Author note: Hmmm... it sure has been a while. I have no excuse really. I still haven't got a new laptop but I found this chapter on my hard drive and thought you guys deserved to know what happens next after such a long wait. Just to reassure you, I am not giving up on this story. It's just my laptop is narcoleptic. It's seriously annoying.
Previously:
"Don't you EVER speak to MY SON like that again" he told him, his faces inches away from Carlton's. Carlton blinked in shock and slowly nodded.
Gus and Juliet contained smiles but this sparked something in Shawn.
"How did you know anyways?" Shawn asked with apparent confusion and Henry froze, his back still to Shawn.
"Did Charlie let you see my files to see how reliable my testimony was?" Shawn asked, hoping that would be the case, though he seriously doubted it. He thought there was something suspicious when Officer Allen knew who he was when they first met and her reaction to him. When Juliet frowned, Shawn knew he had been right all along. There was only one remaining option. His father had told everyone.
"The whole station knows don't they?…. DAD" Shawn spits and Henry turns around but he does not say a word and is unsure of what to say or do to resolve the slowly building situation.
"I bet you told them all straight away, didn't you? I can tell by all the pitying looks I've been receiving! I bet you just HAD to tell everyone about you CRAZY SON who got up to all sorts of things!" he yelled.
Shawn realised he was yelling and unclenched his fists that he didn't realise were clenched with anger in the first place.
"How am I meant to adapt to society again if everyone already has preconceived notions of who I am?" Shawn protested weakly, exasperated, his arms now hanging limply by his sides.
Henry walked over slowly, his eyes wide, "I'm sorry son, You have to understand I was –"
"Sorry‽" Shawn almost laughed, "I knew you'd betray me. I knew something was up when I met Officer Allen. She's a right gossip! Picked up the phone as soon as we left."
Shawn paused in thought, "I knew it would be easy for someone like Lassiter to spout nonsense and reveal my history but you, YOU don't know me anymore. YOU DON'T KNOW ME. Do you even remember what you said when you dropped me off, what YOU PROMISED?"
Henry remembered it clearly and his eyes begun to water, he had failed his son.
"You let me down. Families are meant to keep their promises. Gus visited. Where were you?" he whispered and he watched as Henry's eyes blinked methodically.
Everyone was watching the scene shocked and Juliet realised that she was missing a lot more than she realised, something was seriously messed up here.
"Come on Gus, let's go"
Gus looked at Shawn and quickly left, thanking the Gods that Shawn wasn't angry at him as well. Shawn needed a friend right now and Gus was happy that he wasn't pushing everyone away that cared about him.
They quickly left and Gus drove without an idea of where they were going. It was silent and Gus felt mildly uncomfortable, knowing his best friend was angry which was when his sociopathic tendencies tended to express themselves. Shawn didn't notice.
"So where to?" Gus eventually asked.
Shawn turned and noticed how Gus was tensed up in the driving seat and Shawn just sighed.
"I'm not angry at you Gus" he spoke instead, "It's just my dad… I'm not mad just, disappointed"
"I didn't know he told everyone, I swear" Gus insisted, glancing at Shawn for a second before forcing his eyes on the road.
Shawn smiled briefly. "I know dude, it's ok. They would have found out eventually, I guess"
Gus nodded, "So, where to?"
Shawn smiled at him, "Aren't we expected at your parents soon?"
"Yeah?" Gus said with an eyebrow raised, happy that Shawn was still up for it, the questioning tone made it clear to Shawn that Gus was surprised.
"Of course, I promised" Shawn said with a slight smile, he would keep his promises unlike his dad.
Gus relaxed in his chair began navigating towards his childhood home and Shawn relaxed content in the passenger seat, watching as the world flashed by the windows.
"For what it is worth Shawn, I'm sorry" a voice announced from the back seat.
Shawn sighed, knowing perfectly well who it was.
Shawn glanced at Gus. "Gus, meet Ross" he announced tiredly.
"Huh? Ross is here right now?" Gus confirmed, having 'met' Ross many times before.
"Yup"
"Hey dude" Ross grinned at Gus before fixing his attention back on Shawn.
"I'm sorry about your dad; you know I hate to be right but…"
"Hate it? You love it" Shawn scoffed, turning round in his seat to look at him.
Ross went uncharacteristically silent and looked down, "Not when it causes you pain"
Shawn smiled slightly. Ross had always cared for him and at that moment, he knew he always would.
"It's ok" Shawn smiled again, sitting properly in his seat now and finding Ross' face in the car mirror.
"No, it's really not. I've made your life hell, just because I was young and I was terrified of being left alone. But you have other people now, you don't need me" Ross responded.
Shawn swallowed, "No one wants to be alone Ross. You wouldn't be sat there if I didn't need you"
Ross gave a small grin back, "Guess not. I'll see you later"
Shawn didn't respond and waited for him to disappear; unsure he twisted his head round to see.
"He gone?" Gus asked. Shawn just nodded.
"He could have said goodbye, we used to be great friends as kids" Gus remembered fondly, back in the time where he believed Shawn had super powers and they all used to play together in the back yard. Before everything was spun on its head and Shawn was sent away.
"He apologised" Shawn admitted to him after a few moments of silence.
Gus kept his eyes on the road and calmly asked, "What for?"
"Making my life hell, apparently"
Gus raised his eyebrows and his eyes flickered across to the passenger seat but he said no response. Shawn sat contemplating the conversation he had just had. He had never thought Ross would be apologetic. When he was younger? sure. Shawn had needed the comfort and as he was growing up he never wanted to dismiss and forget about his best friend. Although Gus had always been there for him, he was only allowed on scheduled visits which wasn't the same. Gus never comforted him when he was upset and crying, Gus never snuck in just to make Shawn laugh. Ross could though. Ross easily appeared any and everywhere, the walls didn't restrict him and Shawn knew that Ross would always be there. There was no easy way of getting rid of him. Shawn knew that Ross loved him though, there had been times when he didn't understand and he realised Charlie's warnings were meaningless but he pretended he understand. After her talk about lying, Shawn normally chose not to lie, but that didn't mean he wasn't good at it. He was great at hiding his condition and acting sane if the situation arouse, but he loved being himself and he didn't see anything wrong with that.
The car screeched to a stop and Gus removed the keys from the ignition and Shawn realised he was at the Guster's house. The house looked the same as the last time he had come. The tree that Shawn used to climb up to get to Gus' bedroom was still standing tall, yet looking less sturdy than it had done when he was a child, most likely due to his increase in size. After all, he wasn't that small kid anymore. They made their way towards the door and before they could knock the door swung open and Mr and Mrs Guster were beaming at them.
"Gus honey!" she immediately gushed, "and Shawn! My…. You look so grown up! How are you dear?"
She embraced Gus first then embraced Shawn, cradling him into his chest and stroking his hair. Something that she hadn't been able to do in quite a few years.
Shawn struggled a moment, tensing but did not struggle then he smiled, "I'm fine Mrs Guster"
"Please, call me Winnie" she said eagerly.
"Hey dad" Gus smiled and began ascending the few steps to the door.
"Hi, son" he said, not the hugging type like his wife he merely studied his son with a keen eye to assess his state of health and whether he had money troubles.
"Shawn?" he acknowledged, having not seen Shawn in quite some time the questioning element in his voice was clear.
Winnie pulled away and Shawn caught his eye.
"Mr Guster. It's good to see you. Thank you so much for letting me be part of your Christmas meal"
Mr Guster raised an eyebrow at his politeness, "No problem son, just call me Bill"
"Sure" Shawn grinned.
"Oh do come on in" Winnie exclaimed as she began ushering them in to the house. Gus was instantly at home and made his way through to the lounge, Shawn followed absently.
"Certainly smells good" Gus commented and Shawn laughed.
"You don't need the super sniffer to tell you that!" Shawn replied back laughing.
"My mom's cooking is the best" he boasted while taking a huge breath in through his nose. Shawn just smiled and followed his example, indulging in the smell of sweet awesomeness.
In the kitchen, Winnie was very busy, trying to prepare the perfect Christmas meal for her family. In her opinion, Shawn always had been part of the family. She had some doubts about Henry though. She would pretend not to notice all of the nights when Shawn crept through the window in her son's room and slept over, although at first she had rung Henry to come and collect him she never made that mistake again. The first time it happened Shawn was an absolute mess, crying in her son's room and Gus was comforting him handing him tissues. She had tried to calm him down but he wasn't talking to her much, instead she tried to take him back home where there was no answer at the door and Shawn admitted that he was scared of being alone, that he wanted Gus and that his dad had never come home. She sent the boys off to school the next morning together and rung Henry as soon as the sun rose. He seemed really apologetic on the phone and apologised for Shawn's inappropriate behaviour, stating that he was at work and his mother should have been looking after him. Henry then promised never to leave Shawn home alone again. She stressed that Shawn was a little boy who didn't want to be alone and he promised that it was a onetime deal.
Winnie had taken his word for it. But then it kept happening. She became too furious at Henry and turned a blind eye every time Shawn needed to stay over. Shawn provided the friendship that Gus desperately needed; being smart really had its disadvantages, especially when Gus felt the need to correct everything. He made it quite easy for the bullies. She tossed a pan absently and sighed.
It didn't seem like much time had gone past when the door bell rung once more. It was Henry. Bill opened the door with a smile.
"Henry Spencer" Bill remarked, "It's been a while"
"Too long" Henry agreed with an expectant smile on his face.
"Is Shawn here?" Henry then asked quietly.
Bill furrowed his brow, confusion evident in his eye and he nodded. "He arrived with Gus ten minutes ago…" he paused, "is everything alright?"
Henry sighed in relief and shrugged, "We had a small fight earlier. I'm not sure he will want to see me" he admitted.
"Nonsense" Bill argued and led Henry through to the dining room, where Shawn and Gus were now sat, ready to enjoy a lovely meal.
Shawn and Gus were chatting loudly when Henry entered and Shawn immediately felt his presence.
"Dad" he stated, shocked at his sudden arrival.
Henry cracked a small smile and took a seat next to Shawn.
"It smells delicious, don't you think?" Henry asked shyly.
Shawn studied his father for several moments and thought about what he was going to say when Winnie poked her head out of the kitchen and beamed when she saw Henry. Bill watched silently before his wife interrupted the silence.
"Henry!" she exclaimed, wiping her hands on her apron.
Henry smiled back, "Winnie" he spoke, "It's good to see you too. It smells absolutely delicious"
Winnie chuckled, "Thanks, I'll start serving now we're all here"
"Can I help, Mrs Guster?" Shawn spoke up, eager to leave his seat.
Winnie blinked, "No need darling, oh actually, you can grab the knives and forks and some extra serving spoons, Gus will show you where they are"
Shawn nodded and turned towards Gus.
"They are in the first draw over there" he pointed to the other side of the room and Shawn immediately got up to grab them. Shawn opened the draw and reached in, spotting the silver wear quickly. It was a small luxury to be given this responsibility as at West Haven, no matter who you were, you were given plastic knives and forks to avoid injury. That being said, plastic knives and forks could still inflict injury.
Shawn went around the table and gave everyone a knife and a fork, avoiding his father's gaze when he said thank you. Shawn quickly realised that he had set too many places as the man sitting in one of the seats he quickly recognised from earlier in the restaurant.
"Why thank you Shawn, it is pleasant to know I am welcome to join you" Mr Holmes exclaimed, removing his hat and setting his cane down by his chair.
Shawn flinched before returning to him, picking up the extra set of cutlery and placing them back in the draw. His back facing them, Shawn took a deep breath before grabbing the serving spoons and placing them down in the middle of the table.
"Shawn?" Bill asked, uncertainly.
"Sorry" Shawn whispered, almost ashamed. He was looking down at the ground, wishing his mind to stop playing with him. He did not want this to happen right now, he was finally being part of something. He buried his hands and rubbed his forehead for a second and looked up to Gus' concerned face which Henry and Bill gave each other worried glances.
"We got another unwelcomed visitor?" Gus guessed.
Shawn glanced over at Mr Holmes once more who was investigating the tablecloth before nodding.
"Ta da! Winnie announced as she stumbled into the room, balancing food on her arms. She had indeed been busy and Shawn and the others were absorbed by the sight. Selections of vegetables and roast potatoes were being lain out followed by the biggest turkey that Shawn had ever seen in his life.
"Wow" exclaimed, laughter escaping from his throat. A sound that almost brought tears to Henry's eyes when he realised that his son probably hadn't eaten a proper Christmas dinner…. Ever.
Winnie took a seat next to her husband and gestured for everyone to help themselves. Bill disappeared for a moment and returned holding a sharp knife, with which he started carving into the turkey. Shawn's eyes widened when he saw the knife Bill was using, it was bigger than any knives he was accustomed too and it seemed to slide through the meat so… effortlessly.
"Wing?" he questioned.
Shawn immediately held up his plate and Bill chuckled, "Here you go Shawn"
"Thank you Mr Guster"
"Call me Bill Shawn. Henry?" he then asked, holding up another bit of meat balanced on the knife. Henry lifted his eyes expectantly and nodded.
"Please, oh Winnie, this looks great" Henry praised.
Winnie chuckled, "Hold you praise till you've tried it"
A few minutes later everyone's food had been served as they took it in turns to dish out all of the vegetables, potato and stuffing. Shawn reveled in the silence, looking round at the table, people who loved and cared for him. Well apart from Mr Sherlock Holmes who had also helped himself to the food. Shawn battled with his mind; he hated not being able to trust what he could see.
"This is absolutely fabulous" Mr Holmes remarked from the other side of the table. Shawn spared him a glance as he was unwilling to be studied talking to him when he knew that the Guster's would hear. He wanted this to be as normal as possible. Well as normal as a "Christmas" dinner could be anyway.
"Why Shawn… are you ignoring me?"
Shawn blinked and his hands clenched with tension.
"Can you pass the salt please, dad"
Henry smiled, "Here"
"Thanks" Shawn mumbled.
"Well, you are being extremely rude. Ignoring me does no good, you know. I thought you listened to me earlier, you are the only one who can catch Elliot Sawyers, it's your duty. He'll probably snatch another tonight" he added absently, trying to spark a reaction.
It worked, Shawn shivered.
"Shawn?" Gus asked, noticing how his friend was acting. "Who?"
All eyes turned to Shawn discreetly, whose eyes turned to the seemingly empty chair at the end of the table.
"I…uh." Shawn struggled to formulate his response.
Henry suddenly slammed his fork down and glared at the empty chair.
"Look, I don't know who you are or what the hell you came here to do but STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM MY SON!"
Author note: Well it looks like Henry exploded. Oh well. Let me know what you guys thought and I'll get working on the next chapter. I found all my notebooks (yesterday) with the entire rest of the plot in so I should be good to try writing it on my phone. I can't wait to get a new laptop...
REVIEW :)