Happy Valentine's Day #Hearties. Here's chapter eleven. Hope you enjoy.
Elizabeth awoke to the sound of her phone ringing. She smiled at the sight of Jack's name flashing across the screen. "Hello? Jack?"
"Good morning, Elizabeth." He said into the line. "I hope you slept well."
"I did." She replied. "How did you sleep?"
"I slept very well, thank you." He said. But I missed you. He thought to himself.
"Why are you calling?" Elizabeth asked, "Not that I mind."
"Just checking on something." Jack answered. "You said that there would be a movie and a pizza party, right?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"Well I know you said I didn't have to bring anything." Jack explained. "But I have a surprise for everyone if that's alright with you of course."
"What kind of surprise?"
"You'll have to wait and see." Jack answered. "Do you trust me?"
"Of course." Elizabeth replied. "You've never given me a reason not to."
"Great! See you in a little while."
"Looking forward to it." Elizabeth disconnected the call and rushed to get ready. After much debating, she decided on the perfect outfit. She put on a knee length black dress with tiny pink flowers and spent a little extra time on hair and makeup. She rushed out the door and nearly ran into Rosie, who was carrying two Styrofoam cups of and a small paper bag.
"Whoa!" Rosie exclaimed. "Why the rush?"
"Gotta get to school." Elizabeth answered. "See you later, Rosie."
"Hold it, Missy." Rosie called after Elizabeth.
Elizabeth stopped dead in her tracks and spun around to face Rosie.
"I thought you might like a coffee." Rosie offered Elizabeth one of the Styrofoam cups."
"Thank you, Rosie." Elizabeth accepted the beverage.
"Look at you." Rosie acknowledged. "You look nice. What's the occasion?"
"Nothing special." Elizabeth answered. "I really have to go. I have a pizza party to get ready for."
"Ah-ha!" Realization finally hit Rosie. "Now I know why you're so dressed up. You invited Jack to the pizza party, didn't you?"
"What are you implying?" Elizabeth queried.
"That you're trying to impress the handsome detective." Rosie chuckled.
"No, I'm not." Elizabeth denied. "I've really got to get to school." She whirled around and rushed to the elevator before Rosie could say another word on the subject.
Once inside the elevator, Elizabeth looked at her attire. "I am not trying to impress Jack." She said to herself. "I'm a teacher. We're supposed to dress professional. That's all." She tried convincing herself. "But if Jack happens to like what I'm wearing then that's a bonus." The elevator doors opened. She stepped out and headed to the parking garage in the direction of her car. "I hope he doesn't think I'm trying too hard." Elizabeth took one more glance at her dress and smoothed out an imaginary wrinkle. "Maybe I should go change." She said to herself. "Maybe I am a bit overdressed for a pizza party." She caught a glimpse at the time and realized she had to get to school so she wouldn't be late. "This will have to do." She sighed.
"Good morning, Ms. Henrich." Elizabeth greeted when she walked into her classroom.
"Good morning, Ms. Thatcher." Ms. Henrich replied. "You look nice today. Trying to impress someone? A very handsome detective who just happens to be coming to school today perhaps?"
"Why does everyone keep saying that?" Elizabeth grumbled. "I'm not trying to impress anyone. I'm dressed the way I would be dressed on any other school day."
"Mmhmm," Ms. Henrich countered, not believing a word Elizabeth was saying, "And that's why you have every single hair on your head in place and your make up just right as well. I know you never do your make up that way."
Suddenly, the school bell rang. Soon the children began filing into the class room. "Good morning, children." Elizabeth called, forcing a smile.
"Good morning, Ms. Thatcher." The children called.
"Is Officer Jack here yet?" Philip asked excitedly.
"Not yet." Elizabeth replied. "Now go have a seat. I know our pizza party is today, but it's not until this afternoon. We have to do a little school work until then."
The children grumbled in unison.
"I know," Elizabeth chuckled, "But we'll have all afternoon free."
There was then an unexpected knock on the door. "Come in. The doors open." Elizabeth called.
The door slowly opened, and Jack popped his head in.
"Officer Jack!" The children shouted.
"Hey kids," Jack called as he stepped in with Aly. He walked toward Elizabeth. "Hey you." He whispered.
"Hi." She smiled. "You're early."
"Well I had to bring Aly again." He explained. "I thought I would just stay. If it's alright with you."
"You can stay if you'd like." Elizabeth replied. She couldn't help noticing how handsome he looked in his leather jacket, dark blue button down, and tight black jeans.
"I will have to leave for a little while." Jack stated. "Pimental's car is in the shop. She said it should be ready by this afternoon. She wanted to come. I told her I would come by and get her. But I had to get Aly to school and I have to pick up the surprise I was telling you about."
"You're still not going to tell me what it is?" She pleaded.
"Nope, you'll have to wait, along with the children." Jack noticed the look of disappointment on Elizabeth's face. "I promise, the children will love it." He whispered.
Elizabeth smiled. "Well I can't wait to see what it is." She glanced at the clock on the wall. "Oh my gosh look at time! Children if you will please put your things away and line up. "We're late for Ms. Vincent's music class." She turned to face Jack. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll be back in about five minutes."
"Take your time." Jack watched Elizabeth lead her students out into hall.
"How are you detective?" Ms. Henrich asked.
"Please, call me Jack." Jack replied. "How are you?"
"I'm okay." Ms. Henrich responded. "It's really nice of you to come to a kid's pizza party."
"I love children." Jack replied. "And I love pizza." He chuckled.
"And Ms. Thatcher?" Ms. Henrich asked.
"Uh," Jack was caught a little off guard. "We're just friends."
"Not you too." Ms. Henrich mumbled under her breath.
"What did you say?" Jack asked.
Before Ms. Henrich could respond. Elizabeth returned to the classroom. She quickly stood from her seat. "I'll be back." She picked up the paper from her desk. "I'm going to copy today's math lesson." She headed toward the door and down the hall leaving Jack and Elizabeth alone in the room.
Jack took a step closer to Elizabeth. "You look beautiful by the way."
"This old thing?" She gestured her dress. "I just threw it on."
"Well it suits you." Jack smiled.
Elizabeth blushed and stared at the floor.
"Aly couldn't stop talking about the pizza party on the way here." Jack stated, changing the subject. "She has been excited all week. She says they never did anything like this at her old school."
"That's a shame." Elizabeth remarked. "I like to do a lot of different fun things with my students. They need a break from routine learning from time to time. Plus a little levity in the lesson helps me keep their interest.
"That's what makes such a terrific teacher." Jack acknowledged. "I've only been here a few times, but I can tell those children love you."
"Well in case you haven't noticed," Elizabeth stroked his arm, "They love you too. They get very excited every time you walk through that door."
"You have a great group of students." Jack gushed.
"I think so too," Elizabeth agreed, "For the most part." She chuckled.
"And you do a great job with them." Jack continued.
"Thank you." Elizabeth blushed. "I try."
The increasing crimson color of Elizabeth's face didn't go unnoticed by Jack. He reached up and brushed a hand across her cheeks. "You're beautiful, you know that? He whispered. He leaned closer.
She gazed into his eyes and leaned closer to him.
Suddenly the door of the classroom opened, and Ms. Henrich walked inside.
Jack and Elizabeth quickly jumped back. Jack cleared his throat.
"Well," Elizabeth's said in a raspy voice. She cleared her throat hoping no one noticed. "It's time to go get the children." She rushed toward the door.
After a quick math lesson, the children asked if they could play a game with Officer Jack. Jack took them to the play ground and started a rousing game of dodgeball. Elizabeth didn't know how it happened, but the game ended with the children all in a dogpile on top of Jack. Elizabeth was concerned at first but once Jack returned to his feet he was laughing and smiling, which caused her to smile as well. Jack really seemed to be enjoying himself.
At 10:30 Jack left but promised to be back with Detective Pimental and a surprise. The children could hardly contain their excitement. An hour later, Jack returned with Pimental, who helped him bring in a real popcorn machine and several jars of popcorn. "It's for the movie." He suggested.
He made his way over to Elizabeth and offered her a single long-stemmed pink rose. "For you."
"It's beautiful," Elizabeth gushed. "Thank you."
"Oooh," The children called in unison.
"Children settle down please." Elizabeth advised. "It will be a few more minutes before the pizza arrives. You may talk quietly at your seats until then."
"So, what do you think of the popcorn machine? Jack asked.
"It's wonderful." Elizabeth admitted. "Where did you ever find it."
"It belongs to my mother," Jack replied. "But she never uses it."
"You certainly, got the children all riled up." She chuckled.
"Thank goodness it's Friday then." He said with a grin the accentuated his dimples.
"Definitely," Elizabeth agreed. She headed to the sink in the back of the classroom. She located an old mason jar and filled it with water. She placed the rose Jack had given her into the water and carried it to the front of the room. She gently placed it on her desk.
Half an hour later, the pizza arrived much to the excitement of the children. Jack, helped Elizabeth pass out slices, while Pimental helped Ms. Henrich pour each of the children something to drink. The children talked amongst themselves while they enjoyed their pizza.
"The pizza is delicious!" Jack exclaimed. He and Elizabeth were sitting next to each other using her desk as table for their plates of pizza. "I don't think I've ever had pizza from Rocky's before."
"Rocky's Pizzeria is where we always get the pizza for the parties." Elizabeth explained. "It's a hit with the kids and they always give good deals to the school groups."
"That's great." Jack acknowledged. "I know where I'm getting my pizza from now on." He turned to face her.
Elizabeth turned to face him at the same time. They momentarily got lost in each other's eyes. Time stood still.
"Ms. Thatcher, can I have another slice of pizza?" Robert snapped the two of them out of their reverie.
"We'll have to see how much pizza is left." Elizabeth explained. "I can't give you another piece if there isn't enough to give everyone another piece."
Jack immediately stood from his seat. He began opening the remaining pizza boxes. He acknowledged that there was just enough for everyone to have one more slice. "Who wants another slice?" He called. He chuckled when twenty-one hands shot up. He worked his way around the room placing a slice of pizza on each kid's plate.
Elizabeth watched Jack tend to all the children. She couldn't help smiling at the way he cared for each and every one of them."
After everyone finished their pizza, Elizabeth had the children line up to take a restroom break. During that time, Jack began preparing the popcorn machine. Soon the children were seated on the magic carpet in front of the tv. Elizabeth selected "Frozen" for them to watch. Jack passed out bowls of popcorn to everyone then returned to his seat at Elizabeth's desk.
Elizabeth shut off the lights and made her way back to her seat next to Jack. She began nibbling on the popcorn that Jack had placed on her desk for her. Jack wasn't paying at bit of attention to the movie. He was too busy watching Elizabeth eat popcorn. He gently placed his hand on her thigh. Her legs were hidden behind the desk so there was no chance of anyone seeing. She gave him a smile. He leaned closer to her ear. "I'm having really nice time." He whispered. "I'm glad you invited me."
"You could be anywhere but a second grade pizza party." Elizabeth whispered in return. "I'm sure there is somewhere else you'd rather be."
"No really, I'm having a great time." Jack countered. "Your students are wonderful. You are wonderful." He reached up and discreetly brushed a stray curl from her face.
Little did Jack and Elizabeth know, the little gesture didn't go unnoticed by Ms. Henrich or Detective Pimental. They exchanged knowing glances.
Jack and Elizabeth continued to steal glances at each other throughout the movie. They were in their own little world. Their reverie was broken when the entire class started singing along to Elsa's song in the movie.
Let it go, Let it go
Can't hold it back anymore
Let it go, Let it go
Turn away and slam the door
I don't care what they're going to say
Let the storm rage on
The cold never bothered me anyway
When the movie ended, there were only ten minutes left of the school day. This only allowed enough time for the children to get their belongings together and get ready for dismissal. The afternoon bell rang, and Elizabeth led the children outside. Jack, Pimental, and Aly stayed behind and began to help Ms. Henrich clean up the paper plates, Styrofoam bowls, and plastic cups, left by the children. When Elizabeth returned the room looked mostly back in order. "Thank you all so much!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "It wasn't necessary for you to stay and clean up after my students."
"We didn't mind." Jack replied.
"It was the least we could do." Pimental agreed. "Thanks for inviting us."
"My pleasure," Elizabeth replied.
"I really did have a nice time." Jack stepped toward Elizabeth and stroked her arm. "Well I better go. I have to run Pimental to get her car at the shop and I have to get Aly home." He gestured to the young girl. "You ready to go Munchkin?"
"Coming Uncle Jack." She called. She grabbed her backpack and rushed to her teacher. "Bye Ms. Thatcher." She wrapped her arms around Elizabeth's waist.
"Bye, Sweetheart." Elizabeth reciprocated Aly's hug. "I'll see you Monday." She watched as Aly and Pimental walked out the door in front of Jack. She grabbed Jack's arm before he walked out the door himself. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Looking forward to it." He said with a wink. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it before walking out the door.
After dropping Aly off at her mother's place, Jack headed home. He plopped on the sofa, leaned his head against the back, and closed his eyes. He'd had a great day with Elizabeth and the children, but he was exhausted. Rip came bounding into the room and rested at Jack's feet. Jack looked down at the dog and chuckled. "Hey buddy," He reached down and began scratching Rip behind the ears. "You look as tired as I feel." Rip barked in agreement.
Jack's phone chimed signaling a text.
Elizabeth: Thanks 4 coming today. The children loved having u.
Jack: I had a great time, but I am exhausted.
Elizabeth: Lol, I love my job, but now know how I feel every day.
Jack: I may be a detective on the police force but they're underestimating the school teacher. You're the real hero.
Elizabeth: I don't know about that. U were my hero a few weeks ago in case you've forgotten.
Jack: I haven't forgotten but I was just doing my job that night and if I had 2 do it all over again I would.
Elizabeth: Thank u that means a lot 2 me
Jack: Well you mean a lot 2 me. And I would love to come visit your kids again. And you don't even have to give me pizza lol.
Elizabeth: See u are a hero. If you're as exhausted as u say u r and r willing to come back to my classroom. And you're welcome anytime.
Jack: I may surprise u and show up sometime.
Elizabeth: I'd like that.
Jack: Me 2
Elizabeth: Well I'll leave u alone and let u get some rest. Just wanted 2 let u know that everyone had a great time.
Jack: Me 2. I'll see u tomorrow. What time do u want me 2 pick u up?
Elizabeth: The street fair opens at 11. How does 9 sound? Maybe we can grab breakfast first?
Jack: It's a date. See u then.
Jack stood from the sofa and headed to his bedroom to get ready for bed. Thoughts of Elizabeth began taking over his mind. He'd been thinking about his conversation with Ms. Henrich throughout the day. "I love children and I love pizza."
"And Ms. Thatcher?"
"We're just friends."
They were just friends. They'd never agreed to anything more than friendship. He cared very deeply for her, however, it was much too soon to even think about love, but after his conversation with Ms. Henrich, he couldn't help thinking about it. He would love something more exclusive but didn't want to pursue a relationship with her one second before she was ready. He knew she'd been through a lot in her past relationships and he didn't want to rush her. He rubbed his hands over his eyes and sighed.
Thirty seconds later, Jack headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He then returned to his bedroom and climbed into bed. He had to get some sleep. He rested his head on his pillow and closed his eyes. He had a date with Elizabeth tomorrow and he could not wait.
To be continued…
Thanks for reading. Chapter twelve coming soon.