Not So Romeo

10

Tatum

Yesterday was actually a pretty good day. Even though the boys teased me for most of it, I still had a good time. I stayed at Shawn's house again seeing as we ride to school together. I really don't want to go but Tyler insists that I do. He is staying at Grayson's house for the rest of the week and he gets out of school until next Tuesday because of his concussion. Grayson is staying in with him so it's just me and Shawn. I'm not sure what I'm going to say to our group yet.

I finish up my shower and get dressed quickly. I walk out of Shawn's ensuite and am greeted by the devil himself. He's still shirtless but he's wearing his black slacks. "Like what you see?" he smirks cockily.

I try to fight the blush creeping onto my cheeks. "In your dreams, Andrews."

"Well then if this is a dream, I never want to wake up." It's only now that I notice he's right in front of me. He reaches for something behind me and when his arm comes back, he's holding his uniform polo and blazer. He makes a show of slowly putting them on then grabs his tie from behind me.

He struggles with it, mumbling profanities. "Need some help?" my voice is softer than usual and he smiles at me. I put my hands between us and fumble with the tie around his neck for a moment. As I finish tying it properly I look up and my eyes immediately connect with Shawn's.

I'm not gonna lie, since his little confession yesterday, there has been a lot of awkward tension between us. It's not bad, I guess I just never really expected him to like me back. Especially not this soon. But then again, I never expected to develop feelings for him either. I guess I just really like how genuine he is. Cocky but real. He's just someone I feel I can go to for anything. Someone I can trust.

"thanks, I can never get this stupid thing to work with me."

I smile. "No problem." I stand on my tip toes and kiss his cheek. "You ready to go?"

"Yeah. You?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

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

The morning went by quite slowly. As usual, Shawn and I got our coffee before school. When we got here Shawn wouldn't let go of me, not that I'm complaining. We were both bombarded with questions by our friends as to why we, along with Gray and Ty, weren't at school yesterday. And why Gray and Ty still aren't here. We just told them the truth because they would've found out sooner or later anyways.

I'm currently in French 2, the period right before lunch. Alex and Adelaide have this class with me but I still hate it. We just finished doing review for an upcoming quiz so now we have free time to do other homework or talk. I obviously chose the latter as did most of the class.

My two friends come up to me and sit beside me. "So Tatum, what's with you and Shawn. He's stealing my little tater tot away from me." Alex whines.

I roll my eyes. "Stop acting like a five year old. Shawn and I are just super close. We understand each other in a way nobody else does."

"And how's that? " Adelaide questions.

I shrug. "I can't really explain it. It's something I don't even get. But when I'm with Shawn, everything makes sense; Everything feels right."

"You've got it bad for this boy." Adelaide giggles. Alex nods his head in agreement. Yeah, I guess I do.

************************* 

Shawn

It's lunch time and I'm waiting for Tatum outside of the cafeteria. I see her approach with her group of friends. I smile when her eyes meet mine and walk to meet her half way.

"Hi." she breathes, almost sounding nervous.

I embrace her and she immediately responds, wrapping her arms around my neck. I burry my head in the crook of her neck and mumble. "I missed you." she hugs me tighter.

Suddenly someone clears their throat and we end our embrace. We look to an annoyed looking Alex and a bunch of grinning lunatics. "You guys are so freaking cute!" Courtney squeals.

I smile and Tatum blushes. "Yeah so cute!" Alex says sarcastically. "let's go eat before I completely lose my appetite."

Bailey rolls her eyes, "what are you going to get? A peanut butter sandwich because you clearly already have the jelly." the girls start laughing and Alex growls at Bailey. She ignores him and leads the way to the lunch line.

Once we get our lunches, everyone but Tatum and I, goes to their designated tables. "Can we eat outside?" Tatum asks, looking up at me with her big hazel doe eyes.

"Of course." I put my hand on the small of her back, holding my lunch in the other, and lead her to the court yard. We find a big shady tree and sit under it. Tatum leans her head on my shoulder and we eat in silence.

After we finish, we talk about random stuff and I can tell Tatum really wants to ask me something. "What's on your mind, love?"

"Um I know it's none of my business but why did you say you're hoping to die?" wait what? When did I ever tell her those feelings?

I guess she notices my confusion because she elaborates, "last week in the woods. Right before we left to hang out you were smoking and I told you it could kill you. You said you were hoping for it, why?"

I think for a minute. I guess I did say that. She's the only one who knows these thoughts and feelings I've been having so I guess I should help her understand. "Well, I'm obviously depressed. I have no idea why. Maybe it's because my parents aren't really in the picture and I'm an only child so I'm lonely. Or maybe it's because I f**k everything up. I've always just felt worthless. Like I had nothing worth living for."

Her eyes are glazed with unshed tears as she stares at me. "Had? As in past tense?" I nod. "And now?"

"I have you." she hugs me tighter than I thought was possible for such a tiny girl and I hug her back. "Promise me you'll never leave." I whisper.

"I promise."