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 2- Let's Be Friends

Elizabeth awoke early; unable to fall back to sleep, she pulled out her journal. She flipped through page after page of entries, some causing her to laugh, and others to cry, but all made her happy that she was able to feel the emotions conveyed on paper…

"Emotions push from the depths of my body, willing every sense, every thought, and every feeling to listen, to pay attention and to respond. But how do I respond, when my heart says one thing, but my mind says another. Shouldn't friendship be the initial basis of all relationships? Shouldn't trust not only be provided but expected? And shouldn't that friendship be easy, comfortable and satisfying for both parties? No relationship can survive on the attributes of a single member, and each one must compliment the other. Once one party pushes for the lead, it is best to be sad, mourn the loss and move on. For your life will never be as it once was; but be hopeful that the experience will move you toward something better and much more fulfilling."

Elizabeth closed her journal, sad for the loss of her friendship with Charles, but understanding that his attentions were no longer healthy. She slid out of bed, dressed and headed down the hallway.

*Knock, knock, knock

"Huh…what's that…?" Rosemary groggily whispered.

Elizabeth entered the room, "Just wanted to let you know I was leaving now."

"Leaving? Where are you going? Wait, what time is it?" Rosemary asked.

Elizabeth sat on the edge of her bed, "I'm taking your advice…"

"As well you should," Rosemary responded. "What advice?"

"I'm going to the barn. Bugsy and I need to spend some time together," Elizabeth responded.

"What time is it? Is he even awake yet?" Rosemary joked.

Elizabeth glanced at her watch, "its 7…"

"AM…"

"Yes… A.M.," Elizabeth laughed. "I'll be back later. A group of us are going on a ride down to the beach, but I have to get back for a training session, so we're leaving early," Elizabeth advised.

"Be careful…that horse of yours is a beast," she replied as she rolled back over in bed.

Elizabeth exhaled hard, stood and headed for the door, "Bugsy is a big boy, but he's a real sweetheart. If I could only find a man as sweet as him…"

Rosemary rolled over in bed to face Elizabeth, "I've told you that Lee has some nice friends; they're really good looking too. You're missing your chance by just hanging out at the barn. What… do you think that a handsome, respectable man is going to come up to the barn looking for you?"

"Why not? It's better than meeting them at a bar," Elizabeth remarked. "We just have different ideas on the subject, Rosemary. When I'm meant to meet that special someone, I'll know it," Elizabeth reminded her as she slipped out of the room before Rosemary could comment.

Elizabeth arrived at the barn, and quickly set about cleaning Bugsy's stall.

"Elizabeth, you don't need to clean the stall. That's what I get paid to do," Maggie stated.

"Oh Maggie, you scared me…"

"I'm sorry Elizabeth, I didn't mean to," Maggie responded.

"No, its okay, I'm just a bit touchy these days," Elizabeth explained as she continued cleaning her stall.

"Are you alright?" Maggie asked as she entered the stall, and put her hand on the pitchfork, effectively ceasing Elizabeth's cleaning.

"No, its just school is getting ready to start, and…well, that's all," Elizabeth stated.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you…that guy, Charles, came by yesterday looking for you. He sure is good looking, and persistent," Maggie advised. "Did he ever find you?"

"Yes, but I don't think we'll be seeing each other for quite a while…"

"Did he go away?" Maggie asked.

"I hope so," Elizabeth responded. "Well, I'm going to tack up. What time is the trail ride to the beach?"

"People are starting to arrive, so it should be any time now," Maggie replied.

Elizabeth tacked up Bugsy and headed for the ring to warm up. She watched as her friends gathered around the fence to watch her.

"Hey, didn't you qualify for the Commonwealth Classic? Andrea yelled.

Elizabeth trotted to the top of the ring and halted, "Yes, we qualified for the Amateur-Owner Hunter division. The show is in three weeks, and I have enough time for a few more lessons. I hope we'll be ready…"

"We'll be out soon," Abby, Landon, Meredith, Cyndi and Amber stated practically in unison as they turned and headed for their respective stalls.

Elizabeth sat on top of Bugsy under the huge oak tree. The early morning sun was breaking through the branches, and now with fall upon them, they were beginning to lose their leaves.

Ring…Ring…The phone rings at Lee's apartment…

"Hello… Oh, good morning, Rosie. Did you sleep well?" Lee asked. "What? No, I don't have any plans today. What do you want to do?" He asked, listening to her response. "I haven't been outside, but it's supposed to be a beautiful day…the beach would be great." He listened further… "Who, Jack…? Okay, I'll call him and see if he wants to go. I'm not sure, he may have to work." Lee took a sip from his coffee cup as he listened to Rosemary, "I'll come by and get you in about an hour. I'll see you then… okay, I won't forget to call Jack. I'll do it right now…" Lee hung up the phone, "Why does she want Jack to come along? I hope she's not interested in him…"

Rosemary pulled the sheet off and slid out of bed. She grabbed her new two piece striped bathing suit; she wasn't interested in leaving much to the imagination; she slipped it on, covering the bottom with a pair of shorts and was ready when Lee rang the doorbell.

"WOW, you look beautiful this morning," Lee remarked.

"Thank you, is Jack coming with us?" She asked.

"Wait…why is it so important for Jack to be there?" He asked. "Do you need to tell me something?"

"What…? No…no, okay…Elizabeth went for a ride on her horse down to the beach. Just thought they might like to see each other again," Rosemary explained. "You are the only one I think about, sweetheart," Rosemary whispered as she leaned in and tenderly brushed her lips across his. "So, is Jack coming to the beach with us?"

"He's meeting us there," Lee advised as he grabbed her bag and headed for the door.

"Okay, let's get going…We don't want him to miss her," She stated observing Lee's scolding look… "I mean we don't want to miss any of this beautiful day."

"That's better," Lee remarked as they began to banter back and forth on their way to his car…

"You like her with him…"

"Yes, but I'm not him, so he should make up his own mind…"

"Sometimes people need help…"

"He's a grown man…"

Yes, and she's a grown woman…"

"Let them choose, Rosemary…"

"There's nothing wrong with helping them along…"

"I'm not going to win this, am I…?"

"Not likely…"

They arrived at the beach, and noticed Jack's truck with the hood up in a parking space…

"What's wrong, Lee asked as they approached.

Jack pulled his upper body from under the hood, "The timing belt slipped. I'm going to have to get it towed to the shop."

Jack pulled out his cell phone and called AAA. Arrangements were made to pick up his truck, and he joined Rosemary and Lee on the beach. "Do you mind giving me a ride home?" Jack asked.

"Of course not…" Lee replied.

"Oh look…there are some horses down there," Rosemary exclaimed, but no one paid attention. "Oh no, they're going the wrong way…"

"What?" Jack asked.

"Oh nothing," Rosemary disappointedly replied. Looking through her bag, she glanced at Lee, "We can't stay long; I forgot my sun screen."

"Are you kidding me?" Lee remarked.

"I'm sorry; you aren't mad are you?" She asked as she scooted her towel over next to his and lay down, not even a whisper could fill the space between them.

"Hey guys… I'm here too," Jack reminded them both.

Lee reluctantly broke away from Rosemary's embrace, "Sorry, but Rosemary forgot her sun screen, so we can't stay long."

"That's okay, do you mind instead of dropping me off at home, would you take me to Hanson's Auto Repair? That's where AAA is towing my truck," Jack asked.

"No problem at all. Glad to do it," Lee stated. He stood on his towel and held out his hand to Rosemary, "Would you like to take a walk?"

"Yes, but I hate to leave Jack here alone," she replied.

"He's a big boy, and can take care of himself…"

"Hey, I'm right here…and yes, I can take care of myself, so go on, I'll be fine," he interjected.

Lee and Rosemary walked away hand in hand as Jack watched, wondering if he would ever be fortunate enough to experience what they share.

The horses at the other end of the beach caught his eye. He loved riding, but hadn't had the opportunity to do so since moving away from home. He'd moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia recently to take a position with the police department, and with all of the horse farms in the area, he really missed riding. As he strained to look, one horse stood out; possibly due to his markings, it was easier to distinguish him from the others. He watched as the riders took their mounts into the water, and though he was several blocks away, the squeals of laugher could be easily heard.

Lee and Rosemary walked in the opposite direction. They continued to hold hands, and her head found its way to that safe spot on his chest, and she snuggled in.

"I'm enjoying this, but something tells me we came here for Elizabeth, not us. So, where is she," Lee asked.

Rosemary stopped and lifted her head from his chest, turned around and pointed, "She's down there, and it doesn't look like she's coming up this way."

"So, you didn't forget your sunscreen, did you…?" Lee asked with a smile.

"No, I've got it, but I have another idea…"

"Please Rosemary, it will not end well if we get involved," Lee commented.

"I'm not going to push, but there's nothing wrong with them spending time together as friends, right?" She asked.

"Well, that's true, but no pushing…" Lee stated as they turned around and headed back toward Jack.

"Are you ready to leave?" Lee asked.

Rosemary looked down the beach and observed that the horses were now gone, "Yes, I'm ready to go."

Lee pulled up their towels, and grabbed her bag. Jack grabbed his cooler and towel, and followed them toward the car. In the parking lot Jack observed that his truck was still there, but the wrecker was pulling into the parking lot.

"Let me handle this and I'll be right back," Jack advised.

Rosemary and Lee put their towels and her bag in the trunk and sat in the car waiting for Jack to return.

"Okay, I'm ready. They are taking it to Hanson's," Jack remarked.

On their way back home, Rosemary leaned over and whispered in Lee's ear…

"Really…?"

"Please Lee; I need to tell her something," Rosemary pleaded.

"Okay, but remember what I said," Lee reminded her, as he was quickly drawn in by her smile.

"Jack, I have to make one stop. Is that okay?" Lee asked.

"No problem, I'm off today anyway," he replied.

As they pulled into Breckenridge Manor, Jack was glued to the window, watching the 16.2 hand chestnut gelding, with a stripe and four perfect white stockings maneuver the hunter course. They parked the car and Jack immediately exited and stood by the railing; his heart was pounding, but he knew not why. He watched as the rider was called into the center to talk with the trainer. He was taken by her long slender lines, which completely complimented her mount.

He watched as she went back out, picked up a canter, and elegantly cleared the brush jump, then the oxer, then the brick wall, then the spread, then turned on the diagonal and cleared the one stride in and out, halting in a straight line before reaching the fence. With her hat on, he couldn't identify her, but he could tell that she was beautiful and extremely talented.

"Beautiful, huh?" Rosemary remarked.

Jack, unable to tear his eyes away from the pair responded, "She sure is."

'Do you know who she is?" Rosemary asked.

Assuming that he must have met her before, he strained to see her clearer… "Have we met?"

"Yes you have, but maybe it wasn't as memorable as I thought," she said as she nudged him, knocking him off balance.

"I know I'd remember her," he remarked.

Once released by her trainer, she walked toward the fence to greet Rosemary. As she approached, she unbuckled her helmet, shaking her head to release her pent up hair.

"WOW, she's beautiful and talented," he thought."Hi Elizabeth," Jack called out, attempting to gain her attention but unaware that he already had it.

Trying to play cool, she responded, "Oh hello Off… I mean Jack. How are you today?"

Jack grabbed Bugsy's bridle, turned his head towards him, and began petting his nose. "The day started off bad, but it's gotten better," he stated as he glanced up and caught her eyes, losing himself in her smile that followed. "Were you at the beach earlier, boy?"

"Yes, we were there, but I didn't see you," Elizabeth stated.

"Oh you were about three blocks away from us. With all the people on the beach, you never would have seen us," Jack replied.

Rosemary walked away with Lee, hoping to give Jack and Elizabeth a chance to talk…

"I had no idea that you rode horses, and quite well, I might add," he stated, his broad smile showing off his dimples.

She was staring, meaning to respond, in fact she thought she had, but her mouth opened only enough to show her beautiful smile.

"Elizabeth…" he called out.

"Oh, I'm sorry, what did you say?" she responded.

"I just said that I didn't know you rode horses," he replied.

"I've been riding for a long time. Do you ride?" She asked.

"Nothing like you, but I do ride…mostly western. I've ridden English, but I've never jumped, unless you count the occasional downed log on the trail," he laughed.

"Hey Elizabeth," Landon called from the barnyard. "I need to talk to you," he sounded insistent.

"Will you excuse me?" Elizabeth asked as she slipped her foot in the stirrup and easily climbed aboard her mount.

Jack found it difficult to look away; admiring her in her shorts, covered by chaps, and paddock boots. He didn't know why, but this woman fascinated him. However, with all of his interest, he was still concerned that asking her out would be inappropriate. He could justify it in his mind, he thought, but would it be too weird for her?

Jack continued to watch as she started to ride away.

"Hey Elizabeth, will you be home soon?" Rosemary called out, causing Elizabeth to stop and turn around.

"I won't be late, but I'm stopping by Hanson's on my way home for an oil change on the Bug," Elizabeth commented.

Looking shocked, Rosemary laughed, "On the horse?"

"No, on the Volkswagen," she clarified with a shake of her head.

"Hanson's…you're going to Hanson's…" Rosemary repeated to herself.

"I don't want to put anyone out. I can walk over there, it's only a few miles," Jack stated.

"Don't be absurd… Elizabeth, Jack's truck was towed there. Since you're going there you'll be glad to give him a ride, right Elizabeth?" She asked with wide eyes and a big grin.

"Of course, I'd be glad to give you a ride," Elizabeth responded. "Let me take care of Bugsy, and see what Landon wants and I'll be ready to go.

"If you're sure that it's no trouble," Jack offered.

"No problem… after all, we're friends now, right?" She asked.

"Yes, right…friends!" Jack agreed. He understood that they had just met, and it was too soon to think of anything other than a cordial relationship with her. However, he vacillated between what his mind told him would be viewed as proper, and what the rest of him was saying. They had the beginnings of a friendship, and he would simply satisfy himself with that for now.

Elizabeth headed for the top of the ring, passing Lee along the way, "See you later."

"Bye Elizabeth," Lee replied.

Well, you guys ready to go? I'll take Jack to Hanson's and then we'll go to your place," Lee stated.

"Rosemary jumped in the car, "Just to my house…Elizabeth is taking Jack to Hanson's."

"How did you manage that?" He asked as he pulled out of the barn parking lot.

Rosemary slipped over beside Lee, "Does it really matter? The point is they'll spend some time together…get to know each other a little more, oh, and Elizabeth was driving there anyway for an oil change."

"I guess that's fine…just no pushing, okay?" He asked.

"I promise…no pushing," she agreed.

Jack walked up and stood by Elizabeth's VW Bug, taking in all of the happenings in the barnyard. He watched as she lovingly hosed down her horse, and walked him to cool him out. He laughed as the numerous dogs belonging to the various boarders, left their masters to hang with Elizabeth…

"She's quite something, isn't she?" Landon mentioned from behind Jack.

"Excuse me?" Jack replied.

"Elizabeth…she's quite something," he stated again.

Not knowing how to respond, Jack simply smiled.

Landon walked up and stood beside Jack, "Are you two dating?"

Surprised by his forwardness, Jack stuttered, "I…uh, no we're just friends…why?"

"Well, between us, I was thinking of asking her out, but I didn't want to step on anyone's toes, if you know what I mean," Landon stated.

"No problem, my toes are clear," Jack replied.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that she's available…"

"I didn't say she was available. I simply said we're friends…" Jack clarified.

"Oh, is she seeing someone else?" Landon asked.

"I don't know. I guess it would be best if you asked her directly," Jack advised as he turned away from Landon and resumed watching the activities in the barnyard.

"I'm sorry…I just thought maybe you'd help a guy out," Landon replied.

"Well…" Jack began, but quickly realized that he didn't know the man standing before him.

"Landon…"

"Well, Landon…if I'm inclined to help anyone out it will be Elizabeth…" Jack replied.

He watched as Landon walked toward the back of the barnyard. He looked over to the ring, catching Elizabeth looking in his direction. They both smiled before he looked down, scuffing his flip flops in the dirt as he thought, "It shouldn't matter to me if he asks her out…but it does."

"Jack," Elizabeth called out as she started down the path to the field. "I have to turn Bugsy out, and I'll be right back."

"Do you want some company?" He asked.

"Sure, come on…" she replied.

Jack walked through the gate as Elizabeth waited for him to catch up. From the feed room, Landon watched the couple and wondered if there was really something between them. If so, would he be able to compete?"

To be continued…