I named this chapter after the song "Never let me Go" by Florence and the Machine, this song was used during the Naley reunion in 9.11. I heard it while writing it, and cried and obviously I had to re-watch the episode. It's just too cute for words! Anyways hope you like this chapter! Finals are coming up, so I'm going to be updating less frequently :( I'll try my best though. I'm obsessed with this story. Reviews are the best :) Thanks everyone!
Nathan groaned as he heard his cell phone ringing on his night stand and he slowly rolled over to answer it.
"Hello?" He mumbled into the phone half asleep.
"Nathan?"
"Mom?"
Deb Scott laughed. "Yes Nathan it's your mother. Did you forget about me?"
Nathan sat up in his bed and ran a hand through his hair. "No, sorry I've just been really busy."
"That's okay I understand. So how are you?"
Nathan smiled as he thought of Haley. "I'm great. Really great. How are you doing?"
"Oh I'm alright. I've been staying with Karen and Keith, I finally got out of rehab."
"That's great mom! I'm so happy for you!" Nathan said genuinely .
"Thanks. I really miss you though. I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."
"I miss you too mom." Nathan replied.
"I know I made a lot of mistakes and I understand if you don't want me in your life but I'm trying to change and I really want you in my life Nathan."
Nathan sighed. "I know. It's okay though, I want you back in my life too."
Deb was shocked, she thought that Nathan cut her out of his life when she had a drug Over Dose. "Are you serious?"
"Yeah, I'm trying to change. I don't want to have any regrets. I miss you Mom, and I know you're trying too."
Deb smiled. "Thank you Nathan, that means a lot. Do you want to get lunch today?"
Nathan checked the time: 10:34 am. "Sure I'll meet you at Karen's Cafe at 12. Is that good?"
"That's Perfect! Thank you!"
"Okay, see you later."
"Love you, bye."
"Love you too Mom." Nathan said hanging up, and getting out of bed.
Haley woke up at 8 in the morning to start cleaning her house, since she knew that her mom would be dropping Jackson off soon. Haley stifled a yawn. She was exhausted and didn't get much sleep because all she could think about was Nathan. Haley spent the next hour trying her hardest to get her mind off Nathan, and focused on doing laundry, and vacuuming. However, it was hard not thinking about Nathan because everything she did, she found a way of relating it back to him. While she was doing the laundry, she came across one of his sweat shirts that he gave her when they slept at Brookes. Haley smiled at the memory, and hugged the sweatshirt as she inhaled strongly. It still smelt like him. Haley knew she was being ridiculous because she just saw him last night, but she already missed him. She promised she wouldn't fall too hard, but every day she fell for him more. There was no turning back now. She was in deep, she never felt happier in her life; She had an amazing son, and an amazing boyfriend. Haley smiled at the thought, Nathan was officially her boyfriend, and she was beyond excited. There was always the small voice in her head that told her to be cautious when it came to men, but when she met Nathan, she threw all the caution into the wind. She didn't want to hold back anymore. Even if her and Nathan didn't make it, she would always remember how happy he made her.
Haley was pulled out of her thoughts when she heard the door bell ring.
"Coming!" She called out.
Lydia waited patiently on the front porch with Jackson, as Haley opened the door to greet them.
Jackson instantly ran into his mother's arms and squealed. "Hi Momma!"
"Hi Jackson! I missed you! Did you have a good time with Grandma and Grandpa?"
"Yep! Grandma made me Mac n Cheese and Grandpa took me to play basketball!"
Haley smiled. "Awesome! It sounds like you had a lot of fun."
"I did. I can't wait to show Nathan how good I got!"
Lydia looked over at Haley who was slightly blushing, and laughed. "I'm sure Nathan would love that." She said.
"Grandma, you know Nathan?"
"Oh sure! I met him at your birthday party. He's a great guy!" Lydia said as she starred at her daughter, and Haley just fiddled with her pinky ring.
"He's so cool! He's really tall, and strong, and he was in the NBA! Mommy and him are friends, but Nathan told me that he likes Mommy a lot!" Jackson said, but then covered his mouth. "Oops! I didn't say anything!" He said with wide eyes.
Haley giggled, and Lydia cocked her eye brow. "Oh really? It seems like you really like him Jack."
"I do! But he and mommy are fighting, and I don't like it." Jackson pouted.
"Is that so?" Lydia asked sarcastically, and Haley stood there blushing as she bit the inside of her cheek.
Haley walked Jackson into the living room, as Lydia followed.
"Jackson, why don't you go out back and practice basketball. I need to speak to your mother." Lydia advised, as Haley rolled her eyes.
"Okay!" Jackson happily obliged, and went in the backyard as he practiced dribbling his basketball.
Haley walked into the kitchen and watched Jackson through the window, and Lydia took a seat at the breakfast bar.
"So." Lydia drawled out. "Anything you'd like to tell your mother?"
"hmm, nope!" Haley said quickly.
"I'm not buying it bub."
Haley sighed. "Not buying what?" She asked innocently.
"Nathan was here last night, wasn't he?"
Haley bit her lip. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Cut the crapola Hales. I'm your mother and I know when you're lying, and right now you're feeding me a line of bull shit!" Lydia joked.
Haley blushed, and turned around to face her mom. "How'd you know?"
"Mother's instinct." Lydia joked. "No actually, you might want to tell him to not have sex with you when you're on the phone!"
Haley's eyes widened like plates. "Mom! We weren't having... sex" She whispered.
"Really why are you blushing?"
"You're embarrassing me!" Haley sulked.
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about Haley. You're a grown women, you have needs..."
"Mom! Enough! I'm not talking about this with you!"
"Oh quit acting like a baby! I think it's good that you open yourself to Nathan."
Haley blushed profusely. "Mom, we didn't- I'm not- I mean-."
"What?" Lydia asked chuckling.
"I haven't- I never- since- you know."
Lydia frowned. "Hales, it's been five years. It's time to move past it."
"I'm scarred Mom."
"You know Nathan would never hurt you." Lydia said as she got up to hug her daughter.
"I know. It's just, Nathan's experienced, and I'm not going to know what to do. Honestly." Haley breathed. "I wanted to wait until marriage."
"Haley, look at me." Lydia said as she grabbed Haley's face gently. "You have nothing to be worried about. Nathan won't hurt you. It's not going to be the same as that night. It will be fun!" Lydia smiled.
"Ew! Mom! Please stop!" Haley groaned.
"Don't you want more kids?"
Haley bit her lip. "Well yeah but-"
"No but's! It's a wonderful and magical thing. When you find someone that you love and trust, it will be an amazing experience. I promise you."
Haley blushed, and looked at her feet. "Okay, but Nathan and I aren't even on that level yet! We only went on one date!"
"I knew it! You did go out with him last night!" Lydia said happily.
Haley playfully rolled her eyes. "Yes, I did."
"How was it?"
Haley's smile grew. "It was- it was indescribable! It was truly incredible!"
Lydia laughed. "I'm so happy for you! I told you things would work out!"
"Yeah, you were right. I never knew I could be this happy!" Haley continued to gloat.
"You deserve it Hales. You're a remarkable woman, and I think Nathan is perfect for you! He seems like a gentleman, and Jackson seems to be fond of him as well."
"Yeah, Nathan's really great with him. He means a lot to me." Haley gushed.
Lydia smiled, and hugged her daughter. "I'm so proud of you Haley."
"Why?"
"You are slowly moving past it, and your life is finally coming together."
"Yeah. I think Nathan has really helped me move forward."
"Did you tell him yet?" Lydia asked concerned.
"No. I don't know when, or how to say it. I'm freaking out. I'm really happy right now, and I know he is too. I don't want to ruin anything. I know it's selfish of me to keep hiding it from him, but I just don't want to jeopardize our relationship. I like him more than I've liked anyone before."
Lydia sighed. "I think you should tell him sooner than later. If you expect to move forward in the relationship, you can't hide anything from each 's an important aspect of your life, and he should know- especially if he wants to take the next step."
"I'm scarred mom."
"If Nathan really likes you, he will understand."
"t's going to change everything." Haley argued.
"If anything, I think it will make you become closer."
Haley bit her lip. "Yeah you're right. I think I'm still going to wait a little while though. No one knows except for you right now."
"Why are you keeping it a secret?" Lydia asked.
"I wanted Jackson to be the first to know, but we decided to go out a few more times, just to make sure it's what we both want. I don't want Jackson to get his hopes up in case we don't work out."
Lydia nodded. "Yeah that's a good idea. Although I really think that you and Nathan will make it. And I also think that Jackson is going to love this!" Lydia said as she watched Jackson shooting a ball through his hoop. "Last night, he couldn't stop talking about how much he liked Nathan."
Haley smiled. "Good. That makes me feel a lot better."
"So when can we introduce Nathan to the rest of the family? You know your brothers have to give him the 'talk." Lydia said laughing.
Haley playfully rolled her eyes. "As soon as we tell Jackson."
"Oh! I can't wait! Everyone is going to be so excited! They will just love him!" Lydia gushed.
"Taylor better not." Haley joked, and Lydia laughed.
"I only met Nathan once, and I can see how much he was wrapped up in you. You have nothing to worry about."
Haley sighed. "Yeah. I guess so."
"What's wrong?"
Haley contemplated telling her 'nothing' but knew that her mom would catch on. "I guess I'm just worried that I won't be good enough for him."
"Why would you say that?"
"He's slept with hundreds of girls! I'm really intimidated by that."
"Does he know how you feel?"
"Well he knows that I've only had one boyfriend, but he thinks that he was the one who got me pregnant."
"Haley!" Lydia lectured. "You need to tell him!"
"I will! I wasn't going to ruin our date though."
"Okay, but do you trust Nathan?"
"Of course." Haley said.
"Then you really have nothing to worry about."
"But what if he wants to- you know-?"
"What?"
"Have s-e-x." She spelled. .
"Bub, we aren't children. I think you can say the word 'sex'." Lydia joked.
"I just don't like that word. I don't want Jack to hear it either."
"Haley, you can't be scarred. It's a way of life!"
"Mom! We really don't need to talk about this."
"I think we should, because before you know it you'll realize that you're ready to take the next step, and you can't be scarred. It's all about trust and love." Lydia advised.
"Mom! I told you Nathan and I just started dating! We aren't sleeping together yet!"
"But you will soon."
"Ugh! You're relentless!" Haley groaned.
"I'm just saying, Nathan is a very good looking man. It'd be a real shame if you missed that opportunity."
Haley rubbed her temples. "You're crazy,"
"Oh please! I'm sure you've thought about it."
"No I haven't because I'm really not ready."
"Ready or not, I'm sure you would like to know what it's like. Aren't you curious?"
"Mom! I'm serious! Please stop!"
"Don't be embarrassed! It's normal to be sexually attracted to someone. If you ever have questions just ask!"
Haley groaned. "Goodbye mom! I'm going outside with Jackson because he's more mature than you right now!" Haley said frustrated.
Haley went outside to watch Jackson play, and Lydia stayed in the kitchen to read a magazine when she heard a knock on Haley's door, so she went to answer it.
"Nathan! What a surprise!" Lydia said.
Nathan gulped, he was standing in front of his girlfriends mom, and began to freak out. "Mrs. James! Hi, uh how are you?"
"Oh I'm wonderful! How are you?"
"I'm great. Thanks. Is Haley around?"
Lydia smiled. "Yeah. I'll go get her, come on in."
"Thanks." Nathan said as he wiped his feet on the welcome mat, and waited patiently in the hall way for Lydia to get Haley.
"Hales your boy- I mean a friend is here for you." Lydia called.
Haley got up, and wiped her hands on her jeans. "Thanks."
Lydia quietly followed Haley into the living room.
"Nathan!" Haley said as her face lit up when she noticed him, and she ran into his open arms.
"Hey Hales. I hope you didn't mind me dropping by, I just missed you."
Haley looked up and smiled. "I missed you too." She said sweetly.
Nathan was about to lean in for a kiss when in the corner of his eye, he saw Lydia starring at them.
Haley was anxious to kiss Nathan and was confused when he leaned back away from the kiss.
Nathan cleared his throat and glanced towards Lydia, and Haley followed his gaze.
"Mom! What are you doing?" She asked embarrassed.
"Oh I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself! You two are adorable!"
Nathan's eyes widened, as he whispered to Haley, "She knows?"
"Yeah she heard you on the phone last night, and there was no way of explaining that one." Haley giggled.
Nathan suddenly grew nervous, afraid that Lydia might think he was a perv.
"Oh um I'm sorry Mrs. James. I was just uh kissing your daughter last night while she was on the phone with you. I didn't- I mean we weren't-"
Haley giggled at Nathan who was clearly embarrassed. "It's okay Nathan, she knows we were kidding around."
"Oh, right, yeah."
Lydia smiled. "Nathan, you can call me Lydia. I just wanted to tell you how happy I am that you and Haley are together. She really likes you, and I haven't seen her his happy in forever, so thank you."
"Mom!" Haley warned.
"I'm sorry, I'll leave."
"It was nice seeing you Mrs. J- I mean Lydia."
"Oh you too Nathan! Have a good day." She winked.
Haley suddenly groaned and buried her face in Nathan's chest. "Ugh!"
Nathan chuckled, and rubbed Haley's back. "Why are you so embarrassed? She's really nice. At least she doesn't hate me."
Haley looked up and smiled. "Ugh she's like in love with you. I don't know why."
Nathan feigned a hurt expression. "Gee, thanks Hales."
"Kidding. Now where's my proper 'hello' kiss?"
Nathan smirked, "Right here." He said and leaned down to Haley's waiting lips, and pressed a sweet kiss that lasted about 10 seconds on them.
Haley smiled and threw her hands around his neck. "That was good, but I think I can do better." Haley joked, as she started to make out with Nathan.
They stood in each other's embrace for about two minutes, when suddenly Haley heard the back door open, and Jackson came running in. Haley jumped back and blushed. Luckily, Jackson came in a few seconds after Haley pulled away from Nathan.
"Hi Nathan!" Jackson squealed happily.
Nathan picked Jackson up in his arms, and ruffled his hair. 'Hey little man. What's up?"
"Nuthin' I'm playing basketball!" Jackson stated proudly.
Nathan smiled. "Nice."
"Can you play with me?" Jackson asked while pouting.
Haley smiled. "Yeah, you can stay for lunch if you want. I'm making pb&j sandwiches."
Nathan frowned. "Oh man, I wish but I actually promised my mom I'd meet her for lunch soon. I was actually just on my way over, but I wanted to say hi to you guys."
Jackson pouted. "Aw man! I really wanted to play!"
"I know, sorry bud. I promise you we can play soon. I'll tell you what, why don't I take you and your mom out for dinner tomorrow night? How does that sound?" Nathan asked while looking at Haley.
Jackson pumped his fist, and smiled. "Yeah! Can we mom? Please?"
Haley smiled at her adorable son. "I think that it's a great idea."
Jackson flew out of Nathan's arms and hugged his mom. "Yes! Thank you! You're the best!"
Nathan chuckled, and Haley smiled.
"I can't wait!" Jackson cheered happily.
Lydia suddenly called from the kitchen for Jackson, to help make the sandwiches, and Haley went to hug Nathan.
"Thank you." She said as she placed a small kiss on his lips.
"For what?"
"Being you."
Nathan chuckled.
"Are you okay?" Haley asked.
"Yeah why wouldn't I be?"
"You're going to lunch with your mom. Wasn't she just in rehab for like a year?"
Nathan nodded. "Yeah. We both decided to make amends with each other. I'm a different person now, and I know she's trying to change. I'm giving her a second chance." Nathan explained.
Haley smiled. "I'm really proud of you."
"Thank you. That means everything." Nathan said, smiling widely.
"Good luck. Tell me how everything goes."
"I will. Bye." Nathan said as he kissed Haley one last time.
"Bye!" Haley said as she watched Nathan walk back to his car, and she blew him a kiss when he drove off.
Nathan walked into Karen's cafe, and took a deep breath as he searched for a familiar blonde woman who he hasn't seen in over a year.
"Nathan!" He heard his mom call, and he walked straight to her.
"Hi mom!" He said as he leaned in for a hug.
"My god, you go so old!" Deb joked.
Nathan laughed. "It's only been a year,"
"A year too long. Sit down." Deb said as she stared into Nathan's eyes, and her brown ones started to fill with tears.
Nathan placed his hand over his mother's. "Mom, please don't cry."
"I'm sorry. I've just missed you so much. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you got into that accident."
Nathan sadly smiled. "It's okay mom. I understand."
"I still feel terrible." Deb said while wiping away the tears in her eyes.
"That was the past. This is now. That's all that matters." Nathan advised.
Deb smiled through her tears. "You're right. Thank you."
Nathan smiled.
"How are you? You know, without the NBA? And how's your back?" Deb asked.
"My back is fine. I'm doing better then I was before. I've came to terms about my career. I'm coaching the Ravens now. I'm also a gym teacher. I love it." Nathan stated with a triumphant smile.
Deb smiled. "I'm happy for you Nate."
"Thanks mom."
"I heard what happened, and I just broke down. I was afraid that I was going to loose you. Karen told me everything. She said you were really depressed."
Nathan frowned. "Yeah, I was in a really dark place. I haven't talked to Dad since the hospital. He said that I was a disgrace and he wished I would be paralyzed because I would never be good enough for the NBA."
Deb furrowed her brows with anger. "That son of a bitch!"
"It's okay Mom. I'm happier with out him." Nathan smiled a little.
"I still feel like I've torn the family apart."
Nathan shook his head. "Don't put the blame on you. It was him too."
Deb frowned. "I'm sorry Nathan. I really am."
"It's okay. I'm okay, and you're okay. Let's move past this." Nathan suggested.
Deb nodded. "I just feel like I've missed so much!"
"Well basically after the accident, I stayed in my house for three months and I wouldn't leave. I was a mess. Finally Lucas pretty much told me to get my shit together, and that he got me a chance to coach the Ravens, and I figured that was better than nothing, and I slowly recovered." Nathan said proudly.
"I'm so happy for you! But Please tell me you've been respecting women. I know you had a reputation when you were in the NBA, and I didn't like it. I taught you better than that." Deb scolded.
Nathan playfully rolled his eyes. "I know mom. I uh actually did meet someone." Nathan said grinning.
Suddenly, Karen walked over to take their orders. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to eavesdrop but did I just hear that Nathan Scott is seeing someone?"
Nathan chuckled. "I am."
Deb cocked her eye brow, and Karen smiled. "Who?" They asked at the same time.
Nathan grinned. "She's amazing. She's so beautiful, funny, caring, and she has the biggest heart."
Karen sat down next to Deb. "Okay you've got be my interest. Is she from Tree Hill?"
"Do I know her?' Deb asked.
"Yeah she's from Tree Hill but I don't know if you know her."
"Well who is it?" Deb pushed.
Nathan looked around to make sure no one was listening, and he smiled wide. "Haley James."
Karen's mouth literally dropped open. "No way!"
Deb bit her lip. "I've heard the name, but I can't place the face."
"Oh she's such a sweet heart! I love her! I've known her since she was in diapers! She's beautiful!" Karen gushed.
Deb smiled. "I can't wait to meet her!"
"How long have you been dating?" Karen asked.
"We went on our first date yesterday, but I've liked her for about two months. She didn't want to go out at first, but I finally got her to agree." Nathan smirked.
Karen and Deb both smiled. "You seem very happy."
"I am. I actually think I'm in love with her." Nathan gushed, and Deb was speechless.
"Are you serious?" Karen asked.
"Yeah." Nathan said shyly. "It's too soon to tell her, but I can't stop thinking about her. She's the best thing that ever happened to me."
"Aw!" Deb smiled. "I knew you would break the 'bad boy' phase. I'm so proud of you Nathan!"
"I can't believe you're dating Haley James! I never would have guessed!" Karen said.
"Yeah, we're trying to keep it under wraps for a while though, so please don't tell anyone."
"Sure." Karen and Deb agreed.
"My little boy is growing up!" Deb smiled.
"Mom!" Nathan groaned.
"When can I meet her?"
"I don't know. Soon."
"I can't wait"
"You're going to love her." Nathan promised.
"She sounds great."
"She is."
Karen got up. "I'll be back with your orders soon. Then I want you to tell me more about this. I can't believe she didn't tell me!"
Nathan laughed. "Yeah. Not even Luke knows yet."
"Okay. My lips are sealed."
"Thanks.
"So how did you meet?" Deb asked.
"Work. She's the new English Teacher. It's actually a funny story. She spilled her coffee on me on the first day. It was the cutest thing." Nathan gushed, and Deb listened carefully as she heard how happy her son was.
The next day, Haley rushed to Brooke's house to drop Jackson off so she wouldn't be late.
"Haley! Where have you been? I called you on Saturday! Why didn't you answer?" Brooke asked as Haley walked in her house.
"Oh I was um out with work friends. Sorry!"
"They better not replace me as your best friend!" Broke joked.
"No one could ever replace you." Haley said sincerely.
"Good! So did you and Nathan make up yet?"
"Uh I gotta go!" Haley said as she tried to leave but Brooke grabbed her arm.
"Not so fast! I know you saw him on Friday! What happened?"
"Nothing." Haley lied. "Seriously. I need to go. I'm going to be late."
"Fine! But you better tell me later."
"Nothing happened Brooke. I don't like him." Haley bit her lip as she stated the biggest lie she ever told.
Brooke's mouth dropped open. 'What? Why?"
"I don't know. Bye Brooke! By Jackson! Love you!"
"Love you too Momma!" Jackson said hugging her legs.
Haley quickly ran back to her car, and drove as fast as she could to work without breaking the speed limit. She knew she was going to be late, and she didn't want to piss off Miss. Rimpiss. As soon as she got to work, she signed in, and scurried to her class room. As she made her way down the hall way, she felt herself suddenly being grabbed by the arm and pulled into a Janitor closet. Haley gasped loudly, but relaxed when she suddenly felt a pair of soft lips on her own. She instantly kissed back, and smiled.
"I have a boyfriend you know." She said giggling as she pulled away for air.
"That's okay. He doesn't have to know." She heard a husky voice say.
"He's really strong. He could kick your ass." Haley joked.
"Oh really?"
"Mhmm." Haley giggled.
"Well then I don't think he'd appreciate it if you kiss other guys."
"It's okay. You're hot." Haley said.
"Really? Hotter than your boyfriend?"
"Yeah. But don't tell him. He might get mad."
"Your secrets safe with me."
Haley giggled, and Nathan leaned down to kiss Haley again.
"Nathan we can't do this here!" Haley scolded him when she pulled away from the kiss.
Nathan smirked. "Don't worry. We're in a janitors closet. No one will find us."
"God I feel like a teenager!"
"I think it's hot. I like sneaking around." Nathan winked.
"I don't want to get in trouble."
"Live a little James!" Nathan joked.
"I'm going to be late though."
"I don't want to ever let you go."
Haley smiled. "Neither do I, but I really need to go." She said as she kissed his cheek.
"Fine I'll kiss you later." Nathan smirked.
Haley giggled. "Okay I'll hold you to that."
"Have a good day." Nathan said as he snuck one last kiss on Haley's lips.
"Thanks. You too!"
Haley wiped her lips in case her lip stick smudged, and she walked into her class just as the bell rang.
"Hey guys. Sorry I'm late." Haley apologized. "Today I want you to write in your journals about your first love. Be as descriptive as possible. It's going to count as a quiz grade." Haley explained.
"What was your first love Miss. James?" One of her student's ask.
"Hmm that's a tough choice."
"What's it like to be in love?" Another student asked.
Haley smiled. "It's the best feeling in the world. I can't even explain it. It's just something you have to experience in order to understand."
The students all smiled. "Are you in love with some one right now?"
Haley blushed. "Yes, I am."
Review please :)
Thanks for reading!