Pretty Baby
By AmericanBaby
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story, other than Lacey Scott; they belong to the WB or whatever. I just like writing about them!
Chapter 4, Nathan:
Ask Me How I Am
I woke up the next morning earlier than I had in a while. As I sat up in bed, the smell of pancakes filled the air and everything flooded back to me.
I have a sister. She even looks like me. She was sleeping in the room right across the hall. I quickly got up and pulled on a pair of jeans and my old Raven's practice jersey that I found on the floor next to my desk. I looked across the hall only to find Lacey's door still shut. I raced down the stairs and into the kitchen. My mom was at the stove making blueberry pancakes, my favorite. My first thought was bribery. Then I realized that she knows how much I hate bribery, it was what drove me away in the first place; Blueberry are her favorite, too.
"Hi, Nate," she said glancing up at me. "Did you sleep well? That was some night last night."
"Yeah… It was, I guess," I said trying to make small talk with my mother. I walked over to the fridge and grabbed the orange juice to pour myself a glass. I waned to ask her so many questions about Lacey, by my mouth was suddenly dry. Instead I said, "Mom, why is Lacey here?"
She looked up at me and smiled her nervous smile, like she couldn't decide what the right answer was. "I asked her to come here. I told you about the letters." I nodded and went back to my orange juice. "My turn for a question. Nathan, why is Haley back?"
"Haley? Um, I completely forgot Haley was here last night… She's, um… She… Haley's back because-"
"Because she couldn't stand knowing what she did was wrong and she came back hoping people would accept her apologies. She hopes that she can try and redeem herself before it's too late. And she doesn't care how long it takes or how much groveling she has to do," Haley replied for me as she walked in from the living room. She had just gotten up and I felt my wall of anger break at the sight of her again. Her hair was a little messy and her make up a little smudged, but she still looked beautiful. "Is it alright if I use your shower? I was going to stay at Peyton's, but when I stopped she wasn't home. Thanks for the couch."
"Sure, Haley. Go use the shower and everything. You can stay here for a while if you want," my mom surprised me by replying before I got a chance.
"Thanks, Mrs. Scott. I'll be back in a little bit." I looked back and forth between the two women, confused. Haley and my mom hadn't gotten along since we got married. The way my mom smiled pleasantly at Haley gave me an idea of what was going on.
"Another letter?" I asked when I heard Haley go upstairs. I sat down at the kitchen table as she nodded. She didn't turn her head but I could see her watching me out of the corner of her eye as I drank some orange juice and played with the glass.
"Are you upset that I asked Lacey to come visit?"
The question took me by surprise and I couldn't respond right away. Was I upset? Did Lacey make me upset? Yeah, I guess she kind of did. Did I mind that? Dan and Deb weren't truly my parents to start out with, we had never had that kind of relationship. Dan certainly wasn't ever a good father to me. And mom was just starting to be a mother- we were finally on the same level. What if Lacey came in and messed everything up? I couldn't be mad at her though, she could help things along, too. I couldn't be mad at her because it's like I said last night: things in Tree Hill are changing. I can't stop them. I don't want to stop them.
"I guess I was a little mad at first, but only because I didn't know who to be upset with. Haley and then Lacey, it was just a little crazy- I didn't have time to think about it really. She looks like me, Mom, she claimed you and Dan… It's weird, but I can't blame her. She was invited and she deserves a change. Luke got his chance and he blew it. Sure, I guess I don't mind her here, I'll give her a chance."
Mom nodded as she dished pancakes onto three plates. "I'm glad you want to give me a chance, Nathan," Lacey said from behind me. She walked into the kitchen wearing black Adidas shorts and a white tank top. "I've always wanted an older brother," she said with a smirk. With her hair in two braids and no make up she looked a lot more like she could be a little sister. I couldn't really think of anything to say so I nodded as she took the seat next to me and we sat in a semi-awkward silence.
My mom set down a plate in from of each of us and sat down with the last. "Did you sleep well, Lacey-" she stared to ask, but got cut off by the phone ringing. She was closest and picked it up. "Hello?... Yes, this is she… I'm sorry?... I see… Than you… Yes, yes I'll be there soon." The color in her face drained gradually as the conversation went on. She held the phone to her shoulder after I heard the line go dead.
"Mom?" I asked. "Mom, what's wrong?" She snapped out of her daze and then turned her attention to me. She looked back and forth at Lacey and I. "Mom, who was on the phone?" I asked, trying not to sound worried.
"That was, um, the police. Nate, it's Dan… there's been in an accident… I have to go, something happened. The hospital." She quickly stood up and fled to the sliding glass door less than four feet away. Then she looked at me and Lacey who were sitting at the kitchen table silently watching her. "Nathan, take Lacey to the café and introduce her to Lucas. I'll call you from the hospital."
"Mom?" I called after her, but she was already out the door heading towards her car. "Mom!" By the time I got her name out a second time the car had started and she was almost at the end of the drive way.
I turned around, unsure of what to do next. Lacey and I stared at each other, alone now. Both wondering what would happen next.
Has nobody asked you how you are?
You look like you might not last the day
I wouldn't have made it very far
So we'd make a good team right away
I've not made amends for yesterday
My lip won't get me out of it
Waking up dreading hearing tales
Of all my nightmares being true
I take a breath and grab the phone
Secretly hoping you're not home
I'd leave a message - I was out
Chapter Title and Song Lyrics are from Snow Patrol