A few weeks later…
Haley sat at the café, on the morning of Halloween, thinking about all that had happened over the past few weeks.
FLASHBACK
The morning after Haley's album release party, the two laid in bed, Haley's hand tracing Nathan's chest.
"I can try to stay for a few more days," Nathan offered, his arm around Haley, pulling her closer to him.
"No, you can't," Haley smiled, "It'll be okay. Peyton is going to make sure that I am nowhere near the studio when he's there. Lucas and Skills have already volunteered for guard duty. You have to go back."
"I just wish you didn't have to do this alone," Nathan sighed, "You know, if you ever need me, I'm just a phone call away. I can be here in an hour to kick Chris Keller's ass."
"I know," Haley laughed, "And I love you for being so protective over me and Jamie. But I knew that this day would come. I just didn't think it would be now."
END FLASHBACK
She had left early that morning, leaving Nathan and Jamie at home. The sun was just coming up, and Chef Jeff and Adam would be arriving soon. There'd been no run-ins with Chris. Peyton said he'd been at the studio for the past couple days, and she was ready to just let herself get sued by the way he was acting.
She'd been secretly hoping that she would be able to avoid him while he was here, but it was a small town. She was bound to run into him eventually, despite her bodyguard detail. There was so much that she'd wanted to say to him, which had built up over the past five years.
Jamie had started calling Nathan "Dad." It was a big step, and Nathan was thrilled. With the news of Chris' return to Tree Hill coming on the heels of this milestone, though, it had gotten her worried. Though he'd shown absolutely no interest in being a father, and even though he wasn't on the birth certificate, DNA doesn't lie. In the back of her mind, she was afraid that one day, he would take her to court and take Jamie away from her. That was her biggest fear.
Nathan and Haley would be taking Jamie, Chuck, and Andre trick or treating, and then would drop Jamie off for a sleepover at Deb's, allowing them to go to the Halloween party that Peyton was throwing at TRIC.
Over the past few months, Haley and Deb had gotten close. They would work together at the café, have dinners together with Jamie, and Deb had even come to Nathan's last basketball game in Charlotte. She was doing well, trying her best to fully earn Nathan's trust back. Tonight would be the first night she'd babysat Jamie.
The married couple was not too keen on dressing up, and since they were both going to be busy in the weeks leading up to the party, they'd naively allowed Brooke to get our costumes.
"Brooke, I can't wear this," Haley stated, turning around to face her in the Wonder Woman costume she'd picked out for me.
"Haley James Scott, you, my dear, are smoking," Brooke smiled, "I did such a good job!"
The blue spandex shorts were just that: short. And the top was like a bustier, something Haley would never be caught dead in.
"I'm a mom, Brooke, I can't take a group of five year olds trick or treating wearing this," Haley insisted, trying to adjust the almost nonexistent costume.
"Just wait until you see what I got for Nathan," Brooke squealed, "Ahh, I just love couples costumes!"
"Remind me again why we let Brooke choose our costumes?" Nathan asked as they walked hand in hand down the street, the boys running ahead of them.
Nathan was dressed as Superman, complete with suit, tie, ripped open shirt, and fake glasses.
"At least we know now for next year," Haley replied, smiling up at him, "At least you can pull it off. I look ridiculous."
"Ridiculous or not," Nathan whispered, "If it wasn't extremely inappropriate, I'd have my way with you right here Wonder Woman."
Haley playfully shoved him away, giggling, a blush coming to her cheeks.
"I know I haven't said it lately," Nathan began, pulling her to a stop as the boys ran up to a house, "But, god, Hales, you're sexy as hell."
They were interrupted by Jamie's voice, as the three boys approached them, their buckets already almost full.
"Mama, Daddy, come on, we've gotta get more candy!" Jamie cried, as the three boys began to run to the next house.
"Woah, slow down guys," Haley laughed, "Back to reality, Superman, let's go."
The family's last stop of the night was Karen's. Deb was closing, and Haley wanted to talk to her before heading over to TRIC for the party.
"Gramma Deb," Jamie cheered, running to give her a hug, "Look at all the candy I got!"
"How much have you eaten already?" she questioned, laughing.
"I told him he couldn't have anymore," Haley warned, giving him the knowing mom look, "Thank you again, for watching him. He's been talking about this sleepover all week."
"Well, you two deserve some alone time while Nathan's home," Deb winked.
The bells on the door jingled, as it opened.
Haley turned, "I'm sorry, we're…"
She didn't get to finish what she was saying, as she came face to face with the one person she never wanted to see: Chris Keller.
"Still not locking the door there, huh Hales?" he asked, a smirk on his face.
Nathan instinctively stood up from his seat at the counter, standing slightly in front of Haley.
"Deb, can you take Jamie and go please?" Haley insisted, "Nathan and I will lock up."
"Bye mama," Jamie said, hugging her before hugging Nathan, "Bye daddy."
Deb led Jamie out the back door, leaving Nathan and Haley to face Chris.
"If you know what's good for you, you'll leave right now," Nathan warned.
"Ahh, but Chris Keller just got here," Chris replied, "Congrats on the wedding, by the way. Careful though Nate, she'll get pregnant and try to trap you."
Nathan took a step forward, ready to knock the lights out of the poor excuse of a man standing in front of him, but Haley grabbed his arm, pulling him back.
"What are you doing here Chris?" Haley asked, suddenly feeling even more vulnerable than she had already been, standing half-naked in front of her ex.
"I have been here for a few weeks, and still haven't seen you," Chris explained, "Thought you might be avoiding me."
"She has every right to avoid you, you arrogant son of a bitch," Nathan retorted, "Now, if I were you, I'd leave now, before you get your ass beat."
"Alright, Chris Keller can sense some tension here," he raised his arms in surrender, "Haley, if you want to talk, you know where I'll be."
He turned to leave, opening the door and taking one step out, before turning back around.
"Oh, and Hales, Chris Keller made a pretty cute kid, don't you think?" he smiled, before walking out.
"Go to hell!" Nathan yelled, as the door slammed shut.
Nathan was seething, "How could he say that? After all that he's done to you, after he denied you and Jamie, he says that he made a cute kid? God Hales, you don't know how much I want to give that guy a piece of my mind."
"I couldn't say anything," Haley stammered, "I've been thinking about what I would say if I saw him for the last five years. And the time finally came, and I couldn't say anything."
"I think I said plenty for the both of us," Nathan sighed, wrapping his arms around her waist, "Hey, let's forget about him. I'm not going to let him ruin this night. I have to leave tomorrow, and tonight, I just want to spend time with my beautiful wife."
"Haley, Nathan, you made it!" Peyton exclaimed, as she and Jake stood by the stage with Brooke and Lucas.
"Sorry we're late," Haley smiled.
"I'm going to get us some drinks," Nathan said, as Lucas and Jake joined him to go to the bar, leaving the three best friends.
"So, how's my niece doing?" Haley asked, "Or nephew, but I'm hoping for a niece."
"He or she is fine," Peyton laughed, "You'll know what it is in a few weeks."
"Imagine if Liam and your little girl ended up together," Brooke exclaimed, "How cute would that be?"
"Woah, Brooke," Peyton stopped her, "I'm barely able to think about what I'm going to eat for breakfast tomorrow, let alone who my daughter, or son, is going to date."
"What do you think Haley?" Brooke asked, "P Sawyer and I are finally joining your mommy team!"
"Babysitting Liam the other night," Haley began to answer, "Gosh, it's hard for me to remember when Jamie was that small."
"You and 23 better get busy making me a niece then," Brooke smiled, and before Haley could say anything, the guys came back with the drinks.
Nathan slipped an arm around Haley's waist, "So what'd we miss?"
Brooke smirked at Haley, "Nothing, just girl talk."
The next morning, Haley reached over to wrap her arm around Nathan, but found his side of the bed empty. She opened her eyes, seeing her husband buttoning up a light blue oxford shirt.
"Is it Sunday already?" Haley whined.
"I'm afraid so," Nathan leaned down to kiss her, as she grabbed his collar, pulling him on top of her, "Woah, babe, as much as I would like to have a replay of last night, and this morning, my flight leaves soon."
Haley sighed, sitting up in the bed, pulling the covers up around her naked body, "Good luck tomorrow."
Nathan had a game in Indianapolis on Monday, Utah on Wednesday, before coming back for a game against Toronto in Charlotte on Friday.
"Thanks baby," Nathan smiled, "I'll call you when I land, okay?"
"Okay," Haley replied, "Tell Clay not to let you party too hard when you win though, alright?"
Clay had made a point of throwing parties when the Bobcats won, no matter where they were on the road. This made Haley a little nervous, but she trusted Nathan, and knew that with all the stress and pressure he was under, it was good for him to let off a little steam after a game.
"I'll see you on Friday," Nathan said, as he picked up his bags, leaning to kiss her forehead.
"Can't wait," Haley smiled, before snuggling back up in bed.
Haley took a deep breath as she stood outside of the door to Red Bedroom Records later that morning. She'd stayed away for as long as she could, but Mia was recording today, and Peyton wasn't feeling well. Haley had to be there to help Mia, despite the fact that Chris could show up.
"Hey Mia, are you ready?" she asked, setting her bag down, "I thought we could start with "It's Only Life."
"Do you really think I'm ready Haley?" Mia asked nervously, fiddling with the zipper on her hoodie.
Haley sighed, looking at the nervous girl, before pulling the hoodie off of her arms, throwing it on the back of a chair, "Mia, Peyton wouldn't have signed you if she didn't think you were ready. You can do this."
Mia took a breath before walking into the booth. As she sat down in front of the mic, Haley played back the track.
About an hour later, Haley signaled for Mia to come out. She wanted her to hear what she'd just done.
"It took a few takes, Mia, but that was great, really," Haley smiled, as they listened to the recording.
"Yeah, not bad rookie," the sound of Chris' voice behind them made both Haley and Mia jump.
Haley knew exactly what to say now, "We're a little busy here, Chris."
"Chris Keller is supposed to record with Peyton today," Chris said, pulling a chair up and putting his feet on the desk.
Haley shoved his feet off, nearly making him fall out of his chair, "Well, Peyton's not in today, so you'll have to come back tomorrow."
"Chris Keller doesn't like waiting," he retorted, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"Haley, thank you for working with me today," Mia stammered, standing up, "But I have to go or I'm going to be late for my shift at the café."
Now, Haley was alone with the person she hated most in the world.
"Guess it's just you and me Hales," Chris smiled, "Just like old times."
"Shut the hell up, okay Chris?" Haley finally snapped, "You know what? You don't get to talk to me. You denied my son, called me a whore, and then think that you can just waltz back here after five years like nothing happened?"
"Woah, slow your roll there princess," Chris replied, "I'm sorry, okay? Chris Keller isn't exactly Daddy material, you know? That would have changed my career, my life, everything."
"And it didn't change mine? I had to grow up, something you clearly still haven't done," Haley retorted, before sighing, now slightly calmer, "You know what, Chris. I'm not sorry that I slept with you. Because out of that, I got the most amazing gift, in my son. And he has a dad now, who loves him, and who loves me. And you don't get to mess that up."
She picked up her bag, and started to walk out.
"Haley, wait," Chris called.
"Save it Chris, you're not worth my time," Haley coldly answered, not even bothering to turn around.
"Well this is a surprise," Brooke said, as she let Haley into her house, and they both took a seat on the couch.
"Sorry I didn't call first," Haley apologized, "I just needed to talk to someone, and with Nathan not here…"
"I'm happy to help Tutor Mom," Brooke replied, "What's up?"
"Last night, before the party, Chris showed up at the café while I was there with Nathan and Jamie," Haley began.
"WHAT?" Brooke exclaimed, "What did you do?"
"Deb took Jamie and left," Haley continued, "But I froze. I couldn't say anything. You know that I've rehearsed what I would say to Chris for the past five years, but in that moment, nothing came out. Nathan railed on him, would've kicked the crap out of him if I wouldn't have been there. And then, when Chris finally decides to leave, he has the audacity to say that he made a cute kid."
"You're joking," Brooke said, and Haley shook her head, "What an ass!"
"Oh, that's not it," Haley replied, "Then, he shows up at the studio today while I'm working with Mia, and tries to defend himself, saying that acknowledging Jamie as his would've changed his life and his career, and that he wasn't daddy material."
"Well you can't argue with that last part," Brooke said amused, "Haley, I know you're fired up about this, but that's what he wants. He pushes people's buttons just to get a reaction, you know that. Your best bet is to ignore him. He's like…a bear, you know? If you play dead long enough, he'll leave you alone."
Before Haley could respond to Brooke's terrible comparison, cries from the baby monitor could be heard.
"Can I get him?" Haley asked, standing up, "Jamie's with Mouth and Skills and I could use some snuggles right about now, after the day I've had."
"He's all yours," Brooke sighed, laying down on the couch, "He kept us up all night. Poor Luke, he had to get up early to go help Keith on some project. Sometimes I just wish Liam had an off switch, just for like fifteen minutes, you know?"
"Well, now he does," Haley replied, before heading upstairs, "Get some sleep. I'll watch him."
After spending some time with baby Liam and letting Brooke get some sleep, Haley decided to take Jamie for ice cream in Winnabow, where they'd gone with Nathan after the basketball camp.
As the two sat on the same bench as the last time, Haley snapped a picture of them on her phone, sending it to Nathan. He hadn't been able to call when he landed, but he sent a text letting her know that he was back in Charlotte.
Wish you were here. We miss you 3
"Mama," Jamie said, as Haley sent the text, "Who was that man last night at the café?"
Haley sighed. She knew that he would ask. He was a curious little boy, too smart for his own good.
"He was just someone that mommy knew a long time ago," Haley answered.
"I heard Daddy yelling at him," Jamie replied.
"He's not a very nice person, sweetie," Haley tried to explain, "Daddy was just asking him to leave, that's all."
"I miss him when he's gone," Jamie frowned, looking down.
"I know baby, I miss him too," Haley said, "But we're going to see him on Friday at the game. We just have to get through this week. Do you think we can do that?"
"Yeah mama," Jamie replied, smiling up at her, "We just have to be brave."
Haley smiled as her phone vibrated, indicating a text message.
I love you. Both of you. I'll see you soon.
She and Jamie watched the basketball game on Monday with the whole gang at Brooke and Lucas' house. Nathan had been complaining for the last month that while the house they were living in had been the perfect size for her and Jamie, it was a tight squeeze for the three of them. She knew he was right. They'd gone to look at a few houses here and there when he was home, but hadn't found quite the right one yet.
The Bobcats won, and Nathan scored 35 points. As she made her way home and got Jamie to bed, she anticipated a phone call from him. He always called after the game. She stayed up till 2 in the morning. The call never came.
She'd hoped that he'd just fallen asleep, but in the back of her mind, she had a feeling he was out partying with Clay and the guys from the team. She didn't want to be that wife, the one who nagged her husband about not calling her and telling her where he was, but she worried.
She hardly slept at all, managing to get Jamie to school on time and make it to the café for her shift, staying awake thanks to the magic of coffee. As the morning breakfast rush began, her phone began ringing in her pocket. Checking the caller ID, she saw Nathan's name.
"Hello," she answered, trying not to sound bitter and upset like she slightly was.
"Hey babe," she heard Nathan say, almost at a whisper.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, "Look, I'm sorry I didn't call last night. I got caught up with the guys. We were at this party at the hotel, well, we still kinda are. That's why I'm whispering. All the guys are passed out. Anyway, I'm sorry."
Haley sighed, and even though she didn't like the thought of him getting drunk and partying with a bunch of fans and cheerleaders, she knew she had to forgive him, "It's okay. I was just worried when I didn't hear from you. You played great."
"Thanks Hales," Nathan sighed, "So, has Chris left town yet?"
Haley bit her lip, not sure if she should tell Nathan about her run-in with Chris at the studio, "Not yet, but I haven't seen him so, so far, so good."
Haley heard voices and rustling in the background, before Nathan said, "Hales, I'm sorry. I've gotta go sober these guys up before practice. But I'll try to call you tonight when we get to Utah, ok?"
"Okay," Haley answered, slightly disappointed at the short length of their conversation, "I love you."
"Love you too, bye," and just like that, he was gone.
Charlotte, NC
Dan Scott sat in his office, thinking. He wanted a relationship with his son, but his supposed "daughter-in-law" and ex-wife stood in the way of that. He had to do something, and now, he knew exactly what he had to do.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I should have the next one up soon!
Please review or PM me and let me know what YOU would like to see happen in this story! I love ideas and suggestions!