Their Story (Only Up To Chapter 15)

Family Coming Together, Falling Apart

The entry that Friday reads, "I am truly worthless. Value is something earned, and something I have yet to earn. She grows ever closer to the truth and my time runs short. I summon sparks in my hand, and contemplate lighting the factory ablaze with me inside. Would it matter? I sigh, shaking my head. Nobody knows my secret yet. My time is soon, but has not come. I take a deep breath, and enter the mob boss's office..."

Now, Shawn actually didn't write that. Well, he did, but with Shawn still sick he could only trust one person to write the entries on the whiteboard for him.

Johnny closes the marker and sighs. He wishes Shawn was well again, but knows he's getting better. He plans to visit Shawn Saturday to check in with him, and say hi to Hoppy. For now however, he decides to head to class...

Speaking of Shawn, Shawn and Hoppy sit looking at the manuscript.

"OK see this line needs to change," Shawn explains, "I don't think anger is strong enough a word for this. I'd suggest bloodlust. Maybe wrath. Creates a more vivid picture."

"I don't think she's that angry," Hoppy shakes her head as she adjusts the black chair in front of her computer, almost bumping into the stool Shawn moves next to her, "but there is a better word yeah. Hey Greg!"

"Yeah?" Greg asks exiting the kitchen.

"What's a good synonym for anger?" Shawn asks.

"That would be rage," Greg shrugs, "I suppose frustration works too."

"That's the one!" Hoppy snaps her fingers and smiles, "thanks babe."

Shawn looks around, spotting an old photo of Hoppy and her ex girlfriend Rose. Shawn liked Rose, Rose was nice to him. He wonders what happened to her.

"So if I may ask," Shawn inquires,  "what happened to your ex?"

"Ex?" Hoppy inquires.

"Rose," Shawn shrugs, "she seemed cool. What happened to her?"

"I'm right here," Greg explains.

"So..." Shawn begins to asks.

"Yup," Hoppy replies.

"Cool," Shawn smiles, "well great to see you again. How have you been?"

"Great," Greg smiles, "I can see you've had a rough week though."

"Eh," Shawn shrugs, "it happens."

"Sorry about what happened to your friend Lucy," Greg proceeds, "but she's OK now."

"I know," Shawn smiles, "been texting her." Shawn continues, "anyways, sorry for being a bother this last week. I really appreciate you guys helping me out."

"Happy to," Hoppy smiles, "I'm just glad you're better."

"Thanks," Shawn smiles, "hey you guys like video games?"

Flipping out a two screened gaming device Greg smiles, "totally man."

"You guys wanna play Zokeymon?" Shawn asks.

"You have yours on you?" Hoppy asks, "why?"

"I dunno," Shawn shrugs.

"Yeah sure sounds fun," Hoppy smiles, "I'll go get mine."

Hoppy leaves the room, providing Greg the chance to speak to Shawn alone. "What went wrong kid?"

"What?" Shawn asks.

"Why'd you go all obsessive on us?" Greg inquires.

Shawn shrugs, "I dunno. I think I like her."

Shawn thinks for a moment then sighs, "you know, you guys are like the family I never had. Is that weird?"

"Nah," Greg chuckles, "It's fine kid. Honestly you're all I got. My family... doesn't like Greg if you catch my drift."

"Then they're not family," Shawn shrugs.

"Yeah you're right kid," Greg smiles, "so what Zokeymon you have?..."

Lucy sits alone in the hospital bed. She only has to stay until Monday, but she misses her parents. She misses her friends. She misses Ally...

She misses Abigail. Her best friend. Even if they didn't know each other for long, there is a genuine bond. Even if she feels she was betrayed, she wishes to be friends with Abigail again. For they were sisters, family, by that point. Now that's gone. Gone because she lashed out in pain and betrayal.

She sighs as she ponders what to do now to pass the time. She can really only sleep or play around on her phone. She wishes she could just win the big meet and pretend the argument never happened, but she would have to face Abigail and she's to afraid to do that. Afraid that Abigail won't accept her apology, so she decides to remain quiet and take a nap...

Speaking of Abigail, her and Johnny sit together at lunch, Johnny munching on a sandwich as Abigail proceeds, "so yeah, that's why I don't like soccer."

"Alright," Johnny smiles, "just thought you'd be interested in the soccer team. Anyways, you like the entry?"

"It wasn't Shawn's handwriting," Abigail replies, "and I know he's still sick. He ask you to do it?"

"You betcha," Johnny smiles, "so I did."

Abigail glares and demands, "what were you thinking dude!?!"

Johnny leans away, shocked as Abigail proceeds, "dude you can't go feeding his obsession! He needs to rest man!"

Johnny realizes his mistake and sighs, "shit you're right. My bad."

"It's cool we all make mistakes," Abigail replies, "but for real what the Hell is up with this town? Shawn's obsessive, Lucy's obsessive, who's next? What are you gonna, like, lose it if you lose the next football game?"

Abigail laughs, revealing this a joke to lighten the mood. Johnny laughs, awkwardly, as the day he met Shawn echos in his mind. He was a freshman, and Shawn was a middle schooler. He recalls the rain, his tears, and the pain he felt. If he wasn't for Shawn he would've-

He snaps himself back to reality. That involves secrets not his to tell. If what Shawn admitted that day, Shawn's autism, gets out, Shawn won't hesitate to run and likely take his own life. He has to protect Shawn, no matter the cost.

"Oh don't worry," Johnny replies with a forced grin, avoiding eye contact as he speaks, "I'll be alright."

"Hey we're still going to the hockey game tomorrow right?" Abigail asks.

"Oh yeah totally," Johnny smiles as the lunch bell rings, "see you then."

"See you later man," Abigail smiles.

The two part ways as Abigail and Ally text...

Ally: So we still on?

Abigail: Hanging out yeah, but is it really a good idea to try to learn what's wrong with Shawn?

Ally: He can't keep living in fear. The truth will set him free.

Abigail: Is it really our choice to reveal whatever he's hiding? He hasn't even told us for crying out loud.

Ally: We'll just prod Johnny a bit and see what happens. I mean, if it's something bad we don't have to reveal it.

Abigail: Yeah I suppose so.

Abigail: What do you think he has? If you had to guess.

Ally: Bipolar disorder of some sort, but who can say?

Abigail: I dunno. I feel that if he wanted us to know he would tell us.

Ally: You worry to much. We have this under control.

Abigail: Yeah. I guess.

Abigail: I got class. Talk to you later.

Ally: Talk to you later.

With that the school day nears its end, and Ally's determination to help Shawn grows. Her misguided intentions will have consequences, but for now, there is class. Saturday is when they will seek the truth...