7.

"Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey!"

"Noooo," Hayes groaned, shoving her face into the pillow. It was way too early for her to be awake. Not to mention, she felt like she got hit by a bus - her throat hurt and her limbs felt heavy like lead.

"Yessss," Glen jumped onto the bed, nearly landing on top of her and jostling her body.

"Go away, Glen."

"I can't do that."

"Yes you can."

"No, I really can't." He flopped down on top of her back, his added weight making her groan more. "I'm so bored right now and as your brother, I cannot simply allow you to sleep while I am bored. I suffer, you suffer too. Sooo, let's go. Chop chop."

When Hayes made no indication that she was getting up, Glen groaned dramatically and stretched out like a starfish. "You're killing me, smalls."

"No, I think you're literally killing me." Hayes choked out. "Get off, you load. I can't breathe." She tried to wiggle her legs to push him off but it was a pathetic attempt.

"Will you get up?"

"Sure." She replied very unconvincingly.

"Are you actually going to get up or are you just saying that?"

"Glen!"

"Fine, fine." He snickered and rolled off the bed. He squatted down, propping himself up on the edge of the bed in order to be eye level with Hayes. "But seriously, are you okay Hayes?" She removed her head from the pillow to look at him when his voice turned serious.

"I think so?" she answered hesitantly, resituating herself so she was now laying on her back staring at the ceiling.

"You haven't had a nightmare like that in ages." Glen frowned, "kinda scared me there. Was it the same as before?"

Hayes shrugged. She was becoming frustrated with her lack of memory in her early years.

"Well we're safe now. Just keep remembering that, alright? Or, you know, I could always move into this room with you. I'm sure Francis wouldn't mind." Hayes looked at him to see if he was still being serious or not. With the grin on his face, she decided he was not.

"I'll pass," she scoffed, "you fart too much."

"Says you."

"I'm a lady, and ladies don't fart."

"I beg to differ. Since when do you act like a lady? I don't think you can pull that card here but whatever floats your boat." Glen rolled his eyes at her. "Hey wait, stop distracting me!" He tugged the comforter off of her, tossing it to the end of the bed. "You gotta get up. Don't you want to test out the basketball hoop?"

Hayes' eyes widened, she had completely forgotten about that. Dang, he got her there.

"Give me 10 minutes," Hayes requested as she slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position. Everything hurt and she was dying.

"5." He negotiated.

"9."

"6." Glen stood up fully and began backing out of the room.

"12."

"That's not how this works." Glen laughed. "Better hurry up, only 5 minutes and 47 seconds left!" His laughter continued to fill the room and down the hall as he ducked out of the room.

"Stupid brother," Hayes muttered. She rubbed her eyes and yawned, trying to wake herself up. Glancing around she analyzed Colton's room. He had yet to fully move all his belongings out and she hadn't unpacked so the room was still held an unfamiliar feeling to her. Realizing the room was pretty bright with no lights on, it must have been later than she thought. How late, she didn't know since Colton didn't have a clock in the room.

Hayes knew Glen could potentially be serious about the time so she reluctantly got out of bed. Digging through her suitcase she found some athletic attire to wear, quickly changing before going to the bathroom.

Wow, she looked rough. Seeing herself in a mirror, Hayes realized she could probably use a shower, or at least brush her hair.

"Nah," she thought to herself. That was a later problem.

She used the bathroom, brushed her teeth and washed her face, slowly returning to a functioning human being. Using one of the hairbands from her wrist she pulled her hair up into a messy ponytail. She shook out her arms and legs trying to get loose and called it a day.

Grabbing her sneakers from her room, she took a peak into Glen's room to find it empty so he must have been downstairs already. Shoes in hand, she flitted down the stairs, following the sound of voices into the kitchen.

Moving fast, she reached the bottom of the stairs and slid around the corner tight. She didn't see him until it was too late.

"Oof," Hayes breathed out from the impact. Austin quickly steadied the girl, holding her still in front of him.

He stared at her for a second, surprised at her presence. She had been fast asleep last time he checked on her which was only a little while ago. "Glen?" He called out, "Did you wake up Hayes?"

The boy in question looked over from where he stood in the kitchen, Austin's phone held to his ear. "Maybe?" He grinned innocently at them.

"Uh huh, after I told you to let her sleep. Good listening skills you got there, buddy" Austin shook his head, mildly amused at his antics, before turning his attention back to Hayes. "Good morning. How are you feeling, Sunshine?" He ran his hand over her hair and down her ponytail, attempting to smooth down all her flyaways.

"I'm okay." she replied, rocking slightly on her feet. She really wanted to just hug him, craving his comfort.

"Just okay? Maybe a hug will fix that." Hayes immediately stepped forward into his embrace, dropping her shoes to be able to wrap both her arms around him. She hugged him tight, hoping to convey her gratitude for helping her. True to his word, he stayed with her all night and dealt with her struggled sleep.

She basked in contentment for a few moments until she grew too curious at hearing Glen's voice. It was as if he was talking to someone. She started to fidget, trying to see what he was doing. Austin kissed her head once, twice, three times before letting her go.

"Who's he talking to?" Hayes scrunched up her nose, confused. It was weird. Glen never talked on the phone nor did they have anyone to talk to.

"Why don't you go see?" Austin replied.

Hayes eyed him suspiciously before shrugging and heading into the kitchen. Glen was aimlessly pacing around as he listened to whoever was on the phone. She could hear sounds but was unable to make out the actual words or place the voice.

"Uh huh, I know I know." Glen winked at her when he saw her coming, making her frown. Lies, Glen actually knew nothing. "Yeah, actually she's right here. You want to talk to her?" Without waiting to hear a response, Glen stuck his hand out with the phone in it but Hayes refused to take the phone.

"Who is it?"

"Why don't you take the phone to find out?" He shook the phone in her face. Hayes didn't like this game and crossed her arms.

Sighing dramatically, Glen pressed the speaker phone button so Hayes could hear the voice.

"... I want to talk to her, what kind of silly question is that?"

"Deja!" Hayes cried, happily surprised. The thought of Deja calling didn't even cross her mind. Hayes missed her so much already. She immediately went to grab the phone but Glen pulled his arm back just in time, teasing her. "You're such a bully Glennard." Hayes hissed at him, making him chuckle.

"Glen, you give that phone to Hayes right now, young man, or else." Deja ordered, hearing the bickering through the phone.

"Or else, what?" he replied cheekily. He was enjoying tormenting Hayes and wasn't feeling so bored anymore.

"Glen you're being mean!" Hayes whined, trying to grab the phone. But Glen was way too tall compared to her and she had no shot of reaching it.

Thankfully Austin saw what was happening and put an end to it. He easily snatched the phone from Glen, passing it to Hayes before putting Glen into a playful headlock. "So you're a trouble maker, huh?" Austin teased, ruffling Glen's hair. Hayes watched as Austin man-handled Glen out of the kitchen to give Hayes some privacy.

"My sweet Hayes, you there?" Deja's voice came through the phone pulling Hayes attention back. Taking the phone off of speaker, she held the phone to her ear and took a seat at the breakfast nook. She pulled one knee to her chest, wrapping her arm around it, her other leg swung back and forth.

"Hi Mama D."

"Hi Baby! How are you feeling? I heard you had a rough night. Are you okay? Is Glen giving a hard time? Maybe Austin can knock some sense into the boy." Deja spewed out question after question in classic Deja style.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Hayes replied, biting her lip. Knowing Glen would never share about their struggles to anyone, including Deja, she knew Austin must have spilled and she wasn't so sure how she felt about Austin telling her about the nightmare. She didn't want Deja to think she couldn't handle herself.

"Oh Hayes," Deja sighed, wishing she could be there to comfort her, "what can I do to help, honey?"

"I'm fine, really."

"Well I know you're just saying that but alright." Deja saw through her fib. "So, how is everything? Have you met all your brothers? What are they like? I heard they play all the sports and you even got ice cream last night!" Deja was spot on with Hayes' priorities.

"They're good."

"I'm glad to hear that. What's on tap for today?"

"I dunno."

"Hayes."

Hayes hmm'd.

"What's wrong?"

Hayes didn't respond, finding it hard to control her emotions. Listening to Deja made her miss her even more and she wanted to cry.

Hayes sniffled, rubbing her nose with her hand. Don't do it. Don't cry. You're stronger than this.

"Oh, Baby girl don't cry, you'll get me crying. Everything will be okay. I can only imagine what you're going through and I think you are the bravest, strongest person I know. You want to know what Glen told me?"

"What?" Hayes croaked.

"Glen told me that he won the lottery with having you as a sister. That boy loves you so much."

"He really said that?" Hayes sniffled trying to keep her nose from running. Speaking of Glen, him and Austin had gone quiet. She was curious to know where they went.

"Absolutely! Cross my heart. He also said that you have all the brothers wrapped around your finger already. Sounded a little jealous, if you ask me. But I'm sure those boys would do anything for both you kids. He does like to be dramatic, that Glen."

Hayes breathed out a chuckle at that.

"Aha, There's that laugh I've been waiting for." Hayes heard some noise in the background on Deja's end. "Oops, that's my cue that I have to go now. I snuck away from a meeting for a 'bathroom break' and I think they're getting suspicious." Deja chuckled to herself. "You call me anytime you want, you hear? Glen, too. Austin has my number. Ooh, I can't wait to brag to Stephen and Patrick tonight that I talked to y'all today."

"I miss you."

"I miss you too honey. I love you so so much! Give Glen my love as well and tell that boy to stay out of trouble. I'll talk to you soon. Bye!"

Hayes said goodbye, hanging up the phone. After talking to Deja, she didn't know if that made her feel better or just sad. She mindlessly began to pick at the edges of the scab on her knee, lost in her pity-party thoughts until Glen's voice in her head told her to stop. It annoyed him to no end when she picked at her scabs, always telling her that it was going to leave a scar. She puffed her cheeks with air before blowing it out. Standing up with Austin's phone in her hand, she went in search of her brothers. She still hadn't decided how she felt but what she did know though was that another hug from Austin would help.

She lucked out in the family and the living room before finally catching sight of them through the front window. Austin must of just finished moving the cars out into the street so they could use the basketball hoop because she could see them making their way back into the garage. Why they had many cars, she didn't know. She'll have to get Glen to ask for her.

Hayes wiped her nose with the back of her hand and erased any signs of tears before they walked back inside and saw her.

"Hey Sunshine, you okay?" Apparently, her attempt was pointless because nothing got by Austin. Nodding her head as an answer, Hayes returned his phone to him.

"Wait until you see the garage, Hayes!" Glen was pumped, "They have so much stuff, it's incredible. They literally have their own gym in there! And skateboards. God, I haven't ridden one since I broke my arm when we went with Patrick. Do you remember that? Oh man, the Bear was so pissed. I thought he was going... - Why are you hugging me?"

Hayes locked her arms around him. She had all the mindset to hug Austin but Deja's words kept ringing in her head. Glen was wrong, though. She was the lucky one. Without Glen, who knows how she would have ended up. Maybe she would have been the one found dead in the woods.

———

Austin made the kids eat lunch first before allowing them to play outside. Glen and Hayes tried to get out of it, but Hayes' stomach betrayed them. Turns out, Hayes woke up at 12pm. That definitely held the record for the longest time she slept in for, even if it was for all the wrong reasons.

She satisfied her hunger with a grilled cheese sandwich courtesy of Austin. It was still up for debate whether he was a great chef or she just was super hungry that everything tasted delicious.

It was 1'o clock by the time Hayes put her shoes on and went outside to play. Glen and Hayes were pleasantly surprised when Austin joined them playing basketball. Beyond just being gifted with his height, he was actually really good! But no one was more impressed by skills than Austin was. He couldn't wait for Colton to see what Glen and Hayes could do. If he didn't know their story, he would have found it hard to believe they learned everything from playing at the local park.

They had been outside for almost 2 hours when Austin's phone rang. He briefly glanced at the caller ID, choosing to ignore it. It was a conversation he didn't want to have at the moment.

When his phone rang for the third time in a span of 10 minutes, Glen and Hayes stopped and just stared at him.

"What if it's something important?" Glen asked, tucking the ball under his arm.

"It's nothing." Austin brushed off his concern. Austin knew exactly what the person was calling about and being the mature person that he was, simply wanted to avoid it.

"But what if something happened." Glen wouldn't drop it.

"Nothing did."

"But how do you know if you don't answer the phone?"

"I don't now for sure, you're right. But I have a pretty good idea of what they want and I can assure you, it can wait." His response came out sharper than he meant.

Hayes took a step back next to Glen at his snappiness.

"Sorry," Austin immediately apologized, "sorry that came out wrong. If they call again, I'll answer it. But I promise, you nothing is wrong."

Not even 30 seconds later, his phone rang again.

"Don't leave the yard. I'll be right back." Austin sighed and headed into the house. He definitely didn't want the kids overhearing this conversation.

————

15 minutes had long come and gone and Austin still hadn't returned. 15 minutes of Glen and Hayes not being supervised with a garage full of fun looking toys to play with. It spelt trouble.

Glen was intrigued by the workout equipment. Besides the few times he saw the weight room at school during PE class, this was all new to him.

"Bet you can't do a single pull-up." Glen challenged Hayes.

Hayes lazily lifted her head up to look at him from where she was laying on the driveway soaking up the sun. She eyed the pull-up bar, seeing if it was a worthy bet. "You're stupid. I probably can't even reach it." She laid back down.

"I'll lift you up," Glen offered, "or, hey here's a step. Use this." He pulled over a box jump.

"No."

"Don't be a wuss." He taunted her.

"You go first."

"Fine." Glen got situated under the bar and stretched his arms up grasping hold of it. "You're not even watching. Hayes come on."

"I am watching." She was not.

"I'm literally looking at you right now."

"Why are you so annoying," Hayes groaned, but complied, slowly getting to her feet. She just wanted to feel the sun on her skin. It was a rarity for her since they were always inside during the day, only emerging outside for basketball under the stars.

"It's my job." Glen shot her a grin knowing it would only annoy her more. Now that he had her attention, he tested his weight on the bar, letting his legs swing. "Back and forth or max out?"

"Umm, back and forth."

"Okie. One." Glen did a clean pull-up before swapping places with Hayes.

Standing under the bar, she tilted her head to the side. It was even taller than she estimated. No way she could reach it even with jumping. Reading her mind, Glen pushed the box jump closer to her.

"Bring it on, little sister."

Before she could convince herself on what a bad decision this was, Hayes hopped onto the box jump and rubbed her hands together. "Watch and learn, bro." She mocked him. After completing her turn, she jumped down and faced him. "Easy peasy lemon squeezy."

Still going strong 4 rounds later and hyper-focused on their pull-up competition, neither kid noticed there was a newcomer until the car that dropped them off had beeped it's horn as it drove away.

"The fuck are you guys doing?" Dakota walked into the garage.

"Nothing." The kids replied in unison. Hayes dropped down from the bar, subtly positioning herself behind Glen. She wasn't sure if they'd be in trouble for touching the equipment and she didn't necessarily want to find out the hard way either.

"Riiight," Dakota rolled his eyes. "Where's Austin? He left you out here by yourself?" Dakota found that hard to believe. Austin had the hovering-parent personality nailed down for all his siblings.

"Yep. He had a phone call." Glen replied.

"With who?"

"Dunno." Glen shrugged. He bent down to pick up the basketball they were playing with earlier, passing it between his hands. "Want to play?"

"Hell no." Dakota smacked the ball out of Glen's hands making it roll down the driveway. "I'm gonna go eat a sandwich."

"After?" Glen asked as he walked backwards out of the garage to retrieve the ball down.

"Still no." Dakota nodded at Hayes in greeting as he walked to the door. "I'll send Austin out for you two to beat up."

————

Bored with waiting for their brothers to come back outside, Glen and Hayes began playing one-on-one. First to 21, wins.

Halfway thru their game, Austin and Dakota re-emerged as spectators. Setting up some folding chairs, they sat at the edge of the garage and were thoroughly entertained by the kids. Dakota even brought out his camera to savor the moment. He got some good action shots of Glen and Hayes and also some blackmail of the ridiculous faces they made. Austin was happy to see that Hayes had such a competitive spirit about herself. If he was being honest, he was a little worried about her being a wallflower with Glen as her protector. But now he knew for sure that she could hold her own and that let him breathe a little easier. Her fiery spirit could not be conquered.

It was all fun and games until someone got hurt. This time, like probably many others in the future, it was Hayes who took the hit.

"That's a fucking foul, Kid." Dakota called Glen out.

"It was an accident!" Glen claimed. He scooped up the loose ball and went for the dunk, ignoring Hayes who laid sprawled on her hands and knees after being tripped up by him.

The fall was definitely a stinger. Hayes pushed herself back so she sat down on her butt. Inspecting her battle wounds, she managed to scrape her palms up a little bit and her right knee was freely bleeding. The scab was reopened.

"That looks like it hurts." Austin squatted down next to her.

"I'm fine." Hayes muttered. She's had worse. Plus, the only way she was allowed to play with the big dawgs in pick-up games was if she followed the no-tears rule. So Glen's cheap move was nothing to her.

"Maybe just a little?" Austin asked, inspecting her knee. The blood was dripping down her leg making it look nasty but he concluded that it looked worse than it was.

When she didn't respond, Austin glanced at her. The concern on his face was evident, something she hasn't really seen directed at her before. Her walls went down just a teeny bit. "Maybe just a little." She whispered.

"Let's get you cleaned up, eh?" Austin swiftly picked her up bridal style to head inside. "Smiley, I expect an apology for Hayes." He requested from the young boy. "That was uncalled for and you know it."

"But all is fair in love and war!" Glen retorted. In all actuality, he was sorry for hurting Hayes and it was a complete accident. But now that the opportunity had arose, he was curious to see how riled up he could push his brothers. As a growing teenager, it was smart to know how far the boundaries went.

"There is no excuse to hurt your siblings, Glen." Austin nipped that in the butt real quick. Austin ran a tight ship.

"Yeah, don't be a dick, dude." Dakota felt the need to throw in his 2-cents.

"For the love of God, Dakota, watch what you say." Austin gave him an exasperated look. Exhibit A on why Austin had a tight ship to begin with.

Dakota saluted him sarcastically, going back to reviewing his camera photos.

"I feel the grey hairs coming." Austin muttered under his breath making Hayes laugh. She could believe that. There never seemed to be a dull moment with her brothers around.