=Normal POV=
[Monday, 10/30/2017; 6:50 am]
[Berk, Barbarchi Isle; Berk High School]

Hayden had settled into the Jorgenson house by the second night; he knew where everything was now. The entire week had been spent getting Hayden ready to attend Berk High School. Felicia was a stay-at-home mom while Silas worked in the police department. Hayden learned that Alicia, though a 1 year and 4 months younger than Syrus, was in in the 11th grade. Alicia had skipped 8th grade and moved right into Freshman Year at 14 years old since her birthday was on the 10th of September. Syrus's was May 10th. While Syrus and Alisha went to school all week; Hayden was with Felicia getting ready to attend public school for the first time. The Jorgenson siblings had decided not to say anything to their friends about Hayden coming to Berk High; they needed to think of what to tell them for why Hayden acted the way he did without giving too much away.

However, Hayden was starting today, so Syrus and Alicia knew they couldn't hide it any longer. Hayden would be coming later as there were a few things to take care of first, so Syrus and Alicia decided they would warn their friends right out upon arriving at school that their cousin was coming. Deboarding from the bus, Syrus and Alicia went to meet their friends in their usual spot.

"Yo, there you two are," a male with long blond hair and blue eyes said; standing beside him was a female who looked exactly the same.

"Sorry," Alicia sighed gently.

"What's up? You two look like you've had a rough week," stated a female with dark brown hair and green eyes.

"We missed ya at the sleepover Saturday night," came the voice of a male with black hair and green eyes.

"Family stuff," Syrus informed.

"You were all for it on the 23rd when we talked about it," a male with dark brown hair and pale-green eyes.

"Shit came up at home, okay?" Syrus grumbled.

"Something bad happen?" asked a girl with blonde hair in a braid and baby-blue eyes.

"You could say that," Alicia closed her eyes.

"What's going on? Come on, you can tell us," said the male with red hair and green eyes. The warning bell sounded.

"Tell you later," Syrus mentioned as everyone broke off to head to the first-period class.

. . .

[10:30 am]

Hayden and Felicia stayed at the house to make sure all the paperwork was in order, and Hayden had everything he needed to start school with. There was only some issue with him going last week because Hayden had to take a test and get documentation that he finished Sophomore Year and wasn't too far behind in Junior Year as it was two months into the new year. Of course, Hayden did fine, so now he could attend Berk High. Felicia and Silas took care of getting Hayden his school supplies and some new clothes. Now, Felicia and Silas decided to take Hayden to his first day.

Hayden, unfortunately, had a panic attack in the car upon arriving. It took a few minutes to calm him down before they entered and went to the main office.

"Hi, we're here to sign in a new student and meet with Principal Mayden," Felicia told the woman behind the window.

"Come right in," the receptionist smiled. Silas and Felicia led Hayden around the corner and into the main office. "Is this our new student?" the woman asked.

"Yes, this is our nephew, Hayden Haddock," Silas introduced.

"Hi, Hayden. I'm Nadine Warrier; school receptionist. Welcome to Berk High," Nadine put her hand out quickly. Hayden tensed but tried to relax a bit as he shook her hand nervously. "If you have his entrance forms; I can start putting it in the system and setting his schedule,"

"They are right here, Miss. Warrier. Um…Is it possible to place him in my son and daughter's classes?" Felicia wondered as Silas brought Hayden to sit down and wait.

"Any particular reason?" Nadine inquired.

"It would just be for the best to keep Hayden with people he knows. And it will be explained in the documents," Felicia gave a half-smile to Nadine.

"I'm sure I can work something out. Miss. Mayden will be right with you," Nadia nodded with a smile as she got to work with the forms that Silas handed her in a folder. 10 minutes passed as the principal's door opened and a woman with strawberry-blonde hair and green eyes stepped out.

"Hello there. I apologize if I've kept you waiting, please, come right in?" the woman invited. Hayden, Felicia, and Silas made their way into the office. The woman closed the door and took a seat at her desk with a smile. "I'm Amy Mayden, principal of Berk High School," she greeted.

"Well, you know my wife and me, Miss. Mayden. This is your new student, our nephew, Hayden Haddock," Silas stated. Amy smiled at Hayden, but he had his head down.

"Hello, Hayden," Amy said.

"Hi…" Hayden replied quietly as Amy looked at the Jorgenson parents.

"Hayden's just…A bit shy with new people," Felicia informed as she slipped Amy a note. Amy peered over it, nodding, and understanding.

"Starting at a new school can be a little nerve-wracking, but I'm sure with a little time that Hayden will come around. We only strive for excellence here, and the students respect and help one another out. Hayden will fit right in," Amy assured gently. There was a knock on the door as Amy looked towards it. "Come in," she called. The door opened revealing a woman with short blonde hair and green eyes; then there was a male with brown hair and blue eyes.

"Is this our new student?" the woman asked.

"He is. Hayden; this is Miya, our school nurse and Aaron Ogglebert, the dean of students," Amy introduced. Hayden looked at them, and nodded, but said nothing else as he put his head down again. Miya and Aaron seemed confused as Atali handed them the note, looking at them gently. Miya and Aaron read the note, then nodded, understanding the situation a bit better.

"Well, we just wanted to come by and let you know who we were. If you ever have a problem with another student; you can come to me," Aaron stated.

"And if you're ever not feeling well; you can see me in my office," Miya added. Again, Hayden just nodded to them, showing he heard. Miya and Aaron left as Amy put her hands on the desk folded together.

"With that settled; we can move on. Hayden?" Amy asked as Hayden lifted his head a bit. "I know everything seems a bit overwhelming, but you'll adjust with time. And if you ever need anything, or have a problem; you can come to see me," Hayden gave the nod. "Now, how about a tour of the school? I can take him from here, Mr. and Mrs. Jorgenson. Don't worry, I've been fully informed about things; he'll be okay,"

"We know, thank you, Miss. Mayden," Silas smiled. "We'll see you after school, okay, Hayden?"

"Okay…" Hayden replied. Felicia kissed Hayden's temple before she and Silas left the office. Amy stood up and moved beside Hayden.

"Come, let me show you around. By then your scheduling should be done," Amy smiled. Hayden stood up, feeling worse about things now. He just wanted to go back to his aunt and uncle's house; then sit on his bed and be alone. Hayden followed Amy out into the hallway, staying quiet and trying to relax. "The school is basically a big square, Hayden. This is the main entrance and office, over there is the cafeteria across the way," Hayden looked and nodded.

"Every hallway is labeled with a letter, to help the students find their way around. Right now, we're in A-Hall. This hall has the guidance office, main office, library, nurse's office, computer labs, and the health courses. Down this way is D-Hall; more computer labs, a couple of classrooms, and two entrances to the gymnasium. If you branch off down this way, it's F-Hall; there is a gym entrance and two cafeteria doors. Down the way a bit is G-Hall where the weight and locker rooms are," Amy continued.

Hayden just nodded, showing he understood and was listening; he did glance each time she mentioned what hallway was where. Amy led Hayden down A-Hall, motioning where the Dean's Office and Nurse were; then, of course, the library and guidance rooms. "As we come to the end of A-Hall; you'll see that it moves into B. Walking this and turning here; this is C-Hall, and there's a student center on the right. It's for counseling if you ever feel you need to talk to someone during school. Through here is a small breezeway; a lot of students like to hang out here to smoke in between classes,"

"You let students smoke on campus?" Hayden asked. Amy was a bit taken aback by it because it was the first full sentence and question Hayden has said since arriving.

"Only the ones who are 18 and older. We don't let anyone underage do it, and there is always a teacher watching to make sure the students follow that rule," Amy replied. "If you continue through here, we're back in D-Hall. Down this way a little is E-Hall and usually where Science courses are held; you'll notice the rooms are set up differently than other classrooms. And…That's about it, Hayden," while they were walking of D-Hall back to the main entrance. "There are bathrooms in every hallway too," she added while opening the door to let Hayden back in the office.

"Ah, Miss. Mayden! I have Hayden's class schedule right here," Nadine held the paper up. "And I finished getting his information in," she added.

"Perfect," Amy took the paper, glancing over it. "Was this specifically requested?"

"Yes, by Mrs. Jorgenson. After reading through the documents; I understand why she wanted it this way," Nadine nodded.

"I see. Well, I suppose it's for the best then," Amy handed Hayden the sheet. "Do you have any questions for me?" Hayden shook his head to her. "Well, the school day runs from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm. Classroom and Office Detentions are held from 2:35 pm to 3:30 pm, late buses will be provided if you don't drive yourself to and from school. ESD stands for Extended School Day, this is where you stay from 2:35 pm to 5:30 pm. There's a list of all school rules in your handbook to explain what you can and can't do, also what things will land you each type of detention,"

Hayden nodded to her. "Sports teams available here are Soccer, Wrestling, Basketball, Baseball, and Football; they have their own schedules for practices and games. There is cheerleading and softball too. Usually, the girls do all that, but there are some boys on those teams. Every sport has a boy and a female team. And teachers will stay after school to help students who are struggling in their subjects, but that isn't required unless you start failing; then they'll make you stay for extra help," Amy continued her explanation.

"Okay," Hayden responded.

"Well, let's get you to your first class," Amy smiled.

"You might as well wait for lunch hour, Miss. Mayden. It's only 10 minutes away," Nadine suggested.

"Hm, I suppose you're right," Amy said. "Very well. Have a seat, Hayden. At 11:20 am; you can go to lunch," she informed. Hayden sat down with his backpack between his legs, keeping his head down as Amy and Nadine shared a look of concern for him. Amy moved into her office as Nadine got back to work on her computer.

. . .

[11:20 am]

"Finally, lunch hour," stated one of Syrus and Alicia's friends while they broke free from the classroom and headed for the cafeteria.

"So, you gonna tell us whatever the thing is from this morning?" inquired one of the girls.

"Yeah, when we get there," Alicia nodded as she was texting her mother, and got a response.

Mom, 11:22 am
I dropped Hayden off at almost an hour ago now. He isn't in class? Check the office; your father and I left him with your principal. Keep me posted.

"Sy," Alicia showed him the message.

"I'll go," Syrus replied as he adjusted his bag on his shoulder and darted for the office.

"Come on; I'll tell you when we get to the cafeteria," Alicia told the friends. Syrus reached the office by 11:25 am when the bell rang. Syrus found Hayden sitting in one of the chairs with his knees drawn up to his chest and head down.

"Hayden?" Syrus asked. Hayden glanced at him slowly. "Hey, come on; let's go to lunch," he offered.

"I don't want too…" Hayden said.

"I know, but you can't be in the office all day," Syrus tried. "It'll be okay; I'll be right with you and Alicia too," he added. Hayden sighed as he grabbed his bag and put his legs down before standing up. Syrus led him out and across the way to the cafeteria.

"Ah, here he comes now," Alicia informed with a small smile as she saw Syrus coming in with Hayden. "Guys…This is mine and Syrus's older cousin, Hayden Haddock," she introduced.

"Haddock?" asked the male with dark brown hair and amber eyes. "Isn't that the last name of the form-," the man began Syrus saw Hayden tense up and keep his head down, shaking a bit. Syrus glared at his friend, shaking his head for him to shut up.

"Hayden…Hayden, it's okay…" Alicia stood beside Hayden. "Here, come sit," she suggested as she led him over to the table quietly while the friends just watched. Hayden sat down in the green chair, instantly pulling his legs to his chest and keeping his head down.

"And the answer to your question, Evan; is yes. Hayden is his son…" Syrus said quietly. "Don't bring it up," he warned. Syrus sat next to Hayden on his other side. "You wanna eat, cuz?" Hayden shook his head but lifted it a little, revealing his green eyes to the friends; they saw the pain resting behind his hues. The group figured on their own that the death of Hayden's parents was still pretty fresh and painful to Hayden. After all; it had only been 4 months.

"Come on, it's alright. Everyone here is a friend; you don't have to be nervous," Alicia coaxed. "It's okay, relax a bit; you're safe," Hayden loosened his arms and let his legs touch the floor, but remained sitting back.

"Hi!" said the girl with dark brown hair and green eyes. "I'm Hailey Bazirk, and this is my older brother, Devon," she introduced. Hayden didn't reply or take his eye off the table. Hailey looked at Syrus or Alicia, not understanding.

"Ease up, Hailey; it's only his first day…He's still adjusting," came another voice that made Hayden glance up to see who it belonged to. A male directly across from him with black hair and green eyes. "Hey, I'm Trayden Raseri. Welcome to Berk High," he greeted.

"Thanks," Hayden finally spoke.

"You're welcome," Treyden smiled. "It's cool to meet you," he added. "If you're family of Sy and Ali; then you're a friend to us, so don't be nervous. We don't bite," Hayden didn't say anything. "Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone," Trayden offered as Hayden looked up a little more. "On my left down the seats is Bryan Grimborn, Alyssa Hofferson, Rylee, and Tyler Thorston; then Evan Trapp. On my right is Hailey Bazirk, Devon Bazirk, and Ford Ingerman. Next to Alicia is Katie Grimborn; Bryan's younger sister, and beside Syrus is Mindy Guarder,"

"Hi…" Hayden said quietly.

"I know, a bit overwhelming. Don't you worry, with a little time you'll come to love us," Trayden chuckled. No response again.

"So…What's your schedule like?" Ford decided to ask. Hayden didn't say anything, but he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and set it on the table. Syrus picked it up and unfolded it.

"Hey, that's awesome, cuz; you're with all of us," Syrus smiled.

"Y-Your mom asked the receptionist to put me with you and Alicia…" Hayden stated with his head down.

"Well, we all have the same schedule. Except for Evan and Devon; they don't go here, but come to visit during lunch hour and sometimes in the morning or after school for pick up," Trayden mentioned.

"I come to see my sister, and wife," Devon said.

"Devon is married to Nurse Miya," Hailey beamed. "They got married in July,"

"And I'm dating Rylee," Evan added in. Hayden nodded, showing he heard and understood.

"You wanna tell us about yourself?" Alyssa wondered. Hayden didn't respond. "I, uh, I asked you something,"

"He doesn't have to talk if he doesn't want to, Alyssa," Trayden informed. "I'm sure he'll come around with some time,"

"Yeah, he'll have a good time like the rest of us do. Am I right, Hayden?" Tyler grinned, raising his hand up to try and get Hayden to high-five him.

"Ty, no! Don't!" Alicia said quickly. But it was too late. Hayden reacted instantly by flinching; his eyes widened and showed fear. Hayden began breathing hard, shaking, drawing his legs up to his chest and hiding his face against his knees. However, a first for Syrus and Alicia was to see Hayden start rocking back and forth in the chair.

"Stop…Make it stop…" Hayden desperately pleaded. "W-Wanna go home…I wanna go home…"

"Take him out of the room Sy," Alicia ordered.

"Hayden…Hayden, it's okay…Come on," Syrus tried, his hand on Hayden's arm. Hayden jerked hard, shaking more violently. "No good; we can't touch him when he's like this…" Syrus reminded.

"What's…Going on?" Bryan asked.

"Syrus, he's sweating and gasping for air," Alicia informed. "It's a panic attack. Tyler raising his hand up triggered it…"

"How did me trying to get a high-five cause this?" Tyler asked.

"Hayden…" Alicia said softly. "Hey…Ssh…It's okay. You're alright; you're safe…Breathe. Relax…" Hayden's shaking began to subside a little, and he lifted his head a bit, still looking terrified. "See…It's alright. Easy now…Go with Syrus, okay? Step out and calm down," Hayden managed a nod.

"Come on, cuz," Syrus helped Hayden up and led him out of the room as the friends looked at Alicia for answers.

"Start talking," Hailey demanded.

"Look…All you need to know is that Hayden has been through hell since his parents died. You gotta be careful with everything you say and do around him, or he's just going to freak out like you saw," Alicia informed.

"But…How did Tyler going in for a high-five cause all that?" Ford asked.

"I can't go into a lot of detail; Hayden should have been placed with my family right away after his parents died…But a falling out between our dads might have been the reason we weren't the first choice in homes," Alicia said. Syrus returned.

"He's with Nurse Miya, trying to calm down," Syrus stated. "Hayden is in a really fragile state right now,"

"Depression?" Trayden inquired seriously.

Alicia and Syrus nodded. "Hayden is diagnosed with Clinical Depression, Anxiety…He's quiet, reserved, jumpy, nervous, withdrawn, easily startled, shy, and untrusting of new people. He doesn't even trust my family fully, but we've established enough that he's been told he'll be safe, unlike the other places," Alicia frowned.

"You gotta be really careful with what you do around Hayden. You can't raise your hands to him at all, you can't sneak up on him…You can't talk about his parents; he suffers from nightmares, flashbacks…He's just a mess, closed off, and basically shut down from the world around him. He's on meds, but…I mean; he barely talks to us or even his psychiatrist," Alicia mentioned.

"We're doing what we can to help him through everything," Syrus said. "But as you can see; it's not that easy. This is what Alicia and I were talking about this morning…This was the family thing that came up, and now we're just trying to help Hayden feel safe and okay again,"

"Well, we're your friends," Mindy put her hand on Syrus's arm. "We'll help if we can,"

"Absolutely. With enough people; he'll start feeling safe and maybe open up a bit," Katie nodded.

"Thanks, guys," Alicia sighed softly.

"Seriously, we appreciate it," Syrus nodded. The friends nodded; they would do what they could and try to help in Syrus and Alicia's venture to get Hayden able to open up, trust, and feel safe.