Chapter 10
When the bell sounded to end math class, Elizabeth and Jack stood. She still had a victorious smile on her face. Jack could only shake his head at her playfulness. When they reached the front of their rows, Jack leaned in.
"I think I thought of a new word…perfect."
Elizabeth looked at him very confused. "You thought of a new word? And it is the word 'perfect'?"
As they left the classroom and turned right to walk toward Honors Biology, Elizabeth noticed the playful smile plastered all over Jack's face.
"Yes, the word 'perfect' is a good description."
"Jack, what at you talking about?"
Jack nodded his head toward the lockers they were at before the last class started. "Perfect."
Elizabeth followed Jack's gaze and realized what he was talking about. Her face instantly turned red with embarrassment. She has never been that forward before, especially with a guy.
"Oh…"
"Perfect." Jack couldn't keep the playful, flirty smile from growing.
Jack's smile only made Elizabeth more embarrassed. They took their seat at the shared table they sat at during the first two classes. Elizabeth couldn't explain what she was feeling. She was good with words, her father called her a blacksmith with words, but she couldn't think of anything. Jack could pause her brain. Elizabeth shook her head trying to get it to engage. Later speaking to Connie and Steph, she would explain it as sparkles, like the sparkles firework that kids run around with playing on the fourth of July.
They walked into the class and found their seats. They did not hold hands during their walk, but they did bump shoulders occasionally. Sam had class with them and was watching intently as Charles went in the other direction to his class. Sam thought Jack and Elizabeth looked nice together. He didn't see a problem with it. If they wanted to date, what was it to him? He knew Charles didn't think that way. He felt he should say something to Jack about what Charles stated he was going to do during basketball practice beginning next week but thought he didn't want to get involved. It just wasn't his problem.
…
"Mr. Thatcher." Tom stated as he was standing outside William's office speaking with his secretary. William was returning from a meeting down the hall. "Do you have a moment?"
"Sure. Mr. Thornton." William turned his attention toward his secretary. "Do I have anything pressing right now?"
"No sir. You have twenty minutes to catch up on your emails. You have a call after that you can't miss and then you have lunch."
"Great. We'll be in my office." William extended his hand to have Tom walk in first. When the door closed, he spoke as he walked toward the front of his desk. "What up, Tom?"
"You good William?"
"I am. A little busy today, but it's ok. You?"
"Good. Charlette just texted me that you and your family are coming over Sunday evening for dinner."
"That sounds great. Grace texted me earlier, but I haven't had time to look. What may we bring?"
"Nothing. This one's on us."
"I look forward to it. Now, what's up?"
"Two things. First, tomorrow is set. Chris and Jason will pick you and Grace up tomorrow morning…" Tom spent a few minutes explaining the details of tomorrow that William needed to know about. William wasn't too happy with the driving arrangements but understood that Tom was just doing his job. William stressed the importance of his personal life and the freedom to live it. Tom also stressed the importance of nothing happening to him so he could enjoy his personal life. William relented with a huff. Tom just laughed at him. They certainly had a connection of respect for each other.
"Do you need a couple of minutes to throw a tantrum?" Tom playfully smirked.
"Are you sure I can't just fire you?" Laughed William as he leaned against his desk.
"Yeah…contract remember?"
"Oh yeah. Whose stupid idea was that?" William continued laughing.
"It was yours," Tom laughed as he sat on the chair in front of William's desk.
"Oh…right…Well then, I guess we'll just move on. You said there were a couple of things, what is the second thing you wanted to ask?"
"It's the fact that my son is dating your daughter."
"Ok."
"Are you ok with it? Jack has never dated anyone before. I'm surprised he is in high school due to his rule. Jack is a rule follower. The no dating thing was his rule. He just never did. There was a young lady last year that really pushed him, but he was adamant about them not dating."
"I'm perfectly ok with it. I like Jack. Last night he was a good young man. I know Grace loves him."
"No worries?"
"I have a daughter. I am always worried. However, I'm not worried because of Jack. I do think he is honorable, and I can see he is smitten with my middle child."
"Well…he's more than smitten, but I don't think he knows it yet."
"Is that what you said to Elizabeth when you whispered to her on the patio?"
"I believe she is more than smitten too. I believe she is like Jack and that she doesn't know it yet, but I do think she is."
"What makes you say that about both of them?"
"I was a detective. I can read people very well. I see it in both of their eyes. They just don't know it yet."
"I agree. There is something between them. Tom, I am perfectly ok with Jack and my daughter. I trust him and I trust her. As far as I'm concerned, I am good. You?"
"I think Elizabeth is a very nice young lady. I am certainly ok with it."
"Now, this Sunday, what time and what do we bring?"
…
Elizabeth joined Steph and Connie as they walked into the gym for class. They immediately went into the girl's locker room to change. The coach stopped and reminded Jack about the volunteer practice beginning on Monday. It will be Mondays and Thursday's. Jack told the coach he would be there and turned to go to the locker room.
"Hey! Hey Jack!" Jack stopped walking and turned around to see who was calling out to him. "Hey Jack. I just wanted to say hi."
"Hi." Jack stated as a young lady approached him.
"Hey, I'm Wendy."
"Nice to meet you, Wendy. I don't mean to be rude, but I need to get changed before I'm late for gym."
"That's ok. I remember seeing you the other day and I just wanted to say hi."
"I guess I'll see you around." Jack gave her the smallest of grins and turned to walk away. Wendy watched as Jack hurried off. She was a little offended he seemed to not want to talk to her, but she did have to admit that she enjoyed watching him walk away.
Charles was sitting in the corner of the locker room waiting for everyone to clear out. He wanted to speak to Jack. Everyone but a couple of people left. Charles just couldn't hold his tongue any longer.
"Jack." Charles stood and approached him.
"Hey Charles. How's it going?"
"Why are you dating Elizabeth?" Charles wasn't interested in small talk.
Jack figured this conversation was going to happen at some point, but he was a little surprised it was happening now. He knew Charles had a thing for Elizabeth. He also thought Charles wouldn't be happy that Elizabeth decided to date him instead of Charles. Jack was unsure of Elizabeth's and Charles' background other than what she had already told him, but he trusted her.
"Well, to be honest…I wasn't planning on it."
"How did you do it?"
"Charles, I really didn't. She asked me if we were doing this, and I said yes and she agreed."
"Wait, she asked you?"
"Kinda, but she really didn't ask me with words." He could see Charles beginning to get a little too emotional.
"What in the world are you talking about?" Charles huffed in frustration.
"I walked into Abagail's Café after school a couple of days ago, Connie and Steph called for me to come and sit with them. I didn't know Elizabeth was there until I walked up to the booth. We sat as a group and talked for a little bit."
"How does that imply that Elizabeth asked you? There is no way she would have asked you! She always said that she wasn't dating in high school. That's what she told everyone who has asked her out. She wouldn't have asked you!"
"I assume many guys did. She is a very special young lady."
"I don't believe she asked you!"
"Again Charles, she didn't really ask me with words."
"You're not making any sense." Charles hissed as he stepped closer to Jack. Jack positioned himself slightly so he could protect himself in case Charles decided to take this from words to a physical altercation.
"While we were talking, my hand was resting on the seat of the booth. She placed her hand beside mine and placed her pinky finger over my pinky. When I tightened the grip, she did too. We sat like that for a few minutes until Connie and Steph came back to the table. Before they came back, she asked me if we were really doing this."
"She didn't!?" The disbelief was easily heard in Charles' tone.
"She did. There was a wave of heat when she touched my pinky. I placed my hand over her hand and then she placed her hand in mine. I said yes if she wanted to. She said yes."
Charles stood flabbergasted. That didn't sound like his Elizabeth at all. He could never get her to hold his hand. He tried a few times. Once at the fair and one time at a football game that he was able to convince her to come too.
"There's no way she was that forward with you. She doesn't know you."
"That's true. We don't know each other very well, but it's true."
Charles fumed and took another step closer to Jack. Jack stepped back to create a little more space between them.
"Look Charles!" Jack stated with confidence. "You need to back off before you get us into something you may not want."
"Do you think I'm afraid of you?"
"No, but you need to step back! My father was a cop for over twenty years. He taught me self defense. I know how to protect myself. Charles, rethink this."
Charles stopped walking forward when he saw Jack's face. He was serious. Before anything else was stated, the coach walked into the locker room.
"What's going on in here?" The coach demanded.
"Nothing sir." Charles stated.
The coach looked toward Jack who nodded his head.
"We're good sir."
"Well, let's get out there then!" He sternly stated.
…
"Elizabeth, who is that new guy that's following you around?" Wendy and James stated.
"Jack. He's new to the area."
"I don't think Charles likes him. You may need to tell him to back off."
"James, what are you talking about?"
"Charles was having words with him in the locker room. The coach just broke it up."
Elizabeth looked up when Jack and Charles walked out of the locker room. The coach immediately followed them.
"Alright everyone, females on the right side and males on the left." The coach yelled as he began to toss out some dodgeballs. The half that's on this side is on a team. The half on the other side is on a team. Please keep your dodgeballs on your side of the court."
Since Jack and Charles had just walked out of the locker room together, they were on the same team. Both guys groaned. Elizabeth intently watched them as she slowly walked toward her side of the gym with the other ladies. She could tell Jack's face was a little stern. "That's a new look…and a little scary." She stated to herself.
"What happened." Connie asked.
"I'm not sure, but something happened. James said that they were having words, and the coach broke it up."
"Yes." Wendy stated. "You should warn that new guy that you and Charles are dating. Charles was a little jealous according to James. That new guy also said that you were dating him."
"Wendy, I'm not dating Charles! I never have."
"Elizabeth. Everyone knows you are dating Charles. You have been for a while now. Now…that new guy is hot. Have you heard his voice? Did you see his eyes?" Wendy spoke the last part slowly. "Those dimples…oh my…"
"You spoke with him?" Asked Connie.
"Just before he walked into the locker room. He seemed nice. We didn't talk very long, but I'm hoping to change that." Wendy watched Jack like a deer hunter with a deer in her crosshairs.
"Wendy, I'm not dating Charles. I am dating Jack." Elizabeth stood a little taller.
"What do you mean you're not dating Charles? Elizabeth, he's been saying since last year that you two were dating."
"They haven't dated, Wendy." Connie stepped in to defend her friend.
"Really?"
"Really." Connie and Elizabeth stated at the same time.
"Jack and I started dating a couple of days ago."
"Well…you better keep him close…" Wendy stated as she continued to watch Jack.
…
The girls took a little longer getting out of the locker room than the boys did. Therefore, Jack was already in the lunchroom getting his food when Elizabeth, Steph, and Connie walked in. Elizabeth quickly found him as he sat down with the special ed group. Adam was hugging him, and John already have him a high five. The rest of the group came for hugs and their high fives. Jack's smile was plastered on his face. He seems truly excited being around them.
"Are you going to sit with him?"
"I was wanting too, but you too took too long in the locker room."
"Us? It was you. You were making sure your makeup was just right and your hair was done perfectly."
"Me?"
"Oh…yes…you…You were also mumbling something about Wendy." Steph sassed with a little playful smile.
"Well…"
"I say go on over there with him. He won't mind if you sit with him and the special ed group."
"I don't want to be a clingy girlfriend…" Elizabeth's voice trailed off.
Jack looked up and saw Elizabeth standing talking to her friends. He gave her a smile and patted the seat that was next to him.
"Looks like he just wants you beside him." Connie whispered lovely.
"It's not clingy if he invites you." Steph smiled.
"Are you two coming with me?"
"No. Enjoy your lunch with Jack."
"Come on you two. There are plenty of seats." Elizabeth stated.
Jack again patted the seat for Elizabeth, but he also moved his hand to the two seats beside the empty seat for Connie and Steph to sit too.
"Hey Princess Beth, this is Adam and John. Then the rest of the group." Jack playfully teased using her nickname she hated. Elizabeth huffed but she also noticed Adam smiling at the name. This caused her to smile a little.
"Princess Beth." Another girl whispered with a smile. Elizabeth shot Jack a look.
"This is Connie and Steph. They are Princess Beth's friends. Connie and Steph, this is the group." Jack introduced. He didn't know everyone's name yet.
"Princess Beth, Princess Connie, and Princess Speth. John stated with a huge smile.
Connie looked at Steph. "I kind of like it." She shrugged.
Lunch was great. They talked and enjoyed themselves. Elizabeth wanted to talk to Jack about what happened in the locker room, but she quickly forgot about it because of the fun she was having with the group. Like everyone else, they just kind of watched the special ed group from a distance. They didn't make fun of them or anything like that. They just didn't know anyone with special needs. Therefore, they didn't know what to do around them. Within the first two minutes, they realized the group was different, but that wasn't a bad thing…it was just different. The three girls were loving their time with the new group. Everyone was laughing and most were contributing to the conversation. While Elizabeth still didn't like her new nickname, everyone in the group, except for the two nonverbal individuals, called her Princess Beth. Connie and Steph liked their new nicknames. It was the best time during lunch for their whole time in high school.
Charles sat with his friends. He rarely looked away. Elizabeth was sitting beside Jack. They didn't hold hands or anything, they did sit rather close. They also shared a lot of smiles and looks. Each time made Charles more upset. He just couldn't believe it.
Mrs. Johnston smiled at the four teens who sat with her group. She was thankful that they took the effort to get to know the kids. They were different, but they were great kids. It didn't take long before the table became the loudest table in the cafeteria.
"Alright everyone…keep having fun but please make sure we use our inside voices." Mrs. Johnston stated as she walked up to the table. Her group smiled at her. Jack mouthed 'I'm sorry' to her. "It's fine young man, we just can't be the loudest table."
"Sure, we can." Bellowed John. "Jack, Princess Beth, Princess Steph, and Princess Connie are funny!"
Mrs. Johnston tilted her head back and let out a loud laugh. The whole group was laughing at John's statement. The three girls laughed. Their faces grew a little red with the amount they were laughing. No one could believe how much fun they were all having.
Before anyone knew it, lunch was over. The whole table was shocked as it flew by so fast. They were also upset that it was over. They just didn't want it to end. As Mrs. Johnston stepped back to the table, her group stood.
"Alright everyone, please grab your trays and place them on the belt. We need to get back to class."
When everyone stood, they all hugged or high fived each other. Jack gave Adam his customary hug and John was immediately there for a high five. Jack hugged all the young ladies like this morning and high fived all the guys except for Adam. Elizabeth, Connie, and Steph hugged everyone with a huge smile. They promised themselves that they would sit with the group on Monday.
…
On the way to Honors English, Elizabeth walked up to Jack and intertwined her arm through his. He turned his head and gave her a smile.
"Hey." She smiled.
"Hey." He looked at her for a moment. "What are you up too?"
"What do you mean?" She tried to sound offended, but she didn't pull it off very well. He just looked at her with a knowing look. She folded under his stare.
"Fine…I was wondering what happened in the locker room before gym class? James said that you and Charles had a few words."
"We did. He wasn't happy that we were dating. He was shocked that you were dating me. He was even more shocked that you kind of took the first step when you reached for my pinky."
"Why would he do that?"
"He's upset you are dating anyone other than him. He didn't believe me when I told him a quick version of what happened between us." Jack could see that her mind was working through what he had just told her. "He said that it couldn't be true. That you always said that you would not date in school. He also stated that there was no way you would be so aggressive in making the first move. He just couldn't understand it. He began to approach me. I told him to be careful and that he should really reconsider what he is doing."
"He didn't!"
"That's when the coach stepped in. That's everything that happened.
"Jack, I'm so sorry that happened. I would have never thought he would do that."
"He's upset that he's not dating you and I am."
Elizabeth was lost in thought processing everything. She really wouldn't have thought that Charles would be aggressive like that. Jack studied her for a moment.
"Are we good?"
She smiled a reassuring smile. "We are."
Jack stopped walking in the hall and turned to her. He leaned in and gave her a simple kiss on the cheek. He was really beginning to enjoy doing that. He just wished he had the courage to kiss her on the lips.
"Excuse me, Elizabeth." Mrs. Jackson stated. "Would you and your friend please come with me to the office?"
Both Jack and Elizabeth froze like a deer in headlights. Mrs. Jackson had to try very hard not to laugh at their shocked expressions.
"I'm sorry…are we in trouble?"
"Young man, we have a no kissing rule here at school."
"Oh…" Elizabeth and Jack stated together. Surely Elizabeth has heard about the rule, but since she never dated anyone, she never thought about it.
"I'm sorry…I didn't know." Jack spoke softly.
"Are you new here? I don't remember seeing you before."
"Yes, ma'am. I just moved here."
"Well, I'm sure you will be cut some slack since you are new here and didn't know. Plus, it wasn't a kiss on the lips."
Jack and Elizabeth fell in step behind Mrs. Jackson. Both were looking down at the ground. Each was a little embarrassed getting caught.
"My Ma is going to kill me." Jack whispered.
"Really?"
"Yeah…I'm going to the principal's office. I have never been to the principal's office before."
"Mother is going to kill me, but I'm more worried about father."
Mrs. Jackson couldn't suppress the smile on her face. Without turning around, she stated. "It's not so bad. I seriously doubt that any disciplinary action will be taken. You two will probably just get a warning. Nothing will be sent home."
"It won't matter, Ma can read me like her favorite book. I can't hide anything from her." Jack shook his head. "You know, this is all your fault, Princess Beth." Jack stated. If Elizabeth was looking up, she would have seen his little smirk.
"My fault?" Elizabeth squeaked out in a low voice. "How is this my fault? And my name is Elizabeth."
"If you weren't so stinking adorable, I wouldn't want to kiss you." Jack's face turned a little red with embarrassment.
Elizabeth looked up at Jack for the first time during the walk to the office. "You haven't even kissed me on the lips yet." She stated in a hushed, but a little frustrated, tone.
"I want too…you just scare me to death."
Mrs. Jackson just couldn't keep from a small chuckle escaping her mouth. She placed her hand over her mouth trying to deaden the sound. She opened the door and smiled at the young couple as they walked into the office.
"Mrs. Waters, I caught this young man kissing Elizabeth on the cheek in the hallway. He's new to the school and didn't know the rule against kissing."
Mrs. Waters looked up and noticed the young man from the first day of school standing beside Elizabeth. She remembered that there was something between them when they first met. Her smile grew.
"What do you suggest Mrs. Jackson?"
"A hall pass so they won't get in trouble being late for class. I believe they understand the rule now."
"Thank you, Mrs. Jackson." Jack and Elizabeth stated at the same time. When the young couple left the office and headed to their Honor English class, Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Waters smiled at each other. Mrs. Jackson shared about the couple's conversation on the way to the office. Both ladies busted out in laughter.
"I remember when Elizabeth first met him in the office on the first day of school. I could see chemistry between them."
"They are so cute together." Mrs. Jackson stated. "For a teenager, he is a very handsome young man."
"They both are." Mrs. Waters stated. "I was hoping they would get together. They just match."
"I can't believe you got me sent to the principal's office." Jack stated as they walked back down the hallway.
"Me!" Elizabeth gasped. "You were the one who kissed me. You got me sent to the principal's office. I've never been to the principal's office."
"Me either."
"Well, you need to control your urges, Mr. Thornton." Elizabeth whispered in a flirty tone.
Jack looked at her and saw the expression on her face. He thought she looked hopeful. At least he was. "My third day of a new school, and I have already been sent to the principal's office, broken my no dating rule, been challenged by a jealous friend, and…"
"Technically, we weren't sent to the principal's office. We just went to the office." Smiled Elizabeth. She was returning Jack's sass. "Any good things happen over those three days?"
"Well, I have an intelligent, kind, and beautiful new girlfriend."
Elizabeth's face turned red. "Really?"
"Yeah, but that's not the best part."
Elizabeth stopped walking and turned all her attention to him. She gave him the look that he needed to explain his last statement. Jack turned to face her. He leaned in like he was telling a secret.
"That intelligent, kind, and beautiful girlfriend slammed me into a locker." He wiggled his eyebrows. Elizabeth's face immediately turned from a look of demand to a bright shade of red. Her knees grew a little weak when Jack's expression turned flirty. "A new word…hot."
"Jack Thornton!" Elizabeth exclaimed in a tone that was several octaves above her normal speaking voice. Jack shrugged his shoulders.
"It's true. Come on Princess Beth, we're already late for class." They slowly turned away from each other and made their way to the classroom. Jack extended his pinky. He was hoping he wasn't too forward with his joking with her, but he was also serious in what he said. He was grateful when she immediately extended her pinky and took his.
They released their hold when they approached the classroom door. Jack opened the door and stood to the side so Elizabeth could walk in. As she walked past him, he whispered, "Sexy." Elizabeth's face instantly turned four shades redder. Everyone in the class noticed as she walked in.
…
"Is that all?" Jack's father asked.
"It is. I promise it was just an innocent kiss on the cheek. I didn't know it was against the rules."
"Did you push it?"
"No sir. We haven't kissed on the lips yet. We were talking in the hallway. It was kind of a serious discussion. Without thinking, I leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. It was quick. Mrs. Jackson took us to the office. We received a hall pass and were sent back to class. We didn't see anyone other than the secretary. We were only in there a minute or less."
"Ok. Just don't do it again."
"I promise." Jack paused for a moment. "Pa, would you please take me to see Mr. Thatcher. I feel I need to tell him about this."
"Are you sure?"
"I am. Would you mind taking me?"
"Let me text him."
Tom pulled out his phone.
T – Are you home?
W – Yes, your boy is very good. I'm all safe and sound.
T – Would it be ok if Jack and I come over. He would like to see you.
W – Sure…is everything alright?
T – It is. He just feels he needs to speak with you. Is it ok if we come now?
W – Yes. We are just staying in tonight.
T – Leaving in five minutes.
…
Julie opened the door when her mother asked her too. "Mr. Thornton, Jack. This is a surprise. What may I do for you? Do you want me to get Elizabeth?"
Jack stepped up to speak. "Actually, I'm here to speak to your father. May I see him?"
"Sure. Come in." Julie stated a little confused.
"Who is it dear?" Grace asked as she stepped into the foyer.
"It's Mr. Thornton and Jack. They would like to see father.
"Really?" Grace asked then turned her attention to the two men in the doorway. "Come in…come in. William is in the study. Down the hall and the second door on the right."
"Thank you, Grace. He is expecting us."
"Would you like for me to get you two something to drink?" Jack shook his head no. She could see he was a little nervous. "Would you like for me to send for Elizabeth?"
"No ma'am." Jack stated without looking up.
"Go ahead." She nodded toward the hall. She turned to speak to Julie, but she was already running up the stairs.
Jack knocked on the open door to capture William's attention.
"Tom…Jack…come in. Have a seat."
Jack slowly entered the large study. Instead of sitting down he stood in front of William. He was sitting in a large chair with a cup of hot tea. He was reading the paper.
"Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt you evening…" Jack tried to make his voice strong, but it just wasn't. He was too nervous.
…
Julie burst through Elizabeth's bedroom door without knocking. "Elizabeth! Elizabeth!"
"Julie!" Elizabeth scolded her little sister. "Mother and father taught you to knock before you enter a room. Especially my bedroom when it's closed.
"Elizabeth, I have never knocked entering your bedroom. It's not like you're doing something bad in here."
"It doesn't matter, Julie! I may have been on the phone or changing or something." Julie just rolled her eyes like a little sister being scolded by her older sister. She stood listening to her sister. "You can't just barge into someone's room like that. I always knock before entering your room. It's just common courtesy." Elizabeth stopped when she noticed her younger sister's expression. She has long zoned out. Elizabeth huffed. "What is it that you want now?"
"Jack's here!" Julie screamed.
"What?!"
"He just showed up with his dad wanting to see father. Mother was beginning to tell them he's in the study when I ran upstairs."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"You were too busy scolding me for not knocking." Sassed Julie.
"Julie! I've already changed and put my hair up!"
"Well, I guess you can change and do your hair, but you will miss what they are talking about."
Julie shrugged her shoulders.
Elizabeth had already changed into very comfortable clothes. She had on baggy sweatpants with an oversized long sleeve t-shirt. She was sitting in her favorite spot reading. Her hair was in a messy bun. Her mind was running at the speed of light. If she got changed, like she really wanted to, she wouldn't know what Jack wanted with her father or what they talked about. But she also didn't want Jack to see her like this. She didn't know what to do.
"Go down the left stairs. You can walk up to father's study and just stay outside. They won't see you."
"That's a good idea." Elizabeth scurried out of her room and down the stairs to her father's study. Thousands of reasons of why Jack was speaking to her father came to mind. None of them made sense.
…
"Mr. Thatcher…I would like to talk to you for a moment."
"Sure Jack. Call me William."
"I'm sorry, sir, but I just can't do that."
William looked up at a clearly nervous Jack. He even thought he was sweating a little. He shifted from foot to foot ever so slightly. William looked toward Tom who was standing several feet behind his son. Tom nodded toward William with a small smile. The communication was clear. Tom trusts his son and William.
"Sir, I did something today that got Elizabeth and I in a little bit of trouble. Well, that's not true. We didn't get in trouble per say, but we almost did. No…that's not true. We did get in trouble just not serious trouble."
William smiled at Jack's nervousness. Tom just shook his head.
Elizabeth made it to the study door when Jack began to speak to her father. She was leaning just to the door opening with her front to the wall trying to listen to the conversation. She was able to hear everything. If she wasn't so curious about what Jack wanted with her father, she would have thought he was cute being all nervous.
"Jack…calm down and take a deep breath. You're nervous and rambling. It's just me. I promise I won't bury you in the back yard." William gave Jack an encouraging smile.
Jack took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Elizabeth and I was standing in the hallway before Honors English…" Jack retold the story to William just like he did his mother and father. He told everything that happened concerning Charles and the discussion. "…It was a simple kiss on the cheek. I didn't really think about it. I just did it. Mrs. Jackson caught us and took us to the office to see the principal."
"You two were sent to the principal's office?" William knew his little girl had never been to the principal's office before. He was shocked.
"We went to the office. We were only in there for one minute or less. Mrs. Jackson told the office worker, Mrs. Waters, to just give us a hall pass and send us to class. She said that we learned our lesson and there was no punishment."
William digested the information for a moment. "Did you push yourself onto my daughter?"
"Absolutely not!" Jack stated as he shook his head. "It was a simple kiss on the cheek. We haven't even really kissed yet."
"What do you mean?"
"I haven't kissed her on her lips yet."
"Why not?" William asked with a little bit of a smile. He and Tom shared a look.
"I'm nervous." Jack whispered. Elizabeth was barely able to hear him. "I haven't kissed a girl before and I'm…I'm scared." Elizabeth smiled at the nervousness of Jack, but also that he was so cute in being nervous to kiss her. She was nervous too, but she did want to kiss him.
William was impressed with this young man. He was being honest and standing in front of his girlfriend's father. He knew Jack was scared to death. Yet here he was saying something that could have easily been left unsaid and no one would have known about it.
"I see." William stated. "I just got home, and I haven't spoken with Elizabeth yet."
"I just felt I needed to tell you in person."
William took a couple of steps to stand in front of Jack. "Thank you for being honest and coming to me. I appreciate you doing that. I know that took a lot of courage."
Jack nodded his head. His head was up. He was looking at William's nose instead of his eyes. His father always told him that a man looks someone in the eyes when they are talking to them, but Jack was just too scared to look at William in the eyes.
"Jack…Grace and I always taught our daughters that sex should be in a marriage."
"Yes sir. I agree."
"But we also understand there will be hand holding and kissing."
Jack nodded his head.
"I'm impressed that you wanted to come to me and talk to me."
"I didn't think Elizabeth should be the one to do it since I was the one who kissed her on the cheek. My intention wasn't for us to get in trouble. Whatever you decide, I will follow your punishment."
Elizabeth gasped a little. She was impressed that Jack stood up to her father and explained what happened. She was also a little embarrassed that they got in trouble. When she closed her eyes, she could still feel his lips on her cheek. She knew it was a quick kiss, but she still felt it in her toes.
"There is no punishment, Jack. I trust you and my daughter. Please don't break that trust."
"I would never do that, sir."
"I believe you son. I'm more than ok that you are dating my daughter."
Tom stepped forward and placed his hand on Jack's shoulder. "Thank you, William."
"Sure Tom. You have an impressive son there."
"Charlette and I agree."
Grace walked down the hallway behind Elizabeth. She figured her youngest daughter told Elizabeth that Jack was here speaking to her father. She also knew her daughter would sneak to the study to listen to the conversation. She walked up to Elizabeth without her knowing she was there. Elizabeth was so engrossed in the conversation in the library that she didn't hear her mother's footsteps. Grace placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Elizabeth!" She whispered in a stern, reprimanding voice.
Elizabeth screamed and jumped at her mother's touch and voice. She swung her hand and it hit the wall very loudly. "Mother!" She gasped for air.
"No listening in on conversations you are not part of. And certainly, no hiding behind doors listening." She lightly scolded Elizabeth. Grace stepped inside the study to take the doorknob and began to close the door. She gave everyone inside a soft smile. "Excuse us, gentlemen."
"Mother, why did you do that? Now Jack knows I was eavesdropping on his conversation." Elizabeth's tone was that of a teenager aggravated with her mother's action.
Instead of being upset, Grace laughed at her daughter. "You shouldn't have been nosey."
"I'll give you that." Elizabeth let out a long breath. "But mother…"
"You may see him when he's finished with your father."
"Not like this!" She waved her hand over her clothes.
"You better go and change then." Grace took her daughter by the shoulders and turned her. She gave her a soft nudge to walk forward. "They seem to be almost finished."
Willam couldn't keep from laughing at what just happened. Jack stood stunned, but also realized that sounded just like Elizabeth. If she knew he was talking to her father without her being there, she would be a little nosey. She would most certainly want to know what was going on.
"Jack, you'll learn my Bethie is a little…inquisitive." William laughed.
Jack smiled for the first time since entering the study. "I would say nosey."
"Gentlemen, let's sit for a moment." William waved toward the chairs in his study. "Jack. I understand you play basketball. Would it be ok if we come to some of your games this year?"