Back in Hope Valley

The kids and Ms D had returned back to hope valley. Surprise and confusion was worn across people's faces in hope valley. Bill, knowing bits and pieces of things, finally felt the pieces of a puzzle coming together. He had his suspicions for a long time, but was able to finally confirm the story and have a better understanding of things.

Julie went back to Ms D to tell them the situation before she and Jack helped to take Elizabeth to the nearest hospital.

"When Ms Thatcher and her sister return, we need to ask them questions about what is going on."

Florence suggested, her voice blooming across the saloon.

Abigail nodded and agreed but the love she had for Elizabeth deep within her made her add

"Yes, but maybe I should do it. There are other matters I need to discuss with Elizabeth."

Abigail had her official tone, but the voice and tone, and the water bubbling up in her eyes portray the amount of emotions she had for Elizabeth and the town. She knows Elizabeth needed to say a lot to the town, but the space in her heart Elizabeth holds makes Abigail be a mother figure to Elizabeth, knowing and understanding her. She will be supporting Elizabeth as she reaches out to the town, and to her.

The town all gathered up in the saloon, faces of confusion and puzzled faces painted on the men and women of hope valley. Abigail attempted to walk nonchalantly into the saloon, her shoes click-cloking against the wooden floor of the saloon. It almost echoed the sound of her heartbeat. She could feel it. The gazes, the awkwardness, as she made her way across the room.

She knows her time has come. To rise up and help the town through difficult times like this one. Abigail has been through times with the town. But never as a Mayor. She held her gloved hands together in front of her pressed against her light blue skirt. She shifted her weight and stood up straight.

"Alright, everyone, I know that things seem to be…questionable right now…especially with Ms Thatcher's possible return"

Just as she was about to say something one of the children's parents raised their hands, and Abigail felt her heart racing. She knew the question that was going to be asked, a question she didn't have an answer to yet.

"Will Ms Thatcher continue to be the school teacher?"

Abigail shifted on the spot, her eyes glanced to Bill for a moment then she just said the words, hesitantly,

"Once Ms Thatcher gets well, I shall discuss with Ms Thatcher as well as Ms D"

Abigail says this, giving a slight nod to Ms D, who was standing at the back of the saloon, her back leaning against the back exterior of the saloon. Ms D gave a slight nodd, as to confirm the words coming out from the women who are holding the power as well as the weight of the future of hope valley on top of her head.

"Let's just all remember that ... .Hope Valley has suffered a lot, but I believe we can get through this small…hiccup."

Abigail says brushing a golden lock of her face and spoke through her sharp voice, ensuring her message is echoed through the others and etched into the brains of the citizens of Hope Valley.

Hospital near Hope Valley

Lights gleaming through the windows of hope valley, as a woman with brown auburn hair, flowing to her shoulders now frizzled up regenerating back to its original state. A pain shot up across her spine, as she shifted as her head started to throb. She allowed her eyelids to flutter open, the golden light brightening her surroundings, the glow making things seem foggy for a moment. The woman blinked a couple of times, her eyesight gaining back its clarity, before turning her head and noticed a man in red at her bedside.

She let out a small groan, before squinting her eyes up at the handsome man next to her. She felt a warm hand brush a tendril of her frizzy hair off her face.

"Jack…"

"Shh…You need your rest"

He spoke in such a hushed voice, it sended chills through her body, making her feel loved and cherished. Elizabeth felt herself sinking in deep as darkness overcame her slim body.

Just then the Doc came into the room, Julie not so behind.

"Doc."

"Constable, Ms Thatcher here, I have no hesitation in saying that she will get better soon. All her reports seem to be pretty great."

Jack let out a sigh of relief and so did Julie.

"We were able to stitch her leg up quite nicely. It was a bit of a concern at the start, but we were almost fully certain that she will make a speedy recovery."

"She woke up, just now, but went back to sleep."

Julie's eyes, which were red and swollen, turned surprisedly at Elizabeth's body lying on the table. Without a hesitation, she went to the other side of Jack on the other side of the bed and pushed the tendril hair away. She leaned in and whispered something unheardable to the doctor or to Jack.

The doctor glanced back at Jack, giving him a polite smile.

"That's great to hear. Just would like to let you know, that Ms Thatcher here, needs her rest as much as possible. I would recommend that she stay in the couple for a week more, then she should be fine to travel as well. "

Julie felt happy and she jumped up and hugged the doctor. Jack on the other hand, had questions bubbling up in his mind. Julie turned her gaze to Jack, and gave him a small smile. She walked up to his side and noticed the distant look in his eyes, even while concernedly looking towards Elizabeth.

"She wants to go back, I'm sure that if Abigail and the rest of the town agrees, she will go back with you. Although…She's changed Jack."

Jack finally looked up at Julie pondering her words. He couldn't help but notice the facial features she and Elizabeth shared, and the features that were different.

"The turmoil of events has taken quite a toll on everyone in our family. Elizabeth was the strongest one through this, but…"

"I know"

Jack says, understanding the incompleteness of Julie's sentence. Jack leaned in and pressed a kiss on Elizabeth's forehead, flashbacking to the moment where he woke up after pneumonia and woke up to Elizabeth next to him, kissing his face. He recalled her standing to the corner, as Faith, Abigail and his mother checked on him.

He recalled her locking the door, as they left the room. He recalled her getting into bed, and pressing her head against the chest. He recalled the tears that fell down her cheeks, soaking his clear shirt. He recalled wrapping his arms around her comforting her, understanding that she was in relief.

This small memory took him down the memory lane, flashbacking into those moments he shared with Elizabeth. Small moments and big moments. A tear dropped down his cheek. He gently wiped it away when he heard noise coming from Elizabeth's bed. He looked down and noticed her shimmering blue eyes gazing up at him.

Those eyes. From the gaze of her eyes, it made him realize that she has been up for some time. She was just getting a bit uncomfortable now. He moved closer to her, sitting on the chair next to her bed. Elizabeth carefully, but Jack, noting the pained look on her face, placed her small palm in Jacks, pulling him closer to her.

Jack spoke in a really hushed voice, nonetheless it held the strength that was able to send chills down Elizabeth's spine.

"Is there anything you need?"

"Just you. "

Jack leaned in, pressing a kiss on Elizabeth's lips as he felt her mouth opening against his, giving him access which he took. All of a sudden, he felt Elizabeth's tongue gently brush against his, and he pushed apart, their foreheads still touching.

"Elizabeth….you're hurt."

"I dont care…"

Elizabeth said it confidently, and boldly but then, as Jack was about to pull Elizabeth's lips against hers they heard a baby squeal before a recognizable voice of a woman spoke, causing Jack to jump away from Elizabeth's grasp.

"I hope I'm not interrupting"

Back in Hope Valley

Abigail in the mayor's office, staring at the telephone, awaiting a phone call. Just then it rang.

"Hello"

She said, her heart beating, hoping that the person who called was the person she was hoping.

"Abigail."

She felt her heart being pushed back into her chest, as she took a deep breath it, both hands clutched tightly to the phone

"Hi, Jack….Is she…?"

"Yes…., she's going to be alright…"

There was an awkward pause on the phone.

"Julie told me, she was planning to come back to Hope valley…But I'll just check with her…. just in case her plans change"

Abigail listened intently to his words. Not just the words, but his tone and she was able to drain out all emotions in them.

"People have a lot of questions, when you and Elizabeth come back, you need to clear them."

Abigail knew with certainty, even though it is unconfirmed that Elizabeth will make her way back to Hope Valley. This is where she is supposed to be.

"I know"

"People like florence will have questions about your relationship"

Saying this, Abigail let out a chuckle, thinking of the spurs it will create in town.

She was returned with a moment of awkward pause, before Jack let out a sigh

"I know."

Abigail smiled, hoping that her words will help the couple somehow find their way back together, like they have done the past few years.

"You should…Probably clear that up…before you come back, it will just make it worse when you guys have to clear that up publicly. Its best you discuss privately"

"I know. Look Abigail, the doctor has returned, after the doctor and her sisters leave….I will talk to her"

Abigail smiled, hope flowing through her veins, hoping that it spreads through the phone, even though she is worried that they might need more than just hope to get back to where they were once.

"Telegram me, when you guys are on your way back"

"I will, Thanks Abigail."

The phone clicked. Abigail let out a big sigh of relief, as her smile stretched across her face, wrinkles enunciated. Her eyes were watering. But not with sadness or joy. It was a mixture of relief and hope.