Chapter 37
Two days after Christmas, Elizabeth met Jack at Abagail's for their normal meal before the game. Jack and Elizabeth invited all of their family to come to eat with them and their friend group and then the game. Frank and Abagail had several tables together for both families and the whole friend group. Everyone came, including Sherry and John with their three children and Agatha and her son and daughter.
As customary for home games, Jack and Elizabeth were going to meet Connie and Steven, and Steph and Cory for a meal before the game. She still hasn't spent too much time with Jack. The time after Christmas was just as busy as before with extended family. Elizabeth spent time with her family and Jack spent time with Nana and Pops and his other family members. While they did skype together each evening, she was missing her boyfriend. They haven't been able to go out on their date yet.
Jack was waiting in the truck on the side of the café where Elizabeth normally parks. Elizabeth pulled into her normal parking spot and grinned silly with excitement at seeing her boyfriend. She quickly got out of her white mini cooper and met Jack at the front of their cars.
"Hey you." She whispered as she leaned in for a kiss and hug.
"Hey." He smiled. "Let's get you in out of the cold."
"One last kiss. I have missed you." She flirted.
"I swear those eyes have never heard the word no."
…
The young couple walked in hand in hand to a large group of family and friends. Everyone was there. They spent some time walking around the large table saying high to everyone. The young people sat on one end of the expanded table while all the adults sat on the other end. Nana and Pops wanted to meet all of Elizabeth's family. Nana and Agatha became instant friends. They connected quickly.
The group began with just the older people talking with each other and the younger group with themselves. That didn't last too long. Nana and Pops began talking with Elizabeth and then Connie and Steph. That drew in Sherry and Agatha. Before anyone knew it, the whole table with its eighteen people spoke with each other. No one was excluded from the conversations that flowed freely across all age groups.
Connie and Steph loved Nana almost immediately. They thought she was the best and welcomed her immediately. Steven and Cory were drawn to Pops. They thought he was funny and cool. The whole table was enamored with each other. The new additions to the table were just involved as everyone else. The whole table was full of joy and laughter. While they were all a little loud, they weren't too loud. The time passed by quicker than anyone could imagine. It was time for them to leave so they could go and cheer on the girls' team.
"Excuse me young lady, that belongs to me." Nana spoke when the waitress came to ask how the checks were to be divided.
"Mrs. Milligan…" William began.
"Nana…" Thomas stated.
"Nonsense. Now, I would like the check please."
"I would like the check for everyone." William stated.
"Young man…"
"I haven't been called a young man in a very long time." William sassed with a playful smile. "Thank you for saying that."
"Didn't your mother teach you manners? You should never argue with an older woman." Nana gave him a grandmotherly stare.
"You will not win that argument." Jack laughed.
"But…"
"Young lady, I'm Nana. We would like the check please." Nana stated as she reached for Pops' hand as the waitress watched and listen to the conversation. "We want the check, please."
"Ma'am…" William began.
"I'm sorry sir, but I am not disobeying Nana." The young lady smiled as she turned and walked to print off the check at the computer. Everyone chuckled at Mr. Thatcher losing that argument. Each person came and personally thanked Nana and Pops. The whole young crowd gave them both a hug.
…
"Wow! This is much larger than Buxton High. Nana stated as she stood looking at the front of the school.
"It is." Elizabeth stated as she wrapped her arm through and around Nana's. "Come on." Elizabeth led Nana through the parking lot and into the school as they giggled and chatted.
Jack stood and watched his girlfriend walk across the parking lot and into the school with his Nana. He shook his head in a little bit of disbelief. He was just missing his girlfriend and wanted two minutes with her without a crowd of people.
"It'll be ok. It's the holidays and several family members are visiting." Thomas stated.
"I know…We just haven't spent much time together. I guess I miss her."
Thomas placed his arm around his son as they began to walk toward the school. "It's ok…at least you have me to walk into the school with." Thomas laughed.
"It's not the same." Jack whined as his father laughed.
The group walked into the main hallway and to the ticket table. William was in front and insisted on paying for everyone who had to pay. Jack, Cory, and Steven didn't have to pay. Elizabeth, Connie, and Steph got in half price because they were students. Nana, Pops, Sherry, John with their three children. and Aunt Agatha and her son and daughter were the only adults who had to pay because the other adults had season passes. Nana stared at William, but he never looked in his direction. He wasn't losing this little battle.
While the adults, children, and the young ladies found their normal seats in the middle section of the bleachers, the young men made their way to the concession stand. Elizabeth never let go of Nana's arm. Linda and Adam walked toward the middle section of the bleachers a few minutes after the group found their seats. The teens stood and welcomed Adam like they normally did. Nana smiled.
"You must be Mrs. Wilson?"
"I am. You must be Mrs. Milligan?"
"I am. Nice to meet you. I have heard some good things about you."
"Thank you. I've heard many good things about you. This must be Adam. I have heard so much about you from my JayJay."
Adam smiled at the older lady. Then he walked to her and gave her a hug.
"Oh my…that's the best hug I have received in a long time." Nana stated as she wrapped her arms around him. He laid his head on her shoulder and squeezed.
When Adam released Nana, she cupped his face with her hands. "Thank you for looking after my grandson. He told me about that hug on the first day of school. He was so nervous starting a new school and not knowing anyone. Then this guy walks to him and gave him a hug."
Adam gave her another hug. Then he noticed Jack. He waved his arms and waited for Jack to come to him. He knew his hands were full. Jack passed out all the snacks and drinks he had as did Cory and Steven. He handed Adam a Coke and two bags of skittles. He avoided Linda's smirk because of the two bags of skittles. He handed his Ma her drink and snacks along with his father. Then he turned to Elizabeth.
"Thank you, Jack." She stated at she reached for her Coke Zero and candy bar.
"I'm sorry…do I know you?" He teased pulling back the snack and drink.
She looked at him with a confused expression and then she noticed a small movement in the right corner of his mouth. She huffed at his teasing.
"I'm sorry young lady, but, if I remember correctly, I have a girlfriend."
"Jack…"
"Well…I guess I can allow you to have these items. I can always go back and get my girlfriend her things."
"Are you feeling lonely, Mr. Thornton?"
"I have an intelligent, funny, and beautiful girlfriend around here somewhere. She used to walk in with me to the games." He looked around like he was looking for someone. Then he intently looked at her. "I'm sorry ma'am…but I don't let other girls flirt with me no matter how cute they are."
"Jack…don't be silly. You are exaggerating this." She reached for his hand. She pulled him down to sit on the bleachers beside her.
"It feels like forever since I've seen you without everyone else around and you're sassing me because I miss spending time with you?"
"Jack..."
"I saw you on Christmas Eve surrounded with my family, and Christmas Day with your family. I haven't seen you for the last two days and then I met you at Abgail's with sixteen other people. Now, I'm sitting with you surrounded by those same sixteen people and Mrs. Wilson and Adam, including a hundred others. I miss you." His voice was loving and sincere. There may have been a little bit of whining in his voice, but there was also love.
"I know…I miss you too." She scooted closer to her boyfriend and wrapped her arm around his. "I really have missed you. You know, I asked you out on a date,"
"Yes, and we haven't seen each other since." He pouted.
"Yeah…"
She was missing him as much as he was missing her. Their schedules with the holidays and families have just been silly busy.
"Your girlfriend must be very special." She tightened her hold on his arm. "I bet she thinks she is blessed. If I had a boyfriend like you, I would consider myself the most blessed young lady ever."
"Yeah…" He tried to move closer. She was drawing him in. He squeezed her hand three times. He was desperately wanting to hug her and kiss her. "Elizabeth…" He elongated her name. She loved it when he did that. "I know we have been busy with everything, but I miss you. I'm sorry."
"I miss you. You don't have to apologize for that."
"It kinda feels like I should."
"Jack, I miss you."
Jack lowered his head. He hated this feeling.
"What is it?"
"I could have picked you up and then we could have ridden to Abagail's together. I met you there instead. Then you drive here by yourself, and you'll drive home by yourself. Then you walked in on Nana's arm…" His voice trailed off. "I'm sorry…I shouldn't say that or feel this way." He let out a long breath.
Elizabeth tightened her hold on Jack's hand. She really did miss her boyfriend. She just wanted to drive because she needed a few moments by herself. She has been surrounded by people for days. A few minutes by herself was a much needed escape.
"Jack…" Before she was able to say anything, Adam noticed the girls' team run onto the court. That was the time they needed to go to their seats in the student section. He pulled on Jack's and Elizabeth's hands to get them to stand. He nodded toward their seats.
She gave an apologetic look towards Jack. "I'm sorry." She whispered.
"Me too."
…
"Are they ok?" Charlette nodded toward her son and daughter as they walked away.
"Yeah…he misses her."
"They have spent some time together."
"Not lately and not just them together. They haven't spent much time with just them. They have always been around a lot of people and then Elizabeth walked in with Nana. He got his feelings hurt a little."
"Thomas…that's silly."
"Maybe a little, but we can't just dismiss his feelings, Charlette. He misses his girlfriend and just wanted a few moments together."
Grace overheard the conversation between her friends. "Are they ok?"
"Oh, they're fine." Thomas stated. "They got busy over the Christmas holidays, and they haven't seen each other very much. I think Jack is just missing her. Let's not make too big of a deal of it for them. They will work it out on their own. I trust them."
"I know Elizabeth is missing Jack." Sherry stated.
"Young love." Agatha smiled. "I do think they are made for each other."
"Yes." Charlette and Grace agreed.
…
When Adam pulled Jack and Elizabeth up to go to their seats, Jack let go of Elizabeth's hand. He wrapped his arms around Adam and picked him up. Since they were standing in the bleachers, he couldn't spin him around. Instead, he wiggled him back and forth a couple of times. Adam has been missing his hugs from Jack as much as Jack has missed Adam's hugs. Since the first day of school, Adam has had a calming impact on him.
"They seem to have a connection." Nana stated.
"They do, Mrs. Milligan." Linda smiled at their interaction. She watched them walk toward their part of the bleachers. "Adam is so touched by Jack and Elizabeth."
"To hear Jack say it, Adam is the one who touched my grandson. He goes on and on about what Adam does for him."
Nana watched the kids walk down the steps. Jack was holding Elizabeth's hand and Adam was in front of him. He had his hand on Adam's shoulder. "From where I'm sitting, I think they both touched each other."
"I believe that is a great way of saying it." Linda smiled watching the group sit down. They were waiting for the game to begin so they could stand. The smile never leaving her son's face when Jack opened the bag of skittles and Elizabeth opened the soft drink bottle for him.
…
For the first three periods, the grown ups all watched the girls' game and talked with each other. Linda was just as much in the group as anyone else. She always watched her son more than the game. He loved being with Jack and Elizabeth. He always stood on the side of Jack but was just as involved with Elizabeth. Her mother's heart was full.
Jack, Elizabeth, and Adam enjoyed the group being together. Their friend group was having a blast together while the student section was enjoying their time together. This was the first time since the holiday break that many of them saw each other. The whole section was a little louder than normal. Jack looked up to the score board and noticed there was only one minute left in the third period. He hugged Adam. Then he turned his attention toward his girlfriend.
"I'll see you after?"
"It'll be easy to spot me." She flirted. "I'll be the one with the ridiculously huge smile. Have a good game, Jack."
He squeezed her hand that he was holding three times. "I need to get going."
She didn't let go of his hand. She wanted to talk to him about what he was feeling before the girls' game, but with so many people around that wasn't possible. Their short time together was just like any other time during the girls' game. They laughed with each other and with the whole group, nothing was amiss.
"Jack…"
He turned his head to look at her. She had an expression on her face that he didn't like to see.
"I'm sorry…I shouldn't have said anything earlier."
"No, you should have told me what you were feeling."
"I'm sorry Elizabeth, but I really need to go or I'm going to be late and get in trouble."
She sighed. She knew he hated to be late as much as she did. He was a rule follower just like her. Plus, this was a team rule. He could get in a lot of trouble with the coach.
"I love you, Elizabeth."
"I love you, Jack."
…
Elizabeth watched Jack jog up the stairs and over to their parents. She watched him hug and kiss his mother and then her mother. She also watched him hug and kiss Nana. Then he fist bumped his father, her father, and Pops. He ran down the other side of the steps since it was closer. When he hit the court, he ran in front of the bleachers and glanced her way as he ran in front of the student section. He tapped his chest twice and she did the same. He was pushing on being late, so he was jogging faster than normal.
"Hey, are you two, ok?"
She nodded her head to Connie. "It's just been very busy with family and the holidays…we haven't spent too much time together."
"Cory and I have been the same way." Steph added and Connie nodded her head indicating that she and Steven were dealing with the same issue. "We talked before we ate earlier. He was feeling the same way. He wasn't happy but he wasn't rude about it."
"So was Steven. We talked last night on the phone."
"So, I guess it's just the busyness of the holidays." Elizabeth stated. That did make her feel a little better since her two best friends and their boyfriends were experiencing the same thing her and Jack were. However, she didn't like it at all. Things were off and she wasn't happy about that fact.
Elizabeth was sitting on the bleachers during the timeout before the fourth period with her head down in thought. She turned her head to the left when she felt a hand slip into her left hand that was resting on her thigh. She smiled when she saw Adam's smiling face. With his left hand, he signed, 'ok' while raising his eyebrows. She smiled. He was asking if she was ok. She nodded her head and gave him a soft smile.
"Hey, you want to get a snack before Jack and the guys come out on the court?"
Adam quickly stood and began to step over her feet to get to the aisle. "We'll be right back." She told her two best friends as she accepted Adam's outstretched hand.
"Did you and Cory have the same issue?"
"Absolutely. He wasn't happy and neither was I."
"Steven was the same way…and so was I. I guess everyone is just dealing with it this time of year."
…
The game started off slow with both schools missing shots and turning the ball over. This was the first game after the holidays. Everyone had a little rust on them with the layoff. Jack had two early turnovers. Which was uncommon for him. After his second turn over, he lowered his head for a second and exhaled a deep breath. He had to get out of his own head. He growled in frustration. He raised his head and turned to run down the court. His countenance began to change. He was forcing himself out of the funk he was in. Cory patted the top of his head for encouragement. "That one is over dude. It's finished. Let's roll."
"Thanks man." Jack stated.
Halfway through the first period of the guys' game, Elizabeth felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Nana smiling standing beside her.
"Charlette and Pops have always been loud, but when you add William into the mix, it's just too much." She shook her head.
"Pops?" Elizabeth asked as she turned her head to look toward the group. Charlette, her father, and Pops were all standing yelling at the ref. Elizabeth just shook her head. "Who would have thought Pops would be loud like that?"
"Oh yeah…where do you think Charlette gets it from?" Sassed Nana. "They were like that in Buxton. Would it be ok if I sit with you?"
"Sure, but we don't sit down. This is the student section. We can move over there." She nodded toward the next section. That wasn't the student section, and they could sit and not get booed by the other students.
"No…no…this is fine." Elizabeth moved over just enough for Nana to stand beside her. She shook her head no when Adam leaned over to offer her a skittle. When he extended his hand a little more, she accepted one and placed it in her mouth at Adam's smile.
"Jack is correct…you are a fine young man." Adam blushed at her comment and placed his head on Elizabeth's shoulder. Nana quickly understood all the things Jack told her about Adam. He really had a special place in her grandson's heart.
Nana leaned over when Adam stepped out for the fourth time to get Jack a Gatorade. "Does he always do that?"
"He has since the first game. No one told him to do it. Mrs. Wilson said that he signed to her that Jack had to be thirsty. He always gets an orange Gatorade and gives it to him for each time out."
"No wonder Jack speaks so highly of him." Nana smiled at Adam. They watched Jack's smile when he accepted the Gatorade. He quickly glanced in Elizabeth's direction before turning his attention toward his coach.
"Huh…"
"What Nana?"
"He glanced at you."
"He always does that." Elizabeth grinned. She loved that he still thought of her in the middle of the game.
"He never did that before. Pops and I would go to his games often in Buxton. He never would look off the court."
Elizabeth blushed a little. She was grateful that he would do that. Jack wouldn't stare at her, and he didn't look all the time, but he would often steal a quick glance and offer her a brief smile. It did make her feel special. Especially with the pregame conversation and the disappointment of them missing each other.
"Your grandson is a special young man."
"He is. I don't know how he turned out like he has, but he is a fine your man." Nana's voice was filled with love as she stared at her grandson.
…
"They're not playing the best, but they are up." William stated.
"True." Tom smiled at his boss and friend. "Were you ever a sport's guy?"
"Not really. I would watch it occasionally but nothing consistent. In high school, I would go to the games, but I would usually attend for the girls."
"I was the same. Hey…after this, you all want to go and get ice cream or something?"
Several people nodded their heads in agreement. Even the ones who weren't too involved with their conversation. The kids wanted to go and sit with Elizabeth, but their parents told them to stay with the group. They wanted Elizabeth to have time with her friends. She has spent a lot of time with them over the last couple of days.
…
The game went well. Hamilton East was up by nine. However, no one was playing great. They were playing just good enough to win. The coach wasn't upset but he also wasn't too happy with their play either. The players were all sitting on the bench listening to the coach's instructions. When he finished, he left the team and spoke with his assistant coach about the plays they wanted to run in the third period.
"Were lucky to be up." Joe stated. He has become a leader on the team. In reality, all five starters were leaders on the team in different ways. Some were vocal while others led by example. They worked and lead the team well together.
"Come on guys…we're not playing our best game." Sam stated. "We need to pick it up."
"Yeah..." Jack stated.
"Come on…let's get going." Cory stated.
"Guys, I'll set a screen for Cory. Someone alley hoop it to him for a dunk. That'll get the crowed into hit." Steven stated.
The team walked onto the court a couple of minutes earlier than they usually would to warm up. Jack went to this little corner of the court and sat down to stretch. He placed his legs in front of him and leaned forward. He grabbed the bottom of his feet to have a deeper stretch in his legs. He glanced up and saw his beautiful girlfriend looking at him. The smile on her face was simply gorgeous. He smiled in return and lowered his head to deepen the stretch.
After stretching for a few minutes, he sat on the bench. He didn't take any warmup shots. When he sat down, he felt a cold bottle on his shoulder.
"Thanks Adam." He stated without turning around.
"You're welcome."
Jack turned around when he heard Elizabeth's voice. He was a little surprised she was standing there. "What are you doing?" He asked, looking around her to see where Adam was.
"Adam had to go to the restroom. His mother is with him."
"Well, this is a great surprise."
"I didn't want you to get dehydrated. Adam would be upset with me. I had to promise him to get you something to drink.
"He spoils me."
"He does."
"Does this mean you want a warmup pullover like Adam's?" He teased.
Elizabeth laughed. "No…I'll just take yours after the season."
Jack closed his eyes for a moment. He didn't know why but he loved it when she would wear his hoodies. He loved it when she wore his clothes. He nodded at her statement.
"Hey…after the game, you're mine for a little bit."
"Really?"
"Really. No family and no friends. I've missed us and I want a little bit of time with my guy."
"Just us…?" His voice was hopeful and a little skeptical.
"Just us." She nodded her head.
"Deal." His smile was contagious. He pulled her in with the excitement on his face and in his eyes. She could see the joy on his face.
"I guess I need to let you get back to the game." She stuttered through the sentence. With the joy on his face, she didn't want to leave. She reached for his outstretched hand. "I love you, Jack." She whispered when he squeezed her hand three times.
…
"Here you go." Tom stated. Julie smiled and accepted the drink and bag of popcorn.
"Thank you, Tom."
Like all the other couples, their time together has been short and long periods of time between time together during the holidays. Since they weren't allowed to date, their time together was even shorter than the others. They always had to do things with others. Basketball games were an easy way for them to be together. Yes, they may have been in the middle of the student section, but they were together without someone keeping up with them and watching their every move.
"In a couple of months, we can do this without chaperones."
Tom sighed. "I'm greatly looking forward to that."
"Me too." Julie scooted closer. After her reprimand from her mother when she caught them in a passionate kiss, they have kept all public displays of affection to simple hand holding. They still kissed and even passionately at times, but that was always in solitude, away from everyone. "Just before the game is over and we have to be with our families again…"
"…met you at the visitor's concession stand by the bathrooms."
"Yeah…that classroom is always open."
…
The second half of the game went better. Steven was right. He set the screen and picked off Cory's player. Sam gave him the perfect alley hoop just in front of the rim. When he slammed the ball through the goal, the crowed erupted with cheers. This was the spark the team needed. The team played better with Sam and Joe leading the way. They won by eighteen. Coach Franklin did put Charles in the game with a little under two minutes left. The starters had been out of the game for about five minutes. While the starters cheered for everyone, they didn't cheer for Charles. They sat down on the bench when he went in. It was their little protest about Charles being on the team.
After changing in the locker room, the group of five walked out together. They were very close as a group. They laughed as they stepped on the court to make their way to their family, girlfriends, and friends. Connie, Steph, Elizabeth, and Adam were standing by the bench waiting for them. When Adam saw Jack, he took off after him. He jumped into Jack's arms. Jack spun him around twice and sat him back down. Adam's arms were outstretched, and his mouth was open in complete delight and joy in Jack's embrace. The moms were all standing on top of the bleachers with their eyes watering. The pure joy on Adam's face would touch anyone's heart.
Jack and Adam began to walk toward the group of ladies with wide smiles on their faces. The joy on their faces was radiant.
"Hey handsome." Elizabeth flirted.
"Hey beautiful." Jack flirted back.
"There's my guy." Steph stated.
"There's my hunky guy." Connie stated.
"We have it bad." Elizabeth stated. Everyone laughed at her words. They knew she was right.
All the moms watched the group. Their hearts were full of their little ones. They were happy.
"They all look good together…and happy." Sherry whispered.
"They do." Grace and Charlette stated.
"I heard what you two tried to do."
"What?"
"William told me about your plan to get them together."
"He talks too much." Grace shook her head with a slight chuckle. "We did plan something, but we never had to implement it. Remember Elizabeth's description of their meeting?"
"I do."
"Well, that wasn't our plan." Grace stated with Charlette nodding her head.
"We just knew they were good for each other. They beat us to the punch. We didn't have to do anything." Grace held her head up high.
…
The teens spoke with each other for a few minutes on the edge of the court. They each said goodbyes to one other. Jack, Elizabeth, and Adam made their way to their parents and families. Elizabeth could tell her mother, mom, and Aunt Sherry were in a deep conversation. She tilted her head as they approached the group.
"Good game, son."
"Thanks Pa. It wasn't our best, but we came out on top."
"Good game, son."
"Thanks William."
"Yeah…much better second half than first." John stated.
"Yes, Mr. John. I believe we had some rust we had to work off." Jack stated as John's three daughters came running up to Jack and Elizabeth and wrapped their little arms around their legs. The two youngest ones giggle as they hugged Jack. They thought he was cute.
"We're going to get some ice cream, Bethie. Why don't you and Jack come with us? We persuaded Linda and Adam to come with us."
Before she even felt Jack's shoulder slump, Elizabeth spoke up. "I'm sorry father, Jack and I already have plans."
"You two can do something another day."
"No William. They need this time together." Grace spoke. Elizabeth made eye contact with her mother. She gave her a thankful smile. She mouthed 'thank you' when her father looked away.
"Father, we haven't had much time together for a few weeks now. We want this time together. I'm riding with Jack to get some ice cream and then he'll bring me back to the school to pick up my car. Then I'll be home."
"Curfew is midnight."
"Thanks mother."
"Same for you." Charlette stated looking at her oldest son.
"Thanks Ma."
"Let's go Jack."
"We're going to Marble Slab Creamery on Jackson."
"Thanks. We'll go to the one on Simpson Street."
…
Jack and Elizabeth sat at a two chair table in the corner of the ice cream shop enjoying their cups of ice cream. The ice cream shop was busy, but their little table was secluded. Elizabeth was enjoying a cup of two scoops of cake mix with chocolate chips and chocolate syrup. Jack was working on his cup of chocolate chip cookie dough with extra cookie dough.
When Jack escorted Elizabeth to his truck after the game, they shared a quick, gentle kiss after he opened the passenger door for her. That was the only kiss they had shared so far. They did hold hands as they drove to the ice cream shop. While at the ice cream shop, they sat and talked. They held their cups and used the other hand to scoop the ice cream with the spoons.
There were plenty of smiles and laughter between the young couple. They laughed over remembering the card game at Nana's house to the time together at both parent's home during Christmas. Often, Elizabeth would reach up and touch her infinity necklace after she finished her ice cream. They were holding hands as they spoke after they finished with their ice cream. Jack would often run his thumb over the back of her hand as she spoke. He loved listening to her voice. During this time together, they reconnected. She noticed he was wearing the watch she gave him. It did look good on him.
Elizabeth remembered when Vi complained about a boy she dated during her first year of college. All the boy ever wanted to do was make out. He wanted to push the physical side of their relationship all the time. They rarely had moments where they would sit and talk without him trying to turn it physical. She also had friends during high school that had similar stories.
Jack wasn't that way at all. Yes, she knew he loved kissing her almost as much as she loved kissing him. They did enjoy that physical side of their relationship. This time together tonight wasn't about catching up on their lack of kissing. It was catching up on their lack of connection. She smiled when Jack was telling her a story about Janice and Cowboy. The story was funny, but she fell in love with him all over again because he wanted to connect with her. They both missed the connection more than they imagined. Elizabeth squeezed his hand three times as he spoke.
Jack stopped mid story and looked at her. The look of love in her eyes paused his brain. He lost track of what he was saying when she squeezed his hand. Her blue eyes were drawing him in with the purest look of love in them. Her hair wasn't perfect due to standing and cheering in the student's section. It had a little bit of windblown look to it. It was across both of her shoulders. She had the faintest piece of chocolate syrup in the left corner of her lips. Her lips were red from the cold of the ice cream. Even her chin was perfect. He noticed she was wearing the infinity necklace he gave her during Christmas. His eyes traveled from her necklace to her lips to her eyes. Her eyes were smiling at him. He jumped off the cliff into those beautiful set of blue eyes without hesitation. He sighed.
She noticed Jack's eyes travel from her eyes to her hair. Then her lips and her chin. She was mesmerized when his eyes slowly dropped to her necklace and then back up to her lips and then her eyes. His eyes traveling her features wasn't creepy or inappropriate. Actually, it made her feel even more loved than normal. He was admiring her, not lustfully looking but lovingly gazing at his girlfriend. When his eyes connected with hers again, she saw the complete look of love in his eyes.
"I hope that was a good sigh." She softly stated still intently looking into his eyes.
He let out another sigh. "The best." He closed his eyes for a moment.
Elizabeth would have given anything to know exactly what was in his mind at that moment in time.
"Jack…thank you for this."
"Thank you Elizabeth. I needed this time with you."
"Me too."
He reached for her other hand. He was now holding both of her hands on top of the table. He ran his thumbs over the back of her hands gently. She found it relaxing and loving. They spoke for another thirty minutes about absolutely nothing of importance, but they would remember the feeling of reconnecting for the rest of their lives.
"I meant to ask earlier, have you spoken to Coach Brown lately?"
"He texted me this morning. He told me to have a good game tonight."
"That was nice of him to text you."
"I think he is a good guy."
"Was that the deciding factor for you in picking the school?"
"Part of it. I do think there were several parts of that equation."
"Well, look at you…using a math metaphor." She sassed him.
"One day Princess Beth…I'm going to beat you in math."
"Jack, it's great to reach for the stars but you really should keep your feet firmly on the ground."
He loved her little sassy expression. Her eyes sparkled. "One day…"
She gave him a smug look as she nodded and grinned. "Part of the equation?"
"Well, him being a good guy is part of it. I felt he was honest with me when I asked him what part of my game I needed to improve on. He's not giving me anything other than an opportunity. The scholarship was a huge bonus. I did like the school and the teacher's program…"
"And…"
"Princess Beth…are you fishing for a compliment?" He flirted.
Elizabeth's face turned a little pink with embarrassment. She wanted him to say she was a part of the equation too. When she opened her mouth to say something, he stopped her. He squeezed both of her hands three times.
"You…you may not have been the deciding factor, but Elizabeth…you played a major role in my decision. Yes, I loved Coach Brown, the academics, the program, the school…I just can't imagine being away from you for four years." He was slowly shaking his head.
"Me too."
"Then there's the hundreds of guys who would try to steal you away from me."
"No one could do that. You have my heart. Only you can give it back to me. No one can take it from you. Jack, I'm yours."
"That will never happen. I will never give you back your heart." He straightened up to prove his desire to always hold her heart. "This past semester you have become such an integral part of me…I just can't imagine you not being beside me for four years."
"You said we would make the long distance relationship work if that's what we needed to do."
"And I still believe we would. I hope I'm not taking you for granted. I trust you, Elizabeth. Bryan's is a great school and I look forward to going there because of the school. I'm just grateful you will be there too." She was lost in the love of his eyes.
"Me too. I don't even want to imagine you at a different school for four years." She whispered.
"Elizabeth…" He stopped speaking. His eyes traveled from her eyes to their hands.
She saw the look of frustration on his face when he was working on his words. She knew he wanted to say something, but he couldn't find the words. He would have that look when he wanted to say something from his heart, but he was in his head too much. When he was that way, he always struggled to say it. Part of her was frustrated he was that way, but she also knew when he got out of his head and spoke only with his heart, he truly meant what he was saying. Plus, it was always so meaningful to her. He would touch part of her that had never been touched before until Jack Thornton took hold of it and wouldn't let it go.
She leaned forward in her seat waiting for Jack to get out of his head. The moment he looked up, she knew he was about to speak from his heart. She inched a little more forward anticipating what he was going to say. She jumped when her phone went off with an alarm.
"What's that?" Jack looked at her phone on the table that was sitting next to his.
"My stupid alarm."
"You set an alarm?"
"I did. Well, a timer not an alarm."
"Why?"
"So I won't miss curfew. We need to leave soon so I can pick up my car and get home before I'm late."
"Right…" He paused for a few long moments. He was frustrated with himself. He let out a frustrated breath. "We can't be late, or we will both get in trouble." He stood and extended his hand to helped Elizabeth up. When she stood, he took both of their cups to throw away.
"What was you going to say?"
"It'll have to keep. I need to make sure Princess Beth gets home before midnight."
"Jarrick Thronton…that's not my name. I thought we was past this?" She playfully huffed.
Jack smiled his dimpled grin at her.
"Come on…you need to be home before curfew."
"And you too."
"Yeah Ms. T…I don't want Ma and Pa upset with me."
"Jack…"
"I love you, Elizabeth." He leaned forward and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. "I love you."
"I love you, Jack."