Chapter 26: Stand Up and Be A Good Man
Nathan and Lucas continued to sit on the couch waiting for Brooke and Haley. They had been gone for like what seemed like forever.
" Maybe we should call them."
" Chill, Luke. They should be back soon."
" You said that two hours ago."
" I know. Because I wish it were true. They've been gone forever."
" I know. So...What are you gonna do if Hales is pregnant?"
" I don't know."
" You'll get that second chance, I guess."
" What do you mean?"
" Well, I mean, you missed everything the twins did. Like all their'first times'. Like while she was pregnant. When they were born. The first time they smiled. Laughed. If she is...then you'll get to experience that. Something I know you would've wanted to the first time."
Nathan sat there and stared at his brother. Knowing he's right. He'd really enjoy that. Maybe he'd be okay with Haley and him having another baby. Since his kids aren't exactly babies anymore. But all these thoughts of it scared him to death.
" Nate?" Lucas said bring Nathan out of his thoughts
" I know. Okay. I know. You're right."
" You think it would be good?"
" I don't know yet. Maybe."
" I think it would be."
" Really?"
" Yeah. You'd be a great dad...again."
" Thanks, Luke."
----------
Brooke and Haley finally made it to in front of Haley's House. Brooke started to get out when she noticed Haley not even moving to get out. Just sitting there frozen.
" Hales? You coming?"
" I can't do it, Brooke."
" Do what?"
" I can't go tell Nathan."
" Why not?"
" Cause...it's just...gonna change everything. Just like before. I mean, the same thing got in the way of us 17 years ago. And now...again."
" No. 17 years ago, Chris Keller and that tour got in the way of you two. Those twins probably would've brought you guys even closer together if it wasn't for that. And now...you guys are great,right?"
" Yeah. Of Course."
" Then...this will bring you closer than ever."
" I don't know, Brooke. You go tell him."
" What!?"
" Go tell Nathan for me."
" Hales, he's your husband. You have to tell him."
" I can't, Brooke. I'm serious. Please. I just...need to get some air. Please."
" Haley..."
" Brooke..."
" Fine. But you have to come back in like an hour."
" Call me after you tell him."
" Okay, I will."
" Thank you, Brooke. You have no idea how much you are helping me right now."
" What are best friends for?"
Brooke turns toward the house to walk in as Haley pulls away. This was gonna be a tough one. She's never told anyone else's husband that their wife was pregnant. This would be very difficult. Brooke opened the front door to Nathan and Haley's House. From where she just walked in she saw Lucas and Nathan jump up from the living room couches.
" What's with you two? Never saw anyone jump up as fast as you two just did."
" Where's Haley?" Nathan asked concerned
" Um...she...had...to go...to...the store. She'll be back in a while."
" Oh, okay." Nathan said a bit disappointed.
" Where have you been Brooke?" Lucas asked his girlfriend.
" Oh...um...Haley and I were just...having dinner. Ice Cream. You know...girl stuff."
" Yeah. So..." Lucas started but was cut off by Brooke who turned around to face Nathan.
" Nathan...I need to talk to you about something."
-----------
Haley is now walking down on the riverwalk. This was the place she always came to think when she was younger. As she looked out at the water she saw someone come up next to her.
" Haley!"
" Peyton! Hey. What's up?"
" Not much. I haven't seen you in like...a month."
" Yeah, I know. I've just...had some...things going on."
" Oh. Is everything okay?"
" Yeah. I mean, I think so."
" You sure? You seem a little out of it."
" No, it's just...I'm waiting for...Brooke."
" Brooke? She's coming here?"
" No. She's at my house talking to Nathan. And once she does she's gonna call me and I'll go home."
" Why don't you want to go home? And what would Brooke be talking to Nathan about?"
" It's just...something I couldn't tell him. I mean, I could. I was just...scared. So...Brooke's doing it for me."
" What couldn't you tell Nate? He's pretty understanding, Hales."
" Yeah, I know. But...what I needed to say to him I said to him once before and...it didn't end well."
Peyton just stood there staring at Haley.
" Haley, you can tell me."
" You're right. Um...I can't tell Nathan...that...I'm...Pregnant."
Peyton's eyes widened when Haley told her that. She was not expecting that. She was in like complete shock. Yet very happy for them.
-----------
At Nathan's House
Nathan stared at Brooke. What could she want to talk to him about? And by the look on her face it was serious. This should be good.
" What's up, Brooke?"
"Can we sit down, Nate?"
" Yeah. Sure."
They walked into the living room and sat down.
" Okay, Brooke. What's going on?"
" Okay. To tell you right out. It has to do with Haley."
" Haley? Well,then shouldn't you wait for her to come back?"
" No. She specifically sent me here. So...she wouldn't be."
" Does this have to do with today, Brooke?" Lucas asked her.
" What about today?"
" I saw you and Hales downtown by the clinic."
" Oh. That was nothing."
" Brooke, its a family planning clinic. There's only one reason you would be there."
" Look, Lucas..."
" You're pregnant, aren't you?"
" No. No, I'm not. I promise, okay?"
" Then, why were you there?" Nathan asked
" Because...Haley is."
" What?" Nathan asked confused.
" Nathan...Haley's...Pregnant."
Nathan sat there still. Not making a move. Not exactly sure what to do. First of all...why would Brooke be telling him that his wife was pregnant instead of Haley? Was she that scared of him from the last time? Well, he was scared. That was for sure. He was gonna be a father again. And that scared him to death. This was gonna be an interesting night. One he will remember forever. What separates his life from ' Before' to ' After'. When he has to stand up. Be a good man and stop being such a coward. He was gonna be there for Haley this time. But first...he needed to find her. He still sat there staring at Brooke and Lucas...utterly...speechless.