I'll Be The One

Chapter 11:

=Hunter's POV=
[Friday, 11/30/2018-8:00 am]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Dreki Apartments; A1]

I tiredly awoke to the sound of my alarm going off and getting increasingly louder as I came to consciousness from my sleep. I lazily reached over and tapped the stop button to silence the device, since the alarm was set on my phone. I sat up in bed, feeling exhausted; I rubbed my eyes and finally threw the covers off. I grabbed my phone and saw that it was 8:00 am already. How had I slept past my 6 am and 7 am alarms?! Damn it! I had class in an hour! I quickly raced into the bathroom to grab a shower. Fifteen minutes later; I got out and instantly dressed into a pair of brown pants, black sneakers, and green shirt. I grabbed all my school things, and carefully tossed them into my book bag before heading out of my bedroom to see that Flynn wasn't there. However, I did see a note hanging on the fridge from my roommate.

~Hunter,
Morning, my friend. Harper and I went out for a breakfast date before I had class at 10 am. Hope everything is alright; I heard your first and second alarms go off and you never came out. See ya later! -Flynn~

I felt bad if my alarms woke Flynn up; I had a 6 am and 7 am one set. 8 am was a last-ditch effort to wake me up if I played the dangerous game of, I'm going to lay here a bit longer before I get up, and then I end up falling back asleep. I guess I lost today's match. I didn't know why I still felt tired, but I suppose I'd eat a little something and have some coffee before my first class; that usually helps if the shower doesn't. I made myself a bowl of cereal, and then some coffee. I sat down at the center island beginning to eat and drink. Around 8:50 am; I cleaned up my things, not feeling any better, and left the apartment to get to the university across the street, desperately praying that I wouldn't feel this way all day.

. . .

[11:40 am]
[Archia Island University]

I hated to admit it, but I think I'm getting worse. There was twenty minutes of my Artificial Intelligence course left; then I could get some lunch and work on my homework for AI. Following that; I had my Algorithms and Computer Graphics class from 1 pm to 4 pm. Honestly, I wanted today over so I could go home and maybe take a nap. It wasn't often I needed sleep during the day, but I felt like I didn't get any rest last night, so maybe a power nap for an hour or two would fix me. I tried to focus on the lesson, but my head was pounding. I tried to shake it off, but that made the feeling worse and now; I felt nauseated. I attempted to ignore it, drink a little from my water bottle, but to no avail. I felt myself about to vomit as I quickly grabbed my stuff and left the classroom in a hurry; I'd email my teacher later and explain. The last thing I wanted was to puke in class.

I booked it to the nearest bathroom, dropping my books carelessly and hitting my knees as I threw up once. I ended up doing it again a few moments later. I took deep breaths, drinking some water as I leaned against the wall to give myself a few minutes to let things settle. Around 12 pm, I got up and collected my haphazardly dropped things before moving to the sink to wash my hands. I really hoped I wasn't getting sick; I didn't need that right now. I left the bathroom and headed for the food court. I wasn't entirely sure I'd eat after throwing up twice, but at least I could rest for an hour until my second class of the day.

"Hunter! Hey, over here," I heard Harper call to me. I made my way over, finding Harper, Flynn, Roxanne, and TJ sitting together.

"Good to see you awake after sleeping past your alarms," Flynn smiled.

"Yeah, sorry about that…I hope I didn't wake you," I mumbled, sitting on the other side of Roxanne.

"No, not at all. I was up at 6 am anyway," Flynn informed.

"Did you have a late night or something?" Roxanne wondered.

"Sort of," I nodded. "Did homework, dealt with Cassandra constantly texting and calling me up until 1 am. I went to sleep after that, but woke up a few times for no reason," I stated.

"That sucks; the ex-girlfriend thing. You think she'll give up soon?" Harper inquired.

"I hope so because I'm this close," I demonstrated with the closeness of my fingers together, "To changing my number or getting a no contact order,"

"Yeesh, that bad?" TJ blinked.

"If she wants you so bad, why did she fuck up in the first place?" Roxanne asked.

"That's the million-dollar question, Rox," I replied.

"Seems like she wants you, but also the freedom to not be tied down," Flynn pointed out.

"Well, this ain't no open relationship. I'm not gonna be with someone who wants to be with others too…I can't even begin to describe how much it bothers me wondering how many other guys she has slept with. How many others did she date and promise that they were her only," I sighed.

"At least you caught onto things and ended it, Hunter," Harper offered.

"I suppose, but I wish I'd seen it sooner than five years later. I had my suspicions for the longest time, wondering why she would always say she needed space and that we needed a break. Sometimes she's straight up leaves me for a week or two. I forgave her each time because I loved her," I mentioned.

"You loved her and wanted to make things work; there's nothing wrong with that," Flynn said.

"Feels like I tried to hard on something that died a long time ago. She changed after I started college, and I let it be at first; chalked things up to adjusting to a new lifestyle. Things started to die after we had sex for the first time, a year and a half after dating. I had probably just finished my first year of college around that time," I said, thinking back on when the trouble began.

"It appears that if she couldn't have all your time; then she stayed with you, but had others who could give her more time on the side. In a way of making sure she was never alone," Harper said softly. "Which is wrong,"

"Well, it's done and over with now. Like I said; I had my suspicions about the cheating, but walking in and seeing her lip-locked with Tallon was all the proof I needed to end it that day. I told her anymore fuck ups and I would leave her; she apparently thought she wouldn't get caught," I informed. "As for her always calling and texting; I'll probably just change my number, and she'll give up eventually. She's a spoiled brat and thinks she can have whatever she wants whenever she wants it. I don't play that game,"

"Good for you," TJ smiled.

"What are you having for lunch?" Roxanne inquired.

"Not all that hungry right now, so probably nothing," I admitted. I was hungry, but didn't want to risk upsetting my stomach again. I needed to make it through the rest of the day, and as it currently stood; I didn't know if I would be able to with how I felt. My headache was getting worse, and my stomach was bothering me. I was still tired, and I felt a bit nauseated; I figured it would be best to stay on the water and not push my luck with eating right now.

. . .

[2:30 pm]

I enjoyed spending time with my friends at lunch, but I was feeling like crap. I messaged my dad a bit, but he didn't answer me. I figured as much; he is the president after all. I was in my second class of the day now, just sitting and listening to the lesson. I felt a little dizzy and lightheaded; my headache was developing into a migraine. I had an hour and a half left; then I could go home and rest using the weekend to do homework. Unfortunately; I didn't think I was going to make it. I felt awful; there had been a few instances already where I wanted to throw up and held it back.

"Mr. Haddock, are you with us?" the teacher asked as I snapped out of thoughts.

"Yes, sir," I replied, focusing on things. I needed to stay on track and get through the rest of my day.

. . .

[4:00 pm]

The last half hour of class has been rough; I've nearly left twice to throw up, but managed to keep it down. However, as soon as the course let out; I bolted from the room and to the nearest bathroom. I hit my knees and threw up in the toilet. I coughed a few times, able to feel how much my throat hurt now. I knew this meant I had to be sick; nothing else would make sense. I woke up late today; I've been tired still on top of the head and stomach ache. This is the third time I've thrown up, so what else was I supposed to think? I didn't need to be sick right now; I hated getting ill. I needed to get home and rest for the weekend; I needed to get better for school on Monday. I got up, exiting the stall and washing my hands before leaving the bathroom and headed for the doors to leave the school.

I put up my hood and slid my sunglasses on before leaving the building; this was my disguise for getting past the paparazzi. I reached the sidewalk and prepared to cross. Once I got home; I'd probably take a hot shower and crawl into bed. I didn't feel I should try and eat anything today; it wasn't the best idea after puking three times. When I saw the walk signal come on; I headed across the street.

. . .

=Normal POV=
[4:15 pm]
[Dreki Apartment; A1]

The friends were hanging out in Flynn and Hunter's apartment, but they usually did since Flynn, Harper, and the Thorston twins would be doing their homework while relaxing with the others.

"I hope Hunter is okay," Harper mentioned out of the blue.

"Why wouldn't he be?" Tallon asked.

"Doesn't seem like his normal self today," Flynn mentioned. "Slept past his first two alarms, didn't eat at lunch…"

As if on cue; the door to the apartment opened and Hunter walked in. "Hey, Hunt," Avery greeted with a smile.

"Hi…" Hunter said quietly. The friends could tell right away what Harper and Flynn meant about Hunter not seeming as his usual self; he looked miserable.

"You, uh…You okay?" Seth asked. Hunter never answered as he made sure the door was shut. Hunter stood there a moment before closing his eyes and then briskly walking to his room, closing that door.

"Maybe something happened at school?" Madison offered.

"I don't think so, but he mentioned his ex-girlfriend not leaving him alone," Flynn said.

"Yeah, keeps calling and texting him about wanting to get back together," Roxanne nodded, confirming the statement.

"Hunter said he was gonna change his number if she didn't stop," TJ added in.

"He didn't look annoyed when he came in, just tired," Elijah pointed out. Hunter exited the bedroom, wearing brown sweatpants and a gray sweater; there was a pair of black socks on his feet too. Around 4:45 pm, Hunter plopped in his chair and set his laptop in his lap, opening it up.

"Long day?" Tallon asked.

"Immensely," Hunter nodded, logging into his computer and pulling up his homework to start it. "How was everyone else's day?"

"Good, quiet," Drew nodded. "We were just discussing what to do for dinner,"

"Were you planning to order out or cook?" Hunter questioned.

"Didn't want to order out again, so cook, but no idea what to make that would feed everyone," Flynn informed.

"There's a couple things you could do; Shepard's Pie, Sausage and Potatoes, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Baked Macaroni and Cheese…" Hunter listed off.

"That involves actual cooking…" Avery mumbled.

"And that's a bad thing?" Hunter arched a brow.

"No, but…We don't know how to make some of those…Our version of cooking involves and oven or microwave…" Trevor chuckled.

"Oh, my Gods…You've never cooked a meal by hand?" Hunter blinked a few times. "Dear Odin above, how have you survived this long?"

"Are you saying you know how to cook?" Harper huffed.

"Actually…Yes, I do. My dad started teaching me when I was about twelve…" Hunter remarked. "Dad and Gregory,"

"Not your mom?" Roxanne asked. Hunter was quiet a moment.

"No, my mom couldn't cook to save her life…Pretty sure my dad banned her from the kitchen unless it was making a sandwich," Hunter tried to laugh a little. "Well, those meals I gave you are easy enough. I could walk you through it," he offered. "Baked mac and cheese feeds quite the group,"

"Is that…The meal you made for Cassandra the night we met her?" Flynn asked.

"That's the one. It was her favorite of my specialties," Hunter nodded, typing away on his computer. "All you need for it is shells or penne pasta, liquid cheese, broccoli, shredded cheese, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ritz crackers,"

"I think we have all that," Flynn stated.

"We should; it's among the things I typically buy," Hunter stated. "Gotta start by boiling the water. About half a pans worth; add salt to the water," he instructed, still typing.

"Why salt in the water?" TJ inquired.

"Makes it boil faster," Hunter replied as he coughed a bit, but nothing hard. Flynn shrugged and started the water on the stove top. Some time passed as the water began to boil.

"What's next Hunter?" Harper questioned.

"Preheat the oven to three-fifty. Add the shells into the water, they take about twelve minutes. And then start the broccoli in the microwavable bag it comes in for ten minutes," Hunter said without looking up from his computer. "When that's done, drain the water and put the pasta back into the pot. Mix in the broccoli, butter, shredded and jar cheese, and seasonings and give it a good stir. Grab the glass, nine by thirteen pan, spray it with cooking spray. Grab the crackers and crush them into crumbs and sprinkle it in the pot. Give all that a stir before dumping it into the glass pan. Do a light layer of shredded cheese and cracker crumbs on the top and toss it in the oven for fifteen minutes," Hunter explained the rest while continuing to type.

Hunter coughed a few times, harder than before and he shook it off while working still. On the arm of the chair, Hunter's cell phone began to ring. "I swear to God…If that's her again; I'll throw the phone out the window…" Hunter groaned as he glanced off. Thankfully; it was only his father. Hunter slid the icon to answer and tapped speaker. "Hi, Dad,"

"Hi, son. I just got your messages. Are you alright?" Salvatore asked.

"I'm still alive," Hunter replied.

"Not funny, Hunter," Salvatore sighed. "You know we don't joke about this kind of thing. So be serious, are you alright?"

"Yes, Dad; I'm okay," Hunter responded. "I'm hanging with some friends and doing my homework,"

"You should be resting if you're sick," Salvatore informed.

"If I sleep now; I'll be up all night and I rather not do that," Hunter mentioned. "Seriously, I'm okay…I'll let you know if anything changes,"

"Alright. I'm sorry I didn't respond before," Salvatore said.

"Don't worry about it; I know you're busy, Dad. I just like to keep you posted," Hunter stated.

"I appreciate the updates, son. Well, if you're good; then I'm good. I'll let you go to do your work. I love you," Salvatore reminded.

"I love you too," Hunter smiled and then the call ended.

"Are you sick?" Madison asked when Hunter went back to typing.

"Just a cough; I'm fine," Hunter informed. "Happens every year for me,"

"You getting sick?" Tallon arched a brow.

"Yeah," Hunter nodded, still typing. "My immune system sucks," he mentioned. "Always has since I was little," The phone began to ring again as he looked over. "God damn it woman…" he sighed. "What?" he lifted the device to his ear. "I'm not ignoring you to spend more time with you," Hunter said. "Cassandra, knock it off," he mentioned. "Oh, don't even go there with me. This is only killing you because I did the leaving this time. All our other time apart or breakups were done by you and that allowed you to decide when you wanted it back. This time; I'm in control, and I don't want you back," he informed. "I'm being dead serious about it. I told you one more fuck up of any kind and I was done, Cassandra," there was a pause. "Yeah, your slip up was your tongue down my friend's throat," Hunter glared. "It's over, Cassandra. Move on…If you don't stop; I'm going to change my number…" he said. "I absolutely would,"

Tallon didn't like seeing Hunter be upset, on top of the fact that Hunter was sick too and trying to get his work done. Tallon held his hand out to Hunter. "Let me talk to her," Tallon whispered. Hunter blinked a few times, but handed the phone over. Tallon tapped speaker took a breath. "Cassandra, it's Tallon,"

"What do you want? I'm busy talking to my boyfriend," Cassandra snapped.

"I'm not your boyfriend anymore!" Hunter yelled, then coughed hard.

"Enough," Tallon said, silencing Cassandra. "Leave Hunter alone," he stated firmly.

"You can't make me do anything," Cassandra huffed.

"I think you'll find that I can, Miss. Boggs. See, I'm an officer of the Barbaric Archipelago Police Force and what you're doing to Hunter, is harassing him when he's made it clear he doesn't want anything more to do with you. Harassment of any kind is illegal. Now, we can do this the easy way where you cease contact, or I can issue a no contact and restraining order, both can be in effect in under half an hour. If you persist after such; I will have you arrested and sitting in lock up until Monday morning. It's your call," Tallon informed. There was some silence, and then the call ended. "That's what I thought," he chuckled a bit, handing Hunter's phone back to him. "She shouldn't bother you again,"

"Wow…" Hunter said, shocked. "Thanks," he smiled some.

"Anytime," Tallon winked as Hunter felt the heat rise to his cheeks. Hunter cleared his throat a little, going back to his work.

. . .

[6:45 pm]

Dinner was finished and ready to go by 5:30 pm. Hunter skipped the meal to work; he said he'd eat when he finished. However, Hunter just wasn't feeling well and didn't want to risk throwing up again. At some point; Hunter managed to fall asleep while on his laptop.

"Hunter, you should take a break," Harper said. No answer. "Hunter?" No reply. The group looked over to find Hunter fast asleep in the chair, head slightly off to the side and laptop still in place.

"Poor guy must be sick," Madison frowned, getting up and lightly touching Hunter's forehead. "Yeah; he's a little warm," she pointed out.

"We should go," Seth said.

"Let him sleep," Drew nodded.

Tallon felt compelled to get up and take the laptop. He saved Hunter's work first; then closed the computer and set it on the table with Hunter's phone. Tallon carefully reclined the chair back without waking Hunter up, then covering him with a blanket. Hunter shifted a bit, turning on his side and getting more comfortable. "Come on," Tallon urged the other friends. "We can hang here when he's not sick," he added.

"I'll keep you posted," Flynn stated. Tallon nodded as he lead the others out. Flynn cleaned things up, put the leftovers away, and then turned out the lights before going to his room so that Hunter could sleep. It was clear he was sick and the exhaustion had won tonight's battle.