Chapter 3: Phone Calls and Surprises

Elizabeth's "quick" stop to the market turned into a long one when she remember she hadn't planned any meals for the rest of the week. It was alright though, she wasn't eager to go home without Jack.

She was thankful that at least tomorrow she'd be back at work with a classroom full of first graders all needing her attention. It would be a welcomed distraction. Elizabeth worked in one of the town's elementary schools. The students there came from both military and civilian families. Her class this year had a total of 19 children. Mostly boys. For Elizabeth being a girl who grew up with two sisters, a classroom of mostly boys was a daunting challenge. She welcomed it though. She had a feeling, by looking at Jack's extended family, that she would end up a mother of boys herself. This was once a terrifying thought to her, but she had come to realize that having a couple of boys like Jack would be an amazing blessing. Jack had always told her however, that he wanted at least one girl. One that was just like her. The reality of it though was that they'd be happy with whatever God brought them.

Inside the store, Elizabeth made her way down each and every aisle. She was sure she was taking home at least $20 worth or more of items she didn't actually need. This is the problem of going shopping without a list while emotional and hungry.

She was standing staring blankly in aisle 8 when her phone started to buzz.

"Julie?" Elizabeth answered, surprised at first.

"Hey sister! I was just thinking of you. How are you doing today?"

"I'm okay I guess. Just doing some grocery shopping. You?"

"Oh, I'm doing well." Julie was her usual giddy self. She was trying to tone it back some given her sister's current situation but was failing miserably. It didn't bother Elizabeth much, she loved Julie and her optimistic attitude towards life.

"How'd this morning go? Lots of tears and kisses I'd imagine."

"Something like that, yeah. I guess it went well."

"Well that's good to hear. Did you two have a beautifully romantic last night together?" she swooned. "Like in those romances novels we've read! Oh, I bet it was simply amazing! You have to tell me all about it!"

"You mean the books YOU'VE read." Elizabeth laughed. "I don't think I've ever made it more the a few pages. They were so… well, the ones you've shared are not the most appropriate lets say."

"Oh but they're so good. There's a lot one can learn from those books." Elizabeth could just imagine her sister's mischievous grin as she spoke.

"I think I've done just fine in the area of my life without their help thank you very much!"

"With a husband like Jack I'm sure you have! Come on now! You have to tell me! My imagination is running wild over here!"

"Julie, I'm in the grocery store remember! I'm not going to share my love life with you in an aisle next to the cooking supplies and spices."

"Are you serious?" Julie exclaimed. "I guess I'll just have to call back later to get the sordid details."

"Julie…."

"Okay, fine. I need to head to class soon anyway, but before I go?"

"What is it?" Her tone was tired and lacking enthusiasm.

"Are you ok, Beth? With everything?" Julie asked, full of empathy.

"I will be."

….

Elizabeth pulled into the garage and quickly went to open the door to let Rip out. He went over to the car and looked around, as if checking to see if Jack was just waiting in the inside. He seemed to accept after his third walk around the car that Jack was in fact not there.

As she continued bringing the groceries in, she notice the hound stayed right at her side.

"Are you following me pup?"

The dog turned his head to the side and looked at her. When she went back out to the car to get the last load, he stayed close by.

Elizabeth decided to test her theory more. She walked in a circle around the downstairs, watching Rip.

"Yup still there," she thought.

Then she climbed the stairs walking into and around the guest room, the bathroom and back down to the first floor. With every step she took, there was Rip.

"Hmmm, did Jack ask you to look after me?"

He let out a low howl.

"I see. Well I think I'm alright for the moment. Why don't you go rest and I'll take you for a walk in a little while."

Rip made a noise that sounded more like letting out a puff of air than a bark and returned to his favorite spot.

"Silly dog." She shook her head and gave a weak smiled. The day already warring on her much more than expected.

She went to her purse, pulling out the two sticky notes from the car and stuck them to the fridge. She stood back, looking at the various items stuck to the fridge. It was covered in take out menus, art from her students, bible verses and photographs. It was the photos that held her attention. There was one of them and Rip from the day they got him. Another from their wedding reception of their first dance. Others of their families. The one that held her attention the most was from the day they moved in. Jack had insisted on carrying her over the threshold. He picked her up in her arms while she was protesting the idea. He had the biggest grin on his handsome face. She ran her finger over the picture, tracing along his arms, wondering how could she miss him so much so fast.

"Shoot, the groceries." She had almost forgotten the week's worth of groceries sitting on the counter.

The task was almost complete her phone began to buzz at her like mad. She tossed the last of the frozen items in the freezer so fast she didn't even notice the carefully placed sticky note sitting there.

She picked up her phone, Rosie was sending rapid fire texts. She shook her head, unlocking her phone to see the texts . "Goodness there almost a dozen messages here!"

"Thinking of u!"

"How r u doing?"

"You poor dear!"

"Do u miss him already?"

"Sry, of course u do."

"How was last night?"

"Was it romantic?"

"Dinner soon?"

"Or we could do drinks?"

"Or a movie?"

"Goodness E don't make me worry. Text me back!"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and decided to call Rosie instead of trying to respond to all her questions via text.

"Hello?"

"Hey Rosie, its me."

"Oh Elizabeth! Thank goodness I was worried sick about you. How are you doing? Did you get my texts?"

"Yes I did. Thank you."

"So…. how are you?"

"I'm ok I guess. Just putting away groceries."

"Now Elizabeth, you didn't go buying up all the ice cream at the market did you? You don't want Jack to come home only to have you gained 100 lbs? You know how those calories tends to cling to your hips."

"Seriously, Rosie?"

"Oops, that just came out. Sorry love."

"It's ok." Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh. Rosie had always been overly dramatic, not unlike Julie in a way. The two had been best friends for as long as they could remember. So she was use to Rosie and her lack of filter.

"So… how was last night?"

Elizabeth giggled, "That seems to be the question of the hour. Julie asked too."

"Well you can't really blame us. Romance novels are made off situations like this. A handsome strong soldier spends one last night with his love before going off to fight the good fight. Just gives you chills!"

"Oh Rosie, you make me laugh. I guess maybe I'd feel the same way, if it wasn't my life…"

"I know, I'm sorry. In all seriousness though, did you two have a good night together?"

"We did. It was hard but sweet and romantic." Elizabeth smiled. "We couldn't have asked for a better night together. He really is amazing Rosie."

"That makes me so happy to hear! You two deserved it."

"It's just…"

"What? What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure I know how to do this. I thought I did, but now... He's only been gone a short while and I already miss him terribly."

"This is not an easy thing. Now, I've never been through this but I honestly believe it will get easier. In time."

"Any idea how much time?" She laughed, knowing there wasn't really an answer to that question.

"I don't know, maybe a week or two?" Elizabeth rolled her eyes, of course Rosie would have an answer to an unanswerable question.

Rosie thought for a moment before getting excited, "I have an idea, why don't you and I go out tonight? Take your mind off everything."

"I don't know, maybe but I'd… oh shoot, I have another call. Look I'll think about tonight and get back to you okay?"

"Of course! We'll talk later!"

"Thanks Rosie." She fumbled with her phone trying to switch over to the next call. "Hello?" she answered, a little frazzled after fighting with the phone.

"Beth? It's mom. How are you sweetie?"

"I'm alright." she was wondering just how many times she'd have to answer that question today. "Just got home a bit ago. Ran errands after dropping Jack off."

"That's good. Make sure you eat and take care of yourself okay."

"I will, Mom."

"How was Jack this morning? Did he feel ready?"

"He seemed alright. Wasn't looking forward to us being separated, but I know he's looking forward to doing his job. They've been training so hard, I'm sure it will be rewarding in away to put it all into action."

"Oh sweetie, you're so understanding to let him leave you like this."

Something in the way her mom said the words "leave you" made Elizabeth cringe "Mom, he did LEAVE me. He hates that part of it more than you know. He's just doing his job and following his calling. I'm proud of him for that," she snapped back.

"Beth dear, I didn't mean to offend you. You know how much your father and I love Jack and we know how much you too love each other. I'm sorry, this is still new territory for me, I'm not sure I know what to say."

"No, I'm sorry Mom. I guess I'm more on edge than I thought."

"That's to be expected. I'm sure there will be moments like that. Just try and take it easy."

"I know, I will."

"Also… your father and I wanted to let you know if it gets to be too much for you, you can always come back home till Jack returns."

"Thank you for that, but I don't think I can do that."

"Why not dear? Please don't be stubborn about this, we want to help."

"I'm not being stubborn, but I do have a job here remember?"

"I'm sure we could get you a job up here if you'd like. I have some pull with the local school board you know."

"No Mom, thank you. I like my job here and my students especially. Beside this is my home now. It's where I live with Jack. I think it would actually be harder for me to NOT be here."

"You came here last time he left you, didn't you?"

"Again, Mom!"

"Goodness, so sorry. Let me rephrase." Grace cleared her throat. "You we're here last time he deployed am I correct?"

"Okay yes, but that was different."

"How so?" Grace Thatcher was a loving mother, but a particularly stubborn women. Jack was convinced that at least a third of Elizabeth's stubbornness came from her mother.

"That was during a summer break. He was only gone a couple months and I stayed for part of that. Plus Rosie and Lee were still in NYC and I didn't know many people here." She took a deep breath. "Look Mom, I appreciate the offer. I really do. But I need to do this. Please try to understand."

"I understand Dear, or rather I'm trying too. Your father and I just wanted to put it out there just in case. Maybe you'd consider at least coming up for a visit from time to time? And do try to call more Beth, you know how I worry?

"I know Mom, and I'm sorry. How about I try to come up soon for a visit?"

Elizabeth grabbed some water from the fridge and moved to sit out on the patio while she and her mother talked for a while longer. They chatted about her father's work, her mother's volunteer projects, her older sister Viola, her husband and their son, and then Julie. Her mother suspected Julie was seeing someone though she hadn't come out and said anything to Grace yet. Elizabeth decided not to share that Jack thought she and Tom were spending some more time together. "I'll save that for another conversation," she thought.

After they hung up Elizabeth's focus shifted back to the seemingly empty house. She felt silly for how she was feeling. It wasn't like she'd never been in the house before without Jack. She was use to coming home from school and not seeing him till later in the evening. He'd do weekend or even week long training missions from time to time that took him away. And of course there was his other, albeit shorter deployments. It just felt different right now.

Six to nine months. She kept repeating it in her head over and over. No matter how hard she tried to switch her focus, she couldn't distract herself from that reality. She'd been kidding herself before he'd left. Trying so hard to focus on the good and their dreams for the future. It was easy to do when he was still there, not now. Not after she'd dropped him off and watched him fly off.

She took a deep breath, trying to shake away her dark cloud. She headed upstairs to get ready to take Rip for a walk. Not wanting to spend another moment sitting in the house feeling sorry for herself.

As she walked into their room, the strong scent of him that was lingering in the air took her by surprise. Making her forget why she had come upstairs in the first place. Moving over to their bed she picked up his pillow, holding it tightly to her chest. She laid down on the bed going over every detail of the night before. How they danced through the house, the way he touched her, kissed her, loved her. Letting herself give in to the emotions she'd be holding in, she shed all her tears before drifting off to sleep.

….

Somewhere over the Atlantic, Jack sat fidgeting in his seat on the aircraft. He had fallen asleep shortly after take off. He could sleep anywhere. It drove Elizabeth crazy seeing as she was the exact opposite.

Now that he was awake with little to do, he couldn't stop thinking about Elizabeth and the look on her face as he walked away. His beautiful, brave faced wife; fighting her tears. He sat there playing with his wedding band with his thumb.

Soon General Avery came by, tapping him on the shoulder breaking him from his trance.

"You look lost in thought, Lieutenant. Something good I hope?"

"Yes sir. It's my wife. Thoughts of her are always good for me."

"Glad to hear things are going well for you two. How's she handle all this?" He gestured around to the aircraft and soldiers within it.

"She amazes me sir. I know this isn't what she wants, but she's never blamed me for stresses the job brings. She's just supported me. I do worry for her during this transition. This is our longest deployment."

"She's a good woman. There'll be some dark times as she adjusts. You'll see that for yourself as well. It will be easier for you on this end though."

"Sir?"

The General took a moment, wanting to choose his words wisely. "It's easier for those of us, in a way, who are deployed. We leave our everyday lives for something new. We are trained to keep our minds on the mission. Focus on the right now."

Jack nodded along as he listened to the seasoned officer.

"For those we leave behind, they have to live the same lives they had before but without us. Constantly seeing that while in most ways things are the same, nothing is as it should be. It can be a real struggle. If you can remember that you'll be able to help your wife on the tough days. Be able to see it from her perspective."

Jack had thought some about how this may affect them differently, but this conversation was giving him a lot more to think on. For that he was grateful.

"Elizabeth is a strong woman for how she's handled Army life thus far Jack. I believe you two will have a wonderful future ahead of you."

"Yes sir, I agree." Jack could help but smile with the pride he had for Elizabeth.

"Well, we've still got a lot of time before we touch down for a bit in Germany. Wanted to give this to you." The General handed him a large folder filled with paperwork. "It's all the current information about our operations and mission as it pertains to you. I'm handing it out to all the officers now, should help smooth our transition."

"Yes sir, I'll take a look."

"Good. Check on your men now and again too, alright? Make sure they're all squared away."

"Yes sir, will do."

General Avery headed back up toward the front of the plan as Jack headed toward the back to see to his men.

"How they doing back here?" Jack asked Sergeant Wyatt as he took the seat next to him.

"Good sir. The first time troops are a little restless, but they're solid soldiers. Just anxious to do their job."

"I can understand that. Make sure they rest up while they can. When we reach Germany, I want to go over procedures with the men for when we reach our destination. Bravo Company will be on the move a lot. I want them prepared."

"Yes sir."

Jack walked back to his seat, pulling out a picture of Elizabeth from his chest pocket. He wondered if she'd found the surprises he had left for her yet. Taking a good long look at the picture, he said a pray for his wife before opening the folder switching his focus to the mission.

….

A few hours later Elizabeth awoke to the sound of kids playing outside. "School must be out for the day," she thought. She sat up, rubbing her face as she took in her surroundings.

The rumble in her stomach made her look at the clock. Realizing she had slept straight through lunch, she headed down towards the kitchen, making herself a sandwich. All she really wanted however, was ice cream. She fought with herself for about a minute before she wrapped up her sandwich and putting it back in the fridge.

"I'm a grown woman," she stated. "If I want ice cream for lunch, that's what I'll do. Besides, my husband is probably somewhere over the ocean or in Germany by now. I deserve this!"

She opened the freezer grabbing the generic ice cream she got from the store earlier. As she started closing the door she noticed something else. There in the door of the freezer was a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Her favorite. Stuck to the front of the container, was another sticky note. A bittersweet tear began to roll down her cheek.

"Getting into the ice cream already now are we? Before you do, there is one more surprise for you. Save this ice cream for later and go to my bottom dresser drawer. My big surprise is waiting for you.

And remember, I love you beautiful.

Jack"

She closed the freezer and ran the upstairs. Taking the steps two at a time. She knelt down in front of the dresser to open the bottom drawer. In it she found a large wooden box surround by a bunch of Jacks shirts. The ones she loved to steal from him. She pulled out the box and noticed the design carved into the top. She ran her hand over the beautiful maple tree and saw in the trunk of the tree was a heart with "J&E" written inside. Engraved underneath the tree was their wedding date.

"Oh Jack, this is beautiful," she cried.

She slid the top of the box off to reveal a letter resting on top of a bunch of colorful random sized, hand made envelopes. She picked up the letter and began to read it.

"My Dear Elizabeth,

First off, know that wherever I am, I'm missing you.

I know this deployment is going to be hard, so I came up with this idea to help. As you can see, this box is filled with envelopes. Each envelope holds a picture, note, or token from our life together so far. Some are in sequential order some are random. Whenever the missing gets to be too much, open an envelope and revisit a time when we were together. Focus on that, and when you're feeling better think of all the new memories we will make when I return. I hope this helps you to feel me with you. But please, if it makes things worse put it aside and we'll go through it together when I get home. I love you, beautiful.

Thinking of you,

Jack

P.S. I know how much you like to steal my clothes and I can't say it bothers me. I've always loved seeing you in them. In the drawer around the box are all of your favorites. XOXO"

"You are an amazing man, Jack Thornton. Simply amazing."

She folded up the letter and placed it back in the box. Closing it up, she decided to bring it down stairs to the living room and place it on the coffee table. As anxious as she was to see what was inside the envelopes, she realized she needed to pace herself. It would be a long deployment after all. She decided to wait to open the first one later. As for now, Jack had given her enough to feel content and loved. She would hold onto that as long as she could and carry on. Even if she still wasn't sure how to go about it.

A little while later, there was a knock at the door.

"Abigail, hi!" She hugged her friend and invited her inside.

"Elizabeth, how are you?"

"Apparently I'm answering that question at least four times today," she thought.

"Sorry to just drop by. I called a couple times but you didn't answer."

"Oh no, it's fine Abigail. I was having a rough time earlier. I guess my body decided I needed a nap."

Abigail gave a sympathetic smile, "And how are you doing now?"

She took in a big breath, "Better maybe? This morning was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I think I tried so hard before to focus on our future, I missed processing what was right in front of me."

"Can't say I'm surprised about this morning. As for how you are now, was there something that helped?"

"Actually…" She bit her bottom lip, practically giddy for a second. "I just found a surprise Jack left me." They went into the living room so Elizabeth could show Abigail the box.

"Elizabeth, this is beautiful!" Abigail gushed over the gift. "I forgot what a creative artist he is. That young man really tried everything he could to take care of you while he's away."

Elizabeth agreed and went on to tell her about the previous notes she received and other things Jack had put into place.

"Have you eaten anything? I know it can be hard to think of such things in times like this, but it's important."

"No, I made a sandwich but never ate it."

Rip began making noise as her trotted about. Demanding his previously promised walk.

"Is he alright?" Abigail laughed, this was most she'd ever seen him move.

"Oh he's just mad that we haven't taken our walk yet, aren't you boy?"

"I have an idea. Why don't you grab your sandwich and we'll take Rip for a walk together?"

They grabbed what they needed and headed out. They walked along the sidewalk, passing the rows of identical condos and duplexes that made up military housing. The flags were out moving in the breeze and there were many yellow ribbons tied around trees and porch posts. This was Fort Hope during deployments. Symbols of pride and hope were everywhere.

"Abigail, can ask you a question? About Noah and you?" she asked as they past one of the Posts playgrounds. Nervous to bring up such a painful part of Abigail's past.

"Of course. You can ask me anything." She gave Elizabeth's arm an encouraging squeeze.

"How many times did Noah deploy?"

"Seven, I believe."

"That's a lot…"

"And I'm sure there would have been more if things had been different."

"How'd you do it? As a wife. I mean, after he deployed, where'd you even start? Almost as soon as Jack left my sight, my mind's been full of worry."

"Well most days I tried not to think about it. I went about my business, pretending as if he wasn't halfway across the world in harm's way. It wasn't easy, but in time it did become a less daunting task. Then he'd come home smiling and gripping, and we'd be together again."

They stopped to sit on a bench nestled in between two big beautiful maple trees. Each full of leaves that were beginning to turn colors.

Abigail continued "It was always hard at first. I'd drop off grid, wallow in my own misery for a while." She turn to Elizabeth making a fake ashamed face, causing Elizabeth to giggle. "Then I'd take a deep breath and I'd focus on what was in front of me. Discover my new normal, so to speak."

"New normal? What does that mean?"

"It's a common phrase among some of the military families I've known. What it means is that the life we had before as changed. For whatever reason, things are different. Something's missing and there's no going back."

"That's cheery…"

"I know, not helping right?" She laughed. "Let me try and explain it a little better," she said wrapping her arm through Elizabeth's, holding her close. "I'm betting that right now you are feeling as if you've lost something. Life you as you knew it before seems to have ended."

"Yes. That's exactly how I'm feeling." The tears were returning.

"And you'd be right. I know it's not what you want to hear but it's true. The life of a military wife is different from the average marriage. You're always a wife, but sometimes you feel like a wife without a husband. Right now Jack is off serving his country. All the while you are here, living the life you had before, but without him."

"So what do I do?" She wiped the tears from her eyes.

"You're gonna need to take some time for yourself. Think about how you want to live going forward for the next few months."

Elizabeth nodded, processing the words being given to her.

"You're new normal started today. It's you, living each day, keeping hope and faith alive in your heart that one day you and Jack will be together again. Finding what that new normal is, is what's helps us to move forward. To accept the fact that whether we like it or not, this is the life we have been given. It means creating a new daily routine. So let's see, what's on your plate tomorrow?"

"I have work, and there's Rip here to care for." She reached down scratching Rip around the ears. "So there's at least that. I'll probably do a walk either before or after dinner too."

"Okay, there. You're starting to find what your new normal looks like. Just don't forget to have some fun." She gave her friend a nudge. "Make plans with Rosie or Faith, and come visit me at the cafe. You need to give yourself things to look forward to. Just don't go scheduling every moment either. Finding a simple routine will help you to not focusing on the negative."

"That makes a lot of sense. I think I can do that. "

"One more thing. Never let yourself feel as if you are alone. You have friends and family who love you dearly. And more importantly, don't forgot the one who is always with you." She pointed up to the heavens. "It took me a while to remember to lean on God and that I needed Him. For whatever reason, this is path He has for you and Jack. He'll carry you both through it, you just have to let Him."

They stood up to walk home. Elizabeth was thankful for Abigail and her wisdom. After their talk she began to feel better about what lay ahead.

A little later after they'd returned and Abigail went back home, Elizabeth sat on the couch trying take in all of the change. She realized she needed to give Rosie her answer about tonight. Getting out might be fun, but she felt wiped from the day. Even with her new confidence in her abilities to handle the next few months, she missed Jack. That probably wouldn't change no matter how well she handled thing.

"Hi Rosie, it's me. Thank you so much for the offer about tonight, but I think I'm going to pass."

"Are you sure?" she asked, clearly disappointed and a little concerned.

"I'm sure. As much as I don't want to be alone at home, I don't feel like being out either."

"But sweetie, I don't want you to hide from the world! What if I come to you?"

"I'm not hiding, and thank for the offer. I think I just need some time."

"If you're sure. It's just, well I promised Jack I would help take care of you!"

"And you will. Just not tonight. I think…" She let out a sigh. "Just give me some time to adjust to all this okay?"

"Have you spoken to Abigail yet?"

"Yes, she and I talked this afternoon. I'm starting to realize that as prepared as I thought I was for this, most of what I need to know I'll learn by living through it."

"I understand. Anything I can do to help for now?"

"Just be you. Be there for me. How about we do something next week? I'll even let you pick what we do."

"Really Elizabeth? Oh, I'll pick something spectacular! Don't you worry!"

She laughed. "I'm not worried. We'll talk later okay?"

"Yes, we will! And Elizabeth…"

"Hmm?"

"We love you. Just remember that okay?"

"I love you too."

She hung up the phone and began to think of what needed to be done next. She busied herself with little house chores and soon the house became cleaner than it had been in a long time.

Before she knew it was 7:30. She fed Rip and preheated the oven for herself.

By 8pm, she had made her way to the living room, pizza and wine in hand. Rip settled in next to her as she ate. She turned on the TV to watch something on Netflix, not liking the quietness of the house.

After about 3 episodes, she decided if she was even going to have a chance of keeping up with her kids tomorrow she should get some sleep. She slowly ascended the stairs, looking at each picture that hung on the walls as she passed. After readying herself for bed, she went over to Jack's bottom dresser drawer, pulling out a very worn, soft t-shirt. She held the fabric up to her face and inhaled its scent. It was all Jack, and she loved it. She crawled into bed, pulling the covers tightly.

"Goodnight my sweet Jack. I love you."