Not So Romeo

11

Tatum

I'm not sure how long we were outside hugging but I know it felt like forever. I'm not gonna lie, I cried like a baby. It killed me to know how broken Shawn is. I'm so attached to him already, I'm not sure how I'd live with him. He cried as well, not that he'd every admit it to anyone but me.

The only thing I do know is after some time of crying, he fell asleep, and I, not long after. We are awoken by someone saying our names. I look up in my sleepy state, seeing a blurry figure that looks somewhat like Headmistress Elarris. I rub the sleep from my eyes and see her giving us a sympathetic look.

"Headmistress." Shawn gives her a curt nod.

"Mr Andrews, Miss Makenzie. Come with me."

We stand and follow the Headmistress to her office. We're so screwed. Not that I actually care. It's just that I've had a lot happen in the last couple of days.

We reach her office and she shuts the door behind us. She motions us to sit and we comply. "How are you feeling, Tatum? I heard what happened. I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

Shawn takes my hand. "I've been better. I'm just glad I have Shawn to take care of me."

"Ah yes. It's lovely to have a friend who you can count on. I've heard the two of you make quite the pair." she gives us a friendly smile. "And how about you, Shawn? How is everything at home."

"It's pretty good." His answer is short. I look at him and notice the immense tiredness in his eyes.

"That's great. I can tell you both aren't feeling your best so I'm going to excuse you for the rest of the day. I hope you are feeling better tomorrow. Drive safe."

Shawn and I stand up, "Thank you, Headmistress. We'll see you tomorrow."

We wave goodbye and leave the school. Shawn opens the passenger door for me and I smile. Once he gets in, he looks at me. "You want to stop at your house and pick up some clothes and whatever else you need before we head to mine?"

"Why? Do you not want me wearing yours anymore?" I tease and he chuckles. "That would be great though."

The ride to my house was silent except for the quiet hum of the radio. Shawn follows me inside and sits on my bed as I quickly pack a bag with clothes, a few toiletries and some pads and tampons. I can feel that I'm going to get a visit from my aunt flow any day now, I'm just lucky I haven't started yet.

Shawn gives me a lazy smile when I walk out of my bathroom. "Ready?"

I smile back and nod. He stands and takes my bag from me the takes my hand, interlacing our fingers. "I can carry my own bag."

"I know. I want to carry it."

I squeeze his hand gently. "Thank you."

**********************

After the short ride from my house to Shawn's, we go straight to his room. He puts my bag on his couch then throws himself on the bed. "Get your cute little ass over here and cuddle with me." I giggle and comply with his order. He pulls me into his chest literally the second I get on the bed. It's not long before we both drift back to sleep.

I wake up to a really annoying ringing sound and realize it's my phone. I pick it up from the night stand and answer sleepily, not checking the caller ID. "Hello?"

"Hey baby sis." my brother says chirpily from the other end.

"Oh hey Tyler. What's up?"

"Nothing. Just checking on you. How was school?"

I yawn, "It was okay. Elarris was nice enough to excuse Shawn and I after lunch. She could tell it was too hard to be there so soon."

"At least you made it until lunch. I'm proud of you, Tatum. You sound tired. Did I wake you?"

I smile even though he can't see it. "Yeah, it's okay though. I've been sleeping for a few hours."

"Okay. Well I just wanted to see how you were doing. I miss you."

"I miss you too." I really do, even though we just saw each other yesterday. We've never really stayed apart. "How're you doing? Are the headaches bad."

"Im doing alright. And yeah they are, but it's nothing I can't handle." I hear Gray talking in the background. "I have to go. Sara just finished making dinner. Gray says hi."

"Okay tell him I say hello. I love you."

"I love you too." we hang up and I turn around to see Shawn smiling.

"How's he feeling?"

I shrug, "He's got some pretty bad headaches but he's fine."

Shawn pulls me into a hug and I instantly wrap my arms around his neck. He smirks and quickly pecks me on the lips. My eyes widen and before I can respond he speaks, "I'm starving. Let's go get some food."

"O-okay." I stutter, confused. He smiles and, still holding onto me, gets off the bed. I wrap my legs around his torso as he carries me down the stairs.

When we reach the kitchen we're greeted by Eric. "Hello kids. Getting cozy, are ya?" he chuckles as Shawn sets me on the counter and nuzzles into my neck.

I laugh, still holding Shawn. "Hi Eric."

Shawn looks up, "Are Mom and Dad in?"

Eric nods. "Your mother working on a new painting and your father is in his study."

I look at Shawn. "Your mom paints?"

He and Eric laugh, "She attempts to. I guess you could call her work abstract even though that's not what it's meant to be."

"Sounds like me when I try anything artistic." I laugh.

Shawn smirks at me playfully, "Nah. You're worse."

I smack him with a laugh. "How would you know, Andrews?"

"Because I know everything, Makenzie."

Eric laughs at our playful banter. "You two are good for each other." We just smile, not denying it, even though we're not together. "Dinner will be done soon, by the way."

"Perfect." Shawn says. "Need help with anything?"

Eric smiles kindly at Shawn. "You can set the table." Shawn quickly does the task and Eric thanks him. He makes his way back to me and picks me up off of the counter. He sets me on my feet and kisses my forehead, his lips lingering a bit.

After Eric pulls the food out of the oven, he has us let Laura and Steve know that the food is ready. Dinner goes by smoothly, the entire time we're all conversing with each other. I don't see why Shawn doesn't like his parents. They're so kind and I'd love to have them as my own.

After we all finish eating, Steve makes his way back to his study but Laura stays with us. "So Tatum, how're you liking it here?"

"It's amazing. Thank you so much for letting me stay." I smile at her gratefully.

"It's no problem at all my dear. I should actually be the one thanking you. I can tell you make Shawn very happy. And that's not something I've seen much in the past few years."

I look at Shawn, who is already staring at me and squeeze his hand. "He makes me happy too. I don't know what I'd do without him."