=Normal POV=
(Monday, 5/13/19-3:30 pm)
(Berk, Archia Isle)
(Haddock Apartment)

On Astrid's count, they'd been back at the apartment for an hour and a half. Hector was already in his office and resting while Astrid cleaned up the apartment. Her homework was done and she'd figured out what to make for dinner. She had asked Hector if there was anything she could do for him, and he told her he would let her know. Hector had left his office door open a little in case he needed something from Astrid, but was ultimately, already fast asleep on his futon. Not even in bed-mode, just couch-from with one of the pillows and a blanket. Astrid felt awful that Hector was sick and wondered if it was due to stress, she remembered him mentioning that he kept feeling sick with headaches when stressed out. Was it over finals? Astrid didn't think that because Hector had a fairly easy time in school and was a straight A student. Was it about taking over the company in a month? Hector seemed to have that under control, but maybe it was taking a toll on him? Or Astrid had to believe Hector just got sick somewhere, and from what she recalled; when Hector got sick, it was pretty bad. Astrid hated that she hadn't helped him before when she saw him suffering with a cold, bug, or the flu. Hector seemed to get sick a lot in the Winter and she felt like she was told this by their friends that Hector didn't have a great immune system and always struggled with being sick since infancy.

Astrid knew Hector was born two months early, having to rely on hospital equipment to keep him alive and getting stronger to be able to get taken home by his parents. Astrid learned that Hector spent about three months after birth in the hospital's NICU or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was the ICU for babies. Meaning Hector spent the first three months of his life in a box, with tubes to feed him, help him breathe, and medicine to help his body stay strong and growing enough that he didn't need all that stuff. Astrid never realized how hard Hector's life had been, but she seemed to be gathering a lot from their friends. What Astrid hated the most is that she and Hector always had mutual friends through Heather, Roxy, Alexia, and Cassandra. Madison had only just joined with them when she started dating Syrus. But despite the mutual friend factor of the other four girls, Hector and Astrid never hung out. They never became friends while they were both friends with the others. Astrid felt that was her fault because she knew back then Hector had a crush on her, since elementary school perhaps.

When Astrid finally learned of it because Hector asked her to the 8th grade dance, she told him she didn't like him and would never be with him. Astrid had always avoided him and realizing now how utterly awful she was to him in school, and since they were thrust into this marriage. Astrid was confident that with time, and showing Hector things would be worth giving another try; they could work together to make the marriage work between them. It would be slow, but it could happen if Astrid put in the effort. She was willing to, even if she still despised that the marriage was arranged for the sake of a business merge between her father and Hector's father with their companies. At the moment, Astrid was finishing up the dishes and then dried her hands with a paper towel. Her eyes fell on the clock; it was only 3:30 pm. She didn't have to make dinner until 5 pm or so, Hector was good and resting, her homework was done too. What was she supposed to do now? Watch TV? Read a book? Astrid was brought out of her thoughts by a phone vibrating close by. It wasn't hers because it was in her pocket, but she heard vibration and started searching.

Nearing the bathroom, she found Hector's phone on the floor and assumed that it must have fallen out when he rushed in earlier to throw up, or maybe when he used the bathroom. Astrid lifted the device up and turned it over to see that it was his father calling him. Astrid realized that Hector probably never told his dad he wasn't feeling well, and now his dad wanted to know where he was for work. Should she answer it? It was Hector's phone, she should go take it to him or let it go to voicemail. Astrid didn't want Hector to get upset with her for touching his stuff, let alone answering his calls. It went to voicemail anyway and Astrid returned to the living room. The device began ringing again and Astrid bit her bottom lip in unsureness of what to do, she went to Hector's office and knocked a little.

"Hector?" Astrid tried gently. Nothing. "Hector, your phone is ringing…" Astrid said a bit louder.

Hector groaned a little and turned away. "Just tell whoever it is I'll call them back later…" Hector mumbled.

"It's your dad…" Astrid informed.

"My dad? Why?" Hector asked.

"Probably because it's 3:30 and he's wondering why you aren't at work," Astrid offered. Hector groaned again, sighing. He went to turn back towards her and sit up, but quickly put a hand to his head and moaned in pain while trying not to puke again. "Hector…No. No, lay back down…I'll tell him for you, okay? Is that alright?" Not even daring himself to speak while not sure if he'd hurl, he just gave her a small nod and readjusted to lay back down. Astrid slid the icon to answer and set it to her ear.

"Hector Horrendous Haddock!" Came Spencer Haddock's angry tone and Astrid nearly winced. The man did have a loud, authoritative voice. "Where are you?! It is a Monday, and you are thirty minutes late to work!" Spencer scolded. Hector only rolled his eyes and tried to hide his head under one of the pillows. Astrid didn't even have the phone on speaker, but Spencer was just that loud. "You can't be doing this when you're the CEO, son. Now, I don't care what the reason is…I want you here in the next fifteen minutes. I know you can with your dragon's speed. Is that clear?!"

Astrid didn't like that she couldn't even get a word in. Spencer figured it was Hector, and just scolding him without asking why he was late and saying no excuse mattered. Astrid was understanding why Hector continued to be upset with his father regarding all this company stuff. The man was on him like a Drill Sergeant. Astrid finally took a breath. "Hello, Mr. Haddock…It's actually not Hector, it's Astrid…" She stated gently.

The line was quiet a moment. "Astrid? Oh, I'm sorry, lass. I might have dialed you instead of Hector…" Spencer said quickly.

"No, no…You dialed Hector's phone, sir…I'm just the one who answered it." Astrid replied.

"Astrid, sweetheart, why do you have Hector's phone?" Came the voice of her father next. Right, they worked together in the one building until the central hub was completed. There had been a minor setback with something and would now be fully operational by the beginning of June.

"He left it with me to answer calls while he's resting." Astrid said.

"Resting? No. He's not allowed to go home and take an hour or two nap after school. We had a deal, he comes-," Spencer started. Astrid grew a little annoyed.

"Mr. Haddock, Hector isn't missing work on purpose!" Astrid cut Spencer off and it was quiet again. "He's not feeling well and resting because I told him to. Just like when I was sick, and he postponed his own birthday party to take care of me and let me rest in quiet. Hector is trying to rest and I took his phone so it wouldn't bother him. He forgot to let you know he wouldn't be coming in tonight, so I am letting you know now that he won't be in." She explained.

"He wasn't sick yesterday. It can't be that bad…" Spencer stated. "I still want him here."

Astrid nearly scoffed and narrowed her eyes. Hector saw it and was getting ready to step in, he wasn't going to let his father order Astrid around when she had told the truth and was trying to help him out. "Maybe you didn't hear me, so I'll say it again, slower. Hector is NOT coming into work tonight because he is SICK." Astrid repeated in a stern tone. "Are you so obsessed with forcing your son to take over that company that you don't even care when he's not feeling well?" Astrid asked.

"Astrid Hofferson. You are out of line, young lady." Marcus interjected.

"Astrid Hofferson? I'm sorry, I don't know anyone by that name. I am Astrid Haddock now, Dad. Or did you forget that you sold me to the Haddock family in an arranged marriage to secure that business merger?" Astrid snapped harshly as Hector's eyes widened. "I'm not out of line. You two are. Forcing Hector to come in while he's sick? Are you serious? You don't even know what he's dealing with and you feel you can say it's not that bad?" Astrid questioned. "Hector got sick at school, he threw up a few times and got sent home by the nurse after being told that he's running a fever. I drove him home because he couldn't handle flying. And as soon as we got here, he threw up again." She informed. "As per contract, while Hector may be taking over the company…It's not in effect until he graduates high school in a month. He's only in training, it is still your guys' company until then. And may I inform you also that if Hector is being forced to work while sick, he's going to miss school because he can't get better and if he misses finals, he ain't graduating and therefore, won't be taking over in June. How's that for informative?" Astrid paused. "Now, I will ask that you stop being unreasonable and let my husband rest. I will have his phone the rest of the night, so unless you want to deal with this again…I suggest you don't call back and Hector can let you know when he's feeling better. Am I clear?" Astrid asked firmly.

"Yes, Astrid." Marcus replied.

"We understand, and we're sorry…Please tell Hector we hope he feels better soon?" Spencer said.

"I'll do that. Have a good day or night. Good bye." Astrid pulled the phone down and ended the call. She took a breath and faced Hector with a smile. "Our fathers hope you feel better soon," She stated. Hector found he could only stare at her a few moments, blinking in surprise. "What?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all. I just was not expecting you to attack both our father's like that," Hector admitted.

"They deserved it," Astrid replied. "Demanding you come into work when you're like this, you were barely able to make the car ride here…Let alone sit up before nausea hit. They'll be fine until you recover." She said.

"I…Wasn't disagreeing with you, Astrid…Again, just surprised at how you handled it." Hector informed. "Next time I need someone to leave me alone, I'm just gonna give you my phone and say do the thing," He tried to laugh, but cringed.

"Okay, we can laugh about my killer making people back off skills once you're gotten some rest," Astrid smiled, feeling a little accomplished at what she did for him. "Do you want me to hold onto this, in case anyone else calls?" She inquired, holding up his cell phone.

"Yeah, that's fine…I think I can trust you not to go rooting through my stuff while I sleep a bit more." Hector nodded once, obviously trying not to aggravate his headache further.

"Of course," Astrid nodded. "You go ahead and rest, I'll take care of things in the apartment. Um…Let me know if you need anything?" She mentioned.

"Will do," Hector replied, getting himself comfortable again. "And…Thank you for all you've done for me today, Astrid."

"You're welcome, Hector. Sleep well." Astrid then exited the room, closing the door a bit and then plopping herself on the couch. She figured to just watch some TV, until it was time to cook dinner.

. . .

(8:00 pm)

Things had been quiet since Hector went off to sleep and Astrid decided to watch some television until it was time to make supper. It was a calm evening, but boring too. Hector seemed to sleep the entire time and Astrid continued to stay on the couch once dinner was cooked, eaten, and then cleaned up. The leftovers were away, dishes were done, stove wiped down and Astrid even did a small sweep of the kitchen to get any crumbs. She knew it was a peeve of Hector's to walk around barefoot and step on little pieces. Was it bad she was starting to catch onto the little things Hector didn't like and she was trying to avoid forgetting to make him happy? Was it bad she wanted to make him happy? Astrid still needed to talk to someone, preferably her female friends, about her feelings regarding Hector. It wasn't a good idea to do it right now, it was later and Hector, even if sick, was a light sleeper. Astrid wouldn't say anything that Hector could hear and start a conversation with her about when she didn't really know. It was open to starting another fight between them and she didn't want that. Astrid sighed a bit and lifted the remote to find something else to watch, but then Hector's phone began to vibrate again. Astrid glanced over to see a call coming in from a Rose's Cell.

Astrid assumed it had to be one of Hector's hookups. She remembered that name along with Liv, Sel, and Bri. Those were other messages that had popped up since about 6 pm, making Astrid believe Hector might have made hookup plans tonight, but never let them know he was sick. Astrid wouldn't break Hector's small amount of trust in her to see the messages, but this Rose was calling. Astrid took a breath, and slid the icon to answer.

"Hello?" Astrid asked.

"Who are you?" Came the sudden annoyed tone of a female.

"This is Astrid." She replied calmly.

'Oh." Stated Rose. "You're the wife," That was clearly said with annoyance and sarcasm.

"Yes, I am. Now, how can I help you?" Astrid inquired.

"Are you stupid?" Rose questioned, her tone now sounding very stuck up.

"Excuse me?" Astrid replied, maintaining her temper. She didn't want to wake up Hector.

"If I called my boyfriend's phone, isn't it obvious that I want to speak with him?" Rose remarked.

Boyfriend? Astrid thought. Well, their agreement was married but separated and could date others. But this girl didn't sound like someone Hector would date; he didn't like girls who were pushy and demanding. Another fact Astrid had learned about Hector; he hated being told what to do. "Well, you can't talk to him right now. He's sleeping." Astrid finally said.

"Yeah, right," Rose scoffed. "He's probably working and you took his phone to find out who he's sleeping with, so you can tell them to go away and keep Hector all to yourself."

Astrid stayed calm, but this girl was seriously beginning to piss her off. "Hector gave me his phone by choice and asked that I take any calls, let people know he's sleeping because he doesn't feel well." Astrid stated.

"Whatever. Go wake him up. He said to call him when I got off work so we could hookup tonight." Rose informed.

"I won't be waking him up. Didn't you hear me? He's sick and resting. Maybe he told you that earlier, but things have changed. I was asked to take calls so he could rest. I'll let him know you called, though." Astrid offered.

"Listen you bitch. Put him on the phone or I'm coming over to talk to him myself." Rose demanded.

Astrid rolled her eyes. "No." Astrid didn't wait for her reply, she just hung up and set the device down next to her own. Fifteen minutes must have gone by when Astrid heard banging on the door, she got up and went over, then opened it to see a girl with red-orange hair and light blue eyes standing there with an annoyed expression. "Can I help you?" Astrid inquired.

"I told you I'd come over," The girl informed. Astrid realized this was Rose, or at least, that's what she was labeled in Hector's phone. "Where is he?"

"I told you on the phone, he's sleeping." Astrid replied. "Now, please leave?" She went to close the door, but Rose stopped it.

"I'm not leaving until I see him. You don't even have to do anything, just get out of the way and I'll go to his office," Rose pushed the door open more, then folded her arms over one another.

"I'm not letting you into the apartment. Hector is sleeping and needs his rest because he's not feeling well. I'm not letting you bother him just because you want to get laid." Astrid commented firmly. "And this isn't where you live, so I don't have to let you in. Now, leave…Or I'll call the police for trespassing and harassment." She warned.

"You don't scare me," Rose smirked. "It's not about getting laid, though, it's a nice perk. I'm his girlfriend, and I want to take care of him since you clearly can't do your wifely duties properly." She mentioned as Astrid narrowed her eyes a little. "Yeah, I know all about it. Leaving everything on Hector to do, making him stressed out and tired."

"We've moved past that." Astrid retorted. "Regardless, I'm still not letting you inside this apartment, so get lost. Hector can contact you when he feels better." She added, preparing to close the door again.

"I said I'm not leaving until I see him." This time, Rose pushed the door hard and made Astrid stumble a little. "Always making things harder than they have to be," She huffed and walked past the doorframe. Astrid stood in her path, Rose shoved her slightly, but Astrid stood her ground. "Get out my way, bitch."

"No." Astrid refused. Rose pushed Astrid to the ground and she whacked her head on the edge of the table. Astrid hissed a bit as Rose walked by to get to Hector's office.

"Just stay down. Hector is mine and as soon as I tell him the good news, he'll leave you." Rose stated. "You should know now, I'm pregnant with his baby." Astrid's eyes widened, feeling a pang of hurt in her chest.

"You're lying," Astrid went to get up, but Rose knocked her back again. Astrid would love to deck her, but if she was telling the truth; Hector would be furious and if anything happened to the baby, Astrid could end up in legal trouble with assault charges. Was it murder if you caused a miscarriage? It wasn't a chance Astrid wanted to take.

"I'm not. I have the test right here," Rose pulled out the home pregnancy test and revealed it to Astrid. There were two, a digital and the other kind that showed lines. "See. Both positive, taken today." Rose said, and sure enough; both tests Astrid saw the results for said she was pregnant. "If you were any good at being a lover, you could have pleased Hector and maybe he wouldn't have had to turn to others," Rose claimed as Astrid bit back. "He doesn't need you anymore. He has me, and this child. You're useless to him, and he's not going to abandon us for this sham of a marriage." Rose grinned. "So as Hector's lover, his girlfriend, and mother of his child…Pack your shit and get out." Rose shoved her again, then kicked Astrid in the side causing Astrid to cringe and roll on her side, holding the wounded one. "You know…It's funny that last time I saw Hector he said things might end soon, with the arrangement because he felt you were really trying to make things work. Hector will never be yours, so I should thank you for screwing up and letting him sleep with others. Now, with this baby between us, he's mine." Rose kicked Astrid on her back again and grabbed the front of her shirt, then brought back her fist to punch Astrid.

"What the hell is going on out here!" Hector's voice caused both of them to look over in surprise to see Hector standing there.