Chapter 6
"Steph!" Elizabeth warned looking at the excited faces of her friends.
Connie squealed and covered her mouth with her hands. She was bouncing in her seat.
"Elizabeth…bathroom…now!" Demanded Steph.
"Yes…now!" Connie repeated.
Connie and Steph stood and waved for Elizabeth. Jack looked up with a questioning look.
"Come on, E!" Both ladies stated at the same time.
Jack reluctantly began to let go of Elizabeth's hand, but she tightened her grip. She began to scoot closer to Jack. He slid over and stood, still holding her hand. Elizabeth stood and was standing beside Jack. She realized that she was about three inches shorter than Jack. She didn't notice that before during school. She gave him a smile as he stepped back to let her walk. Steph grabbed her free hand and began pulling her toward the bathroom. She released Jack's hand only when the distance required it.
Jack looked up into the eyes of a smiling Abagail. His face grew red immediately. He lowered his head and began to walk toward her.
"Abagail…I can explain…"
"I think it's absolutely wonderful Jack."
"You do?"
"I do. When I first met you in my driveway a few weeks ago, I thought you would be a great match for Elizabeth."
"But I always said I wouldn't date in high school."
"Ok, are you ok with your decision now?"
Jack didn't even have to think about it. He smiled and answered Abagail. "I am. I'm still a little upset with myself for breaking my rule, but I can't keep my heart from…" He paused trying to think of the words to say. "I can't explain it. She just pulls me to her, and I can't keep from going."
Abagail reached for Jack's arm and gently squeezed it. "Jack, that's how it is supposed to work."
Jack rubbed his face. "Oh man…"
"What?"
"I'm going to have to tell my Ma and Pa." Jack's voice trailed off. "I always said I wouldn't date in high school. They may not be too happy about this."
Abagail tried to contain her laugh, but she just couldn't. "Jack, I think you need to give your parents a little more credit. They may like this more than you think, especially your mother."
"You think so?"
"I do. She came to the café yesterday. I was able to talk with her for a little while. It's easy to see that she loves you. Just speak with her about it."
"Thanks Abagail."
…
"Spill, girl!" Connie and Steph stated when the bathroom door closed.
Elizabeth walked toward the sink and looked in the mirror. Her friends saw the little smirk growing on her face. She looked up into the mirror toward her friends. They stood a little shocked but very excited. They began bouncing on their feet.
"You better tell me!" Steph stated as Connie nodded.
"Fine…if you insist." Elizabeth playfully smirked. She quickly turned around. She spent the next few minutes sharing everything that happened when they went to the bathroom. The moment she slid her hand and touched his hand to them holding hands. She shared their discussion. As she told her friends, their excitement only grew.
"I'm so excited for you!"
"Me too, Steph."
"I think this is good."
"Me too."
"But…" Elizabeth dropped her head, and the excitement was rolled back a little on her face. "I broke my rule."
"Yes, but…how do you feel about it?"
"A little sad but I just can't…He pulls me to him without him even trying. I can't explain it. My heart is drawn to him. It's if I am meant to be with him."
"Elizabeth, I do believe that's how it is supposed to be."
"I think so, but…"
"No buts Elizabeth. When he held your hand, what did you think?"
"I couldn't think. My mind went blank. All I felt was his hand and my heart beating out of my chest."
"That's exactly how it is supposed to be."
"And how do you know that?" Elizabeth asked.
"That's how it all works on those Hallmark movies my mom watches and cries about all the time."
"My mom too." Connie stated.
Elizabeth's smile returned and she nodded her head. "I think so too." She exhaled a slow breath. "Now I have to tell my parents."
"Your parents are great. They will like Jack."
"I hope so."
…
Jack looked up when he noticed Abagail nod her head to her left. Jack smiled when he saw Elizabeth and her two friends walking out of the restroom. His breath was caught in his chest a little. He didn't even notice when his phone chimed.
"Jack…Jack…your phone." Abagail stated.
"Oh…thanks."
He pulled his phone out of his pocket. When he touched the screen, he noticed his mother's picture. She sent him a text message.
C – Son, don't forget you are supposed to be at the children's center at five to help with basketball. We are meeting with your father's boss' family tomorrow at their home for dinner after work. Should be around 5 or 6. I'll let you know for sure. Don't be late to the children's center!
J – Thanks mom
C – Don't be late!
J – Ma…I'm never late
C – Don't start today!
J – Yes ma'am
C – Punctuation Jack!
J – Texting Ma only old people use punctuation
C – You misspelled that on purpose, didn't you?
J – Love you Ma
Elizabeth laughed when Jack rolled his eyes.
"Must have been your mother." She stated as she stepped beside him.
"It was…how did you know?"
"Well, if it is anything like when my mother texts me, it's a novel long and she is warning me not to do something that I never do."
"Wow! You're good." Jack laughed. He turned the phone around so she could see the length of the first text, but she didn't read it. "I need to be at the children's center before five and she reminded me not to be late."
"Are you normally late?"
"Heavens no. I'm rarely late. That drives me crazy."
"Wow, you two are perfect for each other." Sassed Connie. She laughed at Jack's expression. "E is never late, and she volunteers at the children's center too."
"Oh…they are having a basketball practice at five that I was asked to help with it."
"You like working with kids?"
"I do, Connie. I want to be a teacher."
"Wow!" Steph and Connie stated together. "This is eerie."
"Would you like for me to take you?"
"That's nice of you, but I have my bike."
"Mind if I meet you there?" Elizabeth asked. She didn't want him to go so quickly. They had just started dating and she wanted to be with him. "I may find something there I can do."
"Sure!" Jack answered a little too enthusiastically for his liking, but he couldn't help himself. The girls smiled at his eagerness to be with Elizabeth.
"I'll meet you there."
"I just need to text my mother and let her know."
Elizabeth pulled out her phone.
E – Mother, is it alright with you if I go by the children's center for a little while?
G – Sure dear. Be careful!
E – Thanks
"Are you two coming?" Jack asked. He was hoping they wouldn't come. He liked them, but he wanted a minute or two with just Elizabeth.
Connie looked from Elizabeth to Steph. They couldn't help but snicker at Elizabeth's pleading expression.
"No Jack. We already have other things we need to do."
"Ok." The relief could be heard in Jack's voice.
"You better text me later!" Warned Steph when she hugged Elizabeth.
"Me too, missy!" Connie exclaimed.
"I promise." Elizabeth gave them a thankful smile.
…
"Wow! Nice car." Jack stated when he walked Elizabeth to her car. She had a white mini cooper convertible with a blue twin strip down the center. It was a little older model, but it was in great condition.
"Thanks. It was my sixteenth birthday present. It's obviously not new, but I love it."
"It's very nice." Jack leaned back. "I think it suits you very well."
"Thanks." Elizabeth's face turned a little red with embarrassment.
Jack switched his weight from foot to foot. He would often rub the back of his neck with his right hand. Elizabeth quickly realized that was his nervous tick.
"Jack, what's going on?"
"Elizabeth…I don't always say what's on my heart very well. I have never dated before, nor have I ever had a girlfriend. I don't really know what I am doing or supposed to do."
"Well, I haven't dated either and never had a boyfriend before now. I guess we both don't know what we're doing."
Jack laughed at her proclamation. It did make him feel better.
"Why don't we just be ourselves. So far it seems to work very well."
"I agree." Jack shyly blushed. "Are you always, right?" He playfully sassed.
"Absolutely." She replied with pride in her voice.
Jack could only shake his head at how cute she was being. "So, I'll meet you at the center?"
"I'll see you there in a couple of minutes."
Jack leaned in and gave her a quick hug. He wanted to kiss her, but thought it was way too fast for that. They haven't talked about that yet. He was also very nervous about kissing her. He hadn't done that before and was afraid he would really mess it up. Secretly, he was terrified he would miss her lips completely. What Jack didn't know was that Elizabeth wanted to kiss him too. She just didn't know how to say it properly.
"Be careful Princess Beth." Jack stated after he turned around and walked to the front of the café to his bike.
Elizabeth huffed. "My name's Elizabeth, Jack!" She scrunched up her nose when he raised his hand in the air but didn't look back. She hated the nickname and the title even more. She did, however, enjoy watching him walk away.
…
Elizabeth pulled into the parking lot of the children's center with a huge smile on her face. She loved working with the kids here, but that wasn't the reason for her smile. She knew Jack was going to be there soon. She knew she would beat Jack to the center since she drove, and he was riding his bike.
She was leaning against her car when she noticed Jack riding into the parking lot. She watched as he rode past her. She melted at his ridiculously large smile. Then she heard him call her the nickname he had for her. She scrunched her nose at him. "How can he be so frustrating and so cute at the same time?" She asked herself.
Elizabeth looked down at her phone when it chimed. She had been texting Connie and Steph in a small group chat while waiting for Jack to arrive. She was expecting it to be one of them, However, it was Charles. He was wanting to see if she wanted to hang out tonight. She didn't answer the text since Jack arrived.
Elizabeth walked up to Jack. He loved the little smirk that was on her face. "Nice bike." She sassed.
"Thanks!" He smiled broadly. "I got it as a sixteenth birthday present. It was new." He sassed.
"Nice." Elizabeth ran her fingers over the handlebars.
"Ma and Pa talked about purchasing me a car or small truck, but I was just happy with a bike."
"That's not normal for a teen guy to think that way."
"Maybe not, but you will find out I'm not a normal teen guy."
"Well, since you forced me to break my no dating rule, you better not be a normal teen guy." She wagged her finger at him with a flirty smile.
"Well…" The look in Jack's eyes made her knees go weak. "…I'm hoping for the opportunity to prove you wrong." He leaned into her and gave her a gentle shove with his shoulder.
Elizabeth bit her bottom lip to keep the grin from growing. She was greatly enjoying this time together. Her phone buzzed. Jack looked at her when she didn't look at it. It buzzed again.
"Are you going to check that?" He asked, nodding his head toward her hand that held the phone.
Elizabeth exhaled a long slow breath. "I think I know who it is."
"Ok…" Jack stated slowly.
"It's Charles. He texted as you arrived. He wanted to know if I wanted to hang out with him this evening." She watched Jack for his reaction.
"Well…" Jack rubbed the back of his neck. He remembered that Charles had told him a couple of times during the last two days that he was dating Elizabeth. She, and her friends, said she wasn't dating him. Jack believed Elizabeth. He didn't know why but he just did. However, he couldn't deny that he was a little jealous of Charles. "…he is a friend."
"Jack." Elizabeth turned to face Jack. She wanted him to look at her in the face and hear the words she was about to say. She also wanted Jack to look into her eyes so he could see she was being honest with him. "I'm not sure why Charles told you that we were dating. We have never dated. We have hung out as friends with just us and in groups. He has mentioned a few times that he wanted to date, but I always told him no. It just wasn't going to happen."
"I know."
"Are we ok?" Elizabeth slowly asked.
Jack let out a long breath. He was fighting his emotions. He did trust Elizabeth. However, he didn't necessarily trust Charles. He knew the look in Charles' face and eyes. It was a guy that was in love. He didn't want to be one of those boyfriends who didn't trust his girlfriend.
"Yes, we're good. I will admit I don't know what to think." He paused for a moment trying to find the right words to say. "I do trust you. He did tell me several times yesterday that you two were dating. I don't doubt that he really wants to date you."
"Yeah."
"I don't know him very well. He seemed a little odd with me. Maybe…"
"Maybe…?"
"Maybe he saw that I liked you. That's why he told me not to get too comfortable with you."
"I never dated him, and he knows it. He is a good friend and has been for a long time."
Jack nodded his head. Elizabeth knew he was working through his emotions.
"I have only dated you and that has been for…forty five minutes." She stated when she looked at her phone for the time. She looked at Charles' text.
C – What do you say?
C – You there?
E – I'm here but busy text you later we need to talk
She showed Jack the texts when she sent her text. While he glanced at her phone, Charles sent a thumbs up emoji.
"I chose you, Jack. You are my boyfriend." Elizabeth smiled at that statement. That was the first time she had ever said that phrase. "I'm looking forward to seeing where this leads." She waved between them.
"Me too. I'm sorry. I don't know how to act. I'll work through my emotions."
"As long as you talk with me."
"That's how my Ma and Pa does it. That's the only way I know how to do it."
"Good."
"I will say this and then I need to get inside before I'm late. While I trust you, I don't trust him."
"May I ask why?"
"Well, what he said yesterday on several occasions about you two dating and I shouldn't get too close to you, and the look in his eyes. He doesn't look at you like a friend does."
"Really?"
"Yeah…I'm sorry Princess Beth. It's almost five. I need to go inside. Are you staying or leaving?"
"Staying."
"Perfect."
Jack opened his hand. He was happy when Elizabeth didn't hesitate to reach for his hand. Her fingers intertwined with his like they have done this their entire lives. Her hand just fit perfectly in his. That fact didn't go unnoticed between them.
…
"This is me." Tom stated as he got up from his bus seat.
"I love your home." Julie stated. "The flower beds are beautiful."
"Ma has worked on them for a few weeks."
"You better text me later!" Julie stated.
"I will. I promise."
Tom jumped off the last step. His mother walked out of the house at the same time. They met on the sidewalk.
"Hey son, I need to go to the store. We are going over to your father's boss' house tomorrow for a dinner. I need to pick up a couple of things for it."
"May I go?"
"Sure. Let's go."
"Can I drive?"
"Do you have your permit?"
"Of course. You know Pa's rules."
Charlette smiled at her youngest son. Tom did have his set of rules. Usually, the boys just roll their eyes at them.
"Hey, have you seen your brother?"
"No. He texted me that he was going to Abagail's for a milkshake and then I think he was going to the children's center, but I'm not too sure."
"How was your first day?"
"Good. Why are we going to Pa's boss' house?"
Charlette quickly glanced up and into her son's eyes? She was wondering if Tom figured it out. She was worried that she would get in trouble with her Tom for interfering with Jack's life.
"What do you mean?"
"What do you mean what do I mean?"
"Never mind. Let's go."
…
Elizabeth sat on the bleachers of the gym watching Jack interact with the kids. There were a few young kids. She would guess they were seven, maybe eight years old. There were also a few that were a little older. They may have been in seventh or eighth grade. There was one taller boy that Jack had working with him. He was taller than Jack even though he was younger than him. She admired how Jack worked with him. Jack didn't yell or was over dramatic. He explained it in a way that the young man could understand it. The young guy nodded his head as Jack explained it.
"No, John." Jack was standing behind him by the box under the goal. John's back was to him when another person passed John the ball. Jack had his forearm in the back of the young boy's back playing defense. "When you receive the ball, the worst thing you can do is to bring the ball down to your waist. When you do that, you take away your strength, which is your height." Jack knocked the ball away when John brought the ball down. "Now, if you keep the ball high, I can't reach it. I foul you by hitting your arm." When John raised the ball high, Jack couldn't get to it without hitting his arm.
"That makes sense." John stated.
"Alright, let's try that again." John passed the ball back to the guy who was out by the three point line. He dribbled the ball twice and then passed the ball back to John. Jack was playing defense, but Elizabeth thought he wasn't trying too hard. He was trying, but not his best effort. When John received the ball. He kept it high. Turned around and shot the ball over Jack's head. He made the basket.
Jack opened his arms. "See." He smiled at the young boy.
"Yeah."
Jack couldn't keep from smiling. He enjoyed helping young men and loved it when they get it. "Alright, let's try that again."
"Sure." John smiled. He was getting frustrated with his play lately, but now he felt that he understood what he was doing wrong. Again, he scored over Jack's head.
"One more time." Jack stated.
Elizabeth smiled when Jack stole a glance at her. She was watching him intently. She didn't know anything about basketball, but she did enjoy watching Jack work with the kids. She could easily see him as a teacher and even a potential coach. She thought he was cute in his baggy shorts and tank top. He was sweating a little. His hair was a little wet and sticking to his forehead. She thought that was sexy. She scolded herself for thinking that.
Elizabeth looked at her phone when it chimed. She was carrying on a couple of discussions. One was a group chat with Connie and Steph. They kept asking about her and Jack. She didn't know how they could have so many questions. She has told them everything. The last text was from Charles. He wanted to see if Elizabeth wanted to meet with him tomorrow for lunch since they didn't have school.
Elizabeth thought about what her and Jack talked about before walking into the center. Charles has asked a few times about them dating. She never really thought about it very much. Even when Charles mentioned it. She thought maybe Jack was being a little jealous, but she was beginning to understand Jack's line of thinking.
Connie told Elizabeth that Charles was very interested in her and he wouldn't be happy with her dating anyone other than him. Elizabeth always dismissed it but now she was beginning to think her friend may be right. She decided to try to talk to Charles tonight about her and Jack. She was really interested in seeing where this relationship with Jack was going to go.
Elizabeth looked up again and immediately made eye contact with Jack. Her heart began to beat a little faster when his smile began to grow. He winked at her. She couldn't keep the giggle from escaping her lips. He was just happy to see her. She wondered where the giggle came from. That just wasn't her.
Jack was so lost in looking at his girlfriend that he wasn't paying attention when John caught the ball. He faked right and suddenly turned left with the ball at head level. His elbow caught Jack square in the jaw. Jack fell backwards landing on his back. He immediately raised his hand to cover his chin. The elbow hurt.
Elizabeth covered her mouth with her hands when she saw John's elbow connecting with Jack's chin. Her body jerked as Jack landed with a thud. She hesitated for a moment and then ran down the four bleachers. She jumped the last one and landed on the court running. She quickly made her way over to Jack. He was still laying on the floor with John kneeling over him.
"Dude…you have boney elbows." Jack stated rubbing his chin.
"Are you ok?" Elizabeth quickly asked.
"I'm fine." Jack looked up at her. Elizabeth has a very concerned look on her face.
When Elizabeth knew Jack was ok, she extended her hand to help him up. He willingly took her hand and she pulled to help him up. "You really should pay attention to what you are doing." She teased him.
"I was trying, but there was this very beautiful girl that distracted me when she smiled at me." He continued to rub his chin. He opened and closed his chin a few times trying to work the pain out.
"Me?" Elizabeth gasped, trying to sound offended. "I wasn't doing anything other than sitting on the bleachers.
"Looking at me." Jack grinned.
"Quit flirting." John stated.
Jack tried to glare at John, but he couldn't keep from laughing. "I guess I have my orders."
"Are you sure you're ok?"
"I'm fine."
Elizabeth smiled when Jack winked at her. She couldn't get over how Jack just had this way of drawing her in. Even when Jack was sassing her, he still drew her in. She winked back at him and turned to walk back to the bleachers. She could feel that Jack was watching her walk away. About halfway to the bleachers, she turned her head to look over her shoulder. She noticed that Jack was intently watching her. It made her feel good that he was watching her, but it also made her nervous. "Don't trip walking up the bleachers, Elizabeth." She told herself. "Don't trip, Elizabeth. That would be embarrassing."
Jack tried not to stare, but he just couldn't help it. He tried to look away, but he could only continue to watch her. His face turned red when he noticed that he was caught staring when she turned around.
Elizabeth turned her head back around. She smiled knowing that she enjoyed Jack's attention. She heard John speak to Jack in a hushed tone.
"Are you dating her?"
"Yeah."
"How did you convince her to do that?"
"John…I have no idea." Jack shook his head. "She is way over my head."
"No kidding."
Elizabeth smiled at the conversation. When she sat back down, she offered Jack a small wave. He only grinned back at her.
"Let's go John. One more turn."
"Only if you aren't staring at your girlfriend."
"Funny."
…
Elizabeth sat on her little cushion under her favorite window. It was getting somewhat late at night. She had been texting with Jack throughout the evening. She lost count of how many times she giggled and laughed. She loved his silly humor. Grace heard her a couple of times, but she didn't snoop.
Elizabeth sent Charles a text.
E – You up
C – Yeah What's up
E – May I call
C – You never have to ask
Elizabeth put her air pods in and touched Charles' number.
"Hey, what are you doing?" He asked.
"Just sitting here. You?"
"Listening to music. Did you change your mind about lunch tomorrow?"
"No. We are having some associate with father's office coming over for a cookout. I need to help mother get things ready. But Charles, that's not why I can't go with you."
"Ok…"
"Charles, I'm dating someone."
There was a long silence on the line. She thought she must have lost the connection.
"Charles…are you there?"
"I must have a bad connection. You said you were dating someone?"
"Yeah."
"As in a boyfriend?" The shock in Charles' voice was evident. He just couldn't believe what he just heard.
"Yeah, as in a boyfriend."
"I don't understand, Elizabeth. You said you wasn't going to date anyone in high school."
"I know, but I guess things change."
"Things change?" He asked. "I thought we would date at some point. I keep asking you and you kept saying you weren't dating in high school. But we always did stuff together."
"I know. You know me, I never had any interest in dating. I was so consumed with studying, but I met someone. I guess you can say that he changed my mind."
"He changed your mind…? You should really reconsider this, Elizabeth. If someone is forcing you to change your mind on something so important to you, you should worry about his reasoning."
"He didn't talk me into anything. He actually said that he had the same rule I did about not dating. He said he didn't want to break his rule, but he had to with me. He said that he felt drawn to me and he needed to see where this was going to go?"
"Wow…" Charles' voiced trailed off.
He has been friends with Elizabeth for years. Several people thought they were dating, but they never had. While she was quick to correct the rumors, he never was. He wanted to and even tried to talk her into it several times, but she just wouldn't budge. He has wanted to date for a few years now, ever since seventh grade. He knew they would be good together. They were good together. Their talks were easy going. While they weren't normally deep conversations, he thought they were good discussions, nonetheless.
"Are you sure about this?"
"I am certain."
"May I ask who it is?"
"Charles, you are my friend. Of course, you may ask. His name is Jack."
"The new guy you were showing around yesterday at school?''
"Yeah."
"What's his last name?" Charles demanded.
Elizabeth thought about it for a moment. She didn't know his last name. She knew she had heard it over the two days at school, but she couldn't remember it.
"Charles, why do you want to know?"
"Elizabeth, you have known a guy for two days and he completely makes you break your rule."
"Charles, I met him a few weeks ago at the beach."
"Wait, he's the guy that called you Princess Beth?"
"He is."
"You said you hated that name."
"I do hate that name, but he is cute when he calls me that. He is sassing me."
"How can you date him when you don't know him at all? You don't even know his last name."
"Charles, you are acting like an overprotected friend or ex."
"Elizabeth, I am your friend. One of your oldest friends. Wait, he's jealous of me, isn't he? He doesn't want you to be around me because we're good friends. I bet he told you that you couldn't talk to me anymore."
"Charles, he said no such thing!"
"Sure, Elizabeth."
"Charles, you should choose your next words very carefully." She warned him. He had pushed her a little too far and she was getting upset.
"Elizabeth, you really should think about this." He knew he pushed her too far. Her stubborn side was kicking in.
"I have thought about this."
"Fine." Charles answered abruptly. "I'll let you go." He ended the phone call before she was able to say goodbye.
Elizabeth huffed when she looked at her phone. "Maybe Steph and Connie are right." She thought out loud.
…
"Mother, do you have a moment?"
"Sure dear. Would you like some hot tea?" Grace asked.
"I would love some." Elizabeth stated.
After preparing both cups of tea, they walked to the back deck and sat down on two chase lounges.
"Mother may we talk for a moment?"
"Sure dear. What's on that mind of yours." Grace was hoping this was what she was thinking it was. Abagail had sent a couple of pictures with some updates. She and Charlette had texted about the possibilities, but Elizabeth never really said why she was going to the children's center. She kept herself from asking too many questions too soon. She just didn't want to push too far, but this was difficult.
"You remember that I had this rule about dating in high school."
"Sure." Grace's smile grew. "You made that during your freshman year. Viola and another friend or two of yours went through a breakup. You decided you wanted to concentrate on your studies."
"Yeah. I also thought I wasn't emotionally ready."
"I always thought that was very mature of you thinking that way. Most teenagers can't see that in themselves. That's what gets them in trouble."
"Thanks mother."
"Are you saying you don't have that rule any longer?"
Elizabeth nodded her head.
Please let it be Jack…please let it be Jack… Grace stated in her mind. She was truly hoping it was somehow Jack. She saw the pictures from Abagail, but she didn't know how her daughter would have met Jack. To Grace, it didn't matter. Elizabeth was sitting at Abagail's booth with the young man that she knew was the right one for her daughter.
"May I ask who this young man is?"
Elizabeth's face turned red. "His name is Jack. He is new to the area."
"Jack!" Grace's voice raised several octaves with excitement. She tried to calm down, but her excitement was just off the charts.
"Yes, his name is Jack."
"What is his last name dear?"
Elizabeth lowered her head. "I don't know his last name."
"Wait, you're dating a guy and you don't know his last name? Elizabeth…"
"I know mother. It doesn't make sense, but…" Elizabeth spent the next fifteen minutes explaining everything about her and Jack. From the moment they met at the beach to her showing him around school all day. They spent the good portion of the day talking and getting to know each other. She shared that Jack thought she was dating Charles. She even shared with her mother about her conversation with Charles. Lastly, she shared about their time at the café. Grace smiled when Elizabeth told her about the ten seconds of courage. Grace was proud of her daughter for facing her fears and going after what she wanted. Grace awed a couple of times when she reached for his pinky and then Jack holding her hand. She also laughed at the story of Jack getting elbowed at the children's center because he was too focused on her.
Grace loved listening to her daughter talk about Jack. There was just something about Elizabeth's tone. There was excitement and something she hasn't heard from her middle daughter…love. It did her heart good hearing her daughter explain everything.
"Charles has always fancied you."
"Fancied?" Elizabeth sassed. "You know no one talks like that mother."
"Enough from you." Grace playfully swatted her daughter's arm. "Make sure Charles isn't causing you trouble. He can remain a friend if he acts like a friend. But Elizabeth, you can't allow him to cause trouble between you and Jack. You cannot allow him to continue flirting with you."
"I know mother. If he stays a friend, we should be good."
"I agree." Grace smiled. "Are you ok with this?"
"I am. Do you think father will be ok with this?"
"Sure he will. You know him. That was your rule, not our rule."
"I know, but I haven't dated before."
"True, but you know the rules."
"I do. You have to meet him first and the curfew is eleven on weekends and ten on school nights. The young man must come to the door to pick me up."
"Yes, we have to meet him before you go out."
"I will plan something after tomorrow night. Maybe we can have him over for dinner when the cookout is done?"
"That'll be perfect dear." Grace couldn't help but smile. She thought about telling her daughter about Jack's connection with the family that was coming over for the cookout but thought she would allow it all to be a surprise. "Now, follow your heart but don't lose your mind. Keep making good decisions."
"Thank you, mother. I must admit I am excited about this." She hesitated for a moment. "I can't explain it…somehow, he just draws me in. Even when he is being frustrating. I just don't have the words to explain it."
Grace laughed. "I think that is how it is supposed to be, dear."
…
"Hey Pa…do you have a moment?" Jack asked as he walked into the living room. His dad was having his customary late night tea.
"Sure son. Have a seat. What's going on in that mind of yours3
?"
Jack sat down on the end of the couch that was closest to his dad. He was a little nervous. He didn't think his dad would be upset or anything, but he was still a little nervous.
"Well…" Jack began rubbing the back of his neck.
"Jack, just say what's on your mind. We will figure out the next statement together."
"I met someone today…well, I actually met her a couple of weeks ago, but we didn't talk. Well, we did talk a little but not much…"
Tom laughed as he patted Jack's bouncing knee. He knew his son fumbles over words when he is nervous. When he finally captured Jack's attention, he softly spoke in a father's voice.
"Don't be nervous son, it's just me. You know I always have your back. Just tell me what's going on in that head of yours."
Jack let out a long, deep sigh of relief. His father always had a way of calming him down. "Dad, two weeks ago I met this girl…" Jack spent the next few minutes sharing the entire story of how he met Elizabeth at the beach all the way through the evening. He spared no detail in his explanation. He trusted his father completely." When Jack was finished, he let out a nervous breath and waited for his father's wisdom.
"So, you broke your rule on dating?"
"Yes sir I did. I didn't want to, and I almost didn't agree because of that, but Pa, there's just something about Elizabeth. I can't explain it."
"Are you ok with breaking your rule?"
"She has this way of drawing me in. Even when she is frustrating me, she just captures me."
Tom let out a loud laugh. "Jack, your mother does the same thing with me. She just has this way, and this little expression that works on me all the time."
"So does Elizabeth. She scrunches up her nose and it's just so adorable."
"When this young lady frustrates you, are you angry?"
"No. It's kind of cute. She gloats when she answers a question before I do. Or she gets this look in her eyes when she thinks she bests me on something. It isn't arrogance or anything like that, but it's playful. Does that make sense?"
"It does."
Jack was grateful his father understood what he meant. He was having trouble explaining what he was feeling, but his father understood him.
"Well Jack, it's your rule that you made. It's not breaking it if you consciously decide to change it. You are in control here. It's your decision. You own…"
"…your decisions." Jack playfully sassed. He has heard that phrase his entire life. "I know Pa. I am perfectly ok with dating her. I have never wanted to date anyone, and I can't understand why Elizabeth is different, but she is. I feel like she just draws me in without her trying."
"So, this isn't like Mary?"
"Oh heavens no. You know her and I wasn't even close friends."
"I know, but she tried very hard."
"I spend the whole day thinking Elizabeth had a boyfriend."
"Really? What made you think that?"
"Yeah..." Jack took a couple of moments to explain why he thought she was dating.
"Ok Jack. A couple of things…first, you need to have open communication when it concerns this Charles fella. Don't jump to conclusions and don't force Elizabeth to choose between you and a friend."
"What if he tries to do something?"
"Then Elizabeth will see it and make the correct call. If she doesn't, do you really want to be with a young lady who allows a third party to interfere with her relationship by constantly flirting and hitting on her all the time? If Charles remains a good friend and keeps it that way, you have no reason to be jealous. If he crosses that line by constantly flirting and Elizabeth allows it, that will lead to a lot of trouble in the future. She really needs to make sure her feeling toward Charles is truly friendship or if it is something more than that. She may not be ready for a relationship with you."
Jack nodded his head. That made a lot of sense. If Charles was respectful of his relationship with Elizabeth, then Jack would be respectful of Charles' relationship with Elizabeth.
"Secondly, you know the rule. We have to meet this young lady and her family before you are allowed to go on a date with her."
"I know. I will speak with her about something after this dinner thing tomorrow."
"Perfect. Now, and probably the most important one…"
"I must treat her how a Christian young lady is supposed to be treated by a Christian young man." Jack playfully teased his dad by trying to sound like him.
"Such sass." Tom laughed. "Yes, you are to treat her like a young lady should be treated. I expect nothing less from you. After all, you are a Thornton."
"Yes sir."
"Is there anything else you need to talk to me about?"
"No sir." Jack stood to leave. He patted his dad's hand and turned to walk to his room.
"Jack…" Tom called out stopping Jack. He turned to face his father. "I'm happy for you. This is a big moment in your life and a fun time, but please don't turn stupid on me. Don't forget what you have been taught and treat this young lady with respect. I can see it in your eyes that she is special to you in such a short period of time."
"I will make you proud, Pa."
"Jack, you always have. Now, enjoy the rest of the evening."
After Jack left, Charlotte walked in from the kitchen. "What was that about?"
Tom gave her a knowing grin when he took a sip of his tea. "I think you know…you listened to the whole conversation."