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 12- The Need to Apologize

"What…? I've never seen that before," Jack stated emphatically.

"Then how did it get into your vehicle? It most certainly didn't walk there on its own," she replied as her anger was causing her to begin to shake. "All this talk of helping me remember and you take the one thing that might unlock my memories? Why Jack?"

"Elizabeth, you've got to believe me. I'm telling you the truth," he responded. In all his years of police work, he was now lost. If he had been able to think clearly he'd have figured it out. However, she was angry; she was broken trust angry and he feared her pushing him away.

"Jack, I don't have to do anything except protect myself," she yelled. "I'm so tired of everyone thinking that they know what's best for me…my parents, doctors, friends, you…"

"Elizabeth, why would I have sent you to get Maverick's dog food if I knew it was there?" he threw a logical question into the mix. Unfortunately, Elizabeth was in anger mode and was not thinking logically.

"I don't know, Jack. All I know is that I've been missing it; you knew how upset I was over it being gone, but still you said nothing…"

"I said nothing because I didn't know it was in there…"

"Forgot you left it there is more likely…"

"Elizabeth, please…"

"Please what…? Would you like my current journal so you can compare pre-accident thoughts, feelings and emotions to my post accident entries?"

"Elizabeth stop; you're just trying to be hurtful…"

"Oh, by all means Jack, I should watch what I say. I have minimal memories for months of my life. Apparently I was dating someone who must have thought I was not worth hanging around after my accident. My private journal disappears and ends up in your car, but by all means, let me be considerate of your feelings," her eyes were sky blue, and they were piercing right through him.

"Elizabeth, please sit down and let's talk about this. There has to be a reasonable explanation," he pleaded with her.

"Did you enjoy the read, Jack? Did you sit back and have a good laugh at the poor girl who lost her memory? Did you learn anything juicy that you'd like to reveal? Tell me, who is the great guy I was dating who dumped me after the accident? I'm sure you must know," she kept firing questions at him, but gave him no time to respond.

"Doc, you have to…"

Her breathing was rapid but shallow, "I don't have to do anything, Sgt. Thornton. I think it's time for you to leave." She walked to the door and held it open but turned away from him, unable to look him in his eyes.

"Elizabeth, please don't do this; we need to talk. I need to tell you…" his voice was soft and sincere as he placed his hand on her arm.

"Take you hand off me. Please, just leave," Elizabeth's voice was loud and firm as she fought with the tears that were threatening to fall.

Jack called Maverick who sadly left the comfort of his bed, but obediently joined Jack. "Please take some time to think about this," he sadly stated before walking out the door.

Once she was certain that Maverick was outside, she closed the door.

Jack stood on the porch as he took a second to think of what had just transpired. Sadly, by the sound of her voice, her referring to him as Sgt. Thornton, and her immediate locking of the door, she was done and he didn't even know how it happened.

Once inside his townhouse, Jack turned Maverick into the backyard, grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and took a seat on the sofa. He pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed her number. When she didn't answer, he immediately sent out a text…

"I didn't take ur journal. I kno how it looks but I'll find out wat happened…"

"No need, I'm done…"

"Please don't say that…"

"I don't want to see u again. Don't contact me, Goodbye…"

He tossed his phone onto the cushion beside him before taking his hands and scattering everything that was on his coffee table onto the floor. He rested his head in his hands and did something he hadn't done in quite some time…he cried.

Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out the velvet box he had carried every day since one week before her accident. He opened the lid to reveal a beautiful yellow gold solitaire diamond engagement ring. His hand closed around the box as his tears continued to flow.

Little did Jack and Elizabeth know how parallel their lives were at that very moment as she, too, sat on her sofa with tears falling unrestricted down her cheeks.

Jack walked to his bedroom, opened his top dresser drawer and slipped the ring box inside, covering it with clothing.

Her tears refused to cease as Elizabeth found it nearly impossible to catch her breath. She felt betrayed by the one person she had come to trust completely. Maybe not considered to be a big deal by some, she felt that without trust, she and Jack had nothing.

Elizabeth grabbed her bag and pulled out her journal and a pen. She sat back on her sofa, flipped to the next blank page and through her tears she tried to convey her feelings onto the paper…

"Into each life some rain must fall. However, right now I feel as though I'm being hit with a monsoon of monstrous proportions. Each wave threatens to pull me under; so deep that I can't breathe. I fight to reach the surface, to take in oxygen, but what's the point? It simply prolongs the anger, the disappointment and the feeling of loss. I've never felt so dead inside before.

My world spins out of control. Those things I thought were real dissolve before my eyes as my heart breaks and the trust crumbles. How can such a small word carry such power? For trust has the ability to build a mighty fortress, or destroy it in the blink of an eye.

The saddest part about life is that when your world has exploded from within, you are still expected to go on living. You are expected to maintain a smile all the while those around you have no idea that the sun has gone dark, and your stars have fallen from the sky."

Elizabeth closed her journal and sat it on the table beside her. The anger she currently carried did nothing to hide the loss she felt as she asked Jack to leave. The truth was she loved him. She hadn't said the words but she knew what her heart felt. But now, with the trust broken, would there ever be a way to repair the shattered pieces around her? At this moment, she didn't think so.

Jack was up all night trying to figure out how her journal found its way into his SUV and even with his many years of police training, he went blank. Possibly too close to the situation, Jack's thoughts kept centering on Elizabeth and the relationship he was afraid she was throwing away.

Several days passed and Jack did as Elizabeth asked. He didn't call, text or attempt to see her. However, he also realized that the longer they went without talking the farther apart they were drifting.

Elizabeth was tired of letting others, especially her father handle her personal business, so she attempted to take her life into her own hands. She knew what she had been told about the accident; it happened late at night, no eye witnesses, and it appeared that the deer was the target. However, after her truck crashed, it spooked the poachers and they quickly fled the scene. They likely would not be found unless they were caught doing it again. Shouldn't someone be accountable?

She rode by the police station, and not seeing Jack's vehicle she stepped inside.

"May I help you?" the desk sergeant asked. "Oh hi, aren't you Elizabeth? I haven't seen you in quite a while."

Elizabeth simply dismissed the desk sergeant's recollection of her as a part of her missing memories. "Hi, I stopped by to…"

"Jack is out on patrol, but I can get a message to him if you like," she offered.

"No, thank you. That's not necessary. I wanted to talk with someone about my accident. I haven't heard anything and just wanted to know if anyone ever came forward?" Elizabeth asked.

The desk sergeant opened the computer program and plugged in the necessary identifying information. "No ma'am, I'm sorry. It was assigned to be investigated, but with no witnesses…well, it's still an open case. You did get your belongings back, right?"

"Belongings? No, I never got anything back," Elizabeth remarked.

"Wait right here and I'll check in the evidence tank," she stated as she closed down the computer and headed down a hallway behind her.

Fifteen minutes later she returned, "I have looked absolutely everywhere. Maybe Jack took it to give back to you."

Elizabeth didn't need to think about Jack keeping her other property, so she did her best to dismiss that possibility. "Jack and I aren't together anymore, so I'm sure he doesn't have it. Is there anyone else you can check with?"

I'll see if I can reach the officer who logged it in. If I can find out anything, I'll let you know," she advised.

In the initial days that passed, Elizabeth showed up for work but Harper, Mandy and Kelly could easily tell that something was wrong. Elizabeth was unusually sullen, all work, and uncharacteristically snapped at a client for missing an appointment. She immediately apologized for her outburst, excusing herself to return to her office where she put her head on her desk and cried.

Back at home, Shane and Maggie quickly learned that something was wrong. Although they had no idea what it could be, Elizabeth was withdrawn, remained in the house when she wasn't at work or feeding the animals, and kept turning down their invitations to dinner.

Being oblivious to the specifics, Shane and Maggie had also not seen Jack in several days, and could only assume that her mood was directly related to his disappearance.

"Okay, I don't know what's going on here, but you go handle Elizabeth; I'm going to take care of Jack," Shane stated as he headed for the door.

"Don't go all super hero on me. Just talk to him. Truthfully, maybe it was just a mutual separation," Maggie stated before she quickly added, "Never mind, they're perfect for each other. I can't even say they mutually separated and believe it."

Shane and Maggie walked out to the driveway together but split when he jumped into his car and she continued through the path to Elizabeth's house.

Maggie carried a bottle of wine and 2 glasses as she prepared her best "refuse to take 'No' for an answer" face. She rang the doorbell twice before Elizabeth answered.

Elizabeth appeared wearing a pair of ripped sweatpants, an oversized sweatshirt and her hair in pigtails.

"You know, I'm no beauty queen, but my heavens girl, you look bad. What's wrong?" Maggie asked as she walked inside without waiting on her invitation, which she was fairly certain wouldn't come.

They took a seat in the den, "It's Jack," but before she could explain, she began to cry.

Maggie wrapped her arms around her, "What did he do? Did he hurt you?"

Elizabeth couldn't talk, but simply shook her head up and down.

Maggie pulled out her phone, "Forget what I said before. He hurt her, so do what you have to…"

"No, wait…" Elizabeth raised her head from Maggie's shoulder. "He hurt me but not like you think.

"What happened Elizabeth? You look so sad," Maggie asked.

Elizabeth wiped her eyes but was unable to keep the tears from falling. "My journal…"

"I know you were looking for it. Did you find it? Maybe found some information in it that was upsetting?" Maggie asked.

"No, I mean yes, I found it, but it was in Jack's SUV," Elizabeth replied.

"Jack's SUV; why was it in there?" Maggie asked.

"He obviously stole it from my house. Maybe he didn't want me to use it to remember the months I had lost," Elizabeth angrily remarked.

"That doesn't make any sense for him to take it and keep it from you. It would have only helped him for you to find it and…" Maggie responded but stopped mid-sentence after being concerned that she was saying too much.

Maggie pulled her in for a hug, "Elizabeth, there has to be an explanation here. I just don't think he would steal it. Don't you think that maybe you should get together and talk?"

"You're on his side? What happened to girls sticking together?" Elizabeth yelled as she pulled away and stood from the sofa. "If you don't mind, I'm tired and not feeling well. I'd like to be alone."

Elizabeth walked Maggie to the door, closing it as Maggie stepped out onto the porch.

Shane pulled up into Jack's driveway and stepped up to the door. He was angry and found himself clenching his fist, only to relax it before drawing it into a fist again.

The door opened and Jack looked horrible. Shane had only seen him at his best before, and this was certainly not a good look for him.

Shane noticed several days' worth of stubble on his face; his eyes were red and weak, and his hair was erratically wild.

"Shane, this isn't really a good time," Jack stated as he started to close the door.

Shane put his hand on the door to stop it from closing, "I don't really care. We're going to talk." Shane walked inside and stepped over magazines, and other items which scattered the floor before taking a seat on the sofa.

"Before you say anything, Maggie is with Elizabeth right now. What did you do to her?" Shane asked, but gave him little time to respond.

Shane continued, "I told you a long time ago that if you hurt her, I'd come after you. So I'm asking you again; what did you do to her?"

Jack looked lost, "I didn't do anything."

"Right, that's why she's devastated? Try again…" Shane blurted out.

"No, I mean… oh man, I don't know what happened. She thinks I stole her journal. She won't listen to me," Jack started to explain. "She found her journal in my SUV." Jack took a breath, "I have no idea how it go there. Besides, why would I keep it from her? I mean, she's starting to get some memories back but they don't include us as a couple. Why would I not want her to remember? It just doesn't make any sense."

"So you didn't put your hands on her…?"

"What…? No, I would never do anything to hurt her. I love her," Jack yelled as if the loudness of his voice would make what he said more truthful.

"Okay, so what happened?" Shane asked.

"We were having a great time and I was fixing the dessert while she went outside to get her mail and bring Maverick's food in from my SUV. She came inside and all hell broke loose," Jack stated before releasing a frustrated breath. "There was no reasoning with her. But to be honest, I don't know what I could have said because I didn't understand it myself."

"Well, maybe with both of us working on it we can figure something out," Shane suggested.

"Shane, I don't think she wants to listen. It's a big trust issue with her and actually it is to me too. I didn't do anything wrong, but yet she's accusing me of stealing. Maybe it's just not meant to be…"

"Jack, are you just giving up?" Shane asked.

"No, but I don't want a relationship with someone who assumes that I could be so deceitful," Jack replied.

"Well, I'm going home and we'll see what happens. Maybe with a few days to think about it, she'll come around," Shane suggested.

"It's been days and she isn't beating down my door…"

"You aren't beating down hers either," Shane reminded him.

"Shane she said 'goodbye' to me. She was done that night; no thinking; no trying to figure it out; just assuming that I was in the wrong."

"So you're just giving up?"

"It seems to me that she did. I can't fight this alone, and frankly I don't want to. The fact is she doesn't trust me…" Jack remarked as he turned away.

"Jack, can you blame her? She's lost time out of her life; no one is doing anything to help her regain those memories, myself included," Shane stated as his hand on Jack's arm turned him back around.

Jack pulled away, "I do appreciate your friendship but this is something that we're going to have to work out on our own. That is if we can work it out. Thanks for coming over, but I think I just need to be alone right now."

Shane reluctantly left and headed directly home. As he walked in the door, Maggie was visibly upset over their dear friend's current situation. They both sat down and talked through what each of them had learned. They knew that there had to be a logical explanation, as "thief" and "Jack" did not seem to be two thoughts that went together. They also realized that Jack and Elizabeth's relationship would either be repaired or irreparably broken on their own. They would each need to determine if what they had, and what they felt was worth fighting for their future.

While on patrol, Jack stopped by the clinic on several occasions to talk with Elizabeth, but she was always conveniently busy and unable to spare the time. She felt sick each time he was turned away and watched through the window as he disappeared out of her parking lot.

Elizabeth knew in her heart that there was no way possible that he was guilty of what she had accused him of. After all, in her eyes he was the only one who seemed to be trying to help her gain back her lost memories. Maybe he'd taken the journal in an attempt to help her unlock those missing memories. Even that scenario meant he'd stolen something precious from her and if she was honest with herself, she couldn't believe that he was guilty. However, as the water continued to flow under the bridge of misunderstanding, so she became more stubborn and found that she was unable to back down.

As time passed, both were miserable and Jack's attempts to prove his innocence to her waned, as he felt that she had already made up her mind about him. Elizabeth, still unable to remember those lost months, decided it wasn't worth fighting for.

She had looked through her old journal, hoping to find a glimpse of the life she'd lost, but unfortunately the pages were damaged by ink smears leading to words which bled into each other. There were multiple pages that were stuck together which tore as she attempted to separate them. Her stomach was in knots as she could only imagine what had happened to her precious journal.

Although she wasn't up for socializing, a friend from back home, Rosie Coulter, contacted her advising that she would be in town for a long weekend. Ever the considerate friend, Elizabeth invited her to stay in the guest room of her home.

Elizabeth's time with Rosie was very much needed as she found herself laughing for the first time in what felt like forever.

"Hey, when am I going to meet this guy that you told me so much about?" Rosie asked.

"I guess we haven't talked in quite a while. We aren't dating anymore," Elizabeth quickly replied.

"Oh Elizabeth I'm so sorry. He sounded perfect," Rosie responded.

"Maybe too perfect," Elizabeth remarked as she quickly wiped a few tears as they spilled from her eyes.

"Looks like it still hurts. Do you miss him?" Rosie asked.

Elizabeth began to cry. She quickly explained what happened before admitting, "I made a big mistake. I was so hurt and angry and I made accusations against him. I didn't want to listen to what he had to say. Truly, if I'd taken time to think about it, I would have realized how absurd they were. But after so much time how can you simply say 'Oops, I made a mistake. I believe you didn't do this to hurt me.'"

"You simply say, 'I made a mistake. I'm so sorry.'"

"I know you're right. I need to apologize anyway, but I still don't know what happened. One thing I do know for sure, I miss him," she admitted as Rosie reached over and wiped the tears away from her cheeks. "So much time has passed; I'm sure he's dating someone else by now."

"Why would you assume that? You aren't…" Rosie reminded her.

"Well, you know its Saturday, which is officially date night around the world. Why don't we be each other's dates for the evening? I've heard a lot about the beach; how it can clear your head, and put things into perspective. Let's go for a walk on the boardwalk, and we can figure out what you need to do" Rosie suggested.

"I'd love to, but just keep in mind that although it is comfortable here, it is much colder along the water. So bundle up," Elizabeth advised.

As they walked toward the boardwalk, she saw him. He took her breath away. He was as handsome as she remembered, and ever so much the gentleman as he opened the door to The Lighthouse restaurant for two young women. Jack and another man, who Elizabeth believed was a fellow police officer, followed the women inside.

One thing that she did notice, he didn't appear sad or lost. So in Elizabeth's eyes, he had moved on.

"Hey, what's wrong? You look like you just got run over by a truck," Rosie joked.

"I feel like I did," Elizabeth replied. She pointed to the restaurant as Rosie barely got a glimpse of Jack before he and his fellow officer stepped inside.

"Now is your chance. Go talk to him, at least apologize. Even if you don't get back together, you'll feel better," she stated as she gently pushed Elizabeth toward the restaurant entrance.

"Apparently he's moved on. They have dates," she stated as she turned away and started walking in the opposite direction.

"Let's go inside and eat. Show him that it doesn't bother you," Rosie suggested.

"But for whatever reason, it does. Come on, let's walk, or go back home," Elizabeth demanded. "You know Rosie; I just never realized how difficult it would be to grieve the loss of someone who's still alive."

Inside the restaurant the hostess approached, "Table for four?"

The two women giggled, "No, we're not together. Two tables for two please," Jack stated as he allowed the two women to step in front of them.

"You know Jack, you need to get back out there and date. Being single isn't a good look on you," Alan stated.

"I still miss her," Jack replied. "I still find myself riding by her clinic when I'm on patrol, wishing something would happen…I mean, nothing serious, but something that would call me there so I could see her. But I destroyed the trust she had in me and I don't even know how. So you say that I need to date… I'm sorry, but I don't see myself getting over her any time soon."

"I'm sorry man; I didn't mean to bring the mood down. Let's change the subject…"

"What do you want to talk about?" Jack asked.

"Did you see where a detective position is opening up? Max Anderson is taking a position in Atlanta," Alan advised.

"WOW, he's leaving? I never thought he'd move away." Jack stated.

"Well, his wife's father passed away and they're moving to Atlanta to help take care of her mom," Alan replied.

"You know, I almost took a position in West Palm Beach before Elizabeth and I got together…"

"Don't you mean back together…?"

"Yes, but unfortunately, she doesn't remember that," Jack disappointedly added.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I know how much you cared about her," Alan remarked.

Jack's voice was soft, "Cared? I loved her. The fact is, I still love her. You know, I may have to do what Max is doing…"

"Do what…?"

"Move away…"

"Jack, you can't be serious. You would actually leave your mom, and Maverick?"

"Alan, I have to do something. Everywhere I go, I hope to see her, but then I realize that I'm liable to see her with someone else, and I don't think I could handle that," Jack admitted.

"You know, a lot of time has passed. Why don't you see if she's willing to talk now?"

"You didn't see the anger in her eyes. I don't think I have ever seen her so angry. Her eyes were a beautiful sky blue but they were like daggers, piercing right through me. She didn't touch me but it was the worst pain I had ever felt," Jack remarked.

Christmas passed and the New Year began, as the days, and weeks continued to roll by with Jack and Elizabeth still apart.

Elizabeth could only assume that Jack had completely moved on when she stepped into her exam room and found Maverick. She was excited to see her four legged buddy but was taken aback when the officer turned around and it wasn't Jack.

"This is Maverick, right?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am. He's here for his check up and a rabies shot," Officer Sanders advised.

"Is Sgt. Thornton okay?" she asked, as the pit in her stomach was growing by leaps and bounds.

"I assume he's fine. He took leave from his position with the department. I'm Maverick's handler now," he advised.

Elizabeth was preoccupied as she completed his exam. She couldn't imagine Jack leaving his mother, and most certainly not Maverick. The exam took longer than usual, but once released, she gave Maverick a hug and a kiss, "That's from your daddy."

With no more appointments for the day, Elizabeth secluded herself in her office.

"Dr. Thatcher…" Harper called through the intercom system. There is a police officer here to see you.

Elizabeth picked up the phone, "Is it Jack?"

"No…excuse me sir, what's your name?" Harper asked.

"Officer Martin…"

"It's Officer Martin," Harper replied back to Elizabeth.

"I'll be right out," Elizabeth responded.

When Elizabeth stepped out into the waiting area, she observed an officer that she did not recall seeing before. He was standing by the door, holding a big paper bag, and looking out into the parking lot.

"Officer Martin…?

He turned around and approached her. "May I speak with you in private please?"

"Certainly," she opened the door and directed him back to her office.

"What can I help you with?" she asked.

"Well, first of all I need to apologize because I should have been here sooner…"

"Sooner, for what?" she asked.

He handed her the bag and she looked inside. "What is all this?" she asked before pulling the items out and setting them on her desk. Included in the bag was her purse, wallet, water logged cell phone, hair brush, credit cards, driver's license, ink pen, gum, breath mints, make up, lip baum, and a baggie of disintegrated dog treats.

"I don't understand. What's this…where did you find this?" she asked as her eyes moved quickly from item to item.

"Well, first I'd like to say that you look so much better than you did that night. I felt so sorry for Jack; he was so upset…"

"Felt sorry for Jack, why?"

"Well, it doesn't happen often that you come upon an accident scene and find that your girlfriend is the victim," he explained.

"I would imagine not. But what about Jack?" she asked, clearly confused.

"Well, you and Jack were dating, and he told me that he was in love with you…I'm sorry, that was probably too personal. Anyway, he and Maverick were the ones who found you."

Officer Martin was oblivious to her confusion and he simply continued with his explanation. "Jack was devastated. He said that you'd had an argument the night before and as they pulled you out, you looked at him like he was a stranger."

Officer Martin continued, "That pretty much killed him. He stayed back and collected everything that he saw around your truck and threw it into his SUV before leaving for the hospital."

"So where has this stuff been all this time?" she asked.

"Well ma'am, that's where I need to apologize. I followed Jack to the hospital and barely missed hitting him when he pulled in and slammed on his brakes. Maybe I shouldn't be telling you all of this," he remarked.

"No, you're the only one who has told me anything. Please don't stop," she begged.

"Jack was so upset. He felt guilty that you were out on your own that late at night and he was so worried about you. He stayed out in the parking lot because he said if no one could find him then they couldn't tell him how bad you were hurt. That way he could feel like everything was going to be okay."

As he continued to explain, Elizabeth felt her eyes filling with tears.

"Now comes my responsibility," Officer Martin began to explain. "Jack was on his way into the hospital and I told him that I would get your belongings and log them in so you could get them back. When he pulled into the parking lot and hit his brakes, I can only assume that along with your purse, everything that he had stuffed inside of it must have spilled onto the floorboard."

Officer Martin took a deep breath, "I grabbed everything I could find on the floorboard and stuffed it back into your purse. I logged it in on the accident report. I asked another officer to turn it in, but somehow it simply sat under a desk until I returned yesterday."

"Yesterday? You've been gone for months?" her tone was one of surprise.

"Actually, I was transferred to another precinct. When I came back I saw the bag and I immediately looked for Jack but was surprised to hear that he was on an extended leave. I guess that means that you two aren't together anymore. I'm sorry to hear that, because he was completely in love with you. WOW, I shouldn't have said that."

"Jack and I were dating? For how long?" she asked.

"You don't remember?" he replied.

"Actually, I don't. So please, tell me what you know," she begged.

"Well, I can tell you that Jack used to play basketball with several of the officers after work. Once you two started dating last spring, he was with you practically every night," he advised.

"So we dated before the accident?" she asked.

"WOW, you really did lose some memories. You two were dating for months before your accident," he confirmed.

"A journal, did you happen to see a journal when you gathered the items in his SUV?" she asked.

"Is that like a book you write in?" he inquired.

"Yes, I often carried it in my purse, but I don't remember if I had it with me on the night of the accident. It was missing for quite some time," she informed him.

"But have you since found it?" he asked.

"Yes, I did but it was quite some time after the accident," she replied.

"I'm sorry ma'am. There was a book on the floor, but I thought it was Jack's. For as long as I've known him, he's always carried a notebook around in his vehicle in case he needed to take notes on something."

"But what I'm looking for is a journal, not a spiral bound notebook," Elizabeth advised.

"No ma'am, I know the difference, but what I saw was a leather bound book. I just assumed it was his. I didn't open it. Maybe if I had I'd have known it wasn't his. I'm so sorry," Officer Martin apologized. "The book was wet, but I assumed that it came from the water in your purse that spilled out. I simply slid it under the seat before I closed the door. I'm so sorry. I didn't know that it was yours."

Officer Martin left the vet clinic, leaving Elizabeth with the contents of her bag, some possible memories and a need to apologize to Jack.

Elizabeth pulled out her phone and immediately dialed his number…

"Hello…" a woman answered the call.

"I'm sorry, I must have the wrong number," Elizabeth stated. She checked the number again. Realizing that it was the number she had for Jack, she could only assume that his new girlfriend was answering his phone.

Elizabeth caught Harper just before she shut down the computer. "Would you do me a favor?"

"You look upset. Are you okay?" Harper replied.

"It's just called 'moving on,'" Elizabeth mentioned.

"What do you need me to do?" she asked.

"Is there a way to look up and find a person's phone number or address on there?" Elizabeth asked.

"I haven't done it but I believe there is. Who do you need me to find?" Harper asked.

"Jack's mother lives over in the Great Neck area of Virginia Beach. Could you try to get her address?" Elizabeth replied.

"I'll see what I can find out and I'll bring it to you," Harper responded.

Ten minutes later Harper knocked on Elizabeth's office door, "Come in," she stated.

"That was easier than I thought it would be. Here is Mrs. Thornton's address, 1101 Bay Shore Drive. Her first name is Charlotte, right?" Harper asked.

"Yes, that's her," Elizabeth replied. "Do you think it's too late for me to just drop by?"

Harper checked her watch, "Elizabeth, its 5:15. I don't think it's too late for much of anything right now."

Elizabeth grabbed her coat and headed for the door before stopping in her tracks, "Oh, I have to…"

"I'll close up. Go do what you have to do," she stated. She hated to see Elizabeth and Jack apart and the longer it went on the less likely she thought that they would get back together.

Elizabeth pulled in front of 1101 Bay Shore Drive, disappointed that there were no cars in the driveway. Her heart pounded as she headed up the walkway to the front door. She rang the doorbell twice but no one answered.

Elizabeth pulled a piece of paper from her bag, left a note and slipped it through the mail slot in the front door.

She pulled out of the driveway and headed home to take care of her animals. She realized that tomorrow is another day and hopefully Mrs. Thornton would respond to her note.

Mrs. Thornton pulled into her driveway at 9:30 pm after having met some of her friends for dinner. She stepped into the entryway and onto a piece of paper on the floor. She bent down to pick it up…

"Mrs. Thornton, I need to get in touch with Jack. Please know that I don't want to cause him any trouble, but I need to apologize. I understand that he's probably moved on and I don't intend to get between him and his girlfriend, but my apology is important for both of us. Please help me… Elizabeth Thatcher (703-555-8213)

PS. I got this address from internet, so if this isn't Charlotte Thornton's house, please forgive me! But if you know her, would you mind passing the note along?"

Charlotte laughed as she read the note over and over again. Pass the note along? His girlfriend? "Oh Elizabeth, he still hasn't gotten over you," she whispered.

Jack had been in Florida visiting his brother, Tom, for the past 2 months, but was due back tomorrow afternoon. He was contemplating a permanent move to Florida, and she knew that his inability to get over Elizabeth was the precipitating factor.

Through Charlotte's conversations with Jack, it was evident that Elizabeth was still very much in his system. So she sat back to see what she could do to get them together at least long enough to talk.

The following morning Elizabeth was unpacking boxes of supplies when her phone rang, "Hello…"

"Elizabeth, this is Charlotte Thornton…"

Suddenly her knees buckled as she leaned against her desk for support.

"Hi, Mrs. Thornton; how are you?" Elizabeth asked as she moved around her desk and took a seat.

"I'm fine. It's nice to hear your voice dear. How are you? Did you heal okay from your accident?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am, thank you," she replied. "I know this may be awkward and if you don't want to get involved I understand, but I need to talk to Jack. Don't worry, I just… I just need to apologize; I won't cause him any problems."

Mrs. Thornton looked at her watch; it was 9:07am, and Jack's plane was scheduled to take off at 9:15am. Seeing that his plane had not yet taken off, and she was therefore not lying, she stated, "He's in Florida, but why don't you come over tonight. We can talk; I'll fix dinner and I'll see about giving you the information you need to talk to him."

"Yes ma'am. That would be great. What time, and can I bring anything?" Elizabeth asked.

"I need to check one thing and I'll call you back with a time, okay?" Mrs. Thornton replied.

"Okay, thank you for your help," Elizabeth stated as she hung up the phone. She wasn't certain why, but tears filled her eyes and she was unable to keep them contained.

Charlotte immediately called Jack.

"Mom, the plane is getting ready to take off, but I'm glad you called. I'm going to take the job," he asked.

"Please tell me that you didn't already accept it?" she asked.

"No, but I'm going by to see the Captain when I land. After I tell him, then I'll officially accept the position," he informed her much to her disappointment.

"You can't do it son. You can't leave now," she stated.

Jack whispered so that passengers around him were not privy to his despair, "Mom, I can't go on like this. It's been so long and I'm sure she's moved on, but with her so close I can't, so I have to go."

"What time do you get in?" she asked.

"I land in Norfolk at 6:05," he replied.

"Come by here before you go see your Captain. That should put you here around 6:45. I have something that you're going to want to see," she replied.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

"No, but I actually suspect it will be something very much right," she responded.

"What does that…"

"Sorry sir. You need to power down your phone or put it in airplane mode," the flight attendant stated as she walked by.

"Sorry mom, I have to go, but I'll stop by on my way home," he stated before shutting down his phone.

Charlotte immediately called Elizabeth back, "Would you be able to come around 6:30?"

"I'll be there," Elizabeth managed to say through her tears.

After work, Elizabeth took a quick shower at the clinic and changed into a pair of jeans, low cut boots and a thick teal colored cowl neck sweater. She pulled her hair up in clips on both sides, grabbed her heavy coat and headed out the door.

She pulled into Mrs. Thornton's driveway and parked her truck. She took a deep breath and released it, hoping to rid herself of the butterflies that had congregated in her stomach. As she walked to the front door, she recalled meeting Jack's mother on only one occasion and while covered in mud, she could only assume the impression that was left.

Elizabeth barely reached the door when it opened.

"WOW, you really do clean up nicely," Charlotte remarked with a smile.

"Excuse me?" Elizabeth was surprised by her comment.

"Never mind; come on in dear," Charlotte offered. "May I take your coat?"

Elizabeth smiled and began to unbutton her coat. She handed it to Charlotte who laid it across the sofa.

"Would you like some coffee or tea?" Charlotte asked.

What, no liquor? Elizabeth thought, feeling the need for liquid courage. "Thank you, a cup of coffee would be nice," she replied.

As Charlotte was fixing the coffee, Elizabeth walked to the back door and glanced through the window at the dock behind the house.

"Beautiful view, isn't it? You know, this house is too big for just me, but I can't give up that view," she stated while pouring two cups of coffee.

Elizabeth smiled, "Jack used to sit out there and think, didn't he?"

"Yes, that is one of his most favorite places to be," she replied. "Here's your coffee. Would you like to take a walk out there?"

"Would it be okay?" Elizabeth asked.

"Certainly, I'm almost finished fixing dinner, so I'll be out shortly," Charlotte advised.

Elizabeth opened the door…

"Wait dear, don't forget your coat," Charlotte walked over to the sofa, grabbed her coat and headed for the back door.

"Thank you," Elizabeth stated as she slipped on her coat, grabbed her cup of coffee and headed out the back door to Jack's special private place.

Ten minutes later the front door flew open, "Why is Elizabeth's truck here?"

"She thinks you're in Florida, but she said that she needs to apologize to you…"

"Where is she?" he asked.

"She's out back on the dock," Charlotte advised.

As he walked out into the yard her back was to him. She was at the end of the dock; her head was down and her eyes were mesmerized by the flowing water.

Elizabeth heard the creak of the boards as the footsteps came closer behind her. Assuming they belonged to Charlotte she stood firm, as she took her hand to wipe the tears that refused to stop falling.

"Elizabeth…"

She closed her eyes, assuming that she was simply dreaming. She felt a shiver run up her spine; her heart began to pound as her breath, entering through her lips, somehow found it difficult to reach her lungs. She held on to the railing as her knees began to give way.

She wasn't prepared for this. Truth be told she wasn't even prepared to talk with him over the phone, but certainly not in person. To be so close but know that he was no longer hers to touch, to hold, to kiss, or to love was just too much to fathom.

She could feel his hands on her coat, but even through the thick garment, her skin tingled.

"Elizabeth, please turn around," he called out again.

She turned around to face him, "Hi Jack."

To be continued…