Street Rat

by DianneRose2016

Full summary inside and warnings inside. Shawn is fifteen and his parents have taken off. This is my take on the end of season 2 if Shawn had been older and he didn't tell anyone about his parents leaving him. Shawn has to stay with his Uncle Ralph who hates him and puts him to work. Shawn has to fight to survive and to save up enough money to get his own place.

3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3

It was January and the start of a new semester. Mr. Turner had been worried about Shawn for the past two months. He had been slowly going downhill in his schoolwork and there wasn't much room for him to even go downhill. Shawn had always been lazy when it came to school. It wasn't that he wasn't smart, he was. Mr. Turner knew that Shawn was intelligent and could get good grades he just didn't try. Shawn had made up his mind a long time ago that he was never going to be anything but some townie. That he was never going to be good enough to go to college or even belong there. Mr. Turner knew that wasn't true, but so far he hadn't been able to show Shawn that. Now he just barely passed the last semester and he almost didn't if it hadn't been for Cory doing some of Shawn's projects. Mr. Turner suspected that Cory had done a few to keep Shawn from failing out, the problem was Shawn didn't even know Cory was doing that, because he was hardly ever there anymore. Over the last two months they had all seen Shawn slowly declining. He was more tired; he had been acting out and getting detention almost every day he was here. He was only in class three days a week. He would even show up with bruises claiming they came from some guys in the trailer park. Shawn was acting out and it was only going to get worse unless someone was able to get through to him. Mr. Turner saw Eli walk over to him. Mr. Turner had been standing in the hallway by his classroom watching the students going through the halls to their lockers. He was watching one locker in particular and he had yet to see Shawn. It was the first day back after Christmas vacation, the first day of the new semester and Mr. Turner was hoping that Shawn was going to show up, but right now he truly didn't know.

"Jon, what's going on my man?" Eli asked as he stood next to Mr. Turner.

"Not much, you?"

"Just waiting for the day to start. Have you seen him yet?"

"Seen who?"

"The owner of that locker you are staring a hole through."

Mr. Turner snapped his eyes off the locker and turned his head to look at his friend.

"No, I haven't seen him." Mr. Turner went back to searching the crowd with his eyes as he stood just outside of his classroom.

"Do you have him this semester?"

"English Literature."

"Ya there is no way he's showing up for that. I have him for photography and art."

"Art? You don't teach art." Mr. Turner said as he looked at Eli.

"The Art teacher went a little crazy over the holidays apparently. George seems to think I can teach Art if I can teach photography. I gave up trying to convince him that the two are not the same."

"Good luck with that. I'm surprised Shawn is taking either of those classes though."

"A lot of students think they are bird courses. The problem is to pass a bird course you actually have to show up for it. That kid is slipping Jon."

"I know, but I don't know what to do. He won't talk to me and he's not taking to the Matthews. They are just as worried as I am."

"George isn't too happy about the situation; he's got Shawn for History. He doesn't want to give up on him, but he doesn't know what to do. He can't get him to talk to him either. Shawn just keeps blowing everything off."

"I don't know what to do. He needs help, but he won't admit to anything. The longer he goes down this road the harder it will be to get back on the right path. I need to find a way to him, a way to get into his head and earn his trust. I just don't know what to do anymore. Everything I have tried hasn't worked; he just pushes further away from me."

"He's not easy to get through. There are a lot of walls he's built up and it seems like more are being built each day. He looks like crap half the time too. He's exhausted and he's lost some weight. The students can't tell, but I know the three of us have."

"I just need to find something in school he can be interested in. Something that will make him want to come to school each day. He's got to have some kind of interest here besides girls. He can meet them anywhere."

"Ya well when you find an interest in him besides girls let me know."

They both saw Cory and Shawn walk down the hall. They could see them talking, but they couldn't hear the conversation. They watched as they headed over to their lockers and Mr. Turner couldn't help, but feel a little relieved. Mr. Turner didn't know when it happened, but at some point during the last two months each morning a tightness in his stomach always appeared. When Shawn was there it went away, but when Shawn wasn't there it got worse. Mr. Turner knew it was worry and when he could see Shawn and know he was safe he didn't have to worry as much. It was when he couldn't see Shawn that his worry increased. He knew he needed a way to get passed all of Shawn's walls, but Shawn didn't seem willing to let him. Mr. Turner didn't know what he could do, even the Matthews were all out of ideas for Shawn. They just had to wait and hope that Shawn was going to be okay. They couldn't force him to talk and they couldn't just take him away from his uncle. In the past two months they had seem some scrapes and bruises on Shawn that shouldn't be there. They had all been wondering if Shawn was being abused or not, but Shawn never said anything. He didn't act any differently once he was in school. The only change was he was getting into trouble more and more often. He was straddling both paths of life and it was only a matter of time before he fell one way or the other. Mr. Turner wanted him to fall on the good path and not the bad path, but he honestly didn't know if Shawn would.

"Well at least he's here." Eli said trying to sound comforting. He knew how much this was bothering Mr. Turner. Seeing his best friend worried over a teenager was something new for Eli. Mr. Turner always cared about his students, but with Shawn his caring went deeper than that of a teacher worried about his student. He cared about Shawn like a big brother would to a little brother. He just wanted to be there for Shawn and to help him. It was unusual for Mr. Turner to care about someone this much, especially someone as young as Shawn, but Eli figured that Mr. Turner could relate to Shawn. He knew what it felt like to have your parents want you to be something you weren't. Mr. Turner's parents disowned him when they found out that he wanted to be a teacher and not in the family business. Mr. Turner didn't care he wanted to go after his dream and he wasn't going to let his family stop him. Eli was concerned though, that if this thing with Shawn didn't turn out well how Mr. Turner would handle that.

"It's better than nothing. At least we know he's safe." Mr. Turner replied as he kept his eyes on Shawn. Mr. Turner could see that Shawn was getting annoyed with his conversation with Cory and he figured that Cory was riding him about his schoolwork again.

"I'm sure everything will work out alright. Kids go through hard times all the time. Shawn will bounce back. He's got a good friend like Cory to keep him in line."

"Ya I hope you are right."

The bell rang and Eli told M. Turner that he would see him at lunch before he headed down the hall to his classroom. Mr. Turner stood there watching as his students came into the classroom including a very annoyed Shawn. Shawn just walked right by him without saying anything and took his usual seat in the back right in front of the door. Mr. Turner didn't know what was going on, but he figured Shawn was annoyed with Cory. Mr. Turner knew this wasn't going to be a good day, but at least Shawn was here and not out on the street somewhere.

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Cory had arrived at school and stood at the front entrance on the inside and watched as the students came inside. He was hoping to see Shawn today. He hadn't seen him much over the Christmas break and he was hoping that Shawn would even be in school today. The last two months hadn't been easy. Shawn had been skipping school a lot and he was growing more distant from him. Cory had spoken to his parents about it and even Mr. Feeney, but none of them knew what to do. They couldn't make Shawn talk until he wanted to. They had all been keeping an eye on him and they had all seen that he wasn't getting any better, he was getting worse. He was hardly at school anymore and when he was he still wasn't doing his school work. He just barely passed last semester, but Cory knew that if Shawn continued his actions from last semester for this semester he wouldn't be passing. The thought of going on to the next grade without Shawn made Cory sick. He didn't want to move up a grade without his best friend. He wanted Shawn to be there with him when he graduated. He wanted Shawn and Topanga there with him, his two best friends. That's how it was supposed to be and now it was looking like it wasn't going to happen. It was like Shawn had just given up and decided he was only good enough for trailer life.

Cory knew that Shawn was working more than he had originally told him and his family. He could see that Shawn was exhausted all the time and that was making Shawn more easily annoyed. It was why Cory didn't snap at Shawn when Shawn would snap at him. Shawn was exhausted and stressed out, even Cory could see that. Everyone else at school hadn't really seen just how tired Shawn had been. There had been a few times where Shawn had been caught hanging out with the bad kids in school. The ones that enjoyed breaking in and vandalizing the school and other buildings. There had been many occasions where Shawn had gotten detention after school or on lunch hour if Mr. Feeney was in a good mood and let Shawn have detention during lunch so he wouldn't be late for work. There had been a few times where Mr. Feeney wouldn't let Shawn have a lunch detention and Shawn had been late for work. The next day he would come into school with a bruise on his face or a black eye. After that had happened five times Mr. Feeney always gave him a lunch time detention. Everyone had asked Shawn multiple times if his uncle was hitting him, but he always denied it. No one knew what to do anymore with Shawn so they had all basically given up. They couldn't do anything, but wait until Shawn finally told them what was going on. Cory didn't know what to think or to feel about any of this. He didn't know if Shawn was being abused by his uncle or just what Shawn had been saying all along, that the trailer park was dangerous. It was no secret that the trailer park had a rougher crowd in it. Most were criminals so for Shawn to have a few black eyes really wasn't out of place. Cory still didn't like it though, even if Shawn was just getting into fights at the trailer park it wasn't helping him any. He was still missing school and working too much. Cory couldn't help, but feel like he was losing his best friend. His parents kept telling him that Shawn still cared about him, that all friendships go through rough patches and he shouldn't worry about it too much. Cory couldn't help, but worry about Shawn though. He knew Shawn better than anyone and he knew that something was really wrong with Shawn, but he just wouldn't open up to him.

Cory saw Shawn walking towards the school and up the stairs. Once he was inside Cory gave Shawn a big smile and walked with him down the hallway.

"Hey Shawn buddy. How are you?"

"I'm fine Cor, how are you?"

"I'm great. How was your vacation? I thought I would see you, but I couldn't seem to get a hold of you."

"I don't have a phone remember?" Shawn said slightly annoyed.

"Oh ya right. I forgot. So how was your vacation?"

"It was fine. Yours?"

"It was good. Just hung around home mostly. A lot of family came down to visit. So what classes do you have this semester?" Cory asked trying to change the conversation away from family.

"English Literature, Art, Photography and History. You?"

"English Literature, Geography, Math and Broadcasting. So we have English Literature and lunch together at least." Cory said with a smile.

"Yup"

Shawn and Cory got to their lockers and Shawn removed his leather jacket that Cory noticed had seen better days. It had a few rips in it and it needed a good dry cleaning. Shawn put his jacket in his locker and Cory removed his as well as he spoke.

"It's good that you're here. I mean after last semester."

"What about last semester?" Shawn asked with annoyance in his voice.

"Well you missed a lot of it Shawn. You can't do that again this semester and still pass."

"So what if I don't pass? It's my life not yours so why don't you just worry about your own life. I'm here in the building aren't I? I told you I would be here today so just be happy about that." Shawn said with annoyance in his voice.

"I am happy that you are here, but that doesn't change that I want to graduate with you Shawn. Everyone is worried about you, but it's like you don't see it or care. I don't know what is going on with you anymore or why you are acting like this. You never used to be like this." Cory said with hurt to his voice.

"Let's be realistic here Cor, I'm not going to be graduating and going to some university with you and Topanga. This is my life and the road I am heading on is one you won't be going down. All I can do is live my life and all you can do is live yours. Stop harassing me about school."

The bell rung and Cory could see that Shawn truly didn't care right now. He had never seen him like this and he didn't even know what to say to Shawn to get him to see that he could be going to college with him and Topanga. Shawn just didn't care anymore.

"I just care about you Shawn we all do."

"Ya well I don't need anyone to care about me I can take care of myself."

Shawn headed towards their first class and Cory followed behind him. Shawn sat down in his seat and did his best to ignore everyone. He was exhausted after working so much over the break and he wasn't in the mood for anyone, even his best friend. It was always the same in the last couple of months. They always had the same conversation and Shawn was sick of it. He was sick of people always talking to him about school and about working. Shawn just wanted to scream at them to leave him alone. This was his life, everyone was trying to change him, but he couldn't change. This was his life, he was stuck in this life until he could get out of it. He only had five hundred dollars saved up and that wasn't going to be enough to move out with. Shawn had looked around at apartments in the newspaper and the ones that would ignore his age are roughly a thousand a month. Shawn knew the apartment was going to be a shitty one and in a shitty area, but it would at least be his. He had to pay more each month because of his age, but Shawn didn't care. He just wanted his own place so he could be safe. Shawn didn't know how much longer he could last with his uncle. He had hit him a few times over the last two months and Shawn had easily lied to everyone about it. Lying was getting easier and easier for Shawn and he didn't know if he should be happy about that or not. Shawn truly didn't care though, he really didn't. He didn't see the point in school, because he was never going to get anywhere in life. How could he believe otherwise when his own family thinks of him as worthless? He's always been called stupid and an idiot even by his parents. So why try only to fail? This was going to be Shawn's life, living alone and working to make end's meat.

Shawn had accepted his life a long time ago and he wasn't going to let anyone tell him otherwise. This was reality not some dream. He was never going to get anywhere in life, but this town. He was going to be a street runner his whole life so there was no point in fighting it. Shawn had finally accepted it and everyone else needed to as well. Shawn pulled out his journal and began to write while Mr. Turner started his class.

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It was lunch hour and the first half of the day wasn't going over so well for Mr. Turner. Shawn was even more distant today in class. He didn't fall asleep, but he wasn't participating in class and he was even giving Cory the cold shoulder. Mr. Turner didn't know what to do. He knew that Shawn was going through a hard time with both of his parents taking off and he was sure it wasn't that easy living with his uncle. The trailer park was not a place for children especially if they were like Shawn. Shawn wasn't a bad kid, he just needed encouragement and support. If he had both of those things he would stay on track, but it was getting to be clear that he wasn't getting those things from his uncle. As the last couple of months had passed everyone had noticed a difference in Shawn and only some of it could be accounted for his age. Shawn was fifteen and he was struggling with his life, but he wasn't opening himself up to help. He was pushing everyone that cared about him away and it was only a matter of time before Cory got fed up with it and either pushed Shawn to open up or he walks away from Shawn. Mr. Turner knew that Cory walking away from Shawn would only be a last resort and only ever done out of frustration, but it would still hurt both Shawn and Cory to see their friendship end. Even though Shawn was going through a hard time he did want Cory around and he did appreciate the friendship that they had shared for most of their life. Mr. Turner didn't want to see that friendship turn into dust after all of these years and all of the time they had put into it. They deserved better than that and Mr. Turner was starting to see that friendship start to crack.

Mr. Turner sat down at the table with Mr. Feeney and gave him a small smile. Mr. Feeney had been another person worried about Shawn and he was once again not able to get through to him.

"Mr. Turner, how are you today?" Mr. Feeney asked in a calm tone.

"I'm alright I guess. I have Shawn again this semester for English Literature, but so far he doesn't seem too interested in it." Mr. Turner said in a discouraged tone.

"Yes well Mr. Hunter has always had problems with going to class and participating. I'm afraid I have yet to find material interesting enough to grab his attention."

"It's not even that, I get that not everyone loves English or History, but they still do the work. Shawn is a bright kid and he could get good grades if he just did the work. It's not even that he's lazy, I can honestly say he would put in the time if he just saw the point. He doesn't believe that he is going to be going anywhere, I don't even think he believes that he can graduate high school. If he could just see the point in doing all of this then I think he would put in the time and effort."

"Yes well the problem is no one has been able to get Mr. Hunter to see the potential in him. A year ago he thought I hated him, because I pushed him all the time. He doesn't even consider that people care about him and see the potential in him. It's quite sad actually."

"I just wish I could find something that interests him in school. Something to at least get him in the building, because his attendance is even starting to suffer."

"Yes I have noticed that as well. Unfortunately, his uncle doesn't respond to letters and he doesn't have a working phone so I cannot call him. I don't want Shawn to be one of those students that fall between the cracks, but it's starting to look that way. I can't make him care about his school work. All I can do is be there for him and encourage him to do the work, but if he refuses to there's nothing I can do or anyone can do."

Eli came over to the table with his tray and sat down. Underneath the tray was a brown folder that he took out from underneath the tray before he sat down. Eli smiled at Mr. Turner before he spoke.

"Afternoon Mr. Feeney."

"Afternoon Mr. Williams. What has you in such a good mood?"

"Something that I think will put my good friend Jon here in a good mood. So remember how I was telling you about how I got stuck with Art, but I'm making it work." Eli said as he looked over at Mr. Feeney at that last part before he continued. "I got Shawn before and after lunch. So for today I figured I would just hand them their supplies and let them draw me a picture of anything to see where their level was at. The whole time I kept looking to see if Shawn was drawing, but he seemed to be looking out the window. So when class was over and I got them to hand in their drawing Shawn actually handed one in. I took a look at it and I think you are going to be very happy."

Eli pulled out Shawn's drawing and handed it over to Mr. Turner who handed it to Mr. Feeney once he was done looking at it. The drawing was of a tree with a teenage boy reading underneath it. It was so well done it looked like someone had taken the picture with a camera. It was done all in black and white with grey shading, no color, but the detail was amazing.

"Shawn drew that? Shawn Hunter drew that?" Mr. Turner asked surprised that Shawn would ever entertain drawing, let alone being good at it.

"He drew that in about forty minutes." Eli said with a nod and a smile.

"That's amazing. That's real talent." Mr. Turner said still amazed that Shawn would even bother with drawing.

"This is exceptional work. The detail is perfect and the shading is done beautifully. This looks like an old photograph or was drawn by a professional. This is true talent, you can't teach someone to draw like this." Mr. Feeney said astonished that Shawn had this hidden talent.

"I know. What's amazing is that he didn't even complain about doing it. He just looked out the window and drew what he saw. He didn't socialize with anyone he just focused on drawing. At one point I looked over at him and he just looked calm and at peace, like he was the only one in the room. I know it's not in your class Jon, but if he likes this class it might be enough to get him to come every day at least." Eli said.

"I don't care whose class it's in as long as it gets him in the door. He could take this to college and get an Arts degree. If art interests him then that might be enough to get him to focus on his studies to take that passion and go places with it." Mr. Turner said.

"You know a lot of creative people have a hard time with school, because it's their right half of their brain fighting with their left half of the brain. Shawn might respond better to a more creative project." Mr. Feeney said.

"So maybe I should get the kids to read a poetry book in class. See if that gains his interest. Doing something creative might have more of an appeal to him then just sitting there and reading a book." Mr. Turner thought out loud.

"I could try and do a more creative appeal to a project and see if that gains Mr. Hunter's interest." Mr. Feeney added.

"I have him after lunch for photography. Maybe he'll show up for that class. If he enjoys drawing he should enjoy taking pictures of things." Eli said.

"If he can just see that something in school can be interesting then it might be enough for him to show up every day for class. I know it won't change him completely, but a little bit of effort wouldn't be too much to ask for." Mr. Turner said.

"Well this is A level quality if he can do this again I don't see him having a problem passing my class. All he has to do is show up." Eli said.

"Maybe the interest will be enough to get him to show up. If he has talent in Art, which he clearly does, maybe he will have a talent with photography." Mr. Feeney said.

"I don't care what his interests are as long as he has some. Hopefully this will make him come to school, even if it is just for your classes. Maybe he's not writing in that damn book all day, maybe he's drawing." Mr. Turner said.

"It's possible. Mr. Hunter doesn't let anyone see inside that book. Not even Mr. Matthews has seen what is inside of it. He keeps it very private so it is possible that he is drawing and not writing." Mr. Feeney added.

"There is that part of me that respects his privacy and understands that, that book is his thoughts no matter if they are written or drawn. However, another part of me wants to take the book and read whatever is inside it. It might just tell me what he is thinking and feeling for a chance. He keeps everything so close to his chest and he doesn't let anyone in. Not even Cory knows everything about Shawn. He keeps quiet about a lot of serious issues and his feelings. He doesn't trust anyone enough to open up to them." Mr. Turner said.

"Shawn isn't exactly from the best environment though either. It's not like he grew up with hugs and feelings. I don't know what his childhood was like, but I can't imagine his parents were all about feelings and thoughts. It seems like Shawn just focused on surviving each day and kept his feelings close to his chest." Eli said.

"And that is exactly the problem about the environment that Mr. Hunter grew up in. His parents are not the type to talk about feelings or anything educational. They don't have that high of an education either, I don't think either of them graduated high school. With his family, his entire family, it's about fast money whether it is legal or not. It's all about the next scheme and not hard work. It's unfortunate that someone like Shawn has to grow up in that environment. The boy has potential and he is talented, but without encouragement and positive reinforcement he will never reach his potential. He might never graduate high school, because of the influence of his family and environment." Mr. Feeney said.

"Have either of you met his uncle or gone to see where he was living?" Eli asked.

"I have not, it's not that simple to just show up at someone's home." Mr. Feeney said.

"I don't have any reason to go to the trailer park. It would look a little weird and suspicious if I just show up there one day. I don't even know what trailer to look for. All I know is his uncle's name is Ralph." Mr. Turner said.

"Yes well clearly Uncle Ralph doesn't care too much about his education, but that is to be expected of that area. I treat all my students equally, but it is a sad fact that those students that come from that area have a harder time in school with their education. They just don't care what happens to them, because they are so used to not having anything in their life. Unfortunately that area is a bad environment with parents that just don't care. It's not a matter of nurture or nature, because on both accounts they are both equally as bad." Mr. Feeney said.

"Well at least he's good in Art, maybe he will like the photography class that he has after lunch. Maybe he just needs something that interests him that he can get a good grade in to motivate him." Eli said.

"I should try to get them to read a poetry book maybe that would interest him." Mr. Turner said thinking out loud.

"It might, but I highly doubt that Shawn would ever read a poetry book." Eli said.

"I never thought he would be able to draw so it's worth a shot. Poetry is more creative than just reading a book from a historian author." Mr. Turner replied back.

"Yes well at this point I am willing to accept any motivating ways to get Mr. Hunter not only in school, but doing his schoolwork." Mr. Feeney said.

"Grade ten, he's only got two more years before everyone else in his class graduates. If he's not careful Cory is going to graduate with Topanga and he's going to get left behind." Eli said.

"I don't think he wants that. I just don't think he cares enough right now. He's been going through a lot with his parents leaving and now living with his uncle. He's been in fights at the trailer park and having to work to help his uncle with bills. It's not that easy to focus on his schoolwork when he's tired and in pain. He needs an environment change and he might be able to turn his grades around. I truly believe that Shawn is just trying to survive in this environment that he's in now." Mr. Turner said.

"I can agree with that, but we have no way to remove him from his environment. I don't have any grounds to call DCFS on Shawn. His parents left him with a relative and he doesn't seem to be abused in any way. Yes there are bruising from time to time, but he has a legitimate reason for them. I don't see DCFS getting involved when they have so many other cases to focus on." Mr. Feeney said.

"I agree that DCFS shouldn't be called in on this, but at some point there might come a time when we can't help Shawn anymore. If Shawn continues to go down this road, we won't be able to stop him no matter what we do. This is Shawn's decision and only he can decide to change what path he goes down in the end. If Shawn makes that decision to go down the same path he's heading for there isn't anything any of us can do." Eli said.

"I know Shawn is the only one to make the decision, but that doesn't change that I'm not going to stand around and watch him do this to himself. He is too talented and too unique of a person to just give up on life. He deserves better than this and he has a lot of potential, too much to just give it all up. I'm not going to give up on the kid, he just needs someone stable in his life. Someone that can be there for him when he needs someone." Mr. Turner said.

"Yes well, you need to be careful Jonathan, there is a fine line between being a teacher and being a friend. If Shawn sees you as just a friend he won't respect you as an authority figure. You need to be careful with how much you get involved in Shawn's life." Mr. Feeney said.

"That's a little pot calling the kettle black George. You are always getting involved in the Matthews' kid's lives." Mr. Turner said back.

"A side effect from living next door to them for their whole lives. It's not by choice that I am involved in their lives it has just happened over the years. I care about all of my students and I don't want to see any of them come to harm or to fail and not succeed. However, I can't become their friend. The lines can't blur or there are consequences and those consequences can be more disastrous than the original outcome. It's a fine line Jonathan so be careful how you walk it." Mr. Feeney said back.

"I don't know how I am going to walk it, but I do know I can't turn my back on Shawn. He's never had anyone in his life to just be there for him. He has Cory, but Cory is not an adult. Shawn needs an adult that he can look up to and talk to. Cory can't help him with serious problems." Mr. Turner said back.

"Every child needs an adult like that in their life, but when you are that child's teacher it becomes more complicated. All I am saying is be careful Jonathan. Your job here is not threatened, but other teachers might not look too kindly on a close relationship with a student, male or female." Mr. Feeney said calmly.

"I don't care what other teachers think. If I see a student, a child, struggling and in a bad place I'm not just going to ignore it and walk the other way, because then I have lost something more than a reputation." Mr. Turner said.

"I agree." Eli said.

"As do I, but please be careful. I would hate to see you lose a career because of other teachers. Just please be careful." Mr. Feeney said calmly once again.

"I will be. I just don't want someone like Shawn to go down the wrong road. He has so much to offer this world." Mr. Turner said.

"I agree, but unfortunately what Shawn does with his life, will be up to him. We can only guide so much before he has to make the decision on his own." Mr. Feeney said.

"Well I have him after lunch so we'll find out what he's like then. Maybe he just needs that creative outlet to be able to get through high school." Eli said.

"I hope so. I really do." Mr. Turner said.

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It was just the end of Photography and Eli had just one more thing to tell the class. So far he had been quite pleased with the class. Shawn had even shown up and he seemed to be interested in what Eli was saying. He didn't participate in any discussions, but he wasn't asleep either so Eli was happy to take it. For the class they had just been going over how to use and handle the camera. He wanted everyone to get used to using a higher quality camera, compared to the usually disposable cameras that most of the students were used to. So far everything had gone over well and now he just needed to get the assignment out for the students. Tomorrow would be the true test if Shawn would do the assignment or not.

"Alright, one last thing before you guys get out of here. I want you all to take these cameras home with you and take a few pictures of anything. I don't care what you take just take something. You won't be graded on them, I just want you to take pictures so tomorrow I can show you how to develop them. Remember these cameras are expensive so be very careful with them. So pack up and when the bell goes you guys are free." Eli said with a smile.

The students all began to pack up their camera including Shawn so Eli was just happy that he was taking the camera home with him and not leaving it in the classroom; although, that didn't mean it would leave his locker at the end of the day. Eli was hoping that he would use it and take pictures with it. Eli truly didn't care how artistic the pictures were right now he just wanted the students to learn how to develop the pictures and get a feel for the camera. Once the bell rang everyone gathered their things and headed off to their next class. Shawn was not going to his final class, because it was History with Mr. Feeney. Shawn headed towards his locker to grab his things so he could head out tonight. He had a rare night off, the first one in close to four months and he was looking forward to doing nothing all night. His boss had to shut down the factory for twenty-four hours so it could be inspected for its annual inspection that the city does with all factories. The boss and his uncle weren't happy about it, but Shawn was. He was looking forward to being on his own tonight. Shawn knew that his uncle would be out drinking like he usually did, so Shawn would have the whole place to himself. He could write, draw and take some pictures just for fun. The only reason he even came to school today was for his Art and Photography class. The classes had looked interesting to him and they were also known bird courses so no one thought twice about him being there. Shawn didn't really want people to know about his ability to draw or the fact that he wrote poetry. He didn't want to be laughed at and made fun of over it, especially by anyone that lives in the Trailer Park. He had enough problems he didn't need anymore. Shawn quickly grabbed his bag and headed out of the school while the masses were getting to their last class. Shawn just wanted to get back to the trailer and out of the cold. He still didn't have a winter jacket, only his leather one so it was getting to be too cold outside for it. Shawn couldn't care right now though, he had other things on his mind like getting the hell away from his uncle. Over the last couple of months his uncle has hit him multiple times, sometimes it was on his face and sometimes it was on his torso. Shawn didn't mind the torso so much, because at least he could hide it. It was when he hit him on his face that it became a problem, because then he would have to lie about the bruises. He had gotten very good at lying about them by now, but Shawn still knew it was wrong to. Yet he couldn't bring himself to care too much anymore. He just wanted to get out of that trailer and away from his uncle. The problem was it was taking too long for him to be able to save up to move out. His uncle hadn't found his money again, because he had moved it so it would be in his locker, but still. It was taking too long and Shawn knew the longer it took the more at risk he was going to be. Shawn knew that his attitude had changed over the last couple of months, he was even getting annoyed with Cory and avoiding him. Shawn knew Cory meant well, but still it was just too much for him right now. He didn't want to hear from Cory or the teachers about how he was falling behind and failing out. He barely passed last semester and Shawn knew there was a good chance that he wasn't going to pass this semester either. He just didn't see the point in trying anymore. He was always going to fail no matter what, even if he could bring his grades up he would never be good enough for College, especially any college that Cory would be able to get into. Shawn just couldn't care about school right now when he had so much more going on. He was constantly exhausted from working and then he had to go back to the trailer and deal with his drunk uncle. Most nights he didn't even go back to the trailer, but slept outside because it was safer. That was what Shawn was after, that was his life goal was to be safe. To have his own place so he could be safe and no longer had to be afraid to go home. That's what mattered to Shawn and anything after that was always going to be second best. Shawn just wanted to be safe, to have an actual home where he knew he was safe and wanted. Shawn knew the only way for that to happen was to have his own place so he was going to push through this and just try to survive long enough to accomplish that.

Shawn got to the trailer park and decided he would take a walk around and see if anything caught his interest to take a picture of. Most people believed that the trailer park was just full of garbage, both materialistic and human, but Shawn had lived here most of his life and he had found a few spots that true beauty still lived. There was one wall on the far side of the park that was covered in graffiti, but it was done so well that it looked like a work of art. When the sun began to set and the light would come up behind it, it was beautiful. Shawn headed down there to take a few pictures and along the way he took some of things that caught his interest. He's never done something like this before, but he found himself enjoying it. Shawn wasn't going to even kid himself into believing that his pictures would turn out good. He knew that come tomorrow when he went to develop them that they would turn out horrible, like everything else he does. For now though he was just going to take pictures and enjoy not having to work for a change. Shawn truly needed the break from work and he was hoping by the time he got home his uncle would already be gone over to the neighbors for the night. Shawn just wanted a night where he could eat and sleep on the couch without having to worry about what his uncle was going to do. He just wanted to feel somewhat safe for one night and then he could go back to working every night and trying to balance school. Not that he was doing much of a good job at the school part anyways. There truly wasn't very far he could fall before he was failing out. Shawn didn't care, but at the same time he didn't want to fail and be just like the rest of his family. He knew he would never be good enough for college, but he wanted to be one of the first Hunters to graduate high school, even if that meant he wasn't going to be going anywhere afterwards. Him and Cory were having some problems, but that didn't mean that Shawn didn't care about him. He did still consider Cory his best friend and he knew that Cory was only trying to help him in school and help him get back on track. The problem was Shawn knew that Cory would be going off in a couple of years to College with Topanga and he would be left behind. They would grow apart and eventually Cory and Topanga would forget about him. It's just how life worked. Cory and Shawn were never supposed to be best friends, they were never supposed to be friends. They were from two different classes of society and their classes just never mix together. Shawn loved Cory and he knew that Cory loved him, but it wouldn't change how the world works, eventually it will all catch up with them and they will be off in two different directions. Shawn figured he was doomed to be working in that factory for the rest of his life or he would take Eddie up on his offer and turn to a life of crime just to pay bills. It was just how the world worked. Shawn didn't want to take Eddie up on his offer, but he wasn't foolish enough to believe that he hadn't been tempted over the last couple of months. He didn't know how much longer he could take what his uncle was doing to him. He didn't know how much more he could take it before he had to get out. Shawn wasn't stupid he knew that his uncle's abusive behaviour would reach a new level, a level that Shawn might not be able to handle. If that happened Shawn might not have any choice, but to take Eddie up on his offer just to survive another day.

After a good two hours of just wandering around the trailer park and taking pictures Shawn decided to head back to his uncle's trailer. When he arrived he was thrilled to see that his uncle was not there. Shawn put the camera away in his bag and put his bag down in the corner where his duffle bag of clothes were kept. Shawn looked over at the clock and saw that it was just after four. Normally he would be at work right now and Shawn couldn't help, but smile at the fact that he was able to stay at the trailer tonight. If everything worked out his uncle wouldn't be home tonight. Tomorrow he would go to school and develop his photos and see what they looked like. Shawn headed over to the fridge and saw that there wasn't much there, but he could make it work. They did have sour cream, cheese and hamburger meat. In the cupboards there were Tostitos chips. Shawn decided that he would cook up some nachos for dinner tonight. He took out the hamburger and a pan and began to cook the hamburger. While it was cooking he shredded some cheese and got the sour cream out. He put some Tostitos chips on a plate and when the hamburger was finished he put it on top with the cheese before he went over to the couch and sat down with his dinner and a pop. He turned on the T.V and flipped through the channels until he found a show that seemed interesting enough while he ate. He spent the next four hours sitting down on the couch in front of the T.V eating and just relaxing. It was nice to be able to just relax for a change and to be able to actually cook something to eat. Shawn wasn't one for cooking, but over the years he had taught himself how to cook some things for when his mother was gone and his father was too drunk to cook. Shawn had also done the dishes so at least the trailer was clean. Shawn remembered all too well what his uncle was like when there was a mess. It didn't matter that Shawn wasn't the one to make the mess, Shawn was expected to clean the whole trailer almost every day. Shawn hated it, but he just kept thinking about being able to leave one day. That was the goal to be able to leave and never have to look back. Shawn didn't need anyone and he wasn't going to start needing someone now. He could survive on his own, because he had been doing it for most of his life.

It was just after eight o'clock when the trailer door opened. Shawn was standing in the kitchen getting a drink of water and when he heard the door opened he turned to see who it was. He didn't think his uncle would be coming back tonight and he was equally surprised to see some stranger standing there. Shawn had seen the man around his uncle before, but he had never spoken to him or given him any of his time. The man was roughly forty years old, had short brown hair, brown eyes, he was six feet and weighed roughly one hundred and eighty pounds. He had a good size of muscle on him and he didn't look like someone that lived in the trailer park. Shawn figured that he lived downtown and was just down here to look for some fun that downtown didn't always offer. Shawn was on guard though, because he didn't know who this man was and he had never been alone with him. He's never even spoken to him before.

"If you are looking for my uncle he's not here." Shawn said with an edge to his voice. He wasn't rude, but he wasn't going to show any weakness or fear of this stranger.

"I know, he told me I could come by and hang out while he was over at that bitch's house." The stranger said as he stepped into the trailer.

Shawn could see that he had a brown bag that Shawn recognized as the liquor store. He walked in and placed the bag down on the counter. He removed a forty pounder of whiskey and a twelve pack of beer. He went over to the fridge and put the beer inside it. He took four out of it and placed them in the freezer to get colder faster. He did all of that before he turned to look at Shawn and he spoke again.

"You don't mind do you? Your uncle said I could hang here until he gets back." The stranger said it in a tone that told Shawn that he didn't really care what Shawn wanted.

"Ya whatever." Shawn said as he headed back over to the couch.

"What's your name?" The stranger asked.

"It's Shawn. Yours?" Shawn asked with a still guarded voice.

"Chris. Do you want a drink Shawn?" Chris asked in a calm friendly voice.

"I already have water."

"Not that kind of drink. I meant a whiskey and coke." Chris said as he took out two glasses and placed them down on the counter. He then went over to put some ice in them as Shawn spoke.

"I don't drink."

"Have you ever?" Chris asked as he prepared the drinks, not caring that Shawn had already said no.

"No, I'm fifteen."

"So was I when I started to drink. Lots of kids your age drink. You've never even tried it?" Chris asked as he brought the drinks over and sat down on the couch. He put Shawn's drink down in front of him on the coffee table before he sat back.

"No I've never tried it. My dad used to get drunk and act like an idiot. Don't really see the point in drinking." Shawn simply said.

"Not everyone acts like that. Plus it's a little unrealistic for you to say at your age that you will never drink, never have a drink. You've seen your dad drink you must have questions about it."

Shawn turned his attention to the T.V. Of course he had questions about it, like why do people drink? What does it taste like? Does it change everyone into what his dad used to be or did his dad just drink too much? He could never ask anyone those questions though, because that would raise a red flag. He knew that Mr. Matthew had the occasional drink, but he could never ask someone that he knew. That would only result in them asking him questions, questions he didn't want to talk about. Shawn looked over at Chris and just saw that he was patently waiting for him to talk. Like he knew that Shawn would eventually break down and ask him a question. Shawn realized that Chris was right, he was going to ask him questions. Why not ask a complete stranger who he will never see again those questions that have been bothering him for so many years.

"What's it taste like?" Shawn asked softly still not truly looking at Chris.

"It's got a strong taste. It's hard to explain it, but it won't taste like anything you've ever had. The coke will help to dilute the taste, but you will still get that after burn in your throat. The kind you get when you take string cough medicine. The coke will help with the taste and flavor though and after a few you don't taste anything, but the coke. Try a sip, go for it. It won't hurt you any. It will take a lot more than a sip to affect you."

Shawn thought about it for a minute, but he was curious so he picked up the glass and took a small sip. He didn't taste much, but the coke. He could taste a bit of a spicy flavor to the coke that Shawn figured was the whiskey. It wasn't a bad taste, not like he thought it would be. Shawn brought the glass away from his mouth, but he didn't put it back down on the table, he kept it in his hands just in his lap. Chris smiled at Shawn before he spoke.

"Well what do you think?"

"It wasn't what I thought it would be. I thought it would just taste disgusting, but it just tasted like a spiced coke."

"The less coke that is in the drink the stronger the taste will be, but after a couple you don't even notice."

"If it tastes bad then why drink? My dad just acted like an idiot and became an asshole, why do it only to end up that way? Seems like a waste of money to me."

"Like I said not everyone acts like that. And why drink, because it can help."

"Help with what?" Shawn asked genuinely being curious. He had always had questions and here was some stranger willing to answer them. Someone he would never see again so it didn't matter what Shawn revealed or not.

"Stress from life. Don't you have stress in your life?"

"Well ya I do, but how would drinking help?"

"It helps to relax you and take some of the stress away. It won't fix it, but for a little while it helps you get through it. You must feel sometimes that you just need an escape from life for a little while at times don't you?"

"Ya I guess. Between school and work it gets stressful. So drinking helps as a form of an escape from all of that."

"Ya it does, it's why so many adults do it. It can't be easy having to work so much in that factory and try to go to school."

"How do you know where I work?" Shawn asked guarded once again.

"Your uncle talks to me. You interest me I have to say. Not many teenagers would do what you are doing. It can't be easy on you." Chris said sympathetically.

"It's not. I barely make anything for the hours I put in. My only friend is getting annoyed and mad with me, because I'm falling behind in school. He just doesn't understand, he'll never understand, because he's not from my world. It's not his fault he's just from a good life and a good family."

"It's still not easy though. He can't understand, but that doesn't change that you want him to be able to understand. He's your friend, your best friend I'm assuming right?"

"Since we were six."

"Life long best friend, of course you want him to understand. This is your life and it's not easy, unlike his life. It's natural you want him to cut you some slack. It's also natural for you to be feeling a little resentment towards him for having an easy life."

"I don't resent him, I'm glad he will never know what this life is like."

"But"

Shawn looked down at the drink and made the decision to take another sip, but this time it was an actual drink and not just some taste. Once he took a drink he brought the glass back down to his lap before he spoke.

"But sometimes I wish he could understand where I come from. Sometimes I wish that his life wasn't always so perfect that he wasn't so optimistic. He's set for life, he's going to graduate and go to a nice college or university if he wants to. His folks will be able to support him and pay for his school. In two and a half years my best friend will be moving on in the world and I'll still be here."

"Here in this trailer or here in this town?"

"Town and at the rate I'm making money probably this trailer or on the streets." Shawn said honestly as he took another drink.

"You could get a different job couldn't you?"

"Not without my uncle taking all of my money. Oh well I'll figure it out, it's what I do."

Chris finished his drink in one drink before he spoke.

"Maybe you could find another job that you could do when you aren't working. Keep it quiet from your uncle."

"I was, but he found my money and took it. It's just better to stick to the one job and then get the hell out of here." Shawn finished his drink and put the glass down on the table.

He had never drank before, but even after one drink he was starting to feel warm. He was feeling more comfortable with Chris being around.

"Want another?" Chris asked as he stood up.

"Ya what the hell. I'm a teenager I'm supposed to drink right?" Shawn joked lightly.

"That's usually the rule ya." Chris said with a smile as he grabbed Shawn's drink and headed into the kitchen to make two more.

He pulled the two beers out of the freezer and placed them on the counter. He then made two more drinks, but put more whiskey in Shawn's than last time. He wanted Shawn good and drunk for what he had planned for him. He paid his uncle good money to have the night with Shawn and he was going to make good use of it. He grabbed the four drinks and headed over to the couch. He gave Shawn his and placed the two beers down on the table before he sat down.

"I figured I would teach you how to drink. When you have whiskey you need to have beer, it tastes really good."

"So I take a drink of the whiskey and then take a drink of the beer?"

"Yup, the beer helps with the taste of the whiskey too. Come on do it with me." Chris said as he held up his glass.

Shawn just shrugged and did the same. Together they took a drink from the glass and then took a drink from their beers. Shawn noticed the stronger taste of the whiskey in this glass than the last one, but didn't care too much. The beer tasted a little salty, but it wasn't disgusting like he had thought it would be. It also did help with the burn from the whiskey.

"So how old were you when you started to drink?" Shawn asked and he had to admit he was feeling better. He was feeling more relaxed than he had felt earlier.

"I started when I was twelve. My dad gave me my first drink with him and his buddies. When I was sixteen he taught me how to drink and be able to not be too hung-over the next day."

"How do you stop from being hung-over?"

"In the morning when you are getting up and ready you have a drink, beer or a shot of whiskey."

"Wouldn't that make you sicker though?"

"No it helps to balance your body out. See the hangover is just your body adjusting to not having the alcohol level in your system anymore. So by having a single drink it evens your body out and you feel better. I'm not saying you get drunk all over again, you just have one or half of a beer to help fix it. After this round I'll teach you how to take a shot in one drink. If you can do that then you will be able to handle drinking in bars with the guys. Every guy needs to know how to drink a shot properly otherwise you will get laughed at."

"Really?"

"Yup, it's very important to know how to drink a shot properly. There's nothing worse than a guy in a bar or at a party that drinks like a girl. Those guys get made fun of all the time."

"I've been made fun of enough in my life, I don't need that as a reason I guess."

"No it's a dumb reason to be made fun of, especially when it's easy to fix. So I will teach you and save you from any potential embarrassment down the line."

Shawn and Chris took another drink before Shawn spoke.

"Why do you care if I can drink properly or not? You must have something better to do tonight then sit here with some fifteen year old."

"Not really, besides you seem cool. I'm guessing you don't get it too often where someone just wants to chill with you eh?"

"Not really. I get with a lot of girls, but that's just to make out. My one friend we hang out, but recently like I said he's been on my case. It's just easier now to avoid him outside of school."

"Ya I remember those days of high school. It was never easy. You get the attention from a lot of girls eh?" Chris said with a smirk.

"Ya I do. Before I had to work so much I used to have more than one date each night. It's been a while since I've been able to even date someone."

"What's the longest you've dated a girl for?"

"I wouldn't really call it dated. Usually two weeks of making out then I move on to another one."

"A player, smart man. You're too young to limit yourself to one girl, play the field." Chris said with a smile.

"My best friend has been with the same girl since like they were five. He loves her and only her. It's weird, but at the same time it's nice for them. To find that person they want to spend the rest of their life with so young, it's rare."

"It is rare, but they might not be together forever, lots of things can change from now and a year from now. Like you, I'm assuming you want your own place."

"How will I know what I tell you, you won't go and tell my uncle?" Shawn asked with attitude.

"You think I'm getting you to drink only to go and tell your uncle your dirty secrets? I'm not, you seem like a cool kid, you seem like you are older than the other teenagers your age. Maybe I'm wrong though, maybe you aren't mature enough to hang out with an adult. I thought maybe you'd want to be friends and have someone in your life that won't judge you and will understand where you are coming from. I guess I was wrong though." Chris said and he made sure he sounded mad and offended. He wanted Shawn to trust him, to depend on him, because after tonight it would make it easier for him to come to him when he needed money. He just had to be careful and play this right. Chris went to stand up when Shawn spoke.

"Wait, I'm sorry I didn't mean for it to sound like that. I am cool, I am mature, its' just a trust issue with me. People usually want something from me is all, especially adults. No one ever really sits down and just listens to me without judgements or expectations. My friend's parents are great, but they just treat me like one of their own children and lecture me all the time. My teachers all they do is ask me what I am going to do with my life and lecture me on my education. No one really stops to ask me how I feel or what I think. They all just tell me what to do. I grew up rough so I'm guarded and I don't trust easily. That's not on you, that's on me."

Chris sat back down and looked at Shawn.

"I get it, you've been through some shit in your life, hell there isn't a single person in this trailer park that hasn't been through shit. I'm not here to judge you. I've seen you around and I've heard about you from your uncle. A little bit from your uncle. I just thought you could use a friend that understands how you feel and what you are going through. I'm not interested in being friends with a kid though, I thought you were more adult and mature than the rest of the teenagers."

"I am. I've never really been a kid in my life. I'm not like everyone else here. I want out of this place, even if it is just some shitty apartment downtown at least I'll be out."

Shawn finished his whiskey and then picked up the beer and took a drink. The beer was only half gone, so he figured he would finish it first before getting another drink. He suddenly had the strong urge to get drunk tonight and to escape from it all. All of the stress and pain of his life. Which was exactly Chris' plan, he wanted to get Shawn to talk about what he didn't want to talk about so he would drink more and get drunk faster. He also had a little surprise for him later on that would definitely get him more loosened up.

"Well I know your uncle can be hard at times. I know he has one hell of a right hook too, but I'm sure you already know that as well. It can't be easy living here. Some place like downtown would sound better than living here. I'm sure underneath that shirt there would be a few bruises from him."

"Whatever, I can take care of myself, been doing it since I can remember." Shawn said with a shrug and he took a drink from his beer. Chris did the same.

"Where are your folks?"

"They took off. Mom's done it before, but normally she comes back. This time around she took the trailer and dad went after her. He left me here with my uncle, said he would be back in a couple of weeks and that was four months ago now."

"He hasn't called?"

"He called two months ago and spoke to my uncle. He didn't know I was listening. He told my uncle how him and mom never wanted me and that they weren't coming back, that I was my uncle's problem now. Ever since then I've been working at the factory. Before I used to make more, but my uncle found out I was saving it up to move and he took my stash and cut me down to ten bucks a day. So I'm working for nothing and starving half the time because I'm trying to save up every buck just to get out of here, but at this rare it'll take years."

Shawn and Chris both finished their drink and Chris took their drinks into the kitchen to get another refill. He spoke as he did it.

"Well there are other ways to make money without your uncle knowing it."

"Ya I know, my half-brother Eddie already offered me a job robbing places with him. It's just not my thing though. I'm not that desperate enough to do that. My uncle is an asshole, but I'm not about to resort to robbing people to get away from him."

Chris walked back over with two beers, two shot glasses and the bottle of whiskey. He set everything down on the table before he poured them each a shot.

"Ok listen, because this is important. To take a shot you have to take all of it in one drink. The easiest way to do that is to open your throat and take it all in one go. Then swallow, it also helps to keep the taste away. After the shot take a drink from the beer. Got it?"

"Got it."

Shawn and Chris both picked up their shot glasses and Chris clicked their glasses together before they both took their drink. The taste was stronger than Shawn thought, but he was able to take it all in one go. He grabbed his beer and was glad that it helped with the strong taste and burn in his throat. However, after the past two drinks he was used to the taste slightly so it wasn't as big as a shock as it would have been if he had only done a shot first. Shawn put his glass down on the table a let out a breath. Chris smiled at him before he spoke.

"Good job man, I'm impressed. Now to get back to the conversation there are other ways then robbing people to make money on the side."

"How?"

Shawn was feeling good from all of the whiskey and beer. He was relaxed for the first time in years Shawn felt relaxed and calm. He wasn't worried about his father or his uncle he could just let go and be himself. He didn't even care what Chris thought of him, he was just here and Shawn was able to be himself around someone without having to hide anything. He didn't have to be happy and carefree. He didn't have to try and make jokes so no one would think anything was wrong. He was so tired of having to act like everything was okay all the time. Here Chris was and he was listening to him without any judgements.

"Well you could always have clients. You are young and attractive you could have clients that you see on the side to save up money. It wouldn't take much before you could move out of here."

"What do you mean clients?" Shawn asked with a lightness to his voice. He was feeling really good now that the alcohol was going through his system pretty good now.

"Guys, John's. A lot of guys your age do it. It would get you out of here within a month."

Shawn laughed, he couldn't help it just the thought of him being a prostitute was hilarious. He would never do anything with another male especially for money. He wasn't anywhere near that desperate. After a moment Shawn stopped laughing long enough to talk.

"Me be a prostitute? Ya right. I don't even like guys to begin with there is no way I would ever do that. I don't know how anyone could."

"Some people don't have a choice. Think about it, if you were living on your own and you had no way of making money. You are going to be getting kicked out and back here to your uncle's trailer and his abuse what would you do? Would you come back here and be beaten all the time or would you sleep with another man once every week to continue to live on your own?" Chris asked with patience.

"I don't know, I don't see myself ever being in that position. I can't imagine that my uncle's abuse would ever be that bad that sleeping with strange men would be the better option."

"You never know maybe your uncle takes his abuse to a whole different level and you wouldn't be able to handle it. You can never predict the future Shawn. Never rule out anything because one day you might need to do just that. None of those other people thought they would have to do that either, but they picked it over going back to their old life."

"Ya I guess, I don't ever see myself having to do that though. If I ever end up be desperate I can always take Eddie up on his offer."

"But what if one day Eddie isn't around? He could be killed he could go to jail you don't know. Sometimes we can't plan what will happen all we can do is go with the flow."

"Have you ever?" Shawn asked as he grabbed the whiskey bottle and poured them both a shot.

"No I've never, though I have helped some of the younger guys with getting started." Chris said as he grabbed his shot glass.

They both took the shot and a drink from their beers before Shawn spoke.

"Get started?"

"Ya like getting them the right clients, ones that pay well, but won't hurt them. It's safer than them standing out on a street corner. This way they have clients come to their place where they are safe and don't have to worry about the cops. The clients are nice and I make sure they match the guy I am helping. Like they don't like any fetishes and that type of shit. I help keep them safe and make sure they have what they need."

"For fee though right?"

"Yes for a fee, but that is normal in life. Nothing in life is free as I'm sure you know."

"Ya learnt that a long time ago." Shawn said as he downed the rest of his beer. Shawn then got up and grabbed two more from the fridge before he came back over to the couch and handed a beer over to Chris who was finishing his off.

"Some people don't have a choice, you should never judge someone when you have never experienced their life. You don't like it when your friend does it to you."

"No I hate that. I'm so sick of being judged all the time from the way I look or living here in the park. Just because I live here doesn't make me a criminal."

"No it doesn't and if you did go down that road it won't be because you have nothing better to do. It will be because you are looking to survive and make it in the world. There isn't anything wrong with that either. Some people don't have a choice and they are just doing what they need to do to survive."

"Ya I guess, that makes sense."

"What grade are you in?" Chris asked as he poured them another shot.

"Tenth and failing out."

"You can't be that bad."

"I was never the star student, but with working so much I haven't been able to really be in class. I just haven't been really going anymore. I'm too tired after working all night or sleeping outside to avoid my uncle. Plus what's the point? It's not like I'm going to college." Shawn said before he took his shot.

Chris smiled at him after taking his own. "You are getting good at that. How do you feel?"

"Relaxed. I haven't felt this calm and relaxed in years. I can't even remember the last time I felt this good. Drinking makes so much more sense now." Shawn said with a smile.

"See you learnt something. Drinking can be a good stress reliever and you could clearly use it."

"Ya I guess I did."

"I have something else that will help to relax you."

"What's that?" Shawn said with a goofy smile. He knew he shouldn't be drinking and he couldn't imagine the lecture he would get from Cory, but right now he just doesn't care.

Chris pulled out a small baggie that held four light orange pills inside. Shawn looked at them and he knew they were drugs, but he didn't know what kind.

"What is that?" Shawn asked.

"It's X, it will make you feel better."

"Ecstasy?" Shawn asked surprised that Chris would have drugs. He didn't know why, because it would make sense that he had some kind of drug. He wasn't a stranger to drugs they did go around the trailer park.

"Ya, it's good I've done it before."

"I don't do drugs." Shawn simply said, but he wasn't as guarded as he originally was with the alcohol. He was drunk by now from all of the shots of whiskey. He had never drank before and after this many drinks he could say he was drunk and he didn't care.

"It's not like its meth or something. It's just a pill that will make you feel ten times more relaxed. I'll do one with you and you'll see nothing bad will happen."

"I don't know." Shawn said with a goofy smile.

"Are you scared?" Chris teased with a smile.

"No I'm not scared and I'm not gonna fall for that peer-pressure crap. Give me one." Shawn said as he put a hand out with a smile.

Chris smiled back and opened the small little baggie. He took out two orange pills and placed one in Shawn's hand. Shawn looked at the pill for a second before he saw Chris take his with a drink of beer. Shawn figured that nothing bad would happen so he put the pill in his mouth and downed it with some of his beer. Shawn didn't feel any different so he knew he was worried over nothing. Shawn grabbed the whiskey bottle and poured them each a shot. They took the shot and then Shawn leaned back against the arm of the couch. He brought his right knee up and left his left leg down with his foot on the floor. Chris smiled at the position, Shawn didn't even realize that the position left his legs open and Chris had a perfect view of his jeaned crotch.

"How are you feeling?" Chris asked with a smile.

"Good, relaxed."

"Soon you will be feeling great and then amazing."

"How would you know?" Shawn said with a smirk.

"Because the pill will make you feel great and I am going to make you feel amazing."

"Oh and how are you going to do that?" Shawn said with a smile.

Chris knew that Shawn didn't know what he was doing, but he was flirting with him. The way he tilted his head, the way his legs moved just a little wider so he could get a clear view of Chris. Shawn didn't realize it, but Chris couldn't help but get excited about what tonight would be like. Chris knew that with another pill and more whiskey Shawn would be willing to do anything and he would barely remember it the next day, if he remembered it at all. Chris didn't care if he remembered or not, even if he did remember he would be able to get Shawn to see that he didn't take advantage of him, that he wanted it. Chris knew that Shawn was a virgin and probably had only ever kissed another girl. Tonight Chris was going to change that he was going to make sure Shawn was his. He knew that eventually Ralph would take the abuse too far and Shawn would be out on his own, it was only a matter of time before Shawn was his. Chris could wait, he could play nice and show Shawn that they could be friends. Chris had played this game before and he was very good at it.

"You'll find out later, but I am going to make sure you feel amazing by the end of the night."

"People don't tend to care about how I feel." Shawn simply said.

"Well I'm not most people. I think you need someone in your life that will make you feel good."

"And you want to be that person?"

"Why not?"

"Why would you? You're what forty? Why care about a fifteen year old that no one wants?"

"Because you are cool and everyone needs someone. I don't have many people in my life that I care about. You need someone in your life that will just let you be yourself without judgement. I can do that, I can be that person. There is nothing we can't talk about." Chris said as he poured two more shots.

He gave the shot glass to Shawn and they both drank it. Shawn reached over and placed the shot glass back down on the table.

"So what do you do?" Shawn asked slightly slurring his words. Chris knew that Shawn was drunk and now he just needed to get Shawn to take the second pill and everything will be perfect for his plan.

"I told you I help people get started on the street. I help kids getting out of an abusive home and get them into apartments. I help get them set up for work somewhere."

"For a fee." Shawn stated.

"Yes for a fee, but it pays the bills. I have my own apartment downtown and I never have to worry about paying my bills. I also have a lot of resources for drugs and all the sex I want." Chris said with a smile.

"You supply drugs for people too?"

"I do if they need it. Some of the people I help like doing X every now and then or some coke. I help them get what they need. They don't always pay me in money some will pay me with head or a good bang." Chris said with a smile.

"Head? Bang I get it's sex, but what the hell is head?" Shawn said with a small chuckle.

"It's street lingo for blowjob. You know when a girl puts your dick in her mouth, or guy if you swing that way." Chris said with a smile.

"Oh never had it." Shawn said with a slight blush.

"You're fifteen and you have never gotten head from a girl?" Chris said surprised, but he had already figured that out. It's what he was hoping for.

"No, just made out with a bunch never got to go any further. They didn't want to and I'm not one to push."

"Well no does mean no so that is good that you know that at least. It sucks that you have no idea how amazing it can feel. Sex is the ultimate stress reliever it just relaxes you better than any drug."

"Really?"

"Really it's amazing and can feel so damn good, especially if you are with someone that knows what they are doing."

"I'll have to take your word for that until I find out myself."

"You'll find out soon." Chris said with a smirk.

"Have you been with a lot of girls?"

"Girls and guys."

"Really? So you are gay?" Shawn asked confused.

"No I'm bi it means I like both guys and girls. Fucking both feels good."

"Is there really a difference?"

"You curious?" Chris teased lightly.

"No I just, I don't understand why some guys like guys and some like girls. It seems complicated to me."

"There can be a difference. Some guys will like fucking other guys because it's really tight and hot inside a guy's ass. Some will fuck them though, they won't touch the other guy's dick or suck em. Fucking a girl feels hot and tight too, but a guy never gets lose they stay tight. Getting head feels the same no matter if it's a guy or girl sucking you off. If you get someone that knows what they are doing it will feel good no matter what."

"Do you just fuck a guy or do you do other stuff?" Shawn asked with his eyes half open.

"I do other stuff. A girl's pussy can taste really sweet and good, but when a guy cums in your mouth it's different. You can feel him pulsing and you can feel his cum going down your throat. It's empowering knowing that you can do that to someone. Drive them crazy until they beg you to make them cum. So I like both and one day you will find out if you do too."

"I don't think I'll be sleeping with any guys, but okay." Shawn said with a smile.

"You never know what might happen. Just don't be upset if it does, it's natural for people to experiment especially teenagers."

"Have you ever had sex and not remember?"

"Sure. I've never forgotten completely, but I've woken up beside someone after getting drunk and high the night before. It doesn't mean anything. It's not like someone took advantage of the other. We were both drunk and high and wanted to feel good. It's not a big deal it happens to everyone. It'll happen to you in the future. It doesn't mean anything but a good time."

Chris poured another shot for each of them. He also took out the baggie and took his second pill and downed it with the shot. He then moved closer to Shawn and held the pill out in between his fingers.

"Open your mouth." Chris said with a smile.

Shawn laughed for a moment before he opened his mouth and Chris put the pill on Shawn's tongue and then brought the shot glass up to his lips and poured it into Shawn's mouth. Shawn swallowed the pill and whiskey with a bit of a cough that turned into a laugh afterwards.

"What was that?" Shawn said with a goofy smile.

"Just a bit of fun. It's good to see you smile. I can tell you haven't been doing that much in your life."

"Ya I guess I don't really unless I'm with Cory my friend."

"But you don't really talk to him." Chris stated. He turned his body more so he placed his left hand on the back of the couch and was sitting over Shawn more. Shawn didn't care though and Chris knew it was from the X and the whiskey.

"Not really. I mean we talk about every day shit, nothing important though. I guess I shouldn't say that he talks about shit that bothers him and he knows my folks took off and I'm staying with my uncle."

"But he doesn't know you work at that factory or that your uncle beats you."

"He knows I work at the factory he just thinks it's on weekends and he doesn't know what I make. He definitely doesn't know about my uncle. He would never understand."

"So telling him wouldn't exactly help." Chris said sympathetically.

"He would try to help, but that would only make things worse. He would tell his parents and then they would feel obligated to take me in. I don't need no charity. I'll make it on my own." Shawn said with his eyes closed.

He felt like he was floating. His whole body was tingling and he couldn't believe how relaxed and good he felt. He was awake he was just starting to feel a little out of it.

"I'm sure you will. How you feeling right now? You look like you are feeling good." Chris said with a smirk.

"I feel like I'm floating in the air. My whole body is all tingling."

"How's the head feeling?"

"Light, I don't know I'm awake, but I can't really think all that great. I just feel so good, so light." Shawn said with a smile.

"That's what you wanted right? You wanted to feel relaxed and good."

"Ya it is. You're right this was a good idea. You got me feeling great. Makes me wonder how you are going to make me feel amazing." Shawn said with a smile with his eyes still closed.

"You'll find out soon enough. How about some TV?"

Chris reached over with his right hand for the remote that was sitting on the table. He changed the channel to pay-per-view channel and purchased a movie. Shawn opened his eyes when he heard the moaning. Shawn looked over at the TV and saw that a girl was touching herself in front of some naked guy.

"What is this?" Shawn asked the smile cemented onto his face now thanks to the ecstasy.

"It's porn haven't you ever seen porn?"

"Not hard core porn just whatever they have on the late night channels. Why are we watching porn?"

"Because men watch porn and why not maybe you'll learn something. Does it bother you?"

"No I don't care right now. I don't care about anything right now."

They watched as the girl kept playing with herself on the bed in front of the man and questions started to come into Shawn's mind.

"Do girls really do that in real life?"

"Some do. You just have to know how to ask them. You can tell which ones will and what ones won't based on their personality."

"That I can believe."

They sat there watching the TV Chris gave Shawn another shot that Shawn took himself. It wasn't until ten minutes later did Shawn realize that he was hard as a rock and you could tell through his jeans. The problem was Shawn didn't care. His whole body was radiating with every touch that Chris accidentally made. Shawn's mind was all fuzzy he didn't understand what was going on and his mind really couldn't follow, but he didn't care either. He found it hard to keep his eyes open, but he wasn't really tired either. He didn't know what was going on with his body, but he was so relaxed and feeling good he couldn't bring himself to care. Chris looked down at Shawn and saw that he was right where he needed him to be. He was so drunk and high Chris knew he could do anything to Shawn right now and he wouldn't care in the morning. In the morning Chris could simply say that they were both drunk and high and it didn't mean anything. Though, Chris wouldn't be here in the morning he would be gone and Ralph would be here. Chris knew that his plan would work, he would get Shawn out of this house and in a place where Chris could come for free and be with Shawn. The moment Chris saw Shawn he wanted him and he knew that he would have Shawn.

(Warning Date Rape Starts)

Chris moved his left hand and undid his pants before he put his left hand back. He shifted his hips slightly so they would be facing Shawn more. He undid his zipper and at the sound Shawn opened his eyes slightly. He saw as Chris took out his own hard on and he turned to look at Shawn.

"What are you doing?" Shawn said lightly with a smile on his face.

"Jerking off. What do you think you do when you watch porn? Plus X makes you horny, every touch is intensified to feel fucking amazing." Chris said as he started to jerk himself off slowly. "You should try."

"Never done it before." Shawn said with a slight blush creeping into his cheeks.

Chris could see that Shawn was watching him and he couldn't help, but smile. Shawn was still a teenager and it didn't matter if he liked guys or girls it was natural curiosity that kept his eyes on him.

"You've never jerked off before? Really?"

"No, is that weird?"

"A little. Come on try it, I'll show you how."

Chris didn't wait for Shawn to move or to say anything he just moved his hands to Shawn's jeans and undid them and unzipped them. He took Shawn's hard on out and was happily surprised at how big Shawn was.

"You are big for your age. The girls are going to love that." Chris said as he reached for Shawn's right hand.

He wrapped Shawn's right hand around his hard on and slowly began to move it up and down.

"Just like that, see how good it feels?"

Shawn moaned at his own touch. He knew the X was causing him to feel like this, but he couldn't seem to get his mind to care. He knew this was wrong, but he didn't care, he couldn't get his body to stop.

"That's it." Chris said as he went back to his own hard on.

He watched Shawn play with himself and it was taking everything in him not to cum right then and there. He had other plans for that. He knew Shawn wouldn't last long, he had never done it before and the ecstasy would turn him on even more. Sure enough after five minutes Shawn was moaning as he cam. He cam all over his still hard dick.

Shawn looked down and saw that he was still hard and turned on.

"It's the X it will keep you hard for hours until your body is too exhausted and you pass out. That's what's great about X people can fuck on it for hours and still stay hard after cumming."

"Now I'm sticky, but feel so good."

"How about you feel great and no longer be sticky."

"Sounds good to me." Shawn said just barely above a whisper.

Chris knew the longer the X and whiskey was in his system the less aware he would get and that is what Chris wanted. He wanted Shawn to remember, but he didn't want him to feel like he took advantage of him. If he remembered only parts then Chris could play it off like they were just drunk and it wasn't a big deal. Chris moved closer and he bent down and licked the cum off from Shawn's hard on. Shawn moaned loudly, almost screamed at the contact from the pleasure. Shawn bit down on his lip and Chris looked up at him.

"Moan as loud as you want, no one will care."

Chris took Shawn all the way in his mouth and began to suck. Shawn listened to Chris and moaned as loud as he wanted. He didn't care if someone heard him or not. His whole body was radiating with pleasure and his mind just couldn't keep up. He couldn't think all he could do was just feel and his body was overflowing with the touch. He didn't even know how long it was before he was cumming again this time in Chris' mouth. Shawn could barely even think of words to say. He just couldn't think right now he was so tired, but he didn't want to sleep. It just felt so good.

"Do you feel great?" Chris whispered into Shawn's ear.

Shawn just moaned.

"Do you want to know what you taste like?" Chris whispered now against Shawn's mouth.

"Hm" Was all Shawn was able to get his mind to respond.

Chris took that as a yes and he kissed Shawn. It took a moment for Shawn to respond, but he did kiss back. Shawn was a teenager and he was high and drunk so his mind had been completely compromised and his body was just going by natural instincts. Chris got Shawn to open his mouth and Chris pushed his tongue inside Shawn's mouth. After a good five minutes Chris pulled back.

"Do you like how you taste?"

"Do you taste the same?" Shawn slurred out.

"No you taste really sweet like candy. I taste a little stronger. Here open your mouth." Chris said as he straighten up and moved closer to Shawn's face.

"Why?" Shawn breathed out.

"Trust me, I haven't done anything, but make you feel good all night. I won't hurt you."

Shawn opened his mouth, his eyes were still closed so he didn't see Chris jerking off real quick in front of him.

"A little more."

Shawn opened his mouth a little more.

"Good, that's a good boy."

Chris groaned as he was getting close. The ecstasy was going to affect him as well and he was more than ready to cum for the first time that night. He moved closer when he felt like he was going to cum.

"Stick your tongue out."

Shawn stuck his tongue out and Chris aimed for Shawn's tongue and mouth. He cam and made sure that most of it went inside Shawn's mouth and on his tongue, but some got on his cheeks. Shawn kept his mouth open the whole time and when Chris was done he ran the tip of his tongue up and down Shawn's tongue. Chris then moved back and watched as Shawn's body automatically swallowed. Shawn didn't even react to the taste his mind was so far gone.

"How does it taste?" Chris said with a smirk.

"Salty" Shawn mumbled.

"I think you need bed. Come on let's get you more comfortable."

"Ok" Shawn mumbled once again.

Chris helped Shawn to stand up and Shawn swayed slightly. His body wasn't used to standing up since he had been sitting or lying down all night while he drank. They both stumbled down through the small trailer until they got to the only bedroom, Uncle Ralph's room. Chris sat Shawn down on the bed.

"Let's get this shirt off, you look hot."

Chris began to remove Shawn's shirt and Shawn didn't fight him. Shawn couldn't do anything, but let Chris take over and that is exactly what Chris wanted. Once the shirt was removed Chris did the same to his before he had Shawn move back and lay down. Once Shawn was laying down he mumbled again.

"You going to make me feel amazing now?"

"Oh I'm going to make you feel amazing all night long. Just relax and let me take care of you."

"Mmk"

Chris removed his own jeans and boxers before he did the same to Shawn. Once they were both naked Chris took a moment to look at Shawn. He was still standing straight up hard and Chris was curious to see how long it would take to make that go away. He himself was also still hard and he was wide awake ready to go all night. He spread Shawn's legs apart as far as he could so he could see his little hole. Shawn was so out of it he didn't even realize what was going on. Chris reached over to the bedside table and pulled out some oil. He didn't want to wait anymore. He had been waiting for months to be able to get with Shawn and now it was time to claim him as his own. Chris put some oil on three fingers and slowly began to insert one into Shawn's tight hole. Shawn shifted, but he didn't push away. Chris slowly pushed his finger in all of the way before he began to pull it back out. He knew that it would feel weird for Shawn, but soon Shawn would be moaning for more. After a few moments Chris inserted his second finger and he began to stretch Shawn. He didn't want to hurt Shawn when he fucked him, but he didn't want him too loose either. After a moment Chris found Shawn's sweet spot and that made Shawn moan so loud the neighbors would have heard him. He didn't have his eyes open, but his dick was pulsing with need. Chris inserted his final finger and began to rub Shawn's sweet spot as he stretched him. Shawn's body was so worked up with the ecstasy that Shawn cam without Chris even touching his dick. Shawn was moaning and groaning and Chris couldn't take it anymore. He pulled his fingers out and slicked up his own hard on. Once ready he pushed Shawn's legs up with his hands by Shawn's thighs, giving him a perfect view of Shawn's ass as he pushed into him slowly. Chris couldn't believe how tight Shawn was and he knew that it would take years before Shawn was ever loosened up. Shawn squirmed as he entered him and his eyes were half open. Once all the way inside of Shawn Chris waited a moment to let Shawn get used to the feeling.

"What are you doing?" Shawn mumbled.

"Making you feel amazing baby." Chris said as he leaned closer to Shawn and began to kiss him.

Shawn's body just automatically reacted and started to kiss back. After a moment Chris continued to kiss Shawn and slowly brought his dick out most of the way only to slowly push back in. He aimed for Shawn's sweet spot and he knew he slowly hit it when Shawn moaned loudly into the kiss. Chris kept kissing Shawn and kept at that pace, going slowly to push Shawn into wanting more. After a moment Chris pulled away from Shawn's mouth, but kept his mouth almost against his as he spoke.

"Do you like that?"

Shawn moaning was his only answer.

"Do you want more?"

"Ya" Shawn mumbled between moans.

"Do you want me to make you feel amazing?"

"Ya"

"Tell me to fuck you." Chris said with a smirk.

"Fuck me" Shawn mumbled.

"Do you want me to go faster?"

"Ya"

"Harder?"

"Ya"

"Deeper?" Chris said with a smirk again.

"Ya"

"Tell me to fuck you deep and hard baby." Chris whispered against Shawn's mouth.

"Fuck me deep and hard." Shawn mumbled with a heavy breath.

Shawn didn't know what was happening, his mind was shut off. All he knew was that his body was screaming for more. His body was pulsing with need and Chris seemed to know how to make that pulsing stop.

"I got you baby just relax I'm going to make you feel like no one ever has." Chris said as he began to pick up pace.

Shawn was loosening up so Chris was able to push into Shawn even deeper and faster than before. As Chris picked up his pace Shawn's moans got louder and louder. Chris wanted to hear more so he pushed Shawn's legs up as far back as they could go so he could truly pound into Shawn. Shawn was almost folded over and his own dick was right in his face. Chris moved his one hand so he could jerk Shawn off and it didn't even take three minutes before Shawn was cumming again, this time all over his own face. Just the site was enough to make Chris cum deep inside Shawn. Chris didn't stop though, he was still hard for the X so he continued to pound into Shawn loving the site of Shawn's own cum all over his face. Chris continued to have sex with Shawn in different positions all night. It wasn't until four in the morning did Chris finally fun out of steam. Shawn had barely even opened his eyes the whole time, but Chris knew he would remember certain parts of this. It's why Chris got Shawn to say that he wanted more. If Shawn was going to remember something it would be his own voice talking. Chris had done this before so he knew how to play it off when he saw Shawn again and he knew he would be seeing Shawn again. His plan was perfect and he couldn't wait until he saw Shawn again.

Chris got dressed and before he left he moved Shawn so he was in a good position for when his uncle came back home in a few hours. He moved Shawn so he was on his stomach, but with his knees tucked all the way under him, giving his uncle the perfect view of his ass. Chris stood there for a moment just looking at Shawn and seeing his own cum coming out of Shawn's ass. It was a good night and Chris knew there would be more nights like this in his future with Shawn. With the stage set Chris grabbed his jacket and headed outside and back to his own apartment. He knew that Ralph wouldn't be able to resist what Chris left for him. He knew that it would push Ralph over the edge and he would have to take action, just like Chris knew that action would be anything but pleasant for Shawn, pushing him out of the house. Shawn would then turn to his brother Eddie and Eddie would then turn to him in search of a place for Shawn. Eddie had done it before with other kids that he conned into working for him, so Chris knew that Eddie would come to him to get Shawn a place to live. Chris already had the perfect place for Shawn. It was a furnished apartment just across the street from his own apartment. He would be able to watch Shawn and keep an eye on him. He would be able to get Shawn thinking that he was his only friend and he could only rely and trust him. Finally when the time was right he would make sure Eddie was no longer in the picture, pushing Shawn to resort to other means to make his rent. It was flawless and Chris was excited for it to all play out.