Chapter 8: Déjà vu All Over Again
Pastor Frank ran down the stairs and was about to exit the café, when he saw Elizabeth sitting at a table in the corner of the darkened café, staring out the window. The Pastor went up to her and counseled, "Miss Thatcher, don't lose faith. I'm going to get the doctor now. I'm sure he'll be able to help Jack recover." Elizabeth smiled politely at the Pastor while she absentmindedly twisted her engagement ring back and forth.
The Pastor realized that just over a week ago, he had witnessed Jack publicly propose to Elizabeth; now, Jack couldn't even remember who Elizabeth was and seemed interested in another woman – quite a turn of events! The Pastor squeezed Elizabeth's shoulder sympathetically and strode out the door to look for the doctor.
The Pastor didn't have to look far – the doctor was approaching the café just as the Pastor was walking out, having been alerted to Jack's assault by some of the townsmen who had seen Lee bringing Jack back on his horse. The doctor strode into the café, nodded at Elizabeth, then bound up the stairs to see his patient.
The Pastor sat down at Elizabeth's table to keep her company while the doctor was upstairs. In a little while Abigail came down to join them. Abigail reached over the table and patted Elizabeth's hands. "Elizabeth, as I always say, this too shall pass; I'm certain you and Jack will be able to resume your relationship very soon."
Elizabeth looked up at Abigail skeptically. "Abigail, I don't know how you can say that. From what I've heard, brain injuries and memory loss can last a long time, and sometimes can be permanent . . . ." Abigail gently chided Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, do not get mired in negative thoughts. Let's wait to hear what the doctor says." Elizabeth went back to staring out the window, while Abigail and the Pastor gave each other nervous glances.
Just then, Lee and the doctor came downstairs and approached Elizabeth's table. The doctor announced, "I'm sorry to say that the Constable has suffered a significant brain trauma that appears to have caused him at least temporary memory loss. I am not equipped to handle such cases – Jack needs to be taken to Hamilton as soon as possible to be treated by medical specialists."
Elizabeth rose from the table. "I'll go with him," Elizabeth said, anxious to be doing something to help. The doctor put his hand on Elizabeth's arm to stop her. "Actually," he said, "I'm not sure that's a good idea. Jack is pretty agitated right now – he's quite disoriented. I believe it is better for Miss LeVeaux to accompany him since she's someone he remembers and appears to be comfortable with." Elizabeth stared at the doctor, then slowly sank back into her seat. Abigail glanced at Lee, who scowled at the thought of Rosemary, who he was wooing, being thrown together with Jack in this way.
Elizabeth murmured something under her breath. Abigail reached over and touched Elizabeth's hand. "What is it dear, what did you say?" Elizabeth said quietly, "At least I can send a telegram to my father - he'll make sure that Jack gets treated by the best doctors in Hamilton." Elizabeth had already sent a telegram to her family last week to tell them about her and Jack's engagement – Elizabeth couldn't even imagine how they would react to this new telegram!
Elizabeth rose from the table. "Please excuse me. I think it's best I go to my room now." Abigail stood up and hugged Elizabeth. "Of course, dear, you must be exhausted. We'll talk more in the morning." Elizabeth smiled grimly at Abigail and turned to walk up the stairs.
Elizabeth had an ulterior motive for leaving the group – she wanted to visit Jack's room and see for herself how he was doing. At the top of the stairs, Elizabeth tiptoed over to Jack's room and quietly opened the door. Elizabeth saw that Jack was still in bed, his head bandaged and his eyes closed.
Elizabeth eyes went wide as she also saw Rosemary sitting by Jack's bedside, rubbing Jack's arm with one hand and brushing his hair aside with the other. When Rosemary heard the door open, she put her finger over her mouth to shush the enterer. "Shhh," Rosemary scolded. "Jack's finally sleeping – let's not wake him. He's had a rough day."
Elizabeth tried to tamp down the pangs of jealousy and frustration she felt watching Rosemary commandeer Jack's bedroom, just like Rosemary did in so many other situations.
"I wasn't going to wake him," Elizabeth sputtered, "I just wanted to see how he was doing."
Rosemary replied authoritatively, "Oh, Elizabeth. Poor Jack – you've probably heard that he needs immediate medical attention from specialists in Hamilton. The doctor thinks it's best that I accompany him."
Elizabeth replied through clenched teeth, "Yes, I've heard that."
Rosemary added, "Don't you worry, Elizabeth. I will nurse Jack back to health so he can return to you a whole man, his memory intact." Elizabeth relaxed a bit, hearing Rosemary say that. "Thank you, Rosemary."
Rosemary cautioned, "But brain injuries are tricky . . . who knows how long it will take for Jack to regain his memories of you and Hope Valley. Amazingly, all he seems to remember are the times he spent with me before he even went to the Academy - it's like all his experiences and relationships since the day he set foot in this town have been wiped out!"
Elizabeth croaked, "Amazing . . . . "
Rosemary sighed dramatically. "It's a good thing I was here so I could keep Jack calm. He's very disoriented and unsure of his surroundings right now. Jack's glad to see a familiar face."
Elizabeth replied, "Yes, I'm sure he is - you've been very helpful."
Rosemary declared, "I promise you, Elizabeth, I will take care of Jack to the best of my ability – I will stay by his side and attend to his every need."
Elizabeth turned to leave so Rosemary wouldn't see her eyes fill with tears. "Thank you, Rosemary, that's very kind of you," Elizabeth managed to say before she closed the door and ran into her room.
Elizabeth lay in her bed staring at the ceiling, wondering how it was that, the night before, Jack had wrapped her in his arms lovingly as they imagined their future together; whereas this night, her fiancée seemed as remote and far away as the stars, with eyes only for his former flame. Elizabeth tossed and turned the whole night, trying not to think about all she and Jack may have lost.