Chapter 13
"You know…I have that ring camera on the back door too."
"Do you want to turn it on and listen in?"
Charlette shook her head no. "I absolutely do, but Jack has never given me a reason to doubt him. This is his life, and they need to work it out for themselves for this to truly work out."
"Yes, Elizabeth has never given me a reason to doubt her either. I just want this to work between them."
"Me too."
"Charlette, it's hard being a responsible, good mother."
"It is. We'll pray they get this right."
"They will. They are smart, good young people. They'll get this right."
"Heaven help them if they don't!"
"You better believe it!"
…
Jack and Elizabeth sat quietly on the back porch. Elizabeth would steal glances at Jack. He just kept his eyes on the ground in front of him. Elizabeth remembered the warning and the information Charlette shared with her. She had to be honest and upfront with Jack. She also had to keep him talking. She couldn't let him slip into closing himself off. That would only make things so much harder. She thought he was beginning to shut down.
She had already made her mind up that Jack was who she wanted. She didn't have any doubt in her mind that she wanted to be with him. She just had to learn how to be a girlfriend. Now, she had to learn how to fight for it. She stole one last glance. Then she took a deep breath.
"Jack…I am so sorry for what I did this morning. I should have never gotten upset because Wendy spoke to you. I know you weren't flirting with her. I just…" She exhaled a breath. "…I just don't think anyone can turn her down. She's beautiful and…and very popular. Everyone loves her and no boy has ever told her no."
"So, you think I would go behind your back? You think I would cheat on you?"
Elizabeth could hear the hurt in his voice. Instead of looking down at her hands that were clasped in her lap like she wanted to do, she forced herself to look at Jack even though he was still looking at the ground.
"No." Shaking her head. "This has nothing to do with you. It's me. I've never felt anywhere close to her level. If there were a choice, who in the world would pick me." She looked down for a moment then forced herself to look up at his face again. Jack noticed that this was hard for her. His position softened a little, but he didn't look up. She noticed he had changed a little. It was just enough to give her a little more courage to continue.
"Jack, I've never dated before. I just don't know how to do this. I also never gave my heart to someone before…it's a little scary." Her voice grew softer as she spoke the last part.
"It is." He stated just loud enough for her to hear.
Elizabeth smiled that he implied he gave his heart to her. She was willing to take it.
"When I found out you were talking with Wendy, I just freaked. I panicked that I was going to lose you." She sighed a long breath. "I just got jealous."
"You're not going to lose me over Wendy. I didn't even remember her name from yesterday. Elizabeth, I never wanted to date before. Then this auburn hair girl came along who was about to drop her book. For some reason, this Princess Beth captured me. I don't like it, but I can't deny it."
"Why don't you like it?"
"Well, first, you made me break my no dating rule. I'm a rule follower." He grinned at her.
"Me too." Her smirk matched his.
"Secondly, you have this power over me that I don't like. You just draw me in no matter how hard I fight against it. The battle isn't even close. You have captured me, and I can't stop myself from wanting to be closer to you. You just…"
"…draw me in." Elizabeth smiled as she finished his statement. She loved the fact that she had that effect on him. He had the same effect on her.
"I don't understand it, but I like that I have that." She whispered. She grinned when she noticed a little smirk on his face. "To be honest, and I will deny it if you say anything about it later, but you have the same effect on me."
Jack smiled for the first time, and it warmed her heart. He didn't know it, but he was encouraging her with every word and every action. She was very thankful for that.
"Jack, may I ask why you didn't want to date? Surely you had other girls that asked you out."
"I just remember my friends jumping from one relationship into another relationship. They would get hurt and then just jump right back into the fire. I never wanted to do that. I just think that's silly. Being in a relationship may bring some hurt, but to set yourself up for pain after pain just doesn't make sense to me."
"Yeah…me either. I've had friends like that."
"Is that why you never dated?"
"Some of it, yeah…"
"The rest of it?"
"I just never thought I was mature enough to handle everything. Julie was always a big flirt and she loved all the attention it brought to her. Me, not so much. I just never assumed that anyone would want to date me."
"Are you serious? Elizabeth, you are a smart, funny, and a beautiful woman. Any guy would be enamored to date you. From what I know, you seem like the whole package."
"Thank you, but I just don't see it. I'm just Elizabeth."
For the first time, Jack looked up in her direction. While she may have been extremely confident in her schoolwork, she looked anything but confident sitting in the chair sharing her heart and feelings. "You couldn't be more wrong if you tried." He gave her the playful smirk she loved and hated so much. "You are absolutely beautiful, funny, smart, but…"
"But…" She asked raising a warning eyebrow.
"…but you are a little frustrating at times."
"Jack!" She squealed playfully smacking his arm.
"Elizabeth, only you have turned my head and captured me. No one else even came close to that. From the frustrating first time meeting you on the beach, you have consumed most of my waking hours."
"But…"
"No buts Elizabeth. I just wished you wouldn't yell at me."
"I haven't yelled at you."
"This morning you did. Or you were very close to it. You unloaded on me for no reason. That's not cool, Elizabeth."
"I know. I'm so sorry. And I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Charles texting me."
"May I ask why you didn't?"
"You can ask me anything." She sighed. "I just didn't think about it. He has always texted. It wasn't out of nature for him. He texts me all the time."
"Yet you yelled at me when you were the one talking to someone who is crushing on you and not telling me about it."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"Elizabeth, you yelled at me today, didn't tell me about Charles, the date tonight with him, and then ignored me yesterday at school when you spoke with Charles on the front steps at school. Are you ready for this?" He waved his hand between them. It was a difficult question to ask. He was afraid of the possible answer. He didn't know what he would do if she said she wanted to back away. The thought took his breath, but he did need to know the answer.
Elizabeth knew from what Charlette stated that they were close to fixing this. He did clam up in the very beginning. Now he is talking and asking serious questions. According to his mother, that's when he is close to talking it through. The conversation was a little contentious, but it was very respectful. They were sharing their thoughts and listening to each other. They were working toward a good conclusion together.
…
"Are you ready to find your wife?"
"Yes, Tom. I think I'm done for the day."
"Let me text Chris. Him and Jason will drive you home. Will Julie be with you?"
"Yes. I need to text her as well."
"Chris will be waiting for you by the stage."
"What did you think about today?"
"I enjoyed it. You do this every year?"
"Yes. The employees do such a great job, we want to reward them for their work. This allows the whole family to be involved. Everyone seems to enjoy it."
"You go all out."
They talked as they caught up with their wives a few minutes later. Tom wasn't surprised that Charlette was with Grace. Their friendship has really grown over the last couple of days. William shared with Charlette and Grace about Elizabeth leaving and going to Jack's house. He was surprised when he found out that his precious wife already knew.
"How did you know that?"
Grace hesitated for a few moments before answering. "Charlette received a notice on her phone."
"Our ring cam?"
"Yes Tom. Elizabeth rang the doorbell and that sent me a notification on my phone."
Tom stared at his wife. "And you spoke to her." It was a statement, not a question.
"Well, it would have been rude if I ignored her. It's Elziabeth, I wouldn't ignore her." Charlette defended herself.
William and Tom stared at their wives. They knew there was more to the story than what they were hearing. Charlette and Grace were beginning to crumble under their husband's stare.
"Fine. Yes, I talked to her." Charlette huffed.
"And…" Tom slowly stated.
"And…" Charlette retorted with a small amount of sass. She was hoping that would satisfy her husband.
"And…you knew about what she did. Then, you gave her inside information about how to handle our son."
"How did you know that?" Asked a shocked Grace without realizing what she said.
"And you two have this plan worked out in case they can't figure this out on their own."
"William!" Gasped Grace.
"Well, is he wrong?" Challenged Tom.
Both ladies just stared at their husband in disbelief. How could they figure this out?
"William, I say they worked on this when they meet at Abagail's. They formed this little scheme concerning my oldest son and your middle daughter. They got lucky when Elizabeth and Jack began to see each other on their own. Now since they have had this little spat between them, I would dare say they are enacting their scheme to bring them together."
"How did you know all that?"
"Oh Grace…I was a detective and a pretty good one. There's just one thing I don't understand?"
"And what's that?" Charlette asked.
"There's a ring camera on the back door as well. Why aren't you watching that camera?"
"Well, sassy pants, we didn't want to be those parents."
"But you two are ok with setting up our children?"
"Well…technically, we didn't set them up. They started dating on their own. So, we haven't done anything." Charlette smiled victoriously.
"Except you gave Elizabeth the play book on how to man handle our son." Sassed Tom.
"And you better not tell him!" Charlette poked Tom's chest with her index finger.
"And why is that?"
"Because Elizabeth would kill me for trying to get involved." Grace nervously laughed.
"You two are going to get in trouble." William laughed.
"Not if you two will keep your mouths shut." Exclaimed both women.
…
"Connie and Step said that an immature fourteen year old made that no dating rule. They said that I'm not that immature girl anymore. They may be right, but I haven't gotten this figured out yet. Yesterday and today was a huge mistake. I shouldn't have done any of that. I do want this." She waved her hand between them. "I never have before. Now, I just got to figure out how to be in a relationship and how to be a girlfriend. I've never thought about it before."
"I get that. I'm struggling with those things too."
"So, we are working on some things?"
"We are." Jack stated. He leaned back in his chair. They sat that way for a couple of minutes in complete silence. Both were processing the last two days. Jack closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "So, where are you going?" He flinched when he asked the question. He really didn't want to know the answer, but he just couldn't keep himself from asking. He kept his eyes closed waiting for her to answer. "No…don't answer that question." He quickly stated. He wanted to know but he didn't want to know. It was a battle in his head that he was losing. "I don't think I want to know…"
"Going?" Elizabeth asked confused.
"Charles and you. Your dinner tonight at your spot. It's getting close." He looked at his phone for the time. "Just under two hours."
"Jack, I'm not going to meet with him. I never thought of it as a date. I called him on the way here and told him everything."
"Why not?"
"I'm not dating him. There is only one person I am going out with, but he hasn't asked me out yet." She playfully smirked.
"Well, I have to introduce you to my parents first." Jack hesitated for a long moment. He took a deep breath trying to force the words to come out. "But before that can happen, you need to see Charles with an open heart to see exactly what you want."
"I don't have to eat dinner with him to know what I want. I want you. I'm dating you, not him."
Jack noticed she settled deeper into the chair. It was like she was resolute in her decision. She was determined. Not only did she say she wasn't going to meet Charles, but her body posture told him that too. Even with that, he was still a little skeptical.
"I called him on the way here to tell him about us and that he needs to stop trying to date me. He needed to be my friend and that's all."
"I bet he didn't like that."
"Not too much. I'm not going out with him tonight or any other night for that matter."
"Are you sure?" Jack asked. His voice wasn't strong in any way. He was a lot like her, he has never thought too much of himself regarding the opposite sex. He always thought of himself as just an average guy.
Elizabeth's heart broke at the weakness of his voice. She hesitantly extended her pinky toward Jack. She never looked away from him. She was hoping he would take her pinky with his finger like they have done several times. That was their thing so far in their short relationship.
Without even thinking about it, Jack extended his finger, and they interlocked their pinkies. They sat that way for a few moments.
"I'm certain. If I wanted to date Charles, I would have done that a long time ago. He was always a friend. This is going to sound pretentious, but when you come from money people will try to use you to get whatever they want. When you have a good friend, you keep that friend. He was always a friend. Yes, he asked me out a couple of times and insinuated going out, but I always told him that we were not dating. He fell back into friend mode. He never pushed too much."
"I guess that makes sense."
"So…?"
"So…?" He asked with a little smirk.
"Jack Thornton!"
Jack looked over the back yard. He really wanted this relationship with Elizabeth, but he still felt he needed to give her time with Charles to figure things out. He heard what she said, but he just thought Charles was an issue that may not have been fully dealt with. When Elizabeth tightened her hold on his pinky, he knew what he was going to do.
Elizabeth was becoming very good at reading Jack. She saw the small amount of hesitation in his eyes and on his face. "I don't need time…I already know what I want. I don't have to go out with him to see if there is anything there. I already know my heart."
Jack nodded his head knowing full well what she meant by her statement. They sat in their chairs staring out over the back yard in silence. Occasionally, one would squeeze the other's pinky just to let the other know they were there. The silence was comforting in that it allowed them to think over the last couple of days.
"Elizabeth…"
"Jack…I'm not meeting him tonight or any other night. I…Know…My…Heart…" She emphasized each word.
Jack nodded his head. He still felt like there was an unresolved issue with Charles, but Elizabeth was adamant. This was encouraging for him.
"Well, I need to finish mowing, but would you like to stay and watch a movie? I'm assuming my parents will be home somewhat soon. You can meet them. Then we could go out once I meet your parents."
"Jack, I've already met your parents and you have already met mine. Remember? The cookout at my house."
"Technically that's true, but that was a surprise. It wasn't on purpose. Plus, it was a dinner."
"I suppose…" She smiled and shook her head at the little playful banter. She loved that about them.
"Dinner…movie…meeting my parents…what do you think?"
"Sounds good."
"I just need to finish cutting the lawn. It will probably take me about thirty to forty minutes."
"Is it alright if I stay here?"
"Sure. Would you like to go in or stay out here?"
"It's nice here."
"Would you like some water or tea?"
"Water would be great."
Elizabeth was a little surprised when Jack remained seated. His face turned a little serious. The conversation went better than she hoped it would. She took Charlette's advice and was completely honest with Jack. He listened and began talking. Just like Mrs. C stated. Once he began to talk, things resolved quickly. She was happy that they were on good terms again. She was truly excited about where this might go. She quickly realized that being honest with Jack was essential. She felt embarrassed that she was jealous of another girl. Jack didn't make her feel bad about that. He was comforting toward her insecurities about herself. She knew she had to always be honest with him. He was honest with her. She did feel that he was trying to hold back a little bit with his heart, but she was too. This relationship was still young, and they just didn't know what they were doing. They were finding their footing.
She also thought he was a still a little hesitant concerning Charles. He told her several times that she needed to go out with him with an open heart. She still thought he believed that. In her heart and mind, she didn't have too. She knew exactly what she wanted. She was holding his hand. She was encouraged that he was still present with her.
Jack let go of her pinky. He stood and moved his chair closer to her and then sat down again. He extended his hand, palm up, fingers open. She immediately placed her hand in his and they both closed their fingers around each other.
"May I say something?"
"Of course, Jack."
"The thing is, I have to say it all at once. You can't interrupt me, or I won't finish it."
"Ok." She nervously chuckled.
Jack took a deep breath. Elizabeth wouldn't say that she was scared or anxious, maybe a little nervous. Jack took a couple of moments gathering his thoughts and trying to find his words. She thought he looked cute when he was in deep thought trying to figure something out. He would barely stick his tongue out to his lips. The more he concentrated, the further his tongue would stick out.
It's a little strange. In class, he answers questions quickly and confidently. There is no hesitation. Charlette warned her that he struggles when he is speaking from his heart. But once he does, it was sincere and from his inner deepest being. Charlette told her that Elizabeth would be grateful when he spoke from his heart. After another deep breath, Jack turned toward Elizbeth. He opened his eyes and began to speak.
"Elizabeth…" He took another breath and exhaled again. He couldn't ever remember being this scared before. "…Elizabeth, you have captured me, and I am powerless to do anything about it. The thing is…the thing is that I'm not falling in love with you…I am in…"
"Jack…" She began to cut him off.
"Elizabeth, you're supposed to let me get through this."
"Sorry."
"For someone who wants to be a teacher, you don't follow directions well." He playfully admonished her. She laughed and scrunched up her nose at him.
"I'm sorry Jack. Please continue." She stated sitting up a little taller with a little playful smirk on her face.
"Thank you." After another long breath he started over. This time though, he squeezed her hand with each word he stated when he said, 'I love you'.
"Elizabeth, you have captured me, and I am powerless to do anything about it. The thing is…the thing is that I'm not falling in love with you…I am in in love with you. I can't help it. You captured me and I am powerless to do anything about it…I don't want to do anything about it. The thing is, I don't think I'm ready to say, 'I love you'." He squeezed her hand with each word of 'I love you'.
Elizabeth gasped at his words and his action of squeezing her hand. For some odd reason, squeezing her hand make things more real. He loves me… She thought to herself.
"We're new at this and I'm not too sure if this is too early in our relationship to say it. We've had two big hiccups yesterday and today. I believe we are trying to find our way here. Maybe saying it too soon will cause more issues, but I can't deny what I'm feeling. I've never felt it before and it's exciting and scary at the same time. I'm still confused a little concerning Charles and you. I know that you are important to me. Honestly, you are far more important to me than anyone has ever been.
"I know it's early in this relationship and you may not feel the same way that I do, but make no mistake Elizabeth, I do love you." Again, he squeezed her hand three times. "I feel for you like I have never felt for anyone. You have this way of just pulling me in and I'm powerless to fight against it. I don't even try to fight it. I go willingly. I know you may not feel this way. I'm not saying this because I want you to say it back. I just want you to know how I feel. I don't want to scare you or anything like that. I just want to be honest with you. Ok?"
Before she could respond, Jack quickly stood. He was so nervous that he didn't wait to let her speak. He had opened his entire heart to her. He held nothing back. He couldn't stay there. His nervous energy was pushing him to do something. Elizabeth's eyes followed him as he stood. He squeezed her hand three times and gave her a faint flirty grin. He let go of her hand and jumped off the steps toward the mower. He placed the air pods in his ears and pulled the cord on the mower to start it. He started cutting the grass all the while he kept stealing glances looking in her direction with a smile.
Elizabeth watched as Jack jumped off the steps toward the mower. The words he just spoke flew through her mind thousands of times in a matter of seconds. "He loves me…" She whispered to herself. "He loves me." When he pulled the cord on the mower, it started. He looked back at her. His smile enveloped her completely. "I love you, Jack." She whispered as he turned around to walk away from the home.
Elizabeth smiled when she realized he was so nervous telling her that he forgot to get her water. She took his bottled water and drank it. She was nervous too. She did love Jack, but, like him, she was afraid it was too early. They did have two bumps in the road the last couple of days, but they worked through them. Good communication was embedded in her thinking. They only worked through the issues because they talked through it. Sure, she had to push him against the locker, but they communicated. Jack responded very well when she was completely honest with him. She felt silly when she was jealous. She never felt that way before, but Jack didn't make her feel that way. He was honest with her. She didn't feel that he was just saying things to make her feel better or there was an ulterior motive. He was just being honest. He struggled saying what's on his heart. He usually spoke so fast when he did, that she would have trouble understanding him. However, when he did, he was honest with his intentions and with his heart. She knew honesty was important to Jack. It was important to her too. She smiled knowing how much alike they were.
Elizabeth continued to watch Jack cut the grass. He would often steal a glance at her and give her a dimpled grin. "Oh, those dimples…" She stated to herself. "I wonder what it's like to kiss those perfect lips…" She loved the feeling of his lips on her cheek and forehead. They belonged there. It was perfect. She just wanted him to kiss her…a real kiss.
Her eyes traveled from his dimples to his biceps. Occasionally they would flex pushing the mower. Then her eyes would travel to his legs. His quads and calves were muscular. She knew he played sports due to his physical appearance. Then her eyes traveled up his legs to his bottom. She smiled as she slightly reprimanded herself where her eyes were continuing to look, but she never looked away. She fanned herself as he walked away. She quickly snuck a picture of him walking away. She also snuck a picture of him walking toward her.
Elizabeth smiled at the recognition that today's discussion on her boyfriend's back porch was a turning point. They both learned valuable lessons about being in a relationship. She was grateful they took that step together. While she may not have fully understood what it meant to be in a relationship, she was well along the way to understand what it meant to be a girlfriend. She pulled up the small group chat with Steph and Connie on her phone.
E – My view
Elizabeth sent the pic of Jack walking toward her. She was keeping the one of his backside just for herself.
S – I thought you were at the picnic
C – Where are you
E – I'm at Jack's
C – I thought you were at the picnic
S – house
E – Yes
Elizabeth looked up and watched Jack walk toward her and then he turned around to continue cutting the grass.
S – Hey…where did you go
E – Sorry…Jack's mowing
C – Shorts & t-shirt
S – Oh…that's where she went
E – Yeah…tank top
S – Why are you there
Elizabeth took a deep breath. She wrote out a short version of what happened. Nonetheless, it was a lengthy text. These were her best friends. She knew they wouldn't judge her harshly. Her best friends were firm with her yet encouraging as well. The true picture of best friends.
C – Wow! Are you two ok
E – Yeah
S – What did he say
E – We talked everything thru
S – That's great
S – You need to get a hold of this
E – I know…I know…
C – This is twice in two days
E – I'm learning how to be a girlfriend. I believe we turned a corner today
S – As stubborn as you are…
C – You'll get ahold of this in no time.
E – I'm working on it
C – Wait…did he say I love you?
S – Did you?
Elizabeth thought about it for a moment. These two were her best friends and sisters. They didn't hide things from each other. After thinking about it for a moment, she didn't want to share the last portion of their talk. She also didn't want to share that Jack had told her he loved her. Nor did she want to share that she loved him. Like Jack, she thought it may have been too early in their relationship. Also, she loved the fact that only her and Jack knew it.
E – We have only dated for three days. We're just starting this
C – True…
S – But you didn't answer the question…
E – You guys…
Elizabeth couldn't keep from smiling. She was truly excited about the relationship with Jack. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face if she wanted to. She didn't want to. The last two days were important to her. Her father's discussion, along with Jack's conversation, were essential learning experiences for her. Jack learned a lot through his discussion with her as well. She really felt they took a step forward together.
Elizabeth turned around when she heard the back door open. She jumped a little. Charlette walked out with a smile.
"It's so good to see you."
"You too, Mrs. C. Did you have a nice day?"
"I did." Charlette stated as she sat down in the chair beside Elizabeth. She followed Elizabeth's eyes and noticed she was looking at her oldest son. "Did you two talk?"
Elizabeth nodded her head. "I'm assuming you heard what happened?"
"I did. Are you alright?"
"Yeah…" She exhaled a long breath. "I messed up yesterday and today."
"Well, Jack keeps looking in this direction with that goofy smile, I'm assuming you didn't mess up too much." Elizabeth couldn't contain her silly smile.
"I took your advice. I was completely honest with him. I told him everything."
"How did he do?"
"Quiet at first, then he opened up just like you told me."
"Did she now?" Asked Tom as he placed his hands on Charlette's shoulder.
Charlette nearly jumped out of her seat as she screamed.
"What are you doing?" A scared Charlette asked.
"I was going to see if Elizabeth would like to stay with us for dinner." Tom and Elizabeth laughed at Charlette's reaction.
"Sure, if you don't mind me staying?"
"Of course not. We are just going to order pizza for delivery. Are you ok with that?"
"Sure. I love pizza."
"Any particular type you prefer?"
"Not really."
Tom placed his hands on her shoulders. "Now Elizabeth, everyone loves a certain type of pizza. What would you like?"
"I don't want to be a bother."
"Elizabeth…" Tom's voice was very fatherly and calming.
"I like pineapple pizza."
"Good grief…" Tom stated as Charlette gloated. "Charlette loves pineapple pizza. She's the only one of us that does."
"Finally, someone with great tastes like me."
Tom shook his head. "Does Jack know this?"
"No. We haven't talked about it."
Tom shook his head and let out a small laugh. "This may be a game changer."
"He doesn't like it?"
"Oh no…my family always gives me a hard time about it."
"Us girls will stick together." Elizabeth laughed. "I'll need to text my mother and father to let her know that I'm staying for dinner.
Elizabeth texted her mother and father letting her know that Tom and Charlette were home and they invited her to stay for dinner. She also texted the girls to let them know she would be away from her phone since Jack's parents were home.
…
Jack stepped off the last step of the staircase after his shower. He had on a nice, casual pair of shorts and a loose fitting t-shirt. He wasn't wearing any socks. While he looked handsome enough in that outfit to steal her breath, it was the fact that his hair was wet and messy. He had tried to comb it, but since he didn't dry his hair very well, it just gave him a messy look. Elizabeth was setting down her glass of tea and almost dropped it when she saw him. Jack's little brother caught her.
"Are you ok?"
Elizabeth didn't hear a word he said. She was too focused on Jack. She lost all hearing when he gave her a dimpled grin.
"Elizabeth…!" Tom raised his voice. "Are you ok?"
"What…?"
Tom began to laugh and began to say something, until he caught his mother's attention. He knew that glare very well. Jack turned his confused look to his brother. He didn't know what his brother was doing. He was just excited to see his girlfriend.
When the doorbell rang, Tom quickly stood. "I'll get it." He stated. He wanted to get away from his mother's glare.
"Son, I think we need to have a quick discussion."
"What about Pa?"
"Well, there's something about your girlfriend that you don't know."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and let out a deep laugh. Her laughter only grew at Jack's confused expression.
"It's your girlfriend's pizza choice…"
Jack looked from his father to Elizabeth. "What? It can't be as strange as…" He stopped mid sentence. "No…it can't be…"
Charlette vigorously nodded her head.
"No…no…it can't be…" Jack stated.
"That's enough Jarrick." Charlette warned pointing a finger at him.
"Jarrick…?" Elizabeth asked.
"His name is Thomas Jarrick. I wanted to name him after his father, but a little different."
"Pa's name is Thomas Jack."
"Jarrick?" Elizabeth stated again. "I like it." She whispered.
"One medium meat lovers, one medium supreme – no black olives, and one medium pineapple pizza for the girls." Tom stated carrying in three pizza boxes.
"You don't…?" Whispered a shocked Jack. "How could you?" He took a half a step back.
"I love pineapple pizza. I tried it over at Steph's house when I was about ten years old. It's awesome." She smiled at the proclamation.
"She's one of them, son." Thomas stated as he and his two sons stared at her as if her head just spun a complete circle.
"Don't mind them, Lizzy. They don't know what's good in this world."
"Ma, her name is Elizabeth."
"Lighten up Jackie Boy…it's just a nickname." Tom snickered.
"Alright Teletubby. Jack smirked back.
"Boys!" Warned Charlette. "Sometimes these two forget their ages and act like they are five and three again." She shook her head.
Elizabeth was a little taken back by the banter back and forth. She and her sisters didn't do that or certainly not to that level. She quickly realized they were just playing like her guy friends do with their brothers. She quickly fell in step with the teasing.
"Teletubby?" Elizabeth asked.
"When Tom was three, he loved the Teletubbies on TV."
"Oh…you didn't?" Laughed Elizabeth.
"I was three!" Tom's voice was a little higher than normal. Everyone laughed at his embarrassment.
"Did you watch it?" Asked Elizabeth as she turned her attention to Jack.
"Heavens no." Jack gasped. "I hated that show. Did you?"
"No. So, what about Jackie Boy?"
"Don't you want to eat?" Jack asked, hoping to change the subject. Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at Jack.
"Jack was four when he watched Superman for the first time. He fell in love with it and watched it several times. He would stand on the couch with a red towel tied around his neck jumping off and yelling at the top of his voice, 'Jackie Boy'. He would raise his fist in the air like he was flying."
"Ma!" Jack gasped. "Why did you have to tell her that story?"
"Jarrick, it's a cute story." Elizabeth laughed and bumped Jack's shoulder. They shared smirks at the use of his given name.
That was how the evening went. There was plenty of laughter and just chatting. Elizabeth wouldn't share any stories about her childhood. She was too consumed with the stories about Jack. Elizabeth looked at her phone and noticed the time.
"I'm sorry, I need to head home. My curfew is at eleven."
"What time is it?"
"It's ten thirty."
"Really?" Everyone asked at once. The evening was so perfect no one kept track of the time. They just didn't know what time it was.
"Wow." Jack stated. "Let me show you to your car." Jack stood and then extended his hand to help her stand. Charlette ginned at her son's gesture. Elizabeth almost made his heart stop when she looked up at him. Those eyes and her smile were just too much at times.
"Thank you, Mr. T and Mrs. C for a great evening."
"Thank you for staying with us. We greatly enjoyed our time with you." When Elizabeth stood, she gave both Tom and Charlette a hug. Charlette kissed her on the cheek.
"Now, make sure you come back soon, you hear?"
"Yes, Mrs. C. I promise."
"Ma…Pa…I'll be right back."
Jack closed the front door and extended his hand. Elizabeth already had her hand extended waiting for Jack's hand.
"Well Jackie Boy, that was a lot of fun." Sassed Elizabeth.
"Yes, Princess Beth, That was a lot of fun."
They slowly walked toward Elizabeth's car. Neither of them was walking fast. They just didn't want to leave each other. Halfway to the car, Jack lightly tugged on her arm to pull her a little closer. He thought about wrapping his arm around her, but he hadn't done that before. He wasn't sure if he should.
When they reached her car, Elizabeth fiddled with her keys in her hands. She leaned with her back against her mini cooper. She was facing Jack. They both melted with the flirty eyes they were giving each other.
Ten seconds of courage… Jack whispered to himself. However, he didn't realize he said it out loud. He just didn't know it. Elizabeth gasped a little when she heard him say her phrase. She pulled Jack a little closer to her when he reached for her hands. Their bodies weren't touching, but they could feel the heat off each other. He hovered just in front of her for a moment. She was hoping that today would be her first kiss.
As he leaned in to give her a kiss, they each saw a light coming from the house.
"What are you doing?" Tom asked his wife. She was peeking out the front window at the young couple. When Tom spoke, it scared her and she jumped back, pulling the curtain with her.
"Thomas Thornton!"
"Charlette Thornton! How dare you spy on Jack and Elizabeth like that?"
"I wasn't spying!"
"Really?" He sassed. "And what would you call it?" He challenged his wife.
"I…huh…"
"Come on sweetheart. Let's leave them be." He grabbed his wife's hand.
"I think my Ma is watching?" Jack laughed and shook his head at the same time.
"I believe so." Elizabeth's face turned a little red.
"Please call me when you get home." Jack stated. She gave him a confused look. "I just want to make sure you get home safely."
"I will." She held her breath when he leaned in. Jack kissed her on the cheek and held his lips against her skin for a couple of seconds. Before releasing her hands, Jack squeezed her hands three times. Her head jerked up at his actions. She knew what he meant by that from their previous talk on the back porch. She instantly squeezed his hands three times. Their goofy smiles covered their faces.
"Good night, Elizabeth."
"Good night, Jarrick."
…
Elizabeth floated on cloud nine the whole way home. She was grateful her and Jack worked everything out. She was honest with Connie and Steph. She did feel like her and Jack turned the corner. She walked into her home to a smiling Grace.
"Hey."
"Hey mother. How are you?"
"Good. How was your evening with Jack?"
"Good."
"Everything work out?"
"Yes mother. We talked and figured everything out."
"What did you learn?"
"I need to trust Jack and be honest with him. I also need to make sure that Charles stays in his lane and not cause any more issues."
Elizabeth glanced down at her phone when it chimed. Her smile grew when she saw Jack's picture. They took a selfie earlier. It pops up when he texts or calls her. She showed her mother the pic. Grace just knew they looked good together.
"He's texting after seeing you all evening and most of the day?"
"Jack wanted me to text him when I got home. He wanted to know I was safe."
Grace swooned over his care for her daughter. "That's sweet."
"It is." Elizabeth's face turned a little red with embarrassment. Mother and daughter sat at the kitchen island and talked about everything that occurred with her and Jack. Elizabeth told everything except the last part of her conversation with Jack. She just didn't want to share about his very brief declaration of love and squeezing her hand. She felt that was just between them for now. After about ten minutes, her phone buzzed.
J – You still up
E – Let me change and I'll call you
J – Perfect
J – Hurry
J – Up
J – I
J – Miss
J – You
Elizabeth laughed and showed her mother the texts. "I love his sense of humor."
"He's silly. Now, go change. You only talked to him for hours today, but I know you don't want to miss this opportunity to talk to him again." Grace sassed.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes when she hugged her mother and kissed her on the cheek. She ran up the stairs when Grace's phone chime.
C – They almost kissed until Tom scared me and they noticed I was peeking out the window. They didn't kiss though.
G – Oh…my…the picture they took tonight, they look perfect together!
C – Look at this one!
Charlette sent Grace a picture she snuck of the young couple. Grace stared at the picture for a moment. They were just perfect together.
G – Oh Charlette, they are just perfect for each other.
…
Elizabeth quickly changed clothes and brushed her teeth. She was eager to talk with Jack. Once changed into sleep pants and an oversized t-shirt, she put her hair up in a bun without even thinking. She did that every night so her hair wouldn't tickle her face while she slept. She grabbed her phone and sat in her favorite spot. She repositioned herself until she got comfortable. Instead of calling Jack, she decided to skype him. Even though she had been with him a good portion of the day, she just wanted to see his smile.
The phone only rang once when he accepted the call.
"Hey gorgeous. Oh…you are beautiful."
"Jack, I'm all ready for bed. I know you are lying."
"Are you really arguing with your boyfriend about how you look?" Her face turned a little red at his compliment. Jack melted at her shyness. "I told you to never underestimate a messy bun."
"What!" Elizabeth yelled as she reached for the top of her head.