Disclaimer: I do NOT own When Calls the Heart or It's Characters. I did however add a few OC's

Chapter 2

The Academy

Jack awoke early the next morning. He had not slept well. He was still trying to grasp the events of the previous day. "I don't have time to worry about it now." He whispered to himself. "I leave for Saskatchewan today." Jack got up and dressed quickly. He had some last minute preparations to take care of. He made sure he had everything, picked up his trunk and carried it downstairs.

Mrs. Thornton was in the kitchen drinking a cup of coffee when Jack walked in with his trunk. He set it down on the floor."Good morning sweetheart." Mrs. Thornton said. "How did you sleep?"

"Not very well," Jack answered. "I couldn't help but think about Rosemary. I'll be ok. I'll sleep on the train." Jack grabbed a biscuit that his mother had baked that morning spread some butter on it and took a bite. He sat down at the table. When he finished his biscuit, he stood up, leaned over, and kissed his mother on the cheek. He picked up his trunk and headed for the door.

"Wait!" Mrs. Thornton exclaimed. "I almost forgot." Mrs. Thornton stood up, left the kitchen, and returned a few moments later. "I want to give you this." She said as she placed a small black box in his hand. "It was the engagement ring your father gave me. I don't think he would mind if I give it to you now. I know you're upset over Rosemary, but she obviously wasn't the right girl for you. I want you to give this ring to the woman you love, when the time is right. I have every confidence she's out there somewhere. Until you find her I want you keep this ring with you as a reminder that I love you."

"Thanks Mama." Jack said before kissing her cheek once more. "I gotta go. I love you mama. I'll send you a telegram when I get there."

"Ok sweetie." Mrs. Thornton said. "I love you. Goodbye."

Jack turned and left. He had to hurry to catch the train to Saskatchewan. After a long train ride from Vancouver, British Columbia, Jack arrived at the Royal Northwest Mounted Police Academy in Regina, Saskatchewan. Tired as he was, he was excited about beginning his training. He was ready to honor his father's memory.

Jack carried his trunk down a long corridor. Along the wall there were many pictures of Mounties. He glanced at all the pictures, halfway expecting to see a picture of his father. He never did. When he reached the end of the corridor he entered a large room. There he saw a huge crowd of Mounties in training. He pushed through the crowd, trying to find someone he could ask where to go. He saw a man coming toward him. He appeared to be in his mid to late forties."Excuse me." Jack said to the man. "I'm Jack Thornton. I'm new at the academy. I was wondering if you could help me. I have no idea where I'm supposed to go."

"Of course," said the man. He pointed to a table that had three men sitting at it and a small group of young men standing around it. "You go to the table over there and tell them your name. They will give you your bunk assignment." The man replied.

"Thank you." Jack said. "I appreciate your help."

"No problem." The man said. I'm Bill Avery, by the way. I'm an inspector for the Royal Northwest Mounted Police. I come and talk to the Mounties in training in some of their courses. I also come on the first day when I can to help everyone get settled. As you can see it gets pretty hectic around here on the first day."

"I can see that." Jack replied.

"Well I gotta run." Bill said. "It was nice meeting you. I hope to see you around." Bill turned and left.

Jack walked to the table that Bill pointed out to him. "Hey," He said when he got to the table. "I'm Jack Thornton. I need my bunk assignment please."

"Yes," said the man whose nametag said Andrew. "Jack Thornton. Ah yes here you are. You are in room 107B." Andrew gave Jack a piece of paper and a key to the room. He pointed him in the right direction. When Jack got to the room he went inside. There were already two young men inside the room.

"Hey you must be Jack." One of them said. He was short with sandy blond hair. My name is Daniel Lewis. He reached out to shake Jack's hand.

"Nice to meet you," Jack said kindly.

I'm Aaron Kennedy." The other man said as he extended his hand. "It looks like we're going to be bunking together." Aaron was tall and slender with jet black hair.

Jack smiled. He was looking forward to his training and meeting people who had the same dream as he did. It already appeared that he had made two new friends in Daniel and Aaron.

…..To be continued…

Notice the names of Jack's roomies I couldn't resist. I had to change the spelling of one of them since it's a male character and not a female character. I hope you enjoyed chapter two. More chapters to come.