A/N:
This chapter is a little longer than normal. I hope you are enjoying the story.
Leave someone better than when you found them.
I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 51
Candy looked at Jack's ankles. She had taken his shoes and socks off. She wanted to compare the two and see what the differences were. She hasn't even touched his ankle yet. There wasn't any swelling. If there were, she couldn't see it. That was a good sign. Jack had walked into the training room without a limp and without the walking boot.
"The episode during the third period…how are you?"
"Fine. Like I said last night, an eight hundred pound gorilla jumped out of nowhere and landed squarely on my shoulders."
"Any issues during the night with breathing? Tightness in your chest?"
"No. Even during the fourth period where I played for three minutes, it was good. No issues during the game or during the night."
Candy placed her hand on Jack's calf on his left leg. "With all the honesty you possess, how's the ankle?"
"Stife this morning when I first got up. After showering and walking around on it for a few minutes, it loosened up."
"Any pain with the stiffness?"
"No. No pain. Just stiffness. Once it worked itself out, it hasn't bothered me at all."
"And the range of motion?"
"Limited with the stiffness, but back to what it was before the game last night."
"So limited?"
"Yes. To some degree, yes." He admitted.
"No pain at all?"
"No." Jack honestly stated.
Candy took a few minutes and felt each side of Jack's left ankle. She didn't feel any swelling. She did feel tight muscles and ligaments. She performed the same examination on his right ankle. She made mental notes as she went through the process of the differences. His right ankle felt normal, no tight muscles or ligaments. Jack tried to read her facial expressions, but he was struggling to get a read on her.
Candy stood from her stool and turned to the sink. She washed her hands and leaned against the sink for a moment. Coach Franklin stepped into the trainer's room.
"So?" Coach Franklin and Jack asked at the same time.
"You're going walking later this morning?"
"I am. Elizabeth has instructed me to go with her."
"I really need to hire her." Candy and Coach Franklin stated together. Jack could only laugh at their comment.
Candy looked at Jack's ankle as it dangled off the trainer's table.
"Here's the deal." She began in a professional tone. "You're still not one hundred percent and you know it. You're at the same place you were before the game. That means you didn't damage it or hurt it any more by playing which is a good thing. So, you are on the mend as you already know. You also know you have room for improvement."
Jack nodded his head.
"He can't damage it any more than any other time?"
"Correct. The incident in the third period is what I would have expected. I'm ok with expanding his minutes for Monday's game. I believe he could play as long as he feels good. I don't think you should put a time limit on him since he handled last night's game so well. I also wouldn't recommend a total green light for unlimited playing time."
Jack began to bounce on the table.
"Wait a moment." Coach Franklin interrupted Jack's joy. "You do not have a full green light to play the whole game. You must be honest with yourself and with me, Jack. You can't just lower your head and play through the pain. That will only lead to a sit back in your progress. You need to regain range of motion, rebuilt endurance and endurance, and get back in playing shape."
"I understand."
"We'll take this at a slow pace. I will increase your playing time until I believe you are winded or in pain. But Jack…you must be completely honest with me."
"I will. I promise."
"If you won't, Elizabeth will." The coach pointed his finger at Jack's chest.
"You wouldn't even have to ask her. She'll tell you first." Jack shook his head.
…
"Hey you." Viola answered her cell. "What are you doing this morning?"
"Just stepped out of the shower."
"Are you coming over at noon?"
"Would you like to get something to eat before I practice? I can pick you up at ten. We can grab brunch or an early lunch then I will be back at your home around noon. I need to practice for three and a half hours today."
"Then we will eat with both families tonight."
"That sounds great. Can you be ready by ten?"
"For you, I will be."
"I…" Ted caught himself. "I'll pick you up at ten."
…
Jack called his mom and told her everything that Candy and Coach Franklin told him. She passed it on to her husband who was sitting beside her. She finally just placed the call on speaker so Tom could hear everything. He then reminded them that he was going to Elizabeth's.
"Yeah, I have already spoken to her."
"You have already spoken to her?" Jack asked a little surprised.
"Why are you surprised by that? We text often."
"You text with my girlfriend often?"
"Jarrick Thornton. Of course I speak with Elizabeth often. That young lady is my daughter." Charlette's voice was stern.
"I just pulled into their driveway. We'll walk for a little while. I'm not sure what we may do afterwards."
"Do you have homework?"
"No ma'am."
"Don't forget we are meeting with them for dinner tonight."
"I haven't forgotten. You put the reminder in my calendar on my phone. I just parked. I'll text you after our walk and let you know what we're doing."
"Have fun, son."
…
"Why does our home feel so busy today?"
"Well, Julie left an hour ago with Jenny and Joyce. They are going shopping and I believe they are meeting Tom and a couple of his friends at the mall for lunch. Viola left with Ted just a few minutes ago for brunch."
"I thought he was coming here to practice?"
"He is William. I think he just wanted to spend time with her before practicing and the dinner tonight."
William rubbed his chin for a moment in deep thought. "I believe they are getting closer."
Grace smiled. She was happy for her oldest daughter. She seemed to come alive with Ted in her life. "I believe you are correct. I think they are good for each other."
"I think so too."
"Jack will be here any moment to walk with Elizabeth."
"I'm surprised she is into walking now. She was never a physical young girl. She rode her bike a lot, but no sports or anything like that."
"She told me she went walking in Buxton when Jack and a couple of his friends went running. She said she liked how she felt afterwards. I think she has toned up a little bit by walking."
Wiliam nodded his head. His three girls seemed to have gotten serious with boys. He knew this day was coming, he just didn't think it would be all at once.
"Jack is good for Elizabeth. I think they are destined for each other."
"Yes. To your approval and working behind the scenes." William sassed his wife.
Grace didn't even respond to his little jabbing comment. She ignored it completely. "Tom is good for our Julie. She is still Julie but a little calmer and more centered. Viola has changed for the better. Ted is good for her. William, I believe our children are in a good place in their lives. I'm not saying everyone is with their person other than Elizabeth, but I am pleased with where they are and where they are heading."
"I agree. I think Tom and Julie are a little too young to know that for sure. I do think Ted is really good for Viola. She seems more grounded with Ted. He has a way with her."
"I agree with you, William. Plus, he doesn't have orange hair or a chain going from his nose ring to his ear ring."
…
Viola guided Ted through Hamilton to a quaint little breakfast and lunch restaurant. The place closes at two in the afternoon. Their specialty is brunch. She loved this place. It's where her and her mother would always go when they would spend the day shopping. She could tell Ted was a little nervous during the drive and his countenance hadn't changed since they sat down at the small, two person table. It was located in the corner. While he smiled and the conversation was normal, she could tell he was a little fidgety. She reached for his hand and pulled him a little closer to the table.
"Ok…what's on your mind?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"No, but I have gotten to know you over the last few weeks. Something is on your mind. So, out with it." She stated with a little urgency.
Ted let out a sigh. He was trying to take Uncle Tom's and Jack's advice, but his throat was dry.
"May we have a serious talk for a few minutes?" He asked as the waitress stepped to the table to take their drink order. He paused as they placed their drink order. He asked for a couple of moments to look over the menu.
"I like crepes with blueberries. Their omelets are good too. They're just big."
"The omelet sounds good. I'll take the Colardo Omelet."
"That sounds good. I've had it once."
When the waitress came with their drinks, they placed their food order. Viola asked for the blueberry crepes and Ted ordered the Colorado Omelet. As the waitress left, Ted took a drink hoping to wet this throat so he could speak.
"Viola, I would like to talk to you about us."
"Ok." She drew out the word. She wasn't sure what he wanted to talk about. She knew they were getting along well. So, she knew he didn't want to break up. She just didn't know what he wanted to discuss. She forced herself not to jump to conclusions. The old Viola would have already jumped off three different cliffs in this short amount of time.
He reached for her other hand. He ran his thumb over the back of her hand. "I…huh...Let me start this with this preface."
"Ted. I don't know why you are so nervous. It's just me. Just tell me what you are thinking."
"Please understand that I am a guy who has spent most of my time in front of the piano, not in many relationships."
"Ok."
"We have been getting along well, don't you think?"
"We have." She nodded her head.
"Really well." He stated again. He took a deep breath. "Viola…I'm…" He paused again as he took a drink of his tea. He closed his eyes and thought back on the advice from his uncle. He needed to do this. He cared for this young lady, and he had to tell her. He wanted to experience the deep connection Jack talked about. He knew he needed to tell her. He just hoped and wished she felt the same way that he did. He has never opened himself up like this before to a girl.
"Viola, I am in love with you." He blurted out very quickly. His words ran together so fast that it was difficult to understand what he said.
"I'm sorry…what did you just say?"
…
Jack pulled up to his unofficial parking place by the Thatcher fountain. He smiled as Ted and Viola were backing up and pulling away. He stepped out of his truck and Elizabeth was standing in the doorway. Her hands were clasped in front of her. She was swaying from side to side. He loved it when she did that. It made him feel special. Almost like she was eager and excited to see him. He wasn't sure if that was what it meant, but that's how he took it.
"Well, look at you." He smiled as he began to climb the steps.
"What does that mean?"
"You're stinking gorgeous in workout clothes and a jacket. Plus, your little toboggan hat with the ball on top of it is just too cute." His smile grew with each step. He could easily see her as a little kid all bundled up against the cold.
"It's cold out here. Plus, this is my favorite hat. I've had it since I was a kid. Probably around seven or so."
"It is." He stepped toward her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Absolutely…Stinking…Adorable…" He paused between each word as he emphasized each word with love. With her gloved hand, she reached for his hand. His pure, unfiltered honesty was moving to her. He just had this way of touching her heart.
As they began walking along the driveway, Jack remembered the picture Steven sent to him.
"Hey, look at this." He handed his phone over to Elizabeth.
"Oh, that's a cute picture of him and Connie. May I send it to me?"
"Of course, You don't have to ask."
Elizabeth sent the picture to herself and closed the message app. Before handing his phone back to Jack, she noticed the background picture. She stared at it for a moment.
"Jack, you can't have this as your background image!"
"What?"
"This." She held up the phone so Jack could see.
"Oh…" The picture was the one of her in a messy bun. He knew he was in trouble.
"Yeah…you said you wouldn't do this."
"Elizabeth…it's a great picture. Plus, I didn't say I wouldn't. You told me that I wasn't going to. You look so adorable."
"But Jack."
"No one sees it except for me and you."
"Jack, you can't have this on your phone."
"Elizabeth, it's my phone. I can have this on my phone if I want."
"I don't think so."
She took a second and changed his background image to the picture of her in Jack's arms in a warm hug. They had their cheeks together with matching, huge smiles.
"Hey…" He unsuccessfully reached for his phone. "…did you just change that?"
"I did."
"You can't do that."
"I already did and you can't change it back!"
"We'll see." He stuck out his chest.
"Jarrick!" She warned him at his laughing.
Jack took a few moments and explained what Candy and Coach Franklin talked about. She nodded her head at each of the points.
"How do you feel about it?"
"I'm good with it. I'm not on the clock any longer. As long as it doesn't hurt or I'm exhausted, I'll get to play. I just need to get back in playing shape."
"And your ankle?"
"What do you think, Dr. Thatcher?" Jack sassed her.
"I believe it's still stiff. I don't think it's painful any longer."
"You are right."
"So, the brace for another three games?"
"Yeah…wait. How did you know that?"
"What?"
"You have already talked with Coach Franklin haven't you?"
"Who said that?"
Jack stopped walking for a moment. He looked deep into her blue eyes. After a few seconds, he began to laugh.
"What?" She challenged him.
"You have already spoken to Coach Franklin, haven't you?"
"Who?"
"You did!" He exclaimed. He became quiet for a moment. "And you have already spoken to Candy too!"
"Do you think I have honestly spoken to them?"
"Without a doubt!" His voice was certain.
…
Juile and Tom were walking behind their group of friends. This was normal for them. This was an easy way for them to have a little bit of alone time together. They were almost sixteen, but not quite yet. Their friends understood. So, they never pressed the issue.
"Are you happy with us?"
Tom stopped walking. When he turned to face Julie, she stopped looking at him. She stared at the ground in front of him.
"I am."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. Julie, what are you talking about? What is going on here?"
"I saw you talking to Stacey the other day."
"Stacey?"
"Tom, I know who you are. I'm the same way. You and Stacey were talking in the hallway."
Tom looked at the wall of the store across from him trying to recall the moment he was talking with the young lady named Stacey. Julie took it as evidence that he was talking with this girl behind her back.
"Tom, if you want to date another girl, you just have to say something. We're not married. I get it."
"Wait…Stacey…the blonde about my height?"
"Yeah…"
"Julie, I have biology with her. Mrs. Jackson assigned us as partners on a class project. She was asking me about my part of the project."
"A biology project?"
"Yes. It has something to do with cells. My portion of the project is the nucleus of the cell and its function. Stacey's portion is about the mitochondrion of the cell and its function. The other groups have the other areas of the cell and their certain functions. The whole class will cover all the different functions of cells."
"Wait…you're not talking to Stacey?"
"No. Why in the world would I be talking to Stacey like that?"
Julie lowered her head. She just knew he was talking to Stacey. "I…"
"Julie…"
"I thought you were talking with her."
"I guess I was. She gave me her email address so I could email my PowerPoint presentation and my notes on my portion. She's going to add it to her PowerPoint presentation. The presentation is due next Friday, but she's been pushing me to get her my part so she can add it. Something about her being worried about making sure things work." He looked at her for a few moments. "I think it's a little overboard wanting it so early, but I got it to her just so she would quit bugging me about it."
"Tom…"
"What's wrong Julie?"
"I thought you were going behind my back."
"Julie, I would never do that. You know my history. I've have done that in the past, but I have also never dated anyone as long as I have dated you."
"I know…" Her voice was soft.
"I wouldn't do that. Remember when I was in Buxton, and I was out with my friends? They gave me grief when I wouldn't flirt with any of those girls when they flirted with us. I called an Uber and left."
"I remember."
"Why would I go behind your back with someone that lives here when you could find out about it when I could have done it in Buxton where you would have never known about it?"
"I don't know…"
Tom stood looking at his girlfriend. He was confused with the direction of the conversation. None of it made any sense. Julie's voice was accusatory and now it sounded defeated.
"I thought you were talking with her. Like, talking with her."
"No. Just about the nucleus of a cell. Wait…you really thought I was going behind your back?"
Instead of saying anything. She only nodded her head.
"Julie!"
"That's what you've always done. I just thought you were…" Her voice trailed off.
"That's who I was. If you haven't noticed I have changed. Juile, it's not cool to bring up someone's past when they have changed."
"I know."
"Plus, you were just like me. You would play around with different people at the same time too. We were with people who weren't serious, and they knew it too. But Julie, we aren't those people anymore. We've changed."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"That's ok."
She hesitated for a few moments. "That's not the only reason why I'm sorry."
"What do you mean?" He asked. Then he looked to their friend group when they called out that they were going to the food court to find something to eat. He waved his acknowledgement and then turned his attention back to Julie. He waited for her to speak.
"I thought you were talking to her…like…like talking to her." Julie's voice was soft. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "So…I…" Her voice trailed off.
"You what?" Tom asked as he released her hand. While she wasn't looking at him in the eyes, he was focused on her face.
"Remember that guy on the bus that you thought I was flirting with?"
"John."
"Yeah."
"What about him?"
"I…"
"Wait…"
"Yeah. I saw you talking with Stacey, and I thought you…" She couldn't finish her statement.
"So, you began talking to John." He didn't say the sentence as a question. It was a statement. "What about the basketball game last night? I was with you the whole night."
"You were talking to Stacey yesterday at school. We were with the whole friend group in the student section last night. I just thought you didn't have an opportunity to say anything or that you weren't going to say anything."
Tom took a half a step back and let out a long breath. "You never answered my question. You began talking to him, didn't you?"
She nodded her head. "I spoke to him last night after we skyped."
"Did he text you first?" He asked the question. As soon as he asked the question, he corrected himself. "You texted him first." This wasn't a question.
She nodded her head.
"Julie!"
"Tom, I thought…"
"Instead of asking me about it and why I was talking with her, you went behind my back and talked to John." He remembered the jealousy from that morning on the bus.
She nodded her head. She reached for his hand, but he pulled back before she touched him.
"You told me during that conversation about the bus ride and my jealousy that I need to talk to you about everything. That I shouldn't hold things in and just assume. You fussed at me about not communicating. Now, you are doing the same thing, even worse. You called some other guy."
"Tom."
"Am I wrong?"
"I'm sorry, Tom."
"And why him? Wait, you were flirting with him on the bus back then." His voice was accusatory.
With the worst possible timing in the history of mankind, Julie's cell phone notified her of a text. Without even looking, she had a gut feeling she knew who it was from. When she closed her eyes, Tom got the same feeling.
"It's John, isn't it?" Tom's voice was a little cold.
"I don't know." Julie honestly answered.
They stood in silence until her phone beeped again. She reached for her cell when Tom nodded toward her phone. He was correct. It was from John. She read it aloud when she opened the text message.
J – I enjoyed our talk last night and this morning
J – I'm heading to the mall Want to meet up for lunch
"You spoke to him twice? You only said once." His voice had a little bit of a bite to it.
"Tom…I…"
"I'll let you go so you may enjoy your time with John. Maybe he'll make you laugh again." He stepped back a full step to create more distance between them. "I hope you have a nice lunch with him."
"Tom…" She called out as he turned on his heels and walked away. He never turned around or acknowledged her. He pulled his phone out and requested an Uber. He was grateful when he received a notification through the app that there was a guy already waiting at the front of the mall. He texted the guy and told him he would be there in two minutes. Julie could only watch Tom quickly walk away.
…
Viola could only stare at Ted completely shocked. She wouldn't have thought this was the topic he wanted to talk about. She was also shocked that he would say that he loved her. She knew they were heading in that direction, but she didn't think he was there yet. She knew she was.
Ted lowered his gaze to the top of the table. Viola's silence made him very nervous. It also made him regret taking his Uncle Tom's advice about opening up to Viola about his true feelings.
"I'm sorry." He finally broke the silence. "I shouldn't have said anything. Can we just forget I said anything?" His eyes were darting around the restaurant and everyone else except for Viola.
After a few seconds of her mind processing what she thought he said and what he just said, she reached for his hand.
"Ted, did you just say that you love me?"
"That's ok, Viola. Look, here comes our food." He stated as a waitress was walking holding two plates of food. He was hoping for anything to change the subject. He sighed when the unknown woman walked past their table.
"Ted." Viola started until Ted began to speak interrupting her.
"Viola, I think…"
He stopped when she squeezed his hand with enough force that his fingers popped.
"Ouch." He called out. He tried to pull his hand away, but she had a death grip on it. She wasn't letting him go.
"Ted, you didn't answer my question. Did you just say that you love me?"
He look intently at the table directly in front of him. He had gone back and forth in his mind all night and morning fighting the battle of saying something or not. His brain was telling him it was way too soon, and he should just keep his mouth shut. His heart was screaming for him to tell her. He loved the idea of their relationship deepening like Jack's did with Elizabeth. He didn't want his little cousin's relationship. He wanted his own relationship with Viola to be what it needed to be. He just wanted a deeper connection like his little cousin had. He opened his mouth to say yes, but the word didn't form. He tried to glance up at her face, but he couldn't. He looked at their hands that were on top of the table. His fingers were turning white with her holding onto his hand so tightly. He did the only thing he could do. He nodded his head.
He nodded so lightly that she barely saw it. If he had the ability to look up to see her, he would see the growing smile that was taking over her lips. He loves me… She thought to herself. Her head snapped up when Ted began to talk.
"May we just get our food to go?" His voice was broken. He had laid out his heart to his girlfriend and she didn't respond. He knew his hours of playing the piano instead of dating was winning this ugly battle. He didn't know what to say. He had girlfriends before. They have broken up due to his practicing. It wasn't that they didn't like him. He finally opened his heart to a girl, and she just looked at him not saying anything. He wished he was in front of a piano instead of sitting at a restaurant table across from his girlfriend. The few seconds of silence felt like an eternity to Ted.
"Ted…I love you." Viola finally spoke out loud. She said that phrase in her head a few times before her mouth formed the phrase. She smiled when she saw his shocked expression. "I love you, Ted." She repeated.
"You do?" The disbelief was evident in his words and tone. Not only that, but his facial expression was also screaming his doubt.
"Of course I do."
"But you didn't say anything."
"You spoke so fast that I had a really hard time in understanding you."
"Oh…"
"Yeah. I was also surprised you said that to me. Wait, you did tell me that you loved me…right?"
"I did." His voice was gaining a little strength. He paused when the waitress he recognized walked up their table with two plates of food. They politely smiled at her as she placed the plates in front of them. They smiled goofy, little kid smiles at each other when the waitress left. Viola still had a death grip on his hand.
"I'm not complaining about you holding my hand, but please remember I play classical piano. I need to be able to feel my fingers."
"Oh. Sorry." She relaxed her grip but did not let go of his hand.
"I wanted to tell you that. I wanted you to know where I stand with you."
"Thank you." She smiled. No boy she has ever dated talked to her like that. Sure, other boys had told her that they loved her, but she knew they really didn't. They were just after her body, not her heart. Through his nervousness, she knew he wasn't being smooth in working an angle. He was only opening his heart to her. That made this moment so much better.
Ted was silent as he played with his omelet for a few minutes. She knew he didn't tell her everything. There was something else.
"What else are you wanting to talk to me about?"
"Don't you think that was big enough." He nervously laughed.
"I do, but I believe there is something else."
He sighed. He was nervous. She reciprocated his love, but it was uncertain there for a few moments. His confidence wasn't strong. He sat his fork down on his plate. He took a deep breath and spoke with a little bit of confidence he didn't know he had.
"I do love you. I also think you are the one for me. I'm not proposing yet, but I do think you are meant for me, and I am meant for you."
"You want to get married?"
"Not yet, but yes. I feel in my heart that we are to be together."
She leaned back in her seat. He was confused with the expression on her face. While he was getting better at reading her, he was confused with the different expressions. First, the smile on her lips told him she was excited about the thought. However, the shocked expression on her forehead threw him off. It was screaming that it was way too soon.
"Viola…say something…please." His voice was so soft and weak. What little courage he gained when she reciprocated his love just a few moments ago, was completely gone. He has never opened himself up like this. Viola set her fork down before speaking.
"You want us to be serious…like, getting to know each other, working on the premise of getting married someday serious?"
"I do. I love you, Viola. I may have said those words to someone else, but I didn't mean it, not like this. We are just different. I mean that phrase now. I love you Viola and I am hoping that this is leading us to a lifetime together."
She blinked rapidly. No boy has ever said things like that to her. They have never been so truthfully open with their heart. It was confusing to her. When she saw the look of love and fear in his eyes, she knew without a doubt that he was being completely honest with her. She knew then that she would be spending her entire life with this guy. Her smile grew knowing she was perfectly ok with idea.
"I love the idea of us coming together. I would welcome the opportunity to spend my life with you."
Ted let out a long breath that he was holding.
"Where you nervous?"
"Scared out of my head."
"Wow, this is a big conversation."
"It is. I wanted you to know where I am with us. I love you and I want to be with you. I want us to work in that direction."
"Thank you for that." Her voice was sincere. "It means a lot to me that you were open with me like this."
"Well…I have one more thing I would like to speak to you about."
"There's something else? Ted, you already talked about two huge topics."
"Yeah…sorry about bombarding you with all of this. I just want you to know where I am with us. It's important to me. I knew if I didn't do this all at once, I would chicken out."
"It's ok." Honestly, it was more than ok. She loved that he was so open with her. "What would you like to talk about?" She asked, wishing she could move her chair closer to him.
…
"Leland Coulter!" Rosemary squealed as her boyfriend picked her up and moved her from the front of the window. "What are you doing?"
"You have stared through that window for the lasts ten minutes."
"I have not!"
"Rosey!" He warned.
"Fine, maybe I have, but Lee look at it."
"Yes."
"That will look great for the school's play."
"Don't they already have costumes?"
"Yes, but this would be perfect."
"I don't think Mrs. Winters would approve you getting a costume without her consent."
"Have you thought anymore about joining us?"
"Rosey…I am excited for you to join the play group and getting the part of lead, but there is absolutely no chance in me joining the group."
"And why not?"
"Rosey…It's not happening! I don't care how long you stand there with your hand on your hip and staring at me. You are adorable doing that, but I am not joining the play group!"
"Fine." She huffed. "You'll come to the plays, right?"
"I'll be in the front row in the very center."
"Hey you two." Steph called out.
"Steph." Cory warned her under his breath.
"Yes, he's your brother. He has also been part of the friend group. Get over it." She warned him.
"Fine, but I'm not sitting beside him."
"No one asked you too."
"Hey Steph." Rosey called out in excitement. "What are you two doing?"
"Sneaking away for lunch. Want to join us?"
"No. It's ok."
"Sure." Rosemary stared at Lee when he answered. "We would love to eat with you." Rosey ignored Lee's stare
Steph looked at her phone when it buzzed. "Hey, Connie and Steven are here. They just asked if we want to meet them for lunch."
"Works for me." Rosemary answered.
Cory, Steph, Rosemary, and Lee walked to the food court. Steven and Connie were standing in the middle looking at the many options trying to figure out what they wanted to eat.
"Hey you two." Steph called out.
"Hey girl." Connie paused for a moment. Then she looked at Cory and Lee. She nodded toward them.
"He's being a spoiled older brother." She stated to Cory's growling expression.
"Lighten up, Cory. Lee's a good guy. I do believe he's part of the group along with Rosey."
"I know." He growled a little. "It's just he's my little brother."
"I get it, but you need to lose the growl. He fits in very well."
"Yeah…yeah…" Cory laughed.
"Hey man." Steven looked at Lee. "Promise you won't sit on Cory's lap, steal his fries, or tell on him to your mom and you're in our group."
"He doesn't have to worry about that." Lee stated as he looked over the different lighted signs.
Cory just shook his head. He walked past Lee and pushed his shoulder. That was his way of saying he was sorry. Lee smiled at his older brother's inability to actually apologize to him. It was an older brother thing.
…
"Then he said he was raised in church and his father told him that sex was only to be in a marriage. 'A true man doesn't take what isn't his.'" Viola repeated what Ted said about his father. She fell back on Elizabeth's bed. A dreamy look came across her face and in her tone.
"Are you ok with all of that? Him telling you he loves you, that he wants this to go toward a lifetime love, and to wait until marriage?" Elizabeth asked as she leaned forward on her favorite bench. She was fully invested in her conversation with her older sister.
"Ebeth, if there was a minister beside our table…I would have said 'I do' before the minister could ask me the question." She giggled into a small pillow that she just placed over her face.
Elizabeth could only chuckle at Viola. That is how she feels concerning Jack. She stood and walked over to her bed. She fell back on her bed beside Viola. She's never seen Viola act this way.
"That's exactly how I feel about Jack. When he is honest and open with me…" Her voice trailed off. "…especially when he is nervous. He fumbles over his words, and he rubs the back of his neck." It was Elizabeth's turn to giggle. "He's so adorable when he does that."
"Ted was the same way. He was so nervous. I even saw him sweating."
"Did he fumble over his words?"
"He did. He drunk two glasses of tea just because his throat was so dry. He said it was because he spent so much time in front of a piano instead of being in a relationship. He said he didn't know how to do this."
"Jack blames his issue on him never dating before."
"I don't think it is all because of his time in front of a piano. I think he was genuinely nervous because he opened his heart to me."
"Of all the things that makes me love Jack, that is one of the most important qualities. Even though it's a little frustrating when he struggles so much with his words, I know he really means what he says without expecting anything in return when he finally says it. It's genuine."
"I think that's what is very different with Ted. All those other guys were wanting things in return. He took sex off the table. He told me those things because he loves me and cares for me. He wasn't after getting me in bed to get something. He just opened his heart to me."
"A sexy quality." Elizabeth dreamily stated. She was as lost in her thoughts concerning Jack as Viola was with Ted. For some reason, she wanted to call her boyfriend.
"Has Jack always been that way?"
"No. In the beginning, we spoke in code. Nothing was clearly stated. When he finally opened up, it changed everything."
"Yeah." Viola's voice trailed off. Her eyes glassed over. "I know what you mean. After we spoke, we ate our cold brunch. He was here practicing but I couldn't get too far away from him. Somehow, I was just drawn to him even more."
"Yeah…I completely understand. I agree. I'm the same way with Jack. Pure, unaltered honesty is just so…so…" Elizabeth couldn't think of a proper word to describe her true feelings.
"Yeah." Viola's voice was dreamy.
…
Jack stepped out of the shower. He had the appointment with Candy earlier and then he and Elizabeth walked four miles around her property and neighborhood. He was proud of her efforts in exercising. They wanted to go out for lunch but decided to stay at her house and eat a light lunch with her mother. He was happy to spend time with Grace.
Jack looked through his closet for appropriate clothes to wear. He was told that they were just going to a nice restaurant, but not a fancy one. This was just a time for both families to get together and enjoy some time with each other. He decided on a nice pair of dress jeans and a light sweater. He would wear his favorite leather jacket with it. He did talk his mother into letting him drive so he could pick up Elizabeth. That way they could spend a little bit of time together before spending so much time with everyone else. He thought that was the best of both worlds. He stepped off the stairs and saw his mom and dad in the kitchen.
"Are you sure you don't want to ride with us?"
"I'm sure, Ma. We'll meet you at the restaurant at six thirty. Just send me the address please."
"Elizabeth knows the restaurant. Evidently, they go there sometimes."
"Perfect." Jack smiled at the final efforts of his mother and it not working. He knew Ted and Tom were going to ride with his parents. He figured that was why his mom didn't stand her ground too much.
"Hey, would you mind to go and let Ted and Tom know that we will be leaving in twenty minutes?"
"Sure Ma."
Jack turned around and went upstairs. The first door he came to was Ted's guest bedroom. He stuck his head into the opened door frame after knocking.
"Hey man, we're leaving in twenty minutes."
"Thanks. You know, I should have held my ground and drove."
"Too late now." Jack looked at him for a few minutes. "Hey, what's up with you?"
"What do you mean?"
"You have this goofy smile."
"What do you mean?"
Jack walked into the bedroom. He looked at him for a few moments. "Wait, you talked with Viola, didn't you?"
"I did." Ted's goofy smile only grew.
"And…?"
"It went really well. I spoke to her about everything. I shared what I was thinking."
"That's great!"
"She was very receptive to it. And it wasn't because I did it well."
Jack laughed knowing he was the exact same way. "You weren't suave about it huh?"
"Not even close to being smooth." Ted laughed. "I fumbled over almost every word."
"Yeah, I'm the same way. The funniest thing is that Elizabeth doesn't seem to mind."
"Neither did Viola. She loved the fact that I was open with her and shared my thoughts even though I massacred the English language."
"So…?"
"Uncle Tom was right. I shared my heart, and it brought us even closer. She seemed very happy having that discussion."
"That's great. I'm happy for you."
"Thanks. Me too."
"Have you seen Tom?"
"Tommy has been in his room all afternoon. I haven't really seen him since I've been here."
"I'll let him know."
Jack left the room and walked to his brother's door. After knocking, he stepped into his brother's room when he heard Tom say something inaudible.
"Hey, Ma said we'll leaving in twenty minutes."
Tom just nodded. He was lying on his bed in a pair of shorts and a long sleeve tshirt.
"Alright." Tom stated without looking up.
Jack stopped and looked at his brother for just a moment. He knew something was wrong with the tone of his voice.
"Hey bro…what's up?"
"Nothing."
Jack walked toward the bed and sat on the foot end of it. Something was certainly wrong. "Dude, I have known you your whole life. Like literally your whole life. What's going on?"
Tom lowered his head and settled his back against the headboard a little more. He didn't want to talk about it. He also knew his older brother wouldn't let it slide. He was going to be the over protective older brother.
"Nothing."
"Tom." Jack warned. "What's wrong? Did something happen with Julie?"
"Yeah…"
"What happened?"
Tom let out a long, shaky breath. "She saw me talking with Stacey yesterday when she gave me her email so I could send my portion of the biology presentation to her."
"The one about the cell or something?"
"Yeah. She thought I was going behind her back and talking to Stacey."
"Awe man…that's rough."
"Jack, I promise I wasn't. It was all about the presentation."
Jack looked at him for only a second. He knew his brother was being honest. He didn't see any of his tales that he was lying.
"Ok…that's not too bad. Did she realize that she misread the situation?"
"She didn't at first."
"But she eventually did, right?"
Tom settled down even more. "Finally."
"So…if she realized that you weren't flirting with Stacey, then what is the problem?"
"After telling me that she made a mistake, she admitted talking to John?"
"John?"
"Yeah…you remember the guy from the bus a few months ago when I got jealous because Juile laughed at his joke?"
"Yeah."
"When she thought I was going behind her back, she did go behind my back." He greatly emphasized the word 'did'. "She texted him first last night and they texted again this morning."
"Oh…" Jack's voice was sincerely hurting for his brother.
"Yeah…she told me that we needed to communicate after I was jealous. That we needed to be open with each other because of us flirting all the time. Instead of just asking me, she went behind my back twice. Jack, I know I've always acted badly in all of my previous relationships, but it was completely understood by me and the girl that we weren't serious or exclusive. They left me just as fast as I left them. None of us wanted anything serious. We just didn't want to be tied down. Neither of us. But Jack, I would never go behind Julie's back! I've never wanted to."
"I know. I've told you that I think she is your match."
"I always thought so too…but now…"
"Now you don't know?"
"I don't know if I can trust her."
"Tom…"
"Jack, when we were in Buxton, I was with a couple of my old friends, Brad and Jess. We were at the mall and a group of girls came by and flirted with us. My friends were shocked that I wouldn't flirt with the group of girls that stopped by our table. Especially the blonde who was shamelessly flirting with me. I wouldn't do that to Julie. I left and called Julie before I even reached the Uber. I told her everything. I proved to her that I wouldn't do that to her."
"Didn't she remember that?"
"No. She thought I did with Stacey and then she did it. With John, nonetheless. Jack, I know I have the reputation but that isn't me any longer. Not since I've been with Julie."
Tom was frustrated. He's never been in a relationship with any substance until now. He just wasn't interested in a long term relationship before now. However, all things were different with Julie. He thought they turned the corner concerning their past. He thought he had proved to Julie that he wasn't that guy anymore.
"I know. I told you that she was your match. She has changed you for the better. You're still Tom…just a more mature version."
"And that change doesn't mean anything."
"I wouldn't say that." Jack tried to comfort his brother. "Have you spoken to her?"
"I would Jack. She instantly went to me cheating. Jack, she thought I did something wrong when I didn't." He looked down at his hands that were clasped and laying on his belly. "No, not since John texted her before lunch when we were together. He told her he enjoyed their conversations last night and this morning. He asked her to meet for lunch since he was at the mall too."
"What did you do?"
"I told her to have a good lunch with him and left."
"Tom…"
"Jack, I didn't know what else to do. She just told me that she talked to another guy after accusing me of going behind her back. And not just some other guy, but John. Jack, I didn't go behind her back, but she did go behind my back. What was I supposed to do? Sit there and watch them laugh with each other during their lunch?"
Jack reached for his foot. "Tom, it was a huge misunderstanding. Just don't close the door completely on Julie. She is good for you."
Tom didn't say anything. It was evident his heart was hurting. His eyes were still focused on his hands. No tears escaped down his cheeks, but you could easily see the torment on his face.
"Hey, stay home. I'll cover for you with Ma and Pa. Promise me you won't do anything to make matters worse."
"Jack, how can I make things worse?"
"By completely closing the door on Julie. I'm not saying you must fix things tonight or that it can be fixed, but don't slam the door on Julie tonight. Let things settle. Maybe things will be different tomorrow when the raw emotions calm down."
Tom still didn't say anything.
"Promise me." Jack implored his younger brother.
Tom nodded his head in agreement. He let out a long, shaky breath. "Thanks bro."
"I've got your back." Jack patted Tom's foot. "We'll see you later."
"Yeah."
…
Jack made his way down the stairs.
"Are they ready?"
"Ted is ready. Tom isn't going."
"What do you mean 'Tom isn't going'? I told him to be ready."
"Ma, he is going to stay here tonight. He's not up to going out?"
"Is he sick?"
"No Ma."
"I'll go and get him."
"Ma." Jack stopped her by reaching for her hand as she walked by. "He's had a rough day today."
"He was with Julie and his friends. Then he's been in his room since he's been home."
"Son, what happened?"
"Pa…"
"Jack, I'm not asking you to break Tom's confidence but what is going on?"
"Him and Julie had a bad day."
"What happened?"
"Ma…I can't tell you that."
"He needs to go with us then." She stated with determination. "He knew about us all going out with the Thatchers tonight."
"Pa." Jack looked to his father for help.
"Is he ok?"
"He will be, Pa. He's just hurting. I think it would be best for him if he stays here tonight. Especially if Julie will be there tonight."
"Are you sure?"
"I am Pa. Please, just give him tonight."
Thomas thought for a moment. He trusted his oldest son. He has always protected his little brother. He knew what Tom needed even when he or Charlette didn't.
"Fine. We'll bring him home something to eat."
"Thanks Pa." Jack turned his attention to his mother. "Please, give him the evening."
"I trust you." Charlette let out a long breath. "I'll give him some space."
"Promise?"
"Yeah…do you know what happened?"
"Ma, I'm not sharing that with you."
"Right…please text him and tell him we'll bring him food."
"He already knows."