I'll Be The One
Chapter 15:
=Normal POV=
[Sunday, 12/23/2018-11:00 am]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Dreki Apartments; A1]
The next morning arrived fast and Hunter was not ready for such. Groaning a bit and struggling to sit up with a body that felt like it was being held down by a mass amount of weight, Hunter began to wake slowly. Hunter's head pounded as a feeling he never wanted to feel again hit him. Hunter knew what it was, and he knew right away that it was going to be a shitty beginning to the day; the worst part was knowing he couldn't blame anyone because he chose to do it. Hunter managed to get up and look around; he found Tallon sitting in the window seat, looking at his phone.
"Well," Tallon smiled, setting the device down. "Good morning," Hunter didn't say anything as he was confused. "I'm sure you want to know why I'm here, but I feel those answers can wait until after you've used the bathroom and showered to wake up a bit more," he stated.
Hunter couldn't even argue because he felt awful, so he nodded to Tallon and got out of bed to get to the bathroom. Unfortunately, standing made everything worse than sitting up had. Hunter felt nauseated as he closed his eyes taking a few deep breaths. It didn't work; feeling the vomit rise from his stomach and into his throat forced him to cover his mouth and dash for the bathroom. Tallon winced a bit when the door closed, and he immediately heard Hunter start to throw up harshly a few times. Hunter coughed, and groaned.
"Gods…Why did I do this to myself…?" Hunter moaned from within the bathroom. Tallon heard the toilet flush, and then the water for the shower start. Assuming that Hunter would be in there for at least ten minutes; he left Hunter's bedroom to find his friends sitting around the living room.
"I take it he's up?" Flynn inquired.
"I'd go with still waking up, but he's out of bed," Tallon nodded.
"He puke?" Seth asked.
"Yeah, about three times," Tallon replied. "Already stated asking why he did this to himself," he added.
"Probably gonna be an easy day for him," Harper assumed.
"Without a doubt," Drew chuckled.
"Can't say I wouldn't have done the same," Elijah shrugged. "Poor guy is trying to cope with the death of his mother and get through the first major holiday without her,"
"Don't forget the break up with his ex too," Tallon reminded.
"Did he wonder why you were in the bedroom with him?" TJ inquired.
"I told him to use the bathroom and shower first; he didn't seem to disagree," Tallon stated. "I guess we wait for him," he shrugged as the others agreed.
. . .
[11:30 am]
Hunter took a while in the shower to mostly stand there and contemplate his bad choice to drink last night. After about ten minutes; Hunter actually showered and shaved. Once getting out, Hunter dressed in a fresh pair of boxers; then his dark brown sweat pants with a pair of black socks. Hunter didn't feel like putting on a shirt, so he didn't bother after fixing up his hair and brushing his teeth. Hunter grabbed his phone and pulled up the contacts while exiting the bedroom.
"Feel any better?" Tallon asked.
Hunter shook his head a few times lightly before tapping a contact and pressing the call icon; then the speakerphone. On the third ring, there was an answer. "Good morning, sunshine," came Gregory's voice. "Did you have a fun night?"
"Shut it, Uncle Greg," Hunter muttered as the man laughed a bit.
"How hungover are you?" Gregory inquired.
"Enough to ask the alcoholic what his hangover cure is, so out with it before I come down there and kick your ass," Hunter stated. The friends blinked in confusion. What did Hunter mean by hangover cure? There was a cure for hangovers? Hunter tried not to laugh at their reactions because his head was pounding.
"Boy, you don't stand a chance in your current state," Gregory chuckled.
"Excuse the fuck out of you; we both know I whip your ass at least five times worse drunk or hungover than I can sober, old man," Hunter remarked. "How did you even know I was drinking last night?"
"Because you are your father's son; he was too," Gregory reported calmly. Hunter paused a moment. "You both have the same problem. Ya start feeling down, ask to be alone, end up drinking. I know what time of year this is; I knew it would hit you both hard,"
"Is he alright?" Hunter inquired.
"Fit as a fiddle, lad. Do you honestly believe I'd let him be alone when he drinks? Come on; I'm his best friend. I took care of him," Gregory stated. "What about you? How much did you have and were you alone?"
"More than I should have, but in my defense; I didn't feel any of it until I got home. Also, no; my friends sneakily shadowed me at the bar. I got driven home by Kris, and my friends made sure I got to bed around 9:30 after the alcohol hit and I puked a couple times," Hunter said.
"Felt it after you broke the seal, didn't you?" Gregory chuckled.
"Felt it when I stopped drinking and was sitting in the car on the drive home…I had at least six shots, three beers, rum and coke, jack and coke, then when I got home, I made a soco and coke; pretty sure that's the one that was over the limit," Hunter informed.
"Likely," Gregory replied.
"So, Dad is okay? Emotionally?" Hunter asked.
"He's coping, but I think he could use his son's presence right about now," Gregory hinted.
"Where is he?" Hunter asked.
"Where do you think?" Gregory inquired gently.
"Cemetery…" Hunter sighed.
"You got it," Gregory confirmed. "How are you holding up?"
"Holding," Hunter replied.
"You know I know you better than that, kiddo," Gregory stated.
"I got wasted last night, Uncle Greg; entirely by choice…How do you think I'm doing?" Hunter reiterated.
"That's what I thought," Gregory informed. "Come home, Hunter. I think you're needed here,"
"Dad just get back?" Hunter questioned. "Is he okay?"
"No, but he will be soon. And I think you should pack up some clothes and personal items; then come home for the holiday," Gregory suggested.
"I said I'd be home for day before and day of," Hunter responded.
"Hunter, listen to me, alright? I know this isn't an easy time of year for you or your father. This time last year is when you found out that your mom didn't have more than six months to live, and you knew the end was near; that you'd both have to say goodbye to her. You and your dad need one another to get through this. Your miserable, he's miserable without your mother and you. This is a big house to always be in, especially when your family isn't with you. Remember that you were residing at the school up until a few days before your mom died, and then you moved back to finish your third year of college. That helped you and your dad, but now you've moved out again and he misses you a lot. More so during these harder times, like holidays, or the one year coming up in April. I know Sal has me, and you know I love you both to death and I'm here for ya to help in any way I can, but I think you both could use each other," Gregory explained.
"Are you asking me to move back home for the rest of my final year?" Hunter inquired.
"No, lad; just come home until…The New Year, at least. Please? The two of you can't do this by yourselves; look what you resorted to? What you both did. Drinking until you hit your limits? That is not how you mourn and cope; you need each other to get through the harder times, remembering your mother and his wife, as she was. So, pack a bag and come home for two weeks, Hunter. Seriously…I'm worried about both of you," Gregory said.
"Alright, alright…I'll come home for a couple weeks," Hunter said. "But give me the hangover cure or I'm not going anywhere today,"
"Fair enough. Alright, pay attention. Go grab a beer, and drink it," Gabriel informed.
"I, uh, I'm trying to recover from drinking?" Hunter stated. "Not get re-drunk,"
"Just shut up and do as you're told," Gregory informed. Hunter shrugged, leaving the phone where it was and going to his room to get a beer from his mini fridge. Hunter popped the top off. "Drink it fast, but don't down it or you'll just throw up again if you didn't already do that this morning," he instructed.
"Hey, you're the resident alcoholic of the Haddock Family," Hunter said. "And yes, I did throw up already…"
"Not a Haddock," Gregory said.
"You might as well be; you're my dad's best friend and the two of you are practically brothers," Hunter said taking a drink from the bottle. "Are you sure this is gonna work? Cuz right now; my stomach is saying bad idea,"
"That's supposed to happen, so you're okay. Just drink," Gregory informed. Hunter did so, though he really wanted to puke. Fighting it back for about ten minutes; Hunter finished it and groaned. "Feel like throwing up again?"
"Yes…" Hunter replied.
"Good, then it's working. Now, go get a can of Sprite, two aspirins, and about two pieces of bread," Gregory stated. Hunter did so. "Got it?"
"I do,"Hunter responded.
"Eat one of the breads, drink the soda and take the aspirin; then eat the second piece. You should start feeling better in an hour or so," Gregory told him.
"I fail to see how this works," Seth said aloud.
"That the Jorgenson boy?" Gregory inquired.
"Yep, Seth. Silas's son," Hunter informed.
"Interesting. Anyway…The reason this works is because any alcoholic will tell you that the best way to cure a hangover is to pick up where you left off the night before. When you drink, your liver processes the alcohol. However, when you go to bed drunk; your body just shuts itself down. When you wake up the next morning, your body is slow to get functioning again due to all the alcohol that didn't process while you slept. If you drink something first thing in the morning, like a beer; your body jump starts to begin processing faster. The soda keeps it going, to stay hydrated. The aspirin takes care of general headaches and what not. And the bread will soak up the alcohol; thereby curing a hangover faster," Gregory explained. "You might still feel a bit lazy and tired, but it'll be better than you feel now. Stay on the water too,"
"Got it," Hunter answered. "Alright; I'm gonna do this and then start packing. Don't tell dad; I want to surprise him,"
"Lips are sealed," Gregory chuckled. "See you soon, kiddo," Hunter ended the call.
"So, there is a hangover cure?" Tallon arched a brow.
"Not official, just what works for Greg and dad; they invented it together during a morning after drinking most of the night. I think they didn't have much to work with and just went with something that happened to make it easier," Hunter informed while munching on the bread and drinking the soda slowly. "So, while I work on this…Tal, why were you in my room when I woke up?"
"Oh, well, you were really drunk last night, so after you puked; we helped you to bed and I decided to stay on your window seat in case you needed anything through the night. It's just something I do as leader of the gang; I make sure my friends are okay after drinking a lot and we all camp at the hideout. I suppose I felt inclined to do the same for you despite knowing you're entirely safe here. Sorry," Tallon explained softly.
"No, no…It's okay. I'm not mad; I was just confused," Hunter smiled a bit. "I didn't…Say anything last night, did I?"
"Well, you told us about your mom passing…" Avery mentioned.
"I knew that. I didn't say anything after the alcohol hit me?" Hunter asked.
"You mentioned you were glad to have such good friends, but then knocked out," Trevor stated.
"Okay, I remember that," Hunter nodded as he finished the bread; then took the two pills and started on the second piece. "Guess I should go pack,"
"Will we see you at all before the New Year?" Flynn wondered.
"Maybe; I'll let you know," Hunter informed as he headed for his room. Hunter pulled out his suitcase, tossing a couple sets of clothes in and then grabbing his bathroom items. Hunter sped around the room to clean up before he left for two weeks or so. Hunter wheeled his suitcase and laptop bag out; then locked the door with a key.
"How do you feel?" Tallon inquired.
"Better than before, probably gonna get to the house and spend time with dad and Greg. I might take a nap after all that, though. Or go to bed early after dinner," Hunter said softly.
"Will you still text? Maybe we can Skype?" Elijah asked curiously.
"I'm sure that can be arranged," Hunter nodded as he was sending a text message. There was some silence as a knock was heard on the door and Hunter went over to it, and opened it to see his father there. "Dad?"
"Hi, son…" Salvatore said. "Can I come in?"
"Of course, you know that. Greg said you were at the cemetery; I was coming to meet you there," Hunter stepped aside to let him in and then close the door.
"You were coming to the cemetery?" Salvatore asked.
"Well, yeah; Greg said you had gone alone. Figured you could use some company," Hunter informed.
"But…You haven't been since the funeral; you refused to go," Salvatore reminded.
"Because to me, that's not where my mom is," Hunter said as Salvatore arched a brow. "My mom is still here," he added with his hand on his head. "And here," he moved his hand to his heart. "I can't very well remember the good times while sitting in the place I have to remember one of the worst days of my life. That's why I don't go, at least not at random times; I'm not going to unnecessarily torture myself,"
"Now why couldn't you tell me that months ago…" Salvatore mumbled.
"Kind of thought you'd figure it out," Hunter shrugged as there was a knock on the door. Hunter opened it to find Gregory.
"Heard Sal was coming here to see you, so figured I would too and make sure you're all cured," Gregory informed.
"Cured?" Salvatore blinked.
"Like father, like son. The both of you ended up drinking last night. He called me for my hangover cure, much like you did," Gregory chuckled.
"I'm better now. Headache is gone, so is all the nausea…" Hunter informed.
"Good, good!" Gregory nodded. Hunter rolled his eyes. "Don't you roll your eyes at me; I'll put you on your ass,"
"You're welcome to try," Hunter invited. Gregory's brow twitched as he went to punch Hunter in the arm. Hunter stepped to the side, using his left hand to block Gregory and grab his fist. Hunter turned the man's wrist a bit before shifting in to hook his leg behind Gregory's and pull it out from under him. Gregory began to lose his balance as Hunter crouched down and stuck out his leg, sweeping Gregory down fully onto his back hard.
"Well done, son. Better watch it, Greg. Hunter was your top student who beat you and a lot of your military friends in solo and multiple fighter situations," Salvatore laughed a bit the friends blinked.
"And yet I wonder why you think he needs secret service agents on him," Gregory huffed. "The boy could more than protect himself. Thor help whoever gets on his bad side,"
"How bad is his bad side?" Flynn decided to ask.
"You don't ever want to find out!" Salvatore and Gregory said at the same time with wide eyes and a warning-like tone. The friends blinked again.
"Moving on," Salvatore sighed. "I know he can," Salvatore said. "It was his mother's request that I always ensure he's safe just in case something went wrong,"
Hunter looked at his father now. "So, what brings you by, Dad?"
"I was hoping you'd sing the song you made for your mother and me…Please?" Salvatore inquired.
"You're going to have to be specific, Dad," Hunter stated.
"The one you did for our last wedding anniversary before she passed," Salvatore enlightened.
"Oh! You mean Written In The Stars?" Hunter asked.
"That's the one!" Gregory announced. "I think it was one of your best works, next your military pieces of course,"
"Speaking of…I started a new one that I need to finish," Hunter reminded himself.
"Oh, I want to hear it!" Gregory hoped.
"When it's done," Hunter nodded.
"So, will you sing the one you did for your mom and me?" Salvatore pleaded with his eyes.
"Alright, alright…" Hunter agreed. "I'll do it when we get to the house,"
"When we get to the house?" Salvatore blinked as Hunter got his suitcase and laptop bag.
"Well, yeah," Hunter said with a soft smile. "I'm off school until the 7th of January, and midterms start on the 21st. I figured I'd come home for the holidays…If you don't mind, Dad?"
"Mind!? Why would I mind?! Of course!" Salvatore exclaimed happily as he hugged Hunter tightly, squeezing the air from his son's lungs in the bone-crushing bear hug.
"Dad! Need to breathe!" Hunter gasped out. Salvatore let him go quickly.
"Sorry!" Salvatore said, forgetting how much smaller Hunter was than him. Hunter coughed a few times, and tried not to throw up as one hand went over his stomach and the other went to his mouth. "I forget, son…"
"Yeah…I know," Hunter mumbled, jerking once, but holding back from puking. "Okay…I'm good,"
"Well, let's be on our way then. I'm overjoyed you'll be coming home for a bit!" Salvatore smiled. Gregory chuckled, shrugging his shoulders after he'd gotten up; a way of telling Hunter that he had no idea how happy he just made his dad. "You can ride with me, son. Unless you want to take your car?"
"I'll ride with you," Hunter nodded. "See you guys later," Hunter said to his friends as he headed out with Salvatore and Gregory.
"Bye, Hunter!" the group called as the door shut.
"Guess we won't be seeing him until he returns," Harper chuckled a bit.
"Good for him, though. Going home to be with his father and uncle; they can cope together," Tallon smiled. "Who knows, maybe we'll see him over the next couple of weeks; he could end up wandering the mainland again," he added. "I'm headed home to get a shower, lunch, and then maybe a nap," he waved, leaving.
"We should also leave, prepare for our holidays," Avery stood up.
"See you for the New Year's party?" Drew asked.
"Probably. Have a good Snoggletog!" Trevor called. Everyone said their goodbyes, and left to return to their own apartments. Snoggletog was two days away, and everyone would be spending time with their families and then likely join up again to ring in the new year on December 31st when it switched over to January 1st, 2019 at midnight.