A/N:
This one is a little longer than normal. Hope you enjoy.
Leave someone better than you found them.
Chapter 41
Jack woke up against every desire in his body to stay asleep. He wanted to stay in bed and not move. He was running on too little sleep and wasn't happy that his brain woke him up. He refused to open his eyes. He pulled the cover up to his chin. There was a slight chill in the air. His mind went back to the party. He loved every moment of it. He didn't understand why, but Elizabeth was passionate. She pulled him away from others just to steal a kiss. She attempted to take him back to the pantry another time but was caught by her mother before they made it through the kitchen. They touched the whole evening. They held hands or he had his hand on the small of back as they talked with others. The constant contact was intoxicating to him.
Some guy named Joe came to speak to Elizabeth. She was polite, but sincere in sending him on his way. Mrs. Williams did speak with Jack before midnight. Elizabeth would joke with him that she was flirting with him. Jack dismissed it. "She was too old for anything like that." He would tell her. She reminded him that she wasn't too old for that. Elizabeth saw the flirty looks she was giving Jack. He just didn't see it. Anyways, he made sure to stay close to his girlfriend. He would remind her of Joe's flirting. She remained close to her boyfriend. Neither desired to be flirted with by anyone else.
Just before midnight, they were standing in the library alone as the last minute of the year counted down. "This coming year will be a big year for us." She whispered as she was in his arms. Her forearms were on his shoulders while her hands were playing with the hair on the back of his head.
"It will be…this year has been big for us." He stated as he slid his hands from her waist to the small of her back. He loved the feel of her lower back. "If I haven't told you, you look stunning this evening."
"Thank you." She scooted closer to him. "This year has been big for us."
"It has. I moved from my hometown. I found this stubborn, auburn haired young lady who is very determined, and stubborn. She made me break my promise to myself."
"Yeah." She flirted as she tried to get closer to him.
"Did I say stubborn? She was very frustrating in the beginning."
"Once or twice. Only in the beginning?" She flirted.
"No…she's still frustrating in math class." He inhaled a slow breath. "Somehow, this frustrating, auburn haired young lady made me fall in love with her."
"Made you?" She teased.
"I've told you from the very beginning that you pull me in against my will. I still don't understand it, but I know it to be true."
"Are you sorry?"
"I'm sorry I didn't move to Hamilton last year." He tried to move closer to her. "Now I'm going to college with her."
"I like that too."
"She also has these blue eyes that has never heard the word 'no'." He looked intently into her eyes.
Her breath caught in her throat at the expression of love in his eyes.
"Ten…nine…" They heard the countdown begin.
"Elizabeth Thatcher, I love you."
"I love you, Jarrick Thornton. I look forward to the new year with you."
"Three…two…one… Happy New Year!" They heard everyone yell from the other room. For the young couple, they were only consumed in each other's arms. They were firmly lost in a kiss that each one of them will remember for the rest of their lives.
"Son!" Are you up?"
Jack opened his eyes and growled at the interruption of his memory. He loved the aggressive Elizabeth. He felt her passion and want. He was always a little concerned that she only kissed him because he initiated it. When she started the affection, it made him believe that she loved the attention as much as he did.
"Yes, Pa. I'm awake."
"That's not what I asked."
"I'm getting up."
"Great. We're leaving in forty five minutes."
"How are you so happy this morning?"
"I came home and went to bed. You came home and stayed on the phone with your girlfriend for hours."
"I'll be down shortly."
…
"What do you have planned for today?"
Elizabeth looked up to Viola and Julie walking into her bedroom. She had been reclined at her favorite spot reading. It was cold out and she decided not to go for a walk. She was enjoying doing that since the visit to Buxton, but it was just too cold to do that today.
"I should be leaving in about thirty minutes to meet up with Steph and Connie."
"You're not hanging with Jack today?"
"He's doing something with his father today. Then he has practice at three. Hopefully something later."
Mind if we go with you to meet with Connie and Steph?"
"Sure."
When her sisters told her that they would meet her downstairs in thirty minutes, she texted Jack when her sister left the room.
E – Hey you
J – Hey beautiful you having a good day
E – Missing you
J – Me too all morning
E – What are you doing today with your father
J – Well…it's just not with Pa
E – Who else
J – Your father
E – Wait you're with my father too
J – Yes
E – What are you doing
J – You won't believe me if I tell you
E – Try me
J – I have been threatened with death if I tell you
E – Seriously
J – Yes
E – You're not suppose to keep secrets from me
She huffed trying to figure out what he was doing with her dad and father. It just didn't make sense.
J – I don't want to but I'm honestly a little afraid if I say anything
E – May I see you later
J – I sure hope so
J – After practice
E – Perfect
Elizabeth walked into the kitchen to her mother working on some things.
"Hey, are you still going to meet with Steph and Connie?"
"I am. Why is father with Jack and dad?"
"I don't know. William said he was spending part of the day with them, but he wouldn't tell me what they were doing?"
"Jack just texted me telling me that he wasn't allowed to tell me."
"That's odd."
"It is. Julie and Viola are going with me to lunch."
"I hope you all have fun."
…
Elizabeth, Viola, and Julie sat at a table at the local Mexican restaurant waiting for Connie and Steph. After placing their dink order, Julie turned to Bethie.
"So…" Julie began with a little sister's teasing. "…you and Jack?"
Elizabeth looked in her sister's direction. "What about me and Jack?"
"The pantry."
"What about the pantry? Wait, did you take Jack to the pantry?" Viola asked.
"Julie!"
"You did!" Viola gasped. "Elizabeth Thatcher!"
"What? You were the one who told me about it." Elizabeth defended herself.
"Let's just say it was an intimate kiss. I would also add passionate. Hot. Steamy."
Elizabeth unknowingly bit her bottom lip. "Yeah, it was." She whispered as her face grew redder by the second with the memory.
"Have you two…?" Julie asked in a soft voice so no one else could hear her.
"Julie! Why would you ask me that?" Elizabeth's voice was a little higher than normal.
"You two in the pantry for one."
"And when I caught you two in the pool. Your hand was cupping his backside."
"Good grief Vi…of all the things you could remember from that day, you have to remember that one!" She shook her head. "No, we haven't. You two know me. I don't agree with sex before marriage. And neither does Jack for that matter."
"So, you two haven't?" Julie asked again.
"No Julie. Jack and I haven't. We wouldn't do that. I admit, I have grabbed his back side, and he has mine a couple of times. We do have passionate kisses but that's it. We haven't done anything inappropriate."
"But you've wanted to, right?" Julie sassed again.
"Julie Thatcher!" Elizabeth called out before burying her face in her hands. Her face completely red now.
"Well…?" Julie asked again when Elizabeth uncovered her face.
"Julie!"
"Come on, Elizabeth. I'm your sister."
"Fine." She huffed in defeat. "Yes, I have thought about it. I have even dreamed about it a couple of times."
"Really?" Julie asked, a little shocked.
"Oh, little one, haven't you seen Jack Thornton with his shirt off?"
"Viola, I hate it when you call me that."
"While I have thought about it, we both agree that sex is within marriage. We are standing on that decision together."
The three sisters sat at the table waiting on Elizabeth's friends talking like only true sisters could. They asked all the inappropriate questions concerning Elizabeth and Jack. Elizabeth answered every question with a red face. She knew they weren't being mean. They were just sisters with a good friendship between them. Other friends, other than Connie and Steph, would have been in trouble asking such questions, but sisters were completely allowed to ask.
When they were finished asking Elizabeth all the questions, they turned their attention to Julie and Tom. Julie answered all their questions with almost the same answers as Elizabeth. Vi reminded her that she was just fifteen and needed to be extremely careful. When the question turned to Viola, she became quiet.
"Wait, have you?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, I haven't. I almost did last year with a guy from school. He pushed me and I almost gave in, but I just couldn't. I'm so grateful I didn't. He broke it off because I wouldn't sleep with him. You two are extremely lucky you have good boyfriends."
"There is one out there for you, Viola."
"Thanks Julie."
"And he will be blessed to find you." Elizabeth gave her a smile.
…
"Jack, my son, it's so great to find something you are terrible at." William laughed as he patted Jack on the back. This was truly the first time William noticed something Jack isn't good at.
"That doesn't make me feel any better." Jack shook his head. "I just haven't played this before."
"It shows." Thomas stated with a laugh. "Son, you are supposed to get the balls in the pockets."
"With a stick and by hitting another ball first? Who invented this game? Pool is hard." Jack whined.
"It's fun though." William nodded his head.
"Mom lets you do this?"
"Well Jack, I was playing pool long before I met Grace. I come out and play every once in a while."
"And you, Pa?"
"I haven't played in a long while. I did play before I met your mother."
"Huh…I always though you knew Ma."
"Jack, I haven't always known your mother. Although, I must admit it's hard to think of a time in my life when I didn't know your mother. I guess that happens when you are with someone as long as I have been with Charlette."
"It does Jack, and it's a great time too. You must keep some of who you are in a relationship. You can't be all consumed with your wife. Sure, she becomes a huge part of you, as it should be. But you are still Thomas even after you get married. Just like I am still William. I love doing a few things on my own, but I absolutely love doing those same things with Grace when we share those interests."
"He's right Jack. You will be Jack and Elizabeth, but you should also still be Jack. Love Elizabeth with all of your heart. Just don't lose yourself in the process. Do most things together as a couple. But make sure you are still you. Just like Elizabeth still needs to be Elizabeth."
"So, today is about…?"
"It's about two men who have been married for over twenty years each pouring themselves into a young man."
"A young man who has expressed interest in marrying my middle daughter at some point. Jack, I like you. I want you and Elizabeth to have the best life together. This is our way of helping you achieve that."
"But Pa, we have already had the talk of me being a man."
"Jack, this isn't about you becoming a man. This is about you becoming a married man."
"A happily married man, Jack." William added.
"But not too soon." Warned Thomas.
"Not too soon." Echoed Jack with a laugh.
…
"Elizabeth, what's with the new ring?" Viola asked nodding to Elizabeth's finger.
"It's a Claddagh ring. It's like a promise ring."
"That's sweet, but you're wearing it on the wrong hand unless you have something you should share with us?"
"How do you know that?"
"I have a friend from Ireland in two of my classes. She has one but it's a red heart. She has it on her right finger with the point of the heart to her wrist. She's been with the same boyfriend since high school. She told me what it meant. She also told me what the other positions means."
"Oh…"
"Yeah…so sis, what's going on with you two?"
"Jack wanted me to know that he intends to marry me some day. He wanted me to know that he would be coming to me with an engagement ring at some point. This ring makes his intentions known to me."
"Really?" Julie asked.
"Yes. We're not engaged but he wants us to move in that direction. He wanted me to know that and to make sure I'm ok with that."
"Are you?" Vi asked.
"I'm the one who asked him to place it on my left ring finger in this direction." She stated showing her two sisters.
"And what does that mean?" Julie asked.
"It symbolized an engagement."
"So you're…"
"No Julie." Elizabeth cut her off. "We are not. We just have an understanding of where this relationship is heading. I wanted Jack to know that I will say yes when he comes and asks me for my hand."
"Wow!" Julie exclaimed. "How romantic is that?"
"I would like to hear his discussion with father when he asks for permission." Viola laughed at the memories of her numerous boyfriends meeting her father. They never got close to speaking to him about wedding plans.
"Well, he asked for father's blessing before he gave me the ring. He wanted father to know his intentions as well."
"Wow!" Julie and Viola stated at the same time.
"And father didn't kill him."
"No Vi. Father didn't kill him."
"He never like any of my boyfriends."
"Jack doesn't have orange, purple, or green hair."
"True."
"Hey, only mother and father along with Steph and Connie knows. Please don't tell anyone."
"Why not?"
"Because everyone knows everything. It's just nice to have something between me and Jack that the whole world doesn't know about."
"Got it." Julie answered.
"Is that why you two haven't proclaimed your love to anyone?"
Elizabeth slowly looked down at the table. These may be her sisters and she was open with them, but she wasn't willing to share that part of their relationship with anyone. She didn't feel bad for keeping it a secret, everyone already knew.
"Your secret is safe with us." Viola stated while Julie nodded her head.
…
The day before school was to begin for the new year, Hamilton East had a basketball game with a team that was a little over an hour away. Everyone was glad that they were traveling to Hamilton East instead of them having to travel that far away.
As is customary for all home games, Jack and Elizabeth meet their friend couples, including Lee and Rosemay at Abagail's for a pregame meal. Steph had to talk Cory into allowing his little brother to join the group. He wasn't happy about it. He did warn his little brother to make sure he didn't sit beside him while that ate or during the girls' game. Everyone had a great time. The adults usually ate at the café too but at a different table. This time, however, William and Thomas had to work late. They would just meet up at the game.
The girls' and boys' team were having a great year. They were playing well, and the crowds were showing up full force to cheer on their team.
"What are you doing?" Steph asked Elizabeth. She had been turning around every few minutes looking for someone.
"Mrs. Wilson and Adam isn't here yet. The girls' game is about to begin." Her voice was full of concern. It wasn't like Adam to miss a home game. They hadn't seen him for several days. They were missing him.
"I saw them pull into the parking lot as I was walking into the school."
"Oh…"
"Were you nervous?"
"I was." Jack stated. "I wouldn't have anyone bring me anything to drink during the game."
Elizabeth laughed and patted him on his leg. "How would you ever survive?"
"I'm not sure." Jack laughed and looked up. "Hey…there's my guy!" Jack exclaimed as he stood.
Adam saw him and began to hurriedly step down the two steps to make his way to their parents' normal sitting place on the bleachers. His arms were waving excitedly. Jack picked him up and twisted side to side a little. Adam's face was full of excitement.
"He missed you all." Linda stated.
"I was afraid you weren't coming."
"Oh no Elizabeth. I just had to work over today. He was so impatient with me." She nodded toward her son listening to everything Jack was telling him.
"Come on Adam, we'll go and get our snacks as Princess Beth finds our place."
Elizabeth huffed at Jack's words, but a huge smile overtook her lips when Adam turned to her and signed Princess Beth. "There's my protector." She stated as she reached for her hug. "Oh, how have I missed you and your hugs."
Adam smiled and placed his head on her shoulder. No matter how many times Linda saw Jack and Elizabeth love on her son, she always had a tear form in the corner of her eye.
"Please, only one bag of skittles." Linda implored with a sigh. They laughed when Adam quickly turned to look at her.
"Don't worry, Adam." Jack stated patting his shoulder. "We're going to the concession stand, not your mom. Are you ready?" He stood up winking at Linda without ever answering the question.
"You know where I'll be."
"Yes Princess Beth. Do you want your normal?"
"Yes, and that's not my name." She huffed.
She reached for Jack's extended hand to assist her in standing. She didn't need his help but loved touching him. She smiled when he ran this finger over her ring. She knew exactly what that meant.
…
The girls' team won by ten points. Jack was standing in line during warming up and leaned over to Cory. "Hey man…do you get the feeling something is off?"
"Yeah. I don't know what." He looked around. "Something feels wrong."
"I agree." He looked up and noticed a black headed guy wearing the number twenty two staring at him.
Cory followed Jack's eyes and saw how the other guy was looking at them.
"Hey, do you know him?"
"No. I don't know him. I've never heard of this school." Jack answered. "Do you know him?"
"No. We beat them last year, but it wasn't bad. I barely remember him."
"I get the feeling this could go wrong. Be careful out there." Jack whispered. That's when they notice that number forty five was also giving them a death stare.
After the lineups were announced and the coach gave his speech just before releasing the team, Jack stepped in the huddle and spoke up.
"Hey, no games tonight. Let's finish this. Protect yourselves out there and each other. We end this quick. Laser focus."
Everyone nodded their head and yelled 'family' after he counted to three. Before turning to walk onto the court, Jack looked toward Elizabeth. Her smile was big and loving. He tapped his chest twice and she mouthed 'I love you' to him. He had a huge smile on his face until he turned to walk onto the court. Then his face turned serious.
…
Within the first two minutes of the game, the other team fouled Jack pretty hard by knocking him to the floor. The ref warned the opposing player. Jack was fine but was shaken up at first. He made his free throws. Their team was up six points at the end of the first period. The other team had six more fouls than Jack's team. Cory, Steven, and Joe were fouled the most, The hardest foul was against Jack, twice. His player was trash talking to him the most. Jack did score eight points and had two steals. So, he didn't understand why his player was talking so much trash talk.
As they walked onto the court for the beginning of the second period, Jack told Sam to find his spot. "I'm driving the ball down the middle of the paint. My guy can't keep up with me. If the defense collapses on me, I'll find you."
"He's been crashing down all game. I won't miss."
Joe passed the ball inbounds to Jack. His defender met him at half court to guard him.
"You're mine, college boy." He hissed under his breath. He was jealous Jack received a scholarship and he didn't.
"I haven't been so far. Where have you been?" Jack trashed talked back as he dribbled up the court. "Have I even seen you before?" He faked right then went left blowing by his defender. As he did, Steven and Cory stepped out of the painted area to get their player to commit to them and open the lane for Jack. He had an easy layup. As he ran up the court after making the shot, his defender ran beside him.
"You got lucky, college boy."
"I've been lucky for ten points man. I didn't even know you were guarding me. I haven't seen you all night."
The guy elbowed him. "Lucky." He hissed.
"I must add the greatest hide and seek player in the whole world to my resume. You haven't kept up once."
"What?" The guy snarled.
"You haven't found me all game. Do you even see me now?" Jack sassed with a huge smile.
"We'll see."
"You may need to ask your coach for a little help, young fella. There's no shame in it, young pup."
The guy pushed Jack a little and Jack smiled back at him. The guy was talking trash and didn't like it when Jack returned the trash talk. The opposing team's head coach called time out when his player brought the ball to halfcourt.
…
"That twenty two seems to be talking a lot of trash to Jack." William mentioned after he cheered.
"Jack always says there is trash talking out there, but you're correct William. That guy seems to be talking a lot."
"Jack seems to be talking back a little."
"My boy usually doesn't do that, so that guy must have said something that Jack didn't like." Charlette added.
"I've never noticed him talk to the other players very much." William thought out loud.
"Maybe a little, but not too much." Thomas stated.
Elizabeth noticed the trash talking too. She figured you get a bunch to young guys competing there would be some words exchanged. She hasn't noticed Jack doing that very much. She made a mental note to say something to him. She didn't like it and didn't think it helped Jack's game at all.
"Good job men. Jack, don't get caught up in the trashing talking." The coach warned him. "Keep your eye on the ball." The coach turned his attention to the team. "Cory, Steven and Joe, protect yourselves out there. They have already fouled you pretty hard a few times. You too Sam. No fancy stuff. Play sound, technique offense and let your defensive play speak for itself. We're up, keep pushing and don't let up. Any questions?"
When no one said anything, the coach stood and stepped out of the huddle. Jack leaned forward. "This team is a little dirty." Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. "Protect yourselves and each other. Joe and Sam, find your spots. Cory and Steven, be ready. They can't guard you all. They decide how we score. It'll be three pointers or dunks. Flood gates open now. I'll drive the center of the paint. If I'm open, I'll have lay ups. If your man comes off you, you'll have the shot. Let's put them away now. Are you with me?"
Everyone nodded their heads and smile. "Yeah." Jack heard four voices say.
"Let's get to work."
Elizabeth smiled listening and watching his intensity. He was focused on his guys. He glanced in her direction as he stood. Their smiles matched as he turned to walk on the court.
When they took their positions on the court, number twenty two began talking trash again. Jack heeded his coach's advice and quit talking to him. Jack thought that actually made him a little madder.
Steven's player stepped to the free throw line to set a screen for another player. The point guard made a lazy pass to Jack's player. He immediately saw the soft pass and stepped in front of his player and stole the ball. As he raced down the court dribbling the ball, number twenty two was trying his best to catch up to him. Steven was just a few feet behind them. With an open court, Jack went for a layup. As Jack jumped and released the ball, number twenty two pushed him from behind. Jack cumbersomely flew through the air getting out of balance and landed awkwardly on his left foot. It gave way when it bent to the side. He landed on the court with a loud thud. He slid along the court until he hit the wall behind the goal. He reached for his ankle when the pain immediately registered. He didn't realize he yelled in pain.
Steven grabbed number twenty two by his jersey slamming him, and then pinning him, against the padded portion of the wall. He leaned a good portion of his weight onto him. He was almost touching noses with him.
"That's dirty man!" Steven yelled just inches from the guy's face. The ref stepped in before anything else was done or anyone else jumped in.
"I've got him young man. Let him go!" The ref warned Steven.
Steven pushed him against the wall a little more before releasing his death grip on the opposing player's jersey.
Elizabeth placed her hands over her mouth when she saw how awkwardly Jack landed and then when she heard him yell.
Jack was laying on the court on his side. He had one hand holding his leg close to his ankle and the other hand was balled into a fist. He was hitting the side of his fist against the court. Charlette immediately stood along with Grace. She knew this was bad. The whole gym became silent.
The athletic trainer and coach quickly walked toward Jack. The opposing team walked toward their bench. Jack's teammates on the bench all stood and looked on.
The crowd cheered when the announcer came on the loudspeaker and informed everyone that number twenty two was called for a flagrant technical foul and was ejected from the game. The four other starters gathered around Jack, the athletic trainer, and the coach. They were worried about their brother.
"Ok Jack, lay on your back and let me take a look."
Jack did as he was instructed, but he continued to hit the floor in pain. Candy, the athletic trainer, gently took Jack's left leg and placed it flat on the ground. Elizabeth was trying to look but couldn't see him because of the other players. She was getting a little frustrated not knowing. She saw glimpses of him rocking side to side in pain through the other players' legs.
Cory turned to look for Jack's parents. When he made eye contact with them, he shook his head slightly. That was all Charlette needed. She immediately made her way from her spot down the steps and to the end of the bench. She didn't want to get in the way of Candy, but she had to know about her son. Steven immediately found Elizabeth in the stands in her normal spot. She saw the look on his face.
Jack finally calmed down enough to allow Candy to work. When she touched the sides of his ankle, he flinched. "Jack, I need to take the shoe off. Your ankle is taped, so that will keep the swelling down." Jack nodded his head. He flinched a few times during the process. Candy felt his ankle and foot. Jack groaned a couple of times. "I don't think it's broken, but you will need to go to urgent care for an x-ray to make sure. I do think it's a severe sprain." Jack laid his head on the court. "It's alright Jack. It'll heal." She tried to encourage him with an upbeat tone to her voice.
"Great, now I'm going to be a Candy Baby." Jack laughed, exhaling a long breath.
A Candy Baby was a loving term that was given to any player in any sport that was hurt and couldn't play. They would sass each injured player with that title. Candy was the athletic trainer for all sports at Hamilton East. She hated the term and tried to stop it from being used, everyone still used it anyways.
"Yeah Jack, you're going to be mine for a few weeks."
"That long?"
"At least a week to two. Maybe longer or maybe shorter. You know how sprained ankles can go."
"Crap." Jack hissed as he tried to sit up. Find my Ma and Elizabeth. Please let them know."
"Mrs. Thornton is at the end of the bench and Elizabeth is standing behind the bench with her mom."
Cory and Joe extended their hands to help Jack up. When he stood, he didn't put any weight on his left foot. He made eye contact with his mom and then found Elizabeth. She gave him a thumbs up and raised her eyebrows. Jack shook his head no. He instantly saw her expression change. He gave her his best possible smile under the circumstances.
Before he took his first step with Cory and Joe's help, he spoke to the team. "Sam, Joe, Malachi, it's your team now. No one falls off because of this. It's your responsibility to make sure everyone plays right. Steven and Cory, you all dominate. I may not be playing, but I will yell at you if any of you slack off. No letting up. Finish it!"
"Got it." They all stated at the same time.
"Steven, thanks for having my back."
"Any time brother." They fist bumped.
Cory and Joe helped him to the end of the bench where he sat down. A freshman moved so Jack could take his seat. His mother was instantly by his side.
"How is it and don't you dare lie to me!" She commanded, poking her finger in his chest.
Jack could only chuckle at his mother. "Candy thinks it is sprained pretty bad but doesn't think it's broken. She said I needed an x-ray to make sure."
"We'll go at halftime since it's just in a couple of minutes."
"Ma, can we please go after the game? She's getting some ice for it. I would like to stay."
"Jack…"
"Please Ma, if it's broken or sprained, I can't injure it any more by just sitting on the bench. I need to be here for them." He nodded toward his teammates.
"See if you can talk some sense into him." Charlette turned her attention toward Elizabeth. She was standing behind Jack. She was waiting her turn to speak with him.
Elizabeth placed her hands on Jack's shoulders. "Mom, I stopped trying to do that a long time ago. Your son is stubborn and doesn't always listen."
"Hey." Jack tried to sound offended. He turned back to his mother and pleaded. "After the game, please Ma."
"Fine. Are you ok?
"Yes and no." Jack honestly answered.
Elizabeth squeezed his shoulders. Jack turned his head and they made eye contact. Their nonverbal communication flowed easily. Jack felt something cold on his arm. He knew what it was. He turned his attention away from Elizabeth and saw Adam standing there with an orange Gatorade. When Jack reached for it, Adam gave him a hug. He held onto Jack much longer than normal. When they pulled back, Jack nodded his head. "I'll be ok. I promise."
Candy came back with a big bag of ice and a wrap. Jack flinched when she cut the tape off his ankle. She wrapped the ice bag around his ankle. She instructed him not to put any weight on it until after the doctor looked at it.
…
The buzzer sounded at halftime. Hamiton East was up by fifteen. The dirty play against Jack inspired everyone on the team. Everyone made their way to the locker room. Jack stood and gave a weak smile to Elizabeth. She intently watched him walk away. He took his first step very gingerly, going very slowly with a huge limp.
"He was told not to put weight on it." Charlette huffed in frustration.
"I told you your son doesn't always listen." Elizabeth shook her head. She knew he would push things. For good or bad, it was just who Jack was.
"You couldn't make him?" Charlette sassed.
"What makes you think I can make him? I've only known him for about six months. You're his mother."
"He loves you."
Elizabeth looked Charlette in the eyes. They still haven't shared that information publicly. Only Nana and Pops have heard it. "He loves you. Mom, you are the one who can make him do things."
Charlette reached for Elizabeth's hand. "I don't think that's true. He has told me on several occasions that you make him do things without even asking. He has told me countless times that your eyes have never heard the word 'no'."
Elizabeth's face turned red. Instead of the whole team walking ahead of Jack, they were just a few feet in front of him. They weren't leaving him behind, only Charles walked way ahead. Two freshmen walked beside Jack. They didn't assist him but walked beside him just in case he needed any help. It took a little while, but he finally made it to the locker room.
"Mom, what do you think?"
"You are about to find out exactly how stubborn your boyfriend is."
"Oh…I already know that. That isn't a big secret."
"So, the trainer doesn't think it's broken?"
"No Grace she doesn't but we won't know for sure until he gets an x-ray."
"And Jack won't leave during the game because he needs to be there for the team?"
"You have a great grasp of the situation." Charlette laughed leaning into Grace's shoulder.
"He's a good guy."
"He's stubborn." Charlette shook her head.
Tom and William brought everyone snacks like every other home game. Elizabeth kept a close watch on the double doors where the players come out onto the court. She never took her eyes off it for any long periods of time. She was worried about her boyfriend.
When Jack came out for the third period, he was dressed in jeans and a hoodie. Candy had gotten him a set of crutches for him to use. He hated them, but quickly figured out they were very useful and helpful. Elizabeth, Grace, and Charlette were all sitting behind the bench and intently watched Jack hobble back on the court. He glanced to the three woman who were sitting on the first row of bleachers directly behind the last seat on the bench. He shook his head at their studying him walking on the crutches. He nodded his head when he made eye contact with Elizabeth.
He ungraciously sat down in the chair. He wasn't used to being injured. Once situated, Charlette asked him how he was doing. He nodded his head. He smiled when he felt a hand on his back.
"I need to hear the words, son." Grace stated.
"I'm fine mom." He smiled as he turned around. "I don't like these things, but Candy said I better get used to them."
"If I see you walking on that foot before she or the doctor says it's ok, I will discipline you myself."
"You're worse than Ma." He shook his head.
"And then you will have to answer to me." Elizabeth stated with authority.
"Elizabeth, I already have two mothers…I don't need a third one." He sassed a little but also a little truth in it.
When the team came to the sidelines, Jack stood to go and stand by the huddle. While he couldn't play, he still wanted to be part of the team. He spoke with Malichi and encouraged him the best he could. He hopped his way back to the end of the bench. He didn't use the crutches going to the huddle or coming back. He had his hand on the shoulder of the guy beside him for balance.
"What?" He asked, looking at three very unhappy ladies staring at him. He could see a little bit of anger in their eyes.
"Seriously?" Charlette and Grace stated. Elizabeth didn't say anything, but her face asked the same question. Her expression was demanding an answer.
"You all said not to put any weight on my foot, or you all will spank me. I didn't put any weight on it." He shrugged his shoulders not fully understanding what their problem was.
"You know exactly what we meant, young man."
"Ma, I didn't put any weight on it just like you stated. My foot never touched the floor."
"Jack…" She huffed.
He smiled his perfect, dimpled smile that always got him out of trouble as a kid. Elizabeth couldn't help the smile on her face. She wanted to be mad at him, and she was, but that goofy smile was just too much for her to handle. Those dimples were just drawing her in, and they captured her. Honestly, she was very willing to go with him anywhere. He reached out his hand for her. He squeezed her hand three quick times and turned his attention back to the game.
"You're lucky your cute." Elizabeth patted his shoulder.
…
"How are you feeling Jack?" Coach Franklin asked as he walked to the end of the bench during the third period.
"It's throbbing now, but I'm ok. Ma is taking me after the game for x-rays."
"Let me know what they say."
"I will, coach."
"Malachi is playing well."
"He is. He'll do a good job. Who is his back up?"
"I was thinking James."
"What about Shane?"
"Really?"
"He's a freshman but he is a challenge for me to guard in practice. He's always causing me problems on offense and defense."
"I'll put him in for a few minutes to see how he handles playing in front of a crowd."
"He'll be fine. The atmosphere isn't too big for him."
The coach turned to pay attention to the game. Jack leaned over past the guy he was sitting beside and patted Shane on the shoulder.
"When you go in, treat it like practice. You always give me fits."
"Jack, I don't cause you any trouble in practice."
"Oh yes you do. Your greatest asset is speed. Use it. Get in their face and use your speed to give them trouble. You've got this man. It's time for you to step up. We need you."
"Jack…I'm just a freshman."
"A talented freshman." Their conversation ended when the coach yelled.
"Hey Shane!" Yelled Coach Franklin. "Give Malachi a breather."
"Go get 'em." Jack encouraged him.
…
Jack smiled as the final buzzer sounded. His replacements played well. Hamilton East won the game by eleven points. He also moaned as he knew he had to get up and go for an x-ray. He was a little nervous about the results. He also didn't want to walk around on those stupid crutches. More than that, he wasn't looking on waiting forever in the urgent care lobby.
"Are you ready son?"
"Yes Pa. I'm ready. Coach told me to go ahead and go. That I shouldn't waste time to go back to the locker room."
"We'll pull around to the side to pick you up by the glass doors."
"Thanks." Jack stated. Then he turned his attention to his girlfriend who was standing beside him. "I'll call you after."
Elizabeth wanted to go with him. She needed to be there with him and for him. She just didn't want to overstep her place. He was her Jack. He was hurt. They didn't know if his ankle was broken or not. He was in pain, and she needed to be there for him. She had experienced very few things in her life that she knew with such certainty than her desire to go with Jack.
"Tom, if it's ok with you, we would like to go with you. We can at least wait with you."
"That's very nice of you all William, but all we'll be doing is sitting and waiting."
"We all love Jack and would like to be there with you if you all don't mind." Then he leaned in and whispered. "I think Elizabeth would literally bust if she doesn't go."
"We would love for you to be there."
"Thanks William."
William turned his attention to his daughter. "Ride with Jack if his parents don't mind. We'll meet you at the Urgent Care on Ripley St. Then you can ride home with us."
"Thanks father." Her face was bright with relief. She kissed him on the cheek and turned her attention to Jack. "Come on big boy, do you need any help, or do you have this?"
…
"Jack, how bad is it hurting?"
He squeezed Elizabeth's hand. "It's throbbing pretty good right now. I just want to know what I'm dealing with."
"Thank you mom for letting me come back here with you. I appreciate it."
Charlette gave Elizabeth a knowing smile. She knew Elizabeth wanted to be with Jack. She also understood that Jack wanted her with him. Charlette just wasn't ready to give up her role as a mother. Jack was growing up. He didn't need her as much as he did just a few years ago. She found it oddly comforting that Jack would look toward her first at times and then to Elizabeth. It made her feel important to him still even though he depended on Elizabeth.
"Alright, are you ready for an x-ray?" The nurse asked as she walked into the room with a wheelchair. She had a bubbly personality that helped calm the anxiety in the room almost immediately.
"I'm ready." Jack spoke.
The nurse made her way to Jack's bed. She applied the wheelchair brakes. She reached for Jack's hand to help him transfer from the bed to the wheelchair. When he sat down, she took extra care to situate Jack's injured ankle on the footrest of the chair.
"Alright ladies, we'll be back in about twenty minutes."
"I can't go with him?" Elizabeth asked quickly without thinking.
"No ma'am. He has to do this alone, but I promise we'll be back soon." The friendly nurse smiled at her.
Elizabeth was a little embarrassed she couldn't go back with Jack. She didn't want to leave him. She was hoping she would hide the disappointment from reaching her face. She was also a little shaken up about being in a urgent care. It felt just like a hospital. This was the first time she had been in a place like this since that Monday morning. Elizabeth and Charlette watched the nurse wheel him out of the room. Elizabeth sighed as Jack disappeared down the hall.
"Dear, are you ok?"
"Yeah…I could tell he was in pain. I've never really seen that before. When he was hurt because of that Monday, he hid it very well. Plus, I was hurt too. I guess we were just going through so much that I didn't focus on his pain until he flinched or something."
"It's just different when it's someone you love and not you." Charlette smiled.
"With this, it's just different. I'm not hurt and dealing with all of that happened to us. My whole focus is on Jack. It broke my heart to watch him hurt and not be able to do anything about it."
"Yeah. It rips your heart out. He got injured during his freshman year. That was hard. He hurt his knee and was out for a two weeks." She paused for a moment. She didn't want to bring up bad memories, but she had to check on her. "Dear, are you handling being in the this place well?"
"To be honest, I haven't thought about it too much since I've been here. When we first arrived and now since he left the room. I've been too focused on Jack."
"You're good for him, you know?"
"I hope so."
"I understand you and him had a conversation the other day." She nodded toward her ring. "It's a beautiful ring."
"Thank you. He did a good job in picking it out."
"He did. He picked it out all by himself. I didn't even know he purchased it until after your date. He also told me that one day he will have another ring for you."
"Yeah, he said something along those lines." She smiled as she looked and fingered her ring. Mom, are you ok with that?" She knew Charlette loved her, but she was still a little nervous asking her the question.
The older woman reached for both of the younger woman's hands. "I can't think of anything else that would make me any happier than you officially becoming my daughter. Elizabeth, I already think of you as my daughter."
Elizabeth let go of Charlette's hand and wiped away a tear that was falling down her cheek. "Thank you mom."
…
"Ok young man, lay back and don't move."
"Yes ma'am."
The lady took the x-ray and then came back into the room. "Now, please lay on your right side and bend your right knee up as far as you can. Then, lay your left foot down on the table as much as possible."
"I'll try." Jack stated as he turned to follow her instructions.
After taking that x-ray, she had Jack lay on his left side so she could take an x-ray of the other side of Jack injured foot.
"Now, that's everything. The doctor will be in a moment to read the x-ray."
"Thank you." Jack stated as he took her hand to help him transfer from the hard table of the x-ray machine to the wheelchair. "Honestly, what do you think? Is it broken?"
"Young man, I can't tell you anything. You must wait for the doctor. I know it feels like a long time, but she will be in very soon."
"Thank you."
…
With a small little brace on his ankle and a set of new crutches from the hospital, Jack and Elizabeth made their way out of his room and down the hallway to the exit. Their parents were immediately following them. Jack was slow with the crutches. The nurses encouraged him by telling him that he would get used to them very soon and to make sure he used them. He wasn't supposed to put any weight on that ankle for five days. Then he needed to add weight cautiously for the next few days. The doctor warned him not to put total weight on it for at least eight days, maybe longer. They would further that discussion when she saw him in her office in about week.
"Thank you for allowing us to come and wait with you."
"You're welcome, Grace. We understand how you feel about him. We feel the same way about your child." Tom nodded toward Elizabeth. She didn't hear them talking because she was so focused on Jack and his crutches. Jack didn't hear them because he was focused on using the crutches and not falling down.
"Slow down Jack. You need to be patient and go slow."
"Elizabeth…" Jack stopped hobbling and turned slightly to face her. He let out a little sigh. He was hurting and tired. It was a bad combination. Then add the part about the crutches and missing some games, he was frustrated. That frustration was growing by the hobbles step. He took a deep breath trying to calm his annoyance. "…I don't need another mother. Please back off." While his tone wasn't mean, it was a little curt.
Elizabeth stepped closer to him and placed her index finger under his chin. She lifted it until he looked into her eyes. When she had his full attention, she began to speak in a loving, yet determined and firm voice. "I love you, Jarrick Thornton. I get it that you're injured and in pain. But you have no right to use that tone with me when all I'm doing is trying to take care of you. I know you. You're frustrated because you must use those crutches and you can't do things that you normally do. Plus, you feel like you should already have those crutches mastered. I also know you are going to push yourself to heal. And if you're not careful, you are going to reinjure yourself. So, if I must be your mother for a few days to make sure you heal and do what you are supposed to do, then so be it. However, I would prefer you to use the phrase 'loving girlfriend' instead of 'your mother'. Do you understand me?" The firmness never leaving her tone or her facial expression.
Jack felt bad for his tone. She was completely right about all of it. He just wasn't happy about the whole situation. He nodded his head.
"Jarrick, I need to hear you say it."
Grace couldn't help but chuckle at the phrase. She covered her mouth to silence the laugh. She also smiled because her daughter was acting just like her.
"Yes."
"Great. Now, I think you need to apologize to me."
"You're right, Elizabeth." He let out a long sigh. He rubbed his face with his right hand. "I am so sorry, Elizabeth. Please forgive me."
"You are forgiven. Now, if I become too protective as a loving girlfriend, please let me know and I'll see if I need to dial it back."
"Wait, you will decide to dial it back or not?"
"Yes, because if it was your decision, you wouldn't be using those crutches right now."
"You're right." Jack grinned.
"I bet that was hard for you to say." She flirted.
"Tasted like vinegar." He sassed.
"I bet. Now, I love you and you need to get home to rest."
"Thank you. I love you, Elizabeth."
Jack leaned forward and Elizabeth met him halfway. They shared a gentle kiss. The young couple turned toward the waiting room and slowly made their way to the lobby. Their whole conversation was had in front of their parents, but they forgot they were there. Jack and Elizabeth were so focused on each other, that they didn't realize they said 'I love you' to each other in front of their parents.
Grace and William looked at each other as did Tom and Charlette. That was the first time they had heard Jack or Elizabeth use that phrase. Sure, they knew they loved each other, but this was the first time they heard the words.
"They don't know they said that do they?"
"No William…they don't."
"She's good for him." Charlette stated.
"She is, but he is good for her too." William stated.
"They are good for each other."
Jack and Elizabeth walked through the doors to the waiting room and stopped in the middle of the doorway. The whole team, except for Charles, was sitting in chairs and on the floor waiting to hear word about Jack. When they saw him, everyone quickly stood. Coach Franklin, Cory, Steven, Joe, and Sam all stepped forward. Elizabeth smiled at Connie and Steph. In total, there were about eighteen people in the waiting room waiting for Jack.
"How bad is it, man?" Cory asked.
"It's just sprained. The doctor said it will probably sideline me for about two weeks."
"That's not too bad."
"Could be worse. At least four games." Jack's voice was soft.
Elizabeth squeezed his hand three times. "You'll be back stronger than ever."
Jack gave her a weak smile and squeezed her hand three times.