The Planet Among the Stars (Completed)

Chapter 8

I winced. Shaun pulled his hand away and stuffed it into his pocket.

"I fell," he said quickly.

I looked at his legs and noticed more cuts and bruises. I knew they weren't by accident.

I shook my head, "I- Shaun that's not true."

Shaun put his arms behind his back, "It's not important."

"Who hurt you?" I felt my heart race.

"No one. I fell, okay?" Shaun's eyes bolted around.

I knew Abby would have wanted me to help Shaun if he was in any danger. I stared at him, forcing his eyes to stay still, "Why did you come here?"

"I..." he didn't finish.

I searched my mind, trying to think of reasons why Shaun would refuse to speak about his cuts after being so open about Abby. "Shaun, I know why your sister died."

"Why- what? I mean yeah, car accident."

"Your mom was drunk."

Shaun froze.

I blinked, surprised. Then again, I don't know what reaction I should have expected.

Suddenly Shaun grabbed my arm, "Don't tell anyone. You can't tell anyone."

"I kept it a secret for many years," I said sternly.

Shaun let go.

My head began hurting. A realization probed my mind and rage came over me. "I kept it a secret and-"

"Don't tell anyone," Shaun pleaded.

"Shaun! Are you blind? Keeping it a secret got Abby killed-"

"I know." He bit his lip.

My voice softened, "But- I kept her secret for over 5 years... please tell me the truth."

Shaun gave a shaky breath then spoke, "Every time something- bad happens, my parents have their ways of coping. My dad tries to forget. That's why he hasn't come home since Abby died..."

"He disappeared?"

"Not exactly. He's just been staying overnight at work. I think mom threatened him."

"Threatened?"

"Sometimes, when she's drunk, she threatens to call the police unless my dad leaves the house. And she yells at him and threatens to break his stuff until he can't stand it anymore."

"I'm sorry..."

He shrugged, "Well... I don't blame him too much. I try to get away too."

I waited a few seconds then asked, "How does your mom cope?"

Shaun's face tensed, "She drinks. And sometimes, she uses me to release her anger."

"Did... did she hurt you?"

Shaun was silent but finally nodded.

"Was the the first time?"

"No." His eyes flashed back, as if he was thinking of old painful memories.

As much as I wanted to ask more questions, I knew I shouldn't press too hard. I noticed deep circles under his eyes, "You should sleep."

"I-"

"What?"

He sighed, "I can't."

"You need sleep though."

"I know I do."

"Here," I grabbed his backpack and placed it on the ground, "Just rest your head on this."

Shaun obeyed, looking skeptical.

I put his coat around his arms, "Just close your eyes."

Abby whimpered, "Lodi, I can't sleep. My skin is bruised. It hurts."

I put my blanket over her, "Just close your eyes. I'm right here and I won't let anyone hurt you."

Shaun shook his head and yawned, "I won't be able to sleep. I haven't been able to this whole week." However, a few minutes later, he closed his eyes.

I stood up and walked to a small patch of grass. The sky was filled with stars. Even though I had taken a nap not long ago, I fell asleep looking at a bright light above. Venus-