Day of the Benefit Gala for the Youth Center
The day had finally arrived. Everyone was running around, trying to get everything done and ready for that evening.
Haley, herself, was exhausted, simply from being in the studio for the past few days with Peyton. Things were progressing rather quickly, something Peyton was very happy to see. Haley hadn't realized how much she missed singing her own songs. Sure, singing at TRIC one night a week was great, but this could be her career, if she played her cards right.
Nathan still had not revealed who the musical guest would be that night, but Haley was excited regardless, because it was another night she would get to spend with her boyfriend. The days were numbered now, Nathan having to leave for Charlotte in approximately 11 days. Since their talk a few nights prior, neither of them had brought up the fact that he was leaving, deciding to live in the moment instead.
"Brooke, this is…wow," Haley stated, looking at herself in the mirror as she admired the dress Brooke had made for her to wear to the gala.
"Nathan won't know what hit him," Brooke smiled devilishly.
The dress was short, tight, and black, with a black lace overlay. It was definitely not something Haley would normally wear, but she didn't have a choice. She had nothing fancy enough in her closet, and didn't exactly have the money to go out and buy a new dress, with her car breaking down again days before.
Brooke had always had a knack for designing clothes, ever since high school. And since tonight was such a special occasion, she'd insisted on creating a "Brooke Davis Original" for Haley to wear.
Haley was brought out of her thoughts by her phone going off, signaling a text message. It was from Nathan.
Finalizing things at the center. Your carriage will arrive at 6. I love you!
She smiled, not realizing that she was blushing as well.
"Lover boy I assume?" Brooke asked, nodding towards Haley's phone.
"Yeah, he was just telling me when he was going to pick me up," Haley replied, before sending a quick response to Nathan.
I anxiously await your arrival, Prince Charming. I love you too!
"You two are seriously gag-worthy," Brooke sighed, as she picked up baby Liam from his swing, "I still can't believe you guys haven't done it yet."
"Brooke!" Haley exclaimed, gesturing towards the small baby in her best friend's arms.
"What? It's not like he understands anything we're saying," Brooke defended, "Plus, he's going to figure out someday that that's how he was created. Haley, you've dropped the L bomb already and you two can hardly keep your hands off each other. What's with the closed legs?"
Haley sighed, "Brooke, you know that I haven't been with anyone since Chris. It's been almost five years. I guess I'm just….scared."
"Have you told him about the…?" Brooke began, before Haley quickly cut her off.
"No, I haven't, and I'd like to keep it that way for now Brooke," Haley interjected, slipping on a pair of black heels.
"I should have made a backless dress," Brooke suggested, "Then you wouldn't have had to tell him about your little drunken love tattoo."
"Brooke, it's not a big deal, alright?" Haley winced, the tattoo on her lower back still a little painful, remembering the night she'd gotten the tattoo.
Brooke had been cleared by the doctor to drink alcohol, so, naturally, Peyton and Haley took her out for a girls' night. Regrettably, they all got hammered, and decided that they should all go get tattoos together. When they got to the parlor, however, Brooke and Peyton chickened out. Haley, however, ever the confident drunk, decided to get Nathan's jersey number tattooed on her lower back: 23.
Haley woke up at home the next morning, not fully remembering the night before, just feeling shooting pain in her lower back. She saw the bandage in the mirror, and everything came flooding back to her memory.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" Nathan asked, as he and Haley walked into the youth center, fingers laced together.
"Only about five times, but I haven't gotten tired of hearing it," Haley smiled, placing a quick peck to his cheek.
The space was decorated beautifully, and there were already quite a few people seated at their tables, enjoying drinks and mingling.
Nathan led Haley to their table, where Lucas, Brooke, Peyton, and Jake sat.
"And the golden couple finally arrives," Peyton smiled, taking a sip of her wine.
"Haha very funny," Haley replied, taking a seat, as Nathan stayed standing, looking nervous.
"Babe, what's wrong?" she questioned, looking at him.
"Players from my team are supposed to be here, and the team owner and my coach," Nathan answered, "I just want everything to be perfect."
"It will be," Haley smiled, her hand stroking his arm, "Now sit down and have a drink before you give yourself a hernia."
After relaxing and having a few drinks, Nathan saw some of his teammates and his coach walk in the door. He waved them over, standing, as Haley saw his hand shake with nerves. The last time he'd seen them, was right after his bar fight. She knew that he was worried about seeing them again. She slipped her hand into his, the shaking stopping almost immediately.
"Nathan Scott, you look good," his coach said, shaking his hand.
"Thanks Coach," Nathan smiled, "Guys, this is Haley, my girlfriend. Haley, this is my coach, Bobby Irons, and my teammates, Nino, Damien, and Owen."
Everyone exchanged their hellos and how-do-you-do's before Bobby spoke up.
"You know, Haley, I thought you looked familiar," he said, "About five years ago, I took my daughter to your concert in Seattle. She loved your music. Heck, when she found out I was going to see you tonight, she asked me to ask if you were working on anything new."
Haley took a deep breath, "Yeah, that was a long time ago, but you can tell your daughter that I actually just signed with a record label and I'm working on an album."
"She'll be pleased as a peach to hear that," Bobby smiled, "Nathan, you seem to have found your way here in this small town."
"Yeah, I guess I have," Nathan smiled, looking at Haley and squeezing her hand.
As Haley and Nathan continued to talk to his coach and teammates, Millie tapped Nathan on the shoulder, whispering something in his ear.
"I hate to cut this reunion short guys, but the music is about to start and I have to go make sure things are okay backstage," Nathan sighed, shaking hands with all the guys before taking Haley's hand, leading her out into the hallway behind where the stage was set up.
"Nathan, where are we going?" Haley laughed, her smile turning into a surprised expression when she saw who was sitting in the room that they'd gone into. Gavin DeGraw.
She hadn't seen him in almost six years. She'd followed his music, though, and known that he'd gotten really popular. She was happy for him. He'd always been nice and supportive to her on the tour.
"Haley James," Gavin said, hugging the still-shocked woman, "It's been too long."
"Gavin, what are you doing here?" Haley asked, looking between Gavin and Nathan.
"Well, Nathan called and asked if I could help him out," Gavin explained, "And I knew that I'd get to see you again, convince you to get back into music?"
"I kind of already have," Haley smiled nervously, "My friend Peyton started this label and I've been recording like a mad woman the past few weeks."
"That's great Haley, really" Gavin insisted, "It was always a shame that you left the tour, but I'm glad you're getting back into music."
The three talked for a minute or two more, before Gavin began clearing his throat and coughing.
As he took a sip of water, Haley asked if he was alright.
"My throat has just been bugging me the last few days. I don't know what's going on," he said, his voice sounding a little hoarse, "I don't want to keep everyone waiting out there, but, maybe, Haley, you could open for me? Give my throat some time to chill?"
"Gavin, I can't," Haley stammered.
"Just one song, Haley, please?" Gavin pleaded, coughing.
Haley sighed, looking at Nathan, who was smiling.
As Nathan walked out on the stage, everyone clapped.
"Thank you all for coming out tonight," Nathan said, "Volunteering at this center has meant a lot to me over the past few months. The kids are truly incredible and they deserve the best. I hope we can give them that tonight. Now, we have for your musical entertainment tonight, two talented artists that I'm sure you guys are going to love. First up, please welcome to the stage, my beautiful girlfriend, Miss Haley James!"
Haley walked out on stage, waving as the audience clapped for her.
"Thank you guys so much," she smiled, "I wasn't expecting to perform tonight, but it couldn't be for a better cause. I came here when I was a kid with my best friend Lucas, and now, my son comes here. It's a special place, and I hope you all can see that and feel that. Anyway, this is a song that I just finished writing and recording. It means a lot, so I hope you enjoy."
The band began to play her song, "Halo," which was about people having high expectations of Haley, and how she felt like she couldn't make any mistakes, because everyone thought she was this "perfect" person. Haley had written the song because she wanted people to see her and love her, even for the mistakes that she made. No one's perfect, and that's what she wrote this song about.
As her song came to a close, she immediately felt this rush, a rush she always got when she performed. She loved this feeling, never wanting it to go away.
"You guys are awesome, thank you so much," Haley sighed, "And now, without further ado, please welcome, Gavin DeGraw!"
Haley walked off stage, ready to hand the mic off to Gavin, who miraculously looked 100% better now. Seeing the look on his face, she asked, "How's the throat?"
"You did great, Haley," Gavin smiled, winking at her, before heading onto the stage, as Haley went back to the table where Nathan and Co. sat waiting for her.
"Hello Tree Hill!" Gavin said, as the crowd applauded, "It really is great to be here. Before I say anything else, can we just get one bigger round of applause for Miss Haley James! Wasn't she incredible? She has a great future ahead of her in music. That I know for a fact!"
The crowd cheered loudly, the loudest cheers coming from the table where Nathan, Haley, and the gang sat.
"I'm honored to be here, to help raise money for such a great cause," Gavin continued, "I grew up in New York, and spent a lot of time in a place like this there. The kids that come here, they are our future, so we've gotta do right by them. Now, I have a new song, which I'd like to share with you all. It's called, She Sets the City on Fire. I hope you like it."
Haley reached for Nathan's hand as Gavin began to sing and the band began to play. People were heading onto the dance floor and she wanted to join them.
"Hales, I don't dance," Nathan nervously laughed.
"You made me sing, I'm making you dance," Haley gave him a knowing look. He'd been busted. Nathan had talked to Gavin before the show, knowing that Haley wouldn't just perform at the gala if he'd asked her to.
They made it out onto the dance floor, their friends close behind them as Nathan did his best to please his girlfriend, attempting to shuffle to the music, Haley laughing at him the whole time.
At one point, Nathan wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. She'd winced, as he touched her lower back where the tattoo of his jersey number still pained her, and he'd noticed her facial expression change.
"You okay?" he asked, concern in his voice.
She desperately looked to Brooke, but she was happily dancing the night away with Lucas. Sighing, she forced a small smile, "Yeah, my back's just been bothering me a little. I think I'm going to head to the ladies' room. I'll be right back."
She walked away, seeing that Nathan was still concerned as she walked out into the hallway. She took a deep breath, sighing as she hesitantly touched the spot where the bandage lay beneath her dress. She jumped when she heard a voice. She thought she'd been alone in the hall.
"That song was great," the man said, semi-concealed in the shadows of the dimly-lit hall, "You're very talented."
"Thank you," she replied, squinting to see who it was.
The man walked towards her then, but she didn't recognize him. He was tall, older, with dark hair and dark eyes.
"Mr. DeGraw was right. You'll have a great future," the man smiled, "But maybe not with Nathan Scott. I mean, what do you see in that guy anyway? You could do so much better. Maybe you should just quit now, while you're still ahead."
Haley was nervous now, wanting to get back to the party, "I should go. Thank you, for the compliment earlier. Have a nice night."
She moved to head back through the doorway, but the man suddenly blocked it with his large stature.
"That wasn't a suggestion, sweetheart," he said, grabbing her arm, "You need to leave Nathan alone or you'll be sorry."
Haley winced in pain again, but this time, from his tight grip on her arm. Just as she was about to reply, another voice joined them in the hall.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Lucas asked, as he saw the man's grip on Haley's arm, "I don't believe you were invited Dan."
Dan. Dan Scott. Nathan's father. It all hit Haley like a ton of bricks. The controlling, selfish, son of a bitch she'd heard so little about, yet she felt like she already knew him from what Nathan and Deb had said.
Dan released his grip on Haley's arm, red impressions of his hand now visible, "I was just telling Haley here how great her performance was. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to see my son."
Lucas blocked the door, though his height was the same as Dan's, his muscular build was not, "You don't have a son in there Dan, and you know it. I think you should leave, now."
"Fine," Dan said, backing up with his hands up in defeat, "You know, you always were a lover, not a fighter, huh Lucas? Just like your old man. Always quick to stand up for the helpless. Could get you into trouble one day."
"Is that a threat?" Lucas asked, anger in his tone of voice now.
"No, just a warning," Dan replied, before smiling at the two of them, "Have a nice night."
"Hales, are you all right?" Lucas asked, looking at her arm.
"Luke, I'm fine really," Haley responded, "He just scared me, that's all."
"I was coming out to call the sitter, to check on Liam," Lucas explained his arrival, "I've got to go tell Nathan about this."
"Don't Lucas, please," Haley pleaded, "He wants this night to be perfect. Can we please just wait until later?"
"Haley, he has to know that Dan's in town, that he was here, that he threatened you, and me," Lucas sternly said.
"He left, Luke," Haley insisted, "Let's just go back to the party, and we can tell Nathan when it's over."
Lucas relented, following Haley back to the event.
"Hey, where'd my dance partner disappear to?" Nathan asked, his hand reaching for hers.
As she twined her fingers with his, she didn't even think about Dan's handprint, showing up red on her arm. It was fading quickly, so it no longer looked like someone had grabbed her, but it was still noticeable.
"What happened?" Nathan asked, tracing a finger lightly over the mark.
"I…shut my arm in the bathroom door," Haley shook her head, "Silly me. I was in a hurry to get back to you."
Haley felt guilty, for not telling Nathan about the tattoo or about Dan showing up and threatening her, especially after they'd promised that they'd be honest with each other. But, finding out about the tattoo might freak him out, and finding out about Dan would set him off, big time.
"Now I think we'll slow things down a little bit," Gavin said as he sat behind the keyboard, plinking away at the keys, playing his song "More Than Anyone."
"Have I told you lately how much I love you?" Haley asked, her arms draped around Nathan's neck, toying with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"Yeah, but I don't get tired of hearing it," Nathan smiled, placing a kiss to her forehead, "I love you too Haley James, always, and forever."
"Now that, was really cheesy," Haley laughed, "But I like the sound of it. Always and forever."
Her head leaned against his chest, not wanting this seemingly perfect moment to end.
The gala was now over, having been hugely successful, as donation checks had come in by the dozens. The final count was still being totaled, but Haley was sure they'd surpassed the $250,000 goal. She and Nathan were sitting at their table, the only ones left in the place, sipping on some wine as they waited for Millie and the volunteers to total the checks.
"Jamie's pretty excited about starting school tomorrow," Haley smiled, looking at Nathan, "He asked me if you would come with us when we dropped him off."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Nathan replied, his fingers lacing with Haley's, "I love you, Hales, and I love Jamie too. This has been the perfect summer. Nothing could change how happy I am right now, in this moment."
Just as Nathan said this, he heard footsteps. Thinking it was Millie, he turned, but instead, to his horror, he saw his father in a tuxedo, walking towards him. Nathan quickly stood, standing in front of Haley as to shield her.
"Dan, you need to leave," Nathan said sternly, not messing around.
"Son, is that any way to talk to your father?" Dan questioned, smiling all the while, "Hello Haley."
"Don't talk to her," Nathan spit, "Now, I asked you nicely. Get. The. Hell. Out. Of. Here."
"There's that Nathan Scott anger," Dan replied, chuckling, "I knew that one summer fling with a charity case couldn't take that out of you. You got that from me, you know. Your fighting spirit."
"The only thing I got from you was a messed up childhood, Dan. Get your facts straight," Nathan mustered with all the strength he could, trying to keep his cool with Haley sitting right behind him.
"Actually, I believe that was your drug addict of a mother, but I heard you forgave her," Dan continued, "Now, that sounds more like something Lucas would do, don't you think? You really think she's changed? You don't think she's come back to you now, when you're rich and famous? Has she asked you for money yet?"
"My relationship with my mother is none of your damn business," Nathan spewed, "Now leave, before I call the cops."
"And really, Nathan," Dan just kept going, "Don't you think you can do better than a poor wannabe singer/single mom? What, are you going to be her kid's new daddy or something? Because once he calls you that, you won't be able to leave."
That set Nathan off, as he lunged towards Dan and punched him in the jaw, as Haley screamed, "Nathan!"
Dan stumbled backwards, his hand reaching up to touch the blood that was now trickling down his chin, "Good shot son. I knew you hadn't learned to control that anger. The fire's still there."
"You need to shut the hell up, about Haley and Jamie and everything, you hear me?" Nathan was boiling by now.
"Alright son, you win," Dan replied, wiping the blood from his busted-open lip, beginning to walk away, before turning back around, "But before I go, Haley, great tattoo you got the other night. This one can't hold her liquor, Nate. Be careful."
"Nathan, I'm sorry," Haley shook her head, "I should've told you that Dan was here when I found out."
"You knew he was here, and you didn't tell me?" Nathan questioned defensively, still fuming.
"I didn't know who he was, at first, until he was threatening me and Lucas showed up and got him to leave, or so I thought," Haley related, "He told me that I should stay away from you."
Nathan shook his head, "Unbelievable. He's tried to control every aspect of my entire life, Haley, and as you can tell, nothing is off limits. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have hit him. He just knows how to get me going, how to push my buttons."
Haley sighed, reaching for his hand, which she knew was going to need ice, "I know, it's just…seeing you that angry, Nathan. It scared me. Sometimes, it feels like you haven't let me in all the way or something. I mean, you just punched your father in the face.
"I'll let you in if that's what it takes. It's just…sometimes I'm afraid that if I do, you'll see the real me. The guy I was before you. And I'm not proud of that person, okay; the one that I used to be. But if I have to be that guy to keep you and Jamie safe, than that's who I'm going to be. Look, if you want me to apologize for defending you, or for fighting back when somebody hurts you, then I can't do that – I won't do that, okay, because the truth is: that's a guy that I'll never be," Nathan declared, "A guy that just stands by and watches while the world hurts you. Can you understand that?"
"Thank you, for defending me Nathan," Haley smiled, "But I need to know that you realize that not every problem can be solved with your fist. Okay?"
"I think I can work on that," Nathan smiled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as they walked out to leave, "What was Dan talking about when he said you got a tattoo?"
"It's a long story," Haley quickly replied.
So, everyone, Dan is in town! Will there be more confrontations, or will he really stay away?
Thanks for the reviews! :)
Hope you all enjoyed the eleventh chapter of Show Me How to Live!
Leave a review with any suggestions, comments, or ideas you want to see in future chapters!