Escape the Covenant || Shawmila [Completed]

Chapter 12

We sit on the balcony, our backs lean on the ruined wall of the mansion, and we keep on staring in front of us. I don't want to push him, but I'm really impatient to know what's tormenting his mind. We stay in complete silence for a couple of minutes, until Shawn takes a deep breath and starts to talk.

«It's nothing too tragic, I'm probably being overdramatic but, long story short, I can't stand my own father. He's like the biggest moron of the entire world, a selfish asshole who cares only about himself. I can't understand how my mom was once in love with him». He blurts out these words like venom and I can feel the rage bubbling under his surface.

«He's not an evil man. I mean, he's not aggressive or abusive. He minds his own business and that's it. But the fact is that he never acted like a father, or a husband. He went to work, came home, and it was like I didn't even exist. The only times he spoke to me was to scold me or to know my school successes. With my mom it was the same. They didn't seem a couple, it looked more like a work partnership. They weren't affectionate, at least not in front of me. I've never heard my father complimenting my mom, seen him give her a present, take her out for dinner...»

I'm definitely not an expert in relationships, but damn, this man is awful. It's hard to believe that he's Shawn's father.

«And finally, he did the only thing that my mom couldn't absolve. He cheated. Not only once, but for at least a couple of years. The worst part is that he had an affair with my mom's boss, so when she found it out, her entire world fell into pieces».

When he talks about his mother's heartbreak, his voice trembles a little, revealing his vulnerability. The only thing I want to do in this moment is try to take away his pain.

«At the end, they got a divorce and me and my father were forced to move. So, here I am, in this little town, living with the man that ruined my life»

«Shawn, I'm so sorry to hear that» I say quietly. Without even noticing it, I reach for his hand and that little contact spreads warmth throughout my entire body. «I don't know if I'm allowed to say such a thing, but I kinda hate your father. He's a jerk! »

My comment makes him snort and when he turns his head towards me, I notice a little shine in his eyes. I swear that if that idiot of a man makes him cry, I'm gonna avenge him myself. «But if your bond with Pete is almost nonexistent, why did you come here with him? » I ask.

«Because my mom didn't want me to live with her»

I'm taken aback by that statement. I thought he was close with his mom. He then notices my confusion. «She's hurting because she feels betrayed. I did something stupid too» he chokes out. «One day, I caught my dad cheating on my mom. It was at school, he was with my principal, miss Williams. He didn't even notice that I saw him with her, that asswipe was too focused on fucking my principal»

Oh my god! I didn't expect that! That's some crazy story...

«I didn't know what to do. I spent days and night mulling over how to act. I finally decided to confront my dad. He didn't even try to deny it, he simply looked at me and said: "Do you really want to break your mother's heart? If you tell her, she'll be devastated". So I said nothing, but eventually my mom found out everything, starting from my dad's affair to the secret that I kept from her».

I'm about to throw some punches. «What the hell dude?! I definitely hate your father. How could he manipulate you like that! You're just a kid! »

He hides his face in his hands. «Yeah, but that doesn't change the fact that I hurt my mother»

I knee in front of him and take his face in my hands. I gently stroke his curls, locking my sight with his. «Shawn, you were just trying to protect your mother. You might have made some dumb moves, but this is none of your fault, okay? I'm sure that your mom needs just a little time alone, and she'll finally come to her senses and understand what you tried to do».

A big tear streams down his cheek and I wrap him in my arms, not giving a damn about how this connection only accentuates my rising feelings for him. His muscular arms tighten around my waist and from this position I can hear his fast heartbeat. His sweet and fresh sent is intoxicating and I wish I could stay like this forever. When he lays his forehead on my shoulder, I realize that I'm completely lost.

We stay in that position for a long time, him sniffing with his head hidden on my nek, and me caressing his hair. When he finally speaks, I feel something inside me dying. «Thanks for being my friend, Mila». This sentence is tearing me apart. It relieves me from the fright of a possible love story and an inescapable tragic end, but it also breaks my heart, knowing that my feelings aren't reciprocated.