Shawn made the executive decision that they were, in fact, done there. He grabbed his bag off the desk and slung it over his shoulder gasping when it struck a particularly malevolent bruise. He strode angrily out the door and into the lunchroom.
After receiving his oh so delicious peas and mashed potatoes from the lunch lady, Shawn sat down gingerly next to Cory and Topanga. The two lovebirds were deep in conversation about their weekend plans.
"Well do you want to go to a movie or to Chubbie's?" Cory questioned.
"Whatever you want, honey" Topanga smiled.
"Whatever YOU want," Cory cooed in return.
Shawn felt as if he might throw up. He picked disinterestedly at his meal. He could feel the pills he'd taken earlier wearing off. Pain was throbbing throughout his body, and he began to feel nauseous because of more than just the disgusting display of affection to his right. He dragged himself up from the table and lifted his tray.
"Shawnie, where ya goin?" Cory looked up, noticing his friend for the first time.
"Bathroom," Shawn mumbled, not knowing the real answer himself. He tossed his uneaten lunch in the trash and exited the cafeteria. He moved down the hall, eyes downcast.
A voice called out from behind him, "Hey, Hunter! Wait up buddy!" Jon caught up with the boy. "Where are you going?" he asked, grabbing Shawn's arm.
Shawn felt himself being pulled and panic rose like bile inside him. "LET GO OF ME!" he yelled, his breath coming in quick gasps.
"Shawn?" Turner questioned, confused by the boy's behavior. He released Shawn's arm, freeing the teen to back up against the lockers, looking at Jon, terrified. Jon had no idea what was wrong with Shawn, but the boy looked more scared than he had ever seen him. He stared at the boy, worried and at a loss.
Shawn, seeing the man pause, turned and ran. Turner was caught off guard. After he recovered from his shock, he raced after the boy. It was no use. Shawn had disappeared into a throng of students. Jon cursed to himself and rushed into the parking lot. He hopped onto his bike and sped off.
Shawn stumbled up to the trailer park and headed towards home. His mind had gone on lock down when Turner grabbed his arm. The run home had cleared his head a bit, but hadn't helped with his injuries. The edges of his vision were starting to get fuzzy. He stumbled up the steps, breathing heavily. Shawn leaned against the door for a moment, desperately trying to get himself under control. 'Shit shit shit, now Turner's going to be suspicious,' he mentally berated himself.
"Hunter," a familiar voice called. Shawn spun around and found Jon behind him, blocking all escape. "Woah, easy buddy, I'm not gonna hurt you." Concern laced Jon's voice as he took in the boy. Shawn seemed more aware of his surroundings.
"What are you doing here?" Shawn managed.
"You think I'm just gonna let you go after that?" Shawn's face colored. "Shawn, we need to talk," Turner's tone had turned soft and serious. "Come on," he said, ushering Shawn into the trailer. Shawn mumbled a weak protest, but Turner was already inside. When the two entered Shawn's home they were greeted with the sight of Chet Hunter sprawled across the floor, a tattered robe hanging around his stout frame. The stench of beer and vomit rose from the man. Empty bottles, pizza boxes, and other debris littered the floor. Turner surveyed the scene and glanced at Shawn. The boy cowered by the door, looking frightened. Jon managed to push down his loathing for Chet for the time being; Shawn was more important right now. He beckoned to Shawn. "Come on, we can go to my place."
