The Mourning After
Chapter 16
I didn't receive as many reviews last chapter, I hope people are still reading. Thank you guys for the reviews, please keep them coming !!
--
Haley never felt so nervous. The Ravens were playing against the Marauders and the game was very close. The girls in the cheerleaders squad held hands with thirty seconds left on the clock. Haley could feel her insides turning, like everyone else in the packed auditorium. The score was tied and the Ravens had possession of the ball. She watched as the players moved like lightening. Her husband had the ball and he took it to the court. Ravens score.
Ten seconds left on the clock and a lot could happen in that time. The Marauders took possession and just like that they raced against the clock to sink at least one basket in to send them into overtime. "NO FOULS!" Whitey yelled to his players. 3-2-1 and with the last fleeting seconds, one of the players lobbed ball from half court and everyone held their breath. The buzzer rang and the ball missed, the Ravens went wild.
Haley ran to the court and she was immediately scooped up by her husband. "You did great!" She smiled and the two leaned in for a kiss.
"And what about me?!" Lucas pouted.
"You were great too." Haley let go of Nathan and gave Lucas a hug.
"I agree with the pretty lady.. good game sons." Dan said as he made his way on the court patted Lucas and Nathan on the backs.
For many, the site would warm most people's heart. A father congratulating his sons on a game well played, but Dan Scott was no ordinary father and his sons were no regular basketball players. To everyone who knew the Scott family, they would think the site of Dan Scott with his two sons was something out of the Twilight Zone. Haley would've been those people, but if this past week and a half ago, everything changed.
Haley couldn't believe how fast time flew by. A week ago and a half ago, her and Nathan were still apart. She was still taking pills and for Haley James Scott, she felt like she was in limbo. Now, she felt whole again. After a long darkness, she was finally seeing the light. Things were going great. Her and Nathan were back together and were now stronger than ever. She loved him more with each day, with each second actually. They spent all their time together but she missed him terribly when he wasn't there. It was silly, they attended the same school but she desperately missed him as soon as they had to split up to go their respective classes. She took great comfort in knowing that they at least had the next four years planned out for them. They were going to Duke together, the Ravens were in the playoffs and for once Dan Scott was not meddling in their affairs in fact, he was doing the opposite.
--Flashback--
"Haley!" Nathan called out as he entered the house.
"Hey you." Haley said as she greeted her husband with a kiss.
"Something smells good.. someone looks good too." He smirked as he brought her in again for another kiss.
"Down boy.. dinner first.. then dessert." She winked at him as he followed her back to the kitchen.
"Did you talk to your dad?" Haley asked hesitantly. Nathan had gone to seen his dad earlier. She tried to put Daunte out of her head but it still managed to bother her.
"Yeah.. everything's going to be okay." Nathan gave her a reassuring smile. "But about my dad.." Nathan added.
"Yeah?"
"Did you happen to make enough for three?"
"Three?" Haley asked curiously. Just then the front door opened and Dan Scott entered the kitchen.
"Oh." Haley managed to say. "Hi Mr. Scott."
"Please Haley.. call me Dan.. or dad if you want."
She tried to force a smile. She still was weary of Dan. He was always against their marriage, he was the one who brought the annulment papers to her and then there was Lucas to consider.
"Only if Lucas does." She tried to say with a polite smile.
Nathan was nervous. He hoped she wasn't mad at him. He knew he should've called Haley and told her that Dan would be joining them.
"Fair enough." He said. "And these are for you." Dan held out a dozen roses.
"Thank you Mr. Sco.. I mean Dan." Haley was a little surprised by his kind gesture and she looked over at Nathan and decided to give it a try, for his sake.
"I hope you don't mind, I asked Dad to come join us for dinner."
"Not at all.. there's plenty of food."
A few moments later, they made their way to the dining room.
"So Haley." Dan spoke up. "Nathan explained to me what happened.. I hope you know you have nothing to worried about."
"You sure?" Haley felt a little embarrassed.
"I can't go much into detail but the police have been investigating Daunte for a while now.. on some alleged illegal gambling but.. let's just say some prescription pills will be the least of his worries."
She looked at Nathan and smiled back at him.
"Thank you." She responded.
"No thank you.. this meat loaf is delicious." Dan said trying to lighten the mood. They continued talking and eating.
"So Nathan, are you excited about the play offs?" Dan asked.
Haley immediately felt Nathan tense up, even though she was sitting across from him. When it came to basketball, Nathan and Dan always seemed to but heads.
"Yeah.. hopefully we can go all the way." Nathan said nervously.
"With you, Lucas and that new guy.. umm.. Skillz.. I'm sure you guys are going to give those other teams a run for their money."
"Thanks dad."
"But don't worry if you don't make it .. you have the next four years trying to get that NCAA championship.. . I'm happy you two decided to go to Duke together.. I'm sure you'll both do great there."
"Thanks Dan." Haley looked at Nathan. They both a bit surprised with him being so… nice.
"What is it Dad?" Nathan asked looking at the big smile forming on his dad's face.
"I wanted to wait until later but I have a surprise for you."
"What dad?"
"I spoke to your mother.. and she's coming home soon… maybe within the next week or two."
"That's great Dad."
Haley looked over at Nathan and saw how happy he seemed at the news. Deb wasn't her favorite person either but she knew Deb had a hard time and with her own incident with prescription pills, she was more sympathetic to her.
"There's more.."
"More?" Haley asked.
"Deb was so happy to hear that you guys picked a college.. she called up on of her real estate buddies and managed to get you guys an apartment just outside campus. I hear it's only a 5-10 minute walk to the main campus."
Haley nearly choked on her drink. "Thank you .. but .. that's that's too much."
"Haley please.. your family now.. Deb and I will not let our son and daughter in law spend four years locked up in some cramp college dorm."
"I don't know what to say Dad.." Nathan was left speechless.
"Consider it a belated wedding gift from your mom, it was all her idea."
Nathan looked at Haley to make sure she was okay with all this and she looked back at him and smiled.
"Dad.. we also have a surprise too."
"Oh."
"I asked Haley to marry me.. again.. we're going to renew our vows."
Dan nearly choked on his drink. "That's.. that's great son… what did you guys have in mind?"
"We were thinking of doing it after the season is over. Brooke said she'll make my dress and we were going to have the ceremony where my parents got married and probably have a small reception at Tric or something."
"No that will not do at all."
"Dad!"
"You can't have your reception at Tric.. let me make some calls.. I'll book you guys a party room at the country club."
"Dad.. we can't afford that."
"Who says your paying?"
"We can't ask you to do that." Haley interjected.
"You're not.. I'm offering. Besides, I can't let Deb out stage me.. she already gave you housing at Duke.. the least I can do is give you the dream wedding I missed out the first time."
-- End flashback--
"Sorry.. what did you say?" Haley asked Nathan.
"Where's your head at Mrs. Scott?" Nathan asked. They just returned from the basketball game where the Ravens barely managed to win against the Marauders. Nathan played a tough game and his body was exhausted. They sat in bed while Haley was giving him a massage.
"On Mr. Scott." Haley replied. Nathan smiled. "Mr. Dan Scott." Haley added.
"My dad? Talk about a turn off."
She pinched his shoulder harder. "Owww!" She laughed. "I just can't believe this past week and with your dad paying for our wedding.. and tonight .. it just seems.."
"Unreal."
"Exactly.. I feel like this is just some weird dream and I'm afraid I'm going to wake up and it's all going to be over."
"Hey.. it's not a dream.. we're getting everything we want.. everything we deserve.. and it doesn't matter.. we're together.. that's all that matters."
She kissed his shoulder blade. He was knew what to say to make her feel better.
"But Hales.. are you okay about my dad paying for everything and my mom moving in with us?"
"Nathan.. if he wants to spend his money let him .. and this is your mom's house."
"Technically.. it's our house."
"She's your mother."
"Your willing to put up with her?"
"Yeah.. for you… she's family Nate and she needs us."
"Thanks.. Hales .. you're great you know that."
"I try."
"But I hope you know .. you have to keep the noise level down now." He laughed but she immediately pinched him again.
"That's it Mister.. no more massage for you."
"Aww baby.. I'm sorry.. I was just teasing.. besides it's my fault you're so loud." He smirked.
She smirked back too. "It is all your fault."
Nathan leaned back and rested against Haley's body as her arms hugged him. Haley's hands went back to Nathan's shoulders as she massaged it and worked out the kinks.
"How does that feel?" She whispered in his ear.
"Wonderful." He whispered. Her hands roamed his side and caressed his chest and stomach.
"How does that feel?" She asked again.
"God Haley.. I love you so much."
Her hands continued to roam his torso. She loved running her hands through his muscular frame. She let her hands wonder for a while before becoming more daring. Her hand slipped down his boxers and Nathan immediately shuddered at her touch. He leaned back, resting on Haley's body, a soft moan coming from his mouth. She slipped his boxers off and her hands roamed through his entire length. He was now squirming up against her.
She loved making Nathan feel this way. Most of the time, he was in charge, he took control. But moments like these, Haley loved it. He was putty in her hands. She was in full control now and Nathan had no qualms about her taking the driver's seat.
"Oh God Hales." He moaned and rested his head against her neck. Eventually she needed both hands to work him over. He squirmed even harder, his breathing erratic and she knew he was close. After a while Haley quickened the pace, until he couldn't hold it back any longer.
"Oh man.. Hales.. that was …" Nathan said breathless.
"I'm glad you enjoyed." She teased.
"Oh I enjoyed." He said as he turned around and planted a kiss on his wife.
--
Another week had passed and Haley was in the gym with the rest of the cheerleading squad.
"Ok girls, let's go through it one more time." Brooke announced.
"Do we have to?" Rachel complained.
"Yeah Brooke!" Peyton responded.
"Come on girls, our boys are this close to the championships, we need to work extra hard!" Brooke announced.
Going back into formation, the girls all moaned. "Do something!" Rachel glared at Haley and Peyton.
"I'm so tired, I just want to go home." Haley complained. Practice seemed never ending and the fact that Nathan was keeping her up all night really wasn't helping. All she wanted was a nap.
"Well you heard Rachel, do something." Peyton added.
"What! You?" Haley glared back.
"Do you want to keep practicing or what?" Peyton glared back.
"Fine.. I think I have something." Haley said.
She walked up to Brooke. "Hey, what time are we getting off today?" She said softly.
"When we get it right, now come on tutorgirl back in line."
"K.. I just hope we can make it before the boutique closes."
"Boutique?" Brooke asked.
Haley knew Brooke's weaknesses and although she wasn't proud to do it, things called for desperate measures.
"How could you forget!?" Haley asked.
"Forget what?" Brooke looked confused.
"We're supposed to go shopping for bridesmaids dresses.."
"Oh my God.. that was today?!"
"Yeah..don't tell me you forgot."
"No I didn't forget.. must've slipped my mind… now go back into formation."
Haley did as she was told and stood next to Peyton.
"Well?" Peyton asked.
"I told her that we're going shopping for bridesmaid's dresses.. hopefully that'll work."
"Oh.. good one Scott."
Scott. Haley loved being referred to Mrs. Nathan Scott. She turned around and looked at the boys practicing as well. Her and Nathan locked eyes and they both smiled at each other.
"K girls.. one more time and then we can all enjoy our weekend." Brooke announced.
Peyton was smiling.
"Wipe that smile Peyton." Haley commented.
"What?"
"You think I was going to go shopping with Brooke by myself!" Haley said, suddenly Peyton wasn't smiling anymore.
--
Haley and Peyton sat on the sofa while Brooke was in the changing room trying on dresses. The two of them glad to be off their feet.
"Good idea, having Brooke try on all the dresses." Haley said.
"Please that took no effort on my part." Peyton shot back. "So how are the wedding plans going?"
"Surprisingly well.. Dan's assistant is taking care of mostly everything.. she just needs mine or Nathan's approval."
"I still can't believe Dan is paying for it."
"I can't believe he wants to go all out .. I told him no on the fireworks but I conceded with the horse and carriage." Both girls laughed.
"Is your family coming?"
"Hopefully.. with the date set.. everyone is scrambling to see if they can take the time out of work… but at least Deb will be there."
Just then, Brooke came out wearing a blue strapless dress that went down to the floor. Peyton and Haley looked at each other and shook their heads. Brooke grabbed another dress and went back to the dressing room. "Isn't this fun!" She called out and Peyton and Haley laughed.
After trying on a couple of more dresses, Peyton and Haley stood up when Brooke came out wearing a red strapless dress that hugged her perfectly.
"Oh my God, we have it." Haley said.
Peyton nodded in agreement. Brooke clapped her hands. "I look so hot!" Brooke commented. Peyton was now excited and picked up the same dress in her size and tried it on. Haley jumped for joy when she saw her two bridesmaids in their dresses.
"We definitely found it!"
The three girls made their way out of the boutique. Peyton stopped in front of a record store and Brooke stepped off to the side to take a call on her phone. Haley was feeling very tired now. She yawned while waiting by Peyton's car for her two friends.
"Mrs. Scott." A voice called out to her. Her head whipped around and her stomach dropped.
"Hi." She said nervously.
"I hear your husband's going to take the Ravens all the way this year." Daunte commented.
"Hopefully." she said.
"Well.. I'll be seeing you Mrs. Scott." Daunte said with a smirk and started to walk back down the street where he was joined by another accomplice.
Peyton and Brooke came up to Haley. "Who was that?"
"No one." She muttered. "Let's go home." All Haley wanted to do was snuggle up next to Nathan.
Haley eventually made it back home, where she Nathan was eagerly waiting for her.
"How was shopping?" Nathan asked giving her a kiss.
"It was good.. I think we found it." She kissed back.
"Well I have some good news." Nathan said as he took her hand and led her in.
"Haley!!" A voice called out.
"Deb! It's so good to have you back." Haley said giving her mother in law a hug.
To Be Continued . . .
I forgot I had this chapter already done. I wished I would've spent more time on it during the weekend to write the next chapter. I think there will be 3 chapters left including the epilogue. I obviously don't want to give anything away, but I'll leave it up to you guys to guess, hehe. I just finished Games, Lies and Love and I hope to wrap this one too before starting my next story. On some of my other stories, Thicker Than Blood is maybe in the halfway point, I'm not sure, I finally have a road map set up where I know exactly how that story will end. Winners and Losers will not be as long as some of my other stories, the mystery surrounding Nathan and Haley's past is what drives the story and it'll be hard to maintain that mystery for several chapters. Again thanks for the reviews and feedback. Please review!