=Normal POV=
[Wednesday, 4/18/2018; 4:30 pm]
[Berk; Jorgenson Home]

Silas, Gabriel, and Felicia remained inside sitting in the living room and going through the box that everyone learned Spencer Haddock had advised his only son, Hayden, to make sure that Silas got in the event of Spencer's death. These directions were given to Valarie Haddock as well, but since she and Spencer were now gone; it became Hayden's responsibility. Even Gabriel, though, was stunned that Hayden knew this box was meant to go to Silas if Spencer died before his older brother, so that if the two were in a huge fight and not speaking; Silas would know that Spencer didn't hate him. Hayden knew all this without the prompt of it being in his father's last will and testament. Gabriel was going to ask Hayden about the box before they left, but it seemed Hayden already had grabbed it and explained he had everything wanted and needed for now. This is how Gabriel knew that Hayden would eventually go back to the house to collect more, but perhaps, he was waiting until he had the space to contain it all.

As the temperature began dropping; the friends decided it was time to go inside. They'd only out for fresh air and to chat more, it was a surprise when Gabriel showed up with Hayden; the friend they hadn't seen in almost a full week since Hayden chose to leave school early and go with his Godfather, and then stay in Archian City with him all this time. With the friends downstairs once more; they saw Hayden sitting on his bed and greeting his pets. Trayden was just leaning against the wall, but not really inside the space; he didn't want to intrude on Hayden's room.

"Hey, cuz," Syrus smiled.

"Hi," Hayden replied.

"They've missed you these past four days," Alicia pointed out.

"I missed them too. I would have taken them with me, but Gabriel's apartment is too small for all of them," Hayden explained.

"Well, we took good care of them," Syrus informed.

"Thanks," Hayden said softly as Cloudjumper and Skullcrusher each licked one side of Hayden's fact; then Toothless licked Hayden's nose. "Aw, I love you guys too," he said afterward. "So…How does this whole…Sleepover thing work?"

"Don't you wanna unpack first?" Alyssa wondered. Hayden shook his head in response.

"I-I can do that later…There's a lot to do; I-I wouldn't want to hold up you guys and your fun," Hayden said quietly.

"Eh, don't even worry about us. We usually just sit around, talk, snack, game now and then, listen to music," Trayden mentioned.

"We also order pizza and wings for dinner," Alicia giggled. "Everyone chips in a little and mom or dad order," she added.

"Can't believe you've never done this before. Sleepovers are like a rite of passage for teenagers," Tyler mentioned.

"You didn't have any friends in Archian Preparatory?" Devon asked.

"I mean…I knew people; had group projects and stuff. But no…No real…Hanging out," Hayden said calmly.

"But they weren't your friends?" Trayden asked.

"They were friendly…But no, I don't think we were friends," Hayden shook his head. "I knew…Trevor Meatsen from Meathead and Chelsea Boggs for Bog-Burglar; they were a lot of my classes. I knew a couple of others, but only because we all sat together at lunch," he added. "Only place I ever stayed overnight at frequently was Gabriel's,"

"Did you have fun when you did?" Trayden asked.

"Yeah, we always did something exciting. Bowling, rollerblading, go out for dinner, play cards," Hayden replied.

"Well, we're about to play some games; you wanna join?" Bryan invited.

"I-I don't really play video games. At least not ones on those systems," Hayden said.

"Hayden plays computer and card games; ones that make you think about your next move," Trayden informed. "Strategy games if you would," he added.

"I've never seen you play anything on your computer?" Syrus mentioned.

"I play Sc-School of Dr-Dragons…" Hayden said shyly.

"I heard that's an awesome game. My computer is so old that it can run it effectively though," Ford said smiling.

"You update your graphics card?" Hayden inquired. Ford shook his head. "You bring your laptop with you or is it desktop?"

"Oh, I have it. I never go anywhere without it," Ford said, hurrying to his backpack and pulling the object out. Hayden inspected the small, thin, blue computer.

"HP Stream, 32 GB memory…But you have 64 GB SD Card where you keep all your documents, pictures, and things that don't need to be directly downloaded and installed on your C Drive, yes?" Hayden inquired.

"That's…Right, yes," Ford nodded. Hayden set the computer on his desk and opened it up. Hayden went clicking through folders and selecting options. Ten minutes later, the computer reset, updated and turned back on. "Holy Odin…It's never loaded that fast since I got it like two years ago,"

"Have you ever updated it?" Trayden asked.

"No…It never said I needed to," Ford informed.

"He wasn't set to automatic updates; I fixed that. And this computer isn't that old, Ford…It released September 2016," Hayden mentioned. "But, there you go; you should be fine now," he closed the lid and handed it back.

"Wow, thanks, Hayden," Ford smiled wide.

"No problem," Hayden nodded.

"You're really good with computers," Mindy mentioned calmly. Hayden just shrugged a bit.

"What now?" Evan inquired.

"Well, we're gonna hook up the systems to play. You just wanna watch, Hayden? Maybe jump in?" Syrus offered.

"You guys do that. Hayden and I have our own game to play," Trayden chuckled. "I challenged you to Yugioh, remember?"

"I do; that's one of the reasons I had to go to my house…To get my cards," Hayden replied as he opened up the duffle bag, revealing tins and binders of cards. Trayden's eyes widened.

"What the-These are all your cards?!" Trayden exclaimed. Hayden nodded, acting shy.

"I'm, uh…" Hayden cleared his throat a little. "I'm an avid collector and player…" he finally got out.

"Hayden, this is awesome!" Trayden smiled.

"Well, if you wanna look through everything before we play; you can. I'm gonna work on unpacking my clothes at least," Hayden stated.

"Sweet, thanks," Trayden said as he started looking through everything.

"Uh, browns are monster, green is spell, and purple is trap. The binders have rare and shiny," Hayden mentioned calmly while grabbing the grab bag and opening it up.

"Incredibly organized aren't you?" Alyssa asked.

"I try to be," Hayden shrugged. Trayden looked like he was in candy land going through all the cards while Hayden started pulling clothes out and putting them into drawers.

. . .

[5:35 pm]

"Food should be here by 6 boys and girls!" Silas called from the top of the stairs.

"Thanks, Dad!" Alicia and Syrus replied. Hayden had finished putting away his clothes, and shoes. The others friends were hanging on their phones or taking turns on the consoles. Trayden continued looking through all of Hayden's collection of Yugioh cards. Hayden was laying on his bed, and had actually fallen asleep there.

"You know, we should consider what we're doing for the talent show this year. It's in May after Finals," Alyssa mentioned.

"Oh, shit…Forgot about that. Are we doing a group thing?" Bryan asked. "It's my last year there so, you'll have to figure out a routine for your Senior Year," he added.

"What do you guys and girls want to do?" Mindy inquired.

"Well…Last year we scored 5th place with our dance number. Someone mentioned that if we'd sung it; we likely would have been up in the top three," Ford reminded.

"While most of us can play an instrument or two, half of us have the skill to sing," Syrus informed.

"And the other have who do have it also have stage fright," Tyler stated.

"I bet if we had a lead and back up singers; it wouldn't be so bad," Trayden interjected.

"Sad to say, but none of us have the balls to be lead," Rylee shrugged.

"And we only know a few songs that we could do a cover of," Alicia sighed. There were footsteps on the stairs as the group looked over and saw Gabriel coming down.

"Sounds like you kids need someone who knows instruments and how to sing," Gabriel chuckled a bit.

"Would that be you?" Syrus wondered.

"Me? Oh, no, no. But I know something who does," Gabriel smiled.

"Who? Do you think they'd be able to help us by the end of May?" Alicia asked quickly. Gabriel laughed a little and pointed to Hayden, who was still asleep on his bed. Everyone's eyes widened. "Hayden?"

"Bet your bottom, lassie," Gabriel nodded. "Hayden knows music like the back of his hand; the entire basement of his parents' house is nothing but instruments and he knows how to play every one of them. And his singing…Don't even get me started. That boy has placed 1st place in every school talent show since Kindergarten at Archian Prep,"

"Has he really?" Katie blinked.

"Hayden has a vast range of pitches he can hit. Spencer and Val made a video compilation of his performances up to Sophomore Year. I think they put it online, or it's on the Archian Preparatory website. Now…I don't know if he'd take part with any of you on stage because of everything going on…But with a little convincing; you might get him to help you prepare for your show," Gabriel shrugged. "I can see he's sleeping, so I won't wake him up. Let him know that I'm staying in Berk tonight, so if he needs anything; I'll be right upstairs in living room,"

"Will do, thanks, Gabriel," Syrus nodded. Gabriel turned and headed back upstairs. "I…Did not know Hayden could play or sing,"

"Didn't you go to school with him up until third grade?" Devon inquired.

"No, no. Hayden's always attended Archian Prep; I only knew about the bullying because I heard my parents talking with his during holiday or random weekly dinners," Syrus mentioned.

"I wonder if the video is still up," Alicia questioned as she grabbed the controller and switched apps over to YouTube. Alicia typed in; Hayden Haddock. When nothing came up, she tried adding; Archian Preparatory. "Guess it's not on YouTube. Maybe the website for the school, though," she looked at them. Ford opened his laptop and went to the Archian Preparatory website, searching through different options until he found something on the Annual Talent Show.

"Got it!" Ford announced.

"Here, let's hook it up to the TV," Syrus got the HDMI cord and connected one end to Ford's laptop; then changed the TV to HDMI-2 as Ford's screen camp up.

"Looks like it's labeled Archian Preparatory Academy Hall Of Fame. The video comes up with the description; Hayden Haddock; 11 Times 1st Place Talent Show Winner," Ford read off.

"Well! Play it!" the group urged. Ford clicked the video as it started with a stage and lights as Hayden came out and starter performing. The group watched every single year. Hayden's songs were never longer than five minute. Of course, Hayden started waking up as they got to Sophomore Year; it would have been Hayden's last performance before his parents died and Hayden left Archian Preparatory. Hayden sat up slowly and got off the bed, peering around the corner to see the group huddled around the TV and watching something intently.

Hayden moved closer and stayed quiet as he saw them watching him in a video of his talent show performances from his old school. How did they even find that? Hayden wondered. The only people who knew were my parents and… Hayden paused. Gabriel… Hayden almost sighed. Of course, Gabriel would say something, but why? That's what Hayden didn't get. Why would Gabriel even mention something like this to them? Hayden watched quietly as clearly no one had noticed he was awake and standing right behind them. The song he did was Rascal Flatts's Forever because grandfather on his mother's side had passed away just after the New Year of 2017 had begun. Of course now, this song now had more meaning because the talent show took place a month right before his parents were killed, and he really didn't get to say goodbye.

Hayden didn't even know when it started, but he felts tears slipping from his eyes. Trayden was first to glance back, feeling like someone was there and he saw Hayden standing there, crying. "Hayden?" This got everyone else's attention. Somewhere on the video, and it was barely audible, but a whisper was heard.

"That's our boy," very obviously; it had to be Valarie Haddock's voice. Hayden started shaking.

"Shit…Shut it off," Syrus said quickly.

"Hayden, we're-," Alicia went to apologize, but Hayden shook his head.

"Leave it on…" Hayden managed. Ford moved his hand away from the mouse pad as Hayden kept watching. After the song was over; the 3rd and 2nd place winners were announced, and then Hayden as 1st place. The camera shifted a bit as the next image showed Hayden with both of his parents, standing between them as all three smiled broadly. There was so much life and joy in Hayden's eyes during this, it was hard to believe that the Hayden there and the one with them in the room now were the same person.

"Well done, son!" Spencer Haddock hugged him tightly, kissing the top of his head.

"So proud of you, sweetheart," Valarie Haddock hugged Hayden next.

Hayden was still standing there, crying silently; just letting the tears fall down. "We shouldn't be letting him watch this…" Syrus sighed.

"I-It's fine, Syrus…I'm fine…Just leave it on, please? I-I need to hear it…" Hayden forced out.

"Need…To hear what, Hayden?" Trayden asked softly.

"Thanks, Mom and Dad…Now, can we please go get something to eat? I'm starving…" Hayden's voice laughed on video. Spencer and Valarie laughed as well.

"Yes, come on," Spencer told his wife and son.

"We love you, Hayden," Valarie and Spencer said together.

That was the line that did it. Hayden started shaking more as he saw himself on the video hug both of his parents with a smile.

"I love you too," Hayden replied to them before there was another group hug and then the video ended with a smile from all the Haddocks Family members.

Hayden used his sleeve to wipe his eyes dry. "I needed to hear them say it again; that they love me…" Hayden informed, sniffling a bit. His dogs came beside him, whining at the screen where the stopped image of their owner's faces remained visible. Hayden knelt down, hugging both dogs around the neck. "I know…I know…I miss them too," he sighed sadly.

"Are you okay?" Katie asked softly.

"Yeah…Yeah, I'm okay. My parents told me they loved me every day, but…That's the only recording I have of it now that they're gone…" Hayden wiped his eyes again. "Where did you find that…?"

"Gabriel came down when you were sleeping and heard us talking about the talent show coming up at the end of May for BHS. We were trying to think of what to do, but we're either not good singers or have stage fright…Gabriel kind of told us that you've won ever Archian Prep talent show since Kindergarten, and mentioned your parents making a video of all your performances," Trayden explained. "Hope you don't mind?"

"If I minded people seeing me perform; I wouldn't have let my parents put it up…" Hayden stated.

"Your…Godfather said that maybe you'd help us prepare for our talent show if we asked nicely and convinced you," Ford mentioned nervously.

"You want me to help you get ready?" Hayden asked.

"Gabriel said you were exceptional with instruments and singing. Maybe you could help us learn a new song, or make us not afraid to be on stage? Or sing better?" Trayden hoped.

"When's the talent show?" Hayden inquired.

"Let's see…School schedule shows…Finals from May 28 to June 1st. Talent show is on the 1st at 6 pm in the Auditorium. Prom follows that on the 8th, and then our last day is the 15th. Graduation for Seniors is the 16th." Mindy put her finger up after checking her phone calendar.

Hayden counted on his fingers. "That's six weeks from Friday…Yeah, that should be enough time," he looked at the friends. "I'll help if you want," he added. "I need to know what everyone plays. Also…What do you want me to fix? People singing better who don't have stage fright? Or help those who can sing good past the nervousness?"

"I…Don't suppose you would just sing for us?" Trayden gave a hopeful smile. Hayden sighed a bit.

"Sorry," Hayden said quietly. "I can't sing like that anymore,"

"Nonsense, boy," Gabriel stated firmly as he came downstairs with Silas and Felicia.

"Uncle Gabe?" Hayden asked.

"Now, I'll not be hearing you don't sing anymore," Gabriel remarked.

"I don't…That was a long time ago," Hayden argued.

"It was a year ago, Hayden," Gabriel rolled his eyes. "You didn't lose your ability to sing; you don't lose a talent like that,"

"Well, I did…" Hayden said coldly.

"No, you didn't. Hayden, it was without a doubt your favorite thing to do next to drawing. Your parents didn't go through all the trouble of letting you get instrument lessons and turning the basement into your own personal studio just for you to give it up because they're gone now," Gabriel said as Hayden tensed up.

"Well…They aren't here to tell me that," Hayden mumbled. Gabriel smacked upside the head and glared at him. "Ow!"

"Oh, hush. You should know I smack you when you say something stupid and unlike you. Now, I won't be hearing any of that talk either. You didn't lose your talent, Hayden; you're just refusing to sing because it was something your parents loved you doing it. And with them gone; you've lost your drive because you're hurting over the loss. I get it; it comes with mourning, lad…But this isn't you. You can hide from everyone else in this room, but you cannot hide from me. I've practically raised you alongside your parents. Your parents wouldn't want you to give up everything you love to do; the things that make you, well, you. I know the drive is gone, but if you just picked it up and did it once…It would come back," Gabriel said gently.

"It's not me anymore, Uncle Gabe…" Hayden looked down.

"Prove it to me then," Gabriel put his hands on his hips. "You sang with the most passion and emotion of even some of the professionals out there. If you really don't think you can do it anymore; then show me. If you really believe that you've lost it and it doesn't make you feel alive, show me and I'll back off and never bother you about it again," he pushed.

"I can't…" Hayden said.

"Yes, you can, Hayden," Gabriel tried again.

"No! I can't! I can't do it anymore!" Hayden yelled before going into his room and sitting on his bed, knees drawn up and head on the kneecaps, rocking back and forth. "I can't…I can't…" he whispered, repeating it over and over again.

Gabriel sighed. "I tried," the man confessed.

"It's okay, Mr. Forger," Trayden smiled. "Don't worry; he doesn't have to. I only asked if he'd do it because I think he sings great and maybe he'd want to carry on winning first place for the twelfth year in a row. The only way someone can do something is if they believe in themselves. If he feels like he can't do it anymore; then we have to respect that," he added. "But, for what it's worth; I believe in him,"

"We brought dinner down," Silas said calmly.

"Thanks, Dad," Syrus nodded. Felicia moved to Hayden's room and stepped in, putting her hand on his shoulder as he looked up a bit; tears in his eyes. Felicia gave him his pill as he placed it in his mouth and swallowed it before putting his head down again.

"Don't forget to eat, Hayden; you know they make you sick if you don't take them with food," Felicia mentioned. Hayden nodded once, showing he heard her. Felicia left the room, joining the others to eat downstairs. This was mostly because they all wanted to make sure Hayden wasn't going to freak out and go into a panic attack. For now, the group knew there wasn't much they could do to help Hayden feel better; it was best to leave him be for a bit and continue the sleepover, hoping Hayden would join them again.