Chapter 2
It had been five weeks since Shawn had started his job, eight weeks since his parents had both abandoned him with his Uncle Ralph. The last five weeks hadn't been easy for him. He was constantly exhausted and hungry from only eating once a day, sometimes he would eat twice a day at school, but on the weekends he found himself only eating once. Saturday and Sunday he would rake the leaves of those five places then go to work for eight plus hours. Half the time he didn't get to leave at midnight because trucks kept coming in. It was like they timed it right to all arrive at midnight and make them all work overtime for nothing. Shawn knew he wasn't making overtime, but it was possible the other three guys were, because they never seemed bothered by more trucks coming at a later hour. What didn't help was the fact that Shawn was only making twenty bucks a day so he was putting in all these hours and work when he was only making twenty bucks. It felt like he was never going to make what he needed to get out of here. In five weeks he had managed to save up seven hundred dollars. It would have been more, but Shawn needed new shoes and he wasn't able to find any in any of the donation bins. It was now just into the second week of November and Shawn had yet to hear from his mother or his father again. Shawn didn't expect to hear from his father, but he thought he would have heard from his mother by now. He didn't know why his mother left, but he knew it must have been because of him. He must have done something wrong to make her leave; the problem was he just didn't know what that would be. Over the last five weeks his uncle hadn't really gotten better. He had become more verbally abusive towards him, never missing an opportunity to tell him how worthless he was and how much he hated him and wanted him to die. There had even been times when his uncle had hit him, but Shawn just let it go. Whenever Cory or Mr. Turner asked he would just lie and say he got into a fight at the trailer park. It was easier that way and believable. Shawn didn't want them involved and he truly believed that they wouldn't step in anyways. His uncle was right after all; his own parents didn't want him so why would anyone want him. He was a street kid and that's all he was going to be. Even his school work had taken a hit, not that it was much of a hit left to take on it. He was constantly not showing up for class and not doing the work. He wouldn't study for tests and always got a bad grade on them. On the occasion when he felt like he was bored enough he would open his books and study for a test and that usually resulted in him passing the test. His grades right now were D's and he knew if he ever wanted to graduate high school he needed to bring them up. This wasn't middle school anymore they wouldn't just pass you to pass you. Shawn knew that he had to get a good enough grade to pass the course in order to move up to the next year. If he wasn't careful he would fail and get left behind while Cory moved up and on to better things. That was part of the problem though, Shawn didn't see himself ever going to college or becoming anything. Cory was going to eventually move on to bigger and better things and he would leave Shawn behind. That's just how life works and up until now their lives have been able to work together, but eventually they won't and Cory will have moved on to better people and better friends. Shawn was stuck to be a townie for the rest of his life while Cory could be anything he wanted to be. He always tried in school and did his work. He didn't get A's, but he didn't get F's either. Cory was passing his courses and he would be accepted into a college one day. Unlike Shawn who would never be able to afford college even if he got in by some miracle. Shawn just didn't see the point in even trying, his whole life everyone has always called him stupid; so they must be right after all that many people can't be wrong. Shawn just didn't have any dreams or goals, he didn't have any desires and he didn't see himself five years from now in college working on some degree. He just couldn't see himself that far ahead, he couldn't see what his life was going to be like in five hours from now.
It was Sunday, or Monday morning technically and Shawn was exhausted. He had just finished work and it was one in the morning when he walked back into the trailer. He had been hiding his money in a pocket in a pair of pants that he had in his small bag of clothes. He didn't know where else to hide it, he didn't want it on him in case something happened and he lost it. He also didn't want his uncle to find it so he hid it in his pants pocket of a pair of jeans that he owned. He figured his uncle wouldn't go through his clothes and search his pockets. When he walked in he saw that his uncle was still awake and he didn't look too happy. He had money sitting on the counter and Shawn figured that it was rent money or something. Shawn placed the eighty dollars down for his uncle on the counter as well.
"Empty your pockets." Uncle Ralph snapped out.
"What?" Shawn asked confused.
His uncle had never asked him to empty his pockets before. Shawn didn't want to, because the fifty dollars from raking the leaves this weekend was in there along with his twenty from tonight. His uncle would find out that he had extra money that he wasn't supposed to have.
"Empty your pockets now boy." Uncle Ralph snapped out again.
"Why?"
Uncle Ralph came around the corner and punched Shawn hard across the face. Shawn's head snapped to the left as his uncle's fist connected with the right half of his face.
"Empty them!" Uncle Ralph yelled.
Shawn knew he didn't have a choice so with a shaky hand he began to empty his pockets and place what he had down on the counter. He only had a pair of gloves with holes in them and the seventy dollars. Shawn didn't know what his uncle's problem was to begin with. Shawn was the one out making money; Shawn was the one making the money for his uncle to smoke and drink every night. The money wasn't going towards food or electricity that was for sure. Shawn didn't understand why his uncle was having such a problem with him tonight.
"And where did you get this?" Uncle Ralph asked as he held up the seventy dollars.
"That's my money that I get to keep from working."
"Really well then tell me where this seven hundred dollars came from?" Uncle Ralph asked with a deadly tone.
"You went through my things?" Shawn asked with anger.
That anger only earned him yet another punch to the right side of his head.
"Don't give me that tone boy. I am the one in charge here you worthless piece of shit. I asked you a question where did this money come from!" Uncle Ralph asked as he grabbed Shawn by the front of his shirt and slammed him back into the wall.
"It's my money from working down at the factory. I've been saving it up."
"You don't make seven hundred in just five weeks boy. You're off working someplace else and keeping it from me. I won't tolerate you going behind my back and keeping money from me."
"I've just been raking some leaves around town for some extra cash that's all."
"Not anymore you ain't. From now on you only work down at the factory and now you only get ten percent."
"That's not fair I'm the one doing all of the work and you're just sitting here getting drunk." Shawn complained, but regretting it the minute his uncle's fist connected to his stomach.
Shawn dubbed over from the pain, but his uncle still had him by the front of his shirt so he slammed him back against the wall.
"Just for that I'm gonna keep all of that money you saved up, maybe then you'll think twice next time before you try to hide money from me. Seems to me you need to learn your place boy."
Uncle Ralph then began to punch Shawn across the face, head and torso. At one point Shawn ended up on the ground and his uncle then began to kick him in the ribs and stomp on him. At one point Shawn thought he heard something crack and he had a feeling it was his wrist as he tried to block the kicks from his face. Shawn didn't know how long it was before his uncle grew winded and had to stop, but he was thankful for it to be over.
"I got stuck with your worthless ass for three years and you are going to work and make me money boy. Let this be a lesson to you for thinkin' you can out smart me. I know you were savin' up to get out of here, but it ain't ever gonna happen. You are gonna make me a lot of money. Now get the hell out of here and sleep in the gutter where you belong." Uncle Ralph hissed out before he turned and grabbed the money including the seventy dollars Shawn had and his beer before he went and sat down.
Shawn didn't know what was wrong with him, but all he could feel was pain and blood going down his face. He slowly got up and headed outside, but with each breath his body hurt. Shawn also couldn't move his right hand or wrist without extreme pain. Shawn knew he needed help this time around so he headed for the one place where he knew he could go to. His whole body hurt and Shawn didn't know if he would even be able to make the journey over to the Matthews but he didn't have a choice. He couldn't sleep outside without getting checked first and at least at the Matthews he could crash on the couch and sleep through the pain until school in the morning. Shawn knew it wouldn't be fair to wake everyone up at this hour, but he also knew they would understand and be okay with it. They would be furious at him if he didn't come by when he needed help and this time around Shawn knew he needed help. He didn't know if his wrist was broken or not, but he had a good feeling he would need the hospital to get it checked out. It also hurt to breathe and to move so he knew his ribs were injured. Shawn was getting more worried about work. If he couldn't move around too well how was he going to be able to work all week? Shawn didn't know what was going to happen if his uncle found out he couldn't work this week. Shawn was also pissed, because now he was only going to be able to make seventy dollars all week, making it even longer before he could move out on his own. Shawn knew he was going to have to do something, but he just couldn't think of what yet. He needed a way to make money and to hide it from his uncle. Maybe he could hide it in his locker at school, his uncle would never go to his school and look and it should be safe there. He just needed the money to get away from him, the chance to be safe no matter what day of the week it was. That's what he wanted; he wanted his own place so he would always be safe when he went home.
Shawn finally got to the Matthews and it was just after two in the morning. The house was all locked up except for the window he used to climb in and out of. Cory always left it unlocked for him just in case he ever came by which he had in the past. He's always used the window and almost rarely used a door. It just wasn't his thing and Cory had understood that without any need for an explanation. Shawn didn't know how well this would go with his wrist and his ribs, but it was the only way so he went over to the tree and began to climb up. He was used to climbing up the tree so with one hand if wasn't too hard, but it was still painful to move around hunched over with his ribs. He had managed to get to the window and he slid it open like he has in the past. He climbed inside to see Eric and Cory asleep in their beds. Shawn felt bad for having to wake Cory up, but he knew he needed the help so he went over to Cory's bed and he sat down on the side of it. He was so exhausted he actually thought about just laying down beside him and sleeping through this, but he knew it wouldn't go over well. Shawn knew what was going to happen once he woke Cory up, Eric would wake up once he heard the voices then Cory would get his parents awake to check him out and they might even have to go to the hospital. All in all it wasn't going to be fun and Shawn felt horrible for having to cause this trouble for them, especially when Mr. Matthews had work in the morning and Cory and Eric had school. Shawn thought about leaving, but the pain was getting worse and his body was shaking from it. He was also getting this raging headache and he was pretty certain his head was going to explode right then and there.
"Cory" Shawn whispered, but in the quiet of the night it sounded like he had yelled it.
Cory began to move and wake up at the sound of Shawn's voice.
"Shawn?" Cory whispered back with confusion as he woke up.
The room was dark though and Cory couldn't really see Shawn so he clicked on the bedside lamp and he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Shawn looked horrible. He had blood running down the right half of his face, his lip was split, his nose was bleeding, he had bruising that was starting to come through black as the night all over his face, his arms and Cory was certain his torso. Shawn was cradling his right wrist against his chest and Cory knew it was hurting him.
"Shawn, what the hell happened?" Cory asked with worry no longer keeping his voice at a whisper.
"It's a long story. I'm sorry I woke you up I just didn't know where else to go." Shawn whispered.
"What the hell is going on?" Eric mumbled as he woke up to the light and the sound of voices.
Eric looked over to see Shawn sitting on the bed beside Cory and he could see all of the injuries Shawn was currently supporting. Eric got out of bed and came over to them.
"Shawn, what the hell man?" Eric asked with worry and anger at whoever hurt Shawn.
Eric didn't often show Cory or Shawn how he felt about them, but it did come out when one of them were in trouble or in pain. Shawn wasn't Eric's brother, but he had been around since Cory was six so he had grown up with Shawn in his life. Shawn was like a little brother to him and he didn't like a lot of things that Shawn had to deal with in his life. He often made fun of Shawn and Cory for the amount of time they spent together, but it really didn't bother him. The more time Shawn spent here meant the less time he spent out there on the streets or at the trailer park. Here Shawn was safe and they all could see that he was, when he was out there back at the trailer park there was no telling what could happen to him. Like the black eye five weeks ago.
"Eric, go get mom and dad." Cory said in a hurry.
"Ya and I'll get ice."
Eric left to go and get his parents so they could look at Shawn. Eric went to his parents' room and opened the door part way before he spoke. He kept his voice down low enough so he wouldn't wake up Morgan who was in the room next door, but they would also hear him.
"Mom, Dad"
His parents let out a moan at being woken up this early in the morning.
"What Eric?" Alan mumbled.
"Something's happened to Shawn." Eric said with worry.
That got both of their attention as they sat up in bed trying to remove the fog in their minds.
"What do you mean something's happened?" Amy asked.
"He's all beat up and bloody in our room. He snuck in just a few minutes ago. He really doesn't look good I think he needs to go to the hospital."
"What?" Alan asked as he got up out of bed and so did Amy.
They both put on a robe and headed out of the room.
"I'm gonna get some ice I'll be right back." Eric said as he went downstairs and his parents went over to his room.
Alan and Amy rushed into Cory and Eric's room and saw Shawn sitting down on the side of Cory's bed. Cory was out of bed now, but still sitting down beside Shawn facing him. Cory moved out of the way when Amy and Alan came over to the bed. Amy sat down where Cory was sitting previous and looked at Shawn as she spoke.
"Oh my God Shawn, what happened?" Amy asked as she gently placed her hand on the side of Shawn's face.
"Long story."
"Cory, go get a cloth and wet it so we can get some of the blood off." Alan said.
"Yup" Cory said as he got up from the bed and headed into his bathroom.
Eric ran into the room with some ice in a baggy and handed it to Amy, who placed it gently against Shawn's wrist. Cory came back into the room within a few seconds and handed Amy the warm wet cloth.
"I'm sorry, I know it's late I just didn't know where else to go." Shawn said softly.
"Shawn, you are a member of this family. I don't care what hour of the day or night it is. If you need to come here you come here, especially if you are hurt." Alan said in a serious and caring voice that Shawn always associated with being a father voice.
"I'm going to try and get some of this blood off from your face sweetie, I'm sorry if it hurts." Amy said gently.
Shawn just gave a nod and Amy began to carefully wash away the blood from Shawn's face. She could tell that his forehead on his right side was bleeding still and she wasn't certain, but it seemed that he needed stitches. It hurt feeling the cloth against his skin, but Shawn had no idea he had that much blood coming down his face.
"Shawn, what happened?" Alan asked.
"I was walking home and I just got jumped by these two guys." Shawn said vaguely. Shawn really hadn't come up with a lie on the way over here and he knew he would need to be careful with what he said.
"What guys? When? Where were you?" Alan pressed.
Amy continued to wipe the blood off from Shawn's face. His nose wasn't bleeding anymore, but the cut on his forehead off to the right side was still bleeding pretty heavily.
"Alan, give him the chance. Shawn, keep the ice on your wrist it's starting to swell up and we're probably going to need to go to the hospital to get that wrist looked at as well as this cut if it doesn't stop bleeding soon." Amy said.
"Shawn I'm sorry, but you look horrible right now. We need to know what happened so if we need to call the police we can." Alan said more calmly.
"It was one in the morning and I was walking home from work." Shawn began.
"Wait what work? You don't work." Cory said confused.
"I got a job five weeks ago to help out with bills around the house." Shawn answered.
"How often do you work?" Amy asked.
"Just on the weekends. It's not a big deal." Shawn said in a dismissive way.
"Shawn you are fifteen you shouldn't be working. School is your job." Alan said.
"Its fine I've worked before over the years since I was twelve to help out from time to time. It's not that big of a deal." Shawn said.
"Where are you working?" Alan asked.
"Just at a factory down by the docks."
"It's a Sunday and you were just getting off from work at one in the morning?" Amy asked.
"Ya the shift ran late. I help load and unload the trucks and a truck showed up late. So I had to help unload it." Shawn said with a shrug.
"Shawn is that why you've been more tired in the last five weeks? You've barely done any school work and even the teachers are getting worried. Normally you flake off, but you do enough to pass. Recently you've just completely flaked off." Cory said.
"I've been busy school isn't exactly my main priority right now. Besides what does it matter it's not like I'm going to college." Shawn said in a sad tone.
"Shawn you are smart enough for college you just don't believe in yourself. School should be your first and only priority not working until late in the morning." Alan said.
"It's fine." Shawn said in a dismissive tone.
"It's not fine and this conversation is not over. What happened while you were walking home?" Alan asked.
"These two thugs came out of nowhere and jumped me. We get paid with cash each night and they just wanted the money. They didn't have any interest in asking for it so they just beat me up. It's not a big deal." Shawn said calmly.
"Someone beat you up Shawn, this is a big deal. Where are you parents? We should call them and let them know." Amy said.
"You can't." Shawn said softly.
"Shawn we need to tell them that you are hurt and are going to the hospital. They are going to wonder where you are." Cory said.
"No they won't." Shawn said sadly.
"What are you talking about of course they will be." Cory urged.
"They're gone." Shawn said sadly.
"Gone? What do you mean gone?" Eric asked confused.
"Mom left eight weeks ago with the trailer and dad went after her. I haven't seen them since." Shawn said with his head down.
"What? They just left you behind?" Cory asked with hurt to his voice for his best friend.
"Shawn, where have you been staying if your mom left with the trailer?" Amy asked.
"With my Uncle Ralph in the trailer park."
"And you haven't heard from either of them since?" Alan asked.
"Five weeks ago my uncle got a call from my dad. He just said he wasn't coming back, that I was his problem now. It's no big deal." Shawn said with raw pain in his voice.
"Shawn, your parents leaving is not your fault." Amy said gently.
"It doesn't matter. I live with my uncle now so it's fine."
"We should call him and let him know where you are." Alan said.
"You can, but he won't be there. He goes to the neighbors at night to drink on the weekend." Shawn said with a shrug.
"Shawn, how often are you alone?" Alan asked calmly.
"Not often, just on weekends he goes over and drinks with the neighbors. My dad used to do it all the time." Shawn said with a shrug.
"But you need to be able to get a hold of him if something goes wrong Shawn." Amy said calmly.
"Its fine, I can tell him tomorrow." Shawn reasoned.
"Alright, we need to get you to a hospital and get checked out." Alan said.
"We should call the police and have them take a report." Amy said.
"Its fine there's no point. I didn't get a good look at these guys and they are probably long gone by now. The cops won't be able to do anything." Shawn said.
Shawn really didn't want the police to get involved, because then they would have even more questions that Shawn wouldn't be able to answer. That was the last thing he needed.
"Are you sure?" Alan asked.
"Ya it was too dark for me to even be able to tell you what they were wearing. There's no point." Shawn said with a small shake of his head.
"Alright, but that wrist and that cut need to get looked at so we are going to get dressed and then take you. Cory, Eric I want you to both stay here with Morgan and try and get some sleep." Amy said.
"No way, I'm going with you." Cory protested.
"It's a school night and you won't be able to do anything, but sit in a hospital chair. Both of you get back to bed and when we are done we will all come back home. Shawn tonight you will be coming back here and you can stay home from school tomorrow if you don't feel well." Alan said with a no argument tone.
"Its fine Cor, I'm sure nothing is wrong. I'll be back soon." Shawn said.
"Come on, let's get dressed and head out." Amy said to Alan.
They both left the room to get something thrown on real quick. Shawn got up and Cory walked with him downstairs while they waited for Alan and Amy to get dressed.
"Shawny, are you sure you are okay at home? I mean five weeks ago you had that black eye and now you are all beat up. Are you sure everything is okay?" Cory asked with worry.
"Everything is fine Cory. It's just a little bit of bad luck that's all."
"Why didn't you tell me that your parents had taken off though? I thought you were my best friend, I thought we tell each other everything." Cory said slightly hurt that Shawn would keep something this major from him.
"It's not like that Cor, my mom has taken off before and she always comes back. This time around dad went after her and I didn't hear from them for three weeks. I still haven't heard from my mom and my dad only called to talk to my uncle, he didn't even ask for me. He didn't want me Cor, he said so himself. They would have had an abortion if they didn't find out too late, that's what he said. All I can do is what I can to make it through these next few years before I can find a place of my own and move out. My uncle isn't so bad and at least I know he won't drive away one day with the trailer. I'm fine Cory, really." Shawn said.
"Shawn" Cory started, but he didn't get to finish because his parents came down the stairs.
"Alright Cory back to bed and you can see Shawn when we come home." Alan said in a serious voice.
"See you in a little while Cor." Shawn said with a smile.
"Ya see ya." Cory said clearly not happy that he doesn't get to go along and make sure that Shawn is alright.
"Come on sweetie, let's go and get that wrist looked at." Amy said as she put an arm around Shawn's shoulders.
The three of them headed out of the house and into the car. Alan drove and half way to the hospital Shawn spoke.
"I really am sorry about this. I was going to wait until morning, but I didn't think it would have been a good idea." Shawn said softly as he looked out the window.
"Shawn I told you if you ever need to come over then you come over. I'm glad you came by tonight so we can make sure you are alright. That wrist needs to be looked at and it could have been a lot worse in the morning." Alan said.
"Shawn you are always welcome in our home you know that. You made the right decision by coming by tonight. We are not mad at you at all." Amy said.
"Ok" Shawn said softly still looking out the window.
"Shawn I am sure your parents love you and they will be back." Amy said trying to sound encouraging.
"No they won't. They never wanted me, but they couldn't kill me because they found out too late. That's what dad told my uncle. So they won't be back this time. It's okay though, my uncle is nice we get along great." Shawn said.
Amy looked over at Alan and they could see they were both upset over this. They didn't know what to tell Shawn, but they had to tell him something.
"You know Shawn sometimes life makes people do really stupid things and say stupid things. I'm sure your father didn't mean what he told your uncle. I'm sure he's just stressed out and upset about your mom leaving and wasn't thinking clearly. He had been around for fifteen years; he didn't stay just because, he stayed because he loved you." Alan said.
"Ya sure." Shawn mumbled.
The rest of the drive was done in silence. When they pulled into a spot at the emergency entrance they all got out and headed inside. Amy went over to sit down with Shawn in a seat while Alan grabbed the paperwork to fill out for Shawn. He brought it over to Shawn and Amy and sat down and began to fill out the paperwork. He had done this a few times in the past when Shawn had been hurt at their house. Alan could still remember how Cory and Shawn had been playing on their bikes and Shawn had flipped off his and broke his arm. They had to bring him into the emergency room to have a cast placed on it. Alan was hoping that Shawn's wrist wasn't broken this time around and it was just sprained. Once the forms were filled out Alan went and handed them back in to the nurse sitting at the reception desk. It wasn't busy tonight so Alan was hopeful that it wouldn't take too long. Shawn looked exhausted and they needed to get him back to the house to get some sleep.
Alan sat back down and tried to relax. He didn't like that Shawn's parents had taken off and what Chet had said about Shawn. Shawn was a good kid he just needed a little reassurance every now and then that he was a good kid. They had known Shawn since he was six years old. He had been Cory's best friend almost his whole life and over the last nine years there had been problems. Shawn had gotten Cory into some trouble, but Cory had also gotten Shawn out of trouble. Cory had been there to help Shawn stay on the right path and Alan never resented Shawn for what little trouble he did get Cory into, because that was a part of growing up. If Cory always did the right thing then he would never know who he was and more importantly who he wasn't. Shawn had helped Cory more than either of them had ever realized. They all knew that Shawn didn't have much and he didn't come from much so when he comes by they allow it. When he sneaks in, in the middle of the night they allow it, because it's better for him to be in their house then out running the streets with nowhere else to go. Shawn was family and he had been family since the moment Cory brought him home that first day nine years ago.
"Are you in a lot of pain sweetie?" Amy asked Shawn snapping Alan from his thoughts.
"No I'm fine; it's all numb right now. Do you think it's broken?" Shawn asked calmly.
That was a problem Alan always had with Shawn. He could be wild and crazy like Cory, but when it mattered he was always calm, always the adult. Shawn should be more upset right now after what happened to him, but he wasn't he was calm. That scared Alan a lot more than any of those injuries that Shawn took. He should be allowed to be a teenager, to be a kid and freak out about being attacked on his way home from work. Work, another thing he shouldn't have to be doing, but he was and just taking it with grace like this was normal.
"I don't think so I think it's just sprained." Amy said trying to sound encouraging.
"So Shawn how long have you been working at this factory?" Alan asked casually.
"Five weeks now roughly."
"And you just load and unload trucks?" Alan asked.
"Ya me and a few other guys."
"You use a forklift though right?" Amy asked.
"Sometimes, the guys taught me how. Sometimes the trucks are just loaded boxes without skids so we have to do it by hand which sucks, but its money." Shawn said with a shrug.
"You don't work every day though right?" Alan asked.
"No just on the weekends for a few hours." Shawn lied easily.
"Does your uncle work?" Amy asked.
"Ya he's a door to door salesman. He's in a rough patch right now so I said I would work on weekends to help out. I've done it before with my dad. The extra money helps a lot."
"I'm sure it does, but you should be focusing on school not working on the weekends." Alan said calmly.
"I can do both, I've done it before it's no big deal." Shawn said with a smirk.
"Shawn Hunter" A nurse called out just in time before this conversation could continue.
The three of them got up and headed over to the nurse who led them into an exam room. Before they entered Shawn turned to Alan and Amy.
"It's okay I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" Amy asked.
"Ya I'm fine"
"Okay we will be right here waiting for you when you are done." Amy said with a smile.
Shawn walked into the exam room and Alan and Amy stood outside with their backs against the wall looking at the closed door.
"I don't like this Alan." Amy started.
"I know, I don't like it either, but what can we do?"
"I don't know. I know he's living with his uncle, with family, but still I don't like it. He got jumped on his way home from work at one in the morning on a Sunday. He's supposed to be in school tomorrow and he's working this late."
"From what I have heard from Cory and George, Shawn hasn't been in school much in the last five weeks. Maybe he's working more than he's saying or maybe his parents leaving is causing him more problems than he wants to admit. I don't know what to do about this. We don't have any right to take him away from his uncle." Alan said frustrated.
"I know, but I still don't like him living there. He's hurt and he came all the way to our house, because no one was going to be home at his. He shouldn't be working and having to worry about money. He should just be worried about school and that is it."
"I agree, but Shawn has never had that life before. With his parents gone we just need to keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't go over the deep end."
"Ya well I still don't like it."
"I know, I don't like it either, but we don't have a choice. Hopefully Shawn will come to us if it gets to be too much for him."
"I hope so."
It was a good hour before Shawn came out of the room after the doctor went in. He had stitches on the right side of his forehead and his right wrist was in a black brace.
"Now remember Shawn be careful of your wrist for the next six weeks." The doctor said.
"Yes sir." Shawn said with a nod.
The doctor walked away and Shawn gave Alan and Amy a smile.
"Not broken, just a bad sprain."
"Good I'm glad. Any problems?" Amy asked.
"Nope just ten stitches to my forehead and said I just need to rest." Shawn said.
"Good let's get back home then and do just that." Alan said with a smile.
The three of them headed out of the hospital and back to the car. What Shawn didn't tell them was that he had three bruised ribs as well. Shawn didn't want them to know just how bad the beating was that he took from his uncle. He didn't need them worrying any more than they already were. He didn't want them to speak to his uncle and that would only make his uncle mad causing Shawn more problems. Shawn knew he could handle this he just needed to save up enough money. He just needed to find a way to save up enough money to get the hell out of there. He knew his father could be violent when he was drunk, but his uncle seemed to be a lot worse and Shawn didn't want to stick around any longer than he needed to. He couldn't tell the Matthews the truth, because they would feel obligated to have Shawn live there. He wasn't going to put them through that and Shawn knew it would never last. They would get sick of him and then he would be right back out on his own. Shawn could do this he just needed to find ways to make money to get out of there.
They arrived back at the house and they all headed upstairs.
"Is there anything I can do for you sweetie?" Amy asked.
"No I'm fine thanks. I really appreciate you guys doing this for me." Shawn said softly so Morgan wouldn't wake up.
"You are family Shawn, you are always welcome here. Get some sleep and don't worry about school tomorrow. Stay here and rest up." Alan said.
Shawn just gave a nod. He wouldn't be going to school tomorrow, but he wouldn't be staying here all day. He had to get back so he could be at work tonight. He would just need to be careful of his injuries, but he couldn't afford not to go. He also didn't know how his uncle would react if he found out he couldn't work. Shawn headed into the bedroom and took off his jacket and shoes. He got into the bed next to Cory and closed his eyes.
"Shawny, you okay?" Cory whispered.
"I'm fine Cor. I'm just tired." Shawn whispered back.
"Ok good night."
"Night Cor."
Shawn couldn't remember the last time he slept in a bed, he knew it was easily two months ago but even before his parents left he often slept on the couch. It felt good to be sleeping in a bed again and Shawn found himself asleep within seconds.
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Cory was sitting in his English class the next morning feeling exhausted. It had been a long night waiting for when Shawn would come back from the hospital. He was relieved that Shawn would be okay, but he didn't like what he found out last night. He couldn't believe that Shawn didn't tell him that his parent left him with his uncle. He couldn't believe that he didn't tell him that he was working to help out. He couldn't believe that Shawn was attacked last night. Cory could still see the way Shawn looked when he first woke up and saw all that blood on Shawn's face. When Cory woke up this morning Shawn didn't even stir when his alarm went off. Cory could see his face was covered in bruising that was black as night. His wrist was in a brace and he had angry red stitches to the side of his forehead. Cory was glad that Shawn was here so at least he would be here when he got home from school. Maybe he would spend a few days there so Cory could keep an eye on him and maybe get him back in school. Shawn hadn't been to school much last week or much at all in the last five weeks and when he was he wasn't doing his homework. Shawn was failing and Cory didn't want him to fail out and be left behind a year. Cory wanted to graduate with his best friend standing beside him. He just needed a way to get through to him.
It was the end of English and everyone was filing out of the room. Cory was about to get up and leave when Mr. Turner's voice stopped him.
"Mr. Matthews, where is Mr. Hunter today? No don't tell me let me guess he's caught an African worm virus and had to stay home today. Am I close?" Mr. Turner joked as he sat down on the edge of one of the student's desk.
Cory didn't laugh though and Mr. Turner could see there was something bothering him.
"Cory is everything alright?" Mr. Turner asked with concern.
"No, everything is not alright." Cory said sadly.
"Cory you can talk to me. Tell me what's going on." Mr. Turner pressed gently.
"It's Shawn, he's not okay. The problem is though I think he believes that he's okay, but he's not."
"Did something happen?"
"Ya something happened. I'm supposed to be his best friend, he's supposed to be able to tell me anything and yet he's keeping important things from me. I just found out last night that two months ago his parents left him. Completely abandoned him with his uncle that would rather spend the weekends drinking with the neighbors then being there for Shawn. They just left him. His mom took off first with the trailer and then his dad went after her. He hadn't heard from his father for three weeks and when he finally does he over hears his dad telling his uncle how he never wanted Shawn. That it was too late to have an abortion so they had to have him. Said that Shawn was his problem now and he was going to find his wife. Shawn heard it all and now Shawn is all messed up from it. He's been working these past five weeks at a factory loading and unloading boxes off trucks to help with the bills. And to make it even better last night at two in the morning almost, Shawn crawls through my window covered in blood. He was jumped last night by two guys. My parents had to take him to the emergency room he had to get stitches and he's got his wrist in a brace for six weeks. All of this was going on in Shawn's life and I didn't even know about it." Cory ranted.
"Okay wait hold up. Is Shawn going to be okay physically?" Mr. Turner asked with concern.
"Ya I mean he's covered in these ugly black bruises everywhere that I saw, but he's going to be fine."
"Did you call the police?"
"No Shawn said he barely saw them. The police wouldn't be able to do much about it."
"Ok, where is Shawn now?"
"He's at my house sleeping. He didn't even move this morning when the alarm went off and Eric and I were running around getting ready."
"And how does Shawn feel about his parents taking off?"
"He's hurt by it. He thinks it's his fault, like something is wrong with him for them to leave. His father's words hurt him a lot more than any of those bruises did. He's already having trouble in school and now I know why that is, but I'm worried that it's only going to get worse. I don't want Shawn feeling like he's not good enough so he gives up. I don't… I don't know what to do." Cory said feeling helpless.
"There isn't much you can do Cory. All you can do is be there for him. Sometimes people have to work through these things on their own. Be there for Shawn like you always have been and try to get him to show up for school and do his homework. He can't fall too far behind or he's going to have to repeat the grade. You need to be encouraging of him and be supportive. It's not going to be easy to sit back and let Shawn go through this, but he won't be doing it alone. You and your family are there for him and he's living with his uncle at least. He's going to have problems you just need to be there for him like you always have been."
"But how can everything be okay? He's lost both of his parents; he's living with his uncle that drinks all weekend long. He's working at some factory, he's getting jumped on his way home and he's skipping school more times than I can count. How is everything going to be ok?"
"You just have to have faith Cory. Shawn is a good kid, he truly is and he's going through some stuff right now. All he needs are positive influences and a nudge in the right direction. You have kept Shawn on the right path for the last nine years. Just keep doing what you have always done and everything will be fine."
"What if it's not though? What if it's not enough this time around?"
"Then you let the adults handle it. Have some faith in him and if he gets worse than there are a lot of adults that care about him that will step in. We're all keeping an eye on Shawn he's going to be okay."
"Ya I just… I don't like that he kept all of this from me. I thought we were best friends, but he just said I wouldn't understand. I mean, he has a point I wouldn't understand what he's going through, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't have told me. I would have listened and been there for him. He didn't have to go through all of this alone for the past two months. I thought he knew I would have been there for him no matter what. It just seems like the older we get the more he hides from me."
"I'm sure it has nothing to do with you Matthews. Shawn just isn't used to having a family; it's not easy to unload onto someone. You and Shawn have been best friends since you were six and yes that's a long time, but the problems back then were small simple problems. I'm sure Shawn's mom has taken off before and he never said anything about it. He probably thought they would be back and when he found out they weren't he just didn't know how to tell you. It's not easy having to tell someone that their own parents took off from them. I'm sure Shawn just didn't know how to tell you. You need to remember you and Shawn both come from different worlds, technically there isn't any reason why you two are friends you shouldn't be, but you are. You have managed to stay best friends even through all of these years and I know you will be best friends until you both die. That's a bond that most people never get to have. There will be times when your friendship goes through some rough patches, but you have to remember that you need Shawn just as much as Shawn needs you. You know Shawn better than anyone if you think about it you know why he didn't tell you these things." Mr. Turner said calmly.
"Ya I guess, it still hurts though that he didn't tell me. I mean I guess I get why he didn't, but he didn't have to go through this alone. I could have been there for him."
"You can be there for him now. Just have some patience with Shawn and just be there for him."
"Ya I will be. Well I better get to class I'm already late. Thanks Mr. Turner."
"Anytime Cory."
Cory just gave a nod and a small smile and headed out of the classroom. Mr. Turner sat there for a few moments just thinking about Shawn. Mr. Turner knew what it was like to have parents that weren't really there for him. He had left home when he was younger and faced the world on his own. He didn't know what it was like to be abandoned, but he did know what it was like to feel like your own parents didn't understand you and wanted you to be someone different. He knew how hard the world was at a young age and he didn't like that Shawn was getting some of that experience. He shouldn't be working at his age; he shouldn't be worried about getting jumped on his way home from work. The only work Shawn should be focusing on and worrying over is school work. He was only fifteen; school was his full-time job and should be his only focus. It was no wonder in the past five weeks Shawn's school work had taken a hit. Shawn had been too busy working and going through all of this alone to be able to even focus in school. Since the beginning of the school year Mr. Turner could tell that Shawn acted dumber than he was, except he wasn't acting he actually believed he was stupid and portrayed himself as that. Shawn just needed some encouragement and someone to be there to show him he wasn't stupid. Shawn just needed to find that thing he was good at besides girls. Mr. Turner was hoping he could help Shawn out with that. If he could just show Shawn that being in school and doing his homework benefitted him in the long run it might be enough to get him to actually try with it. Mr. Turner knew it wouldn't happen overnight, but he was hoping he would be able to be there for Shawn and show him that he didn't have to do this alone. Mr. Turner wasn't one for kids, he wasn't ready for them, but for some reason with Shawn he felt this strong desire to help him, to be involved in his life. He wanted to get to know Shawn and learn everything he could about him. He wanted to be there for him and Mr. Turner was hoping that Shawn would let him.
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Shawn woke up that day in Cory's bed feeling like complete and utter shit. His head was pounding from the multiple blows to it, his wrist hurt and his whole body hurt. The problem was he couldn't just lie here all day even though he wanted to. He had to get up and fake that he was fine so he could leave and get to work for four. He didn't want to get up and go to work, but he didn't know what would happen if he didn't show up. It wasn't like he had been in this type of situation before. Shawn knew he only had to open his mouth and tell the Matthews the truth and he wouldn't have to leave, but he couldn't do that to them. They had enough kids to worry about and their own problems they didn't need his. Shawn was just going to work through this himself and he knew he could do this. He could survive long enough to get out of there. He just had to be smarter about where he hid his money, like at school. His uncle would never go to his school so he would never know it was there. Besides if he got beat up again for hiding money at least his uncle wouldn't be able to get his hands on it. Shawn looked over at the clock and saw that it was two in the afternoon already. He only had two hours to get to the docks and at the rate he was going to be walking it would take at least an hour to get there and Shawn didn't know how long it would take before he could leave here.
Shawn reluctantly got up and got out of bed. The more he moved the worse the pain got, but he had to push through. He could do this; he just had to remember that the end goal was his own place where he was safe. He just wanted to be safe and he just had to push through all of this to get there. Shawn put his shoes back on and grabbed his leather jacket off the back of the chair where he left it last night. He headed down the stairs and made sure he put a smile on his face and he didn't limp. He got down the stairs and saw that Amy was in the kitchen cleaning. She smiled at Shawn as she spoke.
"Afternoon Shawn, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine actually. I'm not even in any pain."
"Good. Can I get you something to eat?"
"No it's okay I really should get back home and let my uncle know I'm alright."
"Okay well let me grab my keys and I can drive you."
"No its okay you have Morgan here playing I'm fine. I appreciate it though." Shawn aid sincerely.
"Are you sure? It's no trouble to drive you up there." Amy said calmly.
"I'm sure; some fresh air will be nice. Tell Cory I'll see him at school tomorrow."
"Okay I will. You be safe and if you ever need anything you know you can always come here." Amy said seriously as she looked at Shawn.
"I know. Thank-you for last night." Shawn said sincerely.
"Any time you need help this house is always open to you remember that."
"I will. I appreciate it; you guys have done a lot for me over the years. I don't think I really say thank-you enough for it."
"You do sweetie. We help you because we love you. You are like a son to us and a very important member to this family. If you ever need anything or if something happens and you need someplace safe to be you can always come here."
"I am safe. I'm fine, but I'll remember that."
"Good. We love you."
"I love you guys too." Shawn said softly. He felt horrible for lying to them about everything, but he couldn't ask this from them. He couldn't put this pressure and burden on them. Shawn cleared his throat before he spoke. "I better get going I don't know if word has spread yet at the trailer park, my uncle might be worried about me."
"Okay sweetie you be careful and stay safe." Amy said with a smile as she came over to Shawn to hug him. Shawn hugged her back, just enjoying the feel of being hugged by a true mother. He could still remember what it felt like when his mother would give him a hug from time to time. He knew he would always miss it.
After a moment they both pulled back and Shawn gave Amy a smile before he headed out and back to the trailer park. Shawn headed back to the trailer park and just as he walked through the gates he walked into his brother Eddie. Eddie had been standing outside of the entrance to the trailer park smoking and Shawn figured he was waiting for someone to drop something off or pick him up. Shawn just kept walking, but Eddie speaking stopped him.
"What you're not going to say hello to your big brother." Eddie said with a smirk on his face.
Shawn turned around and he didn't even bother to hide the level of exhaustion or pain that he was in from Eddie.
"What do you want Eddie?" Shawn asked in a dead tone.
"So what did you do to piss off Uncle Ralph?" Eddie asked in a casual tone.
"What?" Shawn asked confused by his brother's question.
"That's his handy work all over you. So what did you do steal money from him?"
"No, he found out I was saving money up that I worked for so he took it."
"Down at the factor right? Working for thirty bucks a day and he gets the rest to get drunk off of."
"Ten bucks now. How do you know?" Shawn asked, he didn't want to talk to Eddie, but it was nice to not have to lie and hide everything.
"Ten? Shit little brother you'll be dead before you ever get out of that shithole of a trailer."
"Thanks" Shawn said as he turned to walk away.
"Dad tell you yet how he never wanted you? How he would have killed you if they caught it in time?" Eddie simply said like he was talking about the weather.
Shawn turned around to look at his brother.
"I'm really not in the mood to hear you tell me how I'm worthless right now Eddie. I have to work in an hour so you'll have to wait for another time to make feel like shit." Shawn said sadly.
"I wasn't talking about you. That's what dad told me five years ago when he kicked me out and sent me to live with Uncle Ralph. I figured it was only a matter of time before he told you the same. Your mom runs off and our dad chases her around the fucking country just to find her again. He only cares about her and now that you are fifteen he can do it without feeling bad. I was stuck with Uncle Ralph for three years working for nothing all week and getting punched when he was too drunk."
"Are you screwing with me right now?"
"No I'm not. I haven't really been there for you, but you are still my little brother. I'm assuming you have some kind of plan. You were saving up money so are you looking for your own place?"
"How do I know you won't just run back and tell him what I tell you?" Shawn asked skeptically.
"Because I don't want you ending up in the hospital with a broken jaw like I was. I left and went on the street. I didn't save up my money, but you are or trying to so you must be thinking about getting your own place."
"So what if I am?"
"I could help you out. You need money you'll need money each month to pay for it. I could help you out with jobs."
"Legal jobs?"
"No, but money is money. You work in an electronic factory one big haul from there and you'll be able to get your own place. You do some jobs for me you'll be able to have your own place and go to school still without starving."
"And I'm just supposed to trust you?" Shawn said with a slight attitude to his voice.
"Why not? We're family."
"So is Uncle Ralph." Shawn simply stated.
"True, but I'm not looking to beat you up. Look, think about it the offer stands. One day Uncle Ralph might do something that you won't be able to handle. I'm offering you a quick way out. We do the job and within a week you'll have enough money for your own apartment. Think about it, I'll be around if you change your mind." Eddie said as he turned to walk away and around the corner.
Shawn just shook his head and headed towards the trailer. He didn't want to think about what Eddie had just said to him. He was tired and in pain and all he wanted to do was curl up and sleep, but he knew he wouldn't be able to. He couldn't miss work tonight, because he knew his uncle would lose it on him and he couldn't handle another beating so soon. Shawn got to the trailer and he walked inside to find it empty. He grabbed a change of clothes and took a quick shower, shivering at the cold temperature. Once he was done he got dressed being careful of his injuries before he headed back out to head to the docks to work.
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Shawn had gone to work that night and it didn't go over so well. He was told he was working a longer shift as a way to teach him not to get injured again. The guys were sympathetic, but they weren't about to argue with the boss. So when they left him alone at midnight Shawn had to stay and work the next seven hours alone. Thankfully only two trucks came and they were both loaded with skids, but still he was exhausted and in even more pain. He didn't even bother to get changed or showered. He just dropped off his uncle's money and grabbed his school bag and headed out. Shawn made the slow walk to school. He was so tired and in so much pain he didn't even register the walk to school. All he wanted to do was just sleep for the next week straight, but he couldn't he had to work tonight. He had to work every night for the next three years at this rate. Shawn didn't know what to do, but Eddie's suggestion was looking better and better. Shawn didn't want to be some street punk and steal, but he didn't know how much longer he could handle doing this. Shawn had arrived at school just before the bell had rung. He put his books away in his locker and saw Cory come up to him.
"Hey, how you doing Shawny?" Cory asked with concern in his voice.
"I'm fine." Shawn said with as much of a smile as he could manage.
"Are you sure? Because you don't look fine man. Maybe you should be back home and sleep." Cory suggested.
"I'm fine I need to be here, I know I haven't really been in school a lot the last couple months."
"You've been busy and preoccupied man. Mr. Turner will understand if you aren't in school. Mr. Feeney will understand."
"Look if I can't make it then I'll go home, at least I would have tried okay?" Shawn said hoping to end this conversation.
"Ya ok."
The second bell rung and Cory and Shawn headed into Homeroom and English class. They sat down in their seats and Shawn saw Mr. Turner look at him, but Shawn turned to look down at his books. Shawn knew that Mr. Turner was going to want to speak to him, but he knew it would have to wait until after class. Once the announcements were done Mr. Turner began the class. It wasn't even five minutes into the class when Shawn had put his head down on his desk and was fast asleep. Mr. Turner saw Shawn sleeping and normally he would wake him up, but this time around he just let Shawn sleep. Shawn shouldn't be in school right now, Mr. Turner didn't even know if Shawn should be out of the hospital right now, but he couldn't make him go back. Mr. Turner just kept on going with the class and let Shawn sleep. Once the class was over Cory turned to wake Shawn up, but Mr. Turner speaking stopped him.
"It's alright Mr. Matthews I got him."
Cory turned to look at Mr. Turner before he spoke.
"He's not in trouble is he?"
"No he's not in trouble. I'm gonna wake him up and take him home that's all. I just want to talk to him and make sure there isn't anything I can do for him. Go ahead to your next class and don't worry about Mr. Feeney I'll talk to him."
"Ok" Cory said still slightly unsure if he should be leaving Shawn, but he knew Mr. Turner would make sure Shawn got home safe.
Mr. Turner went over to Shawn and he bent down so he was crouched up on his knees. Mr. Turner took a moment to really look at Shawn; he was thinner than he had been a few months ago. His face was covered in bruises and cuts. He had stitches on the side of his head and his wrist was in a brace. Mr. Turner knew that the bruising would also be on his torso. Mr. Turner knew what Cory had told him about Shawn's parents taking off and telling his uncle how they never wanted him. He knew that would destroy Shawn and Mr. Turner wasn't going to sit back and watch Shawn loose his way. He wanted to be there for Shawn and help him and he wasn't going to wait until Shawn was completely destroyed before he stepped in. Mr. Turner gently placed a hand on Shawn's shoulder and he watched as Shawn curled in on himself, almost as if he thought he would be hit. That reflex didn't make Mr. Turner feel any better about this situation.
"Shawn." Mr. Turner said softly.
Shawn's head snapped up at hearing his name. For a moment Mr. Turner could see fear in his eyes as he looked around and then it was gone. Shawn sat up straight and rubbed his eyes as he spoke.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to fall asleep."
"It's okay, but clearly you are too tired for school right now. Come on I'll take you home."
"No it's okay I'm fine. I have to get to class." Shawn said with a slight panic in his voice.
"Shawn just hang on a second. I know your parents left you with your uncle. I can't imagine how you feel right now, but you need to go home and get some sleep. You need to heal."
"I'm fine. Everything is fine I haven't really been paying any attention in class for the last couple of months and if I miss anymore I won't pass this year. I don't like school, but I don't want to be in the same grade as Cory is moving up."
Mr. Turner could believe what Shawn was saying it was logical, but he also couldn't help but wonder if staying in school in pain was better than being back at his uncle's house. Mr. Turner didn't know what he should do, but he couldn't help but feel like he needed to help Shawn. It wasn't just because he was a teacher and Shawn was a student. It was more than that. Shawn didn't have anyone. Yes he had the Matthews, but they had their own lives. They had their own responsibilities and problems with their three children. Shawn didn't have anyone who could just focus on him and work on his problems. It was clear that his uncle wasn't doing that.
"Come with me for a little bit. Don't worry about class I can make sure Cory gets your work." Mr. Turner said as he stood back up.
Shawn looked at Mr. Turner and could tell he wasn't going to let this go so he grabbed his books and he got up. They stopped off at Shawn's locker and he grabbed his bag before they headed out. Mr. Turner had drove to school today with his car and not his bike, it was in the shop right now. They got into the car and Mr. Turner headed to his apartment. Along the way he spoke.
"Shawn you know I'm here for you if you ever need to talk or you need a place to crash. You can always come by no matter what time it is."
"Thanks" Shawn said and Mr. Turner could see the exhaustion more clearly on his face with the drive.
Mr. Turner didn't say anything else on the drive there. He was trying to figure out what to say. He had so much he wanted to ask Shawn and to tell him, but it didn't seem like Shawn was ready to handle anything else right now. They pulled up to his building so he parked in his space and they headed upstairs. Mr. Turner unlocked his door and they walked in.
"Have a seat Shawn. Make yourself comfortable." Mr. Turner said as he walked into the room.
Shawn put his bag down and took his coat off. Mr. Turner could see the bruising on his arms and he could tell he was in a great deal of pain as he sat down on the couch. Mr. Turner sat down on the coffee table in front of Shawn.
"Shawn, I need to ask you something very important and I need you to be honest with me. Can you do that for me?" Mr. Turner said in a serious voice.
"Ok" Shawn said in a voice barely above a whisper.
"Are you safe at your uncle's place?" Mr. Turner asked as he looked right at Shawn.
Shawn didn't even miss a beat before he answered. "Ya of course I am. I just got attacked last night. I was at my uncle's place yesterday and he flipped out when he saw me. I'm fine." Shawn said as he forced a smile.
Mr. Turner really didn't know if he believed what Shawn was saying or not. The problem was he couldn't force Shawn to stay here. He couldn't call the police without proof or without Shawn admitting to anything. All he could do was be there for Shawn and keep an eye on him.
"Ok, but if something happens you can always come to me no matter what. Even if you think no one will believe you, I will. I will always believe you Shawn."
"Thanks, but I'm fine."
"Okay why don't you lie down? I have to get back to school, but you stay here and get some sleep. I'll come back after school and we can have dinner."
"I have to work tonight at four."
"Shawn you are in no condition to be working at a factory."
"How do you know where I work?"
"Cory talked to me yesterday at school and told me what happened. He's really worried about you."
"I'm fine. I need to work to help with the bills. It's not hard work and my boss understands. I was there last night already he just has me driving the forklift."
"But Shawn you are injured pretty badly, you need rest not work."
"I appreciate you letting me crash here for a few hours, but you can't tell me what to do. I'm going to work Mr. Turner." Shawn said as he looked right at Mr. Turner.
"Ok, but at least wait until after school. I can drive you so I know you get there okay."
"I work at four."
"School is out at three that gives us plenty of time."
"Ok." Shawn said knowing that Mr. Turner wasn't going to let this go. Plus it would be nice to have a ride to work instead of walking all the way there.
"Alright well you can lie down here or I have a spare bedroom you can go curl up in bed if you want. There are drinks and food in the fridge if you are hungry."
"Thanks I'm just gonna sleep."
"Okay I'll be back just after three and we can head out." Mr. Turner said as he stood up from the coffee table and headed back out of the apartment to head to work.
Shawn looked around from the couch trying to debate whether he should sleep here on the couch or not. He was so exhausted and sore so he pushed up off the couch and headed into the spare bedroom. He took his shoes off and laid down on the bed being careful of his injuries. Once he laid down he put the blanket over him and he was out cold.
That was how Mr. Turner found Shawn just after three o'clock. He was sound asleep in the spare bedroom with the blanket brought up to his shoulders. Shawn was curled into a ball and Mr. Turner couldn't help, but think it was a protection position. That even in his sleep Shawn was trying to protect himself from some unknown threat. It was clear that Shawn hadn't been sleeping well or much in the last couple of months. Mr. Turner knew he would need to keep a close eye on Shawn and make sure that he didn't fall too deep. If he did Mr. Turner was going to take action to get Shawn away from his uncle. So far he didn't have any reason to believe that Shawn's uncle had hurt him. He would need Shawn to tell him or find undeniable proof which Mr. Turner figured he would never get. He wasn't going to ignore this though, he was going to keep an eye on Shawn and be there for him no matter what. Now more than ever. Mr. Turner went over to the bed and sat down on the edge of the bed. He touched Shawn's shoulder gently as he called his name.
"Shawn."
Shawn took a breath in and let out a soft moan as the pain hit him once his mind was awake. He opened his eyes and saw Mr. Turner standing there looking at him.
"Hey, it's just after three. How are you feeling?"
"Fine."
"I'll go out into the living room and let you get awake and ready. When you are ready we can head out if you still want to go to work."
"I have to go. I'll be ready in a few minutes."
"Ok"
Mr. Turner headed out of the spare room and down to the living room. He stood in the kitchen and just waited until Shawn was ready. He didn't like that Shawn was going to work and he didn't like that Shawn was going back to his uncle's, but he didn't have a choice, he didn't have any right to keep Shawn here. He was just going to be there for him and keep a close eye on Shawn. Ten minutes later Shawn came out dressed and ready to go. He picked up his school bag and Mr. Turner could see the pain in the simple movement. He was going to press Shawn again, but he knew that it would get him nowhere right now. Shawn needed time and Mr. Turner needed to figure out how much time he could give Shawn without it being too dangerous of a wait. Together they headed out of the apartment and back down to Mr. Turner's car. They drove down to the docks in silence. Once there Mr. Turner stopped the car out front and turned to look at Shawn.
"Are you sure you want to do this? I can go in there and talk to your boss about you having the night off."
"No it's fine."
"How long are you working till? And I thought you were only working weekends."
"I am, but they needed extra help yesterday and today. I'm only working till ten it's not a big deal."
"You shouldn't be working so much. You should be focusing on school."
"Ya well we both know I won't be going to any university so it's not like it really matters." Shawn said sadly.
"If it doesn't matter then why do you not want to get left behind?" Mr. Turner said calmly.
"Because all Cory and I have left is high school. After we graduate he'll go off to whatever university Topanga gets in and I'll be left here. At least we'll have the next three years together and I don't want to get left behind."
"Shawn you could go to any university that you wanted. You just need to actually try. You're a smart kid you just don't try. When you study you get A's you just get discourage and you stop trying."
"Ya, thanks for the ride I'll see you tomorrow."
"I could come back and pick you up after work."
"It's okay my uncle is gonna meet me here to make sure I get home safe. I'll see you tomorrow Mr. Turner." Shawn said as he got out of the car.
"I'll see you tomorrow Shawn." Mr. Turner said as Shawn got out of the car.
Mr. Turner waited until Shawn got inside before he put his car in drive and left the docks and headed back to his apartment. He wasn't happy, but at least he knew where Shawn worked so he could keep an eye out for him. He knew this wasn't going to be a quick and easy problem to solve, but Mr. Turner wasn't one to back down from a challenge. He was going to help Shawn and earn his trust he just needed to have a little bit of patients and that was something he could do.