Chapter 11: Jack is Back

As Elizabeth was getting ready to see Jack, she heard lots of voices outside on the street. Elizabeth peeked out the window and saw many of the townspeople entering the saloon. Then Elizabeth heard a knock at her door. "Elizabeth, it's Abigail. I just wanted to let you know that I'm closing the café early. The townspeople are gathering at the saloon to welcome Jack back."

Elizabeth called out, "I'll be there soon – thank you." Elizabeth was getting more and more excited to be seeing Jack again after all those weeks, this time without being huddled on the floor or covered in chili!

About thirty minutes later, Elizabeth, satisfied with how she looked, started making her way over to the saloon. As Elizabeth approached the saloon steps, she hesitated. "Why am I so nervous?" she asked herself. Elizabeth shook her head to clear her thoughts, and pushed open the saloon door.

Elizabeth entered the crowded, high-spirited room and looked around, taking in the scene. Abigail immediately strode over to Elizabeth and hooked arms with her. "Okay, this is what I've found out so far," Abigail confided in Elizabeth. "Jack's retraining at Cape Fullerton went very well and he's regained almost all his memories from his time at the Academy. But he still doesn't remember being here in Hope Valley. Jack's doctors recommended he be assigned back here in Hope Valley for now to see if those memories return."

Elizabeth, surprised, asked, "Does that mean Jack still doesn't remember any of us here in Hope Valley?"

Abigail squeezed Elizabeth's arm sympathetically and answered, "I'm afraid that's right. Apparently, Jack's doctors hope that being back in Hope Valley will help him. Lee told me, though, that Jack is very frustrated with the situation – it can't feel good when everybody else knows things you don't. We must all be patient with Jack and not expect too much from him."

Elizabeth nodded her head and replied, "I can be patient – I've been patient. I'm just so happy he's back!"

Just then Elizabeth saw Jack and Lee walking over to her and Abigail. Elizabeth smiled tremulously at Jack, not knowing what to expect. Jack stopped in front of Elizabeth and stared at her, as if he was trying to recall something important. "Hello, Miss Thatcher. Have you recovered from your ordeal?" Jack asked politely.

Elizabeth looked back at Jack quizzically for a moment, and then realized Jack was referring to the knife fight between the two Irish men. "Oh yes, I'm fine now. Thank you for your help with that." Elizabeth grinned.

Jack replied, "Just doing my job, Ma'am." Lee and Abigail quietly edged away from the couple. Jack looked Elizabeth up and down, and said, "You seem no worse for the wear." Elizabeth smiled and retorted, "I prefer my chili in a bowl, not on my dress or in my hair."

Jack chuckled and then turned serious. "I was wondering whether I could call on you tomorrow afternoon. I . . . believe we have things we need to discuss." Jack looked around the room. "I feel I need to stay here tonight." Elizabeth answered immediately, "Of course, I completely understand. You can come see me at the schoolhouse tomorrow after I let the students out."

Jack nodded as if he was remembering something. "Oh yes, the schoolhouse."

Elizabeth asked cautiously, "You remember the schoolhouse?"

A shadow crossed Jack's face. "Not really, but some of the townspeople mentioned it to me this evening, and thanked me again. They said that I had donated money to the town to build the schoolhouse and church, and that I built a lot of it myself. "Jack looked around and then back at Elizabeth. "I guess I really liked it here."

Elizabeth looked at Jack in disbelief and answered quietly, "Yes, you do. I mean, you did." Jack nodded at Elizabeth and then gestured to the room. "Well, I suppose I should get back to greeting people." Elizabeth replied politely, "Yes, of course." Jack stared at Elizabeth, as if he was studying her face. "Till tomorrow then," Jack said abruptly, and then returned to the crowds of people who were clamoring to shake his hand.

Elizabeth stood immobile for a few moments, not knowing how to interpret the conversation she had just had with Jack. Abigail came over to Elizabeth and asked, "Well, how did it go?" Elizabeth pursed her lips and replied, "I'm not sure. He's coming to see me tomorrow after school. I guess we'll be able to talk more then."

Abigail patted Elizabeth's arm. "Jack must be exhausted his first day back - having to talk to all these people who know him, but who he doesn't remember . . . . patience, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth nodded, but couldn't help feeling uneasy. Elizabeth stayed at the saloon only a few more minutes, and then snuck out. Elizabeth didn't want to have to answer questions about her and Jack's relationship, questions that even she couldn't answer at that point.

The next morning at the start of school, a bunch of students ran up to Elizabeth and asked, "Did you see Mountie Jack last night? Are you and Mountie Jack going to get married now that he's back?"

Elizabeth replied sternly, "Now students, do you remember our Ten Commandments? We should not be talking about these things – they're private matters. And I don't want any more distractions from your schoolwork. Now please open up your journals and start working on your essays."

Towards the end of the school day, Elizabeth started getting butterflies in her stomach, nervous about seeing Jack alone for the first time since the night before his accident. Elizabeth remembered the last time she had waited for Jack at the schoolhouse, the day that Jack was assaulted. Elizabeth vowed not to look out the window for Jack, as she had that terrible day, and instead tidied up her desk while she waited.

Elizabeth finally heard the sound of a horse being tied up outside the schoolhouse. Elizabeth stood up and looked towards the door. Jack walked in, resplendent in his red Mountie uniform. Jack nodded at Elizabeth and said, "Miss Thatcher." Elizabeth replied, "Constable."

Elizabeth watched Jack walk slowly up the aisle, turning his head left and right - and up and down - as he looked all around the schoolhouse. Jack commented, "Hmmm. Nice place." Elizabeth smiled and said, "I like it very much, thank you."

Jack stopped in front of Elizabeth's desk, and stood eye to eye with Elizabeth. "Miss Thatcher, I understand that we were . . . close . . . during my time here in Hope Valley." Elizabeth answered, "Yes, we were." Jack continued, "I'm sorry that I don't remember that time." Elizabeth didn't say anything in response.

Jack took a few steps away from Elizabeth and looked out a window. "Luckily, almost all my Mountie training came back to me when I was at Cape Fullerton. I'm very pleased about that."

Elizabeth affirmed, "You've always loved being a Mountie – it's your calling."

Jack smiled gratefully at Elizabeth when he heard her say that. Jack took a step towards Elizabeth and said meaningfully, "To be honest, being a Mountie is one of the only things that feels real to me right now."

Again, Elizabeth wasn't sure how to respond. She asked, "What about Tom . . . or Rosie? Do they feel real to you?"

Jack grinned and replied, "Yes, it was great seeing Tom in Hamilton. And having Rosie with me those first few days was very helpful. But after a while . . . well, I believe you know Rosie. She's . . . well . . . we're just friends."

Elizabeth nodded, relieved to hear that.

Jack took another step closer to Elizabeth and frowned. "Miss Thatcher . . . Elizabeth, I understand we were engaged at the time I lost my memory. At this point, though, I'm afraid . . . unfortunately . . . I'm sorry I don't remember you . . . the feelings I must have had then . . . I can't seem to . . . ."

Elizabeth interrupted, "Jack, that's okay. You don't have to say anything else. I understand." Elizabeth was blinking quickly, trying not to cry. She twisted her engagement ring off her finger and held it out to Jack. "Here, you should take this."

Jack shook his head and refused to accept the ring. "No, please. You can keep it. I didn't mean to suggest . . . ."

Elizabeth shook her head and pushed the ring into Jack's hand. "No, it belongs to you. Jack, we were only engaged for about a week. You don't have anything to feel bad about."

Jack, abashed, took the ring and put it in a pocket inside his Mountie jacket. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. You shouldn't have had to deal with this."

Elizabeth shook her head and took a few steps away. "It's no one's fault."

Jack stood looking at Elizabeth and said quietly, "To be honest, I've been wondering all these weeks how it was that the two of us came together . . . I mean, we're so different, from such different backgrounds. Tom told me about your family, the Thatcher's . . . ."

Elizabeth glared at Jack, but didn't answer.

Jack continued, "I do want to thank you . . . your family, I mean, for visiting me at the hospital. Your father was very kind to me - he insisted that I receive the best medical treatment."

Elizabeth nodded and answered, "It was the least we could do."

Jack took a few steps closer to Elizabeth and inquired, "Your friend, Charles, visited me at the hospital as well. I understand, according to your sister Julie, that Charles also wanted to marry you."

Elizabeth sighed, exasperated. "Please, Jack, that's all ancient history."

Jack was quiet a few moments and then persisted. "Why me? Why not him?"

Elizabeth looked at Jack meaningfully and answered, "That's what my heart told me . . . at the time."

Jack and Elizabeth stared at each other, and then Elizabeth turned away and said, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things I need to finish up here."

Jack replied, "Yes, I shouldn't disturb you anymore. I'll take my leave."

Jack started walking towards the schoolhouse door and stopped. "Elizabeth," Jack called to her. Elizabeth looked up reluctantly, hoping Jack wouldn't see the tears in her eyes from that distance. Jack said sympathetically, "I'm very sorry."

Elizabeth nodded, putting her hands on the edge of her desk to hold herself up. Elizabeth watched Jack close the door behind him and waited until he rode away on his horse. It was only then that Elizabeth allowed herself to cry openly, as she sank into her desk chair, covering her face with her hands.

Later that afternoon, Elizabeth returned to Abigail's café through the private entrance in the back, so she wouldn't have to face any of Abigail's customers. Before Elizabeth could make it up the stairs, Abigail rounded the bend, and upon seeing her, asked, "Elizabeth – how did it go with Jack?" Elizabeth replied quietly, "Not well," and continued up the stairs and into her room.

A little while later, Abigail knocked on Elizabeth's door. "Elizabeth, I've brought you some tea and scones." Abigail peeked in the room and saw Elizabeth sitting at her vanity, staring into the mirror. Abigail put the tray down, and sat on the edge of the bed. "Do you want to tell me about it?" Abigail asked.

Elizabeth looked down at the floor. "What is there to say? Jack doesn't love me anymore. Maybe he never did. I gave him back the ring."

Abigail gasped. "Oh, Elizabeth. I'm so sorry." Abigail walked over to Elizabeth and rubbed her arm. "I can't believe that's really the case. It's certainly due to Jack's brain injury, don't you think? I have hope that Jack will come to remember you – and his feelings for you – over time."

Elizabeth shook her head. "I don't know, Abigail. I can't help but think that if Jack really loved me, he would have remembered me, and his feelings for me. He remembers everything else that's important to him – Tom, Rosie, being a Mountie – but not me!"

Abigail turned to face Elizabeth. "That's not true, Elizabeth. Jack doesn't remember anything about Hope Valley or anybody in it – you just got caught up in that, in his brain injury. Perhaps over time . . . "

Elizabeth stood up and shook her head. "No, Abigail. I believe it's time for a fresh start for both Jack and me. Jack will be here for a few weeks, and maybe he'll remember things, and maybe he won't, but I have to go on with my life. He'll probably be reassigned soon anyway. Jack said the only thing that feels real to him is being a Mountie, so he should continue to fulfill his dream, and I'll continue to fulfill mine – coming out west and being a teacher."

Abigail stood up and looked at Elizabeth sympathetically. "If that's the way you feel, Elizabeth, I'll respect your wishes."

Elizabeth replied quietly, "It is – thank you. Let's not speak of this again. I'm tired of being heartbroken. I want to move on."

Abigail replied, "I understand – I really do."

Elizabeth looked at Abigail and realized she probably did understand, considering everything Abigail had been through herself, with losing her husband and son in the mine, and then finding out her beau, Bill Avery, was still married.

Elizabeth approached Abigail. "Abigail, your friendship is the thing that feels the most real to me - I can't tell you how much it has meant to me."

The two women hugged each other for a long time, each of them reflecting on how fleeting love can be.

[What will happen next? Will Jack fall in love with Elizabeth anew? Will Jack remember his previous feelings for Elizabeth? Will Jack and Elizabeth go their separate ways and never see each other again? Only time - and a few more chapters – will tell!]