=Normal POV=
[Friday, 10/05/2018; 12:00 pm]
[Berk High School]
The week continued normally after the situation on Monday where Marcus tried to be a jerk, but Hayden shut that down pretty quickly. Marcus hadn't bothered them since; he wouldn't even look at Hayden. And if Hayden was close to him, Marcus kept his head down and avoided all contact. The rest of the week was spent with classes. Finally, today was Friday, and the friends met at the breezeway as always to chat a bit, but then went to the gym for 7 am. The day continued, and now the group reconvened in the cafeteria for lunch hour.
"I can't believe homecoming got canceled!" Hailey frowned.
"Stop…There will be other dances," Devon chuckled.
"But we were all ready for it," Alyssa pouted, agreeing with Hailey. Rylee and Mindy did the same. Homecoming was announced during morning announcements to be canceled, but no word if it would be moved to another day or just straight up not happening. The dance was supposed to be tonight after the Football game.
"Well, then we'll hang out another way. Maybe we can do a sleepover?" Ford suggested.
"Can't be my house," Trayden said. "Mom is home sick with Aria and Cole,"
"Mom and dad are going out tonight since they made plans assuming we had homecoming," Alicia sighed.
"Same for us," Bryan informed as Katie nodded.
"How about you, Hayden?" Syrus asked. However, as the friends looked over to where Hayden always sat; he wasn't there. "Hayden?" he blinked.
"Where is he?" Tyler looked around.
"Hayden was right behind us when we left History, wasn't he?" Trayden inquired.
"I thought so," Alicia shrugged.
"I thought I saw him walking in with us," Mindy added. Trayden grabbed his phone and pulled up the messages with Hayden.
12:03 pm
Where are you? When did you leave lunch?
Trayden sent the message and placed his phone on the table in waiting for a response, or hope that Hayden would reply. A few minutes later; the device began to vibrate.
Hayden, 12:06 pm
Detoured to the bathroom. I haven't been in lunch at all…
12:07 pm
Are you okay?
Hayden, 12:07 pm
Don't feel good. I never entered cafeteria; felt like I was going to hurl…
12:08 pm
Have you?
"He answering?" Rylee asked.
Trayden nodded while waiting for another response. "Yeah, he said he detoured to the restroom on the way into lunch. I guess he's still in there due to not feeling well; he mentioned feeling like he was going to throw up," he informed as his phone vibrated again.
Hayden, 12:10 pm
With that one; I'm at 7 times since 1130 am.
"What did he say? Is he sick?" Miya inquired, preparing to get up.
"According to him; he's puked seven times in thirty minutes," Trayden stated.
"Does he want to come to lay in the office? I sit here with all of you because there's a sensor on the door when students open it; I get an alert on my phone when I need to be in there," Miya informed.
"I'll ask him," Trayden prepared to type back.
12:13 pm
Miya wants to know if you want to lay in the office?
Hayden, 12:14 pm
Would love to, but feeling weak and having trouble staying balanced…That's why I've just stayed in here.
12:15 pm
Should have said something, silly. I'll help you to the nurse's office. Hang tight, be right there.
"He wants to lay down, but felt weak and couldn't stay balanced; that's why he hasn't left the bathroom all this time. I'm gonna help him," Trayden cleared his area and headed out of the cafeteria. Miya kissed Devon gently before following, only she went down A-Hall to get to her office and wait for Hayden and Trayden to come.
. . .
Trayden reached the boy's bathroom and headed inside. "Hayden?" Trayden asked.
"Last stall on the left, Tray…" Hayden informed as Trayden headed down and stood before the door. The locked clicked and Hayden opened it, but Trayden saw he was sitting on the floor against the wall looking tired and miserable.
"You poor thing. Why didn't you message me sooner?" Trayden asked.
"Not gonna pull you from lunch to help me. Also didn't think I'd still be in here…" Hayden admitted. "I've felt fine all day," he sighed.
"It happens, Hayden. Everyone gets sick, and I know you have a weaker immune system," Trayden said as he carefully helped Hayden up to his feet; then the two exited the bathroom with Trayden holding Hayden so he wouldn't fall. Reaching Miya's office, Trayden helped Hayden to the bed, so Hayden could sit down and let Miya do her thing.
"We'll start with the obvious," Miya smiled. "What's bothering you?"
"My head and stomach," Hayden said softly. "I feel weak and tired," he yawned. Miya ran the thermometer over Hayden's forehead from one temple to the other; then it beeped as she looked at the screen.
"Slight fever; 99.5," Miya said. "You look positively exhausted, Hayden, and you threw up seven times in half an hour; I think it would be best for you to go home and rest," she suggested. "Are you alright to drive?"
"I can manage. I feel a little better after puking…Can…Trayden help me to my car?" Hayden wondered.
"Certainly. I'll write him a late pass to his next class," Miya nodded as she went to her desk and pulled out a green piece of paper; then filled it out and handed it to Trayden. "You're all set, Hayden; just sign out at the office and give them this," she handed Hayden a white piece of paper that explained he was was sick with a fever and going home.
"Thanks," Trayden looked at Miya, who nodded.
"Now, hurry along. The bell will be ringing any moment," Miya urged. Trayden picked up Hayden's jacket and backpack; then helped Hayden up to lead him out of the nurse's office. Getting to the main office; the bell rang as Hayden handed over his pass to Nadine, the receptionist.
"I hope you feel better, Hayden. Go on and sign out," Nadine said gently.
"Going home, cuz?" Syrus asked.
"Yeah," Hayden nodded while getting the pen and filling out the Student Sign-Out sheet with the date, his name, time, grade, and reason.
"He's got a slight fever and doesn't feel well; Miya said he should go home to rest," Trayden stated as Hayden finished and stood up slowly, feeling nauseated; he closed his eyes and tried to take a few breaths so that he wouldn't vomit again.
"You alright?" Bryan questioned.
"I will be…" Hayden sighed.
"I'm taking him to his car; then I'll be back for Math," Trayden enlightened.
"No problem," Alicia smiled, nodding. "We'll tell the teacher for you," she added.
"Appreciated, but I have a late pass from Miya. Come on, Hayden," Trayden insisted lightly, leading him to the main doors to exit and get to the student lot. The intercom system dinged as everyone in the halls quieted down to listen.
"Attention Berk High students. As you know; the Homecoming Dance was canceled this morning, but do not fret as we've decided to postpone until the end of October where it will mix with the Halloween Dance. Again, the Halloween Homecoming will get held on Friday, October 26th, 2018 in the High School Gymnasium at 6:30 pm until 10 pm. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Tickets will go on sale, Monday, October 8th; they will be $10.00 per person and available to purchase in the cafeteria during lunch periods. Hope to see you there! Thank you," came Amy Mayden's voice throughout the school.
"Huh, alright…That sounds kind'a fun," Mindy chuckled.
After the announcement, Trayden continued to lead Hayden out and to his car; they arrived a five minutes later as Hayden unlocked the vehicle and slid in. "Let me know when you get home, okay?"
"I will," Hayden nodded while buckling himself in and turning on the car.
"Hey…" Trayden said as Hayden looked at him. "Like you," he smiled.
"Like you too," Hayden replied as Trayden poked his head into the car and kissed Hayden's cheek gently.
"Be safe getting home," Trayden advised.
"Always," Hayden responded as Trayden stepped back from the car. Hayden threw the gear into Reverse and backed out of his space, then changed gears again to get into Drive to get out of the parking lot. Trayden chuckled a little as turned and returned to the school.
. . .
[12:30 pm]
[Berk; Haddock/Forger Home]
Hayden got to the house and walked in tiredly. "Laddie?" Gabriel called.
"It's me," Hayden replied, walking into sight now.
"What are ya doing home?" Gabriel wondered.
"Got sick right before lunch; threw up a few times, and running a fever. Miya told me to come home for the rest of the day," Hayden yawned.
"Go on and sleep then. I'll check on ya in a bit," Gabriel stated. Hayden nodded as he turned around and headed to his bedroom. After using the bathroom; he kicked off his shoes and laid down on his bed tiredly. Hayden closed his eyes and began drifting off, but a few minutes later; his eyes opened as he realized he never let Trayden know he got home safely.
"Shit…Forgot to text Tray…" Hayden mumbled as he grabbed his phone off the nightstand and pulled up the messages with Trayden, tapping the box, and beginning a reply.
1:05 pm
Forgot to message you because I almost fell asleep as soon as I got on my bed lol But I am home safely :)
Hayden put his phone on the charger and laid down, relaxing again. Not before long; Hayden nodded off to sleep.
. . .
[5:20 pm]
"Hayden? Laddie?!" Hayden woke up to the sound of Gabriel calling his name. Groaning, Hayden sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Lad, are ya alright?" he asked again.
"M' fine, Uncle Gabe…I was sleeping…" Hayden got himself off the bed and moved to the door, unlocking it. "Sorry…Didn't know it was locked," he yawned. "What's up?"
"You've been asleep for a few hours now. I made dinner; you hungry?" Gabriel inquired. Hayden shook his head.
"No thanks, Uncle Gabe…Still feeling nauseous," Hayden replied.
"Alright, no problem. Checking on ya like I said I would. Trayden came by at 2:45 to bring you your work from Math and Language Arts," Gabriel informed, handing over a few sheets of paper. Hayden took them and smiled a bit.
"Thanks…I'm gonna go grab a shower, maybe it'll make me feel better," Hayden mumbled some.
"Alright, laddie. Call if you need anything," Gabriel left the room as Hayden closed the door, making sure it wasn't locked this time. Hayden set the papers on his desk before going into the bathroom to relieve himself and then take a hot shower, hoping it would help him feel less icky.
. . .
[5:40 pm]
After a twenty-minute shower; Hayden decided it wasn't helping no matter how long he stood in there, so he shut off the water and dried off. Wrapping the towel around his figure, Hayden stepped into his room to get his boxers and brown pajama pants on; following that was a long sleeve red shirt. Hayden sat on his bed, groaning; he hated getting sick. Hayden reached for his phone and saw a few messages from Trayden.
Tray, 1:28 pm
Glad you messaged me; I was getting worried. Get some sleep :)
Tray, 2:30 pm
School is out for the weekend! Woo. You awake? How are you feeling?
Tray, 2:50 pm
Just dropped by to give you your missed class and homework. Gabriel said you were still sleeping and would give it to you. Hope you're okay.
Tray, 3:15 pm
Dear Gods, it's boring when I don't have you to talk to while I do my homework XD
Tray, 4:45 pm
Finally finished homework :p You still sleeping? Hope you wake up feeling better!
Tray, 5:05 pm
Hey…When you get this…And all the others ones, message me back. I wanna ask you something ^.^
Hayden couldn't help but giggle a little at the six messages that Trayden had sent ever since Hayden texted Trayden to let him know he was home safe. Hayden tapped the reply box and began his message back.
5:44 pm
Woke up around 5:20 and took a shower, but didn't help much. What are you doing?
Hayden went to his desk, figuring that he might as well get some school work done and not worry about it over the weekend. Moments after sitting down and pulling the papers towards him; there was a response from Trayden.
Tray, 5:46 pm
Yay, you're awake! But sucky you don't feel any better :(
And just laying around waiting for dinner. How about you?
5:47 pm
Attempting to get some work done on the papers you brought me, and all the other stuff too.
Tray, 5:48 pm
It's a bitch. Senior Year is much harder lol
5:48 pm
Not hard for me to do, don't feel motivated to do it while sick. So…What did you wanna ask me?
Hayden put the phone down and started getting through the easy stuff first that he knew wouldn't take him long to do. These subjects happened to be Math and Language Arts. History and Science were easy too, but usually had longer assignments to do, so he waited to do them last. By 6:10 pm, Hayden finished Langauge Arts; all he had to do was go over a fake essay and correct any errors. Math only took Hayden until 6:30 pm to do. As Hayden put both of those away; he prepared to move on to Science when his phone vibrated beside him on the desk.
Tray, 6:33 pm
Sorry for the delay, was eating dinner. For what I was going to ask; did you want to go on a date tomorrow, but only if you're feeling better and up to it? Also, do you want to go to the Halloween Homecoming with me?
Hayden laughed a bit but started his reply.
6:35 pm
First of all; that was 2 questions lol
Secondly, I'll see how I feel for tomorrow. If no better, we'll go when I am. And lastly…I'd love to go to Halloween Homecoming with you, Tray ^/^ I'll get the tickets on Monday.
Tray, 6:37 pm
No, no! I asked you; I'll get the tickets :p
6:38 pm
Never you mind! You bought the Prom tickets last year, and something tells me you'll do it again this year…So let me get these, okay?
Tray, 6:40 pm
Fine, you win XD And yes, I am getting the…
Wait! Was that your way of saying yes to going to Senior Prom with me? 0.0
6:43 pm
Oh, so you were assuming that I was going before I even said anything -grins-
Tray, 6:42 pm
Um…Uh…
I'm just gonna go crawl under a rock now…
Hayden laughed again.
6:45 pm
Tray, it's okay. Really. I assumed you'd ask me to go with you since our feelings are out in the open now; that's why I said what I did about knowing you'll get the tickets for Senior Prom.
But, yes; I'd love to go with you ^_^
Hayden started on his Science work, not that it would take very long.
Tray, 6:50 pm
I'm glad. Maybe you won't run away from me this time? XD Only kidding, of course.
Hayden sighed a bit but remained smiling. He only ran away last time because the kiss scared him a bit, at how fast the fire burst from just a spark that was his feelings for Trayden. Things were different now; Hayden knew how he felt, but was still a bit hesitant on the relationship portion that should come along with a confession of feelings. Hayden knew that Trayden was vastly different from Bradley, but despite seeing everything for himself; he was still hesitant and scared.
Maybe I should talk to Gabriel again?... Hayden thought for a moment before deciding it was a good idea to do so. Quickly, Hayden typed back a response.
6:56 pm
I promise I won't run this time. Gonna try to get some more sleep. Talk to you in a bit?
Tray, 6:57 pm
No problem. I'll be here :) Rest well, like you!
6:58 pm
Like you too :red heart:
Hayden left his phone on the nightstand while exiting the bedroom and moving down the hall to see Gabriel eating his food while sitting on the couch. Instantly, the old man's eyes rose to see Hayden standing in the living room.
"Hey, laddie," Gabriel greeted with a smile.
"Hi…" Hayden smiled some.
"Are ya alright? Did the shower help any? You hungry?" Gabriel asked.
"Doing okay. Not really. And not at all," Hayden answered in order. "I…Was hoping we could talk about something that's…Been on my mind for a bit?" he inquired.
"Sure, come to sit," Gabriel said patting the place behind him and paused the TV. Hayden sat down next to his Godfather, sighing a bit. "What's botherin' ya?"
Hayden took a breath and began to explain everything about the situation as Gabriel listened closely to Hayden tell him about how he and Trayden admitted their feelings the night of the End of Summer Celebration, but Hayden confessed he wasn't ready for a relationship. Hayden told Gabriel about the hesitation, and what he and Trayden were trying to do to remove it.
"And…Despite all of that happening," Hayden started after explaining the situation from Monday with Marcus, who Hayden mentioned was Trayden's ex-boyfriend. "I'm still hesitating, and I don't know why when I know Tray is nothing like Bradley…" he finished after taking a breath. "So I was wondering if you had…Any insight on why, or maybe how I can stop being scared to date?"
Gabriel tapped his chin a bit, then rubbed it before looking at Hayden. "Well, I think you just answered your own question, kiddo," Gabriel said as Hayden arched a brow at him. "Look…You admitted that in the beginning, as in the end of August when you and Trayden confessed having feelings for one another, that you were not ready for a relationship because of how things went with Bradley, right?"
"Yeah…" Hayden nodded.
"And you just told me you know that Trayden is nothing like Brad, so I think the only thing holding you back is you," Gabriel pointed gently. "Like when you couldn't figure out your feelings for Trayden. However, in the end, you realized you liked him all along, but started overthinking things and psyched yourself out," he added.
"True…But I don't see how I'm in my way here…I still feel hesitation," Hayden said.
"Hayden, listen to me, okay? I could see you hesitating on being with Trayden in a relationship if you and Bradley had dated previously back before your parents passed away. Alright? I can see that if things with Bradley ended badly, as in breaking up, not him rejecting you after three years of waiting for you to come around…That you'd be scared to get into another relationship. But that isn't the case, lad," Gabriel explained.
"Yes, you cared for Brad and wanted to be with him. But that never happened because of him suddenly bailing and saying his feelings changed. However, you've healed enough to feel something for someone else, and I know that scared you because of what happened with Bradley. But…Something you have to remember, and admitted you already know; is that Trayden isn't Bradley. Trayden has more than proven with his words and actions that he's nothing like Bradley," Gabriel continued.
"Yes…I know that…But why-," Hayden began.
"Laddie…You're hesitating because this would be your first relationship. Your scared because you know that Trayden isn't going to bail on you as Bradley did, and Trayden isn't going to use you as Bradley did. Your scared of everything going wrong and psyching yourself out again. I could see if you and Trayden were going to engage in sexual activities, Hayden. Yes, that is something you would be hesitant on and need time to prepare and be ready for. But this, kiddo; being with Trayden in a relationship is something you just gotta go for and let things play out. There is no being ready for this because you've never done it before, so just jump in and let yourself be happy," Gabriel informed calmly.
Hayden thought about Gabriel's words carefully; the man was probably right. And Hayden knew not to question it, especially after the whole two-week vacation thing where Gabriel said Hayden already knew his feelings for Trayden, but Hayden denied it until the first week into the trip when he realized Gabriel knew what he was talking about. This was no different; Gabriel was absolutely right. Hayden was only scared because he'd never been in a relationship before. Hayden knew he like Gabriel, and wanted to be with him; he didn't want this kissing each other and going on dates as just friends. No, Hayden wanted to be with Trayden; he wanted them to be a couple. So Hayden was going to tell Trayden at the Halloween Homecoming and hopefully by the end of that night; they would be boyfriend and boyfriend.
