Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."
Chapter 1- Here's to New Beginnings
"Elizabeth, you need to tell someone…" her friend Rosemary advised.
"Tell who, and say what? It's my word against his. Besides if I report him to the police, it will just make him angrier. We've talked; I can handle him now…" Elizabeth stated; with each word she attempted to convince herself.
Rosemary sat beside Elizabeth, handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes and placed her cell phone in her hand, "Call the police…he's stalking you, and making you feel like you're the bad guy. Don't tell me that you've talked and things are okay now. It's not okay, and it will never be okay with him."
Elizabeth fiddled with the buttons on the cell phone, careful not to actually place any calls. "That's a bit harsh, don't you think? Besides, we've been friends forever…"
"And that's why you should expect better from him. You've told him that you want to be nothing but friends… Showing up at O'Shaunessy's Pub is one thing, but following you outside and dragging you to his car is another," Rosemary pushed, doing her best to get her point across.
"He didn't drag me; I do understand what you're saying, but he didn't hurt me; he wouldn't hurt me, and our families are so close…I don't want to cause any problems," Elizabeth remarked, justifying her intent not to pursue charges of assault against Charles.
Rosemary could tell that she was getting nowhere with Elizabeth, "Charles Kensington is standing behind the polish of his family's sterling reputation. If your father knew how he was treating you, he's go after him himself. Please Elizabeth, I'm worried about you."
"Rosemary, I'm fine. Don't you have a date with Lee tonight?" Elizabeth asked, hoping to change the subject. "Let's talk about you two… he's handsome, and seems quite taken with you…"
"As he should be," Rosemary remarked. "That's another thing…"
"What is…?"
"Do you know why you never have any dates…?"
"No, but I'm sure you're going to tell me…"
"Charles…he's the reason. He leads men to believe that you two are an item, and tells them basically to back off…"
"He does not do that…"
"Elizabeth, do you ever wonder why that nice intern at the hospital, oh what was his name…"
"Ryan…?"
"Yes, Ryan…do you ever wonder why he never called you after you went out…?"
"I just assumed that we didn't hit it off. I mean he was nice, but he was busy with his internship and me with my work, we never would have had time to see each other…"
"Nope, not it… Ryan told me that he had a nice time with you, but he wasn't interested in splitting up you and Charles…"
"Me and Charles…there never was a me and Charles…"
"Well, unfortunately Charles didn't get the memo…"
"Okay, let's change the subject…what time are you going out?" Elizabeth asked.
"He said that he would call me later. He's helping a friend move into the new apartment complex on Lexington Drive. His friend, and I might add Lee told me that he's really nice, is working until 3, so I think we're going to meet later for dinner. Hey, why don't you come with us; you need to get out and socialize…" Rosemary offered.
"I don't really feel like going out. Besides, I'm not interested in being a third wheel. Maybe another time," Elizabeth responded.
"I'm not taking no for an answer. Lee is bringing some friends, so it'll be a group of us. You need to get out, Elizabeth," Rosemary practically demanded.
"I haven't done laundry in a few days. I'm not sure that I have anything to go out in," Elizabeth admitted.
"You aren't getting out of this. Besides, you look perfect in a pair of sweatpants and a t shirt," Rosemary responded. "And if necessary, I'm sure I can find something in my closet that will look okay on you…"
"Okay… just okay? Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'll go tonight, but I'm not staying out late," she remarked.
"I'm on my way out to get my nails done…why don't you come with me," Rosemary suggested.
"Do you realize how much money you spend on mani-pedis? It's obscene…" Elizabeth replied.
Rosemary grabbed Elizabeth's hand, "And I suppose you expect me to believe that you did this beautiful job on your nails?"
"Actually, I did," Elizabeth remarked.
"You have the money to pay someone…why don't you use it?" Rosemary asked.
"I don't like paying for services that I'm capable of doing myself. Besides, it's relaxing, and I need as much of that as I can get right now," she claimed.
"Well then, please come with me while I get my nails done," Rosemary begged.
"I can't…"
Rosemary interrupted, "Okay, well then why don't you go to the barn and take that horse of yours out for a ride. That country air always seems to clear your head."
Elizabeth gathered her bag to leave, "I would love to, but I can't ride today. The Vet came out and did the fall shots and tube wormed the horses. I like to give Bugsy the day off when he has procedures done. Besides, I have to go back up to school to finish setting up my classroom, but I'll do my best to be back in enough time to go to dinner. I guess I could use some fun with friends…even if they aren't my friends," Elizabeth added.
"Okay, but be back here by 4. I'll set it up with Lee to meet at O'Bryan's around 6:30. Will that be good for you?" she asked.
"That will be fine. But remember, I can't stay out late," Elizabeth reminded her.
"You say that now, but you'll have fun, and won't want to leave…" Rosemary stated with a giggle.
"I could use a little fun, but I'll still have to leave early," Elizabeth retorted, as she grabbed her bag and headed out the door on her way to school.
"We'll see…" Rosemary stated as she watched the door close behind Elizabeth.
Fifteen minutes later, Elizabeth was in her classroom, finishing up decorating her bulletin boards, setting up her tables and chairs, preparing her reading center, and fixing up the play area. As she stood on a chair stapling the finishing touches on her bulletin board, she realized that she was missing the name tag for one of her students…
"Is this what you're looking for?" A familiar voice called out, causing her to turn quickly, and lose her balance…
"I've got you…"
"Thank you, but please put me down, Charles…" Elizabeth quickly stepped away. "What are you doing here?"
"I thought we could talk. I know our last conversation didn't end well, and I was hoping to be able to apologize…" he stated.
"Apology accepted, but I have to get back to work, so…"
Charles jumped in, "I'll leave but first you need to promise to go to dinner with me tonight. We've been friends forever, and you know how happy it would make our families if we made everything official…"
Elizabeth started walking toward the classroom door, encouraging him to leave, "Official…? There is nothing official here, Charles. Please leave, I can't have dinner with you…I have plans with Rosemary."
Several teachers were in the hallway waiting for Elizabeth to finish her conversation before entering her room.
"Do you know who that is?" Helen Barton asked.
"No, but he sure is handsome…" Melanie Smythe replied.
"Who is he?" Jamie Cowell asked.
Helen glanced in the room from across the hall, "That's Charles Kensington…"
"Oh no, she's told me about him. Should we call someone?" Melanie asked.
Just then Helen observed Charles grab Elizabeth's arm pulling her around to face him…
"Cancel your plans with Rosemary. I need to see you," Charles demanded.
"I'm not cancelling my plans, and you need to go… Charles, let go of my arm, you're hurting me…" She yelled, wishing now that she had reported him before. Elizabeth felt alone in her fear, unaware that her friends were just outside the door.
"I'm calling the police," Helen stated as she pulled out her cell phone.
Four minutes passed; Charles continued to talk, attempting to sway Elizabeth with his promises, but refusing to release her arm. The women in the hallway maintained watch, but did not advance into the room, as Charles had not become violent. They waited for the police officer, whom they were advised was on his or her way.
The women turned their attention to the exterior door as it opened cautiously. Helen pointed to Room #24, and two officers quietly approached, one was waving his hand, signaling to the women to back away.
The officers slowly entered the room, gaining Elizabeth's attention first…
"Is there a problem here?" One officer asked, his presence caught Charles off guard, as he released Elizabeth's arm and spun around.
"No officer, no problem here," Charles blurted out.
"What is your name, sir?" The second officer asked.
"Charles Kensington…"
"And you ma'am…?" The officer inquired.
"Elizabeth Thatcher…"
"Thank you. Ma'am, would you step over here by me?" The first officer asked.
Feeling safe, and finally tired of Charles' emotional blackmail, she stepped to the side of the officer, "I need some help," she whispered. She could feel Charles' eyes piercing into her, but continued. "We have been friends for a long time, but that's all…friends. He wants more, and I'm not there, and will never be. Please advise Mr. Kensington that I don't wish to see him any longer. I want him to stay away from me…"
"Ma'am, what is that on your arm?" The officer asked.
Elizabeth looked down, and observing the bruise she looked at Charles…
"Did he do that?" The second officer asked.
Elizabeth was silent…
"Ma'am, I can't help you unless you talk to me," the officer advised.
"That's nothing. She's clumsy and walked into the desk…" Charles remarked.
Embarrassed and angry, Elizabeth stated sharply, "No I didn't. Charles, this bruise came from you grabbing me. You have to stop, or this officer will make you stop."
The second officer stepped forward, "Mr. Kensington, I am placing you under arrest for assault. Please place your hands behind your back…"
"Are you serious?" He asked. "Elizabeth, are you going to let this happen?"
Elizabeth stood back stunned as she watched the officer place Charles in handcuffs…
"This is absurd…do you know who I am?" Charles yelled.
"Quiet down or I'll add Disturbing the Peace to the Assault," The officer quipped. "239 to Dispatch…"
"Go ahead 239…"
"239 to Dispatch, I have a 10-26, requesting a unit for transport to Booking…" The officer reported.
"239, Unit 245 is enroute…"
"10-4…"
The officers took Charles outside to their police car to await transport, advising Elizabeth that one of them would be back inside momentarily to finish filing the report. As the officers left, Elizabeth's friends stepped inside to console her.
"You are doing the right thing Elizabeth," Helen advised. "He has gone from being pushy to being physical, and you're fortunate that you only have a few bruises."
"I know you're right. I just hate to have all of our years of friendship end so badly," Elizabeth remarked as she wiped tears that slipped from her eyes.
"Excuse me; may I speak with you alone, Miss Thatcher?" The first officer asked.
"Yes sir, of course," Elizabeth stated as she watched her friends leave her room and he approached to take a seat.
"My, I used to be able to sit at these tables," the officer laughed, as he tried to fit his legs under the table, attempting to lighten the mood.
"I suspect that was about maybe twenty years ago…" she remarked with a smile.
"Well, thereabouts…" he admitted.
The officer obtained all of the background information needed for the report, staying a bit longer as they both made small talk… Both not knowing why, but neither wanted their conversation to end.
The officer stood to leave and Elizabeth walked him to the door…
"Thank you Officer," she stated.
"Certainly…I was just doing my job. Remember, you've done the right thing. No one should live in fear from another. You don't expect it to happen, especially not from someone you've been so close to," The officer encouraged her to stand firm.
Not knowing why she felt it important, she quickly interjected, "We're just friends. We've been friends since we were kids, but nothing more."
Once the officer left her room, her friends entered…
"Are you okay, Elizabeth?" Helen asked.
"I feel bad, like it should never have come to this, and maybe I'm to blame for that," Elizabeth stated sadly.
Helen responded, "You've done nothing wrong, and finally you did the right thing. This Charles guy needs to realize that he's not the one who makes all of the decisions in a relationship…"
Elizabeth was quick to respond, "It wasn't a relationship. Well, on second thought, I guess you're right; we were friends, but that relationship can never continue now. I don't know if I can ever trust another man again. Charles was always someone I could lean on…tell everything to. I'm going to miss that."
Melanie looked back toward the door, "I don't know about you guys, but those officers…"
"I know, good looking, right?" Jamie stated.
The women continued discussing the attributes of the officers who came to Elizabeth's aid as she finished cleaning her desk and gathering her belongings.
"Well, I guess I'll see all of you on Monday. I'm going home…" Elizabeth acknowledged as she headed to the door followed closely by Helen, Melanie, and Jamie.
"Hey, John and I are having a cookout tonight. Why don't you stop by?" Helen offered. "There will be some other people there."
Elizabeth stopped and turned around, "I would, but I already have plans with my roommate. We're meeting some of her friends at O'Bryan's,"
Helen raised her eyebrows and smiled, "Yes, but we'll have some eligible bachelors at my house…you really should come by."
"Thanks but that's all the more reason for me to stay home. I'm not looking to meet any eligible bachelors right now. I need to get this situation with Charles taken care of and concentrate on my students. Maybe a relationship will come later," Elizabeth explained.
The group made their way out to the parking lot; "Elizabeth, if you find yourself with nothing to do, or if you want to check out the eligible men out my way, stop on by," Helen reminded her.
"Thanks for the offer, but I'm sure that I'll pass," Elizabeth replied.
Arriving home, Rosemary jumped in Elizabeth's face with her arms extended as she entered their apartment, "Look at my nails; lookin' good, right?"
"Whoa…personal space," Elizabeth stated as she threw her neck backwards, startled by Rosemary's bright "Cajun Surprise" fingernail polish. "I'm going to lie down for a while. I think I'll pass on the outing tonight. It's been a rough day."
"What happened?" Rosemary asked as she took Elizabeth by the hand and led her to the sofa.
"Well, you were right…"
"I was? I mean, of course I was…Right about what…?"
"Charles…"
"Oh no, Elizabeth, what did Charles do…?"
Elizabeth took a deep breath, "He came to school…at first I think he was trying to be helpful, but then he asked me to dinner. I told him that I had plans with you, and he grabbed my arm. One thing led to another, and someone must have called the police, because suddenly there were two officers standing in my room. The funny thing is, once I saw them, I had a strange feeling…like everything was going to be okay."
"So what happened?" Rosemary stated excitedly.
"The officers noticed the marks on my arm, and arrested Charles for Assault and Battery. I feel really bad that it's gone this far, but I'm tired of holding my breath every time Charles in around, fearing that I will say something that sets him off," Elizabeth responded as she dabbed a tissue to her eyes, wiping away the tears that fell.
Rosemary gave her a hug, "Go on to your room and rest for a while. I'll come get you in an hour or so. That should give you enough time to get dressed and ready for tonight."
"I don't think I'm going to go tonight. I'm not in a "hanging out with people" kind of mood, but maybe next time," Elizabeth headed for her room.
"I'm still waking you up in an hour… I think you will have a great time, so I'm not taking 'no' for…" Rosemary watched as the door closed behind Elizabeth. "An answer," she finished her thought.
Elizabeth sat down on her bed, took a deep breath and pulled her journal out from under her pillow. This was her eighth diary, having started keeping track of her thoughts and feelings on a regular basis many years ago. She initially began writing down her feelings in hopes of using them in published stories in the future. As she matured, she found the time with her journal to be cathartic, and more for herself than for publication. She opened the book, flipped to an empty page and began to write…
"A friendship, based on a lifetime of trust, can be quickly and irreparably shattered, lost forever. The feelings attached are confusing… anger, loss, sadness, guilt, fear and shame, all of which impact our decisions, placing the responsibility of the outcome squarely upon our own shoulders. Why should we feel the guilt if we've remained honest? Why should we feel shame when we've attempted to remedy a situation peacefully? And why should we fear someone whom we have known and loved for most of our lives? It's important to understand that love comes in many shapes and sizes. The love we have for a friend, co-worker, or family pet are far different from that which we feel for our life partner, and we should never have to make excuses for those feelings."
Elizabeth closed her journal, realizing that in her heart she was also closing the chapter on Charles as well. She slipped her journal under her pillow, lay back, and closed her eyes, willing herself to sleep.
Knock, knock, knock… "Elizabeth, it's time to get up and get ready…"
Elizabeth felt that she had just slipped off to sleep when she heard Rosemary outside her bedroom door, "Go away, I'm not going…" Elizabeth yelled as she rolled over, pulling the covers over her shoulder.
Rosemary stepped inside Elizabeth's room, "Please go with us…"
"Rosemary, I don't feel like it. I'm not up for an argument with you about this. I'll go out with your friends next time…" she promised.
"Okay, but you have no idea what you're going to miss. Lee has some really nice looking friends," Rosemary remarked as she headed for the door. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," she replied throwing her pillow at the door as Rosemary walked out of the room. Elizabeth put her head back on the mattress and within minutes was fast asleep.
Several hours passed when Elizabeth awoke to the sound of Tim McGraw singing Humble and Kind. She quickly realized that it was her cell phone ringtone, loving the song she often waited until the tune was almost finished before answering the call.
"Hello Rosemary, did you forget something?" She asked. Elizabeth listened intently, "Wait…what? Put on some sweats and a t shirt and go to the gym in twenty minutes? What are you talking about? Okay, stop it…Just go have fun, and I'll talk with you in the morning."
She stretched, swung her legs over the side of the bed. She suddenly felt energized, and the idea of heading to the gym sounded appealing. She went to her closet, slipped into a pair of sweatpants, and a t shirt with paw prints on the back which said "I've Got You Covered." It was one of her favorites.
As she tied the laces on her shoes, the doorbell rang…
"Coming…just a second," she called out.
As she opened the door, she stood in shock, as did the person outside…
Elizabeth was surprised, "Did you need more information, Officer?"
He looked up at the apartment number, certain that he must have made a mistake, "I'm sorry, Miss Thatcher. I know this must look odd, but I was actually looking for Lee and Rosemary. They told me to stop by here on my way to O'Bryan's…"
"You know Lee and Rosemary?" She asked.
"I know Lee; we went to college together. I haven't met Rosemary yet," he advised.
"Well officer…"
"Please, it's just Jack tonight…I'm sorry, my name is Jack Thornton," he stated. He had seen how beautiful she was at the school. Even disheveled she looked amazing. Now, casually dressed in sweats and a t shirt, "Man, does she ever look anything but amazing," he thought.
"I'm not sure why they suggested that you come by here first. They've been gone for quite a while," Elizabeth mentioned, suddenly realizing that they had been set up. "I'm sorry if this is out of your way, but if you want to see Lee, I'm fairly certain that you'll find him at O'Bryan's."
"Are you heading there?" Oh please say you are… "I'll be glad to give you a ride," he offered.
Oh, I wish I was planning to go now… "Actually, I was on my way to the gym," she responded.
"My loss…maybe we'll see each other again," he replied.
"I'll see you in court with Charles. Any idea when that will be?" She asked, her voice sounded panicked.
Before he realized his actions, Jack had reached out took her hand and squeezed it, releasing it just as quickly. "Usually cases take about two months to make it to trial. Do you mind if I ask you a question?"
"Do you need more information for your report?" She asked.
"No, just curious…"
"Go ahead; I'll answer if I can…"
"If this Charles guy has been bothering you, why have you not called the police before?" He asked.
Elizabeth took a deep breath as her eyes drifted downward,"When you're in the situation, you just think you can handle it without involving others. You convince yourself that it will be okay, when in fact everyone else but you can tell that it isn't. I don't want to see Charles get into trouble, but he needs to understand that he doesn't make the decisions for my life, and he needs to move on without me."
Don't worry…everything will be fine, but if he bothers you at all, please call me," Jack suggested as he handed her his card.
"Thank you very much, Officer…" she replied as she took the card in her hand and brought it up so she could see the information contained on it.
"Please, call me Jack. We do have friends in common after all. Oh wait…" Jack took the card back, and flipped it over on the back side where he wrote his cell phone number, "If he bothers you, call me…any time."
"That's very kind of you, Off… Jack. Please call me Elizabeth. After all, like you said, we do have friends in common," she stated as they both smiled. She grabbed her keys from the table, "I don't mean to be rude, but if I don't hurry, the gym will close before I get there."
"I'm sorry; may I walk you out?" I wish I was dressed for the gym… he thought.
"It's not necessary, but thank you…" I wish I was dressed to go out…she thought.
Jack saw Elizabeth to her car, and watched as she drove away. Little did he know she was watching him through her rearview mirror.
Jack made his way through the crowd at O'Bryan's, "Was anyone home?" Lee asked as Jack approached their table.
Jack laughed, "Funny, but the joke is on you…"
"What do you mean?" Lee asked.
"I actually met Elizabeth today," Jack replied.
"Where…?" Rosemary jumped into the conversation.
"I'm sorry, Jack… this is Rosemary," Lee interjected.
"The introductions have been done…where did you meet Elizabeth? She didn't say anything to me," Rosemary asked again.
"It was through work. My partner and I were called out to a disturbance at her school," Jack advised.
"You arrested Charles?" Rosemary asked.
"Actually, my partner did. What's the deal with Elizabeth and Charles? Are they dating?" He asked.
Rosemary spit her drink out as she thought of the absurdity of Elizabeth and Charles as a couple…
"Oh, I'm sorry," Rosemary said as she took a napkin and wiped off Jack's leather jacket. "Let me tell you about Elizabeth and Charles…"
Lee interrupted, "Rosemary, all you need to say is that Elizabeth and Charles are not, and have never been anything more than friends. Now excuse us, Jack and I need to play a game of pool…"
Lee grabbed two pool sticks, racked the balls, and gave Jack the opportunity to break. As Jack set the cue ball just right, and drew back…
"So, you're kind of taken by Elizabeth, huh…?"
Jack scratched, the cue ball touching all parts of the table except where the balls sat… "I get a do-over, and this time be quiet."
Lee placed his pool stick on the table, "Wait just a minute… I don't usually follow Rosemary's schemes, but I have to say, when I met Elizabeth, the first person I thought of was you. Do you like her?"
"The funny thing is, after I left the school today, I had a hard time getting her off of my mind. If only I had met her tonight, and not as a victim through work it would be different. I just don't think it's appropriate for me to ask her out now," Jack explained, obviously disappointed.
"But do you like her?" Lee kept pushing.
"Yes, but it isn't that simple…"
Lee picked his pool stick up from the table, "Well, there's nothing wrong with all of us hanging out as friends. You can get to know her, and take it from there. Just don't wait too long; she's a catch!"