Her words touched Jackson, and he flashed a brilliant smile as he hugged. "You always overthink everything. That's why you are so trepidatious. People are capable of looking after themselves, and that includes our children. They know how to take care of themselves. So, don't worry about them," he said tenderly.
"Alright," Cherry looked at Jackson earnestly and in a serious tone said,"we should leave for the airport now."
"Yes, but first we should get our suitcases," agreed Jackson smiling.
A week later
The final bell of the day rang and students scurried to gather their things into school bags and scuffled out of classrooms, excited to get out of there.
Before leaving, Rebecca Lin focused her gaze on Lawrence Chu. Sitting in his seat, he sat alone engrossed in his book. She hesitated, wrestling with her curiosity about what he was still doing here. After some time had passed, he hadn't budged, and Rebecca walked determinedly over to Lawrence.
In a quiet voice, Rebecca leaned over saying,"Lawrence?"
"Oh hi, Rebecca!" recognizing her voice, Lawrence responded as he looked up into her eyes,"Would you like me to walk you home?" he asked.
"Yes," Rebecca Lin nodded.
Before Lawrence had time to respond, Mike Yu rushed toward them, interrupting the conversation.
"But, Rebecca, Lawrence promised to play basketball with me today, after school. So, he can't take you home!" argued Mike. He had made up his mind, 'I have to help Lawrence out get rid of her this time! It's been a long time since we played basketball together, and then today, Lawrence finally agreed he would. I won't let her ruin our fun!'
"Oh, okay then, see you guys tomorrow!" Rebecca Lin looked embarrassed, and intended to turn and leave.
"Wait!" Lawrence Chu called out while he grasped Rebecca's arm, and then stood up.
Confusion was written all over Mike's face, and his eyes bugged out as he stared at Lawrence, wondering what Lawrence was up to.
"We'll shoot hoops another day, sorry Mike," Lawrence Chu said as he grabbed his books and turned to leave with Rebecca Lin.
"Oh, come on! You're standing me up again? You keep doing this! Are you even my friend? This is outrageous!" Mike spewed vehemently. 'Of course we're great friends, but he keeps ditching me for a girl, ' he thought.
"I'm sorry," Lawrence Chu grinned sheepishly as he spoke. Then he picked up his backpack and turned to Rebecca Lin,"Let's go!"
Watching the two walk out of the classroom, Mike Yu shouted furiously,"Lawrence, why are you treating me this way? Is it because you don't think I will do the same? Brat, just you wait. Next time we play basketball? I will kick your ass!"
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