Chapter 52
"Wow!" Jack stated when the door opened. His smile grew. "Mom…you look beautiful. Your hair, it's a little different."
"Jack…thank you for noticing. You are being too kind."
"I guess Elizabeth didn't have an option other than being beautiful with you as her mother."
"Jack…" Grace was a little flustered with Jack's compliment. "I know you didn't come here to see an old woman."
"Mom, you're not old. William is a very lucky man."
"That I am." William stated as he walked into the living room. "Grace had a haircut today and I can't get over how great it looks."
"That's enough from you two." Grace stated as she reached for her hair.
"Are those for my wife?" William asked.
"These are, yes." Jack laughed at William's expression.
"Young man, what have I told you about getting my wife flowers?"
"I love them, Jack. Thank you. I'll get a vase for these and for the ones for Elizabeth."
"Thank you." Jack's attention was drawn to the top of the stairs when he heard Elizabeth clear her throat."
When Jack saw his girlfriend standing on the top of the stairs, his breath was caught in his chest. No matter how many times he had seen her on top of those stairs, she always stole his breath. He couldn't believe she was dating him. Elizabeth was simply gorgeous in her dressy jeans and cream color sweater. Her hair was cascading over both shoulders. She wasn't trying to look gorgeous…she simply was gorgeous. Jack's mouth opened trying to say something, but it just wasn't connected to his brain.
Grace and William smiled at the scene that has played out several times in front of them. William loved the fact that Jack stood in awe of his middle daughter. The staring wasn't fueled by lust. It was fueled by pure love. He could easily see it.
Elizabeth was experiencing the same feelings that Jack was. She found Jack to be very handsome. His jeans and sweater were just perfect for him. However, it was the leather jacket that pulled the outfit together. When she walked down the stairs, she realized the sweater made Jack's eyes even more emerald in color. The closer she came to him, the weaker her knees became. Her emerald eyed boyfriend was standing at the bottom of the stairs holding beautiful flowers with the most attractive, dimpled smile. She couldn't be any more thankful that this precious guy was her boyfriend.
"Jack, those are beautiful." She nodded toward the flowers.
Jack was gob smacked. While Elizabeth was gorgeous, it was who she is as a person that was the most important characteristic that drew Jack to this precious young lady. He never broke eye contact with her. He watched her step off each step. His smile grew when he noticed her smile grew. Her smile grew knowing that this young man truly loved her with all of his heart. His being handsome was only a bonus.
"Hi." Jack finally whispered.
"Hi." She stated as she kissed his cheek. Her lips stayed on his cheek a little longer than necessary.
"Ok you two. We are heading out in a few moments. We'll see you there." William stated.
Jack heard footsteps on the stairs, but he never took his eyes off his beautiful girlfriend. Like she always had done, she was pulling him in without her even trying.
…
"Are you ok?"
"Not really." Julie stated as she climbed in the back of her mother's SUV. Viola had looked at her little sister.
"What's going on?"
"Nothing. I'll tell you later."
William and Grace looked at each other for a moment. Through their many years of marriage and loving relationship, they knew each other's facial expressions well. Grace made a mental note to check in on her youngest after the dinner.
Along with her parents, Viola continued to look at Julie. She seemed genuinely upset but was holding it together fairly well.
"Later…ok?"
"Yeah, later."
…
Thomas looked in the rearview mirror and caught Ted's attention. Ted easily understood the question that was being asked through his Uncle Tom's facial expression.
"It went well."
"What did, dear?"
"Nothing Aunt Charlette."
Charlette turned her attention back to her husband. She knew there was something between her husband and nephew that she didn't know about.
"Are you keeping secrets from your wife?"
"Ted and I had a talk. Everything is good."
"What kind of talk?"
"Charlette." Tom warned.
"It's ok Uncle Tom. Aunt Charlette, Uncle Tom, Jack and I had a nice talk last night."
"Are you ok?"
"I am fine. We talked about me and Viola."
"Are you two ok?"
"Yes Aunt Charlette. Let's just say it was a father and son talk."
Charlette smiled at her husband. She loved him even more at that moment. There were times her Tom would come across as a tough cop, but in reality, he was a loving and caring man. She was grateful she lived life with this kind man.
"Good. I know your mother is very proud of you. I also know your father would be extremely proud of you as well."
"Thank you for saying that. That means a lot to me."
…
Jack reached for Elizabeth's hand after he placed his truck in gear. She wrapped her pinky around his as she settled in the seat. The simple act of holding pinkies was just special to them. Elizabeth reached for the radio and turned it up. It was a nice song. It didn't take too long before they were singing to the song. They were being a little silly. They enjoyed the time together just being carefree. When the song ended, Elizabeth turned to Jack.
"Is Tom coming tonight?"
"No. Evidently him and Julie had a disagreement today. He was upset. I told him to stay home."
"Julie's coming tonight. She told me a quick version of what happened today. She wanted to speak to him."
"He's not in a good place for that today."
"What do you mean?"
"He's pretty hurt that she thought he was going behind her back. He was devastated that she spoke to that John guy. I've never seen him like that before. After speaking with him, I told him to stay home. I let Ma and Pa know that he was staying home."
"You shouldn't have done that, Jack. Julie was really hoping to see him. She wants to speak and apologize to him. She was adamant about fixing this."
"I'm glad she does, but he's not in a good head space to talk with her tonight. I told him he needs to speak to her and not to close the door on Julie, but I don't think he's ready for that discussion tonight."
"Do you think he would close the door on them?"
"If he is pushed into the corner tonight, I think he would. Julie is good for him, but what she did today really hurt him."
"I understand that, but Jack, she said she tried to apologize to him."
"From what Tom said, she really didn't. She saw some girl talking to Tom and assumed that he was cheating on her."
"Tom has always done that."
Jack leaned away from Elizabeth. The words kind of stunned him for a moment. Elizabeth saw the expression of disbelief on his face.
"And so has Julie." Jack retorted in a big brother's protective tone. "Both of them have always done that. Tom had always acted immaturely with his relationships, if you can even call them that. But things were different with Julie. When we spoke, I didn't see any of his tales when he lies to get out of something. The girl wanted his portion of the biology presentation they were assigned to. I haven't seen him flirting with any other girl since he and Julie became a couple. When we were in Buxton, he left his friends when some girls were flirting with them. He called Julie as he walked away. I think the thing that hurt Tom the most was that it was with this particular guy."
"Why?" She was a little taken back by Jack's tone. That wasn't like Jack. He hasn't really spoken to her like that before.
"Tom thought she was flirting with him a few months ago while they were on the bus. She scolded him that he should have asked instead of just assuming that she was flirting with him. She told him that they needed to have open communication because they were both big flirts. I think it bothered him that she assumed and then accused him of something he didn't do. I think it gave him doubt about her true feelings for that guy because she contacted that guy first.
"Julie said that she didn't talk to that John guy until after Tom talked to that girl."
"But he wasn't really talking to that girl like that. She wanted him to email her his portion of the presentation so she could get it ready to turn in. It was his portion of the project. Julie's actions made him question her."
"I'm not sure that's fair for him to think of her that way."
"If that's true, it's not fair to think the worse of him simply by talking to some girl without knowing the whole story."
"But he has always been a player."
"And so has Julie. You have always said that Julie was a player too. Why shouldn't Tom think the same thing of Julie?" He challenged her.
Suddenly the conversation came to an abrupt halt inside the truck. Jack concentrated on driving and Elizabeth looked out the front window. They were still holding pinkies, but there was trouble in the air. Even when a song they both loved came on the radio, neither one of them sung along.
Jack slowed down and turned right onto Pike Avenue. He slowly gained speed along with the cars around him. He didn't know where the restaurant was. He drove a couple of minutes before saying anything.
"I'm not sure where to do. When do I turned next?"
"Left in a couple of miles on Townsend Street."
"Thanks." He stated.
Elizabeth continued to look out the window. She took a deep breath. Then she turned her head slightly to look at Jack.
…
The Thatchers and Thorntons arrived at the restaurant basically at the same time. William, Grace, Viola, and Julie had just stepped out of the SUV when Thomas, Charlette, and Ted pulled into the parking spot a couple spots from the Thatcher's SUV. Julie watched intently waiting for Tom to get out of the backseat. She was bummed when he didn't. She looked around hoping to see him, but he never walked around the vehicle. She dropped her head when the realization donned on her that he wasn't coming.
Viola was lost in the whole thing when she saw her boyfriend. Their talk has really drawn her to him even more than before. She was honest with Elizabeth. The open, honest conversation with Ted during brunch was relationship changing to the fullest. His smile grew when their eyes connected.
"Hey." He stated.
"Hi." She smiled. "I missed you."
"I miss you." He whispered. Charlette watched the couple for a few seconds. She saw the love between them.
"How are you two?" Thomas asked.
"We're good. Are you hungry?" Grace asked. When they saw headlights, all the adults turned to see Jack's truck pull into the parking lot. He pulled into a spot between both parent's vehicles.
…
"The restaurant is just on the right about one hundred yards." Elizabeth stated.
Jack nodded his head. The last few minutes of the ride were awkward. They hadn't spoken and the air in the cab of the truck was thick. Both could feel the tension. They haven't experienced anything like this since the company picnic when Mary and Charles were an issue. Neither one of them liked the last few minutes.
"Thank you." Jack stated as she told him where to turn. He began to release her pinky so he could turn the truck into the parking lot. Elizabeth refused to let it go. She wasn't losing this only connection between the two.
After turning into the parking lot, they noticed both sets of parents standing together and talking. He glanced at Elizabeth and gave her a small smile.
"Are you ready?"
"Jack," Elizabeth began when he pulled into a parking spot close to their parents. "What's going on?"
"I don't know." He whispered as he applied the brakes to stop the truck. As he opened his mouth, Julie opened the passenger door of Jack's truck.
"Elizabeth, he didn't come!" She blurted as the door was opening.
"Julie!"
"Elizabeth! He didn't come with his parents. Why didn't he come?!" Fear and anguish filled her voice. The tone of her voice left no doubt that she wasn't going to leave any time soon. Julie had completely missed the friction in the atmosphere surrounding Jack and Elizabeth.
"Go…" Jack stated. "She needs to talk to you."
Elizabeth tightened her hold on Jack's pinky. "We'll talk when I'm done with Julie."
He just nodded his head as he looked at his steering wheel. He hated the strife between them. His world seemed to be off.
"Elizabeth…"
"Julie, step to the curb. I'll be right there!" She commanded.
Julie huffed until she noticed Elizabeth's upset look. Her older sister meant business.
"Fine." She turned to step to the front of the truck. Her impatience was shining through.
"Jack…" Elizabeth turned all her attention back to Jack. As troubled as Jack was about the last few minutes, she was just as troubled with the whole ordeal. "…let me talk with Julie now or she'll never leave us alone." She continued when Jack didn't say anything. "Once she's calmed down, we need to talk this out. I don't like this."
"Me either."
She leaned over and gently kissed his lips.
…
"Now, tell me everything." Elizabeth commanded as her and her little sister walked to a bench that was close by.
"I saw Tom talking with Stacey. I assumed he was just flirting with her. After skyping with him last night, I texted John. We talked for a little while last night. Tom found out today when we were walking through the mall. He got upset when I told him I talked with John."
"Why did you talk to John?"
"Wasn't you listening?"
"Out of all the boys, why John?"
"I knew Tom was jealous of him a few months ago."
"So, you picked John just to hurt Tom?" Julie nodded her head without saying anything. "You did it on purpose?"
"Yes. He hurt me…Elizabeth I love Tom. He's just…"
"So, you purposefully hurt him because you assumed something that wasn't true?"
"Apparently."
"Why didn't you ask Tom about him talking with this girl?"
"Knowing Tom's history, it was an easy conclusion." She shrugged her shoulders.
"And a wrong conclusion from my limited understanding of the situation."
"He said they were talking about a presentation in Biology."
"Is Tom lying?"
"No." Julie's voice was very soft.
"You realize that you have the same history as Tom. You were a player too. You always talked to different guys at the same time, never being serious with any one of them. You would jump from guy to guy in just a couple of days."
"So?"
"Julie, you need to grow up. You accused Tom of cheating on you when he didn't. Yet, you did cheat on him." Elizabeth's tone was sisterly. She was beginning to see the whole story.
"Elizabeth, that's not fair!" Whined Julie.
"Am I wrong?" The air around them was filled with silence. Elizabeth finally broke the silence. "Julie, you assumed something incorrectly. Instead of simply asking Tom about it, you did go behind his back to talk to a guy that you knew would intentionally hurt him." Julie lowered her head. Elizabeth's words were finally landing with force. "That's not cool Julie. That's cruel and mean spirited."
"I know."
"And that was very childish!" Elizabeth emphasized her last statement.
"How do I fix this?"
"You give Tom all the space he needs to work through it. You will not push him."
"Elizabeth."
"Julie, you already did things without thinking and it caused a lot of trouble." Elizabeth let out a long breath. "And you will grow up and quit acting childish."
"I'm not acting like a child!"
"Really?" Challenged Elizabeth. "Do you really think you're not acting like a child?"
Julie huffed and then sighed. She hated to admit it, but her sister was right.
"Julie, you didn't meet up with this guy today, did you?"
"No."
"Well, that's a beginning. Now, you will text Tom and apologize. You will then let him know that he is in charge of the timing. Then you will wait until he is ready to talk to you. And when he is ready, you will listen to him."
…
After waiting a few minutes, Grace knew Elizabeth and Julie would be taking a few minutes. Something was wrong and she could easily see it.
"Why don't we go ahead and go inside. The girls will come in when they are finished." Grace smiled at the group.
Jack looked over his shoulder at his girlfriend. She was in an intense conversation with Julie. It was easy to see that Grace was correct. He lowered his head and let out a short breath. He turned his attention toward Grace.
"Mrs. Thatcher, would you please?" He asked as he extended his arm. If he couldn't escort his beautiful girlfriend in the restaurant, he was willing to escort another beautiful Thatcher woman.
"Why, thank you Jack." She stated as she accepted his arm.
"Oh…I love your new haircut."
"Thank you."
"Jack, you understand that Grace is my wife." William teased.
"And you should be taking notes dear."
…
Elizabeth frowned when she and Julie walked toward the front door of the restaurant and noticed their families were already inside. Her frustration with her little sister was beginning to grow.
"They must have gone inside."
"No kidding Julie!"
"Why are you so upset with me?"
"You have got to be kidding me!" She glared at her little sister after turning to face her. "Jack and my evening were going well until we began to talk about you and Tom. Then it got…" She stopped talking to take a deep breath. She was trying to control her frustration. "…let's just say you threw water on our time coming here. Now he's frustrated because I took up for you. Then I found out you did that just to hurt Tom. Julie! You can't toy with people like that!"
"I know…" Julie's voice was a little broken. "I am truly sorry. I thought he was going behind my back and I just wanted to beat him to it."
"I think Tom is good for you, but I think you may be too immature for that type of relationship."
"Why would you say that?!"
"Instead of talking to him, you just wanted to hurt him first. You had no desire to find out the truth. Instead, your only thought was to hurt him first. Julie, you're not ready for whatever you thought you had with Tom."
"You and Jack had trouble in the beginning."
"Yes, in the first week. I didn't know what being in a relationship meant. At the company picnic, Jack told me that he was stepping back to let me know what I wanted. He said he wasn't breaking up with me but stepping back. He told me that I should go out with Charles to see where my heart lies."
"But you said you never went out with Charles like that."
"No, I did not. I wanted Jack. I just didn't know how to handle Charles and his constant pursuit of me and our friendship. I went to Jack's house and honestly apologized to him. Then I proved to him that the relationship with him was what I wanted. He believed me but it did take him some time not to have doubts about everything. I proved to him that my heart was true to him and only him."
"Yes, but I…"
"Until you can take responsibility for your actions without trying to pass blame, deflect it, or justify your horrible actions, then you are not ready for Tom. He's not perfect, but he isn't the one who intentionally tried to hurt you. At least he's trying to change."
Julie stood stunned. She wanted to say something, but she couldn't. Her mouth opened a couple of times, but no sound came out. She was speechless, not because of what Elizabeth thought, but because Elizabeth's words were landing with life changing effectiveness.
"You're right." Julie finally responded looking at the ground in front of her.
"You need…wait…what did you say?"
"Your right." Julie ran her hands over her face a couple of times. "Elizabeth, do you think I can fix this?"
"Do you want to fix this?"
"I do." Her voice was determined.
"Jack told Tom to stay home. He was really hurting. Hurting because you went behind his back. Hurting because it was with that John guy. Hurting because you weren't honest with him. Hurting because you threw his past up to him while he is changing. Jack told him not to close the door completely on you. That you were good for him. For him to take his time and not to act out of emotion."
Julie nodded her head as her sister spoke. She stood in silence. Then she reached for her phone in her back pocket. She opened the text message app and touched Tom's name.
J – Tom…I am so sorry for what I did. I have no good excuse. Please know I am extremely sorry. I would like to talk to you, but we do this in your time frame…not mine. I love you, Tom. Please allow me to fix this in time. Call me anytime you want to.
Julie showed Elizabeth the text. After reading the text, Elizabeth looked at her little sister for a moment. "Well, it's a good start. Now, you can only wait until he is ready."
Julie touched the send button. "I know…I just don't wait well."
"You will begin now."
…
Elizabeth and Julie walked through the front door of the restaurant. They easily found the two families sitting at a long table. There were two empty seats. Julie walked to the seat that was beside her oldest sister. When she sat down, she leaned over to Jack as Elizabeth stood behind Jack with her hands on his shoulders.
"Jack, I am sorry for what I did. I texted Tom to apologize. I would like to talk to him, but we will talk when he sees fit. Would you please pass that information to him?"
"Yeah, I'll tell him," Jack stated after looking at the youngest Thatcher for a few moments.
"Thanks."
"Excuse me everyone. I'm sorry to interrupt. Jack, would you please take a walk with me?"
"Dear, we are about to order our food."
"Yes mother, I understand. I'll take tea to drink. I would like the lasagna plate and I would like ranch dressing for my salad. Jack will have the seafood pasta and he would like to have ranch dressing for his salad as well. We will be back in a few minutes." She turned her attention back to Jack. "Jack, please come with me?"
Jack wasn't too eager to further the discussion they were having in the truck. However, he also remembered the promise to each other they made during their first week together after the issue with Charles. He noticed not only Elizabeth's determined facial expression, but the tone in her voice left no doubt. She wasn't rude or too aggressive. The determination was just evident that she wanted this little dust up fixed and fixed now. He knew she wanted it fixed just like he did.
Elizabeth reached for Jack's hand. She smiled when he instantly wrapped his fingers with hers.
"Come on sweet man. We need to talk."
When Jack stood, she repeated to the group that they would only be outside in front of the restaurant for a few minutes. Once the young couple left, it didn't take long before the table began to discuss what happened. When the first question was asked, Julie spoke up.
"Excuse me…I'm sorry to interrupt." Julie began when she turned her attention to Tom and Charlette. "I did something very stupid and hurt Tom. He's upset with me…and rightfully so. He isn't to be blamed. I have done this all by myself."
"Are you two ok?" Charlette asked.
"No. I was stupid, and it hurt him. I texted him to apologize and told him I would like to speak to him as soon as he feels comfortable so I can apologize in person. I didn't want days to go by without apologizing, but I also didn't want to do it over a text. So, I texted him before I came into the restaurant with Elizabeth. I told him that I was sorry and that I would like to talk to him when he is ready to talk to me."
"I will speak to him when we are home."
"No Mrs. Thornton. Please, allow him to process my stupidity in his time frame. He'll call me when he is ready. Please don't push him. He didn't do anything wrong. This was all my fault."
"That's very mature of you."
"Mrs. Thornton, this is the first mature thing I have done today." Her voice was soft. "I am sorry for hurting Tom."
Charlette reached for Julie's hand and gave it a light squeeze. Grace made eye contact with her youngest and gave her a small nod. She was proud of her daughter for doing the right thing. She also made a note to speak to her daughter later about the incident.
…
Elizabeth was leading Jack through the dining area toward the front door. They were about ten feet from the door when it opened. Elizabeth was so focused on getting Jack outside, that she didn't notice when the door opened or who opened the door.
"Elizabeth."
"Oh, good grief." Elizabeth muttered at the sound of the voice. Jack looked up and barely shook his head. He thought tonight couldn't get any worse. However, worse was standing in front of him.
"You're not leaving, are you?" Charles stated. That's when he noticed Jack walking behind her.
"Mr. and Mrs. Kensington." Elizabeth ignored Charles' question.
"Elizabeth, it's great to see you. I haven't seen you in months." Mrs. Kensington stated.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Kensington. We are just stepping outside for a moment."
"That's ok dear. Maybe we can catch up later tonight before you leave?"
Elizabeth nodded her head. "Oh Mrs. Kensington, this is my boyfriend, Jack Thornton. Jack, this is Mrs. Kensington."
"Hello ma'am." Jack nodded toward the smiling lady. Elizabeth had not only ignored Charles, but his father as well. His father had tried to get the charges dropped against his son when he assaulted her in the school's parking lot.
"I hope you enjoy your meal." She stated as she began to lead Jack to the front door.
"I thought you were going to make things right with her." Charles' mom turned all of her attention to him.
"I've tried. She is always with that guy."
"It doesn't matter who she is with. That has no bearing on you apologizing to that precious young lady. You laid your hands on her when you should have never done that." Her mother's voice was strong and demanding. "You will go to that young lady by end of school on Monday and apologize to her. If her parents are in this restaurant, you will apologize to them tonight."
"Dear, I don't think…" Charles' father began until his wife turned her attention toward him. He folded under her glare.
"You've heard me young man!" Declared Mrs. Kensington.
…
Elizabeth led Jack through the front door and turned right when they were outside. She walked him to the edge of the building just past some benches. She turned to face him. She stepped into his space. She placed her hands on his sides. Her pinky was resting on his belt. He followed her gesture and placed his hands on her sides just above her belt. She didn't want to get too close, but they were going to be close during their discussion. They weren't touching except for their hands on their sides.
"Jack…"
"Elizabeth…"
They both began at the same time. They chuckled a little at that fact. They often do that during their conversations.
"You first." Jack broke the silence.
"I am sorry for how things turned in the truck. Over the years, I have defended Julie. I did that today without knowing the whole truth."
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I was just protecting Tom. I knew how hurt he was."
"I know. I took it out on you, and I shouldn't. For that, I apologize. I do think Julie is beginning to see what she did wrong. After we talked, I understood the whole story. I believe she did too."
"I have always defended Tom too. I guess that is just what you do as the older brother."
"And older sister."
"I shouldn't have allowed my emotions to become part of our conversation." Jack stated.
"I did the same. I'm sorry I allowed what my sister did today to affect us."
"I'm sorry I allowed that whole situation to affect us."
"I don't think it is wrong in us defending our little sister and little brother."
"We shouldn't allow it to affect us." Jack finished her statement.
She laid her head on his chest. He moved his hands from her sides and wrapped them around her. He pulled her closer to him and slowly rocked from side to side.
"Do you forgive me?"
"Of course, Jack. Do you forgive me?"
"Absolutely." Jack stated as he kissed the top of her head.
…
Mrs. Kensington led Charles to the large table where William and Grace were sitting. She knew Julie and Viola, but she didn't know the older couple or the younger gentleman. She elbowed Charles. He stepped forward and cleared his throat.
"Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher. I'm sorry to interrupt your evening and meal."
William nodded his head. He still hasn't forgiven this young man for laying hands on his middle daughter.
"I wanted to apologize to you for my actions toward Elizabeth at school that morning. I have no excuse for what I did."
"Young man, what did you do?" Grace asked.
Charlette leaned over to Tom as Grace spoke. "Do you know this young man? He's on the basketball team but I don't know who he is."
"Yes, he is the one I protected from you."
"What do you mean?"
"He is Charles. He assaulted Elizabeth in the school parking lot that morning before school after Thanksgiving." Tom reached for her hand when he noticed the fire in her eyes. Charlette's body begun to move to stand. "Charlette!" Tom warned under his breath, "It's not our place."
"I know, but…"
Grace asked her question because she wanted to know if Charles was sincere in his apology or if he was doing this because his mother forced him. It had been a few months and Charles had never apologized before now. Her mother's instincts were telling her that he wasn't sincere.
"I crossed the line that morning. I still can't believe I did that."
"And what is 'that' that you speak of?"
Charles lowered his head. He just didn't want to say what he did. He knew he crossed the line, but he felt justified for his emotions. Yes, he crossed the lines in grabbing Elizabeth, but if she had just done what she was supposed to do, then none of this would have ever occurred.
"I should have never crossed that line that morning." He muttered softly.
"You're not willing to say it, are you?"
"I'm sorry ma'am."
William had all he could stomach of the whole conversation.
"Mrs. Kensington, your son grabbed my daughter and put bruises on her. He assaulted her."
"Wait…there were bruises?" She turned all her attention to her son.
"It was a misunderstanding." Charles defended himself.
"Mr. and Mrs. Kensington, have a good evening." William stated in a tone that left no doubt that he was done with the conversation.
"I'm sorry for the interruption Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher." Mrs. Kensington stated. Then she grabbed Charles' arm and pulled him away from the table.
…
Elizabeth and Jack stopped just inside of the door when she noticed Mr. and Mrs. Kensington at their table.
"What in the world…" Her voice trailed off. Jack saw the turmoil written all over her face.
The night began so well. They enjoyed the first few moments together. Then the discussion of Tom and Julie brought that to an end. Then her sister's discussion and Elizabeth learning all the facts. She felt good that things were good with Jack again. They apologized and both asked for forgiveness and received it. Just like her, she knew Jack wouldn't hold anything against her once he forgave her.
"It's ok. We're good." He whispered to her as the Kensington family walked by them. Mrs. Kensington didn't even notice the young couple. She was too focused in leading her son out of the restaurant.
"Yeah."
"Hey, let's have a nice evening. Our families are here, and we are together." He leaned in and gently kissed her cheek. "Come on Princess Beth…"
"Jack…that's not my name. Are you seriously still using that nickname?" She asked with a smirk as he pulled her to the table.
…
Viola opened her eyes and blinked a couple of times. She quickly realized she was at her childhood home lying in her old bed. She smiled when her phone buzzed. She knew it was her boyfriend. She reached for her phone and pulled out the charging cord. She lay on her back and held the phone in front of her face.
T – Good morning beautiful
T – I'll meet you at church at ten thirty
V – Do you have the address
T – Yeah
V – Are we leaving for school right after
T – We can or we can leave right after lunch
V – Let's leave right after church
V – We'll get something on the way
T – Perfect
V – Let's stop somewhere to sit down I would like some time with just you
T – That would be nice
Viola couldn't help but laugh. Since their deep discussion, she couldn't help the pull to this guy. Their relationship had certainly deepened. They have reached a new level, and she was perfectly ok with it. He certainly seemed like he was fine with it.
T – You miss me don't you
V – Why would you say that
T – You went silent there for a moment
V – Just thinking
T – You do miss me
V – I didn't say that
T – I miss you
His honesty was refreshing to her. He was open with her. She couldn't help the little giggle that escaped. Now she understood why and how Elizabeth was so smitten with Jack.
T – I look forward to being with you today
V – Me too
T – He Viola
V – Yeah
T – I love you
V – I love you
…
Just like Viola, Elizabeth opened her eyes when her phone chirped. A couple of seconds later, it chirped again. She didn't have to look at it to know who it was from. When it chirped again within a couple of seconds, she was a little surprised. Jack always texted her a good morning text immediately followed by a weird, strange history fact. He wouldn't text a third time. She rolled to her side facing her phone that was on top of her bedside table.
The first text was from Charles. She frowned reading his text.
C – I am truly sorry for everything I did I shouldn't have done any of that I would like to be friends again if you think we could
Elizabeth couldn't believe he sent her the text. They haven't spoken for a long time now. She still couldn't understand her old friend acting that way. That was so unlike him, but she also knew he did all of it. She ignored his text. She wanted to read Jack's text.
J – Good morning Mrs. T
J – Robert Heft designed the current American flag in a high school project in 1958. He only received a B- on the project from his teacher despite it becoming the official flag of the country.
Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief.
E – Did he really just receive a B-
J – He did
E – That must have been a tough teacher
J – That's what I was thinking
E – How is your ankle today
J – Good I miss you
E – I miss you
…
Jack walked into the church. He was looking for his friend. Abagail walked up behind him and touched him on the shoulder.
"Good morning, Jack. How are you?"
"I'm good. How are you?"
"I'm well. Susan was looking for you. She has a surprise for you."
"I don't see her. She has a surprise?"
"She does."
"Well…what is it?"
"I'm not sharing her surprise. Hey, does Elizabeth know about you two?"
Jack laughed. "She knows."
"Hey Jack!"
"Susan!" Jack called out as he turned around. He knew her voice. "Hey, how are…" Jack's stopped midway through his sentence. He stared for a moment. "When?"
"Friday" She outstretched her arms. She spun around to show him that she didn't have her crutches any longer. She had a walking boot that looked just like his.
"You're taller than I imagined." He teased.
After huffing at his teasing, she took off running toward him as fast as she could with the walking boot on. She jumped into his arms. He spun her around one time at Abagail's laughter.
Elizabeth walked into the door when Jack was spinning her around. When he sat her down, she noticed the boot and lack of crutches.
"Well, what do we have here?" Elizabeth sassed.
"Elizabeth!" Susan called out. "Look!" She stuck out her leg and opened her arms.
"No crutches!"
"Yes." She called out as she stepped into Elizabeth's open arms. "I got rid of them since Friday."
"Oh, I'm so happy for you!" Exclaimed Elizabeth. She really liked this little kid.
"So, Mr. Thornton." Elizabeth sassed as he walked up to them. "You come to church and pick up a beautiful young lady?"
Susan's shy smile appeared as she wrapped her arms around Elizabeth's waist. She buried her head into Elizabeth's side. Jack shrugged his shoulders at Elizabeth's playful teasing.
"She is a cutie." Jack stated.
"If she was older…I think she would steal your attention from me."
"Oh Elizabeth…I doubt that. He talks about his Princess Beth all the time." Susan squeezed Elizabeth's waist.
"I thought you didn't like the name Princess Beth?"
"Oh, I don't but that's what he calls you. I didn't know our real name until you visited."
"He likes to start trouble." She nodded to her boyfriend. "Are you going to Children's Church today?"
"No. The leader is out this weekend. We are to remain in the sanctuary during service."
"Would you like to sit with us?"
"Let me ask my mom." She excitedly stated. As she turned around and took a couple of steps, she stopped and turned her attention back to Elizabeth. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Elizabeth giggled as the young lady giggled as she tried to skip down the hallway.
"I think she's excited."
"I always knew you were smart." Jack laughed. "She'll love you forever since you invited her to sit with us. She really likes you."
"I believe I need to keep an eye on her. I need to keep her close, so she doesn't steal my boyfriend."
Jack chuckled. He extended his pinky and interlocked it with his. He led her down the hall to the teen Sunday School class.
"I'm surprised you came today."
"I wanted to be with you. Plus, I didn't hear Frank preach last time. We worked in the children's department."
As the couple walked down the hallway past the room Susan skipped into, Susan stuck her head out. "Elizabeth, I love your dress. The color draws out your eyes."
"Thank you."
"She's right you know, you look beautiful today."
"Jack, the green shirt makes your eyes pop. Good choice."
"Thank you, Susan."
"Without a doubt keeping her close. With those eyes and that smile..." Elizabeth smiled at this precious little girl. "…she could get any boy she wants."
"I agree…except for one boy. He's gratefully taken."
Elizabeth leaned into his shoulder appreciating his honest love and meaningful gesture. "I love you. But I still think I'll keep that cutie close." She smiled as she waved to Susan.
"Us…together."
"Yes, sweet man. Us together."
…
Jack looked up from his book. He had been reading a new book while laying in bed. Elizabeth allowed him to borrow it. She wanted the book back because she hadn't read it yet. It was one of the books that Nana and Pops bought her for Christmas. Jack felt like he had to sign out the book with his blood.
"Hey. How are you?"
Tom shrugged his shoulders. He was still hurting from Saturday's conversation with Julie. Jack sat the book down. He turned his attention toward his little brother.
"Whatcha thinking?"
Again, Tom shrugged his shoulders.
"I spoke with Elizabeth Saturday night at the dinner. Actually, we had a little tiff about it."
"Jack, you shouldn't have let it come between you two."
"We both did for only a minute. I was defending you and she was defending Julie."
"Great." Tom huffed.
"Elizabeth became upset when she learned everything. She and Julie spoke before we all went into the restaurant. She fussed at Julie when she learned all she did."
"Are you and Elizabeth good now?"
"We are."
"Why is this so complicated?"
"Because this is the first time your heart is involved. You said it yourself. All those other girls were just there for a hot minute. You or they weren't invested in what you two were doing."
"True."
"I can see that you've changed."
"I just wished Julie did."
"I think she does now. Elizabeth said that she finally began to see what she did and why it was wrong."
They sat in silence for a minute. Tom finally broke the silence. "Don't you think she should have already noticed that?"
"Maybe, but the most important thing is that she knows it now."
"Yeah…" Toms voice was weak.
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know. She sent me a text saying that she was sorry and she's ready to take my call when I'm ready."
"That's impressive. She told me the same thing."
"Why does it hurt so much?"
"Because your heart is involved. Julie meant a lot to you."
Tom nodded his head.
"Do you want to end things? Do you want to work things out?"
Tom thought about it for a few moments. "My heart says I do want to work things out and my head is screaming no."
"Why?"
"I think she likes John."
"From the bus thing a few months ago?"
"Part of it, yeah. When she thought about calling a guy, why was it him?"
"Good point."
"I also think she was just doing it to hurt me. She knew it would bother me if it was John."
"If it means anything, she didn't meet with him for lunch."
"Well…she texted him first, lied to me about how many times she did, and accused me of doing something I didn't do while doing what she accused me of. I guess her not having lunch with him counts for something." He paused for a moment. "Jack, do you think she picked John because she knew it would hurt me the most?"
Jack leaned forward. He wanted to honestly answer the question, but he didn't know for certain if Julie picked John for that reason or not.
"Tom, I don't honestly know. I would assume so since you three had a little bit of history. She knew that you thought they were flirting with each other. But Tom, I just don't know the answer to that question. That is a question you need to ask Julie."
"If you were in my shoes, would you give her another chance?"
"Tom, I can't answer that question with any certainty." He let out a deep breath. "Tom, you are the only one who can answer that question. Do you want to give her another chance?"
Tom leaned forward and rubbed his face with both hands. Jack waited patiently for his little brother's answer. Tom stood and faced his brother.
"She wasn't honest with me, and I do think she deliberately picked John to hurt me the most."
"True that she wasn't honest with you, but you haven't answered the question. Have you talked to her?"
"Not yet. I don't know what to say."
"That makes sense."
"When you and Elizabeth had that argument at the picnic, how did you work it out?"
"That was tough for me…for us. I had already fallen for her, but that guy was around all the time."
"Charles. You know, you can say his name without him appearing from thin air." Tom sassed a little.
"I'm not taking that chance." Jack chuckled. "Anyways, I told her what I wanted. I wanted to be with her, but she needed to find what her heart wanted. I seriously thought she liked him and didn't know it until I came along. I told her to go out with him with an open heart and figure things out. That's when I left the picnic and got an Uber to come home."
"Then she followed you here?"
"She did. She told me that she wanted to be with me and not him."
"It was that easy?"
"Oh no. I still had my concerns about him, about them. However, Elizabeth was adamant that she wanted to be in a relationship with me. It took some time for me to fully accept it, but she never wavered after that conversation."
"So, over time she proved herself to you?"
"Yes. That's a great way of saying it. It was a big moment for us. She proved to me beyond any shadow of a doubt that she wanted to be with me. I believed her."
"But that trust took some time?"
"It did. I think I trusted her when she came here and we talked before you all came home, but I still had my concerns. Too many people told me about them."
"How did she prove it to you?"
"Over time. She always chose me. She was good at reminding me of that fact. From then on, she never gave me a reason to think she was interested in him. They were still friends, but she drew clear boundaries with him and kept them. That was a huge thing for me."
"You were ok with her still being friends with him?"
"Pa told me that if they were just friends then I had no right to be jealous."
"But he didn't keep it that way."
"No he didn't. Elizabeth was the one who took the lead in that regard. When he kept pushing, she told him to back off or their friendship would be over. When he didn't and continued to push, she took a few steps back. I thought she handled it very well. Her taking the led in that was a huge part for me."
"So…it took her some time, but she finally handled it well?"
"Yes." Jack nodded his head. "So…my unanswered question?"
Tom looked at his older brother for a few moments. He turned to walk toward the door. Jack could see the hurt in his face and body posture. Tom stopped when he reached Jack's door. He placed his hand on the door seal and turned to partially face Jack.
"Yes and no. I guess I have my concerns."