Lawrence spent the entire holiday week dragging Bonnie all over the city. He handled every single logistical detail flawlessly; Bonnie didn't have to lift a finger. Her only job was figuring out how to lie to her parents.
Practice made perfect. She wasn't exactly lying with a straight face yet, but the suffocating panic had definitely faded.
Her parents didn't suspect a thing—after all, Bonnie was their perfect, obedient daughter.
Sometimes a pang of guilt would hit her, but as she lay in bed at night, she'd rationalize it. She wasn't doing anything reckless. She was just hanging out with Lawrence.
He was a perfect gentleman, never crossing any lines, never taking her anywhere sketchy.
They mostly just looked at nice views.
The most scandalous thing they did was go camping. Two single adults, out in the wild—but separated by the thick fabric of a tent. She slept inside while he sat outside on guard.
Watching his silhouette cast against the canvas, she'd whisper his name whenever the dark spooked her, and Lawrence would immediately respond.
They waited half the night and never saw The Orionid meteor shower, but the breathtaking canopy of stars hanging over Cabinda made the whole trip worth it.
Then came the bungee jumping. Bonnie had completely lost her nerve on the platform. For the first time, she initiated contact, throwing her arms around Lawrence's neck, her legs completely giving out as she refused to jump.
Thankfully, the line was empty, allowing her to stall as long as she wanted, drawing courage from his broad, warm chest.
His voice had been so low and soothing, coaxing her gently as he rubbed her back, promising he'd jump with her.
Wrapped tightly in his arms as they plummeted, the violent wind howling around them felt like it stripped away every insecurity she had. It was an explosive release, a terrifying thrill that finally let her taste absolute, unadulterated freedom at eighteen.


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging