Chapter 25: Sharing the Worry

Brooke sat across from her friend a bit shocked. She never expected Nathan and Haley to have another baby. I mean, she wasn't even married yet. And here her best friends were happily married all over again after 16 years apart. Have two beautiful children. And now...were gonna have another one. It was a very big surprise to Brooke. Haley finally looked up at Brooke.

" Brooke? You okay?" Haley asked her friend

" Yeah. Wow. You're pregnant?" Brooke said a bit too loud.

" Brooke. Shh...people that know Nathan are here. I don't need that out all over town."

" Sorry. Anyway, you are?" Brooke whispered

" I...um...I'm pretty sure."

" Did you go to a doctor?"

" No. Not yet."

" Well, why not? How long have you known?"

" Um...about 2 weeks."

" Two Weeks! You need to go down to the clinic."

" Why Brooke? I already took a test."

" Because...those home things could be wrong. Trust me. I mean, don't you want to know for sure?"

" Well...I guess so."

" Great. Then finish eating and we'll head down."

" Now? Don't you need an appointment at that place?"

" No. They'll take you right away."

" I take it you've been there before."

"Only once. In high school. With...Luke."

" Really?"

" Yes. But...this is about you. So...hurry up so we can go."

" Okay."

Broooke and Haley continued eating and started talking some more. When they finished eating they got in Brooke's car and drove uptown to where the Family Planning Clinic was.

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Meanwhile, Lucas was driving over to Nathan's. He was gonna stop and get some beer for them but decided to wait and see what they were gonna do first. As he was driving he saw Brooke and Haley cross the street. He was about to stop and say 'hi' since he assumed they were just shopping around here. He was about to put down his window when he saw them walk into the clinic. He pulled over into a spot once he saw them go in. He couldn't believe it.

" Brooke!? No. Haley? No." He said aloud to himself

He sat there a few more minutes then he decided he would deal with this later. Then he continued his journey to his brother's. When he got there he parked the car and sat there a few minutes. He was still thinking about what just went on. He wasn't sure if he should ask his brother about this. Cause...maybe this was his problem. Or just wait and see what happened. He finally got out of the car and went and rang his brother's doorbell. Nathan walked from his living room and answered the door.

" Hey, Luke. Come on in."

" Thanks."

They walked into the living room. They sat down and the basketball game Nathan was watching was still on. They talked about it for a few minutes and then it got silent. And Lucas just sat there and looked very worried.

" Hey, Luke? You okay?"

" Yeah, of course. Why?

" You seem...all over the place. You okay, man?"

" I think so. No. No. I'm not."

" Okay. What's up, big brother?"

" I don't know, exactly yet. It's just Brooke...or not. I don't know."

" What do you mean? Just tell me,man."

" I want to. But...it may be your problem...instead of mine. I don't know."

" What could be my problem? What are you talking about?"

" Nate, I have to ask you something."

Nathan just sat there staring at Lucas very seriously. He was worried now. Unsure of what Lucas was talking about.

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At the Clinic

Brooke was sitting in the waiting room waiting for Haley to come back out. She looked around this place she visited back in high school. She had that same feeling she did back then. Only this time she was worrying for her friend. After about 20 more minutes Haley finally came out.

" Haley? What did they say?"

" They'll call in a few hours."

" Yeah. That's what they always say."

She looked over at her friend who was on the verge of tears. When they got outside she stopped and gave Haley a hug.

" It will be okay, buddy." Brooke reassured her friend.

" How can you be so sure, Brooke? I mean, I don't think Nathan and I can handle this, again. I mean, I went through this once. And in the last year so has Nathan. I mean, were almost done with the twins. They'll be graduating next year. And now...we'd be starting all over again."

" Haley, you and Nathan can get through anything. And to be honest...I think this could be good for the both of you."

" Good? Brooke, how could this possibly be good?"

" Cause...Nathan missed out on those first moments with the twins. You know like the first time they cried. The first smile. Their first laugh and their first steps. You know he would've loved to be there. Maybe, this is his second chance. And...yours too."

Haley smiled at Brooke. Thinking about what she had just said and knew she was right.

" Maybe your right."

" You know I am. So, what do you say we go...get some ice cream while we wait for the call. I mean, unless you want to go home."

" No. I don't want Nathan to know till I'm 100 sure."

" Okay, let's go then."

They walked down the street to the ice cream store and walked in.

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Back at Nathan's House

Nathan continued to stare at his brother. By the look on Lucas' face he knew this was serious.

" What do you want to ask me, Luke?"

" Um...okay. So, I don't want you to get upset or freak out or get worried. But...I just want to know something."

" Okay. Shoot."

" Okay...do you know...if...Haley's...Pregnant?"

" What!? Haley's Pregnant!?"

" No! I mean I don't know. I was just asking."

" Well, as far as my knowledge is...no. Why would you ask?"

" Because...I kinda...saw Haley and Brooke...going into the Family Planning Clinic, a little while ago."

" Oh god. Wait. How do I know this isn't your problem?"

" Well, you don't. And neither do I. But...I was kinda hoping it was you."

" Thanks, Bro. Real Nice."

" Sorry. It's just...your married. You can handle something like that. I'm not. And I can't."

" What makes you think I could handle another kid?"

" Cause...your doing great with the twins."

" Yeah...but they are almost 17 years old. They're practically grown. Them I can handle. A baby...are you kidding me? "

" Yeah. I guess you're right."

" So, what do we do now?"

" I guess...we wait until they come home. But...hey...maybe neither of them is pregnant. Maybe it was just a false alarm."

" Maybe. But maybe not. I'm scared, Luke."

" Me too, Little Brother. Me too."

Nathan and Lucas just sat there looking very scared. And unsure of what to think...or do. They decided they would just stay and wait for Brooke and Haley to come home and then they would confront them. Instead of going out they decided to stay and play some of Nathan's son's playstation. A little NBA Live. Just like old times.

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Down on the Market Street Docks

After Brooke and Haley finished up their ice cream they decided to walk down by the river. They were talking when they were suddenly interupted by the sound of Haley's Cell Phone. It scared both of them.

" It's the doctor. Hello?" Haley said into her phone.

" Mrs. Scott?" The doctor on the other end asked.

" Yes. Uh-huh. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Good-bye." Haley said and hung up the phone.

" So? What happened?" Brooke Questioned Haley.

" Well...it looks like...I'm Pregnant."

Haley stood there and smiled as she thought of her and Nathan having another baby. This could be good. Very good. Now her and Nathan really got a fresh start. With a new baby and everything. Brooke looked at her friend and smiled then she pulled her into a hug. She was happy for Haley and Nathan. This was a good day.