Quote of the Day:
Barney: Ted Vivian Mosby!
Ted: That's not my middle name...
Barney: You kiss your mother with that mouth?
Ted: Like you've never said that word?
Barney: I don't kiss your mother with my mouth, yet...
[Barney sneezes]
Ted: Are you sick?
Barney: Is it sick to find maturity and experience sexy?
Ted: No, I meant do you have a cold?
Barney: I'm fine. [Blows his nose from a cold]
[Ted and Robin look at him]
Barney: I'm fine. My nose is just overflowing with awesome and I had to get some of it out.
Chapter Fifteen –Look At the Stars
She spent her morning cleaning the house. Even though it wasn't dirty she still scrubbed everything down. She spent most of her time in the kitchen cleaning out all of the drawers and everything in them. After last night she was going crazy. She needed to keep busy.
When Nathan had showed up with Mia on his arm last night she had hated it. It had bothered her seeing him with another girl. She liked Mia, she really did, but seeing her with Nathan last night made her like her a little less. That was until Nathan told her that they were just pretending. It didn't feel good watching him have fun with another girl. He had proved his point. He hated seeing her with Chase just as much as she hated seeing him with Mia.
Then he had kissed her and she couldn't find one single part of herself that wanted him to stop. In fact, she probably wanted it more than he did.
She was in the middle of wiping down the table when the phone rang. She dropped the rag in her hands and walked over towards it. She smiled when she noticed her Mom's number on the caller id.
"Hello, Mom."
"Hey, kiddo. How are things?"
"Good," Haley answered. "They're going good."
"And the music thing?"
"Great actually, I'm loving it. It's really fun and Peyton's such a big help. I couldn't ask for a better producer. She's great."
"And how is little Lucas Scott doing?"
"Lucas is a grown man," Haley laughed. Her mother used to call him that when they were little. When they first started hanging out her mother used to tease her for having a boy for a bestfriend. After three months of hanging out with Lucas everyone in her family was calling him little Lucas Scott in a baby voice when they talked about him. She used to hate it.
"Not in my eyes."
"Well, I'll tell him that. Did you get the pictures I sent you of Hayden and Anna?"
"I did and their just adorable, Haley-bop."
"I told you."
"Hayden looks just like his father. And the baby girl…I just want to squeeze her little fat cheeks!"
Haley rolled her eyes. "Do you have to use the baby voice?"
"I can't help it. I'm holding the picture in my hands now. I can't get enough of her. I need more pictures."
"It's that smile isn't it?" She had fallen for it. One look from Anna and she knew that she loved the little girl.
"It is."
"I told her that my crazy mother sends her love but I don't think she really understood me. But everyone else says hi."
"Glad to hear it. Your father sends his love. He and Mark are out golfing for the day. I'm actually with Beth right now shopping. We were passing by and decided to ambush your brother for the weekend."
"I bet he was thrilled," Haley laughed. Her brother hated golfing.
"Ecstatic."
"I'm sure he'll have fun."
"Oh, who cares? He'll live. Besides, Beth was so happy to get him out of the house that she practically pushed him into the car. Now that she's pregnant he doesn't seem to want to leave her alone at all. I tried telling him that the girl needs alone time but he's so whipped."
She couldn't help but laugh as she took a seat at the table. "Mom, they're married."
"He's whipped!"
She giggled as she rolled her eyes. "How's Beth doing?"
"Three months left. She's ready for it to be over."
"It'll come fast enough."
There was a long pause before her mother spoke again. "So really, how are you, Haley-bop? I know something's wrong so don't bother lying, honey."
She shook her head before smiling. Her mother knew her so well it scared her at times. Since she had been back in Tree Hill her mother called once a day around the same time just to check in with her. And each day she would always ask the same thing.
"I'm just still so confused," Haley finally answered.
"Is this about Nathan again?"
She took a deep breath. "Yes."
"Did something happen?"
"No…yes," Haley muttered while running her free hand through her hair. "I went out last night with Chase and Nathan showed up with a date, but it really wasn't a date for either of us and he sort of kissed me again. And then I kind of left with him."
"And…?"
"Mom, can you get your head out of the gutter? He just brought me home," Haley explained quickly.
"Just making sure. It's bound to happen sometime, Haley-bop."
"Can we please talk about something else?" Haley asked annoyed. Talking about sex with her mother was not on her to do list today. They just loved teasing her about it. She was sure that once it happened her whole family would most likely have a party or something.
"How's Nathan doing? I hope still not climbing through your bedroom window."
"Strictly front door this time," Haley laughed.
"So I can stop worrying that he'll fall and break something?"
"Yep," Haley answered. "Nathan's fine. We're actually going somewhere together tomorrow night. I kind of asked him when he dropped me off last night. I don't know what came over me. I'm really nervous about it."
"You shouldn't be. Nathan's a good boy. I'm glad that you've finally forgiven him and moved on. I think that's the best thing for you, sweetie. Forgiveness is a good thing. It heals you."
"I know," Haley mumbled. She had felt so much better since returning here. She had realized all to quickly that not only did she need Lucas in her life but Nathan as well. He wouldn't give up on them and she realized last night that she didn't want him to. Things were different now. They had all made mistakes and she was over it. It was bad enough that she wasted years of her life holding onto it. She was done with it all.
"You feel better don't you? Now that you're back."
"Yes. I'm just nervous about…"
"Giving him another chance?"
"I just don't want to get hurt again," Haley explained carefully.
"I'm not saying that this is going to be easy. I know that it's hard for you but you can't just give up because you're afraid. I don't want you to run from this. You're stronger than that and honestly, sweetie, from what you've told me it does sound like Nathan really loves you. Don't you think that's worth a second shot?"
"You're right," Haley admitted with a sigh. She always found it funny how when her mother suggested something she always made it sound like the right thing to do. That was her mother though, always leading her right where she needed to be.
"You can't run from him, Haley-bop."
I know, she thought.
"What am I supposed to do, Mom?" She couldn't be scared by all of this.
"You're already doing it tomorrow night. Now tell me more about Jordan. I think him and Alex would totally get along great! Problem Child one and two!"
She laughed. "They so would." Alex was Vivian's seven year old daughter. She spoke her mind and told you how it was. Jordan and Alex would get along great. She spent the next hour talking to her mother on the phone. And just like always she told her mother about her fears and not a second later her mother was giving her good advice about what to do. It was good still having that. Then she got ready to leave for the studio.
~***~
"How was that?"
"Good."
"Play it back for me," Haley muttered. Peyton nodded before playing back what Haley just recorded. They listened to it. "I want to do the first verse again." It didn't sound right.
"Ok."
She sang the first verse again. Once she was done she left the recording room and went to sit next to Peyton as she played it back for her again. They listened to the song after Peyton finished putting it together and both girls were pleased with it. They had been at it for hours again.
It was so awesome to be recording. She loved it. They worked so well together. It felt like with each song she recorded she got better and better. It just got easier and easier. It was nice to just come in and mesh so well with Peyton. They were a team. This whole experience was great and sharing it with Peyton made it all the more better.
"It sounds perfect. I love it."
She laughed. "I'm glad you like it."
"It's getting pretty late," Peyton pointed out. "We should head out soon."
"I guess I should get home."
"No way, girlie. You're coming home with me," Peyton declared.
"I am?"
"Yep," Peyton nodded. "Besides, Nathan will be there."
"Oh yeah," Haley laughed. Since she had been back she couldn't help but notice how everyone was trying to push her and Nathan together. Sometimes they were just so obvious about it and other times they weren't. But still they always tried to talk Nathan up a little and she found it sweet how much they cared about his happniess.
"You know you want to see him," Peyton teased with a knowing look.
"I do," Haley nodded. She wasn't going to lie about it. She did want to see him.
"I'm so happy you said yes. Everyone is expecting me to bring you and if I don't then...lets just say that Brooke would hurt me. So thank you," Peyton smiled gratefully.
"Glad to help out."
"Well, we should go. Brooke's not into waiting for anything."
"I noticed," Haley laughed.
They left the studio together. They drove in silence and Haley was ok with that. She needed to get herself together before they arrived at Peyton's house. It wasn't long before they pulled up. Haley got out of the car hesitantly.
The sky was a dark blue.
She followed Peyton down the long driveway, onto the sidewalk, and then into the house. Instantly she heard noise coming from the living room. Peyton rolled her eyes before smiling at her. She took off her jacket and handed it to Peyton before she pulled her into the kitchen. Brooke was standing there with a knife in her hands. For some reason her face dropped.
"Honey, I'm home," Peyton called out.
"It's good to see you too," Brooke smirked as she blew Peyton a kiss. "You too, tutor girl."
"What's for dinner? I'm starving!"
"I'm cooking –"
"You're cooking?" Peyton asked shocked before glancing at Haley.
"Well, Karen's cooking," Brooke corrected.
"Oh, thank God," Peyton muttered in relief.
Haley laughed as Brooke rolled her eyes. Karen and Deb walked in then and Haley watched as Deb smiled brightly at her before walking right up to her and hugging her. She stood there surprised. Lucas might of mentioned that Dan and Deb were back in town. She just didn't expect to see them so soon. She was suddenly very nervous.
"Haley James, look at you," Deb stated as she pulled away and looked her up and down.
"Mrs. Scott," Haley greeted.
"When Nathan told me you were back I just couldn't believe it."
"Here I am," Haley smiled.
"It's so good to see you."
"You too."
"And you both know it's good to see me," Brooke smirked as she pointed to herself smugly. "But like I was trying to tell, Goldilocks, we're making homemade pizza and I'm helping! Karen tell them." She glanced at Karen waiting impatiently for an answer.
"Brooke is helping and doing a wonderful job," Karen laughed.
Brooke stuck her tongue out at Peyton before going back to helping.
"What can I do?" Peyton asked.
"You can sit down and watch," Brooke suggested. "I'm all over this!"
"B. Davis, you hate cooking," Peyton pointed out.
"Karen makes it fun," Brooke shrugged.
"Well, you're just a big girl now aren't you?" Peyton teased.
"Damn straight!" Brooke nodded. "I figured Julian and the boys would like something other than takeout. I mean it's time I learn how to cook. Jordan has the pizza number memorized. And if I get off of work one more day and find Julian in the kitchen with his apron on, I'm going to –"
"He wears an apron?" Deb chuckled.
"Yep," Peyton nodded.
"Manly."
"What color is it?"
Brooke smirked. "You women are mean! I think he looks adorable in it. Plus, it has hot stuff written across the front."
"Julian really cooks?" Haley asked surprised.
"He's the best," Peyton nodded. "Brooke hates that he cooks better than her."
"I don't hate it," Brooke objected. "I just hate that when I say I'm cooking the kids instantly say that they want to order a pizza and when he cooks they sit at the table waiting! It's just not right! You know the first time I tried cooking for Sam Jordan had alreayd warned her and she was too scared to eat it."
"She's jealous," Peyton teased.
"Shut up P. Sawyer-Scott before I make Pizza Peyton for everyone!"
"Should I call the guys in for a catfight?" Karen asked.
"They would just love that," Deb added.
"What's it going to be, Blondie?" She held up her fists playfully.
Peyton rolled her eyes. "Easy, Rocky. I'm cool. Relax." She laughed before holding up her hands.
Haley laughed. Then Deb pulled her to the table as they both took a seat. She sat nervously next to Nathan's mother. Peyton smiled at her before jumping back into her conversation with Brooke. It made her happy as she realized that things were always like this here. Everything was light and fun when everyone was together. They were crazy like her family. She was happy that Nathan had this.
"So how have you been?"
"Good," Haley answered. "You?"
"Great," Deb smiled. "It's really good having you back. My son hasn't stopped smiling."
She couldn't help but blush. Then Peyton laughed at her and she blushed more. She couldn't help it. Thankfully Deb left her alone after that. She watched amused as Karen taught Brooke how to make a homemade pizza. It was hilarious. Then after a while Anna walked into the room and smiled brightly when she saw Peyton. She ran into her mothers arms giggling.
"Hey, baby," Peyton cooed. "I missed you today. Did you have fun with Daddy?"
Anna nodded. "Daddy fun."
"Did you miss me?" Peyton asked playfully as she showered Anna's face with kisses. The little girl giggled loudly.
"I missed Mommy," Anna giggled.
"She sure did," Brooke laughed. "Girl was raising all kinds of hell when she woke up from her nap and you weren't here."
"Is that right?"
"Lucas was the only one to calm her down," Brooke added.
"Where are the guys?" Peyton asked.
"Video games," both Brooke and Karen answered at the same time.
"Figures," Peyton laughed. "What are they playing?"
"NBA Live," Karen stated in an obvious tone.
"They're in some kind of tournament," Brooke added.
"It was pretty serious earlier," Deb agreed.
"I know," Brooke laughed. "When Jordan beat Dan, you should have seen his face! It was priceless."
"How did Dan take it?" Peyton asked.
"Better than I expected," Deb laughed.
Brennan ran into the kitchen fast before stopping in front of the refrigerator. He pulled it open before pulling out three beers. Then he smiled at his mom sheepishly.
"Starting early, Bren?" Peyton chuckled.
"You better have a good excuse for this?" Brooke muttered while placing her hands on her hips.
Brennan nodded quickly. "Uh-huh. Daddy, Keith, and Dan were out."
"That better be it."
"It is, promise," Brennan nodded nervously.
"Well, go on before they send someone after you," Brooke ordered. Brennan took off running and everyone laughed. Everyone went back to talking and it wasn't long before Haley stood up and excused herself. She made her way down the hall until she reached the living room. Instantly she heard the guys yelling at each other as they played. She stopped in the entry way and watched with a smile as Jordan and Lucas played against each other.
Dan and Keith were sitting on the sofa with their feet propped up on the coffee table, beer in their hands. Brennan was sitting next to Julian on the loveseat. Hayden was on Nathan's lap as they sat on the floor. Sam was sitting in a chair listening to her I pod. Jordan and Lucas were both sitting in front of the TV.
"Suck on this!" Jordan shouted as he scored.
"He's still winning," Dan pointed out with a chuckle.
"Not for long," Jordan declared as his guy scored again.
"How the hell is he doing that?" Lucas demanded.
"I'm better than you," Jordan explained smugly.
"We've been practicing," Brennan muttered with a sheepish smile.
"I can tell," Keith chuckled. "Last time you guys were out in the first round."
"Brother hates losing," Brennan grinned. "He made Momma buy the game for us."
"And I'm not losing again," Jordan declared.
"Daddy hates losing, too," Hayden announced.
"Then he's going to be pissed!"
Julian shook his head. "Easy son."
"Confidence is a good thing," Dan smiled as he glanced at Jordan.
"He has enough to go around," Julian muttered.
"Luke, you're not letting this chump beat you," Nathan mumbled.
"Don't hate," Jordan smiled at Nathan.
"Yeah, didn't he beat you last round?" Keith chuckled.
"With a lucky shot!" Nathan objected.
"My good luck charm is here," Jordan beamed before he turned and winked at her. When had he noticed her? All the guys turned and laughed as they noticed her. She laughed as well. She couldn't help the light blush on her cheeks. "You can come sit next to me if you want." He paused the game and looked at her with a hopeful look.
"Maybe later," Haley laughed nervously.
Hayden moved off of Nathan's lap. Nathan stood up then smiling at her as he made it right in front of her. He noticed everyone still watching them so he rolled his eyes before motioning to the hallway. They walked until they were in the hallway by the kitchen, far enough so that the guys couldn't hear.
"When did you get here?"
"Not that long ago," Haley answered.
"How was your day?" Nathan asked.
She wasn't about to tell him that she spent most of her morning cleaning her already clean house, he would think she was insane.
"It was ok," Haley replied. "I take it you weren't to happy about losing to my boyfriend in there?" She smiled as he shook his head.
"He cheated," Nathan explained with a shrug.
"Talk a little louder please," Brooke called out. "We can't hear if you talk so low!"
Nathan rolled his eyes. "It's because we don't want you to hear!"
"But I want to listen," Brooke whined as she stuck her head out into the hallway. She smiled guiltily at them.
"Me too," Peyton called out.
"You want to take a walk?" Nathan asked.
"Sure," Haley nodded. Then she followed him out of the house. They made it off of the deck and started walking in the backyard. Once they made it to the trees, Nathan took her hand in his. He interlocked their fingers. His hand was warm against hers. She couldn't help but shiver as his thumb traced the inside of her hand softly. It felt good. Even in the dark she could see the tree branches dancing in the wind. The moon was glowing brightly in the sky.
When they finally reached the pond Nathan sat down on the ground before pulling her down with him.
"Nathan," Haley laughed loudly as she landed on his lap.
"What?" Nathan asked innocently.
She was still laughing. "We'll get dirty!"
"Come on, Hales. It's a beautiful night," Nathan smiled as he pointed up at the sky. "I want to share this view with you. Now just relax and look at that perfect sky." Giving in, she finally relaxed herself. She situated herself onto his lap before glancing up at the sky. She felt his hand on her arm rubbing soft circles. It sent shivers up her spine and somehow her body felt like it was on fire.
With just one touch from him her body was in flames.
She relaxed more into him. Her back was fully on his chest as she gazed up at the sky.
"You still want me to take you tomorrow night?"
"Of course," Haley muttered. "Unless you don't want to go?"
"No, I do," Nathan answered quickly. "I just thought…maybe you might have changed your mind about it…us."
She was still scared out of her mind about the whole situation but she didn't want to run away from him anymore. Her first instinct was of course to run from him. He terrified her and with him she didn't control anything. She wasn't in control and she hated it. She liked knowing where things were going and she hated not knowing.
Nathan had been the first person that she ever felt out of control with. She didn't know what to expect when she was with him. She had fallen in love with the unexpected part. But now she was so unsure of herself that she didn't know how to feel. The logical thing for her would be to end things now with him. In the end he would only end up hurting her again or she would end up hurting him. They would both get hurt. She didn't want that.
Sitting here in his arms now she couldn't bring herself to move at all.
Still. That's all she was. She didn't want to move at all. She wanted to stay in his arms. It somehow felt safe. It was nice. She had longed for this for years even if a few weeks ago she wouldn't admit it.
"Cool," Nathan commented as he pointed up at the sky. "A shooting star. Make a wish, Hales."
And she did. She noticed the shooting star fly across the dark blanket of stars and she closed her eyes and made a wish. In the stillness that surrounded them, she lost herself in him and what they could be again.