My Second Chance
Chapter LV
=Normal POV=
[Thursday, 3/28/2019; 12:05 pm]
[Berk High School]
Two days had passed since Hayden and Trayden's five-month anniversary of dating; everything was going well in everyone's lives. Hayden couldn't wait to get his car back on Friday afternoon; he hated taking the bus because it was a rough, bumpy ride. At the moment; the group of friends were sitting at lunch, and it would be over in fifteen minutes.
"Uh…Tray; isn't that your sister?" Syrus pointed behind Trayden's figure. Trayden looked behind and saw Aria walking in with her teacher.
"Ari?" Trayden inquired. "Is there a problem?" he looked at the teacher.
"You may sit down, Mr. Raseri," the female teacher stated. "We're here for Hayden,"
"My sister should be in class, and what do you need with my sister and my boyfriend?" Trayden asked. Amy Mayden approached now.
"It involves your sister and Hayden," Amy stated. "As I understand it; Aria turned in an assignment that was a joint effort with a student she doesn't have any classes with,"
"Not seeing the issue?" Trayden remarked.
"It was a solo assignment, and I need to know who did the work. Because if it was Mr. Haddock; I am failing Aria for this piece as it was not hers," the teacher informed.
"Now, hang on," Trayden started.
"That's not fair!" Aria almost cried.
"The assignment was very clear," the teacher huffed. Hayden stood up now, putting his hand on a very worked Trayden's shoulder.
"I got this," Hayden assured as Trayden nodded, but remained standing.
"And…Can you clarify the assignment for me? I only ask to see if it matches what Aria told me when she asked for me help?" Hayden inquired gently.
"Each student will present lyrics and music on this past Monday, and then Tuesday to Friday will be days where the student perform their song. It's for Language Arts; showing student can create their messages in songs and the rest of the class try to guess the meaning," the teacher crossed her arms over her chest. "It was to be an original piece, nowhere else around,"
"Right, right. Yeah, that sounds like what Aria told me," Hayden said nodding.
"And she obtained her work from you, so I am failing her for the assignment," the teacher stared.
"You can't do that," Trayden jumped in.
"Babe…" Hayden said softly. Trayden nodded again, keeping his mouth shut before he went off on this teacher. "You are correct," he looked at the teacher. "Aria was supposed to give lyrics and music to an original song, and I helped her…However," his eyes were stern now, surprising the teacher and the principal. "Where in your assignment did you state the students couldn't get help from someone else?" he asked. The teacher flinched a little.
"I-I…I said it had to be original, not from another artist!" the teacher argued.
"You said it had to be an original that couldn't be found anywhere else; you've now changed your own words to save face. Regardless, to counter what you said to me…Aria gave you an original piece of work that wasn't from an artist," Hayden remarked.
"You wrote it; that makes you the artist," Amy interjected.
"It makes me the creator, the writer, and singer…But I am no musical artist. I'm just your average high schooler in the Senior Class. I'm not a professional singer; it's a mere hobby. And again, you did not state your students couldn't receive help from someone else. So…When Aria came to me needing help with this assignment; I was happy to lend a hand by giving her an original piece that isn't by an artist, nor can it be found anywhere else because it's not a published song. And technically; the song was written by a student," Hayden explained.
"You do not count!" the teacher argued.
"But you did not specify on your assignment, so that makes it your error, not Aria's, and you cannot fail her for your mistake. The assignment was to present lyrics and music on Monday, and the song has to be an original that can't be found anywhere else and done by the students. Yes?" the teacher nodded. "She presented lyrics and music to you on Monday, it's an original that can't be found anywhere, and it was written by a student in this high school," Hayden took a breath.
"You did not say she couldn't have help, and for the record…Giving the students a week to come up with a full song and music was a terrible choice in assignments. The song she gave you on Monday; that took me almost two years to finish. Aria has done nothing wrong; it was your error not to state the conditions on which songs were obtained or made," Hayden continued.
"Fine, I won't fail her for the lyrics and music portion, but she still couldn't perform the song; she didn't know where the queues were…I need to hear the song in full. So…As it's yours and she's using it…Will you perform it?" the teacher asked.
"That's up to Miss. Mayden if I disturb her cafeteria," Hayden shrugged.
"I have no objections. If you give me the song; I'll play it on the speakers like last year?" Amy offered. Hayden located the song on his phone and handed it to Amy as she went into the office and gave it to Nadine; the returned with the microphone. Amy handed the device to Hayden as she gave a thumbs up to Nadine. The receptionist tapped the phone as the music began to play. The lunchroom gradually got quieter as Hayden stepped away from the table while Amy, the teacher, and Aria sat down in some empty chairs.
"Gods…I'm gonna kill my voice doing this…" Hayden sighed.
"Hayden, don't hurt yourself…" Alicia reminded.
"Don't do it, babe," Trayden stood next to him. "And why would you?"
"This song was started before my voice went through one of its changes…It's high-pitched in some places…" Hayden muttered. "Aria will get a bad grade if I don't…I'll be okay…Don't worry," he kissed Trayden's cheek.
As Hayden's singing queue came up, he flipped the microphone on and brought it up towards his mouth. "A stray bullet and a Momma cries. Her baby won't be coming home tonight. Sirens screaming down the avenue. Just another story on the evening news. Oh. Woah…Politics and Prejudice. How the hell it'd ever come to this. When everyone's gotta pick a side; it don't matter if you're wrong or right, no…And so it goes, but I hold onto hope, and I won't let go' cause!..." Hayden sang as the music lifted.
"I, I believe you and me are sisters and brothers. I, I believe we're made to be here for each other. And we'll never fall if we walk hand in hand. Put a world that seems broken together again! I, I believe in the end love wins!"
The music softened now as Hayden took a breath. "Sometimes it takes a lot of faith to keep believing there will come a day. When the tears and the sadness, the pain, and the hate. The struggle, this madness will all fade away!" Hayden continued while the music rose for the chorus.
"I, I believe you and me are sisters and brothers. I, I believe we're made to be here for each other. And we'll never fall if we walk hand in hand. Put a world that seems broken together again! I, I believe in the end love wins!" the song itself was an amazing message of everyone being different and divided, but all connected by heart.
"Love is power. Love is a smile. Love reaches out. Love is the remedy! Love is the answer. Love is an open door. Love is the only thing worth fighting for! Yeah!" Love was an incredible force and shown in many forms such as couples, friendships, and family. Sometimes it was even just between two strangers and a simple act of kindness.
"I, I believe you and me are sisters and brothers. And I, I believe we're made to be here for each other. And we'll never fall if we walk hand in hand. Put a world that seems broken together again! I, I believe in the end love wins! Oh, yeah. Love wins!" Hayden sang as the music softened, and slow. "Love will, love can, love still, love wins. Love will, love can, love still, love wins…" Hayden finished. (Song was Love Wins by Carrie Underwood. In case anyone wanted to give it a listen; I believe it's one of her newest ones of this year.)
Hayden flipped the microphone off while Nadine stopped the music on the phone and disconnected it from the wire. Hayden wasn't paying much mind to the cafeteria students cheering and clapping. Hayden returned the microphone to Amy as Aria hugged Hayden tightly.
"Thank you!" Aria said with a smile.
"No problem…" Hayden croaked. And there went his voice from straining it to make sure Aria didn't fail.
"I'm sorry about your voice…" Aria frowned.
"I'll be okay, don't worry…" Hayden promised, waving his hand like it was no big deal.
"Now, as this matter has been settled…Aria, return to class with your teacher," Amy ordered. The teacher and Aria left down D-Hall out of the cafeteria. Amy left a moment, then gave Hayden his phone back.
"That was a nice song, Hayden," Alyssa complimented. Hayden nodded her as he sat down and drank some of his water.
"Thank you, for helping Aria, babe," Trayden hugged Hayden gently. "I never would have thought to use the assignment description against the teacher…"
"Observer," Hayden smiled a little. "I pay attention to detail,"
"Ssh…Don't talk…" Trayden chuckled. "Rest your voice,"
Someone tapped Hayden's shoulder as he glanced over to find one of the other girls he had a class with; her name was Briana Grayson. "Do you take requests for lunchroom performances?"
Hayden glared. "NO!" Briana quickly scurried off as Hayden groaned. Trayden laughed a little as he drew Hayden in and hugged him tightly.
"Easy, love…" Trayden smiled. Hayden closed his eyes, sighing while Trayden held him close. "Relax now," he added. Hayden tried to relax; his voice would be fine in a few hours, it wasn't too bad this time, unlike last year when he did the Celine Dion song. Hayden was a little tired today to begin with; he didn't mean to snap at Briana. Maybe when he got home; he'd take care of his homework and Spencer, then get to bed early.
Yeah…That sounds like a good idea. Hayden thought tiredly. There were only five minutes of lunch hour left; he wanted to finish today and get home to rest before he developed a migraine from having to explain to a teacher that they messed up. The friends started talking about doing a sleepover this weekend; Hayden wasn't sure he was going to join this time. Typically, when Hayden felt this tired; he was going to get sick soon, which was never a fun time for him.
. . .
[Friday, 3/29/2019; 4:00 pm]
[Berk; Forger/Haddock House]
There ended up being a sleepover at Trayden's. And Hayden ended up sick Friday morning, but he took some Dayquils and toughed out the day at school. Trayden felt like something was off because Hayden never met them at the breezeway at 2:30. Hayden said he was using the bathroom, but then the group never saw Hayden join them. For Hayden's side of things; he felt so shitty that he went right to his bus. After getting home; Gabriel took Hayden to get his car. After paying for parts and labor; Hayden drove himself home. Now, Hayden was back in the house and sitting on the couch tiredly while holding Spencer.
"You look awful, laddie," Gabriel pointed out.
"Thanks for noticing," Hayden remarked as Gabriel approached and felt Hayden's forehead.
"You're warm, Hayden. What's bothering ya?" Gabriel asked.
"Throat, head, stomach, body…A slight cough. Things started last night around 11:30 as I was getting ready for bed. Woke up a few times because I was uncomfortable. Woke up at 4:30 am, couldn't go back to sleep. It's gotten worse over the day…Now, I'm just straight up drained…" Hayden mumbled tiredly, yawning.
"Well, couldn't a twenty-four-hour thing, a bug, or the flu. We'll see what happens tomorrow morning. For now, give me Spencer, and you go lie down," Gabriel insisted.
"You had him all day, Uncle Gabe," Hayden sighed.
"And it won't be fun for anyone if you get me or him sick. Now, hand him over and off with ya. I'll get you for dinner if you're feeling up to eating," Gabriel said. Hayden knew it wouldn't be good to get anyone else sick, so why argue? Not like he could with Gabriel anyway. Hayden kissed the top of Spencer's head and got up, handing his son off to Gabriel. "Go on,"
Hayden went to his room, used the bathroom; then got to his bed and laid down under the covered. Not long after his head hit the pillow; Hayden was out.
. . .
[4:35 pm]
[Berk; Raseri Home]
All the friends showed up, even Miya and Devon, but they wouldn't stay overnight. Everyone was just about settled in Trayden's room and relaxing. Dinner would come until 5:30 pm, so they had time to kill.
"Where's Hayden tonight?" Bryan wondered.
"Not sure. I know he had to pick up his car after school, but that could be anytime between 3 and 6 pm," Trayden shrugged.
"He seemed a little off today, didn't he?" Syrus mentioned, looking at the others.
"Yeah, now that you mention it," Mindy nodded.
"Hayden didn't look like he was there at all," Katie agreed.
"And we didn't see him at the breezeway after the last bell," Hailey reminded.
"Hayden said he was going to the bathroom after class, but didn't see him meet us like always," Alicia informed.
"I'll text him. Maybe he's having one of his days," Trayden grabbed his phone and pulled up the messages with Hayden; the started typing.
4:38 pm
Hey, baby. Didn't see you after school, and we're having a sleepover at my house tonight. Are you coming? Are you okay? The others and I feel like you've been a little not all there today. Text me back. Love you :heart:
Trayden sent the message and put his phone back into his pocket. "Guess we'll just get started and hope he replies. Last time he showed up late, so maybe he's just got a few other things to do first," he shrugged.
"Sounds good," Alyssa nodded. From there; Trayden turned on YouTube for music, and the friends began talking.
. . .
[8:15 pm]
"Still nothing from Hayden?" Ford asked out of the blue while the friends were sitting around and had just finished a movie.
"No, not at all. It doesn't even say Read yet, so I don't think he's seen my message for four hours ago," Trayden replied.
"Should we call? Or go over? To check on him?" Mindy suggested.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt; it's a nice night for a walk anyway. Come on; we'll stretch our legs for half an hour or so," Trayden got up to get his shoes on. By 8:25; they were ready and left Trayden's room.
"Where are you going at this hour, son?" Rachel inquired.
"Walking over to Hayden's and making sure he's alright," Trayden replied.
"What do you mean?" Dustin asked.
"Haven't seen Hayden since the end of the school day, and he's not answering messages. He seemed kind'a in his own world today, so we thought to go check on him," Trayden responded.
"Alright, be safe," Rachel smiled. Trayden nodded as he and the others headed out of the house.
. . .
[8:40 pm]
[Berk; Forger/Haddock Home]
Gabriel had just gotten Spencer to sleep and exited the bedroom when there was a knock on the door. "Now, who could that be?..." Gabriel wondered as he moved to the door, opening it to see Trayden and the rest of the friends. "Hi, kids," he greeted.
"Hi, Mr. Forger…Is Hayden home?" Syrus asked.
"Yeah, in his room. Been in there most of the night," Gabriel replied. "Why? What's up?"
"Nothing, we were worried about him since he isn't answering messages and seemed not all there today at school. Is he…Having a bad day?" Trayden inquired.
"No, no. Not to worry about that; he's okay in that sense. Least I'm almost positive about that," Gabriel moved aside to let them inside. "Hayden's not feeling well today,"
"Really?" Miya blinked. "He looked fine all day,"
"Hayden said it started last night, gradually got worse overnight and into today; he toughed out the school day on Dayquil and aspirin. But after we went and got his car; he looked awful and told me he didn't feel good. I took Spencer from him, and then sent him off to his room to rest," Gabriel explained.
"How's he doing now?" Evan inquired.
"I checked on him around 6 for dinner, but he was fast asleep, so I left him alone. If you want to take a peek on him; I won't mind. I gotta clean up from dinner," Gabriel invited.
"Thanks," Trayden smiled as Gabriel went to the kitchen. Trayden led the group to Hayden's room, giving a light knock on the door with his knuckle. "Babe?" he said as he opened the door and peeked inside. The light was on in the room, but Hayden wasn't on his bed. Trayden walked in more with the others, and Hayden was nowhere in sight. "Hayden?" Trayden called quietly.
"Tray?" replied Hayden's weak voice.
"It's me…And the others. Where are you, baby?" Trayden asked.
"Gimme a sec," Hayden said; he sounded sick. The toilet flushed as Hayden came out slowly and semi-leaned against the wall. "What are you doing here?" he asked tiredly, looking positively miserable.
"You never met us at the breezeway after school," Alyssa said.
"And you seemed out of it all day," Rylee chimed in.
"And you weren't answering Tray's messages reminding you about the sleepover tonight at his house, so we came over to check on you," Devon finished the explanation.
"Oh…That was nice of you to come all this way to make sure I'm alright. I wish that I could say I was…" Hayden replied.
"Gabriel said you were sick, and it wasn't a far walk, baby," Trayden approached, cupping Hayden's cheek a little and stroking it with his thumb. "You look awful, love,"
"I feel awful…" Hayden sighed.
"All this came out of nowhere?" Miya inquired.
"Started on Thursday night. Went to bed early around 9:45 pm, but at 11:30 pm; I was up and feeling worse. Nauseated, wanting to puke, but didn't until about 12 am. The rest of the night I couldn't get comfortable for long periods of time. Around 4:30 am this morning; I was up entirely. Decided to see how the school day would go; got worse, but stayed anyway," Hayden informed.
"What's bothering you?" Miya questioned.
"Currently; I have a headache, which is slowly turning into a migraine despite my attempts to stop it. My throat, body, and stomach hurt; I'm tired as all, I feel weak, pretty sure I'm running a fever…" Hayden responded.
"Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea?" Miya pushed.
"Yes to the first two, no to the last. Been throwing up at random, even at school," Hayden closed his eyes, leaning his head on the doorframe between his bedroom and bathroom.
"Well, you should have come to see me if it was happening at school, or stayed home if before…Either way…" Miya sighed. However, before she was going to start again; Hayden seemed to jerk forward a little and bring his hand to his mouth as he quickly got off the doorframe and turned back into the bathroom, closing the door, but it didn't shut all the way. Not more than a minute later, Hayden threw up, and then again afterward.
"We should probably go," Bryan suggested. "We checked on him and learned he's sick,"
"I agree," Devon nodded.
"Babe," Trayden knocked on the bathroom door a bit. "We're gonna go, alright?"
The toilet flushed again. "B-Baby?" Hayden asked.
"What's up?" Trayden inquired.
"C-Can you come to help me up…?" Hayden questioned.
"Of course," Trayden said as he pushed the door open a little and walked inside to find his boyfriend against the wall. Trayden helped Hayden up and saw him struggling to stay balanced. Trayden picked Hayden up bridal style and carried him out of the bathroom and to his bed. Trayden carefully set Hayden down, and covered him up; then pulled over the trash can that was next to the nightstand. "Try to get some rest, okay?"
"I will…Thanks," Hayden replied tiredly, yawning, and trying to stay awake. Trayden kissed his forehead and stepped back. "I'll text you later if I wake up, or tomorrow…"
"Don't worry about it, babe. Text me when you're feeling better, okay?" Trayden insisted. Hayden nodded once before closed his eyes and knocking out seconds later. "Alexa, turn off the lights," the lights turned off as the friends filed out and closed Hayden's bedroom door. They filled in Gabriel, then left to return to Trayden's house. After getting home and filling in the Raseri parents; the friends set back up in Trayden's room to continue their sleepover. At 10:30 pm, Miya and Devon left. By 12:30 am; the friends all laid down to get some sleep.
