=Normal POV=

(October 7, 2018; 2:15 pm)

[Haddock Household]

The group of seven friends reached Spencer and Vivian Haddock's front door as Avery knocked twice, but there was no answer.

"The cars are here," Avery mumbled as she moved to the side and then past the metal gate with her friends following. Thankfully, Avery saw Spencer and Vivian sitting on the back porch watching their dogs run and play with one another. Spencer had a Siberian Husky named Skullcrusher while Vivian had a Chocolate Labrador called Cloudjumper. "Mr. and Mrs. Haddock?" Avery got their attention.

Spencer sat up now. "Avery? What brings you and your friends by?"

"My friends and I found something at Raven Point Park in The Cove about twenty minutes ago, and I thought I should bring it to you," Avery stepped towards him, then carefully pulled the gun out of her backpack.

"Avery thinks it's yours. The one you keep here for home defense, Uncle Spencer," Shane mentioned.

"That wouldn't be possible, kids. Only three people have that combination, and all of them are here right now," Vivian stated.

"Hayden is here?" Drew questioned.

"Yes, why do you think otherwise?" Spencer wondered.

"Because we just saw him at around 1 pm at the park," Tyler informed.

"And he kind of flipped out on us, then ran off to The Cove on the verge of tears," Rylee added.

"Yeah, he wasn't…acting like himself," Fisher interjected. "Is that your gun, Mr. Haddock?"

Spencer inspected the gun and checked the serial number on it. "It…is. And it's got a bullet in the chamber too,"

"It can't be ours, Spencer. The gun is still in the safe," Vivian tried to assure. Spencer got up and went inside the house, to his office, then checked the safe. Unfortunately, the gun was missing and the safe door had been left wide open. Spencer returned outside.

"We've been out here since 12:30 pm. The safe was wide open, Viv, and the gun wasn't in there. Which means that this one is ours," Spencer enlightened firmly. "Where did you say you found this again?"

"The Cove at Raven Point Park," Hailey replied.

"And you said Hayden was there too?" Vivian asked.

"We saw him walking in; Avery got his attention and he got kind of cold with us, sir. Hayden just went off the handle, running away and in the direction of The Cove," Drew recited in more detail.

"Is it…possible Hayden took the gun?" Avery inquired now.

"I-I don't see why he would need it, but as far as I know; he's in his room," Spencer said. "HAYDEN!" he called. No answer. Spencer grumbled as he went back inside, Vivian following, and then the ex-friends. Spencer knocked on the door. "Hayden! Your mother and I need to have a word with you," Nothing. Spencer opened the door and walked in; the room was empty.

"Hayden?" Vivian stepped in behind her husband. All either parent saw was a stack of money wrapped in a piece of paper. Vivian picked up the money and read the few words written there. "I turned eighteen in February, so here's my rent to live here since becoming an adult. $200 times eight months is $1,600, and I decided to add in October's too. Total is $1,800. -Hayden,"

"Maybe try calling him?" Hailey offered. Spencer dialed Hayden's cell and waited. Not more than two seconds later, ringing was heard as their eyes fell to the bed where Hayden's mobile laid there with an incoming call from; Dad.

"How was Hayden when you saw him?" Spencer asked.

"Hayden went from cold to angry in seconds flat saying that he had no friends, no job, and he'd lost your guy's respect," Shane revealed.

"And that he didn't care about anything anymore. We asked if he was okay because it looked like he had been crying, he said it wasn't our business. Also, Hayden said for us to hate him because everyone else did," Drew added.

"And what has us the most confused was right before he ran off; Hayden told us goodbye, that we didn't need to worry about him, and to leave him alone," Avery finished. "Almost an hour later at 2 pm, we went to The Cove, but Hayden was gone, and we found that. If you guys were here, and Hayden was at the park and we found the gun there…"

"The question is why did Hayden leave his phone and this money here, then take the gun to the Cove and leave it there with a round loaded?" Spencer stared at the gun in his hands while Vivian held the money with nervousness creeping onto her face.

. . .

[Raseri Home]

(5:20 pm)

Troy and Hayden spent the entire time downstairs switching between systems and games while talking about their lives. Hayden felt a lot better than he had before, but he still dreaded going home. For now, he was hiding those feelings to enjoy a good time with his new friend. Troy was a great guy, and Hayden was happy to have him. Troy literally saved his life by following him after seeing the scene with Hayden's ex-friends, and feeling like Hayden could use a friend after it all. Hayden didn't know what to call it, but he was thankful. Maybe there were people who cared, and Hayden just hadn't met them yet. Either way, Hayden was going to remember what Troy told him; that Hayden could only find his purpose and who he was meant to be by staying alive and continuing to push on without the weight of others holding him down.

"Troy! Cole! Hayden! Dinner time boys, wash up!" Rachel called from the top of the stairs. Cole rushed out of his room and up the stairs while Troy shut the game off and the two set their controllers down before getting up.

"I suppose you have to go home after this?" Troy questioned. Hayden sighed.

"I really…don't want to," Hayden admitted.

"I'm sure your parents are wondering where you are," Troy offered. "Haven't they called?"

"Wouldn't know…Left my phone on the bed with $1,800," Hayden shrugged as Troy blinked while they were heading for the stairs. Once upstairs, both washed their hands as Dustin was assisting Rachel in setting the table.

"That's because of earlier right?" Troy inquired as Hayden nodded to him. "Well, you can stay longer if you want; I can drive you home later," he smiled.

"I appreciate that Troy," Hayden returned the gesture as everyone sat down at the table while Rachel set the food down. Not long after, everyone had a full plate and had begun to eat.

"So, it's Hayden right?" Cole decided to break the silence. Hayden gave a nod. "Why are you so quiet?"

"It wasn't a good day for me," Hayden smiled a little.

"What happened?" Cole pushed.

"Ran into some former friends, lost my job, got into an argument with my parents," Hayden shrugged.

"Is that how you met Troy?" Dustin inquired now.

"Hayden and I met in the park, Dad. I saw him sitting by himself near the fountain and we just started talking," Troy covered as gave a silent thank you with his eyes.

"Oh, you poor dear. I'm glad my son was able to cheer you up," Rachel smiled broadly.

"Yeah, I am too. Troy is a phenomenal friend," Hayden admitted.

"So, son. Still planning to join?" Dustin asked.

"Yeah, figured I'd wait a bit since everyone does after High School," Troy replied.

"Smart move," Dustin nodded in agreement.

"What are you joining again?" Cole questioned.

"The Marines, kiddo," Troy chuckled. Hayden hadn't known about this. Troy would be joining the military, and Hayden likely wouldn't see much of him when Troy left for training.

"Well, it's a wonderful career choice, sweetheart," Rachel informed. "Your father and I are very proud of you,"

"I don't see what could be better than joining a force that keeps our home safe," Troy enlightened. "What about you, Hayden? What's your next step in life?"

"I don't really know," Hayden said while looking down at his plate. "I'll find something," he remarked afterward.

"What do your parents do, Hayden?" Rachel inquired.

"Uh, my dad is Chief of Berk Police and my mom owns Hearts and Hugs Sanctuary," Hayden responded.

"Your father is…Spencer Haddock then; he's a good officer," Dustin remarked.

"Yeah," Hayden pushed some of the food around. Troy could tell that Hayden didn't want to talk about his folks after what happened earlier.

"Have you considered college?" Cole offered.

"A few times, but with losing my job; I gotta find another one to save up," Hayden answered.

"You could probably apply for financial aid," Dustin suggested.

"I could, but would still need the job to pay off the loans and what not. I don't mind waiting for a bit," Hayden shrugged.

"Hayden," Rachel put her fork down as Hayden raised his head to look at Troy's mother. "Now, I might only be a paramedic, but from raising two boys; I know when something is troubling one of them, and you have that look on your face,"

"I-I'm okay, Mrs. Raseri. Just…Thinking about earlier is all, and not looking forward to going home and picking up the argument where it left off," Hayden stated with as much of a convincing smile he could manage.

"I've heard it helps to talk about it," Dustin interjected.

"You've already been kind enough to allow me into your home and eat dinner with you. I couldn't possibly bring my personal drama into your lives," Hayden said.

"Anyone who walks through our door is a friend to us, son, and we like to help those who need it. Come now, tell us what's bothering you?" Rachel invited. Hayden sighed a little as his hands dropped into his lap while closing his eyes. Hayden began to explain the situation as it had started back in July, two to three weeks after he graduated from High School. Hayden went in order, sparing no detail. As it came towards the end of the story, Hayden left out wanting to kill himself and reworded it as he planned to run away, which is why he left his phone at home.

"So basically, I ended up friendless, jobless, and about to be homeless since it seems like my parents hate me," Hayden muttered.

"You were friendless until you met me," Troy reminded with a hand on my back and giving Hayden a shake to comfort him.

"But Hayden, you should fight all that," Dustin enlightened.

"Your parents aren't being fair," Cole piped up.

"No, but whoever said life was fair? Really, it's okay. I'll be alright," Hayden smiled a bit but kept his eyes down.

"Why don't we finish eating?" Rachel suggested, trying to get her husband and sons to leave the subject alone. Quietly, everyone continued to eat their supper.

. . .

[Troy's Room]

(6:20 pm)

After dinner, Hayden and Troy ended up back downstairs and this time, in Troy's room. Of course, Hayden was already down there; Troy said he needed to talk to his parents about something, but then he'd be right there. Hayden didn't want to go to his house, and even worse; he realized that he left the gun at The Cove, and the safe door open in his father's office. Gods, he was in so much trouble. Right about now; he wished he was dead than have to deal with all this.

"Hayden? Are you alright?" Troy's voice made Hayden look up at him.

"I left the safe open in my dad's office, and I'm sure he's noticed the gun is gone. And I left the weapon at The Cove," Hayden admitted, nervously at that too.

"Are you scared to go home?" Troy inquired softly, sitting beside his friend.

"Yes! My dad is gonna murder me; there is no excuse I could give him about why I took it without it sounding horrible. Gods, I should have just done it earlier!" Hayden buried his face into his palms.

"Hayden, stop! Don't talk like that!" Troy put his hands on Hayden's shoulders, forcing Hayden to look at Troy.

"I-I can't go home. I c-can't…" Hayden panicked.

"Then don't," Troy said to him as Hayden stared, clearly afraid. "Stay here. My parents don't mind; that's what I was talking to them about. Come live with us; we all think it's messed up what's happened to you, but we'd be delighted for you to come here," Hayden's eyes widened.

"T-Troy…Gods, I-I can't do that to you guys; you've been too ki-," Hayden began.

"Oh, shut up. Hayden; it is screwed up that your own parents are willing to throw you out in two weeks if you don't have a new job and paying them $200 a month! It seems like they are trying to get rid of you, and that doesn't sit right with my family or me. Okay, you're my friend, and I'm not gonna let them throw you to the wolves. You're wanted here, so stay where you're wanted; remember? Like I told you before?" Troy said.

"It's…a fantastic offer and more than anyone has ever been willing to go out of their way to do for me, Troy, but I can't just-," Hayden tried.

"Yes, you can. Hayden, listen to me. You are eighteen-years-old and you can do whatever you want. Your former friends abandoned you. Your old boss threw you aside. And now your parents are actively trying to get rid of you for bullshit reasons? All that on top of the fact none of them are even willing to give you a chance or hear your side. You don't need that in your life; you need to be around people who want you in their life! I am your friend, and I want you here, and so does my family. Forget all of them, and stay. Who the hell can stop you? This is your life; live it YOUR WAY!" Troy reminded quickly.

Hayden wanted to cry. "Yo-You really…want me to stay here?"

"Yes. We all do, and we have plenty of room! You can board with me in here or we can add a new place in the middle of Cole's and mine's bedrooms. I'm not going to let you end up homeless, so let me be a good friend and take the offer," Troy remarked.

"Troy, I-I'd love to, but aren't you about to join the Marines and leave? I wouldn't feel right staying here with your family while you're gone," Hayden sighed.

"That's the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. Come with me," Troy smiled.

Hayden's eyes widened a little. "I, uh, I don't think the military lets you bring friends," he stated.

"That's not what I-Ugh, no! I mean; join with me, Hayden! Become a Marine!" Troy beamed as Hayden's eyes widened all the way now, shocked at the suggestion. Troy wanted him to join the Archipelago Island Marine Corps?!