Chapter 42
Jack rolled over in bed early the next morning with a moan and then a sharp pain. He forgot his ankle was injured and used it to push to help himself to roll over. The pain quickly reminded him that it was hurt and to never do that again. He lay on his side waiting for the injury to stop throbbing. He needed to shower but wasn't moving too fast this morning. By the time he left the urgent care and crawled into bed, it was very late. He didn't even notice the time. Once his head hit the pillow, he was immediately out. He was exhausted…mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Jack parked his truck in his parking place at school. Since the ankle that was injured was his left foot, he could drive. He was very thankful for that. He didn't know what he would do if his mother had to take him to school. He fought with the crutches this morning getting them into the truck. He was frustrated trying to get them situated. His mother giggling on the front porch didn't help him too much. He was grateful she didn't walk with him to the truck.
Jack smiled seeing Elizabeth's car in her spot so early. He had left earlier than normal because he figured he needed more time than normal navigating school, the crowd, and the stupid crutches. Plus, he just wanted to give himself a cushion so he wouldn't be late. He wasn't too sure how school was going to go with the crutches. He did have some classes upstairs. That was going to be interesting.
…
Elizabeth smacked her phone when the alarm went off. She wasn't happy the silly little contraption woke her up. It was very late by the time she went to bed last night after everything. When she arrived at home, she skyped Jack to check on him. They spoke longer than they should have, but she didn't care. She was worried about him. Her alarm was earlier than normal, and she felt every second of the lost time. She had to be at school before Jack arrived. After hanging up with Jack, her mind turned to how school was going to go. She knew Jack would struggle with the crutches. She also knew she had to find her role in helping Jack but without being too much help. She had to fight her natural tendency to wrap Jack in bubble wrap to protect him.
After the second alarm, her feet hit the floor. She thought that was a personal record for her. She walked into the shower hoping that would be the magical cure to wake her up and get her through the first day back to school.
…
When Elizabeth noticed Jack pull into the parking lot of the school, she grabbed her backpack from her back seat and opened her door. She met him as he parked his truck and turned it off. Jack opened the door with a chuckle.
"Wow…you're here early?"
"Not too early." She sassed back. "How's the ankle this morning?"
"So far so good. A little tender but not too bad as of yet."
"Jack, you shouldn't be walking on it!" She huffed at his stubbornness.
"Elizabeth…"
"Jack…what were you thinking? Wait! You weren't thinking. You heard the doctor and Candy. It's not even been twelve hours yet and you are already disobeying what they both said. Jack, how can you…" Jack interrupted her rant with a soft kiss on her lips. She stood speechless at his gesture. She was shocked that he could stop her rant with a simple, soft kiss. He paused her brain. She never understood how he could do that so easily.
"Elizabeth…my foot hasn't touched the floor today."
"Then how do you know it's tender?"
"When I put a sock on it."
"Oh…" She whispered.
"My shoe wouldn't fit over the swelling, but I didn't want to go barefoot with it being so cold. When I put the sock on, it was a little tender to the touch."
"That explains it." She thoughtfully whispered.
Jack jumped out of the truck and landed on his right foot. Elizabeth stepped beside him and reached for his backpack. Jack took her hand before she grabbed his bag.
"I can get it."
"But Jack…"
"How is my lovely girlfriend doing this morning?" She smiled at his question. His little smirk appeared when he said, 'loving girlfriend'. It was almost too much to handle. She remembered last night's conversation in the hallway of the urgent care.
"Your loving girlfriend is fine." She smirked at him.
"That's good to hear. I missed you."
"Yeah, I missed you."
"Alright, from what I can already tell within the first two minutes this morning is that my loving girlfriend is on steroids."
"I wouldn't say steroids."
"On over drive?"
"Getting closer." She smiled.
"Let's make a deal?"
"What kind of deal?"
"Well, we have every class together."
"That's true."
"Then let's do this. You hang around with me all day."
"Jack, I do that anyways." She huffed.
"Patience Elizabeth, you didn't let me finish."
"Fine." She grumbled. "What do you have in mind?"
"While you are hanging with me all day, you can help with the doors and if I drop something on the floor, you can pick it up if I can't."
"And your bag?"
"I can carry that. It's a backpack. I can just place it on my back, and I won't have to worry about it."
She thought about it for a moment. "I can live with that."
"Plus, you can help with my food tray at lunch."
"Ok."
"I go to the bathroom by myself." He sassed.
"Jack…"
"Deal?"
"Deal." She stuck out her hand.
He slightly hopped to turn himself to fully face her. He held on to the door to keep himself steady. "What are you doing?" He asked looking down at her hand.
"When you make a deal, you shake on it."
"Ms. T, a couple who is almost engaged doesn't shake hands to make a deal."
"Well, we aren't engaged. So, what does a couple who is dating do to make a deal?" She flirted as she fingered the ring on her left hand.
He leaned in and gently kissed her lips. His right hand reached up and caressed her cheek. He pulled back so the kiss wouldn't become too heated for a school parking lot.
"Wow…" She gasped at the emotional connection the kiss screamed at her.
"Your lips are so soft." He stated as he gently kissed her again. She could feel his smile.
"I love you, Jarrick."
"I love you, Elizabeth."
…
Jack struggled up the steps to the front door. He wasn't used to the crutches and wasn't sure if he ever would be. About one third of the way up the steps, he just held both crutches in one hand and hopped up the remaining steps with his good leg. Elizabeth only shook her head at his antics. She opened the front door for him and watched him hobble through. They were a little early for their group, so they decided to sit on a bench just outside the main office. Jack's underarms were already getting a little sore due to the crutches.
After about ten minutes or so, several of their friends began to flood through the front door. Connie and Steven were the first to stop and talk to the young couple. Not long after them, Steph and Cory stopped by. Rosemary and Lee followed them after just a couple of minutes. Jack held on to his crutches in front of him. He didn't want to lay them down on the floor.
He laughed at the groups' conversation. Everyone checked on him when they arrived, they didn't stay on his ankle. He was very appreciative of that. They waved and smiled at others as they walked by. Shane even stopped by to thank Jack for the encouragement before he stepped on the court. Jack's smile grew when he saw Adam and John turn the corner down the hall. He stood and waited for the group to come to him.
Adam saw Jack and began to wave his arms in excitement. He ran the best he could toward Jack. Jack opened his arms. When he did, Elizabeth put her hand on his back to offer him some support. Just before Adam plowed into him, he stopped running. He walked the last two steps and hugged Jack. Somehow, he understood that Jack was injured and their normal greeting at school couldn't happen. Jack did lift him off the ground a couple of inches.
After Adam's hug, John stepped forward for his fist bump. "You ok?" He asked.
"Yes. I just hurt my ankle, but I'll be fine in a few days."
"At least a couple of weeks." Elizabeth stated as Adam leaned in for a hug. It was only a second or two before the whole special ed group surrounded the friend group. Elizabeth noticed that all the special ed girls pampered Jack and loved on him because of his injury. She laughed because Jack was soaking in all the attention. They all gave him a kiss on the cheek and the guys fist bumped him. The special ed group said their goodbyes to the whole friend group. This was even the first time they said goodbye to Lee and Rosemary. Other than those two, the group hugged and fist bumped the whole group.
"Mr. Thornton, I do believe you enjoyed all of that attention from those beautiful young ladies a little too much." Eliabeth teased.
"It was nice." He stated as he settled the backpack on his back and the crutches under his arms. He leaned forward just a little resting on the crutches for balance.
"That was a lot of kisses you received."
"I did." Jack teased.
"Don't get too used to it Jarrick. I don't share my boyfriend with other girls."
"The special ed girls are very nice and pretty. But I am very willing to admit I am dating the prettiest girl in all of Hamilton." He began his journey down the hallway. He was going slow with the crutches. "She also has the softest lips and is a great kisser."
"Sweet talker." She giggled.
…
"Coach Franklin, do you have a couple of minutes?"
Charles had made his way down to Coach Franklin's classroom before any students arrived.
"Sure Charles. What's on your mind?" Coach Franklin asked as he sat down the papers he was holding in front of his desk. He turned to face Charles.
"I was wondering if I'm ever going to play again. After Jack got hurt last night, why wasn't I put in? You played Malachi and then that freshman, Shane. Why didn't you play me? I was the starting point guard for the last two years."
"Charles, I'm not going to sugar coat this. You know I don't do that. You crashed and burned during your senior year. Whatever is going on with you, you have let it affect your play. You don't run the plays I call. You seem disinterested in the team. You seem alienated from your teammates."
"I'm sure you have heard the rumors."
"I have. I also know how you have been playing this year. You have let those outside circumstances affect you in negative ways. You assaulted Elizabeth Thatcher. You nearly injured Jack Thornton during the first unofficial practices. You two got into a fight at the football game that you initiated. Not to mention your subpar play. Malachi is playing very well and will continue to start in Jack's absence."
"And his back up?"
"Shane played very well last night. He might be a freshman, but he isn't playing like one. I was impressed with him."
"So, that leaves me on the outside looking in?"
"Until you resolve all those negative outside forces, and you begin to play better on the court, it does. Charles, you aren't the same guy the previous years. Jack has earned the starting point guard position. I moved you to the number two guard starting alongside him. You wouldn't run the play that I called because it led to Jack getting the shot. You turned the ball over as a result. Those outside forces have influenced your on court decisions. Joe replaced you when you were suspended and is doing an excellent job. I'm not taking him off the court. He plays within the system and with the other guys, you haven't. Play like the Charles last year, and you will be in the rotation again, but not in the starting lineup."
Charles nodded his head and turned to walk out of the classroom. He made his way down the hall toward his first period class. He was frustrated with his playing time. He felt like he lost everything. He lost Elizabeth, basketball, and friends. He lost everything because of one guy.
…
Jack and Elizabeth made their way into the cafeteria. Classes have been normal so far. He shined in history, and she was a rock star in math. While he publicly admitted he was no match for Elizabeth in math, he was still trying to beat her in answering one question. So far, he hasn't even gotten close.
"Go sit down and I'll get you a tray." Elizabeth stated.
"Is she being the loving girlfriend again?" Steph asked with a chuckle.
"What?" Glared Elizabeth.
"Are you going to cut up his meat too?" Steph didn't even try to hide her smirk."
Connie, Steph, and Rosemary just laughed. Elizabeth has tried to be helpful without being too helpful. She honestly thought she was being good, except in the biology class when she licked her finger and wiped away an ink mark on Jack's cheek. In gym class she was good. With all of her strength, she didn't suggest he sit down on the bleachers instead of standing.
Jack stopped at the front of the line when Elizabeth picked up two trays. He reached for her shoulder and ran his thumb slowly over her shoulder. "Thank you for being a loving girlfriend, but if you cut up my meat, I'm not going to forgive you." He playfully sassed with a lopsided grin.
"I'm trying." She sighed.
"I know. Thank you for helping me." He gave her a loving smile.
"Am I being too much?"
"You have almost been perfect. I wouldn't change anything."
"Except the licking my finger thing…"
"Just that one thing. Thank you, Elizabeth, for helping me. You have been a godsent for me today."
The look of love in his eyes melted her heart. He melted to at the look of love in her eyes.
"Would you like your normal?" She asked looking at the choices.
After sitting with the special ed group, Adam quickly stood and walked away. Jack didn't understand why. He intently watched Adam walk to the serving area and smiled when he reached into the cooler and pulled out two drinks. Jack had always gotten Adam a second drink during lunch. Now, Adam was returning the favor.
"That's so sweet." Elizabeth whispered.
"You boys have some catching up to do." Steph sassed Steven and Cory.
"Hey…" Both guys whined.
"I agree with Steph." Connie laughed.
…
Viola sat down in her new Biology III class. This was the last science class she had to take. She was ever so thankful for that little fact. The sciences just weren't her thing. She looked up when she felt someone sit down beside her. She gasped at the gentleman.
"I'm sorry. Was you saving this for someone?"
"No." She barely spoke and shook her head.
"I'm sorry to disrupt you. The classroom filled up quickly. There aren't many seats available."
"That's ok." She was mesmerized by this gentle spoken guy. He was a dark haired man. He had a medium complexion, a nice smile, and gorgeous dimples. His eyes were emerald in color. He looked vaguely familiar, but she didn't know why. She had never seen him before.
"Hey, I'm Ted Milligan."
"Hello Ted. I'm Viola Thatcher."
"Viola is a pretty name. I don't think I have ever met a lady named Viola."
"I'm named after my paternal grandmother."
"That's cool." He paused for a moment. "Thatcher…I've heard that name before…" His voice trailed off. "How do I know that name?" He concentrated on the small desktop in front of him.
Viola sighed. She had lost count of how many guys wanted to meet her because of her father.
"Probably by my father. He owns his own business."
"No…that's not it." He tapped his chin with his finger. "How do I know that name?" He asked himself again in a soft voice.
"Did you have a good holiday?" She tried to change the subject from her last name. She was finding herself wanting to get to know him. She thought him tapping his chin was just too adorable.
"I did. My mother says she owns me now." He chuckled.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, during Thanksgiving break, I was volunteering with Homes for Humanity building a home. I couldn't spend time with my family. I thought my mother was going to put me up for adoption. They all went to my grandparents' home for Thanksgiving. My cousin brought home his girlfriend. Everyone was excited to meet her."
"I bet she was upset."
"Yeah…I made it up to her during Christmas break. I spent the whole time with her at home. I think she finally forgave me."
"Such a good son." She teased.
Ted was intrigued by this woman. She was beautiful. There were plenty of other seats available, but he wanted to sit beside her. He just had to speak with her. He just didn't know how to start a conversation with this beautiful woman. He was just grateful she spoke more than one word to him.
"Are you a biology major?" He asked. He was hoping this would continue the conversation but instantly felt stupid asking the question.
"Oh heavens no. I'll be happy with just a passing grade."
"Maybe I can help. I love biology."
"Is it your major?"
"No. I thought about it, but I decided to go another route, but I still enjoy it."
"You're taking Biology III for the fun of it? That's crazy!"
"I guess…I just love it. I'm thinking about making it a minor."
"So, what is your major?"
"Music."
"Music?"
"Yes. Piano. I play classical piano."
"Wow! That's really impressive."
"I don't know about that." He shifted in his seat. She could tell he was a little nervous talking about himself. "What about you?"
"I'm studying business."
"Nice." He gave her a dimpled smile. She instantly liked it.
Ted took a deep breath. He was just hoping she would look in his direction. At most, he wanted to say hi to the beautiful lady. He couldn't even dream of having an actual conversation with her. She was nice and well spoken.
"Have you always wanted to study business?"
"Kinda…it's a family thing. My father owns his own business."
"Nice. Have you worked with him in his shop before college?"
"I've went to the office with him some. I don't know what type of business I would like to do. I just enjoy the process."
"Like the stock market or something?"
"Have you really not heard of the name Thatcher?"
"No. I know I've heard that name before, but I don't remember why. I'm a music major. Most of my free time is in front of a piano. I play for a lot of different restaurants during the evening. We are required to practice so many hours a day. That's a good way to clock the hours. They pay me with a free dinner. I don't know business very much. Should I have heard of it?"
Viola leaned back just a little. She was shocked he hadn't heard of her father's name. This was refreshing to her. She wasn't concerned that he was just talking to her to get closer to her father. This gave her the impression that he was interested in only her. She looked up when the professor stepped to the podium.
"Good afternoon, everyone. This is Biology III. For many of you, this class is a requirement. For some of you, this class is a requirement and a passion. For others, this class is a requirement and a burden. For each of you, pay attention, do your reading, and turn in assignments on time. If you do those three things, you will be happy with your final grade. Now, let's get started."
As the professor continued in his lecture, Ted was working on taking notes. Viola felt him smile when she accidentally brushed her forearm with his. She quickly stole a glance and knew her instincts were correct. The thought made her smile. She was drawn to this man. About halfway through the lecture, Ted leaned over and softly spoke.
"Are you keeping up?" He nodded toward the whiteboard.
"Yes, nothing too bad…yet, but he's just beginning."
"You've got this." He smiled. Then she noticed his facial features change. "Wait…Thatcher…" His expression changed. "Do you know an Elizabeth Thatcher?"
"What?" She inhaled a quick breath.
"Now I remember. Do you know Elizabeth Thatcher. I don't know where she's from."
"Have you met her?"
"Oh, no. I haven't. My mother met her during Thanksgiving. I was working on that house during Thanksgiving break. She gushed about her and how much she loved her. She kept going on and on about how perfect she is for my cousin."
"Your cousin's name is Jack…Jack Thornton?"
"Yeah…how in the world do you know that?" He asked, shocked.
…
The end of the day couldn't come fast enough for Jack. It was the first day back to school after the Christmas break. It was always a little difficult getting back in the routine of things after an extended layoff. When you add the injury and the stupid crutches, it was just too much. The final bell rang, and Elizabeth grabbed her and Jack's sketching paper. She took it to Mr. Jackson's desk along with everyone else. She had noticed that Jack had slowed down over the last part of the school day. She figured he was getting tired, hurting, or both. When she turned away from Mr. Jackson's desk, she watched him slowly stand. He propped the crutches under his arms and leaned forward on them. He did everything very slowly. She bit her tongue when she watched him put the backpack over his shoulders. She walked back to him. He only stood when everyone was out of the row he was sitting in. As a matter of fact, almost everyone was out of the classroom already.
She stood in front of him. When he nodded, she turned to walk out of the classroom slowly followed by Jack. She was walking much slower than she had the entire day. She wanted to ask him, but she didn't want to do that in front of others. Once they were in the hallway, she turned her head to look at him.
"You know, I miss holding your hand as we walk down the hallway. I never noticed how often we would do that or how much I would miss doing that."
"Yeah…" Jack's voice was tired. "I miss it too."
Elizabeth placed her hand on his shoulder. "Jack, how are you feeling?" She asked softly so no one heard her.
He looked in her direction. He wanted to smile but he couldn't. He also knew that she knew.
"My ankle is throbbing a little bit."
"And by a little bit you mean a lot." She clarified his remark.
He nodded his head.
"Jack, I hope you understand that you can always be honest with me. Even with things like this."
"I know. I'm not trying to lie to you. I just always tell myself things like that. It helps me have the mindset that I'm not weak. I'm not intentionally misleading you. I'm sorry."
"It's just not your ankle, is it?"
"How did you know that?" He asked a little shocked.
"I think I know my boyfriend pretty well by now."
He nodded his head. She was right. She's always right. "E…liz…a…beth…do you always have to be right?"
"It's a strength and a curse." She laughed. She bit her tongue so she wouldn't push him.
"My ankle does hurt, and it feels tired. Plus, my right leg is tired too. I guess I'm overcompensating on it. However, and I know this sounds weird, but it's my armpits that hurt the worse."
"Your armpits?" She asked, really confused at his answer.
"Yeah…"
"Why in the world are your armpits hurting?"
"These stupid crutches."
"Oh…are you going home? You should be able to get off them for a while."
"I'm a Candy Baby now. I have to go and receive some treatment. Would you like to walk with me to the trainer's room."
"Sure."
Jack hobbled past Elizabeth's locker and made his way to his locker. After dropping off his books and picking up the ones he needed to take home, he closed his locker and turned when he heard Elizabeth. They slowly made their way to the trainer's room. She allowed him to set the pace as they walked.
…
Thomas stared at this computer screen as he read over the list of items on his to do list. Since the Hamilton brothers were arrested and admitted to their crimes, the case was all but settled. Their sentencing hearing was quickly approaching the next day. Jack and Elizabeth weren't required to attend. Since they didn't have to attend, he didn't even tell them about it. As far as they were concerned, out of sight and out of mind. It was finished. They just didn't have to live through that again. For Tom, however, he was planning on attending. Not only were they trying to kidnap his boss, but, most importantly, they hurt his son and daughter. He wanted to see this through until the end.
"Hey Tom, what are you doing?"
"I'm working, sir. What does it look like?"
"Looks like you are a million miles away."
"Maybe a little. Is there something I can do for you William?"
"What does your schedule look like tomorrow?"
"Normal workday except for ten. I have something that is taking me out of the office then. It will probably last about an hour or so."
"Perfect. We'll leave here at nine thirty and then grab lunch after."
"I'm sorry?" Tom asked a little shocked.
"Tomorrow, we leave at nine thirty for the courthouse and then grab lunch following the hearing. It should take less than an hour." William winked at his friend. He turned to walk out of Tom's office.
"Wait…how did you know?"
"Tom, those two men hurt my daughter and my son. How would I not know?"
"Nine thirty." Tom stated nodding his head.
…
After class, everyone gathered their things and began to file out of the auditorium style classroom.
"I can't believe you got me in trouble with the professor."
"Me…it was you!" Viola laughed.
"Me!" Ted gasped. He shook his head as he smiled.
"Yes, you. You dropped that bomb on me during class. I can't believe my first day in class and the professor calls on us like we are in grade school."
"So, how do you know that my cousin's name is Jack Thornton?"
"Do you know him well?"
"Viola, he's my cousin. Of course, I know him pretty well. I don't talk to him all the time. His family's pretty close to mine. He loves his Aunt Shirley. She's my mom."
"He's dating my younger sister, Elizabeth. She went with Jack's family to visit his old hometown."
"Elizabeth is your sister?" Ted stopped turning toward her. The surprise was evident in his voice.
"She is."
"Wow…what's the chances of this?" He asked waving his hands between them.
"Yeah." She whispered.
The more she talked with this guy, the more she was interested. He was nice, funny, and very good looking. She also noticed that Ted looked a little like Jack, especially the dimples. They wouldn't pass for brothers, but you knew they were family.
Ted was grateful he was still talking with the beautiful lady. Despite him being very nervous, he loved their conversation. It flowed well. There weren't any awkward silences.
He took a deep breath. "I don't have to be at the restaurant for a couple more hours. Would you like to have a cup of coffee with me?"
She was excited he asked her to spend some time together. "I would love to have coffee with you."
…
Jack woke the next morning already tired. His ankle was still hurting since yesterday. The time with Candy yesterday after school was a little rough, but his ankle did feel better after the treatment. Now it was just sore. He wasn't convinced it was better sprained than if he would have broken it. His underarms were still a little tender. Evidently, he didn't have the crutches adjusted properly. Candy helped him adjust them correctly, but the damage was already done in that his armpits were very tender. At least the crutches weren't hurting him more than they already were.
Elizabeth spent the night working on homework. She also caught up with Steph and Connie. They had a good girl night catch up session on facetime. It was long overdue since they all are dating. They loved their arrangement. Her and Jack ended the evening on a skype call. Jack tried to convince her to put her hair in a bun, but she refused while they were on skype.
…
William and Tom walked into the lobby of the courthouse after walking through the metal detector and check point. They gathered their items and were waiting to walk into the courtroom. They were a little early. They just didn't want to be late and miss anything.
"What are you two doing here?" Charlette asked as her and Grace walked into the lobby.
"Why are you here?"
"Tom, it's rude to answer a question with a question." Charlette smirked with a playful grin.
"Well?" Grace asked as she looked toward her husband.
"I had to see this through to the end." William answered. Tom nodded his head in complete agreement. "Those two men caused a lot of damage to our kids. I had to make sure it was finished."
"They are just lucky they wouldn't let me bring my bat in here with me." Charlette stated in a mother's voice.
"Extremely lucky." Grace echoed the sentiment with the same fire in her eyes.
Tom just shook his head. He knew the two ladies weren't kidding. He reached for Charlette's hand as William reached for Grace's. They were grateful their wives were present. It was nice to have them there for comfort.
"How did you know?" William asked.
"Oh William, I have been following their case since day one. I think the prosecutor knows me by name."
"That's my Grace." William chuckled.
They walked into the courtroom and found the first row open. They all sat in the first row and got as comfortable as possible on the wooden bench seat. After just a few minutes, the bailiff stepped forward and called the court in session. Once that was finished, three jail guards led both Hamilton brothers in the courtroom at the judge's direction. All four parents flinched at first sight of the brothers. Other than Tom, they haven't seen them in person. They only saw them in photographs. Tom only saw them for a few moments in the warehouse where they were hiding his son, but he was too interested in his son and his health. He didn't pay attention to them.
A man stood from the prosecutor's table and began to speak. However, the parents only stared at the two men. They had no idea how long the man spoke or what he said. After a few minutes, the defense attorney stood and spoke. Again, the parents had no idea what was said. Their attention was brought back to the front of the courtroom when the judge began to speak. Her voice was stern. There was no doubt she was in control of the room. She accepted the plea deal from the state and sentenced both gentlemen to nine years in state prison. They had to serve at least six years before they would be available for parole. Once out of prison on parole, they had to serve the remaining of the nine years in probation.
As soon as the judge slammed her gavel on her desk, the Thatchers and the Thorntons stood and left. They received exactly what they needed. They often heard of closure. They weren't sure what that meant. However, their babies were safe in school and the two bad men who caused so much trouble and pain were in prison. They couldn't hurt their babies again. For the parents, all is well. They were so grateful that time period in their lives was officially over. To their knowledge, Jack or Elizabeth wasn't even sure what was happening today. For that, the parents were happy.
"We were going to eat lunch before going back to work. Would you two like to join us?"
"That sounds lovely, William. I would welcome a lunch date with you."
"And you my dear?"
"Tom, I never pass up an unplanned lunch with you."
"Abagail's?"
"We'll meet you two there."
…
"Well…who would have guessed." Viola playfully stated. She looked up to the handsome face walking down the hallway toward her. It was the same face that played on a loop in her thinking since biology class yesterday.
"Well…this is a great surprise."
"You mean, you didn't plan this?"
"Viola, how could I plan this?"
"You didn't plan yesterday?"
"I didn't know you yesterday."
"Then I guess I'm just lucky." She stated a little red in the face.
"I'm going with blessed instead of lucky." His face matched hers.
They walked through the door of their World History class. This was a requirement they were both putting off due to their dislike of history. As juniors, their classes were beginning to become more specialized to their track of study. World History was one of the required classes they just put off until their advisor threatened them with life or death to finish the required class.
The time they had over coffee was too short for either of them. They enjoyed their time together. There was plenty of laughter and fun moments together. They got to know each other better and knew they wanted to see each other more. However, both were too shy to make that happen. They knew if nothing else, they would see each other in biology class again. So, neither one felt pressured to ask for a phone number.
"Are you now?" She surprised herself with the small amount of flirting.
"Yes. Oh, I spoke to my mother last night."
"Yeah…"
"She continued to glow talking about your little sister. She loved her and my two younger sisters loved her too. Evidently, Elizabeth was a major hit with the entire family."
"That sounds like Ebeth."
"Ebeth?"
"When she was born, I was about three years old. I couldn't say Elizabeth. So, I began to call her Ebeth. It just stuck over the years. She hates to be called Beth."
When he laughed, she realized she really did love his laugh.
"If I ever met her, I should remember that."
"You want me to introduce you to my family?"
"Oh…I wasn't suggesting that. It's just if Elizabeth and Jack make it like my mom thinks they will, I'll meet her at Pops and Nana's house at some point. We always go there for the holidays." He was fumbling over his words very nervously. She thought he was adorable being so nervous.
"Oh…"
"Viola, I would enjoy getting to know you more, but I'm not pushing you to meet your family. Actually, that scares me to death to think about it."
She let out nervous laugh. "Let's just take this day to day."
"If that's what you want to do?"
"Isn't that what you want to do?"
"Viola, I'm just grateful you spoke to me yesterday. I'm even more grateful you are speaking to me now." He stated as they took their seats in the classroom.
"I have enjoyed speaking with you as well." She took a deep breath. "Ted, would you like to go out on a date with me?"
"Viola, I would love that."
…
During the P. E. class, Jack had to sit on the bleachers and watched everyone else play pickle ball. He laughed at everyone. Some people just weren't athletic. Some were just silly. He loved watching everyone. His ankle was still a little sore and so was his armpits. They were better since Candy adjusted the height. So they weren't any worse than the day before. He was just over using the crutches.
Elizabeth knew Jack was frustrated with everything. He was never one to sit and do nothing. This had to be a bit of a struggle with him. She was proud of herself today. So far, she was just a girlfriend who loved her boyfriend instead of being a loving girlfriend on steroids who crossed the line in trying to help with every little task. It wasn't easy.
When P. E. class was over, Jack waited for the friend group to join him on the bleachers. He didn't stand until they all were there. They were waiting for him to head to lunch.
"I'm sorry guys. Would you mind going ahead of us? I need to talk to Jack for a minute. Save us a seat, we'll be right behind you."
"Sure thing." Connie and Steph stated together.
The rest of the group turned to head toward the cafeteria. Their communication with each other started immediately. Jack sighed. He looked appreciatively at Elizabeth.
"Thank you." He whispered in a low tone letting out a long breath. It was tired.
"You're welcome."
When everyone was out of the gym, he tiredly settled on the crutches under his sore armpits. Elizabeth reached for his backpack before Jack did. He looked at her with a questioning look. She returned the look. It was completely understood.
"Thank you." He stated when he realized she knew the struggle he was dealing with.
"Jack, let's just do one big 'thank you' and one big 'you're welcome'? You don't have to thank me for everything I do for you."
"I don't want you to think I am taking you for granted."
"I know you're not. I see it in your eyes."
"If it's ok with you, I would like to say thank you from time to time."
"Fine, if it makes you feel better."
"It would. How did you know I'm struggling today?"
"I know my boyfriend. You were screaming it from the roof tops."
"I haven't said anything."
"You don't have to. I can see it in your eyes. The doctor did say the second day would be the worse."
"Yeah…it is." He stated as he slowly began hobbling toward the cafeteria. He felt his body had been beaten.
Elizabeth allowed him to set the pace. She was carrying his and her backpacks. She matched his speed perfectly. He stopped halfway to the cafeteria. He turned to look at her. His love for this precious young woman was abounding.
"Elizabeth, thank you for paying attention to me instead of what I say or don't say. You are perfect for me. You just know me."
"Jack, I love you with my whole heart. Of course, I'm perfect for you because you are perfect for me. We just work together."
"We do Ms. T." He flirted with a tired and weak smile.
Since she found out the meaning of the nickname, it was special to her. She loved it more than the others.
"Jack, I was serious when we talked about our future. I'm looking forward to it. I believe that's how married people are supposed to be. That's how mother and father are to some degree."
"And ma and pa. And I do agree. I think we are heading toward a great life together."
"Me too. Now, how is it feeling?" She nodded toward his ankle.
"Ok, much better with your help. Thanks."
"Jack…"
He reached for her shoulder and ran his hand up and down her upper arm. The act, while not intimate in nature, was very moving to her. She understood everything. He was very appreciative of her help. He was also grateful she asked the group to go ahead of them. She knew he was struggling and didn't call attention to it. He was grateful for her attentiveness and that she knew him so well. He was also grateful that she was a loving girlfriend instead of acting like his mother.
"Elizabeth…I love you with every ounce of who I am."
"Jack…I love you with every ounce of who I am. We're in this together."
Jack raised his face toward the heavens and closed his eyes. "Thank you. Lord." He whispered his thanks. With her words and kind gestures to him, he decided to open up fully to her.
"My ankle is hurting pretty bad today. Every time my heart beats, it throbs. My armpits hurt with each step I take. For some weird reason, by back hurts."
"Probably because you hit the wall with your back."
"That makes sense then."
"And mentally?" She asked as they slowly made their way down the hallway to the cafeteria. While it wasn't a long walk normally, Jack was going very slow. It was taking them a long time to walk it.
"I think the physical stuff is screaming over the mental stuff. I'm not looking forward to missing the games. I think I'll feel better next week when I can begin to put a little weight on the foot. That will give me the assurance that it's healing."
"As long as you go slow like the doctor says to." She warned him.
"My loving girlfriend." He teased.
"This weekend…movie night at your house with your foot propped up on a pillow?"
"You're such a romantic, Mrs. T." He laughed. "That actually sounds perfect."
They turned toward the cafeteria. Jack was so slow the main hallway was almost empty. "After graduation, what are you wanting to do?"
She smiled. After their discussion on the cold beach and when he gave her the ring, their discussions concerning their future was becoming a little more frequent. She felt like they were planning their future together.
"I have always dreamed about working in a small school system. A place that really needs teachers."
"Yeah…I always wanted to work with kids that don't have too many resources."
"And truly make a difference in their lives." She finished his sentence.
"Are you ok with that?"
"I am. It's been my dream to change the lives of children that need that little extra help."
"You are going to be a great teacher." He lovingly stated. She could hear the confidence and love in his voice.
"I hope so. Are you ok with that?"
"It's my dream too." He stated as she opened the cafeteria door for him. "It's a promise, Ms. T."
Elizabeth reached into her back pocket when she felt it buzz. A faint curl in the corners of her mouth began to slowly appear.
"It's finished." She softly repeat the text. "The judge accepted the plea deal."
"Thank goodness." Jack breathed out a reply. "So, it's over. Like…over…over?"
"That's what the prosecutor just said. It's over."