**Someone asked in their review how far along Brooke was in her pregnancy. She is roughly 7 months pregnant, due in August. Right now in the story, we're middle/late June.**
Friday June 21st…Last day of the basketball camp
Haley was seated in the bleachers in the high school gym that Friday. It was the last day of the basketball camp, and the kids had been divided into two teams, to play an actual game. Jamie was ecstatic. He'd woken up at 5 am that morning, wanting to leave right then.
Seated around Haley were Brooke, Jake and Peyton, Mouth and Millie, and Junk, Fergie, and Skills. They had all come out to watch Jamie play. Seeing them all there made Haley so grateful to have such a great support system around her. They'd all been friends since high school, and they'd all stepped up to help her with Jamie over the past five years.
The only people who knew about her and Nathan were Brooke and Lucas, for now. They couldn't avoid telling two of the most important people in their lives. They both agreed that Jamie shouldn't know anything just yet either.
As she spoke with Brooke about baby names (Brooke liked Mason, Lucas liked William), a voice shouting her name caught her attention. It was Lucas, standing down by the team, waving her over. Worried that something might be wrong with Jamie, she hurried across the court.
"Luke, what's going on?" she asked, noticing that Jamie was standing over with Nathan, who was coaching his team. He looked fine.
Lucas cleared his throat, "We have a slight problem. The girl who was supposed to sing the national anthem is sick. It's tradition at the games, and we can't really go without it. Nate and I thought that maybe you could…?"
Haley sighed, looking into Lucas' pleading eyes, "You owe me big time."
"You're the best Hales," he smiled, "I'll get everything started."
"How's everyone doing?" Lucas said into the microphone, as the large crowd that had gathered cheered, "Awesome. Well, I know the kids are really excited to play, so I don't want to make this too long. So, without further ado, I'll pass the mic to the person who made this all possible. Ladies and gentleman, Mr. Nathan Scott!"
The crowd roared, and cameras flashed. The press was covering the event, reporters and photographers were everywhere.
"Thanks everyone for coming out today," Nathan smiled, "But I can't take the spotlight on this one. These kids have worked hard all month, building their skills and having fun. I see some great future talent here for the sport of basketball."
Nathan looked over and saw Haley standing by Lucas, before continuing, "And now, let's get this started with the National Anthem being performed by the lovely and talented, Miss Haley James."
Haley laughed and rolled her eyes, before walking over to take the mic from Nathan, his fingers brushing her hand for just a split second, but enough to cause shivers to run down her spine.
As Haley sang the last note of the song, the applause began, and she still couldn't believe how much she loved it: performing in front of people. She smiled, making eye contact with Nathan, who was clapping vigorously, before handing the mic to Mouth, who was the announcer for the game.
The game went by quickly, Haley amazed at how good Jamie had gotten over the past month. Lucas had introduced him to basketball practically the day he was born, but Nathan had really taken the time with him this past month, taken him under his wing.
The game ended with Jamie's team winning by two points. Jamie had scored ten points himself, using the fadeaway that Nathan had taught him a few times during the game.
The gang got up from the bleachers, as all the parents were finding their children and congratulating them. Haley looked for Jamie in the crowd, finding him standing next to Nathan, who had given him a high five and was talking to him. She made eye contact with Nathan, who pointed her out to Jamie.
"Mama!" he exclaimed, running over to her.
She bent down, catching Jamie in a hug, "You were so good baby! I am so proud of you!"
Nathan walked over then, joined by Lucas and Brooke.
"The coaches weren't too bad either," Haley smirked, catching Brooke's knowing glance between her and Nathan.
"Mama, can we go get ice cream now?" Jamie asked, tugging on Haley's arm, "You promised."
"Well, I guess I did," Haley smiled, being brought back to reality, "Would you guys care to join us?"
By now, the whole gang had gathered at center court, but one by one, they uttered excuses why they couldn't go, congratulating Jamie before leaving, until it was just Nathan, Brooke, and Lucas left.
"You know, Hales, my back's really hurting from sitting on those bleachers for so long," Brooke feigned, placing a hand on the small of her back, "I really should just get home and lie down."
Haley suddenly realized what was going on, sighing and rolling her eyes.
"Fine, leave, miss all the fun!" Haley cheered, before grabbing Jamie's hand and beginning to walk away. Turning back to Nathan, who had remained where he was standing she said, "Umm, I'll text you alright?"
Knowing that the press was still there, wanting to talk to Nathan, she knew that he could be followed, and didn't want any pictures of her and Jamie getting out, or rumors to start spreading about her and Nathan. Knowing that, although it sucked, they'd have to sneak around to see each other.
After he'd done his interview with the press, and taken some photos with fans, the gym had cleared out. Then, Nathan felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.
There's an ice cream shop in Winnabow, about 15 minutes west of Tree Hill. Meet us there at 4. Should be far enough to keep the vultures at bay -Haley
Reading Haley's comment about the vultures made Nathan chuckle, as he sent a quick reply saying he'd see them soon. He turned towards the doors, running into Clay in the process.
"Alright, great job," he smiled, placing a hand on Nathan's shoulder, "The press ate it all up. Now, you've got a phone interview with SportsCenter in 20 minutes. I figured we'd take the call at the beach house, throw back a few beers, and relax."
"I've actually got plans, Clay," Nathan replied, "Can we postpone the interview till tomorrow or something?"
"What, something with your family?" Clay questioned, "Nathan, I'm sure they'll understand. This is SportsCenter. The guys who can make or break you in the sports world. Don't you know that?"
Nathan sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets, "Clay, of course I know that, but for once, can't I make the decision? I appreciate all that you've done for me man, but I need a break from the press and the interviews. I thought that's what coming back to Tree Hill was for."
Clay studied Nathan's face for a few minutes, before his eyes squinted and his head tilted to the side a bit, "This is about that girl from the restaurant isn't it? Are you seeing her or something?"
"If I am or if I'm not, either way, it's not really any of your business, Clay," Nathan huffed, beginning to walk away, before Clay stepped into his path.
"Nate, hang on a sec, I'm your agent," Clay angrily said, "I'm the one who's going to have to clean up the mess when this doesn't work out, just like all the times before."
Clay paused, taking a deep breath before the tone of his voice changed, becoming kinder, "But more importantly, I'm your friend. You can tell me anything, dude, but I have to warn you. You know how the press are. They won't stop until they get what they want, and when they do, they'll turn it into something ugly."
Nathan thought about what Clay had said, knowing he was right, but at the same time, not able to ignore his growing feelings for Haley and for Jamie.
"You're a good friend, Clay, and you're right about the press, but she's not just some other girl to me. There's something special about her," Nathan said, smiling at the mere thought of her, "And I'm going to protect her no matter what."
"Nate, I'll help you and support you with whatever you want to do, you know that," Clay sighed, running a hand through his hair, "But you know that I worry."
"You worry enough for the both of us, Clay," Nathan laughed, giving him a playful shove, "It'll be okay, I promise. We're keeping things low profile for now, till we figure things out. Just let me do this, alright?"
Clay nodded, and Nathan smiled before jogging out of the gym to his car in the parking lot.
"Sorry I'm a little late," Nathan said as he sat down at 4:15 on the bench next to Haley, "Had something I needed to take care of."
"It's alright," Haley smiled, "We haven't been waiting very long, and anyway, we've been needing to work on Jamie's patience."
"Hey, I'm patient," Jamie piped in, standing up to look at the two adults, "Can we get ice cream now?"
Haley and Nathan laughed, before getting up to go inside. Jamie walked in between them, taking his mother's hand in one of his, and Nathan's in the other.
This surprised both Nathan and Haley, but neither one said anything, as they ordered their ice cream and returned to sit outside.
As Jamie ate his ice cream, he began to chase the birds that were pecking at the grassy area next to the ice cream shop. Nathan and Haley sat on the bench, watching him.
After finishing her ice cream, Haley was a little worried. Nathan hadn't really spoken since they'd gotten there, and it seemed like he was in a different world.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Haley finally said, nudging Nathan, waking him from his daze.
"What? Sorry," Nathan apologized, looking at her.
"What's going on in that head of yours?" Haley asked, "You've been out of it this whole time."
"It's nothing, really," Nathan tried to assure her, taking her hand in his and intertwining their fingers.
"Why is it that I don't believe you?" Haley questioned, looking at him with her big brown eyes. He couldn't lie to her.
"I was late because I was talking to Clay," Nathan began, biting his lip.
"About…us?" Haley figured, Nathan sighing before nodding, telling her that her assumption was correct.
"He's just worried about me, and the press, and what this could do to you and Jamie too," Nathan explained, "He knows just as well as I do how relentless they can be. I just know how much they've taken over my life, and I don't want to drag you into that."
Haley squeezed his hand, assuring him, "You're not dragging me into anything."
Thankfully, Winnabow was a small enough town that the streets were quiet while they were there, so they took their time, walking through the park and letting Jamie play for a bit. He even asked Nathan to push him on the swings, a job usually reserved for his mom.
"So what are you going to do now that the camp is over?" Haley asked, sitting on a swing, her bare feet playing in the sand as she watched Jamie on the slides.
Nathan, sitting on the swing adjacent to Haley, quickly replied, "I want to keep volunteering at the youth center. I like the kids there. Plus, Lucas said that I could help him with the Ravens' summer conditioning, and the baby will be born by the time school starts, so I told him I'd help Skills with practices for a while."
"Yeah, seems like you and he have been spending quite a bit of time together," Haley pointed out.
Nathan turned to look at her, "Is that jealousy I'm sensing?"
"Hey, if you want to spend your time with a guy who still listens his gangsta rap CD collection from high school, be my guest," Haley laughed.
"Haha point taken," Nathan replied, "So, have you talked to Lucas lately? He seems a little…off."
"He said that Brooke is starting to drive him crazy," Haley answered, "She's in her nesting stage, so she's been organizing and deep-cleaning the entire house, and is making Lucas clean out the garage. She even wanted him to vacuum it."
"Pregnant Brooke sounds even more crazy than regular Brooke," Nathan smiled.
"That's debatable," Haley added, as the two laughed, "But she's going to be a great mom. She and Lucas have been so great with Jamie over the years, I know they'll be awesome parents."
"Lucas has had some pretty great role models," said Nathan, as he suddenly became very interested in the sand at his feet, his gaze leaving Haley, "Karen and Keith, well, let's just say I liked being at their house a lot more than my own."
"Well, I know that you'll be a great uncle too," Haley smiled, "From the first day I met him when I was 10 years old, Lucas always talked about his brother Nathan."
"Yeah, we were pretty close when we were kids," Nathan smiled, remembering the sleepovers and the mischief that they'd caused, "I was at his house more than I was at my own. After I moved, we kept in touch, but things were never really the same, until I went to college, got away from my parents. That's when we really got close again."
"Mama, Nathan, come play with me!" Jamie called, waving them over frantically.
"Duty calls," Haley smiled, slipping her shoes back on before running over to her son.
Nathan watched as the two went down the slide together, smiling as he began to realize how strong his feelings were, for both of them, in such a short amount of time.
The next day, Haley was out baby shopping with Brooke before she had to go into the café. Jamie had insisted on spending the day with Nathan.
"So how's the name debate going?" Haley asked, as they stopped to look at car seats, "Is it still a dead heat?"
"I think we've finally compromised," Brooke sighed, "I'm not supposed to tell anyone just yet but…I think I can make an exception for my best friend. Aunt Haley, you're soon to meet your nephew….Liam."
"Brooke, I love it," Haley awed, "So, you let Lucas name him after Shakespeare."
"Not entirely after Shakespeare," Brooke reiterated, "I looked up the meaning of it and it means diligent, strong-willed warrior. I'd like for my son to have a strong name."
"That's why I named Jamie after the two most important men in my life: my dad and Lucas," Haley recalled, remembering the day she'd chosen the name, and how excited her dad and Lucas had been when she'd told them.
Brooke smiled, "We've decided on two middle names for him, but I want those to be a surprise."
They walked around the store for a few minutes longer, Haley talking about strollers and cribs, before Brooke stopped in the rocking chair section, taking a seat.
"Alright Hales, enough of the jibber jabber," she strongly stated, "What's up with you and Nathan, huh? Seriously, spill! And don't skip out on the sexy details please!"
"Brooke, there's not that much to tell, really," Haley insisted.
"But you like him," Brooke smiled, her signature Cheshire cat smile, "And from the look on your face right now, I'd say you like him a lot."
Brooke was right. Ever since she and Nathan had decided to try things out, she'd had a permanent, genuine smile on her face almost all the time.
Nathan and Jamie were at the river court, just messing around, having fun, when Jamie held the ball and looked up at Nathan, who was taking a drink of water. Jamie had a serious look on his face.
"So you like my mom?" Jamie asked, causing Nathan to choke on his water, coughing profusely for a minute or so before semi-regaining his composure.
"What are you talking about Jamie?" Nathan asked, raised eyebrow in tow.
"I'm only five, but I'm not blind," he replied, "I saw you holding her hand when we got ice cream. So you like her?"
Despite what Haley had said about not telling Jamie, here, in this moment, with those big blue eyes staring up at him, he couldn't lie. Something that his therapist back in Charlotte had encouraged him to work on was not lying to the people that he cared about.
"I do like your mom, Jamie," Nathan answered honestly, "But things are a little complicated right now, so it's a secret right now."
"Why do you have to keep it a secret?" Jamie asked.
"Well, you remember all of the people taking pictures and interviewing me after the last day of camp?" Nathan began, as Jamie nodded, "Well, they follow me around sometimes, and they can be really mean. And I don't want them to be mean to you or your mom. So for now, I don't want them to know that I like her. Does that make sense?"
Jamie shrugged, "I guess so. But if you like her, and she likes you, doesn't that mean you're dating, like Uncle Jake and Aunt Peyton?"
And at that moment, Nathan knew it was time to take Jamie home.
"Why don't we go talk to your mom, huh Jamie?" Nathan stammered, putting his hand on his shoulder and leading him to the car.
For those of you who were mentioning it in your reviews, Nathan will reveal his secret to Haley in the NEXT chapter!
Hope you all enjoyed the sixth chapter of Show Me How to Live!
Leave a review with any suggestions, comments, or ideas you want to see in future chapters!