Elizabeth breathed heavily as she raised her fist to knock on the door. Her heart raced, nervous about what she would find. She didn't know why, all she wanted to do was...what? Re-ignite her friendship with Nathan? Twas true that she cared for his friendship. It had helped ease her worried soul when Jack was off the grid. But she was worried. Worried that what she had felt when they were talking would come back. But, then again, Abigail was right. Both she and Nathan respected each other, and they had respected Jack. So why was this so nerve racking for her?
It was just as she knocked a second time when she heard an emotionless femenine voice say, "they're not home". Elizabeth turned to see a beautiful blonde woman sitting on the front stoop of her home.
"Do you know when they'll be back"?
"No telling", the woman said, crushing out the end of her cigarette. Elizabeth's heart sunk at the sight. It was as if she'd just watched the affects of the habit. She was too pretty to be aged quickly. Then she noticed a crushed butt at her foot. Nathan did it too. Elizabeth did her best not to judge. She had no idea the circumstances of his taking up of the habit. Maybe something he couldn't share. Maybe Nathan and his neighbor had suffered more than most. Elizabeth just didn't know.
It was the next day at school when Elizabeth saw Nathan again. He picked up Allie in his old Jeep and pulled away. She wasn't sure how best to contact him. But there was one way.
Nathan hummed quietly to himself as he placed the last piece of trim in the living room. Nathan smiled. He was a soldier, always would be, but he enjoyed this, doing handy work.
"Oh Mr. Grant, that certainly is a professional job".
"It's my best job Mrs. Coulter, that's all i can do".
Nathan finished packing up when he heard another person walk in, and then jokingly complain, "Rosey I told you I would replace the trim after I got home".
Mrs. Coulter hushed her husband. Mr. Coulter smiled and extended his hand, "Leland Coulter, but please, call me Lee".
"It's a pleasure Lee. I hope i haven't inconvinced anyone".
"Oh it's fine, I'm just itching to get back to work. I keep telling Rosey that I'm good, but ever since the crash she's been trying to keep me on bed rest".
Nathan's face blanched. The crash?
"H-how long ago was the car crash"?
"Plane actually. Nine months ago. Me and my best friend were coming home. It's crazy, y'know, he wouldn't have been able to come back with me of a spot hadn't opened up".
With each word Nathan felt like he was getting shot.
"What was his name, if you don't mind "?
"Jack, Sargent Jack Thornton".