The Mourning After
Part II Chapter XIX
Oh my gosh, the end of this long road is nearly here. Thank you guys for the love and support. There are only a few things left to wrap up. The good news in all this is that it'll give me sometime to focus writing a new story. I have two in mind, one is the sequel for Thicker than Blood and I have another new story. Both of which are still in their infancy and you'll probably not see me post another story for a while. I might do an occasional one shot here and there but this'll be my swan song for now.
On a side note, I really loved last weeks 80's episode so I was quite shocked to see that OTH may not be a definite for a season 8. I know season 7 isn't the best, believe me but despite that I do feel like OTH can one more go around and hopefully it'll be enough to have Chad and Hilarie come back for at least the last episode. So if you are OTH, I urge you to continue to support this great show. I'm not ready to say bye just yet.
Enjoy and please review.
. . . . . .
Haley laid back on the lounge chair with her oversized sunglasses and a virgin daiquiri on one hand. The baby starting kicking earlier and she felt bad for freaking Nathan out. She didn't mean to cause quite a stir but she knew how hard it was for Nathan adjusting being back to his old life. So she took it in stride and knew it was all out of love and his never ending need to look out for her and protect her. So he promptly set her down on the lounge chair and told her to relax. She would be annoyed getting bossed around but he looked too hot to say no to plus she knew she needed to get some rest. She was on her feet for most of the day already.
When he faked his death, she was only a couple of weeks pregnant with Jamie and he never experienced what it was like to go through the whole pregnancy. She remembered how nervous he was when he accompanied her for the first time to get a sonogram. She could never forget the look of wonder and astonishment when the baby appeared on the sonogram. It made her fall in love with him all over again to see the love and devotion in his eyes. All the pain of the past few years were finally beginning to melt away.
Right now the baby was the top priority, they still weren't sure what they were going to do after the baby was born. Haley was planning on going to school but with Nathan back, she could care less where she went to school. Nathan went to NYU and only had 3 semesters left before he could graduate with a Bachelor's in business. Would they go back to NY? They were still so many questions left to ask. It also didn't escape her that Dan was talking up a storm to Clay. Coach Whitey Durham came by not too long ago and the three men have been chatting non stop about sports. She knew Clay was a sports agent and she could already see the gears in Dan's mind working. Dan sure has come a long way but Nathan and basketball were never too far from Dan's mind.
"Tutormom!!" Brooke's overly exuberant voice echoed through the back yard.
Haley put her drink down and tilted her sunglasses down to see two of her best friends walking towards her. Peyton and Brooke arrived together and went through the front door and chatted with Rachel before making their way outside. They put their gifts for Jamie on the gift table and headed out to find Haley.
"Brooke! Peyton!" Haley stood up and hugged each one of them.
"Oh my God! Look how big you are!" Peyton commented all three sat down.
"Yeah." Brooke added. "So do we know if it's a baby he or baby she?"
"No, we don't. Nathan and I want to keep it a surprise."
"Really?" Peyton replied. "I don't know how you could do it cuz Jake and I would.." Peyton stopped herself before she could finish her sentence. Both of her friends looking at her curiously.
"You're not.." Brooke eyed her friend curiously.
"Oh my God you are!" Haley exclaimed.
"SHHH!!" Peyton told them to lower down their voices. "If you must know then yes, it's true. Jake and I are pregnant but please please don't tell anyone yet. Jenny's sick and Jake's waiting for his parents to watch her so he won't be in Tree Hill until tomorrow and we were going to tell you guys then. Plus we didn't want to upstage Jamie." Peyton finally took a breath.
Both Brooke and Haley had their mouths over their hands, ready to give Peyton a big old hug but Peyton shot daggers at them to not even try it. It was already bad enough that she couldn't drink and she didn't want to raise anyone's suspicions. Peyton informed them that she was 6 weeks along and her and Jake couldn't be happier. The girls dropped the topic with Peyton promising to fill them in on all the details later when they would have more privacy.
. . . . .
Nathan searched the house looking for his son. He didn't care if he was wetting the floors because he was pretty sure where Jamie was. A few minutes ago, he and Jamie were in the pool but then Nathan stepped out real quick to help Karen bring some food inside while Lucas looked after Jamie. When he got back, he could find no sign of his brother and son. One of the parents told them that they headed inside because Jamie got a cut.
"There you are." Nathan replied when he saw Lucas and Jamie getting out of the bathroom.
"Daddy!" Jamie ran up to Nathan. Nathan kneeled down in front of his son, wiping away Jamie's wet hair.
"Look daddy! Batman!" Jamie proclaimed showing his Batman themed band aid that was on his elbow. Nathan had learned to live with the small cuts and occasional bruises a rambunctious three year old would get. At first, it scared the shit out of him, now he wasn't so anal about it. Jamie was a boy, not some porcelain doll. Nathan remembered the various cuts and scrapes he had when growing up.
"Uncle Lucas put it on!" Jamie said proudly.
"He sure did." Nathan mumbled as he glared at Lucas. "Come on Jamie." He flashed Jamie a smile as he lifted him back up. "Let's go back to the pool."
Lucas stepped in and grabbed Jamie from Nathan and handed him off to Deb who was down the hall.
"Lucas, what're.."
Lucas ignored him. "Hey Deb, can you watch Jamie, Nathan has to help me out with something real quick."
"Yeah, sure." Deb took Jamie's hand and made their way back to the back yard.
"Hurry up Daddy!" Jamie called out.
"What the hell was that?" Nathan turned to Lucas as soon as Jamie was out of ear shot.
"What the hell is up with you?" Lucas replied back.
Nathan was about to say something he knew he'd probably regret but Haley's voice filled his head. He promised he'd be nicer to Lucas and it wasn't his fault that Lucas was trying to be a good uncle.
"You're like running hot and cold on me, what the hell man?" Lucas asked and Nathan started to feel guilty.
Nathan sighed. "Look.. I'm .. I'm sorry. I'm just.. you know what, forget it."
"Nathan, wait. What's going on?" Lucas asked with concern in his voice and Nathan felt even worse about making his brother worry about him.
"Look, it's stupid. I'm sorry for biting your head off earlier."
"It doesn't seem stupid, come on Nate, you can talk to me."
"Fine, I'm jealous. You happy?!" Nathan spit out.
"Jealous?" Lucas looked on confused and then it dawned on him. He should've known. "Oh Nate, about Jamie…"
"No, Luke, you don't need to say anything. I mean it's my fault I missed out on most of his life. And I'll never thank you enough for being there for Haley and Jamie while I was gone but it's just.." Nathan sighed trying to come up with the right words. "I just wonder if I'll ever have what you have with Jamie." Nathan mumbled, looking away from his brother.
Lucas paused for a second and with the straightest face he could muster, "You're an idiot." Lucas crossed his arm.
"Excuse me?" Nathan looked back annoyed and ticked off. Lucas just laughed.
"Follow me." Lucas started to head up the stairs and despite his better judgment, Nathan followed.
"What're we doing at Jamie's room?" Nathan replied, the annoyance evident in his voice.
"You honestly have never seen it?"
"Seen what?"
"I guess Haley does all the cleaning." Lucas mumbled as he went for the closet.
"Lucas, what the hell are we doing here?"
Lucas opened the doors to Jamie's closet and moved some clothes aside and motioned Nathan to come look.
"What is it.." The words died on Nathan's lips as he stepped inside peeked inside. There were some of his old tropies, he wondered where those went. Taped to the walls were photos of him and Haley, some were just of him. Next to the pictures were some drawings Jamie made. They were a little crude from a recently turned 3 year old but he could distinctly make out a drawing of him and Jamie, as well as Jamie with his mom. Then there was a picture of the three of them together, which Nathan figured, was drawn recently since it featured Haley pregnant. Nathan was speechless.
"That little boy loves you." Lucas put a comforting hand on Nathan's shoulder. "You may have only been back home for a couple of months but Jamie's always known who his daddy is." Lucas stated. "You're his hero." Lucas added.
Nathan took a deep breath, taking it all in. He traced his fingers through some of the drawings. He turned back to Lucas. "Thank you." He said softly.
"Don't sweat it." Lucas replied.
"Look man, I'm sorry.."
"Nate don't worry about it."
"No, Luke, I'm sorry for being an ass to you. You don't deserve it and I don't know what I did to deserve to have a brother like you. Jamie's middle name is Lucas for a reason, I can't thank you enough."
Lucas just smiled back at him, feeling a little emotional at the moment. He remembered when Jamie was born and Haley announced his name. He thought that the name was thanks to Haley but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was Nathan's decision. It was in that moment that he realized just how much of an impact his brother had in his life and he vowed to be there for Nathan's family when he thought that Nathan was dead.
"You know Jamie's excited to be a big brother." Nathan said softly. "And I know he's going to be great.. and it's cuz of you Lucas."
"Cuz of us little brother." Lucas smiled.
"Another Scott on the way." Nathan sighed. "We'll do it together."
"Always." The two bumped fist and Nathan pulled him in for a quick hug.
"Hmmm… mmm… two half naked gorgeous Scott's coming out of a closet." Brooke replied cheekily from the door. "You know I know a lot of people who'd pay for that, me included."
Nathan rolled his eyes and made his way over to Brooke.
"Hey Nathan." Brooke smiled and the two hugged. He remembered when Brooke flew to Tree Hill to see him a couple of months back. She could hardly get a word in she in so much tears, both her and Peyton. He smiled at the memory, it was great to finally be back with his friends. Nathan was also looking forward to Jamie's birthday because he knew that his friends would all be together again. The two shared quick pleasantries before Nathan took off, wanting to say hi to Peyton.
"So.. you don't write.. you don't call." Brooke turned to Lucas after Nathan left.
"Brooke I talked to you two days ago." Lucas pointed out.
"Well you haven't written." Brooke teased. Ever since Lucas saw Brooke in New York, the two have been in touch with each other. Haley teased them both that they'll eventually get back together and to just "stop the inevitable." But behind the jokes, both of them weren't quite sure what they wanted from the other but both knew they couldn't be without the other.
"That's cuz you said the mail takes too long." Lucas stepped up to her and the two hugged. Brooke left a lingering touch against Lucas' taunt back. She really had to thank Haley later for having a pool party. She knew she'd join Haley downstairs and sit back and enjoy the eye candy.
. . . . .
"Hey Hotshot!"
"I told you never to call me that." Nathan smiled as he hugged Peyton.
"Well it beats Brooke's boytoy."
"Oh God." Nathan rolled his eyes. "Is Jake here?" Nathan asked, changing topics.
"Jenny got sick but he'll be here tomorrow. I already told Haley that we're all having dinner tomorrow night at Karen's."
"Sounds good."
"So how are things going?"
"Couldn't be better and you?"
"I could say the same thing." The two walked back out to the pool. He smiled as he watched Haley telling Jamie to be careful from the sidelines and Jamie was in the pool playing with his friends.
"You know I didn't say thank you." Peyton spoke up.
"Thank me?" Nathan eyed her curiously.
"After you died, you made me realized how short life was and that we shouldn't waste it not being with the ones we love. So after graduation, I packed my things and headed to Savannah to be with Jake and I couldn't have been happier."
"Well, I'm glad that in my absence, someone wasn't miserable." Nathan tried to joke. He knew how hard things were for Haley and he felt bad about what happened with Lucas and Brooke.
Peyton narrowed her eyes. "You know that's not what I meant."
Nathan laughed. "Yeah yeah I know. But I'm really happy for you Peyton. But I wanted to ask you something, about Jenny?"
"What about her?"
"When you and Jake started seeing each other again, how was it, you know dealing with Jenny especially since you know.. you're not.."
"Her mom?" Peyton finished the sentence for him. Nathan nodded. "Well I wasn't trying to be her mom, just be there for her you know and I'd .. I'd like to think she sees me as her mom." Peyton replied. "Are you still having a hard time adjusting with Jamie?"
"Honestly, yeah but I think, it's just in my head." Nathan thought back to what he just saw in Jamie's closet. "Actually, I know it's in my head. I'm his father and I love him and more importantly Jamie knows that too."
"You're such a great Dad, you know that Nate?" Peyton commented. She was so proud of the man Nathan had become. There was a time back in high school when she feared the worst for him but Haley had changed all that.
"No but hearing you say that helps." Nathan joked.
"And speaking of Jamie, I think he misses you." Peyton pointed out to Jamie in the pool.
"Daddy! Daddy!" Jamie waved to his dad, wanting him to join him in the pool.
"Go on." Peyton urged him and picked up a camera from a nearby table. "I promised your mom, I'd take pictures of the party."
. . . . . .
A few months later . . . . .
"Nathan Scott, get that camera off of me!" Haley ordered, pulling on his shirt and bringing him close to her.
"Sorry.." Nathan choked off as he handed the camera off to his brother behind him. The two shared a quick look and Haley knew it was pointless. Lucas was just going to be taking over the roll of camera man. At least Lucas was taking the one taking photos and videos. At the moment, all she really wanted was for Nathan to hold her, to just be there with her.
"Mrs. Scott, just lay back and take deep breaths." The paramedic ordered.
Haley's water broke not too long ago and everyone scurried around. The baby was almost two weeks over due and everyone was anxious to meet the latest Scott. Mayor Dan Scott made sure to have emergency crews on standby nearby for when Haley does go into labor. Sure enough, Haley figured she was the first expecting mom in Tree Hill to be hauled to the hospital with not one but two police escorts.
"You're doing so great baby." Nathan leaned over took his wife's hand as they made their way through the hallway and into the delivery room.
"Sorry, only one guest is permitted." Dr. Stanpole came out in front of the OR. Lucas nodded at the young couple, remembering not too long ago that it was he who took Nathan's place. This time though, he was very happy to just be playing the doting uncle.
"Good luck guys!" Lucas smiled. "And don't worry Nate, I know a nurse who could take a footage!" He winked at his brother.
Haley mentally rolled her eyes, her husband was all about making sure to capture every moment. Pretty soon, they in the delivery room and Nathan went to the next room to change into scrubs. He came out a minute later and Haley anxiously took his hand.
"Come on Haley just breath." Dr. Stanpole said calmly.
"You're doing good baby.. you're doing so good." Nathan continued to soothe his wife. "I'm right here."
"AHH!!" Haley cried out in pain.
"Okay Haley, we're close now. You need to push. Can you push for me?"
"AHH!" Haley cried out. "No I can't do this.. I don't know how I did it the first time, just put me under!"
"I think it's too late for the meds Hales."
Nathan chuckled and pressed his lips against his wife's forehead. "You can do this Hales.. I'm right here.. and I'm not going anywhere." Nathan's deep blue eyes focused on her. "Jamie wants to meet his little brother or sister."
Haley grabbed onto Nathan's hand and squeezed it tightly. She saw everything in his eyes, the love, hope, fear, excitement. Last time she found her strength and Nathan and this time wasn't any different. Summoning all her strength, she started to push.
"AHHH!!" Haley screamed out.
"That's it Haley, you're doing good!" Dr. Stanpole announced.
"AHHH!!" Haley gave one last cry before settling back down on the bed. There was a moment of silence before the cries of a newborn baby filled the room. The next thing they knew, Dr. Stanpole showed them their brand new baby.
"Congratulations, it's a boy!!" Dr. Stanpole announced.
Both parents looked on amazed and Haley couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.
"Oh baby, you did so good. You did so good." Nathan kissed her hand and forehead.
Haley looked at Nathan, he never looked so happy and her heart felt like it was going to jump out of her chest. "You're dad." Haley smiled back and leaned in towards Nathan.
"I love you so much." Nathan squeezed her hand. "Oh my God, we have another son." Nathan beamed. "We have a son." He whispered.
"I want to see him." Haley called out.
The doctor wrapped the child in a blanket and handed him off to the proud new parents.
Haley teared up. "Hello baby.. oh look who's that..that's daddy." Haley cooed. "Yes that's daddy."
Tears streamed down Nathan's face as he gently ran his hand through the baby's head. "He's so beautiful." He said breathlessly. This was it, this was the moment he waited for so long. The darkness of the past few years faded away more and more with each passing day. Nathan was home with his family, nothing could be better.
One of the nurses took some snapshots of the new parents before the door opened and Dr. Stanpole let another Scott inside.
"I think someone feels left out." Dr. Stanpole announced as Jamie came running in, swimming in his oversized gown.
Nathan immediately scooped him up and settled him on his lap.
"Look Jamie, you're a brother."
"WOW!" The little boy announced.
"Look son, you got your birthday wish.. you got a baby brother." Nathan whispered into his son's ear. A few months back at Jamie's birthday, Jamie let his dad know that he secretly wanted a baby brother.
"COOL!" Jamie exclaimed, in awe of seeing his little brother for the first time. "What's his name?" Jamie asked his parents.
Haley's eyes locked with Nathan's. They'd come up with names if it was a boy or a girl. But they hadn't finalized their choices until now. Nathan nodded to Haley, agreeing with the name she picked out a few weeks ago.
"Welcome to the world Edward Daniel Scott."
To be Concluded.