Hayden's POV

It's only been half and hour since Astrid left for her daily run. Honestly, that girl needs to learn how to have fun.

"Hayden when are they coming? I need beach buddy!" Tuff shouted from the kitchen.

"Yeah, I need my beach girl." Ruff shouted as well.

"Calm down guys, they'll be here. When we left they were packing their clothes." I stated while making my way living room.

Heather and Dagur finally arrived from their holiday today. As soon as I heard the news, I texted them asking if they wanted to meet us at the beach house. To which, they quickly agreed to.

I just about to sit on the sofa when I saw Snotlout sprawled across the it.

"SNOTLOUT!"

"WHAT?!"

"MOVE!"

"NO!"

I exhaled a frustrated sigh while raking my hair with my fingers.

"Snotlout, move up. You don't need the whole sofa. I've got to watch things."

After grumbling and huffing he moved his legs out of the sofa. Still glaring at me for disturbing his beauty sleep he asked "What is so important that you needed to break my beauty sleep? This just doesn't happen you know!" He grumbled. I just stared at him with an eyebrow raised. Some times, just sometimes I wonder how I am related to this idiot. But, I do love him though.

"Everything is important than you my fine fellow!" Tuff shouted, making Snot even more irritated.

"Shut up no one asked you Tuff!" Snotlout shouted back. I could help but, chuckle.

"Just checking the horse race, the re-runs are tonight." I said while changing the channel.

Everyone instantly groaned causing me to look up at them. "What?"

"You always watch the re-runs, and its not even the entire race, its just Rider and Toothless you look at." I immediately stiffen, but compose my self just as quick.

"I just love them, and I missed the live shows because I was busy helping dad out with some things at home." I replied calmly so that no one catches on that I'm Rider or get any suspicions.

Just as Ruff was about to give me an comeback the front door to the beach house opens. I turned around to see a flustered Astrid breathing heavily leaning against the wooden door. The blue ocean eyes stand out with her dark red cheeks. I know she went out running so that explains the red cheeks, but it doesn't explain her red puffy eyes. Has she been crying? Wait! Why do I care if she's been crying. It's none of my business.

"Because you idiot, she was there for you when you were crying!" My subconscious shouted at me, but I made sure I didn't look fazed by her appearance.

"Well that was short." I said instead of asking her.

"What...yeah I thought I should get back soon. You know I don't want you doing something to my side of the bed room." She gave out a fake smile while shuttering.

Something is definitely wrong. I'll ask her later.

"Why don't you get a shower, and come downstairs then relax. You seem tired from that run." I said giving a small smile, but seeing her relieved face, I knew this is something she hoping for. She wanted to hide from everyone. Better yet, she wants to hide her problem from everyone else.

"Yeah, I'll do that." She returned the smile.

As she was about to go upstairs her gave out an notification sound causing Astrid to freeze in her spot. She took out her phone from her jogging bottoms with shaky hands. Seeing the notification her face paled, it was white as snow.

"Astrid, are you alright?" I couldn't help, but ask.

"Y...y...eah, I...I'm...f...f...ine" She didn't look back instead she continued her way to our room.

Huh. Our room. The thought making my heart beat faster. Stop! You idiot she isn't fine. She paled, and shuttered meaning she's not alright.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After half an hour has passed Astrid didn't return downstairs. The shower turned on after five minutes of her going upstairs, and it turned off with ten minutes. So, what was she doing upstairs for the fifteen minutes. Surely, it doesn't take that long for someone who doesn't have their belongings to get ready right?

As I was about to get to see what's taking her so long a knock from the front door stopped me from going through with my plan. Instead, I walked towards the door and opened it.

"BROTHER!"

"Dagur! Heather! You guys finally made it." I said bringing out the biggest fake smile I could muster. I don't know why, but I know until I know for sure Astrid is fine. It's really starting to bother me.

"You don't see happy to see us brother." Dagur said pushing past me, entering the beach house with a big frown etched on his face. Its really not my problem at the moment.

"He's to worried about his girlfriend." Snotlout teased.

"Hayden's got a girlfriend, Hiccup's got a girlfriend." Both Snotlout and Tuffnut sang out while doing a weird dance.

"Shut up, she's not my girlfriend. She is just someone who lives with my parents and I until her parents come home from their business." I retorted getting irritated at all of these idiots. I mean sure Astrid is cool and all, but she's not my type. She's too innocent, kind and everything I'm not, and I'm not gonna be the who ruin her innocence. She's too pure.

"Hope you guys get settled in. Why don't you get a shower and relax. Maybe later on we can have a barbeque to start the weekend." I said so they don't catch on to my irritation.

"Tuffnut, Fishlegs and I we'll go get the supplies." Snotlout butted in which I'm very grateful for.

"What am I supposed to do then?" Ruffnut whined. Gods I just want to go check on Astrid.

"Why don't you, Ruffnut tag along with them and get something for Astrid for a souvenir." To that reply she smiled widely and nodded her head. "good then I'm heading upstairs." I added before rushing upstairs to check on Astrid.

Astrid's POV

As soon as I was about to go upstairs a notification alert diverted my attention to my phone.

No! it could be him. I don't want to look, but if I don't they will suspect it's something. I took my phone out with shaky hand, and read the text massage.

"Hey darling, I'll see you soon. Don't get comfortable with your new boyfriend."

Tears threaten to spill as it clouded my vision, and made nearly impossible to see. Without turning back I dashed upstairs. I've got to act normal. No one can know that there is a problem with me. Oh my secrets, they can't come out.

No! No I won't let anyone find my secrets out.

Tears ran down my cheeks, but no on saw them, and that's how I want them to be. Unseen. Within five minutes of coming upstairs I went inside the shower there I stayed for ten minutes venting out my frustration and anger at myself.

As the bath tub filled with water I just wanted to drown myself in it, to stop the pain. I can't deal with this anymore. I want to be strong like every other Hoffreson, but I know I'm weak and pathetic. Not letting the bath tub fill fully I pulled the plug out and watch it drain all the water.

No! I can't have thoughts like that. What would Alva think? That I've given up on him, and everything else. No! I can't do that to him. I have to be strong for her and myself.

I got ready quickly, I mean I didn't have any of my stuff what else am I supposed to do. Hayden had left one of his shirts and boxers out on the bed. I quickly put on the shirt, but wore the jeans I wore when I first arrived here. I left the boxers on top of my pillow. I'll wear them when I'm going to sleep.

Just as I was about to head downstairs with a pretend smile I heard a loud knock echoing through the house. I didn't mean to take long, but I had to sort myself out before heading downstairs. After all, I didn't want anyone questioning me.

Oh no! He found me!

I quickly crawled between the nightstand and the bed. Clenching my eyes shut as tears sprung out freely.

No! No! He found me again.

Shaking like a leaf I just waited for the inevitable to happen. I heard Hayden shout from downstairs causing me to cry harder. It must be him.

Not after ten minutes have passed the house went suddenly quiet as the front door closed. Heavy footsteps were making its way up the stairs. I buried my head in my knees muffling my cries. I knew hiding was stupid because he was going to find me. He's going to get me again.

The moment the bedroom door opened I tried to make myself smaller by holding myself tightly. I felt hand under my knees and across my back. I cried loudly, I want this to stop. I kept hearing his laugh echo bouncing of the wall as I pleaded him to stop.

"Astrid shhh, it's alright. Everything is okay." No! No! Everything isn't okay. I wanted to shout, but couldn't find my voice too. My life is ruined because of him.

"Hey, hey it's Hayden. I'm not going to hurt you. You have to calm down okay." Hayden voice broke though the echoing laugh inside my head. That night flashed in my mind, and I wanted it to stop.

I felt Hayden pull me in closer to his chest whispering soothing words in my ear calming me down.

When I slowly clamed down, but held on tightly to Hayden's shirt as he stroked my hair. "What's the matter Astrid?"

Quick! Astrid you idiot think of a lie.

"I just miss my parents Hayden, they've been gone for so long. I just want them to come home." I lied through my teeth. The guilt was killing me. Here was Hayden being nice and understanding and I'm lying to him.

"They'll be home soon Astrid. Why don't we go downstairs until the others come back. They went to the shops, and two more people will be joining us okay. They are getting settled in though first."

I weakly nodded my head. And followed him downstairs though his hand never left its place. He carried walking while holding me from my waist, guiding me to the living room. I can't do this anymore, but I have to. I have to be strong for Sam.

Hayden's POV

I'm not stupid. I know something is very wrong with Astrid. She acted as if someone was about to hurt her. I know she lied to me, but I'm going to let it slide. She isn't comfortable in talking her problems with me. I just hope she doesn't do anything to hurt herself.

I'm going to find out exactly what her problem is, its my promise to you Astrid.

A/N : Hello my lovelies, I really hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'm also really sorry that I didn't update for a very long time. I do have a reason why I didn't. It's just they have been some comments that made me think twice about writing. Now, I write for myself, and not for anyone else. However, I just kind of lost my inspiration to carry on writing. The person who made comment has apologised, and I fully forgive that person. I don't hold grudges, but I'm just re-thinking this book. That's why it has taken such a long time for me to update. I'm really sorry.

Anyway enough of doom and gloom....

Who do you guys think Sam is?

What Astrid has been through?

Who is the mysterious 'He'?

ANYWAY!!!! :)

Comment.

Vote.

Love Hiccstrid.