Chapter 26

Elizabeth was waiting for Jack at school the following day after the basketball game. She had more fun than she could ever imagine. She enjoyed watching Jack play. She thought his intense face while he played was just too adorable. She enjoyed the dinner before the game with Jack and all their friends. Sitting in the stands with all of them during the girl's game was fun. She did miss being with Jack as he played, but she loved the excitement of the student section. The energy was contagious. She loved that she experienced that excitement with Steph and Connie.

If basketball games were that much fun, she wished she would have begun to attended games during her freshman year. The only flaw with that thought was that Jack was in Buxton years ago. She knew it was Jack that made the night so much fun. When he dropped her off, he walked her to the front door. Secretly she loved that he would do that. She closed her eyes, and she could still feel his lips when they gently touched her lips. His kisses were just magical in her sight. He huffed and smiled at her instance in texting her when he was home. They both realized that was just another way of saying 'I love you'.

She looked up and noticed that Jack was riding his bike into the parking lot. She intently watched him ride it to the bike rack. She quickly got out of her car and grabbed her backpack from the back seat. "Why is he riding his bike?" She asked herself.

…

"Jack woke up a little sore from the game before. He was always a little sore the day after a game. He decided he needed to ride his bike to work out some of the soreness. He reached for his phone and turned on his Apple music. Then he quickly sent Elizabeth a good morning text.

"Are you really not driving today?" Tom whined.

"No. I'm sore. I need to ride my bike to work out the soreness."

"Good grief. I've already missed the bus."

"I'll take you."

"Thanks mom."

Jack kissed his mother's cheek and Gibbs slapped Tom on the back of his head.

"I'll see you at school."

…

"Is that old truck already broken down?"

"Hey…why are you dissing Princess Beth II?"

"Are you really sticking with that name?" She huffed.

"I am. Didn't you see the front license plate, Princess Beth?"

"Jack, that's not my name." She huffed again. "Why are you riding Big Red?"

"Big Red? Why do you call my bike that?"

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders as she adjusted her backpack. She couldn't keep the laugh from escaping her pierced lips. She loved the little banter between them.

"I'm a little sore this morning. Riding my bike helps me work out the soreness. Ms. T."

"Jarrick, why do you call me Ms. T?"

"Well…you have this absolutely adorable expression of frustration when I call you Princess Beth." The flirty smile and expression in his eyes paused her brain for a moment. She shook her head trying to get her brain to engage as they began to walk toward the front door. She reached for his hand when he extended his hand for her to take. "I like Doll Face and Bella too."

"I like the last two much more than the first one."

Jack pulled her hand so she would be closer to him as they walked. "True…I also like Ms. T."

"Why?" She asked as he reached for the front door. She noticed when he rubbed the back of his neck quickly as she began to walk through the door. She knew that was his nervous tick. There had to be a story behind the new nickname.

"There's my guy!" Jack exclaimed as he noticed Adam walking toward them in the hall.

"We're not finished with this conversation, Mr. Thornton."

"Yes Ms. T."

Her smile grew when Jack walked into a hug from Adam. He picked his guy up and twirled him around a complete circle. When Jack released Adam, he hugged Elizabeth. John was quickly behind Adam expecting his fist bump. Elizabeth smiled when she noticed that Adam was still in the warmup pullover Jack gave him at halftime. Her smile grew even more when she heard "Princess Beth" from two different young girls from the special ed group. A second later, she heard, "Princess Steph and Princess Connie."

…

Charles and Sam walked past the huge group. Sam nodded toward Jack, Cory, and Steven. They returned his gesture.

"That guy…" Charles fumed.

"Charles, you need to check yourself when it comes to Jack. He's a good guy and a great addition to the team."

"He took my spot."

"He did, and I think he earned it. He had a ton of assists last night. He got everyone involved, even you. Everyone played well and it was because of him."

"He stole my girlfriend!"

"Charles, she wasn't your girlfriend."

"Sure she was. We did everything together."

"Not everything." Sam shook his head. He could see the total crash Charles was heading toward. He just wouldn't let this Jack and Elizabeth thing go. At first, he kind of sided with Charles even though he just didn't really care. Now, Charles went too far with everything. The dirty play at the first unofficial practice. His refusing to run the play last night if it had the potential of helping Jack get the shot. Charles' little comments about the kidnapping and his attitude in general. It wasn't wearing thin any longer. It was way past that point. Their exact same conversation concerning Jack and Elizabeth was wearing thin on him. "She's been with him for a while now. They seem happy. Accept it or you will crash and burn."

"I will have what's mine." He huffed.

"You will earn everything that is coming your way." Sam stated as he sped up walking. He was basically done with Charles.

…

"Charlette, I spoke with William last night after the game. We are ok with Elizabeth traveling with you over the Thanksgiving break."

"Thank you, Grace. She will have her own room. We will leave the day before Thanksgiving and will come on either Saturday or maybe Sunday."

"That's perfect. We trust you."

"Thank you for allowing her to go with us. I haven't asked Jack yet, but I will speak with him today before he leaves for the football game."

"I'll speak with Elizabeth. I know she will be excited to go."

The two friends spoke for a few minutes. They planned the trip back to Buxton and Grace shared a few thoughts on Christmas. Charlette was happy with the plan for both holidays. While she wouldn't have Jack on Christmas day, she would have Jack and Elizabeth on Christmas Eve.

"Now, what about our youngest?"

"That's funny to me. Tom has always been a guy who didn't spend too much time with a young lady. Somehow, it's different with Julie."

"That's Julie's story as well. There was always a revolving door of boys calling. She isn't allowed to date until she is sixteen."

"The same applies to Tom."

"For some reason, Tom has this relaxing way with her. She's still Julie, but not as high strung."

"Grace…what's the chances of both of my sons marrying both of your daughters?"

"Well…I do believe in my heart that Jack and Elizabeth will be together. I just never thought Julie would ever calm down enough to date more than two weeks."

"I believe our family will be connected in two ways."

"I believe you may be right."

…

"Mr. Callahan…does Ms. Thatcher have something on you? Is she blackmailing you?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Thornton? What do you mean?"

"She's cheating and for some reason you are allowing it."

Mr. Callahan laughed at Jack's declaration. "I do believe math is her subject."

"Blink twice, Mr. Callahan, if you need our help." Jack smiled.

"Jack Thornton! Declared Elizabeth to the laughter of the class as she walked back to her desk after working on the problem on the white board. Everyone laughed except Charles. He was a few chairs away watching the spectacle in front of him.

"Maybe you just need to study a little harder in this subject."

"He's doing quite well, Ms. Thatcher."

"True…but he is a little slow in answering questions."

Jack didn't have to look in her direction to see the pride on her face. He just knew she was gloating at her victory. She always did. While he didn't have to look to see the expression on her face, he had too. She was just too adorable with her victorious expression. He had given up hope in beating her in math. For a few weeks, he was just hoping to beat her one time. He just resigned himself to the fact that he couldn't, and never would, beat her to the answer. However, he did like the little back and forth. The sparkle in her eyes would drive him crazy.

"We're not slow Ms. T…you just answer the…" He stopped when he realized what he was about to say. He didn't want to give her the victory that easily.

"I what, Mr. Thornton?" The victorious look shining through her expression.

"Alright you two…" Mr. Callahan laughed. "…play nice. Don't make me separate you two." He warned as the class began to laugh.

"I wish you would." Huffed Charles under his breath.

…

The friend group were all walking toward the lunchroom. While each girl was walking with her boyfriend, the whole group talked. That was something everyone liked about the group as a whole. They were divided up as couples, but they didn't separate themselves from each other. It was truly a group of couples that became close friends with each other.

"So, what do you think about Bryan's?" Elizabeth asked.

"I'm not sure. I had never heard of the school before. I understand you have been considering it for a while now."

"I have ever since the last part of my sophomore year. It's not too far away from home. But it's far enough." She quickly added. "I love my parents, but I would like to live away from them for a little while."

"I understand that. I always considered a state school. I never thought Ma and Pa could afford a private school. Don't get me wrong, they have always provided for Tom and me. If we wanted something, they always figured out a way to make it happen, but we never had an abundance of anything."

"If the school gives you a scholarship, they wouldn't have to worry about that part of it."

"That's true, but Elizabeth, I'm not good enough for a scholarship. Why do you like the school so much?"

"They have a great reputation for producing teachers. They push you to become the best version of you. The classrooms are small. The university isn't a small school, but it's not huge either. I like the small to medium number of students and the smaller class sizes."

"Yeah. Sounds like you have it figured out that you would like to go there."

"I am strongly leaning toward it." She stated as she walked up to the tray section and took a tray. "I like it. I haven't gone on a visit yet, but I have researched it online."

"Maybe we can do what Coach Brown said last night. We could all go and visit the school."

"You're considering it?"

"I am."

"May I ask why?" She asked hopefully. She was connected with this new guy. She knew in her heart of hearts that she was to be married to this guy. They haven't really spoken about it. They briefly touched the subject just after the kidnapping in the park, but that was a two minute conversation. She's just seventeen years old. She knew her parents wouldn't allow her to get married so young. She wasn't so sure she wanted to get married at such a young age but that still didn't stop her heart and mind from agreeing so easily to the thought of marrying Jack. He was the one for her.

"Well…it is a good teacher's college, and it is well respected. Their name carries some weight in that field. Their basketball team is pretty good. I like Coach Brown from what little I know of him. If the scholarship comes through, that would be a huge help to Ma and Pa."

"All that's true…And…?" She whispered hopefully as she reached for a bowl of fruit.

Jack ginned that dimpled grin she loved so much. He reached for her hand and gently squeezed it three times. In that moment, she had her answer. She wished he would just say it out loud. However, she perfectly understood his gesture. Her heart melted a little.

"That can't be your only reason."

"It isn't, but you do play a major part of the equation. Is that a problem? Do you think I shouldn't consider Bryans?" He grinned even more at her immediate answer. He knew that she wanted him to be with her too.

…

Grace walked downstairs when her phone chirped that the front door opened. They were all accustomed to using the home alarm. Grace's cell phone was synced with the alarm.

"Hey sweetheart. Do you have a moment?"

"Sure mother."

Grace guided her middle daughter to the kitchen.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Maybe some water. Jack will be here in a little bit to pick me up. We're meeting the group at Abagail's before the football game."

"Dress warm. It's supposed to be a little cool tonight, especially when the sun sets."

"So…what is it you want to talk about?"

The two ladies sat down at the bar when Grace handed Elizabeth a bottle of water.

"Charlette and I have been talking…"

"You know…I always felt that you and she were up to something concerning Jack and I. Remember when we caught you on the phone when Jack was here swimming?"

"Fine." Grace huffed. "We meet at Abagail's by chance. We didn't know you and Jack had already met. We talked and she showed me some pictures of Jack and I showed her some pictures of you. That's when she said that she saw you coming out of Abagail's one day."

"I remember that."

"Yes, she said that she knew at that moment that you were going to be someone important to her family."

"She didn't even know me then."

"I know…when she showed me the picture of Jack, I knew the same thing about him."

"How?"

"I don't know…we just knew. So, we had this plan to introduce you two."

"But you didn't."

"No we didn't. You two already met at school. Then you two began dating and then they came here for the cookout."

"So…you two were up to something…I knew it!"

"Technically dear, we haven't done anything."

"True I guess."

"Elizabeth. I have never wanted to run your life. I just knew Jack was someone special and he was perfect for you." Elizabeth nodded her head. "I know you two haven't told anyone that you love each other, but I know you two do. Even if you haven't admitted it to each other or to yourselves."

Elizabeth just smiled. She and Jack hadn't told anyone else that they loved each other. It was just between them. She looked down at the counter and then reached for an apple to avoid her mother's look.

"So…Charlette and I were talking about the upcoming holidays. They will be here before you know it."

"True. Thanksgiving is what…two weeks away."

"It is."

"What have you two figured out?"

"Charlette and the rest of her family is going back to Buxton to visit her mother and father over Thanksgiving break. They will be gone for about three days or so."

Elizabeth dropped her head slightly. She hadn't known that Jack would be leaving for several days. She immediately knew she was going to miss him greatly. She was a little surprised at how attached she was to him.

"She was wanting to know if you wanted to go with them."

"What…?"

"If you want to go with them, your father and I have agreed."

"Really?"

"Yes. You will be staying with them at her parent's home in a bedroom…alone."

Elizabeth laughed. "Mother…you know me."

"I do, and I trust you. Would you like to go with them and see where Jack grew up?"

"I would love too. Why hasn't Jack said anything to me about it?"

"He doesn't know yet. Charlette will speak to him today about it."

Elizabeth could only smile at the thought of seeing where Jack grew up. Plus, she would be with him for three or four days. She would also be with Tom and Charlette. The thought of everything only made her smile increase.

…

"Hey son…you have a moment?"

"Sure…but just a moment. I don't want to be late to pick up Elizabeth. I'm pushing it. We are meeting the group at Abagail's before the game."

"That sounds like a nice evening. Don't forget to get a throw blanket and take with you. It will get cold after the sun goes down. Elizabeth may need it later."

"Thanks. I'll see you later. I'll text and let you know everything."

"Hey before you go, I have something to ask you." Jack stopped walking toward the front door and turned his attention to his mother. "We are going back to grandma's and grandpa's house for Thanksgiving. We'll leave that Wednesday and will be home either Saturday or Sunday."

"Really? It will be great to see them." After a few seconds, his smile faded. He just realized that he would not see Elizabeth during that time.

"Grace and I have been talking…what do you think about Elizabeth coming with us?"

"To Nana's and Pops'?"

"Yes. She can stay in one of the rooms while you and Tom will be somewhere else."

"Will her mother and father allow her to come with us?" He asked a little hopeful and greatly excited about the possibility of Elizabeth coming with them. He was already thinking about all the places he wanted to take her.

"They have agreed. Grace is asking Elizabeth this afternoon to see if she wants to come."

"Thanks Ma. I appreciate you thinking of her."

"We like having her around. Plus, grandma would like to meet your girlfriend."

"Oh… Promise me she will play nice."

Charlette laughed at the fear in Jack's voice. Her mother is a great lady and caring toward everyone. However, she does speak her mind. You have no problem knowing exactly where you stand with her. While Charlette's mother was outspoken, she was loving and cared deeply for the people she loved. She always pushed for Jack to date. He just didn't know how she would react with him bringing a girl to her home.

"You know your grandmother."

"Yeah…that scares me a little."

"Jack! She loves you and cares for you deeply. She will love Elizabeth."

"Yeah, I better warn Elizabeth."

"Probably a smart idea."

…

Tom looked up a few moments after Jack had already left. Julie and her friend Haley were picking him up and then a couple of other friends to eat before going to the game. He was excited to see Julie. He only has one class with her. Much to his surprise, he was missing her. He couldn't ever think of a time when he missed a young lady he was dating.

The discussion with Jack the previous night played in his mind.

"Hey, you have a minute?"

"What's up?"

"You not talking to your girlfriend?" Tom sassed.

"What do you want?"

"This thing with me and Julie…"

Tom's openness about his relationship caught Jack by surprise. Tom was never one who would talk about his girlfriends. As a matter of fact, Jack normally wouldn't hear about the girl until long after she was out of the picture. So, this definitely caught him off guard.

"Ok…out with it!" Jack proclaimed.

"I can't believe I'm coming to my dateless big brother for dating advice." Tom shook his head.

"I'm not dateless…you can always go to Pa."

"Do you love Elizabeth?"

"What…? I thought this was about you and Julie?"

Tom nodded his head. "It is…I just…I just never cared for anyone like this before. You know my track record with girls."

"I do. So, what makes Julie different?"

"I don't know…"

"Tom!" Jack warned in his big brother's tone.

"Fine. I was with her on the bus, and she laughed at another guy's joke. When she sat with me, she was quiet the whole trip to the school. I was jealous. She called me out on it."

"Awe…I wondered what happened." Jack knowingly nodded his head. "I love it when Elizabeth laughs at my silly jokes."

"I've never been jealous before. So, do you love Elizabeth?"

"Tom…I'm not answering that question. That is between Elizabeth and I."

"You know you're not fooling anyone. Mom and dad both know. People at school say so. Why don't you just admit it?"

"What's your question about you and Julie?"

Jack's older brother tone was shining through. Tom knew he wouldn't admit to anything, and it was time to move the conversation on.

"I don't know…I just…Jack, I think I love her."

"Wow! That's odd hearing you say that. Why do you think that way?" Jack sat his book down and gave his little brother his full attention.

"I love being with her. When she laughed at that guy's joke, I instantly went jealous. She's supposed to laugh at my jokes. I find myself looking forward to seeing her. I actually hate only having one class with her. I just miss her Jack."

Jack gave his little brother a knowing smile. That sounded just like him and Elizabeth. He did think his little brother was in love with the younger Thatcher sister.

"That sounds like love to me. Go slow. This is all new to you. Elizabeth and you both told me that she was just like you."

"Yeah…a player." Tom laughed.

"Yeah, but I think you may have just met your match."

"True, but I think I would use the term 'my person'."

"That's major, Tom. I'm happy for you."

"Thanks. And you and Elizabeth?"

Jack didn't have to think about it. "She is my person."

Tom shook his head when he heard the doorbell. He shot up quickly and made his way to the front door. His mom beat him there. She already was opening the door when Tom walked into the living room.

"Hello, Julie. How are you?"

"I'm good Mrs. Thornton."

"Charlette dear." She warned Julie in a mother's tone.

"Yes, Charlette." She smiled. Then she noticed Tom standing a few feet away. "Are you ready?"

"I am." He gave her a smile. "Mom, we're going to eat and then the football game."

"Have fun you two."

As they stepped of the front steps, he extended his hand. Julie smiled and immediately reached for his hand.

"I've missed you."

"I missed you." Julie's smile matched his.

…

Elizabeth had spent the last five minutes looking out the picture window for Jack's truck. She wanted to see him. She was excited about going to Buxton with him and wanted to tell him. He texted her that he was leaving his home. She knew she had a few more minutes to wait. She decided to use the restroom before Jack arrived. She wasn't a big fan of using the bathrooms at the game.

Jack pulled into the driveway and parked beside the water fountain. It had become his parking spot. He smiled as he climbed the steps and the front door opened.

"Hello sir."

"Jack! How are you?"

"I'm fine William. How was your day?"

"It was good. Are you guys eating before the game?"

"Yes, sir."

William pointed Jack to where the seats were on the front porch. They were only sitting down for a couple of minutes before Elizabeth stepped out onto the front porch. She saw Jack's truck in the driveway. She just knew her father had him cornered somewhere. When she opened the door, she could hear her father's and boyfriend's laughter. She could only shake her head.

"So, did you come to see me or him?" She nodded her head toward her father.

"You." His smile overtook his face. His eyes paused her brain for a moment.

"Well, why are you here with him?" She sassed.

"Easy dear." Her father laughed. "You weren't out here when Jack arrived. I'll let him go with you."

"Thank you father."

"Hey Jack, how's the truck?"

"It's great sir. It runs great and everyone loves it."

"I knew you would do well with it. Now, you two have fun."

"Thanks father."

"Thank you sir."

William smiled somewhat when he noticed his daughter accept Jack's arm. He was grateful Jack was a gentleman, but he still struggled a little with his daughter showing affection in front of him. He was grateful they hadn't really kissed in front of him. There was a small kiss here and there, but nothing too much.

As they walked toward the truck, she settled in a little closer to Jack's side. He smiled at her gesture.

"I missed you." He whispered.

"Jack, we were just together an hour ago or so."

"I know…"

"Jack, I missed you too."

"Then why are you giving me a hard time?" He asked and then a second later, he stated. "Never mind." When he saw her little smirk.

Her laughter was music to his ear.

A few feet away from the truck, she began to walk towards the passenger side. Jack slightly pulled her to the driver's side.

"What are you doing?" She asked as he opened the truck door.

Jack handed her the keys. "Here…I want you to drive."

"You want me to drive your truck?" She asked a little shocked.

"Sure…why not?"

"I won't be stealing your man card or anything?" She sassed.

Jack rolled his eyes. "I believe I have already lost it where you are concerned. Here…"

She grinned as she took the keys. She was excited to drive Jack's truck. She began to lean in to kiss him on the lips. Jack pulled back just enough to avoid the kiss.

"What?" She asked confused. He has never avoided kissing her like that.

"Your father is standing on the porch watching us."

"Well then…he better turn his head. I would like a kiss from my boyfriend."

His smile melted her heart. It was full of love. "I love you, Elizabeth."

"I love you, Jack." She stated as she they both leaned in to gently kiss each other.

…

Jack and Elizabeth were sitting in the student section at the football game. Cory, Steph, Steven, Connie, and Rosemary were all sitting on the same row of bleachers. The game was a close game. Lee was having a great game. It was the last football game of the year. If the team won, they would be playing in the first round of the playoffs next week. The whole group cheered when Lee made a huge sack on the quarterback.

Jack looked up at the scoreboard. It was halfway through the second quarter. He wanted something to drink and to use the restroom. He decided to head out now to beat the halftime rush.

"Hey…" He stated leaning into Elizabeth's side and placing his hand on the small of her back. "…I'm going to the restroom and get something from the concession stand. Do you want your normal?"

"Sure. Want me to go with you?"

"No…they won't allow you in the men's restroom." She didn't have to look at him to see his silly grin. She simply rolled her eyes. "I'll be right back." He stated kissing her gently on the cheek.

"Be careful, ok?"

"I'm just going to the restroom and concession stand. It's not that dangerous."

Elizabeth reached for his hand and squeezed it tightly. He saw the concern in her eyes. He knew they worked through that horrible ordeal, but there were still times it would come back to them. He gave her his patent dimpled smile and squeezed her hand three times before he began to step out of the row and onto the steps. She only let go of his hand when distance required it.

"Hey, you ok?" Connie asked leaning into Elizabeth. She was watching Jack walk across the front of the student section to the aisle to walk under the bleachers where the concession stands and restrooms were.

"Yeah…" Elizabeth answered never taking her eyes off Jack until he disappeared down the tunnel under the bleachers.

"Elizabeth…?"

She finally turned to look in her friend's direction. "I don't know…it's just…I'm just overreacting." Her voice trailed off.

Connie placed her hand around Elizabeth's back. She knew there were still things left over after that Monday morning.

"Maybe…maybe not. You can't let that worry steal your time, but you also can't ignore it. You will find that balance."

"Yeah…" Elizabeth softly stated while still looking in the direction where Jack disappeared under the bleachers.

…

"Come on."

"No. You're on your own. You really need to think this through."

"I've done nothing but think this through. It's time."

"No…you are risking everything for nothing. She has already made her mind up."

"He will pay for this!" Charles hissed through clinched teeth.

"Charles, you are being too much with this. You're blinded by this anger."

"He needs to get what he has coming to him!"

…

"Yes mother. Elizabeth will be coming with us for Thanksgiving."

"Oh, I'm so excited to finally get to meet the young lady that turned JayJay's heart."

"She is precious, but he probably won't want you to call him JayJay in front of Elizabeth." Charlette laughed at the thought.

"Nonsense! I'm Nana." She declared with great confidence. "No one corrects Nana." She smirked.

Charlette could only laugh. She knew this was going to be entertaining to watch. Her mother was a great lady, but when her mind was made up, she wasn't going to change it, nor was anyone else.

"She'll stay in the room beside you and the boys will have to stay in the living room. One can sleep on the couch, and we have an air mattress the other one can sleep on."

"I'm sure he would like to show Elizabeth around town."

"He can take Pops' truck. He rarely drives it anymore. We just always take the car."

"He'll like that."

"How is he doing with everything that happened?"

"Pretty well. He met with Pastor Hogan a few times. That really helped."

"That's great. And how is Beth doing with it?"

"It's Elizabeth mom."

"Nonsense. How is she doing?" Charlette's mother dismissed her daughter's statement.

"She's doing well. She also met with Pastor Hogan. He is a family friend. After several meetings, She and Jack both met with him to discuss it together. I still think they have their moments, but all in all they are doing well."

"And you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Charlette!" Warned her mother. She knew her daughter.

"Better now. I was pretty protective at first."

"Making him text you when he went to the restroom?" Sassed the older woman.

"Mother! I wasn't that bad."

"Charlette Milligan…don't make me take you over my knee!"

"You haven't called me by my maiden name in a long time."

"You haven't given me reason to until now." She warned her daughter.

"I was too protective at first. Grace and I talked a lot over the first couple of weeks. She was struggling with the same issues I was dealing with."

"Grace is Beth's mother?"

"Yes. She has been a great friend to me. Even before that horrible time."

"That's great. Now, you mentioned that you thought JayJay and Beth were getting serious?"

"Yes. I believe they are." A smile came across her face.

"Tell me about her."

"Oh mom…you will melt when you see them together. She is a perfect match for my oldest boy."

…

Jack walked past the long line of the women's restroom and around the corner to the men's. He smiled. He never understood why there was always a long line at the women's restroom and always a short line at the men's. He exited the door and turned left to go toward the concession stand. He decided to go to the one on the left. While it was smaller and didn't have the variety to choose from like the larger one on the right, it did have all the things that he and Elizabeth liked. Plus, it didn't have the crowd the other one had. It was mostly used by the away team's fans. Halfway there, he heard his name called.

"Jack!" Hey Jack…wait up!"

Jack sighed at the voice calling him. He turned to see Charles quickly walking up to him. Over the last few weeks, he rarely spoken to him. He didn't like Charles on several levels. He continued to pursue Elizabeth. He pushed issues at basketball. Basically, he just didn't like him and just didn't talk to him, even at basketball.

"What do you want?" Jack asked exacerbated.

"Wow! You have an attitude tonight." Charles grinned.

"You don't like me and I'm ok with it. We don't talk. Please don't insult me by lying to me and pretend you are my friend."

"Fair enough. I don't like you either."

"Well, since we have that figured out and understood…" Jack stated as he turned to walk toward the concessions."

"I think we need to talk!" Charles raised his voice so Jack could easily hear him.

Jack turned around and looked at Charles. Something was off. He couldn't put his finger on it.

…

Elizabeth looked at her watch and then looked at the entrance of the tunnel that led under the bleachers. She was beginning to think Jack should be back at any moment.

Sam walked down a few steps and leaned to whisper in Cory's ear so Elizabeth couldn't hear him. "He man…we need to find Jack."

Cory leaned back just enough to look in Sam's face. "Why? He asked.

"Come on…we need to find Jack." Sam stated again.

Cory glanced at Steven. He understood Cory's look and excused himself from Connie. Cory did the same with Steph. They told their girlfriends that they were going to find some snacks.

"What's going on?" Steven asked when they were walking down the steps and was out of ear shot from the group.

"I'm not sure. Jackson said that Charles stated, 'it was time'."

"Time for what?"

"I don't know. Jackson said that Charles watched Jack leave a few moments ago and then made that statement."

"Oh brother…" Steven stated.

"Exactly." Sam stated.

Elizabeth, Connie, Steph, and Rosemary watched the three guys quickly walk down the steps and across the front of the bleachers toward the tunnel.

"Something's wrong." Elizabeth stated, never taking her eyes off them.

…

"Really Charles? Every time we talk, you tell me how bad I am for Elizabeth. How I shouldn't be the one dating her. How it should have been you."

"All of that is true. Look at what happened a few weeks ago."

"You know exactly what happened a few weeks ago. Those two men did that for money. That's not a secret. They wanted her father and couldn't get to him. So, they went after her."

"You should have done more to protect her!" Charles spate.

"I question what else I could have done, but I don't know what I could have done differently. She's safe and was found within a few minutes of their attack. They didn't get to her."

"They had their hands on her."

"They did for a few moments. Just go ahead and tell me how bad I am for Elizabeth and then we can move on with our evening." Jack stated letting out a long breath.

There were a few moments of silence between them. Five feet separated them as they stared directly at each other. Neither one was flinching. The irritation was growing on both of their faces. "

"Charles…I believe you need to ask why?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why didn't she date you? She told me countless times that she told you that she was never going to date you. Why? As often as you tried, why did she keep you in the friend zone?"

"She wanted to…she just wasn't dating in high school!"

"And yet…here we are. You're mad because I'm dating her and you're not. In high school nonetheless. So…why me and not you?" Jack challenged him. He was tired of Charles. He had been for some time now. These conversations were always the same. This one was heading in that direction. Jack didn't have it in himself to have this same conversation again. He would rather be with Elizabeth than arguing with Charles outside of the men's restroom.

"I don't know why…you tricked her somehow."

"Elizabeth is no one's fool." Jack stated with confidence. "She is an intelligent young woman. "She reached for my pinky sitting in Abagail's booth and asked if we were doing this. That was the smartest, and easiest, decision I have ever made. She is a very special person."

Charles took a step closer until he saw Jack drop his right foot back a little and turn his body slightly.

"You think I'm afraid of you…don't you?"

Jack only glared at him. He didn't say anything as he raised his two fists.

"Those two guys whipped you all over that road…they beat you like a drum. They hog tied you and threw you in the back of a SUV like you were a bag of trash. You had bruises, cuts, and two black eyes. I'll do the same." The glare on Charles' face was intense and cold.

"Good luck." Jack stated with a smirk. "There were two of them and much bigger and older than you are. There's only one of you."

"They beat you like a dog, and I will too."

"They didn't get what they wanted. Neither will you." Jack's tone was ice cold. All he wanted to do was to punch this jerk. He wanted to shut his mouth with his fist.

"Hey fellas…what's up?" Cory stated as he, Sam, and Steven were quickly walking toward the two. They could see the tension between the two.

Neither Jack nor Charles took their eyes off each other. The three guys were within twenty feet when Elizabeth, Steph, and Connie walked out of the tunnel. They stopped and looked around. They quickly found where Jack was and noticed the tense scene in front of them.

Elizabeth sped up when she noticed the look in Jack's eyes. She had never seen that look from him before now. He was just done with Charles. Just before they reached the two guys staring at each other, Charles decided to take things into his hands first.

Charles lunged forward and quickly closed the distance between him and Jack. He swung a huge arching right hand. Jack was easily able to step closer to Charles simply because of how wide Charles' punch was. When he stepped forward, he connected with his own straight right that landed squarely on Charles' nose and upper lip. When Jack's fist connected with Charles' face, his fist continued to collapse Charles' nose. The punch was perfect in technique and location.

Charles instantly fell straight down. Blood was pouring out of his nose before his knees hit the ground. His hands went to cover his nose. Jack stepped back and remained in a fighter's position just in case Charles jumped up.

"Easy man." Cory stated as he stepped in between Jack and Charles. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Jack stated.

By this time, Elizabeth rushed up to where Jack was standing. "Jack! Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Jack shook his right hand a little.

Elizabeth reached for his hand and examined it quickly. It wasn't cut or anything. It was just a little red at his first two knuckles.

"Jack…"

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. He stopped me and was arguing and pushing me. Then he took a swing at me."

"I know…I saw the last part. Are you ok?"

"I'm fine."

"I don't think things should be settled with fists…" She stopped speaking when Jack's shoulders slumped. "Jack…I'm not upset. I'm sorry you had to hit him, but he did swing first."

"Yeah…"

"Dad taught you that, didn't he?"

"Yeah…how did you know that?"

"He taught me that move."

"I need to be careful with you then." He smiled at her expression.

"Excuse me." Two police officers stepped through the crowd of teens that circled the whole ordeal. "I need a word with you."

"Yes sir." Jack stated.

The police officers called for the ambulance crew that was working the game. They quickly came and were checking on Charles. Several witnesses backed up what Jack told them. After about fifteen minutes of speaking with Jack and then all the other witnesses, the police officer pulled Jack to the side. Elizabeth stepped with him.

"Young man, your story pans out. Do you wish to press assault charges against Mr. Charles Kensington?"

"No. I don't want to do that."

Elizabeth squeezed his hand three times. She couldn't believe Charles began the fight. She was grateful Jack didn't want to press charges against Charles.

"Fine. I will have to turn in the incident report to the school's office on Monday. They may pursue something internal at the school since this is an official school activity on school grounds. Don't worry, nothing will happen to you. If the school wishes to punish you, please have them call me. My number will be on the report. If you wish, you may remain at the game. We don't find any fault with what you did. You were defending yourself."

"Thank you officer. I may call you if my Ma doesn't believe me." He chuckled.

"Oh boy…I would rather face down a criminal than an angry mother." The cop smiled.

After the crowd dispersed and everyone left except for Jack and Elizabeth, Jack took a deep breath. Elizabeth stepped even closer to signal she was with him.

"Are you sure you're ok?"

"Yeah…I just hate that I was in a fight."

"You handled yourself very well."

He gave her a soft laugh at her smirking. "I haven't been in a fight in a long time. I don't like to fight but I will when I'm pushed into it."

"I'm sorry Charles pushed like he did."

"Yeah…at least there were witnesses."

"It does sound like he may be in trouble."

"Are you ok with that?"

"Jack, he pushed and got himself in trouble. I wished he wouldn't have done it, but I can't, and don't want to, control him. He makes his own decisions. Now, I'm more worried about you."

Jack looked into her eyes. He knew she was talking about that Monday morning.

"I'm fine, I promise." He leaned in and bumped her shoulder. "He brought that up before he swung at me."

"He didn't?"

"He did. It's ok. I'm good."

"Jack…"

"He said they beat me like a dog, and he was going to as well. I told him good luck."

I'm sorry he said that and brought that Monday morning up.

"It's ok. We're safe, that's all that matters."

She smiled knowing he was quoting Frank's statement.

They stood in silence for a few seconds. Each working out what just happened. She squeezed his hand three times. That broke him out of his thoughts.

"I hear we are taking a road trip together."

Her smile grew. "We are."