Chapter 12
"Why would you say that?"
Jack sighed. "You went off on me for talking to some girl that I don't even know…" Jack let out another long sigh while shaking his head. "You know what happened. I'm not replaying it again. But here's the thing, you did the exact same thing Elizabeth, but you did it several times over the course of the entire morning without telling me. I don't want to imagine how you would blow up on me if I didn't tell you about Wendy. Maybe you and Charles are a little more than just friends."
"No, we are not!"
"Are you sure?" He challenged her. "Maybe you didn't know what that meant until I came along. Maybe my presence made you realize your true feelings for him."
"Why would you say that?"
"Please be honest with my next question."
"I will always be honest with you, Jack."
"Are you meeting him this evening?"
Elizabeth quickly looked away. She could sense the uncertainty in Jack's tone. She definitely saw it written on his face. She couldn't avoid the shot of pain in her heart by his question. She was going to talk to Charles. He needed to understand that she was dating Jack.
"I seriously thought about it. He needs to understand my relationship with you."
"I would like to understand your relationship with him…and me."
"Jack, Charles and I are friends."
"You say that all the time, but everyone else thinks that you are dating him. Why would they all think that? Charles has told me repeatedly that you two are dating. When are you meeting him?"
"You read the text…he wanted to meet this evening to eat."
"Elizabeth, that sounds just like a date to me."
"It isn't." She defended herself.
"Everyone else thinks so, including Charles. You are the only person in Hamilton that thinks it isn't. What would happen if I met up with Wendy this evening to share a dinner and talk?"
Elizabeth didn't say anything. She lowered her head at the thought of Jack and Wendy spending the evening together.
"You would break up with me." He answered after a long silence. "Even though I barely know her. I didn't even remember her name until today."
"I would be very upset."
"Elizabeth, you were very upset earlier. I would guess you would explode. Yet, that is what you are doing…meeting with a guy who is clearly into you."
"I didn't say I was meeting with him."
"Elizabeth…" Jack stated in a tired voice. "This will only work if you are honest with me. You said you would." Jack paused for a moment. The next words already tasted like vinegar in his mouth, and he hasn't even voiced them yet. "I'm starting to think you may need to go out with Charles with an open heart and open mind to see if you made a mistake with me."
Elizabeth gasped at Jack's words. She stuttered the words. "Are you stepping away from me? Are…are you breaking up with me?"
"I don't want to, but I do think you need to know where your heart lies."
Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment to capture her emotions. She never experienced the raw emotions she was having. She took her father's words to heart and decided to just open up completely. She wanted this relationship with Jack to work out.
"I'm sorry, Jack. I was jealous of Wendy."
"Why in the world would you be jealous of a girl I don't even know?"
"She's beautiful…"
"I guess she is, but she isn't on your level."
The honesty from Jack stopped her mind. He pressed the pause button in her brain again. She could only look at him with her mouth slightly open.
"Come on Elizabeth…you must understand how beautiful you are. She has never turned my eye. Not once. She isn't the one I broke my no dating rule for. She isn't the one that has been on my mind constantly…" His voice trailed off with embarrassment at telling her that. "Elizabeth, you must understand how much I like you. I've told you that many times."
She nodded her head. "Me too." She whispered.
Jack growled in frustration. He was just tired of this Charles thing. He couldn't understand what was going on. In his heart, Jack knew he was in love with Elizabeth, but under these circumstances there was no way he was going to say anything. He knew Elizabeth was the one for him, but he was confused with her relationship with Charles. He thought she was confused too.
Elizabeth was taken back by Jack's words. She never really thought of herself as beautiful. Certainly not on Wendy's level. She bashfully moved a stray hair behind her ear. She loved the fact that Jack thought she was that pretty. She never dressed or sought after a guy to notice her. Things were just different with Jack.
They heard Elizabeth's phone vibrate in her pocket. After searching Jack's eyes, he broke the silence. "Go ahead…we probably know who it is." His tone of giving up was all she could handle without breaking down.
Elizabeth slowly reached for her phone in her back pocket and pulled it out so she could see it. She never took her eyes off Jack. When the screen lit up the second time, she looked down.
C – Be at our normal spot at 6
Elizabeth looked down at the ground before looking up to Jack's face. "He said to be at our normal spot at 6."
"You have a normal spot." The statement wasn't really a question. For Jack, it was just par for the course with Elizabeth and Charles. Jack took a half a step back to create a little bit of distance between them. She involuntarily reached for him when he did. She didn't touch him because of the distance. He sighed and took a deep breath. She could see his eyes watering. No tears fell, but his eye lids were about to spill. Jack rubbed the back of his head for a moment.
"Elizabeth, you need to go and examine your heart. You need to figure this out and you need to know your why?"
"Know my why?"
"Why did you break your rule with me? Why didn't you date him? Why do you keep playing him along when you know what he wants? Why did you explode on me? Why are you jealous of some girl because we talked for a couple of minutes? Why didn't you tell me about texting with him? Why are you meeting him tonight? You need to know your why."
"I said I didn't know if I was going to meet him."
"You stated that you were seriously considering it…" Jack rubbed the back of his neck again. He let out a soft growl in frustration. "Elizabeth, I don't want you to go out with him, but I think you need to meet him with an open heart and open mind."
"If I go, it's not a date!"
In a tired and frustrated tone that was unmistakable to not know the true meaning of it, Jack spoke. "Elizabeth, meeting at six o'clock at your normal spot on a Saturday night sounds exactly like a date."
Elizabeth looked into Jack's eyes trying to read his feelings. She couldn't…or at least she couldn't read all of them. She saw hurt…she noticed frustration…she also noticed a new one…defeat. She finally asked the question that was tugging at her heart. "Jack…are you stepping away from me?"
"No, I'm giving you the freedom to know your heart. I know mine. I know what I want, and she is standing in front of me. I never entertained the thought of dating anyone until you came along. Now, I can't think of anything else. You're constantly on my mind. Every time I'm around you, you steal my heart. The first day of school I fought with every ounce of my strength not to be pulled in by you. I knew you were dating someone. Even with that piece of knowledge, you still pulled me in. I was powerless to do anything against it."
"Connie said it was sweet that you stepped back because you thought I was dating someone, but I found it frustrating. You pulled me in as well, then you would step back a little."
"That's when I remembered that you were dating Charles." Jack took a step to be closer to Elizabeth. They reached for the other person's hands at the same time. "Charles isn't stepping back. He is still pushing, and you are ok with it. He texts all the time and you see nothing wrong with it. You're going out with him tonight and you're perfectly ok with it. I want this, you know that. But you need to figure out exactly what you want…you need to know your heart. I'm not breaking up, but I am stepping back. Go out with Charles. Figure out your why. When you decide what that is, please let me know. Just don't play me along like a fool. I trust you Elizabeth, but please don't make me regret giving you my…" He paused. He wanted to say heart, but he wasn't going to tell her everything if she was just going to walk away from him. Jack paused for a moment and swallowed hard. "You have my number, when you figure it out, please let me know." Jack gently squeezed Elizbeth's hands three times. He slowly leaned in. Elizabeth found her heart racing with his closeness. When his lips touched her forehead, she felt tingles. It was like her skin was on fire and her nerves were tingling through her whole body.
Jack left his lips on Elizabeth's skin longer than was necessary.
"Jack." She stated as he lingered in her space. "This feels like it's the end. It feels like we are breaking up."
"You determine that." He stated with his lips still against her forehead. "Go on your date with your friend with an open heart. You need to figure this all out before you and him or you and I can move forward."
Jack pressed his lips again and then took a half a step back. He didn't say anything, but she could see the pain in his eyes. He gave her a fake smile and released her hands. They fell to her side. Jack turned around and walked away.
Jack wanted to look back, but he refused too. He knew if he did, he would only walk back to her, and nothing would be decided. Things had to be worked out if they really wanted to give this a go.
Elizabeth wanted to chase after him. She wanted to grab him and kiss him senselessly. She waited for him to look back, but he didn't. Elizabeth's feet felt like they were planted in cement. They weighted a ton each. Her legs just weren't working. Her mind was as slow as her legs. She stood in disbelief as she watched Jack walk away with his shoulders slumped and his head down.
…
Tom and William sat back watching the whole thing. They saw the struggle and the discord between the young couple. They wanted to step in and fix everything, but they knew their kids needed to fix this on their own. This was part of growing up and they needed to figure it out without their parents stepping in.
"What do you think?"
"I don't know, William. It looks like there is some trouble in paradise."
"I think it may have to do with what happened earlier."
"May I ask what happened earlier?"
William spent a couple of minutes sharing with Tom what he knew. Tom nodded his head. William explained his opinion. Tom agreed with him. All of this is coming from their youth and inexperience in dating.
When Jack turned to walk away, William saw his daughter's body language. He knew she was upset and hurting.
"William, go…she needs her father's wisdom."
"Yeah…"
…
Charlette pulled out her phone and noticed a text from her oldest son.
J – Ma, I'm getting an uber and going home
C – Why? What happened?
J – Long story
C – Did you have a fight with Elizabeth?
J – Not neccassrily a fight
C – Jack, you misspelled necessarily.
J – Ma…teens don't care if we misspell words in texts
Charlette could feel the sarcasm through the text.
C – Such sass.
J – Is it ok if I go home
C – Sure. Want to talk?
J – Maybe later
C – You decide when.
J – Thanks
"Something happened." Charlette stated slowly.
"What?" Grace asked.
"Jack's getting an Uber and going home. Evidently, they had an argument."
"Oh…no…"
"I don't know what it's about. Jack didn't say. Do you want to check your phone to see if Elizabeth texted."
"I'll get it tonight. She always comes to me late at night. She'll go to her father first. He speaks Elizabeth very well. He gets the emotional side, and he handles that well. I'll get the thoughtful, well thought out, cerebral Elizabeth. William will catch the emotional side first and begin to pull away all the outside stuff first. Then she'll find her direction. That's where I'll come in."
"You're such a good mother." Charlette stated rubbing Grace's shoulder.
"And Jack?" Grace asked.
"He will spend a bit of time by himself. He'll try to work it out on his own. If its heart related, he'll come to me. All other stuff, he'll go to Tom."
Grace leaned in and bumped Charlette's shoulder. "Our families are lucky they have us. What would they ever do without us?"
"They'll fall apart in less than an hour."
They thought for a moment. "Alright…" Grace stated. "They have until this evening to correct this. If they don't, we enact the J&E plan we already have!"
"Agreed! Heaven help them if we have to get involved."
…
William walked up to his daughter. He stood beside her for a moment. Then he nudged her shoulder. "What's going on?"
"You know." Elizabeth replied a little abruptly.
"You didn't fix it?" He ignored his daughter's frustrated tone.
"I tried…but I think it may be a little too late."
"What do you mean?"
"He said he didn't want to, but that he is stepping back to let me figure out what I want."
"I believed you already had that figured out, didn't you?"
"I do."
"Then why in the world are you standing here watching him walk away? Unless you decided you wanted to date Charles."
"He texted me and told me to meet him at our normal spot at six."
"What was Jack's reaction?"
"He wasn't too happy. He told me that I needed to go with an open heart to see if I wanted to be with Charles."
William nodded his head thoughtfully. He knew Elizabeth and Charles. He was always nice enough, but he never pictured him with Elizabeth. They just didn't match in his eyes. William did think that they were dating, but that was Bethie's decision, not his.
"The sub place on Jefferson?"
"Yeah…father, why did I do that?"
"What?"
"Father…you know what."
William paused for a moment. He wanted to say it correctly. He also wanted to make sure he had Elizabeth's full attention. "In your eyes it was friendship, but in Charles' eyes it was more. You allowed him to get close thinking it wasn't more than that. However, he did think it was more. With that other girl, you feel inferior to her and therefore you become jealous of her and what you have built up in your head. It's part of being in a relationship. You need to trust the person you are in a relationship with. You also need to trust in yourself. You've never dated before; you don't know how to handle aspects of the heart."
"Yeah…dating is silly…and hard." Her voice trailed off as she continued to look in the direction Jack walked even though he was long out of sight.
"It can be when you stack the deck against it. When it's done correctly, it's a wonderful thing. I'm assuming Jack has told you that you are important to him?"
Elizabeth nodded her head. "He says I draw him in with my many facial expressions and sassiness. That when I'm being frustrating, it doesn't make him mad. He told me that it's enduring. He said he's powerless and is just drawn in by me."
"And you don't trust him when he says that? Do you think he's just saying it to get something?"
"I don't think Jack would do that." She thought out loud. William wasn't sure if he was meant to hear it.
"Elizabeth, you are allowing Charles to hang around in a way that is hurting your relationship with Jack. He has tried to sit back and respect your friendship, but you aren't keeping it at a friendship level."
"Father, you know that…"
William tapped his daughter's forehead. He did that all the time when she was little to stop her from ranting and to get her attention.
"Why did you do that?"
"Everyone in this town thinks you're dating Charles."
"You're not the first person to say that."
"I assume I'm not the one hundredth person to tell you that. Why do you think that is?"
"I don't know why…"
William tapped her on the forehead again. "Elizabeth Marie Thatcher…stop it!"
"Did you actually raise your voice at me?" A shocked Elizabeth asked wide eyed.
"Yes, I did. Stop refusing to look at what's in front of you. You know better than that. Now, what is it that you want?"
Without having to think about it, she answered. "Jack. I want him. Charles is just a friend. Jack…he's much more than that. When he touches my hand…it tingles."
"Isn't that huge? Elizabeth dear, don't you think that means something important?"
"It is…but…" She stated slowly.
"But what?"
"Jack said he isn't breaking up with me but that he was stepping back to give me time to find out what I want. That I needed to go out with Charles with an open heart to see if it is him that I want to be with. I don't know if he will want to talk to me."
"Elizabeth, I never thought you would be such a weak woman and quit so easily on something you desire so much." William shook his head and then grinned at the instant change in Elizabeth's facial features. She took it as a slap in the face. She always prided herself on her strength. With her father's words, she stood taller and squared her shoulders. She stared at her father through narrowed slits. Her mouth closed and the corner of her lips pierced together. "That's the Bethie I know. Now, you are a Thatcher. You handle all situations with grace, dignity, and strength. Go get what it is that you want."
"I don't know where he lives."
"I'll text you his address. Go! Go!"
"Thanks father." Elizabeth tiptoed and gave her father a kiss on the cheek. She turned to run toward her car. It was on the other side of the park.
"Hey!"
Elizabeth turned around when her father yelled.
"Don't turn stupid on me."
"You know me father…" She blew him a kiss and continued to her car quickly.
…
"So, what do you think?"
Tom stood staring at the sketch in front of him. He didn't know fashion, but he really liked the outfit in the sketch. "That looks much better than anything I've seen on TV. Those things just seem so impractical."
"I agree. So, do you like it?"
"I do. Why are you showing me this?"
"I drew it." Julie hesitantly stated. "That's one of my works and one of my favorites."
"You did this? Julie, it's amazing!" His voice was sincere.
"I love fashion but not the things you see on fashion shows in Paris. I like elegant gowns and fun, dressy outfits that's practical."
"Wow!" Tom looked at the others that were on the table beside the first sketch. They were in a large tent that had different sketches for judging. "All of these are really good. Jules, you have a lot of talent."
"Thank you." She shyly stated.
"You know, that's the first time I can remember you being shy."
"I am at times."
"Well, you have a talent. Have you thought about doing this for a living?"
"I don't know. I'm not that good."
"I completely disagree. You have a talent…a gift."
"Thank you. Please don't say anything to anyone. No one knows."
"They will after this contest. Why haven't you told your parents or sisters?"
Julie just shrugged her shoulders. He completely understood.
"Well, you're too good not to be noticed at some point."
…
Elizabeth's mind was only more set by the time she reached her mini cooper. She sat behind the wheel and was out of breath. She wasn't an athletic person. So, the run across the park took her breath. She pulled out her phone and placed it on the phone holder on her dash. She noticed the text message from her father. She didn't feel it vibrate in her pocket while she was running. She quickly opened her map app and inserted the address her father sent her. She noticed it was a twenty five minute drive. She knew it was close to Abagail's. So, she knew the neighborhood, but she didn't know that street or house number.
She quickly placed her car in drive and floored it. The tires spun in the grass before catching traction. She quickly pulled on the dirt road that led to the parking lot and then the road. As she went through the parking lot, she had to slow down due to the kids playing. She hit the phone button on her car. She found Charles' contact info and tapped the call button. Her Bluetooth took over and made the call.
"Hey Elizabeth. How is the picnic?"
"Good. Charles, we need to have a very serious talk."
"Great. Tonight, at six at our spot?"
"No. We are going to have it now."
"Ok..." He hesitated "Why now? Why not later when we're out?"
"That's part of the problem. We are not going out."
"Come on, Elizabeth. We go out all the time."
Her father's and Jack's words came to mind. Everyone, including Charles, thought they dated.
"That's part of the problem, Charles. You do understand that we haven't dated, right?"
"I know Elizabeth."
"Then why did you tell Jack we were dating the other day in the locker room?"
"Well…"
"Well…?"
"Come on Elizabeth. We are all but dating."
"No Charles. You knew we were only friends. We did all those things as friends, and you know it. You lied to Jack and to everyone else." She spoke as she gunned her car to pull out on the busy main street. "You have asked me out a few times and I always told you we were friends. You knew it!"
"I did. I guess I was just hoping. May we still meet to eat and talk? I believe we need to discuss this."
"No Charles. I feel you are trying to cause trouble with Jack and me. I was told what you did yesterday in the locker room when you confronted Jack."
"What did he say to you? I bet he exaggerated what really happened."
"It wasn't him. It was Jason and Wendy."
"Oh…"
"Charles, if you would like to remain friends, then you need to back off and be a friend. A friend wants what's best for you. You don't cause discord in their lives. You support them and help them. You are not being a friend to me at the moment."
"You can't be serious in dating him. You have only known him for four or five days."
"Today makes five."
"And you broke your rule for a guy you have known for five days?"
"I know…but I didn't break it. I modified it. He's worth it. Now, you will act like a friend to Jack and I, or we will not be friends."
"You are picking that guy over me? You have known me since we were four years old. You're throwing me aside for him?"
"No, you are walking away because you refuse to be a friend to me. We haven't dated and we will not date. You know that. If you can't support me and you are only causing trouble for me, we will not be friends. You will make that decision for yourself."
Elizabeth turned right on Jackson St. She figured it would be busy since it was a Saturday, but it wasn't as bad as she thought. She was happy about it.
"Now, you choose what you want to do. We have been friends for a long time." Elizabeth blew her horn. "Good grief, turn already!" She yelled at the blue Explorer in front of her.
"Are you driving?"
"I am. Now, we have been friends for a long time, and I hope we continue to be friends. You need to understand I am dating Jack Thornton. If you can't handle that, then it is your decision. Understand?"
"And if I can't handle that?"
"Then you have walked away from me. It's your decision. I would hate to lose your friendship, but Charles, you will no longer cause issues with me and Jack."
"Elizabeth, I don't understand."
"Sure you do. You just don't want to admit the facts that's in front of you. You are a friend, and you need to act like a friend. I am dating Jack Thornton…period. Now, I need to go. I'm almost there."
"Where?"
"Jack's house."
Elizabeth disconnected the call. She turned left at the light. She realized she had ten minutes to Abagail's neighborhood.
…
Jack stepped out of the Uber. He was very confused. When he was always like that, he had to get his mind clear. He usually sketched, played the guitar, or did something physical. He noticed the yard needed to be cut. His father has been extra busy with work this past week. He decided to change clothes and cut the grass for his father. He changed into some athletic shorts and a tank top. He used his father's mowing shoes. He laughed at the shoes. They were New Balance shoes. In their previous life, they were white. Now that had a healthy stain of green from freshly cut grass. When Jack stood up from the chair, he instantly felt like a middle aged father with his mowing shoes on. He laughed at all the times he joked with his father when he wore them. His father was always so proud of his mowing shoes.
Jack walked out to the back yard where the small building was. He unlocked it and grabbed the weed eater. He finished that up quickly and then turned his attention to the push mower. His father had a new riding mower since this yard was bigger, but Jack wanted to sweat. After putting gas in it, he got it to crank on the third yank of the cord. He turned up his music in his air pods and began cutting the back yard.
…
Elizabeth pulled onto Abagail's street. She knew Jack lived close to her but was not sure where. The road name her father sent her was different than Abagail's. If she remembered the story correctly, Jack saw the kids playing from his house. She slowly drove down the street keeping a close eye on her car's GPS. She smiled when she passed her friend's house. I have to be close. She stated as she looked at her dash once again. "Point three miles on the right." She stated as she read the display out loud.
Elizabeth noticed the street number on the mailbox. She slowly pulled in the driveway behind a white SUV. She assumed that must be Mrs. C's car. She took a deep breath and then let it out trying to release her nervousness. Her determination wasn't as strong as it was in the park, but she was not going to turn around. She had to get Jack to understand.
…
"What do you think?"
"That new guy is always around. He's going to be trouble."
"Who is he?"
"He's the new security guy. He's the one who has someone picking William and taking him home."
"I can't believe they started that the day before we were going to do something."
"The worst timing ever." Billy stated. "He's been in William's back pocket all day since he arrived. He hasn't been more than five feet away."
"I didn't like today's plan anyways. There're just too many people around."
"Yeah…I just want the money that guy owes us."
"Me too, but I'd rather get the money than go to jail and not have it."
"True. I guess we wait."
Billy and his brother intently watched William and this new guy from a safe distance. They're plan was to kidnap William and hold him for ransom. After being fired for what they thought were bogus reasons, the brothers began this plan to get money. Once they received the ransom, they were going to go to Mexico and live on the ransom. They just had to be patient. That was easier said than done, however. Their patience was quickly fading at the need for money.
"Let's try one day next week. We'll see if the same guy continues to pick him up and see what kind of routine they develop."
"Sounds good. Let's get out of here and grab a drink. I'm thirsty for more than tea."
…
Julie and Tom stood at the back of the tent. The announcer just took his place behind the podium. He had three envelopes in his hands. He was the person that was announcing the fashion winners. The contest was simple, each person was able to submit up to three sketches of their fashion ideas. When they turned in the sketches. A label was placed on each piece to identify the piece with the person who sketched it. However, there were no names involved, only numbers. Each entrant was given the numbers that corresponded with their submission.
Julie let out a long sigh. She submitted three sketches. Each sketch was of a summer style dress of various colors and styles. Julie reached for Tom's hand as the gentleman took the first envelope.
"The third place winner is A-274."
Julie looked down at the three cards she was holding. "Tom, I won." Juile squealed jumping up and down.
"Julie! You won! I knew it!"
Julie made her way to the stage to receive her award. The gentleman shook her hand while the lady in front took their picture. Julie could only look at the award with amazement. She was truly shocked she placed.
After the picture, she made her way back to Tom. "I told you people will know who you are after today." Tom smiled. He was very proud of her. Honestly, he thought it was better than third place, but he wasn't a fashion guy.
"Now, second place is awarded to A – 931." He looked around looking for Julie. She had won second place as well.
Julie finally looked down and noticed the card in her hand. It was A – 931. "Tom…"
"You won second too!" Tom shouted when he looked at the card. Julie could only shake her head in disbelief.
"No way…"
"Go! Go!" Tom pushed her gently toward the podium.
Julie slowly walked toward the stage in disbelief. She just wouldn't ever imagine that she would place. She certainly wouldn't have dreamed that she would take second and third place.
Julie stepped on the stage and received the second place award. Her smile was big and in complete shock. Tom only laughed at her confused expression. After posing for the second picture, Julie adjusted the award in her left hand and took a step toward the steps that led to the stage. The gentleman reached for Julie's arm.
"You might as well stay here." Julie looked at him very confused.
"Well, this has never happened before." The man spoke. "The first place winner is A – 127. Which happens to be this young lady."
Everyone in the crowd cheered but no one louder than Tom. He was excited for Julie.
After some more pictures, Julie made her way back to Tom. She smiled at his excitement for her. "Well, look at you…everyone will know you now." He playfully sassed.
…
Elizabeth stepped out of the car and nervously straightened her clothes. "You are a Thatcher…you can handle any situation with dignity, grace, and strength." She told herself to find some more of that courage she had when she first got in the car.
The house she was looking at was beautiful, brick and white. The yard was nice with flowerbeds. She was impressed. She stepped onto the walkway and toward the red front door. She loved the color. She heard a mower but couldn't tell if it was this yard or maybe the next. It sounded like it was in the distance a little. She stepped onto the porch and noticed the white rocking chairs with a small table between them. It was a nice sitting area. "Ten seconds of courage Elizabeth…ten seconds to change your life." She stated to herself just as she pushed the doorbell and stepped back, letting out a long breath.
Charlette reached for her phone when it chimed. "It's my doorbell." She stated to Grace as she touched the screen icon. Elizabeth quickly appeared on the screen. "She looks a little nervous."
Grace looked at the screen. "That's her nervous and determined expression. I almost feel sorry for Jack." Grace laughed.
"Do you think…"
"She will most definitely fix this. I know that expression very well. She can be extremely stubborn when her mind is made up and it is made up. Charlette, that boy of yours won't know what hit him."
Elizabeth rang the doorbell again. She was getting a little fidgety waiting for Jack to answer the door.
"Do you think Jack's home or just not answering?"
"He's home. He told me he was going home. Jack doesn't play around with that. If he tells you something, that's exactly what he does. It's the rule follower in him. While my son isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, he doesn't lie. He does exactly what he says he will do or he will have a great reason why he didn't."
"That's great to know."
Charlette hit the speaker icon and the sound instantly came on. She heard a mower in the background. She hit the mute button. "Grace, he's cutting the grass. When he is confused, he does something physical to clear his mind. He can't hear the doorbell."
Charlette reached for the mute button and pressed it.
"Hey sweetheart. What are you doing at my home?" Charlette asked.
"Nice…" Grace whispered.
"Hey, Mrs. C. I'm sorry to bother you."
"Sweetheart, you are no bother, but you know we are at the picnic at the park today. Why aren't you here?"
"Very smooth girl." Grace whispered. Charlette patted her on the forearm with a knowing smile.
"Well…" Elizabeth shuffled from one foot to the other. "I did something stupid today. Jack left to come home, and I came to talk to him. My father and probably Mr. T knows I'm here."
"I hate to hear that. I hope you two will fix whatever the issue is."
"Me too, but I can't get him to answer the door."
"I hear a mower in the distance."
"Yeah…"
"Walk around the side of the house, dear. He may be mowing the back yard."
"Thank you."
"Elizabeth…when he is confused or upset, he must do something physical to clear his head. He either sketches, plays guitar, or something physical to do that."
"Thanks for the heads up."
"He usually gets lost in that activity. You may have to capture his attention. Plus, he will have his air pods in his ears. He either listens to music or a book."
"Thank you, Mrs. C." Elizabeth paused for a moment. "Mrs. C…?"
"Yes dear."
"Why help me when I did something stupid?"
In a smooth, reassuring, mother's voice, Charlette began. "I have already told you sweetheart. You are made for my Jack. I know it in my bones. You are precious. Now, he will get tight lipped and won't want to talk about it. Keep talking to him. Don't let him withdraw from you. It takes a lot to get him out of that place once he's there. Be honest and open with him. He responds to that very well. Don't lie to him. He has a good sense of knowing when someone is lying to him. If he catches you in a lie, you will not be able to recover from that very easily. He doesn't discuss heart issues very well. Be patient with him and don't push too much. He will get there, and you will be grateful when he does. Once he begins to talk, he will open up like a flood gate. It won't take long after that to fix it. Understand?"
The two ladies could easily see the smile appear on Elizabeth's face "Thank you for the help."
"You're welcomed dear. Now, go and fix this with my son. I would like to see you later when we arrive at home."
"I'll try."
"I didn't say try…" Charlette's tone was easily understood. "I said to fix it!"
"Yes ma'am."
Charlette closed the app on her phone and placed it in her pocket. "Well done, Charlette."
"I didn't realize how tiring it is when your son dates." She exhaled a long breath.
"They'll figure this out soon. Until then, we just have to be the mothers."
"Good thing we love them so much."
"They are lucky." Both ladies laughed.
…
Elizabeth jumped off the last two steps and quickly walked toward the side of the house. She slowed when she reached the back corner. The mower sound became stronger and louder. She stopped before she turned the corner. She took a deep breath and cleared her mind. She remembered what Mrs. C told her. She straightened her back and pulled her shoulders up and back a little. She stuck out her chest and all her resolve came rushing back to her. This was her life and she wanted Jack in it. Nothing, and no one, will keep that from happening. She turned the corner of the house.
Jack was on the opposite side of the yard walking toward the home. His head was down. He loved to mow. It was a physical activity, but he liked it because he didn't have to think. All he had to do was not fall or run over flowers. He was lost in his head and didn't see Elizabeth standing on the other side of the yard. He wiped away some sweat from his forehead with the front of his shirt. Elizabeth gasped when she saw his stomach muscles that were shining from the sweat. He turned at the home and began to walk away from it.
She stood in her spot beside the corner of the home watching Jack make a couple of swipes. On the third pass, she walked to the back porch. She moved a chair to the top of the steps. Jack didn't see her because he was mowing behind the shed. He couldn't see the home. She made herself comfortable. She took the bottled water that was sitting on the table in the shade with her. It was still cold. She opened it up and took a long drink. She was thirsty from the last thirty minutes. Jack came around the building walking toward the house. She knew he was listening to music because his head was bouncing in rhythm. When he was close to the house, he still didn't notice her because his head was down. She took a chance…ten seconds of courage to change your life…ten seconds… She threw the water bottle in his direction.
Jack jumped when the water bottle rolled toward him. His head jerked up and toward the direction the bottle came from. When he noticed her sitting on the porch, his smile grew very big. After a second, it quickly faded. He wasn't ready to have another discussion.
Elizabeth's heart leaped at the smile then faded a little when his face returned to normal. However, she saw the smile. She knew she had a chance at fixing this. "Make him listen to you." She repeated to herself. "Tell him everything."
Jack let go of the mower handle. The motor quickly stopped. He reached up and took his air pods out of his ears. He slowly walked toward the back porch. His mind was running rampant with incoherent thoughts. He never broke eye contact with Elizabeth as he walked the twenty five feet to the back porch. He climbed the steps. He handed the bottled water back to her. Then he stepped behind her and grabbed another chair. He walked back and sat it down beside her. It wasn't necessarily close to her. As he sat down, she handed him the bottled water. He went to open the water but realized it had already been opened. She smiled at his confusion.
"I was thirsty. So, I had a drink."
Jack nodded his head. He took a drink then replaced the lid. He sat back in the chair and looked over the back yard. They sat in silence for several moments. He's shutting down. I can't let him go to that place. Ten seconds of courage, Elizabeth…ten seconds of courage.
"Jack…I think we need to talk."
Jack let out a long, slow sigh. He looked down to the ground in front of him.