Hearts and Minds
Chapter Seven
Author's Note: I figured an entire chapter of flashbacks would be hard/annoying to read, so just note that this is a flashback. And a little bit of pg-13 stuff shows up. Nothing serious, but just a warning. Hope you like it!
Damn the heat, Boone groaned as he entered his high-rise apartment, coming in from another long day of work from the local pool. It was California, why not go to the beach? So he had been left in charge of the indoor pool from six to eight A.M., and then he had been one of four lifeguards in the outdoor area from nine to three. A hour and a half later, he was finally home, and ready to go to bed to sleep until the morning.
He threw his soaking wet towel on his well used couch, not caring if the material got wet and figuring he would take everything to the laundry mat tomorrow. He was about to see what he had left in the refrigerator when a voice startled him.
Well look at you, said a woman's voice, twenty-five years old and you still can't pick up after yourself.
Boone turned around. Standing in front of him was his mother, Anne, who was well in her fifties. She had blonde hair that fell to her shoulders in a perfect cut, and caring blue eyes.
Boone said, showing his surprise.
Walking towards her, he pulled her into a hug.
You weren't supposed to be here for two more days, he said as they broke apart.
Is that all you can say to your poor mother? Anne teased.
It's not like we never talk, Boone said, covering for himself.
And I wanted to thank you for that, she said, smiling at him, to thank you for helping me.It's nothing, Boone lied, I need the money.
Truthfully, he hated his mother's wedding business. Of all the things that could be done in L.A., he had to be encharge of a wedding business. But he wasn't about to disappoint his mother, and he did need the extra cash. It was the business of all businesses, and he was in charge. His mother took his hands in hers, like a mother would do to a young son, and looked at him, as if realizing how proud she was of what he had become.
I missed you, she admitted, it gets lonely down there in that house, all alone.
Embarrassed, Boone let himself out of the hold.
I missed you too, he assured, but mom, you've got to let me go. I mean, I'm going to college next year.
Finally, he added in his head I finally got in.
Or more like he finally had the money. His dad had left when he was seventeen, taking his portion of the money, which was over half, with him.
Don't think about that, he told himself, snapping out of it.
Are you okay? His mother asked him, looking at him in concerned.
he said, nodding, I'm fine. It's nothing.
There was an awkward silence as Anne Rutherford looked away, down at the floor, as if there was something she was hiding.
He asked slowly, watching her.
She didn't answer.
What is it?
His mom hesitated, then finally spoke.
I just wanted to thank you, she said, holding back tears, for helping out Shannon..
She began as a tear let lose and began to fall.
She pushed him away.
No, no, I'm fine, she said, shaking her head, it's just.. Boone asked, watching her closely.
Then he understood.
You didn't come here just to think me, did you?
Guilty, his mom shook her head.
You got me, she said, trying to make herself laugh a little.
What is it? He asked, not sure if he wanted the answer.
And his mom didn't answer.
He said, getting worried. It's not Shannon is it?
No answer.
She's okay, isn't she?
Shannon stayed only a week in the hospital, mostly due to an asthma attack that had gotten bad. After she was out, Boone dropped by her apartment in Louisiana, to check on her. He found her reading an Oprah magazine, which he would've laughed under any other occasion. The magazine described a small vacation resort in Australia, a popular spot for people who were under too much stress, or just wanted to get away. Shannon had been to Australia with her father when she was three(their parents had met when they were seven), and hadn't been back since. So Boone said, why not go now? She gradually took a liking to the idea, rented a beach house in Australia, and caught a red-eyed flight.
Shannon's going on trial Friday, his mom finally said, and I want you to go pick her up, and go with her. To the trial. Boone exclaimed. No, mom, I can't.. His mom begged as her eyes began to swell with tears. She needs you- Boone shouted, starling his mother. I'm not covering for her again!Boone, what are you talking-I can't spend my life running around, getting Shannon out of trouble! He cut in.
He stopped as his mom stared at him, and he realized what was going on as he seized his head in pain.
What's wrong? His mother asked, putting a hand on his shoulder.
Boone swept it off, recovering.
I'll go, he said, trying to gain control of himself.
What's wrong? His mom asked, trying to get an answer from him.
I'm fine mom, he lied, I'll go. I'll do what I can. I promise.
His mom smiled, grateful, which brought a small one to his face.
I never see enough of that, she said, seeing the smile.
Boone laughed a little, then kissed his mom goodbye,
his mom said.
He turned. What could she want now? If she held him any longer, he knew he might change his mind.
Take this, she said, handing him a blank check.
Boone asked, confused.
Fill in however much you need, she said, this trip's on me. I'll look after the apartment.
She glanced around.
And I might even clean up some, she added.
Boone shook his head, turned and left.
And be.. careful! His mom added, yelling after him.
Out in his car, Boone stopped before starting up his four year old silver sudan, thinking about what he was about to do. He reached inside the pocket of his jacket, feeling for..
Remembered it Boone though sighing in relief, because it would've looked suspicious if he had gone back upstairs, claiming to have forgotten something, and then come back empty handed.
Putting down the blank check carefully, Boone looked back, pulling out of the parking lot.
......
Australia was even hotter than L.A., something Boone hadn't imagined possible. He stopped for lunch at a small burger grill right down the street from the airport, rented a car, and searched for the beach resort.
The vacation spot was beautiful, relaxing, one of those places that made you want to drop everything and move at first glance. Shannon's beach house was the last on a row of small, one or two bedroom condos. The exterior was yellow, and the yard was well kept. The back met the sand, and the ocean was in view. There was a light breeze from the waves. Walking up to the porch, Boone knocked on the door. There was no answer, but Boone could easily see a blue tv light shinning through the front window. He banged harder.
Come on Shannon, he muttered under his breath.
No answer. He looked around, making sure no one was watching(he didn't want to look suspicious), and tried the doorknob. It turned slowly, and clicked as the door opened. Cautiously, he entered the beach house.
He called. You in?
No answer. Can laughed echoed through the halls.
Come on, he said, don't ignore me!
He took off his brown leather jacket, placing it on a chair that belonged to a glass dinning room table. Quietly, he walked towards the blue glow. He thought of knocking on the wall as he entered the room, but ruled against it, knowing the tv would drown the sound anyway. But he wished he had decided differently as soon as he entered.
Shannon was in the room, the tv was on, but she wasn't alone. Andy was there, under her, as they kissed as if they had been separated by war and brought back together. Boone felt the anger build up in him, and wished he had gone ahead and taken the medicine and instead of deciding to wait. Because it was going to go all out on Andy.
What the hell? He yelled, furious.
Shannon jumped back in shock, and Andy struggled to sit up, straightening his shirt.
I can't believe you! Boone shouted at Shannon, advancing towards her.
I can explain- Shannon started.
Like hell! Boone shouted, advancing towards her. You don't see what's going on, do you?Hey, stay away from her! Andy said as Boone's face grew furious.
Oh go to hell! Boone said to Andy, thinking of nothing but how much he wanted to kill both of them at the moment. He rounded again on Shannon.
All I've ever done is help you! He yelled in her face. And you've done nothing but get into more trouble, making stupid decisions!Oh that's bull- Shannon began.
Surprising himself, Boone shoved her back, causing Shannon to lose balance and fall to the floor.
but Andy couldn't finish as all his range was put out in a punch to Boone's face.
Boone felt his head snap to the side as his cheek began to burn. Andy was down at Shannon's side to help her up, but she didn't take it as she chose to stay on the floor, glaring up at Boone. Andy round on him.
Do you think it's easy for her, Andy began, to live to exceed you? To be as good as you, who has an apartment in L.A., who runs a business and has another part time job?
Don't try to justify what she's doing! Boone yelled, recovering from the punch. He jabbed his finger in Shannon's direction. I came here to help you with your trial, to help you get through this.
He looked from Shannon to Andy next to her.
But it looks like you don't need it.
With that he turned, leaving the room. Shannon looked at Andy helplessly, then stood up.
Boone, wait! She called.
She chased after him, catching up as he was headed out the door. Boone looked at her, waiting for her to begin talking.
Hear me out, she said finally.
When Boone didn't say anything, she continued.
He just got here yesterday, she began, he said that he was sorry, that he was drunk.. that night. He wanted a second chance. She took in a breath. And I gave it to him.
Boone couldn't say anything, because he knew if he did, it would result in a fight.
I don't know what I was thinking, she admitted quietly.
Boone finally found something to say.
You weren't.
Shannon looked down.
Just tell me one thing, he said.
She looked up again.
Did he try and hurt you again? He asked seriously.
Shannon shook her head.
she said truthfully, I swear.
Boone looked away, and then back at Shannon.
he said, I'm going home.
He opened the door, but Shannon put out hand to stop him.
Take me with you, she said.
His eyes met hers: she was serious.
He didn't understand, and began to think that maybe his mind had started to play tricks on him.
Come on baby, Andy said, breaking up the conversation, we were about to go out to eat, remember?
Boone looked at Shannon, and so did Andy. Shannon looked to the floor.
Andy said, looking from Boone to Shannon.
I'm going home, Shannon said quietly.
Andy exclaimed. No, no you're not-My mother's sick, Shannon lied, I need to go see her. Andy said shaking his head, you're lying.I'm not, Shannon said, unable to look at him.
Andy grabbed her arm.
Come on Shannon, he said, what about all that we talked about? We'll never meet again.
Shannon tried to get out of his grip, but it was too tight. Boone's arm came around, and smacked Andy across the face. Andy stumbled back, letting go of Shannon's arm. Shannon rubbed her arm that had turned a light red color. Boone put his arm around her, glaring down at Andy, and led her out the door.
Author's Note: Once again, I've never had to write anything like that before, so I hope that wasn't too bad. Don't worry, Boone will come around next chapter and you'll get the rest of his(well, my version of his) story. Hope you all are having a good holiday! Until next time..
October Sky