The Hidden Ones: Resurrection - 47. Family Man

---Ryder---

In the coming days after the studio the Haner family seemed to be overwhelmed. Between Teddy trying his hardest to get better and the surprise drop of both Messiah’s last album and Unity’s second song, well, we had a lot going on. Yet, Teddy was always everyone’s main priority. Sure, the music was exciting. But it’s clear this family has finally grown together. It’s clear they understand what’s important.

Three days after the murder of Chris Simmonds his father plead guilty to second degree murder. Thankfully for Teddy’s sake he wouldn’t have to testify at any trial, or ever have to confront the man. As the wake and funeral came and went we tried our hardest to encourage Teddy to go, but it was clear he couldn’t. In his words he needed this to stay at a distance. He needed Chris to just be another patient, and not something more.

Thankfully, his strategy worked and he’s slowly but surely growing back to the Teddy we all miss. There’s still a hard road ahead of him, but he’s talking about going back to work. At least on the condition that he can take his seven days without problem once a month.

Oliver sang as I tried my hardest to concentrate and get the stacks of paperwork in order. Eventually I had to turn around and just observe the scrawny teen behind the large guitar. Yet my gaze didn’t matter to him. When I first got here he was at my beck and call. Took every chance to tell me how great I was and how much he loved my music. But now, well now his brother is his idol. He’ll never admit it, but somewhere along the way he realized Messiah is a bunch of old drunks trying their hardest to relive their youth. And as much as he may love our music, well it won’t even come close to touching his brother.

“That was great Oli.” Teddy smiled, sitting on the edge of our bed. “How are you picking the songs?” Oli shrugged his shoulders and stayed quiet. “Come on,” Teddy provoked. “They’re all so, so, poetic.”

“They’re songs I like when I’m in a bad mood.” He shyly confessed.

“Aww.” Teddy let out as Oli quickly made his way to the door. “No come on.” He whined. “Just a hug goodbye.”

“No.” Oli sneered, slamming the door behind him.

“They grow up so fast.” I teased, leaning back in my chair.

Teddy nodded but fell deep into thought as he reflected on it. “How come this all isn’t going to his head?” He asked looking at me. “Three different Messiah songs he worked on are fighting for the number one spot in rock music right now. But you could never tell by talking to him.”

“It’s Oli.” I shrugged. “He either doesn’t understand the gravity of how big he’s getting, or, he just doesn’t give a fuck.”

“Doesn’t give a fuck.” Teddy chose in a laugh.

I proudly nodded my head in agreement. “This is all about music to him. The fame that comes with it will just be annoying.”

“That’s funny.” Teddy teased as he stood up. “I think I know someone just like that.”

I rolled my eyes and let my head fall against the desk. “You said you’d help.” I groaned. “I hate looking at this stuff.”

“Well you need to.” Teddy smiled, standing over me. “Because if you’re marrying me you’re taking on debt.”

“How much debt?” I asked, faking judgment.

“Hundred and fifty thousand.” He shrugged turning my act into genuine shock.

“Teddy.” I exhaled, staring at him with wide eyes.

“Medical school is expensive.” He lightly laughed. “And after undergrad my parents couldn’t really help pay it all. I paid off a large amount already.”

“Already?” I repeated, taking a long look at him. “How much did you start with?”

“I’d rather not say.” He smiled. “Why hot shot? That a lot of money for you?”

“That’s a lot of money for anyone.” I shrugged, looking back down at my papers.

“Guess you’re not as rich as I thought.” He provoked in a laugh. “Guess I’ll just have to marry Brandon or Tommy.”

“You go do that.” I rolled my eyes before finally handing him the papers.

His eyes carefully scanned the financial document until finally I saw him drop the page and look at me. “The number at the bottom, that, that’s like, that’s not how much you’re worth right?” He asked, as a serious look overtook his smile.

“That’s it.” I nodded my head. “Not as much as you expected?”

“How much do you think I expected?” He asked, falling back onto the bed. “Ryder, I, that can’t possibly be how much money you have.”

“It is.” I insisted. “I’ve got my music, a clothing line, endorsements and all those different beach houses.”

“But four hundred million dollars Ryder?!” He gasped. “And you want to live in the house in the cemetery?”

I slowly nodded my head. “I wasn’t joking when I said I can add whatever you want.”

“I-I could switch to private practice if I wanted to.” He suddenly exhaled as it all swarmed his head.

“Do you want to?” I asked, trying to help him sort out his thoughts.

“Not yet.” He shook his head. “But, but in a few years, when we’re ready for kids, I could just, I only have to work when I want to.”

“Teddy,” I sighed, shooting him a cautious look. “Didn’t you kind of expect this after you saw the Florida beach house? Didn’t you see my will?”

“I just, I never put much thought into it or noticed a number.” He shook his head. “I knew you had money, but I didn’t know you were smart with it!”

“About that.” I nervously laughed. “I don’t think I am.”

“Why not?” Teddy worriedly asked, jumping right back to his feet.

“I just have so much shit draining me.” I shook my head. “I have houses I need to clean and sell, and car insurance on cars I don’t even drive.”

“Poor you.” Teddy teased, looking over another sheet. “You might not financially survive this.”

“Shit, you will have to marry Brandon.” I mocked with a grin.

He rolled his eyes but I saw his stare beginning to focus on something else. “You have two million a year that just go missing.”

“That’s okay.” I quickly tried to distract. “Because look at this boat insurance! I don’t even know how to drive,”

“That’s stupid.” He dismissed. “But at least you know where that’s going. This is two million unaccounted for. I think you need to call whoever handles this.”

“I will.” I slowly nodded.

“Why aren’t you as worried about that as me?” He suddenly asked, observing me closely. “Where does that money go Ryder Sullivan?”

“Nowhere.” I lied, trying my hardest to look away.

“Was that your drug money?” He gasped.

“No. That, that was a million a year.” I tried to defend.

“Ryder.” He disappointedly groaned.

“Partying gets expensive.” I shrugged. “Trust me. I’m not proud of it.”

“So then where does this two million go?” He demanded. “I know you know.”

“Charity.” I grumbled.

“What?” He asked, unable to hear me.

“Charity.” I repeated in a louder voice.

“Charity?” He repeated in a surprised look.

“Yeah.” I muttered. “I don’t like people knowing, okay?”

“Okay.” He quickly nodded. “I won’t tell anyone. But, but don’t the companies know where the checks come from?”

“I make the donations in another person’s name so they can’t track it.” I confessed.

“What name and what charities?” He dug as I grew quiet. “Please.” He pleaded.

“The Trevor Project and Shatterproof.” I finally folded.

“I know the first one is for LGBT plus people, but what’s the second?” He asked with curious eyes.

“Children affected by drugs.” I surrendered, seeing the excitement rise in his eyes. “Can we not celebrate this? It’s not even much compared to how much I have.”

“Okay,” He slowly nodded, laying a kiss on my head. “But I think that’s pretty amazing Ryder Sullivan. Even when you were an addict you were donating to help others.”

“Yeah.” I sighed, looking down at the forms.

Another smile crept across his face as he thought about it. “So then, whose name is it in?”

“No ones.” I dismissed but as I turned to him I realized he was never going to drop it. “My grandma’s.” I muttered, sending even more pride through him.

“You’re an amazing person Ryder Sullivan.” He encouraged as he wrapped himself around me. “But don’t they notice Sullivan?”

“Yeah, but no one’s connected the dots, and it’s given to them on the agreement they won’t mention it.” I explained. “Can we stop talking about this?”

“Sure.” He shook his head. “But I still think it’s pretty awesome.”

“That makes one of us.” I muttered, looking over the paperwork a little longer. “I, I know I have all those nice houses but I want to sell them.” I suddenly began.

“Yeah?” He asked, shooting me a worried look.

“I just want the cemetery, and the beach houses in Florida and California.” I explained. “I want to live somewhat reasonably.”

“That makes sense.” Teddy nodded. “But most people only have one beach house.”

“Stop.” I warned, slowly turning to him.

“Ryder Sullivan,” Teddy began, causing me to groan. “You’re ashamed of how much money you have, aren’t you?” I stayed quiet at the question. “You’ve worked hard and earned every cent. If you really want, do more charity work. Sometimes taking it in your own hands goes so much farther than money ever can.”

I nodded my head and thought it over. “You know Oliver is about to become a millionaire right?”

“Oliver is?” Teddy repeated in a gasp. “Like my brother Oliver?”

“Yeah.” I slowly nodded my head. “I cut your parents a check for half a million when we came back from Florida and it’s looking like Remedy will make him more than that.”

“Does he know that?” Teddy asked with a shake of his head. “My baby brother makes more money than me!” He tried to comprehend. “Seriously?”

“We’re not telling him. I wasn’t even going to tell you.” I sighed. “We just, we want him to be a kid.”

“I understand that.” He nodded. “But wow, that kid’s a millionaire?”

“He will be.” I confirmed. “And if your parents and him are smart with money, well he’ll never have to worry about making ends meet.”

“Incredible.” Teddy shook his head.

“I’ve had enough of this for today.” I decided, pushing the papers forward. “How about we go out for lunch?”

“I-I don’t know.” Teddy answered, starting to grow nervous.

“You haven’t left the house all week.” I pressured. “You’re going to have to rip off the band aid somehow.”

“Okay.” He timidly accepted. “You want Pizza, don’t you?”

“Please.” I bashfully smiled. “My diets been good lately.”

“Fine.” He conceded. “But you’re driving.”

“Deal!” I shouted as we both quickly got changed and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” Oli called out.

“Just grabbing food.” I dismissed, trying my hardest to avoid him.

“Can I come?” He asked, drawing a quiet sigh from me.

“Sure.” Teddy nodded his head. “That’s okay, right?”

“Perfect.” I replied as Oli ran upstairs to quickly get changed. “Why go on a date with my fiancé when I could bring his brother along too?”

“You’re the one who started a band with him.” Teddy teased. “Besides, I, I think I need people close right now.”

“Okay.” I accepted.

“Besides, I think I need to take you on a real date this weekend.” He smiled.

“Oh yeah?” I smirked as he got closer. “With suits and flowers?”

“And everything in between.” He nodded moving in for a kiss.

“I’m not coming if you two are going to be like this.” Oli warned, quickly heading back down the stairs.

“Just keep going.” I groaned opening the door for them both.

*************************************************************************************

As much as I hate to admit it, Oli was a welcomed addition to our little lunch. Sure, I love alone time with Teddy, but that’s not always realistic. If being a family man means having to make sacrifices like this, well I guess this is my new life. After all, compared to how I used to live, well I’m so much happier this way.

As we walked into the Pizza place and sat down all eyes were on us. Okay, maybe it wasn’t too smart to go out the same week we dropped an album and a single. Oli slowly began to fidget at the attention, trying his hardest to ignore it all until finally someone was brave enough to approach.

“I-I’m sorry.” The teen a few years older than Oliver began. “I know you must get this a lot, but I really love Messiah.”

“Thank you.” I nodded. “You know that’s Oliver Haner right there.” I explained pointing her to him.

“Did, did he really write those drum pieces?” She asked in a nervous voice.

“Yup.” Oliver answered before I could. “Why? Not good enough?”

“No.” She quickly shook her head. “They, they’re my favorite part.”

“Oh.” Oli exhaled. “So do you want like our autographs or something?”

“If that’s okay.” She excitedly nodded.

“You were excited to ask that, huh?” Teddy couldn’t help but tease his little brother. “Have you been practicing it?”

“I have.” Oliver proudly nodded as she handed us her white phone case and a sharpie.

“Is that what you do instead of pay attention in school?” I couldn’t help but tease as he passed me the case. His signature, well it’s exactly what you would expect from a fourteen year old.

“Maybe.” He smirked, watching how I signed it closely.

“Thank you! Thank you!” She yelped as I handed it back to her.

“Wait, so you said you liked the drums on this new album better than the singing?” Oli proudly asked, trying his hardest to make a point.

“You don’t have to answer that.” I said, beginning to stare him down.

“I love it all.” She quickly nodded.

“Right answer.” Teddy smiled with a nod.

“You guys, have a good lunch.” She nervously dismissed, not knowing how to end the interaction.

“Wipe that look off your face.” Teddy warned his as he began to lean back in his chair.

“What look?” Oli teased with a smug grin.

Teddy rolled his eyes and lightly caught him with a smack upside the head. “You’re just as much human as everyone else.”

“Just as much human as everyone else.” Oli mocked.

I couldn’t help but laugh at their exchange, yet as a bigger man walked in and shot us an angry look I braced for what would come next. At first he approached the counter and made his order without saying anything, but as the minutes passed he began to stare at our table.

“You serve these faggots?” The man suddenly let out, staring at our table.

“Excuse me sir,” The woman behind the counter began. “We’re going to have to,”

“No, they’re ruining music.” He interrupted her. “It’s on every station and it sounds like garbage.”

“Come on man,” I began but as I went to rise to my feet Teddy pulled me back down.

“Go try to kill yourself again.” The man spit, beginning to stare me down.

“I feel bad for you.” Oli began as Teddy grabbed his hand. “I really do.”

“Oh boy here we,”

“I mean it.” Oliver insisted, slipping free of Teddy’s grip and getting to his feet.

“You should.” The man nodded. “Because I have to hear your shitty music.”

“No, you can dislike our music.” Oli nodded. “I mean you’re wrong, but that’s okay.” He shot back in typical Oliver fashion. “But that’s not why I feel bad for you.”

“Please tell me,” The man sarcastically bit. “Why does your unoriginal ass feel bad?”

“Because you’re getting so worked up over something so small.” Oli taunted. “It’s just music man. You don’t like it, turn it off. It’s not that hard.”

“I can’t just turn it off, it’s everywhere.” He complained. “On T.V., on the radio, hell they even play it in the grocery stores! And it’s all regurgitated garbage!”

“What a hard life you must live.” Oli taunted. “Having to hear music wherever you go.” The crowd watching began to laugh at Oli’s antics. “Here’s what I’ll do for ya.”He began once more. “I’ll let you go grab your food and leave, and I’ll head back to my table and forget this ever happened.”

“Or else?” The man asked, starting to grow more and more angry.

“I’ll start singing.” He teased drawing some more laughs from the room. “Apparently that’s your weak spot.”

Before the man could respond two or three waiters began to escort him out. Teddy quickly jumped up and pulled Oli back to the table. Relieved that the tension was finally beginning to disperse. All eyes fell on us as people began to murmur about the interaction. Oli handled it well, but still, people are going to find a way to twist it against us.

“Hold on.” I instructed, jumping my feet and quickly making my way out to the car. I let out a sigh of relief as I found an acoustic guitar from the studio in the back.

I gripped it tightly as I quickly re-entered the small restaurant and handed it to Oli. “Sorry about that guy.” I began as everyone’s attention returned to us. “What do you say we play a song to make up for it?”

“Really?” Oli excitedly asked as we got a few encouraging yelps.

“Sure.” I nodded. “Is this cool?” I asked a passing waiter.

“Of course.” She quickly smiled. “Do you mind if we record it?”

“Go for it.” I encouraged, trying to rally as much good PR as possible. “Post it all over social media if you want. Let’s just have some fun with it.”

“What do you want to play Oli?” I asked, as he slowly worked through his nerves.

“Something old but not too old.” He swayed his head. “Do you know HELP by Papa Roach? I was just signing it for Teddy a few days ago.”

“Yeah.” I rolled my eyes. “I was there. It got stuck in my head.”

Oli proudly smiled before beginning to play the off-tune intro. His confidence quickly rose as people around us began to clap along. The second I started to sing the room felt like so much more than just a pizza place.

The second the song ended the growing crowd seemed to roar for more. “Sorry guys.” I shrugged, knowing I had to leave them asking for more. “If you want to see us Messiah will be playing Metlife next month.”

“And Unity is playing Terminal Five in February.” Oliver proudly announced.

“That wasn’t announced yet.” I groaned as excitement tore through the crowd.

“What day in February?” A faceless voice shouted.

“Can we get this to go?” Teddy asked a passing waitress as the crowd grew more and more restless. He nodded his head and quickly ran to grab a box for us.

“Can I get tickets?” Another voice shouted.

“I just want a pre-sale code!” Another yelped.

“I want more than that!” The first began again. “Two-hundred dollars for the floor is insane!”

“That’s the going price!” Someone tried to defend for us. “Have you seen what Messiah has accomplished?”

I tried my hardest to tune them out as we slid food into the box. I quickly paid the bill, but as I turned I noticed more and more people flooding the restaurant. Okay, maybe this wasn’t exactly the best idea.

“Ready?” I asked Teddy as he grabbed onto Oli.

“As ready as I can be.” He sighed as we suddenly started making our way through the crowd.

A few more requests got shouted at us until finally I reached into my pocket and found a small stack of black cards. Without warning I threw the small album cards into the crowd and slammed the door. We quickly jogged to the car as we noticed more and more people starting to arrive.

With a big sigh Oli dropped the guitar into the car and fell into his seat. “Is everywhere going to be this crazy from now on?” He groaned.

“Kind of.” I answered with a serious look. “Weeks we release albums or singles will be the worst.” I tried to explain. “But you always have to brace for the chance it gets like this.”

“Maybe playing them a song wasn’t too bright.” Teddy weighed in.

“We needed the press.” I clarified. “Sometimes moments like that are unavoidable.”

“You okay with this Oli?” Teddy checked as he turned back. “This could be your life now, you understand that right?”

“Yeah.” He sighed, looking out at the dispersing crowd. “It’s pretty cool when you think about it. They were really that excited to watch us play something?”

“Yup.” I began to smile. “They wanted you to play another too.”

“Yeah.” He accepted in a nod. “Can we do that some more?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm as I glanced into the rear view mirror. “We probably shouldn’t make a habit of it.” I advised thinking it over. “But surprise free concerts for fans wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

Oliver excitedly nodded his head before falling back into his own world. So it really is about the music with you, huh? You had grown men and women asking for autographs and tickets, and you barely flinched. Hell, you had a douchebag get in our face about it, and you didn’t even back down! He really does believes in the music we’re making and the band we’re building.

1- Handwritten- Gaslight Anthem

2. HELP - Papa Roach