Chapter 47

Elizabeth was laying on her stomach with her head buried in her pillow. Her hair was still in a messy bun on top of her head. A few strains of hair escaped and was threatening to tickle her cheeks. She was buried under a couple of blankets. She was always cold. She was lightly snoring, even though she would always deny it when confronted about it. Her phone chirped but she didn't hear it. Before she realized it, it began sounding its irritating alarm. She settled into her pillow a little more just moments before she finally opened her eyes, annoyed at the horrible sound. Without opening her eyes, she extended her left hand feeling the top of the bedside table feeling for her phone. After the third attempt, she felt her phone. She ran her finger to the bottom of her phone and pressed the snooze button. She quickly brought her hand back under the warm covers.

As soon as she settled under the covers, her phone chirped again signaling a text message. She knew it was Jack. She sighed and reached for her phone. She unplugged her phone and quickly brought it under the covers. Somehow, she managed to bring the phone out from under the covers just enough to keep her hands in the warmth of the covers. She had three texts, two from Jack and the last one from Charles.

C – Can we talk

She ignored his text. She closed that text message and turned her attention to Jack's.

J – Good morning Bella

J – Interesting history fact – The United States does not have an official language. English is the most spoken followed by Spanish

She loved his good morning texts. They always touched her heart. They were very short but extremely meaningful to her. He had begun to send her weird history facts after his good morning texts. She didn't understand them. She usually rolled her eyes after she read them. She rarely responded to them.

E – Good morning, Dimples

J – Sleep well

E – It's cold outside of these covers

J – How many covers do you typically use

E – Two and a sheet you

J – Just a sheet I'm a heater when I sleep

Elizabeth smiled at the thought of having her own personal heater in the future.

"Are you up dear? You need to get moving if you are going to meet Jack at the doctor's office."

"Thanks mother."

Elizabeth turned her attention back to her phone.

E – Mother just came in. I need to get up and get ready see you soon

J – Be careful I'll see you at the doctor's office

…

"Well…look at you. You did make it." Teased Ted as he walked into the Bio III class.

"Such sass." Playfully grinned Viola. She moved her backpack from the desk that was beside her. She was saving his seat.

"Does this mean you're not sick of me being around?" He nodded toward her pack that was now at her feet.

"I kinda like having you around. You ok with that?"

Ted only nodded his head and gave her a huge smile. He was excited she still wanted him around. He felt like he was in way over his head with the woman, but he couldn't help the excitement growing inside of him.

"I told my mom about you." He whispered. He was hesitant to tell her that. He was excited to share the news with his mother. He was terrified he was pushing too much. He was trying his best to keep himself in check and not move too quickly. That was a struggle he wasn't sure if he was winning.

"You did?" She asked a little hesitant.

"I hope you don't mind?"

"Not at all." She smiled. "It just surprised me is all. I think I like you told her about me."

"You did tell me that we are dating. I had to tell her. I don't keep secrets from her. So, I thought the next step would be for you to meet her. I'm not going home anytime soon, but would you be ok with a skype call? She would like to meet you at some point in person."

"Ok." Her nervousness was beginning to come through. "Ted, while I may have dated in high school and a couple of times in college, I've never met the parents of those guys."

"Oh…don't worry about it, Viola. My mom already loves you. She said she hasn't ever seen me gush over a girl." His face turned red at the honesty of his statement. "I still don't think I was gushing." He shook his head. "She knows you are Elizabeth's older sister. I believe she fell in love with you with that bit of news."

The honesty and embarrassment of his statement touched her heart. She realized this guy did that often. It was just the type of guy he is. "I would love to meet your parents."

"Good." He smiled in great relief.

"Now I have a confession for you." Her voice turned soft.

"Ok?" He asked a little nervous.

"I told my mother about you." Her face was forward to the front of the classroom, but her eyes were cut to him. She couldn't help but fall for this guy's dimpled smile.

"Yeah…I like that." His smile only grew at the thought. "I'm getting to you, aren't I?" He teased with his dimpled smile as he bumped her shoulder.

"Maybe…she would like to meet you too."

"Just tell me when."

"Well…we have Friday off from school."

"We do…wait…"

"I'm going home this weekend. I'm leaving Thursday afternoon after classes. Would you be willing to go and meet my parents?"

Before he was able to respond, the professor stepped into the lecture hall and immediately began speaking.

"What do you say?" She leaned over and questioned him again. She had to know. The not knowing was driving her crazy.

"Are you about to get me in trouble again with the professor by talking during class?"

Viola huffed at his teasing. She sat up and stared at the front of the room. She smirked when she heard him chuckle.

Ted leaned over and whispered. "Am I driving, or are you?"

Her lips curled up at the corners as her attention was on her professor.

…

Grace leaned against the counter nursing a cup of coffee. William had just left for work. She was waiting for her two younger girls to come down before making them eggs along with toast and jam. Her thoughts were traveling back to her oldest daughter. She is wanting to bring home some guy named Ted. She only knew what her oldest daughter had told her about the guy. When she found out that he was Jack's cousin, she made a mental note to call her friend.

Grace smiled when she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. By the sound of them, she thought her would be her middle child.

"Good morning, mother."

"Good morning, Elizabeth. How are you? Did you sleep better?"

"I slept well. What do you mean by 'sleep better'?"

"Yesterday morning, you looked like you didn't sleep well. It was like you were off yesterday morning. Actually, you looked off most of the day."

"Oh…" Elizabeth mind went back to her dream. She smiled at the memory. Then she remembered her mother was standing in front of her. She wiped the smile from her lips, but couldn't erase the tint of red so easily that appeared on her cheeks. "No…I rested well."

"What is your schedule today?"

"I'm going with Jack to the doctor's office, then school. I don't know about the rest of the day."

As her mother was talking about her schedule, Elizabeth was still thinking about her dream. She loved the dream and the memories it created. She and Jack didn't get too far in it. After all, they were still clothed. Elizabeth was certain that was only true because she woke up. However, it has also brought some uncertainty. She loved the sensations the dream brought to her, but her decision to wait till marriage was just as resolute. She knew she was overthinking this but she couldn't stop the battle in her mind.

She and her mother always had a good relationship. They spoke openly about most subjects. The discussion of becoming a woman was a little unnerving as a very young teen. The sex talk was a little embarrassing, but she thought her mother did a great job on both subjects. Grace has a way of listening that just made it easy to talk with her, even concerning difficult topics.

Grace watched her daughter. Grace knew her middle child well. She had the look she always had when they were about to discuss something difficult and or deep.

"Alright little one…what's on that beautiful mind of yours?"

Elizabeth sighed at her mother's intuition. "I would like to talk with you about something…but only you."

Grace nodded in agreement to Elizabeth's coded message. "Got it. Now, what's going on?"

Elizabeth took a deep breath. While they had a good relationship, this was still difficult. "First, I don't want a lecture on something we have already spoken about and agree on."

"What are you talking about?" Grace stated as she sat down her coffee cup.

"I had a dream Saturday night. I've had a hard time getting past it."

"Oh…was it a nightmare?"

As a child, Elizabeth would often have what Grace would call night terrors. She would often wake up screaming. She would dream about spiders or some type of bug chasing her.

"No." Elizabeth's face turned a little redder at the memory of the sensations she experienced.

"So, what was the dream about?"

"Me and Jack…" Her voice trailed off.

"Oh…"

"Yeah…I dreamed that Jack came over and we were in my bedroom…"

"I see."

"Things were heading in that direction…but I woke up before it went too far."

Grace nodded her head. She completely understood. "Did it take you a while to calm down from the dream?"

"It felt so real." Elizabeth's voice was barely audible.

"That's why you were a little flustered before church. That's also why you went walking before getting ready for church."

Elizabeth, with a pinkish color creeping up her cheeks, nodded her head.

"It's amazing how real those types of dreams are, aren't they?"

"Yes…I can still feel the sensations from it."

"Ok. What about the dream are you wanting to talk about?"

"Is that type of stuff normal for a girl?" She hesitantly asked.

"Why yes dear. It is common. I guess most people only think that happens with guys only, but women may dream about their man just as easily. I had dreams about your father before…"

"Mother!" Gasped Elizabeth. "I don't want to hear about that!"

"Do you think I want to hear about me daughter and…"

"Ok…" Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief as she interrupted her mother.

"Sweetheart…" Grace began in a loving, motherly tone. She reached for Elizabeth's hand. "…this is all about you growing up and falling in love. You and Jack have this special connection. Of course, your mind will wonder there occasionally. This is all new and very exciting for you. It is a special time in a young woman's life. Are you ok with having the dream?"

"I am. It's just…it's just different, I guess. We haven't…I have never…"

Grace smiled at her embarrassment. She remembered having this type of conversation with her mother years ago.

"I didn't hate it." Elizabeth's face deepened to a light color of red. She fought back a smile at the recollection of Jack's lips on her lower neck. "It was intense and felt real. I know it wasn't real, but if I close my eyes, I can still feel…" Her voice trailed off.

Grace squeezed her daughter's hand. While this conversation was a little touchy, Grace loved that her middle daughter would feel comfortable approaching her with this particular subject. She did trust her daughter and Jack.

"I get it. Intimacy with the person you love is just special. Those moments will draw you closer to each other, but Elizabeth, we have taught you that intimacy is within a marriage only. Along with physical intimacy comes a new wave of emotions. You are mature my dear, but those emotions can be difficult to deal with at times."

"I know mother."

"We have taught you that because, while you are growing up, you still have maturing to do. You are a very mature young lady, but you are still developing. Intimacy brings a whole set of emotions to the relationship that you haven't experienced yet. There is always a chance of pregnancy. That doesn't make your future plans impossible, but it would make hit harder."

"I know. Jack and I have spoken about our desire to wait until marriage."

"That's great that you two have had that deep discussion. That shows maturity for both of you." She smiled as she squeezed her daughter's hand. "The dream is natural my dear. With your deepening relationship with Jack, it's only natural that part of you is waking up. I'm sure Jack is experiencing those same feelings as well. To accomplish the goals you have sit for yourself and Jack's goals as well, you need to put up safe guards."

"I agree. We have spoken about it before. We haven't really pushed limits. I think the dream just startled me."

"I remember my first dream concerning your father…"

"Mother!" Elizabeth gasped.

"I wouldn't use the word startled." Grace smirked at the long ago memory.

"Yeah…" Elizabeth stared off in the distance not focusing on anything in particular.

…

Elizabeth sat in the corner in one of two chairs in the exam room. Jack was sitting on the exam table fighting with that silly protective paper. The nurse was taking his blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. He has only been on that table for two minutes and he has already ripped the paper three times. She tried her best, but she couldn't keep from giggling at him. When he shot her a glance, she lost control and laughed out loud.

"Are you done?" He challenged her with a grin.

"I was just thinking of a little Jack fighting, and losing, with that paper."

"It has always been my nemesis."

"You're too cute." She shook her head. She could easily imagine a little Jack squirming and ripping the paper. She could just as easily see their little boy doing the exact same thing.

"Hey…" Jack called out the third time.

"What?" Elizabeth shook her head from the thought.

"Where were you?"

"Just lost in thought. How is it feeling?" She nodded to his foot as the door opened.

"Good question." Dr. Jackson stated as she closed the door behind her.

"Good morning, doc." Jack smiled.

"Good morning, Jack. Elizabeth, I'm glad you were able to come this morning."

"Thanks for inviting me. I wouldn't miss this for anything." Jack rolled his eyes at her smirk.

"So, Jack…how is the ankle feeling after slowly putting weight on it walking in the boot?"

"Good. Sore the first day then the leg itself was sore at the end of the day. Especially the calf and quad."

"That's to be expected with the severity of the sprain. That whole leg was not used for a while. Along with the ankle, the calf and quad need to be strengthened again. Any problems with the boot?"

"No. It was so much better than those stupid crutches."

"Lay back. Let me take the boot off and look at that ankle."

"Yes doc."

Jack laid back on the table ripping the paper two more times.

"If I remember correctly, you hated the last roll of paper too."

"It's an eternal battle between us that I haven't won one time."

The doctor laughed at him. She felt his ankle and the top of his foot. She remembered he was ticklish and avoided the bottom of his foot. She did feel his calf and his quad. She could tell there were some muscle knots.

"Did you follow my directions?"

"Would you like to answer that question?" He looked at a smiling Elizabeth.

The doctor looked at him for a moment. "I would like for you to answer that question."

"Fine, I mostly did. I did walk on it with the use of crutches before I was supposed to. Not too much but I did do it."

"And how did that feel?"

"It hurt."

The doctor turned her attention toward Elizabeth. She nodded her head in approval.

"Mr. Thornton seems like a smart man. Elizabeth, you would think he would listen to the intelligent women in his life."

"I've been telling him that."

"So, anything else?"

"No."

"Jack, I wasn't speaking to you." Sassed the doctor.

"No doctor." Elizabeth smiled. "He learned his lesson after that morning."

"Perfect."

Dr Jackson had Jack stand and walk without the boot. He also squatted for her and walked backwards. She even had him balance on his good foot and his bad ankle. She ran him through different positions carefully watching his movement and how he was able to adjust to his weight. There was much improvement from just one week, but he was still a little weak on it.

During the movements, Jack watched his doctor's face intently. He was trying to get a read on her expression, but she had a good poker face. He also glanced at his girlfriend who was still sitting in the chair. She was intently watching the whole situation.

"That's great Jack. Now, hop back on the table. I would like to feel your leg again to compare before all the moving."

"What do you think?" He asked her as he hopped on the table ripping the paper again.

"Give me a moment." She stated as she began to feel his ankle and the muscles around it. Once she was finished, she asked him. "What do you think?"

"It feels good with very little pain. Maybe a one or two on your scale when I was standing on it with my other foot in the air and when I was squatting."

"Good." The doctor turned her attention to Elizabeth. "What do you think?"

"It is certainly weak. Very little pain. You can tell in his facial features." Elizabeth began intently looking at Jack's foot. "Movement was a little limited and tight. He's not as flexible in the left ankle as he is in his right. It took him longer to raise up from squatting on that foot, but there wasn't any pain registering in his face when he did it. I think the pain is over with. It's just strengthening those muscles surrounding it while not risking too much movement to reinjure the ankle again due to its weaken state."

"Wow. Very impressive young lady. You are about to go to college?"

"Yes, doctor."

"What is your discipline?"

"I'm going to Bryan's University. I'm studying education. I want to be a teacher." She proudly stated.

"If you would ever like to be a doctor, I think you would be a good one."

"That's kind of you to say."

Jack sat back watching the two women talk. "You know, she's going to be difficult to handle with all of those compliments."

"Sush you." Elizabeth sassed.

"She's right, Mr. Thornton. I believe the pain part of this is basically over. Now you are in the most troubled portion of recovery."

"What do you mean?"

"With no pain, we think everything is healed. Therefore, you begin to push too much. However, that ankle is still unstable due to the injury. It is weak and so are the muscles and tendons surrounding it. When you overdo it or push it beyond safe limits, you are very likely to reinjure it due to its weakened state." She paused for a moment to let the news sink in. "Here's the deal. I have a special brace for you to wear for the next three weeks whenever you are active. Today and tomorrow, you are permitted to ride a stationary bike for forty five minutes or until muscle exhaustion or pain. No longer than forty five minutes. On Wednesday, you may begin practicing. There is no cutting or backpedaling on that ankle. Got it?" Her voice was stern. Jack nodded his head. "You may run forward only to pain and then back off. You can shoot but no jumping too high. After Thursday, if your ankle is responding well. And by that, I mean no pain, no swelling, and no tightness, you may resume full practice."

"Yes!"

"I trust you will be honest with me and not push it too much." She pointed her finger at him.

"I've already promised that one I won't. I'm not breaking my promise to her." He nodded in Elizabth's direction.

"That's good. I want you healed. I do not want to reset the clock on this injury. No taping your ankle until you resume full practice. Just wear your brace until then. When you do resume full practice, tape your ankle and wear the brace for another two weeks. That brace will be cumbersome. It's sole focus is to keep that ankle as straight as possible and limit movement side to side. It's going to feel very awkward and limit you on several different levels. However, it is essential you wear it. You're just going have to deal with it."

"When can I play in a game?"

"When you resume full practicing, there is not restrictions. That is up to you, your coach, and athletic trainer. I would recommend limited playing time until you know for certain you are fully healed."

"I can live with that."

"Great, then you may play pain free then." She smiled at this young man. "Elizabeth, I'm placing him into your hands. Keep him to his promise."

"Yes doctor."

"Doc, did you really have to give her that much power?"

"See the nurse on the way out. She has a school note for both of you."

…

Coach Franklin sat down in his coach's office with Jack, Sam, Joe, Cory, Steven, Malachi, and Shane. He was eager to hear Jack's report from the doctor. The coach, along with Malachi and Shane, were excited at the news of Jack's progress. The coach was afraid he would be out longer.

"Jack, we have a game on Friday night. If all goes well, we may play you, but you will be on a clock. Your playing time will be limited. But here is the deal, you have to be completely honest with me. You can't just not tell me or bulldoze your way through the pain. Got it?"

"Yes coach."

"Malachi and Shane, don't get too comfortable on the bench. You won't be on it long. You two have played very well in Jack's absence. When he's healthy, he'll be back in the starting lineup, but you two will be the first off the bench to fill in for Jack, Sam, and Joe."

"Yes coach." Both younger guys stated.

"This isn't a demotion by any means. So, be ready. Your playing time will be just as important. Shane, I'm interested to watch you and Jack play together. You two will be great coming off the bench. Plus, Jack and Sam are seniors. With you two and Joe, next year should be good."

"Thanks coach."

"Now, you two go get changed. We have a game tomorrow. Jack, hop on the bike. You have forty five minutes on the exercise bike. Candy will be checking in on you."

…

"Are you ready?"

Ted smiled at his girlfriend. They were going to class. It wasn't the same class, but they found a few minutes to spend together before they went their separate ways.

"Hey, you did say I could use a piano during our time away?"

"I did. We have one. Mother is excited to hear you play."

"Viola, you shouldn't tell her that I'm good. She's going to be disappointed when she hears me."

"Nonsense. I have heard you play."

"I'll come over and play each day."

"Are you really not staying with us?"

"No. I'm staying with Uncle Tom and Aunt Charlette."

Viola was a little upset over that. She was hoping he would stay with them. She looked at him when he stood in front of her. He waited until he had her full attention. She finally looked into his eyes.

"Viola, I just don't think it's proper for me to stay in your home like that."

"We won't be staying in the same bedroom."

"I know." He leaned in and gently kissed her lips. "I just don't think it's proper, especially with this being the first time I meet your parents when I have family in the same town. I can spend time with my aunt and uncle, also with Jack and Tommy. Plus, I'll be with you during the day and evening."

"Fine."

"Are you mad at me?"

She looked into his eyes and gave him a smile. "No. I completely understand. I'll just miss you."

"You sound like a young lady that is smitten." She melted at his dimpled grin. Now she understood what Elizabeth meant when she would tell her about Jack's dimples and the effect it had on her.

"Maybe…" She teased.

"Well…" He stepped a little closer to her. "I am happy about that. To be honest, I am completely smitten with you, and I couldn't be happier." He was a little worried when she was silent. Maybe he was a little too forward or too honest. He just couldn't help himself. His fears were relieved when a smile took over her face. "Now, be honest with me…do you think your parents will like me?"

…

Jack didn't even have to look up from his paper to see Elizabeth's smirk. He could literally feel it. After beating her that one time in answering the math question, he hasn't even gotten close to beating her. She reminds him of that fact every time she beats him.

Jack laid down his pencil and didn't even look in her direction. He looked straight ahead.

"Finally." Elizabeth whispered.

Jack shook his head. "One of these days, Mr. Callahan is going to catch you cheating. Then you'll be in trouble." He warned her.

"Jarrick Thornton. You know I don't cheat!"

"I know no such thing."

"I've never caught her, Mr. Thornton."

"Just because you haven't caught her, Mr. Callahan, doesn't mean she isn't cheating." He sat tall in his chair.

Mr. Callahan laughed at Jack's playful insistence.

"Excuse me Mr. Callahan." Mrs. Waters' voice came across his classroom's intercom. "Please send Elizabeth Thatcher to the office for a few minutes."

"Yes, ma'am."

Elizabeth's head shot toward Jack. She instantly became nervous. She has never been called to the principal's office for any occasion. Her and Jack had to go when he kissed her on the cheek, but they weren't in the principal's office. She was in there with Charles when he assaulted her, but this is the first time she was called to the main office.

"Why? I didn't do anything." She softly stated with concern dripping in her tone.

"I guess they finally caught you cheating." Smirked Jack.

"Jack!" She smacked his bicep.

"We all know you haven't done anything wrong. It must be nothing." Her teacher encouraged her.

"He's right." Jack whispered. "We know you aren't in trouble. It's probably something little or something else like that."

"Hurry back. Jack will need your help with the next section." Sassed Mr. Callahan.

"Hey." Jack sounded offended as the class laughed.

Elizabeth stood and slowly made her way to the door. She looked back one time before leaving the classroom. She was encouraged by Jack's smile.

…

Elizabeth walked into the office to a smiling Mrs. Waters. When the office worker looked up, she instantly saw the fear written all over Elizabeth's face. Before Elizabeth was even at the counter, Mrs. Waters spoke.

"Don't worry dear. This is a very good thing."

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"Go on back. The principle is waiting for you."

"Thank you, Mrs. Waters."

"Good morning, Elizabeth."

"Good morning, Mrs. Johnson. You wanted to see me?"

"I do. Relax dear. This is a very good thing."

"Ok."

"Have a seat, Elizabeth. Now, with a 4.367 GPA, you are this year's Salutatorian."

"Really?" Asked a surprised Elizabeth.

"Yes dear. Congratulations! Well done, Elizabeth."

"Thank you, Mrs. Johnson."

"Now, let's call your parents and tell them the great news."

The principal pushed the speaker button on her phone and called Grace.

"Hello, this is Grace."

"Mrs. Thatcher. This is Mrs. Johnson, the principal from Hamiton East."

"Yes, Mrs. Johnson. Is everything alright?" A little bit of panic in her tone. No matter how long that horrible Monday was, it would creep in her thoughts every so often.

"Yes. I have Elizabeth with me on speaker phone. She has some good news she needs to share with you."

"Hello mother."

"Elizabeth. Is there anything wrong?"

"No mother. I just wanted to let you know that I am this year's Salutatorian."

"Oh dear…that's wonderful news." Grace finally stated after a few moments of silence. It took a few moments for the words to sink in. "You have worked so hard for this. I am proud of you!"

"Thank you, mother."

"Mrs. Thatcher, Elizabeth has worked hard for this award. I also wanted to thank you for all of your support in her life. She is here because of you and your husband."

After a few moments of silence, Elizabeth let out a soft chuckle. "Don't cry mother." She knew her mother so well.

"I can't help it. I'm so proud of you. Have you called your father?"

"Not yet. You were my first phone call."

"Let's get him on three way."

On the second ring, William answered the phone. "Good morning, my love."

"William, I have Principle Johnson on the phone with us."

"Oh no…is Elizabeth or Julie alright?" Panic was evident in his voice as well.

"We are fine father. I have some great news to share with you."

"Oh, thank goodness. Now, what is it you need to share with me?"

"Father, I am Salutatorian this year."

"Congratulations!" William stood up from his desk. He was excited for his little girl. "I am so proud of you."

"Thank you father."

"Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher, I wanted her to call you and tell you the great news. Also, thank you for her support in Elizabeth's life. You two play a major role in this."

"Thank you." Grace and William stated at the same time.

"I would ask that you please don't say anything to anyone, including family, until we make the school announcement this coming Friday."

"We can do that."

"Thank you, Mr. Thatcher. Alright, Elizabeth needs to get back to class."

"Thank you Ms. Johnson. I'll talk to you later mother, father."

Elizabeth smiled the whole way back to class. She was excited about the news. She had worked hard and was happy with the news. Just before stepping back into her math class, she wondered if that was why they called for Belinda to go to the office just a few minutes ago. Belinda had always wanted to be Valedictorian. She had worked tirelessly for the honor. If she was correct, that means she beat Jack. Her smile grew further as she walked down the hall. Her competitive side was kicking in full swing.

Jack intently watched Elizabeth walk into the classroom and then sit at the desk beside him. She had a huge smile on her face. He knew something was up when she began bouncing in her seat. She didn't have a good poker face. Jack was convinced she bounced more the longer she sat there.

"Are you ok?" Jack whispered.

"Oh…I'm great!" She smiled even more. Her voice was a little higher than normal.

Mr. Callahan gave Elizabeth a quick glance. She nodded her head to show him that she was fine.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you again, Mr. Callahan." Mrs. Waters' voice came across the intercom again. "But could you please send Jack Thornton to the office for a few minutes?"

"He's on his way." The teacher called out. He turned his attention toward Jack.

Jack looked in Elizabeth's direction after listening to the intercom message. She was bouncing even more in her seat. Pure excitement was spread all over her face. Jack thought she was going to bounce out of her desk.

"Be back as soon as you can, Mr. Thornton."

"Yes, Mr. Callahan."

Jack kept his eyes on Elizabeth. He knew she was going to literally burst at any moment. He was shocked she hadn't already. She continued to bounce in her chair with her smile growing.

"Are you ok?"

"Fine! Fine!" She stated very quickly. "You shouldn't keep Principal Johnson waiting."

"Ok…" Jack could only stare at his girlfriend. "What's going on?"

Elizabeth continued to bounce in her seat. She could barely contain her excitement.

…

Thomas was working in his office. He had a hand full of reports of businessmen and businesswomen who were being threatened. Along with the reports, he was looking over pictures of people who was possibility linked to the reports. He was grateful none of the pictures reminded him of anyone he saw. The horrible Monday was an eye opening event for the security team. Thomas was grateful for the team that were in place. They were professional and did their duties to the fullest. He sighed when his phone rang. It has been a long day at work, and it wasn't close to being lunch yet. He didn't even look at the caller ID.

"Hello. This is Tom Thornton."

"Mr. Thornton. I'm Mrs. Johnson. I'm the principal at Hamilton East High School."

"Mrs. Johnson, what may I do for you?" He paused for a moment. "Wait, is everything alright?"

"Yes Mr. Thornton. Everything is fine. I have your son on the call with us."

"Hello Pa."

"Hey son. What's going on?"

"Mrs. Johnson just told me that I am Third Honor."

"Third Honor?"

"I am graduating third in the class."

"Congratulations son! I'm very proud of you." The love evident in Tom's voice.

Jack told his father that they had already called his mom. Jack was certain she cried, but she never admitted to it. They only spoke for a couple of minutes. The principal needed to get the rest of the top ten in her office so they could call their parents.

"I'll call your mother and check on her. Are you telling Elizabeth?"

"Wait…is this why she was just called to the office?" Jack asked Mrs. Johnson.

"You need to remember you are not allowed to tell anyone until Friday morning." She stated as she nodded her head in agreement.

"So…that's why she was so giddy just a moment ago." He stated when he placed the puzzle pieces together. "Awe man…she's going to be hard to deal with."

"Good luck with that son." Tom disconnected the call as he laughed.

…

After talking with his mom and dad, Jack slowly made his way back to math class. Before even seeing Elizabeth, he knew the expression that would be plastered all over her. He walked into the classroom and his eyes instantly found his girlfriend and her ridiculously large grin. The moment she saw him, she began to bounce in her seat. He only shook his head.

"Thank you for coming back so quickly, Mr. Thornton."

"Yes sir, Mr. Callahan."

The closer Jack walked to his seat beside Elizabeth, the more she bounced. If there were a living example of giddy, she was exuding the living definition. Her bouncing in her seat…the outrageously large, smirking grin…it was too much for him to handle. She was so stinking adorable.

"You are a beautiful lady, Elziabeth…but this isn't your best look." Jack tried to whisper with a serious expression on his face.

With his playful expression, she didn't believe a word he said. "Good news?" She asked, never losing the smile.

"Yup." He quickly stated as he sat down in his chair.

"Would you like to share your news?"

"I'm sorry Princess Beth, I was asked to keep it a secret until later."

"Jarrick, that's not my name. I thought we were way past this." She whined a little. She lost the playful smirk for only a second.

"Why were you called into the office?"

"I'm Salutatorian." She stated with pride.

"Weren 't you supposed to keep that a secret?" Jack sassed.

"Alright class. Let's get back to our work." Mr. Callahan called out.

…

Author's Note:

I published my first chapter on January 01, 2022 – How Fast is too Fast. Since then, I have always posted at least one chapter a week. I will have to break my run of consecutive weeks of posting chapters. My family and I are moving. We are seriously beginning to pack starting this week and then moving next week. I will not be posting next Monday (05/27). I am hoping to post the following Monday (06/03), if the move goes well. If not, I will post the next Monday (06/10).

See you soon. Leave someone better today than you found them.