A/N: Thanks for the patience with this chapter coming out. I have had a bit of writer's block and I have again been super busy finishing the semester. I'm hoping to have Chapter 10 up tomorrow, but no promises! Hope you enjoy, sorry for the cliffhanger
Chapter 9: Then There Was One
Brooke stared at Lucas in disbelief. She didn't know whether she should be mad at him for waiting to tell her or if she should be heartbroken for him. Either way, she was feeling something after he told her and looked at her with his sad blue eyes. He was holding back some tears, and he didn't want to let Brooke know that right now he wasn't very strong.
"I should have told you sooner Brooke. I just couldn't face it, I didn't want to believe it. I'm scared." Lucas said, as he looked to the ground not believing that the girl who always had something to say was speechless because of him. "I understand if you don't want this baby anymore." Brooke's heart absolutely broke when she heard Lucas say those words and she covered her mouth.
"Lucas how dare you say that! Of course I want this baby with you! I just wish you told me sooner! Besides, Nathan doesn't have it right?" Lucas was confused as to why Brooke was bringing Nathan into this conversation when they weren't even talking about him in the first place.
"No." He said, confusion in his voice as he tried to hide it.
"Well then, maybe our baby won't either." She smiled at him and walked over to him, embracing him in a hug. Of course she was scared. She was scared for this baby, but she wouldn't let Lucas know that. It was clear that he was scared and she had to hold it together for them, and the baby. This baby was going to be a gift sent from above to her, and she didn't care if there was a risk of heart disease. She was going to stay positive, for Lucas.
"I love you Brooke Davis." Lucas mumbled into Brooke's ear as he rested his head on top of hers and held her close. He felt like the weight was almost off his shoulder as he thought about how he was going to tell his mom and Keith. They would probably be just as shocked, but he was afraid of what his mother would say, considering he kept this from her and he had a baby on the way.
- One Tree Hill -
It had only been one night at the cabin, and things already seemed to be getting chaotic. Haley laid in bed as she thought about Lucas and his heart disease, and Brooke finding out. She thought about how Peyton still had yet to show up, and how Skills and Bevin had been fighting the entire time since they arrived. She thought about Nathan, and how she was glad they weren't like that. She couldn't imagine going away for a weekend with him and their close friends and fighting the entire time, it defeated the purpose of the trip. This trip was meant for reconciliation, and having fun before their lives took a dramatic turn when college rolled around. She thought about how she still hadn't told Nathan that she applied to Duke, and just Duke. She didn't want him to be mad at her but she didn't want to be away from him for that long. Things were really heating up between the two of them and she didn't want that fire to stop. She also had been spending pretty much every day with him since they had gotten together. She couldn't imagine not seeing him for weeks. Nathan was still sleeping peacefully, as her mind was racing. She didn't want to stir him but she was really freaking hungry and if she didn't eat something she was sure to lose it on someone. She quietly began to get up when she saw Nathan stir.
"Well good morning beautiful, where do you think you're going?" He asked, as he rolled to face her and smiled.
"Well you see, if I don't eat something I am going to become a kind of Haley James that you do NOT want to see." She laughed.
"Just another reason why I love you Haley James. It's going to suck not seeing you every day in the fall when I'm at Duke and you're at Stanford." Haley's heart dropped. This was the perfect time to tell Nathan what was happening, but she was terrified of the reaction he might have.
"About that Nathan.." Nathan interrupted Haley before she could even finish.
"I'm not worried though, because there's not a single girl out there who could take me away from you Hales. You are everything I could have ever dreamed of. Besides, I know you'll be coming up a lot and seeing me play. You always made it to every one of my games during the season." Haley was starting to sweat. She hated that she hadn't told Nathan yet but she didn't want him to think that she was pathetic. Duke was way more expensive but Stanford wasn't offering nearly as many academic scholarships as Duke and Haley had applied to all of them. She knew there was an acceptance letter waiting for her at home, she had seen the thick packet on the kitchen counter. She hadn't brought herself to open it yet; she was in denial. She knew what it was going to say because the admission counselor she had spoken to said she guaranteed Haley was going to get in based on her grades alone and her experience with the tutoring center.
"I know, I'm not worried about that but Nathan, there's something I should probably tell you." Her stomach was growling non-stop but this was a now or never situation.
"What is it? Is everything okay?" Nathan's voice was full of concern. Haley could read his face like a book.
"Yeah of course. I mean I think it is. Listen, I got into Duke Nathan. I didn't even apply to Stanford." Nathan looked at her, completely puzzled and silent. "It would be good if you could say something to make me not feel as awkward."
"Why Hales? Stanford is your dream school."
"I didn't want to be apart…"
"Haley stop that! Don't tell me that you put your dream school on the back burner so that you wouldn't be apart from me." Nathan was now sitting up in bed, and he looked kind of upset, or maybe even disappointed. It reminded her of her mother's look when she told her she wasn't pursuing Stanford.
"I mean that was part of it but Duke was going to offer me more money, I couldn't pass that up."
"Haley, I have known you since we were in elementary school and you have been talking about Stanford since you were 7. I don't think it has anything to do with money or scholarships." Nathan stood up; he was frustrated. Of course he wanted to go to school with Haley, but he was really upset that she would just throw away her dream school for him. Did she not trust him?
"Nathan, it's not like that."
"Oh really Haley? Because it sure seems like it. Do you not trust me?" Haley felt her throat closing. She swallowed hard. The truth was that she did trust Nathan, but she didn't trust all the other girls who were bound to be all over him.
"Nathan of course I trust you! Why are you acting like this?! You're being ridiculous!"
"I'M being ridiculous?! Haley you gave up your DREAM school for what? ME?! You don't deserve that. I'm done talking about this Hales." He got up, grabbed a shirt and threw it on leaving Haley to stand there completely speechless. She couldn't believe Nathan would say something to her like that. But then again, maybe she was upset because it was true and she didn't want to admit it. Maybe she was mad because she needed to hear it.
Nathan was frustrated with the entire situation. Of course he was happy Haley would be at the same college as him, especially since they were hopefully going to be engaged soon, but he wasn't okay with her throwing away her dreams for him. Nathan wasn't worth it, or that's how he felt. He grew up with a father who cared more about basketball scores than about him, and who only showed him love when he scored the most points in a game. His mother, she was hooked on pills for most of his life and was just a year sober this past year. He didn't know love. He didn't know what it felt like to be loved, even though that's exactly what Haley was trying to do. He just wouldn't let her in because he felt like she deserved a better man than he was. He was broken. He was prideful. He was even an ass sometimes and Haley James deserved nothing but kindness, and love.
He walked down towards the dock going into the lake and sat on the edge, sticking his feet into the water. This was a good place to think. Apparently he wasn't the only one who felt that way, because Lucas plopped down right next to him.
"How's it going little brother? You okay?" Lucas was trying to build a better relationship with Nathan, and so far it was working. They hadn't exactly been friends all their lives up until high school when Dan wasn't down their throats as much commanding them to hate each other. Lucas felt anger inside him as he thought about Dan and the wonderful "gift" he inherited from that bastard.
"Yeah, I'll be fine. Just some stuff with Haley." Nathan wasn't one to really open up to Lucas much, but Lucas was Haley's best friend so he probably knew Haley better than Nathan, who knew Haley pretty well.
"What's going on?"
"She gave up Stanford for me. She didn't even apply. She's going to Duke."
"What's wrong with that Nate?"
"Stanford is her Dream Luke, as you probably already knew. I can't ask her to give up her dream for me. What if she regrets it?" Nathan moved his feet around in the water, watching the ripples that he was creating.
"I doubt she would regret it. Haley's smart. She just wants to be with you, and besides, dreams do change sometimes little brother. Maybe Stanford was her dream before she fell in love with you. Maybe her dream is different now because you're in it and she's changed." Nathan felt some sort of odd comfort when he heard Lucas explain that. It made sense, but he still didn't want to believe that Haley was giving this up for him.
"I guess, and she's in my dreams too but she shouldn't have to put her dreams on hold because of me. I'm not deserving of that. She deserves better than that."
"It's not like you're asking her to do it, right?"
"No, I would never."
"Then why feel that way? It's obvious Haley made this decision herself, and she has this freaky pattern of always doing the right thing. Don't question it; just accept it. Like I said, her dreams are probably different now and that's okay. Duke is a great school; Haley will thrive no matter where she is. Don't beat yourself up man, Haley loves you." Nathan felt a sense of calmness while talking to Lucas. Maybe what Lucas was telling him was exactly what he needed to hear.
"You're right man. It's not worth the fight. I should just be happy for her. I just want her to be successful."
"And she will, even at Duke. Besides, we all know her heart is with you."
Nathan smiled. "How's everything with you?"
"Not so great, but trying to find positivity." Lucas didn't want to have to talk about this again, but then again, it might be good practice for when he talked to his mom.
"Do you want to talk about man?" Nathan felt that he owed his brother that much. He had been listening to Nathan about his worries with Haley and Duke, the least he could do was listen to whatever was going on with Lucas.
"You know how Dan has that heart condition?" Lucas began to prepare himself, as he saw Nathan nod and his brow furrow. "Well, it's hereditary and I have it. I just found out. That's why Duke turned me down. I got accepted and everything and I got my physical done and some testing when they saw Dan's background, and I tested positive."
"Oh man, that sucks. I'm sorry man. What are you going to do? Leave it to Dan to nothing for us our whole lives and leave you with his medical condition. It's like he purposely is leaving his mark."
"I hate him. I hate this. Brooke luckily took it well, and we are just hoping the baby doesn't have it either. I haven't told mom and Keith about it yet though, I know it's going to break her heart."
"Yeah, but she needs to know. Is there like medicine that you can take? What are you going to do about Duke?" Nathan didn't really know how to react in this situation so he figured asking questions was his best bet.
"Yeah, I have them. I somehow got around it without my mom seeing the prescription and medical bills. I think I'm just going to take some time and write. I've wanted to finish this novel I'm writing, and I can work at Keith's shop full time. I'll be busy with the baby when it comes anyways."
"I'm always here for you man." Nathan patted Lucas on the back and they both sat on the dock, staring into the water wondering what was in store for them next.
- One Tree Hill -
Haley was fighting with Nathan he hadn't talked to her since she told him about Duke. Skills and Bevin were still fighting as well, and Lucas and Brooke were acting slightly awkward around each other. It was a mess, and they only had one night left.
"We should have a party!" Peyton's voice echoed as she entered the lake house and everyone stared at her in disbelief. "Woah, don't act so surprised to see me!" Haley and Brooke immediately ran to their friend and showered her with hugs as Jake walked in behind her, carrying all their bags.
"Don't worry about the bags or anything Peyton, I'll get them." Jake said sarcastically as he dropped them to the ground. He was greeted by the boys with hand shakes and hugs.
"P. Sawyer you packed a lot for only staying one night!" Brooke exclaimed, shocked that someone had packed as much as she did.
"I couldn't leave my music, especially if we are having a party tonight!"
As Peyton and Jake went to go claim their space, Haley walked over to Nathan who had been standing across the room staring at her.
"Nathan, can we talk?" Haley asked with hope in her voice. She looked at Nathan batting and gave him a half-smile in which he returned.
"Of course Hales. I've been doing a lot of thinking and after talking to Lucas.."
"I can just not go. I can just take a semester off and apply to Stanford in the spring."
"Haley no, let me finish. I think it's great that you're coming with me to Duke. I know that sometimes people's dreams change and I have to respect that your dream changed from Stanford to Duke. No matter where you go, you're going to be great Hales and I'm glad that we can continue together in college. We will definitely be the hottest couple on campus." Haley responded by throwing her arms around Nathan and showering him with kisses. She was so relieved that he was okay with this, it made her feel like she could breathe again. Haley continued to kiss Nathan, pulling away and lightly kissing his neck. "Hales.." He breathed as she continued and eventually broke away.
"Just a little preview for later tonight, tonight's meant for celebrating." Haley winked as she walked away from Nathan resisting the urge to run and tell Brooke that everything was okay again.
- One Tree Hill -
The party was great. Everyone was feeling the effects of the alcohol and continued to dance and reminisce about the past four years of high school and their friendships. It was a bittersweet moment since this was their last hurrah before they headed back to the real world and began busting their asses to complete what needed to be done before graduation. They were all sad that high school was ending but were thankful that they at least had the whole summer together before heading their separate ways, even if they didn't exactly know what path they were going to take. Everyone seemed at ease, as if all the drama and fighting didn't matter anymore, which put Nathan at ease. He was glad that his friends were finally getting along but he was also glad that he was going to be beginning a new journey with Haley soon. He thought about the ring he had bought her, and hoped that she would love it. As his plan started to become more real, the more nervous he got. He didn't want her to say no. He didn't want her to think that he was rushing into things but they both had talked about spending their lives together so it wasn't like they weren't on the same page. Nathan wished that his dad could have been a better man because he would have loved to ask his advice and confide in him about these things. Asking Lydia James for permission to marry her daughter was terrifying enough. Luckily for him, his future mother-in-law was a saint and she told him that she knew that ever since they were younger that they would end up together.
A knock on the door disturbed Nathan from his thoughts. He was the only one who heard it since he was standing by the door, waiting for Haley to return from the bathroom. The bathroom was close to the entrance, and she had to pee for the fifteenth time, and he didn't want to let her out of his sight, especially at the party. They had invited a bunch of people from their classes to drive up, and Brooke had some friends in the area who came by too. He just didn't trust those around him, especially when it came to his precious Haley. He sighed when he heard the knock again and decided he would quickly answer the door and then when he came back Haley would be there waiting for him.
"Hello son." Nathan was welcomed by his father's smiling face in the doorway. How the fuck did Dan know where he was? When Nathan didn't respond Dan smiled again as he pulled a flask out of his suit jacked and took a sip. "I heard there was a party going on in the area, figured I would drop by." Nathan shook his head, he couldn't believe this. Someone must have tipped Dan off, but who? He slammed the door shut and turned to face the bathroom door to see the bathroom door open, but no Haley.
"Shit. Where did she go?" Nathan felt his heart beat quicken. He had taken his eyes off of Haley for literally two seconds and she was gone. He frantically went into the kitchen figuring she would be in there, but she wasn't. Then he checked the living room, and all the rooms upstairs, including their bedroom thinking maybe she went to bed, but no sign of Haley. He felt relieved when he saw Lucas and Brooke talking. Surely, they must have known where Haley was.
"Nate! Did you notice that our bastard of a father is here?"
"Now's not the time man. Have you guys seen Haley?"
"Come to think of it, now that you mention it, I haven't." Brooke said as she sipped her water. Of course, the one sober person in this entire house had no idea what was going on. "Wait, why is her jacket by the back door?" They all walked over to see Haley's jacket laying on the porch. That was odd. It was chilly at night here and Haley never went anywhere without her jacket. He bent down and picked up the jacket and his heart broke when he saw that the bracelet he made her was also on the ground.
"Something's not right. Haley always takes her jacket with her and she never takes off that bracelet I made her. What the hell happened?! Brooke, you didn't see ANYTHING?!" Nathan was panicking. How could he have been so dumb to let his eyes leave Haley's sight.
"No Nate, I swear." Before Nathan could respond, he looked over to see Chris Keller's guitar case chilling.
"Why the fuck is Chris Keller's guitar here?"
"Chris Keller is here?" Lucas asked, just as confused as Nathan was.
"Yeah, Jake invited him I guess they are kind of friends?" Brooke said like it was absolutely no issue at all.
"GREAT! Haley's missing and I bet that tool has something to do with it." Nathan picked up the jacket and ran out the back door, praying to God that he would have some sort of lead. His heart beat began to race when he saw footsteps headed towards the woods by the lake. FUCK.