Family

Leaving Behind

That was the last time that Jonathan Turner saw Shawn. 

Shawn never turned up  to his apartment after he was discharged and went back to his apartment to pack up his belongings. 

It was Cory , Topanga , Eli , the Matthews and even Mr Feeny that came to help him. They were introduced to his parents , Mr and Mrs Turner, who even though quite rich seemed grounded and friendly. 

 Cory told him that Shawn didn't turn up at school for the past few days. Jon sat in his wheelchair , as everyone busied around the house. They didn't let  him move a muscle. 

"You let us handle this Jon ,"said Mr Feeny patting his back. "I'll keep an eye on that Hunter's boy for you ."

Ï appreciate if you do Mr Feeny, "said Jon. Jonathan looked around the house fondly. 

It had been a hell of a few years but he had good memories  there , especially Shawn keeping it noisy and  messy. He remember the many times he scolded Shawn for leaving his clothes om the floor , or using his robes without his permission. The times he used the phone to call his numerous  girls, takes outs and movie order  causing the telephone bills and his credit card to spike up in a month. Their times cooking together , well cooking , meaning he cooked , Shawn talked. Jon took a deep breathe. How many times, did he run after Shawn , afraid that the boy  would just disappear. How many time did he find Shawn bringing girls into his house. He was a handful but Jon would still give him a place to stay all over again. Jon wheeled himself to one of the cupboards and pull out the drawer. He took out a piece  of paper. 

It doesn't mean anything now , but he just stared at it. He crumbled it and threw it into the garbage bin. Shawn's guardianship paper...

Shawn was his responsibility . Even though , now with Shawn's  parents back, he still felt responsible.  But he was no use to Shawn now .

Shawn didn't appear or called on the day that he was moving to LA. 

Eli had changed job and was beginning his position as a news reporter at the local station. He had something to do  in LA and promise to drive  Jonathan there himself. They drop by  at the Matthew's house for him to say his goodbye to Cory and his family. 

Shawn was not there. 

Cory was trying to  hold back his tears. He gave Jon a bear hug, holding tightly. 

"I'm going to miss you Mr Turner . Don't you worry, I'll take good care of Shawn while you are away."

"That's very nice of you Cory.... but ow...ow..." gasped Jonathan for air. Cory realized that he was hurting him and quickly let go. 

"Have you seen our little friend?"

No, Cory had not seen Shawn, nor anyone else. Jonathan was getting worried. He asked Eli, to drive him to the trailer park  to see how Shawn was doing. 

Eli , knocked at Shawn's trailer. There was no answer, until the umpteenth knock , the door open and Chet Hunter , Shawn's father  came out. Eli introduced himself and step aside to show Jonathan sitting at the passenger sit in the car. Chet  gave a big smile and walked up to the car. 

  "Professor , I heard you got bang up really bad. Glad to see you still standing,"he said with his loud boisterous voice.

"Hello, Chet . Is Shawn here?"

"Shawn? Nope , haven't seen him since last night . Is he in any trouble , Professor?"

"No.... no..... just wanted to say goodbye."Chet Hunter nodded and lean on the car. Jonathan could smell tobacco on him. He hope that the man was not smoking with Shawn.

Ï heard your moving away. Sad to hear that after all the things that you have done for my Shawn." Chet Hunter straighten up and rub his hand on his pants and held it out to Jonathan.
"Sincerely , Professor from the bottom of my heart . Thank you for helping my boy. "

Jon looked at the hand , loss for words.

It was my pleasure, I would do it all over again if I could. Tell Shawn, I'll come back , will ya , "said Jonathan looking around the park , hoping that Shawn would pop out from behind one of the trailers. But there was no Shawn.

Chet Hunter nodded and stepped away from the car as Eli started the engine.

Jonathan was quiet as they drove out of the park. Eli glanced at his friend.
"This is it , huh ?" Sadly, Jonathan glanced at the rear view mirror last time .

"Yeah this is it ." said Jonathan gently. As they drove off, they didn't see the lone figure , standing up from the roof of the trailer that they had just left.
The figure watched the car as it disappeared from sight .
"Goodbye Mr Turner."said the figure softly and turned away.