Chapter 6 Cliff.
The following Sunday Jack got all spruced up and went to church, much to the surprise of Pastor Carter. He slotted into a pew near the back, next to Cliff and joined in the singing. He noticed how much better his friend was looking these days. When Jack had first arrived in Town poor Cliff was very unhappy, he had no job, no family and no real home. Jack had liked the quiet outsider right from the start and when he'd had a chance to do him a favour he hadn't hesitated. Duke had asked him for help in picking the grape harvest and, although Jack badly needed the money, he'd gone straight to Cliff and told him about it. Duke had ended up employing them both and a strong friendship had grown between them. Manna and Duke had sort of unofficially adopted Cliff. He went to dinner there often and he had filled out somewhat. Not that he was any fatter, he just looked healthier. He still lived at the Inn, he hadn't moved out as he wanted to be near Ann but, to his frustration, the romance didn't seem to be going anywhere. He'd confided in Jack that he was disappointed. After his collapse in Rose Square during the winter when Ann he rushed to his aid things had changed. She'd been all over him for days, nursing him, making sure he was comfortable but since then he hadn't been able to achieve that closeness again. He was at a loss at what to do next.
As Jack slipped into his seat Cliff passed him a hymn sheet and mouthed 'Hello'. Undercover of the music Jack asked Cliff if he could have a word with him after the service. Cliff was puzzled but the nodded in agreement. At the end of the service the two of them took the path around to the back of the church. Once there Cliff turned to Jack and asked.
"What's the secret Jack? Be quick, Manna and Duke are waiting for me."
"It's a little difficult but I have a favour to ask of you," Jack replied.
"After what you did for me! Ask away," Cliff assured him. "If I can do it you have it."
Jack explained his plan and Cliff listened carefully to all he had to say but at the end he shook his head.
"I'm sorry Jack but I don't think I can do it," Cliff answered sadly, "I would if I could but I don't think Ann would listen to me."
"She will if you do it the way I explained," Jack urged him.
"She's just not that close to me anymore," Cliff went on.
"That's because she doesn't know you, Cliff" Jack replied. "Ann needs to feel included. She was all over you last winter because you needed help and she could supply it."
"Why?"
"Ann needs to feel she can make you whole, she's a carer, she needs someone to care for." Jack explained.
"But I'll be lying to her," Cliff didn't like this.
"Only technically, it's not lying, it's just expanding the truth a bit," Jack pointed out. "You haven't told her anything about your past, have you?"
"No."
"Then just elaborate a bit, tell her what she wants to hear."
"But it's not the truth."
"It could be though," Jack, said, "It doesn't do any harm and it will give Ann the chance to do something for you."
"Jack," Cliff said slowly, "I don't really understand what you mean but I'm willing to give it a go. If helping you helps me to get closer to Ann then it's worth trying."
"That's all I ask," Jack assured him.
"Then I'm in." Cliff shook Jack's hand and clapped him on the shoulder. "Good luck, pal."
"And you." Jack smiled back.