The bell for third period sounded as students scurried through the halls of
John Adams High School. The Cheerleading Squad was busy hanging brightly
colored banners throughout the main hall to decorate for the upcoming pep
rally. Libby Harper rolled the stage crew ladder right up next to Shawn as
he waited for Cory to open his Locker. Cory jiggled the handle, but the
locker remained closed. "Why can't I get this thing OPEN?" Cory shouted, as
he scratched his curly head.
Shawn ignored his pleas, making eye contact with Libby as she slowly climbed the rungs of the ladder. He smiled as she reached the top. She returned his gesture with a wink and began taping streamers overhead. The sound of Cory's head banging on the metal locker brought Shawn right out of his flirtatious trance. "Maybe third time's a charm Cory, here let me try it." Shawn laughed as he spun the lock and began turning in the combo.
Just then Topanga bounded up to the duo, "Hey you guys, didja have fun last night, I heard we kicked Buffalo's Butt, wiped the ice with them!" Cory smiled and greeted his girl with a peck on the cheek. "We had the greatest time, all of us. The game was awesome, and my dad let us stay over to get my jersey autographed, it was really cool." Cory explained, just as Shawn popped the door open. "Voila! See Cor, you just need the right touch."
Shawn turned his gaze skyward as he caught Libby staring at him again. "Don't look now Shawn, but I think she's flirting with you, rumor has it Shawn Hunter is back on the market. Jennifer Marcum told me you broke up with Dana last week?" Topanga asked as she tugged on Shawn's sleeve. Shawn bit his lip and sighed, "Yeah, you know it's been two weeks and I kind'a thought we needed a break." Topanga rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah.. The old two week rule huh, you'll never change will ya, Shawn?"
The final bell sounded startling Shawn, "Oh man, I gotta roll, Social Studies!! We get our compositions back today and I'm dying to know what I got!! Catch you guys at lunch.later!" Shawn yelled over his shoulder as he ran down the hall. Topanga smirked, "Or maybe you have changed." She commented to herself as she turned to Cory, "Am I dreaming, or was Shawn Hunter actually excited about homework!!" Cory smiled, Your not dreaming darling, he's been working really hard at his schoolwork. Mr. Turner promised him if he brings at least three subject up to B's on the next quarter report card, he would take Shawn skiing up the mountains." Topanga grinned as she locked elbows with Cory, the two made their way to study hall. "Not only that, hang onto your hat, your not gonna believe this one.Shawn tried out for intramural soccer and made the team, his first game is Saturday!" Cory beamed with pride as he bragged about his best buddy.
"GET OUT!" Topanga shouted in shock, playfully pushing Cory through the door of the auditorium. "Oh MY GOSH!! We must go see him play!!.This can't be the same Shawn Hunter, you would have to bribe the boy just to dress for gym, now he's gonna spend a precious Saturday actually doing something, let alone SPORTS!!" Topanga's eyes went wide as she settled in next to Cory. He nodded as he opened his science book, upside down of course. "I'm telling you Topanga, my Shawn is moving up in the world.I just hope he keeps it up after he's home for a while, I'm terrified that all his hard work over the last year is gonna fade away when he has to devote his time and energy on the crazy crap he puts up with. living with his dad."
Topanga sighed at the remark, "You think it's gonna be the same this time?" She questioned, as she scribbled into her blank copybook. "Of course it will, I mean leopards don't change their spots, Topanga! Shawn's dad is never gonna be the kinda guy who actually cares about anything but himself, I mean he's got four kids by three different women, spread all over the place. Shawn's sister Stacey is on drugs and living with some guy in Jersey City, Shawn's brother Eddie has already done time, the only Hunter that even had a chance was Jack, and that's because when his mother ran, she had the decency to take him with her. I honestly believe the only reason Shawn's done as well as he has is because he's got us to lean on, everything Chet Hunter goes near seems to fall apart."
Topanga frowned, looking down into her book, "Well then I guess, it's up to us to keep a close eye on him and make sure he stays okay. We have to pull together and protect him, a pair of musketeers just doesn't sound right!" Cory nodded, "We gotta make sure our tricycle doesn't turn into a bicycle!" A loud "SSSSHHHH" Interrupted the conversation as Old Lady Palmer; the study moderator motioned to the teens to quiet down. "Were studying Miss Palmer, I swear." Cory answered as he held his upside down book. A few sorted giggles echoed through the auditorium. Miss Palmer placed her hands forcefully on her hips.She wasn't amused.
Ms. Tompkins handed the compositions out row by row as Shawn squirmed in his seat. Just as she got to his desk, she could see the sweat beginning to bead on his anxious forehead. She glanced at the paper and raised her eyebrow, "Drum roll please!!" She stated, as she turned to the class, a few students began knocking their pencils on the desk. She dramatically waved the composition in the air and placed it in front of Shawn. By this time his eyes were looking straight up at the ceiling. As he slowly looked toward the paper, his jaw dropped...YES!!! He exclaimed as a bright red 'A' stared back at him.
The class erupted in cheers as Ms. Tompkins laughed, "Is that your first one, Hunter?" She asked with an attractive grin. Shawn nodded and smiled. "Well, you certainly deserve it, you should be proud of yourself kid.the hard work paid off!!" She extended her hand and shook Shawn's vigorously. "Now enough shenanigans, lets get busy folks, we got a lot of ground to cover!!" Ms. Tompkins returned to the head of the class as Shawn stared at his paper with pride. He returned his attention to the class and noticed Libby Harper blow him a kiss from across the room. He blushed and playfully winked at the beautiful, popular, blonde who seemed to finally notice him after all this time.
Later that evening Jonathan washed the last of the dinner dishes as Eli and Shawn settled in on the couch. Eli Williams was Jonathan's very best friend. The two have been inseparable since college. He often dropped by to hang out with his closest buddy, their relationship paralleled Cory and Shawn very closely. Mr. Williams flicked on the evening news as Shawn grabbed his backpack and began to unload a few textbooks. "Please Hunter, don't tell me you can actually read those things?" Shawn snickered sarcastically at the remark. "Not only can I read them, my good man, but apparently someone thinks I understand them!!" Shawn pulled his composition from the backpack and held it high so Jon could see from the kitchen. Eli stretched his neck so he could get a good look at the grade.
"I see it but I don't believe it." Eli stated with awe. Jon squinted to see as he dried his hands with a dishtowel. Shawn grinned with pride as Turner hurried from the kitchen, rolling down his sleeves. He grabbed the composition from the young mans hand. Glancing at the grade than down at his charge, he winked. "I knew you could do it!! I knew you were capable all along, you better start waxing up that snowboard kid, cause I have a feeling were gonna be heading up the Pocono's soon." Eli patted Shawn on the back as Jonathan tossled the boy's dark hair. The three giggled, Shawn grabbed Jon's tie and pulled the tall man down so he can look him in the eye, "I'm gonna hold you to that Jon." He warned. The two stared face to face for a few seconds, before Turner grabbed Shawn in a headlock and began to tickle him. Eli laughed as he began the play by play. "Turner's going for the pin.Hunter is fading, he has him on the ropes...it looks like this could be it ladies and gentlemen!!!.BUT WHATS THIS!!! Hunter has a burst of energy, the tide has turned." Just as Eli was going to declare a winner, the phone rang from the desk. Eli yanked the receiver to his ear and cheerfully greeted, "Jonnie and Shawn's House, this is Eli, their faithful butler."
Eli's smile faded as he raised the phone toward Shawn, "It's for you kid." Shawn shrugged as he rose from the couch. Turning his back on Jon and Eli, he answered, "Hello.....Oh!! Hey Dad.....he looked at the two men staring at him as he began a short conversation. Noticing they were hanging on his every word, he nonchalantly slipped into the other room. His voice faded to just a dull hum, no words could be heard. Jon sighed and plopped onto the couch, rubbing his eyes. Eli noticed the nervousness in his friends gesture and joined him. "I know this is tough on ya amigo. I'm here for ya if you need to talk."
Jon glanced at the other room with worried eyes, "No I'm okay, Chet said he was coming tonight after his shift was over to get Shawn. We've been dancing around the subject all night. I know he's excited about seeing his dad, but I think he feels bad to show excitement in front of me, hence the little Houdini disappearing act into the other room." John shook his head and folded his arms. "The kid pined for that man for months after he left, I know this is what's best, it's just.Well.I've gotten so used to him being here, It's gonna take time adjusting to the fact that he's leaving."
Eli smiled, "Jon you never cease to amaze me, just admit, you love the kid and get it over with." Turner's eyes went wide as he turned his head in confusion, "Williams, I don't know WHAT you're talking about, you know me Eli, I'm a young solo bachelor.I just got to remember how to act like one again." Eli smiled on the outside, but an eerie feeling crept into the pit of his stomach. He made a mental note to watch his buddy very carefully over the next few weeks; all is not what it seemed.
Eli gathered his things as Shawn emerged from the next room. "I think I'll give you two some privacy, you both have some things to do before the nights over, take it easy boys and I'll see you both Saturday at the game. Shawn returned the phone to the desk and joined Jon on the couch.
"He'll be here in an hour to pick me up, he's brining the pickup so we can put my stuff in the back." Shawn announced as he turned to his guardian. Turner nodded and cleared his throat. "Look Hunter, I just want to tell you one thing. I care about you very much.Having you with me hasn't been easy and We've had our ups and downs over the last year, but If I had it to do all over again.I wouldn't change a thing!! You're an exceptional kid, Shawn.. I'm so proud of you and I'm lucky I got the chance to get to know you and share in your life." Jon reached under the couch and pulled out a wrapped box. "I just wanted to give you this, to show you how proud I am of all you've become this past year." Jonathan placed the box in Shawn's hands, the boy stared open jawed at the man, not able to grasp what was unfolding around him.
His insides ached as he opened the package. His deep blue eyes welled with tears. In the fourteen years since he's been alive no other human being has ever been so sincere and caring to him as this man at this moment. This is the kind of love Shawn dreamed of, ached for since he was a child, it was surreal, he wasn't sure it was happening. He felt his hands begin to shake as he dug under the tissue paper and parted the seems to reveal a brand new pair of certified leather cleats, black with a white tracks. "Oh my god!!" He whispered, his throat closing with emotion. He bit his lip and sniffled, looking away, "I can't accept this Jon, I just cant." "YOU WILL!!" Turner retorted as he placed his arm around the shaken boy.
Shawn closed his eyes tight and took a deep breath, thinking to himself, it's now or never!! "Jon Turner!!" He stood up and clenched his fists, "I will never be able to repay you for all you've done for me.I don't know what I've done to deserve this, but I need to tell you.You probably saved my life by taking me in, you've shown me what kind of a person I could be If I just try and apply myself. You're the greatest person I know, and one day if I ever have a kid, I hope I can be a father just like you.. I really do love you Jon.." A single tear rolled down Shawn's cheek as he turned and hid his face. Turner stood up and wrapped his arms around the boy, to comfort him. "I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I love you too Kiddo!!" Just then the buzzer sounded. Jon answered to hear Chet's voice resonate through the speakers, "Let's get a move on I'm freezing down here, Look guys I'm double parked so I can't come up, just bring the stuff down and we'll take off okay??"
Shawn and John each grabbed two boxes and a suitcase and together marched down to the pickup. Shawn didn't notice he had left his gift on the couch. By the time they reached the ground floor Chet had retuned to the cab of the truck, he just waved from behind the wheel of the running vehicle. Shawn and Jon placed the boxes in the back as Chet leaned on the horn. Shawn winced as the squeal echoed through the silent night. He turned to shake Jon's hand, "See ya in school tomorrow okay."
Jon grabbed his hand and pulled him into a bear hug, placing both his hands on Shawn's shoulders he looked directly into the boy's innocent face with vigor, "You call on me any time you need me, I'm going to be right here. Nothings to big or small to come to me with, okay!! Promise me that!!!" Shawn nodded and peeled away from Jon's grip. He eased into the front seat and slammed the door shut. The truck lurched forward as Chet hit the gas, squealing around the corner on two tires, the burning rubber made Jon turn back around. He felt his heart skip a beat as he wondered if he was doing the right thing.
Shawn ignored his pleas, making eye contact with Libby as she slowly climbed the rungs of the ladder. He smiled as she reached the top. She returned his gesture with a wink and began taping streamers overhead. The sound of Cory's head banging on the metal locker brought Shawn right out of his flirtatious trance. "Maybe third time's a charm Cory, here let me try it." Shawn laughed as he spun the lock and began turning in the combo.
Just then Topanga bounded up to the duo, "Hey you guys, didja have fun last night, I heard we kicked Buffalo's Butt, wiped the ice with them!" Cory smiled and greeted his girl with a peck on the cheek. "We had the greatest time, all of us. The game was awesome, and my dad let us stay over to get my jersey autographed, it was really cool." Cory explained, just as Shawn popped the door open. "Voila! See Cor, you just need the right touch."
Shawn turned his gaze skyward as he caught Libby staring at him again. "Don't look now Shawn, but I think she's flirting with you, rumor has it Shawn Hunter is back on the market. Jennifer Marcum told me you broke up with Dana last week?" Topanga asked as she tugged on Shawn's sleeve. Shawn bit his lip and sighed, "Yeah, you know it's been two weeks and I kind'a thought we needed a break." Topanga rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah.. The old two week rule huh, you'll never change will ya, Shawn?"
The final bell sounded startling Shawn, "Oh man, I gotta roll, Social Studies!! We get our compositions back today and I'm dying to know what I got!! Catch you guys at lunch.later!" Shawn yelled over his shoulder as he ran down the hall. Topanga smirked, "Or maybe you have changed." She commented to herself as she turned to Cory, "Am I dreaming, or was Shawn Hunter actually excited about homework!!" Cory smiled, Your not dreaming darling, he's been working really hard at his schoolwork. Mr. Turner promised him if he brings at least three subject up to B's on the next quarter report card, he would take Shawn skiing up the mountains." Topanga grinned as she locked elbows with Cory, the two made their way to study hall. "Not only that, hang onto your hat, your not gonna believe this one.Shawn tried out for intramural soccer and made the team, his first game is Saturday!" Cory beamed with pride as he bragged about his best buddy.
"GET OUT!" Topanga shouted in shock, playfully pushing Cory through the door of the auditorium. "Oh MY GOSH!! We must go see him play!!.This can't be the same Shawn Hunter, you would have to bribe the boy just to dress for gym, now he's gonna spend a precious Saturday actually doing something, let alone SPORTS!!" Topanga's eyes went wide as she settled in next to Cory. He nodded as he opened his science book, upside down of course. "I'm telling you Topanga, my Shawn is moving up in the world.I just hope he keeps it up after he's home for a while, I'm terrified that all his hard work over the last year is gonna fade away when he has to devote his time and energy on the crazy crap he puts up with. living with his dad."
Topanga sighed at the remark, "You think it's gonna be the same this time?" She questioned, as she scribbled into her blank copybook. "Of course it will, I mean leopards don't change their spots, Topanga! Shawn's dad is never gonna be the kinda guy who actually cares about anything but himself, I mean he's got four kids by three different women, spread all over the place. Shawn's sister Stacey is on drugs and living with some guy in Jersey City, Shawn's brother Eddie has already done time, the only Hunter that even had a chance was Jack, and that's because when his mother ran, she had the decency to take him with her. I honestly believe the only reason Shawn's done as well as he has is because he's got us to lean on, everything Chet Hunter goes near seems to fall apart."
Topanga frowned, looking down into her book, "Well then I guess, it's up to us to keep a close eye on him and make sure he stays okay. We have to pull together and protect him, a pair of musketeers just doesn't sound right!" Cory nodded, "We gotta make sure our tricycle doesn't turn into a bicycle!" A loud "SSSSHHHH" Interrupted the conversation as Old Lady Palmer; the study moderator motioned to the teens to quiet down. "Were studying Miss Palmer, I swear." Cory answered as he held his upside down book. A few sorted giggles echoed through the auditorium. Miss Palmer placed her hands forcefully on her hips.She wasn't amused.
Ms. Tompkins handed the compositions out row by row as Shawn squirmed in his seat. Just as she got to his desk, she could see the sweat beginning to bead on his anxious forehead. She glanced at the paper and raised her eyebrow, "Drum roll please!!" She stated, as she turned to the class, a few students began knocking their pencils on the desk. She dramatically waved the composition in the air and placed it in front of Shawn. By this time his eyes were looking straight up at the ceiling. As he slowly looked toward the paper, his jaw dropped...YES!!! He exclaimed as a bright red 'A' stared back at him.
The class erupted in cheers as Ms. Tompkins laughed, "Is that your first one, Hunter?" She asked with an attractive grin. Shawn nodded and smiled. "Well, you certainly deserve it, you should be proud of yourself kid.the hard work paid off!!" She extended her hand and shook Shawn's vigorously. "Now enough shenanigans, lets get busy folks, we got a lot of ground to cover!!" Ms. Tompkins returned to the head of the class as Shawn stared at his paper with pride. He returned his attention to the class and noticed Libby Harper blow him a kiss from across the room. He blushed and playfully winked at the beautiful, popular, blonde who seemed to finally notice him after all this time.
Later that evening Jonathan washed the last of the dinner dishes as Eli and Shawn settled in on the couch. Eli Williams was Jonathan's very best friend. The two have been inseparable since college. He often dropped by to hang out with his closest buddy, their relationship paralleled Cory and Shawn very closely. Mr. Williams flicked on the evening news as Shawn grabbed his backpack and began to unload a few textbooks. "Please Hunter, don't tell me you can actually read those things?" Shawn snickered sarcastically at the remark. "Not only can I read them, my good man, but apparently someone thinks I understand them!!" Shawn pulled his composition from the backpack and held it high so Jon could see from the kitchen. Eli stretched his neck so he could get a good look at the grade.
"I see it but I don't believe it." Eli stated with awe. Jon squinted to see as he dried his hands with a dishtowel. Shawn grinned with pride as Turner hurried from the kitchen, rolling down his sleeves. He grabbed the composition from the young mans hand. Glancing at the grade than down at his charge, he winked. "I knew you could do it!! I knew you were capable all along, you better start waxing up that snowboard kid, cause I have a feeling were gonna be heading up the Pocono's soon." Eli patted Shawn on the back as Jonathan tossled the boy's dark hair. The three giggled, Shawn grabbed Jon's tie and pulled the tall man down so he can look him in the eye, "I'm gonna hold you to that Jon." He warned. The two stared face to face for a few seconds, before Turner grabbed Shawn in a headlock and began to tickle him. Eli laughed as he began the play by play. "Turner's going for the pin.Hunter is fading, he has him on the ropes...it looks like this could be it ladies and gentlemen!!!.BUT WHATS THIS!!! Hunter has a burst of energy, the tide has turned." Just as Eli was going to declare a winner, the phone rang from the desk. Eli yanked the receiver to his ear and cheerfully greeted, "Jonnie and Shawn's House, this is Eli, their faithful butler."
Eli's smile faded as he raised the phone toward Shawn, "It's for you kid." Shawn shrugged as he rose from the couch. Turning his back on Jon and Eli, he answered, "Hello.....Oh!! Hey Dad.....he looked at the two men staring at him as he began a short conversation. Noticing they were hanging on his every word, he nonchalantly slipped into the other room. His voice faded to just a dull hum, no words could be heard. Jon sighed and plopped onto the couch, rubbing his eyes. Eli noticed the nervousness in his friends gesture and joined him. "I know this is tough on ya amigo. I'm here for ya if you need to talk."
Jon glanced at the other room with worried eyes, "No I'm okay, Chet said he was coming tonight after his shift was over to get Shawn. We've been dancing around the subject all night. I know he's excited about seeing his dad, but I think he feels bad to show excitement in front of me, hence the little Houdini disappearing act into the other room." John shook his head and folded his arms. "The kid pined for that man for months after he left, I know this is what's best, it's just.Well.I've gotten so used to him being here, It's gonna take time adjusting to the fact that he's leaving."
Eli smiled, "Jon you never cease to amaze me, just admit, you love the kid and get it over with." Turner's eyes went wide as he turned his head in confusion, "Williams, I don't know WHAT you're talking about, you know me Eli, I'm a young solo bachelor.I just got to remember how to act like one again." Eli smiled on the outside, but an eerie feeling crept into the pit of his stomach. He made a mental note to watch his buddy very carefully over the next few weeks; all is not what it seemed.
Eli gathered his things as Shawn emerged from the next room. "I think I'll give you two some privacy, you both have some things to do before the nights over, take it easy boys and I'll see you both Saturday at the game. Shawn returned the phone to the desk and joined Jon on the couch.
"He'll be here in an hour to pick me up, he's brining the pickup so we can put my stuff in the back." Shawn announced as he turned to his guardian. Turner nodded and cleared his throat. "Look Hunter, I just want to tell you one thing. I care about you very much.Having you with me hasn't been easy and We've had our ups and downs over the last year, but If I had it to do all over again.I wouldn't change a thing!! You're an exceptional kid, Shawn.. I'm so proud of you and I'm lucky I got the chance to get to know you and share in your life." Jon reached under the couch and pulled out a wrapped box. "I just wanted to give you this, to show you how proud I am of all you've become this past year." Jonathan placed the box in Shawn's hands, the boy stared open jawed at the man, not able to grasp what was unfolding around him.
His insides ached as he opened the package. His deep blue eyes welled with tears. In the fourteen years since he's been alive no other human being has ever been so sincere and caring to him as this man at this moment. This is the kind of love Shawn dreamed of, ached for since he was a child, it was surreal, he wasn't sure it was happening. He felt his hands begin to shake as he dug under the tissue paper and parted the seems to reveal a brand new pair of certified leather cleats, black with a white tracks. "Oh my god!!" He whispered, his throat closing with emotion. He bit his lip and sniffled, looking away, "I can't accept this Jon, I just cant." "YOU WILL!!" Turner retorted as he placed his arm around the shaken boy.
Shawn closed his eyes tight and took a deep breath, thinking to himself, it's now or never!! "Jon Turner!!" He stood up and clenched his fists, "I will never be able to repay you for all you've done for me.I don't know what I've done to deserve this, but I need to tell you.You probably saved my life by taking me in, you've shown me what kind of a person I could be If I just try and apply myself. You're the greatest person I know, and one day if I ever have a kid, I hope I can be a father just like you.. I really do love you Jon.." A single tear rolled down Shawn's cheek as he turned and hid his face. Turner stood up and wrapped his arms around the boy, to comfort him. "I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I love you too Kiddo!!" Just then the buzzer sounded. Jon answered to hear Chet's voice resonate through the speakers, "Let's get a move on I'm freezing down here, Look guys I'm double parked so I can't come up, just bring the stuff down and we'll take off okay??"
Shawn and John each grabbed two boxes and a suitcase and together marched down to the pickup. Shawn didn't notice he had left his gift on the couch. By the time they reached the ground floor Chet had retuned to the cab of the truck, he just waved from behind the wheel of the running vehicle. Shawn and Jon placed the boxes in the back as Chet leaned on the horn. Shawn winced as the squeal echoed through the silent night. He turned to shake Jon's hand, "See ya in school tomorrow okay."
Jon grabbed his hand and pulled him into a bear hug, placing both his hands on Shawn's shoulders he looked directly into the boy's innocent face with vigor, "You call on me any time you need me, I'm going to be right here. Nothings to big or small to come to me with, okay!! Promise me that!!!" Shawn nodded and peeled away from Jon's grip. He eased into the front seat and slammed the door shut. The truck lurched forward as Chet hit the gas, squealing around the corner on two tires, the burning rubber made Jon turn back around. He felt his heart skip a beat as he wondered if he was doing the right thing.
