A Boy From Manning Heights ✔️

Chapter 41 | Jasper

After dinner last night Beckett went back to his room alone and I didn't follow him. I wanted to, but I understand needing time to just think. He's been going through a lot and as much as I want to argue with him and scream that his father doesn't control him I also know that he has to realize it himself.

He needs to make the choice to stop letting his father control him, himself.

When I woke up this morning it was simply because I've been tossing and turning dreading going to dinner. The majority of today has been the same as any other day, but now standing here buttoning my black ripped jeans I'm trying not to get frustrated before we even get there.

I turn looking over my shoulder as Beckett barges into my room and then quickly turns around.

"Sorry! Sorry I didn't mean to barge in, we're going to be late!"

I take a deep breath before tucking my phone in my back pocket and pulling my white t-shirt over my head.

"Then let's go"

Beckett nods and darts out the door without waiting for me. We haven't even left the school and he's started stressing. I have to refrain from planting my feet to the floor and flat out refusing to go. He needs me there, and I never want him near his dad without me again.

Derek is leaning against his car waiting for us when we get outside and nods at Beckett.

"What time is dinner?"

I shoot him a glare and he winces as Beckett ducks into the car shouting "five!" As he does.

As soon as my door closes Derek pulls out of the parking lot and we embark on a very tense and awkward car ride to Beckett's parents house. I realize quickly that we're not headed to the lake and this will be the first time I've ever been to Beckett's childhood home.

"This house going to make my fucking jaw drop too or what?"

I wait to see if my comment will lighten the mood and a second later Beckett's hand unclenches from the fist it was in and he gives me a forced smile.

"You should be fine"

Derek chuckles.

"It's bigger then his lake house if that's what you're asking"

Even though I was kidding suddenly I'm actually contemplating if Beckett's house being bigger then his lake house is possible??

Of course it is and Beckett's house looks like a fucking mansion to me.

"Mother of God, how many fucking rooms are in this place?"

Beckett sighs getting out of the car.

"35"

I blink at the sheer enormity of the house until Derek whistles at me and I realize they've started walking up the long ass driveway.

I hurry after them, Beckett rings the doorbell which annoys me considering this is his house, but only a second later the same house keeper from the lake house opens the door.

"Beckett dear, come in come in. They're expecting you in the dining room"

Beckett nods and we head into the dining room. As expected the second we step into the room Beckett's father speaks.

"Which one of you is unable to tell time?"

His eyes flicker to me before he grunts.

"The one that can't afford a watch I suppose"

I narrow my eyes and pull my chair out harshly dropping into it across from him.

"It's hard for the older generation to grasp, but my phone has this cool ass thing called a clock"