mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 14:31:07 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Okay, so since this series was such a success at other sites, I've been convinced by Veronica to post the series here too. Also, so that she and others can get a chance to read the series from the very beginning. So I will start with the first in the series Finding a Way Back. This story centers on Naley and their family for the most part, but also includes some major brucas and jeyton. So I hope those of you who haven't read this yet will enjoy it. And those of you who have read it, enjoy it again and please don't give anything away for the new readers. Thanks! I will start posting it soon.
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 14:38:10 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter One-A Happy Family “We really shouldn’t be doing this right now.” Brooke said with a smile as Lucas kissed her neck.
“And why not?” Lucas asked, looking up at Brooke. “You’re here, I’m here, and we’re totally in love and hot for each other. We’d be d**n crazy not to pass up this opportunity.”
Lucas kissed Brooke’s lips before moving back down to her neck. Smiling, Brooke said, “I agree. But you’re supposed to be at basketball practice, and me at cheer practice.”
“Eh,” Lucas shrugged, smiling at her again. “They won’t miss us. Besides, you’ve got enough cheer.”
She smiled again and they continued making out. But before things could get anymore serious, Whitey had busted through the door to the basketball equipment room. Brooke and Lucas broke apart when he started yelling.
“What the hell is this?” Whitey yelled with a scowl on his face. “National Scott Make Out During Practice Day? First, I find the younger Scott brother and his Mrs. In the locker room, and now you two?”
Lucas and Brooke could hardly contain their smiles and Lucas said, “Sorry, Coach.
“I don’t want to hear sorry! I want to see you running suicides in the gym, Scott. And I want to see you flipping your pom-poms, Miss Davis. Mow, move it, both of you!”
Smiling, Brooke led Lucas out of the storeroom…“Wake up, pretty girl.” Lucas whispers in Brooke’s ear as he lay next to her in bed. He kisses her neck and remembering her dream, Brooke smiles and opens her eyes. She rolls over and faces Lucas. “Good morning, Cheery.” Lucas speaks again. “Mmm…’morning, Broody.” Brooke replies before kissing him. After a few minutes, when they stop, Lucas says, “Wow…what were you just dreaming about?” “You, of course.” Brooke replies. “I was dreaming about that time Whitey caught us making out in the equipment room during practice.” Lucas laughs and says, “Oh yeah, I remember that. One of my favorite memories.” They both smile again before cuddling closer together on the bed. “So, last night will make for a pretty great memory, huh?” Lucas says with his wife’s head resting on his shoulder. “Yea, definitely.” Brooke replies. “I just hope we remember it as the night we made a baby.” “Oh, come on, babe. Don’t go sad on me again. We will get another baby. We just have to let nature take its course.” “I know, but we’ve been trying for months to get pregnant again. I really want to have another baby, Luke. I want Jess to have a sibling she can grow up with. I mean she’s three and already so much like me. But I don’t want her to grow up like I did, lonely and desperate for attention.” “She won’t, Brooke. She’ll be perfectly fine. Jessi is going to have a different childhood than you, a better one.” Brooke looks up at him and says, “Promise?” “I promise.” Lucas says before kissing Brooke again. But a tiny little tap on the door together interrupts their quiet time. “Mommy…daddy…” their little girl’s voice speaks outside the door. “It’s me…Jessilin.” Lucas smiles and says to Brooke, “There she is, right on time. I knew we shouldn’t have moved her out of that crib.” Brooke smacks him playfully and says, “Stop it. Go let her in.” “Okay.” Lucas says, climbing off the bed, still dressed in his sweats and t-shirt. “Hello?” Jessilin talks again. “I’m still waiting out here.” Lucas smiles again as he opens the door. A short, little girl with dark brown hair and blue eyes looks up at him, hands on her hips. “Well, it’s about time.” She says before Lucas picks her up and kisses her cheek. Brooke smiles at them from the bed. “What took you so long to answer the door? Jessi asks, staring into her father’s same blue eyes. “Sorry, Jess.” Lucas replies. “Mommy and I were cuddling.” “Oh.” Jessi says. “Well, I wanna cuddly with momma too.” Lucas puts her down and Jessi runs over and climbs onto the bed via the oak chest at the end of the bed. She crawls up to Brooke. “Hi, Mommy.” She says, smiling as she hugs her mother. “Good morning, baby girl.” Brooke replies. Jessi pulls away and says, “Hey, I’m not a baby any more, ‘member? I got a big girl bed. I a big girl now.” Lucas and Brooke both chuckle and Brooke says, “Yes, you are a big girl. But you’ll always be our baby girl.” “Well…” Jessi says with a thoughtful look. “I guess that’s okay.” “Hey, speaking of your new big girl bed.” Lucas says. “Did you make it like I showed you?” “Umm…” Jessi says, a grin spreading across her face. “I forgot. But I’ll go do it now, Daddy.” “That’s my girl.” Lucas says, helping his daughter off the bed. After Jessi runs from the room, Lucas smiles at Brooke and says, “See, she has a different life already. She makes her own bed.” Brooke smiles and tosses a pillow at her husband, forcing a chuckle from him. He sits back on the bed, glances at the clock on his nightstand, looks at Brooke and says, “Well, we should probably get up and get ready so we can get over to Nathan and Haley’s.” “Oh yeah.” Brooke said. “James’ birthday. This is going to be a tough day for them. Do you really think we should go over there? I mean, are you sure they don’t want to be alone with Cooper and Katie?” “No.” Lucas replies with a somber face. “Nathan asked everyone to come over and help him out with the kids and talk to Haley. You know, get her to talk to people. She’s hardly been out of the house since what happened to James.” “I know.” Brooke says as she sits up higher in bed. “But I don’t think she’s going to find it any easier today.” “Probably not. You’re right, I know. But Nathan’s my brother and Haley’s as real a sister to me as Kelcee is. I can’t stand seeing her or Nathan go through so much sadness and anger and guilt. I have to help them through this…in anyway that I can.” “I know, baby.” Brooke says, rubbing his back. “I know.”
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brookii
New to the TVguide
Brucas&&Naley
Posts: 8
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Post by brookii on Sept 3, 2007 19:33:47 GMT -5
omg great job!
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 21:40:29 GMT -5
omg great job! thanks! the second chapter and on coming soon!
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 22:06:08 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter Two: The Heart Aches “Okay, Jamie.” Haley said with a smile as Nathan set a large square object with a towel draped over it, on the floor in front of James. Haley finished, “This is a very special present from daddy and me. But before you see what’s inside, you have to promise to love the present with all your heart.”
“I promise, Momma!” James said excitedly.
Haley smiled at Nathan as he lifted the towel and revealed a black cage with a blond puppy inside, dressed with a red bow around his neck. Their son’s jaw dropped when he saw the dog and he shouted excitedly, “A puppy! You got me a puppy? But you told me I wasn’t old enough yet.”
“Well, we changed our minds.” Nathan said. “We decided that since you wanted a dog so badly, if we got you one, you would be a really big boy and take really good care of it.”
“I will, Dad. I promise.” James stood up and hugged both Haley and Nathan. Then, he smiled up at them and said. “You guys are the bestest mom and dad. I love you.”
“We love you too, baby.” Haley said before watching her son run back over to the cage. She and Nathan watched with smiles as James held the puppy in his arms. James looked back at them, but he was no longer smiling. Now, he looked sad and lonely…and scared. There were tears in his eyes and Haley’s smile faded as her son called out to her, “Mommy…mommy, please find me…I’m scared.”Haley sits up in her bed, sweating. She looks over at her nightstand, at a preschool picture of James in a frame. She picks it up and admires it. She runs her fingers over each of his features, every beautiful part of him that she loves and misses, like his beautiful light brown hair…gorgeous blue eyes…and handsome little boy smile. The thoughts of her little boy bring Haley to tears and she throws the frame across the bed before burying her face in her hands and sobbing. “I’m so sorry, baby.” She says through her sobs. “I’m so sorry.” A few minutes later, Nathan enters the bedroom. He walks over to the bed, sits next to Haley and holds her in his arms, against his chest. “It’s okay, Hales.” He says, knowing it’s not really okay, but trying to make her feel better. “It’s going to be okay.” Upset by those words, Haley pushes away from Nathan angrily. With red, swollen eyes, she snaps at him. “How can you say that, Nathan? It’s not going to be okay. He’s our son, our little boy, our five year old little boy and he’s gone.” She pauses and watches him with wet eyes and finishes with, “It will never be okay without him.” “Haley…” Nathan says, moving a hand to her leg. “I just meant that I’m here for you. I miss him too and we’re going to get through this together.” There is a knock on the door and ten-year-old Cooper opens the door. “Mom…” he says. “Katie is awake.” “Okay. I’ll be right there.” Haley replies. “Thanks, honey.” Cooper left the room and Haley climbs out of bed. “I can’t talk about this anymore right now.” She says, moving towards the door. “I have to get Katie up.” After she leaves, Nathan sighs and looks down at the photo Haley had thrown to his side of the bed. He picks it up and stares at it deeply. “We really miss you buddy.” He says before replacing the frame on Haley’s nightstand. “Wherever you are.”
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 22:08:10 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter Three: Happy Anniversary “That dress is so gorgeous, P. Sawyer almost Jagielski.” Brooke said, smiling while she and Haley waited with Peyton for the ceremony to begin.
Peyton’s grin grew wider as she replied, “Thanks. It was my mom’s.”
“Well, it’s really beautiful for being old.” Haley said, also smiling.
“So, are you nervous?” Brooke asked.
Peyton thought, smiled and said, “I’m not actually. I thought I would be, but I’m not. Jake and Jenny mean the world to me and they’re my family. And I can’t wait to be Mrs. Jake Thomas Jagielski.”
Brooke and Haley joined in smiles again and there was a knock on the door.
“Who is it?” Peyton asked.
“It’s your father.” Larry answered as he opened the door. He stared at Peyton in awe when he saw her.
“Wow, Honey, you look…” He walked closer to his daughter and finished with, “Amazing…absolutely beautiful…just like your mother.”
Peyton smiled again and said, “Thanks, Daddy.”
“Are they ready for us yet, Mr. Sawyer?” Haley asked.
“Yes, the yare.” Larry replied. “I’m supposed to cue the bridesmaids, then the bride. So are you ready?”
Peyton looked at her friends then back at her father and said, “I’m definitly ready." She waited with her father in the back room a few minutes longer until they heard the music she was to walk down the aisle to. And with a fast growing smile on her face, she grabbed her bouquet and left the room. She smiled at Jake from the end of the aisle and he smiled back at her. And as she walked, the only thing on her mind was how much she loved the fact that she was about to start a life as Jake’s wife, Mrs. Jake Thomas Jagielski…and what a wonderful name and life it would be…Jake leans over Peyton, watching her sleep. She smiles in her sleep and Jake laughs quietly. “I do.” He hears her whisper and he smiles again. He moves his face loser to Peyton’s ear and whispers, “I do, too.” Peyton opens her eyes and looks over at Jake. “Happy Anniversary, beautiful.” He says. “Happy anniversary.” Peyton replies before kissing her husband of six years. After the kiss, she stares at him and asks, “Can you believe we’ve been married for six years already?” “Actually, it seems like we’ve been married longer because we were together for so long before we finally did get married. But I love it.” “So do I.” Peyton agrees. After a minute, she speaks again, “So, we need to spend some time at Nathan and Haley’s today. But we can have Jenny watch Anna and Riley tonight if you want to celebrate.” “That sounds like a plan.” Jake says, as he enters their master bathroom. “I already made reservations at the restaurant you love so much.” “Awe…thanks you.” Peyton replies, climbing out of bed. “You know exactly how to surprise me and make me happy, don’t you?” “Of course.” Jake says, returning to the bedroom and standing in front of his wife. “That’s my job.” Peyton smiles before they kiss again.
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 22:10:06 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter Four: Dealing with the Pain “Here you go, mommy and daddy. Here’s your brand new baby boy.”
Nathan and Haley smiled as the nurse passed to Haley’s arms, a newborn swaddled in a soft blue blanket. Both were in tears.
“Oh Nathan…” Haley said softly as she smiled. “He is so beautiful.”
“Yea, he his.” Nathan said, staring at his new son. “He looks just like you.”
Haley chuckled and said, “He has a little bit of you in him too.”
Nathan smiled again and the baby yawned. Haley responded, “Awe…how adorable was that yawn?”
“I guess he is a little like me. He’s been in the world for five minutes and already ready to sleep.”
Haley laughed again and then said, “Boy, Cooper is going to be so happy to hear he has a baby brother.”
They continued to bond together and with their son. After the baby had fallen asleep, Nathan asked, “So, what do you think we should call him?”
Haley thought for a moment and then replied, “Well, besides you and Cooper, there are two other men who are very, very important to me. My dad and Lucas have loved me and protected me as much as you have. So what do you think about calling our new little guy, James Lucas?”
Nathan smiled again and said, “I think that’s perfect.”
They both looked back at their son and Nathan said, “Welcome to the world, James Lucas Scott…and happy birthday.”
Ding Dong!Nathan left the kitchen with his daughter in his arms when he heard the bell. He opens the front door and finds his brother, sister-in-law and niece on the other side of the door. “Hey guys.” He greets, holding the glass door open. “Come on in.” Lucas holds the door open for Brooke before he steps inside with Jessilin in his arms. “Hey Katie May.” Brooke says with a smile to the 12 month old in Nathan’s arms. “Come see your auntie Brooke.” Katie reaches for Brooke and Nathan passes her to Brooke. Lucas puts Jessi down, whom at once, runs through the living room to find Cooper. Lucas hugs his brother. Afterwards, he asks, “How’re you doing?” Nathan sighs and replies, “I’m doing okay. I’m really missing him, but I’m doing okay.” “Where’s Haley?” Brooke wonders while her niece fiddles with her necklace. “Upstairs.” Nathan sighs again. “She got out of bed to get Katie up and get her and Coop breakfast, but then she just wanted to go back to bed. I at least convinced her to take a shower and get dressed. Then, maybe, I can convince her to come down.” “It’ll be okay, Nate.” Lucas says, tapping his brother’s shoulder. “You and Haley…you’re going to get through this.” Nathan stares at him and Brooke and replies, “I don’t think so, man. I’m not sure if we’ll ever get through this.” ******************* Hearing the sound of her friends and family downstairs, Haley decides she should go down and visit with them, for a little while at least. After all, they have come to be there for her and Nathan; yet, she still doesn’t feel much like seeing anybody…other than her little boy. She opens the door and heads for the stairs, but something stops her when she steps into the hall. She looks down the hall at the door. She can see the blue wooden letters spelling out JAMES. She has not been in his bedroom in weeks, not since that day. But as she stands there in front of the door, thinking about her son for the millionth time that day, Haley feels like she needs to go in, just so she might be able to sense him, or find some sort of answer. She slowly twists the knob on the door and pushes it open. Taking a deep breath, she walks inside the room, where the walls are painted light blue. His toys are still scattered about the room, Haley, with tears in her eyes, walks a little further inside, heading toward his bed in the corner near the window. She sits down on the blue racecar bed and smoothes her hand over the matching blue comforter until her hand meets the stuffed dog. Tears falling faster from her eyes, Haley picks up the dog and hugs it to her chest. And once again, her son’s memory comes back to her… “A race car bed!” James shouted when Nathan and Haley led him into his bedroom. He ran over to it and Nathan and Haley had watched him with smiles.
“Do you like this big boy bed?” Haley asked.
James turned around and nodded at them with a wide grin and replied, “Yea, I love it. It’s awesome!”
“Now you have your own race car like your Uncle Coop.” Nathan added as he sat down on the bed.
“Yea, but Dad…this is not a real race car. It’s pretend, right Momma?”
“Yes.” Haley answered wit ha chuckle.
“But I want a real race car, Momma.”
“Sorry.” Haley said as she smiled again. “There will never be a real race car.”
James pouted for only a moment before he asked, “How about a dog, then? Can I get a real dog?”
Nathan and Haley both laughed and Haley replied, “Maybe in a few years. We’ll see.”Haley cries harder as she runs through that memory. “Please come back to me, Jamie.” She sobs. “Please, baby…please.” In the hall, Lucas stops at the top of the stairs when he hears Haley crying. He notices the open door at the end of the hall and walks over to it. He stops in the doorway when he sees Haley crying on James’ bed. “Hey Hales.” He says and she looks up as he enters the room. Haley wipes away her tears as Lucas sits next to her. “I guess it would be really stupid to ask how you’re holding up?” He says with a small grin. For a moment, Haley chuckles, but immediately forces the smile from her face and looks away from Lucas. His smile fades too as he speaks again. “Haley…you are allowed to smile, you’re allowed to laugh and you’re allowed to be happy.” “I’m not happy, Luke.” Haley snaps. “It’s my son’s birthday and I can’t even enjoy it with him.” Lucas just listens and waits for her to continue. He knows there is more she needs to get out. “Six weeks, Luke…It’s only been six weeks and it feels like it’s been a year. He should be here now…laughing and smiling, playing and having a good time. This is his day.” She is on the verge of breaking down and Lucas hugs her. After the long hug, he pulls away and tries to provide some comforting words. “I know how much you miss him, Hales. I miss him to. We all do…all those people downstairs miss him, especially Nathan. Look, I know today is a very difficult day for you, but it’s hard for Nathan too and he is downstairs anyway, worrying about you up here. So do you think you might be able to handle coming down for a little everyone so everyone can see that you’re okay?” Haley considers, gives the tiniest smile and answers, “Okay…for a little while.” Lucas smiles back and hug his best friend before they leave the room, close the door and head back down the hall.
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 22:12:32 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter Five: What Hurts the Most As she and Lucas step off the last stair, Haley realizes how many eyes are on her. The yare in the den, surrounded by her parents and sister and brother-in-law. Her mother is the first to hug her. Haley welcomes the hug. “I’m so happy to see you up and about, Haley bob.” Her mother says as the hug. Her father, Jimmy holds her next as he says, “Yes, we’ve been so worried about you, honey.” “Thanks.” Haley says, pulling out of the hug. “But I’m okay. It’s just hard.” Haley looks over at Taylor and hugs her sister as she asks, “What are you doing here? Don’t you have to work?” “Nope.” Taylor replies. “You’re more important to me than work and I needed to come make sure you’re doing okay.” “Yeah, well, I’m not. I’m doing the same as I have been for the past six weeks…not so good.” Her family watches as Haley moves through the living room to the kitchen, where Lucas has already come to. “Hey honey.” Nathan says, walking over to her. She accepts his hug and after the hug, Deb asks, “Haley, would you like something to eat?” “No, thank you. I’m not really hungry.” Haley replies, looking around the kitchen. She begins to panic when she can’t see them. “Oh my god…the kids…Nathan, where are the kids?” “Haley…” Nathan can see her beginning to panic and tries to stop her, but Haley continues. “No, Nathan…the kids, where are they? Cooper! Katie!” “Haley!” Nathan gets a hold of her with the help of his brother. “No, Haley, stop! Cooper and Katie are fine. They’re in the backyard.” “Alone? You left them alone?” She rushes to the sliding glass back door, but stops and breathes when she sees Cooper step inside, followed by Peyton holding Katie. Right away, she hugs her son close and he says, “Mom…mom, it’s okay. I’m right here. We’re here.” Crying, Haley releases her son and puts a hand on her forehead as everyone in the house watch her with sympathy and worry. “Haley, it’s okay.” Nathan says, touching her shoulder, hoping she’ll let him in. “No…it’s not.” She cries. “Why did this happen? I don’t understand…where is he? Where’s my baby? Why was he taken from us? God…it’s my fault. I left him alone…I shouldn’t have left him alone.” “No, Haley, don’t do this to yourself again.” Nathan says, worrying for his wife. “It’s not your fault.” “No, it is my fault, Nathan!” She shouts back, unable to control her tears now. “I left him alone in the backyard for five minutes and he took him. Don’t you see? I lost our son. It’s my fault he’s gone…it’s my fault he took him and it’s my fault we don’t know where he is or why the police can’t find him.” “Haley,” Nathan’s stepfather, Robert Stevens, steps up closer to his daughter-in-law and says, “You mustn’t blame yourself-“ “No…I can’t…I’m sorry.” She says before running down the hall and back upstairs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Mommy, look at how fast Rocket can run!” James said excitedly as he ran with his dog across the backyard.
Haley watched from the porch deck while she held her daughter and she smiled and said, “Yea, he is really fast. I guess Rocket is the best name for him, huh?”
“Yea, and I’m glad uncle Lucas gave us the idea.” James replied as he stopped to throw a tennis ball across the yard. “Okay, Rocket, fetch!”
Haley watched a minute longer before she asked, “James, sweetie, can you play with Rocket by yourself for a few minutes while I take your sister upstairs and put her down for a nap?”
“Sure, Mom. Go ahead. I’ll be okay. I’m a big boy, remember?”
Haley chuckled as she entered the house through the backdoor in the kitchen/ She peeked in the living room and saw Cooper still playing his video games. She continued down the hall and upstairs with Katie.
“Okay, Katie May.” Haley said as she lifted her daughter off the changing table after changing her diaper. “Are you ready for your nap now?”
“No!” Katie answered while Haley carried her over to the crib.
Haley chuckled as she laid her baby in the white crib with pink crib bed set and border and she said, “You only know three words and you use ‘no’ more than ‘momma’ and ‘dada’.”
Katie smiled and said, “No!”
Haley laughed before she said, “Sleep tight, baby.”
She turned on the monitor and left the nursery. When she returned to the living room, she said to Cooper, “Coop, honey, its time for lunch. Could you please go get your brother?”
“Sure, Mom.” Cooper replied, pausing his PlayStation 2 racing game.
“Thanks, baby.” Haley said, touching her son’s dark head as he ran past her toward the back door. Haley returned a laundry basket to the laundry room off the kitchen.
She returned to the kitchen as Cooper entered the house again.
“Mom,” he said with a worried look on his face. “Jamie isn’t out there.”
“What?” Haley responds with a tone of disbelief and worry as she walked up to Cooper. “What do you mean he’s not out there? I just saw him a few minutes ago.”
“I don’t know, but Rocket is gone too.”
Haley rushes outside, followed by Cooper and she looks all around the yard.
“James!” She shouts, growing more scared. “James Lucas Scott, you come out here right now!”
She continued looking, but still could not find him. She stopped when she noticed the unlatched gate.
“Oh my god…” she whispers to herself as she ran out to the driveway. She found his stuffed dog toy on the pavement. She picked up, then turned to her eldest son and said, “Cooper, go inside and call your dad at work.”
“Mom, maybe he’s just next door with-“
“Now, Cooper! Go!”
Cooper ran inside while Haley ran up to the neighbor’s front porch and rang the bell. A blond woman the same height as her answered the door.
“Hey, Annie, did-“
“Oh, hi Haley.” The woman greeted wit ha smile. “How-“
“Did James bring Rocket over here to play with Zack?” Haley interrupted out of breath from running so fast.
“No.” Annie replied, her smile gone. “Zack is with his dad today.”
Haley covered her mouth as she began to cry and her neighbor asked, “Haley, what’s wrong? What happened?”
“James…he, um…” Haley began to hyperventilate as she stepped away fro the door and Annie followed her outside. “He was…playing with…the dog…and I…had to…put Katie…down for a nap…and now…he’s gone.”
“What?” Annie gasped. “Well, is he in the tree house?”
“No.” Haley replied, trying to calm herself down. “I called him and he would’ve come, but he didn’t.”
“Okay, honey.” Annie rubbed Haley’s back and continued, “Maybe he just wandered off.”
“No, the police…I need to call the police.”
“I’ll do that.” Annie offered. “You keep looking, keep calling him.”
Annie ran back inside, leaving Haley standing in her yard, screaming her little boy’s name…Haley cries into the pillow on her bed as she remembers that day…the worst day of her life. A few minutes later, Nathan enters the room and sits next to her on the bed. “Haley…” he says slowly. “I don’t want to talk about it.” Haley responds. “Well, I think you need to…I think we need to.” She turns around and faces him. “I can’t Nathan.” She whispers. “It hurts too much. It hurts not knowing where he is or what happened or why someone would do this, especially him. It hurts so much to not be able to see my son and hold him in my arms and tell him how much I love him. I just want him back, Nathan.” “I know, Haley.” Nathan says as she lays her head on his shoulder. “I want to hold him too. I want so much to see him smile and hear him laugh or hear him tell those jokes that make absolutely no sense, but still crack everyone up.” Haley cries harder as Nathan speaks about their son. “I know how much you miss him, Haley, how much you want him back. I know, because I do too.” Haley looks up at Nathan, who looks down at her. She sits up, sniffles and says, “I’m sorry, Nathan.” “Sorry for what?” Nathan asks, furrowing his eyebrows. “I’m sorry for getting so angry at you this morning and downstairs when I thought you’d left the kids alone. I was just upset and I didn’t know what to do, so I took it out on you and I shouldn’t have.” “It’s okay, Haley. I understand. But when you feel angry or sad or guilty, I need you to talk to me because I want to help you get through this so that I can get through this too.” “Okay.” Haley agrees before kissing her husband. After the kiss, Nathan says, “You know I love you, right? I love you so much, Haley.” “I know.” Haley says. “I love you too.” At the same time, Nathan and Haley embrace and hold each other tight.
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 22:14:09 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter Six: Rob’s Promise Deb pulled her dark SUV in front of her son’s house and quickly climbed out and ran up the drive and the walk to the front door. Without knocking or ringing the bell, Deb entered the house and turned right into the living room where her husband, the Chief of Police and several other officers were talking with Nathan and Haley, who were both very upset. She hurried over to hug them both while one officer continued to question Haley.
“How long would you say it took you to notice your son had disappeared from the yard?”
Haley sniffled and replied, “I don’t know…five…ten minutes, maybe.”
“And in those ten minutes you-“
“I told you twice already,” Haley interrupted, growing even more upset. “I left James in the backyard to play with his dog while I took my daughter upstairs to put her down for a nap. Then I left some clothes in my son’s room, before coming back downstairs to call James in for lunch. And-“
Haley began to cry again and she leans against Nathan in his black police uniform. Nathan spoke to his stepfather, “Please, don’t ask her to tell you what happened again. Can we just get focused on finding my son?”
“We’ve already got squads looking for him, Nathan.” Rob said. “Now we’re just trying to understand what happened.”
“Our son was kidnapped!” Haley screamed. “What else is there to understand?”
Rob sighed and spoke again, “I’m sorry. You both know I want to find James as much as you do. But we cannot find him until we have an understanding of who you know who could possibly be involved.”
As Rob explained this, Nathan, Deb and Haley grew the same scared look on their faces.
“Now, do you know-“ Rob continued, but Haley gasped, “Oh my god.” As she covered her mouth.
Nathan and Deb finished her thought in unison, “Dan.”
And right away, Rob understood.Deb enters her home and enters the kitchen, where her stepson enters from the hall. “Hey Mom.” Tyler says when he sees her. “Hey Ty.” She replies wit ha smile.” You know, I really do love hearing you call me mom, since I love you as much as I love Nathan.” “Well, I love calling you, Mom.” Tyler says, also smiling. “You deserve the title as you’re a way better mom than my mother was to me.” “Awe, thank you honey.” Deb says before hugging him. “So, how are Nathan and Haley doing?” Tyler asks after the hug. “Not so great.” Deb sighs. “They’re still having a pretty rough time of it. Haley had a breakdown today when she thought Nathan left Coop and Katie alone. She’s still blaming herself for what happened.” “Man…I wish I could do something to make this easier for them.” “We all do, honey. But the only thing that’s going to make things easier for them is to find James. And to find James, we’ll have to find Dan.” “I’m working on that.” Rob speaks as he enters the kitchen the same way his son had. “Hey Dad.” Tyler says as Rob walks over to kiss Deb. “Hey, son.” Rob says as he wraps an arm around Dan’s shoulder. “Where are you off to tonight?” “I have a date with Jenny.” Tyler answers as he snatches his car keys off the counter. “I promised her I’d go over and help her baby sit Anna and Riley while her parents go out for their anniversary.” “Um, did you clear that with Peyton and Jake first?” Deb asks. “Of course. They love me.” Rob and Deb both smile and as Tyler is heading for the door, Rob says, “Drive careful, and call if you’re going to be later than 12:30.” “I will.” Tyler promises before closing the door behind him. “So, how about a sandwich?” Deb offers, walking over to the fridge. Rob sits on a stool in front of the counter and replies, “Oh, I’d love one.” As she begins preparing two hams, cheese and mayo sandwiches, Deb question her husband. “So, any new information today?” “I really wish I could say there were.” Her husband begins. “But everything remains the same. Police in other states and areas have been sent the Missing flyer for both James and Dan, but still no one has sighted them.” Deb passes Rob his sandwich and begins on hers. “Well, I’m sure he still has all that money he schemed out of illegal car sales.” She says. “So he’s probably using that to pay people off and keep them from turning him in. And if he is…who knows how long it’ll be before they find him.” “Well, he’ll run out of money eventually. But I love that little boy as much as my other grandchildren. And I made Nathan and Haley a promise that I wouldn’t give up looking until I found him…and I don’t plan on breaking that promise.”
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 22:16:34 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter Seven: Life Goes On “Brooke, I’m home!” Lucas said as he entered his home and closed the door. “Brooke…where are you?”
There was still no answer, so Lucas walked upstairs and entered their master bedroom just as Brooke left the bathroom.
“Oh, hi.” She said when she saw him. “You’re home.”
“Yep.” Lucas said as he walked over and kissed her lips. Then, he stood and stared at her. “Brooke…what’s wrong? What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” Brooke replied at once.
“No, there’s something.” Lucas disagreed. “You’ve got that ‘I’ve got something to tell you and I’m afraid to’ look on your face. So what is it?”
Brooke stared back at him a few seconds longer before answering quietly, “I’m pregnant.”
It took a minute for her words to hit Lucas, but when they did, he smiled and said, “Really? Wow…you’re really pregnant?”
Brooke nodded and showed him the test she held in her hands and she said, “I took three tests…they all turned out positive.”
“Well, this is a good thing, right? I mean ,we said we wanted kids someday.”
“I know and I do. I’m just…surprised. We weren’t even trying to get pregnant yet and it happened.”
“I guess life just sneaks up on you like that.” Lucas said, making Brooke smile. “Look, it’s going to be okay, babe. We’re both graduated from college now and have great jobs. I’d say this pregnancy came at just the right time, wouldn’t you?”
Brooke thought a moment, smiled and said, “Yeah, I guess it did. And now…we’re going to be parents. It’s unbelievable.”
“Yeah, but it’s good too. We’re going to have a baby.”
Brooke’s smile grew wider and she said said more happily, “We’re going to have a baby!”
“Yes!” Lucas laughed as he lifted Brooke into the air with a hug.“Lucas, wake up…Lucas!” Brooke says as she races from the bathroom to the bed. “Baby, wake up.” Lucas moans as he opens his eyes. “What is it, babe?” He grumbles. “Look.” Brooke says wit ha wider smile as she holds out something in her hands. Lucas sits up and looks at what she holds in her hands. “What is it?” “It’s a pregnancy test, Luke.” She says, handing it to him. “And it’s positive. I’m pregnant.” Lucas looks back at Brooke and says, “Are you sure?” “Well, not a hundred percent, but pretty close. I’ve felt different and sort of sick the last week or so since I’ve been late.” “How many tests have you taken?” “Only this one, but I’ve got an appointment this afternoon to find out for sure. Aren’t you excited?” “Yeah, of course I am.” Lucas says, stroking her arm. “I just don’t want you to get your hopes up before you know for sure.” “Don’t worry, Luke. I have a really good feeling this time.” “Well, then…I can’t wait.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Please, Dad…why can’t I go?” Jenny asks as she follows her father through the house to her little brother’s bedroom. “Because I said no.” Jake says as he lifts his two year old into his crib. “Okay, Riley, nap time. Sleep tight.” “Come on, that’s not a reason.” Jenny says as they both leave the bedroom, Jake closing the door. “I really want to go to this party.” “I’m sorry, Jenny.” Jake says as they return to the living room. “But I don’t think you’re old enough for a high school party by yourself.” “What? Are you kidding? I’m fifteen. I’m totally old enough for a high school party. Besides, I wasn’t planning on going alone. Tyler, Brit and Chris are going too.” “Oh, yeah, now I definitely want to send you off to a party at the beach, at night with your boyfriend and friends with their boyfriends. I don’t think so.” The front door opens and Peyton enters, holding a blond, curly hair, blue eyed little girl in her arms. “Oh my gosh, Mom.” Jenny says as Peyton walks nearer to them and kisses Jake. “Thank God you’re here.” “Why? What’s going on?” Peyton asks as she passes her daughter to Jake. “Nothing.” Jake says as Anna lays her head on his shoulder. “We’ve already settled it. I said no, Jenny, and I mean no.” “Ugh….” Jenny growls, turning and walking back down the hall toward her room, “I hate you!” “What else is new?” Jake sighs as Jenny slams her door. “What was that about?” Peyton wonders as she throws her keys on the end table. “The same thing she’s been bugging us about all weekend.” “Right…the party. She’ll get over it.” “I know.” Jake sighs again. “I’m just tired of her attitude.” Peyton chuckles and Jake asks, “So, what did the doctor say about Anna?” “It’s just an ear infection like we thought.” Peyton replies. “All kids her age get them. He prescribed some antibiotics and said to keep her home from daycare for a few days.” “Poor baby.” Jake says, as he rubs Anna’s back. “She’s tired too.” “Yeah, she is. She could probably use a nap.” “I’ll go put her down.” ~!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The bell chimes on the door as Lucas enters the café. He spots his sister, Kelcee, writing in a notebook at the counter and bopping her head to music from her iPod. He smiles as he sneaks up behind her. “Hey!” He says as he tickles her hips, making her jump. “Oh my god, Luke, you scared me!” Kelcee says as she pulls off her headphones. “What the hell did you do that for?” “Because it was so easy.” Lucas replies as he sits on the stool next to her. “And watch your Mouth.” “Why?” “You’re too young to be using adult words.” “Chill out, Luke, I’m twelve. I hear words far worse than hell everyday.” “Right.” Lucas snickers. “I do. People around me use nuts, d**n, and fu-“ “Hey, hey, that’s enough.” Lucas interrupts. “Why do you have to be such a smart ass all the time?” “I think I get it from you.” Kelcee smiles and Lucas laughs. “Very funny.” “I know. I’m hilarious, right? So, where’s Brooke and Jess?” “Oh, Brooke had some running around to do and Jess wanted to go with her. Where’s mom and Keith?” “Where do you think?” Kelcee looks over at the back room entrance. “Making out in the kitchen. It’s so disgusting.” “It’s not disgusting. They’re in love. You should be grateful…if they didn’t love each other as much as they do, you wouldn’t be here today.” “Good point.” Keith says as he and Karen return to the front of the café. “Hey, Luke.” “Hey, Keith.” Lucas says, slapping his hand and pulling him into a hug. “Hi, Mom.” “Hi, honey.” Karen says, smiling. “Are you hungry?” “No, thanks.” I just ate with Brooke and Jess before I left. I just stopped by to see you and talk to Keith. You want to take a walk?” “Sure.” Before going outside, Lucas hugs his mom and sister goodbye. Then, he follows Keith outside. “So what’s up?” Keith wonders with his hands in his jean pockets as he walks next to his adoptive son. “Well, I kind of need some advice.” Lucas replies. “Okay, about what?” “Nathan and Haley. I keep watching them fall through the cracks everyday while they wait for news about James. And it’s breaking my heart because I feel like I’m failing as a brother. I feel like I should be doing something to make my brother and Haley feel better, but I don’t know what to do.” “Well, to be honest Luke, nothing’s going to make Nathan and Haley feel better other than seeing his son again.” “I know. But isn’t there something I could do to help him through this…let him know I’m there for him, really there for him?” “Maybe.” Keith states as he stops and thinks. “You could try to get him out of the house more. And maybe get him to talk. That will definitely show Nathan you’re there for him and wanting to help him work through everything.” “Yeah…yeah, that’s a good idea. Maybe I should try it on Haley too.” Lucas walks up the stairs when he enters his home through the front door. He opens the door to the first bedroom, across from the stairs. He walks inside and over to his daughter’s bed. He smiles at how innocent she looks when she’s asleep. She is the most beautiful little girl in the world and she’s the spitting image of Brooke. He loves being a dad and loves being a husband to Brooke and he couldn’t wait to have another child with her. Lucas kneels down at the bed and pulls the blankets higher over her small body. Then, he kisses her head and whispers, “Sweet dream, Jess. Daddy loves you.” He leaves the room and continues down the hall to his and Brooke’s master bedroom. When he enters the room, the bathroom door is closed. “Brooke, I’m home!” He says loudly so she can hear. “I’ll be out in a minute.” Brooke says from the bathroom. Lucas pulls of his shoes and shirt while he waits, leaving himself dressed in his jeans and a white undershirt. “Hey, so how’d the appointment go today.” He asks just as Brooke opens the door. Lucas looks up and notices the somber look on her face. “I’m guessing it didn’t go well?” Brooke plops down next to him on the bed. “It didn’t go.” She says sadly. “I canceled the appointment. I don’t need to.” Lucas rubs her back and says, “Oh, I’m sorry baby. I know how excited you were about this.” Crying now, Brooke says, “I was excited about nothing. You were right…I shouldn’t have given my hopes up. I feel so stupid.” “Don’t sweetie, don’t feel stupid. It’s perfectly understandable why you thought you were pregnant. You want a baby and when the first sign that you might be pregnant showed up, you believed in it. That’s natural.” “I really want another one, Luke. I want another baby. I don’t understand why this is so hard for us this time. I mean ,we got pregnant with Jessilin without even trying.” Lucas thinks for a minute and says, “Well, then maybe we shouldn’t try so hard. Maybe we should just let time and nature decide when it’s time for us to have another baby.” “Maybe…” Brooke nods her head. “But what is timing isn’t the issue?” “What do you mean?” Lucas asks, looking confused. “Lucas…what if there’s something wrong with me…or with you? What if-“ “Brooke, there’s nothing wrong-“ “But how do you know that? How do we know that? Only a doctor can tell us there’s nothing wrong.” Lucas only stares and feels as scared and worried as Brooke.
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 22:18:38 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter Eight: You Are My Sunshine “You are my sunshine…” Haley sang as she sat on the porch swing next to James in the backyard. “Come on, Jamie, sing with mommy.”
“Okay.” James agreed with a small embarrassed smile.
“You are my sunshine…”he joined Haley in song. “my only sunshine…you make me happy, when skies are gray…you’ll never know dear, how much I love you…so please don’t take my sunshine away.”
“…away.” James finished.
Haley chuckled, hugged her son and said, “Very good.”
“I like that song, Mommy.” James said, smiling again. “You sing petty.”
“Awe…thank you. You’ve got a good singing voice too.”
“Where did you learn that song, Mama?” James wondered as he stared up at his mother.
“Well, as a matter of fact, my mom taught me that song when I was little too. She used to sing it to me every night before I went to sleep. And when she taught me how to sing it, do you know what she told me?”
“What?” He asked, intrigued by her story.
“She said that could always remember her by that song. And if she was ever far away from me or me away from her, then I could sing the song and she’d be right there beside me. And now I’m telling you the same thing. If there is ever a time when we’re not together and you miss me, you just sing this song and I’ll be right there…right by your side and you can feel better. I’ll always be with you, Jamie. I’ll always love you.”
James smiled and hugged mommy and said, “I’ll always love you too.”James wanders through the apartment, heading for his room wit hhis dog trailing behind him. He passes an open door and stops when he sees Dan writing at his desk. He walks inside and plops down on a footstool. “I thought I told you to go play on the patio with the dog.” Dan says, still focusing on writing. “There’s nothing to do out there.” James replies. “Besides, that patio is too scary. It’s too high and mommy doesn’t like me playing on edges like that.” “But it is okay because I’m here and I’m watching you.” “But you’re not my dad.” James states and Dan looks up. “Can’t we go to the park and play baseball or somethin’ My daddy always taked me and Coop and Katie to the park on Saturdays.” “Sorry, son, I’m busy.” “I’m not your son. Your not my dad.” James says and Dan gives him a warning look. Oh, he is too much like Nathan already. James fears the look and changes the subject. “How about you just take me home, then?” “ No, James. We’re not going back home.” James pouts and says, “But you said you would take me back home on my birthday for to see my mom and dad ‘cause I really miss them and my brother and sister and I know they miss me too.” Dan finally stops writing and turns his chair to face James. “James, son, I should tell you something.” He says. “What?” “I know you miss your mom and dad…but the truth is, they don’t miss you.” James stares in disbelief and wit ha quivering, quiet voice he says, “Yes the ydo.” “No, they don’t. I mean, if they missed you, don’t you think they would’ve called you by now? Or visited you?” James considers these things and reasons, “Well, they probably don’t know the phone number or where we are. Maybe we could call –“ “James, James…” Dan says, stopping him from picking up Dan’s cell phone. “Listen to me, son…they do have the phone number. They just haven’t used it. Who knows…maybe they’ll use it soon. But I wouldn’t count on it.” Dan stares at his grandson, who is so much like his real son, so much like Nathan. But James is too hopeful still. But Dan is working on that…working on making him believe he is a better father for him than his real father. If Keith did it for Lucas so many years ago, he could surely do it for James now, right? James will get over it soon…he’ll forget about Nathan and Haley eventually. After all, two months had already past and he has finally gotten James to start believing everything he told him. And in just a few more months, he was sure he could get James to realize that he, Dan, cares more about him than anyone else in Tree Hill. “But I really miss them.” James says with teary eyes. “I know, son.” Dan says, touching James’s shoulder. “But I’m here for you…I love you.” Dan stares only a few seconds longer before he turns back around and returns to his writing. James stands up and leaves the room, immediately running down to his bedroom and throwing himself on his bed. He cries into his pillow and Rocket walks up and licks his hand. James lifts his head and sits up to pet the dog. “I really miss them, Rocket.” He says. “Even if they don’t miss me.” James closes his eyes and begins to hum. And lsowly, his hum grows louder and turns into words. Rocket lays his head on James’ lap as he sings. “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy…when skies are gray…you’ll never know Mom how much I miss you…please don’t take my sunshine away.” “Hmm…” He cries and tears fall fast from his cheeks as he says. “Please don’t forget me…please…”
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 22:21:34 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter Nine: The Blame Game Haley smiled as she watched her son run back and forth in the yard. He would stop at one end and throw a tennis ball for the dog to fetch. When the dog returned with the ball, James would continue running. Haley laughed when she saw the dog knock James down and lick his face, which made him giggle.
Haley looked down at her daughter who was falling asleep in her arms.
“Uh, oh, “she said. “We’d better put you down for your nap, huh?”
She stood up from her chair and called out to her son, “Jamie, honey…I’ll be back in a few minutes. I have to take Katie upstairs and put her down for a nap.”
“Okay, Momma.” James houted back to her. “Go ahead. I’ll be oaky by myself.”
“Okay, but stay in the yard.” Haley reminded before entering the screened in porch. When she enters the kitchen, she finds James standing in front of her.
“Whoa, James…” she notices his wet cheeks and swollen red eyes and continues worriedly. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?”
“Please don’t take my sunshine away.” She heard him sing quietly. He sniffled and said, “I miss you, Mommy. Please don’t forget me…I’m waiting for you…please…”Then he disappears before Haley’s eyes and she calls out to him again, “James…Jamie, come back! Tell me where to find you. Don’t leave me James, please! Help me find you, please…”Haley wakes immediately. She looks over at Nathan, still fast asleep. Then, she thinks about James and the dream again. “Please don’t forget me, mommy.” He had said. “I’m waiting for you.”Tears form in her eyes again and she whispers to herself, “God, where are you James? I know you’re alive, I can feel you in my heart, but I need to find you. Where did he take you?” Haley thinks again and she sniffles and says, “I’m so sorry, baby. I’m sorry I left you alone. But I promise…I’m going to find you. I’m never going to forget you…I promise.” And she climbs out of bed and walks over to the bathroom, enters and closes the door. Nathan rolls over and stares at where his wife had been moments ago. He sighs and says, “I promise too, buddy. I’ll never forget you, never. And I’m sorry I let him take you.” Nathan too climbs out of bed and leaves the room. Haley pushes the stroller into the Tree Hill Police Station and up to the front desk. “Oh, hey Haley.” An officer at the desk says. “Are you looking for Nathan?” “Haley.” Rob says as he comes up from behind her. “It’s nice to see you out of the house.” Haley gives him a small smile as he hugs her. After the hug, he looks down in the stroller, smiles and says, “And hello to you too, miss Katie Mae.” He looks back up at his daughter-in-law and says, “You know Nathan has the day off today, right?” “Yeah, I know. Bit I need to talk to you…” Haley replies. “About James.” Rob nods his head and says, “Okay…come on.” He leads her to his office and she sits in a chair, facing Rob in his desk, with the stroller next to her. “Haley…” Rob begins. “Nathan would be the first to know if there were any news about Jamie or Dan.” “I know.” Haley says. “But I can’t stand just sitting at home waiting for news anymore. It’s too painful and it’s driving me crazy. I keep reliving that day and I keep having these dreams of James appearing in front of me, crying before he disappears again. And this pain…this guilt is too much.” “Haley, you have nothing to feel guilty about. What happened…it isn’t your fault.” “Please…don’t say that again. Nothing will change how I am feeling. Dan kidnapped him, yes, but I am the one who let him go because I wasn’t out there watching him and I should’ve been. I never let him play outside alone before, not even in the yard. But I did that day. I could’ve saved him. I could’ve kept that bastard from taking him…and I failed.” “You didn’t fail.” “No, I did. You know, Nathan’s been doing everything right, being strong and helping to look, while I mope around at home. I failed in my duty as a mother to him when I let Dan take him and I’ve been failing by not looking for him. But I’m not going to fail anymore. I’m not going to fail my son again.” Haley is waiting at the kitchen tale when Nathan arrives home through the garage door. “Hey.” Nathan says when he sees her and she stands up. She walks over to him and they kiss. “Where are the kids?” Nathan asks afterward. “Asleep.” “Coop too? It’s summer and barely after ten.” “I think he was tired. Listen, um…can we talk about something?” “Of course.” Nathan says before they sit down at the table. “What’s up?” Haley sighs and begins. “I had another dream about James last night. I was, um…I was watching him play in the yard with the dog. Then, I was walking inside with Katie and when I got to the kitchen, he was standing in front of me crying. He begged me to find him and to not forget him.” Haley breathes in and out deeply and Nathan puts his hand on hers on the table and says, “I’m sorry, Haley.” “I’m sorry too.” She replies softly. “I’m sorry I’ve failed him. He thinks I’m forgetting about him…he’s waiting for me to look for him, to find him and rescue him and I’m failing him.” “You’re not, Haley. Look…it was just a dream.” “No, it wasn’t. It was more than that. It was…I don’t know, so real like…like he was coming to me in the dream, trying to get me to stop crying and start looking.” “What do you mean?” “I mean…I need to get out there with you and start looking for him instead of just sitting at home, waiting. “But you don’t even know where to—“ “But I know my son, and I know he’s somewhere. I can feel him in my heart. I just have to follow my instincts and his voice.” She stands up and Nathan follows as he asks, “Well, what are they telling you?” “They’re telling me…that, I think, maybe…I need to go down to Florida and look for him. Something really big inside of me is pushing me in that direction.” “Florida? You…alone? Haley…I understand how you’re feeling and where you’re coming from, honestly, I do, but…I really don’t think you going down to some strange state to look for a kidnapper is such a good idea. There’s nothing to go on.” “I don’t care. Something tells me that that is where I need to be in order to find him.” “It’s too dangerous, Haley.” “Oh, stop thinking like a cop, Nathan! That doesn’t matter to me. I—“ “It matters to me, Haley. And I’m not thinking like a cop, I’m thinking like a husband and a father. I don’t want anything to happen to you too.” “Well, what about James, Nathan? It’s too dangerous for our son to be alone with that sick, evil twisted man. Doesn’t finding him matter to you?” “You know it does. But you can’t just take off down to Florida by yourself. This is not the way to do it.” “Then tell me how, Nathan!” Haley begins to cry. “How do I make up for what I did? How do I find him?” “I don’t know how, Haley!” Nathan shouts back. “But I do know that you have to stop blaming yourself for what happened.” “I can’t. It’s my fau—“ “No, it’s not your fault! It’s my fault!” Nathan joins his wife in tears. She stares at him as he continues. “Dan never would have taken James if it weren’t for me.” They both remain quiet only a moment before Nathan explains further. “I saw Dan that day, Haley. He came to see me and I told him to leave. I told him to disappear again, but I never expected he would take our son with him… Nathan cries as he remembers and finally shares his guilt with Haley… “Yeah, sure. Sounds great.” Nathan spoke through the phone while sitting in his deak at the police station. “I’ll talk to Haley when I get home. Thanks for calling, Luke. I’ll talk to you later.”
He puts the phone back on the cradle with a smile. He stopped smiling when he looked up and saw his father sitting on the other side of the desk.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“It’s nice to see you too, son.” Dan replied.
“I’m not your son. I haven’t been for years.”
” Dan did not reply to Nathan’s comment, but instead said, “So, a cop huh? You could’ve been the best in the NBA and gave it all up for a family life and a career with no glory?”
“Oh, no…I’ve still got glory. I’ve got glory in the eyes of my wife and my kids and in the city whe I help put trach like you away.”
They stared at each other, Dan with a smirk on his face.
“So what are you doing back here, Dan?” Nathan asked. “We were all so hopeful you’d left for good.”
“I just took a little vacation.”
“What? For seven years? I don’t think so. What do you want?”
Dan lowered his head and then looked up at Nathan and said, “I want a second chance to be a better man. I know it’s too late for us, but I was hoping youm ight let me start over with my grandchildren and let me show them the love I now realize I forgot to show you and your brother.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Nathan said. “You want to spend time with my kids? What for? So you can abuse them emotionally like you did Lucas and me? Do you really think I’m stupid enough to believe you and allow you to hurt them like you hurt me?”
“I’m not the same man anymore, Nathan. I’ve really been reflecting on my past and my life these years I’ve been away and I’ve changed Nathan…I really have.”
“Yeah, right.” Nathan snaped. “Likely story. You can’t really expect me to believe you. Once a liar and an ass, always a liar and an ass. And I don’t want you anywhere near my kids, and I’m sure Lucas doesn’t want you around Jessi either. So you really shouldn’t have come back. Nobody misses you and nobody cares about your ‘I’m a changed man’ speech. We’ve heard it too many times to take it seriously. We’re all happier and better off without you. You’re nothing to us now and you never will be anything and the best thing that could happen is if you disappeared off the face of the planet and we would never have to see or hear from you again.”
Dan was quiet, seemingly hurt. But then he stood up and turned to leave. Before walking away, he looked back at Nathan and said, “I’ll disappear, Nathan. I’ll live with my regrets and I won’t come back…but you’ll have regrets too when I don’t return.”
“I doubt it.”
And Nathan watched as he left through the front doors…Tears still stream down Nathan’s cheeks as he says to Haley, “And less than an hour later, Cooper was calling me and telling me James was missing. I didn’t think he would…but I should’ve known…I should’ve known.” “Nathan…” Haley whispers as she moves closer to him. “Why didn’t you tell me about this before. Why have you been keeping it all bottled up?” “Because you were already hurting so much…you still are. I didn’t want you to deal with my pain too. I didn’t want you to be more angry at me than you already are.” “Nathan, I—“ “Haley, it’s… I don’t think I can argue about this any more tonight. I’m kind of tired, so I think I want to go to bed.” He kisses her head and walks down the hal, turning left for the stairs. Haley stands alone in the kitchen, realizing Nathan’s heart has been aching just as much as hers…possibly even more.
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 22:24:51 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter Ten: In a Flash “You’re almost there now, Brooke. The head is out, but we need one more big push.”
Sweating and breathing deeply, Brooke shook her head and said, “No, I can’t…I can’t push anymore.”
“Yes, you can, babe.” Lucas said while he stood at her side, letting her squeeze his hand. “You can do it.”
“No, I can’t. It hurts and I’m tired…so tired. d**n you for doing this to me.”
“I know it hurts, babe, and I know you’re tired.” Lucas stroked Brooke’s head as he spoke. “And I would do this for you if I could, but I can’t. All you need is one last push and we’ll finally have our baby.”
“I’m scared, Lucas.” Brooke whispered with tears.
“”I know, baby. I’m scared too. But it’s going to be okay. I promise.”
He kisses her lips and the doctor said, “Come on, Brooke. This baby is ready to meet you.”
“Come on, babe.” Lucas said. “You can do it.”
She squeezed his hand harder and pushed again.
“That’s it…excellent, Brooke…baby’s coming…”
Brooke rested back on her pillow when she felt the baby leave her body.
“Beautiful…” the doctor said as she wiped the baby’s face and held her up for Brooke and Lucas to see. “You have a beautiful baby girl, mom and dad.”
“It’s a girl?” Brooke said as she smiled and the doctor passed the baby to the nurses.
Lucas smiled back at her and repeated, “It’s a girl.”
He kissed her head and then said, “We have a daughter, a beautiful little girl.”
The nurse walks back over and lays the new baby, wrapped in a pink blanket, in Brooke’s arms.
“Oh, Lucas…she’s so cute.” Brooke said as she stared admiringly at her new daughter. “Look at how tiny she is.”
“She’s amazing.” Lucas said with wet eyes as he stroked the baby’s cheek with two fingers. He looked back at Brooke and said. “She looks just like her mom.”
Brooke smiled at him before kissing him. Then, Lucas said, “I’m proud of you, Pretty Girl. You did really great.”
“I love you.” Brooke said before kissing him again.“Brooke…Brooke…” Lucas whispers in his wife’s ears before kissing her cheek. Brooke opens her eyes and smiles at her husband. “Good morning.” She says. “ ‘Morning, babe. I just wanted to let you know I was leaving.” “Where are you going? We have a doctor’s appointment today.” “I know, but Nathan called and said he needed to talk. I’m meeting him for breakfast before going to the school to start setting up my classroom. I’ll meet you at the doctor’s office.” “Okay.” “Do you want me to take Jess with me?” “No. I’m meeting Peyton and the kids in a little while. Then, your mom and Keith are watching her for us.” “Okay, well, I’m going to go then. I’ll see you later?” “Yep.” Lucas kisses her and she says, “I love you” before he leaves. Haley rolls over in bed and opens her eyes. She notices the bed is empty next to her and she sits up. She looks over at her clock on the nightstand and notices a folded piece of paper sitting there. She picks it up and reads: Haley,
I’m sorry about last night. I didn’t mean to walk away like I did, but I didn’t want to cry in front of you anymore. I want to be; I need to be the strong one for you and the kids and especially for James. I’m meeting Lucas for breakfast and just clearing my head for a bit, but Ill be home later this afternoon and maybe we can try talking about it again. I love you, Haley…always and forever.
Nathan Haley sighs as she folds the paper again and leaves it on her bed. She lifts her hands to her forehead and worries again for James and Nathan. Then, her daughter cries on the monitor and she leaves the bedroom for Katie’s down the hall. “Nate, that’s a pretty big thing to keep buried inside all this time.” Lucas says while sitting across from Nathan at a table by the window in Karen’s Café. “Why keep it to yourself?” Nathan responds after a few seconds of thought. “Punishment, I think. When I learned James was missing and realizing it was Dan who took him, it hit me that it was my fault because I sent Dan away. I told him to disappear and he did…only he took my son with him/” “Nathan, you couldn’t have known Dan was going to take James.” Lucas says, leaning forward in his seat. “How were you supposed to know that? You weren’t…you couldn’t have…no one could.” “But maybe I could’ve stopped this from happening. Maybe, if I had just given him what he wanted and let him visit the kids, then—“ “No, you did the right thing, Nate. You protected your kids from him.” “Not all of them, not James. I couldn’t protect him. How am I supposed to live with this, Luke? I let Dan take my son and now I don’t even know where they are. And it’s killing me, tearing Haley apart and hurting my family. I just…I don’t know to do. I don’t know how to fix this.” Lucas sighs and says, “There isn’t anything you’ve done that needs to be fixed. Dan taking Jamie…it just happened. But the police are going to find him, Nate, and then everything will be okay.” “That’s another screwed up thing…I am the police. So how come I haven’t found him yet?” Lucas is quiet, feeling sympathetic and wishing there were something more he could do to make Nathan understand that what happened wasn’t his fault. But he knows how stubborn his brother is and he knows that nothing will make Nathan feel better than to have James home and Dan in prison. He glances at his watch, then looks back at his brother and says, “Look, Nate, I have to get to the school, but if you want to talk more about this—“ “No, Luke, it’s okay. I’m good now, really. I think I just needed to vent a little.” “You sure?” “Yeah, I’m fine, man. I think I’m going to take a walk and visit my mom…get my mind off this for awhile.” “Okay. But how about you meet me and the guys down at the River Court later?” “I don’t know, man, I—“ “Come on, Nate. Playing basketball always clears your mind. Maybe taking a break from all this is exactly what you need. Nathan nods his head in consideration and says, “Okay. Maybe you’re right. Count me in.” “Good.” Lucas says as he stands up from the table, throwing his half of the bill and tip down. “Brooke and I have an appointment this afternoon, but I’ll call you when I’m done.” “Okay. Thanks Luke.” Lucas touches his brother’s shoulder and replies, “Of course. I’m your brother…you can always come to me.” He continues toward the door, but hollers back to the table before leaving. “Hey Nathan…” Nathan turns around and Lucas finishes, “It’s going to be okay…you’ll see.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “So I guess Anna is feeling better.” Brooke says as she stands across from Peyton, pushing Riley in a swing from the front while Peyton pushes from behind. Peyton glances at the play yard, where he daughter and Brooke’s are attempting to climb back up the slide after sliding down. She smiles, looks back at Brooke and says, “Yeah…I’m so glad too. Poor little girl is so…not herself when she’s sick. And with her sick the past week, it’s been crazy at home, especially with Jake and Jenny tearing each other’s heads off about every little thing.” “Ah…so the teenager Jenny has finally revealed itself, huh?” Brooke says with a smile. “Higher, Momma!” Riley shouts as Brooke pushes him back to Peyton. “Higher!” “I don’t know what has set off this attitude of hers, “Peyton says, pushing her son in the swing again. “But Jake and I are really getting tired of it. We’re both exhausted from work and chores and the kids…it’s just so exhausting. I just don’t understand where this attitude came from. Before high school. She used to be so nice and helpful all the time, and now she snaps at everybody and ignores Anna and Riley.” “She’s probably just adjusting to high school life still.” Brooke suggests. “Trying to find her crowd and figure out who she is, you know?” “Maybe, at least I hope that’s all it is.” Peyton says, pushing the swing once more before changing the subject. “So, anyway, enough about me and Jake. What’s going on with you and Luke?” “No more swing, Momma.” Riley interrupts. “Wanna play in sand.” Peyton slows the swing down and pulls Riley from it while Brooke sighs and replies, “A lot actually. We, um…we have an appointment at a fertility clinic this afternoon.” “What?” Peyton says surprised as she sets Riley down, who immediately runs for the sand box. Brooke sighs as they sit down on a bench close to the play area and she explains, “Well, you know Lucas and I have been trying to get pregnant again.” “Yeah…” Peyton says, listening. “We’ve probably been trying for at least three months now, and it still hasn’t happened. Then, when I was late this month, I was convinced I was finally pregnant and I was really excited. But all that excitement was exchanged for disappointment a few hours later.” “I’m sorry, Brooke.” Peyton says, rubbing her friend’s shoulder. “I know how much you want another baby.” “I do. I want another one so much; I want the family I never had. That’s why we’re going for those tests today. I want to know why getting pregnant again is so hard for us and what we can do, if anything, to make it easier.” “So, what are you going to do if there is a reason why you haven’t gotten pregnant yet?” “I don’t know. We haven’t thought that far ahead.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` Brooke and Lucas sit in the doctor’s office, holding hands and anxiously waiting for the doctor to return. “It’s going to be okay, Brooke.” Lucas says, looking over at his wife. “No matter what…we’re going to be okay.” Brooke smiles back, but look away when the doctor enters. “Sorry to keep you waiting.” Doctor Martin says, walking behind his desk. “I have your test result. But I must say, I’m a little surprised.” “Why?” Brooke asks worriedly. “What is it? What’s wrong?” “Nothing, actually.” Doctor Martin replies, opening the manila folder. “The tests revealed no problems for either of you. Everything is completely normal.” Brooke glances over at a smiling Lucas, then looks back at her doctor and says, “Don’t get me wrong, this is really good news, but I don’t understand anything now. If there aren’t any problems with us, then why are we having such a hard time getting pregnant again?” “Some couples just do. For some, it only takes a couple a month to conceive, and for others it can take even longer, years even.” “Great.” Brooke mumbles. “The best advice I can give you is to just keep trying, keep doing what you’re doing and eventually you’ll get pregnant.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “So, Haley thinks Dan has James in Florida?” Deb repeats, sitting next to her son at the counter in her home. “Yeah, and she wants to go down there and looks for them herself, but I told her it’s too dangerous.” “Well, you’re right.” Rob adds, grabbing a beer from the fridge. “It’s safer to let the Florida authorities handle it.” “What makes her think they’re even in Florida?” Deb asks. “She had a dream a couple of nights ago with Jamie in it and he said something to her. That’s all I know. But after our argument last night and after thinking about everything we said to each other, I’m thinking maybe I should be the one to go down there to look for him.” Deb and Rob both stare at him in surprise and Rob says, “Nathan, son, I—“ “I know you don’t think it’s a good idea either.” Nathan interrupts. “I know it’s not. But it doesn’t matter. All that matters is my son. I bought a plane ticket today. It’s open ended so I can leave and come back whenever I want, but I think I’ll have a better chance of finding Dan and James if I leave as soon as possible.” “W-Well, what does Haley think about this?” Deb asks. Nathan sighs and says, “She doesn’t know yet. I haven’t seen or spoken to her since last night. Which is why I should get going.” He stands off the stool and finishes, “I’m supposed to meet Lucas and then I need to get home and talk to Haley about this.” “Nathan, have you seriously thought about this?” Rob asks with concern. “Yeah, I have. I need to do this for Haley…and for James.” Nathan stops walking when he reaches this familiar place on River Road. He stands across the street from the River Court, deciding whether or not he should cross the road. It’s been months since he’s been here… “Watch dad, Jamie.” Cooper said, sitting next to James on the picnic table. “He’s gonna make a slam dunk.”
Nathan smiled as he jumped in the air, landing the ball in the net.
“Yay!” James shouted excitedly, clapping his hands as he jumped off the table, followed by Cooper. “That was awesome, Dad!”
“Totally sweet!” Cooper added, holding a hand out.
Nathan high-five him, smiled and said, “You think so?”
“Dan, I wanna learn to dunk like that.” James said, jumping up and down.
“Okay, com here.” Nathan said before handing James the ball and lifting him off the ground. “Okay, ready? We’re going to run down the court and I’m going to lift you higher when we get to the hoop. You ready?”
“Yeah, let’s go!”
Nathan smiles again and begins down the court.
“James Scott dribbles down the court… faster, oh man, this kid has got speed and talent…he’s approaching the hoop now…”
Nathan lifted James higher and said, “He shoots…”
James throws the ball into the hoop, his little hands touch the rim and Nathan finished with. “And he scores! Scott wins it again!”
Nathan lowered James to his side and said, “Awesome, bud, I think you got the Scott talent.”
“Thanks, Dad.” James said with a smile.That was the last time he’d been here, Nathan realizes as he continues to stare at the court where to cars are pulling up next to it in the grass. “I will find you, bud.” He says with tears again. “I promise…I will find you.” Across the street, Lucas and Jake climb out of Lucas’s black truck and Mouth and Skills climb out of Skills’ car. “I thought Nathan was meeting us here?” Mouth says. “He is.” Lucas replies, looking around for his brother. He hears screeching tired and a loud engine as a car turns the corner. Lucas looks over at the street, where the car is swerving on the road, out of control. His eyes finally meet Nathan, standing on the sidewalk. “Nathan, look out!” He shouts as the car swerves closer to the sidewalk and closer to Nathan. Nathan looks to his right and sees the car coming at him, but he knows it’s too late. All at once, Haley, Cooper. James, Katie, Lucas and Deb and the rest of his family and friends flash into his mind and in a flash, they disappear…
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 22:26:41 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter Eleven: What Happened? Haley closes the door to her daughter’s bedroom after checking to see if she was awake from her nap. She walks over to the stairs, but stops when she hears a noise come from Cooper’s room. “d**n it!” She hears him say when she walks to his door. Haley pushes the door open and says, “Cooper…” She enters the room and sits down on the bed next to her son, who is lying with his face buried in his pillow. “Cooper, honey, what’s wrong?” She asks, touching his back. “What happened?” Cooper sits up on the bed and Haley notices the tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Mom.” He says. “For what?” “The window.” Haley looks over and notices the broken window. “Cooper, what—“ She looks back at her son as he explains; “I was cleaning my room like you told me too. And I found Jamie’s baseball…the one he left on the deck that day. I brought it up here, but I forgot and I found it under my bed and it made me think about him and I just got mad, so I threw it. I’ sorry, Mom.” Haley stares at her son with concern and she says, “It’s fine, sweetie, I understand. We can fix the window. You didn’t hurt yourself, did you?” “No.” Cooper says, still with a frown. “Mom…are you and dad gonna get a divorce?” “What? No, of course not. Why would you think that?” Cooper looks back at her and says, “I heard you guys arguing last night. And when I woke up today, dad wasn’t here. And now I feel bad.” “Oh, honey, you have nothing to feel bad about. Your dad and I were—“ “I know, Mom. You and dad love each other too much to get divorced. I feel bad about James. I miss him.” “I know, baby.” Haley says, hugging her son. I miss him too.” “I wish I would’ve been out there with him like he wanted me too.” “What are you talking about?” Cooper stares at his mother and shares a memory of his own with her… “Please, Cooper, please?” James begged as he followed Cooper into the family room. “I wanna play catch.”
“So go play catch.” Cooper said as he plopped down on a stool in front of the television.
“I can’t play catch by myself.”
“Then play fetch with Rocket.” Cooper said, turning on his PlayStation 2.
“But I want to play with you. We haven’t played catch together in a long time.”
“Maybe I’ll play later.” Cooper said, focused on the screen in front of him.
“Fine.” James sighed before he turned around and walked away.“Maybe if I’d gone out to play with him, he wouldn’t have got taken. I could’ve stopped him from getting taken.” “No, honey…” Haley says, worrying about how the kidnapping and her and Nathan’s arguing has affected him. “There’s nothing you could’ve done.” “Then, how come you and dad were fighting about it last night? You said what happened is your fault, but dad said it’s his.” Haley sighs and runs her hand through Cooper’s dark hair. “Well, sweetie, your dad and I both feel like what happened to your brother is our fault because we weren’t able to save him. We’re blaming ourselves, I guess, because…we don’t know where else to put the blame.” “Cooper nods his head. “So I don’t want you thinking it was your fault too, okay? Haley says. “Because it wasn’t.” “Okay, I won’t. Just as long as you promise not to blame yourself either, okay?” Haley considers for the sake of making her son feel better and she says, “Okay.” Cooper shows a small smile and Haley hugs him. She holds him in the hug until she hears the phone ring. “I’ll go answer that while you finish cleaning this room okay?” She says as she stands off the bed. “But don’t touch any of the glass by the window. I don’t want you to cut yourself.” Haley leaves his room and walks down to hers and answers the phone off Nathan’s nightstand. “Hello?” “Haley…” The caller says with a panicky voice. “Lucas?” Haley says worriedly. “You sound freaked out. What’s wrong?” “It’s Nathan.” He replies. “There’s been an accident. You have to get down to the hospital.” “An accident?” Haley begins to panic. “Is he okay?” “Just get down—“ “No, Luke, what happened? Is he okay?” “A car swerved off the road where he was standing. They brought him to the Emergency room. He needs you, Haley.” Crying, Haley says, “I’ll be right there.” She clicks off the phone, throws it on the bed and hurries to get the kids and get to the hospital. Lucas is pacing the floor when Haley enters through the emergency doors, running with Katie in her arms and Cooper by her side. Lucas stops when he sees her. “Where is he?” Haley asks, slowing down and finally stopping. “In surgery.” Lucas replies, his face full of anxiety. Brooke walks over and takes Katie from Haley and ushers her nephew to the waiting area with her. “Surgery?” Haley repeats, panicking again. “Is he going to be okay?” “I don’t know. They haven’t come back out since they went in.” Haley stares at her friend and can see the fear, worry and terror in his eyes. She is scared too, but she knows Lucas is terrified even more because he was there…he must’ve been there. “You were with him, weren’t you?” She says. “You saw what happened?” Lucas looks back at her with watery eyes and answers, “He was standing across the street from the River Court. I heard tires screech, so I looked over and saw this out of control car swerving off the road, toward Nathan. I yelled to him and I tried running over to push him out of the way, but…” Haley hugs him as he cries. “It’ll be okay.” She says. “It has to be. I can’t lose him too.” Haley, Lucas, Deb, Rob, Tyler, Jake, Peyton, Mouth and Skills are still waiting for news from the doctor over an hour later. Shortly after Haley arrived at the hospital, Brooke offered to take Cooper and Katie home with her. “This is taking too long.” Haley says anxiously. “I’m going crazy here. I need to see him. I need to know he’s okay.” Peyton and Lucas rub her back comfortingly and Haley lays her head on Lucas’ shoulder. After what seemed like years of waiting, a doctor walks through double doors, dressed in light blue scrubs and wearing a paper blue hat on his bald head and a paper mask hanging from his neck. He approaches the group. “Are you all here for Nathan Scott?” Haley stands up quickly, followed by everyone else. Haley responds, “Yes. Is my husband okay?” “Well, his injuries were pretty severe.” The doctor begins. “There was a lot of damage to his abdomen and several of his ribs were broken. Luckily, though, with much work, we were able to repair the internal damage and have managed to stabilize him.” Everyone breathes a sigh of relief, but the doctor has more to say. “However, Nathan still has some external injuries, including a broken arm and leg and he has some cuts and bruises. There’s something else as well…it seems Nathan, as a result of the head injury and concussion, has slipped into a coma.” “What? Well, when will he wake up?” Deb asks, Haley and Lucas wondering the same thing. The doctor sighs and says, “ I don’t know. He was lucky to have survived such an impact. To be completely honest, there’s a chance, with an injury so severe, he may never wake up. When and if he does is completely up to him. There’s nothing more we can do, except wait.” “I’m sorry.” The doctor says before walking away. Rob holds Deb in his arms while Jake holds Peyton and Lucas and Haley both stand next to each other, devastated as they digest everything. How can this be happening? They both wonder. Why is this happening? “This is too much…” Haley says, turning to Lucas.” I can’t…he can’t…” She begins to cry again and Lucas holds her, his eyes watering.
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mausbrucas
Hooked on the Show
4 MONTHS TIL JANUARY :)
Posts: 148
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Post by mausbrucas on Sept 3, 2007 22:28:22 GMT -5
*banner made by Veronica Chapter Twelve: Healing Haley slowly opens the door to his ICU room. Her cheeks are still wet from her tears and more fall on her face when she sees her husband laying there in the bed, hooked up to a ventilator and his right arm and leg in a cast; his les is propped up on two pillows. Haley approaches the bed and is aware of the many cuts and bruises upon his face. “Oh Nathan…” she whispers and cries again as she runs her hand through his hair. She comes to a bare spot and feels the stitches the doctors had sewed on his head. “Please wake up…please. I need you so much…please.” She sits in a chair by his side and holds his hand. She sniffles and looks around at all the monitors he is attached to. It makes her ache to see him hurt so badly. She wants so much for him to just wake up right now so she can know he is okay and so she can tell him how sorry she is and how much she loves him. Haley moves her free hand to Nathan’s chest and she feels his heart beating. “You’re in there somewhere, Nathan,” she whispers. “I know you are. But where?” She stares at his face longer and wonders what, if anything, is going through his mind. And when will he remember her and the kids and finally wake up. Something has happened…he knows there is a reason why he can’t wake up. He wants to, but he knows he can’t. He needs to heal first. Physically…mentally…emotionally…he needs to recover. But how? And from what?
He knows to let the medicine and bandages heal his body. But the rest…he knows he has to heal himself. He needs to heal his mind in order to heal his emotions. And to heal his mind, he must remember why he his here, in this state, unable to wake up. Remembering is the first step to healing.
There’s just one problem…he can’t remember who he is now, who he is supposed to be. And he can only remember glimpses of who he used to be. He is a stranger to himself and to his memories. Yet, someone still stands out to him as someone his heart is telling him to remember, someone his heart is telling him he knows…someone his heart is telling him is quite possibly, the most important person in his life…Nathan entered the tutor center and saw that friend of Lucas’s stacking books on a shelf.
“Hey.” He said and she stopped to look at him.
She sort of glared at him and said, “Can I help you?”
“I hope so. You’re my tutor.”
She chuckles, “Right. I don’t think so.”
He looked at the paper he held in his hand and said, “You’re Haley James, right?”
Haley took the paper from him, read it, handed it back and said, “I’m sorry. I’m best friends with Lucas.”
Nathan slyly nodded and replied, “Well, then I’m sorry too.”
Haley turned away from him as she said, “Forget it. I’ll find you someone else.”
“Oh, well look, there is nobody else. All right? I’d be fine with it if there was.”
“If there ‘were’.”
Nathan smiled and said, “See? You’re helping me already.”
“Look, I can’t help you. And on top of that, I won’t help you. Okay?”
Nathan watched her as she walked away from him.That was when things first began with him and this…Haley. That day in the tutor center. But he knows there is more than that. Something is missing still and he knows he needs to figure out what it is. He needs to figure out his life. He needs to find his way back.
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