章節 23: Mr Burns

"AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!! IT BURNS!" Why was it that voice which screamed out in such pain? Surely it couldn't be, Carlos?! Soon she got her response as Carlos bolted through the kitchen door. Half of his face was covered in oily substances dripping off and boils began to instantly fester.

"I warned you, didn't I? Now you have a matching tattoo for the rest of your face", In Shaun's hands was a put of oil, the reason for Carlos's grueling pain. He watched as Carlos rolled while Nomi tried her best to tend to him. He then walked out but not before leaving some parting words, "I take back what I said, you're neither beautiful nor pleasant. Just a shell walking around plastered with paint. You two complement each other". She didn't know why but his last words cut so deep.

Knowing fully well the implications of his actions Shaun pushed through the crowds which had gathered. He heard a snap in the crowd and saw a slight flash.

"Damn it!" He yelled while looking hatefully at another teen who took a picture of him. Now the situation just got from bad to worse. There was no hiding from what he just did. All of this was because of one stupid incident, but he knew Nick wasn't at fault. He was simply a mark. The moment he arrived at Clortho with those Corvette keys, fancy clothing, and running off his mouth, Nomi had set her eyes on him.

Shaun hurried home but ensured not to make eye contact with a soul, he needed to be forgettable. He had no doubts Carlos's crew would be out looking both for him and Nick. But more specifically him. When entering the apartment he hurried to grab a suitcase packing up as many things as he could. He saw the three boxes of condoms and thought, what the hell, I can dream. Before tossing them inside and dashing out the door.

Just one day on his own in the city and he had to abandon his apartment. "Good going Shaun", he stated out loud sarcastically. What would he do now? Obviously staying in the apartment was a no-no. With Carlos's gang's resources, it wouldn't take long for them to find him.

'Where do I go?' He questioned himself now that his options were limited. The obvious solution was to buy a ticket and head straight back home to Frankfield.

But this he staunchly refused, 'NO! I told Jamie I could be on my own and stay out of trouble. How could I possibly look him in the eyes after not lasting a mere 24 hrs.' Still, this left Shaun with limited options so he forced himself to think, and then it hit him. Lucy! her apartment was empty for the next three weeks. She only got it so when Jamie came to visit they could have a place of their own. The rest of the time she spent at her dorm was free under her scholarship.

He then bought a bus ticket knowing his next destination. While on the bus he made the call. He then heard an excited Lucy, "Shaun, I was wondering when you would call your big sis. Jamie said he got you all settled. So how is it?"

Shaun: "Yeah sorry I didn't call but I figured you were busy with school. Lucy, I need to ask you a favour?" He didn't hesitate going straight to the point.

Lucy: "Sure, ask away", She agreed immediately knowing it must be something important by the tone of Shaun's voice. With Jamie back in Frankfield she now became Shaun's default guardian in the city even with her being a mere three years older. That's how much Jamie trusted her.

Shaun hesitated a bit before saying his next words, "This has to be between us though, Jamie cannot know." It was then Lucy stopped everything she was doing, "Shaun are you ok? You're not in trouble are you?"

Shaun: "No it's nothing serious so don't get all worried. It's more embarrassing than anything. I was wondering if I could spend three weeks in your apartment, to be honest, I just feel homesick in this little space. While in your apartment for the two weeks with Jamie and you, it felt like the closest thing to home", He lied but knew his story had to be convincing in order for Lucy not to get Jamie involved.

He knew It worked with Lucy's reply, "Awww, look at you being all sweet. I understand, I miss Frankfield too. Come for the keys."

Shaun: "Thanks Lucy, you're a lifesaver. But please don't tell Jamie. It is embarrassing just admitting it out loud to you. I don't want him to think I am too immature to be on my own in the big city. I mean it, Lucy".

Lucy - "Fine it's between us. My lips are sealed."

An hour later Shaun went to Lucy's university. It was Lake View Tech, which 70 years prior was the most recognized institution in the area. That was of course before Lake View Super Academy. when seeing Shaun she hugged him and had his favourite fast food waiting. She didn't drill him about their conversation over the phone knowing it was a sensitive matter before handing over the spare set of keys.

"Remember I'm always here for you", She stated like his big sis before ensuring he left safely. With keys in hand, Shaun made it to Lucy's apartment finally able to sigh in relief. But there was a call he needed to make. With things as they were, Nick should be warned. He then dialed the number only to see that there were ten missed calls from Nick.

Shaun: "Yo!"

Nick: "Damn I know we aren't best friends or anything but I am glad to hear your voice, man. I swear you were dead".

Shaun - "Nah, I'm good. Listen, you need to keep a low profile for a bit. Those guys are going to be out for blood. I might have permanently disfigured your 'girlfriend's man'.

Nick: "Wait.., what? How did you do that?" It was then that a video came to Nick's phone. He was speechless as screaming in pain was Carlos covered in boiling oil. "Holyshit?! You did that?" He shouted.

Shaun: "Guess it's all over the internet. Just stay low for a while and ensure no one from Frankfield knows about this. The last thing I want is for Jamie to be worried".

Nick: "No problem, I'm staying with my aunt outside of Elvers so I should be good. But thanks again, man. You could have gotten away leaving me behind. It really gets me thinking about how I treated you in the past".

Shaun: "Don't get all sappy on me. It is what it is, stay safe, peace", Shaun ended the call.