Chapter 25

Elizabeth forcibly sat down her colored pencil and stared at the sketching pad in front of her. She tilted her head to the right and then to the left. She let out a small huff.

"You know…if I tilt me head to the right, it looks like a horse beside a barn. If I tilt my head to the left, it looks like a rhinoceros." Jack turned his head to the right and left a few times trying to look at the sketch.

"A rhinoceros?" She questioned, tilting her head to the left. "Huh…" She whispered to herself. She would never tell Jack that he may be correct.

"What is it?"

"It' a dog."

"A dog? How in the world are you making an 'A' in this class?"

Jack and Elizabeth have this long running joke about her sketching and painting abilities, or lack thereof. This was the only thing Jack could find that she wasn't any good at. She excelled in all her other studies, but painting just wasn't her thing. She did try very hard, but it just wasn't her talent.

"Remember the first day of class when you held my hand and wouldn't let go, Mr. Jackson said that if you try you will earn an 'A' even if he can't determine what you painted?"

"Oh yes…when I tried to get you to loosen your death grip on the pencil after you already broke it. If I remember correctly, you wouldn't let go of my hand."

"You're not remembering correctly. I try very hard in this class."

"Yes you do, Ms. Thatcher. You are the only student I have ever had that I still can't figure out your paintings and sketches." Everyone laughed, even Elizabeth. She knew she couldn't do this well. "But you also try the hardest than any other student I have had. Maybe if you don't try so hard." Mr. Jackson looked at Elizabeth's sketch for a moment. "A horse?" He asked.

"Tilt you head to the left." Jack chuckled.

"Is that a…?"

"I think it time for us to leave." Elizabeth stood from her stool with a smirk.

"You two have a good day. Good luck tonight, Mr. Thornton."

"Thank you, Mr. Jackson."

Jack extended his hand for his girlfriend. She smiled and instantly reached for his hand. As they walked out of the classroom, Jack tightened his hold on her hand.

"I'm grateful you are really bad in Art Appreciation."

"Jack! Why would you say that?" She glared at him for a moment.

He raised her hand and met her hand with his lips. "It just shows me that you are not perfect. You're not some perfect robot. You're real."

"Well…I'll never…"

"It also shows me that you can laugh at herself."

"You and Mr. Jackson laugh enough for me."

Jack leaned in and bumped her shoulder. "I think you're his favorite student."

"I bet he takes my stuff home and him and his wife laugh at it together."

"I love you." Jack stated softly. While they freely say those words to each other and still squeeze the other's hand three times, they haven't shared that with others. They knew others know. Their parents have told them, but they haven't said those words with others present. When people are around, that's when they squeeze the other's hand. They weren't being secretive, that was just between them. Their best friends knew, but this was just between them. They liked having that one thing that was just between them.

"What time are you going to the game?"

"Coach told us we have to be there by six thirty."

"Doesn't the girls game begins at six?"

"It does, but we don't have to be there until six thirty. I always went to the girls' game. I had a friend from Buxton that played. I went to support her."

"That's nice."

"Yeah, she dated my best friend. We would hang out together watching her. I must be in the locker room at the beginning of the fourth period."

"Why?" She asked as she opened her locker.

"To change and get my ankles taped. The coach goes over a few last minute things and then we wait."

"Ok."

"You never been to a basketball game?"

"Never."

"Charles didn't talk you into going?"

"He tried but I'm not a sports girl."

"I'm a little surprised you coming tonight."

"Jack…I've already told you. I'm Jack's girl."

Jack reached for her hand and squeezed it three times before she closed her locker. "Thank you." He whispered. He thought she would never understand how much that meant to him.

"Jack…I want to support you. I may sit with my parents or yours if they will let me so they can explain it to me."

"Your parents are coming?"

"Oh yes…I received five texts today reminding me to get father tickets." She smiled when her phone buzzed. "I wonder who that could be."

F – DON'T FORGET TICKETS!

"He is persistent." Elizabeth shook her head.

E – Father I already have them.

"I appreciate you coming. That means a lot to me."

"Jack…you don't have to thank me. I want to support you."

She smiled when Jack lowered his head, and a slight color of red began to creep around the edges of his face. She secretly loved it that she could make him blush.

"Hey you two." Connie stated as she and Steven walked up quickly followed by Cory and Steph.

"Hey guys."

"Would you all like to eat before the game at Abagail's?"

Jack looked toward Elizabeth seeking what she wanted to do.

"Sounds nice. Jack, would you like to pick me up at my home or would you like to meet me there?"

Jack smiled at his girlfriend. He loved that she always suggested he pick her up. Sometimes he would and other times he'd meet her there, but she understood it was important to him to pick her up if he could. She didn't necessarily understand it, but knew it was important to him. Since she didn't really care either way, she always gave him the option.

"At least this time I would like to pick you up. Are you ok with that?"

"Sure. What time do you all want to meet?"

"Let's do four thirty. That will give us enough time to eat and make it for the girl's game." Cory stated.

"Perfect." Jack turned his attention toward Elizabeth. "I'll be by your home at four?"

"Great."

The group walked down the hallway and dispersed toward their cars when they reached the parking lot.

Jack slightly pulled Elizabeth's hand just before they reached her mini cooper. When she turned around, their eyes instantly connected. She knew he wanted to say something that was important to him.

"Ms. T…thank you for letting me pick you up."

"Jack…you don't have to thank me. I enjoy being with you."

"Me too…I just know you like to drive, and you don't think it's important that I pick you up, yet you always suggest me to. I appreciate that you think enough of me to give me that option."

"If I may ask, why is it so important to you? I mean, I enjoy the time with you and all."

"I do enjoy the extra time with you." He hesitated for a moment. "I guess I just learned it from Pa. As a couple, we work together. The same way a marriage works. The man and woman work together. I just think a guy takes the lead. He doesn't lead by being a bully or with a heavy fist but takes the lead with his wife beside him. This is a simple way of me showing you that I can care for you."

She could tell Jack was very nervous. He was shifting from foot to foot and rubbing the back of his neck. She knew this was a way he could provide for her. She wasn't the type of girl that wanted to be dictated to. In the beginning, she would flare up at him for such statements. However, she also knew him, and he didn't want to be controlling. He just wanted to love her, and this was one way he did that. She was grateful for his heart.

"We work together." She softly stated as she rubbed his cheek.

"Together."

"Now, what should I wear?"

"You don't have to change. What you are wearing is perfectly ok."

"Hey…" She stated holding her phone in front of them. "…let's take a selfie."

"Have we done that before?"

"I don't think so." She thought out loud. "We've taken pictures, but not a selfie."

Jack moved beside her and offered a huge smile. He placed his cheek against her cheek.

"One…two…three…" Elizabeth counted.

When she hit three, Jack pinched her bottom at the moment she touched the screen for the picture. She jumped a little and made a funny looking face.

"Jack!" She squealed in surprise. "What are you doing?"

Jack chuckled at his silliness. "That was a lot of fun." He laughed again.

She looked at the picture.

"Oh, that's a great one. Please send that to me."

"Only if you take a serious picture." She warned him.

Secretly, she loved his silliness. Plus, she did like that he touched her bottom. That was the first time doing that since the Duck Park.

"Fine, but you have to send me both of them."

He leaned in again and she took a perfect picture of them.

"Nice." She stated.

After a nice kiss, she stepped into her car after throwing her backpack in the back seat. She squeezed his hand three times, and he reciprocated the act.

…

"So, are you ready for tonight?"

"Sure. I'm a little nervous but I always am. Are you still coming?"

"Sure am. Bethie was supposed to pick up the tickets today at school."

"Nice. We went ahead and bought season tickets for all home games."

"Tom, that's a great idea. Where can I get those?"

"You want season tickets?"

"Well, I figured we'll go to as many games as Jack and Elziabeth allows us."

"But you've never even went to a basketball game.

"I know, but this is Jack."

Tom nodded his head. He fully understood what William meant. As much as he thought of Elizabeth as his daughter, William thought of Jack as his son just as much.

"Now, are you going to yell?"

"Tom, I'm not a person who yells."

"True, but a basketball game has a way of making you change."

"Do you yell?"

Tom let out a loud, belly laugh. His Charlette was the screamer of the family. Many times, Tom would slide down the bleachers because of his wife's yelling. He would often grab her knee trying to keep her calm, but he quickly just quit trying.

"Not me…Charlette…well, let's just say she has been noticed once or twice."

"Charlette yells? I see her as a determined woman but not someone who yells."

"Just you wait and see. You and Grace are more than welcome to sit with us. You are also more than welcome to move if Charlette gets to be too much."

"We wouldn't do that."

"I do." Tom laughed.

"What does Jack do?"

"He says he's too concentrated on the game that he doesn't hear her. I don't know how that is even possible." Tom nodded his head.

"We'll see you there a little before six."

"If you're free before, join Charlette, Tom, and I for dinner. We're going to Abagail's at five."

"We'll see you there."

…

Jack and Elizabeth walked into Abagail's and noticed their friend group, Cory, Steph, Connie, Steven, Lee, and Rosemary all sitting at a table that was made up by pushing several smaller tables together. There were two seats open just for them. Connie and Steph waved them over.

"You know, that is a pretty good friend group."

"Connie, Steph, and I have been friends since grade school. They are great. Rosey just joined in like she has always belonged there."

"Thanks for taking her into your group. I know she can be too much at times, but she has a great heart."

"She really does. She's a great friend who is hilarious. We like having her around. And you, Cory, and Steven?"

"We get along very well. I like them. It's pretty cool that we are all dating a friend group."

"It's almost like it was meant to be."

"I am dating a very smart young lady."

The group's conversation was lively and fun. While it may have been a little on the noisy side, it wasn't loud. No one person dominated the conversation. They all laughed at Rosemary's theatrical expressions. Cory found several laughs as he described Jack's failure to guard him in practice. Cory was almost a good foot taller than Jack.

The group didn't look up when the door opened. Frank walked into the dining room and immediately heard and saw the group of teens. He made a stop and said hi to Jack and Elizabeth. Then he turned his attention to the rest of the group. He found his way to Abagail at the counter. They were set to have an early dinner and then go to the game. They quickly fell in love with Jack and his family. They already loved Elizabeth.

Just a few minutes after sitting with his wife, Frank looked up when William, Grace, and Julie walked into the restaurant immediately followed by Thomas, Charlette, and Tom. The parents made a quick appearance at the teen's table to say hello. They had no desire to crash their fun. They made their way to Frank and Abagail when they motioned for them to join. They all moved tables so everyone could be accommodated. Their discussion was just as lively as the teen group.

The adults made an effort to leave the café before the teens. Both groups didn't ignore the other. They were just wrapped up with their own discussions. Thomas and William asked for and paid for the teen's table without the group knowing. Frank and Abagail insisted that the adult's table was on them.

…

As the adults parked their cars and began to walk into the school towards the ticket table, Grace noticed Mr. Jackson.

"Good evening."

"Good evening, Mrs. Thatcher. How are you?"

"I'm good Mr. Jackson." Grace took a moment to introduce her husband.

"Mrs. Thatcher, I'm surprised to see you here." He stated as William paid for two season tickets.

"My Elizabeth is dating Jack Thornton."

"Oh, that's right."

"How is she doing in your class."

"Well…" He stated slowly. "She is making an 'A' in the class."

"I didn't think she was good with paining."

"She isn't." Mr. Jackson pulled up the picture he took of her latest sketch.

"What is it supposed to be?"

"I'll let you ask her that question."

"Wow…that's awful."

"Yes Mr. Thatcher. She is a talented young lady, but sketching and painting is not one of them.

"Well, I'm assuming you are grading on a curve."

"Not a curve, effort."

The adult group of adults made their way to the gym and the home side of the bleachers. They sat in the middle section of the three sections of bleachers. They were three rows from the top. It was the first row of bleachers that could sit all of them.

"This is exciting."

"I agree Grace. It is. I have always enjoyed watching Jack play."

"So Charlette, what am I to expect? I haven't been to one of these before."

"Well, Tom says I can get too loud."

"Really?"

"Yeah, but I don't see it. Hey, let me ask…what do you all do for Thanksgiving?"

"We usually just have dinner at home. Sometimes William's sister will come but we don't do too much. We mostly celebrate Christmas. Why?"

"Well, we are thinking about going back to Buxton to visit my parents for three days. We would leave the day before Thanksgiving and arrive that day. Then spend Thanksgiving day with my family. We would arrive home back home on Saturday."

"That sounds lovely."

"Well…"

"What are you not wanting to ask me?"

"What would you think if Elizabeth comes with us? She could meet Jack's grandparents on my side. He could also show her around where he used to live."

"You want Elizabeth to go with your family on Thanksgiving?"

Charlette was beginning to regret asking. She knew it was a big ask. She hadn't even talked to Jack about it but knew he would enjoy having her there.

"I'm sorry, Grace. I just thought…"

Grace reached for Charlette's hand. "It's ok. I just never thought about Elizabeth going somewhere else. That was before she began dating someone. I'll talk with William and with Bethie. If they are ok with it, it is fine with me."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"If she goes with us, Jack would spend Christmas day with you all if you would like."

"That would be nice."

"We could do Christmas Eve with us and then you all would have him on Christmas Day."

"Oh Charlette, that would work fine with us. Then next year, they would spend Thanksgiving with us and Christmas Day with you."

"Perfect. Every year we would just alternate."

"That would be perfect."

Grace followed Charlette's eyes to the group of teens walking down the bleachers to the student section. The girls' team was already on the court warming up.

…

"I'm sorry?" Mrs. Wilson asked.

"You and your son, Adam, are on the pass list."

"I don't know what a pass list is." She stated still holding her wallet and her purse with money in hand.

"The team has a pass list. Each player has two tickets they can give to anyone they want. They give the names to the coach. He adds them to his pass list. Anyone on the list gets in free. A Jack Thornton has Mrs. Wilson and Adam Wilson on the list. As a matter of fact…" Mr. Jackson stated. "…the whole special ed group is on the list by several of the players."

"Really?" Mrs. Wilson stated a little shocked.

"Yes ma'am. I hope you two have a great time tonight."

Mr. Jackson smiled at this woman. She just stood there a little shocked and not knowing what to do. The conversation just wasn't registering. She turned toward Adam and noticed his little smile.

"Mrs. Wilson, Jack thinks of the world of Adam. You should see them every day in the morning and at lunchtime. Jack hugs him and twirls him around every time. It's really something to see."

"Thank you."

"Your welcome. Have a nice time."

She turned to her son. He signed Elizabeth's and Jack's name. She smiled at her son and then took his hand to walk toward the gym.

Adam walked to the top portion of the gym where the handrail is located. He looked around and noticed Jack and Elizabeth standing on the bleachers. They had sat down with the group, but moved to speak to their parents for a moment. They wanted to thank them for paying everyone's bill at Abagail's. Once Adam saw them, he signed their name again and then began to lead his mother to them.

"Good evening, Jack…Elizabeth." Mrs. Wilson stated.

"Mrs. Wilson." Elizabeth exclaimed and stepped to give her a hug.

"It's great to see you." Jack stated.

Mrs. Wilson stepped forward and gave Jack a hug and whispered 'thank you' as she hugged him. Jack nodded his head in acknowledgement. Then Jack and Elizabeth turned toward their parents. They introduced Mrs. Wilson to their parents.

"You two have raised a great son and daughter."

Grace and Charlette smiled and fought back tears at the sincerity of her voice. Tom and William nodded their heads.

"Mrs. Wilson, Jack and I were going back to the student section. Would you mind if Adam goes with us?"

"I'm not sure." She began to say. She quit talking when Adam took Elizabeth's and Jack's hand and began to lead them to the group. She only watched them as they walked away. "Well…I guess I'm not invited."

"Oh, that's the student section. I don't think parents are allowed." Grace laughed.

"Would you please sit with us?"

"Yes, Mrs. Thornton."

"Please, call me Charlette."

"And call me Grace."

"Please call me Linda."

"Well Linda, you have an important son to my Jack. He thinks the world of Adam."

"Elizabeth says the same thing."

Linda took a few moments to share with the two families the things that Jack and Elizabeth have done for her son. Fresh tears were flowing down her cheeks.

"Well, from what Jack stated, Adam has done more for him then he had done for Adam."

"Elizabeth says the same thing."

Throughout the game, Linda would glance down toward the student section toward her son. He was in the middle of the student group section with other members of the special ed group. There were about sixty teens and part of the special ed group was in the middle of all the action. The scene in front of her did her mother's heart good.

…

The parents were enjoying the lady's game and the company of everyone present. Linda folded in the group without any issues. The chatter was ongoing. When the buzzer sounded to indicate the end of the third period, the group noticed Jack gave Adam a hug that lifted him off the ground. Then Jack hugged and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek. He whispered something to her, but they couldn't understand what he said. Grace smiled at her daughter's smile.

Grace and William watched intently when Jack ran up the few steps toward the group. Jack quickly leaned in and kissed his mother on the cheek. "I love you, Ma." Then he repeated the act with Grace. After kissing her on the cheek, he spoke. "Thank you, mom, for coming." She was a little surprised at his actions but welcomed the action willingly. Then he fist bumped his father and then William.

When the girl's game ended, Elizabeth and Adam walked toward their parents. Elizabeth didn't know what was happening, but Jack told her there would be a little bit of time between games. They all looked toward the court when the crowd cheered. Elizabeth intently watched for Jack but didn't see him until he was at the end of the line.

"Why is Jack at the end?"

"Well, usually the starting five will lead the group. Then it is the seniors, then juniors, then sophomores, then followed by the freshmen."

"Ok…why is Jack last? He said he is starting."

"He is. He always does that. He doesn't like the freshmen being the last one. He thinks it makes them feel bad."

"So…he does it because he doesn't want anyone to feel bad?"

Tom nodded his head. Elizabeth fell in love with her boyfriend even more. She smiled when Adam took her hand and pointed toward the student section where they were standing and sitting.

"Would you like a snack?"

Adam began to wave his arms when he was excited. Elizabeth turned toward Mrs. Wilson.

"Would you mind if we get a snack and then we will go back to our seats?"

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

"Here." Linda gave her some money. "He likes coke and a Milky Way or Twix candy bar. He also likes skittles."

"Got it." Elizabeth exclaimed as she accepted the money and then reached out for Adam's hand. He immediately took it.

"Bring me a Coke Zero if you don't mind or I'll tell Jack you are holding the hand of a handsome young man." Grace smirked.

"For your information, he told me to take care of his guy just before he told me he…" Her voice trailed off. She almost told them that Jack proclaimed his love for her.

"Told you just before…?" Sassed Grace in a questioning voice.

"Asked me to take care of his guy." She sassed back.

"I don't think so."

"We'll be in the student section if you need us." She stated as her and Adam turned to walk away.

…

"What do you think?"

"About?"

"Your brother playing?"

"Oh, I'm used to it. We always attend his games. I love the socialness of it. I'm proud of him, but sports aren't my thing."

"You know my secret, what about yours?"

"Secret?"

"About my secret with fashion and designing clothes."

"That's not a secret any longer." He chuckled at her frustrated expression. This stays between us?" Tom asked.

"Tom…of course. You know me."

"I would like to be an architect."

"As in designing buildings?"

"Yeah…a structural architect. I like to plan things out and build them."

"I never knew that about you." She asked as he watched Jack perform a layup.

"Like you with your fashion designing, I haven't told anyone."

Julie nodded her head. She completely understood Tom's thinking. They were a lot alike. She reached for his hand.

"It's weird isn't it…"

"You know, it is. We are a lot alike."

"You know…I think I like it that way."

"Me too."

…

Like the football game, the students stood when the public announcer came on the system and began to introduce the players. Elizabeth was a little surprised when the public announcer began to introduce the starting lineup. She didn't know they did that. She made eye contact with Charles once when the team was coming off the court just before the introductions. She didn't return his smile. Her eyes immediately turned to Jack. When he replaced the last ball into the ball rack, he turned around and looked directly into Elizabeth's eyes. She smiled from ear to ear. She saw the sparkle in his eyes and knew immediately what he was thinking. She patted her chest twice and mouthed 'I love you' to him. Jack patted his chest. His smile and eyes told her he loved her.

The other team's lineup was announced first. She watched intently when the team formed two lines for the starting lineup to be announced. The five players remained sitting on the bench – Jack, Steven, Cory, Sam, and Charles. Jack was on one end. He was the third person called. She cheered when his name was announced. He stood and jogged through the tunnel of players and fist pumped his teammates except for Charles. Then she watched him jog to the opposing team's head coach and shook his hand. Then he moved to the officials repeating the act. He joined his teammates and stood beside Cory. She smiled at the intensity on his face.

Elizabeth watched closely as Cory and the other tall player from the other team stood in the middle of the court. Everyone else stood around the small circle. Jack was standing close to one end and another guy was standing by the other end. Cory jumped and tipped the ball to the other team.

After a few seconds, Jack stole the ball on a pass and took off down the court as fast as he could. Elizabeth cheered along with everyone else. When he got close to the goal, instead of taking the layup himself, he tossed the ball in the air just in front of the rim. Elizabeth thought he missed the shot. That was until Cory jumped up and grabbed the ball and then thunderously dunked the ball through the goal. The rim broke away like it was intended to do. It snapped back to place when Cory let go of the rim. Before he landed on the court, the crowd erupted in a loud cheer, especially the student section. The whole home side of the gym stood to their feet and yelled, clapped, and waved their hands in excitement. Elizabeth couldn't remember being in such a loud place.

Steph wrapped her arm around Elizabeth's shoulder, and they were both jumping and screaming. Elizabeth stopped jumping when she felt the section the students were standing on begin to move. She was afraid for a moment that it would collapse. While the visitor side may have been quiet, the gym was rocking with excitement.

…

"Tom! That was awesome!" William pushed Tom's shoulder. "Did you see that?!" He shouted over the crowd. He had jumped up when he saw Jack steal the ball and ran toward the goal. Along with everyone else, he cheered when Cory dunked the ball. He watched Jack jog up the court to be in defensive position.

Charlette stood and somehow produced a pom pom and was vigorously shaking it. Her face was red with her yelling. The whole home side of the court remained standing. Grace watched her husband standing and cheering as loud as she ever heard him. While she did cheer, she didn't lose her mind like her husband.

The opposing team drippled the ball down the court. They missed their shot. Steven rebounded and passed the ball to Jack. He walked the ball up the court waiting for the team to be in position. He passed the ball to Charles and jogged toward the corner. The play called for Charles to pass the ball to Jack in the corner where he was supposed to pass the ball down low to Steven or take the shot himself. Instead, Charles threw the ball in the other direction. Sam wasn't expecting the pass, and the pass wasn't a good one. The ball ended up in the second row of the crowd. The turnover killed some of the excitement from the crowd.

"Charles!" Coach Franklin yelled. "What are you doing?! Run the play!"

The fans except for the student section sat down. Jack ran up the court beside Cory and Steven.

"Hey…watch number fifty five. Steven…they're coming your way." Jack stated.

Steven nodded his head and wiped away a little sweat on his forehead. After a couple of passes around the outside, the pass went to the player Jack mentioned. Steven was ready for it and stole the ball. This caused the fans to get loud again. After receiving the ball, Jack drippled the ball down the court. The defense wasn't paying much attention. Jack quickly drove the ball down the lane. When the extra defender came to help guard Jack, he bounce passed the ball to Steven. He drippled one time and dunked the ball. Once again, the crowd jumped to their feet with the same excitement as before. Cory gave Steven a high five.

"He makes plays for everyone else." William stated. "That's incredible!"

"That's what he does best." Tom stated with pride.

As Jack and his teammates ran up the court to play defense, the opposing coach called time out. The home crowd began to cheer even louder. Jack joined his teammates in a small huddle that was surrounded by the other players who weren't in the game. He wiped his face off when he was handed a towel by one of the girls that helped with water.

Elizabeth was so consumed with watching Jack, she didn't know that Adam left her side. She didn't notice him until she saw him approach Jack on the court. She began to step out of her place to go and get him. She realized that he handed Jack a Gatorade bottle and gave him a hug. Jack gave him a smile and hugged him back while the coach was talking. She could only smile as Adam walked back up the steps with a hug smile on his face. He gave her a hug and then stepped back to his place with her. She shrugged her shoulders and determined to keep a closer eye on him.

…

At halftime, Elizabeth and Adam joined their parents in the middle section of the bleachers.

"Are you having fun?" Linda asked her son. She smiled when he nodded his head. "But son, you can't be in the huddle with Jack."

Elizabeth watched him make a hand gesture. She turned her attention to Linda.

"He signed that Jack was thirsty."

Elizabeth laughed. "Well, the coach didn't say anything." She shrugged her shoulders.

"Mom…you having fun?"

"I am, sweetheart."

"Yes, I can hear you all the way in the student section."

"Are you sassing me?" Charlette playfully pointed her finger at Elizabeth.

"Maybe…Father, I can most certainly hear you." Elizabeth cut her eyes toward her father.

For the whole first half, William screamed for most of it. He hasn't been to a high school basketball game since his high school days. He wasn't sure why he yelled so much, but his voice was getting a little hoarse because of it. He just assumed it was to do with Jack. He was challenging Charlette in the yelling department.

"There is no way you can hear me in that student section. You haven't even sat down once."

"Oh, we can most certainly hear you." The group of adults laughed. Steph walked up to the group and handed Adam a coke and another bag of skittles. Adam made a sign.

"That means thank you. But dear, you didn't have to do that."

"I know Mrs. Wilson. He likes them."

"Now, if I remember correctly, you are dating one of the young men."

"Yes ma'am. Cory, he's number fifteen."

"Oh…he's the one with the huge dunk to begin the game." Grace stated.

"Yes, I didn't know he could do that." Steph's voice had some pride in the tone.

"Are you having fun dear?"

"Yes mother. I am." Elizabeth answered honestly.

…

"Cory…Steven…great job controlling the painted area. You two have really done a great job on the offensive and defensive side of the court. Keep it up." Coach Franklin stated. "Sam, great defense. You have shut down their best scorer. Keep doing what you're doing. Jack, great way to lead everyone. You're getting everyone involved. I know you only have six points, but you are setting everyone up and it is paying off. We're up by twelve. Great job. Charles, step it up on offense. Run the play that's call. Quit being a rebel on us out there. Alright gentlemen, you have five minutes before we go back out. Rest up and make sure you drink plenty of fluids."

"Yes coach." He heard from several different players. He was very pleased with the team's effort. The team they're playing is a good team. However, his team is decisively out playing them.

The players sat around for a few minutes. Cory, Sam, and Steven were really enjoying the game. This is the best they have played since they could remember. Things just flowed well, and everyone was playing very well and having fun.

Coach Franklin pulled Jack aside as the team was about to go out and warm up. "Jack, I know your box score won't be great in the morning, but you are playing a great game. Your defense is stellar, but most importantly, you are distributing the ball to everyone. Steven and Cory are dominating the paint area because of the passes you are giving them. You are truly leading this team in the best way possible. Keep up the good work."

"Thanks coach. I don't care what my box score is. I just want us to play well and win."

"That's why you're a good leader, Jack. Hey, what's with that guy who brings you drinks during the time outs?"

"Oh…" Jack spent a moment telling his coach about Adam and what he means to him.

"Fine…I don't have a problem with it. Hey, if he wants to be a water guy let me know."

"I'm not sure."

"Tell you what, give him this." Coach Franklin walked to the closet and pulled out a large, plastic tub. After opening the tub, he pulled out one of the pullovers the team wears over their uniforms for warm ups. "I think he may like this."

"Thanks coach. He'll love it."

"Take it. Give it to him when we go back out in a couple of minutes."

"Thanks!"

…

"Hey Doll Face!" Jack exclaimed as he climbed the four steps up the bleachers when the team walked out onto the court.

"Hey…what are you doing?"

He flashed her a huge smile. She understood his true meaning. His eyes tore away from Elizabeth's when he noticed Adam's hand waving beside her.

"There's my guy!" Jack exclaimed. "Is my girlfriend taking care of my guy?"

Adam nodded his head and laid his head on Elizabeth shoulder. The gesture melted both Jack's and Elizabeth's hearts.

"Thank you." He whispered to Elizabeth.

"You're right Jack, he's a great guy."

"No stealing my girlfriend." He playfully poked Adam on the arm. Adam returned his playing with a huge grin. "Hey, I have something for you since you are helping me out."

Jack unfolded the pull over and showed it to him. Adam's head shot straight up from Elizabeth's shoulder and his eyes opened with pure delight. He pointed to himself.

"Yes, it's yours for helping me out. Thank you. It's just like mine." He pointed to his pullover.

Jack placed it around Adam's neck. He helped with his right hand and Elizabeth helped Adam with his left. "Now, your one of us."

Adam hugged Jack with his mouth wife open.

"And where's mine?" Sassed Elizabeth.

"Well, you haven't brought me anything to drink." He sassed right back.

"Come on Thornton! We still have a game to play." Coach Franklin called out.

"You're playing well." Elizabeth quickly stated.

"Who told you that?" He flirted.

"Your father." She stated with a smile.

Jack made eye contact with her for just a moment. He reached for her hand and quickly squeezed it three times. "Sorry, I've got to go."

"Play well."

…

Linda, Grace, and Charlette wiped away a tear watching what Jack was doing for Adam. They realized it was the same pullover everyone on the team had. Linda could never remember Adam's smile being so bright.

"That was sweet." Grace stated.

"It was…why would he do that?" Linda whispered softly as she continued to wipe away tears.

"He thinks the world of Adam."

Linda nodded at Charlette.

"Bethie told me that Adam gave him a hug on the first day of school. She said that Jack told her that he really needed the hug since he was nervous about starting a new school and didn't know anyone. He told her that he needed the hug way more than Adam did."

"I didn't know that."

"That's what she said."

Linda took a deep breath. "Charlette, you raise a fine young man in that boy of yours. And you, Grace, you did just as good of a job with Elizabeth. She has been with Adam all game. I know she must have wanted to watch the game without the worry of keeping up with someone else."

"From where I sit, you did a great job with that son of yours. Plus, I think Elizabeth is having more fun with Adam than she would have without him."

"Most people aren't mean to him. They just don't know how to be around him since he is nonverbal and a little different."

"Then they are missing out on a true blessing." Charlette stated with Grace nodding her head in agreement.

…

Elizabeth couldn't believe how much fun she was having. Having her friends with her in the middle of an excited student section only played to the excitement. Every time there was a timeout, Jack would glance up in her direction. Their eyes would meet for only a moment. She knew he was concentrating on the game but was thankful for the few stolen seconds of acknowledging her presence. Jack may not know how to say things well at times. However, he had no trouble in showing her he loved her. She remembered what Charlette told her early on that Jack may stumble over words but he would show her his heart.

Jack would smile each time he looked up walking toward the bench. He would immediately make eye contact with her, but he noticed she was already looking in his direction. For some reason, that made him feel very loved. She just has this way of loving him that spoke directly to his heart.

With just two minutes left in the game, the coach pulled all the starters out since they were up by twenty. Cory and Steven played their best games ever. Cory had twenty eight points and Steven had twenty four. They each had twelve rebounds. They completely dominated the paint area on offense and defense. Sam had a nice game as well. He scored sixteen points. That was a personal record for him. Charles added fourteen, but he also had several turnovers. The coach constantly yelled at him for not running the play as called. Jack ended up with fifteen points, but he had sixteen assists. He was passing the ball well and getting the other players perfect opportunities to score.

Jack smiled when he felt a bottle on his right shoulder. He knew who brought it to him. Elizabeth had quit a long time ago from trying to keep Adam from bringing Jack something to drink. After handing Jack a bottle of Gatorade, Adam would stop by the cooler and pick up another bottle and bring it back to the seat with him. He repeated that process each time.

"Thanks." Jack gave Adam a smile. He stole a quick glance at Elizabeth before Cory tapped him on the shoulder.

"Thanks man."

"You played well, Cory."

"So did you. That was a lot of fun. Hey, do you think Steph saw that massive dunk?"

"I sure hope so." Jack winked at him.

…

The final buzzer finally sounded, and the home crowd began to cheer in their support. Elizabeth watched as the two teams lined up and shook hands. She watched Jack walk off the court toward their locker room. She really didn't know what was going on. She was hoping that Jack hadn't forgotten about her. He was her ride. However, her parents were here so they could take her home if necessary.

She reached for Adam's hand. "Come on, I bet your mom is looking for you."

Adam just smiled. He also grinned as he pulled at his warmup pullover.

"I can't believe you got one and I didn't." Elizabeth laughed at Adam's huge smile.

She and Adam walked toward the very top of the bleachers where her and Jack's parents were already standing. They looked like they all had fun.

"Father, did you know that referee?"

"No sweetheart. Why would you ask that?" William's voice was a little rough from all the yelling.

"I just figured you had a personal issue with him since you yelled at him the whole night." Elizabeth sassed. "And you…" She turned her attention toward Charlette.

"Don't start with me, sweetheart." Charlette patted her cheek.

"Did you have fun?" Linda asked her son.

Everyone smiled at his exuberant smile. He vigorously nodded his head.

"Excuse me, Ms. Thatcher."

"Coach…" Elizabeth couldn't remember his name.

"Coach Brown. Nice to see you again."

William and Grace looked at the man as he walked up toward the group.

"Yes, Coach Brown. This is my father and mother, William and Grace Thatcher."

"Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher. I'm Coach Brown from Bryan's University."

"Nice to meet you."

"Coach Brown, this is Jack's mother and father, Tom and Charlette Thornton."

Brown stepped up and shook both of their hands. "Good evening. I'm the head basketball coach at Bryan's University. I spoke with your son about a month ago or so."

"Yes, he briefly told us."

"He played a very good game tonight."

"I think he did."

"I would like to discuss with you and your son about maybe coming to Bryan's University for a visit. I would like to show you all the school and the facilities we have to offer. Ms. Thatcher, we would like for you and your family to come as well. Mrs. Callahan is extending an invitation to you. We thought maybe you all could come soon."

"That's very nice of you. Why would you want to show Jack the school?"

"Oh, he didn't tell you everything. We are interested in offering him a scholarship to play basketball and attend Bryan's University."

"A scholarship?"

"Yes Mrs. Thornton. We like what we see. We would like to meet with you all before we formally offer the scholarship, but we are leaning in that direction. I know Ms. Thatcher has shown great interest in the school. Mrs. Callahan would love to show her and her family around."

"I haven't heard of the school."

"Tom, it's one of the best schools for a teaching degree." William stated. "Bethie has been looking at it for a year or two.

"Not one of the best schools." Brown gently corrected. "It is the best school for a teaching degree."

…

Jack stepped out of the locker room and began to walk across the court looking for his girlfriend and family. He noticed them all standing on top of the bleachers talking to some tall guy. His back was to Jack. He couldn't see who it was. He was about ten feet away when Elizabeth noticed him. She left the group and gave Jack a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Hey, you played well."

"Thanks."

"Coach Brown is here."

"Coach Brown…from Bryan's?"

"Yes."

"There he is." Coach Brown bellowed out. "You had yourself a good game young man."

"I didn't score a lot."

"No, but you played just like we would want our point guard to play, good defense and the quarterback for the offense."

"Thank you." Jack stated as he released his hold on Elizabeth. He hugged and kissed his mother and then repeated the gesture for Grace. He walked back to Elizabeth and took her hand as she extended it.

"Jack, Elizabeth, we would like for you two to come and visit our school with your parents."