Chapter 36

Simon only felt a pounding headache. The sensation of choking on water had been unpleasant, and his throat still burned with pain.

He had nearly drowned, and Xavier had just watched it all unfold.

"Simon, are you even listening to me? What's going on with you? You're such a disappointment! You're just like your dad! What kind of spell have Lisa and Quinn put you two under?" Shania yelled hysterically.

Lisa had ruined her life, and now Quinn seemed intent on destroying Simon's.

"Mom, this is between me and Quinn. Stay out of it. I'll handle it on my own." Simon finally spoke up, but his words only fueled Shania's anger.

"Handle it? How? Is she pestering you? She's just as crazy as her mother. I won't allow you to get involved with someone like that!"

"Mom, I'm an adult. I know what I'm doing. Can you please stop making decisions for me? You've always done that, and whenever I don't follow your wishes, you blow up at me. It's suffocating!"

Shania looked at Simon in disbelief. "You