Not So Romeo

8

Tatum

I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life. I know Shawn and I might have just put my family's business in flames but I don't care. As long as my sorry excuses of parents are locked up, I'm fine.

Tyler was awake when we got to the hospital but we couldn't see him because they were bringing him in to get an MRI. We're currently sitting in the waiting room and I really hope my big brother is alright. I honestly can't stop crying. He's the only real family I have.

"Hey Tate," Grayson starts, his voice hoarse from crying. "He'll be okay. I promise." I give him a weak smile. He returns it but it doesn't quite reach his stunning blue eyes. No matter how much I fight with and complain about Gray, he's the closest thing I have to a brother, after Tyler, and I love him.

"Alright kids," one of the nurses, Margo, smiles at me, Gray and Shawn. "You can come back and see him now. But you only have a few minutes." we follow the older woman to Tyler's room and we walk in. For the first time since we left my house, I detach myself from Shawn and run to Tyler, who has his arms open.

My big brother chuckles but hugs me tightly. "You look like s**t, Tatum."

"You're one to talk." I retort, tears still running down my face. After he hugs both guys the doctor comes in and informs us of my brother's injuries. He has two sizable gashes on his head, one from the bottle and one from when he hit the floor. He had to get 15 stitches all together. He also has a concussion, but he obviously hasn't lost any memory, which is good. He should be good and healthy in a week to ten days.

They are keeping him over night just to keep an eye on him, which is understandable. We are told visiting hours are over so after giving Tyler another hug, we leave the room. As we walk back through the waiting room, we are stopped by a police officer and a member of the CPS.

"Miss Makenzie, we need to ask you a few questions. Would you please step into the room with us?" the officer says, smiling kindly.

I look to Shawn and Grayson, then back to the officer, "um o-okay. C-can th-ey come w-with?" I stutter like crazy, both because I'm terrified and I'm still crying a bit.

The two adults smile at me sympathetically, "of course." the CPS agent says. She looks quite nice to be honest. But I guess that's what the agency wants them to look like because they work with scared children. She's about mid-twenties with long auburn hair, warm chocolate brown eyes and she has one of the nicest smiles I've ever seen. Shawn's is still the nicest though.

We walk into the empty exam room and they ask me some generic questions. They also ask if my parents have been abusive towards my brother and I before. I answer truthfully, and tell them that it's always been verbal. This is the first time anything has been physical.

They want Ty and I to go to a foster home because we're both under 18 but I refuse instantly. Tyler will be 18 in a month and a half and I'm 16. I can get emancipated or he could just become my legal guardian when he turns 18. The officer and CPS agent don't like my insistence on not going to a foster home, but I am of legal age to decide what I want. After the questioning, we go back to Shawn's car and pile in.

None of us have eaten, so Shawn stops at the McDonald's drive-through then we drop Grayson off at his house. "Later guys. I'll talk to you tomorrow, Tate."

I hug him, "bye Gray. I love you. And thank you for being there for me and Tyler."

He smiles at me, "Don't thank me. We're family and I'll always be there." with a wave he walks up to his house and we pull away.

After driving a while, I realise we're not going in the direction of my house. "Shawn? We're going the wrong way."

He shakes his head. "No we're not. You're coming to mine. You don't need to go back home tonight." I smile at him, even though he can't see it.

"What about your parents?" I ask after a few minutes. He squeezes my hand.

"They won't mind. They're pretty understanding when it comes down to it." He says softly. We pull up to his house, or should I say mansion, and he gets out of the car. I go to open my door but he beats me to it. He takes my hand and helps me out, then leads me up the walkway and into his house.

"Shawn Elijah Andrews! Where have you been?" A small woman yells, coming through one of the many door ways. She notices me and her features soften. "What do we have here? Are you alright, dear?" I just shake my head no.

"Mom, some bad things happened tonight and I don't feel comfortable sending Tatum home."

"Tatum? As in Tatum Makenzie?" she questions, a look of recognition and disgust coming across her face.

"Yes ma'am." I whisper. "If I'm not welcome into your home, I completely understand. I can leave."

Shawn pulls me into his chest and Mrs. Andrews raises a brow. "Nonsense dear, you're always welcome here. I know your parents and my husband aren't too fond of each other but that doesn't matter. I'm not sure what's going on with you right now, but I am willing to help you, even if it's just giving you a place to stay."

"Thank you so much, Mrs.Andrews." I don't realize that I'm crying again until Shawn wipes a tear from my eye.

She smiles at us, "of course sweetie. And call me Laura. Now let's get you something to drink." I'm lead to the kitchen and Laura makes me a cup of hot chocolate. Shawn keeps his arms around me the entire time.

After I finish my drink, Shawn leads me to his room. On the way we run into his father, who is just as nice as his mother. I don't think they're fond of the fact that I'm a Makenzie because they both looked disgusted when they said my last name, but they could also tell that I'm in a time of need and their son cares for me, so they don't mind me staying.

When we reach Shawn's room, he goes into his walk in closet and comes out shirtless and in a pair of sweats. He tosses a shirt and a pair of shorts at me and I go into his ensuite to change. When I come out, he is laying on his bed so I join him.

We face each other, laying on our sides, and he drapes an arm around my waist. I start to run my hand through his messy, dark chocolate brown hair. We just stare into each other's eyes, his emerald green ones captivating me. He then moves his hand from my waists and up to my head taking my hair tie out and twirling my strawberry blonde hair in his fingers.

"Thank you for staying with me all night, and for letting me stay here." I whisper, a small smile gracing my lips.

He smiles back, "of course, Tatum. But like Grayson said, don't thank me. I already promised I'll be there for you no matter what. I always keep my promises." He leans in and kisses my forehead, finally causing us to break eye contact. I nuzzle into his chest and after about ten minutes of Shawn playing with my hair, I fall asleep.