A Boy From Manning Heights ✔️

Chapter 27 | Jasper

I'm seething when we get back to the table and the only reason I came back is because Beckett looks like he's going to fall apart any second.

As soon as his fathers hand hovered over his belt Beckett folded into himself. His eyes draining of any life and it scares me, but I don't know how to fix it. Aside from beating the life from his father which I so desperately want to do.

"Ahhh, is everyone feeling a bit better now?"

I don't bother to respond not looking at anyone just sitting at the table. Beckett surprises me when he nods.

"Yes thank you"

I turn to him, only to find he's once again curled back into his shell and not looking at me.

His father chuckles.

"Just some overreactions, but we've worked it out, right boys?"

Again I neglect to answer, but Beckett does almost automatically.

"Yes father"

No one besides myself and Derek seem to notice a difference in Beckett and I want to scream at these people; tell them how fucking stupid and blind they are. This man that they praise is a monster and yet they can't see past his wallet.

"Please excuse me, I just realized the time. Beckett and I should really be heading out and getting the boys ready to return to the school"

I look up and meet Derek's gaze, he gives me a nod and I look to Beckett, but he's watching his father.

"A sensible option, you're excused"

The minute his father grants him permission Beckett stands from his chair, but not a second sooner and that angers me.

"It was wonderful seeing you Jasper, I hope to do this again sometime"

I force a smile for Beckett's mom, but glare when his father gives me a fake smile. As we begin to walk away, he speaks again.

"Beckett"

Beckett's entire body goes ridged next to me freezing exactly where he is before turning to face his father.

"Yes father?"

His dad holds his gaze.

"I will, see you tonight"

Beckett nods.

"understood"

I glare at Beckett's back and want to tell him that like fuck he'll see him tonight, but I don't think Beckett can handle another scene so instead I clench my teeth hard.

We walk away and the minute we get in the parking lot Derek turns to Beckett and I.

"What the fuck happened?!"

Beckett sighs.

"Nothing Derek"

I scoff because he's fucking lying and Derek clearly knows that because he glares crossing his arms.

"I swear to god Beckett, we're not doing this again what happened?!"

Beckett shifts his jaw dropping his gaze to his feet.

"Nothing happened."

Derek looks to me and I nod.

"His dad came out and argued with me, we got close, Beckett put his hand on his dad, his dad got pissed and told him he'd see him tonight"

Derek looks unsatisfied with my answer and turns back to Beckett, but he steps around Derek and continues walking to the car.

Brody makes a face.