I know I said I wouldn't update but I wrote it in class and I couldn't help myself. I'm just really anxious to get this moving along. Your reviews are all inspiring me to keep writing, so thanks everyone! Here's the chapter some of you have been anxious for. You learn a lot about Nathan, I promise. After this update, it's probably going to be a while until the next chapter. Enjoy!:
Nathan awoke to the alarm clock on his night stand, and sprung out of bed. The clock read 6:00am so he had about an hour to get ready. For the past four days, Nathan made sure to get up extra early to get ready. He stood at his closet for about ten minutes deciphering what to wear.
Hmm what shirt should I wear? Monday I wore black, then Tuesday I wore the grey one, Wednesday I think I wore blue, and yesterday I wore the white shirt. Should I wear blue again? She did say it was her favorite color…
While Nathan contemplated what to wear, he heard a loud knock on his front door. He quickly threw on the light blue collared shirt, and heard another loud knock.
"One second!" Nathan yelled, and quickly looked at his reflection in the mirror to fix his short raven hair. This time there was a final knock, which was even louder than the last two.
"Who the hell is at my house at 6:15 in the freaking morning?" Nathan grumbled to himself.
Maybe it's Haley…
At this thought, Nathan's heart rate picked up speed.
No she doesn't know where I live though, but maybe…
Nathan quickly sprayed a dash of cologne and sprinted to the door. He quickly opened the door with a huge smile on his face, but it quickly turned into a frown when he realized that the person had blue eyes instead of the big brown eyes he dreamed about.
"Expecting someone else?" Lucas chuckled when he noticed Nathan's bright smile fade to an angry look.
Nathan grunted, "No, uh, no." He quickly spat out. Changing the subject, "What are you doing here so damn early man?"
Lucas walked inside the big beach house, "Oh well you left the playbook at my house last night, so I figure you would need it today."
Nathan gave Lucas a perplexed look "You could've just brought it with you to practice this afternoon…"
Lucas suddenly had a guilty look on his face "Alright you caught me. Brooke didn't go food shopping so we have no food, or coffee."
Nathan laughed, "Dude you're so freaking cheap. Why couldn't you go to like Starbucks or something?"
"Eh. I'm an author, I don't make money like you do Nate. Not everyone can be in the NBA…"
Nathan's head suddenly shot up and gave Lucas a nasty look.
"Sorry man, I forgot… Speaking of which, how's your back?"
Nathan clenched his jaw "I don't want to talk about it. Just drop it."
Lucas held his hands up. "Sorry. So you've been in an abnormally good mood all week. What's up with that? You're actually nice to me. And you look… presentable." Lucas chuckled.
Nathan playfully rolled his eyes. "Nothing."
Nathan quickly looked toward the window to think of some lame excuse.
There's no way I can tell him I have some lame crush on my new co-worker…
"Riiiiiight." Lucas drawled out.
"The weather's just been um nice."
"Seriously man? That's weak. What's up? I'm getting kind of freaked out. You woke up before seven, you have waaaay to much cologne on, and it looks like you tried on like six shirts!" Lucas said pointing to Nathans open bedroom door which had clothes scattered all around.
Nathan discretely smelled himself,
Do I really have too much cologne on? Shit!
Lucas kept rambling on "…And what's with you at practice? You always jump whenever the door opens in the gym. And your hair…?"
"What's wrong with my hair?" Nathan quickly asked.
Lucas snickered "Nothing. You just keep making sure it's like perfect. When did you start caring so much what you look like? You've never cared. And I don't think I've seen you this happy in a while. What's the sudden change? What are you in love or something?"
Nathan choked on his coffee.
Love? No way! Now there's no way I'm telling Lucas about Haley…
"Ha! Good one Luke! You know me… definitely not."
"Then what is it? You must be really trying to impress someone because I've never seen you try this hard before."
Nathan just shrugged. "I just figured it's time for a change. I don't need a reason to be happy. I'm tired of being bitter."
Lucas didn't believe him but decided to save the interrogation for another time. "Okay, if that's your story."
"So, are you helping me coach the Crows tomorrow?' Nathan asked.
"That's the four year old league, right?"
Nathan nodded.
"Sure. Sounds fun. Well listen man I gotta run, I'll see you later. Thanks for the coffee."
"No problem. Later Luke." Nathan said, and as soon as Lucas left he quickly ran back to his room to change his shirt again.
A&F
"I love that shirt Hales." Brooke said.
"Thanks, look I'd love to stay and chat but I really can't be late for work." Haley explained.
"Oh right, you gotta see hot, teacher guy." Brooke winked.
Haley playfully rolled her eyes. "Brooke…" She warned.
"Hey what time do you have lunch? Wanna meet me and Jackson at the diner?"
Haley bit her lip "Uhh, I'd love to but I have a lot of work to do…"
"That's bull, and you know it! Come on Haley, pleaseeee?" Brooke begged.
Haley was torn. She loved her son and Brooke, and normally she wouldn't think twice about going to lunch with them but she really enjoyed having lunch with Nathan every day.
"Do you really want to eat lunch by yourself?" Brooke asked again.
Haley figured that she might as well go otherwise she'd have to tell Brooke about Nathan.
"Uh, okay I can meet you around 12, sound good?"
Brooke clapped, and smiled. "Perfect!"
Haley quickly kissed Jackson goodbye, and hugged Brooke.
"Okay see you guys later."
With that, Haley walked away and made her way to the High School. Once she parked her car, and signed in, she ran to her class, forgetting to tell Nathan that she couldn't have lunch with him today.
A&F
Nathan paced around his office for a good fifteen minutes. He was starting to get worried. He walked by Haley's class but the lights were off, and the door was shut. He blew out a deep breath.
Maybe she went to get lunch? Why didn't she tell me? Dude, quit being such a girl about it!
Nathan cursed himself for overreacting. He stared at the two bowls of mac n cheese on his desk. He was going to surprise Haley with it since she told him it was her favorite, and he made fun of her, saying how it was for five year olds, but she said it was 'food of the gods'. He knew his aunt Karen made the best, so he quickly drove there and back before sixth period started. He was really looking forward to getting to know Haley better. So far they've only really talked about trivial things, like their favorite foods and colors. They usually just talked about work, and gossiped about staff. Nathan wanted to know about Haley's past though. Normally if he liked a girl, or basically just wanted to sleep with her, he wouldn't care about anything. He normally forgot the girl's name in the morning. With Haley, it was different. She was like a magnet, and Nathan was so attracted to her. He genuinely liked her, and wanted to know everything about her. She was a bit mysterious, and that's one of the reasons he kept gravitating toward her. This was the first time he didn't just want to sleep with a girl. He was finally ready to commit to someone. Did he want to sleep with Haley? Hell yeah! But he wouldn't and couldn't just sleep with her and treat her like just another girl. She wasn't just another girl. Haley was different, and Nathan really liked that about her. She was kind, intelligent, beautiful, funny, and compassionate. Every second of every day, she was all Nathan could think about. The way her eyes sparkled in the light, or the way she laughed at something stupid he did, or when she crinkled her nose, and bit her lip, or fiddled with her pinky ring. Somehow Nathan could relate something to her all the time. Like today he heard a song on the radio, and instantly thought of Haley. He smiled as he thought of the song.
When I saw you over there
I didn't mean to stare
But my mind was everywhere
I wanna know you
Gonna guess that you're the kind
to say whats on your mind
But you listen when I have something to show you
There's a mark above your eye
You got it in July
fighting for your sister's reputation
You remember people's names
and valentines are lame
So I bring you flowers just for no occasion, Oh
Whoa oh, whoa oh, whoa oh
I wanna know you
Whoa oh, whoa oh, whoa oh
I wanna go there where you go
I wanna find out what you know
And maybe someday down the road
Sit back and say to myself
"Yeah, I thought so"
You smile, never shout
You stand out in a crown
You make the best of every situation
Correct me if I'm wrong
You're fragile and you're strong
A beautiful and perfect combination
Whoa oh, whoa oh, whoa oh
I wanna know you
Whoa oh, whoa oh, whoa oh
I wanna go there where you go
I wanna find out what you know
And maybe someday down the road
Sit back and say to myself
"Yeah, I thought so"
I like how you are with me
In our future history
And maybe somewhere down the road
Sit back and say to myself
"Yeah, I thought so"
Yeah I thought so, whoa, yeah
Whoa oh, whoa oh, whoa oh
I wanna know you
Whoa oh, whoa oh, whoa oh
I wanna go there where you go
I wanna find out what you know
And maybe someday down the road
Sit back and say to myself
I like how you are with me
In our future history
And maybe somewhere down the road
Sit back and say to myself
"Yeah, I thought so"
Nathan also had a dream about her last night. He couldn't remember much but all he knew was that he woke up and needed a cold shower. He was falling hard, and he was falling fast.
Get a freaking grip. I'm starting to act like Lucas… ew!
Nathan put a hand to his temples and rubbed them. It was way to early to have a relationship. He only met her four days ago. He was fine with being friends first, but he knew that friends shouldn't feel this way about each other. Nathan was honestly scarred for his life. He never had a real girlfriend before, but he knew Haley was the type of girl who had long term relationships, and that's what she deserved. He would never be a jerk to Haley, he just couldn't. She was one of the sweetest people he had ever met, and he was going to change for her. He was so sick of sleeping around, and parties, and breaking girls hearts. He wasn't going to be that guy anymore, and definitely not to Haley. He wanted what his friends had. Peyton and Jake were married, and expecting a baby in six months, and Lucas and Brooke were so in love it was sickening, that he always made fun of them. But in all honesty, he was just jealous. He wanted a love like they had. He wanted someone to love him. Nathan lived a hard life. His father, Dan always pushed him too hard when he played basketball. His mother was always traveling for work, so they barely had a relationship.
Nathan went to a basketball High School in Wilmington, from 9th grade to 11th grade. It was about 20 minutes from Tree Hill, so he hardly got to see his friends and family. He played basketball every day, and worked vigorously. Sometimes he would come home on the weekend, but even if he did Dan would make him go to the gym for four hours, then play basketball for the rest of the day. Senior year, Nathan was sick of missing out on the high school experience. He transferred to Tree Hill High for his senior year and played for the Ravens. He loved it. He instantly became the most popular guy in school, and he was following in his cousin Lucas Scott's footsteps. Unfortunately Lucas and his friends were all a year older than him, so he didn't get to hang out with them. Lucas and Nathan were actually really close. Sometimes people thought they were brothers. Nathan was always a little jealous of Lucas though. Lucas had a laid back lifestyle, and his parents were compassionate and tight-knit. His Uncle Keith and Aunt Karen always treated Nathan like their son. In fact, Nathan felt closer to them then his own parents. Lucas went to Chapel Hill to play basketball, and study English. However, Lucas quit the basketball team after his second year because he was diagnosed with a heart condition called HCM.
Once Nathan graduated Tree Hill, he went on a full ride to Duke, his dream college. He then got to play on the Blue Devils and he carried them to the Championship his senior year. Nathan was always better at basketball then Lucas, but only because Dan pushed him so hard. Lucas played basketball for fun, and was naturally good. Nathan loved it, and he was good too, but to Dan good, wasn't good enough. Once Nathan graduated from Duke, he got called up to the NBA, which was his dream since he learned how to hold a ball. He played his first year on the New York Knicks, and then transferred to the Charlotte Bobcats since he missed home. Nathan Scott was a complete bad boy. He partied every night, and used his status in the NBA to get any girl he wanted. He took it all for granted though because he was at the top of his game until…
Nathan suddenly felt a wave of anger hit him. He hasn't been angry since Monday but the more he thought about it, the more he got upset. He looked across his office and saw his NCAA 'Player of the Year' award and grabbed it. Before he could think he chucked it at the wall. The trophy shattered into a thousand pieces across the floor and Nathan just stood there like a statue, with his jaw clenched. After a few minutes, he ran a hand over his face and sighed. He grabbed a broom and dust pan from the near janitor closet and swept up the mess.
Suddenly he heard his door open, and he looked up.
"Nathan! Hi, look, I'm so so so so sorry, something came up and I forgot to tell you. I hope you didn't think I ditched you! I feel so bad!" Haley rushed out.
Nathan just smiled. "It's cool, don't worry. Are you alright?" he asked concerned.
"Oh yeah, no, I'm fine. I promised my friend I'd meet for lunch today, and I just forgot to tell you because I was in a rush. I hope you're not mad."
"No I totally understand, don't worry." Nathan put the broom back in the corner and took a seat at his desk. "You probably already ate, but I got us mac n cheese, and I didn't want to eat it without you so…"
Haley's heart swelled with happiness. "Aw Nathan, now you're making me feel bad." She pouted.
Nathan smiled "No, I don't want you to feel bad. Here have some-" He directed the fork to her mouth, and she giggled.
"Nathan! I just ate, I'm full…"
"One bite! Please?" He begged.
"Oh alright.." Haley opened her mouth, and Nathan fed her a forkful of the macaroni.
"Mhmm, soooo good!" She moaned.
Nathan closed his eyes to try and cool himself down. Haley was really getting him turned on, by a simple action of eating her food.
He put the fork down, and chugged his water.
"If I get fat, I'm blaming you." Haley pointed her finger at him, and took another bite of the food.
Nathan smirked. "You weigh like 40 pounds; I don't think you can ever be fat."
Haley blushed, "Ha! I wish!"
Nathan laughed again "I bet I can throw you across a basketball court with one hand, and dunk you. Want me to try?" He said getting up.
Haley laughed hard "Don't you dare Nathan.. Nathan something Scott!"
Nathan chuckled, "Something, really, that's the best you could come up with?"
Haley looked down "I don't know your middle name"
"It's 'Stud'." Nathan said, trying not to laugh.
"Nathan Stud Scott.. hey wait a second." Haley said blowing a piece of hair away from her face.
Nathan laughed "Did you actually believe me?"
Haley shrugged, "I'm really gullible."
"Good to know… here I was thinking you were some genius."
Haley smiled and rolled her eyes "What's your real middle name?"
"Royal."
Haley laughed. "Yeah right! Like I'm supposed to believe that! What a stupid name!"
Nathan looked at her seriously. "I swear."
Haley bit her lip. "Really?"
"Yeah, it was my grandfather's name."
"Oh, um sorry. I didn't know"
Way to go Haley!
Nathan gave her a small smile. "It's okay, I didn't really like him. Middle names are stupid anyway."
Haley smiled a little, loving the way he could make her instantly feel better.
"What's yours?"
"My what?" Haley asked as she was staring at his biceps, as he ate.
Nathan smirked "Your middle name."
Oh no, not the middle name. No, no, no, no, no. I hate my parents and that stupid cat.
Haley looked away, and bit her lip. "I can't tell you." She whispered.
Nathan laughed. "What, why not?"
"It's embarrassing." Haley said to her feet.
As if I didn't embarrass myself enough in front of him!
"Haley, c'mon, nothing is worse than 'Royal'."
"Oh no, it is, believe me."
"Well you have to tell me, I mean it's only fair."
"It's a secret." Haley stuck her tongue out, and got up.
"Where are you going?" Nathan asked.
"The bell's going to ring in, 5, 4 , 3 , 2, now." And with that the bell rang.
"Dammit! I was so close!"
Haley giggled.
"I'm gonna find out Haley 'something' James!" Nathan shouted as she walked out into the hall, and she shook her head laughing to herself.
A&F
Saturday morning finally approached, and Nathan made sure to get to the gym early. The practice started at 10am, and children were starting to arrive with their parents. Nathan bounced on the balls of his feet, and bit his lip. He searched the crowd for the short brunette but didn't see her anywhere.
"Hey man, who are you looking for?" Lucas came up next to Nathan.
"No one." Nathan rushed out.
"Something's definitely wrong with you." Lucas chuckled. "Anyway, I gotta go check attendance, can you watch him for a second?" Lucas asked.
Nathan looked down and realized a short boy around the age of four with blue eyes and sandy hair was standing behind Lucas.
"Sure."
Why does this kid look so familiar?
He was probably here last year.
Nathan bent down so he was eye level with the little boy.
"Hey little man, I'm Nathan. What's your name?"
"Jackson." The little boy smiled a cheeky smile.
"Nice to meet you Jackson. Are you excited to play basketball?"
Jackson's smile grew even bigger. "Yeah!" He shouted. "I wanna be in the NBA, but momma says I'm too short." He pouted.
Nathan smiled and put a hand on the little boys shoulder "Don't let anything stop you from chasing after your dreams. If someone says you can't do something, you prove them wrong."
"But momma's smart."
Nathan laughed. "I'm sure she is, but you shouldn't give up. I believe in you, no matter how short you are. Besides, you got a lotta time to grow. Now let's see what you got, little man."
Jackson smiled and high fived Nathan.
"You're cool. I like you" Jackson said looking up at Nathan.
Nathan smiled, but quickly looked up when he heard the gym door open. He saw another man with a little girl walk in.
Dammit, where is she? I thought she said she was bringing her son
Nathan began to grow impatient, and didn't hear Jackson calling his name.
"Nathan! Nathan! Did you see? Did you see? I made the shot!" Jackson smiled.
Nathan looked at the little boy and smiled. "I sure did! Good job! See I told you that you could do it!" Nathan high fived Jackson again.
"Thanks!"
Just then Lucas walked over and patted Nathan on the back, "Everyone's here we're ready to start."
"Are you sure?" Nathan asked?
"Yeah, why were you expecting someone?"
"Um, kinda, but it's fine. I guess she didn't sign him up.." Nathan said to himself.
"Who's 'she'?" Lucas asked as he raised his eye brow.
"Just a friend I met at work. She said she was signing her son up, I guess not."
"I knew it! You like her don't you?" Lucas shouted.
"No!"
Lucas laughed "Oh yes you do! You're turning beat red! This is great!"
Nathan snarled "Shut up!"
"Is she married?"
"No, why?"
"Go after her then." Lucas advised him.
"Uh, I don't know."
"Why not, you're Nathan Scott?"
"She's different…"
"Different how?"
"I can't stop thinkin' about her man. She's just perfect. She's kind, funny, beautiful, the list goes on forever."
Lucas smiled, "You got it bad man."
Nathan exhaled deeply. "I know."
"Congrats man, I'm happy for you. But I have to say- I freaking knew it!"
"Shut up- Pucas."
Lucas laughed, "Alright well are you sure she's not here? I can check the list again."
"Nah it's alright, I would've seen her. Thanks."
"Okay, I'll talk to you later then, let's get started." With that, Lucas blew his whistle.
…
Jackson hung by Nathan the entire practice, and watched intently as Nathan demonstrated how to do a layup, and Jackson cheered loudly.
"That was awesome!" He shouted, and Nathan smiled.
"Okay, your turn." Nathan said as he handed him the ball.
Jackson tried to do the drill, but he missed the hoop.
"Aw man! I stink at this!" Jackson pouted.
Nathan knelt down and helped him, "Here try holding the ball like this."
Jackson did what he was told and the ball went through the basket.
"I did it!"
"Good job Jackson! That was awesome!" Nathan clapped, and Lucas walked over.
"Hey Jackson, you want me to show you how to play real basketball?" Lucas joked.
"It's ok; I want to stay by Nathan."
Nathan smirked at Lucas, and he rolled his eyes.
"Okay let's see what you got kid."
Nathan and Jackson played for a little longer, and Nathan lifted Jackson on his shoulders so that he can try and dunk the ball.
Haley walked in the back doors and watched the entire exchange take place, with tears in her eyes. Jackson never had a father figure in his life, besides a few of Haley's brothers, her dad, and Lucas, but he barely saw them since Haley and him were in California.
Nathan put Jackson down, and he kept running drills. By now Haley, Lucas, Jackson, and Nathan were the only ones left in the gym. Haley still lurked in the background watching her son play with Nathan.
"Nathan, did you see that? I just scored again!" Jackson started to jump up and down with excitement.
Nathan had a huge smile on his face, "That was great! I think you're even better then Lucas over here." He joked as he high fived Jamie.
"I wanna be as good as you!" Jackson shouted.
"I bet you'll be better than me!" Nathan praised.
Jamie was about to say something when he turned around and saw Haley.
"Mommas here!" He shouted and ran to her.
Nathan looked up, his eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. He felt his heart stop in his chest.
Holy crap