One month later…
Haley was working at the café with Mia. She'd made the move to Tree Hill, and had started recording a few weeks ago. The two were getting along really well. Mia was like the little sister that Haley had never had. The time had finally come. Her album release party was the next day. Peyton had already begun planning a tour for the coming summer, all over the U.S.
Nathan had been so busy with basketball that he'd only been home for a few days in the past month. Though it disappointed Haley, and Jamie, to not have him there, she knew what she'd signed on for when she married him. He had told her he wouldn't be able to make it home until right before the party, so both she and Jamie were excited to see him then.
Nathan was shooting around at the court he'd always gone to in high school, similar to the river court in Tree Hill. It was Friday morning, and he'd be heading back to Tree Hill for Haley's album release soon. He heard footsteps as he sank a three, and felt his anger boil as he saw who approached him, clapping slowly.
"Nice shot, son," Dan Scott said, a smirk on his face, "Thought I might find you here."
"What are you doing here?" Nathan replied, retrieving the ball and holding it under his arm.
"My son is back in the NBA, where he belongs," Dan replied, "Just thought I'd come say hi, welcome you back."
"Well, you said it, so you're free to go," Nathan sighed, turning away from Dan.
"You know, Nathan, despite my best efforts, you stayed with her," Dan sneered, "She must be really good in the sack for you to take on all that baggage."
Despite the sudden urge to punch his father in the face, Nathan held back. You never knew if there was a photographer in the bushes or someone walking by. Coach Irons had said one more screw up and he was done. He had to protect his career, for his family's sake. And he didn't want to be an angry asshole anymore. He'd leave that to the man he used to call Dad.
"You better shut your damn mouth about Haley," Nathan warned, taking a step closer to Dan, "And what the hell do you mean, despite your best efforts?"
"Ugh, Nathan, do you kiss your mother with that mouth?" Dan questioned, "I heard she's still hanging around, too. Be careful, son."
"I asked you a question, Dan," Nathan said coldly, "All that stuff that came out about Haley and me in the tabloids…that was you, wasn't it?"
"I was doing it all to protect you, son," Dan insisted.
"Don't call me that," Nathan quickly interrupted, "You don't get to call me that anymore. You're going to leave Haley and me alone, and mom too. If you come anywhere near us again, I'll call the police."
"What, no sucker punch to the face this time?" Dan continued.
"You're not even worth it," Nathan shook his head, rolling his eyes.
"Wow, one quickie wedding and suddenly you turn into Ghandi," Dan sighed, looking at Nathan, "I'm sorry, Nathan, is that what you want me to say? I don't want you throwing away everything we worked so hard for to play happy family."
"We?" Nathan shouted, "I am where I am today in spite of everything you did, Dan. I went to Duke. I made it to the NBA. You don't get to take the credit because you put a ball in my hands before I could walk."
"Tell your mother I send my best," Dan replied calmly, walking back to his car.
Haley was sitting at the counter at home later that afternoon, listening to music and trying to make schedules for the café for the next week. Jamie had just gotten home from school, and was playing in his room.
She didn't hear the front door open. She never saw the point in locking it. It was a small town. She didn't hear the man quietly walk in, as her back faced the door.
She jumped when she felt hands touch her waist, accompanied by, "Hey baby!"
"You scared me, you wonderful man!" she smiled, wrapping her arms around the newly-returned home Nathan.
"I missed you," he sighed, holding her tight.
"Good, now shut up and kiss me," Haley said, as the two shared a sweet, but passionate kiss, "What are you doing here? I thought you weren't going to make it till tomorrow?"
"Doesn't matter how I got here," Nathan replied, "I'm here for the whole weekend and I plan on spending it with my family."
"I'm really glad you're home," Haley sighed, "It's been crazy, with the café, and helping Mia, and getting ready for this party."
"It's gonna be great, Hales," Nathan smiled, as Jamie ran into the room.
"Nathan, you're back!" Jamie exclaimed, running to hug him.
"I missed you boy," Nathan said.
"I missed you too," Jamie replied, "Can we go to the Rivercourt? Uncle Skills took me the other day, but he always blocks my shots."
"Actually, bud," Nathan began.
He'd been hoping for some alone time with Haley, after not seeing her in person for a month.
"You two should go," Haley smiled, a knowing look in her eyes of what had been on his mind, "I have to go help Peyton set up for the party anyway, and then I promised Lucas and Brooke I'd babysit Liam tonight."
"I don't know how you did this as a teenager," Nathan said, as he walked around the living room later that night.
He was holding Liam close to his chest, trying to get him to stop crying, "I'm a professional athlete and I'm exhausted after babysitting for three hours."
"Oh come on, it wasn't that bad," Haley stifled a laugh, "The spit up and pee should come right out in the wash."
Liam had finally stopped crying, and Nathan sat down next to Haley, seeing that he had finally fallen asleep.
"Two months ago, you were scared to even hold him," Haley stated, "And you just got him to stop crying all by yourself. I think you're a shoe-in for the favorite uncle."
"I better be," Nathan replied, "This is my favorite shirt."
The two laughed quietly, as Haley leaned her head on Nathan's shoulder, stroking Liam's back as he slept on Nathan's chest.
"So how does it feel to be back on the team?" Haley whispered.
"Mostly tired, and sore," Nathan sighed, "But it's good to be home though. Just take a break from it all."
"Because you're not going to be tired and sore after this weekend," Haley whispered in his ear, her hand not stroking his arm.
The moment was interrupted, however, by Jamie's cries, "Ahh a monster! It's going to get me!"
"Hang on baby, I'm coming," Haley sat up, beginning to walk to Jamie's room.
"No, I want daddy," Jamie said, as Liam stirred on Nathan's chest.
Haley turned to look at Nathan, tears welling in her eyes. That was the first time that Jamie had called Nathan "dad."
"Looks like you're being summoned, Daddy," Haley smiled, reaching for baby Liam, cradling him in her arms.
"What's going on buddy?" Nathan asked, sitting on the edge of Jamie's bed.
"There was a monster coming in the window," Jamie replied, pointing a shaking finger at the closed and locked window.
"It was just a dream, Jamie," Nathan said, "Just pretend. I'm not going to let anyone or anything hurt you, I promise."
"But what about when you're not here?" Jamie questioned, "Who will keep us safe?"
Nathan looked at the five year old, wise beyond his years.
"When I'm away, you're the man of the house," Nathan explained, "I need you to be brave and take care of your mom for me. Do you think you can do that?"
"I'll be brave for mama," Jamie nodded, looking around the room, leaning closer to Nathan and whispering, "But could you still check my closet and under the bed?"
"Of course," Nathan smiled, ruffling Jamie's hair.
"Thanks dad," Jamie whispered, already falling back asleep.
Nathan had only been in Jamie's room for ten minutes, but when he walked back out to the living room, Haley was asleep, baby Liam snoring on her chest.
He smiled, starting to walk to the couch when some new photos on the wall caught his eye. One was from the last day of basketball camp of Lucas, Nathan, and Jamie. Another was of Nathan, Jamie, and Haley from the wedding.
As he sat on the couch, careful to wake Haley and Liam, he picked up the framed photo on the end table. It was from Haley's high school graduation, of her, and her mom and dad. He remembered when she'd told him about her parents. It had been right after his mom came to Tree Hill, and he'd lost it.
FLASHBACK
After Nathan had stormed out of the café, following the surprise return of his mother, he didn't know where to go. He walked around for a while, trying to suppress the anger that was boiling inside of him. Before he knew it, he found himself on a familiar doorstep.
"I had a feeling you'd be showing up here," Lucas said, as he stepped onto his front porch, taking a seat and crossing his arms in front of his chest, "So, what do you want to talk about Nate?"
"I screwed up man," Nathan shook his head, placing it in his hands.
"Yeah, your mom seemed pretty upset," Lucas agreed, before Nathan glared up at him.
"Not with her, with Haley," Nathan corrected him, "I lost it in front of her. She looked terrified. I never wanted her to be afraid of me. God, man, I ruin everything I touch."
"I don't think she was as much scared as she was hurt, Nate," Lucas answered, leaning back in his chair, "I just got off the phone with her. She just doesn't understand how you could not even give your mom a chance, you know?"
"Yeah, well, she hasn't lived my life," Nathan sighed, "I used to think it would be easier if they were gone, so I didn't have to deal with them."
Lucas looked at his cousin, who was more like his little brother, sadness in his eyes, "She hasn't told you."
"Told me what?" Nathan asked, confused.
"Look, man, it's not my place to be saying anything," Lucas began, before sighing, "But the reason Haley was so upset with the way you acted with your mom is because she wishes she was in that situation: her mom standing right in front of her. Her parents died, Nate."
Nathan had gone to Haley's the next morning, giving her flowers and apologizing. She'd told him that Karen had offered Deb a job, and that she'd be staying in town for a while. She asked him to at least give her a chance.
"God, I don't know how you can be so strong and level-headed about this," he said, "What would I do without your voice of reason?"
"It's a gift," Haley smiled, as Nathan brushed his lips over hers.
"I'll talk to my mom, Hales," Nathan replied, "But I can't forgive her. Not yet."
After Jamie and Nathan went to the river court, he dropped him off at Lucas', so he and Haley could talk, alone. They sat in the living room, where, for the first time, Nathan noticed a framed photo on the end table, of Haley and her mom and dad at her high school graduation.
"Hales, what happened to your parents?" Nathan asked out right, not being particularly sensitive, "We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but Lucas told me that they passed away."
Haley took a deep breath, nodding her head, "No, it's okay. I know all about your family. Why shouldn't you know about mine?"
Her voice trembled as she uttered that last sentence, and his hand instinctively covered hers.
"It was about a year after I'd had Jamie," she began, "I'd just moved out of my parents' house, into this place. With me gone, they decided to fulfill their lifelong dream of traveling the country in an RV."
"So, they left you with a baby, alone?" Nathan questioned, starting to feel a bit bothered by that fact.
"I told them that I wanted to do this without their help," Haley replied, "I made the decision to be a mother, and I had to live with that. It was my responsibility. Anyway, they'd been gone for a few months when I got the call. A deer had run out in front of them. My parents were hippies, animal lovers, so they swerved to miss it and lost control. They were….they were killed instantly."
"Haley, I'm so sorry," Nathan said, reaching up to wipe a tear from her cheek.
"So when you told me about your dad, and I saw you with your mom," Haley continued, "I just didn't get it. At least you had parents who were alive, who you could talk to, who could be there for you."
"I didn't understand, but now I do," Nathan stated, "I'll try with my mom, Haley. I'll hear her out."
END FLASHBACK
"Were you watching me sleep?" Haley sleepily asked as her eyes fluttered open, hands cradling the infant on her chest.
"And what if I was?" Nathan replied, playing with the ends of her hair.
"Well, stop it," Haley giggled, closing her eyes again, "It's creepy."
With Jamie at Andre's for a sleepover, Haley and Nathan were at TRIC the next night, back in one of the dressing rooms, as Haley prepared to make her "grand entrance," at Brooke's insistence. However, she couldn't stop pacing.
"Hales, you're going to put a hole in the floor," Nathan said, grabbing her shoulders to stop her, "You're going to be great."
"What if they hate my set? What if I get booed off the stage? What if…" Haley rambled, before Nathan kissed her. He'd found that it was the best way to get her to stop freaking out.
"Thanks," Haley sighed, looking into Nathan's eyes, "For coming back, for dealing with my crazy, for marrying me."
"You'd better stop, or I just might kiss you again," Nathan interrupted, before kissing her again anyway.
They broke apart when they heard the door open, turning to see Mia in the doorway.
"Uh, sorry, Haley. Peyton asked me to come get you," she said, nervously running a hand through her hair.
"Wow, Mia, you look incredible," Haley smiled, intertwining her fingers with Nathan's.
"Oh, um, thanks," she nervously stammered, smoothing out her purple dress and shoving her hands in the pockets of her leather jacket, "Brooke and Peyton thought I should start dressing like a rock star, I guess. Anyway, they're ready for you."
"I'll be right there," Haley answered, as Mia shut the door, "That's my cue."
However, she remained where she was, unable to move.
"You know, the stage won't come to you, Hales," Nathan reminded her.
"I know," she took a deep breath, "I'm ready."
"Ladies and gentleman, Haley James Scott," Peyton introduced, as she left the stage, and Haley walked out.
TRIC was packed, probably breaking the maximum occupancy rules, but no one cared.
"Hi everyone," Haley smiled, "Wow, if you would've told me a few months ago that I would be married and releasing my first album, I would've told you that you were insane."
The crowd laughed, as Haley sighed, "But, here I am, happier than I've ever been, thanks to my son, and my husband, and my amazing friends who helped me get to where I am today. Anyway, I want to show you guys some of my new songs, and, uh, thanks for showing up. I hope you like it."
After performing "Halo," "Maybe," and "Feel This," Haley stepped off the stage, unable to process the extremely positive response from the crowd.
She was maneuvering through the crowd, trying to find Nathan, while thanking those who congratulated and complimented her. She posed for a few photos before running into Peyton.
"So Mama-To-Be, what'd you think?" Haley asked, smiling.
"Haley, you were great, but there's something I need to talk to you about," Peyton said, sounding serious.
"Ok, but can it wait? I'm trying to find Nathan, but this crowd is impossible," Haley replied.
"Actually, Haley, it can't," Peyton looked at her nervously, "It's about Chris."
The name made Haley stop dead in her tracks, the room suddenly feeling 10 degrees colder.
"What about him?" Haley questioned.
"He's coming to record at Red Bedroom," Peyton said very fast.
"WHAT?" Haley exclaimed, her blood boiling at the thought of him anywhere near Jamie and her.
"Haley, it wasn't my call," Peyton explained, "The parent label thinks we need more exposure, and he's an established artist. I said no, but I signed a contract with them, Haley. I can't back out of it, or I'll be sued."
"But how…?" Haley stammered, not able to finish her thought.
"He's from Tree Hill, and with that story that broke about you and him before," Peyton sighed, "I'm pretty sure they just want to stir up drama and publicity. You don't know how sorry I am Haley, I'm trying to figure out how to fix this, I swear to you."
Haley was still trying to process what Peyton had just told her when she heard a voice behind her.
"Excuse me, can I get an autograph?"
Her heartbeat calmed down at the sound of her husband's voice. She turned and jumped into his arms, all the while trying to rid herself of the thoughts than were now circling in her mind.
"You were amazing babe," Nathan smiled, setting her down and handing her a bouquet of purple flowers, "I knew you would be."
"It felt good," Haley replied, forcing a smile on her face.
"I think my wife needs a drink," Nathan stated, taking her hand and leading her towards the bar.
"You have no idea," Haley said softly, trying to figure out how things could go from great to disastrous in one night.
Another chapter done! What do you think?
~For those of you who may think too many things are happening/why can't things be good for Nathan and Haley for a while…well, welcome to how I felt when I watched the series! I am trying to make this relatable to the show, where just when you think things are going good….BAM, something else happens!
Favorite, follow, and review please! I am so thankful to all of you who read this story, whether you leave a review or not. Your support, just by reading, means the world to me! 3