Title

By Trixi…BMW Rox!

(This story takes place in the 4th season, when Cory, Shawn and Topanga are 15.)

"Now class," Mr. Feeny said. "I'd like you to take a look at page 14 for homework. And on 15-16 you shall…Mr. Matthews?"

Cory was staring out the window. Large flakes of snow fell heavily…scattering across the pavement outside. Lost in thought, Cory suddenly perked his head up. "W-what were we talking about 'cause…I was too busy listening to understand."

"I told you Mr. Matthews, we are studying the Golden Age of Greece. Now, who can tell me when the Persian Wars began?" Nobody answered. They were all looking thoughtfully out the window. The wind speed picked up and snow went swirling.

Mr. Feeny was getting annoyed. He snapped his book shut and left the room. "If you can't be mature enough to listen, I'm not gonna teach." With that said, he closed the door and hurried off. The bell rang soon after, announcing the end of school.

Topanga gathered up her books and tapped Cory on the shoulder. "Wanna walk home?" she asked sweetly.

"Oh, you know I do." Cory said in a frosty voice, kissing her cheek. They smiled and walked out of the room. Shawn sighed and stared into the window.

"Hey Shawn," Cory called. "We're walking home together, wanna come?" Cory walked over to his friend's desk.

"No," Shawn replied glumly. "You go ahead."

"You sure you're ok…"

"I said, go!" Shawn snapped irritably. Cory winced slightly. He then felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Topanga.

"C'mon sweetie," she said. "Let's leave Shawn alone." Reluctantly, Cory followed his girlfriend home."

It was getting dark outside. High winds blew across the sky. Shawn sat on the couch in Mr. Turner's apartment, watching TV. John hadn't been home and it was getting late as well as dark. The heat in the building had broken down so now Shawn was shivering. Strange noises filled the cracks in the walls. The power surged and the lights went out.

Shawn groaned. He might as well go to bed. The TV flickered then went out. Hours flew by. John still wasn't home yet. Shawn felt uncomfortable. He was alone, cold and a bit scared.

The phone rang. Shawn jumped. Then he remembered…John's cell phone. But why hadn't he taken it with him? After a while, Shawn answered, hoping it would be John.

"Hey, Shawn," came the voice from the other end. "There's a jam on 6th avenue, some pretty thick ice. We're stuck awhile." Good. It WAS Mr. Turner. And he was OK. Shawn promised he'd stay where he was…but every second it seemed to be getting colder. "There's leftover pizza in the fridge if you get hungry. I'll see you soon."

Hanging up, Shawn wondered how he'd stay warm. Suddenly, from somewhere in the building, there was a shrill cry. The scream made Shawn feel queasy. He ran downstairs to the 2nd level where the sound seemed to be coming from.

Feeling stiff and petrified, Shawn walked up the other way, until he tripped on something. Through the cold darkness, he could barely make out her face. It was rosy and beautiful. Blue eyes, long black hair…she was gorgeous.

"Oh, hi," said the girl. "I-I didn't see you. See, I lost my ring and was looking for it."

"Is that why you screamed?" asked Shawn, trying not to laugh. The girl blushed.

"Well, yeah. I was on my hands and knees looking. I was so freaked out when the lights went out. Hey, you look familiar? Don't you go to John Adams?"

"Yeah," Shawn said. "My name's Shawn Hunter. And you are?"

"Not even remotely interested." She said stiffly.

Shawn was startled. "Uh…I meant your name?"

"Cindy," she said sharply. "I heard about you. You and those Hunters. You and them…can't be trusted." Cindy stood and started to walk away. As if naturally, Shawn dashed after her.

"No-no-no," he said, grabbing her arm. "I-I don't know what your family says about these "Hunters", but…"

Cindy pulled away. "Sorry," she said. "I just…got carried away. My mom knows a guy named Chet Hunter. She says he's a real jerk." Shawn nodded, but he suddenly felt sick. He decided it was best to keep that little secret to himself…that he was Chet Hunter's son.

After a lot of talking, Shawn led Cindy to his apartment. He soon found out she wasn't so sassy after all…and he'd been wrong about her. She was actually a sweet and caring girl. It grew late, but Cindy still had no intention of leaving. They were watching TV together when Cindy suddenly jumped.

"What was that?" she cried. Shawn had been so relaxed he hadn't realized the sharp knock on his door.

"Oh," he said, standing up. "I'll get it." When he opened the door and saw what he saw…he felt nervous.

It was John. When he saw Cindy, he stared at Shawn…VERY surprised. "Uh, hello. Um, WHO are you?"

"Cindy…Cindy Franklin." Cindy replied uneasily. "I'm so sorry. It was just…"

"Good night, Cindy." Said John, cutting her off. He motioned for her to leave and Shawn flushed with embarrassment.

"It's not what it looks like," Shawn said wearily as Cindy closed the door behind her. John rolled his eyes sarcastically.

"Uh-huh," he said in a sarcastic tone. "I'm sure she was…I don't know…looking for her ring. Right?"

"Actually," Shawn decided nothing could help him now. "Yes." He finally answered. "I…she…"

"Go to your room." John snapped. He looked very stressed, and Shawn felt guilty for letting in Cindy. He should have asked for her to leave. STUPID! STUPID! STUPID!

"Next week," John added, as Shawn started to walk away. "I'm going on a week-long vacation with some of my friends.

"Cool," Shawn said. "Then…I guess I'm staying with the Matthews." John sighed and motioned for Shawn to sit down next to him.

"Not this time," he said. "I'm trying to find someone to watch you, because the Matthews are going away, and…"

"Wait, hold on," Shawn broke in. "I'm 15, John. I can take care of myself you know. I'm not a little kid."

"Yeah, right. Like after tonight, uh-uh." John said. Shawn stormed off, slightly annoyed. But who would John trust to watch him?

LIKE THE STORY SO FAR? GO TO CHAPTER 2….