It's Just The Woods

4

May 4th, 2021
Muses, PA                    Shawn & Rachel's Home
10:30 A.M.

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Rachel was downright nervous. She didn't know how to tell Shawn what's been going through her mind. She's been thinking a lot about what she was feeling about specific things. However, her head kept convincing her that he wouldn't care or that she was being overdramatic.

But her thoughts were the least of her concerns. She had bigger things to worry about.

"Rach," She looked up from her cereal and met eyes with Shawn. Shawn and Rachel always woke up early. They were eating cereal and sitting in an eerie silence. "You good? Something on your mind?"

Rachel took a deep breath. "Yeah." Her voice was squeaky, throat filled with nervousness. Was she going to risk it? All because she felt like she needed to? This could ruin her relationship with Shawn. Well, he was her brother. Of course, she's nervous to tell him what's going on with her. What if he just ha-

"Rach!" He chuckled. "God, it's almost like you're scared of me or something."

She gulped. "Not really that, um..."

Shawn noticed her nervousness and put his spoon down. "Hey, what's wrong?" He asked quietly. "You've been acting off since you came back from the store with that camera."

Rachel sighed. "I, um, have been keeping a secret from you for a little bit now. I-I just didn't know how to tell you."

Shawn raised an eyebrow. He reached forward and gently grabbed her hands. "Rach, nothing you say will make me mad at you, you know that." Holding up a finger, he brought a penny out of his jean pockets. "Penny for your thoughts?"

Shawn knew. He knew for a while when he caught Rachel reading a Women's Magazine under her bed. She wasn't home but he knew Mikey didn't even know what any of that stuff could be. He was only ten. Also, when Rachel was staring Hailey up and down but claimed she was just looking at her outfit, Shawn knew that there was no way that Rachel didn't like girls, specifically Hailey.

She blinked away tears, taking the penny. "Y-Yeah, I know that, but-"

"But nothing." He interrupted her. "Rach, you can tell me anything." He said, trying to push her. He knew it was wrong, but he didn't want her to be scared to tell him anything. He didn't want Rachel to feel like everything that came out of her mouth was going to make everyone hate her.

"I know, Shawn." She said sternly. "I just...don't know how to tell you."

Shawn gently rubbed her hand with her thumb. "Rach, you can wait."

"I've waited too lo-"

"Good morning, guys." They looked away from each other and looked at the doorway. Michelle was standing there. She wore a baby blue robe with bunny slippers. Her tan, long fingers had a single ring on her left ring finger and was holding a coffee mug. Her dark brown hair, similar to Shawn's, was messy. Her dark blue eyes were tired and red, but she also just woke up.

Rachel smiled. "Good morning, Michelle."

Michelle grinned brightly. "How did you guys sleep?"

Shawn took a bite of his Lucky Charms. "Good. Hey, Mom?" She hummed, pouring herself some coffee. "We were thinking, um," He looked at Rachel for help. She shrugged her shoulders and coughed quietly. "You know the cabin in the woods?"

"Yes."

He took a deep breath. "Can we go up there for the summer?"

Michelle sipped her coffee and turned around. "Of course. Would I have to talk to people's parents?"