A Boy From Manning Heights ✔️

Chapter 21 | Jasper

After Mrs.Smith grabbed my arm and dragged me into the crowd and I watched Beckett's dad take him away I was on edge. Despite how hard I tried to get away from her Mrs.Smith had endless people to shove in my face.

With very little enthusiasm I did my best to appease everyone and keep Mrs.Smith happy because I'm worried about Beckett. I wouldn't have pissed his dad off if I knew he'd be alone with him after. I clench my jaw at the thought and beat myself up for probably the hundredth time this evening.

Mrs.Smith is just pulling a new women forward to introduce me to when I see Beckett in clear distress moving quickly toward the stairs. I don't give her time to introduce me and instead grunt a quick "excuse me" and rush after him.

I find Beckett in his bathroom rummaging around frantically in a drawer.

"What the fuck happened?"

My voice is harsh and he jumps looking at me wide eyed.

"Nothing. I'm getting a new tie. Spilt wine on this one"

As soon as he starts with the lie it's like his body knows what to do and he immediately composes himself back into the proper son he tries so hard to be. His early frantic energy is gone and he nods along as if this is the only truth; He's fine. I know it's bullshit.

"Don't fucking lie to me Beckett"

He glances over already tying a new tie.

"I'm not"

I glare and step toward him.

"You are and we both fucking know it. Did he..."

I swallow stiffly and Beckett's face hardens.

"He didn't do anything, drop it. We need to get back downstairs"

I curse.

"fuck that! I know he did something you're upset"

He takes a deep breath turning to me.

"I'm not upset, and we do need to get downstairs please don't argue with me"

His words are calm and collected, but the look in his eyes is pleading with me. Almost scared I'll say no. So I don't, I give him a weak nod and follow him back towards the crowd of people.

I don't let Beckett leave my side the rest of the night and whenever someone tries to pull me away I, much to his dismay politely decline or grip his wrist so he has to follow me.

The entire night I watch Beckett and maybe he thinks I won't notice, that no one will, but I note the, admittedly very few, winces when he moves a certain way and the long exhales he occasionally does when we're not in an active conversation. He's hurt, I know he is and it makes my stomach roll.

Derek and Brody end up coming over to us after a while and Derek immediately apologizes.

"I swear I was trying to get here sooner, but I mean you guys know Brody and then Mrs.Frazier had me talking for ages you know how she is and she started on about Lidia and the school..."

Beckett only nods mumbling "it's fine"

Derek lifts a brow and glances at me before his face hardens.

"What happened?"

Beckett doesn't even respond he only mutely shakes his head.

Derek looks to me and I swear the feeling of guilt that hits me almost knocks me off my feet.

"I don't know...I couldn't...Mrs.Smith was ..."

Beckett finally snaps "nothing happened."

He lowers his voice so the people around us won't hear and glares.