Chapter 67

"Hey…are you ok?" Elizabeth looked concerned into her phone's camera. She was skyping Jack just before bedtime. He was quiet all day at school and into the evening. He just wasn't as engaging as he normally was. The group all went to Abagail's after school for their normal gathering. The group just wanted to catch up with each other.

"Yeah…" He softly spoke, just barely loud enough for her to hear.

"Out with it, Jackie Boy!"

"Good grief. Why do you still remember that?" He huffed with a playful smile. "I give you all these little cutesy nicknames and you remember that name."

"That's one of the things I will never forget. Plus, the picture of you on the mechanical horse is a great reminder."

"I thought I deleted that photo?"

"You deleted one of them. I have several on my phone. I knew you would pull something like that." She pointed her index finger into the camera. "Now, what's going on with you. You are too quiet."

"It's Thursday…"

"Yeah…" She paused trying to think of why today would be hard for him. "I'm the one who has to give that silly speech tomorrow."

"I'm really looking forward to hearing you. You will blow everyone away. I just know it." She smiled at his confidence in her. She wasn't so certain. Doubt was beginning to creep into her thinking again.

"Maybe you should be the one to give it."

"I don't think so."

Elizabeth looked at him for a moment. She had this unique way of reading his facial expressions. "Stop stalling…what's the problem?" She warned him.

"We don't have a game tomorrow. This is the first Friday I don't have a basketball game." His voice trailed off.

She smiled at connecting Jack's issue. Tomorrow is the first Friday he won't have a basketball game since the season ended. He was missing it. She remembered having this conversation with Steph and Connie. They thought their boyfriends may have an issue with the season being over. Especially in the beginning.

"You know…" She batted her eyes at him. She tilted her head down and looked up through her long eyelashes. She knew he loved it when she did this. "…since you have a free Friday night…"

"Would you go out on a date with me?!" Jack interrupted her statement. He said it so quickly that she had a hard time understanding it.

"Why Jarrick Thornton…are you asking me out on a date?"

"Yes, Elizabeth Thatcher. I would love to have your company."

"I thought you would never ask." She flirted.

"Oh…and we are free after the luncheon. We don't have to go back to school."

"True. Do you have anything special planned?"

"Not yet, but I will." She could only smile at his growing smile. For the first time today, the smile was overtaking his face. "Now, how do you feel about your speech tomorrow?"

He looked concerned into the camera when her smile immediately disappeared.

She sighed. "Nervous…scared…"

He hated seeing her like this.

"What are you going to talk about?"

"I don't know…"

"Wait…! You don't know? Elizabeth, you preplan everything! I'm almost certain you will have bathroom breaks planned down to the mile on our vacation trips."

"Jack! I'm not that bad!"

She paused when she saw his knowing expression. He was right. She was very much a planner. She let out a long, unsteady breath.

"Elizabeth…" Jack's voice was soothing and calming. "…I believe in you with all of my heart. You will do a wonderful job. I have no doubt."

A small smile began to battle against her frowning lips. The frown was beginning to win the battle. He just has a way with her. Just like all the times she helped him during basketball games with just a simple smile and a short phrase, he was doing the same thing with her.

"I look forward to hearing what you have to say."

"I hope I won't disappoint you…or embarrass myself in front of so many important people."

"You will do a marvelous job tomorrow. I. Have. No. Doubt." He emphasized each word with great determination. "Maybe you need to start at the beginning. Speak from your heart."

"Huh…" She whispered.

…

"So, everything is planned?"

"I believe so." Grace stated as she placed her book on her nightstand. "I placed an order at Mikey's for the meat that you will grill out. I'll pick up the other things at the grocery store tomorrow after Elizabeth's luncheon."

"I'm so proud of Elizabeth and for her award. That really is a big honor."

"It is." Grace stated with pride. "Are you sure Jerry didn't play a part of this?"

"Jerry promised me he didn't. The school administration and teachers were the ones who recommended Elizabeth. Jerry excused himself during the process because of our friendship. He didn't want any hint of potential influence on his part. He told me that it was unanimous for Elizabeth to receive this award. He had zero part of this.

Elizabeth stood on this by herself."

"I'm so proud of her."

"Me too. Now, our youngest is having a watered down version of her sixteenth birthday party the following day."

"Who would ever imagine Julie would only want a small party for such a big event?"

"Not me, but I must admit, I am enjoying a more mature version of our little one."

Grace was lost in her thoughts for a moment. She was grateful Julie had settled down some. Oh, she was still Julie. She was just a little grown up version of her silly self. This fact made her mother's heart more complete.

"Are you still ok with our gift for her?"

William let out a small breath. "I am…just like the other two, I'm scared to death."

"Yeah…Viola and Elizabeth have done well."

"I know, Julie has always been the wild card."

"She has until the last couple of months."

"You're right, but my heart will always be a father's heart."

"I understand. I struggle with the same thing. I guess we just trust our child."

"Grace…why doesn't this get any easier? After all, this is our third time doing this."

"The price of loving our daughters, dear."
…

Viola walked down the sidewalk adjusting her backpack. As a college student, it was a necessary evil due to all the books she constantly had with her. She never thought she would become a backpack girl. She never used one in high school. She noticed Ted leaning against their tree. They had just a few minutes before class was to begin. As she closed the distance between them, she watched her boyfriend. He was on his phone with his head down. He didn't notice she was getting closer to him. She admired him. He is kind. He is handsome. She swooned when he chuckled. She loved it when he laughed. She loved the sound of his laughter.

"What are you laughing at?"

Ted jumped at her voice. "What?"

"Why are you always a scaredy cat?" She laughed heartily.

"Viola, I'm no such thing." He defended himself as he had to adjust his backpack strap. It fell off his shoulder when he jumped.

"Sure…sure you're not." She giggled as she kissed his lips softly.

"I'm texting Sarah."

"Sarah, she has a phone now?"

"Mom finally gave in. She has rules that Sarah has to follow, but she does. She loves it."

"I bet. Wait…shouldn't she be in school?"

"She said she is in between classes."

"Tell her I said hello."

"She's already asked for your number."

"Give it to her." Viola exclaimed. She fell in love with Ted's younger sisters.

"Ok Bossy." Ted teased as he raised his right eyebrow at her.

"Just give me the phone!" She exclaimed as Ted continued to look at her. She quickly snatched Ted's phone before he did anything.

T – Hey young lady. This is Viola. I took Ted's phone. He was taking too long

T- Attached is my contact info

T – Send me a message so I can have your number

L – Thanks!

T – Any time. Don't hesitate to text me if you ever want to talk

L – Youre too good for my brother

T – You're silly. I love you anyways.

T – Tell Lola I said hello

"Hey…that's my sister!" Ted exclaimed as he snatched his phone back. He read the previous few messages.

T – And what do you mean she's too good for me?

L – Gotta go bell rang

"That little stinker!" Ted huffed when he looked up at Viola. She was standing beside him reading his phone. She only giggled at his facial expression.

"You know she loves you."

"I know…but Angel, she is always so sassy."

"She gets that from you."

"Me?!" He pretended to be hurt.

"Come on, Angel." She sassed him.

"Are you busy tomorrow?" He attempted to change the subject. He didn't like it when she got one on him.

"What do you have in mind?" She asked as she accepted his hand as they began to walk toward their class.

"Frank texted me. They're working on a home tomorrow morning."

"Pick me up at eight. I just bought me a new pair of work boots. You can feed me breakfast before we head out."

"You're not going to overdo it are you?"

"Who? Me?"

"Last time we did this, you barely walked the next two days. Plus, you pushed and pushed."

"Ted! I did no such thing!" She huffed. "Wait, is your roommate still dating that girl?"

"He is. They broke up for a few weeks but got back together."

"Good. Now, pick me up at eight and then take me to get breakfast."

"A perfect day with my girl."

…

Elizabeth sat in honors biology staring at the clock on the wall above the teacher's head. She had been in class for twenty minutes but hadn't heard a single word from the teacher. She wasn't trying to be rude, but her mind was occupied with the written speech she finished late last night. She felt ok with it. She didn't feel it would be the greatest speech ever at the biannual luncheon, but she was also confident that it wouldn't be the absolute worst. As confident she was about that fact this morning, her confidence was beginning to wane as the luncheon quickly approached.

Elizabeth's head jerked to the right when she felt something touching her hand. Jack had reached over from their shared table in class and locked his pinky with hers. She sighed when she realized what he did. His touch was soothing. The thought of speaking in front of so many influential people were becoming to be too much.

"We leave in five minutes. Why don't you ride with me? When it's finished, I'll bring you back for your car."
Elizabeth nodded her head.

"Then we have our date."

"True." She whispered.

"I have something planned."

"Oh…that sounds interesting."

"I hope so."

…

Jack and Elizabeth stepped out of his truck after finding a parking spot close to the end of the parking lot. The ride to the event was a little quiet. He thought she needed some time to think through what she was going to say. Every so often, he would squeeze her hand three times. They both were a little taken back at the number of vehicles that were already there. They understood this was a big deal, but they didn't fully grasp how big of a deal it was until now.

"Jack, there has to be almost a hundred cars here…or more." Her voice was shaky.

"I would guess more." Jack spoke as he looked around the parking lot. He reached for her hand. He could feel her body tense at the sight of the number of cars.

"Hey…" He spoke softly. He gently tugged her hand until she focused on him instead of the parking lot. "You've got this."

Elizabeth turned her attention towards Jack. To be honest, her nerves were beginning to win the battle in her head. Her mind instantly calmed when she felt Jack's lips gently touch her lips. He had given her a soft kiss trying to calm her mind. She sighed at his successful attempt to calm her.

"Thank you." She spoke softly.

"I'm here for you. Your parents are here as well. I wouldn't be shocked if Ma and Pa wouldn't sneak in at some point."

Elizabeth laughed. She needed that. It helped calm her down.

"I wouldn't be surprised too."

"Now, when you speak, remember you are Elizabeth Thatcher. You handle every situation with strength, grace, and dignity. You have an inner strength that isn't matched by anyone."

She looked up through her long eye lashes. Her eyes showed the gratitude in her heart for his kind words.

"Plus, you are more stubborn than any mule I have ever known…you'll do great."

Elizabeth huffed and playfully smacked his arm.

"You were doing so well until that last statement." She playfully glared at him.

"Am I wrong?" He teased.

"And how many mules have you known, Mr. Thornton?"

"Just one. Stubborn old thing." Jack shook his head as he let out a small laugh.

"Are you calling me a mule?"

"Nope…just more stubborn than an old mule." He squeezed her hand three times. "Let's go, you don't want to be late for your award."

…

Grace and William stood by their SUV waiting for Elizabeth's mini cooper to pull into the parking lot. It was a beautiful spring day. The sun was nice and warm with a little bit of a spring breeze. Just enough of a cool wind to remind everyone it wasn't Summer yet. They were so proud of their child. They often taught her if she was to work hard, that her hard work would pay off. They enjoyed watching the rewards for her hard work come to her during her senior year. Not only was she Salutatorian of her class and going to Bryan's, a prestigious teaching college, she had just been awarded with a prominent award. Not only would she receive a one time scholarship, the award will look great on her resume beyond her college years.

"There's Jack." Grace began when they noticed Jack's truck pulling into the parking lot.

"I think Elizabeth is with him. I wonder why she didn't drive?"

"I know she was a little nervous this morning during breakfast. Maybe she wanted to ride with him so she wouldn't be alone."

William and Grace stood about forty yards away watching the young couple get out of the truck. They watched the conversation and loving gestures between the couple. Grace chuckled when she saw Elizabeth's deviant stance just before the couple turned toward them and began walking. She knew Jack must have said something in teasing. It was good to see her daughter laugh and be happy.

…

Eizabeth stood behind the podium. She was looking at countless faces that exuded importance, influence, and power. She tried to swallow but she didn't have anything to swallow. Each time she looked from one face to the next, somehow that one was even scarier than the previous face. Just before she began to lick her lips, she made eye contact with Jack. Instantly, she was calmed. His smile was so soothing and relaxing. Those emerald eyes brought her comfort.

As Elizabeth's gaze deepened with her boyfriend's, she instantly understood the depth of what he meant when he told her that she was his strength in those moments during the basketball games when she would relax him immediately. She often thought he was just being overly kind in telling her how much she helped him, but in this very moment, she completely understood every word he told her was the truth.

Elizabeth let out a refreshing breath as their gaze deepened. Jack's smile wasn't the biggest smile she had ever seen on him, but his smile comforted her. Those eyes drew her into a perfect peace that was surrounded by only Jack and his love for her. His eyes drew her in without even trying. He was most certainly her peace…her comfort…her home.

Elizabeth let out a long breath of comfort. Her anxiety and nerves were still. The weight was taken off her chest that was restricting her breathing. She knew what she going to say. She closed her folder and went with that Jack told her about following her heart.

"To you all, the members of the Ruritan Club of Hamilton, thank you for this prestigious Student of the Fall award. I have often heard my father speak so highly of you all. To be a recipient of this award is one of the highlights of my high school career. There is no need to remind you of the importance of this award. I do not accept this award lightly. Thank you all for this great honor.

"I would like to thank my father and mother, William and Grace Thatcher, for their undying love and support. They have always encouraged me in every endeavor I chose to pursue. Mother…father…thank you for everything you have done for me."
Elizabeth paused as the members applauded.

Elizabeth turned her attention to Jack. She was drawn into his peace. Her environment was a little unsettling, but he was her safe place. Instead of saying anything, she patted her chest twice. Jack's smile grew at her gesture. He copied her loving gesture. They both understood perfectly what that little act meant. She inhaled a cleansing breath and then began to speak from her heart. Much to her surprise, the words flowed freely.

"When I was in the fourth grade, Mrs. Winters took us to the kindergarten wing of the school. While none of us wanted to be there with a bunch of kindergarteners, we were all excited about getting out of class. Not one of use wanted to study and talk about history." She playfully waved her hands as she stared at Jack and laughed. The crowd all laughed at her expression. "We spend a little bit of time just playing with the kids. We watched them play with their little games and even played tag with them.

"I saw a little girl sitting alone at a table with a book in front of her. She looked like she was trying to read it. She would look at the pictures and look at the words. The young girl also looked a little frustrated. For some unknown reason, I walked over to her. When I asked her what she was doing, she stated that she wanted to read the book, not just look at the pictures.

"I looked over my shoulder at my class and they were all busy playing games with the kids. I sat down beside her. When she looked up at me, I knew something changed within me. I asked if she knew her alphabet. She told me she did and pointed to the whiteboard. The teacher had been going over the alphabet just before we came in."

Elizabeth made eye contact with Jack again. She was taken back by his intense stare. He was so lost in her story. He had moved to the edge of his seat with his elbows on the table and his head resting in his hands. He hung on her every word. She inwardly smiled at his expression. She couldn't explain it exactly, but he was giving her his strength.

"I smiled at the young girl and then pointed to the first word. I asked her, 'Now, do you know that letter?' She told me she did and that it was the letter 'C' and then she then made its sound. When I pointed to the next letter in the word, she told me it was an 'A' and made the sound for it. She smiled when I nodded that she was correct. She was so proud of herself. I was able to see her confidence grow at that moment. She was so eager and excited about being right that she pointed to the next letter before I could ask her about it. 'That's a 'T'.' She stated with great confidence." Elizabeth couldn't help but smile at the memory of the story. After all these years, she could still see the pure joy on the little girl's face. "Then she made the sound. The little girl's smile grew at being right. Then I asked her to make each sound again. She went through each letter as she pointed at it making the correct sound. The second time through making the sounds, she said them a little quicker. That's when it clicked!" Elizabeth's voice was pure joy and raised in volume. The excitement on her face grew as the memory replayed in her mind again. "She finally said the word 'cat' and her eyes brightened. She sat taller in her chair and her shoulders squared. She was so excited about reading. That was her first time reading a word. She bounced in her seat and tapped the top of the table with her hands as she repeated the word a few times.

"At that moment, I was completely hooked. The pure excitement on her face and in her eyes were hypnotizing to me. I was forever drawn into the act of teaching. As simple as that brief moment was, it was all consuming to me. On our way back to our classroom, Mrs. Winters asked me if I had a good time. She had witnessed my interaction with the young girl. When I told her that I really enjoyed it, she made a statement that has stuck with me ever since. She said, 'Elizabeth, I could so easily see you teaching. Not only did you do a great job in helping that young girl, but you also looked so at peace in doing so. I could so easily see you doing that'."

Jack was completely mesmerized by Elizabeth's story. He had often wondered what made her so passionate about teaching. She only shared a portion of the story. Elizabeth was standing behind the podium so confident. Her shoulders were back, and her head was high. Her eyes and facial expression showed the true love of the story. Elizabeth's voice was strong. While it wasn't overpowering, it was loud enough for everyone to easily hear. He fell in love with her all over again watching her speak. She may have been nervous to begin with, but she wasn't now.

Grace was so proud of her middle daughter. She knew how nervous Elizabeth was in the beginning. Now, her daughter was standing on the platform a strong young lady. Her gaze broke free from her daughter and roamed around the big banquet room. To each person her eyes focused on, they were paying full attention to Elizabeth. They were as engrossed in the story as she was. Some were leaning forward while others were leaning back in their seats. Each person was fully consumed with the story of a little girl sitting at the table learning how to read the word 'cat'.

As Grace's gaze turned to her right, her eyes landed on Jack. Her smile, and mother's heart, grew at his expression. She has seen that exact expression on her daughter's face countless times as she watched her boyfriend on the basketball court. She was certain if her daughter was reading names and phone numbers out of the phone book that he would still be completely smitten by Elizabeth. Grace chuckled as Jack let out a sigh, she was certain he didn't know he did. Her mother's heart was at complete peace.

"As I settled back into my classroom, I knew I had received my calling in life. From that moment moving forward, I knew I would spend my life teaching children." She waited for the small applause to die down. "Again, thank you for the Student of the Fall award. I will hold it dear. I'm sure my parents will appreciate the scholarship more than me." The crowd chuckled. "Thank you." She nodded her head and then stepped away from the podium.

As the crowd stood and began to applaud, no one stood quicker and clapped louder than Jack. He was so proud of her. She did an excellent job with her speech.

As Elizabeth walked to the edge of the platform, she glanced up to the back of the room. That's when she noticed her mom and dad standing against the back wall. Evidently, Tom and Charlette crashed the luncheon just to hear her speak. She felt so loved at that moment. Her parents, her mom and dad, and her boyfriend were all there for her. They supported her in every endeavor with absolute love, undying strength for her.

As much as Jack wanted to stand on the table and scream in joy at the top of his voice, he settled with the loudest applause he could do. His eyes were simply locked on his girlfriend. He noticed a change in her demeanor as she approached the steps to step off the platform, but he couldn't take his eyes off her to see who or what it was that caught her attention.

"You did great!" He stated as he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. He knew he shouldn't, but he just couldn't help himself.

"Thank you." She whispered as she leaned in to accept the kiss.

"Better than great." Confidence in his tone.

"Wonderful job, dear." Grace stated as she hugged and kissed her daughter's cheek. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks mother."

"Terrific job, Elizabeth." Her father's love evident in his voice. "You did so great. I'm so proud of you."

…

The award ceremony was at least an hour and a half. Lunch was great along with Elizabeth's speech and then the other student's speech from Hamilton West. While his applause was good, it wasn't as loud or as long as Elizabeth's.

"Oh sweetheart, you did such a great job." Charlette stated as she stepped to the group hugging Elizabeth. "I am so proud you!"

"Thanks mom. I just wish I could have invited you."

"No worries, we understand you were limited with the people you could invite. However, I was not going to miss this for anything." Charlette voice was determined as she released the hug but not the complete embrace.

While Tom didn't say anything, Elizabeth could easily read the love in his facial expression. She walked into his open arms. While words weren't spoken, his warm, loving hug spoke everything to her.

"Thank you." Elizabeth whispered into his ear.

She felt when he nodded his head. She knew he was fighting against his emotions.

"What's the plan?"

"Jack will take me back to the school, mother, so I can get my car. As part of the day, we are released for the rest of the day from school."

"That's nice."

"It is mother. Plus, Jack promised me a date tonight."

"Even better." Grace smiled.

"And he made special plans."

"Did he now?" Charlette stated as she looked at her oldest son.

"Why does everyone sound so surprised?" Jack asked, pretending to be shocked.

…

"Hey Julie." Tom stated as he walked up to her locker.

The day seemed like it took forever. It was just a long day for a Friday.

"Hey handsome. Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"Of course! It's my birthday. It's all good."

"Party begins at noon?"

"Yes. Should be wrapped up by two."

"Then our first, official date begins at six."

"Yes." Julie sighed. She was greatly looking forward to her first date. Over the last few weeks, that was all she could think about. "What are we going to do?"

"You'll find out tomorrow." He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

"Tom! We have already been warned twice about that. The next time we will be sent to the office."

"It's Friday and school is out. Teachers are just ready to go home. They could care less if I kiss you or not."

"If you get me sent to the principal's office, you will have to explain it to my father."

"Worth it." He playfully grinned as he kissed her on the lips quickly. "Now, I'll be there tomorrow. Anything I can bring or do?"

"No, mother had everything done."

"Come on, Julie. Let me take you home."

"Let's go, handsome.