Chapter 34

For an instant, Shane couldn’t think.

And then…

“Wait,” Jason said slowly, as Shane came to the same realisation. “You think Shane’s fucked up in the head?”

“Jason!” Dad snapped.

“You what?” Shane asked dumbly. “You think I’m nuts?”

“Look, it’s common enough for teenagers to get…uneasy. And such. You know.”

They stared.

“Depressed,” Dad finished awkwardly.

“You think he’s depressed?” Jason echoed, then laughed. “What, he’s some bitchy emo kid? I’ll give you bitch, but…”

“Jason, for God’s sake!” Dad shouted.

“I’m not depressed!” Shane said hotly. “What the hell, Dad?”

Dad eyed him.

“That’s mental, Dad, Shane’s not depressed,” Jason said, snorting. “He’s just a moody shit.”

“Like you can talk,” Shane retorted. “I’ve never slammed a door off its hinges.”

“That was awesome,” Jason breathed, his face lighting up.

“Can it, both of you,” Dad said mildly. He was still frowning at Shane, his hands still over the chopping board.