A week and a half later...
"Good morning, Miss Thatcher," Jack said with an adorable smile as he walked towards the pavilion. "Reading and story time today?"
Elizabeth couldn't help the full grin that took over her now sun kissed face. Jack's deep dimples and gentle, humorous spirit drew her in like a moth to a flame.
"As a matter of fact it is. I've got so many books to show them today. I figured I would read some picture books first for the younger kids and then I brought a couple chapter books for the older kids to pick from. Think that will work?"
"I do. In fact, I think it's a great idea." Jack took a seat in front of her and began looking at the books she had laid out.
"Thank you!" She didn't need his approval, but knowing she had it made her all the more excited. "So what's on your to do list today?"
"Same as always. Working on a couple of the hurricane safe homes and then later I'll keep plugging away at the school."
"You've been working very hard on that! I bumped into Leo and he said you've stayed there working long past when everyone else goes home. I guess that's why you haven't been at dinner much lately?"
The disappointment she felt leaked out in her tone, which gave Jack a happy feeling inside. Even though he kept telling himself they were simply just friends, it was nice to know she seemed to enjoy spending time with him as much as he did her.
Over the past week and a half they each made a point to see each other at the end of most days. Usually down at their spot. It had quickly become a sweet tradition and wonderful way to end their days. They had a connection, one neither fully understood yet, but had no desire to question.
"Sorry about missing meals. I just want to get it done as close to the start of school as possible."
"I appreciate that, but please take it easy on yourself. Speaking of that, how's your hand?"
He held his bandaged hand up for her to see. "Good as new."
"Hey Jack!" Carson called as he ran over to the pavilion. "You up for a trip into the city tomorrow morning?"
"Sure. What for?"
"A new shipment of medical supplies should arrive there today. I'm going to drive in and pick it up along with a few other things for Frank. I could use the company."
"I'm in. I have a couple letters to mail off and some building supplies to order for the school anyway." Jack looked over at Elizabeth. "You and Faith want to come with us?"
"Oh! Could we?" Elizabeth sat up, looking straight at Carson.
"Sure," he smiled. "We'll all meet over there at say 7:30? Frank said we could take the jeep in."
"Great we'll be there." Jack nodded.
With a wave, Carson hurried back to the clinic. Jack stood soon after to say goodbye to her for the time being. "I guess I better get to work. See you a little later?"
"Yup. Good luck today! Don't let any big scary lizards jump out and scare you!" A cute little giggle slipped out even though she tried to act all serious.
Jack turned back towards her, his arms crossed. "Oh, so you heard about that, huh?"
Elizabeth's laughter increased, "I did. Your friend Leo is a great storyteller."
"Great… remind me to thank him for that someday." He rolled his eyes as he turned to leave.
"Don't be mad at him, Jack," she spoke softly. "I think it's cute."
"Cute, huh? Well I guess I can live with that." He winked and headed off to work just as the first few kids were coming out to meet with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth jumped up from her perch and exuberantly greeted the children. Jack stopped to watch for a moment. She certainly belonged there. She knelt down to look each child in the eye. Somehow she already knew and remembered their names as she asked them questions about their day, in perfect French even.
"She's really something," he whispered to himself. "I guess that's why I like her so much." He looked around, realizing what he had said aloud.
It occurred to him as he walked off to the work site that in all their conversations thus far, she'd never mentioned a boyfriend. But a girl like that had to have someone waiting for her back home.
"What am I thinking…" he groaned. "I'm not looking for a relationship. I'm here for the next year and then back to Seattle. That's the plan."
He turned back to catch one more look at the beautiful angel, smiling and laughing, surrounded by children.
"Though I suppose plans can change, right?"
…..
Later after a hard day's work by all, Elizabeth and Faith went through the line at the mess hall for dinner. The meal was nothing like what they'd normally eat at home but both were too tired to care. They took their trays to a back table where no one else was and sat down. It was there Elizabeth told Faith about the plans for tomorrow.
"You said we'd do what?" Faith asked in shock.
"I said we'd go into the city tomorrow with the guys." She studied Faith's reaction. "Don't give me that glaring look! You said you and Carson were friends now."
"When we're in the clinic working together, yes we're friends."
"And outside of the clinic you're what? Mortal enemies?" Elizabeth asked with a laugh, a little confused.
"No, it's the opposite really. Outside the clinic it's hard for me to maintain that professional relationship attitude. Outside the clinic I start falling for him again! I see him as more than a doctor I'm working for."
"Huh, so it's complicated?"
"Yup. What about you?
"What about me?"
"What's going on with you and Jack Thornton?"
"Nothing," Elizabeth shrugged. "We're friends, end of story."
"More like the beginning of the story if you ask me."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Just means I've seen the way you look at each other. How you make a point to take a walk with him most nights somewhere and I know you look for him every night at dinner."
Elizabeth fidgeted in her seat. "I walk with you, we're friends. If you were missing from dinner I'd look for you too. See, just friends.." Elizabeth knew she was protesting too much, but she couldn't help it.
"True, but then there's how you are…"
"Evening ladies," a male voice greeted them.
"Jack, hi!" Elizabeth's eyes lit up at the sight of Jack. By his appearance it looked as if he had either finished work early or had gone back to clean up before coming to dinner. Knowing his work habits, it was safe to assume it was the latter. Either way she was happy. Truth be told, Elizabeth wasn't sure what made her happier, seeing Jack or having an interruption from Faith's teasing.
"I took your advice and decided to come in for dinner tonight." Jack gave her a dimpled smile, receiving a glowing smile from her in return.
"Your advice, huh?" Faith smirked at Elizabeth before receiving a swift kick to the shin under the table. "Ow!"
The noise made Jack pull his eyes of Elizabeth. "Faith, you alright?"
"She's just fine," Elizabeth answered quickly. "Why don't you grab some food and join us?"
"Sure. Be right back."
Elizabeth and Faith watched as Jack joined the food line. "See?" Elizabeth stated. "Nothing's going on."
"Oh, come on!" Faith laughed loudly. "You're protesting like you're a character in a Jane Austen novel, and even better, you were practically swooning just now!"
"Let's be real here, I do not swoon!" Elizabeth argued, her hands placed firmly on her hips as she sat.
"That's my point! You, Elizabeth Jane Thatcher, do not go gaga for a guy and I for one am thrilled to be here to witness it actually happening! I might have to write home to Julie!"
"You wouldn't..."
"Of course not. That would be mean. But come on, just tell me you like him!"
Jack came over just as Elizabeth shot Faith a glare.
"Wow, what'd I miss?" He laughed. Seeing Faith's amusement, he knew it couldn't be too bad.
"Nothing. Nothing at all." With a smile, Elizabeth scooted over to make room for Jack beside her.
Faith put the teasing aside so the three of them could enjoy friendly conversation. Didn't stop her from watching Jack and Elizabeth with the eyes of an investigator though. Elizabeth was right, they were friends. But not like friends who'd just met. It was as if they had been friends for years. The connection she witnessed was like nothing she had ever seen.
She thought back to Elizabeth and Trents and their relationship. Not even in the beginning did she see sparks like what she was seeing now.
"Faith, you have a sec?" Carson came over, taking the seat near her. "We have a family that just came to the clinic. I could use a couple extra hands."
"Of course!" She grabbed her tray. "Excuse me, guys."
"See you later, Faith!" Jack waved.
"You too Jack! And Liz, we are so not done with our earlier conversation."
"We'll see."
Now alone, and seemingly more aware of her own feelings, Elizabeth sat at a loss for words. Jack sat there trying to think of something to say. Anything to distract him from the wrestling his mind and his heart were doing.
"So…"
"So…"
They said in unison, each wearing bashful grins.
"You go first." Elizabeth suggested.
"Alright. How'd reading time go today?"
"Great! I seem to be attracting more kids each time. It's nice too because I'm getting a feel for where each child is academically. It will help when it comes to making lesson plans."
"Nice. You know, my mom's a teacher. She teaches at an elementary school back home," Jack said taking a large forkful of his dinner. "She loves it, though she's been talking about retiring for a little while now."
"You think she's ready?"
"Yes and no. I think she's afraid she'll miss the kids too much."
"I bet! I've only just begun teaching, but I couldn't imagine saying goodbye."
Jack smiled over at her. "You were meant to be a teacher, huh?"
Elizabeth sighed, expressing her contentment with life. "I think so."
"How does Haiti fit into that?"
That was a hard question to answer. "I guess I was looking for an adventure. I love my family but I felt a bit stifled under my father's thumb. He had a plan for me but it really wasn't for me. He wanted me to work at a private school back home. Personally, I had no interest in working there. I'd rather go where I'm needed."
Jack decided to take the moment to ask his question. "Anyone special waiting for you back home?"
"You referring to a boyfriend or something?" He nodded, his mouth full of food. "Nope. At least, no one I'm interested in. Again my father had plans even in that area. Plan I have no interest in. Right now this is where I'm meant to be"
"I can understand that. When you were here before, you fell in love with it, right?"
"Very much. This place is special. It's people are special too." She gazed over at him, smiling warmly as she met his eyes.
"I won't argue with you there."
…..
The next morning Faith and Elizabeth woke up early to meet the guys for the drive into the city.
"Coffee, I need coffee," Faith groaned as she leaned against the pavilion post.
"Relax. One morning without coffee won't kill you."
"You sure?"
Elizabeth laughed, "Who knows? Maybe we'll pass a Starbucks on the way to the city."
"Ha, ha. Very funny."
"I thought so."
Faith shook her head and the two went back to waiting in silence. The village was quiet. Not another soul around until Carson and Jack drove up in the large black Jeep Cherokee. Jack jumped out first, looking wide awake and happy. He was happy. Today he would be spending the whole day with Elizabeth. He was excited to show her a little of Port au Prince and just talk with her more. Given the fact that he was trying to downplay his feelings, he was happy for Carson and Faith's presence, hoping it would keep him from crossing the friends barrier.
"Morning ladies! Coffee?" Jack leaned back into the jeep grabbing two travel mugs. One for each of the women.
"Jack! You are a godsend." Faith turned to whisper to Elizabeth, "Marry him," before walking toward the jeep. Elizabeth stood there blushing.
"What did she just say?" Jack asked, having been unable to make it out.
"Nothing important. You look peppy this morning."
"I am actually. I got up earlier and went for a run on the beach. It was nice. I got to watch the sunrise."
"Elizabeth runs." Faith said from her seat in the jeep. "You two should go together."
Elizabeth stood wide eyed. Wondering what game her friend was playing at. She managed to get her face back to normal as Jack turned to face her again.
"That would be fun. If you're interested."
"That's not a bad idea," Carson added. He was on the same wavelength as Faith. "Pastor Frank doesn't recommend us traveling around alone. Especially the young women. This place is safe, but you never can be too careful. If you want to run, Jack's a great running buddy."
Jack laughed. "You only say that because if Elizabeth goes, I won't make you."
"That is an added bonus, yes," he grinned. "Come on, let's get on the road."
The 4 friends traveled down the winding mountain roads for the next couple hours, stopping twice for Jack to get out and take pictures when the light reflected through the tree canopy just right.
When they finally arrived, Carson navigated the overcrowded roads carefully, white knuckling the wheel the whole time.
"You alright?" Jack asked from the front passenger seat.
"I hate driving here. I'm always afraid someone's going to jump out and I'll hit them."
"If you want, I'll drive back. Once you've driven a large fire truck in a hurry, you can drive in just about anything."
"I may take you up on that."
After another 5 minutes, they pulled out alongside their first destination.
"Here's our first stop." Carson pointed to a large white building with the words "Office Des Poste D'haiti" written across the top in big letters. They unloaded the bags of mail from the back and carried them inside.
Carson spoke to the man behind the counter, explaining who he was and what he was there for and handed over the mail bags from Hopes Landing. While the man received the new mail, the 4 friends waited near an old oscillating fan off to the side.
"Mr. Shepard?" the man called out. He placed a small bag of mail on the floor and 4 packages.
"Merci."
Back at the car, Jack drove while Carson looked through the bag of letters or cards.
"One for you Elizabeth, one for Faith." He handed them back. "And Jack, you won't guess who wrote you again."
Jack nodded, showing almost no reaction. "I'm guessing I only need one guess for this?"
"Probably." Carson reached back in the backseat and slipped the pink envelope in Jack's backpack.
Elizabeth tried to nonchalantly lean forward to see the return address on the envelope. She saw the name "Heather Miller" written in nice handwriting on the top corner and felt as if the bottom of her stomach fell out. Who was this woman? Why was she writing Jack? So many questions flooded her mind.
Faith could see the disappointment on Elizabeth's face. As they got out of the car at the next stop, she rushed over to Elizabeth's side.
"You want me to try to ask Carson who Heather is?"
"How'd you know her name?"
"I was curious. I stole a glance the same time you did. So tell me, do you want to know?"
"Why? We're friends. Nothing more."
"So you say."
Elizabeth closed her eyes tightly and sighed. She couldn't believe what she was about to say. "Fine. If you happen to have a moment… I guess I wouldn't mind knowing."
"Oh, I'm on it!"
Once a couple more errands had been completed, Jack pulled the Jeep into the parking lot of the mission organization's headquarters, knowing it would be safe and out of the way while they ventured about the city. It was way past lunch time now and they needed a break.
"You guys up for a walk around the city? There's a great lunch spot about a mile from here but it's easier to walk. Parking can be a nightmare."
"Sure!" Faith was hoping as they walked she'd get a chance to ask Carson about Jack's letter. She was anxious and knew Elizabeth was too. She'd hardly said a word since the post office.
As they started walking, Faith and Carson slipped into an easy conversation about the clinic and medical practices around the world, while Jack and Elizabeth stood back and listened.
"This place is so busy," Elizabeth said in awe as they walked down one street past a number of street venders. She never liked cities for this reason. As they walked, a large man bumped Elizabeth, almost knocking her over without slowing down at all. Jack who was still walking right by her side, protectively wrapped his arm around her back and guided her through the crowd.
"It's insane really. It's almost like the whole population of Haiti lives right here." Looking down he could see the uneasiness in her eyes. "Stay close, okay? I've got you."
She nodded. Her nerves over the large mass of people calmed almost immediately with Jack's strong arm around her, but was replaced with a new uneasy feeling. She thought about the time she and Trent went to NYC with Faith and a few other friends to see a Broadway show. The streets were crowded, not unlike this. She remembered Trent doing the same thing Jack had done. She thought it was sweet, gentlemanly even. But there were no butterflies. No desire to make it so he'd never let go. With Jack, her heart raced and she wished for a reason, any reason, to stay this close to him. As they turned off onto the next block, the thick mass of people dissipated and Jack stepped back slightly. As soon as he did, she missed him.
Then the letter with the woman's name on it came back to mind and she felt guilty. What if all these feelings she was having were for someone else's person. She cringed at the thought. Thinking back to all their walks and time spent down by the water. She was trying to figure out a way to ask for herself when Jack spoke.
"You alright? You haven't said much since we picked up the mail. You get a bad letter from home?"
"Oh, no. The letter was from my mom. I haven't opened it yet though." Jack nodded. "I guess I'm just not a city girl."
"What, you don't like hoards of strangers bumping into you left and right?" He laughed. "I get it. I'm the same way."
She looked up at Faith, busy listening as Carson rambled on about some medical thing Elizabeth couldn't even begin to understand. Curiosity getting the better of her she finally just asked.
"What about you? Who'd you get a letter from?"
"Someone from home."
"I figured that much," Elizabeth sassed, trying to remain joking.
"Ah, I guess that is kind of a given isn't it?" She nodded. "Well her name is Heather Miller, we grew up together, I guess you could say." Jack stuck his hands in his pockets, seeming almost embarrassed.
That was all Elizabeth needed. "Great, I've been paling around with someone else's guy. The nerve of him, stringing me along and… well, he didn't really string me along… did he? Ack, I have no idea anymore. Why do I even care?"
"We're here!" Carson stood, arms out in front of a small concrete building. It was painted multiple bright colors, most of which were peeling off. "Get ready for the best Haitian food I've ever had!"
They walked into the sswelteing hot building and were immediately taken in by the aroma of food from the kitchen.
"This is Emmanuel and his wife Tamara. They run this little piece of heaven."
Faith took a step back next to Elizabeth. Both women looked around the tiny establishment. It was nothing like the restaurants they'd eat at back in the states. It was more what you would classify as a hole in the ground. The kind of place you expect the FDA to inspect and close.
"Are you sure this place is sanitary?" Faith scrunched up her nose.
"Don't let appearances fool you. I eat here every time I come out. Never gotten sick once. These guys are the best. Way better than all those nicer looking places we passed on the way here."
"You know what they say…" Faith sang. "There's a first time for everything."
"Not here. Trust me."
As Faith and Jack followed Carson toward the counter, Elizabeth grabbed Jack's arm.
"What is it?" he said softly as he turned around.
"Jack, this place has chickens hanging in the windows. Dead chickens…"
"Yeah, it's different I know. Carson's right though. The food is good here. Trust me. I wouldn't bring you here if I thought you'd get sick."
"Oh sure, you care about my wellbeing." She meant it well, but it came out a bit harsh. In her mind she was feeling hurt about not learning of this Heather person before now.
"Yeah, I do care about you." Jack looked at Elizabeth confused. "Are you okay?"
Feeling embarrassed by her jealousy, which she knew was exactly what she was feeling, she brushed it off. "Yup. I'm good."
"Okay." Jack didn't believe her. In the short time they'd known each other he figured out how to read her well.
They took their meals to go and walked just a short distance near the river.
"Hey Carson, I didn't ask, did you get any mail today?" Jack asked, taking a bite of his chicken.
"Not this time, but I got two last week from my family so it's alright." He took off his hat and wiped the sweat off his brow. "Sorry about your mail."
"Sorry?" Faith asked.
Jack shrugged. "Long story. Well, not really. We were friends growing up. Her parents grew up with my mother. She always wanted more from our friendship than I was able to give. Seems she still doesn't believe me when I say that's not changing."
Carson snorted thinking of his last relationship. "You're smart not to settle, Jack."
Jack nodded. "My dad said when he met my mom he just knew. It was like seeing fireworks for the first time." He looked over at Elizabeth, giving her a gentle smile. "That's what I want."
"You don't get that from her?" she asked.
"Not at all."
Faith and Carson gave each other knowing glances. They could see what was happening with their friends even if they weren't ready to see it for themselves.
As they finished, they gathered their things and started walking back to the car. They had one more stop to make before heading back to Hopes Landing.
With their friends ahead of them again, Jack took a gentle hold on Elizabeth's arm.
"Was that why you were so quiet? The letter?" He asked, hoping to clear the air once and for all.
"It was none of my business, Jack. I'm sorry."
He let out a small huff of a laugh. "You were wondering if I had a girl back home. Which would make the time we've been spending together seem less than honorable."
"Something like that. I figured if you had a love back home, she probably wouldn't like us being such good friends. At least I thought that's what we were becoming."
"We are," he quickly assured her. "Please trust me when I say this, she isn't anything more than an old friend. More of an acquaintance now, really."
"So you don't have anyone back home?"
"Nope."
"Okay." She bit her lip to try to hold back her smile. It was involuntary, really.
"So we're okay?" Jack gave her a playful nudge.
"Yeah, we're okay."
A little ways before they reached the mission headquarters they heard loud music blaring from a nearby building. It didn't sound like your typical Haitian music. More like Latin dance music.
As they continued walking, the source of the music came into view. In the middle of a side street full of venders and artists, were a group of people dancing and laughing to music from a band on a small stage. They walked closer to get a better look.
"Elizabeth, look!" Faith squealed. "Salsa dancing. We've always wanted to learn."
"Oh yeah?" Carson smiled. "It's not too hard. Jack and I know a little."
"Really?" Elizabeth giggled, Jack shrugged, giving her a dimpled grin. Both happy they were back to their normal selves.
"Yeah!" Carson smiled at Faith. "I had to take dance lessons when I was…" he stopped, not wanting to think about Emma or the time he took lesson for her before there almost wedding.
"One summer in college," Jack added, trying to cover for him. "We did it for a friend."
"Wow, I need friends like you!" Faith laughed.
"Well, I'll take you for a spin." Carson extended his hand.
Surprised by the gesture at first, Faith took his hand and let herself be led out into the small crowd.
Jack watched Elizabeth laugh at Faith and Carson stumble around.
"You know now that I think about it, he wasn't much better when we took lessons either." Elizabeth giggled.
"What about you?"
"Me? I was told I had natural talent. Not sure I believe it, but it was a fun couple weeks of my life." She nodded. "What do you say, Miss Thatcher? Up for a little salsa?"
Looking into his green eyes, she could see the sunlight reflecting in them. This man was so innocent and real. Why did she ever doubt his intentions in regards to their friendship? With a smile she placed her hand in his. "Why not."
There was lots of laughter as the 4 friends danced.
"You sure you've never done this before?" Jack grinned at Elizabeth. She was a natural. Her body moved to the beat of the music flawlessly, completely entrancing Jack.
"I have, but only one class."
"Seriously? One class and you look this good? My first class was a disaster."
"And look at you now," she flirted unintentionally. There was no denying she loved the feeling of being in Jack's strong arms. He was gentle as he led their dance. Every time she caught his glance, her heart skipped a beat.
The song ended and everyone cheered and clapped. Jack asked Elizabeth for another dance, which she was more than happy to accept. Carson and Faith decided to sit the next one out. They found a table off to the side and watched.
Faith was smiling so much her face hurt as she watched her best friend giggle and enjoy the pure delight of being with Jack. It was enough to distract her from her own budding attraction with the young, hunky doctor next to her.
"Just look at them." She shook her head with a laugh. "I can't believe it! I'm so glad I'm here to witness this."
"What?" Carson asked. "You mean Jack and Elizabeth?"
"Yes! Elizabeth is amazing, but to let loose and enjoy life, especially with a guy she's clearly attracted to… it just doesn't happen!"
"I could say the same thing about Jack. He's a great guy. Probably could have his pick of women back home."
"Like that Heather girl?"
He rolled his eyes. "She'd jump at the chance in a heartbeat. But no. He's not interested. In fact I couldn't tell you the last time I saw him actually interested in someone."
They both shifted their attention back to their friends. Faith couldn't help but wonder if this was it for Elizabeth. Had she finally met someone that would capture her heart and never let go? All evidence at the moment suggested yes. If only she could get her to admit it.
She glanced out onto the dance floor. "I don't want to overstep, but do you think…"
"Them? Oh yeah. He's hooked by her for sure."
"I think she is too."
