Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people or places noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.

Chapter 13- Fake News

"Good night, Jack. I love you…"

"I love you too. I'll see you in the morning," he replied before kissing her forehead and then walking out into the hallway.

He stood just outside until he heard the lock engage on the door before heading for the elevator.

Elizabeth sat on the side of her bed, pulled out her journal from her suitcase and took a moment to contemplate the emotions, many of which brought her to tears over the weekend. She opened her journal, flipped to the next blank page, took a deep breath and began to convey her feeling onto the sterile canvas…

"September 11, 2001…most everyone knows where they were and what they were doing on that fateful day. We watched in fear, not only those who were within close proximity, but across the country and around the world, we were mesmerized, frightened, angered and at a loss for what to do.

Our hearts pounded, and our breaths were ragged as we watched continuous news reports. We heard about how the brave first responders risked their own lives to enter the smoke and fire filled buildings in an attempt to rescue those who were confused, lost or trapped. The Pentagon was not left unscathed as rescuers fought past the destruction to help others. Of course we can't forget the men and women of Flight 93 who sacrificed themselves in order to save the Capital, with the saying 'Let's roll,' taking on a life of its own.

We all observed the destruction which occurred at the hands of those who hate; those who hoped to tear us apart, unaware that the love that followed would help to heal a devastated nation.

As I walked along the sidewalk, my hand brushing across name after name after name, it no longer mattered where I was or what I was doing on that day, at that specific moment in time. What was important then and remains so today is the fact that I will remember you, the victims, where you were and the horror you went through.

In the days, weeks, and months that followed, the American Flag flew proudly from homes, highways, and vehicles. The Lee Greenwood song, "Proud to be an American," played loud and proud from radio stations across the country as it excitedly bellowed from virtually every car radio.

This was one of the worst days in our history, and although not forgotten throughout the year, each September 11th brings about each individual's own period of remembrance. Although this was one of the worst days I have ever seen, it didn't do what the terrorists expected. Instead of tearing us apart, it brought out the best in all of us."

The following morning, Elizabeth was up early, showered, packed her suitcase, and was waiting in the lobby when Jack arrived. They enjoyed breakfast, doing their best to keep her departure from being a topic of conversation.

As they walked through the airport, Jack wheeled her carry-on with one hand and held her hand with the other. They stopped just outside the TSA station and watched as the line formed and continued to grow.

"I'm going to miss you, Jack."

"I'm going to miss you too, but you will come back, right?"

"I'd love to. Just let me know your schedule and I'll see what I can work out."

"We'll go over it tonight when I call you."

"Okay; I love you."

His hands rested on her shoulders. He moved his left hand to wipe several tears that fell from her eye…

"I don't want to leave, but I know I have to. I'll see you soon, Jack," she leaned in and kissed his cheek. She hungered for his lips but also knew that feeling his mouth on hers may make walking away nearly impossible.

She took her carry-on from him and headed for the TSA line. He stood silently, barely breathing as she continued around the corner and out of his sight.

Jack turned around and started down the long corridor.

"JACK," he heard her voice, causing him to turn back around.

Tugging her carry-on behind her, she ran to him, dropped her bags and jumped into his arms. Holding her tight, her forward motion caused him to spin with her. His lips captured hers and to those watching, their kiss was hot, and resembled a military homecoming.

He lowered her feet to the ground as she again grabbed her bags and headed for the TSA check-in. He stood and watched as she disappeared, but this time he waited, hoping that she would again run to him. Several minutes later he realized that was not going to happen and he disappointedly turn and headed for the parking lot.

"Something has to change here…" he frustratingly whispered.

Now on with our story…

Elizabeth boarded the plane and took her seat next to the window. She closed her eyes, wishing that Jack was sitting next to her, holding her hand.

As the passengers filed in, the noise and rumblings became louder. She closed her eyes trying desperately to recall Jack holding her hand, talking softly, and doing his best to ease her nerves.

She could feel the power of the engines as the plane sped down the runway and her hands maintained a death grip on her arm rests. Her heart pounded as she felt the plane leave the ground, virtually hanging in the sky as it climbed higher and higher.

Once they leveled out in the sky, her breathing calmed and her heart rate slowed for the remainder of the flight.

As she walked through the Baltimore/Washington International Airport, she noticed that her free hand felt lonely. With the exception of the time that she was alone in her hotel room, and a few other occasions, she had felt Jack's hand in hers. It now simply seemed odd to be without him.

Elizabeth opened her front door and stepped inside her home. Lizzie woke from one of her many daily naps, and began to run excitedly throughout the townhouse.

Elizabeth took a seat on the sofa, exhausted from the weekend, and depressed that she and Jack were now apart. She turned on the TV, and scanned the sports channels, stopping when she came upon the Mets-Pirates double header.

As the game continued, it was almost heart wrenching to watch, knowing that they were now so far apart. However, her eyes never veered from the screen as he approached the plate to bat.

Lizzie sat on the sofa as they both watched the games. Well, in all seriousness, Lizzie slept while Elizabeth watched.

"He loves me, Lizzie…him, Jack…right there, look…Lizzie, how do you feel about him? WOW, as long as you're fed you don't care, do you?"

Elizabeth rushed around taking care of chores, checking back hoping to catch glimpses of Jack whenever possible. She needed to get laundry done for work tomorrow, and wanted everything done before he called this evening.

She fed Lizzie dinner and fixed herself a plate of leftovers, although she wasn't really hungry and if asked what she'd eaten, it wasn't exciting enough to remember.

She locked up the house, changed into her pajamas and slipped into bed while she awaited Jack's call.

Back in New York, Jack walked into his apartment, realizing very quickly how empty it seemed. He pulled his phone from his bag and realizing that he'd never returned the call from earlier; he clicked on the number and pushed "Send."

"Hi Jack, welcome home."

"Thank you, how are you?"

"I'm fine. It looks like you healed well."

"Yes, my knee is good as new. Is there a particular reason why you called?"

"Well, I thought we could get together and have dinner. I've missed you."

"Selma, you made your choice months ago. I apparently wasn't good enough for you, so you broke up with me. Don't you remember?"

"Jack, I made a mistake. I never should have pushed you away. I lie in bed at night and dream of your arms around me, making love to me; don't you miss me?"

"Selma, you told me when we broke up that I needed to move on. I didn't expect to, but I have. I'm dating someone now, and I'm happy, so now maybe you need to take your own advice."

"Jack, please meet me for dinner so I can at least return some things I have that belong to you."

"I'm not interested in meeting for dinner, and actually, anything I gave you, you're free to keep."

"Please, just for old time sake. I'd just like to see you."

"Selma, I'll meet you at Luigi's on Sunday for lunch, but it's not a date. My game isn't until 7:00."

"Okay, I'll be there."

Jack tossed his phone on the bed as he walked out onto the balcony. The lights and the activity down below brought him immediately back to his weekend with Elizabeth and the anger he felt was quickly replaced by love and a strong desire to see her again.

Jack walked into the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator before heading to his bedroom to retrieve his phone.

Jack took a seat on the sofa before dialing Elizabeth's number.

"Hi Jack. I miss you."

"I miss you too…more than you know."

"You had a great game."

"Honey, we lost."

"I know, but you played well."

"I don't want to talk about the game; I want to talk about you. I guess you got home okay."

"I don't like take-offs, but once we were in the air I was able to let go of the man sitting beside me."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm just teasing, Jack. There wasn't anyone beside me."

"When can you come back up?"

"What's your schedule? Really with school starting in a week, I think I'll have to wait until I can maybe come up on a Friday afternoon and stay until Sunday night."

"We're in Chicago tomorrow through Wednesday and then we're in Cincinnati through Saturday, but I could fly home right after the game." Please come up, I'll cancel lunch.

"No, I don't see that one working. Maybe the next weekend you're in town?"

"Well, we're playing the Nationals at home in the middle of the week, and then I think we have a few games in Philly. The following weekend we'll be in town playing the Yankees. I'll get you a ticket and I'm sure you can get the same hotel room."

"Please don't go to any trouble, Jack. If I'm able to come up, I'll drive this time. Let me check it out and I'll let you know if I can come up."

"Honey, it's only an hour and a half flight; it's a four hour drive, at best."

"Jack, I don't mind flying if you're with me, but alone, it's…it's…well, you know it scares me."

"Okay, I understand, but please try to get back up here. I don't like going too long without seeing you."

"I'll check my school schedule; hopefully that will work. If not, I'll come up maybe the 3rd week in September; that is if that works for you."

"I'll make it work. I just miss you."

"Jack, I just left."

"I know, but I enjoy spending time with you; when you aren't around my heart aches."

"I'm sorry, Jack. I miss you already too."

"What are you doing now?"

"Just lying in bed waiting for you to call."

"I wish I was there with you."

"I wish you were too, but what is that saying…it's something like 'distance makes,' No, it's 'absence makes the heart grow fonder?'"

"Elizabeth, you have to know that I'm already quite fond of you," his voice was soft and romantic. "I don't know how I'm going to be able to go two weeks or more without seeing you."

"I'm sorry that I can't get away sooner, but you'll be busy with traveling and games and the students will keep me hopping. Two weeks will fly by," she stated; she didn't believe it any more than Jack did, but she did her best to sound convincing.

"I'll call you every night and if by some chance I can get away for a day or two, I'll fly down to see you. But you work on getting back up here, okay?"

"I will. I love you, Jack."

"I love you too."

And then the call ended. They each released the phones from their hands as tears fell from Elizabeth's eyes. I'd marry him in a heartbeat if he asked, but I know it's too soon.

Jack sat on the side of his bed as his hands moved roughly up and down across his face. It's too soon for her, I'm sure, but I'd ask her right now if I thought she'd say yes.

For the next few days, Jack and the Mets were in Chicago where the Cubs managed to win two of their three home games. Jack maintained his batting average, added on two RBIs, and one home run.

Each night, Jack made certain to call Elizabeth as soon as he returned to the hotel. Most conversations lasted until early in the morning with neither party wanting to end the call.

The team moved from Chicago to Cleveland for the next few games, hoping to correct what went wrong during their recent Cubs' losses. Apparently whatever changes were made, they were successful as the Mets managed to sweep the series.

Initially Jack called Elizabeth every night, but with several of the Cleveland games ending after 11pm, by the time he showered and returned to the hotel, it was 12:30am, and much too late, in his estimation, to call her.

On Saturday afternoon, Elizabeth took Lizzie to the dog park to run and play before heading to the stadium. They were alone which gave Elizabeth plenty of time to think, and plan and realize just how much she missed Jack.

She ran by her townhouse and dropped off Lizzie before heading to the stadium. Each time Elizabeth pulled into the parking lot and drove to her reserved space, she smiled, feeling somewhat overcome with gratitude for Jack's generosity and thoughtfulness.

She walked the stadium checking on her usherettes, realizing that the night seemed to move faster if she kept busy. With Jack no longer on the field, there was nothing to look at that interested her and she simply wanted to finish up, head home and hope that he'd call.

It was now Sunday morning. Jack lay in bed, dreaming that Elizabeth was lying beside him. Although awake, his eyes remained closed, doing his best to paint the picture that would hopefully sustain him until they saw each other again.

His phone rang and he immediately answered, assuming it to be Elizabeth.

"Hi baby…"

"Well, good morning to you to sweetheart."

"Uh…oh, I'm sorry, Selma I thought you were someone else."

"I just wanted to remind you about lunch."

"I'll be there…"

After hanging up, Selma made another phone call, and then smiled at her plan which was falling into place. "You'll thank me, Jack. Everyone loves publicity."

Jack walked into Luigi's and took a seat. Ten minutes later, Selma walked in and was escorted to the table by Luigi, himself. In true gentleman fashion, Jack stood while she took her seat.

Unbeknownst to Jack, paparazzi were snapping pictures through the window. She reached over and took his hand…snap. She spoke softly, causing him to lean in to hear her over the restaurant noise…snap. She scooted over in perfect camera view and placed her hand on his thigh. Unfortunately for Jack the snap came before he removed her hand.

"Selma, I told you before, I'm involved with someone very special to me. You were right when you left; well, maybe not for the reason you did it, but the end result was the same. I mean when I lost my place with the Mets, I wasn't good enough for you anymore."

"Jack that's not true. I just thought that you needed to concentrate on you and not us. All of your energy needed to go into healing."

"Is that why you never contacted me?"

"I'm sorry Jack…"

"Don't be sorry. Things happen for a reason. I hope everything is going well for you, I really do wish you the best, but if you will excuse me, I shouldn't be here with you; I really need to get going."

"Oh wait, I need to get your stuff back to you."

"No, I told you that you can keep everything."

"Jack, I still have your dad's policeman's uniform. Don't you want that back?"

"Why do you have that?"

"Don't you remember the Halloween party we went to? You were a cop and I was your prisoner?"

"I remember. You know, I would like that back. Can you just send it to me?"

"Jack, I live two blocks from here, it's on your way. Just come by now and I'll give it to you."

Jack paid the bill and walked with Selma to her upscale apartment and she invited him inside. Knowing that their conversation didn't need to be folly for everyone in the building he stepped just inside the apartment door.

"Jack, this Elizabeth that you're dating, is it serious?"

"Her name is Elizabeth Thatcher and yes, it is very serious for me. Selma, I'm in love with her."

"You used to feel that way about me; you could again…"

"Selma, I never said that I was in love with you."

"But Jack, you made love to me."

"Selma have you heard the song Humble and Kind, by Tim McGraw?"

"You know I don't like country music."

"There is a line that says 'Know the difference between sleeping with someone, and sleeping with someone you love.' I'm not going to discuss my relationship with Elizabeth, but I now know the difference."

"So, you make love to her, but have sex with me? I can live with that," she whispered as she took his hand.

"Selma, just stop it. You just want me back because I'm with someone else. I'm happy; I want you to be happy too, but it just won't be with me. I'm sorry if this hurts, but I'm not doing this with you," he stated as he took the bag that contained his father's uniform and walked out the door.

Although Jack and Elizabeth had plans to see each other regularly on weekends, life always seemed to interrupt those plans. It was now the middle of September, and even though they were both busy, there was no amount of work that could ease the desire each one felt for the other. She was of course disappointed when he missed a nightly phone call, but had no reason to suspect that there was anything going on.

It was Monday, school was in full swing, and Elizabeth was trying to firm up plans for Lizzie over the upcoming weekend. Unfortunately her neighbor was scheduled to go out of town and would be unavailable. She considered contacting her Vet, but the possibility of kennel cough had her re-thinking that option. If she could find someone to take care of her, she planned to drive up after lunch on Friday.

Elizabeth contacted her parents, advising them that she wanted to go visit a friend over the weekend, and asked if they would be willing to keep Lizzie. Her parents, thankful to see Elizabeth doing more than just work, advised that they would be more than happy to, but that Buster, the family's mixed breed was dealing with a nasty upper respiratory infection and they felt it best not to have Lizzie around.

With the Hawks out of town, Elizabeth had ample free evenings. Feeling a bit cooped up, Elizabeth and Lizzie rode by the grocery store to pick up a few things. She kept her car running with her A/C on while she ran into Bergen's Grocery. She wheeled her cart around the outside of the store, doing her best to purchase fresh and not processed food. However, she also knew that she was a stress eater, and with her contact with Jack being less frequent, she found the Oreo cookies were calling her name.

Standing in the only checkout line that was open, she punched out a text to Jack…

"I know u r busy. Please call me 2nite. I miss hearing u r voice…"

"Hey girl, how are you doing?"

Elizabeth looked up from her phone, "Hey Sami. I'm doing well, how are you?"

"Doing well. Adam's coming over for dinner tonight. Do you have any plans?"

"Why are you always trying to push us together? I thought you were my friend…"

"I am."

"If you were my friend, you'd accept that I have long since moved on from Adam."

Sami flipped through the "rag" magazines in the checkout line. "Well, if this is true, I thought maybe you'd moved on from your baseball player."

"His name is Jack Thornton, and what are you talking about?"

Sami closed the paper and handed it to Elizabeth. There on the front page was a story titled, "Are they on again?" Just under the headline were a short article and a picture of Jack and Selma leaving Luigi's restaurant.

"Many may have wondered what happened with this one-time power couple. Although no one is talking, everyone is abuzz over the rekindling of this flame. Jack Thornton, and Selma Bartucci, affectionately known as "Jackma," met for lunch recently at Luigi's on 42nd Street in New York City. They seemed to be quite happy to be back together, but will they remain together? Only time will tell."

"Are you serious?" Elizabeth handed it back to Sami.

"I didn't write it; I'm just asking if you two are still together. You know, where there's smoke, there's fire."

"Sami, look at the magazine…National Inquisitor; do you really think that this rag is reporting real news?"

"Maybe not, but I don't want to see you get hurt."

Elizabeth checked out, said her goodbye to Sami and rushed outside to her car. By the time Sami stepped outside, Elizabeth was pulling out of the parking lot.

As she pulled into her driveway, her phone chimed, signifying a text. She glanced at the screen and initially smiled.

"Hi, I will definitely call u tonight. I have something I need 2 talk 2 u about…"

"What? Is something wrong?"

"Can't talk now. Team is leaving locker room…"

Although she believed the story in the paper wasn't true, she couldn't help but fret over what he wanted to talk about.

Elizabeth sat on the sofa, pulled her journal from her bag, opened it to the next blank page, and did her best to purge the feelings that were weighing heavily upon her…

"Gossip is started by those who have no idea, shared by those who think they know, to hurt someone they care very little about. Often times those who gossip have no idea the damage that they cause. As the stories are spread, the victim's dignity, reputation, and credibility are stolen from them, a theft that can never be restored. Unlike regaining your stability when your feet slip on the floor, words are like toothpaste, once they are spoken, it is impossible to return them to the confines of the tube.

Gossip is faceless, nameless and extremely careless. Its victims are helpless, as it is virtually impossible to track down the perpetrator. Gossip has no friends, but many enemies. It has been known to wreck relationships, topple governments, ruin careers and cause many sleepless nights.

Our head tells us to 'move on, pay them no mind, you know the truth,' yet our heart wants to contemplate the possibilities, hoping to keep from being hurt in the long run. We wonder if only a portion is true, does it change how we feel. Could we in fact be the one deceived? Just remember, if there is a question, ask those involved. Don't simply make assumptions; they are generally worse than the truth."

She completed her necessary school paperwork before sitting down with a glass of wine and her bag of Oreos. After three cookies, she pushed the bag away realizing that cookie consumption would not help. However, she did hang on to her glass of wine, contemplating a refill, but deciding to wait until she heard from Jack. Good news and the second glass may not be needed; bad news and the remainder of the bottle may not be enough.

True to his word, at 11pm she received a text…

"R u decent? Can we do Face Time?"

Without even responding, she pushed Face time and he immediately answered.

"Hey sweetheart. It's been so long since I've seen you. I miss you so much."

"I miss you too, but I'm worried about what you want to talk to me about."

"Oh that; I didn't mean to upset you. It's just that the board is forming for the Education Foundation, and I wanted to make sure that you're still willing to participate."

"Of course I am."

"Well, you're fortunate, because we will be meeting in Washington, DC. The first meeting is next month. I'll get all of the information sent out to you."

"Will you be at the meeting?"

"If we don't make it into the playoffs I'll be there."

"Okay, I'm looking forward to it."

"I'm looking forward to seeing you."

"Well, I'm looking forward to that too."

Suddenly there was silence; difficulty in making conversation was uncharacteristic, and quickly became uncomfortable.

"Elizabeth, I've got to be honest with you…"

"What is it, Jack? Is something wrong?" Oh no, it's true…

"I don't like being away from you. I haven't seen you in weeks; I thought you were going to come back up here."

"What?"

"Is something wrong, Elizabeth?"

For someone who read the article once and didn't believe in its truth and veracity, Elizabeth was able to provide a very clear representation of what was contained therein.

"Are you kidding me?" he asked.

"Jack, I'm just reporting what was in the newspaper."

"Elizabeth, the National Inquisitor is hardly a newspaper."

"You're right, but are you seeing her?"

"I did have lunch with her at Luigi's, but no, I'm not dating anyone but you," he stated clearly and with conviction. "Now, can we get back to us? I don't like being away from you."

"May I ask why you met her for lunch?"

"I think it was to get closure."

"For you or her?"

"Honey, I've long since had closure, and I've moved on. I guess she just needed it. So, are we okay?"

"We're okay, Jack. I'm sorry that I even brought it up."

"It bothered you so I want you to talk to me about it. Now back to us, I don't like being away from you."

"Jack, I don't like being away from you either."

"Are you able to come up this weekend?"

"I hope so. Right now my next door neighbor is going to be out of town, so I'm checking around to see if I can find someone else to take care of Lizzie," she advised. "If I can find someone, I'll leave around 1 at the latest. I should know by Thursday."

"If you can't find anyone, just bring her…"

Elizabeth laughed, "Right, let me bring my dog up for a weekend with my boyfriend. I don't think so. Besides, hotels frown against dogs in rooms; that is, unless you have a Red Roof Inn that's near you. They always accept dogs."

"I'll find one somewhere if it means you can come up and visit. Elizabeth, I really want to see you; it's been too long."

"I am working on it, Jack."

Before they realized it, it was 2am, and Elizabeth had to get up in a few hours for work.

They said goodbye with each one praying that the weekend would turn out like they hoped.

Several days passed; it was now Thursday and as Jack walked through the gate at Citi Field, he spoke with Happy, his ticket guru, making arrangements for a ticket to be left for Elizabeth for the game on Friday.

"I've got it covered, Jack. Oh, by the way, Elizabeth sure is a beauty."

"She sure is…" Jack stated as he continued on to the locker room.

The International League regular season was coming to an end. The Hawks did well, and with three games remaining, they were four games ahead of the second place Toledo Mud Hens.

Elizabeth generally loved going to the park for games. It got her outside on beautiful days and evenings, but now, seeing all of the players made her yearn for Jack even more.

The team was on their final road trip of the regular season but was scheduled to return on Friday for three final games with the Durham Bulls.

Ordinarily, Elizabeth took her responsibilities at the ballpark very seriously. However, she hadn't seen Jack in weeks and at this point the usherette job just didn't seem to be that important anymore.

Elizabeth made arrangements with one of her more seasoned usherettes to handle the final games if she were in fact able to slip away. Unfortunately, she had been unable to make arrangements for someone to care for Lizzie so it looked as if she would need to stay home.

Elizabeth knew that Jack would be busy so she simply shot him a text…

"Sorry, no 1 2 take care of Lizzie. Stuck here 4 the wkend…"

Not that she expected a response, but she was disappointed and a little depressed when her phone remained quiet. She lay down on the sofa and within a short while she was asleep. Several hours later, Jack called, but with her phone stuck in her bag she didn't hear it, and slept through the ring.

Friday morning arrived and she sat on her sofa watching her favorite entertainment show, Page Six TV. She had always found the hosts, Carlos Greer, Bevy Smith, and Beth Wagmeister to be accurate in their reporting of Who's Who in the world of entertainment.

Approximately halfway through the thirty minute program, Carlos stated, "Well, I have some news that I think will set tongues wagging. We've just verified with our sources and it looks like the on/off relationship between 'Jackma…' is back on."

"Well, it's been awhile since this power couple has shown themselves together. So, Carlos, who are we talking about?" Bevy teased.

"None other than Jack Thornton of the New York Mets and Super Model, Selma Bartucci," Carlos responded.

Elizabeth's heart stopped as pictures of Jack and Selma dining at Luigi's flashed upon the screen. There were pictures of him holding her hand, one of her hand on his thigh, and walking out of what was reported to be Selma's apartment building carrying what appeared to be an overnight bag.

Carlos continued, "I have been in touch with Selma's camp, and they aren't saying much at this point." Carlos turned toward Beth, "Wags, didn't you interview Selma last year?"

"I've actually interviewed her several times, and was very surprised when she told me that they had decided to take a break," Beth responded. "She had mentioned once before that she was simply waiting for him to pop the question and was looking forward to starting a family. Then they took the break, and there doesn't seem to have been any contact until this. Do you know when this picture was taken, Carlos?"

"According to Selma's publicist it was recent," Carlos replied.

"Well we will definitely keep an eye on the 'Jackma' pair and will report any updates that come our way," Bevy announced.

"Now we have some new information on Janet Jackson's upcoming tour…" Carlos began as Elizabeth tuned out the remainder of the show.

Heading out her front door on her way to school, Brenda, Elizabeth's next door neighbor was walking across her yard.

"Hey…Elizabeth…Elizabeth, are you okay?"

"Oh, I'm sorry; I had something on my mind. Good morning Brenda."

"Well, I wanted to let you know that I'm not going out of town, so if you need me to take care of Lizzie, I'll be glad to."

"Really? Well thank you, but I'm not so sure that I'm going now," Elizabeth replied as she turned to lock her front door. "If I do go, I'll come home at lunch and get Lizzie's food ready. I'd be home Sunday evening, unless things don't go well, in which case, I'll be home on Saturday."

"Is something wrong, Elizabeth? You look so pale."

"Have you ever seen that entertainment show, Page Six TV?"

"Yes, I watch it every morning; I love it, why?"

"I watch it too, but do you think the information on it is true?"

"Well, I think it's more accurate than those rag magazines, but how would I know if Brad Pitt is dating the store clerk from a Midwest Piggly Wiggly. I'd have to accept what they say because I don't travel in those circles. Let's just say I don't base my life on the information they provide. I think it's more for entertainment value anyway."

The more Brenda talked the less convinced Elizabeth was in the Page Six TV story.

Brenda continued, "Besides, when do they ever report on a story that really has anything to do with me?"

"Yea, right…"

As Brenda walked back toward her house and Elizabeth stood at her car, she yelled out, "Hey, thank you Brenda. You are a lifesaver."

"Don't mention it. I told you a long time ago after you tutored TJ, that if you needed anything I was happy to help."

That really wasn't what I was thanking you for, but…okay!

Elizabeth drove to school and parked her car. While waiting to go inside, she pulled her phone from her bag. Noticing that she's missed a call from Jack last night she contemplated calling him. However, realizing that he had talked before about sleeping in following night games, she decided to text him instead.

"Lizzie is covered 4 the wkend. I'm leaving by 1. I'll get there ASAP. We need 2 talk…"

Elizabeth's morning seemed to move like molasses uphill, and with so much on her mind she was really concerned about making the trip. However, she truly believed that he was a man of his word and that there must be a logical explanation for the article and the entertainment news report. Either way, she needed the truth.

Elizabeth had just entered New Jersey when her phone rang. Without looking at the screen, she answered, "Hello…"

"Hey baby, where are you?"

"I'm in New Jersey, but the traffic is bad, so I don't think I'll make it for the game," she didn't know why she told him that since she was making great time.

"I have a reservation for you at the hotel. So if you want to go by there first, you are actually checked in and they have your key. Just leave your car; Mason, the concierge will bring you to the field."

"Jack, we need to talk."

"Honey, we'll talk tonight, okay?"

"It's really important Jack."

"I have some important things I want to talk to you about too. Oh, and instead of mailing the paperwork for the foundation, I have a packet that I'll give you."

"Jack…"

"Honey, I have to go, but drive carefully. See you later."

Elizabeth made her way to the field and stood in a long line to secure her ticket. Finally, she stepped up to the window…

"Hi, I'm Jack Thornton's girlfriend; he was leaving a ticket for me."

The ticket taker looked at the computer, "I'm sorry but I don't have a ticket for you ma'am."

"Are you sure?"

"There was a ticket but according to the computer his girlfriend has apparently picked it up already."

"There must be some mistake. I'm his girlfriend."

"You and about 300 other women in the stands tonight."

"Excuse me?"

"Do you have any idea how popular he is? Oh wait, you should know since you are his girlfriend. Please buy a ticket or step aside."

"Is Happy Peterson here?"

"No ma'am, he's off tonight. Please either buy a ticket or step aside so I can help the rest of the people in this line."

"Okay, how much is the ticket?"

"We have Promenade seats available. They are $6.00."

Promenade sounds important, but cheaper than Hawks seats…that's odd. "I'll take one."

By the time Elizabeth made it to her seat, she realized why it was so inexpensive, as without binoculars she wasn't certain that she'd see anything.

From the dugout, Jack looked toward the Wives and Girlfriends section, doing his best to see if Elizabeth had arrived.

"Hey Noah," Jack called out to one of the older bat boys.

"Yes sir."

"Would you do me a favor and check at the ticket booth and see if my girlfriend picked up her ticket yet."

"Yes sir; I'll be right back."

Ten minutes later Noah returned, "Yes sir, she's here."

Once the Mets took the field in the top of the first inning, Elizabeth realized that the seat wasn't as bad as she had a very clear view of Jack's backside. She called his name several times, but her voice was easily drowned out by the crowd around her.

Jack stared into the pack of women in the Wives and Girlfriends section, hoping to see Elizabeth, but seeing the group huddled around, he felt comfortable that she must have been warmly received this time.

With the exception of Face Time, Jack hadn't seen Elizabeth in real life for weeks. Each time he glanced into the reserved section, either his seat for Elizabeth was vacant, or the women were huddled around as a group talking.

At this point, he didn't care if they won or not; he simply wanted the game to be over. As they zeroed in on the final inning, the Mets were holding a two run lead over the Phillies.

In the top of the ninth inning, the Mets' current relief pitcher left the game with a rotator cuff issue. With a fresh relief pitcher on the mound, the Phillies went down 1-2-3, serving up a win to the Mets.

Jack was so excited to see Elizabeth that he rushed through shaking hands with his opponents and ran for the locker room.

At the far end of the field, Elizabeth did her best to maneuver through the crowds, knowing this time where she needed to be to meet up with Jack. She felt as if she was in a pack of locust, buzzing as a group from one place and then the next. Luckily the group was going in her desired direction or she'd never have been able to break free.

Elizabeth broke through most of the crowd as they exited the gate to the parking lot. She continued with a second group of spectators toward the locker rooms as they had their pens and paper out looking for autographs.

As Jack stepped out of the locker room he immediately began looking for Elizabeth. Unfortunately the first woman he saw was Selma.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, his tone was rather curt.

"Look Jack, I'm leaving to do some modeling in London. I just wanted to say goodbye."

"I said goodbye before…"

"Jack, can I just get a hug. I'm leaving, and then you're free to live your life."

Realizing now that Elizabeth had not picked up her ticket, he hugged Selma, hoping to send her on her way and out of his life.

"Don't you remember how good we were together?" she leaned back slightly and before he could answer, her lips captured his.

Elizabeth broke through the remaining group of fans who were standing around waiting for autographs when she saw them…

JACK… she opened her mouth to scream, but there was nothing but silence.

Jack's hands on her shoulders pushed Selma back slightly, "Why did you…" In the middle of his reprimand he saw Elizabeth, and he observed the devastation and disappointment in her eyes.

He pushed Selma away, "Elizabeth, wait…" he yelled as she disappear into the mass of people leaving the stadium.

He rushed through the crowd but she was gone. It was as if she had literally vanished.

To be continued…

NOTE: Okay guys, please don't hate me. You know to all good things some rain must fall. Anyone who reads my stories knows that Jack and Elizabeth will always work it out. This will be no different. Just give me a chance to make it right between them!