Thank you everyone for reading and leaving reviews/following the story. All of that really helped me stay motivated and focused on working on the story.
I hope you like the next chapter.
~~~ "I'm Never Alone, I'm Alone All the Time" ~~~
* Chapter Forty-Three*
The Fire Pistols had decided to keep their decision about the future of the band to themselves for the remainder of the European tour. Mainly they wanted to make sure that Peyton Sawyer didn't catch wind of the news before they were really ready to handle what came afterwards. Walker had made a few calls to secure the band a new legal team to begin working on their ultimate separation from the record label. Now they were now just waiting for the final go ahead from the legal team before they informed Peyton of the upcoming change. They were expecting email confirmation any day now.
Haley looked up in the mirror once more as she sat in the make-up chair back stage. She checked her stage hair and make-up to ensure everything was still in order. The make-up artist had left roughly 45 minutes ago but she wanted to make sure before she headed out on stage in front of thousands. She heard Walker and Tyler talking in the background but wasn't really able to pick up what their exact conversation was about.
She looked at the two of them to see if it would help her determine the topic of conversation but all she was able to deduct was whatever it was it was funny. Tyler had always been rather chill and a happy go lucky kind of guy since he joined the band mid tour as Quinn's replacement. He was pretty much there to earn a paycheck and have a good time. Walker was similar to Tyler in the sense he was kinda along for the ride. He definitely enjoyed the "perks" of being famous and everything that went along with it. But most importantly, he cared about his friends that made up The Fire Pistols. Chris, Quinn and Haley. Haley was brought from her thoughts by a notification sound from her smartphone.
Haley looked down and promptly entered her password to her phone before opening her text messages. She found herself smiling as she read her message from Quinn.
'Thinking of you Hales and the rest of the band too! I know you guys are going to kill it tonight and I hope you have a kick ass last show. Go big or go home Hales!'
Haley quickly replied to her sister's well wishes and then secured her phone once more. She hopped out of the chair and made her way over to the craft service table and bar. She readied four glasses with alcohol quickly noting it was nearly show time.
"Alright guys, I want to propose a toast!" Haley declared as she held out two glasses towards Tyler and Walker. They walked over to her and took the glasses. Haley turned around again and picked up the remaining two glasses from the bar. She walked over to Chris and held the glass out for him to take.
Chris greeted her with a smile as he took the glass from her.
"I reckon that's a great idea Hales." Chris stated.
Haley took a moment to look at everyone before she spoke up again.
"Tyler, you joined this crazy ride just recently but you've certainly fit right in with us faster than any of us had hoped for. Thank you for everything you've done for this tour and how hard you've killed it every night for us." Haley said as she held her glass towards Tyler while everyone else looked at him.
"It's been a blast babe." Tyler replied with a grin.
Haley let out a chuckle and then looked at Walker.
"And you," She started but stopped as a wave of emotion started to hit her. "You are not just the driving force of this band as our drummer, we wouldn't be here without you. There were so many times along the way when one of us wanted to give up and throw in the towel. And we would have if it wasn't for you. You pushed all of us and you are the only reason we were able to balance the work part of it all with the joy of just playing music. Thank you for keeping us grounded so we made sure to have fun."
Chris gave Walker a friendly punch to the shoulder causing Walker to laugh out loud.
"I love you guys!" Walker exclaimed.
Haley then turned to Chris who greeted her with his traditional smirk.
"And now last but not least.." Haley started but stopped when Chris interrupted her.
"I know you saved the best looking for last right?" Chris joked trying to keep it light.
"Clearly Keller you're the hottest one in the band! But seriously, Chris I don't even know where to start with you. You're my best friend, my writing partner, my confidant and my protector when I can't seem to see what's best for myself. Thank you for having the courage to see this situation for what it really was and for being strong enough to lead the way. I know I can be rather assertive and forceful when it comes to something I want or don't want for that matter." Haley admitted.
"I think it's called stubborn and bull headed Hales." Walker chuckled which caused everyone to laugh.
"Yeah yeah… I know I'm a pain in the ass. Well thank you guys for everything and cheers to our last show!" Haley concluded as she held her cup up. Everyone clicked cups and then threw their shots back. They tossed their cups on the garbage next to the bar.
"One more thing before we go out there! You can't toast to everyone else Hales and not let us speak to you." Chris said as he pulled her into a side hug.
"You are an amazing singer, musician, and writer. The only reason our band made it this far was because of you. You have sacrificed the most for this band and we all want to thank you. Thank you for putting the band and everyone else before yourself. You have led this band with style and grace! We could learn a thing or two from you. I love you Hales." Chris said and kissed the side of her head.
"Damn you Keller!" Haley exclaimed as she carefully wipe the tears that had escaped from the corner of her eyes.
The First Pistols came together for one final hug together before their backstage door opened and Peyton Sawyer walked in.
"Let's go now it's show time!" She yelled to the band standing in a circle.
Tyler and Walker were the first to pass by Peyton on their way through the doorway. Chris offered Haley a wink before he took off behind the previous two. Haley followed behind Chris only to have Peyton touch her arm to slow her down for a moment.
"Remember we're leaving right from here to the airport in order to catch our flight. While in flight, I need to talk to you about the studio time I've booked for writing the next album. I also have a few writers to work with you on new material. They will definitely help you get the material to the next level where it needs to be. We will also need to start promotion for the movie soundtrack you worked on too when we get home. I have an appointment for a stylist to refresh your wardrobe and colorist to change your hair before the promotion. We've gotta keep things new!" Peyton rambled on as Haley headed towards the stage. She decided to hold her tongue until she made it to the stage before she answered Peyton.
"Peyton, I want to enjoy the last show of the tour and I promise we will discuss upcoming band plans on the flight home." Haley replied with a cheeky grin. She left Peyton standing stage side somewhat stunned by Haley's easily compliant and happy go lucky attitude. Peyton thought for a moment but figured she was just charged for the show.
The house lights had shut off by the time Haley had made it to the stage. She could hear the screaming of the fans only to be overpowered by Walker's drum beats for a few seconds. Once it was clear to the fans The Fire Pistols were about to come out, the screams erupted once again. Haley climbed up the stairs and allowed the guitar hand to help secure her guitar on her body before she made her way to center stage. She took a deep breath and looked out at the sea of bodies one last time. She made sure to allow her body to fully take the sound and feeling of the moment to memory for years to come. Once she was satisfied, she strummed the opening chord of their first song of their last official concert as The Fire Pistols.
Nearly six hours later, Haley had managed to delay Peyton's business talk long enough for the band to grab a bite to eat. It seemed odd she had to argue with Peyton whenever she wanted to grab a bite to eat or something.
"Haley, I'm going to quick use the restroom and then I want to really get this new album business discussed before we land ok? Get your calendar ready to go." Peyton warned as she stood up from her seat on the airplane.
Haley rolled her eyes in annoyance but complied with a simple, "OK Peyton." She took a few more bites of her salad before ultimately deciding to set it aside now having lost her appetite.
Walker had heard Peyton's latest demand of Haley when he decided to check his email once more. He quickly opened up and looked at his confirmation email he'd just received from the band's new legal team. Walker downloaded the final contract attachment waiting to be sent to Peyton via email. Everything looked as it should.
"Chris! Haley! I've finally got confirmation about the contract." Walker announced with excitement.
Chris and Haley immediately looked up and over at Walker across the aisle.
"Are you sure it's correct?" Haley questioned looking at Walker closely in disbelief.
Walker quickly stood and made his way over to the pair to show them his email.
"It's the final draft of the contract and document we already looked at earlier today. They are waiting for the go ahead to send it to Peyton." He explained quietly.
"Send it now!" Haley ordered without even looking at Chris for approval first. It seemed once the decision to leave had been made, she felt a slow sense of suffocation whenever she was around Peyton.
"Are you sure Hales? We are trapped on an airplane with Peyton Sawyer! I didn't see any parachutes when we boarded if she decides to go psycho on us all." Chris questioned speaking from experience having seen Peyton when someone crossed her.
Haley nodded confidently as she saw Peyton walking towards them once more.
"Send it and make sure they copy you on it so we know it's gone through. Walker shoot me a signal or something when it's gone through. Let's do this now so when this plane lands in an a few hours, we will be leaving all this band drama behind." Haley said quietly. Walker nodded in agreement and then went back to his seat. He quickly opened up his phone once more and tapped away his response to their legal team.
Chris' eyes went back and forth from Walker to Haley and Peyton. The suspense was killing him.
"Now I know that in the past you've always insisted the band write all their material and that you and Chris don't need any help. But we're going to be making a few changes with the writing process. We need to add another dimension to the material and which will require more popular and seasoned writers. I will not have you argue with them Chris about everything they suggest. They are professionals and you must treat them that way." Peyton warned as she pointed her finger at Chris only to make sure her instructions were heard.
"I got it Blondie! I need to play nice in the sandbox with others." Chris barked back.
Peyton seemed pleased with Chris' agreement to comply with her demands. She shifted her focus back to Haley.
"And what about you?" She asked Haley.
Haley looked over at Walker again hoping for a sign but got nothing. She wasn't sure how much longer she could continue this way.
"I'll get it done Peyton. I always do." Haley offered up gritting her teeth.
Peyton smiled and brought her thin lips together with satisfaction.
"Perfect! I will have the finalized recording schedule sent out to all of you in the next day or so. We can't afford for much time off before you get back into the studio again. Things need to keep moving forward and fast. I'm working on closing a deal with Fender to release a limited edition Haley James guitar line right before the next album comes out. I will need a new song ready to go by the week of the Grammy Awards. I will be leaking the song online the week of the show to generate more of a buzz for you guys." Peyton rattled off as she glanced up and down from her phone which was her life line to the label.
Walker got Haley's attention as discretely as possible signaling the email had been sent. Her eyes catch Chris and he gave her a nod.
"Haley, are you even listening to me? There is so much we need to do and you really need to at the very least pay attention when I'm talking. I really don't have time for this." Peyton snapped clearly sounding annoyed.
Haley took a deep breath for strength and then said, "Yes, I'm listening. I've been listening to you for years now and I really think I've heard enough."
Peyton froze in place and slowly her eyes found Haley's.
"Excuse me?"
"I'm done with this! I'm done having you order me around like a servant. I'm just done! I quit!" Haley declared all in one breath.
Peyton stared Haley down and couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Is that so? You're really ready to give up and walk away from your band and everything? You're going to do this to the whole band!" She fired back at Haley without missing a beat.
"Yes I am. But the thing is Peyton…The Fire Pistols are quitting together." Haley finally declared not flinching as she held Peyton's glare.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Peyton shrieked in shock.
Chris had remained quiet until that moment.
"Why don't you refresh your email and check your phone you're glued to constantly? If you open up your email, you will find a legal document from The Fire Pistols' new legal team explaining it all in detail. I'm quitting the band too." Chris answered with a harsh tone to his voice.
Peyton look back and forth from Haley to Chris in shock. How could this be happening to her? This wasn't real, it couldn't be.
"Yeah by the way I quit too!" Walker piped in out of nowhere.
Peyton's eyes raced over the email documents from her inbox and couldn't believe what she was reading. Could it be true? She desperately tried to keep her sense about her as she figured out what she was going to say next.
"Do you really think you all can walk away from me so easily? And you," Peyton said stopping on Haley. "You really are stupid to think you'll just walk away from me without being destroyed. Your contract with the label will ruin you and we've done this dance before Haley. You will lose everything! "
Haley opened her mouth to defend herself but was cut off by Chris.
"Shut up Peyton! It's done alright. Over! You're fired!" Chris bellowed at Peyton.
The tension aboard the aircraft could have been cut with a butter knife for the remainder of the flight. Haley had refused to speak to Peyton for the remainder of the flight. Walker and Chris did great to serve as a buffer to protect Haley from any further badgering by their former manager. Thankfully the time until landing went by fairly quickly. Once off the aircraft, the band headed towards the baggage to claim their checked luggage as well as the transportation Walker had arranged for them without Peyton's approval. As they drove away from the airport, Haley tried to keep panic at bay knowing everything had truly changed. She was back in LA without a home to go to since hers had been sold. She ended up deciding to go to hotel rather than turn up on Quinn and Clay's doorstep. The moment she hit the sheets, she slept for a solid 14 hours to her surprise. She had anticipated jet lag to bother her but not this time around. She was exhausted and felt a strange sense of freedom in a way. Haley had gotten up long enough to call Quinn to check in on how she was feeling with her delivery date approaching and went back to bed.
A few days later in the early hours of the morning, Haley was woken by her phone ringing.
"Hello?" She answered gruffly.
"Haley it's Clay!"
Haley instantly woke and replied, "Clay is everything alright?"
She heard a chuckle on the other end before he answered, "Everything is perfect. You are officially Aunt Haley! Quinn had the baby a few hours ago!"
Haley listened with shock and took care to remember the hospital information so she could go and visit them. Haley hung up with Clay and laid back taking in the information fully. Quinn had her baby. Quinn was now a mother. The thought of Nathan Scott entered her mind out of nowhere for a second until she flushed it out. She tried her best to fall back asleep but after tossing and turning for 45 minutes she finally gave in. She got out of bed and took a shower. Moments later, she was nearly ready for the day and the sun was just coming up. She tried her best to hide the dark circles still under her eyes however did notice they seemed a tad better than a week ago. She took advantage of the time it took her to sip her coffee. She quickly replied to her relator's email about a few houses she could possibly rent until she decided where she wanted to buy her next house.
After having the hotel concierge call her a car, she headed to the hospital to visit Quinn and the baby. She managed to slip into the hospital without a single paparazzi noticing to her delight. She had dressed for the occasion just in case and had a pair of large black sunglasses on her face as she walked through the main doors. Within minutes she was cleared past the nursing station and on her way to Quinn's hospital room.
"Knock knock!" Haley called out as she tapped the door with the back of her knuckles. She heard a muffled response and opened the door that had been a jar all the way. She walked into the room and pulled the curtain back while she announced a proud Auntie had arrived. Just as the curtain pulled back fully she heard her sister giggle.
"Hales!" Quinn called out to her sister. Haley stood in the middle of the room in amazement as she took in the sight before her. Clay was sitting in a chair beside the head of the bed trying his best to adjust the baby hat that adorned their little ones head. Quinn cradled the bundle of joy in a blanket in her arms.
"Oh my goodness!" Haley exclaimed as she fought off the urge to burst into happy tears.
"We would like you to meet your nephew Logan!" Quinn announced as she shifted the baby for Haley to see his face. Haley rushed over to the bed to carefully embrace her sister but also to gaze at her new nephew. He was beautiful and absolutely precious.
Haley quickly utilized the hand sanitizer mounted on the wall and prepared herself to hold Logan. She gave Clay a congratulatory hug before Quinn carefully placed the sleeping baby in her arms. Clay stayed for a few minutes while the delivery story was recounted for Haley before he offered to run down to the cafeteria to find Quinn something "edible" to eat. Haley soon was mesmerized by watching the baby sleep within her arms until Quinn spoke again.
"Well, at least he's taking a little snooze for now. You missed the crying fit about 20 minutes before you arrived. He clearly tuckered himself out." Quinn concluded.
"I can't believe you're a mom now! He is so beautiful Quinn!" Haley exclaimed with a smile.
The sister spoke briefly about the new baby and how Clay really was during labor. They shared a laugh as Quinn recalled the true details about when Clay assisted with cutting the umbilical chord and how green his face really turned.
"So Hales, we've already talked about the stuff with Peyton and the label since you returned from tour. How are you really doing sis? It really looks like this tour did a number on you." Quinn pointed out hoping she used the right tone to reflect the concern she had for her sister.
"I'm fine Quinn. There's no need to worry about me. I'm just tired from the tour which always happens once it's over with. You've got your hands full now with this bouncing baby boy so don't worry about me!" Haley replied quickly hoping to keep the topic off of herself although she knew her sister all too well. They were both a James after all.
"I'm not blind Haley! You look completely exhausted! I've never seen you look like this. I've seen you after tour before but this is different. You look as though you haven't been sleeping well or eating right for that matter. What the hell is going?" Quinn asked with more urgency to her question.
Haley looked up again from the sleeping baby to see her sister's concerned eyes, "Nothing! You've got nothing to worry about seriously. I just slept like 30 hours in the last two days. You should be focusing on your baby and your new family not me."
"But you are my family Hales! You are like scary skinny despite the fact I know you're trying to hide it underneath the clothes you are wearing. You just look sooo…..sad." Quinn finally concluded.
There was a long silence between the two of before Haley decided to respond.
"I'm just…..I'm trying Quinn. I'm really working on it ok? I promise I will let you know if I need anything." Haley said her voice cracking as she spoke.
Quinn smiled and added, "I love you Hales! Logan needs his Godmother to be happy and healthy for him."
Haley felt a smile appear on her lips as she looked back at her sister through tear filled eyes.
"Really?"
Quinn nodded and answered, "There is no one else in the world Clay and I would want."
Nathan managed to finish up his conditioning session on time to his surprise and was pleased he wouldn't be running late yet again as he drove down Lucas and Brooke's street. Brooke had let him have it the last time the three of them had planned to meet for dinner only to have him show up 20 minutes later due to practice running over. Normally Brooke was fairly easy going however one of the blessed side effects of being pregnant meant that when the "Brookie Monster" was hungry she needed to be fed pronto.
He pulled his car into the driveway and left his sunglasses knowing he'd need them again once they went back outside. Lucas greeted him at the front door before he could even knock.
"Hey man, how's it going?" Lucas asked as he offered Nathan a man hug.
Nathan accepted the hug and replied, "I'm on time so I'm doing great!"
Lucas laughed as he side stepped to let Nathan into the house.
"Tell me about it! She's been in the kitchen for an hour getting things ready. I kept trying to tell her it was just you coming over but that was pointless. Brooke got her second wind of energy about an hour ago so watch out. Want a beer?" Lucas concluded as he led the way to the kitchen.
Nathan agreed and hung his sunglasses on the collar of his t-shirt for the time being. Once he stepped into the kitchen, he saw Brooke standing on her tip toes as she stretched her arm above to reach a large plastic bowl on the top shelf. It was clear her growing belly now prevented her from getting close enough. Brooke saw a large hand reach above hers to grasp the bowl she's been straining for.
She sighed in frustration and said without turning around, "Luke I could've gotten it myself."
"But then I couldn't have played the hero." Nathan replied with a grin. He watched Brooke as she turned around and was greeted with a full view of her baby bump.
"Nathan! You're here!" Brooke exclaimed and threw her arms around his neck.
"And he's on time too." Lucas added while he managed to open two beers.
There was no denying Brooke was a picture perfect pregnant woman. Her hair was full and shiny which only enhanced the glow her skin gave off already. She was wearing an apple red maxi style dress that clung to her curves just right. Brooke chattered to Nathan and Lucas while she finished up a few items in the kitchen.
"The bedding I found for the nursery is adorable too! Lucas finally finished painting the walls last night so things are really coming together." Brooke said as she washed her hands at the kitchen sink.
"Why don't you show him the nursery and I'll go fire up the grill?" Lucas suggested.
"Great idea!" Brooke declared and then took off with a burst of energy calling for Nathan to follow her. He took a few stairs two at a time to catch up to Brooke was had already managed to make it up to the top of the stairs.
"I thought pregnant woman are supposed to be slow, tired and waddle everywhere they go. You are like the energizer bunny!" Nathan laughed as he caught up to her.
"I can't help it! I feel amazing right now and I have so much to do. Part of me worries if I slow down I won't get everything done before the baby comes." Brooke said. She led the way to the end of the hall and pushed the door open.
Nathan walked inside and saw a canary shade of yellow now covered the walls of their former guest room. A mahogany colored crib was set up on the corner of the room which displayed the bedding over the rail Brooke had spoken about earlier.
"Seeing the crib put together in the room definitely makes this all real. You'd think the growing person inside of me would but this sealed the deal." Brooke admitted to Nathan as she ran her hand along the wooden crib. She watched Nathan look around the room as he sipped his beer as he took it all in.
"Just make sure you're taking care of yourself and the baby. I know Lucas has already given you a lecture about running yourself ragged but now it's my turn. Please be careful with how hard you push yourself ok? You don't have to do everything yourself." Nathan said sincerely.
Brooke nodded in agreement and replied, "I know I know. I have already decided after I finish up the dress for the Grammys I'm cutting back on my hours."
Nathan tried not to physically allow himself to react to the mention of the Grammy awards but Brooke caught it. It made him think of Haley.
"She called me you know after guys broke up and tried to convince me that I didn't have to make her dress for the show after all. She said something about not wanting to put me in an uncomfortable situation and that she understood. Can you believe she would think that after everything?" Brooke remarked softly knowing Nathan was thinking of Haley.
"Yeah I can because that's the kind of person she is." He replied.
Brooke thought for a moment before she asked, "Have you contacted her since the news broke?"
Nathan moved over towards the window and looked out at Lucas on the patio trying to center himself.
"No why would I?"
"Nate, come on. You know damn well why you should've called her with everything that happened. Let's see, her band broke up, she fired her record label and her manager, her sister had a baby and now Haley is basically unemployed. Don't you think it would've been nice to offer her a little support?"
Nathan looked back at Brooke harshly, "I did offer her support but she just couldn't seem to understand that."
Brooke rolled her eyes and shook her head before she said, "No one understands what you did because it didn't even make sense to begin with. But whatever, you really should get over yourself and call her. I know for a fact she's back in LA because she sent over a few adjustments for her final gown fitting a few days ago. I'm just about finished taking it in."
It was clearly intentional the manner in which Haley had returned to LA and pretty much gone into hiding. The press frenzy surrounding the announcement of the band breaking up had been massive. Nathan had looked around on social media once the story broke trying to find out more details but came up empty handed.
"If she wanted to get in touch with me she would have by now. She knows my number hasn't changed since she called me after I rolled my ankle a few weeks ago."
Brooke opened her mouth to reply but was silenced when she heard Lucas yell to inform them the grill was ready.
"This isn't over Scott!" Brooke said with a small smile as she poked Nathan's chest with her first finger before calling back to Lucas downstairs. She looked at Nathan as she started for the stairs to confirm he was behind her.
"I'm hitting the bathroom quick and I'll be right there." Nathan announced as he detoured to the left down the hall. Brooked bounced back down the stairs and joined Lucas in the kitchen. Nathan would be lying if he didn't admit that Haley had been on his mind lately. She never really left it to begin with but she had shifted to the forefront. His heart ached knowing she was so close to him now and yet so far away.
Nathan finished in the bathroom, washed his hands and grabbed his beer from the counter before heading out again. He tried his best but he couldn't seem to get himself to walk past what he knew to be Brooke's office without peeking in. He saw several samples of fabric on top of a drawing table as well as several colorful sketches scattered about. He took a few steps inside the room and took a closer look at the sketch on top of the pile. In the lower right hand corner next to Brooke's signature, he could make out Haley's name scribbled. His eyes took in the sketch of the gown and it was truly remarkable. He lingered on the sketch for a moment as he allowed the vision of Haley in the dress to enter his mind.
"Yo Nate come on!" came from downstairs and broke his trance.
"I'm coming!" He hollered back down to Luke as he turned to leave. He was just about out of the room when something caught the corner of his eye.
Nathan looked at the mannequin next to the drawing table and instantly recognized the dress on display to be Haley's. He gasped out loud and couldn't stop his feet from carrying his body over to the dress. He reached out and touched the fabric before he even realized her was going it. He felt a jolt of electricity overcome his body entering through his fingertips as the vision of Haley in the dress became even more real. He let his eyes linger on the dress and then saw the large clips and pins on the sides of the dress to gather up the extra fabric to be removed no doubt. He let his hands hold both sides of the dress which would sit on Haley's waist when worn and he couldn't believe how small it was now. This shook Nathan's focus again and he quickly left the room and hurried back down the stairs to join his friends.
An hour or so later, Nathan leaned back in the patio chair where he'd been sitting for lunch and was clearly sufficiently full.
"I don't think I could eat another bite even if I wanted to. Guys, that was amazing!" Nathan said as he rubbed his full belly.
Brooke smiled in appreciation as her hand too rested on her bump. Lucas couldn't help but noticed her body and hand shift.
"You ok?" He questioned.
She nodded and said, "Yes, all this food woke someone up and apparently it's exercise time!"
Nathan smiled as he watched Lucas reach out to feel the baby move too. He smiled as he watched his friends but couldn't help feeling like he was intruding on a family moment.
"I don't feel anything." Lucas declared with frustration and looked closely at Brooke.
She chuckled and said, "I swear Baby Roe was just moving."
Lucas ripped his hand away from Brooke's stomach and nearly pouted in the chair again causing Nathan to laugh out loud.
"He still hasn't felt the baby move yet?" Nathan questioned the parents to be.
"Every time I try the baby stops moving. I think my kid hates me!" Lucas confessed dramatically.
"Come on Luke, I'm sure that's not it." Nathan offered trying to keep a straight face as he watched his friend nearly throw a tantrum.
"Hey Nate you wanna feel?" Brooke offered knowing she would get a rise out of her husband.
Lucas stood up and pointed directly at Nathan.
"Don't you even dare! Stay away from that belly!" Lucas declared which only made Nathan and Brooke laugh harder. He sat back down in his chair and eventually settled down. The three friends continued with light hearted conversation for the afternoon before Nathan decided it was time he head home. He couldn't help but think about what Brooke had said about what happened with Haley and how she called him out on how he'd responded. He'd been struggling with his anger, sadness, and fear of being rejected by Haley so much that he figured if he kept his head in the sand it would all just go away eventually. It was clear the moment he saw the dress Brooke was making for Haley that he needed to finally act on his feelings.
Thanks for reading and in advance for leaving a review. I know you guys are wanting a Naley scene and I promise it's coming...it'll be worth the wait.