A Boy From Manning Heights ✔️

Chapter 45 | Jasper

It doesn't feel like it's been two days since Beckett and I said we loved each other. Yet here I am sat in a court room; my tie unbelievably tight.

I keep yanking at it and swallowing, I feel like I'm being choked out. I know it's not that tight, Beckett tied it for me this morning and he asked me 30 times if it was okay, to make sure I was comfortable. I'm just stressed.

Do I regret punching his dad? Absolutely fucking not, but I do regret this being the outcome. Yes.

I don't want to put my mom through this, put Beckett through this, put our relationship ship through this. That might be what has me most worried. My mom won't leave me if I end up in jail, she'll be sad and frustrated and angry, but I won't lose her. Would I lose Beckett?

If the judge decides I need to spend time in a cell would that be it? Can a boy from manning heights really be with an inmate? An ex-con?

I doubt it.

I rub my hands down my pants trying to remove the moisture that's growing on them. I feel gross, since when do I sweat this much? I've never been good at the waiting game and unfortunately for me the judge's last case ran late. She'll be here shortly. Soon. Any time now. That's what Mr.Finley keeps telling me.

"Stop stressing she'll be here any time now"

I grunt I've exhausted any energy I had to keep answering him. I'm going to be stressed until this day is done. I've been avoiding letting myself turn around, but for a split second I turn my head and glance at Beckett. He's sitting behind me shifting uncomfortably on a wooden bench that I imagine isn't nearly as comfortable as the chair I'm in. At least mine has a cushion.

He keeps fidgeting with the buttons on his suit jacket. I press my lips together pursing them. I'm sorry he's going through this, it won't be easy.

He meets my eye and I wish I could say that like in the movies it washes away my worries, but it doesn't. It makes me clench my fists and wish I could get up and go to him.

I swing back around when Mr.Finley taps my arm. That's when I notice the side door opening and everyone stands. The judge has arrived. She takes her time getting to her seat and hums before sitting down.

"Case 148 Jasper Collins vs Bill Harrison"

I study her face when she reads Beckett's dad's name. Watching, waiting for a moment of recognition, it eases little tension when I don't see one.

She finally looks up and her glasses slide down her nose slightly before she pushes them back clearing her throat.

"Mr.Harrison please take the stand"

I clench my first and Mr.Finley gives me a look before muttering.

"Keep it together, he's going to paint a picture don't become his art"

My teeth gnash together. I'm nervous, I know how to control my temper, but with Beckett's dad I'm worn thin. I can't believe I'm even sat here, debating if that fucking wolf in sheeps clothing is right in all of this. If my defending Beckett was wrong. I know it wasn't. This is all a show, it's always a show, but for once I don't plan on it going how Beckett's dad expects.

The judge gestures to Beckett's fathers lawyer to begin his interrogation. He clears his throat and it's like the rest of the noise in the courtroom ceases. A dull buzzing behind me as he speaks.

"Mr.Harrison, could you in the best of your abilities recount the events that occurred three nights ago"

Beckett's father takes a breath before wincing and pressing his fingertips to his head.