Ice and Fire

"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.

But, Lawrence has always been with me. I can't bear to see him leave," Cherry commented as she stared at the ceiling

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

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

Nodding, she said,"Okay."

look at Jackson and in a severe tone said,"Honey, please look into the study abroad

I will," Jackson

the second her alarm blared. Then she quickly

on Violet's door, she opened

for breakfast, Mom,"

girl!" Cherry

have breakfast! Then you can take me to school!" Violet suggested

a great idea!" Cherry cheerfully replied as they walked hand in hand out of

got downstairs, Jackson was out in the yard exercising and

lady! You're up early today!" Lawrence exclaimed

asked standing there with her arms crossed and a triumphant look on her face. Giggling inwardly, Violet thought, 'I shouldn't waste this chance to remind Lawrence that I haven't been late since I was admitted into the

receive my sincerest greeting," Lawrence humbly said as he pulled

fiddled with her hair as she stated,"Well, I'm quite satisfied with your demeanor today. Keep at it. Can you handle