Turmoil | Spruceworth 5.1 (#Wattys2018)

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Shaw

       Whenever I needed some fresh air to think and clear my mind, I went to the walkway that was higher off the ground and looked to the outskirts of Spruceworth. It was an amazing view, a bunch of trees standing tall and a river running through.

       I still had no idea what I was going to do. I couldn't get the thought of proposing to Holden out of my mind, but I doubt Holden's parents were going to allow it. I was going to ask them anyway, but it wasn't the best time since they recently found out their youngest son killed someone and lied about it.

       While I was still looking at the view, Lawrence suddenly walked up to me. "It's such a peaceful thing to look at, isn't it?" he asked.

       "Yeah, it is," I said. "It always helps clear my mind when it's a jumbled mess."

       "I never had a chance to thank you," Lawrence said.

       Confused, I looked over at him. "For what?"

       "What you did for Julian," Lawrence said. "You knew there was a chance you could be prosecuted and sent to prison, yet you still took the fall. Why did you do it?"

       "Because I know what it's like to have my life be thrown into turmoil at a young age," I said. "He was only sixteen when it happened and because it was intentional, so much could have gone wrong if anyone found the truth. I didn't want him going through what I did, especially when he came to me looking so scared and desperate. How's he doing?"

       "Honestly, not that good," Lawrence said. "It's weird how well he was at hiding it but now that it's out in the open with our family, he's a complete mess. He's worried it will all backfire or how we'll all hate him."

       "Do you?" I asked.

       "No, of course not," Lawrence said. "When someone has a gone pointed at you, you'll do anything to get away. Not only that, and he had so much anger inside of him because of all the commotion she called. And sometimes when someone has too much anger in them, they'll just let it all loose at the wrong time."

       "Yeah, trust me, I know," I said. "Do you think he'll be okay?"

       "He will," Lawrence said. "It may take a while, but he will. We did tell Josh though since we like considering him as the family psychologist, so he's been talking to him. I'm just surprised he was able to keep it a secret for so long. But really, thank you, for being willing to go to prison just so Julian won't have to. I don't know how I can repay you."

       "You already did," I said. "For being there for me after my mom passed away. If anything, I'm the one who had to repay you."

       "Well, if there's anything you ever need, you know I'll be here," Lawrence said.

       "Actually..." I began, but then I stopped. He wasn't going to say yes, so I might as well not ask at all and hold off on proposing. Even though I really wanted to marry Holden. "Never mind."

       "What is it?" Lawrence asked.

       "Seriously, forget it," I said. "It's probably best not to ask right now with everything going on. I'll see you around."

       I turned around and started walking away, but Lawrence didn't let it go that easily. He followed me and grabbed my arm to stop me from walking. "Shaw, if there's something wrong you need help with..."

       "Nothing's wrong, I swear," I said, facing him. "I just... No, forget it, you'll never say yes."

       "Say yes to what?" Lawrence asked, starting to sound worried. "What did you do?"