TRIGGER WARNING: Father Mark and Nathan finish this conversation so the first part has a bit of what happened. So implied abuse and the talk of it.
Chapter 283 – Saturday Morning of the Show
An hour and a half after Father Mark entered the library, Nathan sat back and wiped his face. Father Mark saw his red bloodshot eyes and dry lips. Father Mark got up and looked at Nathan.
"Stay here." Father Mark said. "I will get us some water."
Father Mark left the library, got two bottles of Gatorade and a pitcher of ice water. He also grabbed the bottle of Tylenol since he figured Nathan probably had a headache from crying. He took everything back to the library without saying a word to anyone. He set the stuff down and then locked the door again. Nathan immediately downed a bottle of Gatorade and then poured a glass of water and took two of the Tylenol. He nodded his head and then took a deep breath.
"Thank you." Nathan said. "And sorry about all of this."
"Nothing to be sorry about." Father Mark said. "I just wanted you to be okay. I am not going to push the issue to talk, at least not right now. But I want you to know that I will be here any time that you are ready to talk. If you want something to eat, please let me know."
"I don't even know what to say." Nathan said. "What Emily did tonight brought memories to the surface that I barely remembered. I don't think I can stomach any food right now. I feel nauseous from crying."
"Wait a minute." Father Mark said.
Father Mark went back to the kitchen and grabbed a sleeve of cracker and another Gatorade. He again didn't say anything, but just nodded to his grandmother. He then went back to the library and sat back down. He handed the crackers to Nathan and opened the Gatorade for himself.
"Thank you again." Nathan said.
"You are welcome." Father Mark said.
Father Mark took a deep breath and said a quick prayer before addressing Nathan again.
"Someone hurt you." Father Mark said. "I mean other than your father hitting you and the emotional abuse you suffered because of his lack of care."
"I think so." Nathan said. "I honestly don't know what is real and what was filled in by my own head. I only have snippets of memories, it was more the feelings and emotions that assaulted me out of nowhere. "
"That can happen especially if it happened when you were young." Father Mark said. "I also want to stress that you are allowed to feel whatever you want and there are no right or wrong feelings about things like this. If you want to be mad or angry, I am not going to tell you that is wrong. When it comes to things like this there is no one way to feel. I also understand if you feel confused and not sure what to think or feel. We don't need to figure things out tonight. Tonight, we need to get to a place where I know that you are okay for the short term, ie tonight."
"Thank you." Nathan said. "Personally, I just want to forget about it. I want to forget about these memories, I want to forget about how I feel, I want to forget everything. As beautiful as your sister is, I honestly don't want to see her any time soon because I am not sure what I would do."
"I am pretty sure you don't have to worry about that." Father Mark said. "I am pretty sure my grandparents won't be allowing her back here. And if they were considering it, I would say something, especially with what you just said."
"Can we just not talk about things until I get a better handle on my emotions?" Nathan asked.
"Okay." Father Mark said. "With two conditions. One – you speak to a trained counselor. Two – if you are feeling unsafe for any reason, you let me know."
Nathan nodded
"Okay." Father Mark said. "I will make some calls tomorrow and see if I can get someone to come out here next week. I won't say anything to anyone and what you tell them is up to you. If my grandparents ask, I will say that we talked and I am handling it. Is that acceptable?"
"Thank you, yes." Nathan said.
"Want to stay and do night prayers?" Father Mark said.
"Not really." Nathan said. "But I don't want to go downstairs either. I don't have the energy to focus on anything. I just need some quiet and time to think."
"Can I stay here and do night prayers?" Father Mark asked.
"Fine." Nathan said. "I just don't have the mental energy to do them with you right now."
"That is fine." Father Mark said. "I just wanted to make sure you are okay with me doing them here."
Father Mark did his night prayers and then stayed with Nathan until they went to bed well after midnight. They didn't talk, but Father Mark sat there and prayed quietly as Nathan sat in the corner. It wasn't that Father Mark was worried about Nathan hurting himself, but he also didn't want to leave him alone after everything he had been through. Nathan had slowly ate the sleeve of crackers and drank the other Gatorade. He let Father Mark know that he was feeling better at least physically.
… … … …
Saturday morning, Jack and Doug had left Nathan and Father Mark to sleep, knowing that they had a late night. They would check in with them later. They got ready as quietly as they could so they could deal with the day ahead. Doug knocked on his sister's door and they headed up with their brother. Jack and Doug let Gran know that they were going to let Father Mark and Nathan sleep until they were at least back from dealing with the horses. They also suspected that Lee and Frank would be up soon. Jack also thought that Elizabeth would be up soon. After speaking with Gran and grabbing some coffee, they headed down to turn out the horses. They knew that there was a lot to do.
Saturday morning was busy as horses needed to get turned out and also gotten ready for the show. The first group wasn't expected until eight, with jumping starting at nine thirty. The girls didn't have to have their horses down there until lunch time, so it was decided they would be moved closer to lunch. The plan was to just turn them out that morning like normal. So they were left down at the family stable for now. They other horses were also turned out so if they boys wanted to ride they could. The horses could deal with some time in the sun.
After turning the horses out, the group went back up to have breakfast as a family. Frank, Lee and Elizabeth were all upstairs by that time. The decision was made to let Nathan and Father Mark sleep a bit longer as Frank said it had been after midnight when they came into the room to go to bed. The other adults in the house were also downstairs by the time the group from the stable returned. The plan was to have a nice quiet breakfast as a family, minus Father Mark and Nathan. Trish, Gran and the others had made a nice breakfast for everyone so they could sit down together.
It was anything but a peaceful breakfast. If it wasn't someone's cell phone ringing, it was the house phone ringing. No one could turn their phones off, because of the show. However, it wasn't people calling about the show. Gran answered nine calls from reporters and Charlotte called Jack's phone five times. There were also several calls to Elizabeth's phone from unknown numbers that were not picked up. Gran was getting frustrated with the reporters. She was also getting angry with her daughter again, because Charlotte also called her parents cell phones a total of eighteen times that morning. Jack was also very angry about Elizabeth getting calls. She wondered who had given her number out, because as far as he knew, it wasn't posted publicly. Then Jack remembered that they never changed her number, but just got her a new phone.
"Can I change my number?" Jack asked in frustration.
"Yes, but can we not do that right now." John said. "Let's get through the weekend and then we can talk about changing numbers for both you and Elizabeth. I was going to talk to you about getting your own phone plan together and not being under Thomas's account. I mean I pay for it in the end, but they have also tried to call the company and shut your phones off. I was informed and told the company that if they did that, I would cancel all of my contracts with them and go with their competitor. They are more worried about losing my business because all of my work phones are through them. I was going to have Chris or Devin take care of things on Monday."
"Okay." Jack said. "I tried to block them, but because Dad is the account name, it still came through. When I called, I was told I would have to get a different plan to be able to block their numbers."
"I understand that." John said. "But there is no way that you can go into town and get that done today. Going into town is going to be more difficult going forward. Even though they have no confirmation from an official source, many of the media outlets are running with the story that you are engaged or even secretly married and even the reasons why that could have happened."
"But …." Elizabeth said.
John held up his hand to silence her. Elizabeth shut her mouth and nodded her head.
"Trying to refute their arguments right now will only give them ammunition and give credence to their claims." John said.
"He is right." Chief said. "Let them run their mouths without the facts, it will be easier to make a case against them later. Especially since it has been made clear that you have no comment on your relationship and you put a statement out there about your courtship and asked for space. I know that it sounds counterproductive, but it actually will work to your favor in the long run."
"Exactly." John said. "It might be hard, but right now the best course of action is to not engage. I have made it clear that your parents don't speak for me, you or Thornton Inc. Any comments from them are of their own opinions and thoughts and do not reflect what I believe or even reflect reality. Please trust us."
Jack took a deep breath and turned Elizabeth to look at him.
"As hard as it may be." Jack said. "Grandpa and Chief are correct. We can't engage with them. That is what they want and it will give them more ammunition to use. Right now everything is speculation and they need to be careful or risk facing lawsuits. They have to make it clear that this is a rumor or unconfirmed reports or risk Grandpa raining holy hell down on them and he will do it."
"I am sorry that I am making life difficult." Elizabeth said.
Jack reached up and wiped the tears that he saw slip from Elizabeth's eyes. He then leaned his forehead on hers.
"You don't make life difficult." Jack said, with a smirk. "Okay, no more difficult. But the thing you do, is make my life have much more meaningful. So please don't think I ever want you to leave."
Jack then closed the distance and kissed Elizabeth. She forgot where they were and brought her hand up and was rubbing Jack's neck. After a moment, both John and Chief cleared their throats. Jack and Elizabeth broke apart, turning red and ducking their heads. They were embarrassed and refused to turn and look at anyone.
"Let's move on and finish breakfast." Gran said. "There is a lot that needs to get done."
"Yes, ma'am." Jack said.
As they were finishing up breakfast, both Nathan and Father Mark came up. Neither wanted to talk, and no one was going to make them. It had been unspoken that everyone was going to give Nathan as much space as he needed that day and probably for the next few as well.
After breakfast, Doug got the girls loaded and went down to get them registered so they wouldn't have to deal with it later. Their father went with them since he hadn't been down to the arena area the day before. Doug and James helped the girls get the horses settled in a stall and to let them wait. Once the girls had their course maps and jumping order, they wanted to stay and watch. Doug helped the girls put their tack cases in the changing room, then relocked the door. He shared his code with the girls and said they could keep their stuff in the room at this time. They agreed they preferred that their cases were locked. Doug said he was headed back to the house with the trailer. James said he was going to look around. The girls loved interacting with the younger riders and James was fine with them being on their own. They were dressed in their Coal Creek polos and had their badges. They also had their phones on them and they were known to security and he would be around. He also knew that they wouldn't leave the ranch and they were safe for the most part. James also knew that the girls knew how to handle reporters and would quickly alert him if something happened.
… … … …
After breakfast, Gran and Trish made a plan for the day. While they were doing that, Abigail arrived with Becky and Cody. Becky wanted to go down to see the twins. Gran gave her a badge so she would be able to come back, then said she was free to go. Becky promised to find the twins and stay with them. Cody went right to Jack and wanted his attention. Jack didn't mind, he loved the little guy. So Jack sat and played blocks with him for a bit. He had brought his little horses that Nathan made. Abigail said he refuses to go anywhere without them. Jack smiled and looked over and saw Nathan smiling as well. Jack was glad that Nathan was there to hear it, because he needed something good. He was hoping to encourage Nathan to do more carvings.
The plan for most of the household was to relax, take care of things at the house and then head down to watch the younger groups ride, then come back to the house for lunch before heading back. If Jack, John or James were down there, they would hand out the ribbons and certificates, but otherwise Marco and/or Andy said they would do it. Elizabeth had learned that one of the ladies that came up with Nathan's group did hand lettering and offered to do the certificates if she wanted to stay at the house part of the time. Elizabeth was grateful and told her that everything was up at the judges table and that Marco or Andy would know where things were. Everyone knew that the twins wouldn't jump until late afternoon, so the plan was for a late supper after the girls had finished. Nathan got a text that Greg and his group were on their way, so he asked if he could go down there.
"Please be armed." John said. "And stay on the ranch."
"Also please change into your Coal Creek polo." Gran said. "And don't forget your access badge."
"Got it." Nathan said.
"Can I head down with you?" Lee asked.
"Fine by me." Nathan said.
"Please be aware and check in from time to time." John said.
Nathan and Lee nodded and went to change.
"Can Frank and I head into town?" Father Mark asked. "We will be back about lunch time. But I need to run to the rectory and I also want to stop at the library and find a book."
"As long as you are aware of your surroundings." John said. "Be careful. From what my people are saying, the town is crawling with reporters. There is media camped out near the church, as well as the track and casino. There are some outside the gates here, but they have been kept back by the troopers to this point."
"We will be careful." Father Mark said. "I will call the police if they are on church property. They have been warned and the Bishop has already issued a statement that the press are not allowed on church property unless they have written permission from him. He felt it was the only way to protect the sanctity of the Church as well as protecting other parishioners. He said it wasn't fair to have their privacy invaded."
"I agree with him." John said. "Let me know if you need any help."
"I will." Father Mark said.
"Frank." John said. "Here you go."
John held out a piece of paper and Frank took it.
"What is this?" Frank asked.
"A permit and insurance to carry a weapon." John said. "Devin has a glock for you if you want it. He will transfer it to your name. He bought it on my account."
"Thank you." Frank said. "But I have two hand guns that were in the stuff that got packed up and brought up here. I actually brought the weapons to the house and Jack put them in one of the safes in the room."
"Fine." John said. "When Peter was taking care of stuff, he noticed you didn't have a conceal and carry permit. So he got you one and listed you as security for the new property, then listed you under our insurance. He wanted you to be covered if something were to happen. We both respect your choice to carry or not, but wanted the option there for you. Especially since you are here and we know that you can handle a weapon."
"Thank you." Frank said. "The reason I didn't have a conceal and carry is because I never applied for one in New York and didn't need one when I was in the military, which is when the hand guns were bought."
"Understood." John said.
"I will carry it if that makes you feel better." Frank said. "But I don't need it to be safe."
"Please." John said. "And yes, I know."
"Very well." Frank said.
Frank and Father Mark left, with Frank going and retrieving his firearm. They said they would be careful and they would talk to Devin. Frank was still amazed how fast John worked when he wanted something. He was used to working at the relatively slow pace of the US Army. Yes, the military can move fast, but when trying to get things done with paperwork it can be a nightmare. Frank and Father Mark said they would keep in touch, but they would both be fine. Gran asked what they needed and Father Mark said that he needed to go to the rectory and get things for the next day. He also wanted to check a few other things. Gran told them to be safe and to let her know when they were back.
Everyone else had a great morning. Jack and Elizabeth took Cody down to watch the jumpers and he was happy. He even played in the bounce houses. Elizabeth loved watching the younger kids get excited to go. She worked on the awards as the first timers completed a clean course. She also noticed that lots of the kids wanted to take selfies at the banner, which gave her an idea for future shows – a self station with a banner and maybe other options. She made a note on her phone to talk about it when they talk about the show and make notes for the following year.
Everyone went up to the house and they had a nice lunch, the conversation was mostly about the show and how things were going. No one talked about what had happened with Emily, nor asked how things were in town because it was easier to just not think about what was going on. Jack knew that they would have to address what was going on in town at some point, as well as what was going on with Emily and his parents. Yet for Jack at the moment, he was trying not to think about it, because there was enough other stuff that he had to deal with and he knew that there wasn't much he could do about any of the things in town, or with Emily and his parents until Monday.
It was a fun lunch with everyone, including the Averys. Bill and Peter had stopped by. Peter said he would stay to watch the girls jump if he could work on the laptop until that time. Gran agreed because they were going to be working in the kitchen until that time. Everyone agreed that they would meet at the arena close to the time that the girls would be jumping and all sit together.