Chapter 10 Hope Eternal
Chapter 10
Moving Forward
By: Randi Elkins
The seriousness of the situation was weighing on me. How could this happen? I just got him back. I sit there holding his hand. Faith placed a damp towel over his forehead. I could see the apprehension on her face. "Can I get you anything Elizabeth? Is there anything I can do?" Faith was trying to be helpful. "No thank you I am fine. When do you think the antibiotics will arrive from Mercy Hospital?" I just needed to know that help was coming. Nathan and General Collins stood by the door talking. Carson came in straight to Jack's bedside. "He fell asleep not long after you left. We are too late he is in a coma again" I said through my tears. Carson looked at me puzzled when I said that. "Elizabeth he isn't in a coma. I gave him something to help him rest. He hasn't been resting at night and without rest the infection can do more damage on a weaken body. He told me he had been getting tired quickly and was having body aches. It was the infections setting in, then he didn't get enough rest, so it spread quickly. Don't be upset he isn't in a coma and I am doing everything in my power to keep it from happening. I spoke to Mercy Hospital. They weren't going to get the medication Jack needs to us very quickly. Bill was at Abigail's when I told him what was going on, he volunteered to head to Mercy to pick them up. Henry was there and went with him. They should be back by mid-morning tomorrow." I am so relieved to hear Jack wasn't in a coma. I couldn't bare losing him again. Nathan walked up and inquired what news Carson had given. Carson told him exactly what he had just told me and I could see the relief on his and General Collins faces. "That is great news. General Collins and I have some things to discuss before he leaves. I will be back later to check on you both. Faith walked up to replace the damp cloth on Jack's forehead. Nathan looked at her and smiled. She smiled back as she blushed. Was there a spark there? He tipped his hat and he and General Collins left. I had to know what Faith thought about Nathan. "He sure is handsome isn't he? It looked like there was a little spark there." I said with a smile. Her cheeks got rosier and a smile covered her face, "Yes he is very handsome. He is such a nice guy." "Have you ever thought about maybe letting him know you are interested? Nathan is wonderful and would be a perfect partner." I said. Her smile still radiated across her face. "I considered it but I know how he feels about you. I couldn't be with him in fear he would always be thinking of you." As her face changes to regret. "I shouldn't have said that. I know you and he are close friends but he has feelings for you beyond friendship or at least he did have. I was at Abigail's eating alone and he asked if he could join me. We had a very nice conversation. I told him about Peter and he told me about his former sweetheart from his youth. Then he let his feelings for you slip. I promised I wouldn't say a thing. Please don't tell him I told you." Little did she know of the events of last night. "I am aware of his feelings. He, Jack and I discussed it all last night. It is a long story but he knows I am devoted to Jack heart and soul. I think you need to let him know. You may be surprised by his response because he gave you the same look just now you gave him." "Do you really think so? I don't know if I could tell him that." She said sheepishly." She left and went about her work in the infirmary. Several patients came through while I sat with Jack.
It was getting late in the evening and I need to check on little Jack but I don't want to leave Jack here alone. Just about that time Nathan came in. "How is he? Any changes?" as I looked up I said, "No, none but Carson said the medication he gave him was strong and this is exactly what he needed Jack to do until the medication arrived." I felt like I should say something about what Jack said just before he went to sleep. "Nathan if anything happens to Jack I can't be with you. You deserve to have someone completely devoted to you. My heart and soul are Jack's" He was so gracious, "I understand, before Jack came back I started developing feelings for someone else but I knew you needed my help. I couldn't ask her to allow me to be such a big part of your life and court her. That would be very disrespectful." I knew who he was talking about and I wanted to ensure he knew regardless of what happened to Jack I would be fine and he needed to move on with his life. "Nathan it is time for you to move on. I will have plenty of help. Don't worry about me. You deserve the kind of relationship Jack and I have. You need to let Faith know how you feel. I have a feeling she would say yes. I mean, it is Faith you are wanting to court." I said. His cheeks pinkened, he dropped his head to look at the floor. "How did you know? I haven't said anything to anyone. How do you know she will say yes?" he looked up at me with curiosity on his face. "I just think you should ask her. I know the look of interest when I see it. She will be a very lucky woman to have you by her side." The door to the infirmary opened and Faith walked in. They smiled at each other. Faith came over. "Carson wants me to check Jack for fever. We just have to watch him closely until we know the infection is clearing. He is a little warm but not that bad. We just need to keep the cool damp cloths changed out and I think he will be fine. I will go let Carson know. Carson or I will be right back to stay with him through the night." I gave Nathan a nudging look trying to encourage him to ask Faith out. He widen his eyes at me in frustration. Faith noticed us exchanging looks, smile and headed for the door. I looked at Nathan again. He turned toward the door, "Can I speak with you a moment Faith?" I think he surprised himself when he said it. Faith looked at me, I shrugged my shoulders as if I didn't know what he wanted to talk to her about. "Sure, do you have a question about Jack?" "No but can we step out on the porch so we can talk in private." I could tell he was so nervous. I am happy for him but I will miss our closeness. Even though I wasn't in love with him I did care for him very much and he would have been wonderful with little Jack. I am happy for him. He will always be special to me. I think he and Faith look lovely together and it is time for him to write his own love story." Nathan came back in smiling ear to ear. I am guessing she said yes. "So? What did she say? Did she say she would go on a date with you?" His faced shined with excitement, "Yes, she said she would love to but she needed to wait until things with Jack improved. I agree Jack should be our focus right now. I feel like this is my fault. I shouldn't have pushed him so hard to do rounds with me. I should have paced our work on the house better. There are so many things I could have done differently." " Nathan this isn't your fault. Jack is a very hard headed, determined man and wasn't going to listen to anyone. I believe Carson and Faith will do all they can to keep him from getting sicker." I reassured him. Nathan walked closer and looked at Jack. "Let me stay with him until Faith or Carson return so you can go get little Jack ready for bed. If there is any changes, I will let you know." I know he is right I need to get my son and get him settled for the night. "Ok but please send for me if anything changes." I hated to leave him but I know Jack would what me at home with our son. I leaned over, kiss Jack on the cheek, "Jack Thornton. You can't leave Jack Jr. and I. We just got you back. I love you!" I was just leaving when I heard Jacks voice. "I love you too." I turned and sat back beside him. "Are you feeling okay? Are you hurting? Do you need anything?" His eyes were still heavy, "I need some water please. My mouth is dry." He tried to sit up but the medication Carson had given him to sleep had him weak. "Don't move. You need your strength. Nathan will you get Jack a glass of water?" Nathan brought me the water and Jack sipped on it. "I am going to get Carson so he can check Jack out. I will be right back." Nathan opened the door and Carson walked in. "I was just coming for you. Jack is awake." Nathan explained. Carson did a quick exam. " You are stable and I hope we can keep you that way until the medication gets here. I know Bill will get it back here as quick as he can. Elizabeth, go get Jack Jr. and get some rest. You can't take care of Jack if you don't get rest. I am staying with him tonight. Try not to worry. We are doing everything we can." Jack was looking at me, he nodded, "Go get Jack and get some rest. I will see you in the morning. Nathan, can you walk Elizabeth to get Jack and then home. I want to make sure she gets there safe." I started to object but Jack wouldn't have it. I leaned down and kissed him. "I love you. Carson, please let me know if there are any changes." He said, "Of course, don't worry I am here and I will let you know of any changes."
Nathan and I arrived at Abigail's to get Jack Jr.. We entered the parlor door. Rosemary, Lee, Faith and Abigail sat having tea. Jack was asleep on Abigail's chest. Faith was filling everyone in on Jack's condition. I could see the worry on all their faces. Nathan spoke up, "Jack just woke up. He is groggy from the medication Carson gave him to rest. Carson is staying with Jack tonight. Jack asked me to walk Elizabeth home." I saw Faith's face shift to disappointment. This is the very reason she had been hesitant to let Nathan know about her feelings. I see that Nathan noticed the change in her expression as well. "Nathan you don't have to worry about walking me home. I will go with Lee and Rosemary when they head home." Lee stood, "We will be happy to make sure she gets home. After all it is just next door to us. Rosie, let's get Elizabeth and little Jack home. I am sure Elizabeth needs to get Jack to bed and get some rest herself." Rosemary gasped, "Oh yes indeed. I am sure Elizabeth is exhausted." I walked to Abigail and wrapped my little one in my arms. Faith was sitting next to Abigail and I could see the relief on her face. Nathan agreed, "Yes, that's wonderful. Have a good evening." Abagail and Faith stood bidding us goodbye. Rosemary and Lee had their car, they helped me in side and we headed home.