Chapter 15
The week went by quick. School was its normal self. For Jack, Elizabeth, Connie, and Steph, lunch time was quickly becoming their favorite time of the school day. On Tuesday, Steven joined them during lunch. They all sat with the special ed group. Just like before, the group would hug or high five Jack and hug Elizabeth, Connie, and Steph. When Steven joined them, all the guys would high five him and all the girls would hug him. They accepted him without worry or question. Steven was just happy to be spending time with Connie. With that stated, he loved being with the special ed group. They weren't official yet, but they were quickly heading in that direction.
Thursday's unofficial practice went much better than Monday's. Coach Franklin stood in the hallway that looked out over the gym. He watched the practice through the windows. After being warned by Cory, and then the coach, Charles was on better behavior. Coach Franklin was excited watching Jack play. Jack was better than what he was hoping for. Not just physically better, but he played in a way that made everyone else better. It was like Jack was setting the others up for success. He was a good encourager and was quick to give advice if asked.
While Charles and Elizabeth spoke a little bit during the week, their relationship was a little strained. Charles was still unhappy with Elizabeth's decision to date Jack. To Charles' credit, he didn't push too much. Most of their conversation during the week was through texts or early before school started and Jack arrived.
…
Jack woke up Saturday morning with a lot to accomplish today. He needed to head to the Children's Center for a couple of hours. When he worked with John last week, he told a couple of his friends. All three of them asked if Jack would practice with them. John was hoping to get even better, and his two friends were hoping for some suggestions. After that, he needed to wash and clean out his mother's SUV. While she usually kept it clean, he still wanted to vacuum it out and Armor All the inside so it would look all new and shiny. He was considering getting an air fresher for the interior. He also needed to wash the outside and Armor All the tires so they would be shiny as well.. Then he needed to settle on something to wear. He has been going through his closet for two days trying to find something he felt suitable. He was stressing out way too much at the thought. He could never recall a time in his life that he really cared what he wore.
Elizabeth had been texting her two best friends. Like Jack, she had never been on a date and her nerves were winning the battle at the moment. Steph and Connie encouraged her through texts. They were scheduled to arrive at her home at four to help her pick out her clothes and get ready. She was scheduled to be at the library at eleven to help with reading hour. She was hoping to see Jack but knew he would be at the children's center.
Not only was Elizabeth texting her two best friends, Charlette and Grace were texting feverishly as well. They were almost as excited as their children were about the date. Charlette would pepper Jack with questions about where they were going, but he wouldn't say anything. He had a feeling his mom was up to something. Grace tried getting the information out of Elizabeth, but she didn't know anything either. Jack hadn't told her where they were going. He only told her to dress a little better than casual but not dressy. For Elizabeth, that didn't help at all. However, she was excited it was finally Saturday and Jack finally asked her out. She was nervous but just as excited.
…
"So, what has that silly smile on your face?" John teased Jack as he walked onto the court.
"I'm just happy to see you, John."
"Bologna!" Jack quipped back quickly. "Hey Jack, this is Jerry and Jason. Guys…this is Jack."
"Nice to meet you." Both guys said at the same time.
"So, what are you wanting to work on?"
"I need to work on ball handling. John said that you play point guard."
"I do, Jerry. I can show you some drills I do. I learned some from YouTube and copied a couple from Steph Curry."
"Perfect."
"And you?"
"I play down low with John."
"Great. Now, lets warm up a little and then we can get busy."
"So, are you gonna tell us why you are smiling so big?" John asked again.
"Well…I have a date tonight."
"Really?" John sassed. "It is with that pretty girl from last week?"
"It is. Elizabeth Thatcher."
"Really?" Jerry asked.
"Yeah. Do you know her?"
"I know of her. She always said she wasn't going to date in high school. That bummed my older brother out for a little while."
"Evidently Jack here has got some game. Elizabeth made the first move with him."
"Really?" Jack heard Jerry and Jason at the same time. "She's hot." They loudly exclaimed until they saw Jack's stern face.
"Come on, fellas." Jack stated as he tossed them a basketball."
John and Jason were working on posting plays as Jack worked with Jerry for a few minutes with some drills.
"Jerry, you need to stop looking down at the ball. It has air in it and the floor is flat and hard. It will bounce back to you. You need to look at the players in front of you not on the ball that will automatically come back to you."
Jerry raised his head and began bouncing the ball around some cones Jack had laid out in a straight line about three feet apart. Jerry was supposed to bounce the ball as he walked around the cones. After a few minutes, he had Jerry bounce two balls doing the same maneuvers.
"This is hard. I'm not left handed."
"I'm not either, but you need to be able to dribble confidently with either hand. If you can only dribble with one hand, the defense will learn that quickly and will play against that. Now, slow things down. This isn't a race. Get the handle on how to do it slowly, then pick up a little speed. This is practice."
"Yes." Jerry stated as he picked up the ball that he just tribbled off his foot.
…
Elizabeth walked into the library and immediately walked up the steps to the second floor reading corner. Her smile was plastered all over her face due to the excitement of her planned evening. She was only hoping that Jack would kiss her on the lips. Their last few kisses were close, but not quiet on her lips. He would kiss her on the corner of her mouth. She was convinced that if he didn't kiss her tonight, she would take matters into her own hands.
"Well, someone looks very happy today." Sassed Amy.
"I am happy. Aren't I usually smiling when I come here?"
"True…but you have this silly, large smile on your face. Much bigger than normal."
"Well…I have a date tonight."
"Really!" Amy squealed. She was excited for Elizabeth.
"Don't sound too shocked." Elizabth nervously smiled.
"May I ask who you are going out with?"
"You may…it's Jack Thornton."
"Oh…he's handsome and a great reader. The children love him. We have always wanted you two to read together. The children would love that."
"Maybe."
Elizabeth took her normal seat, not being able to wipe the excited smile from her face.
…
Jack walked into Abagail's café wanting to grab a quick bite to eat. The basketball practice went well. The young mean learned quickly and enjoyed their time. Jack promised to work with them soon. Jack smiled at Abagail as she and some guy walked through the kitchen door.
"Ms. Abagail."
"Hey Jack." She exclaimed. "Jack, this is my husband, Frank Hogan. Frank, this is Jack Thornton."
"Hey young man. Nice to meet you." Frank stated extending his hand.
"Nice to meet you too."
"So, you are the guy that has won Elizabeth's heart. That really is saying something."
"Well…"
"Plus, my precious wife just thinks the world of you."
"Your wife is a precious woman. A little too pushy at times." Jack playfully sassed.
"Let me guess, she was scheming to get you and Elizabeth together?"
"She has never admitted to it, but I do believe so." Jack grinned at this nice man.
"I'm not admitting to anything."
"Of course not." Frank sassed. "You do know I know you…right?"
"Jack, would you like your normal?" Abagail stated changing the subject.
"I would. Thank you, Ms. Abagail."
Frank sat down with Jack when he offered the stool beside him. They clicked quickly in a very short period of time. By the time Jack's food arrived, they were friends. They connected through basketball. Frank played when he was Jack's age.
"So, I understand you have a date tonight." Grinned Abagail.
"Yes…wait…how did you know that?"
"Oh Jack…there are very few things that I don't know."
"Really?" Challenged Jack.
"Don't challenge her Jack. You will learn that she does know a lot. Most nosey women know what is going on." Frank gave his wife a smirking expression.
"Don't you have something you need to do?" Teased Abagail.
"I do. Nice to meet you, Jack. We would love for you to visit our church sometime if you don't have a church home."
"I may do that." Jack smiled. His family hasn't found a church home yet. Plus, Frank was a nice man that made Jack feel very comfortable with him.
"So, where are you taking Elizabeth tonight?"
"Abagail, can you keep a secret?"
"Sure." She said bouncing enthusiastically on the balls of her feet.
"So can I." He sassed with a dimpled smile.
Abagail huffed and then let out a loud laugh. She stole one of his ranch dressings as she turned to take a food order at another table.
"Hey!" Jack whined.
…
"You really don't know where you're going?" Connie asked as she pulled out another dress from Elizabeth's closet.
"No. He didn't' tell me anything other than dressy casual." Elizabeth nodded her head no as she looked at the dress Connie held up. "Why can't I find anything? I have a closet full of clothes."
"You're trying too hard." Steph smiled. "Are you wanting a dress or a nice pair of jeans and a nice shirt?"
"I was thinking a summer dress or something like that." Elizabeth sighed.
"Wait, don't you have a cream color dress with blue flowers on it?" Connie asked.
"I think so."
"Oh…that's the one. You must find that one!" Exclaimed Steph.
"Julie borrowed it a few weeks ago." Elizabeth thought out loud.
"Well…go get it!" Steph and Connie stated at the same time.
After Elizabeth left for Julie's room, Steph looked at Connie. "So…"
"So…" Connie's face turned a little red.
"Come on. Why are you holding out on me?"
"Julie, I need that cream and blue summer dress back." Elizabeth stated as she stormed into her little sister's room.
"Hey…don't you knock?" Julie stated.
"Are you serious? You never knock." Elizabeth stated as she walked straight into Julie's closet without ever looking at her sister.
"What do you want?"
"I want my summer dress you took a few weeks ago."
"The cream color one?"
"Yes!"
"I was going to wear that tonight."
"Sorry little one. But I want that dress for my date."
"I can't believe you are going out on a date." Julie stood and followed Elizabeth into the closet. "Here it is." Julie pulled the hanger.
"Thanks Julie." Elizabeth took the hanger and immediately walked back to her room.
…
"Well, I don't know what to tell you."
"I ship you two."
"Didn't I tell you no one says that anymore?" Elizabeth laughed as she walked back into her bedroom carrying the dress on the hanger.
"I think you and Steven look good together."
"I agree." Elizabeth stated as she stepped into her bathroom.
"He's sweet, smart, funny, and handsome." Connie blushed.
"I agree." Steph smiled at her friend.
"He's gone to visit his father this weekend."
"His parents are divorced?"
"Yeah. He lives two hours away. He goes every other weekend until basketball begins."
"Has he texted you?"
On que, her phone chimed. "Never mind." Steph sassed.
The two friends looked up when Elizabeth stepped out of her bathroom.
"Oh my! That's the dress." Connie stated.
Elizabeth stepped out of her bathroom wearing the cream colored dress that was accentuated with blue flowers that matched her eyes. The straps were a little thicker than spaghetti straps, but they were still rather thin. Elizabeth's cleavage was barely seen. The cut of the dress fit her perfectly. It was as if the dress was made with her measurements in mind. It hugged her perfectly but wasn't too tight. It matched Elizabeth's modest nature perfectly. Yet, it showed off her figure respectfully. When the dress followed her narrow waist and flared out over her hips, it flowed perfectly loose around her upper legs. The material ended just at her knees. The dress moved perfectly with each movement.
"I agree…that dress is perfect."
"You think?" Elizabeth nervously ran her hand over her tummy and down her hips.
"Perfect." Connie and Steph stated.
"Now, your blue sandals will match that perfectly. He should be here soon."
…
"Ma! There is no way I am taking Tom with me to the Thatcher's house to pick up Elizabeth." Jack stood in the kitchen. He was wearing a nice pair of dress jeans with a pair of brown causal shoes. His shirt was a light blue with small green strips. The green enhanced Jack's hazel eyes. It was a warm night, so Jack had the sleeves rolled up to just under his elbows. It was a nice look on him.
"Jack, he is going out with Julie and a bunch of their friends. It makes sense."
"Ma…I am not taking him with me!" Jack stood tall. "I didn't get dressed up, detail the car to take my little brother on my first date."
"But Jack…"
"He's right dear. He is not taking his little brother with him to the Thatcher's home." Thomas stated as he walked into the kitchen.
"Really?"
"Are you just wanting to save time, or do you have an ulterior motive in this?" Thomas sassed.
"Tom!"
"It's not happening dear. We are going to eat dinner. We will drop Tom off at the Thatcher's house thirty minutes after Jack leaves." Tom turned his attention toward his son. "We are planning on going to the new Italian restaurant, Olympic. Is that ok?"
Jack slightly shook his head no.
"We are going to eat Chinese on Simpson Dr." Tom corrected himself.
"Thank, Pa." Jack whispered as he walked by to give his mother a hug and kiss goodbye.
He kissed his mother, and she held him at arm's length just to look at him. She was grateful his first date was with Elizabeth. She kissed him the second time. He turned to face his father with a knowing smile.
"Curfew is at eleven. Have fun and enjoy yourself. Remember, you are a Thornton and I expect you to act like a Thornton."
"Yes, Pa."
"Have fun." Tom gave him a half hug. As he was hugging his son, Tom slipped him some money to his son without Charlette seeing him.
"Pa, I have enough money." Jack whispered.
"I know. Now, you have plenty of money in case you want to do something else after dinner. Enjoy your evening son. Now, go. We are going to the Chinese place for dinner. If we go to the movies, we will go to the place on Jackson St."
"Thanks Pa."
Jack sat down in the clean SUV. He worked hard to clean it. He took a deep breath. He was really hoping this date went well. He was very nervous. It took him a second attempt to start the car. He took another deep breath trying to calm his mind before placing the car in reverse.
…
Jack straightened up after stepping out of the car. His palms were sweaty. He dried them on his jeans before reaching for the flowers sitting on the passenger side of the car. He forced his legs to work. He reached the front steps. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He held it for a moment before slowly releasing it. He reached up and pushed the doorbell.
"That's him." Elizabeth gasped. She was very eager for Jack to be there. It was just before six. "How do I look?"
"Perfect." Both of her friends stated.
"Relax…have fun and enjoy yourself."
"Why am I so nervous. It's just Jack."
"You've never done this before. It's Jack. You know him and trust him. This is supposed to be fun. Enjoy your time and don't put too much pressure on the evening."
"Thanks." Elizabeth stated. "Let's go."
"No. You are going by yourself. We will stay here for a few minutes. You don't need us to tag along."
"Thanks for everything."
"Go…go! Have fun!"
…
"My, Jack, you look very nice." Grace stated as she opened the massive front door.
"Thank you, Mrs. G. I'm here to pick up Elizabeth."
Grace couldn't hide her smile at Jack's nervousness. She thought it was cute. She thought he must have practiced that line on the drive over to the house.
"Jack, relax. It's just Elizabeth. Have fun and enjoy the moment."
"I'm trying. I don't know why I'm so nervous. I'm surprised I was able to walk to the front door." Jack leaned in to say it. He didn't know why he shared all of that. He was talking so fast Grace was having trouble understanding what he said.
Grace reached for his shoulders and gave him a gentle shake. He was freaking out. "Relax!" She implored Jack in a mother's tone. "Breath." She smiled when Jack followed her direction. "Now, she is nervous too. Enjoy the night. Have fun and enjoy your time together. She already likes you. You are not starting out on step one. Relax."
"I'm trying to." Jack took another breath.
"Now, come in. I will find a vase for all those flowers."
"This is for you, Mrs. G." Jack extended a bouquet of wildflowers. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you for your advice."
"Jack, that's very nice of you. You didn't have to get me flowers."
"You gave my wife flowers." William stated as he walked into the foyer."
"I did."
"I'll let it slide this time young man." William sassed wiggling his finger at the young man. Jack could only nod at him.
William gave his wife a knowing smile. He remembered how scared he was picking up Grace for the first time.
"Come on Jack. Let's find some vases for these flowers."
Jack began to follow William and Grace still holding the bouquet of flowers for Elizabeth.
Jack stopped when he looked up the staircase and noticed Elizabeth standing at the top step. He turned to face her. The look in his eyes made Elizabeth's knees go instantly weak. She reached for the banister so she wouldn't fall down the stairs. Jack wanted to walk toward the stairs, but his legs weren't working. His lungs weren't working either. He didn't hear a sound or see anything other than Elizabeth and her smile. The only thing that was working was his heart. It felt like it was beating out of his chest.
The young couple stared at each other. Their smiles continued to grow. For Jack, Elizabeth was beyond gorgeous. The blue of her cream dress made her eyes pop. Her hair fell down her back and some strains were coming over her shoulders. Jack tried to speak, but Elizabeth stole his ability to speak. Elizabeth gasped at Jack. The shirt drew out his eyes even more than normal. She wanted to walk to him, but her knees just weren't working.
William and Grace turned when they heard Jack gasp. They looked at this young man admire their daughter. He was struck by her beauty, but it didn't feel bad or dirty. He wasn't lusting after their daughter. He was in complete awe of her.
"I think that young man may stay around for a while." William whispered.
"I agree with you." Grace beamed at the sight in front of her. This was perfect in her eyes. "Are you ok with that?"
"For some strange reason, I am." William whispered. "I like him…he's a good young man."
The staring contest between the two young people lasted for a few more moments until William cleared his throat the second time. "Hello Beth."
Elizabeth tore her eyes off Jack and looked at her father. She nodded her head and turned her attention back to Jack. He never took his eyes off her. The look in his eyes made her fall deeper in love this this guy. His look of admiration was genuine. She slowly began to walk down the steps toward Jack. Her smile grew with each step.
Grace snuck a short video of Elizabeth's descent and of Jack's expression before William cut her off. "Come on Grace. Let's let them have a moment." William grabbed her hand and escorted her to the kitchen to look for a couple of vases.
Elizabeth stepped in front of a speechless Jack. He didn't even try to speak. He knew he couldn't. He not only admired the way Elizabeth looked, but the glow about her was intoxicating. She seemed happy.
"Jack…Jack…"
Jack shook his head trying to get his brain to engage, but it just couldn't.
"Jack…are those flowers for me?"
Jack was a pretty intelligent guy. His mother made sure he studied and received good grades. However, his brain just wasn't engaging at the moment. Elizabeth smiled at the completely confused look on his face. She knew she paused his brain just like he pauses her brain at times. It did make her feel good about herself. She never knew she could have that effect on someone.
"Jack…the flowers…?"
"Uh…"
"The flowers Jack."
"I…huh…I gave them to your mother." Jack was finally able to speak. The words were very soft and slow.
"You brought my mother flowers."
Jack nodded his head. Her smile stole his ability to think again. Elizabeth reached and pinched his forearm.
"Ouch…what was that for?" He asked, rubbing his arm.
"Earth to Jack." Elizabeth teased him.
"What?" He finally spoke in a normal voice.
Elizabeth giggled at his response and facial expression. "Those flowers." She pointed to his right hand.
"Oh…yes. These are for you. They're yellow and orange daisies."
"My favorite."
"Really?"
"Yes." Elizabeth accepted the daisies and inhaled a deep breath of the flowers. They walked into the kitchen for a vase. Grace was patiently waiting with her phone open with the camera app. She quickly took a picture of them walking in.
"Mother!" Admonished Elizabeth.
"What?" Grace asked innocently.
"Grace…" William whispered shaking his head.
"Let me take those for you dear. I'll put them in a vase and place them on the desk in your room."
"Thanks mother."
"Elizabeth…Jack…may I take a picture please?"
"I think you already did." Sassed a playful Elizabeth. "Why are you acting this way?"
"It's your first true date dear." Grace smiled with her phone ready.
"Jack stepped a little closer to Elizabeth and placed his arm around her waist. She gasped at the gesture. While they have been somewhat close, they haven't been very close.
After the photo, Jack extended his arm when Elizabeth handed the flowers to her mother. "Ready?"
"Yes Jack, I'm ready."
…
Grace followed them to the door after the young couple had already left. She looked out the window that was beside the door. "They look so good together."
"Dear, come with me. Tom just texted and said that he and Charlette were on their way to drop off Tom. Some others are to meet Julie and Tom here." William took Grace's hand to escort her away from the window. "No spying on the kids." Grace just huffed at William's words.
"I'm sorry about mother." Elizabeth stated on the walk to the car."
"That's ok…Ma wanted me to bring Tom to meet up with Julie and others that were meeting here."
"Oh…"
"Yeah…Ma's." Jack laughed. He opened the door for Elizabeth. He couldn't help but admire her as she stepped around the door and sat down. As he closed the door, he stated. "My girlfriend is gorgeous."
Elizabethe smiled. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to hear it or not, but she loved the fact that Jack admired her.
As Jack walked in front of her mother's SUV, his phone buzzed. He pulled it out of his pocket. It was a text from his father.
P – Curfew has been pushed back 'til eleven thirty. Have Elizabeth home by eleven and then come home. Enjoy your night!
J – Thanks Pa!
"Who was that?"
That was Pa. He said curfew has been pushed back to eleven thirty so I can have you home by eleven.
"That's very nice of him." Jack nodded his head. "So, where are we going?"
"Do you like Olympic?"
"I've never been there before." Jack was secretly happy he picked a place she hadn't been with Charles before.
…
Thomas, Charlette, and Tom arrived at the Thatcher's residence just a few minutes after Jack and Elizabeth left. When the door opened, Grace immediately had her phone ready to show Charlette the video and pictures she took of their children.
"Oh Grace, she is beautiful. I love that daughter of yours."
"Jack was so handsome and kind. Did you know he brought me flowers along with Elizabeth?"
"Tom did that on our first date."
"That son of yours listens."
"Why don't we all go out to eat when the other kids leave?" William asked.
"I would like that. Maybe our wives can talk about something else other than our children dating." Tom smirked.
"That's enough from you." Warned a smiling Charlette.
"There is an Italian place about twenty minutes or so away. It has only been there for a few months. It's called Olympic." William suggested until he noticed Tom's expression. He understood immediately.
"We were going to a Chinese restaurant."
"Even better." William exclaimed. We'll meet you there?"
"Perfect. I'll ride with Grace. We can catch up." Charlette and Grace beamed at the thought of talking about the kids.
…
Jack and Elizabeth walked into the restaurant and to the young lady standing at the podium. "We have a reservation under the name Thornton for two." Jack stated. He tightened his hold on Elizabeth's hand.
Elizabeth smiled. She loved the feel of her hand in Jack's. It just belonged there. She wasn't sure how dates were supposed to go or what they felt like, but she was greatly enjoying their time together so far. The conversation in the car was nice and easy going. They were both nervous, but their nerves calmed when it was just the two of them.
"Yes sir. It will be about five minutes. They are finishing up your table."
Jack and Elizabeth sat on a bench waiting for the table. The restaurant was nice. It wasn't fancy or anything. It had a buffet style salad bar, and you could order pizza, calzones, and other meals off the menu. For teenagers, this place was perfect for a date.
"Thank you, Jack."
"For what?"
"This evening."
"Elizabeth, we just started the evening."
"I know, but I am having a great time."
Jack leaned in and gently bumped her shoulder with his. "I am enjoying it too. I don't know if I told you or not…you look beautiful tonight."
"Thank you. You look very nice too."
Jack reached up and swept a few stray hairs off her shoulder. Elizabeth involuntarily gasped at his actions. She didn't know why that moved her in such a way, but it most certainly did.
"Thornton." The hostess called out.
"Let's go Doll Face. That's us."
Elizabeth smiled at his new nickname for her. She also smiled at the phrase 'that's us'.
…
Tom looked over at Julie among the group of friends. Tom only knew Peter well. He met him the first day of class in the first class. The other girls and boys he didn't know, but he got along with almost everyone pretty quick. Tom and Julie, even within the group, mostly spoke with each other. The group was at a pizza buffet place. While they were having a great time as a group, they weren't too loud.
"Hey, want to take a walk?" Tom asked Julie.
"Sure." Julie looked into Tom's eyes. "Let's go. There is a park around the corner.
"Great." Tom stated. As he stood, a couple of other people heard the conversation and decided that would be great to do.
At the conversation of the group, Julie and Tom gave each other a knowing look. They were a little bummed that other people were coming with them. Nonetheless, they stood and paid their bill before walking out with some other people.
"So…what do you think?"
"About?" Julie asked.
"Well, if you haven't figured it out yet…I kinda like you."
"Kinda like me…" She playfully teased.
"Yeah…I've never been serious with a girl before. That just wasn't me. I don't want to be too serious. I don't think I'm ready for anything like that. I do like hanging around you."
"I think I'm the same way." Julie smiled. "I'm not allowed to date yet."
"Me either. I'm not allowed to date until I'm sixteen. Even then, I don't know." Tom sated.
"Me too. So…"
"Why don't we just admit that we like each other more than friends, but not boyfriend or girlfriend?"
"Really?"
"Well, we are both free spirited. We are players and we don't take life too seriously. So, why would we take this relationship serious?"
Julie tapped her chin for a moment. That did make perfect sense to her. "I agree. So, we are in like with each other but not getting married next week." Julie playfully teased.
"Perfect." Tom matched Julie's smile.
…
"You really didn't do that…" Jack asked shocked.
With great pride in her voice, Elizabeth sat tall in her chair with her head up and shoulders back. "I most certainly did!"
Jack tilted his head back and let out a belly laugh. It took him a few moments to stop laughing. "And tell, what made you do that?" He stated through a little controlled laughter.
"Well, I was six. I saw it in a movie or a TV show or something. I thought it was really awesome to see. It just grew and grew."
"I bet you were in trouble."
"I thought they were going to put me up for adoption." She matched Jack's laughter.
"So, a six year old Elizabeth, all prim and proper, stood outside by your fountain…"
"Oh, there was no prim or proper when my father got ahold of me."
As a six year old, Elizabeth took a whole bottle of dish soap and poured it all in the fountain in their front yard. Her father spent the whole weekend emptying and refilling the fountain to try to get all the soap out of it. He ended up just calling in a pool guy and he worked on it for four days before bubble quit forming when they turned the fountain on.
"The stack of bubbles was way above the statue in the middle. It just kept growing." Elizabeth smiled at the memory.
"I bet you were so proud." Jack continued to laugh.
"I was very proud." Elizabeth repositioned herself on her chair. "I was on my way into the kitchen looking for another bottle. I just figured the second bottle would only make the pile of bubbles grow even more. That's when I told my mother to come out and look at what I did."
Jack shook his head in disbelief. He was lost in her smile and laughter. Her laughter was like music in his ears.
"I couldn't understand why mother was so upset. Then she went into the house after telling me not to move an inch. She came out with father. He just stood on the top step forever staring at the fountain and the growing pile of bubbles. I'm not sure if he was more upset with the bubble or my growing smile." Elizabeth shook her head.
"What type of trouble did you get into?" Jack asked. "Where you grounded?"
"I would have taken that punishment. Instead, father wouldn't let me read a book until the bubbles quit forming. That was the longest week of my life."
Jack could only laugh at her pouty face. Jack took a drink of his sweet tea and looked into Elizabeth's eyes. "Elizabeth…thank you for a perfect evening."
"I have greatly enjoyed myself."
"Would you like to take a walk?"
"Sure, the weather is perfect for a walk."
…
The Thatchers and the Thorntons were enjoying their time together eating a meal. The discussion was basically on their children. Charlette and Grace were excited about Jack and Elizabeth. They knew in their hearts that these two young people were meant for each other.
"So,…" Tom stated. "Are you two going to tell you about your little plan?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Charlette stated.
"You can't be serious." Tom challenged his wife. Grace chuckled at the discussion.
"You're not talking?" William asked his wife.
"Nope." She grinned.
Tom and William knew their wives were up to something. They just couldn't figure it out. They were just too excited for their kids to be together.
"I have already told you." Grace stated sitting tall in her chair. "Technically, we haven't done anything. They began dating on their own." Grace bit off the end of an egg roll.
"Tom, I wouldn't be surprised if they haven't already made wedding plans."
Grace and Charlette gasped. "They are still in high school." Grace stated as she shared a look with Charlette.
They enjoyed their time together. Their friendship began quickly and only grew more time they were together. They were grateful for the friendship.
…
Jack took Elizabeth's hand and placed it on his forearm. Then he placed his hand on top of her hand. He pulled his arm a little closer to himself so she would walk a little closer to him. They had shed their shoes at the car so they could walk on the beach. He drove them ten minutes down the road to the local beach. There were a few people on the beach, but not too many for a Saturday night. It was at the same beach where they met for the first time several weeks ago. The moon was full and giving off quite a bit of light. Elizabeth let out a contented sigh.
"I hope that's a good sigh."
"The best. This has been a perfect first date."
"You have made it perfect." Jack gave her a smile and lifted her hand to kiss the back of her hand. "I have enjoyed my time with you."
"Me too."
The contentment could be heard in both their voices. For them both, the evening was perfect. Jack was trying to work up the courage to kiss his beautiful girlfriend. He has wanted to for days, but he was scared to death. He wanted their first kiss to be perfect. He's seen kissing in movies and such, but he had never done it before. He knew Elizabeth said she hadn't kissed anyone. So, this kiss would be their first as a couple and as individuals. He wanted it to be memorable. He glanced up to see her perfectly shaped lips in a small smile. He had to know how soft her perfect lips would feel against his.
Elizabeth knew tonight would be their first kiss. Either he was going to kiss her, or she was taking things into her own hands. The last week Jack kissed her on the corner of her mouth. His lips never touched her lips, but they were extremely close. She was dying to know how his perfect lips would feel.
When they heard some music, they both looked up from the ground in front of them. In the distance, there was a group of people and a bonfire. Elizabeth noticed Jack's confused expression.
"Many times, on the weekends, groups will just gather around a bonfire on the beach and listen to music, talk, and just enjoy being with each other."
"Oh…that sounds nice. Have you done that before?"
"Yes, several times. There's always a large group of people."
Jack turned to look into Elizabeth's eyes. The music could be heard but it wasn't too loud. The group of people were a good distance away. "Would you dance with me?"
"You know how to dance?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not really, but I can slow dance. My Ma taught me."
"I would have liked to have seen that." Elizabeth snickered.
"Her toes were sore for a few days, but I finally learned." He sassed. "So, Princess Beth, will you dance with me?" He extended his hand.
"I like your other nickname for me better." She scrunched up her nose at him. Then she smiled when she saw that playful look on his face. That silly look worked every time. "I would love to dance with you Mr. Jarrick Thornton."
Jack took her right hand with his left and held it about shoulder level. He took his right hand and placed it on her hip. She took left hand and placed it on his bicep. There was a small gap between them. They swayed perfectly together in rhythm to the music. Their smile couldn't leave their faces.
…
"Hey Charles…isn't that your girlfriend." A guy asked sitting close to the bonfire.
Charles looked up from the direction the guy nodded his head. "We're not dating." He stated in a flat and defeated tone.
"I would say not. She's dancing with someone else. He's that new guy, isn't it?"
"Yeah." Charles looked down. Anger was building inside of him. He didn't know what he was going to do, but he felt like he was losing this game between him and Jack. He never could get Elizabeth go date him. Yet, she was the one who made the first move with this guy. He huffed as he stared at the couple several yards away.
…
"There's only one problem." Jack softly stated.
"And what's that?" Elizabeth looked into his eyes.
"This is exactly how I danced with my mother."
"Well, she taught you well. You are doing a good job so far."
"Maybe, but Elizabeth…you aren't my mother."
"Yeah…" Her breath caught in her chest when she noticed the look in his eyes. His eyes were the windows to this precious man.
With intent and purpose, Jack moved his left hand and her right hand to his chest and tightened his hold. He slowly moved his right hand from her hip to her lower back. He never lost contact with her body. He slightly pressed his fingertips into her lower back and began to intimately pull her closer until they were completely touching. The romantic and intimate act moved Elizabeth to her core. She had never experienced this feeling before and she couldn't describe it. She tried to inhale a breath, but it never reached her lungs.
"Jarrick…" Her voice trailed off.
"Is this ok?" He asked softly. His breath feeling great on her face.
She couldn't speak. She nodded her head. She was lost with his body against hers and the look in his eyes. It was pure love. She just knew it. They looked into each other's eyes for a few more moments and then rested their foreheads against each other. Over time, this will become their thing. When they just wanted to be in the presence of the other, they would often rest their foreheads together. They would just be in the presence of their person.
Jack was completely lost in this woman. He didn't hear the music any longer. He couldn't feel the breeze. He didn't even know if he was breathing. All he felt was her body against him and her presence. It was just too much for his mind to get ahold of at the same time. Jack softly squeezed her hand three times as he pulled back enough to look at his girlfriend.
"Ten seconds of courage Jarrick…ten seconds to change…"
She was forced to stop talking when Jack slowly closed the distance between them. When his lips finally and softly touched her lips, the world stopped spinning. They both felt it. The kiss was as soft as a butterfly's touch. While they could barely feel the touch, it sent electricity throughout their whole bodies. Everything was on fire…lips, hands, fingers, legs, toes. They were completely consumed with the gentle kiss.
Jack tightened his hold on her lower back trying to pull her closer. She couldn't get any closer to him, but that didn't stop her from trying to. At the same time, they opened their lips to deepen the kiss. Their tongues immediately found each other and began the perfect dance together. Elizabeth moved her hand from his bicep. She slowly ran her finger up and across his shoulders to the back of Jack's head. She began playing with his hair. She didn't even know she was doing it. The kiss slowly deepened and somehow, even though this was their first kiss, it was perfect.
When they both pulled away to breathe in oxygen that their lungs were demanding, they rested their foreheads together. They were still pressed against each other. They did not want to lose physical contact. They knew this kiss was monumental and not only because it was their first kiss. This was a life changing kiss and moment together.