My Second Chance

Chapter XXIX

=Normal POV=
[Friday, 6/8/2018; 10:45 pm]
[The Hooligan Hotel]

Junior Prom at last. It had been a fun night thus far; Hayden had the time of his life with Trayden and his other friends. The previous week had been easy going for the students of Berk High. Senior Prom was a good time according to Bryan and Alyssa who attended it on June 2nd. Final grades were in; the group of friends passed, which meant they could enjoy the Summer together and plan things around each other's work schedules. These ideas to hang out involved camping trips and their annual end of Summer party; this was held in August, right before the next school year began.

Saturday the 2nd of June, Hayden spent with Gabriel after leaving Trayden's house. Hayden and Gabriel decided to get an early start on their packing. Hayden packed up his room in the Jorgenson house and then took everything to Gabriel's in the back of his truck. Hayden had a few things at Gabriel's apartment too, so it made sense to pack it all together for an easier unpack at the new house. On Monday the 4th, Gabriel got Hayden's car insurance and registration taken care of for him. And Tuesday the 5th when all the information was set for Hayden's car; Hayden applied for a parking pass to use during Senior Year, which of course, he was approved for.

The rest of the week was simple since final grades were ready by Monday the 4th. However, actual final scores for some weren't until Thursday the 7th. This allowed for a makeup exam and any last-minute work to be turned in. Hayden and his friends didn't have to worry about this, so classes for them were sitting around and reading, sometimes a movie or end of the year celebration. Today, the 8th, Junior students who turned in a note on the 7th were able to leave at lunch to start getting ready for prom. And also, this was when students could turn in their letters to miss the final week of school. Hayden turned his into the office as soon as he arrived.

Now, instead of moving on the 16th, Hayden and Gabriel were going to make sure everything was set and move a week early; then maybe use the 16th to throw a house-warming party. The idea had been discussed, but not finalized or announced. But tonight, it was Junior Prom and so far; it had been a good time. Hayden and Trayden went together as agreed upon; Tray picked Hayden up at 4:30 pm, and they arrived to check in for 5 pm. The two instantly found their table, which was with their friends, thankfully. Everything else had been talking and dancing. Dinner was served at 6:30 pm; chicken, broccoli, and rice or the other choice was spaghetti and meatballs.

Dessert was a piece of cake and a scoop of ice cream; this was handed out around 8 pm. And then after that, it was more talking and dancing. Trayden and Hayden were both wearing tuxedos, but Trayden's had a green tie and dark gray vest over the white shirt; then, of course, black coat, pants, and shoes. Hayden didn't wear a tie or vest, just a white shirt, black jacket, pants, and shoes. The two males took part in slow and fast songs, even some of the group ones where everyone made the same moves. These dances were to Cupid Shuffle, Cha-Cha Slide, YMCA, and Cotton-Eyed Joe as just a few examples. The slow songs were all the ones people expected; love songs. The fast ones were the type that got everyone up, moving, dancing, pumped up.

And all through the night, water, punch, and little snacks were available for the prom attendees. But it had been a great night, something Hayden wouldn't soon forget and was glad that Trayden asked him to go despite the fact Hayden was still trying to figure things out with his feelings for Trayden.

"Alright, so…End of Summer party, we should probably plan this first," Bryan mentioned as everyone was sitting at the two tables right next to one another.

Everyone had a date for this; the usual couples who were already dating, and of course, Mindy and Syrus had come together as dates, but not in a relationship just as Trayden and Hayden did. Devon and Miya were present too, Miya was chaperoning, and Devon was her date. Evan was allowed to come since he was under 24 years of age, anyone over that wasn't allowed to attend even if they were the student's boyfriend or girlfriend.

"We always do it at the end of August, whatever the last weekend is before the first day of school," Mindy shrugged.

"That falls on…August 31st, September 2nd, and 3rd," Ford mentioned, checking his phone calendar. "Friday, Saturday, and Sunday," he added.

"Are we doing a sleepover or no?" Rylee wondered.

"Don't we always?" Trayden chimed in.

"True," Syrus nodded.

"Who's house?" Alyssa inquired.

"Well, this is one of the sleepovers that we do in tents, so has to be someone with a big backyard," Devon reminded. "That already puts mine and Miya's place out of the running since we're still in an apartment for now,"

"My parents are going away, so I'm out too," Evan shrugged.

"Not a big enough yard," Alyssa stated.

"My parents are going to some overnight thing," Mindy added in.

"That leaves us, Tray, or Syrus and Alicia's places," Bryan mentioned.

"What's this for again?" Hayden questioned.

"Every year since the end of Summer when we went into Freshman Year; we throw a big end of the Summer Celebration. It usually involves someone's backyard, a lot of food, drinks, music, and sleeping in tents as long as the weather is nice. Oh, and we have a campfire. Sometimes if we're all able to get our parents on board; we hold it at The Cove, which is-," Trayden started.

"A campground higher up in the mountains of Raven Point," Hayden nodded. "I know…I-I used to go camping with my parents…" he added softly. "That's why it's one of my favorite places in Berk…And why I told Gabriel I wanted to live where we're gonna be," he stated.

"Hey, you never did tell us about the new place other than it will be a ten-minute walk from Tray's," Katie smiled.

"It's a three-bedroom, one-level home on 1 Chieftain Road. Uh…Unfinished basement, but Gabriel and I are gonna likely renovate that at some point. Um…Two and a half bathrooms, open concept kitchen that shows the living room and dining room. That's…About it," Hayden informed. "Oh, huge yard for the dogs. So…I bet if I ask Gabriel…We could do this end of Summer party thing at our place," Hayden offered. "I-If everyone wanted…" he added quickly, not wanting to step on anyone's toes with the idea.

"That…Sounds great, if Gabriel doesn't mind, of course," Alicia smiled.

"I'm sure he wouldn't…" Hayden replied. "Just…Get me all the details of when it'll be; I'll ask him once we move in on Monday,"

"If you need any help, let us know. I don't work every day of the week," Devon said.

"Same," Evan nodded.

"And we could help on the weekends," Mindy informed.

"Thanks…But I think we got it. Everything is packed up; we gotta haul it from the city to Berk and start bringing it in. The first thing we're doing is the bedrooms, so we have a place to sleep if we don't get done in a day," Hayden mentioned. "We might do a house-warming party or whatever on the 16th or 17; hasn't been decided on yet," he added.

"Awesome, let us know," Rylee stated as Tyler and the others nodded.

"Alright all you prom-goers. We got two songs left before the announcement of Junior Prom King and Queen 2018. There will be one fast and one slow song. And as always, our winners will get their spotlight dance to close out the night," the DJ announced.

"Ugh, I'm beat…I don't think I have another dance in me," Alyssa muttered.

"Same…" Syrus agreed.

"I'll third that," Katie giggled. Hayden did get to meet Andrew, finally; he showed up as Katie's date, but that made sense since the two were dating and Andrew was of age to join the festivities. Andrew had a buzz-cut style brown hair for the military, and his eyes were a pale green.

"Fourth it," Bryan chuckled.

"My feet hurt…" Rylee leaned on Evan.

"I got a little more in me," Trayden smiled as he looked at Hayden. "How about you? Up for one or two?" he asked, offering his hand to Hayden.

Smiling a little, Hayden took Trayden's hand as Trayden pulled Hayden up to his feet. "Yeah, I guess I can do a bit more," Hayden informed gently. Trayden led Hayden out onto the floor with other couples. The first song was semi-fast and only lasted three or so minutes. The last song before King and Queen would be announced wasn't entirely slow, but a love song.

"They are so cute!" Alicia giggled.

"I bet they end up together over the Summer," Syrus nodded.

"I agree with, Sy," Tyler said. After another three minutes passed, the song was coming to an end as people began stopping and making their way back to their tables, or standing off to the side. Trayden and Hayden stayed to finish the dance off. Trayden's arms were around Hayden's waist as Hayden was laying his head on Trayden's shoulder, and his hands were holding Trayden's arms. The two were moving in a slow circle together, neither speaking a word.

As the music faded off, Hayden pulled his head of Trayden's chest and looked up at him, smiling some. The two walked back towards the table, standing in front of the others, but not quite sitting yet. "Thank you for asking me to come; I've had a fun time tonight, more than I thought I would actually. Dances were never my thing at Archian Prep. I used to do all I could to avoid them," Hayden mentioned lightly.

"Junior and Senior Prom are supposed to be part of the High School Rite of Passage or whatever. Some things you can't miss. Maybe you'll…Come to some of the events with me during Senior Year? I know they have Homecoming Dance, uh, Halloween, Spring Fling…And of course, Senior Prom…?" he asked.

"Never know," Hayden smiled. "Maybe," he shrugged.

"Well, I'll take that chance," Trayden responded as the two laughed a bit.

"Still…Thank you for asking me to come," Hayden said again.

"You're welcome, and I'm glad you decided to accept," Trayden chuckled a little. "It's been a great night," he added. Hayden hugged Trayden now, and Trayden returned it. The two went to separate, but there seemed to be others idea that clashed. Hayden went to kiss Trayden's cheek as thanks for a great night, but Trayden ended up turning his head to do the same to Hayden, and their lips met in a kiss.

"Oh, my Gods…" Alicia, Katie, Rylee, Hailey, and Mindy blinked in surprise. The kiss was nothing huge, and it was short. No sooner than the action started; it ended two seconds later. Trayden and Hayden stared at one another after the kiss ended. It wasn't anyone leading the other person; their lips had met, and they kissed each other.

"I, uh…S-Sorry…I-I was going for your cheek," Trayden informed instantly. Hayden didn't say anything, aside from the shock of what just happened; he almost felt scared and confused. The kiss made the little flicker in his heart explode, and his heart was pounding rapidly in his chest. Fear was taking over, Hayden backed away from Trayden, letting go of his hand. "Hayden?" Trayden asked.

Hayden shook his head, looking scared and nervous now. Without saying a word, Hayden turned and booked it to the door to get out of the room. "Hayden!" Syrus called, but over the loud music and talking; the yell was useless. "You scared him!" the elder Jorgenson sibling accused.

"We need to go after him," Miya said. "If it triggers a panic attack or flashback; he shouldn't be alone," the group quickly collected their things and rushed to trail Hayden's path. Sadly, Hayden was ahead of them and getting through the other people wasn't an easy task. Finally, after six minutes; they reached outside and saw Hayden looking panicked and scared near the parking lot.

"Hayden…?" Alicia tried.

"St-Stay away…" Hayden demanded; he was shaking and breathing hard.

"Hayden, please…I'm sorry; I-I didn't mean to," Trayden attempted now. Hayden never answered because Gabriel's truck pulled up and Hayden quickly got into the passenger's seat.

"Laddie? What's wrong?" Gabriel asked right away.

"Ju-Just dr-drive…I-I want to leave…Pl-Please…?" Hayden asked shakily as he fumbled through getting his seat belt buckled.

"Hayden! Wait!" Syrus reached for the truck, but Gabriel gave them an apologetic look before switching the gear to Drive and heading out and to the main road. "This is your fault! Why the hell did you kiss him?"

"It was a fucking accident, Syrus. I was going for his cheek…It just happened, I swear!" Trayden defended. "He turned his head at the same time I did; I was not intentionally trying to kiss him on the lips!" However, Trayden knew that it still happened and it must have frightened Hayden enough to make him leave the prom without warning. And now Trayden felt like he might have fucked up his chance with Hayden over what he did unintentionally.

"It was an accident, Sy. Our angle showed Hayden turning his head to kiss Trayden's cheek, likely as a thank you for such a good night. They both were going for the same action and ended up kissing," Alyssa informed.

"We all know, including Hayden, that you like him. And Hayden has said he's not sure on his feelings, right?" Hailey asked as Trayden nodded to her. "Then it stands to reason that perhaps the kiss might have made him realize that he does like you…And it scared him. Sometimes a kiss is all it takes to light the inner fire such as feelings for someone else…"

"Why would it scare him, though?" Ford chimed in.

"Probably because the last time Hayden felt something for someone; that guy hurt him by saying his feelings changed when Hayden finally figured out how he felt," Devon reminded.

"Don't you ever compare me to that asshole; I would never use or hurt Hayden like that!" Trayden glared.

"Easy, Tray…We're not saying you would, and it's clear now that you know way more than we do about whoever this guy is…" Rylee muttered.

"It's not about knowing more; Hayden told us the guy led him on," Trayden huffed. "But to save me the harassment…Yes, I do know who the guy," he added with a grumble.

"Who?" Alicia ordered.

Trayden closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Bradley Holgerson…Olivia's little brother…Hayden told me during the sleepover at Sy, and Alicia's place around 1 or 2 am. Hayden couldn't sleep, so I stayed up with him, and we talked for a little bit until he fell asleep after asking me to stay with him. And that is ALL I am telling you about the matter. I'm sure Hayden didn't want you to know yet, so you shush up and don't say a word…"

"We won't say anything…But shit. Olivia's little brother is the guy who rejected and abandoned Hayden last year?" Tyler asked.

"Yeah…" Trayden nodded.

"Regardless," Katie raised her eyes now, looking at Trayden sternly. "Hayden probably hasn't felt feelings for anyone else since that guy, Trayden. He could just be scared by what he feels for you, afraid to be hurt, hesitating on letting himself feel that way because of the past. No different than anything else since we've met him like Hayden have to see we want to be friends and help him, and we had to earn his trust…"

Trayden sighed; he knew she was right. Hayden was still figuring things out, and maybe the accidental kiss might have sparked something for Hayden to realize his feelings, but it also scared him due to the suddenness. Also, this shouldn't surprise Trayden at all because he and Hayden talked about it during their private sleepover at Gabriel's apartment.

"See you guys and girls, Monday," Trayden walked away from them, going to find his car and get inside it. Sitting in the driver's seat; Trayden debated his next move. Finally, he pulled out his phone and brought up the text messages with Hayden.

10:55 pm
Hayden, I am so sorry about what happened. It was a complete accident. Please don't hate me?

Trayden set his phone down once the message said and showed; Delivered. Trayden started his car and headed for Alpha Street to get home for the night.

. . .

[11:15 pm]
[Berk; Raseri Residence]

Pulling into the driveway and parking, Trayden shut off the car and entered the house quietly. Trayden locked the door as he assumed he was the last one in for the night. "Son?" Dustin asked.

"Yeah, it's me…" Trayden replied as he saw his parents in the smaller family room that was to the left of the stairs that led someone inside the home.

There were two staircases, one going up to the main level, and another set down; both could be accessed from the central entry door. Upon coming inside the door, you could go up or down. Going up showed the small family room to the left, the kitchen dead ahead, and the living room after that. Turning right, there was a hallway towards the bedrooms.

There were two on the left side of the hallway; these rooms were Eliot's and Cole's. On the right side, there was a bathroom, and then a smidgen farther down was Aria's bedroom. Following down the hall, Trayden's room was at the end and sat over the garage. But Dex's room was just to the right of Trayden's. Rachel and Dustin's room was between Dex's and Aria's down a smaller hallway to the right. This, of course, was the master suite. And there was a connecting bathroom that sat between the master bedroom and the second, larger living room.

There were two points of entry into this bathroom. One was through the master room, and the other was through the living room. If a guest used this room; they'd have to close bother doors before doing their business. The rest of the larger living room had a closet, and door leading to the porch and backyard.

"How was prom?" Rachel smiled broadly.

"It was great…" Trayden trailed off.

"But?" Dustin pushed, sensing that there was more to the sentence.

"After the last song before King and Queen announcements…Hayden and I sort turned our head at the same time towards one another…And kissed…" Trayden sighed. "He…Got scared and ran off. By the time we got outside to check on him, Gabriel had shown up, and Hayden left…"

"So the kiss was an accident, and Hayden got scared?" Rachel inquired as Trayden nodded.

"Yeah…It was me or him leading, just happened and ended like two or three seconds after. Hayden backed away and booked it through the mass crowd of people," Trayden mumbled. "I tried to apologize, but he didn't respond,"

"Sweetheart; I'm sure Hayden needs a little time to sort things out. Maybe he doesn't know what to make of the kiss or needs to figure out his feelings. Perhaps it was new to him, to be kissed by another male?" Rachel offered.

"Hayden is gay, Mom…It's not his first kiss; he's known he was gay since he was 15, and has no shame in it. He knows I like him, and he said he feels something for me but needs to figure it out more; something about needing to know for sure and deal with a few other personal feelings," Trayden informed.

"Well, there's your answer, son. Maybe the kiss just sparked him realizing his feelings for you, but it happened so suddenly that he got scared. And his past could be playing a role in things; perhaps hurt by someone he cared for?" Dustin added. "Just give Hayden a little time to sit with his emotions; I'm sure at some point, you two will end up talking about it, and then you can go from there,"

Trayden nodded. "I will, thanks. I'm gonna undress and get some sleep. Night, love you," he headed off to get to his room. Once inside; Trayden quickly changed into his pajama pants but didn't bother with a shirt. Flopping on his bed, Trayden plugged his phone in to charge but noticed a message from Hayden on the screen that came in about thirty minutes ago.

Hayden's Cell, 11:00 pm
I know what happened was an accident; I was trying to kiss your cheek in thanks for the great night. I'm sorry I took off; I just got scared and confused. I'm still figuring things out, and you have no idea what it means to me that you're so patient. There's just a lot going on in my head right now with everything. But just so you don't have to worry about this affecting our friendship; it doesn't, and I don't hate you. Honestly, I don't think I ever could, Tray. I promise we'll talk soon, for now; I need some time to myself.

Trayden sighed out in relief seeing the message there and read it over a few times to make sure he got it all and understood. So Hayden didn't hate him, and they were still friends, but Hayden needed time to continue sorting things out. And Trayden understood that; he knew Hayden was about to move in with Gabriel, Junior Year was coming to an end, and sadly, the one-year anniversary of Hayden's parent's being murdered was in about two weeks. Hayden was dealing with a lot, so Trayden didn't mind Hayden asking for some time to himself.

11:30 pm
You take all the time you need; I'm not going anywhere, and I'm always here if you need me. I had a great time tonight, seriously. Thank you for agreeing to come as my date :)

Hayden's Cell, 11:32 pm
Thank you for asking me to go as your date, and I had a great time too. And thank you for being so understanding. I'm gonna get some sleep. Night!

11:33 pm
Same here. Night, sleep well.

Trayden watched the message go from Delivered to Read, but no reply. Trayden put his phone down on the nightstand, and then he got comfortable in his bed before letting himself drift to sleep by 11:45 pm, which was the last time on the clock he saw before sleep took him.