=Normal POV=
[Thursday, 8/3/2018; 1 pm]
[Archian City]
Without being overbearing; the friends showed their support and friendship to Hayden as much as they were able and in different ways. After the tiring, crazy day on the 24th of June; Hayden mainly kept to himself, but didn't shut down entirely. Hayden messaged Trayden the next morning around 9 am to tell him that he could give their friends his number. Trayden did so, but with the warning not to harass Hayden constantly as he was still dealing with a lot. The friends agreed, happy that Hayden was giving them his cell phone number. Each friend sent one text to let Hayden know they had his number, and who they were so that Hayden could add and save their numbers into his phone. The rest of June was uneventful except for the fact the trial against Olivia began on Wednesday the 27th at 8:30 am.
Court sucked, and Hayden hated being there because Olivia and Bradley were both there. The friends wanted to come to support Hayden during the process, but Hayden asked them not to, so they respected his wishes. The 27th of June was only the beginning; it was now April 3rd, and there had been two other trial dates in between the start and today. Friday, July 20th, and Tuesday, July 31st. And now, today, the 3rd had been another at 11:30 am. It was hard, and Hayden wanted it over. Hopefully soon, it would be.
Dustin was one of the people who had come to the trial sessions since he was part of things, so was Trayden, but Trayden only had to go on the 31st to tell the judge and jury about what he uncovered at school. Syrus, Felicia, Alicia, and Silas had come to court, but only as support. Amy Mayden, Aaron Ogglebert, and Miya Bazirk had to show up as well; part of those who were involved the day Trayden exposed Olivia. Hayden did not allow anyone other than Gabriel to come to the July 20th session because it was the one where he had to tell the judge every single incident with Olivia in the two months that he was living in the Holgerson house due to getting placed for foster care.
Hayden wasn't ready for everyone to know yet, maybe one day since he'd now managed to get it out during court on the 20th, but not yet with everyone else. Bradley had tried to talk to Hayden a few times, but Hayden refused and quickly left the courthouse with Gabriel to get back to Berk. Today, another session was over. Gabriel and Hayden decided to get lunch before returning to Berk, but Gabriel could tell right off the bat from when Hayden woke up this morning that something was troubling him more than court stuff.
"I know court is frustrating, laddie," Gabriel said to strike up a conversation after the waiter took their drink and food orders.
"I just want it over, Uncle Gabe…I'm sick of the same things being said, questions asked…I've told them everything in explicit detail…" Hayden sighed.
"Soon, kiddo. I don't think they need much more. The next session will likely be the last, and a verdict reached. Olivia won't go free; there's too much evidence against her," Gabriel assured his Godson. "I'm very proud of you for going through all this," he added.
"It needs to be done…" Hayden sighed. "Just like with telling Dustin about the night my parents were murdered…" he looked down. Yes, it was something that got done during the first week of July after Trayden brought it up carefully with Hayden, and then Hayden agreed to sit down with Dustin to give a statement about the unfortunate, tragic, night of June 23, 2017. Hayden did have valuable information, and now better strides were getting made to locate who was responsible for the killing of Hayden's parents.
"What you're doing, need or not, is helping out in the long run, Hayden," Gabriel informed. Hayden just nodded to him. The waiter returned with their drinks and an update on their meal; then he left again. "Hayden, tell me what's wrong. I know there's more going on than just this court matter…"
"It's…Complicated, Uncle Gabe…" Hayden replied.
"Try me," Gabriel invited.
"I-I just…Can figure something out…About my feelings for Trayden…" Hayden admitted, closing his eyes.
"Had a feeling it could be about that. You've been pretty withdrawn from your friends and Trayden since the start of July…" Gabriel stated in a matter of fact tone. "I know he likes you a lot,"
"Yeah…I know that too…We talked about it the weekend he slept over," Hayden said.
"And…How did that go?" Gabriel asked.
"It started normally I guess, a random topic that turned into a confession…On his part at least," Hayden began.
"Uh huh…Go on," Gabriel urged. Hayden took a breath and told Gabriel about that night with Trayden and his sleepover. After five or so minutes, he finished. "So you don't know if what you feel is real?"
"Yeah…" Hayden nodded. "I know that I feel something, and I know I'm…Attracted to him. But are my feelings for him a crush or because I cling to him for security and comfort…I don't want to feel something for…The wrong reason I guess is the best way to put it. I wouldn't want to lead Trayden on like…Someone did to me…" he looked down.
"I can understand," Gabriel mentioned. "Well, kiddo…It seems to me that maybe you need to get away for a bit. You're in Berk all the time now, a street away from Trayden, and perhaps with all this extra stuff happening; you can't sit and think about this one thing that's weighing on your mind. Maybe you need a little distance?"
"I'm open to ideas…" Hayden muttered.
"How about we go camping for a week or two?" Gabriel suggested as Hayden looked at him. "Like old times during the Summer when I wasn't working or deployed. Remember? You and I would take off for a week or more before school started again. Have a last hoorah, and your parents would come too sometimes…It was the happiest and relaxed I've ever seen you, out in nature with no distractions from the world beyond The Cove campground,"
Hayden thought about it; Gabriel wasn't exactly wrong. Hayden loved The Cove; it was, in fact, one of his favorite places and memories with Gabriel and his parents. Maybe I do need to get away for a bit? Hayden thought, closing his eyes. "But what about court?"
"The next session, and likely the last with any luck, isn't until August 21st at 10 am. What do you say we pack up the old tent, dogs, and cat; we'll head to The Cove for two weeks. We can leave tomorrow, and come back on the 19th. That gives you…Sixteen days to relax a bit, escape. You don't have to worry about school, the pets, the house, court, anything at all. Just you and me with the animals, camping," Gabriel offered.
It would be nice to camp again. Leave technology behind, get out of the neighborhood, a little distance from everyone? I could work on my music, draw from nature…Have some peace like I used to, and maybe be able to figure things out regarding Trayden? Hayden considered; it wouldn't be a half bad idea and worth a try at least.
"What do you say?" Gabriel asked.
Hayden nodded. "It's…Worth a shot, at least. I'll tell everyone we're…Taking a vacation and I won't be available,"
"See, that's the spirit," Gabriel smiled a little as the food arrived and the two males began eating. Ten minutes later, Hayden suddenly remembered the End of Summer Celebration and he said he'd ask Gabriel if it was alright to host it at his house.
"Oh…Uncle Gabe…I was wondering if…I could throw a party a-at the house at the end of August?" Hayden inquired, which surprised Gabriel.
"A party? I didn't think you were into those," Gabriel chuckled some.
"No, no…Not that kind of party. This is an end of Summer thing that my friends have been doing for a couple of years. Everyone gets together at someone's house, camping out in a big backyard in tents with a fire, food, drinks…Non-Alcoholic, of course…" Hayden explained. "It…Usually gets held at Trayden's, or Alicia and Syrus's…Sometimes Bryan and Katie's place. But I thought that since…I was in the group now; I could host and invite them as they've done for me in all their activities despite me being all…Well, the way I was…Am…I guess I'm half and half on that still,"
"Are you…Up for hosting a large-scale get together like this? You're…Typically not the party type, no matter what kind it may be. You know this means you're in charge of everything, don't you? Music, food, beverages, entertainment?" Gabriel reminded.
Hayden nodded his head. "Yeah, I know. I-I feel like I can handle it; I know they are my friends. And I'm…Much better now than I was when all this started last October, almost November with them. I'm…Comfortable around them; they know my left leg is a prosthetic and that I'm gay. Everyone is genuinely accepting of me despite my many issues,"
"Well, lad, if you want to throw the celebration; I don't mind. When is it?" Gabriel questioned, smiling, and glad that Hayden was more active with his new friends.
"Uh…Last weekend of August, so I think Friday the 31st from like…I don't know, 3 pm to Saturday the 1st of September around late morning?" Hayden responded, trying to recall the conversation from prom when it was discussed among everyone.
"That's fine with me, laddie. I don't mind supervising the lot of you," Gabriel nodded.
"Thank you!" Hayden smiled broadly, grabbing his phone and starting a group message with everyone included.
To; Tray's Cell, Syrus, Alicia, Alyssa, Bryan, Katie, Tyler, Rylee, Evan, Devon, Miya, Ford, Hailey, Mindy
1:25 pm
End of Summer Celebration is a go for my house on 8/31/2018 at 3 pm. Katie, you can invite Andrew if you want. Bring your tents and sleeping bags too. :)
Hayden felt right about this; he was glad to be able to host it also. The friends had always included and invited him to their events despite his issues in the very beginning when they met and currently still having. Not even a minute later from when Hayden sent the message, the flood of responses from everyone came in saying that they couldn't wait and it would be awesome. Hayden set the phone down, so he could eat while waiting for things to settle before jumping back in to reply again.
After fifteen minutes, the vibrating of alerts coming in seemed to stop as Hayden was finishing his lunch, he decided to check things. Everyone was talking about things they'd bring as it was a tradition for them to each bring a dish whether it be an appetizer, side to the main, or dessert. Also, some offered to bring drinks.
"You should tell them about taking off for two weeks, just so they don't think anything is wrong and blow your phone up," Gabriel mentioned now.
"Oh…Good idea," Hayden nodded, agreeing as he tapped the text box again.
1:40 pm
Sounds great. We'll finalize everything when I get back. I'll be unreachable from tomorrow to the 19 th ; Uncle Gabriel and I are going on vacation. It's our little end of Summer thing from the past; I decided I wanted to relive it with him, a tribute to mom and dad who used to set it up. We abandon all technology and camp the old fashioned way. We'll still have our phones for emergencies, of course, but yeah…Figured I'd let you know, so no one panics if I ghost for two weeks.
Syrus, 1:42 pm
Awesome, cuz. Have a good time!
Hailey, 1:43 pm
No prob! Thx 4 tellin' us :)
Bryan, 1:43 pm
Enjoy it!
Ford, 1:44 pm
We won't bother you while you're on vacation lol
Katie, 1:45 pm
Sounds like fun!
Rylee, 1:45 pm
No worries!
Tyler, 1:45 pm
Wat they said. Too lazy to type out XD
Alyssa, 1:46 pm
Camping old fashioned way is a blast. And Ty; you'd be too lazy to breathe if you could live without doing it -.-
Hayden laughed a little at that remark from Alyssa.
Alicia, 1:47 pm
I love you, Ty, but she's not wrong. I'm surprised I get as much action as I do when we go on dates ^.-
Syrus, 1:47 pm
The only ACTION you better be getting is a hug or kiss!
Hayden laughed out at that one. Gabriel smiled; he liked seeing Hayden happy like this.
Alicia, 1:48 pm
Cut it out, Sy…What we do is no business of yours…
Evan, 1:49 pm
Oh, come on…Not this again…
Mindy, 1:49 pm
Have to agree with Evan here. Come on, Syrus…Tyler and Alicia have been together a full year come 9/10/18…Don't ride them so much. I'm sure your parents have taken care of warning and preparing Alicia for aspects in a long-term relationship.
Syrus, 1:51 pm
Gods, plz stop!
Hayden only shook his head seeing all this happening. More messages continued to come through, everyone joining in on the subject of Tyler and Alicia dating one another. Gabriel paid the bill as the two of them exited the restaurant and got into Gabriel's truck to head back to Berk and now prepare for their sixteen-day vacation to The Cove. As Hayden buckled his seat belt; he saw one message finally come through that he'd hoped to see because it brought a smile to his lips.
Tray's Cell, 2:02 pm
Alright, knock it off. Come on…This was a group message Hayden started to let us know about the celebration, and that he was going on vacation tomorrow. Why did it have to turn into all this mess?
Sy, Alicia, and Tyler are dating; they have been for almost a full year now. You gotta get over this protective detail. Alicia is nearly 17…It's not your job to delegate her life choices or make them for her. Her well-being is the responsibility of yours and her parents. The only thing you need to do is be a good brother and best friend by supporting their relationship.
All you're doing right now is pushing your only sister and best friend away, so cut the shit before you end up being the one who gets hurt in all this because you'll lose the respect from one and friendship of another.
Alicia, you're no saint in this. If you don't want Syrus hounding you, don't mention anything to him! I'm semi on Syrus's side here. If my little sister came home announcing things she was doing with her boyfriend, or even mentioning sexual actions; I'd get pretty hyped up and protective too.
Me, though, I'd go to my parents and let them handle things. Also, Syrus; Tyler and Alicia likely won't be doing anything until she 18 because Tyler would get smacked with a 1st Degree Statutory Rape charge regardless if Alicia consented or not. So bearing that in mind, fucking relax a little. Geeze…
Lastly, on the actual topic where this began.
Hayden, I'm sorry I didn't reply when you first messaged in. I was sleeping because I don't feel well and haven't for two days. The party sounds like it's going to be a blast and can't wait. :p For the vacation bit; have a great time and we'll see you when you get back. :)
The ending made Hayden frown a little; he didn't know Trayden was sick. Hayden wanted to do something for him, even if it was small. It seemed like the friends stopped messaging into the group, but had read what Trayden wrote. Hayden tapped the text box, beginning to reply.
2:05 pm
I'm sorry if I woke you, Tray. I probably should have done private messages and avoided this mess.
Tray's Cell, 2:06 pm
Don't worry about it. And you didn't wake me; my stomach in knots did. Mom thinks it's the Flu…Guess I'd rather have it now than when the party comes up. Don't want to miss it knowing you'll be there without a doubt ;p
Hayden blushed a little, and Gabriel caught it but didn't say anything. Hayden started typing back as Gabriel turned onto the highway to get to Berk; it would take them about forty-five minutes from this point to return.
2:07 pm
^.^ Can't very well host a party at my place if I'm not there, can I? Lol. I'm on my way back from the city, Uncle Gabe and I had lunch after the trial.
Tray's Cell, 2:07 pm
How was trial? That bitch get locked up yet?
2:08 pm
No…But Uncle Gabriel believes there's enough against her to let the jury rule next court date. It's on the 21 st at 10 am.
Tray's Cell, 2:10 pm
There's no way she's getting out of this one. Mind if I come on the 21st? I really wanna be there when she's found guilty on all charges and hauled off to prison.
2:11 pm
I don't mind you coming, Tray :) Oh, wanted to ask if you'd mind me stopping by when I get into town?
Tray's Cell, 2:16 pm
Is everything okay? Sorry for delay, bathroom and threw up.
2:17 pm
Yeah, it's okay. I just thought I'd stop over to hug you…And hope you're okay. Being sick sucks…
Tray's Cell, 2:18 pm
A hug? Whatever for, seems a bit out of the blue? O.o'
2:19 pm
You said you were sick…I thought since your hugs always help me, maybe I could do the same, and it might help you feel better…
Katie, 2:19 pm
AWE!
Hayden paled a little. He'd forgotten he was still in the group chat and everyone could see what he just said to Tray.
Mindy, 2:20 pm
That was adorable!
Alicia, 2:21 pm
So cute…
Hayden put the phone down, ignoring the other messages that were coming in. Like before, Trayden wasn't answering and Hayden was now embarrassed that he said such a thing in the chat with all of them there. After maybe five minutes, Hayden rechecked the device, seeing something pop up from Trayden that wasn't in the group.
Tray's Cell, 2:27 pm
Ignore them; you know they make a big deal out of everything. But as for what you said to me in there…
I don't mind at all if you come by to hug me :) Home by myself anyway and could use some company. Honestly, seeing that message from you helped a little. I can only imagine what a hug might fix, so please; stop by. I'd…Like to see you before you go on your trip ^_^
Hayden blushed again, feeling his heart start racing and beating hard in his chest.
2:28 pm
Be there in about 25 mins ^.^ Gonna go, for now, getting car sick lol. See you soon!
2:29 pm
Ok! See you soon! XD
Hayden set the phone down. "Uncle Gabe? Can we stop at Tray's before getting home?"
Gabriel kept his eyes on the road. "I thought you wanted a little distance to figure things out?" he asked with a slight smile.
"I-I do, but he's not feeling good and home alone…So I thought I'd make sure he was alright before we take off for two weeks…" Hayden replied, a bit nervously.
Gabriel chuckled a bit, which made Hayden curious as to why. "Oh, Hayden…I don't think you need to figure anything out at all, but we'll do it because I know you're still gonna deny and question things. Sure, we'll stop by Tray's,"
Hayden sat back, not sure how to take what Gabriel said. Do I need to figure things out? What did Gabriel mean? I'm…Just worried about Trayden because he's sick. And he's always doing nice things for me, even before he confessed to liking me. This is...What friends do. No, Gabriel doesn't know what he's talking about. I still need to get away and sit with things. Hayden thought, closing his eyes and relaxing for the remainder of the drive.
