Ice and Fire novel Chapter 625

"Dad, Mom, I am genuinely sorry for what happened to Violet. Every time I see her, I am tormented with guilt. Furthermore, I hate my school and the class I am studying in. Lately, I can't focus on my studies. Since I was planning on studying abroad anyway, I decided, I would rather go now than wait till college. I want to finish high school overseas, and then go to a university there," said Lawrence patiently while thinking, 'I can't go into details in front of Dad.'

Cherry held Lawrence's hand while weighing the facts, 'I have paying close attention to Lawrence lately, and he is different. Violet's accident must have hit him hard. He must think a new environment will help him forget the unpleasant things that happened.'

Not knowing Cherry's opinion yet, Jackson watched her silently.

"Lawrence, give us some time to discuss this, okay? Your Dad and I will talk, and then we'll give you our decision in a couple of days, sound fair?" Cherry asked. "Even if we agree to let you go, we will need to make some formal arrangements to allow it, and that takes some time. While you are waiting for our answer though, I hope you will continue to study hard at school. You do know it isn't easy living in a foreign country. You will have to adapt to a lot of new ways, and make changes," she stressed.

"I appreciate that, Mom. However, I think you should know, that while I hate the idea of leaving you, Dad and Violet, my performance in school has suffered lately. I have lost my drive, and feel like I am a zombie. That's why I..." Lawrence had a troubled look and stopped explaining.

Cherry put her arm around Lawrence's shoulder offering comfort, and in a motherly tone said,"I know sweetheart, and I understand how you're feeling."

"Thank you Mom," Lawrence replied calmly as he gazed into his Mother's loving eyes.

After Lawrence left the room, Jackson and Cherry lay in the bed cuddling. They were each in deep thought and had scowls on their faces.

"Honey, what are your thoughts about Lawrence's request?" Cherry asked.

"If he wants to go now, then I say, let him. He is grown and knows the life he wants to live," replied Jackson.

"I was thinking the same thing. But, Lawrence has always been with me. I can't bear to see him leave," Cherry commented as she stared at the ceiling upset about the ordeal.

Tightening his grip around Cherry, Jackson pulled her closer into his chest and soothed her,"Even if we send our son to study abroad he can come home when he is on break. Don't fret so much. Look, if you miss him, we can always travel overseas to see him."

Cherry assessed her feelings inwardly, 'It isn't fair! I know all good things come to an end, but, I find it difficult to accept my son leaving so soon. I'll feel lost with him gone. He's been by my side, since birth, and he means the world to me.'

Nodding, she said,"Okay."

Cherry turned to look at Jackson and in a severe tone said,"Honey, please look into the study abroad procedures tomorrow."

"Okay, I will," Jackson said.

The next morning, Violet opened her eyes and got out of bed, the second her alarm blared. Then she quickly got dressed and made her bed.

After Cherry knocked on Violet's door, she opened it and found her daughter ready.

"I'm ready for breakfast, Mom," Violet said ecstatically.