Endless

Part Two

Shane entered the house, shutting the door carefully, still thinking of what had occured earlier. When he'd arrived back in Llanview and went to the diner, he hadn't been expecting to run into Jack Manning. He also hadn't expected to hear an apology from the other young man. Maybe in his mind, he'd thought Jack would be the same asshole who tormented him and made him want to kill himself. Maybe he'd thought that there wouldn't be a chance into running into him. In any case, it gave him some things to think about.

"Shane? Could you come into the kitchen, please?" His mother called out from just down the hall.

"Sure mom, be there in a sec!" He answered. taking off his sneakers and heading into the kitchen where his mother sat on her knees, putting things into the lower cupboards.

"I was wondering if you could help put the dishes in the upper cabinets." GiGi said to her son, looking at him and brushing stray hairs from her face, hand resting on her swollen stomach. "Oliver and Kyle are bringing Sierra here tomorrow and I want to get everything unpacked in time."

Shane grinned at the prospect of seeing his young cousin and nodded his head walking over to his mother to do as she said.

"Did you already eat while you were at Buenos Dias?" She asked of him.

"Yeah. Noelle said she might stop by later. She's itching to see you." He answered as he finished putting everything up, leaning against the counter and bracing his hands behind him. He bit his bottom lip as he wondered if he should tell his mother who he'd run into a little bit ago. He didn't want to stress her out and he was unsure if she'd believe that Jack had changed and wasn't a threat to him anymore.

Gigi raised her eyebrow at him, taking in her son's nervous stance. "What's wrong?" She wondered, staring at him worriedly. "Did something happen?"

Shane shook his head negatively and said a quick, "No!" loudly. At his mother's narrowed eyes he lowered his voice and answered. "I mean, nothing bad. I just...ran into someone unexpected while at the diner. It was kind of a surprise is all.:

"Shane..." Her tone meant business as did her stern expression. It still had an impact on him even despite being eighteen.

"I ran into Jack Manning. He apologized for everything he did in the past. And I've been thinking of it ever since. He really seemed to regret it. He said he realised what it was like to be hurt by someone for no reason. I think he's changed, mom." He looked down, focusing on the tiled floor.

Gigi sighed and walked over to her son, putting an arm around his shoulder and running her hand through his hair. "You know, I can't stop you from talking or hanging out with him, but I just-I want you to be careful, okay? I mean, I hope you're right and he really did change, but I want you to be safe and happy. I don't want to see you like...that again. You're my baby boy and your happiness is always going to be so important to me."

Shane smiled softly, wrapping his arms around his mom. "I know, mom." He muttered under his breath. "I promise. I'm...I'm never going to be like that again."

Jack sighed and laid back on his bed, thoughts on Shane. He hoped that the other boy would listen to what all he'd said. He wanted nothing more than to prove himself. His messy relationship with Kate had forced him to grow up and he'd quickly realized what it felt like to be hurt by someone you'd never done anything to them.

The first time he and Kate had had sex was also when he'd lost his virginity. At the time, he'd also had no idea that she was his teacher. Of course, she was older than him and he understood that if anyone found out about the relationship, it would be trouble for the both of them. However, he'd continued the relationship. He'd become addicted to how she made him feel and at the time, he'd even assumed he'd loved her. He'd been a fool. He'd hardly been the first teenage boy that Kate had slept with. Their relationship hadn't been special at all when it came down to it. When Starr had found out...well, let's just say, his sister had gotten Kate thrown out of the school and had been happy about it.

The older woman had been angry at him, not understanding how his sister had found out and she hadn't spoken to him since. And honestly? Jack had begun to realize that he was better off. He was in a good place right now. He'd accepted Victor into his life, he was trying to be a good son, and a good older brother to Sam. He was trying to be a good friend, too and had even gone to see Brad and apologized to him for letting him take the fall for something that they'd both done. And now that he'd apologized to Shane, he felt even better. He really wasn't the same kid who'd made it his mission to bully other kids.

He was just about ready to fall asleep when he heard his cell phone buzz beside of him. He furrowed his brow, not recognizing the number and then answered with a confused, "Hello?"

The line was silent for a moment before a familiar voice finally spoke, "I was thinking about what you said and I was wondering if maybe we could meet up tomorrow? Maybe...hang out?"

"Shane?!" Jack voiced incredulously, wide awake now as he sat up in his bed. He'd wanted to see Shane and try to make everything up to him, of course. However, he'd been convinced it would've taken Shane longer to want to really be around him.

"Look...we don't have to meet up if you don't want to. I just thought-" Shane began only to be cut off by Jack.

"I'd love to meet up. You just took me by surprise is all." Jack admitted hurriedly. "Where do you want me to meet you?"

Shane gave a laugh, one that sounded a bit hesitant but hopeful. "How about the park? Around noon? Look, I've got to go. Mom is calling me down for a late dinner. Goodnight. And..I'll see you tomorrow." With that, he ended the call.

On the other end, Jack stared at the phone in his hand in disbelief before a happy smile curved his lips, so grateful for this chance to prove himself.

To be continued: Shane and Jack hang out and talk a little bit.