A/N: This is a story about Shawn and he is fifteen. It is about when his parent's leave and he is staying at the Mathews. Only in my story he doesn't live with him he goes and lives with a different family member in the trailer park. Turner still doesn't have Shawn's trust and it is a relationship that is growing. Turner is still trying to get passed the barriers in his own head with realizing that he cares about Shawn in a greater sense than that of a teacher. Shawn has problems with living with his Uncle Ralph in the trailer park and he starts to act out more and more. The Mathews and Mr. Turner try to help Shawn get through this, but this time around Shawn just might be too far gone for them to help.
WARNINGS: Child Abuse, Swearing, Underage Drinking, Criminal Activity, Adult Themes and if something else comes up I'll put it in.
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Chapter 1
Shawn woke up to the sun in his face. He was stiff and sore from sleeping where he did, but it was better than not sleeping at all. Shawn brought his hand up to cover his eyes as the bright and harsh sunlight hit his eyes in the early morning hour. Shawn didn't know what time it was, but if he had to guess he would say around six in the morning when the sun normally rose. Shawn sat up and he felt the stabbing pain go all up and down his spine. It wasn't the first time in his life that he had to sleep on the hard ground and Shawn had a good feeling it wouldn't be the last time either. Shawn sat up and leaned against the concrete wall that was the building. He had gone and slept outside last night in the same place he often went when he needed to be outside. There was a nearby building that had a fire escape with a platform just three feet off the ground. It wasn't much, but it provided some shelter from the rain or snow depending on the season. Shawn had used it before in the past and it had worked for a night or two when the need called for it. Last night it was nice out so there wasn't any need for the overhead shelter, but still it was where he would go. The ground was dirty cement and the alley that the building was in was dirty and smelt like a sewer, but it was a place he could hide and sleep for a little while at least. Sleeping on the cold and damp cement was never a fun option, but it beat staying awake all night. Shawn couldn't believe this was happening to him again. He was used to his mother running off and leaving him with his father; that was nothing new. Except this time was different, this time she left with the trailer, she actually took off with the house. His father had been out there looking for her for the past three weeks and for the past three weeks he hadn't heard a single thing from him. He had been living with his Uncle Ralph for the past three weeks sleeping on the couch. His Uncle's trailer was more rundown than his was. There wasn't much space either only a one bedroom and a small bathroom. Half the time the water didn't work or the electricity. There didn't seem to be much in the fridge besides beer and whiskey. His uncle was not one for food and if he wanted something to eat he would just go over to one of the neighbors and get something from them. Shawn didn't have that luck, because he was just the teenager and not one of the close friends in the circle. A lot of the people in the trailer park resented Shawn because he was going to school and trying to get out of the life. He was best friends with Cory who lived in the suburbs and everyone in his end of town knew that you never looked at those people as they were friends. People who lived in the suburbs were stuck up rich people and they would never be accepted by anyone in the trailer park. Shawn never thought of things like that, Cory was just his best friend and it was just that simple to him.
Still there were many things that Shawn didn't tell Cory, like how his parents took off and dumped him on his uncle's doorstep. An uncle who was not happy about having Shawn there. He made it very clear that he wasn't paying for anything that Shawn might need. So for the last three weeks Shawn had been using his money that he saved up from odd jobs around the town to buy himself lunch, but he ran out of money on Friday. Now it was Monday and he didn't have any money for lunch and he knew there wouldn't be any food in the house, because there hasn't been any since he moved in there. He had barely eaten all weekend and now he didn't know what he was going to do. He knew that Cory would buy him lunch he had done it in the past, but he couldn't just keep asking Cory for money. He just needed a way to make some money on his own so he could take care of himself. It wasn't that big of a deal anyways, he's been taking care of himself since he was little, since he could remember. His mother always tried, but she was gone more than she was here and his father would just drink and gamble the money away. It's why Shawn was used to sleeping outside, because when his father would get too drunk he would become violent. Much like his Uncle Ralph would. His uncle had never hit him, but last night he threw a glass ashtray at him and he just missed getting hit. He was lucky that his uncle was too drunk to aim properly otherwise Shawn wouldn't have been able to move fast enough to avoid the ashtray from hitting him in the face. Shawn figured when he got to school he could look at the newspaper and see if there were any jobs for him to do. He needed to make some money so he could pay for his own food. If nothing else he would be able to eat if he had to keep sleeping outside.
Shawn got up and crawled out of his spot. He stood up and stretched out the kinks in his body before he started to head back to the trailer park. He knew he should be telling Cory about this, but he didn't need to trouble him. He was fine, he was used to doing this, this was normal to him. Having a big fancy house with hot water and electricity was all foreign to Shawn. He was used to going for days without electricity or never knowing when there would be food in the house. Having to use his dad's old beat up pick-up truck to cook food on. That was normal to him so thinking he needed to tell Cory about any of this didn't even cross his mind, because this was normal. Cory would only freak out and make a big deal out of nothing. His father would come back with his mother eventually they wouldn't just leave him here forever. They hadn't called or written, because one his mother didn't know how to reach him and two his father was busy trying to find his mother. His father knew where he was, he was with family so there wasn't any need to call to check in he would know that Shawn was safe and being taken care of. It was all logical to Shawn so he didn't let himself stop to think about what his parents leaving was actually doing to him. How much it hurt to see his father just leaving him with his uncle without ever a second thought about staying for him. Shawn wasn't going to think about how long he could go before he would get to see or talk to his parents. He wasn't going to focus on any of that, because it was too painful so for now he was going to do what he always did and that was survive.
Shawn walked back into the trailer that he now shared with his Uncle Ralph as quietly as possible. He knew that his uncle would be sleeping and he didn't want to wake him up. Shawn went over to the fridge to look for food, but sure enough just like last night it was empty. Shawn went over to the small bag of clothing that he had managed to gather up from donation boxes and grabbed some clean clothes to wear. He went to the bathroom to take a shower only to find that the electricity was turned off once again, because they had no hot water. Shawn couldn't believe that this was happening again. He had only been here for three weeks and for the second time the electricity had been cut off in just three weeks. Shawn hated taking cold showers, but he had gotten used to it in the last fifteen years of his life. So he took off his clothes and took a quick five minute shower. Just long enough to wash his hair and body from the dirt of sleeping on the cement ground all night. Once he was satisfied that he was clean he got out and dried off real quick before he got dressed. He went back out into the living room and grabbed his book bag before he left for school. He knew he could have gone over to the Mathews, but Shawn wanted to get to school so he could read the paper and see about a job. He couldn't do that with Cory around, because he would just worry and stress over it. Shawn was used to doing odd jobs around town, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, putting up a fence simple things like that for extra money. Right now he needed money so he could buy lunch. He was also hoping that the cafeteria would be open and he could run in and steal an apple or something before school started. He hadn't eaten since Saturday night when he was able to con his was into a sandwich from one of the neighbors. So by Monday morning he was starving and hoping he could get something before lunch hour where he was hoping Cory would buy him lunch.
Shawn headed outside and started to make the thirty minute walk to school. It was a nice day out, but there was a cool breeze in the air with the October weather. It wouldn't be long before it was winter and Shawn would need to start wearing different layers just to stay warm. He would have to start going around to the clothing donation bins to build up a warmer wardrobe. Shawn knew he shouldn't be stealing from the donation bins, but he was a member of society in need, a need to stay warm. So he figured it wouldn't be that big of a deal. After all this was normal for him anything else would just be weird. It was just after seven when Shawn walked into the school. School didn't start for another hour so he had a good hour to look over the job section in the newspaper and see if there were any out there. In October it wasn't uncommon to find ads for someone to rake leaves once a week. If Shawn could get a few of those a week then he would be fine for food money at least. Shawn decided to put his bag away in his locker before he headed down to the cafeteria to see if there were any fruit left out. The cafeteria would be open by now for teachers and any students that were in school this early because of projects or clubs. You would have to pay, but if there wasn't anyone around Shawn would be able to steal an apple and that would hold him off until lunch. Shawn got to the cafeteria and saw that it was empty and no one was standing behind the counter. Shawn quickly went into the room and headed across the room and over to the fruit sitting in the basket. It was only a dollar for a piece of fruit, but he didn't even have that on him. Shawn took a quick look around behind the counter before he grabbed an apple and went to turn around only to find Mr. Turner standing there behind him.
"Whoa" Shawn said as he turned around and saw Mr. Turner standing there. He didn't even hear him come in or walking up behind him. "What are you doing trying to give me a heart attack?" Shawn said as he put his hand over his chest.
"No, what are you doing Shawn?" Mr. Turner asked with a knowing smile on his face.
"Nothing I was just passing by." Shawn said calmly. When he wanted to he could lie, he could lie very well. The problem was Mr. Turner wasn't an idiot. He had run away from home, fought to stay off from the streets. He wasn't the average teacher so he could usually see through Shawn's lies and games.
"Really because it looked to me like you were stealing an apple."
"I don't know what you are talking about." Shawn said innocently.
"Really well maybe we should ask the nice workers if they know what I am talking about." Mr. Turner said in a challenging voice.
"Oh come on Mr. Turner that's not fair it's just an apple." Shawn complained. Shawn knew stealing was wrong, but it was only an apple. If he could have found one on a tree outside he would have picked it, but there weren't exactly apple trees growing around outside anywhere.
"It's not just an apple, it's what the apple represents Shawn."
"You're starting to sound like Feeny."
"Can I get you something Mr. Turner?" A worker came over from the back once she saw Shawn and Mr. Turner standing at the counter.
"Ah ya I'll have a large coffee with two milk and one sugar and the apple please." Mr. Turner said politely.
Once the worker got the coffee and handed it to Mr. Turner. He handed her the money before he put an arm around Shawn's shoulders and started to walk him out of the cafeteria.
"Sometimes certain things appear one way when they often can appear another way. For you this is just an apple and I might believe that should it be coming from someone else. You don't steal things just to steal them. You always have a reason to do it and that reason is always survival. That's why I am not going to lecture you about stealing the apple."
"Technically I didn't steal it." Shawn corrected not liking where this conversation was going.
"You would have if I hadn't walked in at that moment. You were going to steal the apple, because you are hungry. Which has me asking how are things going at home?" Mr. Turner asked as he stopped in the hallway to be able to face Shawn.
"Everything is great. I just forgot my money at home and I was hungry it's no big deal." Shawn said trying to get passed this conversation.
"It's barely seven in the morning and you are here at school. If you were hungry why didn't you eat breakfast this morning?"
"I wasn't hungry when I left. You know sometimes a horse is just a horse and not a zebra."
"And sometimes a zebra tries to hide with all of the horses hoping no one spots him in the herd. Shawn I know I'm a teacher and maybe you don't have the best track record with teachers I get that, but I thought you knew by now that you could come and talk me whenever. I know it hasn't even been two months since you've meet me, but you can talk to me about whatever is going on. Just like if you ever forget your lunch money you can come to me and I'll make sure you eat."
"You're not like the other teachers I'll give you that, but really nothing is wrong everything is fine. I appreciate it though." Shawn said sincerely.
"Okay I'll see you in class."
"See ya."
Shawn headed down the hallway in the opposite direction as Mr. Turner on purpose so he wouldn't have to worry about him trying to talk to him again. It wasn't that Shawn didn't see that Mr. Turner was different compared to the other teachers he's had, he did. It was just that he was used to handling everything on his own. He had his own way of dealing with things. His parents taking off and dumping him with his uncle wasn't a big deal to him, but it would be to everyone else. Shawn could handle this, he was used to handling everything on his own; this was nothing to him. Shawn gabbed one of the free newspapers that they keep in the hallway newspaper bin and headed over to his locker. He sat down on the floor and started to go through the job ads. He saw five places looking for someone to come by once a week to rake leaves. It was only ten dollars, but it would give him fifty a week if he could get all five places. It wouldn't be much, but it would be enough for food during the week. Shawn got up and headed over to the student phone to make the calls. He was able to call all five places and he was able to get them to agree to him raking their leaves once a week. He was able to get them all to agree on Saturday and Sunday for him to come by so he had three places on Saturday and two on Sunday it was good because then after school he wouldn't have to worry about rushing to get there. Shawn was also hoping he could shovel snow for them once the weather turned, but he was going to have to see first. Fifty bucks a week wasn't much, but October just started so he might be able to get more people within the next coming weeks. He would only have till the beginning of December at the latest, but it would be something for now.
Shawn headed back over to his locker and sat down and just waited for when the school would start.
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Mr. Turner headed to Mr. Feeny's office so he could speak to him about Shawn. Mr. Turner didn't want to interfere too much, but he knew that Shawn was struggling a little more than he wanted to admit. Mr. Turner knew that Shawn was a street kid and he also knew that Shawn wouldn't have forgotten his money at home. Mr. Turner could still clearly remember career day with Mr. Hunter. It was clear that he didn't have a job and he had no interest in one either for that matter. Mr. Turner knew Shawn wasn't the only kid in school that had parents who were broke. It's why they had a system in place so the students would still be able to eat if they couldn't afford a lunch. Mr. Turner knew Shawn wouldn't like it at first, but it would be better than not eating or having to rely on people to buy him a lunch, making him feel guilty at the same time. Mr. Turner knocked on Mr. Feeny's door.
"Come in."
Mr. Turner opened the door and walked in to see Mr. Feeny sitting at his desk.
"What can I do for you Mr. Turner?"
"I was hoping I could speak to you about Shawn."
"Is there something the matter with Mr. Hunter?" Mr. Feeny asked with a slight concern.
"It's the Mr. Hunter that I have the feeling is the problem. I just caught Shawn trying to steal an apple from the café. He said he forgot his lunch money, but I have a feeling he doesn't have any."
"Yes well Chet Hunter isn't one that screams employment. He's had trouble in the past I know that much from grade school. There were many educational class trips that Shawn missed out on because Mr. Hunter wasn't working. Did you inform Shawn about the food program?"
"No I didn't he didn't seem too willing to speak at that moment. I thought maybe it would be better to come from you. You've known him longer and he might not take offense to it as much if it came from you."
"Very well I will speak to him first period and explain the food program. Most students don't want to accept it, but it is better than the alternative of starving all day. I'm sure Shawn will accept after a little bit of encouragement. I'll get it sorted."
"Thanks George."
"Do you think this will continue to get worse or better?"
"I don't know. I don't really know Shawn all that well. I know what it's like to be in his position, but I couldn't tell you if his situation will get worse or better. It most likely will just stay the same until he's thirty and he realizes he has to graduate high school at some point." Mr. Turner tried to joke.
"Hopefully it won't take him fifteen years to do that. Shawn came be a very bright young man when he wants to apply himself. The problem isn't his mind it's his lack of self-confidence. He doesn't see the point in trying when he doesn't see himself being smart enough for college or a better life. If we can just find a way to get Shawn to see that he can have a better life than that of a townie as he likes to call it, then we might be able to get him to graduate on time."
"Shawn has potential; he's very unique and creative. People gravitate towards him he would be very good in college. He can be anything he wants to be, if he would just put his mind to it. He's not dumb he just plays dumb very well."
"That is why we need him to stop playing dumb and start believing in himself. Once we do that then there will be no stopping Mr. Hunter."
"Well we have three years to try and accomplish that. I'll leave you to your papers and head back to class. I should get ready for today. I'll see you later George."
"See you later Mr. Turner."
Mr. Turner headed out of the office and down to his classroom. He saw Shawn sitting down underneath his locker writing in a book. Mr. Turner had seen Shawn writing in that book before during class or on lunch when Cory had been sick. Mr. Turner had no idea what was in the book, but it seemed to be something Shawn enjoyed doing. Mr. Turner couldn't help his curiosity and he was hoping one day he would be able to see what Shawn was writing in the book. Mr. Turner headed to his classroom to get it ready for Homeroom and then English.
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Homeroom had just started and Shawn and Cory had just sat down when Mr. Feeny walked in and asked to speak to Shawn. Everyone in the class went Ooooo at him being called out by the Principal. Shawn didn't know what Mr. Feeny wanted to speak to him about as far as he knew he hadn't done anything wrong recently. Shawn got up and followed Mr. Feeny down the hallway to his office. Once inside Mr. Feeny shut the door and spoke.
"Have a seat Mr. Hunter."
Mr. Feeny headed over to his side of the desk and Shawn sat down in the chair on the opposite side. Once Mr. Feeny sat down he spoke again.
"Relax Mr. Hunter you are not in trouble. I just wanted to speak to you for a moment."
"Ok about what?" Shawn asked cautiously. In his experience when he was called into the Principal's office is was never anything good.
"I wanted to discuss with you about the food program that is offered her at John Adams."
"What food program?" Shawn asked confused.
"It's a program that allows students who parents are unemployed or they don't have any money to purchase food from the cafeteria. It's like Monopoly money. Its paper money we make up here in school that allows them to purchase food in the cafeteria. We give a certain amount each month to those students involved in the food program to use it on food each month. When the month is over they can keep the remaining amount and use it next month with their new package."
"Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden?"
"I've been meaning to speak to you about it for a few weeks now. I know your parents have had trouble in the past with employment. I don't like seeing students not being able to eat it's why I enforced this program over the summer when I was offered this position. Over half of the student body is on this program."
"I don't need charity." Shawn said with a slight anger to his tone.
"This is not charity Mr. Hunter; this is a social program that allows students to be able to eat during the school day. It's a program designed to help students that need it. You don't have to stay on it and you don't have to be on it for that matter. I just thought I would let you know about the program. I know it hasn't been easy for you at times and this is a program that would help to make things slightly easier on you and your parents. It's nothing to be ashamed of and it's not any charity of any kind. It's simply just a food program offered by the school."
"So there's no catch? I could go off it down the road?" Shawn asked cautiously.
"Yes you can. Some students are on it all year and some are only on it for a month or two if their parents have lost their jobs. No one can make you be in the program and no one can make you stay in the program. It's simply here to help students out. It helps their parents as well by taking some of that pressure off. If nothing else they know their child can eat at school."
Shawn let out a sigh. He didn't want to be on any special program or be given any handouts. However, if this program would make it so he could eat in school then he wouldn't have to stress over money as much. He could still work those five lawns and get more as the fall kicked in. It would just mean that money would go towards food for when he wasn't in school. He could maybe save up for some shoes for the winter. After winter was over he could go off the program and pay for lunch himself. For all he knew his parents could be back next week.
"Ok, but just for a little while."
"That's fine. Here is your package for the month. Each month just come by my office and I will hand you a new one. It's a very wise decision you have made Shawn." Mr. Feeny said as he handed Shawn a small letter envelope.
Shawn took it and put it in his pocket. He didn't like this, but the idea of knowing he could eat at school was comforting to him.
"Thanks Mr. Feeny. I better get back to class."
"You are welcome Mr. Hunter. Now run along back to class and try and learn something."
Shawn just gave a nod and left Mr. Feeny's office and headed back to his Homeroom or English class now he figured. He walked back into the class to see the Mr. Turner had another book he was holding up trying to get the class to participate in a discussion once again. Shawn just sat down and pulled out his notebook and started to write.
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It was finally time to go home and Shawn was thankful that the day was finally over. He was tired and he just wanted to go home and try to relax. He had homework he was supposed to be doing, but he just couldn't bring himself to care to do it. He really didn't see the point in any of it. He was never going to be smart enough to get into college or pass the SAT's so there was just no point in even trying. Shawn was use to failing, when he failed he was never disappointed. If he started to try and he failed anyways then he would be disappointed and it would only prove he truly was stupid. It was just easier to not try then to try and prove to himself what everyone already believed. At lunch Cory had asked Shawn about the paper money he had used to pay for his lunch and Shawn had to explain it to him. Cory was supportive and acted like there wasn't anything different about that lunch hour. It was part of the reason why Shawn loved Cory and why he was his best friend. He never acted like he was any less than Cory. He always just accepted him for who he was and it was just that simple to him. Shawn headed into the trailer park and he found himself missing his parents more and more by just walking by the empty lot where his home used to be. He knew that his parents would be back for him, they wouldn't abandon him like this. They were his parents and they loved him, they must love him. Shawn had to believe that, because once he started to believe otherwise then he didn't know what he would do. He headed across the trailer park and headed over to his Uncle Ralph's trailer. It was falling apart and it was easy to see that it was on its' last leg. It wouldn't be much longer before it wouldn't be safe to live there. Shawn was just happy that he was able to eat today and he knew tomorrow he would be able to eat again. If nothing else he could eat once a day. He had done it before so he was used to it, he didn't enjoy it, but he was used to it. All he had to do was get through tonight and then tomorrow he would be back at school.
Shawn walked into the trailer to see his Uncle Ralph talking on the phone with a bottle of whiskey in his other hand. Judging by how Shawn could hear his father's voice he knew he was on speaker phone. Shawn was going to say something when he started to listen to what his father had to say.
"Look I know the kid isn't easy to deal with, but we're family and I am countin on you. I gotta find my Virna without her I have no reason to live." Chet's strong voice came across.
"I can't afford to take care of him. I got things to do and people to see I can't take care of this brat of yours. He's your kid you take care of him." Uncle Ralph slurred out with annoyance.
"I can't, he don't need me. I need Virna, I need my wife without her I have nothing. We didn't even think she could get knocked up, by the time we found out it was too late the doc said. He's almost grown now you can handle him. I need my wife and what she needs is some time away. I'm gonna find her and we are gonna be together. He'll get over it in time. He's a good boy he'll help out around the house and get a job for bills. You'll find some use for him."
"We might be family, but that don't mean I want the brat around."
"We're family you owe me. I covered for you when you could have gone to prison. He's fifteen I think, he's only got three more years before he's out on his own. He does his own thing anyways just put him to work and you'll be fine. I gotta go."
Chet hung up without allowing Uncle Ralph to say anymore. Uncle Ralph threw the phone across the room without looking and he threw it right at Shawn as he turned around. Shawn didn't expect it and the phone hit him right on his left eye. Shawn brought his hands up to his face as the pain started to throb all down the left half of his face. He looked up with his left hand over his eye at his uncle to see if there was any remorse, but like Shawn expected there wasn't.
"You heard all that?" His uncle slurred once again before he took a drink from the whiskey bottle.
"I heard enough." Shawn said with his left hand still over his left eye. There was hurt to his tone, but it wasn't just the physical hurt.
"He don't want you yet I have to. Get out of here I don't want to look at you tonight." Uncle Raph said with slurred hatred.
Shawn didn't move he couldn't get his mind to stop replying his father's words in his head. He didn't even see that his uncle had grabbed an empty whiskey bottle and threw it at him. It hit him in the ribs and it caused Shawn to snap out of it and bend forward holding his right side.
"I said get out!" Uncle Ralph yelled.
That was enough to make Shawn move. He turned around and left the trailer park as quickly as he could. He didn't stop until he got to his usual place where he slept at night when he was kicked out. He still had his bag so he crawled under the platform and tried to catch his breath. It wasn't the first time he had been hit by an object being thrown. He had taken many black eyes and bruised ribs from his father getting drunk and throwing something across the room or at him. Most of the time he could dodge the object, but every now and then it would happen out of nowhere and Shawn wouldn't be quick enough to get out of the way. The bruising would heal, the pain would die down, but what wouldn't was the pain in his chest from the words of his father. His own father couldn't even tell him that he didn't want him. He had no problem telling other people that he didn't want Shawn, but he couldn't give Shawn that small amount of decency to tell him that. He thought his parents loved him, that they would be back and to hear his own father tell someone else how without Virna his life would be nothing, that Shawn didn't matter. Shawn couldn't believe this was happening. He thought his parents loved and wanted him and now the realisation was sitting in. He had been abandoned again by his parents and this time around it would be the last time, they weren't going to come back for him. He was all on his own this time. He couldn't turn to the Mathews now, he couldn't ask them to take him in now knowing that his parents will never be coming back. How could he ask them to let him live there for the next three years? How could he expect them to want to accept him into their home for that long when his own parents didn't think he was good enough to stick around? He wouldn't do that to them. They didn't deserve to have him around for the next three years complicating their life. He didn't have a choice he had to stay with his Uncle Ralph and just try to not be there as much as possible for the next three years. After that he didn't know what he was going to do. He needed a plan, but he needed money before he could plan anything. Money was key in this; he needed money so he could move out and be on his own so he wouldn't ever have to worry about being kicked out again. It would be his home and he would always be welcome there. He just needed to get a job so he could save up everything he could to be able to move out and be on his own. Shawn knew he could survive on his own he just needed the cash in order to do it. It wasn't like he wasn't used to being on his own. There were many times that the Mathews had helped him out over the years, but there were easily a hundred more times when Shawn just dealt with something on his own. Shawn learnt at a young age that the more of a burden you are on someone the more they resent and hate you as time goes on. Shawn didn't want that to happen with the Mathews and Shawn knew that was what happened with his parents. Them both leaving had to be his fault. When one leaves you can blame that person, but when both leave Shawn could only blame himself. It was simple logic and Shawn wasn't going to trouble the very few people he had left in his life. He could handle this just fine. Living with his uncle wouldn't be great, but he could handle it until he had the money to move out on his own. Shawn just had to do what he did best and that was survive.
Shawn opened his book bag and thought about doing his homework, but he didn't see the point. He also didn't feel like doing it so he pulled out his notebook that he wrote in. He wrote down the date and time like he always did before he began to write.
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The next morning Shawn had to risk going back to the trailer to get a change of clothes and take a quick shower. Shawn knew he couldn't be showing up in school in the same clothes or people would talk. Shawn had to show people he was fine or they would overreact like they always did with him. Shawn knew how to handle himself; he knew how to take care of himself. He had been doing it for many years now. Now he's fifteen and not some six year old he could do it better than he had in the past. Shawn walked into the trailer to find his Uncle Ralph still awake and sitting down in the living room. Shawn didn't say anything he just grabbed a clean change of clothes and headed into the bathroom. He took a quick shower, because the water was still cold and he got out. He dried off and got dressed, he checked his ribs and sure enough there was a bruise on his right side that hurt to touch. Shawn then looked in the mirror and saw that he had a very black eye and he knew he would need to come up with a lie to tell people where he got it. It wasn't that it was a big deal that he needed to lie about it, but it would just be easier to lie about it then tell him his uncle threw a phone in his direction drunk. That would bring up too many questions and he didn't want to deal with all of them in this current moment. Shawn knew it wouldn't be too hard to come up with a believable lie, he did live in a trailer park and everyone knew that the park had a rough reputation, so it wouldn't be too much of a problem for Shawn. Shawn got dressed and then headed back out into the living room with every intension of leaving, but his uncle speaking stopped him.
"From now on after school you are to work in a plant that my buddy runs. You do as you are told and I don't want to hear that you have skipped out on him you hear?" Uncle Ralph said with a deadly tone.
"Where is it?" Shawn asked knowing that there wouldn't be a point in arguing. Besides he needed money to move out of here, even if he had to give some to his uncle he would be able to figure out how to get more without his uncle knowing about it.
"The factory down on the docks. You load and unload the trucks. You get paid cash every night and eighty percent comes to me. You got it?" Uncle Ralph snapped the last part of the sentence.
"Ya I got it."
"Good now get out of here before I change my mind."
Shawn left the trailer and began his journey to school. It was still early barely only seven, but at least he wouldn't be there too early like yesterday. Shawn wasn't happy about having to work every night after school loading and unloading trucks, but it would at least give him some money. He didn't like that most of his money went towards his uncle, but he would be able to put some away at least. That twenty percent combined with the fifty a week from raking leaves he was hoping he would be able to save up enough to get out of here. He just had to keep it hidden so his uncle wouldn't find it and try to take it on him.
Shawn headed into the school and it was just after seven-thirty in the morning. Shawn didn't get to eat this morning or last night so he headed into the cafeteria first to grab something to eat before he would go and put his bag away. Shawn went into the cafeteria and just grabbed a bagel with butter to eat while he headed to his locker. Once there Shawn put his bag away while he was eating his bagel. It felt good to be able to eat at school at least. Shawn would have to use his money on the weekend to be able to eat something, but at least at school he didn't have to worry about it. He finished his bagel and then sat down with his notebook and pen. He had barely gotten any sleep last night and instead of writing what he normally did he started to write his thoughts down as a journal. Shawn figured it couldn't hurt after all it wasn't like anyone was ever going to read this or any of his previous books. He kept them in his locker so even his parents couldn't find them. He began to write, but he didn't get far before it was eight and Cory was heading over to his own locker, which was right next to Shawn's.
"Hey Shawny, how are you?" Cory asked in his usual happy voice.
"I'm fine Cor, how are you?" Shawn asked as he put his notebook away and stood up with a smile on his face. He had to act like everything was okay or Cory would suspect something.
It wasn't that Shawn was trying to keep this a secret; he just didn't see the point in involving people into it. There wasn't anything anyone could do for him. He couldn't go and live at the Mathews it would never work even if there was room. He wasn't used to rules and curfews. Those few times where he did spend the weekend there was always hard. Shawn liked being able to come and go when he pleased and do what he wanted. He didn't like being trapped in a house; it's just not how he grew up. Unlike Cory who loved being at home and the thought of sneaking out never crosses his mind. That was just how Cory grew up; he didn't know what it felt like to be afraid to go home or what he would be walking into when he did. Shawn couldn't blame Cory for that and he was happy that his best friend would never know how it felt. He would never know how it felt to be abandoned by your own parents. He would never know how it felt to not even be good enough for your own parents. So Shawn would keep quiet about this, because if he wasn't good enough for his own parents to stick around, he would never be good enough for anyone else.
"I'm great. It's only Tuesday, but I am great." Cory said as he put his books away he had yet to look at Shawn.
Shawn was now turned facing Cory with the side of his head leaning against the locker. Cory finally finished putting his books away as Shawn spoke.
"Why so great?" Shawn asked with a smile.
Cory turned to look at him and Shawn could see the surprise written all over Cory's face. Cory always did have a horrible poker face. He could almost never keep a secret and he sucked at lying. It's why Shawn often didn't let Cory lie for him when it truly mattered. Skipping school it wasn't a big deal, but some things were better off kept from Cory.
"Shawn what the hell happened to your eye?" Cory asked with worry and concern.
"Oh it was nothing. I just helped break up a fight last night at the neighbors and I took an elbow to the eye." Shawn said in a complete dismissive tone with a shrug.
"Are you okay?"
"Ya I'm fine. It doesn't even hurt."
"You didn't start the fight though right?" Cory asked skeptically.
"No Cor I didn't start the fight. My neighbor has done this before he gets too drunk and then starts to fight. I've broken it up before, but this time I just got an elbow to the eye. It's no big deal. Now tell me why is today so great?" Shawn asked knowing that if he changed the subject Cory would get too excited to remember what they were talking about and go along with the conversation change.
"Ah because my good Shawn today is the day that I, Cory Mathews, am going to ask out Topanga Lawrence." Cory said with a confident smile.
"You've been trying to ask her out for the last month Cor. Every time you try to talk to her you go all stupid. What makes today so special?"
"Because today we have a science lab together and she is my partner. So I have a whole seventy-five minutes to talk to her. I'm telling you today is the day." Cory said with a smile as he rubbed his hands together.
"Whatever you say Cor." Shawn said lightly.
The bell rang and they both knew they had to get to Homeroom so they headed that way and walked into the class just before the final bell went. Shawn sat down in his usual spot with Cory in front of him. Mr. Turner walked into the room with a book in his hand and a smile on his face.
"Alright class the announcements will start in a moment and then we are going to work on our new English assignment." Mr. Turner said as he got to the front of the class.
Once he was in front of everyone he turned to face his class. What he didn't expect was to see Shawn with a black eye. The announcements began and Mr. Turner headed over to Shawn and he bent down before he whispered.
"In the hallway please."
Mr. Turner stood back up straight and moved back to let Shawn get up. Once Shawn did they headed out into the hallway. Mr. Turner kept an eye on the class, but he also gave Shawn his full attention.
"Shawn what happened to your eye?" Mr. Turner asked calmly, but Shawn could hear the concern in his voice.
"Oh it's nothing, just broke up a fight last night at the neighbors." Shawn said with a shrug and a smile.
"And you got punched for it?" Mr. Turner asked with a slight confusion to his tone.
"No, I took an elbow to the eye when I went to break up the fight. I'm fine really it's no big deal."
"Where were your parents?"
"My mom was over with friends and my dad was working. Its fine I've helped to break up a few fights over the years this is the first time I've ever gotten hit in the process."
"You shouldn't be breaking up fights Shawn. That can be dangerous."
"It's fine I wasn't alone other guys from the area jumped in to help. Its fine my neighbor just drinks too much." Shawn said with a smirk.
"Ok, but you are safe there right?" Mr. Turner said in a serious voice.
"Of course I am. Why would you ask me that?"
"I just want to make sure that's all. If your neighbors are fighting and you have to jump in to break it up, it can get dangerous Shawn."
"I'm fine though. It's not a big deal Mr. Turner really."
"Okay, okay, but if you ever need to talk you know my door is always open. You have my number you can call me whenever you need to talk."
"I know, but I'm fine really."
"Okay, let's get back in there and start class then."
They headed back inside and Shawn took his seat. He didn't have any interest in English, or school for that matter. He just came to fill the hours in the day and hang out with Cory and now eat. Shawn didn't know what tonight was going to be like or how much money he would make. He was hoping he could maybe get extra shifts on the side without his uncle knowing, but he would have to see how close his uncle is to this new boss of his. He didn't want word getting back to his uncle that he was getting extra money behind his back. He knew he would need to keep it a secret that he was making money raking leaves on the side. That fifty dollars a week was going to be for him and for him to save. Shawn was hoping he could get more places so then he could make more each weekend. All he needed to do was save up and once he had enough he just needed to find a place that he could rent. It didn't have to be much, but it just needed to be enough for him to live there. He could pay rent and keep working to make it. He just had to get through these days until he was able to do that.
Come the end of the day Shawn had put his books away in his locker and headed out after saying goodbye to Cory. He knew he wouldn't be able to spend as much time with Cory outside of school, but they would just need to get used to that for now. Shawn needed the money and he wasn't going to risk telling Cory about what was going on. The Mathews couldn't help him and he would never ask them to take him on. They already had three kids, they didn't need one more especially one where his own parents didn't want him. It wouldn't be fair to them so Shawn was going to stick to his plan and make it work. He needed the money and eventually they would get used to being apart. If Cory asked he would tell him how he got a job to help out around the house. It wasn't a big deal Cory knew that Shawn had taken part-time jobs here and there in the past to help out since he was twelve. Shawn headed down to the docks to start his new job. Shawn was hoping the work was inside, because once winter came it would be brutal and the last place you would want to be is outside. Shawn knew he would have to get clothes from the donation bins already for when winter started for school and in case he had to sleep outside on some nights. He really hated winter and he was not looking forward to it, but he knew he couldn't fight the weather so he just had to roll with it.
It was just before four when he arrived at the factory and headed inside. He stopped to ask the first person he saw where the boss was and the man pointed to a back office. Shawn thanked him and headed down to the back office. Once there he knocked on the open door making the man look up.
"Um hi I'm Shawn Hunter, my Uncle Ralph told me that there was a job here for me." Shawn said slightly uneasy.
The man that was the boss was a big man. He was easily two hundred pounds of muscle, and six foot three. He was intimidating and Shawn knew this man could be dangerous if you pushed him the wrong way. The man got up and spoke.
"Follow me."
The man walked out of the office with Shawn behind him.
"You are to help load and unload the trucks. You work seven days a week from four in the afternoon till midnight. If there is a truck just pulling in at midnight you are to help unload or load it before you leave. You get a fifteen minute break half way through for lunch and that is it. You make a hundred bucks a night cash and no overtime. You don't talk unless you are spoken to and you do as you are told like it or not. Do I make myself clear?" The man said in a stern voice.
"Yes sir." Shawn said calmly, but there was a hint of fear in his tone.
Shawn didn't like that he would have to work all of these hours and only make twenty percent of a hundred. Shawn wasn't good in math, but even he knew that twenty percent of a hundred was only twenty bucks and if Shawn did the math right that would only mean he would make seven hundred and sixty bucks a month with the five places he was raking leaves for. Minus food cost and whatever else might pop up. If he wanted to leave he would need to work all winter long and save up everything he could. It wasn't enough to just have money for first and last month's rent, he needed to have enough saved up so he could still work doing lawn work and still have enough for rent from month to month. He would need around three grand if he wanted to leave and still be able to live in an apartment after he left. He knew he couldn't keep working at the factory after he left or his uncle might find him. It was going to take some time, but Shawn knew that. If he could just make it through the winter, then come the spring he could have his own place. He followed his new boss down through the hallways of the factory before he got to the back where the shipping was done. There were three other men all with muscles, but smaller than the boss was. They were also three times Shawn's age and they didn't look too happy right now.
"Hey boss." The one guy said.
"This is the new guy. He's working four to midnight all week show him what to do." The boss said before he walked away without ever introducing Shawn or any of the other guys. Or himself for that matter.
Shawn didn't know how well this was going to go over, but he just wanted to get the hours done and leave that was it. He needed the money so he would just look at this as a means of escape. He could do this.
"Hey I'm Shawn." Shawn said uneasy.
"I'm Dave, this is Matt and he's Mike." Dave said a brown man in around his mid-forties.
The other two just gave a nod and stood as a truck came in.
"We unload and load the trucks, sometimes we can use a forklift and sometimes the loads are just boxes that aren't on skids so we have to do it by hand. Lift with your legs and not your back. You get hurt go bitch to your mommy about it." Dave said to Shawn.
"Don't have one so I guess you won't hear any bitching." Shawn said dryly.
"How old are you?" Dave asked.
"Does it matter?"
"Only if we have to lie or hide you if the cops show up for inspection on illegals. So how old are you?" Dave asked again with a slight anger to his tone.
This guy clearly didn't like to ask questions twice or have his questions ignored.
"I'm fifteen"
"Yo Mike, anyone asks this kid is your nephew just coming down to help out." Dave yelled over to Mike as he opened the loading door.
"Ya sure." Mike yelled back.
Dave walked over to the other two and Shawn followed behind him. When the back door to the truck rolled up Shawn saw that there were no skids so they would have to unload it by hand. Shawn had a feeling tomorrow he was going to be stiff and sore. He was also worried about his bruising on his ribs, but he wasn't about to complain. These guys didn't really strike him as the type that would care. Shawn helped them unload the truck and then spent the next eight hours unloading and loading trucks up. Some by hand and others with a forklift. He had never used a forklift before so Matt showed him real quick and then left him to figure it out. Thankfully Shawn didn't screw anything up, because he was certain he would have to pay for it if he broke it. Come midnight he was exhausted and his ribs were hurting, but he had made it through and the guys weren't so bad. They didn't talk much, but they weren't mean to him so he took it. He got paid a hundred dollars in five twenties so he headed back home to the trailer to see his uncle still awake. Shawn put the money down on the counter, the eighty dollars as he spoke.
"I got paid a hundred, I kept mine. I work tomorrow same time." Shawn said with exhaustion in his voice.
His uncle came over and picked up the money before he grabbed a beer and headed towards the door.
Shawn didn't say anything he knew his uncle usually went over to the neighbors to drink and smoke. Shawn didn't even care he went over to the couch and laid down. He was careful of his right side and just closed his eyes willing his body to give in to the exhaustion of the last few weeks.
