Problem Child

thirty-seven

Here's another update, it's a longer one and it was harder to write at certain scenes. Just a warning, this chapter contains some hard-to-read topics, which it was just something that was implied to have happened, and is necessary for the story and the plans I've had for it—since the beginning along with newer ideas I've had along the way. Thanks for reading 🖤
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Shawn sat on the worn-out couch with his father in the cramped living room of the trailer, his gaze fixed on the door. He couldn't shake off the sense of anticipation tinged with apprehension that gripped him. After all, his mom had promised to come back countless times before, only to disappear again without a trace.

But this time was different.

His heart was pounding hard with a mixture of anticipation and dread, and slowly he stood up upon hearing the familiar creak of the front door opening, signaling the arrival he had been both longing for and dreading.

His mother was back.

But as his gaze flickered past Virna, he caught sight of another figure lurking in the shadows: Eddie, his half-brother, towering from behind her, wearing a sinister smile. The sight of him sent a pang of anxiety coursing through Shawn's veins, his stomach twisting with a sense of dread. No matter how much he tried to prepare for this moment, nothing really could. He felt like he was going to be sick.

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

He had hoped that his mother's return would bring solace and stability, not the added burden of his hostile half-brother, but he knew this would happen, so why couldn't he just get past the shock of it all already? Still, Shawn couldn't help but wish that his mother's return had been a solitary affair—that she had come back alone, leaving behind the trouble of her firstborn child.

"Hey, baby," Virna greeted, her voice tinged with exhaustion as she stepped into the room. Her eyes flickered briefly at Eddie before settling on Shawn. "I'm back, just like I promised."

"Cool."

Eddie lounged against the doorway, his smirk sending a shiver down Shawn's spine. "Hey there, squirt," he drawled, his tone dripping with faux charm. "Miss me?"

The poor kid was frozen in fear.

"Aye what do ya know? The family's all back together 'gain!" Chet cheered, patting Shawn on the back a couple of times.

Eddie just chuckled coldly.

Shawn forced a tight-lipped smile, his discomfort evident, but not so much to his clueless father. Chet's obliviousness only added to Shawn's unease, aware that nothing could really protect him.

"Yeah, great," Shawn muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Virna turned to the boy, gently speaking, "It truly is. Just give it time, and you'll really see how good this is going to be for all of us—being together again."

And with the following days, Shawn would stay out late and practically tiptoe around the trailer—intentionally trying to avoid any chance of an encounter with Eddie. It wasn't so bad as long as Virna was around, who wouldn't tolerate any nonsense from the teenager. Being around Eddie with his father nearby wasn't all that bad either, but Chet didn't pay any attention to the snide remarks and threats, or maybe he just didn't care. Plus, Eddie was smart enough not to lay a hand on Shawn with others around.