Chapter 43
Jack sat in the doctor's office waiting for the doctor to walk in. It was day five of his injury and he was hoping the ankle was healed enough to begin the process of introducing some weight to it. The movie night with Elizabeth was perfect. It was a great way for them to spend some time together and keep his mind off his ankle. He also didn't have to fight with his crutches too much. He hated those stupid things. The time together was perfect. They simply enjoyed each other's company.
Jack had to almost order his mother not to be in the exam room with him. Elizabeth was just as bad. They meant well, but they were driving him crazy asking him every couple of minutes how he was doing. He was grateful they wanted to take care of him, but they were always hoovering, especially his mother. He just wanted to face the doctor by himself but knew that hope was out of the question. He was shocked when his name was called, and he was the only one that stood. He turned to look at the two ladies sitting beside him.
"Go ahead. I know we are driving you crazy with our worry. Just pay attention to what the nurse and doctor say. We want to know."
"Are you sure, Ma?"
"No. You better go before we change our mind." Elizabeth spoke as Charlette nodded. She looked at her phone and smiled. "Mother wants to know if you have seen the doctor yet."
Jack just shook his head. He was well loved. Even if they were driving him a little crazy. He could only smile at the two ladies in front of him and the one on the phone texting. "I'll hobble out as soon as I know something."
Elizabeth reached for his hand and squeezed it three times. Charlette smiled. When she heard their declaration of love toward each other, she figured out what that little act between them meant. They were telling each other they loved each other without saying a word. Jack and Elizabeth never realized they said those important words in front of their parents.
The nurse took his weight and height. Then she led him to exam room four. She took his vitals, oxygen level, and temperature.
"Everything looks good. The doctor will be in soon. There are two in front of you. Do you need anything?"
"No. Thank you."
…
Tom texted his wife.
T – Any word?
C – Not yet. He just went back by himself.
T – You and or Elizabeth didn't go back with him?
C – We were driving him crazy. His left eyebrow when up when he spoke to us.
T – Oh…you two did cross the line.
C – Yeah…
"What's so funny, Tom?"
"Oh William, Elizabeth and Charlette are driving my oldest son crazy in the doctor's waiting room."
William walked into Tom's office. "Are they checking on him too much?"
"Yeah."
"Has he seen the doctor yet?"
Tom smiled at his friend. He was as worried about Jack as much as he was. "Not yet. Charlette said that he just went back. We'll know something soon."
"You know you could have taken the morning off and went with them if you wanted to."
"I know and I wanted to…I just knew Elizabeth wanted to go too. Plus, I know they are driving him batty. I didn't want to add to his stress." His phone buzzed again as another text appeared on his screen.
C – By a lot.
T – William was just checking to see if you know anything.
C – Grace just texted Elizabeth.
"Thank you for letting Elizabeth skip her morning classes to go with them. I think she's good for Charlette. It keeps her mind off things or at the very least, gives her a distraction."
"I do think Bethie would have exploded if she didn't go. If she was at school, she wouldn't be able to concentrate on her schoolwork. She would be too focused on Jack and the appointment."
"That's true."
"I have a conference call to make. Please let me know when you hear something."
"I will. Thanks William."
…
Jack looked up when the door opened. He looked at his watch and then back to the door.
"You lasted longer than I thought you would." He chuckled, shaking his head.
"I'm sorry…I just…"
"I love you, Elizabeth." He stated as he nodded toward the chair that was beside the exam table he was sitting on. His good foot, the right one, was kicking forward and backward. The protective paper crinkled as he moved. He hated that paper. He had already ripped it in three places since he sat down on it less than ten minutes ago.
Elizabeth scrunched her nose at him. She knew he was teasing her. She tried to wait in the waiting room, but she couldn't help herself. She just had to be in the room with him. Every ounce of her being was drawn to him. He reached for her hand before she sat down. He squeezed it three times before she sat down in the chair.
"Are you and that paper fighting?" She nodded toward the paper with a chuckle. "Who's winning?"
"It is." It crinkled again as he shifted his weight.
"You don't wait too well, do you?"
"Are you teasing me, Ms. Thatcher?" He playfully huffed.
"You're too cute when you aren't in control." She playfully teased him.
"That was a secret I was hoping to keep from you until after we were married. I didn't want to scare you away."
"I've known that secret for a while now. You really don't hide things from me very well."
"How do you know that?" He sassed sitting up taller on the exam table.
"Your eyes can't lie."
Before he could respond, there was a soft knock on the door. They turned their heads when the door opened as the doctor walked in.
…
Steven looked up when he heard Cory's voice.
"You ready for tonight?"
"Yeah…It's going to be a good game."
"Have you heard anything from Jack?"
"No, he said he'll text when he gets out. He should be here later after the doctor's appointment."
"Best case scenario is he'll be out another week."
"True."
"Joe, what do you think?" Joe joined the trio's discussion.
"Malachi has been practicing very well. So has Shane. I trust them."
"Me too."
Cory nodded his head. "This is our first game without Jack. However, those two guys played well after he was injured. It was kind of a blessing to have that gap between games. It came at a good time."
"They did." Joe stated. "Shane caused some issues with his speed and Malachi played like he normally has."
"I'm like you two." Steven stated. "I'm going to miss Jack and all he brought to the game, but I do think Malachi and Shane will do just fine."
"I agree." Sam stated. "We pick up the loose ends and help them as much as possible. That's what Jack would expect of us."
"Agreed." Everyone stated.
…
Dr. Jane Jackson walked into the room with a young med student shadowing her. Her eyes instantly fell on Jack. Elizabeth noticed her smiling at her boyfriend. She looked toward Jack, and he didn't seem to notice her. He was too busy fidgeting with the paper on the table and looking at the doctor.
"Are you nervous, Mr. Thornton?"
"No doctor." He paused for a moment. "Well…maybe."
"Looks like the paper is winning." Dr. Jackson laughed. The student's smile grew bigger. "Jack, I'm Dr. Jackson. Is it ok if I have a student present during this exam? We are a teaching office."
"Sure thing." Jack glanced at her briefly and turned his attention back to the doctor. "Can I begin to place some weight on it?" He nodded toward his left ankle as he raised it in the air just a little. He asked the question very quickly.
"Eager, are we?"
"Oh, you have no idea." Elizabeth stated with a laugh.
"Hey, you're supposed to be on my side." Jack huffed.
"Lay back and put your foot on the table. I'm going to take the sock off and let me take a look."
Jack nodded and laid down on the table. He gingerly placed his legs on the table. He managed to rip the paper two more times before he was comfortable.
"I bet you were a terror with that paper when you were a little kid."
Elizabeth smiled at the image of Jack being a little boy fighting with the protective paper.
"I was. This paper thing never liked me."
The doctor laughed at Jack's expense. "Alright Jack, tell me what happened."
Jack spent a couple of minutes relaying the information to the doctor. She intently listened to him as she glanced at her chart. When he finished telling her everything, she reached up and removed his sock. She slowly felt his ankle and ran her fingers down the side and front and back of his lower leg. She even felt the top of his foot. When she reached for the bottom of his foot, he jumped.
"Ticklish?"
"He's extremely ticklish on the bottom of his feet and his sides." Elizabeth explained.
"That's cute." The student whispered. She received a sharp look of correction from the doctor.
"Girlfriend?" The doctor asked, turning her attention back to Elizabeth and Jack.
"Yes."
"And he let you back here with him?" She nodded toward Jack."
"He's not too happy about it, but here I am."
"It's a guy thing. Don't let it bother you." The doctor smiled at Elizabeth. "Let's do this then Jack since you are ticklish and I don't want to be kicked, I'll just ask instead of touching the bottom of your foot. Any pain on the bottom of your foot?"
"No. Just the sides. No pain on top either."
"That's good. Your x-ray shows a pretty bad sprain."
"Yes, doc."
"Have you been putting any weight on it?
"No ma'am."
The doctor looked at him for a few moments. Then she turned her attention toward Elizabeth. "Let me ask you, has he been walking using that foot?"
"He hasn't since the injury."
"Good." The doctor turned her attention back to Jack. "I'm going to take your shoe and sock off your right foot. I want to see how it compares to the injured one."
Jack nodded his head. He looked at the ceiling as the doctor removed the shoe and sock.
"Now, what do you see?" The doctor asked the student.
The student stepped up and stood beside the doctor. "The left still looks a little swollen. Doctor, is the left ankle a little stiff?"
"It feels that way. Jack, would you say it's still a little stiff when you try to move it?"
"Yes." He stated as he tried to rotate the foot.
"It's still a little swollen but not too bad." The doctor spoke. She ran her fingers up and down both legs comparing both ankles and legs.
She offered Jack her hand to help him to sit up. While standing in front of him, she took a couple of steps back to take a better look at both ankles together. She wanted to look at them from a distance.
"So, here's the deal. I want you to stand on both feet, but you will have to hold my hand. I don't want more than twenty five percent of your weight on your foot. Deal?"
"Deal!" He excitedly exclaimed.
"Alright, let's try this."
…
G – Any updates?
C – Not yet. They are in the exam room.
G – How hard is it for you to not be back with him?
C – Very!
C – Parenting is the only thing in this world that if you do it right, they leave you at the end. I remember when he always wanted me with him.
G – It's a difficult part of your kids growing up.
C – Yeah…
Charlette and Grace loved being moms. They were excited for their children to grow up and experience new things. They were also sad that their children, who were always so dependent on them, were becoming more independent. Grace had wanted to go with them, but she didn't want to be in the way or to be too much. However, she felt like it was her kid at the doctor's office.
…
Jack took the doctor's hand she offered and hopped off the table on his right foot. He balanced himself with the doctor's help before gently placing his left foot on the ground, toes first. Then he slowly put the ball of his foot on the ground and then the heel.
"Easy…" Elizabeth slowly and softly stated.
"It feels weird." Jack stated looking at his foot.
"Alright, let's do about twenty five percent of your weight, but do it slowly. No rushing. We don't want a setback."
"No. That would be bad." Jack stated.
Jack slowly stood a little taller and then began to put a little weight on his foot. He continued to hold the doctor's hand. The doctor intently watched Jack's foot and his body. She could tell if he was in pain or putting too much weight on his foot by watching his body.
"Careful Jack." The doctor reminded him. "Ok…that's enough weight. How does that feel?"
Jack thought about it for a moment. He looked up at Elizabeth and then the doctor. "Tight…I would say it's a little tight."
"I understand."
Elizabeth intently looked at her boyfriend. She knew how important this was to him. He was so nervous the ankle was worse than he thought. He wasn't happy about missing the two weeks. He certainly wouldn't want to miss more time. She was hoping the visit would go well. She wasn't sure what he meant by 'tight'.
"Now, One step with the left foot. Use me as a handrail. No more than twenty five percent on the foot. Understand?" The doctor's voice was a little on the stern side.
Jack nodded his head and took that small step. It was awkward since he was limited with the weight that he could put on it. He grimaced a little. Elizabeth jumped a little in her seat at his facial expression.
"That was a little painful."
"On a scale of one to ten. One being no pain and ten being the worst pain you ever felt. What would you rank it?"
"Five…maybe six."
"Ok…now hop back to the exam table and hop up. Please do not put weight on it."
"Yes doctor."
…
"So, what do you think?" Rosemary asked.
"That sounds like a fun evening."
"Are you really wanting to go to the theater?"
"The theater…no. Being with you…yes." Lee smiled.
He really had no interest in going to the theater, but he did love spending time with Rosey. If he was completely honest with himself, he was beginning to enjoy the plays she made him watch, but only certain ones. He didn't think he would ever love the theater, but he could enjoy it from time to time.
"When do you start practice again?"
"It's not practice. It is lifting weights after school three days a week."
"That's not practice?"
"Not really. Not like the practice you're thinking of. It's just weightlifting and some conditioning."
"That doesn't sound like a lot of fun." She shook her head. The warning bell sounded. They had three minutes to get to class.
"I actually like lifting. Plus, it allows me to eat what I want and not gain weight." He smiled. He did love to eat. He also loved that he didn't gain weight because of it.
"True…I don't think I have seen anyone eat like you."
"I'm just grateful I'm not boney like my brother, Cory."
Rosemary laughed. "Yeah, but he said he still beats you at wrestling."
"Rosey, did you really have to say that?" He laughed. "Those ridiculously long arms are hard to get around."
…
"It's better than I thought it would be but nowhere close to where it needs to be." The doctor paused for a minute so the words could sink in. "From what I saw on the x-ray, I was expecting a lot worse."
"So, how bad is this?" Jack asked nervously.
"Now, no weight on your left foot while walking. When you are standing, you may place your left foot on the ground and have twenty five percent of your weight resting on it as you lean on the crutches. Do this beginning today. It's Monday…do this today and tomorrow. On Wednesday, begin to walk on that foot with crutches. Begin with twenty five percent and increase it each day as you walk to comfortable levels. If you experience pain on that scale above a three, then you are putting too much weight on it. Got it?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Now, by Friday, let's try walking without crutches. I will give you a walking boot. Use the walking boot beginning Friday. Use it over the weekend. I want to see you in here on Monday. If things are going well, I will release you for light practice. You will probably still use the walking boot during the day. This may be a little too cautious, but with sprains it can be tricky. You will feel better and think you are healed, but those muscles are still weak. It's very easy to reinjure yourself. Then we will have to begin from the starting point again. We don't want to do that.
"I want to get you back out on the court, but I want you to be full strength when you do. I can't remove all possibility of you getting injured, but we can lessen that chance by making sure you are healed, and those leg muscles are back to normal. I have a feeling you will push it too much if I allow you."
Elizabeth tried to stifle the laugh but couldn't. It was even harder when Jack cut his eyes to her.
"This is where you come in." The doctor turned her attention toward Elizabeth. "You know him and know when he is pushing too much. I can't be around him very much, but you are. Keep a watch on him. Allow him to push himself a little but not too much too soon."
"On it." Elizabeth resolutely nodded her head.
"Good grief…she's worse than ma."
The doctor laughed. "She's the perfect one for this job. He can push the limits until pain. That's when he needs to back off. Now, follow my instructions to the letter and I'll see you Monday."
"Yes ma'am." Jack relented.
"Elizabeth, if you can, please come with him next Monday. I would like to hear your report."
"Yes, doctor."
"Doc, when do you think I will be able to play?"
"You're healing pretty well, but this was classified as a severe sprain. If there was a worse category to place you in I would. You're lucky you didn't tear ligaments or outright break it. If everything goes well on Monday, I'll release you to light practice with straight line running, but no cutting or turning quick on it. We may lift that restriction on Wednesday if Dr. Elizabeth ensures you are doing well during practice. If things are going really well, we will release you for full practice on that Friday. All of this is contingent on your ankle and how it reacts to the increased activity."
Jack turned his attention to his girlfriend pointing his index finger at her. "Be nice."
"Do as you're told, and I will be." She wagged her finger at him, matching his action with a growing smirk.
"Oh, this is going to be fun to watch." The doctor laughed. "Any questions?"
"No doctor." Jack and Elziabeth stated at the same time.
…
Jack and Elizabeth walked out to the waiting area where his mother and Elizabeth's mother were now waiting. Grace was texting while she was driving. The young couple could only shake their heads at their mothers. The older ladies stood when they saw who walked through the door.
"Well, what did the doctor say?" Charlette asked.
Jack smiled at his impatient mother. "Let's go outside and I'll tell you both."
Jack took a couple minutes and shared what the doctor told him. Elizabeth helped fill in the blanks in Jack's story. He was out for at least another week. That would be the two weeks that Candy and the doctor at the hospital told him. However, this doctor was saying it would probably be about another week after that.
"Well, the doctor didn't say that exactly, Jack. After the second week, it will depend on how your foot heals and how it feels. You have always healed quickly."
"Yeah…"
Ok, out with it. What's the problem?" Charlette challenged her son.
Jack shook his head. As hard as he tried, he couldn't keep the smirk that was forming on his face. He lowered his head to try to hide it.
"The doctor put Elizabeth in charge. She wants Elizabeth to come with me for the next appointment. She wanted Elizabeth's report."
"She did?" Grace chuckled.
"You forgot something Jack." Elizabeth's face lit up.
"Oh yeah…she wanted Dr. Elizabeth's report." He exaggerated the title.
Everyone could see Elizabeth's smirk. "That's right. Now, she said do as you're told, and you should heal fine. The more you do what you should be doing, the faster you can play. That's where I come in."
"My loving girlfriend on steroids." Jack playfully teased as he gave her a dimpled smile.
"You better believe it…and I even have permission from the doctor to be a loving girlfriend on all kinds of steroids." Elizabeth smiled.
"Good…grief…you're going to be impossible."
"Come on you two, it's lunch time. We'll buy you lunch before you go to school."
"Nice. Just let me send Cory, Steven, Sam, and Joe a text. They wanted to know."
"We'll meet you there." Grace stated as Charlette nodded.
"Come on, my little patient." Elizabeth teased. "Dr. Elizabeth will drive you."
Jack could only shake his head. He was grateful she drove to the doctor's visit. He was going to ride to school with her.
As they sat in her car and buckled up, Elizabeth turned to face Jack. "Are you ok with the week to two weeks?"
"Not really, but I don't have too much say so in this."
"Sorry."
"Thanks babe."
"Babe?" She questioned.
"I thought I would try it out." He playfully teased.
"Hey, didn't you notice that med student flirting with you?"
"Nope." He stated as she pulled out of the parking spot.
"How could you not see it?"
"I'm with you, sweetheart. I only see you. You have my heart Elizabeth, no one can take it from you."
Elizabeth smiled at his gesture.
"Didn't you notice when Ronald flirted with you the other day?"
"He did?"
"How could you not see it?"
"I'm with you, sweetheart. You have my heart Jack, no one can take it from you."
As she pulled to a stop light, she reached for his hand. He pulled her a little closer to him and gently kissed her on the cheek.
"I hope I never take you for granted. I trust you."
"I trust you." Elizabeth looked intently into Jack's eyes. "You're not taking me for granted. You just know my love for you."
"That's a great way of saying it. I just trust you with my heart and I think you know you can trust me with your heart."
"I completely agree."
Jack leaned in for another kiss but stopped short when the car behind them blew their horn. "Oh…the light changed." Elizabeth's face turned red as they pulled back from each other.
…
Jack was a little bummed attending the basketball game. He missed playing, which only made the injured ankle more frustrating. Elizabeth opened the school door for a hobbling Jack. He gave her a smile as he walked through the door on his crutches. She just shook her head at the sight of him hopping up the steps. He found it was just easier that way. They walked to the concession stand to grab their snacks and Adam's normal treats.
"Are you alright?" Jack asked his girlfriend. Elizabeth had an off expression on her face.
"You know, this is the first time I've been to the concession stand when I was with you. You always went and had me stay in my seat. I've been for Adam before, but you were always on the court."
"That's funny." Jack smiled.
"I think you spoil me."
"*I think I'm going with I love you instead of spoiling."
"I think I'm going with both."
"Fair enough." His smile melted her heart.
After placing their order and picking up their snacks, Elizabeth carried them to the middle section of the bleachers where their parents always sat. Their moms and dads were already in their seats. Jack and Elizabeth sat in the row in front of them.
"Do you want to stay up here or go to our normal spot?"
Jack let out a long breath. He really wanted to be part of the student section, but he didn't think he could stand up the whole time. Elizabeth noticed the look in Jack's expression. Before she was able to say anything, Mrs. Wilson and Adam came through the doors to the gym. Jack's face lit up at his friend when he showed up.
"There's my guy!" Jack stated.
Adam quickly made his way to Jack. He never stood. Adam sat down beside Jack. They reached for each other at the same time. Just before the girls' game began, Elizabeth leaned toward Jack. She spoke only loud enough for Jack to hear her.
"Why don't we try the student section for a while. You stand like everyone else. Remember, you can only put twenty five percent of your weight on your foot while standing. That will help a little with your balance. You have your hand on my shoulder. When you need to lean on me to rest a little, then do it. We will sit during time outs and between periods. If it gets too much, I'll make an excuse to visit our parents for a minute. What do you say?"
Jack leaned into Elizabeth's shoulder. If he wasn't completely in love with her already, he would have in that moment. He didn't know how she knew him so well. It was like she had the complete cheat sheet on him. She just knew what he was thinking. As silly as it sounded, Jack didn't want to come across as weak. Somehow Elizabeth knew that even if she didn't completely understand it. She was helping him without anyone else seeing it. His struggle was her struggle and she kept it between themselves. He was quickly getting accustomed to her strength in his life.
"Thank you, Ms. T."
"We're in this together."
"And I'm very thankful for that fact." Jack reached for her hand. He smiled as he squeezed her hand three times. She instantly noticed the look of love in his eyes. That look moved her to her foundation.
…
Viola quietly took her seat in the fancy restaurant named Francesca's. She smiled as she noticed the music. She quickly found the source of the beautiful sound. Ted was in a suit sitting in front of the piano. She thought he looked so handsome in his suit and an expression of pure concentration. He hadn't noticed that she had sat down at the small table reserved her him. He was playing a difficult piece that required his full attention. The owner of Francesca's loved it when Ted would play. He knew the restaurant made more money on the nights Ted was at the piano. People loved to listen to him play.
Ted had just begun a piece by Mozart. Viola sat in awe of Ted, his ability, and the way he looked when he played. He played so effortlessly. She has gone to concerts with her parents on several occasions. Ted was the only piano player that actually looked relaxed while he or she played. Yet strangely he did have a look of focus. He took his playing seriously, but he also enjoyed it.
"You must be Viola?" The waitress asked. She smiled at Viola's confused expression. "This is the table the manager reserves for Ted. You must be someone special. He has never brought anyone here before."
"Oh…"
"There's been many a girl that has tried…" She paused. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. What can I get for you to drink?"
"I'll take some water please. May I also have a glass of tea?"
"Sure thing. He takes a short break after the next song. I'll bring his normal drink too."
"Thank you."
Viola sat back and listened and watched Ted play. She replayed the very short conversation with the waitress. She was a little surprised that Ted hadn't invited another girl to watch him play. She knew he had to date. Someone as good looking as he had dated before, but she was grateful he hadn't dated a lot. That made her feel good. She has dated in college but no one would say it was a lot. She was intrigued by this guy.
She knew the piece he was playing. There was a difficult transition that was quickly approaching. Her father would always say it was the Piano Maker. If a person was truly gifted at the piano, that portion of the music would sound beautiful. It would carry you away to a place of perfect peace. If the person wasn't gifted, that portion of the music would sound like twenty alley cats fighting for a sliver of tuna. She noticed Ted sat taller when he began that portion of the music.
She closed her eyes when the piano played sounds she had never experienced before. Her head tilted back when her mind went to a place that brought peace to her. Thinking back on that moment later on, she couldn't ever remember being at such peace. Her mind was always active thinking about what she was doing, what she just did, or what she was needing to do. It was all exhausting to her at times. She would lay in bed at night and her mind just wouldn't shut off. At this moment, she was lost in peace that she couldn't describe or experienced before now. She didn't even notice when the waitress brought the drinks to the table.
To her surprise, she was saddened when the music ended. She didn't even realize it until the patrons in the dining room applauded Ted's performance. She opened her eyes cursing the fact that Ted had stopped playing. She was enjoying it so much. She looked up and noticed him walking in her direction. All of a sudden, she was pleased the music ended.
…
Jack intently watched as the first period was halfway through. The coach asked him to sit beside the assistant coach on the bench. Since Jack couldn't play, the coach wanted Jack to feel part of the team. He was an extra set of eyes for the point guards. He asked Jack to help them during the game. Malachi was playing well. Shane had come in and was playing well too. He did make a couple of goofs but that's expected for a freshman. He hasn't played too much during the season. However, Shane had cemented himself as a backup to Malachi. The coach was beginning to think he may begin to push Malachi for more playing time in the future. Since both guys were underclassman, the coach was excited about the future of the program in their hands.
As Shane came off the court to have a seat, Jack patted the seat beside him. Another player had to move, but Jack wanted to talk to the young guy.
"What am I doing wrong?"
"Shane, what makes you think you did something wrong?"
"I turned the ball over."
"Yeah. I have turned the ball over too. What did you see out there?"
Shane rubbed the sweat off his face with the towel the water girl gave him. "I don't know. What did you see?"
"It's not important what I saw. Shane, tell me what you saw when you turned the ball over?" Jack stated as he placed his arm around the young guy's shoulder.
Elizabeth smiled as she watched Jack talk to the freshman. He didn't seem animated or upset. He was just talking to the young guy. She wished she could have heard the conversation. She was also grateful he was involved. She knew not playing was driving him crazy.
"I was on the left side of the court. Cory was posted on the block with his man playing in front of him. He had Steven's player on the opposite block, but he was cheating to the middle of the painted area to help from the backside to prevent a lob pass over the front player."
"Ok. What else?"
"Joe was in the corner on my side covered pretty well with his guy on him. Sam was on the other side with his player halfway between him and Steven."
"Good. So, with everyone cheating to Cory and Steven, why did you try to pass the ball down to Cory?"
"I thought if I could get it over the guy in front and in front of Steven's guy who was cheating over, then Cory would at least get fouled as he took the shot."
"The pass had to be perfect for that to work. To be honest, I doubt a perfect pass would have worked with how the defense was playing Cory and Steven. Joe was covered as was Sam."
"What should I have done?"
"There's one more defensive player we haven't talked about yet."
"My guy."
"Yeah…where was he?"
"He was playing on my left half on Joe's side to guard the pass to him in the corner."
"He was."
"I should have drove to the foul line. He couldn't have stayed with me."
"True. With your speed, I seriously doubt he could have hung with you. Even if he could, Cory's defender was out of place since he was fronting him. Steven's guy had to choose between Cory, Steven or helping on you. Sam's and Joe's player was too far out of reach for them to make a difference."
"I would have had an open shot from the foul line or Cory or Steven would have had an open layup if their guy left them to come to me."
"Yeah. If you would have kept your guy on your side or your back, you would have an open lane to pass or to drift a little inside the foul line for an easy shot. Worst case scenario…"
"He would have fouled me."
"There you go young man. You figured it out."
"Why didn't I see that." Shane threw the towel on the floor.
Jack picked the towel up and handed it back to Shane. "That's not important now. The most important thing is to learn from the mistake and don't make it again."
Shane nodded. "Thanks Jack."
"Any time young man. Now, tell me how you fooled your guy when he went right and you blew by him with that crossover move. What did you see?"
…
Wow! Ted stated as he walked toward Viola. He couldn't keep from smiling. She was beautiful in her red dress. Her smile was radiant. Her eyes sparkled. Ted's smile only grew as he walked closer to the small table.
"Ted…you played that piece of Mozart perfectly."
"You knew that piece?" He asked as he sat down.
"Yes, I've been to a few performances with my parents. Most people struggle with that transition."
"Oh yes…that was a bear to learn."
"You played it flawlessly."
"Thank you. I'm glad you came tonight." He smiled. "I hope I'm not being to forward here…you look lovely."
"Thank you." She shyly moved a strain of hair behind her ear. "You look very nice in your suit."
"Thank you." He took a deep breath. As he reached for her hand, she spoke. It scared him. He placed his hand on top of the table instead or taking her hand.
"The waitress said you are here often. She brought you something to drink."
"Yeah, I always get the half sweet and half unsweet tea. I like sweet tea, just not too sweet."
"She also said you haven't brought another girl here."
"That's true."
"You don't date often?" She asked.
"No. You?"
"No. Two guys in my three years of college but none of them too long or were they too serious."
He took a deep breath. With all the strength and nervous energy he had, he lifted his hand from the table and reached for her hand that was on the table. "I'm glad you're here."
"Me too."
"I will have to continue to play in a few minutes. I should be done by nine."
"Great. I look forward to hearing you play. Plus, I'm looking forward to dinner."
"If you are hungry, get an appetizer."
"I think I'll wait on you."
He squeezed her hand. I better get back to the piano or I won't get paid." He laughed. He looked into her eyes for a moment longer.
"I guess I need to let you go." She stated but she didn't let go of his hand.
"Viola…you look beautiful." He whispered.
"You've said that already." She blushed at his compliment.
"Oh…I'm sorry." He blushed. "I'm pretty sure I will tell you that again." He paused for a moment. "The dress really shows off your eyes."
"You are a sweet talker, aren't you?"
"To be honest…" He leaned forward to whisper his next statement to her. "… when it comes to you, I'm scared to death." He let out a long, slow breath.
"Really?"
He nodded his head. "Scared…To…Death…" He emphasized each word. He really was scared to death. He really liked this girl but knew she was way out of his league.
"To be honest…I am too." She whispered her confession. She really was nervous. This guy seemed so great and completely different from any other guy she knew.
"Why in the world are you scared?"
"Look at you. You are handsome…you play the piano…you're funny. There is only one thing that is a drawback that I see so far."
"Really?"
"Yeah…"
"And what is that?"
"You like biology." She tried to stifle her giggle but couldn't.
"Viola…you are way over my head. I can't begin to imagine why you agreed to meet me tonight, but I am eternally grateful you came."
"I'm grateful you're here." He reached for her other hand. He ran his thumb over the back of her hands. "I really need to get back to the piano. Do you have a request?"
"No." She blushed. "Just something nice. I enjoy listening to you play."
"I'll try to play something you'll like."
As she watched Ted stand and walk back to the piano, she realized she was falling for this guy…and rather quickly. He was kind, funny, and had a great sense of humor. Not only all of that, but he is also beyond handsome. He intrigued her in a way that no guy has ever had before.
…
Jack smiled when he felt a cold drink on his shoulder. Even though he wasn't playing, during each timeout Adam would still bring him a Gatorade. He couldn't keep the smile from overtaking his entire face. He looked at Elizabeth and she just shrugged her shoulders.
In the middle of the third period, the same play happened again when Shane dribbled the ball up the left side of the court. Instead of trying to force a pass to Cory, Shane drove the ball to the foul line. His defender wasn't even close to guarding him. Cory's and Steven's player stayed on their man. Shane took one more dribble inside of the foul line but not too close to two defenders down low with Cory and Steven. He wanted the defenders to choose who to guard between their man or him. When they stayed on their man, he made the shot. As he turned to look in Jack's direction. Jack stretched out his arms and had a huge smile on his face.
"Thata boy!" Jack shouted.
Coach Franklin walked by and tossed Jack's hair. "Good coaching, Jack."
"Thanks, but Shane was the one who made the play."
"I better watch it or that young guy is going to take me off the court."
"He's pushing you Malachi, but you are playing too well to be taken off the court. It's good that he is pushing you though. That's how we get better. You push me all the time."
"No kidding. That young guy is going to be special."
"So will you. Just think, you two will take over next year. Sam and I graduate."
"I'm sorry you got hurt, but it's nice seeing Shane step up."
"You and Shane has stepped up. The team's not even missing me."
"Oh yes, we are! It's not the same without you out there."
…
Elizabeth, Adam, Steph, and Connie stood on the edge of the court waiting for Jack, Cory, and Steven. The team won by six. They played pretty well, but knew they missed Jack's presence on the court. They looked up after the coach dismissed the team. They all walked through the double doors that lead to the locker room.
"Hey." Elizabeth smiled. "How are you?"
"I'm good." He stated.
Elizabeth continued to watch Jack. She knew he missed playing, but she needed to look into his eyes to make sure he was good. She saw sadness, but he was good.
"There's my guy." Jack stated as he opened his arms for a hug. He was braced by the crutches that were under his armpits and by Elizabeth's hand on his back. Adam walked into a hug.
"Thank you for the Gatorade."
Adam nodded his head. He squeezed Jack a little tighter. They all made their way up the stairs. Like always, Jack held his crutches and hopped up the stairs on his right foot. Elizabeth just stared and laughed at her boyfriend. He had given up a long time ago learning how to navigate stairs with crutches. He just found it easier to hop up and down the stairs while holding the crutches in one hand.
He kissed his mother and mom on the cheek when they walked up to the parent group. He gave Mrs. Wilson a hug and fist bumped his pa and William.
"Nice work out there."
"I didn't play, Pa."
"Maybe not, but you helped coach Malachi and Shane. You were a vital part of the team."
"You were son."
"Thanks William. Thanks Pa."
"Ice cream?" Asked William. He avoided the stare from his wife.
"Let's go." Tom stated. Also avoiding the stare from Charlette.