=Normal POV=
[Wednesday, 4/18/2018; 1:00 pm]
[Berk; Jorgenson Home]
"Syrus! Alicia! Do you have everything cleaned up for your friends to arrive?" Felicia called to her teenagers.
"Yes, Mom! We're touching up the basement now!" Alicia replied.
It had been four days since Hayden up and left with his Godfather, Gabriel Forger from Berk High at lunch hour. Also, it had been that long since Trayden told Syrus and Alicia that he liked Hayden as more than a friend. Things had been a bit weird, but plans for the sleepovers during the week got made. It had been held at the Grimborn Residence from Sunday to Monday. Tuesday was a break, and now Wednesday was Syrus and Alicia's night. Thursday would be another break before going on to Trayden's for Friday to Saturday. Sunday would be another rest day since Monday the 23rd was back to school.
"Okay, done," Syrus nodded, proud of the work he and his young sister had done on the basement. It was a considerable space to hold Hayden and Syrus's bedrooms, but then also an open living room area for entertaining; it was plenty big enough to hold a party and extra room to sleep afterward.
"Looks great. And just in time too! The others should be coming soon," Alicia smiled. "Let's get upstairs," she suggested as the two headed up to greet their friends for when they arrived. Fifteen minutes later, such arrivals began. Devon pulled up first, letting Hailey and Ford out.
"Yo, you staying, Dev?" Syrus asked.
"Nah. Miya is sick, so I'm gonna stay home with her tonight," Devon replied. "If she starts feeling better, we'll pop over," he waved and drove off. Syrus and Alicia shrugged and greeted Ford and Hailey. Next to arrive was Tyler and Rylee with Evan. Following them was Bryan and Katie. Alyssa drove up with Mindy. Last to show was Trayden by 4 pm.
"What took ya?" Alicia smiled.
"Sorry. Mom needed me to take Eliot to the doctor for an appointment she forgot about. Ran longer than expected; he's home with Dex, Aria, and Cole now. And Mom should be home by now, or very soon," Trayden replied.
"Ah, no problem. Well, shall we head inside?" Syrus asked.
"Where's Hayden?" Trayden decided to inquire.
"Still with his Godfather in the city. We haven't seen him since Friday. Dad went up there to bring clothes and the pills," Alicia informed.
"Is…Hayden planning to stay with him?" Katie wondered.
"I haven't heard anything about it, but…Hayden is 18, and he was always close to Gabriel. That man is basically his uncle," Syrus informed.
"You, uh, did tell him about the sleepover being here tonight, didn't you?" Trayden questioned.
"No…He hasn't answered any of our messages when we try to say hi, so we figured he's content where he is. Besides, he hasn't joined any of the others. Why would this be any different?" Syrus mentioned.
Trayden facepalmed. "Because I told you on Friday after school that Hayden said he'd come to one at your house,"
"Oh…Forgot about that," Alicia said softly. Trayden got his phone and located Hayden's contact ID; then tapped it.
"He won't answer for us," Syrus reminded. Trayden put the phone on speaker with a chuckle. Four rings in, and there was a pickup.
"Hey, Tray," Hayden answered.
"Hey. What are you doing?" Trayden asked.
"In the city with my uncle," Hayden replied. "How about you?"
"At your cousin's place for a sleepover. They forgot to tell you about it, so I am," Trayden laughed a little. "Why don't you come?"
"I'll, uh, come in a bit," Hayden sniffled a bit.
"What's wrong? You sound like you're crying?" Trayden mentioned.
"Just…Having one of my days, Tray…You remember; I told you about them," Hayden responded softly.
"I do, some days are harder than others. Don't worry; my memory isn't that bad, Hayden," Trayden reminded. Hayden laughed a little. "Now, see; there's a smile. I told you anytime you're down and need cheering up; I'm the one to call. Come on, gather your stuff up and join us?"
"Alright…I'll be there in a bit. Besides, I wanna see my dogs and cat," Hayden stated.
"See you soon then; I promise you'll have a good time," Trayden vowed.
"Oh, so sure of that are you?" Hayden questioned.
"Of course, Hayden. Wanna know why?" Trayden smiled.
"Humor me," Hayden said.
"Because I'll be here. Now, come on. Get your butt in gear and get here; I brought my Yugioh cards among other things you mentioned you used to do," Trayden tempted.
"You did?" Hayden asked, seeming a little excited.
"Duh…You told me you used to play, so come on. Let's see how good you are. I challenge you to a duel," Trayden grinned.
"You're so on. I'll be there in an hour or so. And Tray…" Hayden paused.
"Yeah?" Trayden responded.
"Thanks for cheering me up, and thinking about me for the sleepover when my cousins forgot…" Hayden said lightly.
"Hey, I told you that I'm always here any time you need a friend; just a call or text away. See you soon," Trayden said.
"See you soon," Hayden replied before hanging up. Trayden put his phone away with a shrug.
"I know that look and what you're all about to ask…So my response is that I'm just that good. I told you; I've made the extra effort to engage him in activities or conversations. You guys kind'a give up if he doesn't answer right away. Watch us tonight; you'll see how I go about things. Come on; let's get started. Hayden will be here soon," Feeling like there wasn't much of an argument to be made on the case since they heard it with their ears; they headed into the house and downstairs to start setting up.
. . .
[2:15 pm]
[Archian City; Gabriel's Apartment]
Hayden stayed with Gabriel since Friday the 13th, ironic date that nothing but good happened to Hayden that day. His Godfather coming home from war, getting honorably discharged to stay home and take care of him, and that Hayden and Gabriel were going to be living together when the school year ended. Gabriel, thankfully, called Silas to get a few things for Hayden while he was staying with him. Silas took the train to the city, which was only a twenty-minute ride. Silas brought Hayden some clothes and his pills. Gabriel and Silas spoke while Hayden was sleeping on Friday. Silas was assured Hayden would be fine with his Godfather.
Hayden and Gabriel spent Saturday and Sunday together, looking at houses and apartment online while making lists of possible choices. On Monday, Hayden stayed at Gabriel's to sleep while Gabriel went on to the bank to secure his money for buying a house if it came down to that. Also, Monday and Tuesday were spent in Berk looking at a few places. Usually by 4:30 pm; Hayden and Gabriel were back in the city. Now, today, Hayden seemed to be having one of his downer days and a bit miserable.
"What's wrong, lad?" Gabriel asked.
"I don't know…Just feeling sad today, I guess," Hayden shrugged.
"I read up what you were diagnosed with; seems like that's a pretty standard feeling," Gabriel informed. "I heard that it could help to talk about whatever is making you sad?"
"That's the thing; I don't know…" Hayden sighed; his eyes landed on a picture of his parents from their wedding on Gabriel's wall above the TV. "I just miss them,"
"I know, laddie. I know…" Gabriel hugged Hayden; then broke it. "So you want me to take you back to Berk for that sleepover?" he asked.
"Yeah, I said I'd go. Can't very well back out without even trying," Hayden nodded. "B-Before we go…Can you take me to mom and dad's house?"
Gabriel stared at Hayden, a bit surprised. "Y-You want to go there?" Hayden nodded. "Can I inquire as to why?"
"I-I want to get a few things…" Hayden confessed.
"Are you going to be alright to go, lad?" Gabriel asked.
"I'll muddle through…But since we're so close; there are things I want that I couldn't get before…" Hayden admitted.
"Well, sure; if you want to," Gabriel replied. Ten minutes later; the two males were loaded into the truck after Hayden packed his bag for the sleepover and headed to the Haddock Residence. Parking on the side of the road; Gabriel recalled the motion sensors.
"I forgot we need the director's permission to get on the property…" Gabriel sighed.
"I'll take care of it…" Hayden got his phone, calling Trayden back. "Tray?"
. . .
[Berk; Jorgenson Home]
The friends were all downstairs talking, snacking, and relaxing. Devon and Miya showed up since Miya was feeling better after her nap. Among everything; Trayden's phone started ringing.
"Who is that?" Alyssa wondered.
"Hayden," Trayden replied as Syrus lowered the music and Trayden slid the icon to answer.
"Tray?" came Hayden's voice.
"You here yet?" Trayden asked after tapping speakerphone.
"Got delayed…Can I ask you a favor?" Hayden asked.
"Um, sure? What is it?" Trayden replied.
"What's the easiest way to reach your dad?" Hayden inquired.
Trayden blinked a bit. "Probably his cell phone. Why?"
"He ordered motions sensors around my house to avoid break-ins happening while it's abandoned…I'm here with Gabriel to get a few things. Can you call him and let him know, so he doesn't send the force after us?" Hayden questioned.
"I'll put him on a three-way call with us. Hang on," Trayden said as he tapped a few buttons, and merged the calls. "Still here, Hayden?"
"I am," Hayden responded.
"Hi, son. I'm about to head home. What's up?" Dustin's voice was heard.
"Hi, Dad. I called you on three-way with Hayden; he wanted to ask you something, and I know your cell phone is faster than the station. Go ahead, Hayden," Trayden invited.
"H-Hi, Mr. Raseri. Um, Gabriel Forger and I are…At my parents' house right now to get a few things. I-I just wanted to make sure that was okay before we go in and set off the motion detectors that will send the cops this way?..." Hayden asked.
"Oh, certainly, Hayden! Go right in, and don't worry about a thing. I'll inform dispatch right now. Future reference, though; if you scan the back of your license in front of the sensor by the driveway entrance; it'll come up on our screens here, and nobody comes rushing because you're identified as one of the residents there," Dustin informed.
"Great. Thank you, Mr. Raseri!" Hayden said.
"No problem. Your father was a good man, and if you ever need anything, you call me directly. Trayden can give you mine and Rachel's numbers," Dustin mentioned.
"I'll take care of it when he gets here, Dad. Thanks," Trayden stated. Dustin's line hung up.
"Thanks, Tray. I owe you…" Hayden sighed a bit.
"Don't even worry about it; glad I could help. Hey…Take your time where you are right now, alright? No rush," Trayden reminded.
"Appreciate that. I'll, uh, text you when I'm on my way there," Hayden said.
"We'll be here!" Trayden smiled. Hayden ended the call from his end as Trayden set his phone down. "I'm glad he isn't alone right now,"
"Yeah, him being there can't be easy…" Mindy frowned.
"Has he…Been there since what happened?" Alyssa asked.
Syrus and Alicia shook their heads. "No…And we didn't think he'd ever want to for a while, or at least until after he healed and recovered a bit," Syrus looked at the others.
"Sometimes the only way to cope with something is to face it head-on. But…This is not something you try to do alone, and he knew that which is why I think he asked to go when he was with someone he trusts fully," Trayden shrugged.
. . .
[4:10 pm]
[Berk; Jorgenson Residence]
Gabriel pulled up in his truck and parked in the driveway, looking over; Hayden was fast asleep in the back seat. Gabriel turned off the truck and got out; he heard voices and saw the friends, Silas, and Felicia outside on the back porch.
"Gabriel?" Felicia asked.
"Where's Hayden?" Silas finished his wife's sentence.
"Fast asleep in the back seat…" Gabriel motioned behind him with his thumb. "Was a rough time at the house,"
"How bad?" Silas inquired.
"Oh…You know…Fetal position, body-shaking, head grabbing, screaming and crying at the top of his lungs type bad," Gabriel frowned. "I tried to pull him out, but through the attack; he forced himself to get whatever it was he wanted to get there. I told him it wasn't a good idea to go so soon, but he insisted," the man.
"He get everything?" Alicia wondered.
"Well, not everything. It'd be impossible without a couple of extra sets of hands, and a moving truck. Hayden just wanted things he couldn't get after the deaths and before he went into foster care. Or, things he didn't want to take to keep them safe from being stolen or damaged. I suspect he'll go back again at some point, but…No telling when,"
Gabriel opened the back door and carefully brought Hayden out and held him in his arms. "Need any help?" Silas questioned.
"You act like he's heavy, Silas…Come on," Gabriel brought Hayden up and laid him on the outside bench. Hayden stayed asleep as Gabriel went down and grabbed a duffle bag, backpack, and black suitcase from the front seat, bringing those up as well. "Not sure what he grabbed; he wouldn't let me go with him past the living room. This bag," he held up a long, gray, round one. "I lent him from my truck; used it in the military. I assume it's all clothes,"
"Did he freak out because nothing from the break-in or deaths had been cleaned up?" Trayden decided to ask.
"No; it was cleaned up. I believe your dad made sure of that knowing Hayden would go back at one point or another. Hayden was removed from the house by police, in the hospital on suicide watch for forty-eight hours. The third day was the funeral, well, just for Hayden to attend with Child Services and the Archian City Police Department. Hayden was given one hour to collect whatever he wanted from the house before going into foster care. Hayden was taken to the first home after that," Gabriel informed calmly.
"You were overseas for all this, how do you know so much?" Felicia wondered.
"Who do you think told child services about you being family?" Gabriel stated. "Hayden wasn't supposed to go to you two. Spencer and Valarie named me in their will to be the one who became Hayden's legal guardian," he added. "Of course, I was overseas and trying to get back, but I heard he'd been having a hard time in foster care, so I brought you up to take him until I got back. I'm discharged now, but I've known about everything since July,"
"Communication between Iraq and Barbarchi Isle isn't exactly easy, never mind still having to fight in the war while dealing with everything. It wasn't supposed to long as it did for me to get back when I realized it would; I told them to take Hayden to his paternal uncle, then explained why you and your family weren't listed in the first place. It took a bit to verify you were family to Hayden, and I had to sign and authorize it to happen…" Gabriel continued to explain.
"Didn't think my brother hated me that much after the fight," Silas sighed. "To completely write us out of their lives,"
"He didn't, Silas. But both of ya were too proud and stubborn to make the first move in apologizing. Spencer hated it, but he felt like you'd never change and it would always go back to another fight," Gabriel shrugged. "It was a stupid fight to have if ya ask me," he added. "But he always loved his little brother,"
"I have a hard time believing that…" Silas looked down. Gabriel moved to his truck and pulled something out, bringing it to Silas. "What's this?"
"From your brother, one of the few things listed that Hayden didn't get in the will; this was for you," Gabriel informed.
"What do you mean; one of the few things Hayden didn't get?" Syrus wondered.
"Spencer and Valarie left everything to Hayden. Their savings, vehicles, anything in the house except for a few items that were meant for Silas, and the house itself. Hayden inherited everything and was legal to claim it as soon as he turned 18," Gabriel stated calmly. "Well, he can't claim the house until he's 21, but if he doesn't want to keep it; he's got the authority to sell it now,"
"What's in the box, Daddy?" Alicia asked.
"I, uh, don't know…I can't get it open. It looks like it's number code lock," Silas mentioned.
"There was nothing in the will about a code," Gabriel said. Hayden began to stir and begin opening his eyes. "Hey, kiddo,"
"Hi…" Hayden forced himself to sit up and look around.
"You fell asleep in the truck," Gabriel reminded.
"I was tired…" Hayden replied. Hayden's eyes fell on the box Silas was holding. "I remember that box…" he added.
"You do? What's…In it?" Silas asked.
"Stuff that dad wanted you to have so you knew he loved you despite all the sibling rivalry. Dad told mom and me to make sure you got it if he ever died before you did, but I think he was planning to mail it to you for your birthday this year," Hayden explained. "And wouldn't you know that's today, isn't Uncle Silas?"
"Yes, you're right…But Gabriel said this was in the will for me," Silas stated.
"I knew about that going to you if dad passed away before the will said so. I've known about that box since I was twelve," Hayden informed.
"Do you…Know how to open it?" Felicia wondered. Hayden got up and moved towards it as Silas put it on the table closest to him. Hayden inspected it closely.
"Battery on the digital lock is dead," Hayden stated as there were some sighs.
"So it's locked for good…" Silas looked down a bit.
"I didn't say that," Hayden remarked. "There's an emergency power mode if you have the key," he said while using a small silver key from around his neck and inserting it under the dial pad; turning the key to the right as the screen lit up blue. Hayden pressed six numbers; there was a beep and click as the top of the box released and opened a bit. Hayden pulled out the key and took it off the necklace; giving it to his uncle. "418113; standing for April 18th and November 13th. Yours and dad's birth months and days," Hayden stepped back now, replacing the necklace around his neck and tucking the second key away. "Happy Birthday, Uncle Silas,"
"What's that key too?" Evan asked.
"The house; it's my house key…" Hayden replied quietly.
"Why don't you take it inside, honey?" Felicia suggested to her husband, suspecting that it might be emotional for him to go through these items.
"You want help with your bags, Hayden?" Trayden offered. Hayden nodded to him. "What do you want me to carry for you, and all down into your room, right?"
"Yeah. Um…Just take the backpack and duffle bag, please?" Hayden asked while grabbing the gray bag and suitcase. Trayden followed Hayden inside, getting downstairs and setting the items on the bed. Hayden instantly greeted his dogs and cat. "Oh, I missed you guys…" he sighed softly. "Thanks for helping me, Tray,"
"Any time, you know that," Trayden smiled. "I'm happy you decided to come and join us,"
"Me too," Hayden nodded with a soft smile. So this was it; his first sleepover. It was nerve-wracking, but somehow, Hayden felt that with Trayden there; everything was going to be fine and maybe even a little fun.
