A Boy From Manning Heights ✔️

Chapter 34 | Beckett

The day starts as usual, I wake up in my bed alone which is important because last night I found Jasper very convincing. Thankfully I didn't succumb to his teasing and I came back to my room. Even being in his room or mine isn't necessarily allowed at the school, so sleeping together; It's just not going to happen.

I get dressed and decide to try a new shirt today, it's incredibly similar to all my other tops, but this one is green and more casual then I usually go for. It shouldn't be that big of a deal, but I'm still feeling odd wearing it. I'm not even sure why I am, maybe this some kind of defiant act against my father. I'm leaving my room without being dressed how I know he would want me to.

When I leave my room I walk to the cafeteria and just as I'm stepping through the doors someone comes up behind me and whispers lowly.

"That shirt looks fucking hot on you"

My cheeks immediately light on fire and I whip around to find Jasper grinning at me mischievously. Immediately I groan.

"Ooooh no I don't like that face"

He throws his hands up dramatically.

"What face?!"

He lowers his voice and mumbles.

"I'm just trying to compliment you babe"

The wink he throws me as he turns and walks the rest of the way to our table has me suspicious. This may be the best mood I've ever seen Jasper in since he got here, and I refused to sleep in his bed last night so there must be something else brewing.

I follow him to the table and sit down slowly noting he's actively engaged in an animated conversation with Brody before 9:00am. I turn to Derek who also looks confused, but only shrugs before joining in the conversation himself. I however, can't seem to follow what it is they're talking about because I'm too busy watching Jasper.

I've never seen him smile this much and he does have an incredibly cute smile. One that is definitely distracting if the way Freddie is able to walk up to the table and sit down before I even notice is any evidence.

"Hey"

I blink and have to practically shake myself out of my Jasper induced trance before turning to Freddie my eyes widening.

"Oh! Hey!"

He smiles awkwardly.

"You guys mind if I sit here?"

Automatically I start to shake my head, there was a time in my life I wouldn't even second guess having Freddie sit with me at lunch, I would have expected it, but now isn't like that.

I stop myself and turn looking first at Brody who is leaned back with his arms crossed watching Jasper and Freddie like it's some sort of free show.

Jasper grunts.

"Rather you didn't"

Derek winces at that and sighs.

"What's the ulterior motive Freddie?"

I turn back to Freddie wishing my mouth wasn't so dry and I could form words to contribute to this conversation. Instead I'm sitting here blinking at them.

"No other motive, I just...I messed up. I was an ass and I shouldn't have been. I'm sorry, Beckett's my best friend I should have been excited when he started here and instead I was selfish"

I can't help the way I smile at his words. Freddie had always been good at admitting his mistakes even if it took him longer then it should. Never once growing up did I ever feel like he didn't prioritize our friendship, he always made sure I knew he was there for me.