The Secret Life // A Shawn Hunter fanfic

Thirty-Five ➵ J. C

Almost two weeks later
In just a few days it would be time to perform for my audition.
Meanwhile, Cory had discovered a new forming relationship. Her name was Wendy, who was a very pretty, intelligent girl. She had the same personality as me- humbled, kind, and didn't have a lot to say.
However, the only one who didn't like her was Topanga.
"Do I sense jealousy, Topanga?" I asked since I was spending the night at her house. We were painting our nails and having another makeup night.
"Okay... I am. I do like Cory. But I don't know if I'm ready to date him just yet. What if we date and break up, then hate each other for the rest of our lives? I wouldn't want that. I would lose him forever." Topanga murmured, and I felt sorry for her.
"Aww, Pangy." I consoled her by sending her into a hug. We hugged each other, comforting her the best I could. Just then, there was a tapping noise at her window. Like I predicted, it was Shawn. Topanga, annoyed at the fact every time this always interrupted us, open the window.
"Shawn, can you get out of here?" Topanga demanded him, but Shawn just slipped through the window anyway, not listening to her.
"What's going on here?" Shawn wondered, referring to Topanga's teary eyes.  She quickly realized that Shawn must of saw and she wiped her eyes. She didn't like the thought of people seeing her pain, like me. But for me, it was worse.
"It's nothing."
"Wait... I think I know. Topanga. I know what's going on. You're jealous. It's normal." Shawn made that assumption clear.
"Jealous? Who said I was jealous?" Topanga was declining her true feelings in front of Shawn. He was Cory's best friend. I could see why she was fearful of him about this.
"I won't tell him, but just to reassure you, this may cheer you up," Shawn began to inform us,"it isn't working out with Wendy and Cory."
Topanga glanced up, catching her attention. She delved herself into what Shawn was saying, curious by what he meant. So, he finished and continued on with what he was saying.
"Wendy is too clingy for him. Personally, I don't think it's because of that either. I don't think it's working out because he is in love with you, Topanga." Shawn told her reassuringly.
"Yeah right, if he was in love with me, he wouldn't be dating her." Topanga snapped, but she was just feeling insecure about this. I knew she had a feeling Cory liked her. It was all in their relationship.
"He is, I'm telling you he is. He tells me that all the time Topanga. But he isn't ready. Not yet..... he's feeling exactly what you are too." Shawn stated truthfully, and I comforted her some more.
"Hear that, Pangy? He does love you. You just need to see that." I assured her in condolences. She formed a slight smile, beginning to feel a little better than she did before.
"Thanks guys. I will just have to wait for him. Not now we will date, but maybe in the future, if we still carry those feelings for each other."
Shawn and I at the same time hugged Topanga, forming a group hug.
It felt a little unusual without Cory just randomly popping into the window out of plain sight like he always did. Following Shawn wherever he went, nosy and getting into trouble because that's what they did.
At school the next day, Topanga was jealous a little when she spotted Wendy and Cory together, holding hands in the hallway. However, I believed Shawn automatically when Cory kept staring at Topanga when he got the chance. Those were feelings for Topanga.
I don't think this was some sort of an experiment for Cory. To see what it was like having a girlfriend. I concluded that he was trying to make Topanga jealous; to make sure she shared those same, exact feelings for him too.
Meanwhile, aside from this situation that was occurring, my audition was tomorrow.
I told Shawn's parents about it and they were excited as can be. Unfortunately, they were going on a trip so they could view my performance. I admit, I was feeling a little down about that, but I accepted it.
"They always do that." Shawn bit his lip when he said that to me. I comforted him, hoping he would cheer up a little.
"I'm just glad you are coming to the performance." I told him, and he seemed happier after I told him that.
I rehearsed in front of Shawn, pretending he was one of the judges. I wrote this song called My Immortal.
It was going to be played from a piano, instead of just acapella. Thing is, they only allowed performers to sing. So, with that being said, they were having a pianist to play for their song. Even guitarist if it contained an acoustic in the background.
"You did beautiful... that's so heartbreaking though." Shawn told me, and it was supposed to be. I tried to smile, but really I couldn't be happy. It was inspired by my life story- the previous lifestyle I was forced to revive upon.
Shawn and I only showed up to school for half of a day. When we entered the halls, my friends greeted me with good lucks on my upcoming audition.
"Good luck, Jasmine. You'll do great." Topanga promised me, embracing me into a best friend hug.
"Stay them girl." Dawn teased, and I hugged her along with Trinie as well.
Shawn and I had met in fourth hour that day and together we left the school. Yes, I knew it was earlier than expected if that's what you were wondering. Thing was, Shawn and I wanted to explore and hang out with each other more.
In my bag, was my dress for the performance. Shawn's mom had bought it for me, although she couldn't view the audition herself.
I swear every hour that kept passing by, my stomach clenched itself into tied knots. This was going to be my first ever audition.
Sure, I've sang in front of more people, but as a matter of fact, there was going to be only four people studying my audition, including Shawn. These were judges, not some regular audience who viewed the performance. They could give me horrible feedback, or praising, applaudable compliments instead.
It was a terrifying situation.
"Are you feeling hungry?" Shawn sent me out of my thoughts when he asked that. I realized it was dawn; we would have to be attending there soon.
"Uh sure." I decided.
The place I was supposed to perform at was the LuVillé Harberé Theatre. It was from some French origin, so I had to demonstrate proper behavior. Which, luckily, I would showcase my proper gestures. I identified myself as mature, so I was sure I'd do just fine for that in that particular manner.
We headed to this diner in town. I wasn't sure what it was called, but it seemed like a good place to eat. The trail of delicious food sense filled throughout my nostril, settling my eases.
It seemed like from the looks of it, it was a truck stop. I allowed Shawn to lead me to whatever seat he wanted us to eat at, which happened to be a booth. When we headed there, right away we were greeted by a waitress.
She had light blonde hair with a bun tied up. She wore no makeup whatsoever, but had naturally long eyelashes, you couldn't even tell if it was makeup or not even. It kind of reminded me of Cory's girlfriend, Wendy.
She welcomed us with a bright smile, which made me feel a little insecure.
"What can I get you today?" She asked us, holding up her notepad with a pen up, prepared to write.
However, Shawn must of noticed, as he takes a hold of my hand, kissing it. The waitress frowned a little, but just remained silent.
I realized we didn't even look at the menu yet, but Shawn spoke for the both of us.
"We'll have the medium rare steak. With rice please." He ordered, with a smile on his face. She glared at our hands, rolling her eyes as she jot down our order on her notepad.
"Coming right up." She mumbled followed by a deep long sigh, and she was gone like that.
"Why did you do that, Shawn?" I wondered, furrowing my eyebrows. He continued to smile, gazing into my eyes hazily.
"To show her and the rest of the world that you're mine."
I kissed him on the lips, then we waited for our food.
Once we got our food along with our beverages, which was an ice water for me, we devoured into our food. After we left the restaurant, my stomach was completely, fully satisfied with the food I just digested.
"That was a really good restaurant, Shawn." I said, holding onto his arm. He grinned, then asked if he could tell me a story.
"I'm all ears." I offered to him.
"When I was a little kid, I was always on the move. There was no exact home to come to all the time for me. I've been in and out of five schools before the age of twelve like no one has ever seen before. I didn't no anybody. But my favorite memory, is that my parents took me to that restaurant. And ordered me that dinner. I remember my dad asking me in his hoarse voice,'how do you like that thick steak son?' And I was in love with that place ever since." Shawn explained to me. I kissed him on the cheek. I enjoyed hearing his stories. Every time and chance I received to be able to hear any of his stories- wether happy, sad, angry, comedic, or just in general- I loved hearing them. It showed our connection through strength and flashbacks of our lives.
What we could relate to each other best about.
"We are here." Shawn stated, and he was right. We were. When we headed inside, followed by dozens of people and even behind a lot of people.
A lot of people are auditioning, I thought.
Protectively, Shawn led me by the arm, sneaking us through the crowds of people. Luckily we made it without anyone noticing.
He led me to what it looked like to be the restrooms.
"Time to get ready for your audition. I'll stay outside and guard the bathrooms." He said softly.
I nodded in response so he knew I understood what he meant. I got a hold of my bag, and headed inside the bathroom. I went to the big stall so I had more room to change.
I took out my dress and got changed into it right away. It was red, being silly in a way and having a long skirt on the bottom. It was sparkles on top, and for my hair, I put it in a bun with a couple stands falling in front of my face.
I slipped on my flat shoes, not wanting to wear heels since I was afraid I'd fall off the stage.
Around my neck placed was Shawn's necklace he bought me for my birthday. I held onto it, still happy he got that for me. It was forever a special part of me and dearest in my heart.
Out of my jean pocket, I pulled out my song with the chorus. I rehearsed to myself for a few minutes without looking at the lyrics, realizing I did good.
Now it was time.
I got my bag and stepped out of the bathroom with Shawn turning around right away to catch a wonderful glimpse of me. His eyes widened, also shimmering at the sight of my dress.
"Jasmine... you look amazing." He murmured. Suddenly, I found myself buried in his arms, tearing up.
"I don't want to do this Shawn.." I said in his shoulder. I felt him rub my back, sending me tingles throughout my spine at his soothing, comforting touch of his fingers.
"Why, Jas?" He asked me, concerned.
"What if I am going to stink? Just what if they don't like me?" I asked him, my voice muffled. Shawn pulled me away, but had his hands on the sides of my arms. I didn't meet my face with him, but he did so I could travel my eyes to his by lifting up my chin.
"You're going to do okay. I know you are. Remember what you said to me when you sang in front of me? You found your safe place.. just go to your safe place. I believe in you, Jasmine." He reassured me. I smiled, as he wiped away my tears. I hugged him again, not knowing what I'd do without him.
"Thank you, Shawny." I said. We both smiled at each other, then followed by him kissing me.
He led me to the stage and told me he was going to sneak into each able to watch me from the back of the room. I waited to perform as several others in front of me were singing as well.
I was impressed by how many people could actually sing. They were singing better than me.
However, there was a lot of conceited people here- some I think that were envious of me for some reason. For instance, like this girl behind me.
"I hope you break a leg. Literally." She threatened, and I rolled my eyes at her attitude. I hated when people were negative and competing with other people. Just then, the performer came back, and I was next.
"Jasmine Clayton!" I heard the judges call.
It was my turn to perform.
I exhaled out a couple deep, extinguished breaths, calming myself. I clenched my song chorus in my hands as I stepped out of the curtain, seeing the four judges in the front row. When I made it closer to the stage, in the distance I saw a shadowy figure sneaking towards the very back of the room.
It was Shawn.
I handed the pianist my song, as I went towards the microphone.
"My name is Jasmine Clayton, and I'm going to be singing my song,'My Immortal.'" I introduced myself properly, folding my hands to stop myself from shaking.
Just then, I took a deep breath, then began to sing out loud:

"I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
You used to captivate me by your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face, it haunts my once pleasant dreams
Your voice, it chased away all the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
All of me... All of me... All.."
This song was very breath taking, legitimately, it was, but it was worth it.
I worked really hard in this song. Devoting my time and strength to make a good expression.
I noticed the judges gaped their mouths open in awe, taking a while to state their opinions. One, went from that to serious in just seconds. She cleared her throat, managing to speak.
"You did very well on your performance, Miss Clayton. We will notify you on your results very soon. Please, be aware. You are free to go. The exit is out that way." She explained, finally receiving a grade.
I hope I did okay. I wondered if this would lead me somewhere?
That would be a dream come true, to be honest. My eyes peered over to Shawn, who wasn't in his seat anymore.
"Shawn?" I murmured.
I headed off the stage to go search for him, wounding myself into a blur.
I got out of that spiraling, disorientated thought when I bumped into someone. Luckily it was Shawn.
"Hey, you did amazing, Jas! I'm so proud of you." He hugged me, showing me how proud he was of my performance. Followed by that gesture he handed me a bouquet of pale pink roses. That explains where he must of been to.
"Thank you." I responded to him, holding him tighter. I didn't want to let go.
We pulled away, kissing each other afterwards but only to be a quick peck.
"I have to call my parents." He informed. We headed to the nearest telephone booth, and he dialed the number.
"Mom? Dad?" He greeted them first. I assumed they must of answered.
"Yeah. We just left the place. Jasmine did phenomenal. I wish you were there to have seen it though too. Yeah, she was amazing. Oh, what's that? You gotta go? Okay... see you soon. Bye."
That was his entire phone conversation. Shawn turned his attention back to me, wrapping his arms around my waist, securing his hold. He pressed his lips against mine, feeling our kisses every minute.
It was everlasting, as he pushed me to the wall of a building, our kisses deepening into passionate, tender ones.
I felt the taste of his lips as we kissed- it was a chap stick flavor, but it suited him perfectly. We came out with a little French kiss action, him slipping his tongue in with mine, colliding like how our worlds did.
As we pulled away, he gazed into my eyes. It was soothingly comforting the way he looked at me, his looks ring so idealistic. Even anyone that didn't know is personally, or briefly, could tell we truly loved each other.
Later that night, as we explored the town some more, Shawn walked me back home.
"Piggyback ride?" He asked me with a smirk.
"I'd love to." I accepted the gesture. I hopped on top of his back, my arms around his neck and legs around his waist. He walked me back the entire way home like that, and finally we had made it back from our incredible, adventuresome journey.
Right when we walked into the door, there stood Shawn's parents awaiting for us, ready to welcome us.
"Oh, Jasmine. We're so proud of you." His mom states for her and Shawn's dad. They hugged us both, cherishing the moment we just shared although it was late at night. As she hugged me, I pictured my mom there, stroking my hair, saying she was proud of me too.
I miss you, Mom. I hope you are there somewhere. Wherever you are.
Just please, be okay, and more importantly:
Be with me.
:::
Author's Note:
Hey guys! :)
Another update! If you're wondering what this song it's called, it's called My Immortal by Evanescence. It's a really sad song, but I thought this would be a good song for Jasmine to sing.
Also this chapter will play in the storyline in the next few chapters ;) anyway I hope you enjoyed this!
❤︎