House

It was 3:30 pm and Luke knew Haley would be home. Nathan would be at practice and hopefully Holly would have something to do so him and Haley could talk. He pulled up to her house and started for the door. When Haley got up to go and answer the door she wasn't sure who it could be.

" Lucas? Oh my god what are you doing here?" Haley said and pulled him into a hug.

" Hey buddy. It's so great to see you."

" You too. Come on in."

" Thanks."

Haley led Lucas to the living room.

" So it's been way too long." Haley said.

" Yeah. Just sixteen years, right?"

" Yeah. Look, Luke, I'm sorry I never called or even sent a letter. I was just...afraid."

" Afraid of what, Hales?"

"Having some contact with Nathan. And since your his brother. That was a huge possibilty."

"Yeah, I know."

" But to be honest, that was wrong. I mean you were my best friend. What was going on with my husband at the time shouldn't have had anything to do with you. I'm sorry, Lucas."

" It's okay. I understand. Always have. I just figured that when you just disappeared after that day. And Nathan never said anything. I figured you chickened out and ran away. I didn't find anything out until a few days ago. So in a way, it's my fault too."

" No it's not but I'm glad i'm back. And having you and...Nathan back in my life somewhat is good. For me and my children. They need their uncle Luke. And their father too."

" That's just what I wanted to talk to you about."

"Here we go."

" Sorry Hales. If it's too hard I'll just take a guess to my question and never mention it again."

" No. It's fine. Ask me anything."

" You sure?"

" Yeah. Positive."

" Okay. Um...do you still...love him?"

Haley just sat there staring at Lucas. Unsure what to say. She knew her answer the moment he asked it. But... once it was said out loud she was kind of...unsure. So she just sat there staring at Luke for a moment.