Shane

Chapter 9

He got up early enough the next morning to get to school and take a shower.

He had gotten another toothbrush and toothpaste from Tad who had pulled it from a drawer seemingly just occupied by dozens of toothbrushes. He pulled the one he got and the paste out of his inside jacket pocket brushed his teeth and left the locker room a good fifteen minutes before the jocks were expected.

He had no desire to work out anymore just to sit on the same benches where the boys he hated so much sat and no doubt sweat all over them he didn't have the stomach to do it. His dreamy state of the days after the party were melding more into memories, memories made factual by the pictures he had seen. He hated these boys now every bit as much as they hated him.

He went to the cafeteria and got his breakfast then once the school started filling up he went to Don's office. Don smiled up at him briefly then worry creased his brow. "I thought you told me nothing had been put in your locker yesterday."

Shane's hands froze where they were reaching into the file drawer that contained his books. He stared into the drawer feeling somewhat angry that Don had gone and looked.

"I went to get the rest of your things for you to put in your drawer. I was more then a little sickened by what I found in there."

"I didn't put it there." He figured Don already knew that but it just came out. He traced his fingers along the word Algebra the top book in his drawer.

"I know that Shane." Don stood up and walked over to him and Shane took a step to the side not sure why just feeling he didn't want Don that close to him. Don took a step back as well seeing Shane looked a little panicky.

"Why don't you tell someone when you are harassed like this. Don't you think I would help?"

"It's not that." He shook his head not sure of what to say.

"What is it then?"

"I..I.." Shane shook his head at his own stammering. "I don't know." He spit it out real fast to avoid his tied tongue. He looked up into Don's face. "Don't do nothin' to them sir, I'm not supposed to tell."

"Is that why you don't say anything cause you were threatened?"

"Well sort of, I wasn't gonna tell before I was threatened but this stick thing it's a direct part of what happened. If I tell on that and they get in trouble for it they would know you know. It would get out and they would know they could do whatever they wanted to me and not get in trouble for it. Or they would just get real pissed I told and kill me. Either way I come out the one whose really in trouble. I may not have much of a life but I don't want to die." His eyes were tearing up and he couldn't believe he'd added that last part he'd never even vocalized not wanting to die even to himself. He knew though after yesterday's threat that he didn't. He must be holding out some hope that his life would get better it was the only way that would explain his decision to live.

Don blinked back his own tears and squashed down another urge to hug Shane this boy was so brave he could not get over it. He wanted to make Shane see how special he was but knew that would not be a very easy task knew it would be something that did not happen overnight and could not be done while he had to deal with his father's put downs day after day.

"I'll do what you want Shane. I won't say a damn word." he was frustrated and it was coming out in his voice he wanted so badly for all those boys to be punished it was very hard for him to go along with Shane.

Shane glanced up at him again sensing his frustration. "Please don't be mad at me." he pleaded and hated that but could not take the loss of another person he truly liked.

Don looked down into the drawer and shook his head. "I'm not mad at you Shane. I'm just mad at the situation. A situation you by the way had no control over."

"Derek told you what happened right?"

Don nodded this being the first time he'd heard Shane utter Derek's name.

"Did he tell you about the money? The money on the ground? Did they put it there so I'd stop? Was it just a trap?" Though he didn't think it would matter much to most people, this small detail of Saturday night, it mattered to him. He would know for certain if good things would come to him if it just happened to be there. But if it had been a trap something only put him there to stop him so they could attack him then he knew he just was not destined to ever be lucky. Not that it would change his decision to live. It would just put a damper on things.

"Bart threw it there."

Shane nodded and quickly wiped a falling tear. He reached in and grabbed his morning books and took off before any more could fall.

Don looked after him wishing there were something more he could do to help this kid he'd grown to care for more then any kid he'd ever come across. He'd never been much of a kid person which suited him his job as a school disciplinarian the kids all hated him and he knew it but him not having much use for them either made that fact all that much easier.

At lunch Shane got a full tray had no problems getting it past the cashier and sat down at his table he faced away from the other kids already knowing now who had worn the grey shirt. He took a few bites of macaroni and cheese. Then nearly choked as he saw a figure sitting down beside him and one other across from him.

He was afraid to look up but managed it. He breathed a sigh of relief seeing it was only Sam and perhaps Matt across from them who was eyeing him intensely.

"You shouldn't sit here." he said wiping maybe some macaroni and cheese from his face just in case some was there. "They'll just start beating you up too."

"Doesn't bother me much Shane." Sam said shrugging. "I hate all these people anyways. Well except Matt." he motioned over to Matt and Shane looked back over where Matt was still eyeing him. "This is Matt by the way." Shane nodded as Matt gave a curt nod then looked back at Sam. "Well I guess it would be nice to have lunch company."

Matt laughed from across the table and Shane looked back over at him. Matt shook his head looking amused and Shane hoped that was what it was amusement and not meanness.

A couple members of the basketball team sauntered over with a strut that made them appear they'd been on horseback for three days. "What's this a whole group of fags now."

Shane shrunk down in his chair while Sam ran his hand under the word Fag written in bold letters on the table. He looked right up into their eyes. "Well this is the fag table. Why don't you put two and two together? Or can you do that? I heard you jocks ain't that smart and I've seen nothing in your behavior to prove otherwise."

Gripping the edge of the table tightly Shane glanced over at Matt who was grinning back at him not seemingly worried at all by Sam's teasing of the elite.

"You got quite a mouth on you." Aaron Neffler seethed though not sounding as cocky as he had before.

"Takes a big mouth to suck down some big cock."

Shane's mouth dropped open and turned up in the corners finding this quite humorous as well. He glanced up at the jocks whose faces were both a sickened sort of green color.

"If you want me to suck yours sometime I will promise absolute secrecy. I know how you boys are about it getting out and I wouldn't want you to jeopardize any friends to have a secret fantasy fulfilled." Sam reached down onto his tray and picked up his banana. He peeled back the skin slowly while he continued. "Sometimes I also take both balls into my mouth at the same time and run my tongue over them getting them nice and greasy. You would be allowed to stick your fingers up my ass at this point." He looked back up at them dead on in the eyes. "Three feels the best but what ever you want really." He put the banana in his mouth treating it like he would a dick in for a blow job. "See how gentle I'd be." he asked looking back up at them they both looking to horrified to move as they stared wide eyed back at Sam. "You gotta be careful with my ass though cause if it hurts too much with your fingers in there I may tend to bite down." He bit through the banana pulling of a large chunk in his mouth. He turned back to them and spit out it hitting Aaron right in the stomach.

"Wouldn't want that to happen would you." He stared at them, they stared back. Shane could not believe they weren't hauling him out of his chair and kicking the shit out of him right there.

"You are fucking crazy man." Aaron managed to croak out before he and his jock friend strode off not nearly as proud looking as when they arrived.

Sam looked over at Matt and smiled widely then over at Shane who shook his head though still very amused. "I think they are right. You are definitely crazy."

"Only thing you gotta do Shane is act that way. Then they get too scared to mess with you. They think crazy ness is catching or something it's more of a taboo for them then being queer. But a crazy queer well that always sends them running for the hills."

"So maybe I am crazy already." he filled his voice with what he hoped was humor. "Cause I was totally turned on by all that."

Sam and Matt both laughed while Sam rubbed his hand down the length of Shane's thigh. His eyes glinting lustfully as they stared into Shane's. He and Sam became inseparable from that moment on. They walked together between classes, ate lunch together even walked to school together from Sam's house on. Matt turned out to be pretty nice too and they both enjoyed his company at lunch as well as a few afternoons each week when he joined them at Sam's house. Matt had a steady boyfriend in the next town over. Another seaside town this one supposedly boasted tourism as it's main income though and not fishing. Matt spoke very highly of the town saying it was like a Mecca of gays compared to Prescott Cove. The people were a lot wealthier and a hell of a lot nicer.

Though he had a boyfriend it did not stop him from joining in the fun with Sam and Shane a few times. Shane loved sex with Sam but the three ways were an exciting adventure. The feeling of his cock being sucked at the same time another forged deep in his ass was a feeling that had no measure. Sam had said he wasn't all about sex but he sure liked to do it an awful lot.

The only thing Shane did not like about the relationship was that neither Matt or Sam had the freedom he did. They always had to go home every night and he had to leave by eight or nine on the few nights he stayed after Sam's mom got home. This left Shane having to go home every night where he was getting kicked out much more frequently often spending every night his father was home sleeping out in the dog house with Shep. There was a high point to this as he'd not been beaten in nearly three weeks. His father seemed more concerned with just getting him out of the house then anything else.

Chapter 9

In mid April he walked home thinking it was time to shed his jacket. The days were up around seventy and he was hotter then hell only making the smell of his clothes worse with all his sweating.

He stopped and played with Shep as he always did not noticing a car in the driveway of his trailer until he was in the driveway himself. He wondered if his father had finally killed the old rust bucket and bought a new car. Well certainly not new it's green paint was faded and full of rust. He looked it more closely and realized it was familiar he'd seen it several times actually. This car was the woman's who was a direct result of him sleeping in the dog house every night.

He was tempted to just leave knowing he would be kicked back out anyways but his curiosity got the better of him wanting to know why she was there when his father was not. He walked up the steps and into the house where the crazy red haired lady was standing in the kitchen past the counter humming a tune while she mixed something with a wooden spoon.

She looked over at him and her eyes narrowed. "You must be his son."

Shane nodded feeling a little speechless at her making herself so to home in his place. Though whatever she was making smelled damn good.

"Are you staying tonight?" he asked wanting to know right off if he'd be allowed to stay himself.

She nodded. "I'm living here now."

Shane blanched wondering what in hell was gonna happen to him.

"My son would appreciate it if you'd get your crap contained to one corner of his room."

Shane held his mouth closed though it wanted like hell to drop open. He wondered if this was all some elaborate set up to mess with his head. He feared he was going to lose his home all together even if he did get to stay he would no longer have the place to himself three or four days a week. No matter what happened he knew this was really going to suck.

He jumped to attention when she yelled for him to clean up his shit. He hurried through the kitchen and opened his bedroom door. There was a bed in it now but it was already occupied by someone who looked to be about his age. The kid jumped when he walked in and looked at Shane who was frozen to his spot his hand still gripping the door knob.

Shane checked him out from head to toe. He had reddish blonde hair and blue eyes. He was a little shorter then Shane as far as he could tell from his reclined position but a little meatier as most kids were. He wasn't a knockout hot guy but he certainly would be able to turn a few heads.

"Don't you think you ought to knock first?"

He pushed down his sudden and profound anger. "I was told to come clean up my clothes."

"Oh yeah." The kid pointed off into a corner. "I already tossed 'em over there for you." His voice was much kinder now. Shane closed the door and knelt down in his old corner that apparently was gonna be his current corner again.

"How come you don't got a bed anyways?"

"Just can't afford it." Shane started folding up his clothes having no intention of telling this kid who had suddenly come in and taken over his room anything.

"Mom was a little pissed you left it such a mess in here. Said you could have at least cleaned up since we were moving in."

"Well I guess I'm just rude." he was so mad he didn't dare say much more then that.

"You know I ain't too happy about being here either. Least we could do is make the best of it." Shane looked up at the boy who looked basically kind. He already had a nick name picked out but wondered if he may not need it.

"What's your name?" He asked figuring if he didn't choose a bad one he should at least use the real one.

"Brian."

"What grade you in?"

"9th. How bout you?"

"10th. So you gonna go to school in town here?"

"Yeah, gotta I guess. Mom won't drive me back and forth to my old school. so's your dad is gonna give me a ride to this one. Guess we'll be riding together."

Shane nodded knowing that would never happen and feeling a sharp stab of hurt that his father would so willingly do something for someone's else kid. He'd been walking to school since he was five not once being offered a ride. "Have you met my dad?" he wondered if maybe this was a promise given by Brian's mother that his father had no idea of yet.

"Yeah, he seems real nice."

Shane almost choked on his spit as he continued to fold his clothes. He looked to the door as Mr. Real nice poked his head in. He looked over to Brian on the bed and Shane saw the first smile he'd ever seen on his father's face. "Time for dinner son." His smiled vanished as he turned his head down to Shane. "Not you." he added in a cold sneer.

Shane lowered his eyes though he knew Brian was looking at him he couldn't muster the courage to look back. He stayed in his room sitting knees up to his chest in the corner and listened while this new family talked and laughed around the kitchen table. He set his chin down on his knees and ran his finger along the carpet. Being ignored and hated by his father was something he'd come to live with but he wasn't so sure he could take seeing his father being so nice to some other kid he hardly knew.

If he'd had any place to go he'd have left right then at least for the night but still being scared to go out on the road and knowing it was too early to go to Shep's house he stayed where he was. Long after dinner Brian walked back into the room. Shane who'd already laid down pretended to be asleep.

The next morning on his walk to school the old rust bucket roared past and Shane's eyes narrowed seeing Brian sitting on the passenger side. He didn't dislike Brian but his feelings of jealousy were so strong he couldn't help but feel bad feelings towards the kid.

He walked into Sam's driveway and Sam bounded out of the house in his usual exuberance. "Guess what?"

"What?"

"We can stay at Matt's tonight. His mother is going out of town for the night and he's having his boyfriend over. We thought we could all shack up together."

"You mean all have sex together?" Shane asked holding his books a little more tightly to his chest.

Sam looked at him and shrugged. "Well it may happen. Only if you want though. If not we can still have a grand old time." He grinned widely and squeezed his hand around Shane's bicep leaning into him as they started walking. "Your dad won't mind will he?"

"No," even if there were some hope in hell his father would care he was to pissed to give a crap that morning. They got to school and he was even more annoyed that he had to wait outside the office while his father registered his new 'son' at the school.

He sat down heavily in one of the chairs in the outer sanctum feeling about as low as anyone could get. He held his books loosely balancing them on his thigh and sank down further into the chair as the minutes ticked past. His English book was in the cabinet and there was no use going to class without it. His father walked out about five minutes after the first bell rang. He did not look at Shane at all but Shane knew he saw him as he made sure to step heavily on his foot as he walked through.

Shane winced but did not give his father the satisfaction of calling out or even bending over to rub his now throbbing foot. His jealousy and anger hit the roof when Don walked out of the office with his hand on Brian's shoulder.

"Shane. Sorry that took so long." He said as though just noticing him there. "Can you hang out for a minute I want to talk to you."

Shane shot up from his chair and gave him a fiery look. "Fuck you." was all he said before he threw his books onto the floor and left the office and the school swearing to never set foot in it again.

He took off at a run the moment he walked out of the doors tears streaming harder then ever from his eyes. He ran down main street and took a right at the wharf he didn't stop running til he reached the barren rocky beach where he sat down on a large boulder just at the water's edge.

He buried his face in his hands and cried so hard that stomach hurt after only a couple minutes. As soon as his crying stopped a while later his guilt began. He never should have said what he said to Don and was mad at himself for doing it wondering if he was just trying to make people hate him in his strive to forever feel sorry for himself. He wished he were stronger. So that his father and his new family would not bother him so.

He wiped his drying tears with the back of his arm and crossed his hands in his lap. He put his feet up on a smaller boulder in front of him and looked out at the ocean. Wondering if it were possible to just float out across it with only a life vest and end up someplace real nice.

The ocean he had to admit from when he was real little was a very beautiful thing. Not only was it immense and appearing endless it was always cooler right there on the beach. No matter how hot and sticky a day was you could always come here and feel a cool breeze on your face. He had not been to this spot in months but spent a lot of time here once the months got warmer.

When he was younger after watching some movie on TV he'd collected every bottle he could find for months and sent them stuffed with a letter out onto the water. He'd never expected to hear anything back as he'd never signed any of them but still felt a warm feeling thinking someone out there had read his words which were usually just useless banter but they were his and the fact they could be out there in the world somewhere maybe tacked to someone's wall made him feel just a bit important if only for a little while.

He thought of sending one again only this time he'd sign it even put his damn address on it. He'd write that he wanted a family, a family that would take care of him and love him and promise he'd love them back. He wouldn't be picky he'd figured things couldn't get much worse then they now were and was up for any change.

That thought passed and he thought of tying a rock to his leg and walking out til it was over his head and just let the rock hold him down til he was dead. He shivered at the thought not wanting to have sunk that low. He'd never thought of killing himself before and didn't like the fact it had just entered his mind so naturally.

He stayed on the beach on that rock all day when the sun started to sink past the ocean's edge and the sky turned a bright pink he got up. He rubbed his aching ass that was suddenly announcing it's unhappiness at sitting on the hard rock all day then smiled thinking he'd get a good massage from Sam. He walked back up onto main street and then left onto Marlin lane. Another stupid part of town he thought bitterly as he glanced at the street sign. He thought it incredibly corny that a fishing town would name every street but one after one fish or another.

They had everything from Striper ave to Salmon st. Shortly after turning onto Marlin lane he turned into Matt's driveway he'd been to Matt's house only a couple times and other then Don's it was the nicest house he'd ever been in which left it probably the nicest house in Prescott cove. He had no idea what Matt's dad did for work but figured it was sales or something since the man was never home.

He walked up the stairs to the porch and rang the door bell which in itself was a rarity for Prescott Cove most houses weren't big enough to require one. Sam opened the door and a look of worry was quickly replaced with a look of relief. "Jesus Christ Shane you scared the hell out of me." He pushed the door open further and wrapped his arms tightly around Shane. "Where in hell were you?"

"I went to the beach." Shane said his mood still to foul to explain much.

Sam pulled back leaving his hands up on Shane's shoulders his look of worry back a little bit. He stepped back into the house pulling Shane along with him then closed the door behind them. "What's wrong?" he cocked his head to one side and ran his hand up and down Shane's arm.

Shane looked into the livingroom where Matt and his boyfriend whom Shane had yet to meet were half naked on the couch making out with a ferocious force. Sam moved his hand down to Shane's hand and squeezed it seeing Shane may just talk but not with the others right there.

He'd spent a lot of time in the month he'd known Shane trying to get him to talk to him about anything pertaining to himself or his life. He knew Shane was a very unhappy person and had a feeling it had more to do then just his hellish life at school and being dirt poor.

"Guys," He called out turning to Matt and Seth in the livingroom who managed to separate. "Shane and I are gonna go upstairs for a little while. We'll be back down in a bit."

Matt nodded and Seth spoke up. "Aren't you gonna introduce us first Sam?" He was looking at Shane with want in his eyes.

Sam introduced them and Seth who Shane was more then a little aroused by himself got up and shook his hand. "Nice to finally meet you."

Shane nodded and smiled back. "You too."

He and Sam took off up the stairs while Seth told Matt that Shane was one hot number which Shane overheard but figured he must have heard wrong. They walked into a room down a short hall to the left of the stairs. Sam opened the door and stepped aside letting Shane in first which Shane had come to discover was something he always did.

Sam led him over to the bed which was as huge as the one he'd slept in at the hotel in Providence on so many weekends. He kicked off his shoes and Shane followed suit then they both laid back on the bed side by side. "You gonna tell me or do I have to torture it out of you?"

Shane had never told anyone just how sucky his life was. He'd been thinking over the past month though that if he were ever going to tell anyone Sam would be that person. Sam always treated him with incredible kindness and patience he figured if anyone could help him sort through his misery it was Sam.

He rolled onto his side and curled his knees up then put his clasped together hands under his cheek and looked over at Sam who was adjusting himself into the same position only propping his head up on a pillow and putting his hands out to Shane's stomach instead of under his face.

"My father got a new girlfriend. I guess he got her a while ago but yesterday she and her son moved in."

"You didn't even know her?"

"No, I'd seen her drive in a few times but never talked to her and she never talked to me. I had no idea she had a kid and no idea her and my father were so serious."

"Don't you and your father talk at all?" Sam had suspected they didn't really communicate on many occasions.

"No, my father has never really talked to me. My father hates me."

"That's kind of a harsh thing to say. It can't really be that bad."

Shane sighed and moved his cheek up and down his hands to get in a more comfortable position. "My story is long are you sure you want to hear it?"

"Sure I'm sure Shane. I've been trying to get you to really talk to me for a month."

He certainly seemed sure so Shane took a long breath forcing himself to go on so that maybe he could get some guidance from someone he felt was incredibly smart.

"My mom died right after I was born, when I came out I guess I ripped something up inside her. My father says I killed her. Which I did though I didn't mean to do it. I'm sure that's why he started out hating me. He actually didn't even take me home with him. My gram, my mother's mother took me home. She raised me til I was five then she died. I had no other place to go and my father took me in." He rolled his eyes reached up and grabbed a pillow then propped his head up onto it so his face was even with Sam's who was still listening intently with a shock sort of look on his face.

"Him taking me in is something I'm frequently reminded that I should be grateful about. Why I shouldn't complain when I don't get food and why I have no right to talk to him."

Sam's hand moved up onto Shane's side and slowly moved back and forth as his look of shock mixed with sadness.

"He's never said anything nice to me. When he does talk it's usually to kick me out of the house or tease me about being queer."

"Does he hit you Shane?" Sam sounded as though he didn't dare ask the question and looked like he was bracing himself for the answer.

Shane nodded his head and averted his eyes from Sam's not having intended to say that but since he was asked and things seemed to be going so well he figured it best to get it right out in the open. "He does a lot of slapping. He's taken his belt to me at least twice a week for most of my life with the exception of this last month. He loves to drive me out of town beat the hell out of me then make me find my own way back." He stopped talking as tears started out of Sam's eyes. He reached over and wiped at them with his thumb. "I'm sorry, I won't say anymore."

Sam sniffled and shook his head. "No Shane, you have to tell me. I mean I get the feeling you have never told anyone this before."

Shane shook his head wondering again how Sam could read him so damn well. He wondered if it was something he was able to do with everyone or it was just something special they had together. He hoped it was the latter.

"Well there's not much more to tell that's basically my life. Except now what's got me so upset is this new women in the house and even more so her son. He's taken over my bedroom, my father treats him like he's god's gift to fathers and still I've got nothing." His voice was definitely angry but tears were again starting out of his eyes. "They all sat out at the table last night I heard them from my room talking and laughing like this great happy family." Shane turned his face into the pillow his shoulders trembling from his crying. He felt Sam's hand gently rubbing his back and it only increased his tears.

Sam moved closer and wrapped his arm up over Shane's shoulder rubbing his hand along his shoulder blades while his other hand latched onto Shane's squeezing it tightly. He'd had no idea Shane's life was so miserable he'd had hunches things weren't good but never imagined it could be as bad as what he was hearing. He believed it all though without any doubt. Shane was not the type to lie about something so big that he was sure of.

A couple minutes later Shane pulled his head out of the pillow and moved his free hand up to wipe his eyes. "I was used to life before. I was even almost okay with it. But seeing my dad be so nice to some other kid while he can't even look at me..." he paused and swallowed hard. "Well it just really hurts."

Sam put his hand on Shane's cheek brushing his thumb over his tears. "I'm so sorry Shane. No one should have to live like that. Isn't there anyplace else you can go?"

Shane quickly shook his head. "I have no other relatives, well I have a brother but he hates me as much as my dad does and I hate him too. I would never willingly live with him even if he wanted me."

Just over the border of Prescott Cove Don and Tad were just sitting down to dinner. "What's wrong with you tonight Don? You've been moping around since you got home."

"I've been moping around long before that." He said miserably as he ran his fork over his mashed potatoes not feeling hungry enough to eat even one bite.

"So," Tad said holding his hands out flat. "You gonna tell me what it is or do we have to play twenty questions."

Don dropped his fork onto his plate and put his hands up over his mouth dragging them down over til they were under his chin. "It's Shane. He got real upset this morning and I have a real good idea why."

"Why?" Tad asked hating it when he had to drag information out of Don like he was pulling teeth or something.

"His father apparently has had his girlfriend move in with him. A girlfriend who has a kid that's a year younger then Shane. His father brought the kid to school this morning and got him all registered. Treated the kid like he was his long lost beloved son doted all over him. I've called that man to come in and talk to me at least five times since Shane started highschool. The only time he has come was when I suspended Shane. I have a strong feeling as you know Shane's father gives him very little attention."

Don sighed and sat back in his chair dropping his hands down onto his lap. "Now this other kid has come along and the father is treating him way better then he ever treated Shane. I cannot even fathom how hurtful that must be to him. To see someone who has never loved him so suddenly seem like he loves this complete stranger."

"Just to be a nosy ass I gave him some free lunch papers for Brian," he looked up at Tad. "That's the other kid."

Tad nodded having figured that.

"Well he snatched them right up and signed them no problems at all. Shane told me that his father would not sign his papers cause it was like begging."

"And your sure it's his father's opinion and not Shane's?"

Don shook his head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean maybe Shane is the one who had a problem with the free lunch, maybe he never showed the papers to his dad."

"No, cause I signed the papers for him and Shane was real pleased I had. He thanked me like a dozen times. And has gotten his free lunch every day."

Tad pushed his plate away and put his elbow up on the table. He set his chin down on his hand and surveyed the table top while his mind went into deep thought. "We can't just bring him here Don, what if you are wrong and his father does want him. It could cause us as well as Shane a whole lot of problems."

Don's eyes darted up to him wondering how in hell Tad always knew just what he was thinking. "If it did come about that we were sure I was right would you do it? Would you be willing to take him in?"

Dropping his hand down from his chin he ran his finger down the cold steel of his butter knife. He really liked Shane he knew that for sure. He also knew the kid was severely depressed not once in the times he'd seen him had he seen Shane smile. He always had his head down like he was ashamed of himself and when complimented on anything he got mad instead of just accepting the compliment which Tad had suspected from the beginning was because Shane did not agree with these compliments and thought he was being played before actually believing someone could be saying something nice about him. "If it's true." He said looking back up at Don. "And we have undeniable proof then yes, I would like to have him live here with us."

A rush of relief ran through Don as he did not read Tad as well as Tad read him and had, had absolutely no idea of what his reaction to this would be. He now had an option, he now could get Shane away he only needed to get proof.

Sam and Shane put their clothes back on then lingered in each other's arms for a few minutes before heading back down stairs. They sat around and talked with Matt and Seth for about half an hour before they started removing each other's clothes and exploring each other's bodies. Seth had the hugest dink he'd ever seen and eyed it longingly while Seth made it jump up and down grinning at him playfully. "You want this Shane?"

Shane turned red there in his own nakedness his hand moved reflexively behind him and rubbed a tingling ass cheek. Thinking something that big would surely hurt at first but in the end would give him one hell of an orgasm leaving his ass burning with an erotic tingle perhaps the whole night.

Matt tossed Seth the tube of lube right over Shane's head. "Do it man he's great. Nice and tight course that's to be expected with Sam's little prick."

Sam's mouth dropped open and he smacked the back of Matt's head while his other hand covered his crotch like he was suddenly ashamed they were out there in public view.

Shane grinned seeing it and moved his hand under Sam's. "I think it's just the right size." which he certainly did and Sam sure knew how to use it. His gaze returned to Seth's hands glistening with lube that were moving rhythmically up and down his condom packed cock.

Matt bent Sam over the couch and buried his face in his ass making Shane rock hard just by seeing Sam wriggle from it's effects. Seth took hold of Shane's shoulders and turned him to face the couch. He pushed down gently til Shane was on his knees then pressed his hand into his back leaning him over the couch side by side to Sam. Sam moaning and giggling like a school girl put his arm up over Shane's back and started kissing his neck not wanting to be kissing his mouth or have his tongue in his mouth when Seth entered him as he knew from experience the first reaction was pain though hot and erotic it was still pain.

Shane gritted his teeth making his cry not so loud when that huge rock hard rod penetrated what now felt like his very tiny ass hole. He moved his hand up onto Sam's head spreading his fingers through his hair in a gnarled embrace as the pain soared down through his hips and onto his thighs. A pain that burned and seared as expected but sent pleasures tingling hotly through all other parts of his body.

Seth moved his hands in around Shane's thighs pulling his legs further apart and his knees up off the ground. He moved one leg over Sam's back leaving Shane's dick filled ass in a cockeyed position. He squeezed his fingers into the not so meaty thighs then slowly moved back and forth as Shane's moans eased from pain into pleasure he sped up his pace. He moved his hand from Shane's inner thigh and grabbed onto his balls as Sam's hand already occupied his dick.

Matt pulled his spit covered face out of Sam's rear donned a condom and smeared it with lube. He spread Sam's cheeks with his thumbs while his other fingers pressed into the soft flesh on the outside. He positioned his cock just outside Sam's hole then thrust forward making Sam cry out even louder then Shane had a couple minutes earlier the cry decreased to long moans and between the four of them the room was filled with continuous moaning. Sam and Shane shot their loads at the same time making two equal size white piles on the carpet between their knees. Matt and Seth went shortly after then gave each other big high fives before collapsing down onto the backs of Sam and Shane where they all panted heavily for a good five minutes while rubbing their hands over each others sweaty bodies.

As expected and wanted Shane's hole burned even after he and Sam crawled into bed. Sam caressed it with his tongue for a good hour while Shane soaked a large spot on the bed below him shooting two more loads.

They passed out from exhaustion shortly after sunlight started filtering into the room and did not wake up until after noon time. They spent the afternoon at Matt's house talking and laughing. Shane had such a good time his bad thoughts about home dissipated and by the time he walked home all his anger was nearly gone. He still felt bad his father was the way he was but there was no changing that and now at last Shane had good friends that he knew could cheer him up.

He walked into the trailer at around 4:30. The red haired woman who's real name he had no idea of had not yet come up with a mean enough nick name for was sitting on the couch watching TV. She had a ratty old bathrobe on and her hair was wilder then usual standing up in stringy disarray. Her eyes were bloodshot and the mascara she'd had on so thick the morning before was now streaked around her eyes. This woman, Shane thought, now looked much more his father's speed. He smiled to himself and started towards his room but her raspy voice stopped him.

"You wait right there you god damn son of a bitch."

Shane stopped abreast of the counter he turned back to her placing his hand flatly on the counter hoping the cool surface would cool his firing up temper. She stood from the couch in one sleek movement and walked up to him leaving only about a foot of space between them.

He was immediately uncomfortable by her closeness but stood his ground not wanting to have to cower back from her all the time too. She puffed a long drag off her cigarette then blew the smoke into his face. He narrowed his eyes and blew out his nose at the smell of stale cigarette and beer was nearly as strong as the smoke itself.

She put her hand up on his cheek and stroked it up and down. "You are a very handsome young man." Her voice was lusty and Shane took a step back. She dropped her hand from his face and sunk it down inside the waist band of Shane's pants pulling him roughly back to her.

She pressed her lips to his for only half a second before Shane jerked his head back and quickly wiped his hand across his mouth. Her eyes immediately burned with anger and she slapped him sharply across the face. His face now facing the window from the slap he jerked his hand up off the counter feeling a searing burn. He looked back and down at the counter where her cigarette lay crushed and still smouldering he looked down at his hand and realized she'd used his hand in an attempt to put it out. His hand was blackened around one small circle the inside of which was a mushy deep red.

"What the hell is your problem?" He asked to alarmed by her behavior to think of what he was saying.

"You think you can just come and go out of here without telling anyone where you'll be? Well I'll tell you something you god damn fuck." Her finger was an inch from his face that was getting rained on by her spit. "You wait til your father gets home. You'll learn my rules real god damn fast."

Shane looked to the door seeing no reason why he shouldn't just leave again and was slapped twice in quick succession. "Don't you even think about leaving. If he has to go out and hunt you down your punishment will only be twice as bad."

Though Shane didn't really believe his father would ever be bothered in hunting him down he didn't really know what his father would do at all anymore. He was completely different with this lady around and had a feeling he may do whatever she asked.

He walked into his bedroom and sat in the corner. Brian was on his bed reading another magazine. "Where were you last night?" he asked his voice chipper.

"None of your damn business."

Brian's eyes widened a bit but he nodded. "Well I was just wondering I wasn't gonna give you a hard time. I wouldn't recommend going off like that again though mom doesn't like it."

"She's not my damn mother." Shane could not believe how vocal he was being he figured it was a mix of this woman showing up ruining his solitude a few days a week, or the fact she'd just molested him then hit him out in the kitchen, or the dread in his future hiding he was sure to receive once his father got home.

"She's not a bad mother Shane. You just gotta follow the rules."

Rules were not something Shane had ever had to follow and he was not about to start following some bitches rules that had no right to give him any in the first place no matter how many damn hiding's he got.

The rust bucket roared in a little later and it took the old bear less then two minutes to come into the room and haul Shane up by the arm. He dragged him down the hall to his bedroom and ordered him to strip while he pulled the straps up onto the bed. Shane was thrown down onto it and the bitch even showed up to help tie him down. Cursing about how if his son continued to be so insolent she did not know if the relationship would work out.

Shane didn't know what insolent meant but figured he'd look it up at school then remembered he was no longer going to school so figured he'd just check it out at the library. The belt started in and he no longer thought of such trivial things. He buried his face in the pillow pulling it out only long enough to take some deep breaths. He looked at her one of these times smiling a viscous smile seemingly enjoying this whole event.

He started to turn his face back into the pillow when he noticed movement in her crotch. He looked at both her arms and followed one down with his eyes seeing her hand disappeared into her robe at about her stomach. He buried his face again having no doubt she was fucking masturbating while watching him get beat. He knew from that moment on he would receive a lot of beatings in the future.

When his whole back side was one fiery molten surface including the entire backs of his legs and arms and even the back of his head and neck his father threw the belt across the room. "You get ready to go out hon." he heard his father say. "We'll hit the bars to night and leave this fuck here to think about what he's done."

Twenty minutes later Shane still in agony on the bed heard the rust bucket roar to life and barrel out of the driveway and out of the park. The pain all over his back was announcing itself very loudly but even louder was the small round burn on his hand which he found quite unbelievable since it was such a small spot.

He was half dozing in his spread eagle position still tied to the bed when he felt the mattress sag down on his right. He jerked his head out of the pillow and looked back seeing Brian sitting there humiliation blared through him. "You come to take pictures or something."

Brian shook his head. "No I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

Shane dropped his cheek onto the pillow wondering why he continued to be so rude to this kid who was trying to be nice to him even despite his rudeness.

"Looks like your dad is pretty experienced with a belt." Brian's eyes moved up and down over Shane's body.

"Would you not look at me please."

"Sure," He stammered. "Sorry," he looked down at the floor and sighed. "You know, my mom always gets what she wants. Your dad is not the first guy she's had wrapped around her little finger. Take my advice and just do what she says. Otherwise she'll make your life a living hell."

"My life already was a living hell. Your mother can kiss my ass."

Brian let out a sarcastic chuckle and Shane looked back at him. Brian looked up from the floor and into his eyes. "That's just what she wants to do Shane. She only dates guys with teenage sons. It's the sons she wants to get into bed not the fathers."

Shane's heart beat quickened and he could feel it bouncing back at him through the mattress. "Does she do it to you?" He asked quietly almost like he didn't even want Brian to hear it.

Brian slowly nodded. "Guess I ain't good enough for her though since she's always trying to find someone else."

He sounded real hurt by this and if Shane's hand hadn't been tied he would have taken Brian's hand in some sort of consoling gesture. "You sound almost like you want it to just be you and her."

Brian shrugged and looked back at the wall. "It's not so bad. What she does. It tells me that she loves me. It just makes me feel bad that I'm not enough for her. That she needs to go elsewhere to get her love fulfilled."

Shane was suddenly thinking he didn't want a mother if that's what mothers did. "Well Brian don't worry. You don't gotta worry about me screwing your mother. I don't care how many times I'm strapped to the bed I absolutely will not do it." he suddenly could no longer hate this kid as he was now feeling to sorry for him.

"Is it true what they were saying about you yesterday at school?"

"I wasn't at school yesterday I don't know what they were saying." He had a damn good idea but wanted to see what Brian would see and how he would say it.

"That you are gay?"

Shane was impressed by this. Brian he was sure had not heard the word gay at school surely he had heard fag, queer or homo, shit packer or dick sucker the list went on and on but not once had he ever heard himself called the non offensive word gay which meant Brian had come up with that word on his own. Perhaps in an effort to soften the blow incase he thought Shane was not used to those other words. It also indicated by the way he said it that Brian would not have a problem with it.

"They ain't teasing you for it are they? I mean for living with a queer?"

"No not really. It bothered me though that they picked on you so much."

"Well you don't gotta worry about me. I'm not gonna go there anymore anyways."

"Mom's not gonna like that."

"Then I suspect you and I are going to spend a lot of evenings in here. That is of course if you continue to visit me in all my glory here."

Chapter 10

By Monday morning he thought it best to at least pretend to go to school to try and get away from the woman's, whose name he still did not know, wrath. He hadn't planned on hanging around the house anyways. His father had belted him again on Sunday and once he was let up from the bed he'd punched him every chance he got. The beatings had definitely returned and with one hell of a vengeance. His body burned and seared with each step he took bringing him closer to town where he planned on spending the day up until 2:30 on the beach then go to the library where he still wanted to look up the word insolent and check out a book for his upcoming long days on the beach.

Don was parked in the post office driveway just hidden behind a gray pickup. He was waiting for Shane hoping he'd come by so they could have a talk. He'd called in sick to work and was hiding from any of the two school board members that may be out on the town.

He saw Shane's fathers truck go by and Brian sitting near the window on his side. Shane was not in it and he did not find that at all surprising. Shane walked into view a few minutes later and Don's heart quivered thinking how awful it must be for him to be walking and have to see his father driving the other kid to school.

He honked the horn when Shane was just in front of the car and immediately regretted it seeing Shane jump nearly a foot into the air. He wondered why he was not with Sam as he'd seen the two of them walk into school together for the past month. Shane looked over at him and he waved him over then pointed over to the passenger side door so Shane would get in.

Shane's eyes narrowed and Don prayed he wouldn't have to get out and chase him down. He watched as Shane looked from the car to further down the road. He stayed still then turned his head to his father's truck as it roared back past no wave, smile or even a glance from it's driver to Shane.

Shane turned and watched it til Don suspected it was out of sight then walked over to the passenger side door and got in. "I ain't going back to school sir. I've had it."

Don nodded. "I wasn't going to make you go today anyhow. I'm playing hooky and I wanted you to join me."

"What the heck is hooky?" Shane asked looking over at him a slightly amused look on his face.

"Skip school."

Shane let out a small laugh. "I thought it was a cute name for a hooker or something and I certainly didn't want to do that."

Glad Shane was in a better mood then on Friday Don laughed. "So where do you want to go."

"Anywhere but here." Shane said without a trace of hesitation in his voice which surprised Don as he was usually so hesitant and timid in anything he said. They drove out of town keeping the ocean to their left. "So I see you and Sam MCneil together a lot these days. Are you two a couple now?"

"A couple of what?" Shane asked then chuckled at his own joke wondering a little why he was in such a good mood that day.

Wondering way more then a little Don looked over at him in surprise wishing it were just a good mood but he got an eerie feeling that Shane had given up and was only feeling blissful cause he was not caring about anything right then.

Shane shook his head his face still alight with a grin. "We are a couple. Have been for about a month. He's real great he doesn't hit me like...." He stopped short his grin turning to a grimace of fear.

"Like Derek?" Don asked gripping the wheel tighter.

Shane rubbed the back of his neck then dropped his hand back into his lap his neck still hurting to much to really be touched. "Well he hit me sometimes. When I pissed him off. It was no big deal really. It's just nice that Sam doesn't do it."

"You shouldn't ever be hit Shane, not by anyone. No matter what the reason."

"Yeah well no one's perfect." he shrugged half heartedly and turned to look out the window at the trees that were rapidly filling up with leaves. Down along the other side of the ditch he could see several flowers blooming as well. "You know I like spring. Not as good as fall but spring is nice. It smells good, it's the perfect temperature. Just I know summer is on the way and I hate summer. Too damn hot."

Frustrated he was changing the subject Don just let it be for the time being. Shane chatted nonstop about anything unsubstantial most of the day. Frustrated as hell by three o'clock as they headed back towards town Don stopped the car in a parking lot to a deserted and sandy beach. "Let's go for a walk."

Shane nodded and eagerly opened the door as soon as they were on the sand he sat down and took off his shoes. "What are you doing?" Don asked amused.

"You can't walk on a beach like this with shoes. It's just.. Well... it's against the rules of nature." Once his socks were off Don noticed a very bruised foot.

"What happened to your foot?"

"I think I sprained it or something." Shane touched at the bruise creating a temporary white spot after pulling his finger away.

"How'd you do that?"

Shane looked up at him as he stood up. "You been to my house right?"

Don nodded.

"So you've seen the shitty stairs that go in?"

He nodded again.

"Well just put two and two together." Shane was not sure if a fall from the stairs would create such a bruise or even if getting your foot wrenched in one of the holes would so he figured it best just to kind of leave it to Mr. Mason's imagination. "You gonna take yours off?" he asked looking down to Don's feet.

"Well if you are gonna make me."

"It won't be me that punishes you, it will be mother nature. Don't expect me to save you from sudden typhoon or something."

Don grinned and kicked off his shoes then pulled off his socks. They walked on the beach for an hour and Don was even more frustrated on his return. Every time he had broached the subject of Shane's home life Shane looked out at the ocean and made some off handed statement about the pretty clouds or something.

He dropped him off at Sam's house stopping him from getting out of the car right away he put his hand on Shane's thigh. "Look at me Shane."

Shane slowly turned his head and Don noted a distinct look of fear. "You have options. Don't give up on life. Sometimes when you least expect it things can really turn around."

The look of fear was replaced with one of disbelief. Things had turned around. Only for the worse. "I'll keep that in mind." he said bitterly as he turned back and latched onto the door handle.

"You gonna come to school tomorrow."

"No," Shane snapped then hurried out of the car before Don could say anything further.

April turned into May and the days got hotter and Shane's carefree mood left as quickly as it had come. He snapped at everyone including Matt and Sam who were both real concerned about him.

His days at home were growing much worse and his father's beatings had rendered him unconscious more then once in the past month. He'd come home late every night just to spite Medusa whose real name he still did not know and whether his father was in bed or not he'd always get up to dole out a punishment each one seemingly growing progressively worse.

After a month of this Shane's body couldn't hack it anymore and he started showing back up at the house at three sharp. Brian had proven his worth by keeping his mouth shut about Shane not going to school and they had actually forged somewhat of a friendship with Brian spending a lot of late nights nursing Shane's wounds and telling him how stupid he was in a way that was kind in hopes of getting Shane to save himself from his father's wrath a wrath like none Brian had ever seen before.

Shane started meeting Brian at the post office when his father was not home to pick him up from school and they walked home together.

"You look like hell Shane. When was the last time you ate?" Brian had been sneaking him food but his mother had caught onto it and Brian had received a hiding himself about two weeks earlier for the major infraction. It became nearly impossible to sneak food after that as both his mother and Roger were on full alert to his attempts. They had even started keeping an inventory of the food in the house to be sure they'd know when something came up missing. Shane's face was thinner then ever and his eyes were pale almost opalescent in color other then their usual deep dark brown. His hair was greasy and stood up in every direction and was well past the length Shane liked.

He reeked and he knew it. Not from his actual body as he'd taken to swimming in the bay but his clothes had not been laundered in a month something he no longer cared to do.

"Shane?"

Shane moved his face towards Brian even that taking up a lot of energy. "I don't know." he said quietly. He had not seen Sam in three days had not even gone looking for him as they'd gotten in a huge fight last time they were together. Shane knew the fight was his fault for his continued rude behavior but he did not care. He thought maybe it would be best if he just backed off he apparently was not a good enough person to retain friends.

They walked into the house and Medusa was waiting with her hands on her hips. "Well Shane. I guess I've figured you out. You're little boyfriend was here earlier. I knew there had to be something real messed up about you."

Shane rolled his eyes and focused on the wall, he was slapped but still did not look at her. She reached out and snatched Brian over closer to her. "I don't want you near my son. God knows what you could give him." She took Brian by the shoulders and yarned him around to face her. "He been messing with you boy?" she shook him as she spoke like she was the most panicked lady to ever walk the earth.

"No ma, honest." Brian stammered and Shane wondered how he could be so nice to her.

Medusa let go of Brian and turned on Shane. She pointed out her finger into his face and looked at him with disgust. "I don't want you in this house. When we are awake you are to stay outside. You are not to leave the property you are still my responsibility and I don't need you out diseasing the rest of the town. You will not be allowed in this house til we turn the lights out. When you come in you may lie on the floor I don't want you on any of the furniture. If I see you leave this yard you'll have your father to answer too."

"I burned your clothes so I'd take care of those ones you have on. They are all you have and all you'll get. Now get outside." she slapped him again before Shane retreated to the outdoors.

Over the next few weeks Brian was not even allowed to talk to him. Shane walked home at three, sat on the front step til the wee hours of the morning then went inside and slept on the floor til five am when his father kicked him in the ribs and threw him back outside. On the mornings he was not home she came out with the belt and lashed him across the face with it til he woke up which always only took once.

He didn't know what was wrong with himself. He didn't know why he didn't just take off and find a better place to live. But day after day he sat on the step just praying for something to change. He dreamed the door would fly open and Medusa would be thrown out on her ass and have her fake snake skin suitcase come flying out after her. When the door did fly open though on several occasions it was only his father dragging him into the house for a hiding. Which was no longer done in the bedroom as Medusa swore she didn't want his diseased body on her sheets. So instead his father had rigged up the restraints to the legs of the couch and chair putting him in the same position on the livingroom floor as he'd been in his father's bed so many times.

They insisted on Brian watching the punishments saying it would happen to him if he were caught talking to or feeding Shane. After the punishments Shane would be pushed back outside buck naked and his clothes thrown out after him.

He had just gotten redressed one evening and was sitting on the step when a car he recognized immediately as Don's pulled to the end of the drive. His heart beat wildly in his chest knowing he'd get another hiding just for Don showing up. His brain also went into full protection mode trying desperately to come up with some excuse as to why he'd be sitting on the porch while the rest of the family was inside hooting it up like they always did which Shane was sure only was done on his account just to make him all the more jealous.

Don got out of the car and walked up to him. Shane could not even look at his face his shame had grown to unbearable depths as of late and he hadn't faced anyone in weeks. "You shouldn't be here Mr. Mason." He said quietly though he figured his dad must have already spotted him there.

"What are you doing out here Shane?" Don's eyes looked up into the windows of the trailer where he heard happy laughter ringing out.

"They are watching a scary movie I came out here cause I got scared." he rolled his eyes at the very weak excuse but could come up with nothing better. Don turned and sat down by Shane on the step.

"People don't usually laugh like that at scary movies."

Shane only shrugged and lowered his head more now that Don was sitting.

"You don't smell to good." Don's heart was breaking as Shane's whole demeanor was of one who'd totally given up and he looked to be on deaths door already with how thin he was. His cheekbones looked about to break through his stretched out skin and he could almost make out every detail of the bones underneath his face.

"I know." was Shane's only quiet response. He'd abandoned his ocean baths he felt grimy all over. He could certainly smell his own stench. It was a last ditch effort to repel Medusa's groping hands which thus far had yet go work. Deep down he didn't figure anything would keep her at bay as she already thought he was diseased reminded him every chance she got. Apparently she didn't care about catching any disease herself she just didn't want him to pass it on to her precious son.

"I talked to Sam today. He's real worried about you. Says he's seen you a couple times in town and you won't even talk to him. Why are you shutting him out?"

"I don't want no friends." And he didn't want to be talking to Mr. Mason at all right then or maybe ever again.

"Shane if you'd only talk to me I may be able to help you out of this. If you tell me what's going on maybe I could help you."

Shane shook his head having no intention of telling anyone what his life had become or ever had been ever again. Don stayed and talked to him for a few more minutes as he stood he patted Shane's shoulder which Shane quickly jerked away from his touch.

Mere seconds after Don's car left the park the door to the trailer burst open and he was lurched off the step flat on his face to the ground by his fathers boot covered foot. Before he could get up his father was on him his fists coming down in rapid succession on all points of Shane's body. When there was nothing left but a sniveling crumpled mass he stood back up.

"That's it Shane, I've given you plenty of chances. You are through here. If I catch you on this property again I will call the police and you can rot in jail for few years. He drew his boot back again and kicked Shane's face that was coming up off the ground. "If I see you out here in an hour I'll call the police. I want you gone I never want to see your fucking face again."

Shane heard him go back up the stairs and the front door slam. His mind raced past his pain as he wondered where in hell he would go. He put his forehead to the ground, placing his hands flat out on the ground on either side of him and raising his elbows up. It was a good five minutes before he was actually able to get up and tears rolled down his cheeks from his pain and more so from his desperation.

He spent his days hanging around the rest area just down the road tourist season was under way and many, many families stopped through the day and had lunch on their way to better places. He'd sit at the same table every day one that was more in the woods and out of the way then the others and wait for these families to eat their meals. After they ate they'd wrap up their trash and throw in the trash cans.

After the rest area emptied of people he'd collect the food remnants out of the trash and shove them in his mouth. There was really very little food to be had but it was enough to keep him going so that became his routine.

He had no idea what day it was but felt a few weeks at least had passed since he'd been kicked out of his house permanently. He spent some nights with Shep in his house and others on a table in the rest area. Everyday he thought of just taking off down the road but every day he continued to stay where he was.

He was at his picnic table sitting in the pouring rain when a car pulled onto the dirt parking area. He watched it thinking it odd someone would stop there on a rainy day but got excited at the same time as he'd not expected any food that day and whoever this was may have some trash to throw away. Travel trash was what he'd come to call it. Meaning mostly empty bags of chips, half eaten hamburgers from Mcdonald's which was about a half hour down the road, one day he'd found a mostly full milk shake from there and had enjoyed every last drop while feeling lower then scum at getting so excited over it.

He swore under his breath seeing Sam getting out of the car. He turned his head to the woods considering taking off but was too weak and knew he could never run.

Sam walked up to the table and sat opposite him. "How are you Shane?"

Shane looked down at the table and shrugged and picked at a scab on his hand. "Mr. Mason's been asking where you are. I need to tell him." Sam had begged Shane at least three times a week that he'd gone out there to visit him to let him tell Mr. Mason as he knew Mr. Mason would help.

Shane shook his head damn tired of rehashing this same issue all the time.

Sam let out a long breath and put his hand on Shane's which was quickly pulled away. "Why won't you let anyone help you Shane?" Sam himself had tried to help him. Had brought him clothes, food and water even offered to sneak him into his house but Shane had thrown the food and clothes away and out right refused to get anywhere near his mother's car.

"Just leave me alone Sam." he said it as firmly as he could not wanting to say another fucking word about it. Sam talked some more and Shane ignored him til Sam gave up and took off.

It rained for two more days and not one car stopped at the rest area. Shane could feel himself fading and no longer cared. Long after the sun had set he got up off his table and headed for Shep's house figuring if he were going to die he wanted at least to be with someone that cared for him even if it was a dog.

He collapsed three times on his way there his body too starved and worn out to keep walking. When he finally made it shep greeted him warmly but even Shep did not jump up on him these days he had no idea why and didn't much care. The fact Shep was still willing to share his house all he needed.