Last chapter was in Nathan's perspective so this chapter will be in Haley's perspective to get some different views of the aftermath of Deb and Dan's death.
It's only been two weeks since Deb and Dan's death. Their funeral was held only two days after the accident. The fact that Nathan's parents were gone was a shock to all of Tree Hill. Everyone in town knew how close my family and his family were so they sympathized with us. My parents knew that things would change tremendously for our family when Deb and Dan died but they never expected to be handed over the guardianship of Nathan. It came as a shock to me as well when my parents told me that in the situation of their deaths that they'd want my parents to take care of him. It wasn't all that surprising because we were so close to them but it's not like anyone prepares themselves for such a freak accident like this. So Nathan was living with us now and for the time being we were roommates, he slept in my bed and I don't think he'd want it any other way. Every night I'd wake up around 3 and hear Nathan crying. It broke my heart knowing that he was so hurt and broken.
"Baby?" I asked him as his head rested on my lap.
"Yeah?" he said in a murmur.
"You feeling better today?" I stared out the window to see the gloomy morning sky.
Nathan let out a deep sigh as he remained on my lap. "No. Not even a bit."
I felt terrible that he was in so much pain. "Do you want me to stay home today?" Nathan still hasn't come to school since he's fallen into this depression and I most definitely wasn't going to force him to go. Some days when I saw he was especially depressed I'd stay home and take care of him. Just watch him nap, make him lunch; watch a movie with him, things like that.
"Will your parents be mad if you do?"
"No, they understand Nate. Do you want me to stay?"
"Yes, please" he said as he held onto me tighter as if in any second I could escape from him.
I ran my hands through his hair and his eyes closed. Clearly the first sign of sleep he's gotten since night. I waited about 10 minutes before trying to go downstairs and cook something quick for him. He barely got any sleep at night so I wanted him to rest up. I walked down the stairs and saw a note on the counter.
"Haley Bob- We're going to be settling some things with Aunt Deb's and Uncle Dan's lawyers in Charlotte so we'll be staying there over the weekend. PLEASE take care of Nathan and tell him we'll be back as soon as possible. Love Mom and Dad. P.S. We've left money for anything he wants, please try and get him out of the house Hales."
After I read that note I let out a deep sigh, crumpled it and threw it away. If Nathan found it he'd feel like a burden and he didn't need that right now.
I searched the cabinets and fridge for food and finally decided to make mash potatoes. He hasn't really been able to eat much since he's been so sad, same with me, so this was a pretty light meal for the two of us.
I rinsed the potatoes with water and filled the pot with the already running water. The stove fire looked large and for a second I was mesmerized by its colors. The water began to boil as I was still peeling and dicing the potatoes into smaller chunks. I finally finished peeling them and I just had to wait about 20 minutes for them to soften.
I plopped down onto the couch and turned the TV on. I went through every channel before realizing that there was nothing on TV. I settled on news and I rested my head on the throw pillow near me.
"The death of Deb and Dan Scott is still deeply affecting the families in Tree Hill." The reporter said as she walked towards the memorial in front of our high school.
"Students and teachers even made a memorial for the late parents of Nathan Scott," the reporter added.
Tears began to flow out of my eyes as I shut the TV off. I tried to be strong for Nathan but when he wasn't looking I was as weak as him. At every moment I felt like crying and I could only remember the feeling of Auntie Deb's embrace or hear Uncle Dan's deep yet enthusiastic voice. They were gone and I just couldn't accept it. Most of my childhood revolved around the memories of them, and that was the thing; now they were all just memories. It scares me thinking that some day I won't remember some of those memories, that the meaning of Nathan's parents will simply be withered down to a label of "his dead parents," they meant more than that to my family and it tore me apart thinking about how they would never see me and Nathan grow up anymore.
The potatoes were finally done softening and I strained the water from the pot. As the water flowed out of the pot the steam brushed against my face waking me up a bit. I mashed the potatoes and put them in the fridge so I could bake them around noon. I went to the closet upstairs to grab a blanket and on the way checked up on Nathan. He was sleeping soundly but I could still see the pained expression he possessed. I returned to the couch downstairs and gave the TV another try. This time around I came across Mean Girls on ABC Family, it was weird that they were playing the movie 10 AM on a Tuesday morning but I wasn't asking any questions and simply watching. The familiar movie would usually get tons of laughs out of me, but today, none. It simply felt as if my eyes scanned the screen. My eyes grew tired and I shut them just to rest them for a bit.
"HALEY! WHERE ARE YOU HALES?!" Nathan screamed as I woke from my nap. I ran up the stairs as he continued screaming.
"HALES! HALES! HALES!" he screamed until I got back to my room.
"Baby I'm here, I'm here!" I said as I ran over to my bed.
He got out of my bed and hugged me tightly.
"Don't scare me like that, I thought you were gone. I woke up and you weren't here." He said as he managed to tighten his grip even more.
"I'm sorry I was downstairs and I fell asleep on the couch" I said apologetically.
"You should've woken me before going downstairs…"
"But you need to rest Natey, you were up all night. I wanted you to get some sleep." I said as I hugged him back.
"Waking up and you not being next to me terrified me Hales, that's my worst nightmare." He confessed to me.
"Oh baby, I'm sorry that won't ever happen again" I said as I tried to make him feel better.
"Promise you won't disappear Hales, promise me you'll stay with me forever." He latched onto me for dear life. His desperate words pained me in ways that were inexplicable.
When we were little I always made fun of Nathan for being so scared of everything. As we got older he got much braver and he always protected me, but now, he was a complete mess. And was clearly dependent on me. I'm not complaining about how he needs me, but I'm terrified he'll be so afraid that he won't be able to live a normal life anymore.
"I promise Natey" I assured him as I kissed him sweetly on the lips.
As our lips touched he began to relax more. He kissed me back with an intense amount of passion and we hadn't interacted like this for a little while now. He pushed me down onto my bed and grabbed a hold of my arms and looked down at my tired face.
"I love you." He said cutely as he planted a kiss on my forehead and loosened his grip.
My thoughts began to wander aimlessly as I laid below his big figure. As tired as I was I wanted to be awake when Nathan was awake to make sure he didn't feel abandoned or lonely. He really needed me and I didn't want to leave him.
"I love you too" I said as my eyes fluttered a bit from the grogginess.
"Hales, take a nap." He stated as he rolled over onto his back.
"I'm fine with being awake."
"As beautiful as you are, you look exhausted baby. Get some sleep." He said as he turned to face me. His cheek pushed against the pillow creating the most adorable chubby look on his face.
"I don't need sleep, I just need you to be happy." I said honestly.
The words most likely affected him in an immense amount. His expression changed from worried to shameful in a matter of seconds. I could tell I opened some newly healed wounds and I regretted it when I saw his reaction.
"I am happy" he stated.
"No you're not, stop lying to yourself baby."
He let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm happy, honestly."
"Baby… I've seen you happy, and this isn't what it looks like."
"You're my only reason for living Haley…" he said as a shock to me. Being such an important part of his life felt nice but it was scary as well. What if I said something that would hurt him? This was such a bold comment.
"What about my parents?" I questioned him.
"I love your parents Hales, but you, you're my everything" my eyes teared as the words rolled off of his tongue.
"Don't cry baby" he said as he rubbed my cheek carefully.
"Can we go out tonight? Please Nathan?" I practically begged because I knew he hasn't gone outside since.
He chuckled a bit knowing I was using his recent confession to my advantage.
"Hales… I don't know if I'm ready yet."
"Trust me, you are Natey" I said as I kissed his nose.
"Take a nap first?" he smirked at me.
"If I do will you go out?" I said as I smiled at him.
"Can't you just sleep with the benefit of sleeping and not get anything out of it?" he said with yet, another charming smile.
"I've missed your smile Natey" randomly, I rubbed his cheek with the small of my thumb and kept it in that position for awhile. If I could freeze that moment in time, I would. We were about genuinely happy since the death of his parents and quickly I knew that'd dissipate when we realized prior events.
"I can't believe you're outside!" with much excitement Nathan and I were hand in hand on this cold January day. He finally caved into my begging and we decided we'd go to Karen's Café, get some coffee and then take a walk around town. As we walked into the café all eyes turned on us. It wasn't surprising but it most definitely wasn't comfortable as well. Sadly enough, the eyes were full of sympathy and sorrow. After the accident an epidemic of misery filled Tree Hill. This was a baby step for everyone in town seeing that Nathan was back on his feet, it was time for healing.
"What would you like?" Lucas said sweetly as we were sitting at the counter.
"We'd just like coffee, we're gonna be going on a walk" I told Lucas.
"Stay longer, have a meal, we need to catch up" Lucas explained to us.
I gave a questioning look over to Nathan and he smirked and nodded yes. He knew how much I've missed my other friends because I was taking care of him.
"Thanks for visiting me at the house Luke," Nathan started the conversation referring to the times Lucas would swing by to check up on us.
"No problem, you guys are my best friends" he says as he's wiping the counters.
We sat quietly with a couple chuckles here and there, but feeling any signs of happiness make you feel guilty for being happy after all that's happened.
"You two do know that Deb and Dan would want you two to be happy, right?" Lucas states to us.
Nathan grabs my hand from under the counter as if this grip on him makes him feel safe.
"Everyone wanted you two to be together! And it finally happened, I know for a fact that they were more than ecstatic about that" his truthful words were all new to Nathan and I. we really did want to be happy about finally finding our way to each other, but the timing just felt terrible. Barely a year into our relationship and the death of his parents occur. And not to mention, I feel like a jinx, kind of like a curse to him. From all the times me and Nathan weren't a couple his parents traveled safely, but the moment we label ourselves as boyfriend and girlfriend they get into a car accident. I'd never dream of telling Nathan about this but I think about it at night and I feel so responsible for their death.
"I miss them so much" I blurted out as I start bawling my eyes out. A worried look bestows upon Lucas and Nathan, but I can't stop the tears from flowing. Lucas comes from behind the counter and I end up sobbing in his arms.
"Oh Hales… it'll be alright" The familiar arms feel so safe, yet I'm craving for Nathan's arms to wrap around me telling me that I'll be alright, not Lucas.
"You just need some time to heal sweetie" His hands caressing the back of my head and I feel so comforted. When he lets go I'm a bit scared but I realize he's just looking down at me now.
"Nathan will keep you safe" Lucas says as he kisses me on the forehead. From the corner of my eye I can see the faint smile on Nathan's face. Like he's grateful for having such an amazing friend like Lucas, yet angry at himself for not being the one who comforted me.
"I know he will" I say as I see him with open arms as he remains sitting on the stool. I go towards the robust figure and his arms fit around me perfectly. His chin rests on my shoulder as Lucas continues talking to us trying to waver our thoughts to something with less significance.
We finally left the café and we go on that walk that Nathan promised me.
"I'm sorry for not taking care of you Hales" he says as he stares at the ground.
"What are you talking about? You're like my guardian angel" I say with so much truth hoping that he understands how much I need him.
A small chuckle escapes his tickled throat. "Far from."
"I've been such a burden to you these past two weeks Hales, I see how much you're worrying over me because of how hurt I am, but it's hurting me seeing you like this love" Nathan's voice was now raspy and I could hear the hurt in his tone.
"You haven't been a burden Nathan"
"Yes I have, you stay up day and night watching over me, if anything, you're my guardian angel" he says as his grip on my hand tightens.
Suddenly I feel a trickle of rain roll down my cold cheek. Nathan looks at me as he feels the same drops as I did.
"Do you think that's them Hales? Telling us to be happy. Is this a sign or something?" he asked so confused, yet so convinced.
"I think it is." I smile widely at him.
He's staring right at the cold bright sky and he wants answers. Before we knew it we were back at home and soaked from the rain. Although we were drenched, we were extremely happy.
We enter the warm home and decide to light a fire and sit near the fireplace. As Nathan pokes the logs I get hot chocolate ready for the two of us. I see him sitting on the two plush red blankets with a spot reserved just for me. I hand him his mug and he welcomes me into his arms.
"It's them Hales," he says as I find my way to his arms.
"What?" I say so extremely baffled by his short comment.
"The rain, my parents are the rain, they're telling us to be happy. They're telling me to take care of you." I just watch his mouth move as these sweet words fill my ears.
"My dad is telling me to be a man and take care of my woman while my mom is sobbing at the thought of us being so in love. They love you Haley, and I love you, I just need you to know that baby"
His words filled the emptiness my heart has felt since their death. I needed those words, but more importantly Nathan needed to recover. It was as if he reached an epiphany and the depression escaped his body. He was happy again.
"I love you too" I say as I kiss his strong lips. My tongue swirls around his mouth as I taste the chocolate in his mouth. And as I kiss him passionately I can feel the smile forming against his lips. True happiness has taken over his body and the rain is to blame for it. God, I love the rain…
A/N: I'd hate if I lingered such gloomy and sad themes for more than two chapters so I decided to tweak my chapters. I'm surprised I've even had time to keep up with my updates every two days. I've currently been studying for finals but I decided to take a break from the studying and start writing. I hope you enjoy and please review. Also, tell me what you'd potentially want to see in the next chapters. I'm very open-minded, just give me some ideas! And wish me luck on my AP Calculus final, I think I need it. LOL.