Lust

20

Talia made sure to visit Shanks at least every alternate day to keep a check on him, she gave him her old laptop when she found out about Shanks interest in computers.

The two clicked instantly.

They would spends hours in the hospital during visiting hours working on the computer, playing games and when Shanks had time he would snoop into the hospital data. He turned out to be quite a hacker.

On the day of check out from the hospital instead of Dally, Talia's mom and dad visited to get him checked out of the hospital.

"Where is Ms.Dally?" Shanks asked as he looked at Talia's mom.

"Shanks would you like to be my brother?" Talia squealed and Shanks looked at her like she grew an extra head.

"We want to adopt you if you are willing" Talia's mom said as she sat beside Shanks who looked stunned.

"Wha-"

"We filed a case against the orphanage" Talia said and her dad smacked her on the head. "He needs to agree to it" Talia's dad said as looked at Shanks who nods his head vigorously.

"Yes definitely, I would really be grateful if you-" Shanks is cut short as Talia's mom wraps him in a hug.

He hugs back and sniffles.

That was the first time he cried to someone ever since he got to the orphanage. He wiped his tears and looked at Talia who smiled. "Thank you" he whispered and she grins, a stray tear escaped her eye.

Shanks lived with Talia's family for three years before moving out into his own place for college but he loved Talia and her family like his own.

He would spend every thanksgiving with them, he would go on trips and tours with them even after moving out.

Even through the rest of his school days Talia protected him from the rumours, unnecessary gossip and bullies. She was his shield.

Flashback over.

Alan opened the door and walked in along with Oscar and chuckled at the sight. He walked to the bed and picked up Shanks who was lying down in an awkward pose.

Shanks woke up when Alan picked him up, he looked at Talia who was sleeping and tried to wiggle out of Alan's arms but he wasn't having it.

Alan carried Shanks out and softly close the door behind him with his feet.

Alan was worried that Oscar might be uncomfortable with them being in his room but he looked like he was more concerned about Talia to care about that.

Talia was curled up at the edge of the bed. Oscar slowly shifted her to the centre and sat down beside her with his back against the head board.

Her face was streaked with dried tears, nose red. He tucked her hair behind her ear while she slept.

Talia felt a feather light touch on her cheek and slowly opened her eyes, she looked towards the side as she sat up to find Oscar sitting there.

Her eyes felt heavy. She looked at the time and her eyes widened, it's already four in the evening. "I have to get my stuff" she said, her husky voice from the sleep.

She got up in a haze and walked into the washroom. Talia washed her face and pulled off Oscars tshirt, her hot flush was getting bad. She hated the heat.

The door to the bathroom opened and she looked wide eyed as Oscar stepped in and closed the door. "Wha-"

She watched as Oscar walked to her, he tilted her face up with a finger under the chin and kissed her. She was surprised, her eyes wide open as he tugs at her lower lip.