Transition Plan Chapter 125 - School Days Part 1
Authors Notes: This is all new work. I got inspired, based on the final chapter of "Searching for Jeanne" paragraph about Jack and Jeanne to college and becoming pregnant with Jackie and Meriem at their graduation. There's a follow-up chapter or two to come for this expanded one-shot. Hope you enjoy! And Megan Lyle and Sueanoi, thanks for so many nice reviews! You inspire me. :)
…
The day had arrived to go to college. But today was no less than three other special days to Jack and Jeanne.
Jeanne, as usual, woke up completely enveloped in Jack's arms. She was normally spooned side by side in his embrace. This time, she discovered herself still draped across the top of Jack's body, with the side of her face buried in the middle of his soft, hairy chest, just under his beard. Her knee length hair covered them both like a soft blanket. She discovered she was gently rising and falling slightly as he breathed, basically in the same position they had ended their lovemaking last night, and had simply fallen asleep. She stifled a giggle. She heard his strong, slowly beating heart in her ear against his chest. She smiled and hummed contently, gently nestling further against Jack's body. She wanted to just melt into him, with her arms wrapped around the sides of his ribcage and her hands under his shoulders a little, and her legs and thighs wrapped around his lower body and the sides of his legs. The feeling of her skin completely against his skin was truly incredible.
…
She remembered the last time she did this he called it her 'full body hug'. He'd joked, "It'll take a crowbar to pry you off me like this, cherie."
"I long ago vowed no one would ever separate us forcibly again, Jack. I hope you like bent and broken crowbars… jungle boy," she retorted, and he didn't dispute her. Gentle reminders of those terrible times long ago and how they'd never let it happen again crept into conversation once and awhile.
…
It was a heavenly feeling for her to be this close to her husband nearly all the time, and every night together like this made up in some small way for being separated for thousands of kilometers for over eight years. She turned her head toward his sleeping face, gently kissed his nose, and rested her chin on his sternum waiting for him to stir. Jack awoke, opened one eye, and smiled at her, which prompted him to squeeze his arms around her in greeting, as if she'd ever try to get away from him. Jeanne snuggled tighter against him with some very contented sighs and a smile. It was rare that they ever slept apart. The sensation of oneness from the night before was still very fresh in their minds, all part of celebrating a very big life change starting today - on their second wedding anniversary and joint 20th birthdays.
She cooed, "Bonjour, Jonathan Robert Clayton IV. I know it's been two years today, but I still can't believe you're all mine now."
A little groggy from just waking up, Jack still expressed his adoration of her, "Happy anniversary to you too, cherie. That's very nice, but I know I got the better end of this deal. My officially 20 year old wife."
She giggled and could feel his growing desire for her. Again. She wasn't going to deny him. Not on their anniversary and birthdays, even though they got an early start last night. She wanted to celebrate with him just as much. Their favorite gifts for each other were still each other.
She teased him mercilessly, "OK, birthday boy… one more time. But quickly, dear husband, it's packing day. And I smell your mom's breakfast. When it's ready, I'm leaving, whether you're done or not."
"You wouldn't?" he asked with his eyes wide open.
"Just try me," she challenged him, hesitated a moment with a pensive look, then winked at him in jest, "No, I wouldn't. Not ever, Jonathan Robert Clayton IV. Being with you is a blessing every time."
He was about to praise her too, but their bedroom conversation was interrupted by his mother as her call came loudly up the stairway from the kitchen, "Breakfast is ready in twenty minutes, kids! Andrew, come help me, dear."
Both young adults heard the two younger kids scamper past their bedroom door down the staircase shouting about breakfast. That left Jack and Jeanne alone in the bedroom wing of the castle.
"Perfect timing…" Jack grinned, looked into Jeanne's eyes with as deep a desire as she was showing him, then closed the distance between them, making her catch her breath and press her lips against his, resulting in a brief but incredibly torrid time together.
The pair showered quickly afterwards without lingering, and dressed even faster. The smell of his mother's favorite breakfast was very strong. Jane had shooed all the kitchen and household staff away and was making it herself.
They came down hand-in-hand as usual, saw his father, Elisabeth, and Andrew already at the table, and were famished, "Mmm. Smells good, Mom."
Andrew was a bit of a mess, covered in flour and bits of butter and shortening, having tried to help his mother make the biscuit dough. He was very proud of himself, and personally served the family his rather lumpy looking buttery biscuits. Everyone praised the little guy. They tasted surprisingly good.
"Your favorite, dear," she observed as she brought the last steaming chafing dish to the table. She swatted Tarzan's hand away from the food, who was trying to sample some of the food without waiting and praying, "Stop that, dear. Besides, you haven't led us in our table grace yet."
"Aww, Jane. You're no fun," Tarzan complained.
"This is special for them, dear. Let Jack and Jeanne choose first. You can get it here anytime."
"OK…" he whined like their youngest son Andrew, but grinned. Jane gave him that annoyed look, but then Tarzan offered the family prayer, with some additional prayers for the new changes in their children's lives in college
With a loud amen at the end of the prayer, the food was eagerly passed around. Jack teased that he was taking all the Eggs Benedict servings, and Jeanne threatened him in jest with her cereal spoon, which really made Andrew laugh. Jeanne was also very amused with the antics of her father and mother-in-law teasing each other more than usual, the delicious food, and reflected, "I'm going to miss you spoiling us, Mom C."
"But now you'll get to spoil Jack all by yourself in your own little place, dear," she smiled.
That prospect was very exciting to them, and they kissed lightly. Jane loved seeing them kiss and the adoring looks they always gave each other. Those kisses were so freely given and accepted.
Jeanne was a little dubious about her cooking skills compared to Jane, "Well… you gave me all your best recipes, Mom, but I doubt I can do them justice."
Jane soothed the back of her daughter-in-law's hand, "You underestimate yourself, Jeanne, dear. You've been professional caterer since you were 12 or 13. You know food."
Jeanne joked, "Well, Mom, I could organize a great breakfast for us, but I never did cook much. I hired it out."
Jack whispered in her ear, still stretching their morning loveplay out a little longer, "I like dessert best anyway, cheri."
She swatted him with a highly suppressed scolding, whispering back adamantly, "Jungle pervert!"
But then she gave him a little peck, which prompted Andrew to complain, "Eww, Mommy. They're kissing again!"
At this age, to Andrew, all girls had cooties, even his sister-in-law.
Jane missed the exchange, but guessed they were flirting, and they carried that familiar glow of just having had relations, so she just smiled to herself. The Countess deliberately drew out their conversation at the dining room table, and looked suspiciously over her shoulder toward the serving room several times. The family heard a commotion, then several servants emerged with a huge green and hazel tan cake with forty two candles on it – 20 for each young adult's birthday and 2 more for their wedding anniversary. The icing colors obviously matched their eye colors.
"Mom C! How wonderful," Jeanne exclaimed as she and Jack were served and serenaded. They held hands and kissed, and blew all the candles out together.
Jack smiled broadly, "Mom. Dad. What a nice surprise!"
Jane assured them both, "Dear children, I know this will be a really busy day, and well, your father and I wanted to make sure we celebrated before everything got too crazy and we're all too tired. We'll have a proper dinner, but well we couldn't wait to celebrate with you."
Jeanne had to stop her tears that unexpectedly formed.
Tarzan was quiet concerned, not understanding her feelings, "Jeanne, dear, are you all right?"
"I'm sorry Dad C. I… I'm just so happy. So much good is happening to me… to us now."
Jane offered, "Only the best for you two children. Especially for you, Jeanne, dear. Your mother and I know there are too many missing years…"
She had to tell them what Jack already knew, "That's exactly the point, Mom and Dad. In all my years since I turned 8, this beautiful, delicious cake is the first really fancy birthday cake and celebration I've ever had. Karl-Heinz and Gunter and Margrite never ever wished me happy birthday. They never wanted me to have any fun. Only Captain Dmitri's family tried to help me celebrate, but it was nothing like this, Mother Clayton."
She needed to be comforted by Jack despite her joy.
"Yummy cake! Andrew interjected, lightening the mood. This was a special day for him too, as if he needed to be wound any tighter with an early morning 'sugar high'.
Soon after breakfast, there was a bustle of activity over Jack and Jeanne's college preparation. Jane rolled out the floor plan of the flat Tarzan and she had rented out for the young married couple on the big conference table in the library. They'd made the arrangements while the young couple were with the Mangani.
The flat where they would live together represented a hard-fought battle. The University Chancellor had argued with Jane and Tarzan that in order for the University to hide the fact they were married from other students and the faculty, he was going to force them to live in separate - but nearby - apartments off campus.
It was during that conversation that the Chancellor got a taste of Lady Jane's rare temper in a fit of righteous anger as a mother, and an even more uncommon threat by Tarzan to withdraw the million Pound donation and give it to another, more 'married-student-friendly institution of higher learning'. The Chancellor had quickly acquiesced to both Jack and Jeanne living in one flat, but it took awhile to soothe all the Clayton's justifiably ruffled feathers.
Jeanne's eyes widened seeing the size of the suite and her jaw dropped, "Mom. Goodness! This is huge. We're very grateful. But it's way too big for just the two of us. You know us. We don't need much space at all."
In all of their minds, the image of a tiny grassy nest in the jungle with both of them curled up together among their gorilla brethren and human family instantly appeared.
Besides a big open room, there was a well-equipped kitchen, dining area, a study big enough for twin desks, a large bathroom, and three bedrooms.
For once Jane insisted on being the nobility that they were, "Yes you do. When back in civilization, you are the Clayton's. You are among Scotland's highest nobility. This is not ostentatious, but you do need to be comfortable."
Jack objected as well, "But Mom. Jeanne's right. A one bedroom flat would do. You're paying for this."
Mother Jane was insistent, and she when was in that mode that there was no arguing with her, "I know I am. You'll enjoy the comfort and room. You'll both study better if you are not cramped. You may want to have friends over. And some days you will have all of us visit and need room. And well… my dear children… what if something happens? You'll need a nursery and rooms for me and Josephine to provide care while you go to class."
Jeanne really blushed at her candid comment. But a pregnancy could happen. And it wasn't like they didn't think about it. Jack and Jeanne were doing everything they possibly could to prevent having children while they were students through timed abstention and holding back during critical times during her monthly cycle.
They were well aware of a whole lot of 'oops' babies in the very fruitful Clayton family tree, so they knew they'd just have to be careful, and prayed for God to bless them after they graduated. Complete abstention was out of the question. Their thirst for each other was extraordinarily strong.
Jeanne answered demurely, "Well… OK, Mom C. Thank you for wanting to be there for me. But you don't need to do this."
Jane gave them a loving smile, "'Needing to' and 'wanting to' are two totally different things, Jeanne, sweetheart."
Jeanne knew their college town suite was twice the size of her parents' entire flat in Lagos.
Jack wondered, "So Mom, now we have this great big place. Do we sleep on the carpet like a big nest?"
Jeanne gave him an annoyed look. Jack was many wonderful things, but he sure wasn't very savvy about running a household. Jane saw the expression and suppressed her laughter.
Jane explained with amusement, "Jack, dear. It's good that you're married to someone who understands all these things. So let's think about what you want to take from here instead of buying it in Edinburgh. Plus all the housekeeping items. We have a lorry and some longshoremen coming from the Scottish shipyards to take all your things there. Don't worry. These men want to help and they are going to be paid well. They're some of Captain D'Arnot's best."
It took some time to figure out what to pack for the University. They were used to traveling very light in the jungle but they realized they would be in human civilization nine months of the year during the harsh Scottish winters, and perhaps several summer sessions. This flat really would be their first real home together for the entire time they were in school, so they had to be to pack year round clothes, heavy coats, and many home items.
While Jack and Tarzan, the servants, and longshoremen moved a smaller, but still very heavy bed into the lorry for them, a bookcase, a dining table and chairs, an armoire for clothes, and some guest beds for the other rooms at the flat, Jane and Jeanne went into Greystoke village to get some smaller things to take with them, including buying kitchen-outfitting items, a few lamps, some hand-crafted chairs, small tables, two elegant roll-top study desks that could later serve them in the family business, and a wide variety of towels. For entertainment Jane bought an RCA radio, a Victrola, and some records. The women loved the time shopping together, and the servants took everything home and loaded the lorry further.
Jeanne and Jane finished their shopping at their favorite tea house that they thought served the best crumpets in all of the United Kingdom. They sat among many other Scottish women friends chatting in Gaelic, who wished Jeanne a fond farewell and wonderful time with her handsome husband at the University. Everyone always thought how charming Jeanne's French-accented Gaelic sounded to them, especially when spoken in her melodic young woman's voice. No one said aloud that they all would like to see Jeanne return at graduation with a baby in her arms to show off to the villagers and make Jane a proud grandmother. In this quaint, old-fashioned Scottish village, a woman's success was still measured in how many children they bore, not in the number of college degrees they had. They knew times were changing, and that college-educated women like Jane and her new daughter-in-law were part of that change.
Jeanne let her mother-in-law and the village women spoil her, since they were the first of Tarzan and Jane's children to go off to college. She was so happy with her new life as a noblewoman.
The new furnishings, clothing, and all the comforts of home for life at Edinburgh University filled a pretty big lorry, and several servants and the shipyard laborers who'd arrived were assigned to move them. They were ready to go the first thing in the morning.
The late day summer sun lingered in the high latitudes of Scotland, but it was getting close to dusk. Jack and Jeanne spent a lot of time together just walking the grounds of the Castle, and took an invigorating sundown ride on their horses, assuring them how much they would miss them, but they'd be back the next spring.
The final early evening meal together in the Castle with their family was both joyous and bittersweet, and both looked resplendent dressed like the rest of the family in full formal Clan Clayton attire that made them look like they were 11th Century nobility. The adults later shared a some dessert liquors around the library fireplace that took the evening chill away. Later still, Jack and Jeanne chose to sleep in the catacombs suite. It was an especially gentle and special time close together, as they reflected on the blessings of their two-year old marriage, their birthdays, and next big step in their lives.
…
The trip to the University was uneventful, and while it was only a small caravan with the family limo and the lorry traveling the rough roads to Edinburgh, they didn't draw any attention. They drove a back way into the city several days before their unmarried fellow students arrived, who largely lived in dorms or in flats closer to campus and in areas less deluxe.
They got the keys to the flat from the landlord, climbed the three flights of stairs, and opened the door. It was mostly empty, so the flat looked more enormous inside than the blueprints showed. She paced around the interior and did a little happy twirl and then threw her arms around her husband and kissed him. The 'little French girl' inside Jeanne was alive and well, much to everyone's enjoyment.
"Oh Jack! Mom and Dad C! This is really wonderful. It's even prettier than the plans. Thank you so much. What an amazing home this will be during our time here."
Jane and Tarzan gave each other a little hug too, to see their oldest child and his wife so happy together. This was new for them as parents, too. They'd never had a 'tiny' place to start off and just be themselves as a young married couple. They'd been thrust into their adult responsibilities as Count and Countess - much less Lord of the Jungle - pretty much instantly. Granted they were older than Jack and Jeanne a few years, but now they were able to provide a stable, more 'normal' existence for their children, at least for a fabulously wealthy nobleman and his spouse.
"I hope you enjoy your time here, kids," Tarzan stated.
Jack responded, "You know we will Dad. This is great!"
They wandered around the suite together a few minutes hand-in-hand, discovering and pointing out features they hadn't expected, and as everyone predicted, after their self-guided 'tour' she spontaneously let go of Jack's hand, faced him, grinned, clutched her hands to her bosom and bounced with pure excitement. She didn't care, and she knew she was that predictable, though whenever she bounced naturally she knew it was more fun for Jack. Her genuine enthusiasm was infectious to the rest of the family. Elisabeth had come along too, and was excited for her big brother and his wife, and began to think of her own time ahead in college. Jane realized it would be sooner than they even imagined for both her and perhaps for Lily, if she wanted to be more than the future Nigerian Chieftain's wife. Andrew mostly ran around like a crazy person and got in the way, so they quickly set up one of the extra bedrooms as a play room for him. Elisabeth voluntarily baby sat her little brother while the adults worked on outfitting the apartment.
Jeanne was very busy telling the servants – and her husband - where to put things. It was actually kind of fun for her, reliving a little bit her abilities as a caterer and event organizer. This place was even more special for her to organize because it was theirs. After the last load was brought into the building, they bid farewell to the helpers, and just the family remained. Jeanne and Jane walked room to room noting things that were missing or would make the place nicer. They made a list, and the women went into the city. Jack,Tarzan, and Elisabeth stayed behind, as Andrew finally took a nap, and they didn't want to disturb him. Jeanne and Jane shopped for some items of furniture and household items that were clearly needed, like some throw rugs, spreads, pillows, and toiletries that they forgot.
The new flat looked wonderful with all their 'stuff' in it, though much work had to be done to truly make it livable, but that was a job only Jack and Jeanne could do together. So the family decided to have dinner together in one of the better restaurants that Tarzan had discovered while on business in Edinburgh in the past. The family stayed overnight in the very comfortable guest rooms in the new flat. They were all exhausted from excitement, anticipation, and their labors.
Jack and Jeanne discovered that their new bed was very cozy. They just snuggled and held on to each other tightly the first night. The time for celebration would come when they were alone.
…
Being alone came way too fast for the family the following day. They had lunch together in a nice little bistro. The family had done everything they could. Now it was up to the new college students. Bittersweet tears fell between all of them.
"We love you so much," Jane could barely speak.
Jack was not much less sad, "We'll make you very proud of us. We will be ready to run the family business thanks to both of you, Mom and Dad."
The young couple was so upset that they couldn't look back at the Clayton's departure, and the apartment was nearly silent with only two people. Jack and Jeanne stood holding hands in the main part of the flat, looked around at their beautiful new place, then gazed at each other and kissed for some time. When they separated, they smiled.
Jeanne was choked up with happiness, "I guess we really are all grown up now, dearest. This is our first place on our own that isn't just part of our parents' homes. But I wish they'd let us pay. We do have our own money."
Jack just smirked, "You know they won't let us."
"You have the most stubborn parents, dear. Now I know where that comes from," she snickered.
They looked around again, just taking it all in, and sighed nearly simultaneously, which made them both laugh.
Jack stated the obvious, but they were still amazed it was really true, "Wow. 'Our' place."
Jeanne pecked him on the cheek, but then got her serious organizer look on, and ordered, "No more time to gawk, jungle boy. We have lot of things to set up and arrange. There are a ton of boxes in the second bedroom to unload."
Jack reflected, "Yeah but we will be unpacking them on our own, with no servants to interrupt. Just us."
She said affectionately despite her determined attitude, "I like that the best, dear."
Jack reminded, "And we also have to get ready for classes to start. We have to buy textbooks, study guides, paper and pencils at the University book store. Before the other 'normal' students get here. And meet with the Chancellor."
"And not look married while doing all that," she complained, "Don't remind me about that meeting. I hate that we have to hide our beautiful marriage from everyone. It's just pure idiocy. They think being married will not make us good students? We'll be better students. Dating and courting is a huge distraction from studying."
Jack couldn't think of any alternative, "You don't have to tell me that, dear. At least for awhile, that's the arrangement. Besides we'll still get to be boyfriend and girlfriend and date."
"Oh? And like we're not that every day?" she teased, but deliberately showed off her Nigerian 'going steady' bracelet that was over a dozen years old now.
He rolled his eyes, "You know what I mean."
She just winked blew him a kiss and took his hand and they went to stack of boxes. They managed to unpack most of the boxes in the afternoon, and had fun putting everything in its place. A couple of times each said to the other, "Why did you ever want to bring that?" and had a good chuckle.
…
Jack was hungry and wanted to have some new fun, "So, dear, it's dinner time. We've worked hard since we got here. We have groceries in the new refrigerator. Let's cook something."
Jeanne was really happy, "Yes! You know, Jack, it's weird. We've hunted and made hundreds of meals together in the jungle and even some in the Greystoke forests, but never once have we fixed a meal together in a real kitchen. Think we can handle that?"
He joked with his bride of two years, "I don't know dear, we've battled kidnappers and slavers, a rogue giant ape and his troop, and I've fought an insane leopard and a giant snake. A gas stove might be one step too far…"
They just laughed.
Jack joked, "Well dear there's a first time for everything. I promise I won't start a campfire in the living room."
"You big jungle jerk!" she teased with one of his favorite lines that she used on him.
Their meal ended up a bit overcooked, and a little too dry and too salty, and they made a mess of their kitchen and each other, but it was their first married meal in 'the big city'. The food was prepared and it steamed before them.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yes, dear. It's exciting," she smiled. She reached across the table open hands.
Before eating, they entwined both hands and held them tightly, bowed their heads, and Jack said their first table grace in their apartment, and prayed for blessings on their marriage, and gave thanks to have this opportunity, and for their success.
"And thank You for my dear Christian husband who brought me back to the faith," she added.
They clinked wine glasses and began their first home-cooked meal.
"It can't taste any better than this," Jack concluded despite all their mistakes, as they sat at their own small dinette, making his bride of over two years blush.
Jeanne agreed, "True. Because we made it. Together. Right here in our own flat."
Jack smiled and observed, "In the space of only one day, we've become so domestic."
"A far cry from 'jungle boy' and 'Mangani girl', oui?" she asked rhetorically in a cute mix of French and English.
Jack quipped back, "Well dear, if you ask, I could chase you naked around the apartment on all fours, grunting in Mangani while I chase you."
She laughed heartily, but noted, as they continued their first dinner in the apartment, "I'm just fine being human awhile, mon ami tres intime."
After cleaning up from dinner, they snuggled close together on the sofa with only candles on in the living room and looked out of their balcony window at the lights of Edinburgh. They sat silently just keeping each other's company and listened to the radio. They concluded that being alone in their own apartment was just as much fun as being alone in the jungle. It was all about being married, being alone, and being in love,no matter where they were.
It was getting late, and there was just as much to do tomorrow as they did today, but picking up on their sarcasm from earlier, Jeanne softly suggested with a sly grin, "You know, jungle boy, I will let you chase me around our bed… if you think you can catch me."
Before she could get up and 'flee', Jack caught her and scooped her entirely into his arms.
"You can't get away that easy," he quipped.
Accentuated by her classic giggle, Jack carried Jeanne into their bedroom, pretending at first to struggle, but quickly exchanging loving smiles as he carried her toward their first, very special 'alone time' in their new flat.
They conveniently forgot about chasing each other...