Chapter 29

Elizabeth came into the kitchen ready to leave for the basketball game. She took some extra time and effort to make herself look nice. She fixed up her hair and picked a nice outfit to wear. She knew what Cowboy and Rabbit said about all of Jack's friends going to be there. She wanted to look nice for him. She also knew there would be some girls there that had their eyes on Jack when he lived here.

As she walked into the kitchen, Jack immediately stood. He could only stare at his girlfriend with his mouth slightly opened. She was stunningly beautiful. Jack tried to say 'wow', but only his lips moved. No sound came out of his mouth.

"Well, if you're not going to say it, I will. Beth, you look beautiful. No, that doesn't do it justice. You look…" Nana stated.

"Yeah…" Jack whispered.

"Elizabeth, other than Nana and my Char, you are the most beautiful lady I have ever seen."

"Thanks Pops." Elizabeth whispered with a slight blush rising on her face.

Jack's face was full of love. She nervously smiled when his smile grew. "Are you ok with this?" She asked him.

Jack did the only thing he could think of…he nodded his head.

…

Charles went to the mall hoping to catch Elizabeth shopping with her family. That was something she normally did the weekend after Thanksgiving. It was the beginning of their Christmas shopping. He was thinking Jack wouldn't be with her during this time and he could speak with her. To him, it has been forever since they talked. They occasionally texted and that was it. It was way past time to solve this issue between them. He noticed several of his teammates and their girlfriends.

First, he saw Cory and Steph. While he said hi to Cory, he ignored Charles. He knew Cory was upset with him since the unofficial practice when he basically tackled Jack. Then he noticed Lee and Rosemary. He didn't say anything to them. If Cory wouldn't speak to him, he knew Lee wouldn't. He didn't know if Lee and Rosemary were dating, but they were walking together. Then he noticed Steven and Connie.

"Hey. How are you two?"

"Good Charles. What is it that you want?"

"Come on man, there is no need to be like that. I just said hi."

"Charles, you have crossed the line several times. You were dirty during practice, and you are making poor decisions during the games just because you don't like Jack. That affects all of us. Then you cornered Jack at the football game. Have you noticed every time you go against Jack, you lose?" Steven was trying to rub Charles' nose in it.

"Steven." Connie corrected. "That may be true, but not necessary." Then she turned her attention to Charles. "You have caused all of this. Until you ask for forgiveness, things will always be against you. You crossed the line, and you know it. Fix it before it's too late."

"That's why I'm here. I wanted to talk with Elizabeth."

"You are…" Steven began until Connie cut him off.

"You need to speak with Jack as well as with Elizabeth. Good luck." Connie stated as she pulled Steven's hand to walk toward the next shop they were looking for.

"Why didn't you tell him that she's with Jack in Buxton?"

He smiled at Connie's little smirk. "He has a lot to apologize for. I am not inclined to make it any easier for him. He needs to climb that mountain himself."

"Note to self, don't make Connie mad."

"You better believe it." As both laughed.

…

"I like that young lady." Pops stated.

"And why is that old man."

"She has spunk. She is all so petite and proper, but there is a fight inside of her. I like that."

"I believe she dressed up a little due to the game."

"And why is that Char?"

"Jack said that they met Rabbit and Cowboy today. She must be a little nervous going to Jack's old high school for the game."

"May be so, but my boy only has eyes for her."

"You need to talk to him about how he should treat a young lady."

"I have, Nana."

"Me too." Pops said. "Jack knows what we all expect of him. Plus, Jack is a good guy. We need to trust him."

"Pops is right."

"Wow! That's hard for you to say." He sassed his wife.

"It is, even after all these years.

…

Jack escorted Elizabeth to the truck. He wasn't sure his feet touched the ground.

"Elizabeth…you look…" He couldn't find the words, but she was able to see it in his eyes. She knew he would become tongue tied when he was overwhelmed. She enjoyed that she could do that to him.

"Thank you, Jack."

Jack opened the door and held her hand as she stepped into the truck. As he closed the door, he stated. "My girlfriend is gorgeous."

Elizabeth wasn't sure if she was supposed to hear it or not, but she felt good knowing he liked the way she looked. She was a little nervous knowing that some of the girls that fought for Jack's attention may be there. She just wanted to look good for her boyfriend.

Jack sat behind the wheel and started the truck. Instead of putting the truck in gear, he stared out the windshield for a few moments. He was thinking she was way over dressed for a basketball game. He turned his eyes to his girlfriend and offered her a smile.

"You know, you are the only girl that has ever captured my attention. I only see you."

"I know." She whispered. "I just know that…" Her voice trailed off.

"Elizabeth…I'm with you and I only want to be with you. I love the way you look. You are gorgeous, but you don't have to dress up to keep my heart. You have my heart in the palm of your hand. You decide if you don't want to hold it any longer. No one can take it away from you. If I wanted to date anyone else, I would have. I never wanted to until you came along."

"Thank you for saying that, Jack. Just so you know, I'm never giving your heart back. It's mine."

Her heart melted at the size of his smile. "For that, I am eternally grateful. I love you, Elizabeth Marie Thatcher."

"I love you, Jarrick Thornton."

"Come on Princess Beth…I would like to introduce you to a few people."

"My name is Elizabeth. I thought we were past this already." She huffed. "Will you hold my hand?"

"Of course." He stated as she scooted over to the middle of the bench seat to sit beside him. He placed the truck in gear and then his hand on her thigh just above her knee. She placed her hand over his and moved it slightly to the middle of her thigh. Like so many other times, he knew this woman was his forever love.

…

Charles smiled as he looked up and noticed Julie walking out of a store. He didn't see her parents, but he was ok with speaking to Julie. They weren't too close, but he felt they got along fairly well. If Julie was here, Elizabeth had to be close by.

"Hey Julie. How are you?"

"Charles…I'm good. How are you?"

"Good. I was hoping to see Elizabeth. Is she in the store?"

Through her late night talks with Elizabeth, she knew that Charles didn't know where Elizabeth was. She wasn't hiding it from Charles, but since she and Jack worked through the issue after the picnic, they haven't spoken too often. Especially after the lopsided fight outside of the restroom at the football game.

"Oh, she's not here."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You'll have to text her."

"She's usually with you all shopping for Christmas. Where is she?"

"She's been out of town since Wednesday."

"Been out of town since Wednesday? She wasn't home for Thanksgiving?"

"Nope." Julie smiled.

"Why wouldn't she be home for Thanksgiving?"

"She left. She'll be home Sunday."

"Sunday?"

"Yeah. She was supposed to be home by Saturday, but they pushed it back to Sunday. They were having so much fun, they decided to stay an extra day."

"They? Who is she with? Did your parents go somewhere? Why didn't you go with her them?"

"No, mother and father are here. It was only Bethie that went out of town."

"Well, where is she?"

Julie's smile only grew. She was honestly indifferent concerning Charles. She liked him enough, but never thought he should be with her sister. Especially with all the antics he had done over the last few weeks, she was completely against him now.

"She's in Buxton?"

"Buxton. You have relatives that lives in Buxton?"

"Nope." Julie smiled again. She loved playing this little game with him.

"Then why is she in a place called Buxton? Where is Buxton?"

"It's in Oklahoma. She's with grandparents." She simply stated.

"I thought you said you didn't have any relatives that lives there?"

"We don't."

"Julie, why are you talking in riddles? Why in the world would she be in Buxton visiting grandparents when you don't have any family that lives there?"

"Charles, I didn't say it was our relatives."

Charles huffed. He was tired of this circle conversation that wasn't getting him anywhere. He was more confused now than when the conversation began.

"Julie."

"Jack's grandparents live in Buxton. It's where he's from." She paused, letting the words sink in. She noticed his change of facial expression when he processed what she just said. He had a look of fire in his eyes.

"She went to Jack's hometown with him?" Charles' voice was loud and filled with anger.

"With him and his family, yes."

"How could she?" His voice was soft and trailed off to silence.

…

"Jack, this is a nice school. It's a lot smaller than Hamilton East, but it's nice."

"It is a lot smaller. That's why I was so nervous the first day of school. Hamilton East is massive."

Elizabeth looked over the school. It was really nice. She noticed the bike rack and assumed that's where Jack would lock up his bike. The parking lot was about half the size of their school now. Jack saw where her eyes were looking.

"I always locked my bike at the second slot on the left. There was only one other person who regularly rode his bike to school every day."

She laughed at the memory of Jack always riding his bike to school. Jack parked the truck in a spot. They were really early. So, there weren't too many vehicles in the parking lot.

"We're here early."

"I was hoping to introduce you to some friends that plays on the girl's team, especially Janice. She is Cowboy's girlfriend. She was always a close friend."

"Let's go handsome." She kissed his cheek and began to scoot to the door.

"Wait a minute." Jack stated as he reached and gently took her forearm. When she turned to face him, she was met with his lips gently pressed against her. After a second of surprise, she welcomed the kiss. She reached up and placed her hand on the back of his head. She began to play with his hair. He loved it when she did that. It always deepened the kiss. When Jack moaned at her actions, his vibrating lips only drove her deeper. She remembered the afternoon talk she overheard with Jack and his two friends. She remembered the time around the kitchen table after they were back at Nana's and Pops' home. The time on the couch just watching TV. All those memories were driving her desire to show Jack how much she loved him in this simple kiss.

"Wow!" He gasped when they separated.

"You're very good at that." She whispered with her face a little red.

"I was about to say that." He stated while still trying to catch his breath.

"Are you ready to go inside?" She giggled when she saw his facial expression.

"May we do that one more time? He asked, leaning into his precious girlfriend.

…

Jack reached for Elizabeth's hand as they walked to the front door. They were really early, but they had to be so he could introduce her to some of his old friends. As they walked down the main hallway of the school, Elizabeth looked around at the trophy case and the pictures on the walls. It was smaller than their school now. She understood why Jack was so nervous in his first few days of school.

Jack paid the two people at the ticket table. They turned left down the hallway, and the gym was on the right. They walked past the gym to the concession stand.

"What would you like to have?"

"I'll take a Coke Zero and a bag of popcorn, please."

"Two please." Jack stated to the person working the counter.

"Please give me just a moment. You're early. We just opened."

"No problem. Thank you."

Jack reached for Elizabeth's hand.

"Jboy!"

"Oh good grief…" Jack moaned.

"How many nicknames do you have?" Elizabeth laughed.

"Too many." He shook his head.

"Jboy! Oh Jboy!" The young lady shouted in a singing voice.

Elizabeth followed Jack's gaze and there was a pretty young lady in a basketball warm up suit that was like Jack's but different colors.

"Here comes Janice." He stated as the young lady came running in their direction. Elizabeth noticed Cowboy was behind her.

Janice came running up and jumped into Jack's arms. "Jboy! You're back!" She stated as she gave him a big hug. After she released Jack, she immediately turned to face Elizabeth. "And you must be Elizabeth. Cowboy and Rabbit talked about you all afternoon. They just loved you."

"Janice, this is my girlfriend, Elizabeth. Elizabeth, this is Cowboy's girlfriend and a longtime friend of mine, Janice."

"That's so weird to her you say that. Come…come…Elizabeth. We just must talk."

"Janice, don't you have a game to get ready for?" Whined Jack. He wasn't ready to share his girlfriend so soon after their little make out session in the parking lot.

"I've got time. Now, Elizabeth and I need to go to the restroom." Janice took Elizabeth's arm and turned toward the ladies' restroom. "Get her snacks and we'll find you soon."

…

"Now Elizabeth, Cowboy has told me how perfect you are for Jack. I can't believe he's dating someone. This is just so weird." Janice stated as they walked into the ladies' restroom.

Elizabeth smiled at this pretty lady. She spoke so fast she had to concentrate on what she was saying. She seemed so sweet.

"You must be so special for Jboy to fall for you. Now, tell me about yourself."

"I'm not too sure what to say."

"How did you two met?"

The two ladies stood in the middle of the restroom just talking. Elizabeth gave Janice a quick synopsis of how she and Jack met. Janice couldn't keep from laughing.

"I just can't believe Jboy has a girlfriend." She shook her head.

"So, how did he get the name Jboy?"

…

"Is it really safe for them to be in there for so long?"

"Relax Jack. What could they be doing. It's not like Janice is sharing all of your secrets."

"That's what worries me." Jack nervously laughed.

Elizabeth and Janice came down the stairs of the bleachers. Both had large smiles on their faces as they laughed. Jack and Cowboy shared worried looks.

"Elizabeth, it was great meeting you. May I sit with you after our game?"

"Absolutely. We'll be here. Good luck!" Elizabeth gave her a hug and watched as she walked down the stairs and onto the court heading to the locker room. Jack watched Elizabeth watching Janice.

"Is that mine?" Elizabeth asked.

"Are we still dating?" A nervous chuckle escaped Jack's lips as he handed her the Coke Zero and the bag of popcorn.

Elizabeth leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "I already told you…I am not letting go of your heart. It's mine." She smiled as Jack exhaled. "However, you are going to explain to me the Kroger Incident."

"Oh…good…grief…" Jack emphasized each word. "You're not allowed to meet any more of my friends."

"Tell me Jack…did you really ride that mechanical horse outside of Kroger with that lasso?"

"Defiantly not meeting anyone else."

"Oh…I can't believe my Janice went there."

"She's a dream. Cowboy, you know you're dating above your weight class, don't you?"

"Another sports metaphor?" Sassed Jack.

"Oh, I know." Cowboy laughed.

Rabbit joined the group as they watched the girls' team come onto the court to warm up. There were several people who stopped by and spoke to Jack. Elizabeth noticed that they were sitting in the student section. She munched on her popcorn as she watched Jack speak to a lot of people. With each person, he introduced Elizabeth as his girlfriend. To each person, they were shocked that he was dating someone. Most were nice but some of the ladies gave her a weird look. She just chalked it up to their jealousy.

Just before the game began, Jack leaned in and touched shoulders with her. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"So many people stopping by and talking to us. Thank you for being so nice to everyone."

"It's easy when you always hold my hand." Her face was a little pink because Jack never let go of her hand. He included her with everyone he spoke to. She could easily see that Jack was well liked by almost everyone. Now she knew why he felt so lonely in the beginning of school. He went from knowing everyone to knowing no one.

Elizabeth laid her head on his shoulder for a moment. "Thank you, Jack. You have made tonight special."

"I think you have done that. Do you need anything before the game?"

"I think I'm going to the restroom."

"You were there just a little while ago. You were in there forever."

"Yeah, but Janice and I were talking. I didn't actually use the restroom. I'll be right back."

"Want me to go with you?"

"I don't think you are allowed. I'll be right back." She picked her head up and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. "Save my spot." She almost melted at his dimpled grin.

Elizabeth walked up the steps and turned toward the restroom. Afterwards, she was at the sink washing her hands and checking her hair.

"Well, you must be someone very special." A young lady spoke as she looked into the mirror beside Elizabeth's sink.

…

Tom and Pops were working on the ceiling fan with the parts they picked up earlier. Charlette and Nana were sitting at the kitchen table enjoying a cup of tea. They enjoyed their time together. Nana and Pops fell in love with Elizabeth very quickly. Tom left with a couple of his friends for the basketball game. He didn't want to be there as early as Jack wanted too. Plus, he had no desire to be the third wheel of the group.

"How is Jack doing after the kidnapping?"

"Mother, he is doing well. For a few days it was hard on him. Loud sounds scared him, and he was nervous. Pastor Frank was a huge help for him."

"And I hear he has a truck now."

"Oh yes…his father and Elizabeth's father worked on it for several Saturdays."

"Really?"

"Oh yes. Elizabeth thinks her father is trying to steal her boyfriend. William loves spending time with Jack. They get along very well."

"That's great to hear. I think she will be around for a long time."

"Me too and I couldn't be happier."

"It was fun working on that truck." Tom stated as he and Pops walked into the room.

"Everyone did except for Elziabeth."

"Yeah, Jack had some apologizing to do. She thought we replaced her." Tom laughed.

"Working on a truck can have that effect." Pops laughed. "Do you have a picture of it?"

"I do." Tom stated. "It's a 1970 Chevrolet C10 Stepside."

"That's a cool truck." Pops stated as he accepted Tom's phone. "Wow, that looks really nice."

"It is very nice. It also runs great."

"I'm happy for him. Did he quit riding that bike everywhere?"

"Mostly. He still rides it some. I believe he thinks it helps him stay in shape for basketball."

"Is he still thinking about a college here?"

"He is in contact with Bryan's University. They are very well known for their teaching program. They are thinking about offering him a basketball scholarship."

"Oh, that would be a great help to you."

"Yes Nana. It will help a lot. It's a private school. He wouldn't be able to go without the scholarship."

"Good for him. He has worked very hard for this."

"We'll be praying that will work out." Pops stated.

…

Elizabeth looked into her mirror at the young lady beside her. The lady was gorgeous. She had long brown hair with a simi dark complexion. She was a little shorter than Elizabeth. She had a pleasant smile and perfectly white teeth.

"Oh no. I'm no one special."

"I would have to disagree with you."

"I'm sorry?" Elizabeth grabbed a couple of paper towels to dry her hands. "I'm no one special. I'm just Elizabeth."

"Elizabeth…you're the girl in that incident with Jack a few weeks ago."

"Yes. Unfortunately, we were involved in that horrible incident. I'm sorry, how did you know about that?"

"Oh…we heard about it and followed it on the internet. We think the world of Jack here. He's very special."

"Yes, Jack is very special. Do you know him well."

"You could say that."

Elizabeth looked at this lady for a few moments. Something seemed off with her. She was being nice, but it wasn't like all the other people she had met so far this evening. It seemed forced. She could sense the tension coming from her. She didn't understand it, but her guard was up.

"Well, I'm on my way back to sit with him. Would you like to come with me? You can speak with him and say hi."

"Thank you, but I'll be by in a few moments."

Elizabeth nodded her head at this young lady. "I'll see you soon. We are in the first section close to the home bench."

"I've seen you two sitting together. Word is that you are Jack's girlfriend."

"Yes, I am. I met Jack in Hamilton. That's where I live. Jack is at the same high school I attend."

"He always said that he wouldn't date in high school. He turned down so many girls over the years. Why are you so different?"

"I'm not too sure. I have asked him that many times." She shrugged her shoulders.

This lady just looked at Elizabeth waiting for her to continue. When Elziabeth didn't continue, she spoke up. "So, how did you do it?"

"I'm not too sure. We just clicked very well. There were some hiccups in the beginning, but we worked through it quickly. I reached for his pinky and then he reached for my hand. I asked him if we were doing this, and he said yes."

"That quick?"

"Actually it was faster than that. We met once at the beach. Then two almost three weeks later we met on the first day of school. So, on the second day of school, we accidentally met at a local café after school. That's when we began to date."

"Three days! You began to date after three days?"

"Yes." Elizabeth smiled. "Listen, I need to get going. Jack will be expecting me soon. Plus, the game will be starting soon. Please, come by and say hi to us." Elizabeth smiled at this young lady.

The young woman just stared as Elizabeth walked away and through the door.

…

"Hey, I've missed you." Jack stated as he extended his hand to help Elizabeth step beside him and take her seat. Elizabeth noticed there were more people in the gym than before. While the gym was smaller than their gym in Hamilton, it was just as loud. Everyone was having a fun time. There were about three minutes on the clock before the game began.

"I missed you. I had an interesting conversation with a lady in the bathroom."

"Yeah."

"I don't think she liked me."

Jack tilted his head in confusion. "How could she not like you. She doesn't even know you. Plus, everyone likes you."

"I believe she may be one of your many heartbroken girlfriends."

"Elizabeth…" Jack lowered his head a little. She thought he may have been a little hurt by her kidding.

"Jack. I'm just playing with you. However, she was very interested in you. I told her to come by and speak to you. I invited her to come with me, but she refused."

"Did she say what her name was?"

"No, but I'm about to find out." She nodded toward the top of the bleachers.

…

Before the young lady descended on the stairs or any words were spoken between Jack and Elizabeth, the announcer's voice came over the loud speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Please stand for the playing of the National Anthem. Gentlemen, please remove your hats."

The audience immediately followed what the announcer stated. After the playing of the National Anthem and a moment of silence, the crowd began to talk amongst themselves as they sat down. Elizabeth noticed the two teams did the same thing that Jack's team does just before the game begins. Everyone stood except for the five starters.

"So, everyone does this?" She nodded toward the bench.

Jack smiled and tried to hide the chuckle. His girlfriend knew nothing about sports. He thought she was absolutely adorable at the moment. She was confident in every situation except for sports. She was cute in her not knowing. He loved her even more at that moment.

"Yes. Every team does this. You've noticed it at my games."

"I didn't know if it was just a Hamilton East thing or not." She shrugged her shoulders. She noticed his facial expression. "Jarrick Thronton! Are you making fun of me?"

"You are just too adorable." He laughed. She scrunched her nose until she noticed he was leaning in for a kiss. The kiss was simple, yet, full of love and meaning. She smiled as he retreated. She was never one for public displays of affection. However, she was enjoying Jack's. It wasn't too passionate nor too much in her opinion. Just simple acts to show her that he loved her. She was beginning to enjoy his little kisses and handholding in public. She felt loved and almost as if he was proclaiming to the world that she was his and he was hers. She was fine with that.

"Jack…" She mentioned as he was still smiling from the kiss.

"Boy…you have it bad." Joked Cowboy and Rabbit.

"Hush!" Jack exclaimed to his friends but never taking his eyes off Elizabeth.

"Jack, she's coming."

"Who's coming?" Jack asked as he still looked in Elizabeth's eyes. He was lost in those blue eyes. He was willing to walk further into those deep seas of blue. She had all of his attention.

"Jack…" She elongated his name. Her voice was full of love with a hint of a tone trying to get him to pay attention. She nodded her head toward the top of the stairs. "The jilted love interest from the bathroom."

Jack quickly glanced to where Elizabeth was looking. He returned his eyes to her in an instant.

"Do you always have to be right?" Jack sassed her as he instinctively scooted a little closer to her.

"You are dating a smart young woman."

"The smartest…" Jack reached for her hand. "That's Mary. The one I told you about that wanted to date me."

"Jack, she's gorgeous."

"Don't you get it?" Jack replied lovingly and slowly. "You are the most beautiful girl I have ever met." His voice was sincere and tender. She knew he meant it. It was in the tone of his voice. Most importantly, he said it with his eyes. She knew he wasn't playing a game to get something. He truly believed those words. Her heart melted and she fell in love with him all over again.

Mary stood behind Jack and spoke his name a couple of times. Neither Jack nor Elizabeth heard her. They were lost in each other's eyes and presence.

Jack jumped when Rabbit pulled a few leg hairs on his leg. He had reached under Jack's pants leg to do so. That was the group's thing to get the attention of each other or to harass them.

"What?" Jack stated rubbing his leg.

Rabbit just nodded in the direction behind Jack. He turned to the stairs between the bleachers.

"Mary. Hi."

"Hey Jack." The voice was flirty.

"Mary, this is my girlfriend, Elizabeth Thatcher. Elizabeth, this is Mary."

"We met in the bathroom a few minutes ago." She stated quickly. Then she turned her attention back to Jack. "Jack, you said you would never date in high school."

"She made me." He nodded toward Elizabeth.

"I did no such thing." Elizabeth defended herself. She smirked at Jack's expression. He gave her the 'you know it' expression. "Ok…maybe I did, but those dimples made me do it." She flirted.

"Jack! Jack!" Mary stated to gain his attention again. "May we go to the hallway and talk?"

"Janice would be pretty upset if he didn't stay and watch her play. After all, that's a major reason for him being here tonight." Cowboy spoke up. Like normal, he was running interference for Jack. This time, he was doing it for Elizabeth too. He knew Mary still had intentions on Jack. Especially if he was back in town.

Mary noticed that Janice was looking in their general direction. "Fine, maybe we can speak later."

Jack shook his head. If he was going to talk with Mary, Elizabeth was going to be with him. She left without saying another word.

"Thanks man."

"I have always come to your rescue."

"Thank you." Elizabeth stated as she placed her hand on Cowboy's shoulder.

"You're Jack's girlfriend and a personal friend to me. It's what we do for each other." He simply stated. "Now, the game is about to start. If we don't stand up, we're going to get booed."

Elizabeth laughed at his remark. They were in the student section, and she just guessed all student sections stood during the games. "Hey, is it any easier to say I'm his girlfriend?" She asked Cowboy.

"Nope…still sounds weird." He laughed.

…

Connie and Steven sat down at Olympic and was looking over the menu. Connie had been a little quiet since their encounter with Charles. He thought she may be upset with him over his remarks toward Charles.

"Connie, may I ask you something?" He asked after the waitress received their drink order.

Connie looked up into Steven's eyes and nodded her head. Over their relationship, they have really grown closer to each other. They were both happy.

"Are you upset with me?"

"No. Why would I be upset with you?"

"Well, after our conversation with Charles, you have been quiet. I know I was a little hard on Charles."

"Well, you were a little hard on him."

"Yes, but you also remember all the bologna he has done to Jack and Elizabeth, but especially Jack."

"I know. He has really crossed the line."

"So, why the quiet treatment?" He sounded bolder than he felt inside. He was quivering inside. They haven't had a disagreement yet in their relationship. He was afraid they were about to have their first argument.

"I'm sorry. I guess I'm just shocked at his actions. He was always nice to all of us. He wasn't forceful or anything. He was a little pushy with Elizabeth at times by asking her out so many times but nothing too forward. He was a decent friend."

"I guess he can still be a friend." Steven replied.

"Only if he changes how he's been acting over the last few weeks. I guess it's just odd when a friend for as long as he has been changes. It's just weird."

"Maybe, but wasn't he the one who made that decision? No one has forced him to be this way. I know it must be hard to watch the girl you pinned over for so long choose someone else, but she always said she wasn't going to date him. I know they acted like it. Heck, I thought they dated, but I don't think Elizabeth would lie about that."

"No, she wouldn't lie."

"Do you think she played him along a little bit?" Steven questioned.

"I'm not sure if I would use the phrase 'played him along'. Through her actions she may have led him along a little but it wasn't in spite. For Elizabeth, she was friends with him. He read more into it than what she wanted it to be. She told him several times she wasn't dating anyone. By her always telling him that, she couldn't have led him on." Connie defended her friend.

"I agree. He read more into it because he wanted to. Then he caused trouble. In that first practice, he could have caused a lot of damage to Jack's shoulder. He makes awful decisions during the games because of his dislike toward Jack. While Charles and I were never super close, he has crossed the line when it comes to me. And then he cornered Jack outside of the bathroom at the football game. For me, he crossed the line a few times." He shrugged his shoulders.

"I agree. It's just sad."

"Yeah…are we good?"

"You think I'm mad at you?" She asked.

"You've been very quiet since we spoke to him."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it, specially making you think I'm upset with you. It's just sad." She stood and leaned forward to place a soft kiss on his lips.

…

Jack and Elizabeth were greatly enjoying their time together during the girls' game. They cheered and were in almost constant contact with each other. They were holding hands or touching shoulders the whole time. Cowboy and Rabbit stood in front of them. They all cheered and jumped up and down each time Janice scored. During the timeouts and at halftime, they would talk to Jack's two friends. Occasionally, people would stop by and say hi to Jack. He would always introduce Elizabeth as his girlfriend.

Elizabeth was shocked how much she got into the game. When she attends Jack's games, she gets into it. She always assumed it was because of Jack. She still believed that. She also thought Adam played a role in that as well. Adam and his mother attended every home game just like Elizabeth. Adam always wore his warmup jacket and would still give Jack his drink during timeouts. However, much to Elizabeth shock, she was beginning to really enjoy the game of basketball. Occasionally she would ask Jack a question about the game. She figured most of it out herself. She just loved the excitement of being with the students in the student section.

Jack loved the time with Elizabeth. He enjoyed basketball. He was also grateful to share that with Elizabeth. While he knew she wasn't a sports girl, he was excited that she didn't roll her eyes or make it evident that she was unhappy about being at a basketball game. Jack was happy to see his old friends. It did him good seeing them. He also enjoyed sharing Elizabeth with them.

…

The end of the third period buzzer sounded. Cowboy and Rabbit turned to face Jack and Elizabeth. They were staring lovingly in each other's eyes.

"That boy has it bad." Rabbit laughed at his statement and then at Elizabeth's growing red face.

"Well…" Elizabeth tried to speak but she was a little flustered.

"I think you two better go before you are in trouble with the coach. Have a great game."

"See you afterwards."

"Play well." Elizabeth stated as they turned to leave. She turned her attention back to Jack. "Hey you."

"Hi." He smiled. The tone in her voice made him fall in love with her all over again.

"I am enjoying your friends. They are really nice, but it's great to just have you for a few moments."

Jack reached for her hand. He squeezed it three times. "Thank you for accepting them so easily."

"Jack, they are great. They would easily be part of our friend group at home."

"I think you're right. We have been through a lot together." Jack leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. "I think I'm going to the restroom for a moment. Is that ok with you?"

"Jack, you don't have to ask for permission."

"I'm not seeking permission. I just want to make sure you are ok if I go. You'll be here by yourself."

"I'm a big girl. I think I'll be alright here for a little bit."

"You can always slam someone's face into the wall if they do anything."

Elizabeth quickly cut her eyes to Jack's. He had a playful smirk that was winning against his best effort not to smile. She scrunched up her nose and her eyes brightened at his sassiness. She did tell him about it but refused to admit to it later on. She didn't want to get in trouble with Tom. "Jarrick, I have no idea what you're talking about." She turned her head slightly but never taking her eyes off him.

…

"I wonder how that happened?"

Sarah looked where Mary's eyes were glaring. She noticed the little kiss and intimate conversation between Jack and that auburn haired girl. She slightly smiled when Jack placed his forehead against her.

"I don't know, but he looks like he is in…" She stopped when Mary snapped her head around. "Do you think that's the girl from that article?"

"Maybe that's it…He likes her because of that thing that happened between them. You know…something bad happens and it draws you closer to the other person you go through it with. You don't actually love that person but it's the situation you go through."

"I don't think that's the look Jack's giving her." Sarah whispered as she stared at the couple.

"Sarah, you should be on my side."

"I am but look at that Mary. That's so sickly sweet."

"I always thought he would be that way."

"Maybe, but he was always so closed off with you and any other girl that liked him. I wonder how she talked him into dating."

"You think they're dating?"

"Look at them." Sarah stated. Mary didn't tell her about the girl was Jack's girlfriend. She was a little embarrassed that she couldn't date Jack but this girl did in three days. "That's sweeter and more romantic than any Hallmark movie.

"I'll be right back."

"Mary…don't!"