Chapter 4

"Where have I heard that name before?" Elizabeth asked herself. She just couldn't place were she's heard it. Her thoughts were interrupted when Mrs. Williamson spoke.

"Mr. Thornton. I look forward to your insights along with the others." Mrs. Williamson stated. "Are you familiar with the classics?"

"I am. Yes." Jack sunk in his seat a little. Elizabeth noticed the bashful expression on his face.

"Have you read Pride and Prejudice?"

"Yes ma'am, several times. It's my favorite."

"It's your favorite book?" Asked Elizabeth, a little shocked.

"It has been for years. My Aunt Shirley gave it to me when I was twelve. I read it a couple of times every year."

"It's my favorite too." She smiled.

"I figured. Your book was well read and worn." Elizabeth remembered the day at the beach when she first saw Jack. Her mind was taken back to the handwritten note he wrote in her book. She has read it countless times.

"Alright class." Mrs. Williamson interrupted the conversation. "Who can tell me about the book?"

A few students who have read the book added their insights. Mrs. Williamson listened intently. After the third student made his remarks, she asked her question.

"Who can tell me about Mr. Darcy? Elizabeth, would you mind taking a shot at it?"

"Sure, Mrs. Williamson. Mr. Darcy was a very wealthy owner of his family's estate in Pemberley in Derbshire. He is handsome, tall, and intelligent." She quickly glanced toward Jack. He was intently looking at her. "However, he lacks any social graces and ease. Many people think he is haughty and prideful. While he is, he isn't as bad as others think. His servants vouch for his decency and kindness. He eventually becomes Elizabeth Bennet's love interest."

"Great job, Elizabeth. He is mistaken for prideful and being a little arrogant. However, he is a kind man in private and that eventually comes out." Mrs. Williamson stated.

"Good job." Whispered Jack as he leaned toward Elizabeth. He could see the pride on her face. "Don't be too prideful." He playfully sassed pointing his finger at her.

Elizabeth curled her nose at his last remark but couldn't hide the small smile.

"Jack, care to tackle Ms. Bennet?"

Jack gave Elizabeth a teasing look. She cut her eyes at him. She didn't turn her head in his direction. She remembered the little note Jack wrote on the inside cover of her book. She has read it so often that she easily has it remembered. She wanted to hear what his synopsis was concerning Ms. Bennett and how it related to her.

"Ms. Elizabeth Bennet was the second oldest of the Bennet sisters. They were wealthy. She was very attractive, intelligent, and witty. Her problem was that she formed prejudices about her first impressions of meeting someone. She was tenacious in those opinions and had a very difficult time to change her mind about those first impressions, even when she was wrong." Jack cut his eyes toward Elizabeth, and she saw the little smirk he quickly gave her. "When she finally overcame her preconceived prejudices and sees the true Mr. Darcy, they surrender their attitudes and fell in love with each other."

"Very good, Jack." Mrs. Williamson smiled.

Jack leaned over toward Elizabeth again. Without looking in her direction, he whispered. "Princess Beth, You're wrong with your assertion. You should learn from Elizabeth Bennet."

Even though he wasn't looking at her, Jack could sense the expression she gave toward him. Eilzabeth was quick to tell hm on the beach that she had a boyfriend. She kept telling him that every time he tried to say something. She came to find out that she was just losing her book and he was trying to tell her. She mistakenly thought he was hitting on her. She realized what he meant by the note.

"I'm sorry Jack. I didn't hear you."

"My apologizes, Mrs. Williamson. I said that sometimes our assertions are completely wrong. We should learn from Elizabeth Bennet's mistake."

"Very true Jack. We do form our first impression, but we should never be so married to those impressions that we cannot allow truths to change our way of thinking over time."

"Well said Mrs. Williamson." Jack smiled. Elizabeth didn't have to look at him to know the expression he was giving her.

Elizabeth huffed, causing Jack's smile to grow. This was the time she would have loved to strangle a certain young man. She also wondered if there was a hidden message in Jack's description of Ms. Bennet that went beyond first impressions. Was Jack hinting that they would fall in love with each other?

…

Immediately when the class ended, Cory was at Jack's chair. He wanted to connect with him. Everything Coach Franklin told him about Jack was interesting. It was Cory's senior year as well and he was hoping Jack was as good as his coach told him. Steph stood from behind Elizabeth. She watched her friend for a few moments. She smiled at the look of love on her friend's face.

"What was that about, E?"

"What?"

"Elizabeth Marie Thatcher! Don't you dare not answer me!"

"You know…there are times you are annoying." Elizabeth teased leaning into her friend's shoulder.

"Oh…I know, but that's why you love me."

"I do love you."

"Now, what was all of that?"

"We were talking about the book."

"E!" Steph warned. "That was a lot of flirting."

"Those weren't kissy faces I was making toward him. Didn't you see me cut my eyes toward him and he gave me the side eye?"

"Yeah…those looks were full of love."

"Love…I didn't say anything about love. Who said love?" Elizabeth was defending herself a little too much, but she couldn't stop it.

Steph laughed. It was so easy to see love in those frustrated expressions between Jack and Elizabeth. It was even easier to see that love in those adoring looks. Instead of saying anything, Steph just gave Elizabeth her patent best friend stare. As always, Elizabeth whittered under her friend's glare.

"I didn't say love." Elizabeth pointed her finger at her best friend.

"Sure…sure…" Steph laughed.

"Are you two, ok?" Asked Jack.

Elizabeth shifted on both feet slightly embarrassed and nervous at what Jack may have heard. Steph looked up at the clock. "Oh, we're almost out of time."

"That's true. Come on…we can't be late for class." Elizabeth was grateful for the interruption.

…

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Thornton. How are you today?" Abgail gave Charlette a huge smile as she sat down at the counter.

"I'm great, Mrs. Hogan. How are you?"

"I'm good. Just busy. Please, call me Abagail."

"Only if you will call me Charlette."

"Charlette, what may I get you today?"

"A chocolate milkshake. Jack can't keep from bragging about your milkshakes."

"Excuse me, Abagail." Grace stepped up to the counter. "I didn't mean to overhear your conversation." Grace turned her attention to Charlette. "Did she call you Mrs. Thornton?"

"No problem, Grace."

"Yes. I'm Charlette Thornton."

"Nice to meet you, Charlette. Is your husband named Tom Thornton?"

"Yes. It is."

"Your husband works with my husband. My name is Grace Thatcher. My husband's name is William."

"Oh, yes. Mrs. Thatcher."

"Grace, please."

"Grace. It's great to meet you. My Tom enjoys his job. He really likes Mr. Thatcher."

"I know my William enjoys having Tom around. Somehow, Tom has this calming effect on him."

"Tom has stated the same thing."

"Wow, this is quiet the coincidence." Stated Abagail. "Who would have thought you two would met here?"

"It is strange. It's my pleasure to meet you." Grace stated as she extended her hand.

"My pleasure, Grace." Charlette stated as she accepted Grace's hand. "Please have a seat with me. I've heard Abagail's milkshakes are the best."

"They are, but I try not to have them too often." Grace stated tapping her tummy. All the ladies laughed.

"My treat." Charlette stated.

"One chocolate and one strawberry milkshakes on the house." Abagail stated.

The two ladies enjoyed their time getting to know each other. Grace shared about her family while Charlette did the same. Grace told Charlette about her oldest daughter, Viola, who was away at college. She fondly talked about her middle daughter, Elizabeth, and sighed her way through Julie and her antics.

Charlette couldn't help but smile. She informed Grace about her youngest, Tom. Julie sounded just like him. She also shared about Jack. Both ladies found it a little interesting that Jack and Elizabeth had a few things in common. Charlette also shared the story about Tom that brought them to Hamilton. Grace could hear the pain in Charlette's tone. Several times Grace reached for this lady's hand giving it a soft squeeze.

"I'm so sorry to hear about Thomas. However, I am grateful that he accepted the position. I know that William is very happy with him. He already considers Tom a friend. He has never been that way before with any employee."

"I know this wasn't exactly what Tom envisioned with his career, but I'm so grateful he accepted the job."

"I can perfectly understand why. Oh, here is a picture of my Julie."

"She is a beautiful young lady. Where did she get her red hair?"

"Her paternal grandmother. She acts just like her grandmother." Grace could only shake her head at the similarities between them. "Here is my Elizabeth."

Charlette looked intently with recognition and shock of seeing this young lady before. Grace caught the look. "Dear, are you ok?"

"This is your Elizabeth?" Charlette asked as she reached for Grace's phone.

"It is. She's a senior at Hamilton East."

"I have seen her before." Charlette whispered. Abagail stepped up to the counter and noticed the picture of Elizabeth. She heard what Charlette had just stated.

"How?"

"The day after we moved here. We were out riding around, and Jack mentioned he wanted to go to this place called Abagail's. He met her playing with the neighborhood kids. They happened to be playing in Abagail's driveway."

"Yeah, I remember that." Abagail stated.

"We pulled up in the parking lot. When Tom parked the car, this beautiful young woman stepped out of the café. I can't explain it, but Tom and I couldn't take our eyes off her. There was just something special about her. Like she was drawing us in." Charlette whispered the last couple of sentences. "We watched her walk down the sidewalk and around the corner. Even when she was out of sight, we couldn't look away. Finally, I looked at Tom and he looked at me. We just couldn't explain it. It was just something about her…" Charlette's voice trailed off.

"Wow…why do you think that was?" Grace asked.

"I don't now…there was just something about her." Charlette continued to stare at the photo. She never took her eyes off the picture. "Tom thought so too. We just…I can't..."

Grace watched this woman look at her daughter's picture. Normally that would be a little creepy. However, she only sensed genuine care. Charlette was lost in Elizabeth's picture. Her expression was one of love.

"I'm sorry, Grace." Charlette finally looked away from her phone. "I know this is weird."

"Nonsense. I do believe there is something there. I only wished we could put words to it."

"Do you have any pictures of your Jack and Tom?"

"I do." Charlette stated with pride. "This one is of Tom." She stated as she turned her cell for Grace to see.

"Wow, he looks like he is a little bit of trouble just like my Julie."

"You would be correct." Charlette laughed. "He is very mischievous."

Charlette turned her phone and swiped a couple of pictures until she found one of Jack. When she turned the phone around, Grace gasped. She slowly reached for the phone. She intently studied the picture of Jack. While she heard Charlette's description of her daughter and their first time seeing Elizabeth, she really couldn't understand it until this moment. There was just something about Jack. Grace tried to pinpoint what it was. Was it the dimples or the hazel eyes? Maybe it was the kind smile that was staring directly at her? Maybe it was the kindness that shone through his hazel eyes. She couldn't put her finger on what it was but knew there was something special about this young man. Just like Charlette tried to explain about Elizabeth, Grace just couldn't take her eyes off Jack's image.

Abagail and Charlette noticed the same thing. Abagail saw the same look on Charlette's face when she was looking at Elizabeth's photo. Now she is seeing the same realization on Grace's face. For Charlette, it clicked with her too. She knew Grace was experiencing the same thing. At that point, she knew she didn't have to try to explain it any longer.

Without taking her eyes off Jack's picture, she spoke to Charlette. "Charlette, would you and your family come to dinner at our home in a couple of days? The company is having a company wide cookout this weekend. We would love to have you and your family over before then."

"Let me check with Tom to make sure we don't already have plans."

"Sure, but would you please cancel those plans if you have any? I would really like to have you over for a nice relaxing night of dinner and conversation."

"Why Grace, are you trying to play matchmaker?" Teased Abagail.

Grace finally looked up from Charlette's phone. "I don't know what you are talking about." Grace tried to defend herself, but no one bought it.

"The first moment I saw Jack with all those kids in my driveway and talking to him, I immediately thought of him and Elizabeth. I have ever since then." Abagail smiled.

"Oh…I don't know about setting them up. I would love for them to date. I think that's a big part of looking at Elizabeth for so long as she walked down the sidewalk. I almost felt like I was looking at my future."

"Me too." Grace quickly stated.

"But Jack has this rule that he isn't going to date in high school. He made it in his eight grade year. He has never dated anyone."

"Elizabeth made the same rule on her first day of high school. She hasn't dated anyone either. People think her and her friend are dating, but she insists she isn't dating him."

"But Grace, how many times does parents try to get their kids to date someone and it actually works out?"

"None that I know of…but does the parents feel what we feel looking at the other person?"

"And what is it that we are feeling looking at the other person, if I may ask?"

Grace slowly looked down at Charlette's phone and the picture of Jack. The smile grew on her face. So had the look of knowing and contentment. "I'm looking at the husband of my middle daughter and the father of my grandbabies…" Her voice trailed off to silence. Only the smile remained.

The three ladies sat in silence for a long few moments until Abagail broke the silence. "Ladies, if we are going to do this, we must be very careful. Those two can't know what we are doing."

"I'm in!" Exclaimed an excited Charlette. "We must be careful not to push Jack. When he feels that I am pushing him, he will sit down like an old stubborn mule. He needs to feel like he is the one who decided."

"Elizabeth is the same way. I always gently remind her of things, but she must think it was her idea. If she thinks that way, she becomes determined to do it. Nothing will stop her"

"My Jack is exactly the same way. Also, he will have trouble with his no dating rule. He is a rule follower."

"Wow, my Elizabeth is exactly the same!"

Grace and Abagail noticed Charlette's change of expression. They may have only known Charlette a short time, they could tell she was troubled by something.

"Out with it!" Grace stated as she reached for Charlette's hand.

"I'm not sure how to say it. I don't want to offend you." Charlette softly stated.

"You are among friends. Just say it and we will figure out the next sentence together." Grace encouraged her.

"We've just met…"

"Out with it, friend!" Grace commanded. Charlette smiled at Grace.

"Jack has always talked about being a teacher or a police officer. I'm hoping he doesn't follow his father in his profession. I don't know if my mommy's heart can handle it. Either profession doesn't make a lot of money. Grace, I don't know if Jack could…"

Grace cut her off with a smile and a firm grip on Charlette's hand. "William and I want Elizabeth to reach for her stars, not ours. We want her to be happy and do what she loves. She has always dreamed about being a teacher. William and I started the company while we were in college. For whatever reason, God has blessed it beyond what we could ever imagine. As long as Jack will love my Elizabeth with all of his heart…we could care less what he does for a living."

Charlette smiled and squeezed Grace's hand. "Thank you and thank you for not being upset with me."

"I get the feeling we will be family someday."

"I agree, Grace."

"I know there are a lot of uppity people, but Grace and William aren't one of them."

Charlette nodded her head and smiled at both ladies.

"Now, what's the plan?" Grace stated as she reached for the last of her milkshake.

…

The last class of the day was Art Appreciation with Mr. Jackson. Jack was excited about this class. He loves to sketch. It relaxes him. When they walked into the classroom together, Elizabeth noticed the huge smile on Jack's face. He was almost beaming with excitement.

"What has you so happy?" She leaned to him so he could hear her. The other students were talking. "You haven't answered anything correctly yet, so what's with the smile?" She sassed him.

"I love art!" Jack exclaimed.

"Really?"

"Yeah…I love to sketch."

"Are you any good at it?" She asked as they sat on stools at a drawing table.

"Absolutely not, but I love it anyways. You don't have to master something to enjoy it."

"But it helps. I'm not looking forward to this class."

"Why not?"

"I'm not any good at this type of stuff." She shook her head.

"Why are you taking it then if you don't like it."

"I needed an elective and this was the best one left." She moaned when she looked up at the whiteboard and saw the teacher's note.

With the three colored pencils, one black, one blue, one red, and the pad in front of you, please sketch something that you enjoy. It must be completed by the end of class. Manage your time wisely. Keep it simple.

Mr. Jackson stepped to the front of the class when the bell rang. "Class, this is the assignment for the day. Sketch anything that brings you joy. It can be an animal or a place. The beautiful thing about art is that you have complete control. I fully understand that not everyone will be an artist. You will not be graded on talent, just effort. If you put forth your best effort, you will do very well in this class, even if I can't figure out what you sketched or painted. I'll be walking around looking at what you're doing. Relax and enjoy yourself."

"Good grief." Elizabeth huffed. Jack laughed at her expression. This was the first time all day that Elizabeth didn't seem to be in complete control. She was out of her element, and she was struggling with it. He thought it was adorable.

Just a couple of minutes into working on the sketch, she forcibly sat down a pencil that she just broke the tip off and reached for the second one.

Jack watched her intently hold the new pencil and firmly press it to the paper. They had been sketching for about ten minutes and he had no idea what she was trying to sketch. "Princess Beth…" He stated as she moved his stool closer to her. She cut her eyes to him at the name he used. She still hated it. That only made her frustration grow along with the project.

Jack's left leg moved behind her and his right leg was just beside her right leg. He was very close to her. Her breath caught in her chest. Not only was he close, but he was kind of intimately close. She could feel her cheeks growing red. She slightly turned her head to look at Jack. She could see that his cheeks were red as well. They weren't touching even though they wanted to.

When Jack was finally able to engage his brain due to the fact of being very close to Elizabeth, he finished his thought. "…relax. You are not trying to break the pencil or force a hole in the pad. Quit trying so hard." Jack reached for her hand that was holding the pencil. He was trying to show her how to hold the pencil without the vice grip she had on it.

When his hand covered the back of her hand, it was the first physical touch between the two. For Jack, the world stopped spinning. His hand, well…his everything, tingled. His hand felt warm. There was no sound. He didn't hear anything. As peaceful as her hand felt in his, he also felt an electricity he couldn't explain. How could he feel a tingle and electricity and still feel peace? He quickly looked up into Elizabeth's face that was just a few inches from his.

Elizabeth was experiencing the exact same thing Jack was feeling. It didn't make sense to her. The electricity was palpable. She forgot to breathe. How could Jack's hand feel so great covering her hand. It was just his hand. Yet, there was a surge of electricity that pulsed through her whole body. She quickly turned her head to see Jack looking at her. Their eyes connected. While that has happened several times throughout the day, this was different, very much different. The frustration of him using her nickname instantly fell away. The feeling of their breath on each other made their faces turn even redder.

For both Jack and Elizabeth, they saw their futures. They couldn't explain it if you asked them, they just knew it. His hand remained on the back of her hand, and she was perfectly ok with it. They continued to stare in each other's eyes. For the first time in Jack's life, he felt completely whole. Nothing was missing. For Elizabeth, she has never felt so warm and protected. She felt a peace that she had never experienced before now.

Connie looked up and noticed the exchange. Her smile grew knowing that her friend was completely lost in this new guy. She giggled when she noticed the exact same look on Jack's face. They weren't just smitten, they held hands and jumped off the cliff together.

Connie wasn't the only person who noticed. Sam saw the connection as well. He knew both Elizabeth and Charles well. Charles has always wanted to date Elizabeth, but she has always said they were just friends. Sam was always a little confused with Elizabeth's and Charles' friendship. He knew they weren't dating but they did act that way at times. "Charles isn't going to like this." He whispered under his breath.

Mr. Jackson was standing behind the young couple. He noticed the exchange. He knew Grace Thatcher very well. They have served on the Arts Board for a couple of years. Through her, he knew Elizabeth. He didn't know her well, but well enough to know she wasn't dating anyone. However, this connection was real and felt by everyone who saw it.

"He's right Elizabeth. Relax. Don't force the sketch. Let it come to you. Please hold the pencil like you are holding an egg."

The young couple heard Mr. Jackson's voice, but Jack did not release Elizabeth's hand. Normally, Mr. Jackson wouldn't allow public displays of affection, but this was just different.

After what felt like hours to Jack, he released his hold on Elizabeth's hand. He did not immediately lose the contact. His hand rested on hers for a few more moments. When he began to slowly move his hand, Elizabeth involuntarily moved her hand with his. She simply did not want to lose the contact between them. Their eyes never left each other.

"Princess Beth…I…I guess…I should move…" Jack was having trouble speaking. The words were quick, airy. The air just didn't fill his lungs.

"Yes, Jack. That's a good idea." Mr. Jackson stated with a couple of people snickering.

Jack began to move his stool over to this drawing table. Elizabeth only let go of Jack's hand when distance demanded it. She never took her eyes off him. She couldn't. She refused too. Whatever she felt during the physical contact, he felt it to its fullest too. She just couldn't name it.

The rest of the last period was them sketching. However, they shared thousands of stolen glances and silly, goofy smiles at each other.

Connie took out her phone and secretly took a picture of one of the shared goofy smiles. She texted it to Elizabeth without Mr. Jackson seeing it.

C – Sure…this isn't love?

Connie texted with the picture sent as an attachment. Elizabeth didn't even feel her phone vibrate in her back pocket.

…

"Alright, here is our address. It's about a fifteen minute drive from here."

"Thanks, Grace." Charlette stated as the text came through her phone.

"Don't let the huge house scare you."

"I won't. I believe I have gotten to know you better."

Grace reached for Charlette's hand. "And I am forever grateful we have become friends."

Charlette looked at her new friend. "Do you think this is wise? Us setting our children up on a date? Do you think it will really work?"

"It will if you two can be patient." Abagail stated.

"Patience isn't my best virtue. I'm not even sure if it is a virtue I possess." Charlette stated with a chuckle.

"Me too." Laughed Grace.

"You never know, maybe they will work it out on their own."

"That may be best, but I'm ok with our plan." Charlette stated and Grace nodded in agreement.

The three ladies have spent the last hour sitting at the counter discussing ways of getting Jack and Elizabeth together. Neither Grace nor Charlette wanted to run rough shot over their kids' lives, but they knew in their mother's hearts that they belonged together. The feeling they had just looking at the pictures was too strong to ignore. They also knew they had to be careful in how they handled everything. They couldn't push too much too fast.

Grace knew William wouldn't like it if she became too controlling in Elizabeth's life. He always wanted his daughters to stand on their own two feet and make their decisions for their lives. Of course, they would protect their daughters, but it was important for them to stand on their own. Tom would be the same way with his two boys. They needed to make their own decisions under the protection of him and Charlette.

"I'll call you tomorrow to see if we need to bring anything."

"Why don't you bring a dessert."

"That's great. I can't cook but I do make a mean cake."

"Perfect!" Grace smiled as she stood and hugged Charlette and Abagail.

…

"So…" Elizabeth began shyly when the final bell rang for the day. They were turning in their sketching project. "…how was your first day at Hamilton East?"

Jack smiled at her embarrassed face. He didn't realize that his face held the same expression and tint of red that was causing Elizabeth's smile. Neither of them had ever dated before and they just didn't know what to do. Plus, they both have had this rule of no dating in high school. Now they were both doubting that dumb rule. He couldn't tell her that the best part was holding her hand followed closely by being with her all day.

"Well…I can honestly say I haven't had a day in high school like it."

Elizabeth quickly glanced in Jack's direction. He was looking at the floor in front of him. He had a silly grin on his face. She thought it was adorable, but she looked ahead before he noticed her. As much as she wanted to strangle him earlier, he was pulling her in. She wanted to know more about this new guy. He was captivating. He may have been pulling her in, but she was very willing to go.

Jack and Elizabeth walked toward their lockers. He stopped for a moment and opened his locker. He stole a glance toward her as he was getting a couple of books out. Elizabeth opened her locker and stole a glance toward Jack. She caught him looking. She gave him a flirty smile without knowing it. She noticed his facial expression change. A moment later, she heard her friend's voice.

"Hey Elizabeth!" Charles called out. He quickly picked up his pace as he walked in her direction.

"Hey Charles. How was your day?"

"It was good. How was your day?" Charles noticed Jack a few feet away and that he was looking at Elizabeth.

"Good…" Her voice trailed off. He noticed the dreamy look on her face.

"Did you have any trouble with that new guy?"

"What…? No. He was nice." Eliabeth thought back over her day with Jack.

Jack watched the interaction. He was reminded once again that she and Charles were dating. As much as he tried to remind himself of that fact, he was constantly forgetting it. Charles' smile grew as they talked. Jack was confused on several levels. First, he knew what happened in art class. They certainly had a moment. He would call it a connection. Now, she is smiling at her boyfriend. When Jack looked up in Elizabeth's direction, he was confused when he noticed that Elizabeth continued to look in his direction. How can you be so easy to read one minute and impossible to read the next? He thought to himself.

Jack finished gathering his books and stuffed them in his backpack. He pulled out his phone and texted his mother as he watched Charles and Elizabeth. She was lost in their discussion.

J – Schools out. Care if I go by the center
C – Sure. How was school?

J – Different but good

C – Make any new friends?

J – A few Classes were good

C – What did I teach you about punctuation?

J – Ma…its text teens don't use much punctuation in texts

C – Be careful and be home for dinner

Jack placed the phone in his pocket. He looked in Elizabeth's direction and noticed that she was still consumed with whatever Charles was telling her. He closed his locker and placed the backpack on his right shoulder. He lowered his head with a deep sigh and made his way to the front of the school. Reminded once again that Princess Beth had a boyfriend.

"How did you get that answer in math class so easily?" Charles asked. He was hoping to keep Elizabeth talking so Jack would leave. He knew they spent the whole day together. He also saw how they looked at each other. He was feeling protective.

"I don't know…it's just math."

"Ture. You were always good with math, even in grade school." Charles positioned himself so he wasn't in the line of sight with Jack. He didn't want Elizabeth looking in his direction.

"It just comes naturally to me, I guess."

"So, you have any plans later?"

"Probably getting with Connie and Steph. We usually do that."

"How was the art class?"

Elizabeth's smile grew at the memory of Jack touching her hand. Her face also turned a little red. This confused Charles.

"It was interesting." She slowly stated. While Charles continued to speak, he really wasn't following their conversation. Her mind was consumed with dimples and hazel eyes.

After a couple of minutes, Elizabeth finally looked up toward Jack's locker. Her heart stopped when he wasn't there. She didn't realize how long she had talked to Charles. She quickly looked around and then she quickly glanced down the hallway looking for him. She was a little frustrated that she didn't see him.

"Sorry Charles, but I need to go."

"Sure. Have a good evening. I'll text you later."

"Sure."

Elizabeth made her way to the front parking lot toward her car. She kept looking for Jack but never saw him. Her frustration only grew. She missed the opportunity to say goodbye to him. She didn't know how to get in touch with him or what he drove.

As she approached her car, her phone buzzed.

Elizabeth noticed she had a missed text from Connie. She looked at the new text from Step first.

S – Hey E! Our normal spot?

E – Let's go to the park Abagail's tomorrow?
S – Sure 10 min

E – See you there

S – Connie's with me

E - Perfect

Elizabeth sat in her car and turned on the AC. It was still warm. She opened the text from Connie. Her smile grew at the words and then the smile took over her face when she saw the picture. She noticed that they both had the same silly smiles. She didn't have to look very hard to notice that there was more than friendship on their faces. She used her index finger and touched the screen where Jack's face was. She slowly slid her finger down Jack's jaw line. She saved the photo in a new file she just created. She titled it Dimples. She had to admit that the picture of them was very cute.

…

Tom walked down the hallway chatting with a couple of guys he met in one of his classes. He wasn't paying attention to where he was walking. He accidentally walked into someone who was standing by their locker. He grabbed onto her before he knocked her over.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching what I was doing." He stopped talking when he looked into the beautiful face of the red head from his first period class. He hasn't seen her since that class. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine, handsome."

"This is a great first day of school."

"Really?" Julie asked.

"The day ended with a beautiful lady in my arms. I'm not complaining."

His two friends rolled their eyes at the corny statement. Much to their surprise, it seemed to work. Julie wasn't making any effort to get out of Tom's arms.

"You don't say…?" Julie flirted.

"Scout's honor."

"Were you ever a scout?"

"I went to one meeting when I was six."

"So…your scout's honor doesn't mean anything since you weren't a scout." Julie teased.

"I wouldn't say it doesn't mean anything." Tom flirted.

"Don't you think you should let me go?"

"Well, the great day has ended."

"What's your name handsome?"

"Tom."

"I'm Julie."

"I know."

"How do you know that?"

"I had first period with you this morning."

"I haven't seen you around."

"I'm new. We moved here three weeks ago."

"Well, aren't I the lucky one?"

"You're in my arms, I would say I'm the lucky one."

…

Elizabeth pulled up to her and her friend's favorite spot in the park. There was a little stream that flowed through the park. They always met at the picnic table by the bend in the stream. Elizabeth noticed the smiles on her friends' faces when she was walking toward them. She knew what they were giggling about.

"What's up, you two?" Elizabeth asked.

"Oh, just looking at the first day of school pics."

"Any good ones?" Elizabeth asked.

"Sure. Several." Connie smirked with a playful smile.

Elizabeth gave her friend a knowing look. "You better not have more than one pic." She warned her friend.

"I don't have one pic of you and Jack."

"Great." Elizabeth sighed.

"Connie!" Elizabeth squealed when she began swiping through Connie's pictures. She and Steph looked at them before Elizabeth arrived. "You have way more than one of us!"

"I said I didn't have one." Connie defended herself.

"You have over twenty so far and I'm not done swiping." An aggravated Elizabeth stated. "Connie!"

"Elizabeth…every picture I took of two are perfect. Every…single…pic…is…perfect!" Connie emphasized each word. "How does that happen?"

Elizabeth didn't look up from the phone. She just kept swiping. Connie was right, every picture of her and Jack was perfect. Their smiles matched. Their expressions were the same, and the expressions consisted of loving stares. Even the pictures where they weren't smiling were perfect. The looks between them were very telling. She even loved the picture where she was sticking her tongue out at Jack because of his statement about her sketch.

"Don't worry, Elizabeth. I emailed you the photo album." Connie teased.

"Good…grief…" Elizabeth sighed without taking her eyes off the pictures.

"Please tell me you got his phone number?" Steph asked.

"No, I didn't."

"Why in heavens not?" Steph and Connie stated in a raised voice at the same time.

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not sure…"