Chapter 11 – Shopping Spree
After a moment, Elizabeth turned back to Katie.
"Thank you for doing this." Elizabeth said.
"No problem." Katie said. "Let's get started. I know that you said you liked Lucky brand jeans. I got you six pairs, three black and three blue. I only got the size you said, plus a size up. Let's start there."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "How does this work?"
"You pick what you want and keep the size that fits." Katie said. "The rest will go back. If you are sure that the jeans will fit without trying, then we can set them aside and move on."
"Yes, I am sure." Elizabeth said. "I just got a pair two weeks ago."
"Okay." Katie said. "Sara please pull the Lucky jeans in Elizabeth's size and put them on the couch. See easy. Now I also grabbed four pairs of Ariat jeans. I grabbed your size, plus one up and one down. You are going to have to try a pair on. I know that these are more expensive than you are used to, but this is also what most people in Saratoga wear as casual jeans. You will be able to wear these out if you don't want to wear a dress."
Elizabeth wasn't sure, but since Jack trusted Katie, she was going to as well since she had never been to Saratoga. Elizabeth grabbed a set of the Ariat hangers and went to try them on. She found that they were actually pretty comfortable and she liked them. She went a size up on them since the size that she wore was a little tight. Elizabeth stopped for a moment and realized that she never had so many new clothes in her life. It was going to take some getting used to, but she took a deep breath. Elizabeth knew that she didn't want to embarrass Jack or his family when she was with them, so she was going to accept what was bought for her. She just needed to keep telling herself that it was okay that they were doing this for her. After slipping back into her shorts, Elizabeth headed back to Katie and Sara.
"They fit?" Katie asked.
"Yes." Elizabeth said. "I went a size up from normal. But I like them."
"Good." Katie said.
"You have two pairs of blue and two pairs of black." Sara said. "I will pull them and put the others to go back."
"Do you really think I need all those jeans?" Elizabeth asked.
Katie took a moment and sat Elizabeth down on the couch.
"Yes." Katie said. "And here is why. Don't think of it as you are just getting things for this trip, think of it as you are getting clothes for school as well. Jack said that you will be attending Columbia this fall as well. Everything, except the banquet dress you will be able to wear for school. By getting everything now, it will be easier to just replace things as needed. The dress clothes you will also be able to wear if you go out or something. Besides, it is easier to have a large number to start with. It makes things easier since things will last longer. Does that make sense?"
"I guess." Elizabeth said. "I just guess I am not used to having so many clothes. I will try to think about it as a new wardrobe for school as well. I didn't realize when I left that I only grabbed about a half dozen outfits, a couple sweatshirts and stuff."
"It is okay." Katie said. "I am sure that looking at everything here in this room right now is overwhelming. Just remember, I brought multiple sizes and lots of choices. The only thing I am going to insist that you take as long as they fit and you like them are the jeans and tee-shirts I bought. Everything else is only if you want. You will need a dress for the banquet, but one thing at a time."
"Well." Elizabeth said. "I have never been to Saratoga, so I will trust you when you tell me what I need."
"Okay." Katie said. "Ready to continue?"
"Yes." Elizabeth said.
"Okay." Katie said. "Next I have these boatneck fitted tees from Gap. Now these can be worn alone or under a button up. I have short sleeves as well as long. They can also be worn under the sundress if you want. I have two black, two white, a red, green, yellow and two different blues in both long and short sleeve."
"Oh." Elizabeth said, looking at what Sara was holding. "I like those."
"Then go try one on." Katie said. "Now these are a little different then your normal tee-shirts so I think that you might start with the small. You seemed to fall right between a small and extra small. I also grabbed a medium just in case. Again this is one where if one fits, they all will."
Elizabeth grabbed the set that Sara was holding out for her and she went to try them on. Elizabeth was glad that there was a full length mirror in the bedroom. She liked to look at what things looked like on her. She tried the small first and found that she liked how they fit. She didn't bother trying on the other sizes. She slipped it off and pulled her tee-shirt back on. She hung up the shirt and headed out.
"I like these as well." Elizabeth said. "The small size fits nicely."
"Good." Katie said. "So what colors do you want?"
"What do you think?" Elizabeth asked.
"I would suggest the black and white for sure." Katie said. "Look at the other colors and choose what you want. I have other shirts for you as well. For now, I went with mostly plain shirts. We can always add accessories later. We can also sit down and look at the websites so you can show me what you like, granted we might do that later anyway."
Elizabeth looked at the shirts and held each up to her seeing how it looked. She ended up with the black, white, green and both of the blues in both long and short sleeves. The red just didn't look right and the yellow was just the wrong shade. Katie was pleased that Elizabeth was so willing, yet said something when she didn't like something.
"Good choices." Katie said. "Now, since it can still be cool at times in Saratoga, I grabbed some Henley shirts for you. Again, I have both long and short sleeves Also, these can be worn alone or under a button up. They will also be nice for this fall. If you like these and want more just let me know. I just grabbed basic colors – light gray, dark gray, white and black."
"I have always liked these." Elizabeth said. "But never had any."
"Well here you go." Sara said. "Again we went a size up and a size down."
Elizabeth went and tried one on and found she really liked the feel of them. She decided that she was taking all four in both long and short sleeves.
"I really like the feel of these." Elizabeth said, walking back to the living room.
"Want all four?" Sara asked.
"Please." Elizabeth said shyly.
"Don't feel bad about liking and wanting something." Katie said. "Jack loves his Henley's as well. He has at least a couple dozen or more."
"Do these come in other colors?" Elizabeth asked.
"I believe that they had a light pink, a camo, a light blue and a rose color." Sara said.
"Do you think that you could get me the pink and blue ones?" Elizabeth asked.
"Sure." Katie said. "I will make a list, since I know that there are other things we need to get after we talk. If that is what you want, I can get those."
"Which size did you take?" Sara asked.
"The small." Elizabeth said.
Sara pulled the small Henley shirts and put them on the growing pile of clothes for Elizabeth. Elizabeth felt a little bad asking for more, but she really liked them and she got cold easily. She kept telling herself that it was okay and Jack wasn't expecting anything in return.
Jack did as he said he would and headed right home. Jack figured that it would take Katie at least a couple of hours with Elizabeth. He knew that Elizabeth would be fine on her own, but he also didn't want to leave her alone for too long. It wasn't that he thought that something would happen, since she was in a secure apartment and security was there, but it was that he found that he didn't want to be far from her. He knew that he was falling hard for Elizabeth, but he also knew that he was going to have to be careful moving forward. He wanted to be respectful and not push Elizabeth. He also didn't want her to think that he was pushing for a relationship in return for helping her. Jack just hoped that things calmed down while they were up in Saratoga. He wanted the best for Elizabeth and he was worried about what effect that her family's behavior was going to have on her. He was worried, but he also didn't know how to help her other to be there for her and listen. It was at that moment that an idea popped into Jack's head. He wondered if Elizabeth would feel comfortable talking to a priest even if she wasn't Catholic. He would have to find a way to talk to her about that.
Jack pulled into the garage at home and headed for the house. He was hoping to get a little time to talk to his father before he had to deal with his mother. Jack went in the back door and right up to his room. Jack hadn't been in his room for more than fifteen minutes when he could sense someone standing in his doorway.
"John Parker Thornton." Charlotte said. "You have some explaining to do!"
"Ma." Jack said, stepping into her line of sight.
Jack knew that he was in trouble not only by his mother's tone, but the fact that she used his full name. He wasn't sure what he was going to say, he guessed it would depend on what she asked.
"What?" Jack asked.
"Where have you been?" Charlotte asked.
"Didn't you talk to Dad?" Jack asked.
"Don't sass me." Charlotte said. "I asked you a question."
"Fine." Jack said. "Didn't Dad tell you that I was helping a friend? I ended up staying at the apartment last night."
"That is what he said." Charlotte said. "He also said that your 'friend' was coming to Saratoga with us. Who is this friend? Do I know him?"
"No, you don't know them." Jack said. "It is someone that Doug and I met yesterday."
"So why is he coming to Saratoga?" Charlotte asked.
Jack let out a deep sigh. He knew that he was walking a fine line of telling the truth and lying to his mother.
"The truth is that the situation is complicated." Jack said. "Dad agrees that getting out of town might be the best thing right now."
"So explain it to me." Charlotte said, taking a seat at Jack's desk.
Jack took a couple deep breaths and sat on his bed facing his mother. Jack proceeded to explain to his mother all that had happened the day before. When he was done, he looked at her and waited for her reaction.
"You like her?" Charlotte asked.
"Yes." Jack said. "But you know that I would never take advantage of a woman. We, Elizabeth and I, have talked about how we each feel this connection that we can't explain. We also agreed that at least for the time being that it would be better to just be friends. I don't want her to feel pressured, but I will also make sure that she is safe and has what she needs."
"Fine." Charlotte said. "Just as long as you understand that she may never return your affections. Her connection might come from being rescued by you and those feelings can change as she processes what happened."
"I understand." Jack said. "I have told her that my only concerns are her safety and happiness."
"As long as you understand." Charlotte said. "Also be careful. I don't necessarily like this, but as long as your father and grandfather have okayed it then I guess it will be what it is."
"Yes, ma'am." Jack said. "I got an email from Grandpa James this morning and he was looking forward to meeting Elizabeth."
"Okay." Charlotte said. "So what is the plan for today and tomorrow?"
"Elizabeth is meeting with Katie." Jack said. "Katie will also drop off my stuff. I am packing what is needed for the trip. I will then take everything back to the apartment. Elizabeth asked me to stay close. I agreed. She is alone in a different place. We ran a couple errands this morning and I picked up stuff to make supper for her and I tonight."
"Which apartment is she in?" Charlotte asked.
"The two bedroom." Jack said. "She might take the one bedroom later, but the two was all that was available yesterday. And before you ask, I slept on the couch last night. Depending on how she is doing this evening, I may even sleep in my apartment down the hall."
Charlotte looked at her son and shook her head, but stood to leave. She looked at him one last time and when she got to the door, she turned around.
"Would some of Laura's old clothes fit her?" Charlotte asked.
"Maybe." Jack said. "Elizabeth is pretty petite. Why?"
"Well." Charlotte said. "I don't know what you have Katie picking up for her, but if there are other things that she needs while we are in Saratoga, Laura's stuff is still all at the house there. I don't even think my mom changed Laura's room."
"Thanks for the head up." Jack said. "I told Katie to get Elizabeth what she would need for Saratoga. Elizabeth also asked her to keep it within reason and not to get a lot of high end stuff since she is not used to all that stuff."
"I take it Elizabeth's family is not well off." Charlotte said.
"I am not sure." Jack said. "Her family has a house in North Riverdale, her father is a lawyer. Their house was a pretty normal suburban home. She is the middle daughter of three. I know that they are not high society, but I think that they are better off then most. I also think that Elizabeth doesn't care about status. She comes across as a girl with simple tastes. She did say that she had never seen an apartment as fancy as the one she is in."
"Okay." Charlotte said. "Then I think you need to warn her about Saratoga and what is expected."
"I asked Katie to talk to her and Devin also talked to her a bit." Jack said. "I will make a point of talking to her this evening and making sure that she understands."
Charlotte didn't say anything else, but she left Jack to his packing. She never understood why Jack insisted on packing his things himself. They had staff that would do that for him. It wasn't that Charlotte was spoiled, because at Saratoga, she had no problem helping with the horses. It was more that if someone else was willing to do the menial tasks then she would let them. The conversation with his mother went better than Jack thought. He knew that she still wasn't happy, but he also knew that she just needed time. He hoped that meeting Elizabeth would help change his mother's mind. He knew that they would get along if his mother would just give Elizabeth a chance.
After his mother left, Jack went back to packing and sorting his things. Not only was he packing the few things that he would need for Saratoga, but also sorting out things that he wanted to take to the apartment for school after they got back, he had already moved a few things over. Jack knew that he had plenty of clothes up at his grandparents home. The only thing that he really needed was a few things, plus the stuff that Katie will drop off later. Jack hated that people expected him to have new clothes all the time. He preferred things that were broken in and more comfortable. He understood that there were times that new and fancier clothes were required. He also knew that his grandparents didn't really care as long as he was presentable. Charlotte had Katie getting Jack new Ariat jeans and a shirt for the banquet. Jack assumed that there would be a few other things that Charlotte had ordered through Katie, but he wasn't going to complain. He would be wearing his comfortable clothes while he was at the farm and while he was riding. He really only needed dressy clothes when he went to town. Then a thought hit Jack, he thought it might be nice to have a few nicer clothes in case Elizabeth wanted to go out or spend some time in town.
As Jack was sorting his things, he realized that he was looking forward to showing Elizabeth around Saratoga as well as around the farm. Jack liked that they were getting away and spending time in a less stressful environment. He really just wanted what was best for her. He was still reeling from the way that her family had treated her. Part of him felt bad, but he also knew that she didn't want anyone's pity. It wasn't that Jack pitied her, but he wished that things could have been different for her. Jack knew that over time, she would find strength being on her own. Jack was also pretty sure that she was overwhelmed at the moment with all the changes as well as the emotionally charged day that she had before. Jack also knew that he was going to have to spend a few days going through his room when he got back. It wasn't like he was moving far away and he couldn't come back to get things.
Jack sat down and took a moment to say a prayer for Elizabeth for everything that she had been through. He asked for strength for both of them as they moved forward. Jack also asked for wisdom as he moved forward in dealing with Elizabeth and how to navigate things while still showing respect for their needs. Finally Jack asked for protection for them all as they headed to Saratoga.
Jack went back to looking at what he was going to take back to the apartments. He was just glad that he would have the opportunity to live with his two best friends and yet have his family nearby. Jack realized how lucky he was, not only did he grow up not wanting for things but he also grew up with a very supportive family. To Jack the support meant more than all the money in the bank. He just wished that others understood that. Jack didn't care about the money, it was nice at times, but it wasn't what was most important to him. Jack had hoped to show Elizabeth who he was as a person before they got into who his family was and where he came from, but her being safe was more important than that. Jack was just glad that he was able to take care of Elizabeth. He knew that she wanted to be on her own, but that it would take time to save her money and get her footing and he didn't mind helping her. He also hoped that Elizabeth knew that he didn't expect anything in return. He was serious when he said she could repay his family by becoming the best teacher that she could and teaching the next generation. He knew that he would have to take the time to talk to her and make her understand that he wasn't looking for repayment of any kind, including a relationship.
Jack took a moment to sit on his bed again and look around his room. Yes, he had expensive furnishings, but he didn't care. They could have been simple and he would have loved them. Jack liked that he had his own car, but didn't have the most expensive car. He had gone with his father and looked at a number of cars and then they looked at the safety features on each. Jack did splurge on a few things like the color and sound system, but he knew many people his age who drove much nicer cars. That was part of the reason that Jack didn't mind doing things for Elizabeth. She had needs and he had the means to get her what she needed at the moment. Jack wouldn't have cared if he would have had to spend some of his substantial trust fund to help Elizabeth. In Jack's mind, she was worth it even if they didn't have a future together.
As Jack was sitting there, he remembered the papers that he had hidden the day before. He got up, closed his door and then went to the safe and pulled everything out. He sat down and sorted through what he needed and what could be left. It wasn't that his parents didn't know about his safe, but they respected his space. Devin had the access code for safety reasons and as far as Jack knew, his father had never asked for it. Jack hoped that they continued to respect his privacy even after he moved out. Sitting there looking through the safe, Jack was reminded that he would have to show Elizabeth the hidden safe in the master bedroom. Normally it wasn't something that was shown to people, but since Elizabeth had been entered in the system she could use it.
