I'll Be The One
Chapter 17:
=Normal POV=
[Monday, 12/31/2018-9:30 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[The Archian House]
The night had been going well after Hunter's performance for the memorial that was meant to represent anyone who had been lost during the year of 2018. Hunter and Gregory comforted Salvatore; the three of them left the room for a short amount of time to compose themselves. All returned for dinner at 6:30 pm; it was something simple like spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread or chicken with rice and broccoli. Hunter controlled the music from his laptop; the choices were a mix of casual party and slow. The volume stayed loud enough for people to hear, but continue talking to each other without the need to yell over to be heard. Around 7:30; there had been cake and other types of desserts. Hunter got to spend some time with his friends, but he kept getting pulled away with his father to meet others or talk. The friends understood; Hunter was the president's son and he did have an image and responsibilities to uphold at these types of things. There was still three hours to go until midnight and everyone would enter the year 2019; the party was still going on with everyone enjoying things.
"Has anyone seen Hunter in the past hour or so?" Tallon inquired.
"Not since his father grabbed him to meet the mayors of the islands," Trevor stated.
"I think I saw him walk off after they spoke to Bethany Boggs…I think that is Cassandra's mother; she's mayoress of Bog-Burglar. Cassandra is here tonight; I've already seen her," Flynn mentioned.
"He's probably not in the best mood then," Harper added. The friends were scanning the room, but didn't see Hunter anywhere.
Tallon looked out the windows and Hunter was leaning on the railing, looking out onto the backyard. "I got him," Tallon informed, motioning to the windows behind the stage.
"Should we go see him?" Madison wondered.
"Nah, let's leave him be," Seth said. It wasn't much later that Gregory apparently went to bring Hunter back inside.
"You can't wander off like that, lad," Gregory reminded as they neared the tables.
"I don't want to be near her," Hunter mumbled.
"Then excuse yourself and leave your father's side, but don't leave the building. You know that, kiddo," Gregory told him. "Events like this are too easy for attacks to happen, especially if you're putting yourself in a clear shot without the protection of your guards,"
"I was fine…" Hunter sighed.
"Explain that to your bodyguards who reported it to your father that you went out of sight for more than five minutes," Gregory chuckled. "I know it ain't easy, lad," he put a hand on Hunter's shoulder. "Come on now, buck up. Three hours to go," he added. "Go spend some time with your friends; I think you've seen and talked to all the people expected,"
"Alright," Hunter nodded.
"I'll take care of your father," Gregory walked off. Hunter took a deep breath, heading towards Tallon and the rest of his friends.
"Free of your duties?" Drew chuckled.
"For now," Hunter stated. "Sorry,"
"Don't worry about it," Avery smiled.
"Yeah, it's still a fun time," TJ informed.
"That was a nice song you did earlier," Roxanne mentioned. "Who was it by?"
"Backstreet Boys," Hunter replied. "It's called Never Gone,"
"Beautiful. Did you make your own cover of it?" Harper asked as Hunter nodded.
"Pretty awesome," Tallon smiled.
"Thanks," Hunter smiled back. Half an hour passed of them talking and enjoying each other's company before Salvatore strolled up to him with Gregory and someone else.
"Son," Hunter got his attention. Hunter turned and looked at him.
"Yeah?" Hunter inquired.
"Hunter, there's someone I'd like you to meet; this is Corey Greyson," Salvatore said. Hunter shook the man's hand respectfully.
"Pleasure to meet you," Hunter said softly.
"Hello, Hunter. Your father and I got to talking and he informed me that you're exceptionally good with music," Corey smiled.
"Oh, he did, did he?" Hunter asked.
"Yes, yes. Can you really make your own music and what not from your computer?" Corey inquired.
"I can. Why do you ask?" Hunter pushed.
"Well, I'm a music producer. I'm always coming to these kinds of things to scout for new talent; your dad usually picks small-town groups to perform. I was shocked to learn he put you in charge of tonight's entertainment. I didn't believe it would be possible for one young man to do such complex things. I have to admit that I'm rather intrigued by how you do everything without a studio and the typical equipment used," Corey said.
"It's only a program that allows me to do the same things a studio would. Recording and playing different things; eventually meshing it all together to one song with music," Hunter explained.
"But you don't have other singers; its all you," Corey said.
"That's correct," Hunter nodded.
"Hunter, Mr. Grayson missed your earlier performance and was wondering if you'd be willing to do another," Gregory mentioned. "He wants to see if perhaps you would do some work for him,"
"I'm not looking to be a singer; it's only a hobby of mine…" Hunter stated.
"Not like that, son. He wants your engineering skills to upgrade his studio," Salvatore smiled.
"Oh, well, if that's all. Sure, I don't mind performing again," Hunter agreed. "Any requests?"
"Your…Father mentioned you write your own pieces, so perhaps, if you'd consent, of course; one of those?" Corey hoped. "So that I can get the full experience of something you created with your program?"
"Oh, lad! How about one of your military songs? I love those!" Gregory exclaimed, very hopeful that Hunter would agree. "And can you do the one you know I love?"
"The Warrior Song?" Hunter asked. "Eh…If Dad says it's okay. It's not exactly a song that screams cheerful party, more like beat downs, blood bath, and death…" Hunter remarked.
"Is this the one where you took some of your uncle's war stories and turned it into a song about defeating enemies?" Salvatore asked.
"That's the one," Hunter nodded.
"Come on, Sal? Please?" Gregory pleaded.
"I have to agree with Hunter on this one; the song you're asking for isn't New Year's party appropriate. I'd rather not have to explain to everyone that the song was written by a seventeen-year-old boy about killing enemies…" Salvatore mumbled. "How about one of the nicer songs, Hunter?"
"Define nicer?" Hunter asked curiously.
"Not violent or sad. Find some middle ground, son," Salvatore muttered.
"Buzz kill…" he mumbled. "Fine, fine…Let me see what I got," Hunter added as his father nodded. Hunter sat down at his friend's table, scrolling through his phone, which had all the same songs as his computer did. After five or so minutes passed; Hunter groaned a bit.
"Nothing?" Tallon questioned.
"Plenty, just not sure what to go with," Hunter stated.
"Something inspirational always works," Madison offered.
"I don't have a lot of those; most of them are actually unfinished…" Hunter informed.
"No time to finish them?" Elijah asked.
"No, I just lost the inspiration to finish them, or I scraped the ideas because I couldn't come up with anything," Hunter replied.
"What's the last song you were working on for inspirational?" Tallon inquired, sitting beside Hunter.
"Something with the message of things I believe in, but overall most everyone is good hearted," Hunter responded. "I have lyrics done, but the music I never finished or perfected because it didn't sound right. I was aiming for rock or something," he added.
"Did you try anything else?" Avery wondered.
"Not really," Hunter shook his head. "It didn't sound right on an electric guitar; the rest of the instruments were alright, though," he said.
"What if you went in a softer direction, like…Country?" Tallon tried. Hunter paused a moment, looking at him. "Just an idea,"
Hunter sat up now, fingers tapping to some silent tune as he closed his eyes. "Yeah…Yeah, that might actually work! Tal, you might be onto something!" Hunter smiled. "I got it! Hah, I know what I can do now," he stood up and hurried out of the room. Ten minutes passed as Hunter returned, sitting back down at the table and holding an acoustic guitar and a notebook. Hunter set the notebook down and flipped to a page with lyrics on it. Hunter moved his fingers on the strings, but no sound emitted. Each one he did; he'd smile and mark down.
"Ah…He's working on something new," Gregory chuckled, lightly slapping Salvatore on the arm. Finally, Hunter sat back, relaxing.
"Done…I just hope it comes out the way I imagined it could…" Hunter fixed his position and located something on his phone.
"Ready, son?" Salvatore inquired as Hunter nodded to him while hooking up the microphone that could hang from his ear. "Go for it,"
"Alexa," Hunter said as the music cut. "Play Most People Are Good," he stated.
"Playing Most People Are Good from Hunter's Works," the voice responded. Hunter flipped on the microphone as he adjusted the guitar and started playing along on the queue with the rest of the music.
"I believe kids ought to stay kids as long as they can. Turn off the screen, go climb a tree, get dirt on their hands. I believe we gotta forgive and make amends. Cause nobody gets a second chance to make new old friends. I believe in working hard for what you've got. Even if it don't add up to a hell of a lot…" Hunter started, his eyes closed to semi-stay focused as this was not fully recorded together where he would just sing. No; Hunter had to play the guitar parts live, and sing according to the new change he made.
"I believe most people are good. And most mama's ought to qualify for sainthood. I believe most Friday nights look better under neon or stadium lights. I believe you love who you love; ain't nothing you should ever be ashamed of. I believe this world ain't half as bad as it looks. I believe most people are good," Hunter smiled. The room was quiet, just listening in and enjoying the tune. Some had even moved closer to hear better and see this happen.
"I believe them streets of gold are worth the work, but I still wanna go even if they were paved in dirt. I believe that youth is spent well on the young, cause wisdom in your teens would be a lot less fun. I believe if you just go by the nightly news; your faith in all mankind would be the first thing you lose!" Hunter continued, finally opening his eyes and somehow just falling on Tallon, who probably had to be the closest to him and enjoying the song. Tallon was smiling, and that made Hunter happy.
"I believe most people are good. And most mama's ought to qualify for sainthood. I believe most Friday nights look better under neon or stadium lights. I believe you love who you love; ain't nothing you should ever be ashamed of. I believe this world ain't half as bad as it looks. I believe most people are good…" Hunter played perfectly, never once missing a queue or beat. "I believe that days go slow, and years go fast. And every breath's a gift, the first one to the last," Gregory and Salvatore only looked proud.
"I believe most people are good. And most mama's ought to qualify for sainthood. I believe most Friday nights look better under neon or stadium lights. I believe you love who you love; ain't nothing you should ever be ashamed of. I believe this world ain't half as bad as it looks. I believe most people are good. I believe most people are good. I believe most people are good," Hunter strummed the final note and finished the song. (Song; Most People Are Good by Luke Bryan.) Hunter flipped off the mic. "Alexa, resume last playlist,"
"Resuming New Year's Party Mix from Hunter's iTunes,"
"Well done, son!" Salvatore cheered as there was clapping and cheering for the performance.
"Hey, hey! Watch the guitar, Dad!" Hunter panicked, keeping back from his father's tight embrace.
"Hunter, you have tons of instruments," Gregory reminded. Hunter shook his head to him.
"But none of those will ever replace this one…" Hunter said admiring the instrument in his hands. "Mom gave it to me before she died…" Hunter turned it around, showing Gregory and his father the name on the back. Vanessa Haddock. "It was hers…"
"I'm sorry, son. I'll be more careful. I had a feeling it might be, but wasn't sure," Salvatore said gently. "She'd be happy to see you using it,"
"Well, I saw all I needed to see. You're a talented young man, Hunter. I'd love for you to work with me to upgrade my studio…Will you do it?" Corey inquired with a smile.
"Count me in," Hunter said. "But after I graduate college in June. I'm afraid a lot of my time is going to my studies for my master's degree," Hunter informed calmly.
"I think that's a fair trade," Corey nodded. "Here's my card, and we'll be in contact in a few months," he added. Hunter took the card and tucked it away in his pocket; the two shook hands as Corey shook hands with Salvatore next before walking off.
"Looks like you've got some work as soon as you graduate," Gregory laughed a bit. "Good for you, lad," he was slapped hard on the back in a congratulatory manner.
"I've…Actually got a lot of jobs lined up for after I graduate…" Hunter revealed calmly. "I pick them up here and there,"
"That's good to hear, son. I'm so proud of you, and yer mother would be too…" Salvatore smiled, ruffling Hunter's hair up a bit.
"Thanks, Dad," Hunter smiled back. "Well, it's about 10 pm…Mind if I duck out for a bit? I wanna show my friends my room while they are here,"
"Oh, I suppose. Be back for 11:45, though," Salvatore stated.
"No problem," Hunter replied. "Come on, guys and girls," Hunter invited the others.
"Where are we going?" TJ asked.
"Just come on," Hunter smiled as he disconnected the microphone, setting it on the table. Hunter held his guitar carefully as his friends followed him out of the room. Hunter led them through the massive house, not saying much as they walked. Finally, reaching Hunter's bedroom on the second floor; he opened the door and headed inside.
"Where are we?" Seth asked.
"My bedroom," Hunter smiled. "I know it's getting kind'a boring down there, so I asked dad if I could sneak away with all of you to hang out until the New Year," he informed while putting the guitar back in its rightful spot with a group of other instruments that were hanging on the wall, or set up in stands on the ground.
"Wow, you do have a lot of instruments…" Avery blinked.
"Of course. I got into music at a young age, so maybe when I was twelve or so; my parents started letting me learn how to play instruments. My first was that acoustic guitar; it was mom's. Then I picked up bass, and electric. I learned drums, flute, recorder, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, piano…As some of the mains. I don't know; I just ventured in different directions with it,"
"When did you pick up making music, lyrics and stuff?" Tallon inquired.
"Maybe tenth grade?" Hunter shrugged, sitting on his bed. The room only had a bed, dresser, two nightstands, big window, and desk; there was all the musical instruments too. "I used to learn how to play an instrument, sing and do covers of some of my favorite music. One time, Mom suggested I try to write my own stuff, so I did, and it's become all this. A lot of these," he motioned to the instruments. "Is for show. I can play all of them right from my computer, making the notes I need for songs. But now and then; I prefer to sit down and do it the old-fashioned way. Passes the time," he shrugged.
"Well, you play beautifully," Harper smiled.
"And your singing is incredible," Tallon complimented. "I love that you can change your pitch so easily, sing in different styles of music, and hit long notes. That's some serious talent,"
"Thanks," Hunter replied, trying not to blush.
"Yeah, that's awesome, Hunter," Roxanne nodded.
"Took a lot of training to be able to do it. I have my normal singing voice, but then I trained it to change pitch, length, and in different styles. There is some I can't do, but most…I'm alright with," Hunter said.
"Still; you do a great job," Elijah chuckled.
"I loved the little speech you gave before the song you did when the night started," Madison smiled.
"That was very well put," Avery said.
"I guess I just understand what it's like to thing everything is going to fine; then the next day…Your world crashes down," Hunter shrugged a little. "Dad does too, but he's not awesome with words. I've written a lot of his speeches and I've acted as his translator," Hunter laughed a little.
"Seems like you're jack of all trades," Tallon joked.
"I guess that's one way to describe me; the rest is perverted and sarcastic remarks," Hunter smiled.
"I had included all that in the jack of all trades comment," Tallon rolled his eyes.
"Fuck you," Hunter said, but he was still smiling. "You're just as bad!"
"I never claimed I wasn't," Tallon said. Hunter chuckled with him as Hunter also realized that he might actually like Tallon a lot more than a friend with a crush. There was just no way to be unhappy around him; maybe 2019 would open some new doors for Hunter after all.
. . .
[Monday, 12/31/2018-11:58 pm]
As promised, Hunter was back downstairs with the friends at 11:45 pm. Hunter performed one more song upon returning; it was something to end one year just as well as the new one would begin. Now, everyone was standing around while Hunter's computer showed the countdown to midnight; there was two minutes to go. Hunter and the group of friends had fun upstairs; they just sat around and talked about their lives. Hunter decided not to tell Tallon just yet how he felt. Hunter knew that Tallon would probably want to come out first, to everyone before being with someone. Which was fine by Hunter because he felt he should probably take a little more time to himself to get over Cassandra. Despite the hurt she put Hunter through; he still loved her and felt it wouldn't be a wise choice to just move on. Tallon needed time to come out to his friends, and Hunter needed time to get over his ex-girlfriend, so it was a win/win.
"Ready for another year, son?" Salvatore asked.
"Always," Hunter replied with a nod as Tallon was on his right. "Tallon,"
"Hm?" Tallon looked at him.
"I just wanted to say thanks, for everything you've done for me since we met a few months ago. Helping me through that window, letting me hide in your apartment, the night at the bar, even when you stayed to make sure I was alright after I got really drunk. You're a really good friend, and I'm glad you're one of mine," Hunter said as the timer changed to 11:59 pm.
"Think nothing of it, Hunt. It was my honor and pleasure to be of assistance," Tallon smiled as their eyes locked. "I'm glad you're one of my friends too; I like ya a lot, so I certainly hope we will always remain friends,"
"I like ya too," Hunter stated as the room began to chant the countdown. Tallon got shoved into Hunter a bit as their fingers accidentally linked up. "Oh, sorry,"
"M-Me too," Tallon said.
"Hey! It's the last ten seconds!" Hunter got excited. "Well, I wonder what this year will hold for me. I think it's shaping up to be a good one. What do you think?"
"I definitely have to agree with you," Tallon said.
"Five, four, three, two, one! Happy New Year!" the room yelled, confetti and streamers flying around.
"Happy New Year, Tallon," Hunter smiled.
"Happy New Year, Hunter," Tallon replied as their hands never split apart; instead, they held to each other tighter and didn't let go until the friends were looking their way, but the two still smiled and hid their blushes. It had been an amazing night and Hunter and Tallon both knew that it was likely going to be a fantastic year.