Inachevé

Seven - Cheers, James Laurence

James Laurence was murdered on April 3, 1940 by Freddy Whittaker.  He was shot three times in the chest while loading his own weapon.  The cause of Mr. Whittaker’s action was because, in his own words, “to stop Laurence from being a hero.”  However, Laurence, as said by the people of the town Willam, in London, England, was a true hero.  Laurence, who had arrived on March 19, 1940, at the St. Bernard’s school, made it his duty to protect and defend other classmates from Whittaker’s and his band of scoundrels from harassment.  With no further questions, as the evidence is clear that Laurence is a hero, declares Frederick A. Whittaker: guilty!

Elizabeth’s Testimony:

“When he walked in for the first time into our dreary classroom, I believed he had to be some celestial being.   The was he looked at us with his stormy blue eyes sent us all to silence, as we had all been teasing with each other before he had entered.  His scrawny blonde hair fell in stiff strands over his eyes and ears.  He had a lovely, peaceful expression and he stood out from my surrounding classmates.  He was well portioned all around; even his ears complimented his delicate features.  He was about sixteen and was raised by everyone but his true parents.  Our teacher introduced him as “James.  James Laurence.”  I fell in love with the moment he nodded his head and said, “Hullo” to the class. 

Freddy Whittaker, a man of many idle words, made a paper airplane and threw it at James.  However, James dodged it by dropping his shoulder and moving his head slightly to the left.  Freddy was then told by the teacher to apologize and retrieve his paper.  The class giggled and pointed fingers at Freddy as he made his way up to the front of the classroom.  James, seeing Freddy approach him with a soar expression, leaned over and retrieved the paper himself.  He handed it to Freddy politely, and Freddy, being further humiliated, snatched it from James’s hands and returned to his seat, where he sulked childishly.

James was then led to his designated seat, which happened to be right beside mine!  I made room, even though it wasn’t necessary since we all sat in individual desks.  James took a seat beside me and placed his books quietly onto his desktop.  I leaned over and introduced myself.

“I’m Elizabeth Cox!”

He lifted a corner of his mouth in a smile and looked at me softly.  “James Laurence.”

           

After school, I was walking from the school like I had always done.  I knew the town quite well, so I wasn’t scared to walk alone, though, frequently a bunch of Freddy’s lads would jump out and tease me awfully.  Sometimes they would talk inappropriately or touch me ungentlemanly, but I held myself perfectly together and told them to leave me alone or I would fetch a bobby.  They would scamper off on that remark.  Though, this evening was dreadful!  Freddy and his mean horde came jumping out from the alley next to my house. 

They taunted me and tugged at my skirt.  Freddy soon had me pinned against the wall and started talking filthy words meant for a prostitute instead of a fine lady such as myself!  I wanted to scream, but Freddy placed a hand over my mouth anytime I made a move to call for help.  Freddy told me to stay quiet or he’d do something terrible to my family.  I obeyed and he carried on with his sinful desires.  Then, out of nowhere, as if it was a God-send, the boy Laurence leaped out of nowhere and beat Freddy’s gang out of the alley.  They all ran out like cowards; all who were left were Freddy and I.  Freddy released me and went up the boy in an angry fashion.    Freddy curled his lips back menacingly and he spoke in a threatening tone, “You better leave, boy, or I’ll bloody kill you!”

Laurence stood there with his hands in his pocket and his head slightly tilted back.  Just his stance made him look undefeatable.  Laurence walked up to Freddy and stopped when their noses barely touched.  “You want to say that again?”  I heard Laurence whisper.  I looked at Freddy.  I could hardly believe someone was standing up to Freddy!  Was Laurence aware of Freddy’s capabilities?  Or did Laurence know Freddy was no match for him to begin with?  Either way, I had a feeling Freddy was going to lose!

“I’ll let you off this time, mate.  But if I see you again, I will kill you!”  Freddy threatened as he pushed by Laurence and disappeared around the alley’s corner.

Laurence laughed softly to himself and then walked up to me.  He helped me to my feet and asked me if I was alright.  I responded shakily, but he could tell I was very appreciative.  He led me out of the alley way, kissed my hand politely, tipped his bill cap,  and sent me off to my house.