(A/N This chapter is a long one; I hope you all don't mind!! I want to
thank you guys for the encouraging reviews!! I'm glad you like the story.
Please let me know what you think. I'm writing this chapter by chapter, so
the story could go anywhere.Let me know if you have any suggestions!!)
Cory and Topanga shared a soft pretzel as Mr. Matthews chatted with Mr. Turner; the only person watching the game was Mrs. Matthews as Shawn gained possession and advanced up the turf. She yelled with vigor almost as if she was watching her own son play his first indoor soccer match. The palladium was filled with over zealous parents, as John Adam's Wildcats hosted the Hamilton Rockets. Shawn looked fabulous in his uniform as he sprinted up and down the pitch; the only flaw was the eye, which stood out like a sore thumb on his pale face.
Just as the horn for intermission sounded, Mr. Feeny popped his head around the corner, "Evening All!! Is this seat taken?" George gestured to an empty chair beside Amy Matthews. "Why NO George, please have a seat." She happily gestured to the chair and moved her coat out of the man's way. Mr. Feeny sat down and adjusted his yellow sweater vest as Jonathan smirked and greeted him. "Evening George, I didn't know you were a soccer fan?" Feeny smiled, "Ha, Mr. Turner! I am indeed, I'm an enthusiast for many sports, and I always like to come down and cheer John Adam's on!!"
Mr. Matthews bounded back down the metal steps with fresh sodas in hand; he passed them out to everyone. Topanga popped a piece of pretzel into Cory's mouth and the two playfully giggled. "Hey you two cool it down there or I'm going to make your mother sit between you!!" Alan cautioned as he pointed a stern finger at the smitten teens. Just then Eli Williams bounded down the stairs and slid into a seat behind Jonathan. "Hey Buddy!! Sorry I'm late. They kept me late at the station, ya know how it is being the new guy and all, how's he doing, Jon flashed Eli the thumbs up as he continued to stuff peanuts into his mouth.
The Shawn Hunter fan club was growing fast as the second half began. The group was however shy one member as Chet was nowhere to be found. Everyone was aware he was supposed to be there, but no one seemed to broken up at his absence, except maybe Shawn who would glance into the stands time to time and scan for his father. Eli got comfortable as the game was underway. The scoreboard still remained nil as the Wildcats bounded forward full of fresh zeal.
"Jonathan, did Hunter go the distance with that big kid?? What's with his eye, I can see that shiner from up here in the nosebleed section." Mr. Williams squinted to get a better look as Jon leaned back in his chair, "He ran into a tree last night chasing around the Stecchino's cat, he's okay I had Nurse Sally give him the once over after school." George snickered at the remark. "Leave it to Mr. Hunter, always seems to become utterly clumsy at home." Turner locked stares with George and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. The exchange didn't go unnoticed by Mr. And Mrs. Matthews. Mr. Williams also had trouble buying the excuse, "Sounds pretty hokey to me, you sure he's.." Turner cut his buddy off before he went any further, "LOOK!! He's fine okay, I don't think we should get into this in front of the kids, capishe??" Turner growled as the adults turned to Cory and Topanga, who were too into each other to notice anything else. Eli took the hint, so did Feeny as the two returned their attention to the game.
Just in time to see Shawn make a major steal and advance down the field with lighting speed. The crowd cheered as he held the ball and fought off a menacing Rocket as his teammates got into position. He was so enthralled in his efforts he didn't see his large opponent swiftly gaining on him. He spun out of the box the Rockets formed around him and kicked the ball toward Randy Sullivan, the wildcats star center, Randy redirected the ball, with a head but and it swooshed past the goalie into the net. The advancing Rocket could not slow himself down before steamrolling right into Shawn's blind side. Both boys went down with a thud. The wildcat's celebration was cut short as Shawn rolled onto his stomach gasping. He curled up protecting his shoulder as he squeezed his eyes shut.
The trainer was on the pitch quickly as Shawn's teammates gathered round. Turner stood bolt upright and advanced forward toward the players' bench in frenzy. A hush fell over the crowd as the trainer exchanged words with Shawn who was still lying prone on the green. He rubbed the boys back as he slowly rose to his knees. Shawn's complexion was flushed, as the trainer helped him to his shaky feet, the boy who ran into him bobbed worriedly about as Shawn patted him on the shoulder. The trainer moved in with one hand on Shawn's neck and the other around his waist. Shawn winced in pain as the trainer helped him to the bench. The crowd began to sporadically clap as the wildcats slapped each other's hands in celebration.
Shawn sat with his head down as the Trainer placed an ice pack on the back of his neck. Turner was exchanging words with him as he tended to Shawn. The coach came forward and handed Shawn a water bottle. Jon rubbed Shawn's back as the boy smiled at him. They exchanged a few words before Jonathan shook hands with the trainer and returned to his seat, and his worried entourage. "He's okay, he just got the wind knocked out of him. He'll sit a while, but he's all right. Coach says he's got to keep his head up!" Turner relaxed in his seat and exhaled as he continued to watch the game. Shawn gulped down a few sips of water and wiped his nose with a towel as he tried to steady his breathing. The trainer came up and placed his hands on his shoulders, "You okay kid, you sure gave your dad a big scare, I thought he was going to leap onto the field." Shawn chuckled and coughed, "Yeah.my dad, he's a real worrier." Shawn whispered as he held his shoulder, glancing toward the stands.
Everyone celebrated at Chubbies as the Wildcats shut down the Rockets, three to nil. Shawn shined assisting on two of the goals. His first game was a success, not only did he enjoy it, but he felt fantastic playing. Soccer was something that came natural to Shawn. He was looking forward to the rest of the season. Cory and Topanga were playing darts as Shawn racked up the points on the pinball machine. He was just about to break his record when Libby Harper leaned in on the machine. Shawn was so startled he let the ball shoot right into the hole.. Game over.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to mess up your game." She pouted, shooting Shawn a playful smile. "It's okay.No big deal.." Shawn blushed and looked down at his hands nervously. Libby sat on the bench and crossed her legs as Shawn leaned in on the wall. "So Shawn, I didn't know you played Soccer, didja letter yet?" Shawn smiled, "Not yet, but I'm going to.. I just played my first game over at the palladium, I got two assists." Shawn beamed with pride as he offered Libby some of his soda. She graciously accepted, leaving a soft pink lipstick print on Shawn's straw.
Shawn joined Libby on the bench as he adjusted his crumpled jersey. "You should come to the next game, we play the Thunderbirds on Wednesday night." Libby grinned and moved closer. "That sounds great, I'll be there." Shawn fidgeted a bit, somehow he didn't feel as confident with Libby as the other girls he flirted with and went around with, she was different, her dad was an attorney and she lived in Willow Lakes.
She was a bit out of Shawn's league, but oh how her eyes made him melt every time she looked at him. She was a knockout, long blonde hair, crystal blue eyes and a figure that rivaled any supermodel. Libby was one of the most popular girls at John Adams. She traveled with a very exclusive crowd, a crowd that had eluded Shawn, until now. "So Libby, do you like miniature golf?" Shawn asked as he gazed into Libby's eyes. "I love it, I'm not very good but I love it." Libby would have admitted to loving detention if Shawn was going to be there, she was falling fast. "You want to go play tomorrow, we can double with Cory and Topanga, and then maybe get some pizza afterward." Libby's eyes danced as she pulled a pen from her purse and jotted her number on Shawn's hand. She folded her hand into his and leaned in a bit closer, Shawn could smell her perfume. Just then Missy Robinson and Jennifer Marcum strolled up the stairs, their eyes went wide as they spotted Libby getting a little intimate with Shawn Hunter.
Missy leaned over the rail and smirked at Libby, "We're leaving are you coming?" She asked smugly. Libby nodded and checked for her purse, "I got to go Shawn, call me tonight." Libby grabbed her coat from Jennifer's hand and bounced up the stairs after her friends, coyly waving at Shawn as she disappeared through the doorway. Shawn smiled bright as he joined Cory and Topanga in the back room.
Cory was just finishing throwing his dart as Shawn strolled confidently by. "Cory glanced at his best friend, "I know that look Hunter, what gives?" Cory inquired as he cleared the board. Shawn raised an eyebrow and held up his soda. Cory eyed up the straw and smiled, "Looks like pink a la Libby Harper to me!!" He laughed and slapped his hands together, "Wow Shawn!! I'm impressed, she's big time." Shawn nodded with glee, "So you guys doing anything tomorrow afternoon.. How would you like to join me and Libby for a few rounds of Golf??" Cory agreed immediately, Topanga however sneered, "I don't like those girls, they're mean and vicious. How fast you forget how they manipulated Jill Hollinger to dump you last year, what makes you think they wont sink their claws into Libby Harper too?"
Topanga stared Shawn in the eye, "I'm sorry Shawn, but that's just the way I see it, I don't like when people put down my friends and I don't forget that easily." Topanga smiled and squeezed Shawn's arm. He was touched at her protective attitude toward him. "Thanks Topanga, I appreciate you looking out for me, but I really got something for Libby, something I've never really had for a girl and I want to give it a go, please come with me tomorrow." Shawn pleaded as Cory stepped between the two, "We'll be there, say no more!" He put his foot down as he glanced toward his girl. Cory always stepped up when Shawn needed him; it was a natural instinct with him. "COOL!! I figured we do a few rounds of golf and then go for pizza." Shawn said as he dug into his pocket, pulling out a ten-dollar bill, "Well, maybe one round of golf." He smiled as he checked the other pocket, coming up with some nickels and a pack of certs. "Maybe we can skip the pizza, and pack lunch." The boys laughed as Topanga shook her head, "Some things will never change." She thought as She stepped up and took her turn at the dartboard.
Mr. Matthews pulled into Topanga's driveway as Cory bowled over Shawn to get out. He walked her to the door and gave her a few kisses goodnight, "Thanks for coming with me and Shawn tomorrow, it really means a lot." Topanga brushed Cory's cheek with her hand, "I know it does, who knows maybe it will be fun.Hey Cory, maybe you could slip a few bucks into Shawn's jacket before you drop him off, you know how he's always finding money in his pockets he forgot about." Cory nodded, already did it before we left Chubbies. Topanga smiled as she opened the front door, "I love you Cory Matthews, for so many different reasons." Cory smiled and waved, "I love you too Topanga, see you tomorrow." Cory returned to the car and eased in next to his buddy.
Shawn leaned back and yawned, wrenching his tired eyes. His knuckle hit the gash hard as he yelped in pain, "OH MAN!! I keep forgetting about this." He chastised himself out loud as Cory leaned in. "You Okay??" he asked a bit concerned. "I'm fine, just an idiot sometimes." Mr. Matthews turned the car onto seventh heading for the overpass towards Shawn's trailer park. Shawn bolted up as he noticed where they were heading. "Mr. Matthews... You don't have to drop me home just yet, I thought maybe I could hang out with you guys for a while?" Shawn questioned a hint of panic in his voice. Alan glanced into the backseat, "You guys are practically falling asleep back there, you'll see each other tomorrow."
Shawn glanced at Cory with pleading eyes; Cory took his cue immediately and ran with it. "PLEASE DAD!!" I wanted to play a few rounds of Hockey with Shawn, Eric and me found some really cool features on my new game, I wanted to show Shawn." Alan turned to Amy and shrugged, she smiled and nodded, "All right, Shawn can stay over tonight, but only cause it's a weekend. As soon as we get home you call your father and ask him okay?" Alan yelled as he turned the car around and headed toward home. Shawn breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at his buddy. Cory leaned back and wondered, he didn't like the way Shawn had sounded, the tone in his voice gave him an uneasy feeling. He'd have to chat with him when they got home.
Cory buried his head in the fridge as Shawn grabbed the phone from the kitchen wall. He looked about as he purposely dialed Cory's number. The busy signal sounded in his ear, as Mrs. Matthews sat down at the table in front of him. The two exchanged smiles as Shawn waited to start his charade.
"Hello DAD!! It's Shawn.... Is it okay if I stay over at Cory's tonight??.... No the game was great we won.... I know you were working it's okay, you'll catch the next one... Okay, thanks DAD, get some sleep okay.... Bye....."
"My dad says, hi, he's sorry he missed you guys tonight, but he was working. He said it's okay if I stay over." Mrs. Matthews smiled and continued to glance through the evening paper as Mr. Matthews handed her a cup of coffee. The boys barreled up the stairs and into Cory's room. Eric was lying on his bed reading a magazine as they entered the room. "Hey Pele!! How was the game?" he asked as he looked up at Shawn, who plopped exhausted onto Cory's bed. "It was fine, you could' a come if ya wanted to." Shawn exclaimed as he adjusted the pillow under his head. Eric shook his head, "Naw, I had to stay here and watch the weasel, I'll catch the next one."
Cory rolled the T.V. out and hooked up the play station, "LOOK OUT!! MY SHAWN!! I finally got the new NHL, wait till you see the graphics on this thing!!" Eric threw the magazine into the corner and sat at the edge of the bed, "You staying over tonight, Hunter.?" he asked as Shawn took off his sneakers and nodded. Eric leaned forward and opened the drawer of his dresser; he threw a t-shirt and a pair of sweat pants, Shawn's way. Shawn rolled over on the bed and slid out of his soccer shorts, pulling the sweat pants on without even getting up. He sleepily pulled his jersey off, without realizing where he was, before he could do anything, Eric yelled, "HOLY SMOKES HUNTER!! Did you get hit by a car or a train, what the hell happened to you?" Cory leapt from the bed shocked; "SHAWN!!" he gasped as he got his first good look at Shawn's shoulder.
The bruise had spread from his collarbone to his chest, from his shoulder to the bottom of his elbow; it was deep and dark and looked a lot worse than it felt. "It's no big deal, I got slammed tonight at my game, but it looks a lot worse than it feels." Shawn stood up in a huff and grabbed the t-shirt from the bed; he angrily walked into the bathroom and shut the door. Cory and Eric looked at one another with concern, "You know Cor, that didn't happen tonight, that's at least a day old. You could tell by the color, what's going on?" Eric asked as he picked up the joystick and sat back down on the bed. Cory shook his head in awe, "I don't know, Eric!! I don't know what going on." He stammered in shock. "Well you better find out because something powerful slammed into your best friend." "SSSHHH" Cory hushed as Shawn emerged from the bathroom. "So!! Let's play, I wanna be Philly!!" He stated nonchalantly as he sat next to Eric on the bed and grabbed the joystick from his lap. Eric glanced at Cory, he playfully slapped Shawn on the back of the head and took the joystick back, "and I'm Philly you could be Jersey, looser!!" Cory and Shawn laughed as the boys began a marathon series of games.
A few hundred games later the room was littered with potato chip bags, empty soda bottles and an array of empty snack bags. The horn on the video game sounded. Shawn was fast asleep in Cory's bed as The Matthews' Brothers began sudden death overtime. Alan entered the room and laughed, the brothers were fixated on the television screen. "Guys, it's getting late. Time to hit the sack, it's after midnight." He quipped as he slung a blanket over Shawn. "Just let us finish up this one okay dad." Cory pleaded, keeping his attention on the game. Alan obliged and kissed his son on the head, he patted Eric's back and whispered, "Goodnight Kids." Alan dimmed the light as he exited the room.
Later that night it was dark and silent in the room, all three boys were sound asleep, Shawn remained in Cory's bed, Eric slept soundly in his own bed, which was pushed up against Cory's, and Cory sawed wood from the foot of both beds. All three boys still lay among the empty bags and potato chips, too tired to clean them up before they turned in. Cory stirred and repositioned himself, snuggling up in his comforter as the bed began to shake.
His eyes popped open as he spied Shawn in the thralls of what seemed like a heavy-duty nightmare. He thrashed about in a sweat, as he groaned and yelled out in the silent night. Cory shook his best friend, his face washed with fright. Eric snapped the light on as Cory leapt to his feet. Shawn waived his arms in the air as he screamed unconsciously, "He's killing me!!! HE'S KILLING ME!!" Eric grabbed the boy by the T-shirt and shook vigorously, "Hunter!!! Hunter WAKE UP!!" Shawn's eyes snapped open as he realized he had hold of Cory's shirt, it was savagely balled into his fists. Eric stared at the boy open mouthed, as Shawn panted. His wide blue eyes darting aimlessly about the room as he desperately tried to get his bearings. Cory looked into Shawn's face, trying to console his friend. "It's okay, you're okay, just relax!!" Eric hurried to the bathroom and emerged with a glass of water; Shawn gulped it down, his hands still shaking. Cory leaned forward, "Was it the clown dream or the puppet dream?" He asked innocently. Shawn smiled at his naive friend "Oh Cory you have no idea." He thought to himself before he answered, "It was the clown dream, he was trying to kill me again. All three boys laughed as Eric closed the light, "Go to sleep you freaks, I'll see you in the morning."
Cory and Topanga shared a soft pretzel as Mr. Matthews chatted with Mr. Turner; the only person watching the game was Mrs. Matthews as Shawn gained possession and advanced up the turf. She yelled with vigor almost as if she was watching her own son play his first indoor soccer match. The palladium was filled with over zealous parents, as John Adam's Wildcats hosted the Hamilton Rockets. Shawn looked fabulous in his uniform as he sprinted up and down the pitch; the only flaw was the eye, which stood out like a sore thumb on his pale face.
Just as the horn for intermission sounded, Mr. Feeny popped his head around the corner, "Evening All!! Is this seat taken?" George gestured to an empty chair beside Amy Matthews. "Why NO George, please have a seat." She happily gestured to the chair and moved her coat out of the man's way. Mr. Feeny sat down and adjusted his yellow sweater vest as Jonathan smirked and greeted him. "Evening George, I didn't know you were a soccer fan?" Feeny smiled, "Ha, Mr. Turner! I am indeed, I'm an enthusiast for many sports, and I always like to come down and cheer John Adam's on!!"
Mr. Matthews bounded back down the metal steps with fresh sodas in hand; he passed them out to everyone. Topanga popped a piece of pretzel into Cory's mouth and the two playfully giggled. "Hey you two cool it down there or I'm going to make your mother sit between you!!" Alan cautioned as he pointed a stern finger at the smitten teens. Just then Eli Williams bounded down the stairs and slid into a seat behind Jonathan. "Hey Buddy!! Sorry I'm late. They kept me late at the station, ya know how it is being the new guy and all, how's he doing, Jon flashed Eli the thumbs up as he continued to stuff peanuts into his mouth.
The Shawn Hunter fan club was growing fast as the second half began. The group was however shy one member as Chet was nowhere to be found. Everyone was aware he was supposed to be there, but no one seemed to broken up at his absence, except maybe Shawn who would glance into the stands time to time and scan for his father. Eli got comfortable as the game was underway. The scoreboard still remained nil as the Wildcats bounded forward full of fresh zeal.
"Jonathan, did Hunter go the distance with that big kid?? What's with his eye, I can see that shiner from up here in the nosebleed section." Mr. Williams squinted to get a better look as Jon leaned back in his chair, "He ran into a tree last night chasing around the Stecchino's cat, he's okay I had Nurse Sally give him the once over after school." George snickered at the remark. "Leave it to Mr. Hunter, always seems to become utterly clumsy at home." Turner locked stares with George and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. The exchange didn't go unnoticed by Mr. And Mrs. Matthews. Mr. Williams also had trouble buying the excuse, "Sounds pretty hokey to me, you sure he's.." Turner cut his buddy off before he went any further, "LOOK!! He's fine okay, I don't think we should get into this in front of the kids, capishe??" Turner growled as the adults turned to Cory and Topanga, who were too into each other to notice anything else. Eli took the hint, so did Feeny as the two returned their attention to the game.
Just in time to see Shawn make a major steal and advance down the field with lighting speed. The crowd cheered as he held the ball and fought off a menacing Rocket as his teammates got into position. He was so enthralled in his efforts he didn't see his large opponent swiftly gaining on him. He spun out of the box the Rockets formed around him and kicked the ball toward Randy Sullivan, the wildcats star center, Randy redirected the ball, with a head but and it swooshed past the goalie into the net. The advancing Rocket could not slow himself down before steamrolling right into Shawn's blind side. Both boys went down with a thud. The wildcat's celebration was cut short as Shawn rolled onto his stomach gasping. He curled up protecting his shoulder as he squeezed his eyes shut.
The trainer was on the pitch quickly as Shawn's teammates gathered round. Turner stood bolt upright and advanced forward toward the players' bench in frenzy. A hush fell over the crowd as the trainer exchanged words with Shawn who was still lying prone on the green. He rubbed the boys back as he slowly rose to his knees. Shawn's complexion was flushed, as the trainer helped him to his shaky feet, the boy who ran into him bobbed worriedly about as Shawn patted him on the shoulder. The trainer moved in with one hand on Shawn's neck and the other around his waist. Shawn winced in pain as the trainer helped him to the bench. The crowd began to sporadically clap as the wildcats slapped each other's hands in celebration.
Shawn sat with his head down as the Trainer placed an ice pack on the back of his neck. Turner was exchanging words with him as he tended to Shawn. The coach came forward and handed Shawn a water bottle. Jon rubbed Shawn's back as the boy smiled at him. They exchanged a few words before Jonathan shook hands with the trainer and returned to his seat, and his worried entourage. "He's okay, he just got the wind knocked out of him. He'll sit a while, but he's all right. Coach says he's got to keep his head up!" Turner relaxed in his seat and exhaled as he continued to watch the game. Shawn gulped down a few sips of water and wiped his nose with a towel as he tried to steady his breathing. The trainer came up and placed his hands on his shoulders, "You okay kid, you sure gave your dad a big scare, I thought he was going to leap onto the field." Shawn chuckled and coughed, "Yeah.my dad, he's a real worrier." Shawn whispered as he held his shoulder, glancing toward the stands.
Everyone celebrated at Chubbies as the Wildcats shut down the Rockets, three to nil. Shawn shined assisting on two of the goals. His first game was a success, not only did he enjoy it, but he felt fantastic playing. Soccer was something that came natural to Shawn. He was looking forward to the rest of the season. Cory and Topanga were playing darts as Shawn racked up the points on the pinball machine. He was just about to break his record when Libby Harper leaned in on the machine. Shawn was so startled he let the ball shoot right into the hole.. Game over.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to mess up your game." She pouted, shooting Shawn a playful smile. "It's okay.No big deal.." Shawn blushed and looked down at his hands nervously. Libby sat on the bench and crossed her legs as Shawn leaned in on the wall. "So Shawn, I didn't know you played Soccer, didja letter yet?" Shawn smiled, "Not yet, but I'm going to.. I just played my first game over at the palladium, I got two assists." Shawn beamed with pride as he offered Libby some of his soda. She graciously accepted, leaving a soft pink lipstick print on Shawn's straw.
Shawn joined Libby on the bench as he adjusted his crumpled jersey. "You should come to the next game, we play the Thunderbirds on Wednesday night." Libby grinned and moved closer. "That sounds great, I'll be there." Shawn fidgeted a bit, somehow he didn't feel as confident with Libby as the other girls he flirted with and went around with, she was different, her dad was an attorney and she lived in Willow Lakes.
She was a bit out of Shawn's league, but oh how her eyes made him melt every time she looked at him. She was a knockout, long blonde hair, crystal blue eyes and a figure that rivaled any supermodel. Libby was one of the most popular girls at John Adams. She traveled with a very exclusive crowd, a crowd that had eluded Shawn, until now. "So Libby, do you like miniature golf?" Shawn asked as he gazed into Libby's eyes. "I love it, I'm not very good but I love it." Libby would have admitted to loving detention if Shawn was going to be there, she was falling fast. "You want to go play tomorrow, we can double with Cory and Topanga, and then maybe get some pizza afterward." Libby's eyes danced as she pulled a pen from her purse and jotted her number on Shawn's hand. She folded her hand into his and leaned in a bit closer, Shawn could smell her perfume. Just then Missy Robinson and Jennifer Marcum strolled up the stairs, their eyes went wide as they spotted Libby getting a little intimate with Shawn Hunter.
Missy leaned over the rail and smirked at Libby, "We're leaving are you coming?" She asked smugly. Libby nodded and checked for her purse, "I got to go Shawn, call me tonight." Libby grabbed her coat from Jennifer's hand and bounced up the stairs after her friends, coyly waving at Shawn as she disappeared through the doorway. Shawn smiled bright as he joined Cory and Topanga in the back room.
Cory was just finishing throwing his dart as Shawn strolled confidently by. "Cory glanced at his best friend, "I know that look Hunter, what gives?" Cory inquired as he cleared the board. Shawn raised an eyebrow and held up his soda. Cory eyed up the straw and smiled, "Looks like pink a la Libby Harper to me!!" He laughed and slapped his hands together, "Wow Shawn!! I'm impressed, she's big time." Shawn nodded with glee, "So you guys doing anything tomorrow afternoon.. How would you like to join me and Libby for a few rounds of Golf??" Cory agreed immediately, Topanga however sneered, "I don't like those girls, they're mean and vicious. How fast you forget how they manipulated Jill Hollinger to dump you last year, what makes you think they wont sink their claws into Libby Harper too?"
Topanga stared Shawn in the eye, "I'm sorry Shawn, but that's just the way I see it, I don't like when people put down my friends and I don't forget that easily." Topanga smiled and squeezed Shawn's arm. He was touched at her protective attitude toward him. "Thanks Topanga, I appreciate you looking out for me, but I really got something for Libby, something I've never really had for a girl and I want to give it a go, please come with me tomorrow." Shawn pleaded as Cory stepped between the two, "We'll be there, say no more!" He put his foot down as he glanced toward his girl. Cory always stepped up when Shawn needed him; it was a natural instinct with him. "COOL!! I figured we do a few rounds of golf and then go for pizza." Shawn said as he dug into his pocket, pulling out a ten-dollar bill, "Well, maybe one round of golf." He smiled as he checked the other pocket, coming up with some nickels and a pack of certs. "Maybe we can skip the pizza, and pack lunch." The boys laughed as Topanga shook her head, "Some things will never change." She thought as She stepped up and took her turn at the dartboard.
Mr. Matthews pulled into Topanga's driveway as Cory bowled over Shawn to get out. He walked her to the door and gave her a few kisses goodnight, "Thanks for coming with me and Shawn tomorrow, it really means a lot." Topanga brushed Cory's cheek with her hand, "I know it does, who knows maybe it will be fun.Hey Cory, maybe you could slip a few bucks into Shawn's jacket before you drop him off, you know how he's always finding money in his pockets he forgot about." Cory nodded, already did it before we left Chubbies. Topanga smiled as she opened the front door, "I love you Cory Matthews, for so many different reasons." Cory smiled and waved, "I love you too Topanga, see you tomorrow." Cory returned to the car and eased in next to his buddy.
Shawn leaned back and yawned, wrenching his tired eyes. His knuckle hit the gash hard as he yelped in pain, "OH MAN!! I keep forgetting about this." He chastised himself out loud as Cory leaned in. "You Okay??" he asked a bit concerned. "I'm fine, just an idiot sometimes." Mr. Matthews turned the car onto seventh heading for the overpass towards Shawn's trailer park. Shawn bolted up as he noticed where they were heading. "Mr. Matthews... You don't have to drop me home just yet, I thought maybe I could hang out with you guys for a while?" Shawn questioned a hint of panic in his voice. Alan glanced into the backseat, "You guys are practically falling asleep back there, you'll see each other tomorrow."
Shawn glanced at Cory with pleading eyes; Cory took his cue immediately and ran with it. "PLEASE DAD!!" I wanted to play a few rounds of Hockey with Shawn, Eric and me found some really cool features on my new game, I wanted to show Shawn." Alan turned to Amy and shrugged, she smiled and nodded, "All right, Shawn can stay over tonight, but only cause it's a weekend. As soon as we get home you call your father and ask him okay?" Alan yelled as he turned the car around and headed toward home. Shawn breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at his buddy. Cory leaned back and wondered, he didn't like the way Shawn had sounded, the tone in his voice gave him an uneasy feeling. He'd have to chat with him when they got home.
Cory buried his head in the fridge as Shawn grabbed the phone from the kitchen wall. He looked about as he purposely dialed Cory's number. The busy signal sounded in his ear, as Mrs. Matthews sat down at the table in front of him. The two exchanged smiles as Shawn waited to start his charade.
"Hello DAD!! It's Shawn.... Is it okay if I stay over at Cory's tonight??.... No the game was great we won.... I know you were working it's okay, you'll catch the next one... Okay, thanks DAD, get some sleep okay.... Bye....."
"My dad says, hi, he's sorry he missed you guys tonight, but he was working. He said it's okay if I stay over." Mrs. Matthews smiled and continued to glance through the evening paper as Mr. Matthews handed her a cup of coffee. The boys barreled up the stairs and into Cory's room. Eric was lying on his bed reading a magazine as they entered the room. "Hey Pele!! How was the game?" he asked as he looked up at Shawn, who plopped exhausted onto Cory's bed. "It was fine, you could' a come if ya wanted to." Shawn exclaimed as he adjusted the pillow under his head. Eric shook his head, "Naw, I had to stay here and watch the weasel, I'll catch the next one."
Cory rolled the T.V. out and hooked up the play station, "LOOK OUT!! MY SHAWN!! I finally got the new NHL, wait till you see the graphics on this thing!!" Eric threw the magazine into the corner and sat at the edge of the bed, "You staying over tonight, Hunter.?" he asked as Shawn took off his sneakers and nodded. Eric leaned forward and opened the drawer of his dresser; he threw a t-shirt and a pair of sweat pants, Shawn's way. Shawn rolled over on the bed and slid out of his soccer shorts, pulling the sweat pants on without even getting up. He sleepily pulled his jersey off, without realizing where he was, before he could do anything, Eric yelled, "HOLY SMOKES HUNTER!! Did you get hit by a car or a train, what the hell happened to you?" Cory leapt from the bed shocked; "SHAWN!!" he gasped as he got his first good look at Shawn's shoulder.
The bruise had spread from his collarbone to his chest, from his shoulder to the bottom of his elbow; it was deep and dark and looked a lot worse than it felt. "It's no big deal, I got slammed tonight at my game, but it looks a lot worse than it feels." Shawn stood up in a huff and grabbed the t-shirt from the bed; he angrily walked into the bathroom and shut the door. Cory and Eric looked at one another with concern, "You know Cor, that didn't happen tonight, that's at least a day old. You could tell by the color, what's going on?" Eric asked as he picked up the joystick and sat back down on the bed. Cory shook his head in awe, "I don't know, Eric!! I don't know what going on." He stammered in shock. "Well you better find out because something powerful slammed into your best friend." "SSSHHH" Cory hushed as Shawn emerged from the bathroom. "So!! Let's play, I wanna be Philly!!" He stated nonchalantly as he sat next to Eric on the bed and grabbed the joystick from his lap. Eric glanced at Cory, he playfully slapped Shawn on the back of the head and took the joystick back, "and I'm Philly you could be Jersey, looser!!" Cory and Shawn laughed as the boys began a marathon series of games.
A few hundred games later the room was littered with potato chip bags, empty soda bottles and an array of empty snack bags. The horn on the video game sounded. Shawn was fast asleep in Cory's bed as The Matthews' Brothers began sudden death overtime. Alan entered the room and laughed, the brothers were fixated on the television screen. "Guys, it's getting late. Time to hit the sack, it's after midnight." He quipped as he slung a blanket over Shawn. "Just let us finish up this one okay dad." Cory pleaded, keeping his attention on the game. Alan obliged and kissed his son on the head, he patted Eric's back and whispered, "Goodnight Kids." Alan dimmed the light as he exited the room.
Later that night it was dark and silent in the room, all three boys were sound asleep, Shawn remained in Cory's bed, Eric slept soundly in his own bed, which was pushed up against Cory's, and Cory sawed wood from the foot of both beds. All three boys still lay among the empty bags and potato chips, too tired to clean them up before they turned in. Cory stirred and repositioned himself, snuggling up in his comforter as the bed began to shake.
His eyes popped open as he spied Shawn in the thralls of what seemed like a heavy-duty nightmare. He thrashed about in a sweat, as he groaned and yelled out in the silent night. Cory shook his best friend, his face washed with fright. Eric snapped the light on as Cory leapt to his feet. Shawn waived his arms in the air as he screamed unconsciously, "He's killing me!!! HE'S KILLING ME!!" Eric grabbed the boy by the T-shirt and shook vigorously, "Hunter!!! Hunter WAKE UP!!" Shawn's eyes snapped open as he realized he had hold of Cory's shirt, it was savagely balled into his fists. Eric stared at the boy open mouthed, as Shawn panted. His wide blue eyes darting aimlessly about the room as he desperately tried to get his bearings. Cory looked into Shawn's face, trying to console his friend. "It's okay, you're okay, just relax!!" Eric hurried to the bathroom and emerged with a glass of water; Shawn gulped it down, his hands still shaking. Cory leaned forward, "Was it the clown dream or the puppet dream?" He asked innocently. Shawn smiled at his naive friend "Oh Cory you have no idea." He thought to himself before he answered, "It was the clown dream, he was trying to kill me again. All three boys laughed as Eric closed the light, "Go to sleep you freaks, I'll see you in the morning."
