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 creators, actors, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."

Chapter 7- How Can I Leave?

Recap…
Elizabeth walked upstairs, and quietly slipped into her room. She sat on her bed, opened her bedside table and pulled out her journal. She had so many things to write about; so many emotions to convey, and she wanted to be able to remember this time in her life forever.

"What's that?" She asked herself as something fell from the back of her journal. It was the telegram she had previously received, but had forgotten to read. She carefully opened it up, and removed the message from the envelope. She gasped, "Oh no…not now!"

She sat mesmerized as she watched the paper float through the air to the floor. Her mind and heart were both racing; her thoughts swirling… "I can't leave; I won't leave, not now!"

Elizabeth spent the night pacing in her room. "How could this happen?" She asked herself. She couldn't understand how just months before she had taken a teaching position in Hope Valley that apparently no one else wanted… "And now, they want to move everyone around? Why…that's illogical. I love my students, and my friends, and…and …Jack," she whispered through her tears.

*Knock, knock, knock…

Elizabeth opened the door to find Abigail standing on the other side…

"What's wrong, Elizabeth?" She asked as she stepped into the bedroom, took hold of Elizabeth's hand and led her to the bed where they both sat down.

Elizabeth began to cry, "I can't leave now. Why are they doing this? I'm settled here; I love it here, and now they want to send me away…"

"Who? Who wants to send you away?" Abigail asked. She wrapped her arm around Elizabeth and pulled her close trying to steady her.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, "I'm sorry, Abigail. I didn't mean to wake you up. I'll be fine…"

"You'll be fine? Well, I have no doubt, but please talk to me… Who's sending you away and where are they sending you?" Abigail was persistent.

Elizabeth handed her the telegram…

To: Teaching Staff
From: School Board

As we have discussed in the past, most teaching positions have been acquired and maintained exclusively by the same staff. Our concern is, as it has always been, that our staff will grow complacent in their positions without the opportunity for new experiences. We realize that some members of our staff have married and/or secured roots in their respective communities. As such, it would not be our intent to uproot these individuals. However, our plan is to rotate the remaining staff to provide a wide range of opportunities for teachers and students alike.

If you have received this telegram, then consider yourself in the group of those staff members who are affected by this directive. Please make whatever arrangements are necessary as this plan will be implemented beginning with the next school semester. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the School Board.

Sincerely,

Bradford Templeton
School Board Chairman

They both sat quietly trying to take in the news conveyed in the telegram.

Elizabeth was the first to break the silence, "Well, they told me that no placement was assured to last forever, and that I should be prepared to move. But," her voice softened, "No one was interested in coming here; I guess it was too far away for most of the teachers, and I was told that if I wanted a job that it would be here."

Abigail was taken aback by the assumption others must have had of their sweet, no one knows a stranger kind of town.

"I'm sorry, Abigail. I know if they had come here, they would love it as much as I do," Elizabeth stated, temporarily sidetracked from her own sadness.

"Well, I for one am very happy that they didn't want to come here, and I know of someone else who's very glad you chose here as well," Abigail responded as she gave Elizabeth a hug.

Elizabeth stood up and walked over to her window, "I need to figure something out and fast… You know, it's ironic…"

"What is?" Abigail asked.

Elizabeth tried her best to smile, "Before I left home, my mother told me to make sure I put all of my energy into my new job; to do something that I would be proud of, but to make certain that I didn't fall in love."

"Why," Abigail asked, a confused look covering her face.

Elizabeth spoke as she stared out the window, "I think she was afraid that I would fall in love and not return home, or maybe she knew that something like this would happen, and she didn't want me to get hurt. Whatever the reason, maybe this was one time that she was right."

"Don't you dare say that," Abigail reprimanded her. "Your heart falls in love when it's ready, and you have no control over that. If you are meant to be with Jack, the school board will be unable to keep you apart."

Elizabeth turned to face Abigail and leaned back against the wall, "I have no idea where they'll send me. I certainly can't expect Jack to wait for me."

"Don't you think that should be up to him?" She asked.

Elizabeth walked back to the bed and sat down, "We're supposed to go for a ride later today. I guess we can discuss it then."

Abigail stood from the bed, "Do you think you can go to sleep now?"

"I'm not sure, but I'll be fine. You go on back to bed; I'm sorry that I woke you up," Elizabeth said as she forced a smile.

Elizabeth stretched out on her bed, and closed her eyes, doing her best to will herself to sleep. She dozed, but only for short periods of time, and most certainly not restful. She was relieved when the sun rose, and it was officially time to get out of bed. She dressed and walked downstairs where she found Abigail already tending to a café full of diners. She slipped out the back door unnoticed with her journal and a blanket under her arm, and headed for the one place where she generally found peace, and occasional answers…the lake.

"Good morning Elizabeth," Bill called out as she passed the jail.

"Oh, I'm sorry Bill; I didn't see you there," she replied.

Bill stepped off of the jail porch and met up with her in the street, "Jack left earlier, and wanted me to tell you that he'll be late today. He has to meet up with a detail to take the prisoner we have, and will ride with them to Barkley Junction. He asked me to tell you that he won't be back in enough time to go for the ride, but he'd like to have dinner with you."

"Thank you for letting me know," she said; the expression on her face showed her disappointment.

"Are you alright?" Bill asked. He understood that she was disappointed at having to change her plans with Jack, but this was different; she seemed unusually depressed.

"No, I'm fine. I just need to talk with Jack about something. Thanks for letting me know Bill," she stated as she continued on her way to the lake.

Elizabeth walked through the tree lined path to the clearing by the lake. The sun had not yet reached above the trees, and the light was gently streaming through the branches as she spread out her blanket and settled down by the water's edge. It was calm and peaceful; she could hear the birds chirping, and caught a glimpse of the fish causing the water to ripple in symmetrical designs. It was so quiet; she was exhausted, and before long she was fast asleep on her blanket.

Jack returned to town sooner than he'd anticipated and quickly made his way to see Elizabeth. He hoped that she would still be able take a ride with him, "Hi Abigail."

"Hi Jack. Did you and Elizabeth talk?" She asked.

"Talk about what?" He asked.

Abigail looked surprised, "Didn't you two go for a ride this afternoon?"

Jack was getting nervous, "I just got back into town; I haven't seen Elizabeth today; where is she?"

Abigail excused herself and headed upstairs. She quickly returned, "She's not in her room. I haven't seen her since really early this morning."

"What's wrong?" He asked.

Abigail walked to the opening of her kitchen to check on her diners, "I'm not in a position to discuss it with you Jack. You need to talk to Elizabeth."

"I'd be glad to if I knew where she was," he responded.

"Well, when she's worried, or upset, or actually no matter how she feels, her comfort place is…"

"The lake," Jack called out as he headed out the back door.

Back at the lake, Elizabeth felt the heat of the sun beating down on her. She had slept for several hours, and the sun was now high in the sky. She sat up and pulled out her journal, opening it to the next blank page and she began to write…

"What can I live with…? As the new dawn breaks, we each have the opportunity to make a difference, broaden the mind, touch a soul, and embrace a heart. Our gifts, provided by God, should be shared, offering the chance to expand the horizons of those who never dreamed it possible. But how can you effectively do so when your own heart has been left behind? Long distance relationships though possible, place emotional strains on those involved; often leading each person to question the worth of the sacrifice. Is it fair to ask someone to wait for you when you don't know for how long, or when possibilities to move on may come their way? Loving someone may also mean letting them go, releasing them from an emotional obligation and allowing them to move on to a more fulfilling relationship. In the end there will come a time when he will no longer think, worry, or wonder about you… Can I live with that?"

Elizabeth closed her journal and set it down beside her. She wiped a few tears that worked their way down her cheeks; she took a deep breath, and started to stand.

"Elizabeth…" Jack called out to her, causing her to lose her balance as she fell back to the ground. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to startle you…are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Jack. I'm surprised to see you this early. I thought you were going to be late today," she responded.

Jack sat down beside her, "We finished up earlier than we thought, and I rushed home, hoping we could still take that ride together. What's wrong, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth knew that she needed to talk to Jack, to prepare him for the inevitable, but she was hoping to have things worked out in her head before doing so. Now she was just emotional, and was afraid that she would be unable to get the words out through her tears.

"Please talk to me Elizabeth. It can't be that bad," he stated, "It's not like either of us is moving away; I'm stationed here permanently, and you…"

"I'm leaving Jack," she cried out.

Her statement stopped him in his tracks, "You're leaving? Where are you going? Why?"

Elizabeth removed the telegram from her pocket, unfolded it and handed it to Jack, "This will explain everything."

Jack read the telegram several times before looking back at Elizabeth, "I don't understand…the School Board is reassigning you? But you are settled here, and the children love you, and I lo…"

"Don't say it Jack…I do feel the same way, but you know, just as well as I do, that a relationship is hard enough without adding distance between us," she interjected as she attempted to stand.

Jack stood and held out his hand to her, helping her to her feet, "Why are you giving up? We can fight this, unless you don't want to!"

Elizabeth gazed downward, unable to look into his eyes. Jack placed his hand just under her chin, raising her head up, allowing his lips to meet hers. Her lips were soft and inviting. By the way she reciprocated, it was evident that she didn't want to simply walk away from what they had; that together they could work out something, and fight the arbitrary rules which had now changed everything.

Later that evening, following dinner, Jack and Elizabeth took a walk around the pond. He reached for her hand, and she welcomed the gesture. As they walked, Elizabeth leaned on his shoulder while he gently rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. Their walk was very quiet, neither one wanting to broach the subject that was like the elephant in her classroom…her leaving.

"Okay, I'm just going to say it… I love you, and I don't want you to leave," Jack stated as he stopped walking and pulled her into a hug.

"I don't want to leave here…or you, but I don't know that I have a choice. It's not like I had a lot of opportunities to teach when I came here," she advised him.

"Wait, when I met you, you made it clear that you had many teaching positions available to you, but that you chose Hope Valley. Miss Thatcher, were you lying to me?" He asked, a dimpled smile covered his face as he attempted to lighten the sullen mood.

Elizabeth smiled back, "Well, I could tell that you weren't the least bit impressed by me when we first met, and I wanted you to think that I was in high demand."

Jack laughed, "I'm surprised that we didn't kill each other on our way into town. Although I have to say, with the minimal information that I had about you, I was impressed that you took such good care of yourself out here alone."

Elizabeth wrapped her arm through his as they continued their walk, "If I'm going to be completely honest, I've never had someone, especially someone I didn't know, go to such lengths for me. You came out to search for me because you were worried. You expected nothing in return, a concept that is totally foreign to me."

Jack gently directed her over to the bench by the edge of the pond; they took their seats, and continued their talk under the full moon, and a sky full of stars.

"Elizabeth, before you make a decision that we're both going to regret, we need to check into this telegram more. They aren't moving everyone, so there must be something we can do to switch you from the moving list to the staying list," Jack said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and drew her closer to him.

She snuggled into his chest, always feeling safe whenever she was so close that she could feel the warmth of his body. The calm of the water; the tingling of her skin as his hands ran up and down her arm, and the selfless look he provided, eased her. "Jack, I can't ask you to wait for me…" she responded as she sat up and faced him.

"You aren't asking, but I'm telling you we'll work this out. There has to be something that we can do," he remarked, his voice sounding somewhat agitated. "Besides, who says either of us has to wait…"

"What are you talking about, Jack?" Elizabeth asked, clearly perplexed.

"If they require you to leave, I'll put in for a transfer," he stated, knowing in his heart that he would do whatever was necessary to keep from losing her.

"I won't ask you to do that Jack. You're settled here…" she said firmly.

Jack took her hand and brought it up to his lips, "Elizabeth, no one but Bill knows this, but I was offered a chance to change posts just before you arrived in town. I was seriously considering it until I met you. It's funny now, but when the Commander made a trip here shortly after you arrived, I told him that I was turning the position down. He knew me from the Academy; he knew that my dream back then was to be stationed in Cape Fullerton; he looked around at this small, quiet town, and said, "Who is she?"

"Jack, you stayed because of me?" She asked.

Jack smiled, and spoke softly, "I potentially stayed for us, although, I have to say that I had my doubts when Jake was around."

"I'm sorry, Jack. I've heard you talk about Cape Fullerton before, and how it was your dream post. I had no idea that you had the opportunity to go. I'm not sure what the excitement is in that place. I've been there many times with my father, and I have to say that between Hamilton, Cape Fullerton, and Hope Valley, I love it here. But then again, I don't have a desire to chase bad guys and whiskey runners," she said with a laugh. "I'm sorry that you gave up your dream post, but I'm certainly happy that you stayed here."

Jack looked deep into her eyes; no words were spoken; he swept a strand of hair behind her ear with his finger. As the hearts of each one pounded, he leaned down and tenderly captured her lips with his own. Her lips were a perfect match to his, and she readily accepted his display of affection. As they separated slightly, he rested his forehead on hers and whispered, "Elizabeth, I used to think that I wanted excitement from my job; and I didn't need a woman for companionship." He leaned back, embracing her face with his hands, "I learned soon after you arrived, that I was partially right… I didn't need just any woman, I need you." Jack wiped the tears as they spilled from her eyes.

Elizabeth's mind was spinning. She knew that she could not leave Hope Valley; well she certainly didn't want to leave without him, and she couldn't expect him to pull up his community and work roots. "I'm going to check into it more tomorrow; I have a few weeks before I would be required to leave," she announced.

As he walked her back to the café, he held her hand, gentle yet firm; he would have been proud to let each person who passed know that they were together, and in his mind would remain that way, however, the street was bare. They walked up the steps to the porch of the café, and she reached for the door handle. Jack quickly glanced around and still saw no one in the street. He smiled, turned her around, backed her up against the door frame, leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, "We'll figure something out…don't worry!"

Elizabeth had only known Jack for months, but in that time frame, she had learned to trust him completely. If he said something, he meant it, and she believed that he would move heaven and earth to stay true to his word. She closed the door behind her, and headed for her room. She sat on her bed, pulled out the telegram again, and went over it word for word…

To: Teaching Staff
From: School Board

As we have discussed in the past, most teaching positions have been acquired and maintained exclusively by the same staff. Our concern is, as it has always been, that our staff will grow complacent in their positions without the opportunity for new experiences. We realize that some members of our staff have married and/or secured roots in their respective communities. As such, it would not be our intent to uproot these individuals. However, our plan is to rotate the remaining staff to provide a wide range of opportunities for teachers and students alike.

If you have received this telegram, then consider yourself in the group of those staff members who are affected by this directive. Please make whatever arrangements are necessary as this plan will be implemented beginning with the next school semester. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the School Board.

Sincerely,

Bradford Templeton
School Board Chairman

"Hmm, married or secured roots… Well, the married isn't going to happen any time soon, maybe I need to secure my roots," she thought.

Jack walked back to the jail; he had a lot on his mind, and at this point he didn't know what they were going to do. The one thing he did know was that they would not be separated.

"You and Elizabeth had an early night," Bill commented.

Jack sat down at his desk and began talking about the telegram Elizabeth had received, "I'm not sure what we're going to do, but I'll think of something."

"Well Jack, you did mention that the married teachers are not required to move," Bill mentioned.

"Yes, and I do see Elizabeth and I married at some point, but I'm concerned that she would think it's too soon," Jack responded.

Bill slapped Jack on the back as he headed for his cot, "I have complete faith in you Jack; you'll figure out something."

Jack tossed and turned all night; each time he drifted off to sleep, he was jarred awake by a dream, actually they were more like nightmares. Each one was essentially different, but had the same theme; in the end, Elizabeth was pulled away from the town, and him.

Elizabeth had difficulty sleeping as well. The thought of leaving Jack, her friends and the children kept her crying most of the night. She knew that being a teacher was what she had always wanted, but "isn't there more to life than just teaching?" She thought.

Elizabeth sat up in bed, pulled her journal from her table, placed it in her lap, and pondered the exact words she needed to express her thoughts…

"For many years, I awoke each morning, my head filled with magical dreams, a heart full of wonder, and hands which hoped to shape the lives of many. In such a short time, my experiences in this small frontier town have blessed me with opportunities that I never thought possible. My heart has been opened to feelings that I only previously dreamed imaginable. Although I'm aware that I have the ability to teach anywhere, how can I move on when my heart will forever remain here; in a town with dirt covered streets, hard working families, strong community spirit, and a Mountie who has completely changed my life? From the time we are young, we are told that one day everything will make perfect sense. Until that happens, we are encouraged to laugh through the turbulence, smile in times of sorrow, and always remember that things happen for a reason. Open your eyes, your mind and your heart; if what is asked of you is not your dream, be a crusader for what's right; for what's fair, and for what's best for everyone involved."

Elizabeth closed her journal and sat it back down on her table. She blew out the lantern, pulled the covers up to her neck, rolled over and eventually fell asleep.

"Good morning Abigail," Elizabeth called out as she entered the kitchen.

"My, you certainly are getting an early start. Good morning, would you like some breakfast?" she asked.

Elizabeth grabbed her purse, and headed for the back door, "I'll be back in a few minutes. I'm going to the mercantile to send a telegram. I need clarification on what the School Board sent me. There has to be a loophole, and I intend to find it. I can't leave here; I won't leave here; I won't leave my friends, and I won't…"

"Leave Jack?" Abigail completed Elizabeth's thought.

Elizabeth didn't verbally respond, her smile said everything…

Elizabeth returned to the café, and threw herself into helping Abigail with the breakfast rush. She knew that a response to the telegram wouldn't be immediate, but she hoped that she would know something by the end of the day.

Several days passed with no word from the School Board. On the times that Jack and Elizabeth spent together, neither one brought up Elizabeth's impending transfer.

Saturday arrived, and Elizabeth awoke with the sun breaking through her window covering. She told herself that today would be the day where decisions were made, and her dilemma was resolved. She scooted over to the mercantile praying all the way that a response to her telegram had been received…

Jack awoke following the first sleep he'd experienced in days. He had made a decision; he loved Elizabeth, and as long as she wanted to remain as the teacher in Hope Valley, and with him, he had a plan…

"Good morning, Miss Thatcher," a familiar voice was heard from behind as she climbed the stairs to the mercantile.

"Good morning, Jack," she responded, a broad smile covered her face as she felt his hand caress the small of her back.

"You are out and about early this morning," he commented.

"I'm checking on the telegram I sent. It's been days, and I think they've had plenty of time to respond…"

"Good morning Miss Thatcher…Constable," Mr. Yost stated. "I'm used to seeing you this early Constable, but it's a pleasant surprise to see you Miss Thatcher. May I help you with something?"

Elizabeth approached the counter, "I sent a telegram a few days ago… Have you received a response yet?"

"I don't believe so, but let me check in the back," Mr. Yost replied as he turned and headed for the rear of the store.

"Jack, I'm getting worried. If they won't even respond to my telegram, I just don't know what I'll do," she remarked.

Mr. Yost returned to the front of the store, "I'm sorry, Miss Thatcher, but nothing has come through yet."

"Thank you for checking," Elizabeth said disappointedly as she turned and hurried for the door.

Jack rushed passed her and reached for the handle to open the door. She walked outside, and started down the stairs…

"Elizabeth, wait…" Jack called out as she stepped off the stairs and into the street. "Elizabeth…" Jack ran up beside her and gently took her arm, effectively stopping her forward motion. "I'm working into something, and if it goes like I plan, you won't have to leave," he assured her.

Elizabeth smiled, "What is it, Jack?"

"I don't want to say anything just yet, but you will know soon enough," he advised.

"I'm tired of waiting, Jack. I guess I need to do something," she remarked, before heading into Abigail's back kitchen door, "accidentally" slamming it closed, leaving Jack on the outside.

"I'm not the bad guy here," Jack whispered as he turned and headed for the Livery. He had rounds to complete and an appointment in Buxton that he hoped would resolve the School Board issue.

Elizabeth offered to help in the kitchen, but Abigail turned her down, choosing to send her out for a walk to clear her head.

Heading out on her walk, Elizabeth always seemed to gravitate toward the lake. This time, however, she wasn't paying attention, and found herself in a beautiful wheat field, just opposite the newest row houses that were being constructed on the outskirts of town. She walked along the field, listening to the sounds of the children playing. She stood quietly and watched as the newest Hope Valley resident, Malcolm Spencer, set fence posts to enclose his yard, providing his three children with a safe place to play. She was in awe of this town; she was inspired daily by the residents of this close knit community, and she was thankful to have been welcomed as one of their own. "How can I leave all of this?" She asked herself.

She smiled at the contrast between Hamilton and Hope Valley. Growing up, Hamilton afforded her societal status, many cultural opportunities, and a friendship base that she thought would last forever. Once she moved to Hope Valley, she realized that societal status, though important to her friends in Hamilton, actually meant nothing to her; her wide cultural experiences, though exciting, were more precious now, as they allowed her to open the eyes of her students to music and art, and many of those so-called lifelong friends were nothing more than society snobs, who wanted nothing to do with her once she left the confines of the big city.

"Good morning, Miss Thatcher," Amy Carter yelled from her backyard. She and her daughter, Megan, walked over to welcome their beloved teacher to the "neighborhood."

"Good morning, Mrs. Carter…Megan. How are you this morning?" She asked.

"I'm fine, Miss Thatcher," Megan squealed, as she grabbed Elizabeth by the hand. "Please, come with me; you showed us about planting, and my flowers are blooming now."

"Oh Megan, they are beautiful," Elizabeth said with as much excitement as she could muster.

Elizabeth and Mrs. Carter chatted for a short while. Elizabeth commented on the serenity of the area, and how the families had obviously made their houses into homes.

"This is a wonderful area… everyone works together; we've made great friends, and I can't imagine ever moving away," Mrs. Carter stated firmly. "The Barrington's are leaving, so I do hope a nice family moves in there."

Elizabeth forced a smile, "I understand. You are truly blessed."

Elizabeth wished them well, and continued on her way… "Wait, the Barrington's are leaving?" For the first time in several days she felt like smiling…

To be continued…