=Normal POV=
[Tuesday, 3/13/2018; 12:00 pm]
[Berk High School]
It seemed that having his pets back was only a temporary fix for Hayden. Though, according to Syrus and Alicia when asked how Hayden was doing since the party; the Jorgenson siblings confessed that Hayden did seem a smidge more comfortable and happier with his two dogs and one cat. Cloudjumper, Skullcrusher, and Toothless always stayed close to Hayden unless he was at his psychiatry appointments or school. Hayden did get a certain joy from having his pets because it meant that he didn't lose entirely everything when his parents were killed. However, the relaxation and hoped that Hayden would come around to opening up more in counseling faltered. Hayden still suffered nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks at random. Hayden didn't talk to Harry Anderson; it was more of the same with Hayden just sitting in the office with his legs up and arms around them.
Rachel did speak with Felicia and Silas about Hayden's cutting, explaining that she believes it was brought on by the sudden reappearance of Olivia in Hayden's life through January. Silas and Felicia said they would keep an eye on things at home. Syrus and Alicia promised to do their best at school in making sure no one else from foster care showed up unexpectedly. After the party, Hayden's mood seemed to stabilize to how it was when the friends met him in October 2017. Hayden was still quiet, jumpy, reserved, not talkative, nervous, and showed no interest in anything. Trayden was sure that they'd made some headway in the situation after the party, but it seemed that was not the case after all. Still, Trayden was not giving up. All this meant was he could keep trying to help, and he had finally figured out that his feelings for Hayden were at crushing on stage.
Currently, the friends were in school and had a good first half of the day. Their schedule never changed unless it was for midterms or finals. And then the rare occasion of a field trip or assembly. Their day began at 7 am with Language Arts. Following that at 8:05 am was Math. 9:10 am brought on Science. 10:15 am was Physical Education, but the first half of the year until midterms had been Health. Lunch was from 11:20 am to 12:20 pm. After that, the group would hurry along to History at 12:25 pm. And then at 1:30 to the end of the day at 2:30 was a Study Hall. At the moment, the gang was at lunch and relaxing. Hayden was quiet, eating his food with his head down, but what was new? Trayden, though, appeared to be aggravated and rushing to finish an assignment due next period in History class.
"Dude, you're gonna give yourself an aneurysm over that assignment," Bryan mentioned.
"I have to get it done. It's the only thing that'll keep Fungis from ordering me to mandatory extra help after school since my grade is a stellar 55 right now. He gave me this whole thing to do over the weekend. It's everything since January and worth a good portion of my grade as it's all make-up work from assignments I've missed. If I ace this, my class score should be passing and get him off my ass," Trayden muttered.
"History is not your strong point, is it?" Hailey chuckled.
"No, not really…" Trayden sighed.
"We'd help you, but we barely remember that chapter ourselves," Tyler stated.
"It was a bore," Mindy said while Katie and Alyssa nodded in agreement. Trayden went to look back at the packet and found that it wasn't in front of him anymore.
"Huh? Where did it-," Trayden asked as his eyes locked onto the sheets of paper across the table and in front of Hayden, who appeared to be looking it over. Hayden turned the paper around and slid it back to Trayden.
"In Viking times; the upcoming or new Chieftain of a Tribe was required to take a spouse and provide a successor to the next generation," Hayden told him. Trayden stared a few moments and was just as surprised as the friends sitting at the table that Hayden was talking on his own without being asked a question. "History class is in 15 minutes, and you have eight questions to get through," he added. "I'm giving you the answers,"
"Th-That's really nice of you Hayden, b-but why?" Alicia decided to cut in. Hayden looked Trayden dead in the eyes.
"Friends help one another out," Hayden replied. "The answer I gave you was to your next question," he informed. "Your next answer is children in the Viking Age were taught about sex as soon they hit sexual maturity, which in this day and age is considered puberty. Females, as young as 13 and provided they had their first blood cycle, or period and were checked over to ensure they could get pregnant, were listed as available to be married," Hayden explained.
Trayden wrote it down, and then for the next 9 or so minutes; continued jotting down the answers that Hayden was just giving him and off memory too! Trayden was surprised, but then again, all the friends were. This was literally the most Hayden had spoken since they met him. "This is the last two, and next has such a long explanation too…" he pouted almost. "And I can't draw for shit on the last one,"
"Give it here," Hayden said. Trayden slid it across the table, and Hayden took the pen from him. For the next 5 minutes, Hayden wrote the answer himself in what would be considered Trayden's handwriting. Hayden handed it back; the answer itself was almost a paragraph long. However, Hayden didn't stop there because he also went to the last question and looked it over. Hayden dug through his bag for a pencil and started sketching something out. In truth; it was a few things, but that's what the question called for.
Just as the bell rang for next period; Hayden handed the packet back to Trayden. "Wow…That's an excellent drawing," Trayden admired. "Thanks, Hayden; I owe you," Trayden smiled.
"No problem," Hayden said before headed to History in B-Hall. Trayden and the others were still surprised that Hayden did all that, but who were they to knock it. Maybe Hayden was finally starting to come around and trust them. Trayden hoped that was the case because he wanted to be Hayden's friend; he wanted to be his lover too, but would settle for being a friend if Hayden didn't like him that way. Without wondering anything else or wasting more time; the group hurried to get to their class, which was in the same room.
. . .
[1:15 pm]
History went smoothly; it was 10 minutes to the end of class as everyone was just reading the next section, and whatever they didn't finish would become homework along with the end of chapter questions. Mr. Fungis strolled by Trayden's desk and set down the packet after it had been graded. Trayden looked at the score on the top; 40%.
"What?..." Trayden asked.
"I'll expect you after school until your grade improves," Milton Fungis stated. Trayden didn't understand how he got such a low grade. Milton walked away as Hayden decided to get up and leave his seat, walking a few rows over to Trayden and taking the packet. "Mr. Haddock, return to your seat," Hayden ignored him as he continued flipping through pages. "If you'd like to stay for detention; I can arrange that," the man said again. "You can go to the principal's office if you continue to ignore me,"
"Do it," Hayden said calmly. "And as soon as you do; I'll have you terminated," he added.
"Excuse me?" Milton asked. "You can't do that; I've done nothing wrong,"
"You marked answers wrong in this packet that are correct," Hayden stated. "And you gave Trayden work from a chapter we haven't done yet. Not that it matters because his answers are still right on the subject," Trayden's eyes widened.
"I did no such thing," Milton defended.
"The Viking Age chapter in our books is towards the end. We won't be touching it for another month or two. So why did you give Trayden work that the entire class hasn't done yet? This packet was supposed to be makeup work from January when we came back from Winter Break to current. And yet…There are assignments in here from the first semester, something you can't even grade for as that segment of the year is closed," Hayden informed.
"You gave him work that you know the system won't allow you to input because the semester is over. You marked answers wrong for current work that is correct, and you gave him work from a chapter nobody has done yet. And regardless of that; the answers are right to those questions. All this aside; plenty of other people missed work in this class, but you didn't issue them makeup packets or threaten to keep them after school. Why only Trayden?" Hayden inquired.
Milton was quiet. "I'll take your silence as knowing I'm right. You purposely failed Trayden for whatever reason you have. You've singled him out, which is illegal for a teacher to do. So, if you'd like to send me to the principal, go ahead. Just know that I'll take this to her as well and have you fired within the hour. So, you make your choice. Give Trayden the grade he deserves, or get terminated for being highly unprofessional and unfair to a student," Hayden remarked.
"Fine," Milton said. "But I won't give credit to the chapter we haven't done,"
"Oh, thanks for admitting to me that you did issue work on a chapter we haven't done. And yes you will because those answers are right," Hayden said.
"No, they aren't," Milton said. "He couldn't possibly know those answers because the Viking Age isn't a chapter we cover in 11th grade!" Milton snapped.
"The sad part is; I know the Viking Age isn't a chapter done in 11th grade. It's done in 12th at this school. However…I attended Archian Preparatory from Kindergarten to 10th grade, and we learned this in 8th. I have a semi-photographic memory, and my IQ at the time I took the test when I was about eleven was 162, which, I'm sure as you know that anything over 120 is considered superior. Trayden got those answers because I gave them to him since I knew during lunch after seeing this packet you were singling him out and purposely trying to fail him. So again…Adjust the grade, or get fired. I don't care which, but I'm not gonna let you bully my friends," Hayden said coldly.
Milton took the packet, crossing out the 40% and writing just under it in green ink; 100%. "This and your test from last week bring your grade up to eighty-two," Milton said, handing it back.
"And I believe you owe Trayden an apology for being an outright ass," Hayden added while moving back to his seat.
"I'm…Sorry, Mr. Raseri," Milton said before returning to his desk. Trayden looked over his shoulder and saw Hayden quietly reading out of his book, still entirely shocked that Hayden straight up defended him and called Milton out for basically being an asshole. Trayden felt his phone vibrate in his pocket as he carefully checked it.
298-610-1017, 1:23 pm
I couldn't let him do that to you. You've done so much and been here for me, so know that I am here for you. Friends look out for one another. -Hayden
Trayden stared at the message; he'd almost forgotten that he gave Hayden his number the day when the stuff with Olivia happened. Trayden told Hayden he would always be there for him if he ever needed a friend. Two minutes later; the bell rang as students packed up their books and headed for their next classes.
. . .
[Friday, 3/30/2018; 7:45 am]
It's been 2 weeks since that day where Hayden shocked everyone and not only helped Trayden figure out the rest of his make up work for History but then defended him by calling Mr. Fungis, their history teacher, out on his bullshit. Milton gave Trayden work from a semester that already closed and couldn't receive credit for, and made him try to do a chapter that wouldn't even be covered until Senior Year. Also, Milton marked correct answers wrong. After getting an ass-reaming from Hayden, who threatened to have Mr. Fungis terminated, Milton changed the work to the correct grade and apologized; then informed Trayden his grade for the class was an 82, which was considered a B and passing.
It was shocking because Hayden, for one, didn't really talk at all. And two, Hayden showed off his smarts and determination. It seemed Hayden, depression or not, did not take to bullies, which is what Mr. Fungis was doing to Trayden; singling him out and purposely failing him. Trayden never showed anyone that message from Hayden; he didn't want the others to get mad or upset to find out that besides Syrus and Alicia, he too had Hayden's phone number and it seemed like Trayden earned Hayden's trust and friendship also. Of course, Hayden was still quiet in person, but sometimes; Trayden and Hayden would text back and forth.
"Alright students! Attention up here," Mason Fishers called to them. "As you know, there are many problems in the world we live in, so I've decided that there will a research paper to do," everyone groaned, except for maybe Hayden. "You will pick from this list and follow all the criteria in the packet. This will be due in two weeks and…" he paused as the class sighed. "I will let you work in pairs, but I get to pick them,"
"Well, that's not so bad," Rylee shrugged.
"And I've already got them worked out, so pay attention," Mason informed. "Alyssa Hofferson and Hailey Bazirk. Syrus Jorgenson and Mindy Guarder. Rylee Thorston and Ford Ingerman. Katie Grimborn and Tyler Thorston. Alicia Jorgenson; I'm going to pair you with your brother and Mindy since how I assume you and your group of friends are typically always together. Moving on," Mason continued listing off pairs. "And finally…Trayden Raseri and Hayden Haddock," he finished. The bell rang. "I'll expect your research topics by Monday! Class dismissed!" he called as the students began to pack up and prepare to head to their next period.
For Katie, Alyssa, Tyler, Rylee, Alicia, Syrus, Ford, Mindy, Hailey, Trayden, and Hayden; the next class of their day was Math. Trayden would wait until Study Hall to talk to Hayden about what they'd choose for a topic.
. . .
[11:30 am]
Trayden almost forgot about lunch hour when he and Hayden could talk. However, Hayden went to the bathroom on his way to the cafeteria after leaving Physical Education, and he still hadn't returned after 10 minutes.
"Anyone seen Hayden?" Alicia asked.
"He went to the bathroom after gym," Syrus told her. "But kind'a odd he's not back yet," he added before getting his cell phone and sending a text to Hayden.
11:35 am
Hey cuz. U alrite?
Syrus started eating as did the rest of the friends, but Hayden didn't reply for almost 15 minutes since the message got sent.
Hayden's Cell, 11:47 am
Going home
Syrus blinked a few times as Alicia glanced over and saw it. "What does he mean he's going home?"
"What happened?" Alyssa asked.
"Hayden answered; he said he was going home when I asked if he was alright," Syrus replied as texted back.
11:48 am
Wat do u mean? Wat's wrong?
Hayden's Cell, 11:50 am
I don't feel well; I'm in the nurse's office; your mom is coming to get me.
"What did he say?" Trayden asked.
"Hayden said he doesn't feel good and my mom is coming to pick him up from Miya's office," Syrus informed.
"I didn't even see him walk by, and we're directly across from A and D-Hall intersections," Alicia said. "Ask him what's bothering him; he was fine all day," Syrus nodded to her as he sent another text to Hayden.
[11:53 am]
Wats not makin u feel good?
"Your mom just walked by," Ford pointed out. Not more than six minutes later, Felicia was walking around to the front office to sign Hayden out. However, she stopped inside the lunchroom.
"Hi, Mom," Alicia said. "What's wrong with Hayden?"
"He's not feeling well, dear. The nurse called and said I should come to get him," Felicia said as she lifted Hayden's bag off the floor by its handle.
"What's botherin' him?" Syrus inquired.
"According to Miya from Hayden's explanation when he came to see her; Hayden started feeling nauseous after gym and ended up vomiting a few times. Once it passed a few minutes later, he went to see Miya and complained of his stomach, and head was bothering him along with fatigue. Miya said she checked his temperature and it's 102.9 right now. Hayden threw up another three times and suggested he go home, so she called me to get him," Felicia explained.
"Isn't that temperature right under the number that would be considered high-grade. One degree high and he's considered to be in the danger zone," Devon asked.
"Yes, that's why Miya asked me to come to get Hayden while advising if it doesn't go down, or gets higher, take him to the hospital," Felicia nodded.
"Is he going to be alright?" Trayden asked.
"I'll monitor it. Miya said she gave him something for nausea and reducing the fever, we'll see what happens," Felicia nodded.
"Keep us posted?" Alicia inquired.
"Of course. See you at home, kids," Felicia kissed Alicia and Syrus's foreheads; then she left and exited the school with Hayden beside her.
"I notice that he gets sick a lot," Trayden mentioned.
"Weak immune system. Hayden was born two months early," Syrus stated. "Hayden was supposed to be born towards the end of April; couple weeks before me. But Aunt Val went into labor early, and Hayden almost didn't survive,"
"Hayden spent weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit hooked up to tubes, machines, stuff that kept him alive. When Hayden was considered what would be about a month old from Aunt Valarie's original due date in April 2000; they released him in good health," Alicia continued.
"But Hayden has always had trouble staying healthy as far as common illnesses go and putting on weight. Hayden's always been a skinny thing and gets sick easily. Flu, cold, bug…You name it. If it's something that can circulate and is considered contagious once caught; Hayden will get it, and unfortunately, he'll get it bad," Syrus added.
"Is that why his fever is so high? I mean, that's dangerous to be between one hundred and four and one hundred and seven…" Ford frowned.
"I don't know what that's about. I meant Hayden gets it bad as in it has him bed-ridden for five to six days," Syrus said. "Hayden's never had it easy, guys. Like even before all this depression stuff,"
"What do you mean?" Katie wondered.
"He was always picked on for being a twig. Happened from pre-school to second grade, after that, Hayden and his parents moved to Archian City due to the falling out our dad's had. Like I told Tray; Up until last October…Alicia and I haven't seen Hayden since September 2009; Alicia had just turned 7 when the Haddocks moved so our dads wouldn't have to see or talk to one another. It's been so long that I don't even remember what the fight was about," Syrus shrugged.
"Have you ever asked your dad?" Rylee questioned.
"Don't have the heart too," Alicia replied. "Dad has been beating himself up for never making up with Uncle Spencer, being there when his older brother needed him. Especially more-so now, to take Hayden as soon as Aunt Val and Uncle Spencer had been killed that way Hayden didn't have to suffer in foster care and end up the way he is now,"
"It's…Been almost a year, hasn't it? Since the deaths?" Mindy inquired.
The Jorgenson siblings nodded. "June 23rd," they replied.
"How's Hayden going to be for that?" Trayden asked.
"Unfortunately, and it's very concerning to think about, but we don't know," Syrus said. "I mean, it's been almost a year and his mood has barely changed other than getting his pets back. That was the most emotion I've seen out of him. Well, that and when he stood up for Trayden against Mr. Fungis. Otherwise; Hayden's emotional stance doesn't seem to have altered at all. He's still falling into flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks. Hayden still doesn't talk in therapy, but taking his meds,"
"It's not easy to get past the things he's been through," Bryan mentioned.
"And he never will if he doesn't talk about it. Even if we all already know; it has to be him. That's what Harry has said after sessions when we ask how it went," Alicia interjected.
Trayden sighed, sitting back and closing his eyes. "Hayden is the only one who knows what fully happened to him, and if he ever wants to feel better; he has to talk about it, tell things from his side, let out the emotions behind it. It doesn't matter what we know; those were just reports from others, but it's not the in-depth explanation from Hayden himself. Once he opens up and talks, which no one can force him to do; he'll start feeling healing," Trayden informed. "At least, that's what my mom says as a licensed psychiatrist," he added. "All we can do right now is continue to be here for him, offering to listen and help, reminding him he's not alone. And with that, we only hope he'll start to believe us and open up. The only thing holding him back is fear to be abandoned and judged,"
The others nodded, seeming to understand. For Trayden; he knew that's what it was. Hayden was scared to open up and lose everything again, afraid to be judged for the things he's been through. That's why Trayden was trying so hard to convince Hayden that he would be there for him no matter what. And it appeared to be working given what happened in History two weeks ago when Hayden stood up for Trayden and later said that he would be there for Trayden because friends stuck together. So far, Trayden was the only person who had made that kind of headway, and nobody knew about it still. Trayden would keep it that way for a while; he wanted to help Hayden, so he was going to keep trying to break through.
