Chapter 59
The first of March came quickly. District tournament games were a distant memory. For the next two weeks, school became the norm with basketball practice. It was demanding. They had one week of practice before the state tournament began. The tournament was within the first week. High school teams all over the state traveled and played single-elimination games. During that week, Jack played three games, all away games. They had to travel for two hours for the last game. It was very late by the time they got home. He was tired.
Along with Thomas and Charlette, Grace, William, and Elizabeth traveled to watch. These games were intense due to all the teams being talented and good. Joe made the winning shot in last night's game. The score was tied with eight seconds to play. He received the ball from Jack and drove to the free-throw line. He made the ten-foot shot with just one second left on the clock. With last night's victory, they would be traveling to Winchester College for the final rounds of the state tournament. The college was four hours away from Hamilton. It was a medium-sized school that had held the state tournament final games for the last eight years. Four boys' and four girls' teams were all left.
With the long traveling time, Coach Franklin was trying to arrange travel and hotel accommodations for his players. While Hamilton was excited about the team's success, travel, hotel rooms, and meals for everyone weren't cheap. Coach Franklin didn't have the money in the budget to pay for all of that.
The schedule of the games was simple. Thursday was the first day of games. There would be two girls' and two boys' games played. On Friday, the winners of the two games would play for the championship. The two teams that lost would play for third and fourth place. The coach didn't want to ride four hours one way and then play one game. Then, they would drive four hours home only to repeat the next day if they won. He thought that would be too much physically for his team. He looked up when he heard a knock on his office door.
…
Jack looked up and placed his pen on top of his paper. His eyes were tired, with dark areas under them. Elizabeth was looking at him. Instead of hopping in her seat because she beat him in finishing a history test first, she was worried about him. She knew the darker the area was under his eyes, the more tired he was. She couldn't remember Jack's eyes being so tired. The beautiful emerald eyes were simply tired. Her smile instantly faded into a frown.
"So, I guess this means you have finally beat me in history." Jack tried to sass her.
"I don't think so. Jack, you look exhausted."
"I am." He sighed as he leaned back in his chair.
"I'm worried about you." She whispered. "You have been burning the candle at both ends."
"The tournament has been very busy. We leave in a couple of days."
"Tonight after practice, you sleep." Her voice was stern.
"Are you trying to manhandle me?"
"There are times you don't listen, and you need to be manhandled." She sassed back.
"Is that the little secrets my Ma told you about me?"
"What?" Elizabeth gasped. She didn't think Jack knew what his mother did.
"My Ma gave you the playbook on how to handle me."
"Jack, I'm not sure what you are talking about." She playfully sassed.
"I'm assuming when you came to my home after the picnic." He raised his eyebrows, challenging her.
She cut her eyes to him. Before she spoke, the bell rang to change classes.
"Saved by the bell." He sassed her.
…
"Hey Tom, are you busy?"
"No, what's up?" Tom asked very nervously. No matter how long it had been since that horrible Monday, it still seemed to slip back in, especially when things were sudden early in the morning.
William walked into Tom's office. "It's not that." He sighed as he sat down on Tom's chair in front of his desk. "Do you think that Monday will ever go away?"
Tom rubbed his face. He was tired from all the games as well. Actually, every Thatcher and Thornton was just as tired.
"For the most part, it is done. However…"
"Yeah." William finished his statement. "It has a way of creeping in every once in a while."
"What's up? Do you need me for anything?"
"Yeah, grab your jacket. We have a trip to take."
"Where?" Tom asked as he stood and grabbed his light jacket.
"I have a meeting with Mr. Davis and Coach Franklin."
"Why?"
"Come on." William stood. "I don't like to be late."
"Hey, William." Tom's words stopped him from walking out the door. "Thank you for all of your support with Jack. You and your family have been great with going to watch him play. That means a lot to Charlette and me. I also know it means a lot to Jack. He's mentioned it several times."
William's smile grew on his face. "Tom, you have a tremendous son. Grace and I think of him as our fourth child."
Tom nodded in agreement. William understood the act. He knew Charlette, and Tom thought that Elizabeth was their third child.
"Come on…" William nodded toward the door and hallway. "I'm thinking lunch and ice cream afterward."
…
"Hey, man," Cory stated as he approached Jack's locker.
"Hey, brother," Jack stated.
Joe and Sam walked up, and everyone fist-bumped. They all had the same look. They were all exhausted.
"I hope today's practice is an easy one."
"Me too," Joe stated as he stepped up to the group with Sam.
"Yeah, man." Sam shook his head. "I don't ever remember being this tired."
"I hear ya," Jack stated as he closed his locker and leaned against it.
"Let's just hope the coach goes very easy on us in the next couple of days."
"I agree Steven," Joe stated as Steven approached the group.
The starting five stood around Jack's locker and spoke for a quick moment. They needed to go to class, but none of them were moving very fast. They were content with just leaning against the lockers.
Elizabeth, Steph, and Connie gathered at her locker, just a few feet from where the guys were gathered. As they talked amongst themselves, they kept a close watch on their guys. The three gals knew their guys were exhausted, and they were tired, too, from all the traveling.
…
"Good morning, Mr. Thatcher." Mr. Davis stated as he stood.
"Tom." Coach Franklin stated. "It's good to see you again."
"Thank you, Coach." Tom shook his hand. He really liked Coach Franklin. They haven't spoken a lot, but they have spoken several times over the course of the season. Jack has spoken highly of him.
"Mr. Thornton. I'm Mr. Davis. I'm the athletic director here. We think the world of Jack here. He is a great kid." Then he turned his attention to William. "Mr. Thatcher, the same applies to Elizabeth. She is a fine young lady."
"Thank you."
"Mr. Thatcher, you requested to see Coach Franklin and me. What may we do for you?"
"Jack shared the arrangements beginning Thursday."
"Yes, sir." Coach Franklin stated as he offered both gentlemen the chairs in front of his desk. "Please, have a seat. The arrangements aren't ideal, but my hands are tied. We don't have enough money in our budget to get rooms, bus, and food. I had enough to get new warmups. They weren't very much. The clothing rep cut me a good deal. They should be here today."
"That's good. I would like to talk with you about your wish list."
"My wish list? How so?"
"What if the hotel rooms, bus, and food would be covered? Would you be able to leave Wednesday? The game will be on Thursday and hopefully Friday. What if we have rooms Wednesday night through Saturday morning? A chartered bus will take the team to and home from the tournament and around the town. Hotel rooms would be covered along with food. Would that interest you?"
"Sure. I hate the thought of all the traveling, but sir, that's a lot of money."
"I have a good friend who owns a hotel chain. One of his chains is close to Winchester College. If you would like, he would cut us a deal on the rooms."
"That's very generous, Mr. Thatcher. However, I don't think he would cut the cost enough to work for our budget. We would still have to pay for the charter bus and food. We don't have the money."
"I understand, Coach Franklin. I don't think I'm making myself clear. My wife and I would cover the rooms, bus, and meals. You won't have to pay a dime for this. This is our way of saying thank you."
"Sir, are you sure?"
"I am Mr. Davis. If those things are done, is it possible for the team to be out of school on Thursday and Friday?"
Mr. Davis thought about it for a few moments. He had planned on getting a bus to take any students to the game who wanted to go. It was a normal school bus, so that wouldn't cost too much. If the team won Thursday, he had even considered closing school so whoever wanted to go could go without missing school. The high school's team making the championship game was huge for the school. He leaned back in his chair.
"That is very generous of you, Mr. Thatcher."
William nodded his head.
"I think we could make that happen. It would be considered a school trip. They would have to sign a school trip slip."
Coach Franklin stepped in. "There would be rules. We would also need chaperones."
"I'll leave that to you." William nodded. Here is the information for the charter bus company. They are expecting your call. Mr. Underwood, the hotel's owner, is also expecting your call. Just tell him what you need."
"Thank you, sir."
"Please, just call me William."
"William." Coach Franklin and Mr. Davis nodded.
"I think Jack wasn't too happy with you consulting Elizabeth when he was hurt."
Coach Franklin tilted his head back and laughed. "Oh…he hated it. Do you know she texted me after every practice and meeting he had with Candy?"
"My Elizabeth can be stubbornly persistent when the people she cares for are involved." William chuckled.
"I would say. She was a great person to consult with. She knew Jack very well. She would tell me if he was being honest with me concerning his pain."
"That sounds like my middle daughter." William shook his head. "There is only one thing I ask."
"Sure." Mr. Davis and Coach Franklin stated at the same time.
"If we could, could we please keep this between just us? Grace and I would like to keep our name out of the details."
"Are you sure? This is a very generous gift."
"We are certain. We are willing to do this as long as our part is kept secret. Grace and I would like to do this, but we can only do this if our names are never associated with it."
Coach Franklin nodded his head. He stood and offered his hand to William. "I appreciate your very generous gift. I think it will be very beneficial for us. It'll save on traveling. I also promise you that no one will know anything about your involvement."
"Thank you, Coach Franklin. I am thankful for that. Now, the charter bus company and the hotel are expecting your call. Ask for whatever you need. Do not skimp on this. This is your one free blank check. The hotel will work with you on whatever you want. He is a good friend and promised to take care of you. He will want to see if you want food prepared by the hotel and or he can have some places for you to call and make arrangements."
"Thank you, William. I was thinking of two per room. Maybe we can do food at the hotel and a local restaurant."
"Whatever you desire. You make the plans. They have been instructed to send the bill to me. A lady from my office, Mrs. Thomason, will be in touch with you concerning a credit card from us that will pay for any meals if you choose to go to a restaurant."
"Sir, I don't know what to say." Coach Franklin's voice trailed off.
"Say 'thank you,' and we will be good."
"Thank you."
"Now, I just want you to know that Elizabeth and Julie will not be at school on Thursday or Friday."
"That's ok. It will be considered a school trip. This is a special time in our school's history."
"I'll leave you to make the plans. The hotel also blocks some rooms for parents and other people who want it. He is giving a discount on that. They use the school's name, and then they will pay when they arrive."
"Thank you, William."
The two men stepped out of the coach's office.
"William, that is very generous of you. More importantly, it is very kind of you to do that."
William nodded his head.
"Out of respect for your generosity, I won't say anything."
"Thank you, Tom. For whatever reason, God has blessed Grace and me with finances. We figure we share some of that when we think it's a worthy cause. The players have done a good job this year. They deserve this."
"You really think of Jack as your boy."
His smile relaxed William. "I do. I like that son of yours."
"Thank you for that."
"I have reserved double rooms for your family and for my family. My friend is giving them to us. He isn't charging us."
"He doesn't have to do that."
"He is a good friend. He has used us for his shipping needs for decades. This is his way of thanking me. We bent over backward a couple of times, getting his supplies delivered faster than expected. We have always helped each other like this."
"I will see if he will let me pay for it."
"You may try, but don't be discouraged if you don't win that argument. If you think I'm stubborn…"
"Then I will thank him."
"He will want to meet Jack. He knows they're dating. He thinks of Elizabeth as his niece."
"Thank you, William."
…
Jack and Elizabeth walked into the gym for gym class. Elizabeth noticed Jack's eyes brightened for the first time today. When she looked up, she noticed there wasn't anything set up. She knew that was Coach Franklin's sign that they were having a free or easy day.
"Thank goodness," Jack whispered.
"Yeah." Elizabeth joined in his relief.
"Hey, Bella, I'll be right back. I want to talk to Coach Franklin for a moment."
"Sure, I'll be with Connie and Steph."
"I'll find you."
"Alright, class." Franklin blew the whistle. "Free day today. I have arrangements I need to make. Please behave." He warned them.
"Coach, may I have a moment?"
"Sure, Jack. What's on your mind?"
Jack walked toward his coach. He looked around, making sure no one was paying too much attention. Coach Franklin stepped to the door, pulling them away from people.
"Coach, I'm exhausted. With the games and traveling…I'm just tired. I know we leave in two days, and you want to practice today after school. Can we do a walk-through or something very easy? I'm not the only one that's tired. We all are. We need to prepare for our next opponent, but coach…" His voice lost some of its strength. While they had a great relationship, he knew he was crossing the line in some respects. "…we also need our legs to play good basketball. None of us, the starting five, have good legs right now. We need rest as much as reps."
Coach Franklin nodded his head as he listened. "Thanks for talking to me, Jack."
"I hope I didn't overstep my place."
"You didn't. As leader of the team, this is your part of it."
"Thanks, coach. Of course, we'll do whatever you want us to do. I just wanted you to be aware of how tired we all are."
Coach Franklin smiled as he placed his hand on Jack's shoulder. "Thanks. Now, go and enjoy your free time."
…
Jack, Sam, and Joe walked into the locker room just after Cory, Steven, and Shane. Most of the time, they would all joke around. But not today; today, they were all quiet. Just a typical day of school only added to their exhaustion. Coach Franklin looked up from his desk when he heard the locker room doors open and slam shut.
"Alright, guys, have a seat." He nodded toward the bench. This wasn't the usual routine. Typically, the guys would change and get their ankles taped. Then, they would go to the court and shoot for a few minutes. Then, the coach would walk onto the court. He would share a few instructions and his desires for the day. Then, they would warm up and begin practicing. Everyone knew today was different.
"Men, you have played very well over the last week. I know it's been very difficult. Not only have the games been difficult, but when you add in the travel and then school on top of it, it has only been harder. With that said, we are doing things a little different today.
"We leave in a couple of days for the tournament. We have two practices before our game. We have changed everything. First, we are not having practice today." Coach Franklin noticed several sighs at his news. He knew he had made the right decision. "You guys have practiced over the last few months. You don't need more reps. So, no practice today at all. Tomorrow we will have a forty-five minute walk-through to go over their schemes on offense and defense.
"Instead, I have some news for you. I need you to sign these permission slips." He held up the papers. "We have been given a very special gift. Instead of traveling on Thursday and playing that day, we will leave on a chartered bus on Wednesday." Several of the players sat up taller on the bench. They were excited. Four hours on a school bus bench seat wasn't something anyone looked forward to. "We will leave at noon. We will have a walk through Wednesday night. We will all be staying in hotel rooms. All the rooms and food were provided through a special gift."
"Yes." Several players stated.
"Now, you know perfectly well what I expect from you. If you cross the line in any way and disparage this great gift, you will be sent home immediately. There is a ten p.m. curfew. Once in your room at curfew, you are not allowed to leave your room. Understood?"
"Yes, Coach."
"Men, please don't try me on this. I will send you home faster than your feet touch the floor. You will not disrespect this gift or disrespect Hamilton East."
Everyone knew how serious he was. No one was going to challenge him.
"You will know your rooms and roommate on Wednesday when we get to the hotel."
"Thanks, Coach. Who did this?"
"I'm sorry, Cory, but I was instructed by the person or persons who gave this that they wanted it to be anonymous. Now, be the young men you have been all season, and we will have no issues. That will also be the best way to say 'thank you' for this generous gift.
"With that being said, you will go and rest tonight. I know your legs are spent. Rest and recover. Before you leave, I have something special for you all. Your warmup pullover is yours to keep. We have new ones for the next two games." Coach Franklin pulled out a brand new warmup top. All the guys loved the new pullovers. It was colorful, and they loved it. It was a mixture of the school colors done vibrantly. He knew they would like them. He was correct. He began to pass out the new tops. "Wednesday, when we leave, you are to wear nice jeans. They shouldn't have any holes in them, and a nice button-up shirt. You can wear the new pullovers on the court only, please. The new pants will be in tomorrow."
"Thanks, coach."
"Bring good clothes to wear to eat and walk around in. Bring sleeping clothes and all the toiletries you need. Everyone is required to bring and use deodorant." He pointed his index finger at everyone. It was a running joke between him and his players that they didn't use deodorant. He would always tell them they smelled.
"Got it." He heard several voices and snickers.
"Go, drink plenty of good fluids, and eat a healthy meal. Rest up. Come to school tomorrow and do your work. Then, on Wednesday, we leave school at noon. If you have work from your classes, your teachers will send the work with you."
Coach Franklin made eye contact with Jack. Jack mouthed the phrase, 'Thank you.' Coach Franklin nodded his head.
"Now, get out of here. Enjoy your evening."
…
Like all the other guys, Jack floated out of the locker room with his old warmup pullover in his hand. They were all excited to have the day off from practicing. They also committed to being very present during the next day's walkthrough. If Coach Franklin trusted them enough to give them a day off just a couple of days before a huge game, they were going to be found trustworthy.
He pulled out his phone and texted Elizabeth.
J – Hey Bella
J – Are you home
E – I am
E – Shouldn't you be practicing now
When Jack didn't respond, she figured practice was beginning, or Coach Franklin entered the locker room.
Jack smiled at her response. Then he texted his mother.
J – Hey Ma, may I go over to Elizabeth's for a couple of minutes
C – Shouldn't you be at practice? J – Coach Franklin gave us the day off
J – We're all exhausted
C – That's nice of him. Jack, what have I told you about punctuation?
J – Not the time Ma
C – Such sass.
J – I wont be long
C – Fine, but we will talk about your grammar and spelling later. I know you didn't use the apostrophe on purpose.
J – I love you Ma
C – I love you, son.
She smiled when she received four heart emojis and one kissy face emoji.
Jack jumped in his truck with a little bit of a second wind. He wanted to see his girlfriend, but he also wanted to go home and crash. With the excitement of the team's success, the teachers were taking it easy on them regarding their homework assignments.
…
"Hey, sweetheart."
"Hey, Tom. Is everything alright? You should be at work."
"I'm fine. I wanted to call and let you know that we have a hotel reserved for us for Wednesday through Saturday morning. We are going to the tournament and staying there instead of traveling back and forth."
"Why? How is that possible?"
Tom took a few moments to explain everything about their room. He made sure not to mention William paying for the rooms for the players, the charter bus, or the meals. He was going to keep his promise.
"So, this guy knows William and Elizabeth?"
"He does. That's why he is giving us the use of the room along with William and Grace. He thinks of Elizabeth as his niece. He wants to meet Jack. He said something to the effect that if she likes this boy, he must get to know him."
"I heard about what is happening to the team. Is this William and Grace?
"Charlette, why would you ask that? All I know is that we have the room if we want it. Do you want it or not?"
Charlette laughed. I will have to thank William for all he has done."
"Why would you thank him?"
"For the bus, hotel, meals."
"What?"
"When I mention it, you first began explaining by using my name. You always do that when you are trying to get me to change my way of thinking."
"What?"
"Thomas Jack…I have been married to you for over twenty years. I know my husband." Her tone was rock solid. "I do promise I will not say anything. Jack texted me. They are not going to have practice today. The coach is giving them the day off since the boys are so tired."
"That's probably smart."
"I think so. It's a good move. He's going by Elizabeth's for a few moments. He said he wouldn't be long."
"That's fine, dear. I'll be home for dinner."
"We're having a pot roast."
"I'll be home early." He smiled. Pot roast is one of his favorite meals.
…
Julie looked up when Abagail's front door opened and closed. She smiled when Tom came through the door. She waved to capture his attention. Their relationship was progressing slowly, too slow for her liking, but she knew she had to take time. She couldn't push him even if that were exactly what she wanted to do.
"Hey." He stated as he sat in the booth across from her.
She frowned when he did but wiped it away just as quickly so he wouldn't notice. Before her stupid stunt, he would always sit beside her. While things were progressing, it was just slow…painfully slow for her.
"Hey, how was your day?"
"Good, I guess. Everyone is excited about the tournament. At least we won't have much homework this week. I think all the teachers are buying into the excitement."
"Yeah. I don't know everything, but I do know we are going."
"Yeah, us too, but I don't know details."
They each ordered a milkshake and decided to share a large order of mozzarella sticks. Julie ordered a side of Ranch dressing, while Tom just stayed with the regular marinara sauce. They spent a few minutes just catching up with gossip and other school news. Since that dreaded Saturday, they haven't kissed. She was hoping to change that very soon. They didn't even hold hands during this time frame.
Julie knew Tom was taking things slow—in her opinion, too slowly. She heeded her sister's advice about being patient. However, Julie had been patient for weeks, and the slow play was wearing thin.
"Tom…" Julie stated that she reached for Tom's hand, which was sitting on top of the table. She was relieved when he allowed her fingers to intertwine with his. She was even more grateful when he enclosed his fingers around hers. This gave her the genuine hope that she needed. "…I need you to understand where this needs to be heading."
"I understand."
"Then what is taking you so long?"
"So much for the patient, Julie." Tom thought to himself. "I just want to make sure…"
"Make sure of what? I have been patient for weeks now. Yes, I did something stupid. I hurt you intentionally because I thought you were hurting me. I admitted my mistake. I apologized for it…on more than one occasion. I've given you plenty of time. I believe I have proven myself over the last few weeks."
Tom lowered his head. He nodded his head.
"So, are you playing me along or just wanting to punish me?"
"I'm not punishing you."
"Then you're just playing me along? Are you trying to be cruel?"
"Of course not, Julie. I love you." He yelled out the last sentence before he knew what he was saying.
"Well then…you need to ride or get out of the saddle."
Tom's head shot upward rather quickly. "What did you just say?"
Julie shrugged her shoulders.
"Mom says that all the time." He thought for a moment. "You've been talking to my mother about me?"
"I have. Tom, I've been extremely patient for weeks now. I've proven myself to you."
"Jack always thought mom gave Elizabeth hints on how to handle him early on in their relationship. Did mom do that for you?"
"I had no choice. Tom, we're weeks into this. I've done everything humanly possible to show you my true heart. I have matured, and you have to see that. I'm all in here. My question is…are you?"
Tom began to smile just a little. He has seen Julie mature and has been impressed. She was still the Julie he loved, just a better version of it. The only drawback was the fact that she intentionally hurt him. To his surprise, that really hurt him. For the first time in his life, his heart was broken. However, she has almost completely healed his broken heart. Yes, she was the one who broke it, but she was the reason it was healed. He tightened his hold on her hand. This gave her hope.
He nodded his head. "I'm in. Just one thing."
"Tom, I'm not exactly that girl anymore. I won't sit here and say that I will never hurt you or always do things right. But I do make this promise to you: I will not intently hurt you ever again." Her voice was sincere, yet resolute. She was confident in answering the unasked question.
He could only smile that she answered the question before he asked it. He was also impressed with her confidence and tone.
"So, Mom said there are times when you must push me through the door?"
"She did. Tom, I love you."
"Julie, thank you for pushing me through the door."
"Are we good?"
He stood and moved to her side of the bench seat. He reached for her hand again, leaned in, and touched her shoulder. "We are, " he softly stated as he kissed her on the cheek.
…
"Jack, what are you doing here?"
"Hey, Mom. How are you?"
"I'm good," Grace stated as she opened the door wider for him to come in.
He leaned in to kiss her on the cheek just before entering the home.
"Don't you have practice?"
"Thankfully, Coach Franklin gave us the night off."
"That's great. Jack, you look exhausted."
"I'm more tired than I look."
"Have a seat on the couch. Would you like something to drink?"
"No. I'm good. I don't plan on staying too long. I just have something to give Elizabeth." He held up his warmup pullover.
"I'll let her know you are here."
"Thank you, mom."
Just a minute after Grace disappeared from view at the top of the stairs, Elizabeth was bouncing down the steps. She was excited to see her boyfriend. Her mother was just a few steps behind her when she reached the top of the grand staircase. By the time she reached the bottom step, Grace wasn't even close behind her.
"Jack," Elizabeth stated as she turned left into the living room.
"Bella." He whispered, but he didn't stand.
"What are you doing here? Didn't you have practice?"
"Coach Franklin canceled it. He noticed how exhausted we were. We'll have a short walk-through tomorrow. Then we leave Wednesday."
"Wednesday?"
"Yeah, someone gave a great gift to the team." Jack spent a few minutes sharing everything the coach told him.
"That's great, Jack. I'll miss you, but we will be there on Thursday for the game."
"Actually, dear." Grace cut in as she turned into the living room. "We are going Wednesday, too. We are staying at the Underwood's hotel Wednesday through Saturday morning."
"Wait, I'll miss school."
"It's ok. It is such a big deal that they allow people to miss school without it counting against them if they go to the game. We are all leaving Wednesday."
"Thanks, Mother." She turned her attention back to Jack. "Where is the team staying?"
"I have no idea."
"I'll have to introduce you to Mr. Underwood if I can. He's good friends with father. I've always called him Uncle Bill."
"Do you know where the hotel is located? Is it close to Winchester College?"
"I'm not sure. It's close to it, I think."
Jack thought for a moment. He looked up to Grace. She noticed the look in his eyes. Somehow, he knew. He figured it out.
"Wait…" Jack stated slowly.
"I'll go and get you two something to drink and a snack."
"Mom." He stated as she stood up and began to walk toward the kitchen. He knew that was her tell when she didn't want to admit to something. She never turned back in his direction.
"I'm glad you stopped by, but Jack, you are exhausted. You need to go home and sleep."
"I plan on it. I just wanted to stop by and give you something."
"You have something for me?"
"I do." He reached for his warmup pullover. "We received new ones for Thursday's game. I wanted you to have mine. Would you accept it?"
"I told you that since you didn't give me one when you gave Adam his I was going to take yours when the season is over."
"Here." He lifted it to her. "I would like for you to have it."
"Thank you, Jack." She stated as she reached for it. She brought it to her face, hoping to smell Jack's scent. Her smile grew when it smelled just like her boyfriend.
"I hope you'll wear it on occasion."
"You can count on it." She stated as she laid it on the coffee table. She leaned over and kissed him gently. "I love it."
She scooted closer to him and placed her head on his shoulder. "Now, how are you doing?"
"I'm good."
"Are you all really leaving on Wednesday?"
"Yeah. We are leaving at noon on a charter bus. Then, we will have a walk-through practice that evening. I don't know where." He stated as he reached for her hand.
"That's really nice for you all. That will allow you all to get more rest."
"Yeah." His voice grew slower. He settled a little more against the back of the couch and her. "It'll help all of us."
"What do you think about the opponent?"
She slowly looked his way when he didn't answer her question. His head was settled against the couch. His eyes were closed. His mouth was slightly opened, and his breathing was slowing down and very calm.
"I love you, Jack." She whispered. She looked up when her mother walked into the living room with a small tray of cookies and tea. She noticed the scene in front of her before she spoke.
"He's so tired," Elizabeth stated as she stood up.
"He looks like it. You're right; the darker the areas are under his eyes, the more tired he is."
"I like that he is so easy to read sometimes."
"Yeah, I like that in your father, too. However, your father still keeps me on my toes at times. I like that too."
"Jack is the same way." She lovingly stared at Jack. "I'll never admit this to him, but I like it when he playfully sasses me. I love his sense of humor." She sighed. "He challenges me intellectually. I really like that too. He pushes me and makes me think. He says I do the same to him."
"I understand."
"Yeah." Elizabeth stated. She gently stood making sure not to disturb Jack. She reached for a pillow and placed it against the arm of the couch. She gently cradled his head with her right hand and used her left hand to guide him from his seated position to lower him softly to the pillow. When she stood, Grace was holding a throw blanket. She accepted it and unfolded it. She laid it over his legs and halfway up his stomach. She leaned over, sweeping away a few stains of hair off his forehead. Grace thought it was an intimate gesture. Elizabeth smiled and kissed his cheek. Grace wasn't sure, but she thought she heard Jack whisper that he loved her.
"I need to call Mom and tell her he fell asleep on the couch."
"I'll call her Elizabeth. I need to start dinner."
"Maybe we can let him sleep for a while, and he can eat with us. Then he can go home."
"I'll check with Charlette."
"Thanks, Mother. I don't have any homework. Do you want me to help with dinner?"
"It's pretty simple, so I really don't need any help, but I would love some company."
"I would love that," Elizabeth whispered, never taking her eyes off Jack. He looked so peaceful lying on the couch. He jerked once but settled quickly. She reached down and moved another strain of hair just because she wanted to touch him.
"Come on, dear. Let's allow him to sleep for a little bit."
…
Grace and Elizabeth worked in the kitchen on dinner. It was chicken stir-fried with teriyaki sauce. It was full of vegetables. Elizabeth helped a little, but it wasn't a difficult dinner to prepare. The first little bit was completed in silence. Grace glanced up and saw the concentration of her middle daughter. She had the complete look of love written all over her. Every so often, she would still glance into the living room to check on her boyfriend.
"When you get married, it's an adjustment."
"I'm sorry." Elizabeth shook her head so she would pay attention to her mother's words.
"I was saying that when you are married, it's an adjustment. Your father's uncle, Roy, once told us that when William and I were only married for a couple of weeks, you can live on love for about a week, then real life kicks in."
Elizabeth nodded her head. "You know, Uncle Roy was always a little different."
"He was. He was also correct. I know you and Jack don't say this in front of others, but I do know you love him. I also know his true intentions with you."
"Are you ok with all of that?" Her voice wasn't as confident as usual. She knew her mother loved Jack, but she was still a little nervous. This type of conversation was their first one.
"I am. I love that guy in there. I believe he is God made for you, Elizabeth."
"Me too."
"I have heard you tell him that you love him once."
"When?" Her voice was shocked.
"When he hurt his ankle. We were leaving the urgent care unit. You two were in front of us as we were leaving. He was struggling with his crutches. You said something about going slow and steady. He told you that he didn't need another mother. You stood your ground in helping him. By the way, I was very impressed when you did that. You told him you were being a loving girlfriend and not his mother. That's when you told him you loved him, and he told you the same."
"Oh…"
"We all decided not to say anything. We respected your decision to keep that part of your relationship private. Since then, we've noticed that you two squeeze each other's hands three times. I'm assuming that means 'I love you'."
Elizabeth still didn't say anything. She didn't even nod her head. However, a smile did begin to overtake the corner of her lips. As they had done for weeks, Grace kept her daughter's desire for privacy and decided to move on to other subjects.
"Elizabeth, allow me to give you an older woman's wisdom."
Elizabeth stopped what she was doing. She turned to face her mother, giving her all of her attention. She knew this was an important conversation.
"You're not that old, mother." Elizabeth's playful sass came through clearly.
"The three major reasons for troubles in a marriage are finances and intimacy. Finances, not because you don't have enough money, but because you don't work together to accomplish the goals you have set before you. Intimacy can be a tricky subject to work through. Everyone has ideas on what's best for intimacy. They will quickly give you their opinion on how often or what you should or shouldn't do. You need to be responsive to your husband, but that doesn't mean you must submit to everything your husband wants, especially if that makes you uncomfortable."
Elizabeth listened intently to her mother. They have talked before, but this conversation was different. Her mother shared important aspects of marriage.
"Mother, you said there are three major reasons for marriage troubles, but you only mentioned finances and intimacy."
Grace smiled. If any of her children would catch small details, it would be her middle child. "Yes. Because the major reason for any troubles in a marriage is the huge umbrella where everything else falls under, you and Jack need to communicate."
"Communicate?"
"Yes. Communicate about the finances. What do you two want to work toward? What are you wanting to spend money on…to save money for? Communicate your finances. Intimacy is extremely tricky if you don't discuss it. What do you like? What don't you like?" How often would you like to make love, or for Jack to make love, for that matter?" Grace smiled at her daughter's slightly pink face. While their 'becoming a woman' conversations were always embarrassing for the teen girl, she wasn't embarrassed in the same way now. "You'll find things you don't like. Things that you're ok with. Things that you do like and things that you really like."
Elizabeth's thoughts went to the fact that she really likes it when Jack caresses and holds her backside. He hasn't done it too often, but she loves it when he does. She also loves it when he has his weight on her. She couldn't explain the reasoning why, but she knew it to be true.
"The best part is…" Grace paused for a moment. She loved this conversation with her middle daughter. For Grace, this didn't feel necessarily like a mother-daughter conversation. It felt more like a mother and grown-daughter conversation. "…you and Jack get to find out what each of you likes and don't like together."
Grace was a little surprised her daughter didn't screek her title in complete embarrassment. She only noticed a slight grin on her daughter's face.
For Elizabeth, she was replaying her memories. One memory was her almost-sex dream. Those sensations still felt real to her. Then, their time on the porch. Jack pressed his body against her as she was leaning against the home. The weight on her was still moving to her. Then, the memory of Jack's strong hand cupping her bottom. Grace was going to say something until she noticed her daughter biting her bottom lip.
"Yeah…" Elizabeth whispered.
…
"I'm not sure, Charlette. He's been asleep since he got here, just after five. He's still on the couch. As a matter of fact, he hasn't moved."
"Oh dear, he must have been more exhausted than I thought."
"The place under his eyes is almost black."
"Yeah, the darker that area is, the more tired he is."
"William didn't even wake him when he came in from work calling out to see where I was."
"What do you think?"
"I'm not too sure, Charlette. I'm afraid if I wake him and send him home, he could fall asleep while he's driving. We could take him home, but his truck will be here unless we drive it."
"That just seems like a lot."
"Well, he can just sleep here on the couch, or I can wake him enough to get him to the spare bedroom downstairs."
"He doesn't have a change of clothes or his bathroom things to shower."
"If it's ok with you, Charlette, I just don't feel comfortable waking him up and sending him home. If he was to be in a wreck because he was tired, I don't think…" Her voice trailed off.
"No. I agree with you." Charlette sighed. "Grace, thank you for loving my son like he's your child."
"I think we both do that. Charlette, what do you want me to do here?"
"Why doesn't he just stay there, either on the couch or in a spare room? Whatever you decide is fine with me. Just get him up early enough in the morning so he can come home and get ready for school without being late."
"I like that idea. We've already eaten dinner, but he still hasn't moved an inch. I may try to get him up in another hour or so and get him into a bed."
"He usually sleeps pretty hard. Don't worry about letting him sleep on the couch if he doesn't move. That kid can sleep anywhere and in any position."
"Thanks for letting me know that. I would normally be afraid to let him sleep on the couch for that long."
"Thank you for loving my kid."
"Anytime, Charlette. I'll ensure he's up in enough time to go home and be ready for school."
For the first time ever, Elizabeth was grateful her mother talked on the phone with her cell phone on speaker.