Cory and Topanga waited by the doughnut shop almost forty minutes for Shawn
to arrive. Topanga held an umbrella over Cory's head as he slammed the
payphone's receiver down. "I don't get it, Shawn's phone has been
disconnected all morning, I think it's shut off." The curly haired teen
grunted, turning to Topanga. "Look Cory, we got to go, if we split a cab we
could just make it before first bell." Topanga entered the street and tried
to hail a cab. Cory reluctantly followed with his hot chocolate in hand. A
yellow cab pulled up and Topanga leapt into the back seat. Just as Cory was
about to join her, he looked back at the Styrofoam cup of coffee he left on
top of the phone. "No cream, two sugars, just the way you like it." He
thought to himself, this was not going to be a good day; he could feel it
in his bones.
Shawn remained motionless on the floor of the ransacked trailer, blood oozed from tiny cuts on his hands and knuckles. Deep purple strangle marks swelled on his throat. His head slowly swayed to the left and then back to the right. A low moan escaped his lips as he floated between conscious and unconscious thought. He felt as though he was underwater, his ears only sending a muffled ringing noise to his brain. His eyelids fluttered gently, momentarily revealing his deep blue eyes as they rolled in and out of his head. The sound of glass crackling beneath him, while he tried to move his arms, sounded a million miles away. At first he thought he was entwined in a series of dreams, but then out of nowhere it hit him like a bolt of lightening....PAIN!!!
Ungodly pain, suffering like he has never know, wracked every inch of Shawn's body. He instinctively curled into a ball. As hard as he began to pant, it seemed his lungs were still starving for air. The room began to spin as soon as he opened his eyes; the white parts of both stained red with blood from being strangled half to death. His throat felt like it was about to erupt into flames as he tried to swallow. Shawn tried to slow his breathing, every breath felt like a knife stabbing him in the chest. He tried to focus through the fog, but the room remained just a bright blur. Shawn heard his own groans through the persistent ringing as he tried to roll his body to one side. "DON'T MOVE!!" He pleaded with himself as he grabbed at his side. The pain was sharp and biting, no matter how still the boy tried to be.
Shawn was getting brave as he tried to sit up and lean against one elbow. He instantly regretted the movement as his head swam with nausea and the severe pain enveloped every sense he possessed. He couldn't think, he couldn't move, didn't remember, had no concept of time or space, he only knew he was alive and this was very bad. Willing away the horrific feeling, he made his way to his feet and staggered to the couch. Hugging the cushion to stifle the anguish, he felt himself break out into a sweat. His body seemed to heat from the inside out; every muscle shook uncontrollably, he began to feel very frightened. Closing his eyes he collapsed onto the cushions and invited the blackness once again.
Mr. Giles homeroom slowly filled as Jonathan Turner stood in the doorway, Libby Harper turned the corner with Sarah Gorman, both were enthralled in giddy conversation as they past the young teacher, "Good Morning Mr. Turner?" Libby sweetly greeted, taking her seat in the back. "You guys haven't seen Shawn Hunter yet this morning have you?" Turner asked, glancing at Shawn's still empty desk. The girls shook their heads, just as the second bell sounded and the room filled quickly. Shawn's desk however, remained unoccupied. Mr. Giles strolled through the door and met Jon at the back of the room. The two turned their backs and began whispering as the silent room began to fill with chatter. "I'll let you know as soon as I see him Jonathan." Mr. Giles turned and clapped his hands as Mr. Turner exited, on his way back to his own homeroom.
Cory and Topanga sat silent waiting for homeroom to start, both were a bit preoccupied this morning as uneasy thoughts flowed through their minds. Mr. Turner entered swiftly and took his usual stance at the head of the class. He opened his binder and read off some announcements to the class, he seemed jittery as his glance kept honing in on Cory. Jon passed out a yearbook survey sheet and asked the class to begin filling it out. He summoned Cory to the front of the room. "Matthews, did you walk to school with Shawn today??" Cory shrugged, "No...he never showed at the doughnut shop this morning, I tried to call him, but the phone must be disconnected." Mr. Turner pursed his lips in frustration, "Yeah, well he's not in Giles homeroom, I just came from there." Cory shook his head; "I have no idea where he could be." The boy returned to his seat. Just then the intercom began to broadcast morning announcements, as Mr. Turner left the room in a huff.
Shawn came to for the second time sprawled across the couch, for an instant, he thought he may have dreamed the whole morning. His eyes could see more clearly now. He successfully picked his head up without sending his body spiraling into a spasm. Slowly, he leaned on his arms and pulled himself to a sitting position. The stiff, pain was there just below the surface, but it hasn't grabbed just yet. Shawn felt confident he could get to his feet this time. He put his weight onto the floor and rose gently from the couch, steadying himself by grasping tightly to the armrest. He was fine until he tried to straighten his arched back and then it hit. The burning pain seemed to resonate through his chest and stomach. He raised his arm to wipe the sweat from his torrid forehead. He ceased movement and began to attempt a few deep breaths. It was difficult, but he managed to calm himself slightly.
He stumbled forward to the front door, leaning in on the jam to collect himself. He was definitely not thinking clearly as he swung the door open and fumbled down the front stairs. His body was on autopilot as he concentrated on placing one foot in front of the other, before he knew where he was heading he was miraculously halfway to school.
After what seemed like an eternity he stopped and leaned in on the front of a building. He began to feel very dizzy. The world around him was swirling as he slid down the brick wall. The buzzing in his ear was growing as he lurched forward and threw his guts up onto the pavement. The inside of his mouth tasted like iron, he rested his cheek on the sleeve of his jacket, trying to regain his composure. He immediately smelled the whiskey that has soaked into the material. The scent made him gag harder, while he squeezed his arms around his midsection.
Shawn momentarily gazed into the mess he had made on the sidewalk. He felt the beads of sweat rolling down his face as he panted for air. No matter how hard he breathed, he just couldn't catch his breath. He continued looking down spying blood mixed in with the pizza from last night's dinner, "OH GOD!! HUNTER YOUR IN TROUBLE HERE!!" He thought to himself as he tried to get to his feet again. Shawn inched forward, hold on to the wall for dear life. "I got to get to Cory!!" His brain kept telling him. Autopilot took over once again as Shawn's delirious mind kept telling him to go to Cory, that help is with Cory. Cory will know what to do.
Shawn turned the corner and saw the school up ahead. He managed a demented smile. He was never so happy to see that building in all his life. Although plenty of people passed him on the street, no one seemed to stop and help. He must have looked like just a drunken kid, stumbling home. People just seemed to flash him odd stares, and hurry along past. Shawn entered the school through the service door, and rested on the steps of the maintenance ramp. His body was so hot, he thought for sure he was going to combust any minute. The pain dulled a bit, but it was still overpowering. Shawn thought he had learned to manage it until he couldn't hold a coughing fit back any longer. He moaned in agony as a few tears escaped his weary eyes. He felt like he was going to drop dead any minute as the pain took new form and paralyzed him. Shutting his eyes tight, he pressed on, almost crawling, he inched along and positioned himself into the freight elevator, a place he was all to familiar with. He already knew where he would hide, he already knew how he would find Cory, he just had to hold on a bit longer.
Cory and Topanga sat together at study hall, both were unusually silent this session. Ms. Palmer only had to look up from her book twice. Just then Monica Pressman entered the auditorium in her cheerleading outfit, she strolled up to Ms. Palmer and handed her two slips, "Matthews...Lawrence..." She yelled as she held up the hall passes, "You both have a session with Guidance." Cory and Topanga gathered their things and looked at each other with confusion. Topanga grabbed the passes and handed one to Cory, they were from the Guidance office, signed by Devon Collins. They began up the aisle to the door, "Cory, what's this about?" Topanga asked awkwardly. Cory shrugged, flinging his pack over his shoulder, "I have no idea, I guess we'll find out." He answered holding the door for his girl.
Monica met the two in the empty hall, "Hey you guys, the passes are from Shawn Hunter!! He's hold up in the girl's room outside the Chem. Labs, he plastered!! You guys better go clean him up before Feeny sees him, he'll be expelled for sure!!" Monica turned to walk away as Topanga grabbed her arm, "What do you mean he's plastered??" She asked, her eyes wide with shock. Monica smiled, "You know, he's drunk as a skunk, slurring his words, he can't even stand up!! The whole room smells like a brewery, it's disgusting."
Cory ran full speed down the hall, as Topanga followed behind, they entered the bathroom to find Jennifer Marcum and Wren Davis trying to revive Shawn, who was obviously passed out cold. He was wedged between the toilet and the floor in the first stall. Cory shoved Jennifer away while she was slapping Shawn's cheek lightly trying to get a rise out of him. The girls made room for Shawn's friends as Wren handed Topanga a damp handkerchief. Cory lightly shook his Buddy, "Shawnie...Can you hear me??" he asked almost crying. "He's completely intoxicated, he must have yakked into that toilet twenty times!! He was asking for Cory Matthews, right before he passed out!! He smells like he was hitting the bottle all morning." Wren informed, just before the bell sounded." Look we got to go, he's your problem now." The girls collected their books and left Cory and Topanga alone with Shawn.
Topanga leaned in and felt Shawn's head, "CORY!! HE"S ON FIRE!! WE GOT TO GET HIM OUT OF HERE!!" Cory placed Shawn in a bear hug and began to lift him off the cold floor. Shawn groaned in pain. Cory released him in a panic. "Maybe we should take him to the nurse. He looks really sick." Topanga noticed, while Cory looked him over. He spied Shawn's bruised neck and the marks on his hands. "Oh My God!! Topanga, he's all beat up!!" Cory leaned in and threw his arms around Shawn, lifting his limp body off the floor. He was too heavy, full weight, so Cory sat him on the toilet. Shawn's head bobbed forward as he reached up and swung his heavy arm over Cory's shoulder. "P.Plea..se." he barely whispered, as he opened his eyes a crack. Cory looked up to Topanga with fright, "WATCH HIM!! I'm going for help!!" He screamed, as Topanga took his place by Shawn. Cory ran from the room, leaving Topanga shaking and crying.
Mr. Feeny was just exiting his office when Cory almost mowed him down, "MR. FEENY!!!!!! PLEASE HELP ME!!! IT'S SHAWN!!! HE'S FULL OF BRUISES!!! HE CAN'T STAND UP!!" Cory was hysterical, tears welling in his eyes, his voice cracking with fright. He desperately tugged on Feeny's blazer sleeve trying to get him to follow. "Where is he, Mr. Matthews!!" Feeny yelled. Following behind the anxious teen.
Shawn leaned in on Topanga and tried to stand, "I gotta get outta.." He stumbled into the stall door and fell to the ground. "SHAWN ARE YOU CRAZY!!" She screamed as he tried to get to his feet again. Topanga hovered over him in fear, "PLEASE...JUST LAY STILL!!" She warned as she leaned in and tried to gently push him down, Shawn grabbed her arms and forcefully pulled himself up, "No Teachers!! I just wan.t C..Cory!!" he mumbled as he stood on shaky legs. Topanga placed her arm around his waist and steadied the boy next to her. He led her unwilling out into the hall, just as Feeny and Cory turned the corner. "OH GOD!! Shawn moaned, pushing away from Topanga. The bell sounded, students began to file out from class. Shawn turned his back and tried to run.. Feeny hollered up the hall, "DON'T RUN FROM ME SHAWN!!" Just then Shawn collapsed in a heap onto the linoleum floor. Topanga screamed and fell to her knees in front of him.
"Don't move Him!!" Feeny immediately took charge! He sternly barked orders to anyone in sight! Call an ambulance! Get the nurse! Find Mr. Tuner!! Feeny and Cory joined Topanga on their knees. Feeny yanked his blazer from his shoulders and balled it up under Shawn's head. The boy's completion was almost ashen, his lips slowly turning blue, he was barely breathing, sweat soaking his hair and face. Feeny yelled for a cold towel as he began to loosen Shawn's belt, lifting his t-shirt just a bit, Feeny got a look at Shawn's chest, "DEAR LORD!!" He muttered to the air. Shawn's whole midsection was purple and swollen. Feeny brushed the hair away from Shawn's roasting forehead.
Nurse Anne came charging up the hall with her bag in hand. She dove to the ground and immediately tended to Shawn; she felt his neck for a pulse and placed her stethoscope to his side. Her face was filled with panic as she began blowing forcefully into the boy's mouth. Topanga came up behind Cory and wrapped her arms around him, they watched the scene unfold in horror, both weeping in silence. Feeny grabbed Shawn's hand and lightly shook, "Hang in there son!! Help is on the way!!"
Shawn remained motionless on the floor of the ransacked trailer, blood oozed from tiny cuts on his hands and knuckles. Deep purple strangle marks swelled on his throat. His head slowly swayed to the left and then back to the right. A low moan escaped his lips as he floated between conscious and unconscious thought. He felt as though he was underwater, his ears only sending a muffled ringing noise to his brain. His eyelids fluttered gently, momentarily revealing his deep blue eyes as they rolled in and out of his head. The sound of glass crackling beneath him, while he tried to move his arms, sounded a million miles away. At first he thought he was entwined in a series of dreams, but then out of nowhere it hit him like a bolt of lightening....PAIN!!!
Ungodly pain, suffering like he has never know, wracked every inch of Shawn's body. He instinctively curled into a ball. As hard as he began to pant, it seemed his lungs were still starving for air. The room began to spin as soon as he opened his eyes; the white parts of both stained red with blood from being strangled half to death. His throat felt like it was about to erupt into flames as he tried to swallow. Shawn tried to slow his breathing, every breath felt like a knife stabbing him in the chest. He tried to focus through the fog, but the room remained just a bright blur. Shawn heard his own groans through the persistent ringing as he tried to roll his body to one side. "DON'T MOVE!!" He pleaded with himself as he grabbed at his side. The pain was sharp and biting, no matter how still the boy tried to be.
Shawn was getting brave as he tried to sit up and lean against one elbow. He instantly regretted the movement as his head swam with nausea and the severe pain enveloped every sense he possessed. He couldn't think, he couldn't move, didn't remember, had no concept of time or space, he only knew he was alive and this was very bad. Willing away the horrific feeling, he made his way to his feet and staggered to the couch. Hugging the cushion to stifle the anguish, he felt himself break out into a sweat. His body seemed to heat from the inside out; every muscle shook uncontrollably, he began to feel very frightened. Closing his eyes he collapsed onto the cushions and invited the blackness once again.
Mr. Giles homeroom slowly filled as Jonathan Turner stood in the doorway, Libby Harper turned the corner with Sarah Gorman, both were enthralled in giddy conversation as they past the young teacher, "Good Morning Mr. Turner?" Libby sweetly greeted, taking her seat in the back. "You guys haven't seen Shawn Hunter yet this morning have you?" Turner asked, glancing at Shawn's still empty desk. The girls shook their heads, just as the second bell sounded and the room filled quickly. Shawn's desk however, remained unoccupied. Mr. Giles strolled through the door and met Jon at the back of the room. The two turned their backs and began whispering as the silent room began to fill with chatter. "I'll let you know as soon as I see him Jonathan." Mr. Giles turned and clapped his hands as Mr. Turner exited, on his way back to his own homeroom.
Cory and Topanga sat silent waiting for homeroom to start, both were a bit preoccupied this morning as uneasy thoughts flowed through their minds. Mr. Turner entered swiftly and took his usual stance at the head of the class. He opened his binder and read off some announcements to the class, he seemed jittery as his glance kept honing in on Cory. Jon passed out a yearbook survey sheet and asked the class to begin filling it out. He summoned Cory to the front of the room. "Matthews, did you walk to school with Shawn today??" Cory shrugged, "No...he never showed at the doughnut shop this morning, I tried to call him, but the phone must be disconnected." Mr. Turner pursed his lips in frustration, "Yeah, well he's not in Giles homeroom, I just came from there." Cory shook his head; "I have no idea where he could be." The boy returned to his seat. Just then the intercom began to broadcast morning announcements, as Mr. Turner left the room in a huff.
Shawn came to for the second time sprawled across the couch, for an instant, he thought he may have dreamed the whole morning. His eyes could see more clearly now. He successfully picked his head up without sending his body spiraling into a spasm. Slowly, he leaned on his arms and pulled himself to a sitting position. The stiff, pain was there just below the surface, but it hasn't grabbed just yet. Shawn felt confident he could get to his feet this time. He put his weight onto the floor and rose gently from the couch, steadying himself by grasping tightly to the armrest. He was fine until he tried to straighten his arched back and then it hit. The burning pain seemed to resonate through his chest and stomach. He raised his arm to wipe the sweat from his torrid forehead. He ceased movement and began to attempt a few deep breaths. It was difficult, but he managed to calm himself slightly.
He stumbled forward to the front door, leaning in on the jam to collect himself. He was definitely not thinking clearly as he swung the door open and fumbled down the front stairs. His body was on autopilot as he concentrated on placing one foot in front of the other, before he knew where he was heading he was miraculously halfway to school.
After what seemed like an eternity he stopped and leaned in on the front of a building. He began to feel very dizzy. The world around him was swirling as he slid down the brick wall. The buzzing in his ear was growing as he lurched forward and threw his guts up onto the pavement. The inside of his mouth tasted like iron, he rested his cheek on the sleeve of his jacket, trying to regain his composure. He immediately smelled the whiskey that has soaked into the material. The scent made him gag harder, while he squeezed his arms around his midsection.
Shawn momentarily gazed into the mess he had made on the sidewalk. He felt the beads of sweat rolling down his face as he panted for air. No matter how hard he breathed, he just couldn't catch his breath. He continued looking down spying blood mixed in with the pizza from last night's dinner, "OH GOD!! HUNTER YOUR IN TROUBLE HERE!!" He thought to himself as he tried to get to his feet again. Shawn inched forward, hold on to the wall for dear life. "I got to get to Cory!!" His brain kept telling him. Autopilot took over once again as Shawn's delirious mind kept telling him to go to Cory, that help is with Cory. Cory will know what to do.
Shawn turned the corner and saw the school up ahead. He managed a demented smile. He was never so happy to see that building in all his life. Although plenty of people passed him on the street, no one seemed to stop and help. He must have looked like just a drunken kid, stumbling home. People just seemed to flash him odd stares, and hurry along past. Shawn entered the school through the service door, and rested on the steps of the maintenance ramp. His body was so hot, he thought for sure he was going to combust any minute. The pain dulled a bit, but it was still overpowering. Shawn thought he had learned to manage it until he couldn't hold a coughing fit back any longer. He moaned in agony as a few tears escaped his weary eyes. He felt like he was going to drop dead any minute as the pain took new form and paralyzed him. Shutting his eyes tight, he pressed on, almost crawling, he inched along and positioned himself into the freight elevator, a place he was all to familiar with. He already knew where he would hide, he already knew how he would find Cory, he just had to hold on a bit longer.
Cory and Topanga sat together at study hall, both were unusually silent this session. Ms. Palmer only had to look up from her book twice. Just then Monica Pressman entered the auditorium in her cheerleading outfit, she strolled up to Ms. Palmer and handed her two slips, "Matthews...Lawrence..." She yelled as she held up the hall passes, "You both have a session with Guidance." Cory and Topanga gathered their things and looked at each other with confusion. Topanga grabbed the passes and handed one to Cory, they were from the Guidance office, signed by Devon Collins. They began up the aisle to the door, "Cory, what's this about?" Topanga asked awkwardly. Cory shrugged, flinging his pack over his shoulder, "I have no idea, I guess we'll find out." He answered holding the door for his girl.
Monica met the two in the empty hall, "Hey you guys, the passes are from Shawn Hunter!! He's hold up in the girl's room outside the Chem. Labs, he plastered!! You guys better go clean him up before Feeny sees him, he'll be expelled for sure!!" Monica turned to walk away as Topanga grabbed her arm, "What do you mean he's plastered??" She asked, her eyes wide with shock. Monica smiled, "You know, he's drunk as a skunk, slurring his words, he can't even stand up!! The whole room smells like a brewery, it's disgusting."
Cory ran full speed down the hall, as Topanga followed behind, they entered the bathroom to find Jennifer Marcum and Wren Davis trying to revive Shawn, who was obviously passed out cold. He was wedged between the toilet and the floor in the first stall. Cory shoved Jennifer away while she was slapping Shawn's cheek lightly trying to get a rise out of him. The girls made room for Shawn's friends as Wren handed Topanga a damp handkerchief. Cory lightly shook his Buddy, "Shawnie...Can you hear me??" he asked almost crying. "He's completely intoxicated, he must have yakked into that toilet twenty times!! He was asking for Cory Matthews, right before he passed out!! He smells like he was hitting the bottle all morning." Wren informed, just before the bell sounded." Look we got to go, he's your problem now." The girls collected their books and left Cory and Topanga alone with Shawn.
Topanga leaned in and felt Shawn's head, "CORY!! HE"S ON FIRE!! WE GOT TO GET HIM OUT OF HERE!!" Cory placed Shawn in a bear hug and began to lift him off the cold floor. Shawn groaned in pain. Cory released him in a panic. "Maybe we should take him to the nurse. He looks really sick." Topanga noticed, while Cory looked him over. He spied Shawn's bruised neck and the marks on his hands. "Oh My God!! Topanga, he's all beat up!!" Cory leaned in and threw his arms around Shawn, lifting his limp body off the floor. He was too heavy, full weight, so Cory sat him on the toilet. Shawn's head bobbed forward as he reached up and swung his heavy arm over Cory's shoulder. "P.Plea..se." he barely whispered, as he opened his eyes a crack. Cory looked up to Topanga with fright, "WATCH HIM!! I'm going for help!!" He screamed, as Topanga took his place by Shawn. Cory ran from the room, leaving Topanga shaking and crying.
Mr. Feeny was just exiting his office when Cory almost mowed him down, "MR. FEENY!!!!!! PLEASE HELP ME!!! IT'S SHAWN!!! HE'S FULL OF BRUISES!!! HE CAN'T STAND UP!!" Cory was hysterical, tears welling in his eyes, his voice cracking with fright. He desperately tugged on Feeny's blazer sleeve trying to get him to follow. "Where is he, Mr. Matthews!!" Feeny yelled. Following behind the anxious teen.
Shawn leaned in on Topanga and tried to stand, "I gotta get outta.." He stumbled into the stall door and fell to the ground. "SHAWN ARE YOU CRAZY!!" She screamed as he tried to get to his feet again. Topanga hovered over him in fear, "PLEASE...JUST LAY STILL!!" She warned as she leaned in and tried to gently push him down, Shawn grabbed her arms and forcefully pulled himself up, "No Teachers!! I just wan.t C..Cory!!" he mumbled as he stood on shaky legs. Topanga placed her arm around his waist and steadied the boy next to her. He led her unwilling out into the hall, just as Feeny and Cory turned the corner. "OH GOD!! Shawn moaned, pushing away from Topanga. The bell sounded, students began to file out from class. Shawn turned his back and tried to run.. Feeny hollered up the hall, "DON'T RUN FROM ME SHAWN!!" Just then Shawn collapsed in a heap onto the linoleum floor. Topanga screamed and fell to her knees in front of him.
"Don't move Him!!" Feeny immediately took charge! He sternly barked orders to anyone in sight! Call an ambulance! Get the nurse! Find Mr. Tuner!! Feeny and Cory joined Topanga on their knees. Feeny yanked his blazer from his shoulders and balled it up under Shawn's head. The boy's completion was almost ashen, his lips slowly turning blue, he was barely breathing, sweat soaking his hair and face. Feeny yelled for a cold towel as he began to loosen Shawn's belt, lifting his t-shirt just a bit, Feeny got a look at Shawn's chest, "DEAR LORD!!" He muttered to the air. Shawn's whole midsection was purple and swollen. Feeny brushed the hair away from Shawn's roasting forehead.
Nurse Anne came charging up the hall with her bag in hand. She dove to the ground and immediately tended to Shawn; she felt his neck for a pulse and placed her stethoscope to his side. Her face was filled with panic as she began blowing forcefully into the boy's mouth. Topanga came up behind Cory and wrapped her arms around him, they watched the scene unfold in horror, both weeping in silence. Feeny grabbed Shawn's hand and lightly shook, "Hang in there son!! Help is on the way!!"
