A/N: HI guys! Here is another chapter. I wanted to update because I will be in Wilmington for the next couple of days at an OTH convention, so I won't be on. I will be meeting Dan Scott, Clay and Quinn Evans, Mouth, Lucas and some others so I am super excited!
Thanks for continuously sticking through this story. I promise the drama will cool down for a little after all of this, I just happened to write and didn't have a plan for the last two chapters so they just kind of came out. I hope you enjoyed the little Naley fluff though, that was fun to write!
Thanks for all the love and support xoxoxo
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Chapter 32: Things Left Unsaid
Deb was the first to receive the call since she was still listed as Dan's wife and his emergency contact. She immediately called Karen and her in-laws, and Karen assured her that she would tell Lucas. The next step was reaching Nathan, which she knew would be hard considering he was probably on a plane headed to his honeymoon. This was definitely not the way she wanted her son to start his honeymoon so she was torn on what to do. He needed to know. Dan was his father at the end of the day, and this was serious but she didn't want to create a bad start to the week away that he had from reality.
"I really think we should wait to tell him. I mean, I don't want to ruin his honeymoon with this kind of news. I know they didn't get along Karen, but he was still his father and he's going to be at least a little bit sad." Deb explained. After she had gotten the news at 8 am and called Karen, she went to go see her best friend because she was heart broken. Her and Dan had been separated but she still had loved him at one point and she knew that he had loved her.
"I understand your point Deb, but if we wait to tell him then we risk the chance of him finding out for himself. He was criminal, and the public knew he had killed Chris and Keith. Chris was a public figure, so it's ought to get released to the public soon." Karen explained, and Deb knew she was right. She hated that she was right but she knew she was right.
"I asked them to wait until after the services to release the information to the public. I'm not having the services til Nathan and Haley get back in five days."
"Yeah, but you can't say to him when he gets back, "Hey, how was your honeymoon? Your father is dead his funeral is today, let's go." And expect him to not be upset. I don't know much about Nathan, but I do know that he doesn't like when people keep secrets. I've heard enough stories from Lucas and Haley to know that."
"No, he doesn't. But I just don't want to ruin his honeymoon. Your honeymoon is supposed to be special and romantic, not spent mourning over your dead father. I never got a honeymoon and I don't want to rob Nathan of that."
"I know Deb, and bless your heart but he has to know. In fact, this might be the perfect time to tell him because he's in the post-wedding bliss and he has Haley with him. If anything, the honeymoon is a distraction."
"Yeah, you're right. I'll tell him tonight. Please tell Lucas not to say anything, and Brooke. Nathan would hate me if he didn't hear the news from me." Deb explained. She felt the tears coming again, and was thankful when Karen pulled her into a hug, not even asking her any questions; she knew.
- Friends First then Love -
They finally got home from the hospital, and Keith was perfectly fine and knocked out. Brooke couldn't wait to take a nap herself, but found it difficult when Lucas's phone kept ringing. She looked over the bed to the end table and saw that his mother had tried to call him four times already.
"Lucas, Lucas, wake up." She shook him a little, startling him from his sleep.
"What? Is Keith okay?" Lucas asked groggily and Brooke knew she would never get over how cute he looked and sounded when he first woke up.
"He's fine babe but your mom has been calling non-stop. I think you should call her. It could be serious."
"Yeah, you're right. I wish I could sleep all day though."
"Me too." Brooke propped herself up in bed while she sat next to Luke when he called his mother. She was hoping she would be able to hear the phone conversation so she could know what was going on.
"Hey mom, you called?" Lucas said, as he greeted his mother on the phone.
"Yes, hi hunny. How are you? Is my grandbaby okay?"
"Yeah, he's fine mom. Did you just call me four times to see how Keith was doing?"
"Not exactly honey, no." Even Brooke could tell that there was something wrong from Karen's voice.
"Are you okay mom? You sound upset about something. Did something happen?"
"I'm okay Luke, but yes, something did happen."
"Oh God. Is it about Haley and Nathan? Are they okay?"
"They're fine sweetie. They landed about an hour ago."
"Then what happened? I know I've been sleeping all day but it's only 2."
"It's about Dan."
"What about him?" Brooke felt her stomach turn at the sound of his name.
"He's dead honey. He killed himself in his cell last night." Silence. "I'm sorry."
"He…he's dead?"
"Yes he is."
"Does Nate know?"
"Not yet. Deb is going to tell him tonight. Don't say anything to them about it. Deb needs to tell him herself. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. A little shocked I guess. I've been waiting for him to disappear but not like this."
"I know. And I know he wasn't exactly the nicest to you but he was still your biological father so I understand if you're a little upset but you needed to know."
"Thanks mom. I'll be fine. When's the funeral?"
"Friday. Deb wanted Nathan to be here for it, even if he doesn't want to be. The public won't know until Saturday out of respect for the family."
"Okay."
"I really think we should go Luke."
"I don't know mom. I guess so."
"You know it's the right thing to do."
"I know. Thanks for telling me."
"Get some rest. I know you had a long night with the baby. Give him a kiss for me, and tell Brooke I said hello. I love you." And with that, Karen hung up.
"I'm so sorry Luke." Brooke said, breaking the silence.
"You know, I thought I would be jumping for joy when Dan died but I'm not. I don't know why, he never did anything for me."
"He was your dad Luke. It would be weird if you weren't upset. It's okay to be upset no matter what Dan has done. Keith made us soft. And your Uncle Keith would want you to mourn because he loved his little brother, even when he killed him."
"You're right. Keith was a good man, just like our son will be one day. He'll never know his grandfather though."
"We will get through this, and so will they. They're Nathan and Haley for crying out loud." Brooke responded as she held Lucas even closer.
- Friends First then Love -
Hawaii was absolutely breath taking. Haley couldn't believe they were finally here. Everything was so beautiful and peaceful. This is just what they needed.
After they let everyone know they arrived, they unpacked and decided to leave their phones in the hotel. It was their honeymoon after all and they wanted to enjoy every uninterrupted moment together that they could. Drama always seemed to find them, and they knew it would be waiting for them when they got home.
They headed off to the beach and set up their chairs and towels and laid out to enjoy the sun. They were pretty jet-lagged from the plane ride so it was nice to be able to just relax.
"I am so glad we didn't hear my song on the plane. I would have been so embarrassed." Haley said, taking a sip of her lemonade. All the drinks looked so good, she wished she were 21.
"Why? I'm sure it's a great song. I can't wait to hear it." Haley smiled. Nathan was always so supportive of her, even if she had neglected to tell him about the demo.
"Yeah, it's not bad but you know how I am about my music. Anyways, there was actually something I wanted to talk to you about."
"What's up Hales?"
"I think we should try to have a baby. I know the miscarriage was only a month ago and we just got married, God we are only 19 for God's sake but I want this with you. I was really sad when we lost the baby, but I want to start a family with you. I mean, who cares how old we are anyway? Karen and Deb turned out just fine."
"Haley, are you sure? I mean with school and basketball and everything. You don't think it'll be too much?"
"I mean, I'm sure it'll be a lot to handle but with you by my side, I know we can conquer anything Nathan. Besides, we would make some cute babies." Haley chuckled, Nathan laughing beside her.
"Damn straight we would. Should we go straight practicing?" He winked at her and she giggled even more, standing up and taking his hand, leading him back inside to their room.
"Nathan, your mom keeps calling you."
"Eh, let it go to voicemail. This is our honeymoon and I want to just focus on us. No one else matters right now Hales."
- Friends First Then Love -
"He's not answering Karen, what am I suppose to do?" Deb was frantic. She just wanted to talk to her son but he seemed to not want to pick up the phone.
"He's probably busy doing something with Haley. I wouldn't worry about it just yet, I'm sure he will get back to you soon."
- Friends First Then Love -
And just like that, their first day in Hawaii was over and Haley still couldn't believe that she was in Hawaii with her husband. They had spent the night walking along the beach and checking out the little shops that were spread around their area. Haley picked up a couple things for Keith and Karen and Brooke, making sure she got her friends souvenirs.
"I love how you always put others first Hales. Your kindness is overwhelming." Nathan said, as he pulled her into him and gave her a big kiss. She smiled as her lips pressed against his.
"I never want to leave this place. It's beautiful." Haley said breathlessly, trying to catch her breath from the kiss she just shared with her husband.
"Just like you Hales." Nathan smiled, leaning in to kiss her again.
"My lips might fall off from all this kissing we've been doing." Haley giggled, along with Nathan. "Come on." She reached out and took his hand, pulling him towards the ocean water.
"Hales, what are you doing?" He laughed at how playful her mood had become.
"Just having a little fun…" She grinned mischievously and before Nathan had time to prepare himself, she was pushing him into the water. But of course, Nathan always had a plan for everything so he grabbed Haley down with him, both of their bodies falling into the water. Haley screamed and splashed Nathan as they got into a splash fight in the ocean.
"No fair!" She screamed and tried to pull away, laughing.
"Oh, this is totally fair!" He pulled her down with him, the waves crashing over their heads before they stood back up.
"I'll get you for that Nathan Scott!" Nathan laughed at her fake threatening voice, as she tried to be intimidating.
"I'd like to see you try Haley James Scott!"
- Friends First then Love -
"We have to do something Brooke, he needs to know." Lucas was pacing, as she carried Keith around trying to burp him.
"We can't Luke, we told Deb we would wait until she got a hold of him."
"Right but when does Nathan ever talk to his mom? If we called him right now, I bet he would pick up."
"I know babe, and I would love to agree with you and say then just call him but we can't. Deb would be upset and so would your mom."
"He needs to know Brooke."
"Luke, I know that but right now there's nothing we can do besides focus on our son."
"I'm calling him, I can't handle this."
"Lucas! No! Focus on taking care of Keith. If Deb doesn't get a hold of him by tomorrow night then we can call. Fair? And if you think about picking up that phone and calling, I will make sure that you don't get any special attention from this mama tonight." Brooke winked as she left the room, taking Luke's phone.
"Well played Brooke Davis, well played." Lucas called after her as he shook his head at her.
- Friends First then Love -
After watching the sunset together, Nathan decided it was time that he give his mom a call. There had to be a reason why she wouldn't stop calling, and he figured she would keep calling until he answered. When Haley jumped into the shower, Nathan decided it would be the best time to call, even if the time change made it later at home then it was here. He didn't want to take away from his time with Haley so since she was busy, it made it okay.
"Hello? Nathan?" Deb's voice was a mix of relief and sadness.
"Yeah mom, it's me. What's going on? Why have you been calling me so much? You know I'm with Haley on my honeymoon."
"I know baby, but this really couldn't wait." Deb's voice continued to sound sad, and it made Nathan feel a little on edge.
"What's going on mom?"
"It's about your father sweetie."
"What about him? Did he try to call you too because he called me after the wedding."
"No, it's not that."
"Then what is it? Can you just tell me instead of wasting my time beating around the bush?" Nathan was getting impatient; he didn't have time for his mother's mind games.
"He's dead Nathan. He killed himself." Nathan was speechless. There was no way that his father was dead. He just talked to him the other day.
"I'm so sorry sweetie."
"No! He can't be. He was just on the phone with me the other day!"
"I know sweetie and I know this is hard to grasp but he's gone. He left a note and everything. I'm sorry to tell you this on your honeymoon, but you needed to know. The service is the day after you get home."
"Does Luke know?" He heard the shower turn off, and he knew Haley would be able to tell that he was upset.
"Yes. I asked him not to tell you. I wanted to be the one to tell you. I thought it would be better that way."
"Are you okay mom?"
"I will be son, but right now enjoy the rest of your honeymoon and try not to think about it okay? I know that's easier said than done but you won't get another trip like this for a long time."
"Thanks. I love you mom."
"I love you too Nathan."
Nathan ended the call and threw his phone onto the bed. He put his head into his hands and felt himself start to cry. He couldn't believe he was actually crying. His father had been such a bad dad to him for most of his life, so technically he should be happy that he didn't have to deal with that pressure anymore. But he also thought about all the times Dan actually was a father, and the memories they had. He was still his father at the end of the day, and at one point he had been a great man. He just got lost along the way, and Nathan wished Dan had been able to find the guidance that he needed. He also felt guilty. His father had called him on his wedding day, congratulating him and trying to show that he was changing but Nathan figured it was another one of his mind games of manipulation. He wondered if he had been nicer, if it would have made a difference.
"Nathan, what's wrong? Are you crying?" Nathan didn't reply and Haley sat down next to him, pulling him into her arms and rubbing his back.
"What happened Nathan?"
"My father's dead. He killed himself. That's why my mom was calling."
"Oh my gosh Nathan – I am so sorry."
"It's my fault."
"Nathan, no it's not. Don't ever think it's your fault."
"It is though Haley. He called me to congratulate me and told me he was changing, and I pushed him away because I thought he was just being Dan."
"Nathan, Dan was too far gone for anyone to save him. He needed help, he just wasn't able to get the kind of help that he needed but this is not your fault."
- Friends First then Love -
His phone ringing awakened Lucas. He knew it had to be Haley or Nathan because of how late it was. He took his phone and walked out of the bedroom, not wanting to wake Brooke.
"Hey Hales. What's up?"
"Hey Luke. I woke you didn't I? I keep forgetting about this stupid time change."
"It's okay Haley, what's going on?"
"Deb called, she told us about Dan."
"How did Nathan take it?"
"Not very well. I guess Dan called him the other day and he shut him down completely. He feels like this is his fault."
"It's not his fault."
"I just keep asking myself, why do these bad things keep happening to us? It's like no matter how good of people we are, or what we get through, there is always something else that comes along to tear us down. It's like the drama is endless. And I'm not saying this is drama, his father's death, because it's not. It's unfortunate but Dan hated me. He tried to get rid of me, he killed Chris, and Nathan and I are the ones who keep getting kicked."
"I know Hales, it hasn't been easy but it can only go up from here right?" Lucas felt bad for Haley.
"I sure hope so Luke because I don't know how much more I can take. I hate seeing Nathan like this, especially knowing that there is nothing I can do."
"Just be there for him Hales, that's all you can do."
"You know, we were thinking of trying for another baby."
"Hales, that's great!"
"I know. I just hope that maybe we can be happy one day."
"You guys are happy Hales and you will get through this, Nathan will get through this."
"Thanks Luke. I needed to have a talk with my best friend. I love you."
"I love you too Hales. I'll always be your soldier."