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 10- Paranoid or Protective
Elizabeth woke the next morning, excited to return to school and begin this new chapter in her life. She put her hands down on the bathroom counter as she waited for the water running into the sink to warm. She glanced down at her hand and seeing the beautiful piece of jewelry on her left ring finger, she couldn't have wiped the smile from her face if she'd tried.
From the time she was a little girl, she had dreamed of a big elaborate wedding with all of her girlfriends dressed in beautiful gowns, the groomsmen in tuxedos, gorgeous flowers and multiple tables covered with delicious food and decadent desserts.
However, all she could think of now was standing barefoot in the sand as the sun set, before a Justice of the Peace, promising to love, honor and cherish this man she has wanted for a majority of her life.
She washed her face and brushed out her hair before returned to her bedroom to get ready for school.
Elizabeth sat on the side of her bed, pulled her journal from her bag, flipped through an ever increasing number of entries before finding a blank page. She clicked her pen into working order and began to put her feelings down on paper…
"Life as I have known it no longer exists. The sadness has been replaced by great joy; the anger has been tempered by acceptance, and the guilt has been soothed by forgiveness. "
As she was writing, her phone chimed, signifying a text…
"Good morning beautiful…" Jack's words in print were like music to her ears.
"Good morning handsome…"
"Just wanted 2 tell u that I'm thinking of u, I luv u…"
"I luv u 2…"
"Wanna go 2 Boston this wkend 2 tell every1…?"
"Luv 2 but I am going to Florida for a dog show. Leaving Thursday…"
"WHAT…?"
"Please don't yell at me…"
Her phone suddenly rang…
"Why didn't you say anything?" He snapped before she even said "Hello."
"I'm sorry Jack. I registered for the show weeks ago, and I have people depending on me to show for them or I would cancel," she explained
"I don't expect you to cancel. I know how important the dog shows are to you. It's just that I worry about you," his voice softened and his concern bled through. "Where are you staying? I'll go with you and I can just make a separate hotel reservation."
"Jack, I'd love that but my Explorer is going to be packed to the gills. I guess you could ride on the roof rack," she quipped, trying to lighten the situation.
"That's not funny," he stated.
"Jack, I'll be fine, and I'll be back by Monday."
"I wish I'd known. I don't like being apart from you," he remarked. "I'm heading into the office; I'll talk to you later."
Although she couldn't see him, she could sense his disappointment, "I'm sorry Jack. I love you," she quickly interjected.
"I know," he stated before the call disconnected.
"I know? I KNOW? What kind of response is I know?" She asked herself.
She dropped her phone on the bed and headed for her closet. While standing inside picking out her clothes for the day, she heard her phone chime. She assumed that it was a text from Jack.
She couldn't help but be a bit angry at how he had ended their call. It wasn't her fault that she had plans for the weekend and couldn't take him. Against her better judgment, she rushed to the bed to read his text…
"I'm sorry. I luv u 2…Dinner 2nite…?" He asked.
Her bright smile lit up her otherwise dimply lit room, "Dinner- yes, I'll cook…"
"Really…?"
"Don't be a smart a_ _. I did cook spaghetti for you at the cabin. U r still alive…"
"JK…do u need me 2 bring anything…?"
"No, weather is supposed 2 B nice. Want 2 cook out in courtyard…?"
"Sounds great. I'll get a bottle of wine. Gotta go, luv u…"
"I love u 2…"
She went back to her closet thinking how silly they both were to get upset over something so trivial. She grabbed her clothes and shoes, dressed and headed for work.
"Hey, how was your vacation?" Anthony asked as he walked down the hall and stepped into Jack's office.
"Best vacation I've had in many years. I'm engaged," he stated with the dimply grin that all the women in the office loved to see.
"Congratulations. Darcie and I will have you and Brooke over for dinner soon to celebrate," he responded as he turned to head back out the door.
"It's not Brooke," Jack remarked causing Anthony to stop in his tracks and spin on his heels.
Anthony stepped back into the office and closed the door, "Jack, what's going on?"
"Do you remember just before I left and I was asking you about the girl you stopped to help?" Jack asked.
"Yes, her name was Elizabeth, right?" he replied.
"Yes, Elizabeth was my college sweetheart. We broke up seven years ago, and well, it was for stupid reasons," Jack attempted to explain. "Anyway, I found her over the holidays, and I proposed on New Year's Eve."
"WOW, you certainly don't waste any time. But what about Brooke?" Anthony asked.
"I care about Brooke, but I would never have asked her to marry me. I've been in love with Elizabeth for almost half of my life. Anyway, Brooke accepted a job in New York, so she's moving," Jack filled him in.
Anthony stood and approached Jack's desk. He extended his arm to shake Jack's hand, "Congratulations Jack. She's beautiful and seems so sweet. You need to watch that other guy though. He concerned me."
Jack released a harsh breath, "I need to check him out. He concerns me too, and Elizabeth can be so stubborn at times."
"Well the offer for dinner with Darcie and me still stands," Anthony remarked before heading for the door. He turned back toward Jack and stated, "I have to say, you do look really happy."
"I am," Jack agreed. "I'm happier than I've been in a long time."
"Well, I'm glad to hear it. You're a good guy; you deserve it," Anthony stated as he left Jack's office.
Elizabeth went about her day with a smile on her face. She didn't intentionally parade her ring clad finger in the faces of her co-workers, but didn't try to hide it either.
As she walked her class into the lunchroom, several of the teachers gathered around her…
"Carson proposed?"
"Let me see that ring."
"I'm so happy for you and Carson."
The congratulations kept coming, and although she attempted to get a word in edgewise, the women were just as quickly gone, attending to their own students before Elizabeth could set them straight.
She returned to her room following lunch to find a beautifully wrapped box on her desk. As her students left for Art class, she sat at her desk and opened the box. She smiled as she pulled out a beautiful heart shaped pendant on a silver chain. The attached card simply read, "You are my heart…I Love you completely."
She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. Immediately her mind took her back to Jack on bended knee proposing to her. She held the necklace to her chest as she inhaled deeply and released a thankful breath.
Elizabeth clasped the necklace around her neck before reaching for her phone and sending Jack a text…
"TY 4 the beautiful necklace. I love it and I love u…"
She immediately sent a second text, "I'm getting meat to cookout. U want pork, chicken or steak…?"
Jack's phone sat on his desk unattended. He was in a meeting and intentionally left it behind. He returned an hour later and checked for messages. Seeing her text, her responded…
"I'd like steak, but will go for whatever is easiest for u…"
"OK. I'll run by the store. See u later. Luv u…"
"Luv u 2…"
Elizabeth finished up at school and walked the hallway, hoping to see some of her co-workers to set them straight about Carson. She was surprised to feel so alone, finding the building to have cleared out faster than dismissal before a holiday.
She ran by the store and picked up fixings for a salad, potatoes, an ice cream cake, (his favorite), a T-bone steak for Jack and a package of pork chops for her and Onyx.
She rushed home, put the meat in pans to marinate and threw the ice cream cake in the freezer. She decided to take Onyx for a run on the beach before Jack arrived. An hour and a half later, she and Onyx walked through the courtyard and found Jack sitting alone at a picnic table. He was dressed in a navy blue suit with a white shirt. His tie was a solid color, a slightly lighter hue, and her breath caught in her throat as he glanced up, catching her gaze.
"I'm sorry, have you been waiting long?" She asked as she ran to him with open arms.
He wrapped his arms around her, "No, maybe fifteen minutes or so. How is my beautiful fiancé today?"
"I'm doing great. Are you hungry now?" She asked, as his lips covered hers.
As they separated she added, "That's not exactly what I meant, but actually you're idea is better…"
Jack took her hand and they headed for her apartment.
"Are you hungry…for steak, I mean?" She asked.
He laughed, "I'd rather have you, but steak is good too."
She put the potatoes in the oven, and grabbed the marinated meats from her refrigerator. She reached up into the cabinet for two wine glasses when she felt his arms around her waist.
"Let's try this again," he stated as he spun her around, picked her up and sat her on the counter.
She giggled, "No water in the sink this time."
Her legs separated as he moved his body between them. His arms around her waist pulled her closer as she tilted her head to the side, giving him free access to the soft skin on her neck.
His lips trailed down her neck and onto her shoulder. As his tongue gently ran along her collarbone, he traced the line of her necklace, taking his hand and pulling it away from her body so he could see it more clearly.
"This is beautiful," He stated.
She smiled, "Thank you."
"That's silver, right? When did you start wearing silver? I thought you preferred white gold," he commented.
"Jack, you know where it came from," she remarked. "And I love it."
"Elizabeth, I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't get that for you," he was adamant. "How long have you had it?"
"Jack, I came back from lunch today and there was a box on my desk with a note," she remarked. "Wait, the note is in my bag," she stated as she hopped down from the counter and headed for the sofa. She looked in her bag and pulled out the note, "Here…" she handed him the note. "I texted you earlier thanking you for it."
"You are my heart," Jack read the words on the card. "Did someone deliver it to your room?"
"I don't know. I guess they did. I wasn't in there," she reminded him.
"Elizabeth, the security at your school is lacking if Carson was able to slip in and put this on your desk and leave undetected," Jack walked around her apartment, looking out her windows for any suspicious activity.
"Wait, you seriously didn't get this for me? Get it off …Get it off, please get it off me," Elizabeth had her hands on the necklace, pulling and tugging trying to get clasp undone.
"I'll get it, calm down," he stated as he quickly unhooked the clasp and removed it from her neck.
Elizabeth sat on the sofa, her body shivered slightly at the thought of Carson handling the necklace which eventually ended up on her skin. It almost felt as if he had been touching her.
Elizabeth followed him back to her bedroom where he immediately went about locking her windows. "Jack, I'm not on the ground floor. No one is coming in through a window."
Jack's expression went from surprise that Carson could get in and out of the school so easily, to concern for Elizabeth's safety. He quickly moved from concern to anger, partly at her for not taking her safety seriously enough.
"Elizabeth, please humor me. If he wants in, he'll find a way," Jack argued. "You need to come back and stay with me."
"Jack, I'm sorry but I can't leave Onyx here. We'll be careful, I promise. Now let's go down to the courtyard, drink some wine, cookout and enjoy this beautifully unseasonable weather," she stated, trying not to let him see how nervous she actually was.
Jack pulled the bottle of wine from the refrigerator, opened it, grabbed the plate with the meats and they headed for the door. "This conversation isn't over; I hope you know that," Jack stated.
Elizabeth pulled the door closed, showing Jack that she locked the deadbolt. "Jack, I know you're worried and I appreciate that, but I've known Carson for awhile," she attempted to ease his concern.
Elizabeth continued, "Sure it freaks me out that he hasn't taken my 'No' for an answer, but he isn't violent."
The hallway was buzzing with residents coming and going so they quietly walked to the courtyard.
Onyx tagged along and Elizabeth released her in the pet area where she played with Sophie, the Viszla, and Sampson, the Great Dane.
Jack started the grill, opened the bottle of wine and poured each of them a glass. He walked over to the pet area, took her hand and led her to the picnic table, "Sit here and talk with me."
She could see the worry in his eyes, "Jack, he's just trying to make me question my decision to leave him. I don't think he would hurt me."
Jack took a deep breath, shook his head and exhaled harshly, "Maybe it's the line of work I'm in, but I don't trust people."
She looked up, her brow furrowed, "You don't trust anyone? Does that include me?"
Jack grinned, "You're trying to turn around this conversation. Of course that doesn't include you." Jack walked over and stirred up the coals before placing the steak and pork chops on the grill. "Elizabeth, sometimes when people don't get what they want, they snap. I don't know enough about him to make a judgment."
Jack drank from his glass before setting it back on the table, "When you broke up with Carson before, how did he react?"
"He called me several times a day, and he did show up at one of my dog shows," she stated as she thought back to last summer. "We just fell back into dating after awhile, but he wasn't violent, bossy maybe, but not violent."
Jack walked over to flip the meat on the grill, "I just want to make certain that things don't escalate. That's why I think you need to stay with me."
"NO, Jack I can't," she yelled before realizing her tone. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to snap at you. I know you're just worried about me, and I appreciate that."
She continued, "I know you're just looking out for me, but no, I won't leave my apartment. I do appreciate your concern and I love you so much for it, but as soon as I show him I'm weak, he's won. I promise, I'll be careful," she hopped down from the picnic table, and kissed his cheek. "I'm sorry, I forgot the seasoning. I'll be right back."
As she turned to walk away, Jack grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him. He cradled her face in his hands, "Elizabeth, I love you with every breath in my body, and I'm telling you that we have to be careful of him. Please listen to me."
"Jack, I promise to be careful, but I refuse to give up living my life. He isn't going to keep me from doing things I love because I'm afraid of him," she remarked.
"So you are afraid? At least that's healthy," he acknowledged.
Elizabeth headed for her apartment, "Please keep an eye on Onyx. I'll be right back," she advised. "Do you need anything else?"
"Do you want to eat out here?" He asked.
She looked around at all the couples, "No, there's too much stuff to bring outside."
"OK, then if you want to eat inside, I just need the seasoning. You may want to hurry up though. They're almost ready," he suggested.
Jack barely had time to finish his glass of wine before Elizabeth returned with the seasoning bottle.
"Mmm, they smell so good," she stated as she glanced over and saw the three dogs standing by the fence with their noses in the air and drool seeping from their lips. "Pete…Kathy, is it okay if Onyx shares her pork chop with Sampson and Sophie?" Elizabeth asked.
Both Pete and Kathy gave their permission, and their respective dogs happily agreed. Onyx on the other hand appeared disgruntled.
"What's wrong with her?" Jack asked.
"She never learned the joy of sharing with others. Oh, she'll share toys. Food, not so much!" Elizabeth explained.
"Onyx, I'll give you some of my steak," a statement that turned Onyx's gloomy demeanor back to one of mouth drooling excitement.
"You don't need to bribe her. She already likes you," she laughed, trying to lighten the somber mood. "I'm going back inside to get the salad and potatoes," she stated as she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Did you change your mind?" He asked.
"It's a beautiful evening, and with the soft courtyard lights, it's almost like eating by candlelight," she replied.
Ten minutes later, Elizabeth returned with the potatoes, salad, steak sauce and two slices of the ice cream cake in a small cooler.
Elizabeth cut up Onyx's pork chop and split it three ways. She could tell that Onyx was disappointed when she saw some of her food heading in the direction of her friends. They, on the other hand were quite excited.
Jack and Elizabeth sat across from each other. When not eating, they held hands and discussed their plans for the future. They talked about their trip back to Boston to talk with their families.
"Jack, I certainly didn't know any of this was going to happen when I registered for the dog show. Since I can't go home until next week, maybe we should just call our parents and tell them?" She suggested.
"You're probably right. I know my family is going to be ecstatic. My mom always loved you, but if they hear it from someone else, it will hurt them," Jack responded.
"You're right, it needs to be done soon," she agreed. "Maybe tonight after things settle down, you can call your folks and I'll call mine," she stated as she took a bite of her pork chop… "Mmm, that's good."
"So you are leaving for Florida on Thursday?" He asked.
"Yes, and depending on when I finish on Sunday, I'll either head on back or wait till Monday to leave. Either way I'm off on Monday," she explained.
Jack looked off in the distance before returning his eyes to her, "Since you're going to be gone, I may just go visit my family anyway. I haven't been home in a while, and I'd love to tell them in person," he stated. "Is that okay with you?"
"Sure Jack, I think it's wonderful if you can get home for the weekend. Please tell your mom that I look forward to getting up there real soon to see her," Elizabeth stated as she finished the last bit of her meal, saving the remaining scraps for Onyx.
Jack and Elizabeth were talking, paying little attention to those around them. Suddenly they heard music, looked up and saw several couples dancing on the basketball court.
"May I have this dance," Jack asked as he stood before her and held out his hand.
She gladly accepted and they walked hand in hand toward the music. He put his arms around her waist as she worked her hands across his shoulders and around his neck. She rested her head on his chest feeling safe and secure as he wrapped her lovingly in his arms. He inhaled deeply as the lavender vanilla scent of her hair filled his senses. He knew in his heart that he would never allow anything to happen to her.
Elizabeth leaned back slightly, glanced upward and met his eyes. It was just the two of them; they no longer heard music; they suddenly saw no other couples as they stood in the moonlight, and neither one felt the cold front as it swept through quickly dropping the temperature dramatically.
He only saw her as his hand on her cheek gently brushed across her smooth skin. She was aware of no one but him as her fingers ran through the hair on the nape of his neck. Their eyes were cast upon each other, never drifting, never wavering. His lips covered hers as their bodies touched and the warmth spread throughout, swallowing them in the moment.
Her lips were very inviting, soft and plump. He leaned in taking them at her invitation. Her mouth was warm and cool at the same time, as the taste of the strawberries in the ice cream cake lingered.
Suddenly Jack broke away, leaving her surprised, confused and definitely wanting more.
Although he continued to hold her, his attention was elsewhere.
"What's wrong, Jack?" She asked.
"Shh," he took her hand and led her back to the table. "I feel like we're being watched.
"There are several other couples here; it's probably one of them," she remarked as her hands ran up and down his arms trying to gain back his attention.
Jack was now in protection mode as he gathered their things and took her hand before heading back to her apartment.
Once inside the apartment Elizabeth's disappointment became easily discernible, "Jack, what did this job of yours do to you? You're paranoid."
"No Elizabeth, I'm alert, there's a difference, and whether you believe it or not, Carson is a threat to you and us," Jack stated as he pulled out his phone and made a call…
"Hey Simon, are you on patrol tonight?" He asked, listening for a response.
"Do you still handle the area around Chase Arbor Apartments?" Jack inquired.
He listened for a response, then continued, "I have a favor to ask; my fiancé is being stalked. I'm afraid to leave her and I can't talk her in to staying with me…"
Jack listened, and then turned away from Elizabeth, "No, it isn't Brooke. Her name is Elizabeth, and I'm not just trying to get her into my bed. Be serious."
Jack turned back toward Elizabeth, continuing to listen before finishing their conversation, "Okay, thanks I appreciate that."
"Okay, it's set. Simon will spend some extra time in this area. If you aren't coming to my place, at least there will be someone keeping an eye on things," he stated.
Jack sat on the sofa while Elizabeth took care of their dinner dishes. She fixed Onyx a plate of the leftovers, "Don't tell anyone I gave you this."
She walked back out to the sofa, poured two fresh glasses of wine and sat down beside Jack. She found him to be quite pensive. In fact, he hadn't even acknowledged that she had reentered the room.
"Ahem…" Elizabeth cleared her throat, attempting to return his attention back to her.
"Oh I'm sorry. Do you need some help in the kitchen?" He asked.
"No, everything is cleaned up and put away," she stated as she leaned against him and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Jack…"
"Uh-huh," he responded as his lips pressed against the top of her head.
"I'm sorry," she lowered her head. "I'm sorry about everything."
He turned to face her, lifting her chin slightly with his finger, "What are you talking about?"
"If Carson is dangerous, I've drawn you in and I'm sorry," she replied.
He smirked, "Elizabeth, I am quite capable of taking care of myself. I'm worried about you. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."
She leaned in and gently pressed her lips to his, "I'd do whatever I need to do to protect you too."
They sat quietly watching a Hallmark movie on TV, as they held hands, his fingers gently rubbing the skin on her arm...
"Do you ever think that our life is like a Hallmark movie? I mean, the stars always have so much love for each other," she commented.
"I hope not," he replied.
"Why? They're all so romantic," she quickly responded.
"Yes, but have you noticed that they never get to sleep together?" He asked.
"Is that all that men think about?" she leaned back and looked deep into his eyes.
Jack released a frustrated breath, "I have to be honest; I think about it whenever I'm with you," he laughed, "And most of the time when I'm not with you."
"You're silly," she giggled as she leaned over and gently kissed his cheek.
"But I'm honest," he whispered.
Jack looked over at the clock and realized that it was after 11pm and both of them had to work the next day. She walked him to the door…
"This is something else I think about," he stated as he pressed her against the wall beside the door.
Elizabeth felt the weight of his body up against hers as he held her firmly in place. His hands ran down her arms interlocking their fingers as his lips pressed firmly against hers. Her lips opened slightly as she welcomed him. His tongue moved tenderly along the inside of her lips sending electric waves of warmth throughout her body.
He whispered in her ear, "I have to leave now, or I'm not leaving at all." Jack opened the door, leaving her body against the wall, eyes closed, breathing rapidly, and obviously wanting more.
Jack closed the door behind him, and he waited. After a minute he opened the door again and found her still up against the wall. "Elizabeth, you need to lock the door behind me."
She turned to face him, and it took all of his willpower to leave her. As he closed the door a second time, he heard the deadbolt engage, and he felt that she was somewhat secure for the night.
Jack walked out into the parking lot, well aware of his surroundings and perusing the area for any sign of Carson. As he reached his truck he observed a Virginia Beach police car entering the complex. He stood at the back of his truck as the car approached.
"Hey Simon, I appreciate you slipping in here. I'm really worried about this guy," Jack stated as he approached the driver's side window.
"I owe you man; anything for you. After all, if it wasn't for you, I'd have taken that bullet in the chest and I may not be here right now," Simon replied.
"Hey, we were partners. That's what you do," Jack remarked.
"I know, but some people wouldn't have taken the bullet themselves to protect their partner," Simon replied. "I owe you man, and anything I can do to help, just ask!"
"Hey, are you happier working as a police officer? I mean, do you miss the FBI?" Jack asked.
"I have to say I miss the excitement at times. Miami was a blast, and meeting you there just made everything better, but I am happy where I am. So, I thought you were dating Brooke," Simon inquired.
"Do you remember me telling you about my college…"
"Elizabeth…that's the Elizabeth? WOW, we really do need to catch up?" Simon put his car in park and stepped outside to shake Jack's hand and do the masculine hug.
"Yes, that's her," Jack remarked with a smile. His facial expression suddenly changed, "Getting back to the subject; I'm worried about this guy she was dating. He doesn't seem to want to let her go. She's stubborn, as always, and I just feel better knowing that someone is keeping an eye on her at night when I can't."
"Why won't she stay with you?" Simon asked. "Don't tell me that you've lost your touch."
"Stop it. You know I was never a player," Jack replied quickly.
"True the ladies were falling all over you, and I used to wonder why you couldn't care less." Simon laughed, "I even thought at one point that you must be gay. Not that there's anything wrong with it; I was just trying to get the girls, and you wanted nothing to do with them."
Jack laughed at the thought, "No, I'm far from gay, but I had already found the girl I wanted. She just didn't want me."
"But now she does, so congratulations," Simon interjected.
"Thanks, I'm the happiest I have been in years," Jack replied. "If I could just get rid of Carson, everything would be perfect."
"Jack you aren't thinking what I think you're thinking…" Simon stepped back slightly.
"What? Oh no, I'd never do that, but I will do what I need to do to protect her," Jack admitted.
"So why won't she stay with you?" Simon asked.
"She has a dog, and my apartment doesn't allow them. She won't leave her, and I really wouldn't expect her to," he stated. "But that doesn't stop me from worrying."
"I'll keep an eye on things. Hey, let's get together sometime soon, okay?" Simon suggested.
"Sounds great," Jack agreed. "Hey, call me if you notice anything. I don't care what time; I want to know about it."
"Don't worry; I'll keep an eye on things, and on her," Simon assured him.
Jack got into his truck and headed home. Once inside his apartment he sat on the sofa, pulled out his phone and sent her a text…
"I love u…"
A few moments later she responded…
"I love u 2…"
"Sweet dreams…" he smiled as he pressed "send."
"About u and I always do…"
Elizabeth slipped into bed, pulled out her journal and began to express her feelings on paper…
"We can't always have what we want. Disappointing, yes, but life is full of disappointments. People are different, and you cannot force your feelings upon them. In doing so, you control them through fear, not love.
I am sorry that you have been hurt and that I was inadvertently the cause. It was certainly not my desire to do so. I have spoken what's in my heart and I cannot give to you something that belongs to someone else. He has held my heart for nearly half of my lifetime and I will forever be his.
Please understand that although we had some good times, they were also tempered by my undeniable feelings for another. I never meant to mislead you, but still I must accept responsibility for my unintentional deception. That being said, it is now your turn to deal with your own feelings, realizing that this relationship would never survive amid my desire for another.
As difficult as it may be, it is now time to move on. We are only responsible for our own feelings and how honestly we present them to others. We cannot and should not attempt to control someone, as a relationship based on lies and forced feelings is not healthy and provides no emotional satisfaction."
Several days passed, Jack and Elizabeth continued as usual with work and meeting up in the evening for dinner and quiet time snuggling on the sofa. Jack was concerned because Elizabeth was scheduled to leave early in the morning without him. The only bright spot was that she would also be far away from Carson.
Jack woke early the next morning and checked his clock. It was 4:30am and he had another two hours before he had to leave for work, but he couldn't sleep any longer. He pulled out his phone and sent Elizabeth a text…
"Are you on the road yet…?"
"Yes, already in NC. Left earlier than planned…"
"Please b careful and keep in touch. Wait, r u driving? No texting and driving…"
"No, stopped at rest area. I'm good…"
"OK, love u, drive safe…"
"Love u 2…"
Three hours later, Elizabeth stopped near the South Carolina line at a Starbucks for a strong cup of coffee, a decadent piece of cinnamon apple cake, and a biscuit for Onyx. She sat in the parking lot and called Jack…
"Hi sweetheart. Where are you now?" He asked.
"I'm in South Carolina. I just stopped for a cup of coffee and some breakfast. I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry I had to leave," she began.
He could tell that she was tearing up, "What's wrong?"
"Jack, I love dog shows…"
"I know that," he agreed.
"I just don't want to be here right now. I have missed you for seven years, and I want to be home," she broke down slightly trying desperately to hide her emotions. "I have to get back on the road. I love you," she stated as she disconnected the call. She was afraid to remain on the line longer, because hearing his voice made her insides hurt.
Jack was concerned that his initial dissatisfaction in her going out of town may have had an impact on her feelings about the trip. He dialed her number again and waited. Finally on the fourth ring she answered.
"Elizabeth, I have my phone, so when you want to talk, call me. I love you so much. Do you remember how good our reunion was at the cabin?" He asked.
"Uh-huh," was the only response she could muster.
"This time it will be even better. I'll see you Monday, but I'm here whenever you need me," he assured her.
Three hours later, Elizabeth was driving through Georgia. She turned the radio up and sang to her favorite songs to help keep her awake. The next song, Writing's on the Wall by Sam Smith, was somewhat somber but very honest. She wanted to change the station, but couldn't; she had to listen as the words were so true…
"I've been here before
But always hit the floor
I've spent a lifetime running
And I always get away
But with you I'm feeling something
That makes me want to stay
I'm prepared for this
I never shoot to miss
But I feel like a storm is coming
If I'm gonna make it through the day
Then there's no more use in running
This is something I gotta face
If I risk it all
Could you break my fall?
How do I live? How do I breathe?
When you're not here I'm suffocating
I want to feel love, run through my blood
Tell me is this where I give it all up?
For you I have to risk it all
'Cause the writing's on the wall
A million shards of glass
That haunt me from my past
As the stars begin to gather
And the light begins to fade
When all hope begins to shatter
Know that I won't be afraid
If I risk it all
Could you break my fall?
How do I live? How do I breathe?
When you're not here I'm suffocating
I want to feel love, run through my blood
Tell me is this where I give it all up?
For you I have to risk it all
'Cause the writing's on the wall"
Four hours later, Elizabeth pulled into the show site. The first thing she did was call Jack…
She allowed the phone to ring and ring before sitting through his answering machine message…
"Jack, we're here. I'm staying at the Red Roof Inn on International Parkway. I'll call you later. Oh, and thanks for picking up your phone when I called. Glad it wasn't important," she commented, actually meaning it as a joke and hoping he would take it as such.
She stuck her phone in her bag and headed into the facility. It was loud and there were already a large number of people setting up their sites. It took her several trips around the facility to find a good spot that wasn't too far from the rings. She found a place in between the rings for Golden Retrievers/Labs and many of the toy breeds. She set up her crates and grooming table and walked around enjoying the company of many of her friends that she hadn't seen in quite a while.
"What's that on your hand," Lisa yelled, as the girls standing around grabbed Elizabeth's hand. "You're engaged. Who's the lucky guy?"
"Lisa, you may remember him…"
"The guy from college?" Lisa blurted out.
Elizabeth couldn't contain her smile, "Yes, his name is Jack…Jack Thornton."
"OMG, he's gorgeous, but I thought you guys broke up?" Lisa asked.
"When are you getting married?" Beth asked.
"We did, and I'd be married now if it were up to me," Elizabeth replied.
"Oh, is he dragging his feet? You know, I think they get the ring on your finger and expect you to start acting like a married couple, if you know what I mean," Rachel replied.
"Um, no…what do you mean?" Elizabeth asked.
Rachel responded, "Well, you know, you're wearing their ring, and now you belong to them. It's a way to get you into bed."
"Are you serious? You must be dating the wrong guys, because Jack is so far from that…totally polar opposites," Elizabeth remarked.
Lisa leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Don't tell me that you're still a vir…"
"Shh, you don't need to announce it to all of Orlando," Elizabeth barked back.
Lisa pulled Elizabeth's arm and they stepped back from the group. "Hey, I remember how serious you were about that, and I admire you. Jack must truly be a good guy to wait for you. Congratulations, will he be here this weekend?"
"No, he's flying to Boston to tell his parents that we're engaged," Elizabeth stated.
They turned back to the group who was now making their dinner plans. Lisa stated, "You broke up but got back together? When?"
"On Christmas Eve at a cabin in Charlottesville. It was the best Christmas ever," Elizabeth smiled thinking back to that magical night.
"So when did you get engaged?" She asked.
"New Year's Eve," Elizabeth replied.
"WOW, that's fast," Rachel remarked.
"No, it may seem that way, but I've loved him since I was fourteen years old," Elizabeth explained.
After dinner with a group of professional handlers, Elizabeth and Onyx headed to the hotel to check in and relax. The only dog she was personally responsible for was Onyx, as all of the others she was showing were considered to be ringside pickups.
She pulled out her phone and realized that she had a message from Jack…
"I'm calling you back. Now who isn't answering their phone? Please call me back…"
She punched out a text to Jack…
"Didn't want to bother you, but I'm here at the hotel…"
"U r never a bother. I miss u. Sorry was n a mtg earlier when u called…"
"I miss u 2 and that's OK. I was JK…"
"I'm flying to Boston 2morrow. B back on Sunday…"
She didn't want to text. She wanted to hear his voice, so she dialed his number…
"Hello sweetheart."
"I miss you Jack, but I'll be home soon. I haven't told my mom yet, so I guess I'd better call her in case you or your mother sees her," Elizabeth stated.
"That would be a good idea," he agreed.
They talked about everything but Carson, thinking that if he didn't enter their conversation then he wasn't prominently weighing on their minds. Although not speaking of him really did nothing to keep him out of their thoughts. Jack was at least relieved that while she was out of town, he felt that she was safe.
They ended their conversation with her wishes for his safe flight to Boston, his best of luck wish for a good show, and each one declaring "I love you" to the other.
Elizabeth clipped Onyx's leash on her for one last walk before bedtime. They walked to the open field located next to the hotel. Elizabeth was busy checking her phone as Onyx sniffed around.
Suddenly Elizabeth felt a chill race down her spine. She dropped her phone and spun around, seeing nothing but empty cars. Her phone was in a dark case, and without light she had no idea where it was.
"Excuse me," Elizabeth called out to the person at the front desk. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I dropped my phone out in the field and I can't find it in the dark. Do you have a flashlight I could borrow?"
The desk clerk slipped into the back room and returned with a flashlight, "Here you go. Just drop it off when you're finished."
"Thank you," Elizabeth stated as she headed out the door and back to the field. She walked around the area with the flashlight very near the ground but found nothing. It was now almost 11pm, and although she hated to give up, she felt that she had searched every inch of the area. After the show tomorrow, she would need to run by Verizon and replace her phone. "Great, I should have stayed home."
She and Onyx were asleep within ten minutes of slipping under the covers. Outside in the parking lot, someone held up a cell phone and scanned pictures, texts and phone records before slipping into a room.
Before leaving the hotel in the morning, Elizabeth picked up the phone to make an outside call. She sat on the side of her bed and stared at the phone suddenly realizing how horrible the era of technology was. She tried to remember Jack's number but alas, "It's in my phone. I don't know his number."
Elizabeth called the FBI Office and left a message for Jack at the front desk…
"Lost my phone in the field at the hotel. Have to show several breeds during the day. Will get my phone replaced after the show."
With the exception of losing her phone, she was doing well in the ring. Ringo, the Chihuahua, won his class and was Best Puppy. Giggles, the Golden Retriever, was Best of Winners for two points. Charlie, the Pointer, was Winner's Dog, for his final point and new championship, Bently, the Vizsla, won his first 3 point major, and Onyx, was Best of Breed.
Jack was quite puzzled because he texted her several times before the show started and up until lunch time and she hadn't responded. He knew that she was busy, but she would certainly have time to text me back, right?
The Sporting Group was scheduled for 2:45pm. Elizabeth had plenty of time to take Onyx outside for one last walk before their next ring time. She walked through the parking lot to her Explorer to get a bottle of water. She opened the back door, and pulled out a bottle along with some of Onyx's special bait from her cooler. She stepped back slightly but before she knew it, a hand came across her shoulder and pushed the door closed.
Elizabeth spun around and fell back against her vehicle, "Wha…what are you doing here?"
To be continued…