I'll Be The One

Chapter 8:

=Normal POV=
[Thursday, 10/25/2018-4:15 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Dreki Apartments; A1]

"There he is!" someone shouted.

"Fuck…" Hunter muttered as he booked it away from the school; he needed to get away quick. Hunter turned a few corners and lost the group of paparazzi tailing him. Hunter panted a few times, trying to catch his breath. Hunter managed to get around the back of the building while hearing voices coming closer. "Damn it…" he located the living room window for his apartment. Fumbling to get his phone; he called Flynn. "Pick up, pick up…"

"Hey, Hunter. You're on speaker," Flynn greeted.

"Flynn! Open the living room window!" Hunter asked.

"Why?" Flynn inquired.

"Just do it, hurry!" Hunter urged, looking up as the window opened. Flynn poked his head out. "Move back!" he called. Flynn quickly backed up as Hunter got a running start and used the wall to get himself higher up and grab the window sill. Hunter grunted a few times.

"Hang on, Hunt; we got ya," Tallon said as he and Elijah pulled him up and through the window. Hunter quickly moved to close the window, panting.

"What happened?" Seth asked.

"Ssh," Hunter said as he glanced around the side of the wall, looking down as the group that was trying to follow him realized that there was no one there and took off. Hunter sighed heavily as relaxed a little. "Paparazzi…" he informed, trying to catch his breath. "Someone spotted me at the school, and they chased me, so I ran until I got behind the building. I don't want them knowing I live here…That's why I needed another way in…"

"Makes sense," Avery replied.

"Are you alright?" Flynn questioned.

"I think so," Hunter replied as Drew got him a water bottle from the fridge. "Thanks," he said, taking a few sips from it. "I was literally in the middle of pulling up my hood when they spotted me through the school doors…" he sighed. His phone began to ring. "And that will be my dad…" he got the device and slid the icon to the right, tapping speakerphone.

"Son! Are you alright?" Salvatore inquired.

"I'm okay, Dad," Hunter replied.

"Your guards saw you running. What happened?" Salvatore asked.

"Nothing major, Dad. It's alright. Couple news and radio workers saw me through the doors at school before I put my hood up. They tried to get me to talk, so I ran; I snuck around the back of my building and got in through the window. I'm safe at home," Hunter explained.

"Good…Good…" Salvatore breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're alright. How was your day otherwise?"

"It's was fine. I am probably going to do homework and relax because I'm exhausted," Hunter said.

"Why are you so tired, son?" Salvatore wondered.

"I worked 5 pm to 1 am last night…I got up at 4 am to open for 5 am and work until 7:45 am. I had class from 8 am to 11 am, then another one from 2 pm to 4 pm,"Hunter informed.

"And let me guess; you have work tonight too?" Gregory's voice came through.

"No…I switched with someone else to get the night off. I'll be working on Saturday in his place," Hunter stated.

"Hunter, you're supposed to come over for dinner with your uncle and me on Saturday," Salvatore sighed heavily.

"Yeah, we haven't seen you in weeks," Gregory reminded.

"I know, I'm sorry. I needed tonight off, Dad. I didn't get any days off last week because someone went on vacation, and someone else got sick for two days. We'll have to do it another night…" Hunter mentioned.

"Well, I can't be upset about it as it's so you can relax a little. How about Greg and I come over for dinner tonight? We'll bring dinner?" Salvatore offered.

Hunter blinked a few times. "I could just come there," he said.

"Why can't we come there?" Gregory asked.

"My roommate has friends over," Hunter rolled his eyes.

"Hunter, no; it's okay. We can go over to my place, or someone else's. You forget we all live in the same building," Tallon chuckled. "Have dinner with your dad and uncle,"

"Oh, your friends can stay too, son. That's fine; we know they aren't dangerous or I wouldn't let you hang out with them," Salvatore chuckled. Hunter sighed.

"You ran background checks on all of them, didn't you?" Hunter mumbled.

"Well, not me personally…But I had someone do it for me," Salvatore laughed a bit. "You know I do it with everyone you interact with, son. I have to assure you are safe,"

"So…That's a yes to dinner?" Gregory hoped.

"Are…You all cool with it?" Hunter looked at his friends.

"It's fine with us, Hunter," Flynn smiled.

"Okay, alright…You can come over for dinner…But your guards stay hidden as mine do…" Hunter said quickly.

"Fair enough," Salvatore agreed.

"You remember where the place is?" Hunter asked.

"Dreki Apartments on Strike Way, apartment A1, right?" Salvatore questioned.

"You got it. Let me know when you're here, and I'll come out to get you inside," Hunter said.

"No problem, son. We'll see you around 6:30? Is that okay?" Salvatore wondered.

"Yeah, that's fine," Hunter replied. "See you soon, Dad, and you too, Uncle Greg. Love you both,"

"Love you too, Laddie!" Gregory called.

"Love you, son," Salvatore said before the call ended.

"Well, this should be interesting," Hunter sighed a bit but smiled.

"I love how chill your dad is," Seth complimented.

"I'm real surprised he's that way," Hunter admitted. "He's typically always serious,"

"Well, he's the president," Avery smiled.

"True," Hunter nodded. "Well, I guess I better get to cleaning and getting a portion of my homework done before he gets here with my uncle," he said, grabbing his bag and moving to the center island to get started. Hunter decided he would clean first because it wouldn't take long. Flynn and Hunter cleaned every day in the morning, so there was never much to do except a few dishes, quick sweep, and mop, then wiping counters down.

. . .

[6:15 pm]

Hunter had gone to take a shower when the sound alerted Flynn someone was buzzing the room. Flynn got up and checked the screen. "It's his dad and uncle…" Flynn said.

"Well, let them in," Tallon stated. Flynn pressed the button to open the main entrance door. Flynn opened the apartment door and peeked out to see the president and second man with him.

"O-Over here, sir…" Flynn waved to them. Salvatore and Gregory strolled over as Flynn let them inside quickly, seeing that the president didn't have his bodyguards. Flynn closed the door as Salvatore and Gregory looked around.

"Wheres my son?" Salvatore asked.

"In the shower, Mr. President; he'll be right out," Harper said.

"Ah," Gregory nodded.

"Please, have a seat?" Flynn offered to the open couch.

"Thank you," Salvatore replied, sitting down next to Gregory. Of course, no sooner than he had; Hunter came out wearing black jeans and a green, long-sleeve shirt.

"Dad!" Hunter smiled wide. Salvatore stood and hugged Hunter tightly. "When did you get here?"

"A few moments ago. Your roommate let us in," Salvatore released him as Gregory barged in and hugged Hunter tightly.

"Greg…Can't breathe!" Hunter gasped as Gregory let him go. "What is with you always trying to kill me?"

"Haven't seen you in a while and I missed ya," Gregory ruffled Hunter's hair.

"Well, you'll miss me more if you suffocate me, so can you not?" Hunter chuckled.

"Fair enough," Gregory shrugged. "Nice place ya got here,"

"Not all mine. It was Flynn's first; I'm just renting his extra bedroom," Hunter stated.

"You're on the lease, Hunter; that makes it both ours," Flynn added.

"I know, but you still had it first," Hunter reminded.

"Surprised Cassandra isn't here," Salvatore mentioned as Hunter grumbled a bit.

"I didn't invite her," Hunter informed.

"I know that tone…What did she do now?" Salvatore asked.

"She's being Cassandra again; I think I can leave it at that and you can use your imagination…" Hunter mumbled this time.

"I'm not going to lie, son; I don't like her. Granted her mother is one of my oldest and dearest friends; I don't like her daughter," Salvatore admitted.

"I know don't. Mom didn't either…" Hunter nodded.

"Well, it doesn't matter. I tolerate it because you love her. As long as you're happy; you know I'm happy for you," Salvatore said.

"Thanks, Dad," Hunter responded. "I'm sure I don't need to, but I'll introduce you to everyone. This is my roommate, Flynn Ingerman, and his girlfriend, Harper Bazirk. These are the twins, Roxanne and TJ Thorston. This is Avery Hofferson, Seth Jorgenson, and his girlfriend, Madison Guarder. Then there is Drew Bazirk; Harper's older brother, Elijah Trapp, Trevor Meatsen, and Tallon Fury…" Hunter took a breath. "Guys and girls…This is my dad, Salvatore Haddock, and my Godfather and unofficial uncle, Gregory Forger,"

"Pleased to meet all of you," Salvatore said, offering a smile.

"Good to see the lad with some friends, finally," Gregory chuckled.

"Shut it, Greg. It's hard to be my friend with my lifestyle…As I've been told many times; I'm not exactly normal," Hunter remarked. "So, what did you bring for dinner?" he asked.

"Your favorite, what else?" Gregory laughed a bit.

"Shepard's Pie? Grammy Gigi's recipe?" Hunter's eyes lit up.

"Made it myself," Salvatore informed proudly. Hunter arched a brow at him questioningly.

"Dad…You're the president of the United Islands…" Hunter reminded.

"Okay…I had it made myself," Salvatore changed his words.

"That's what I thought," Hunter smiled. "So can we eat because I'm starving. Never ate breakfast, and skipped lunch to do homework,"

"Hunter…What have I told you about skipping meals?" Salvatore sighed.

"The same thing I told you about skipping them. Don't," Hunter stated. "Hey, you understand what it's like to have shit come up at random and not eat when you should. "I got held up eating because of work this morning, and then did homework through lunch,"

"I…Cannot argue that," Salvatore nodded. "Alright, now let's eat. There is plenty for everyone," he smiled.

. . .

[7:30 pm]

Not much was talked about through dinner as everyone enjoyed the meal. The minor discussions were what anyone attending college was majoring in, or how life has been outside of their job if any of them were working. Now, everything was cleaned up, and Salvatore told Hunter he could keep the leftovers. Hunter had given his father and uncle a tour of the apartment; the three of them were in Hunter's room now.

"This is a nice place, lad," Gregory smiled.

"Thanks. I found it last minute, like a week before this year began," Hunter replied, sitting on his bed. Gregory sat in the computer chair while Salvatore sat on the bed next to Hunter. Salvatore couldn't help catch his son's eye looking at the picture of him and Cassandra on the nightstand. Salvatore and Gregory could see the sadness, discontent, and perhaps disappointment in his green hues.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Salvatore asked.

"Not really, Dad," Hunter admitted. "Cass and I need to sit down, and talk is all; we just can't find a time where we're both free," he added.

"Well, I don't know much of the issues you two might be having, son, but I do know that relationships are fifty-fifty…It can't be one of you putting in all the effort," Salvatore offered.

"I know that," Hunter nodded.

"And ya make time for one another, especially if it's a serious talk that needs to happen," Gregory informed. "We should get going, Sal," he added.

"Aye, you're right," Salvatore nodded as the three males stood.

"Thanks for coming over, Dad…And you too, Uncle Greg…I needed the upper," Hunter stated as he guided both males out and to the apartment door. The friends were still hanging out, quietly, though.

"Any time, son," Salvatore smiled as Hunter hugged Gregory first, and then his father. After letting his dad go, Salvatore looking into Hunter's eyes. "And one more thing, Hunter…" he started as Hunter looked at the man, who had a hand on his shoulder. "I know you love her, but feelings alone should not be the deciding factor in continuing a relationship or not," he said as Hunter sighed heavily. "You aren't happy, son. And unfortunately…You haven't been for a while now with her. Remember what I've always taught you…"

"Things can change, and nothing is absolute," Hunter recited. Salvatore nodded to him, lifting Hunter's chin.

"With love comes loss, son. And sometimes you have to let things go for better ones to come," Salvatore kissed his forehead. "You know you can always talk to me. I love you. Also…If I can be so bold and suggest something, son?"

"Sure, go for it…" Hunter said.

"You're only twenty-one, Hunter. You don't have to work like your life depends on it," Salvatore chuckled a bit. "Seriously…You work as much as I do; you are still young, enjoy your life a little with friends and school. You paid for your final year already, books, and what not. I don't mind helping out; it makes me feel like you still need me," he laughed a little. "And you're sitting on a bunch of saved money from all your work over the years. Again…Just a suggestion, but why don't you quit your job and free up some time?"

"I'll…Consider the idea, but it's not likely, Dad…" Hunter replied.

"Well, whatever you choose is fine with me. I don't wanna see ya waste the good years slaving away with work," Salvatore ruffled his hair.

"I know. Love you too, Dad," Hunter smiled a bit. "Get home safe. See you soon," he opened the door as the two men exited the apartment. Hunter waited until they made it outside before he closed the door and sighed heavily.

"You alright?" Flynn asked.

"Eh, that's a strong word," Hunter shrugged. "More like beat-ass tired. Thanks for letting them come over tonight…Was nice to spend time with them and all of you. I gotta get my homework done, and then I'm probably gonna get some sleep. Night!" he smiled and headed into his room.

"I feel bad for him. It seems like his girlfriend is the cause of a lot of problems…" Madison stated.

"It's possible, but there isn't anything we can do except be here for him," Tallon stated. "That's what friends do," the other nodded, agreeing, and hoping that Hunter would be alright.

. . .

[Sunday, 11/4/2018-4:00 pm]

It had been a little over a week since the night Salvatore and Gregory came over to the apartment to have dinner with Hunter and his friends. The group was honored to meet Salvatore, and his best friend, Gregory, who were both close family to Hunter being his father and godfather/unofficial uncle. Hunter had put in a lot of thought to his father's idea, quitting his job to enjoy his younger years. After all; after he graduated this year; he'd be getting a new job anyway. Hunter loved Cassandra; he wanted to be with her, have a future, and perhaps he was unfair by never being available due to work and school. Hunter felt that maybe if he quit his job; Cassandra might calm down a little. Besides, what was love without a little sacrifice?

Hunter had to go to work at 5 am this morning, his last shift and teacher the person taking over for him the last of the duties and making sure everything was set. Hunter got stuck working longer than he expected, but he forgot to tell Cassandra, who was already heading to the apartment to meet him for 4:00 pm. Hunter wasn't getting out for another hour, and he did let Flynn know before the major rush hit. Currently, Flynn had Tallon over, and the rest of the friends were coming soon.

There was a buzz at the door as Flynn got up; he checked the mini screen and saw Cassandra. "Hi, Cassandra. Come on in," Flynn greeted while pressing the button. Moments later, he opened the door to let her inside the apartment.

"Where's Hunter?" Cassandra asked.

"Stuck a work a bit longer, but he said you could wait for him here," Tallon informed from the couch.

"Okay. I'll wait in his room," Cassandra walked off. Flynn and Tallon shrugged, assuming Hunter was probably okay with it.

. . .

[5:00 pm]

"Looks like the others are here; I'll go help them," Flynn said.

"I'll help too," Tallon got up, but Flynn shook his head. "No?"

"Stay in here…I don't trust her," Flynn motioned to Hunter's door.

"Got it," Tallon nodded. Flynn left the apartment as Tallon remained on the couch. Hunter's door opened, and Cassandra came out. "Hunter on his way?"

"I don't know; he hasn't answered. I'm just bored…" Cassandra shrugged, plopping into the seat next to Tallon. "So, you're one of Hunter's friends? I don't think I've met you yet,"

"I don't believe so. You met the others; I wasn't here that night," Tallon replied.

"Well, I'm Cassandra Boggs, Cassie or Cass for short. I'm…Bethany Bogg's daughter; she's Mayor of Bog-Burglar," Cassandra said proudly.

"I'm…Well aware. I'm Tallon," Tallon introduced. "Heard you and Hunter have been together for five years,"

"That's right!" Cassandra smiled. "We're getting married soon,"

"Congratulations," Tallon stated.

"You know…You're kind of cute. Same green eyes as Hunter…and hair, only yours is black," Cassandra giggled.

"Um…Thanks, I think," Tallon said, not sure how else to respond, but not wanting to be rude to Hunter's girlfriend.

"What kind of work are you into?" Cassandra asked.

"I do odd and end jobs," Tallon informed. "I like my free time, so I don't commit myself to one particular thing,"

"Oh, that's nice," Cassandra nodded, her hand scooting over onto his and walking her fingers up Tallon's arm. "Your girlfriend must like that you're available for her,"

"I don't have a girlfriend," Tallon remarked. "And you should stop; I don't think Hunter would approve of you making moves on one of his friends while you're dating him," he added, pulling his arm away. Cassandra moved closer as Tallon tried to get up, but Cassandra grabbed his shoulders and leaned in, pressing her lips to his. Tallon's eyes widened instantly as he went to shove her off of him. And if things couldn't be worse; the door opened as the friends walked in and Hunter right behind them, smiling and laughing.

"Babe, I'm back and have-," Hunter laid eyes on the sight of Cassandra and Tallon kissing. "Great news…" he trailed off the ending of his sentence. Tallon pushed her away, quickly moving off the couch. "What the hell?"

"Oh! Hunter, thank Thor you're home! I was just waiting for you when your friend came on to me!" Cassandra cried, rushing over to Hunter, grabbing on to him. Hunter's eyes fell on Tallon now; he could see that Tallon was just as shocked and bothered by this as he was. "He had his hands on my arms so that I couldn't get away!" Cassandra accused. The worst and best part about this is that Hunter knew Tallon was entirely innocent. Hunter pushed Cassandra away from him, stepping back. "Ba-Baby?"

"I think you should leave, Cassandra," Hunter said, turning his head from her.

"You're asking me to leave when I'm the victim?" Cassandra said, shocked.

"I'm not asking; I am telling you to leave," Hunter informed. "I don't want you here. I don't want you around me. I don't want you in my life anymore,"

"A-Are you breaking up with me?" Cassandra was taken aback.

"Yes," Hunter said in a relaxed voice.

"I didn't do anything wrong! He came on to me!" Cassandra pointed to Tallon.

Hunter shook his head. "Maybe that would work with you and a stranger, but I know my friends wouldn't do something like this," he said.

"So you believe him over me?" Cassandra crossed her arms over her chest.

"A victim can't bail on queue, Cassandra. You did, when you realized you were caught. Tallon is still standing there in shock of what happened. Tallon is the victim here, not you. Now, I don't want to stand here and fight with you. I'm not gonna yell at you, and I'm not going to make it a big deal. I just want this over, and I want you to leave," Hunter said.

"We've been together for five years! And you believe the word of someone you've known…Two months?" Cassandra glared.

"Tallon hasn't said a word, but I know he's innocent. You, on the other hand…Are not," Hunter informed.

"Excuse me?" Cassandra said, shocked. "Are you accusing me of being unfaithful to you?"

"It's not an accusation when you have proof. Honestly…It would probably only take one call to the ABI, or BAIA and I can have the last five years of your phone records, e-mails, and satellite images of every place you have been. At the same time…I don't think I need all that," Cassandra flinched a bit. "You think I don't know about all the breaks you put us on so you can have space are so you can be with other guys? You think I don't know you've been talking to other guys behind my back, fucking them on the breaks and break-ups we've had in the last five years?" Hunter stated.

"That is entirely untrue!" Cassandra snapped.

"Your defensive behavior says otherwise…" Seth mumbled.

"Shut up," Cassandra glared.

"Hey, don't talk to my friends that way," Hunter demanded. "Maybe I haven't known them as long as I have you, Cassandra, but seems like they care and have my back a lot more than you do. I told you when we got back together in June that this shit better not happen again,"

"It hasn't!" Cassandra tried.

"Yes, it has. You ride my ass about making more time for you when you know I'm busy. You've accused me of cheating on you with the girls in this very room when all they did was compliment that I looked good in a suit. You always want sex, and you're always pushing me to start the wedding plans when, and let me remind you for the hundredth time, we're not even engaged! Remember? I broke that off when we broke up because you were needy, clingy, and insensitive for my attention after what happened last April!" Hunter said angrily now, as the friends were a bit surprised, but didn't say anything.

"I was an idiot to take you back when you begged me in June…I should never have agreed to it because you broke every promise you made, Cassandra. And I overlooked everything because I love you. I feel like a fool for doing what I did today, after all, this…Because I love you so much, and realized I'm super busy; I decided to quit my job, so I could have more free time to spend with you," Cassandra's let a few tears slip down her cheeks. "I was going to surprise you, take you out for a nice night and propose again…But instead, I came home to find you locking lips with one of my friends. I'm damn glad I found out before I made another mistake,"

"Hunter!" Cassandra reached for him.

"I'm done. Alright? I can't do this anymore," Hunter mentioned. "You, me, us…This; it's emotionally exhausting, and I can't do it anymore. So I'm done. We're done, Cassandra; it's over…Now get out of the apartment," Hunter said.

"I'm not leaving," Cassandra refused.

"Have it your way then," Hunter grabbed his phone, tapping something and putting it on speaker.

"What are you doing? Who are you calling?" Cassandra asked.

"Yes, sir?" replied a voice.

"I need you to remove someone from my apartment, please, as they refuse to go on their own," Hunter said.

"Right away, Mr. Haddock," the voice replied, and Hunter hung up. Hunter went into the bedroom, rounding up her belongings, then came out with them in a bag. As he did this, there was a single knock on the door. Hunter opened the door to the apartment as two guards stood there.

"You called your bodyguards on me?" Cassandra said, stunned.

"Bryant, Andrew…If you'd be so kind as to remove Miss. Boggs from the premises, please? She's not allowed back either," Hunter asked.

"Of course, sir," Andrew nodded.

"Hunter, no! Please?!" Cassandra begged, holding onto him. Hunter took his chance to remove the ring from her finger, holding it in his hand.

"I'll take this, thank you," Hunter said as Cassandra held on him tighter. "Let go,"

"Release him, Ma'am," Bryant pulled Cassandra back as Andrew, and he walked her out.

"Goodbye, Cassandra," Hunter said as the two guards walked Cassandra out of sight. Hunter closed the door slowly, sighing.

"Hunter…I'm so sorry," Tallon said finally.

"You have nothing to apologize for, Tallon; you didn't do anything wrong," Hunter offered a small smile. "If you'll excuse me," he headed into his bedroom, closing the door.

"I think we should just give him some space," Elijah informed. No one could argue it either.

"Maybe we move this get together to my place down the hall. I think Hunter would like to be left alone right now," Tallon said. No one disagreed with it as they all packed up quickly and left the apartment. Hunter was in his room, sitting on the edge of his bed; he heard the apartment door close when everyone left. As soon as they were gone; he lowered his head into his hands, letting the tears fall from his eyes.