Chapter 22 Nightmare
Hadley ended up taking an unexpected but well needed nap after the day she had. Waking up to the gentle swaying of the boat, Hadley thought maybe just maybe this was all a nightmare. But of course, she was wrong as she saw her blue hair laying spread out across her pillow. With a sigh and a huff, Hadley ripped her blankets off of her and made her way towards the aft deck. The sun was setting on the horizon as she spotted Gil and Harry playing an intense game of cards.
"Where's Uma?" Without even looking at Hadley, Harry set a card down and picked up another from the deck "no idea" "she didn't say anything to you?" "not a word" "Harry" this time he looked up at her "Love, if I knew she was up to something I would tell you" "liar" dramatically placing his hook over his heart " I would never" Hadley looked at Harry for a long time before looking to her other friend "Gillllllll" Hadley gave the biggest smile to her friend and batted her eyelashes full knowing he would easily crack. Gill refused to look at her and looked right at Harry. The two kept a long and hard gaze until Gill broke it "She's planning on crashing Mal's party" Harry hit Gill in the arm "are you kidding me?! Look Love, just stay out of it" "are we still doing the icing out thing? I thought we were over that" Harry sighed "no. it's just a conflict of interest. You and Mal are on good terms. Be honest with yourself you wouldn't want to sabotage Mal would you, Love?" "no" "exactly". Hadley began to walk towards the captain's quarters, maybe just maybe she could talk Uma out of it. "She already left, Hadley. There's nothing you can do".
There was a pit in Hadley's stomach as she looked towards Auradon and there really was nothing she could do to warn her sister or her friends or PJ. "I need air" Gill gave her a puzzled look "but you're already outside. There's tons of air" Harry hit his friend and rolled his eyes "take your time, Love". Hadley didn't know where she was going but she knew she needed space and needed to not think about Auradon and what was about to happen.
The sun had a few more minutes before it would fully set and the maze of alleyways on Isle were barley lit with lanterns. Hadley knew the party had to be in full swing. Hadley made her way back to the docks and climbed up to the top of the ramps. She gripped onto the ropes that prevented people from falling into the water and spotted the large boat where Ben had decided to hold the party that was illuminated with lights.
"Rough day?" Hadley jumped at the voice and turned to see the last person on the planet she wanted to see. "looks like the cockroach emerged from the cave" "ouch I deserve that I guess" "you deserve a whole lot more" "look there is a lot that you don't understand" Hadley grew frustrated at the conversation "then how about you tell me because I have been wondering for 15 years who my dad is and why he is too cowardly to show his face" Hades took a deep breath to control his temper "look I will explain everything if you would just give me a chance" "a chance to what to leave again? Sorry but the trust I have in you is very low at the moment".
The father and daughter sat in a long and awkward silence, neither one would speak up. Hadley had inherited her father's temper and with those two together, there was a short fuse between them. Hadley had her eyes glued on the boat floating in the bay. By now Mal should have been declared a Lady of the Court and Ben should be presenting his present to her. Or at least she thought. To her surprise she saw a cyclone of water grow into the air and drop to show what had looked like Uma emerging from the sea in an Ursula like fashion. Hades eyebrows raised "that can't be good" "no shit". Hadley's heart started racing, somethings not right. Uma was using her tentacles as a weapon as she tried to hit the party guests on the boat.
Hadley knew Mal wouldn't let this go on for much longer and sure enough large purple smoke accumulated and dissipated to reveal a large purple dragon flying over the boat. "did you know she could do that?" a stunned Hadley just shook her head "you know your mother isn't as smooth with her dragon transitions" "let's stop with the commentary" Hades put up his hands in defense. Hadley gripped the ropes tighter watching the fight unfold. Mal and Uma battled it out for a few moments neither looking triumphant. Out of nowhere Ben jumped in the water to try to stop the chaos. Whatever Ben was doing seemed to be working because both girls stopped immediately. By the looks of Uma retreating, Mal must have won another battle again. Hadley was torn with being happy for her sister and upset for her friend. Judging by the music and fireworks all was right and perfect in Auradon. Typical.
Hades broke the silence "you know where I live when you're ready we'll talk, and I can show how to control your power". Hadley didn't even look at him, she just stared at the boat stuck in deep thought. After a while Hadley decided to head to the loft, all she wanted was to be alone for tonight.