Criminal ~ Shoey

Chapter 31 - Boundaries

» Joey's POV «

"S-shane, I'm so sorry, please don't say that.." I started, tears making my voice thick. "Whatever. I'm going out." Shane cut me off, turning his back to me. "Come on, Lisa." He said to Blondie, giving her a name. "Where are we going?" She questioned as they made their way down the stairs. "We'll find out when we get there." Shane quipped, and I heard the front door shut. I was alone. Even my jaw's pain paled compared to the aching in my chest.

How could I have let this happen? Shane knows I can't abandon Sawyer! Yeah, I hate him...but I really think he's changing. I mean, he sacrificed his freedom for me! He could've lied and kept me in jail! I sighed, running my fingers through my quiff. The solution was simple. It was Shane or Sawyer. Sawyer...my best friend. My /old/ best friend. We weren't friends anymore. He forced me to be his accomplice. He used me, lied to me, played with my feelings, kidnapped me, kidnapped Shane twice, locked us both up, and threatened to kill us and almost did. Sawyer wasn't who he used to be. He wasn't changing. He was trying to trick me, trying to use me again. How could I have thought, even for a second, that Sawyer was different? I was blindsided by the one good deed Sawyer did but compared to all the bad things, him getting me out of jail didn't even exist. He was a monster. He deserved to be there. No more talking to him, calling him, I don't ever want to hear his voice again, ever see him again. I might kill him if I ever see him again.

And then there's Shane. We've been through so much in such a short amount of time. I need to apologize to him. But he didn't even know where he was "going out" to, who knows how I'll find him? I'll just have to wait until he returns home. And I definitely need to put some ice on my jaw, to reduce the swelling and clear the bruise up as soon as possible. The less Shane sees of it, the less guiltiness he'll feel. He doesn't need to feel guilty, I knew Shane would never intentionally hurt me. I just caused something in him to snap. It was my fault. I need to fix it. And I will. But first: ice.

* * *

It was difficult trying to explain to Shane's mom why Shane still wasn't home at ten. His brothers were out, but it wasn't like Shane to stay out late, especially on a school night, she told me. "Maybe it's that blonde friend of his," his mom said. "I heard she's a popular little thing. Probably at a party." She said with a sigh, shaking her head. She didn't say it, but I knew she was worried Shane was going to develop his father's traits. Shane had gotten the worst of his dad's wrath, felt the worst throughout it. And after hearing how he hit me, she was definitely convinced. Shane was his dad's mini me. But I felt otherwise. She didn't see how torn up Shane was after putting his hands on me. And I knew Shane wouldn't dare go near alcohol. Shane hated feeling out of control as it was, alcohol would ruin him. He hates it without drinking it, and even if he did try it, I think he'd hate it more then. But Shane /had/ been full of surprises today.

» Shane's POV «

"I'm so excited for you." Lisa said after I submitted the form. "Me too." I admitted, laughing uneasily. "Shit, Shane, it's after ten. Shouldn't you get home?"

"Yeah, yeah...wish me luck?" I asked, giving her a quick hug. "See ya at school." I said as farewell, dashing from her kitchen and out her front door. Time to fix things with Joey, as well as share the news. Hopefully he didn't hate me. And hopefully my mom didn't grill me for staying out. I lost track of time, I was just having so much fun. Lisa and I were submitting college forms.

I raced down sidewalks, my breathing labored, as I ran as fast as I ever had. I had to get home and make things right. And I had to keep myself together...seeing the purple bruise blooming across Joey's jaw may kill me. I flung open the door to my house, stepping inside. The living room was empty. The house was quiet. Just like earlier today.

I shook the memory from my mind and head towards the stairs. /Please be awake/, I pleaded silently, ascending the last stair. I pushed our bedroom door open quietly, being deadly silent. I heard the scratch of a pencil against paper and knew Joey was awake. "Whatcha doing?" I questioned as I stepped into the room. His head turned to face me and my eyes landed on the dark violet spot on his jaw. I did that..how could I have done that?

"Shane! Fuck, are you okay? Where have you been? I missed you so much! I'm so, so sorry! I screwed up, I know, I fucked the hell up, but I've come to my senses. I love you so much, please never leave again." Joey said, abandoning his notebook to stand and rush to me, enveloping me in his arms. "No, Joey, I fucked up. I'm sorry...I'm never leaving again. I love you so much." I replied, wrapping my arms around his waist. "Your mom was so worried, I was so worried! Where were you?" Joey asked, releasing me from his embrace.

"Lisa's. I have good news." I replied, smiling as I leaned back on the bed, glad to have a reason to change the subject. Joey lifted an eyebrow, interest peaked, as he returned to my desk, picking up his pencil again. "Spill." He said, scribbling something down. "We were sending out college applications." I answered, suddenly aware and very excited for my future. But what place would Joey hold in that future? Graduation was in two weeks...and then what? If I go to college...Joey can't go with me. What will he do?

"Really?" He asked, trying-and failing- to seem excited/happy for me. Four years with only little vacation visits is too long to be away from the love of my life...but my future is on the line. Would he wait for me? "Yeah...what happens when I go off to college?" I questioned, voicing both of our thoughts. I mean, breaking up isn't even an option, not even for the period while I'm away. It's definitely not an option....right? "Let's not think about that yet, alright? Let's think more about what we'll do this summer until then." Joey said with a meek smile and I couldn't help but smile back. He was right...its not about when I leave, its about what we do with the time we have until then. I just hope we use it wisely....time flies by.

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Heyyo! Sorry this chapter is short, I'm just trying to get this fanfic done so I can focus more on Cheater, Cheater. I've got the ending written, but I'm still writing the three chapters I'm doing until the end. Yep, you read write. You have three chapters to prepare for the end.

But the good thing about the end is that there's a potential chance of a pretty long sequel. But if I do a sequel, it'll be after I get farther along in Cheater, Cheater.

Thanks fuh reading & voting, mate cx byee!

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