Eighth grade / Age 14...
Vincent stares at Hayden with disdain as he waltzes down the hallway.
The two haven't spoken in weeks.
If Hayden wants to run off and forget about Vincent, then so be it. Vincent just wishes that he didn't waste his time befriending the boy if he was only going to kick him aside like garbage the second he gets the tiniest bit of attention.
Vincent stops at his locker to grab his textbooks for his next class. When he hears commotion from down the hall getting closer and closer to him, he can't help but roll his eyes. He slams the locker door shut and turns around, not expecting much from the newly popular teen that is now crowded by numerous people chasing superficial status.
A new addition to eighth grade is the booming popularity of Hayden Williams.
Since making the football team, Hayden made it his priority to let the sport drive him in all aspects of life. Over the summer, he practiced harder than ever. He ran every day, worked on his throwing and catching, and became better than almost the entire team for this season.
With that determination came a great reward. Hayden shaved off a majority of his extra weight, his jawline got sharper, and soon everyone was attracted to his undeniable magnetism. And unfortunately, Hayden was drawn to the same shallow people who used to cut him down.
It just doesn't make sense to Vincent. Hayden lived through it himself. How could he be so naive and ignorant to go back to the people who now want to show him kindness after he has fallen into their slim definition of standards?
Nothing pisses Vincent off more than watching Hayden laugh and smile with his little posse as if they care the tiniest bit about him. Vincents assumes that Hayden says something witty when the girls let out bubbly, hyena-sounding laughs. The girl on his arm, Reyna, happens to smile the brightest as she kisses Hayden's cheek.
Vincent has to physically hold back a gag.
Some of the assholes on the football team also surround the star of the show. Hayden fistbumps and pats the backs of the guys like they weren't the same people who shoved him in the dirt last year.
When the group of people finally walks within range of Vincent, he isn't surprised when Hayden doesn't even steal a glance at him. Vincent storms in the opposite direction, and he is so clouded by rage that he doesn't happen to see Leo and Sawyer stealing worried glances at him.
They've noticed the raven-haired teen retreating right back into the guarded fort he originally put up when the two first befriended him. Leo and Sawyer are trying to be sympathetic to his situation, but it doesn't change the fact that they still have each other. Hayden is Vincent's person, even if he isn't very good at showing it. Vincent is only reminded of his missing presence whenever the three hang out.
Vincent isn't stupid, though. He knows that people are bound to change once they grow older. He just didn't think Hayden would change so drastically.
Watching Hayden try to put on a fraudulent smile and mold an entirely new personality feels like a punch to the gut. Hayden's always been funny, but now he tries so hard that everything out of his mouth is unauthentic.
Of course, the one person that Vincent feels safe enough to open up to is suddenly stabbing him in the back.
Meanwhile, Hayden has no recollection of the turmoil that lies between him and Vincent. Vincent hasn't even been on his mind since the season started and he showed everyone his new burst of talent.
Hayden doesn't even realize that he is caught up in the glitz and glamor of fame. He is just basking in the spotlight because this little batch of attention never seemed attainable to someone like him...or someone he used to be.
"Hayden?" A girl attached to his arm says at the same time that another guy yells.
"Yo, are we having out tomorrow, Hayden?"
"Can't," he admits. "I already have plans with someone else."
"Who?"
"I have no idea," he shrugs. "All I know is that I'm already booked."
The guy scoffs with playful disappointment while everyone else continues to dote on Hayden.
Hayden feels absolutely drained, though. It's hard putting up a persona to please everyone. His toothy grin feels more like that of a scarecrow than an innocent kid who just wants to be noticed. He actually feels overwhelmed that he can't talk to them...at least not the way that he can talk to...
He gets distracted when someone asks him another question.
Hayden may look okay, but happiness hasn't reached his eyes since his sudden image change.
Hayden may be trying to navigate eighth grade just like every other teen out there that is ready for high school, but he doesn't know that he is going to reach the shore with nobody by his side because his true friends walked the plank.
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Vincent sighs with annoyance. He snatches his football helmet out of his locker and slams the door shut before making his way out to the field.
Leo and Sawyer look at each other uneasily. They don't like the fact that Vincent is locking himself in a room in the back of his mind just because he's angry at Hayden.
"You should ask if he wants to hang out," Sawyer offers as he gets his football stuff out of his locker.
"Why me?" Leo asks curiously, not opposed to the idea but wondering why him instead of them both.
"Because you're good at understanding people," he explains. "Besides, I think he would feel more listened to if just one of us was there."
Leo nods in agreement. "So you are totally fine missing out on watching the game together tomorrow?"
"No," Sawyer laughs. "But Vincent needs someone right now...otherwise we are going to be left dealing with a constantly grumpy baby."
Leo laughs, "He would murder you if he heard you say that."
Sawyer chuckles and shrugs, "Yeah, I know."
Leo playfully nudges his best friend before they make their way out to the football field.
As usual, everyone is already grouped into their little cliques before football practice starts. While everyone is quietly conversing, Vincent is picking at the grass and impatiently waiting to get this whole thing over with.
He doesn't like the rift he created between him and his parents just because he joined the football team. And the only reason why he did it in the first place was because Hayden asked him to keep at it, so now he feels played and silly.
Sawyer slaps Leo on the chest and points to the boy who has separated himself from everyone. Leo nods while Sawyer makes himself busy talking to someone else because, with his charming smile, he's never had trouble making friends.
Leo wordlessly sits on the grass beside Vincent. Vincent examines his friend out of the corner of his eye with mild irritation before realizing that it's actually himâsomeone who took the time and energy to get to know him despite all the stop signs he unintentionally put up. Vincent sighs when he realizes what an asshole he's been to Leo and Sawyer.
"What do you want, golden boy?" Vincent asks, suddenly finding a lot of interest in the grass as he avoids eye contact with Leo in shame.
"Do you want to come over tomorrow?" Leo smiles patiently.
Vincent is shocked by the offer. His eyes snap up to Leo's but he doesn't find anything but pure understanding.
Fuck him and his stupidly perfect personality.
"Yeah," Vincent finally breathes, letting the corner of his lips tug up. "I'd like that...Is Sawyer coming?"
"Nah. He has to watch over his little sister for a while."
"Oh," Vincent mutters, his mood already uplifted from the tiny offer. "So...were you thinking of a book club meeting or something tomorrow," Vincent teases.
"Yeah, right," Leo laughs sarcastically. "I'm not a nerd like you."
"No, but you are a stupid jock," Vincent chuckles. "Living up to your name."
"Ouch," Leo muses, physically holding a hand over his heart. "At least I have better grades than Sawyer. And, in case you were curious, you are going to sit down and watch the football game with me tomorrow."
"I'd rather die," Vincent says shortly.
"Oh, come on," Leo playfully groans, shaking Vincent's shoulders.
"Fine, fine," Vincent huffs, lightheartedly swatting his hands away.
Before either of the two can say anything else, Coach demands the team's attention.
"Boys, gather around!"
Instantly, everyone scrambles up to heed Coach Morrow's orders. He doesn't expect anything less than perfection from his team, which is another reason why Vincent could care less about this sport.
"As you know, we are playing our rivals this Thursday," he begins.
A majority of the boys begin to cheer while Vincent rolls his eyes because hearing that statement isn't very exciting at all. He's very much over this day, but now he has something to look forward to instead of the usual tireless lecture from his parents who have yet to attend a single one of his games.
"This is the most important game of the season. As of right now, it doesn't matter who has started in every game thus far. We are starting new. I want to see how many of you have improved, and if you aren't on your game this practice, then you just might be sitting on the bench."
Coach's news causes a silent uproar of apprehension.
"Today, I want you all to treat this practice like a game," Coach continues. "I don't want anyone who doesn't want to be here."
Vincent thinks that's just absolutely peachy right now.
Coach begins to carefully split people off into teams.
Soon enough, it's pretty clear that he is setting one team up for disappointment.
Vincent doesn't even hide the scowl on his face when the coach comes near.
"Red team, Russell," Coach explains. "And you're on defense."
"What?" Vincent says out loud before his mind can warn him about talking back to Coach Morrow. "I don't even play defense. Whyâ"
"Well, you do today."
"Butâ"
"Either play or don't. It's not my problem."
Vincent grumbles a whole line of curses under his breath before he makes his way toward his teammates. He is only now noticing that he was put with the incompetent players which makes him more displeased than ever.
Once the teams are finally separated, kick-off begins.
Life is grand for the blue team. They practically run circles around every defensive member, including Vincent who is so lost in a position he doesn't play. Leo and Sawyer are on the opposite team, but he can't be mad at his friends. However, he can be mad at Hayden who suddenly has to rub every touchdown he gets in their faces.
Vincent's fuse ignites and who knows how long it'll be before he blows.
After about thirty minutes pass, Vincent's finally getting the hang of it. He lands a couple of sacks, catches a few interceptions, and can't help but tease Sawyer when he manages to steal the ball from him.
His coach is pleasantly surprised by his performance, but Vincent isn't playing for him. Vincent didn't know this before, but sports are a great outlet to let off a little steam.
Vincent watches Hayden like a hawk. He's been untouchable since the start of the game, but that's going to change. Vincent's always been a strategist, so it's easy to pick up on patterns in Hayden's movement. And when Vincent catches Hayden off guard with the end zone in sight, things aren't pretty.
Vincent, using a lot more force than he is even conscious of, slams Hayden against the ground. It disorients Hayden for a second, but when he sees an out-of-breath Vincent hovering over him, he feels conflicted.
"Vinny, what is wrong with you?!" he says in outrage, shoving the ravenette off of him.
They both clamber to their feet.
Vincent recoils back in pure shock.
That's what he has to say to me after all this time?
"What's wrong with me?" Vincent laughs bitterly. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"
Vincent, unable to control his emotions, reaches forward and pushes his hands into his chest. He just doesn't know how to properly express that he is really hurt by the actions of his best friend.
"Why would you tackle me like that?" Hayden says, aghast. "You could have seriously hurt me."
Maybe it's because you've been doing the same thing to me, Vincent thinks.
Hayden's cluelessness is just really setting Vincent off. He tugs him closer by his jersey, to the point where their helmets clink.
"If you want to run off and live in a little fantasy land, then so be it," Vincent snaps harshly. "But don't act like we are all fucking buddy-buddy."
Hayden is stunned by his best friend's brutality, but Vincent would never call Hayden his best friend at this moment.
"What are youâ"
"You still don't see anything wrong?" Vincent asks rhetorically. "How ignorant and brainwashed do you have to be? It's fine if you don't care anymore, Hayden, but don't sit around and act like you do. I never thought I'd be so forgettable that you think you can treat me like dirt. Screw you for being the only person that can truly make me feel down about myself. Here, I'll do the hard work for you since you couldn't even find the time to be considerate: Don't talk to me anymore because we aren't friends."
Vincent instantly shoves him away before turning his back and strutting away.
"Vinny, wait," Hayden says desperately.
He tries to run and catch up with Vincent, but a hand on his wrist stops him.
"Let him cool off," Sawyer says softly.
Hayden listens, but that doesn't stop him from feeling terrible about being so caught up in what he once hated. Wanting nobody to see the confusion picking at his brain at losing someone so important, he also storms off.
"Where are you two going?!" Coach Morrow shouts in exasperation.
Coach's complaint falls on deaf ears as the two walk away with heavy hearts.
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When Hayden walks into the house with a little less enthusiasm than usual, Scott instantly notices. However, he doesn't want to pressure him to open up because usually, his kid has trouble keeping his mouth shut about any drama going on.
Hayden hops up on the counter and watches his dad stir up some dinner.
Thinking back to what Vincent said, Hayden hasn't even realized that this is the longest time his dad has been home. Hayden was so busy obsessing with everything around him that he forgot to soak up the quality time with his father that he had so desperately wished for.
"Hey, Dad?" Hayden says softly.
"Yep?" Scott quips, bringing his son a piece of garlic toast while the spaghetti noodles are still cooking.
"Can Reyna come over on Saturday?"
"Who's Reyna?" he laughs.
"My girlfriend."
"Since when do you have a girlfriend?"
"Since last week," Hayden explains dramatically. "I told you about it."
"No," his dad chuckles in disbelief. "You definitely didn't."
"Well, can sheâ"
Hayden's phone buzzes in his pocket. He whips it out to find a text from Reyna.
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We're breaking up. Todd finally asked me out.
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"Just kidding," Hayden smiles, genuinely not butthurt by the action that he was probably going to do within the next few days. "I don't have a girlfriend anymore."
Scott just raises an eyebrow and says, "Okayyyy."
Scott finally finishes up with dinner. He plates their food and brings it to the table, sure to load up the pasta with plenty of Parmesan cheese.
When Hayden starts eating away and shows no sign of opening up about his recent trouble, Scott takes the opportunity to step in.
"How are your friends doing?" Scott asks. "I haven't seen them over in a while."
"Which ones?"
Scott is taken aback by the question. He was only aware of Vincent, Leo, and Sawyerâthe only three willing to take him under their wing when no one else would.
"You know..." Scott prompts.
"Oh, them," Hayden says halfheartedly. He doesn't want to tell his dad just how badly he messed up. "Uh...I talked to them today," Hayden explains, telling a little white lie.
His dad hums in understanding, but he's not buying it.
"You seem different," Scott announces.
Hayden's chewing slows. "What do you mean?"
"You've changed. I don't know if you are being treated differently at school or you are hiding something or what, but I'm here," Scott offers with a forgiving smile. "You may mess up at school but here, in this house, you can do no wrong in my eyes. So...what's been going on?"
"I think I lost the only people who liked me for me," Hayden sighs, pushing his food around on his plate. "It's just...when I finally became popular this year, is it so bad to say that I really wanted it? Is it so bad that I fell victim to all the attention even when you warned me not to? And I didn't even realize it until I got into a fight with Vincent today. He went off about how horrible of a friend I was, and he was right, Dad."
Hayden's voice cracks and Scott immediately places a hand on his shoulder, soothing his tense muscles.
"Son, there's nothing wrong with wanting that," Scott laughs. "That's just natural. However, when you forget the people who wanted you when you were at your lowest, some self-reflection is needed."
Hayden buries his face in his hands with humiliation. Scott swiftly sits in the chair next to him, rubbing his back.
"I just don't get him sometimes," Hayden sighs.
"Who?"
"Vincent. He doesn't like coming over, but I'm suddenly the bad person," Hayden scoffs.
"Did he say that?"
"What?" Hayden mumbles in confusion.
"That he doesn't want to come over?"
"Well, no, butâ"
"Did you ever invite him?" Scott counters.
"No, butâ"
"Then how would you know?" Scott smiles knowingly when Hayden's eyebrows scrunch up in contemplation. "No matter how hard a person may be to read, you don't know how they think unless you ask. Not everyone says whatever is on their mind at the worst possible times. Nobody is as chaotic or unhinged orâ"
"Yeah, I got it, Dad," Hayden huffs. "Moving on."
"My point is," Scott laughs, "that everyone's different. You could be his best friend, and knowing you, I'm sure it took a lot of persistence to befriend him. You could be one of the people he trusts the most, so imagine how you would feel if you were suddenly forgotten and had no one else to lean on."
Hayden's eyes snap wide open.
He had no idea how poorly he was treating the person who has silently built him up time and time again. Vincent is still Hayden's biggest role model.
"Dad," Hayden says.
"Hm?"
"I really suck as a human being right now."
His Dad barks out a hearty laugh and pats his son's back.
"That's okay. You can make it up."
"Does an impromptu caroling session sound like a good way to make someone forgive you?" Hayden offers, scratching his chin like he thought really hard about the idea.
"How about we watch a movie or something and you can try again later?" Scott teases.
Hayden huffs but happily follows his Dad to the couch.
Little does Hayden know that Scott would be gone for another trip in three days. More than ever, Hayden is going to need Vincent's company as well as Sawyer and Leo's.
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Hayden wrings his hands nervously as he stands on the doorstep of Vincent's house. When his father shot down every extravagant idea he had to make Vincent forgive him and suggested just being himself, for once, Hayden doesn't think his dad is right about everything.
He rings the doorbell once he triple-checks to make sure that his parents aren't home.
There is still a lot to be discovered about Vincent Russell, but judging by their very first encounter, Hayden knows that he has strict parents.
Honestly speaking, Hayden doesn't even know if Vincent is home. Vincent kind of blocked his phone number so he couldn't even contact him.
That seems very in character for the brooding teen, though.
Soon enough, Hayden hears footsteps behind the door. When the door flies open, he is sure to pose like a Greek statue to keep Vincent's attention.
Vincent looks at Hayden for one second before muttering, "You look stupid," and slamming the door in his face.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Hayden exclaims, pounding his fists on the door. "Vinny, please!"
Vincent hates the fact that he is somewhat of a forgiving person. He pulls the door back open and looks at Hayden unimpressed.
Hayden laughs awkwardly when Vincent doesn't say anything. They just stare expectantly at each other. Hayden had a whole bunch to say, but now that he's actually here, he doesn't know how to react.
For whatever reason, Hayden's mind always jumps to something stupid to say when he is feeling flustered.
"Can't get this much hotness anywhere else, can you?" he winks.
"Your confidence is sickening," he says emotionlessly.
"God, Vinny," Hayden sighs, throwing his hands up in the air in defeat. "I'm sorry."
"About?" Vincent questions. He's not letting him off easy.
"About being a dickhead," Hayden mumbles shyly, not making eye contact.
"You're always a dickhead," Vincent chimes. "That's not a valid excuse."
"Vinny," Hayden whines. "Cut me some slacâ"
"Nope," Vincent says, crossing his arms. He enjoys being petty.
"Okay, fine," Hayden huffs. "I love you, bestie."
"That's too far," Vincent scoffs in disgust.
"What do you want from me?!" Hayden exclaims.
"Compensation," he says shortly.
Vincent really knows Hayden too well.
Hayden accepts defeat as he grabs a book out of the back of his pants. He holds it out to Vincent.
Vincent just looks at him with revulsion as he takes a step back.
"Is that from out of your pants?" he asks carefully.
"What?" Hayden shrugs. "I actually remembered to put underwear on today."
"Dude, TMI."
"Wait, so you don't want the book?" Hayden asks curiously.
"Not unless you power wash it first."
"Wouldn't...wouldn't it fall apart?" Hayden asks innocently.
"Hayden, that was sarcasm," Vincent mutters, rolling his eyes. "What do you want?"
"I'm sorry for ignoring you," Hayden says sincerely. "I'm sorry for making you feel like I forgot about you. I'm sorry for thinking that fake friends could ever replace you, Leo, and Sawyer...And I'm sorry for not giving you your daily dose of Hayden Williams for the past few weeks."
"I wasn't complaining," Vincent mumbles.
"You know you missed me," Hayden smirks.
"Definitely didn't," Vincent retorts, the smile finally growing on his lips.
"So..." Hayden says, running his hands through his hair as he looks up at who he hopes is his best friend again. "Can you forgive me?"
When Vincent wordlessly slams the door shut, Hayden is appalled. He thought he was doing good. He even got the grouch to smile.
Little does Hayden know that Vincent is just shaking his head playfully at his friend's absurdity. He quickly strolls through the house to grab a pair of shoes before opening the door again. The only problem is that Hayden is gone.
He looks all around until he happens to take a look at his untied shoes and sees Hayden lying on his porch.
The boy just blinks up at him before saying, "I thought you were done talking to me for the night so I figured I would just camp here until morning."
"Hayden, get the hell up," Vincent snorts, and the energetic teen springs right back up. "...And I forgive you, idiot."
When Vincent watches Hayden's eyes turn bright with enthusiasm, he immediately puts an end to whatever spectacle Hayden is about to cause.
"Come on," Vincent says, walking past him down the sidewalk.
"Where are we going?" Hayden asks, racing to catch up.
"Don't know," Vincent shrugs.
Hayden thinks for a second before asking, "Would you...maybe want to come to my house?"
"Sure," Vincent says nonchalantly, but deep down, it means so much to him.
Hayden can't help himself when he practically throws himself at Vincent. He clings to his neck as he situates himself with the unsolicited piggyback ride.
"Hayden, get off of me," Vincent sighs with annoyance, rolling his eyes.
"Nope," he chuckles, clinging tighter to him.
Vincent just smiles to himself as he walks down the street with a handful on his back. Honestly speaking, he didn't feel like himself when Hayden wasn't around.
Hayden is just as happy to see clearly and not get lost in the fog of popularity. After all, Vincent is worth sacrificing for...as headstrong as the raven-haired boy may be.
"Don't think I can't see you smiling, Vinny," Hayden grins.
"Shut up, Hayden."