The Mourning After
Part II Chapter XVIII
Thank you all for the reviews!! Like I said, last chapter was a long time coming. Ever since I introduced Daunte into this story, I had last chapter in my mind, well the part where Nathan holds his child for the first time and kisses his forehead, that was taken from American Dreams, a show cancelled on NBC a few years ago. For those who remember, JJ came back from Vietnam in one of the most emotional scenes I ever saw on TV and he met his baby son for the first time, he just held him and gave him a kiss on the forehead, a tear falling down his eyes. And for those who had tears, close to tearing, that was my intent. I've been building Part II of that story for that moment when Nathan finally goes home and I think it was totally worth it and I hope you do as well. Anyways, we're nearing the end of this story but there's still some storylines left to finish and wrap up, so the story is not quite done yet. This chapter is actually much longer than expected and I cut it in half. I threw a lot in here as well as a lot of references from the show.
Also thank you to those who reviewed "Life is a Highway," I might do a follow to that one shot.
I just have to say that I totally loved this 80's episode of OTH. Even though there wasn't that many Naley scenes, the ones we got were great and I can't resist Nathan declaring his love for Haley to the world. There was so many funny lines that I just had to include one in here.
Enjoy and please review!
** Update: Opps uploaded the wrong chapter lol, the ending is different. I had two different versions and I accidently uploaded the wrong one ***
. . . . .
Nathan couldn't believe that this was his life now, he was finally back home in Tree Hill, with his wife, his son and the rest of his family. Meeting Jamie was so great, the kid instantly took a shine to him and for that he was grateful. If Jamie was still a baby, it would've been a little easier but Jamie could walk and talk and he had no clue how to interact with a toddler but Jamie made it easy.
They started out by playing cars and then Jamie took out his action figures, which Nathan quite enjoyed. He noticed a few GI Joe action figures he also used to play with when he was a little kid. The day went by so fast and through it all Haley sat on the sidelines just enjoying her two favorite guys bonding.
Later on, it was finally time for Jamie to go to bed. He watched as Haley made sure he changed into his jammies and she helped him brush his teeth. Then Haley lied next to him on his small twin bed. He was curled up next to her, a book open to him. She read to him animatedly and it was clear Jamie enjoyed a good bed time story. Nathan sat by next to them trying to feel as though he wasn't a stranger looking in, though technically he still was. He tried to push those feelings aside as he watched mother and son interact. Sure Haley wasn't a perfect mother, she had told him herself but it was clear that she loved their son and he loved her back. She was an amazing mother and nothing Haley could say would make him think of her anything but..
Finally, Jamie fell asleep and Haley practically pounced on him when he closed the door to their room. He didn't even have time to look at his surroundings while Haley worked furiously to get his clothes off. He didn't mind, he had plenty of time for that later.
"I need you." She kissed his neck and he led her to the bed as they both discarded the rest of their clothes. She could watch Nathan and Jamie all day but she couldn't help but feel a little excited now that Jamie was asleep. She wanted him so bad it hurt. He was on top of her but was careful to not press his weight down on her.
"Are you okay?" Haley broke off her kisses when she felt Nathan stiffen and not in the way she hoped.
"Yeah.. I just.. I don't want to crush you.. both of you."
"Oh." Haley smiled. "Maybe I should be on top."
Nathan's mouth went dry. "If.. if that's what you want." He said hoarsely.
"I want you." She leaned forward and kissed him, flipping them both over so now she was on top of him. Her hormones were all over the place and one of her cravings, only her sexy husband can satify. He placed his hand on her hips and let her go at the pace she was comfortable with, the last thing he wanted was to do anything to the baby. She leaned forward, rubbing her hands over his chest and nipples before leaning down completely and placing her lips on his. She rocked her body against him but it wasn't enough, she wanted.. needed more.
"Nathan!" She begged into his ear. He bit down on the soft spot of her neck and grabbed onto her tight, pounding into her with such speed that she had to place her lips back onto his to stifle her cries.
Hours later, their bodies spent, Nathan was still awake.
You should be sleeping?"
"How do you know I was awake?" Nathan asked.
"You think I need to have my eyes open to see you." She smirked. "What's going on?" She could practically hear the gears in his mind turn.
"I'm tired as hell but I .. I don't want to sleep."
Haley frowned. "Why, what's wrong?"
"I'm afraid that if I go to sleep, I'll wake up and find myself alone back in New York …without you and Jamie."
"Nathan." Haley gently caressed his cheek. "This is real Nathan, you're home now and we're not going anywhere."
"I've just wanted this for so long, I feel like any minute now, the other shoe will drop."
"Baby, I know you've been through a lot, we all have but it's over now." It was then that Haley wrapped her arm around Nathan and pulled him close to her. She gently caressed the top of his head, lulling him to sleep.
"I.. I don't ever want to lose you again." Nathan said softly as his body wore out and gave into slumber.
"You won't." Haley whispered as she kissed the top of his head.
The sunlight hit Nathan's face and he blinked a few times and sat up and stretched. He reached over to his side and found the bed empty and cold. He looked around in a panic. He looked around and found himself back in New York. Everything was a dream, he wasn't home, never was home. He wondered if he would ever be home.
"NO! NO!" He started to panic.
Nathan shot up from bed and found his heart leaping from his chest. He looked around and found himself back in his room in Tree Hill, Jamie sitting on the foot of the bed pre-occupied with a cartoon on the television. Nathan sighed in relief and laid back down on the bed, closing his eyes and trying to slow his rapid heart beat.
He'd had that nightmare a few times over the course of the past couple of months. Even though he was home, there was still a small part of him wondering if any of it was real. But it was he told himself and although he sometimes felt overwhelmed when he came back home, he was getting better.
It was enough dealing with his friends and family who thought he was dead. Then there was bonding with Jamie and securing his place in Jamie's mind and heart as his daddy. On top of all that, there was the media hoopla that surrounded his sudden resurrection. Luckily, his father was mayor and was able to shield his family from the attention and played down the press. For someone who was always used to be in the spotlight, he found himself dreading it. For once in his life, he wanted to be just like everyone else.
The cartoon Jamie was watching was over and now went to commercial. Jamie turned around and found his dad still sleeping with his eyes clothes. Jamie huffed as he moved over his daddy in an attempt to wake him up. Today was a big day and Jamie hoped his dad remembered it. Jamie grew annoyed when shaking his dad's legs through the blankets wasn't working. He started climbing on top of him and ended up sitting on his chest.
Nathan tried his best to keep a straight face and feign sleep. He knew his boy was waiting for him to wake up but Nathan couldn't help but torture his son for a little bit longer. When Jamie finally settled on his chest, Nathan knew the jig was up. He was glad he put his boxers back on after making love to Haley last night. Haley had warned Nathan that Jamie sometimes liked to crawl into bed with her in the mornings but he never really listened to her. He remembered the first time he woke up and found Jamie in their bed. He was naked as the day he was born and Haley was loving every minute of it. He tried to give Haley the hint to take Jamie away real quick while he put some shorts on or something but Haley wouldn't have any of it. She was having too much fun teasing Nathan and had that whole, I told you so look.
Nathan blinked a few times, pretending to just come out of sleep. He looked up and saw Jamie's blue eyes staring back at him, a mirrored color to his own. His son looked annoyed at waiting for so long to have his daddy wake up. Like Nathan, Jamie sometimes showed little patience.
Jamie was looking down with his arms cross and a small pout on his face. Nathan tried to hold back his smile, his son was too cute. He couldn't imagine what life would be without him.
"Hmm.. somebody looks older." Nathan remarked with the straightest face he could muster.
"I DO!" Jamie said eagerly.
"You?" Nathan asked skeptically. "And why would that be?"
"It's my birthday Daddy!" Jamie declared.
Nathan sat up so now Jamie was sitting on his lap. "It is your birthday!"
"I'm Tweee!" Jamie nodded his little head.
"Is that so huh? So what do you want for your birthday Jimmy Jam?" Nathan's new nickname for his son which Jamie had absolutely loved. When he moved back home, he was surprised to find that he already had so many nicknames. Lucas' favorite of course was J-Luke, which Nathan tended to not use.
"I want tweeee things!" Jamie held out to fingers for emphasis. "I want a Wii." Nathan nodded his head. And then Jamie leaned into his dad and whispered into his ear. Jamie pulled back laughing as well as Nathan.
"I don't know about that one buddy, but what the last thing you want?"
"I want my birthday kisses from mamma!"
"Hmm.. where is your mom?" Nathan wondered. Knowing Haley, she woke up early to get things ready for Jamie's birthday party later. Nathan mentally rolled his eyes, at six months pregnant, she should be the one sleeping in and relaxing.
"But how about one from your old man." Nathan grabbed a hold of his son, laying him down next to him giving him four sloppy kisses on Jamie's cheeks.
"Now that's three and one for good luck." Nathan smiled as Jamie continued to laugh.
"Can I get next?" Haley smirked as she entered the bedroom.
"Mamma!" Jamie wiggled his way out of his dad's grasp and jumped on the bed.
"Someone looking for their birthday kisses?" Haley mused as she attacked Jamie's cheeks, the boy laughing emphatically.
"So are you ready for your big birthday party?"
Jamie nodded his head excitedly.
"Okay, but first you need to get some breakfast, your grandma Deb is already downstairs making your favorite."
"Chocolate chip Pancakes!" Jamie's eyes went wide open and he jumped off the bed and raced downstairs.
"Hey don't run!" Haley yelled out and Jamie slowed down his pace.
"Where's my kiss?" Nathan smirked as he got up. Haley ran her hands through his chest and leaned up and kissed him. She hugged him and leaned into his chest.
"I can't believe he's three."
"I know."
Nathan got up and wrapped his arms around his wife. "I .. I had another nightmare." Nathan said softly.
Haley frowned and looked at him with worried eyes. "Nathan.."
"Don't worry about me Hales, those are left over worries, everything is fine now, I know that and everything will stay fine.. I'll .. I'll never stop worrying about you guys.. all three of you." Nathan placed a hand on her prominent belly.
Haley smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "Today's a good day Nathan, I just know it."
. . . .
Today sucks! Haley thought to herself as she busied herself in the kitchen, little monsters running around her. She opened the cupboard to get a serving dish. Being too short to grab it, she stood up on a nearby footstool and strained her arms to get it.
She felt a pair of strong hands pull her down.
"Hey, come on!"
"Oh.. I'm getting that." Haley looked on annoyed.
"You shouldn't be straining yourself." Nathan reached over and grabbed the serving dish and placed it on the counter. "You can't risk falling and stuff."
"Relax, I'm pregnant, not elderly." Haley said annoyed.
"Haley." Nathan warned as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
Haley sighed, knowing it was pointless when Nathan would get all protective over her and their unborn baby. To be honest, she thought it was actually very sweet and oh so sexy.
"Fine." She pouted. "Besides, it's hard to stay mad at you when you have no shirt on, you know what it does to me?" She smirked as her hands landed down to squeeze his ass cheeks. Nathan was currently wearing his swimming trunks since Jamie was having a pool party, everyone was mostly outside.
Nathan smirked. "Oh I know." Nathan looked down at her protruding belly. "And we have another one running around here somewhere."
Haley laughed and pulled away from Nathan.
"Haley, you told me you were going to take it easy. My mom or Karen can bring the food out."
"I know I know, I was just making sure they had everything. But your mister need to put on a shirt, some of the moms here are vultures, I tell you." As much as Haley loved seeing her husband parade half naked, so did the rest of the world.
Nathan chuckled, "Hales, it's a pool party."
"Yeah.. yeah." Haley rolled her eyes.
. . . . .
Nathan was by the pool and looked on as a dozen or so little kids were swimming about. Two of the other parents were also in the pool making sure the kids were safe. Nathan looked around, wondering where his son was.
"Daddy!" Jamie started running towards his dad.
"Ready to go in Jimmy Jam?" Jamie nodded his head. Nathan was about to lift him up when Lucas called out to them.
"Jamie." Lucas warned, "you forgot your waterwings fish face." Lucas held the little floaty device in his hands.
Fish face? Nathan scoffed to himself. Lucas sounds like some phyco nanny, Nathan huffed in annoyance. "The boy will be fine Lucas, he'll be with me."
"That might be so but you know how Haley is anal about these things." Lucas bent down so that Jamie can put on his swimmies.
"Yeah daddy!" Jamie agreed with his uncle and happy that his uncle saved the day before he got in trouble with his mom. She warned him numerous times not to go into the pool without it.
"Haley or you?" Nathan pointed out. He loved his brother but he couldn't help but feel jealous over the bond and his son shared.
Lucas looked up and squinted his eyes towards Nathan.
"What's anal Uncle Lucas?" Jamie asked.
How your dad's acting, Lucas told himself. "Nothing you need to be worried about little man, now why don't you show me your biggest cannon ball?"
Jamie nodded and ran in the pool, curling his body inward and making a big splash. Lucas hopped in the pool and started playing with his nephew.
Haley saw the whole thing happen and put a hand on Nathan's tense shoulders.
"You okay Nathan?"
"Well I would be if Lucas would watch his mouth in front of my son. Did you hear what Jamie just asked him?"
"Yes, I did but look come here." Haley pulled on his arm and took a few steps away from the pool to have a little bit more privacy. "What's up with you and why are you biting Lucas' head off?" Haley asked even though she was pretty sure she knew the reason.
Nathan just shook his head. "It's nothing." Nathan mumbled and started to make his way back to the pool.
"Nathan." Haley stopped him. "Lucas was supposed to watch Jamie the other day and you had Jamie call him to tell him that we're going a different direction."
Nathan snorted, imagining Lucas' face when he heard that.
Haley rolled her eyes, "That was a little cold Nathan. And you don't have be worried of Lucas, he knows he's Jamie's uncle not his father."
"Who says I'm worried?" Nathan bit back but as soon as the words went out of his mouth, he already regretted it. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you.. It's just.."
"I know baby." Haley caressed his cheeks. "Look, Jamie and Lucas are close, while you were gone, Lucas made sure to be there for Jamie, like how Keith was for him."
"So I'm Dan now?" Nathan rolled his eyes, he knew he was being petty. He loved his dad but growing up Dan was such an ass. He was glad his father had changed.
"Nathan, that's not what I meant and you know that."
"You're right. I'm sorry. It's just .. today is another reminder of all I've missed out on. It should be me putting on those stupid floaty things on our son, not Lucas." Nathan took another deep breath. "I'll apologize to Lucas, it's not him I'm mad at."
"And don't be mad at yourself either. What's done is done and now we move on, remember?" Haley stared down her husband.
"Daddy Daddy! Look!" Jamie's voice called out.
Nathan tore his eyes away and looked at Jamie, a smile forming on his face.
"Go." Haley caressed his arm. "Our boy needs you."
Nathan looked back at her and nodded. "Thank you." He took her hand and kissed it. "I love you, you know that?" He smirked.
"You better." Haley laughed as she watched Nathan jump in the pool to join his son and brother.
. . . . .
"Coming!" Haley waddled over to the front door to open the door.
"Hi Haley." Rachel smiled but Haley looked and freaked out, slamming the door in front of her face.
Did I miss something? Rachel thought to herself as she looked at Clay beside her. He was equally confused. Rachel knocked again and this time Haley opened it with a calmer look.
"Sorry." Haley muttered. "I freaked out when I saw the bag."
Rachel looked down at the circus inspired gift bag she had.
"Sorry, I hate clowns." Haley stepped aside to let them inside. "Rachel, it's so good to finally see you."
"You too Haley." The two hugged.
"How are you?"
"I'm good, Oh Haley, this is my boyfriend, Clayton Evans. Clayton, this is Haley."
The two shook hands, "Nice to meet you."
"Everyone's out back." Haley pointed towards the back yard.
"Hey Rachel." Haley called out. Rachel motioned Clay to go on ahead. This was the first time Haley and Rachel saw each other since Nathan came home.
. . . . .
Nathan got out of the pool and grabbed a towel and made his way to Clay, who he just saw walk in.
"Hey man." Nathan stuck out his hand and the two shook hands.
"Nathan, nice to see you again." Clay replied. He met Nathan briefly before Nathan left for New York and Rachel introduced them.
"Did you just get in? Where's Rachel?"
"She's inside with Haley."
"K cool, let me say hi to her. There's beer over there and plenty of food. Help yourself, I'll be right back."
Clay went for the cooler and grabbed a bottle of beer. Twisting off the cap, he took a swig.
"Clayton, right?"
"Mr. Scott, nice to see you again." The two men shook hands. He still couldn't believe that technically he was Rachel's boss for the past few months. When Rachel finally came clean to him about everything, he was shock but once that wore off, he laughed it off. There was never a dull moment with Rachel Gatina.
"So you're a sports agent, right?" Dan asked.
"Yep."
"Any new talent?"
"Well, there's this point guard at Duke, I'm going to check out."
"I thought you did football?"
"Yeah I do but I really do a little bit of everything, I actually have more baseball and basketball players on my roster."
"Basketball, huh?" Dan raised his eyebrow.
. . . . .
"Look, I never got a chance to personally thank you for everything you've done for us." Haley smiled. This was the first time Rachel had been back in Tree Hill and they only talked briefly over the phone after Nathan arrived.
"It's no problem, Haley, I was just glad I can help." Rachel smiled and Haley nodded. Rachel was about to walk away when she turned back around and faced Haley. "Look, there's something you should know."
"What?"
"Jimmy Edwards, it was my fault."
"Huh?"
"I was the one that released the time capsule video back in high school and it was because of me, Jimmy went crazy and then you and Nathan got into this whole big mess with Daunte and Bear. It was my fault Haley, all of it. I'm so sorry." Rachel rambled, tired of carrying her guilt.
"Wait.. I .. I can't believe this."
"So you can thank me all you want but the truth is, I was being a coward. I got involved to ease my own guilt over what happened, so please don't thank me. I don't deserve it."
Haley looked at Rachel for a moment and then reached over and hugged her.
"Thank you." Haley whispered before pulling back.
Now it was Rachel's turn to look at her confused. She wasn't expecting this.
"Nathan and I played this blame game and the truth is, it's not fault. I mean Nathan blames himself, I blame myself. If Nathan hadn't been an ass to me that morning, I would've never have been in school so early. Or if I never got involved with Daunte then Nathan wouldn't have to have gone into hiding. It's over Rachel, all of it. We can't change the past but me and my son will be grateful that you helped bring Nathan back to us. We can only focus on the present and the future." Haley smiled as she rubbed her belly.
Rachel looked on and smiled, feeling like a weight have been lifted. "Thanks, Haley. It's so good to finally get that off my chest and you're right, it's time to move forward. Nathan is back home and you guys are expecting again. I'm moving on and I've found a great guy in Clay, who's still with me despite me lying to him."
"I'm so happy for you. He seems like a great guy and totally cute, but don't tell Nathan I told you." Haley warned.
"Oh believe me, I won't." Haley laughed.
"Now come on, everyone's out back. And Brooke and Peyton should be here aahhh!" Haley cried as she grabbed her stomach.
"Oh my God Haley are you okay?!" Rachel panicked. "Is it the baby?!"
Nathan stepped inside only to find his wife clutching her stomach in pain. "Haley!" Nathan came rushing forward, not caring if he was wetting the floors.
"Hales, talk to me, is it the baby?" Fear swept through him He knew things were too good to be true.
"Yeah." Haley muttered, cradling her stomach.
"Rachel, call 911!!" Nathan ordered, feeling as if his world was crashing down on him.
"NO!" Haley cried out. "I'm okay it's just.. here." Haley took Nathan's hand and placed it over her stomach.
"Wait.. what's.. what's going on?"
"That Nathan is our child kicking." Haley smiled. "I knew I felt the baby moving inside before but this is the first time the baby's actually kicking. It just caught me by surprise."
Nathan smiled, relief washing over his face. "Wow, look at 'em go." Nathan was in awe
Nathan smiled, relief washing over his face. "Wow, look at 'em go." Nathan was in awe in the life he and Haley created, but just as quickly, concern was written all over his face.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
Haley smiled and leaned up to kiss him. "Yes, I am.
"NO!" Haley cried out. "I'm okay it's just.. here." Haley took Nathan's hand and placed it over her stomach.
"Wait.. what's.. what's going on?"
"That Nathan is our child kicking." Haley smiled. "I knew I felt the baby moving inside before but this is the first time the baby's actually kicking. It just caught me by surprise."
Nathan smiled, relief washing over his face. "Wow, look at 'em go." Nathan was in awe in the life he and Haley created, but just as quickly, concern was written all over his face.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
Haley smiled and leaned up to kiss him. "Yes, I am. And stop worrying Nathan.. everything's going to be okay, you hear me?"
Nathan gave a small smile, "I'm trying."
To Be Continued . . . .