Chapter 30
"Hey beautiful." Tom answered his cell phone. He was in the same student section as Jack and Elizabeth but at the other side. While Jack and Tom were good friends with friends that overlapped, they mainly had different friend groups.
"What are you doing?" Julie asked.
"I'm at the game watching my brother attempt to flirt with your older sister."
"Is it that awkward?"
"Maybe a little but he's getting better. Hey, what are you doing other than missing me?"
"You're pretty confident aren't you?"
"Am I wrong?"
"I'm hanging with Samantha and Carla. We are going to get food."
Tom laughed when she didn't answer his question. She would never just let him win.
"I was thinking…"
"About what handsome?"
"Our first date when we can actually go out."
"Just a few more months. We will both be sixteen and we can go out."
"I'm looking forward to it." Tom smiled.
"I'm a little surprised."
"Why would you be surprised?" He asked after waiting for the buzzer to stop so she would be able to hear him.
"You're a player. You never thought about dating."
"Very true. Jules…you've changed me."
"For the better I hope?"
"I'm not complaining at all. So, tell me how much you're missing me."
…
Jack walked out of the restroom after throwing his paper towels in the trash. He saw a guy he had math class with last year. They weren't close friends but did talk when they saw each other.
"Uh oh…there's trouble."
Jack looked up and noticed Mary standing against the wall looking in his direction with a flirty smile on her pretty face.
"I don't think she has given up on the thought of you."
"I always thought you were smart."
"Jack…" Mary flirted. "Do you have a moment?"
"Not really. I'm getting something for Elizabeth." He nodded toward the concession stand.
"I'll stand with you. I would like something too. So, how have you been?"
"I'm good."
"Do you like that new town?"
"I'm getting used to it. It's very large but nice."
"How is Mr. and Mrs. Thornton?"
Jack smiled at her attempt to speak with him. She only met his parents a couple of times. She didn't know them very well. "How are you, Mary? Are you still dating David."
"No, we broke up over the summer. You know, he was just a rebound guy."
"Too bad, David is a good guy."
"Yeah, but he wasn't you."
"In some ways, I would say he's better. Did you enjoy your conversation with my girlfriend?"
"She seems very nice. I have to ask. How did she trick you into a relationship?"
"She didn't trick me. There were no games that were played by either side. There were some things that we had to work through since neither of us has ever dated before, but we worked through them."
"You were always so adamant about not dating." Mary stated as she took a step closer to Jack.
He matched her step by taking a step back keeping a distance between them. "I was and she was too. We just couldn't help it. She draws me in, and she says that I do the same. We're destined to be together."
"We could have been that good too."
"No. You worked way too hard. Elizabeth didn't have to work at it. She won my heart without even trying."
"Are you saying we aren't together because I worked at our relationship?"
"Mary, we didn't have a relationship. It just wasn't meant to be."
" I could have been good to you Jack."
Jack took another step away from her. He was unhappy with her presence. He still liked her as a friend, but she was beginning to push this conversation a little too much. While Jack and Elizabeth's relationship had a couple of rocky places in the beginning, it wasn't work for them to be together. That aspect came naturally for them. It still does. They just had to learn how to be a boyfriend and a girlfriend.
Jack remembered the first two days at school. He tried to distance himself when he remembered that Elizabeth was dating Charles. There were times he would forget about that fact and flirt with her. He just tried to remain distant with her, but she would just pull him in. His smile at the memory confused Mary.
"What?"
"Nothing." Jack stated. "Listen, I'm getting me and Elizabeth a drink and snack before I go back and sit with her."
"How long will you be in town?"
"Not too much longer." He stated as he took a couple of steps to the counter.
"I would like two waters and a Coke Zero. I also like to have a bag of Skittles, a Milky Way, and a Twix."
"That's six dollars."
"Thanks." Jack gathered everything in his arms. He glanced toward Mary. "I hope you have a nice evening." He nodded his head and stepped past her.
Mary turned and watched Jack walk away.
…
"Hey." Jack stated as he sat everything down on the bleachers beside Elizabeth.
"All of that for us?"
"Well, we each have water. I thought we could share the Coke Zero. I know you like Skittles and I thought we could divide the other candy bars. I wasn't sure which one you liked best."
"Skittles are ok, but they're not my favorite."
"Really? I've noticed you always have them at the games."
"They're Adam's favorite. I always get them for him."
Jack could only smile at this thoughtful woman. She had the biggest heart. He leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek. "I love you." He whispered into her ear.
The expression on her face told him everything he needed to know.
"I love you." She whispered.
"Hey, guess who met me outside at the concession stand."
"I bet I don't have to guess…Mary."
"How did you know?"
"I saw her get up when you left. She went in the same direction as you did."
"Oh…" Jack thought for a moment. "You didn't come after me?"
"Why would I come after you?"
"Mary."
"Jarrick, I trust you with my heart. You hold my heart in the palm of your hand. You wouldn't go behind my back."
"You're not getting it back." He flirted. "It's mine and I'm holding onto it for the rest of my life."
Elizabeth closed her eyes and smiled at the meaning behind his statement.
…
Grace and William sat down at the large dining room table with just them. Julie and Viola were both out with friends and Bethie was with the Thorntons. Grace looked around the huge, empty house. Their empty nest syndrome was beginning to kick in a little too early for their liking.
"I don't like this?" William huffed slightly.
"It does seem a little weird. Are you ok with Bethie being with Jack's family?"
"Yeah…it's just the first time she's away during the holidays. Even with college coming up soon, she would still be home for the holidays."
"True, but at some time she would be married and being with her husband's family for the holidays. Plus, when her family begins with her husband, they would be making their own holidays."
"True, but that should be years down the road."
"Are you sure you're ok with Elizabeth being gone?"
"I am. I like Jack. I do believe he is the match for my middle daughter. Life just happens too fast."
Grace reached for her husband's hand. "That it does."
…
Janice and Elizabeth sat talking as the boys' team was warming up. Elizabeth quickly liked her. They had already shared phone numbers and were acting like very good friends.
"Oh Jack…you have to tell me the story behind this." Elizabeth turned her phone around showing him the picture of him sitting on a mechanical horse outside of Kroger that Janice just texted her.
"Janice! I thought you deleted that photo."
"Look at it…why in the world would I do that?"
Jack shook his head. He had no desire to explain the picture. However, with the look on Elizabeth's face, he knew she would never let it go without an explanation.
"You two already exchanged phone numbers?"
"Of course. Oh, look at this one."
"Don't you dare!"
Elizabeth and Janice just laughed at him.
"The story please." Elizabeth laughed.
"Fine…" Jack huffed. "Janice, Cowboy, Rabbit, Laney, Jr., Carol, and I were just hanging around. Ma sent me a message asking if I could go to the store and pick something up on my way home. Jr. is from a farming family. They raise cattle. He was driving. Him and Carol were dating. He always had a rope in his truck. We were joking around about riding horses. I jumped on the horse and Cowboy put in two quarters and it started moving. Jr. grabbed his rope from his truck and handed it to me. I tried to twirl it over my head but couldn't do it."
"It's adorable." Elizabeth gushed.
"Good grief. I can't believe you have that picture."
"I think I should see if Nana has any baby pictures of you."
"You better not!" Jack's voice was higher pitch than normal. Everyone laughed.
"That's when I gave him the nickname Jboy. You should know about the time he was in history class during our freshman year. Mrs. Lee was our teacher…"
"I do believe that's enough." Jack shook his head. "Janice…that's enough!" He proclaimed.
Elizabeth reached for his hand. "It's ok Jackie Boy." She tried to say it in a soothing voice but couldn't keep the giggle from coming out.
"I can't believe I thought it was a good idea for you to meet my friends." Jack shook his head.
During the basketball game, they cheered for their friends. They joked around during the timeouts and during half time. Elizabeth and Jack were enjoying their time together. They just had a lot of fun. Elizabeth noticed Mary looking in their direction, but Jack never one time looked in her direction. She wasn't taking Jack for granted, but she knew he loved her. She did trust her heart with him.
…
Jack and Elizabeth stood on the porch of Nana's and Pops' home. They knew they had to go inside, but they just didn't want to. They had such a great time during the whole day. From the time of Jack showing her around, to meeting his friends, and hanging out with them at lunch and the ball game, Elizabeth loved every minute of it. Jack's friends from Buxton were really great. She knew they really liked Jack. They also liked her and not just because she was Jack's girlfriend.
Jack had his hands on her hips looking lovingly into her eyes. She was melting just by his simple act of love. She loved being with Jack. This trip had been just perfect in her opinion.
"Jarrick…" Her voice was sweet and loving. "…would you dance with me?"
Secretly, Jack loved it when Elizabeth used his proper name. She would use it in a loving manner and when she was sassing him. He wasn't sure why it touched him in such a way, but it most certainly did.
"There's no music."
"Jarrick, you don't need music to dance."
Jack pulled her a little closer. She placed her forearms on his shoulders and began to play with the hair on the back of his head. She slowly ran her fingers through his hair. He shuttered at her actions. This precious woman just has a way with him.
"Mrs. T…"
"Jack, why do you call me Mrs. T? You do that often."
"If you're dancing with me in my arms and you are thinking about your name, I don't think I'm doing this right." He flirted. He wrapped his right arm around her, and it found the middle of the small of her back. His left hand ran up to her side, slightly tickling her. He slowly, and gently, ran his hand down her arm until he reached her hand. He pulled it between them and held it close at chest level.
He did use that nickname often, but he wasn't ready to tell her why. He wasn't trying to keep something from her. He just wasn't sure how she would feel about it. For now, it would have to remain his little secret.
"Jarrick…" She began again until he cut her off with a very gentle kiss. It was as soft as a butterfly landing on the back of your hand. As he pulled back, he remained intimately close. He looked in her eyes. He saw complete love and adoration. Her smile grew. She saw the same expression in his eyes.
"Elizabeth…I love you." He whispered. He followed his statement with a kiss. While not a passionate kiss, it was more than the first one. After a few seconds, she deepened the kiss. His mouth instantly opened when her tongue touched his lips. He welcomed her without hesitation.
"I get the feeling you are avoiding answering my question concerning my nickname." She sighed. "I have to admit that you are going a great job at it."
They danced for a few minutes just enjoying the time together and the kisses. It was intimate. They were pushing the time they should be inside the home, but they couldn't separate. The feeling in each other's arms was too incredible to release.
The moment was broken when headlights appeared in the driveway. While the kissing stopped and she backed away from him, he wouldn't release her completely. He still held her loosely in his arms. He just couldn't let her go.
"Tom…" Jack whispered when he noticed his little brother getting out of the car. "…he has always tried to ruin my fun."
"And how many times has he done that?" She sassed.
"Hey you two." Sassed Tom as he walked up the steps onto the porch. "Whatcha doing?"
"Go inside Tom. We'll be there in a minute." Jack stated in a big brother's voice.
Tom looked at his phone. "That's all you have."
"Fine." Huffed Jack. He finally released his girlfriend with a frown on his face. Her face matched his.
…
"So JayJay, what's your plans?" Nana asked. They have all settled at the kitchen table. In Nana's house, the kitchen table was the hub of activity. Jack was wearing a pair of athletic shorts and a loose shirt. Elizabeth was wearing a pair of lounge pants and a loose long sleeve t-shirt. Nana had on a robe and Pops was wearing lounge pants and a t-shirt. Charlette and Tom matched her parents.
"College after high school."
"Thomas stated that there was a college that came to talk to you."
"Yes, Bryan's University. They were there to talk to Elizabeth too."
"Really?"
"Yes. I have been looking into the school for a while. They are well known for producing teachers. I'm really interested in the school?"
"Is that a public school?" Nana asked. "I haven't heard of it."
"No, it's a private school." Charlette answered. She noticed her mother's look. "They are looking into a scholarship for Jack to play basketball."
"A scholarship?" Nana asked. "That will really be helpful."
"It will. That's the only way I can go to that school."
"Well, if you receive the scholarship, then you will have a choice to make. If you don't go there, you can always do a public university like you planned."
"Very true."
Nana noticed Elizabeth's quite demeanor. She stood and made a cup of tea. She placed it in front of Elizabeth. When she was bent over by her, she whispered in Elizabeth's ear. "I know your parent's name. Char told me about them. It's ok dear. We taught our daughter and family to judge someone because of who they are. We couldn't care less if you were poor or rich. We only care if you are a good human being." With a look of a grandmother's love, she kissed Elizabeth on the cheek. "If you haven't noticed yet, we love you."
Elizabeth gave her a loving smile. She was grateful she was loved by this family because of who she is not because of her last name or what she had. She was also thankful that no one overheard
their little conversation. "Thank you, Nana. I love you." She squeezed Elizabeth's hand gently before going back to her seat.
"They want me to come and visit their school. The lady that was there talking to Elizabeth wants her to go too."
"Is that right?"
"Yes Pops. I have liked the school for a while. Jack only found out about it a few weeks ago."
"Well…it's great to have options. Jack, what do you think?"
"I don't know too much about it. They are very well known for producing teachers."
"That's good. You still want to do that?"
"I do."
"And I understand you do as well."
"Yes Pops. Since I was a little girl. I have always wanted to be a teacher."
"That's a noble profession." Pops stated as everyone nodded in agreement.
"I first thought she should teach math, but she cheats in that subject."
"Jack!" Elizabeth squealed. "I do no such thing!"
Charlette let out a loud laugh. "He has told me that he can never beat you to the answer in that class. He says you always have the answer before anyone else."
"Yes Ma, and she sits there with this smirk on her face because she knows the answer." Jack teased. "She has to cheat. No one can always have the answer first and then always be correct."
"Jarrick Thornton! You take that back! You know my Beth would never cheat."
"Thanks Nana." Elizabeth stuck her tongue at Jack and rolled her eyes.
"You're my Nana. You should be taking my side."
"Jarrick Thornton! I said apologize!" Nana's stern words were softened by the smile on her face.
"Sorry Princess Beth." The tone in his voice wasn't apologetic.
"My name's Elizabeth. I thought we were past this." She gave him a powerful teacher's stare.
"Jack…you're in a world of trouble with that look." Laughed Pops.
"Don't I know it." Chuckled Thomas.
"And what does that mean?" Charlette challenged her husband even with her face turning a slight pink. She knew that look had a powerful hold on her husband.
The evening was perfect for the family. For Jack and Elizabeth, the whole day was great. The day ended around Nana's table with fun conversation and great laughter. The time allowed the Thorntons to get to know Elizabeth a little better. She jumped right into the conversation and sassed Jack as much as anyone. Every time Jack tried to sass her, Nana would step up and defend her. She always smiled at Jack when Nana did that. Her little smirk only drew him in a little more each time. He loved her sassy side.
…
On the last full day in Buxton, Jack stepped out of the hallway bathroom very early in the morning. Cowboy and Rabbit asked if he wanted to go for a run. He hadn't run for a few days and knew he needed to go. He gladly accepted and was going to leave a note for Elizabeth to let her know. Then he just decided to let Nana know. She could tell Elizabeth for him. As he walked down the hallway and into the living room to let out the air in his air mattress, he heard voices in the kitchen.
"Hey Nana. You're working hard this morning."
"I have a house full of guests."
"I'm sorry."
"For my house full of guests? This has been the best."
"I have to agree. Nana, thanks for accepting Elizabeth so quickly and easily."
"That was easy dear. We quickly accepted her because she is your girlfriend. We accepted her easily because of the young lady she is. JayJay, she is a very special young lady. I hope you understand who you have, and you treat her with all the respect that precious young lady deserves."
"I do, Nana. I'm doing my best."
"Hey." Elizabeth sleepily stated as she walked into the kitchen.
"You're up very early for someone who isn't an early bird." Sassed Jack.
"You know it's too early for you sassing me." Elizabeth grinned at him. "I wanted to help Nana with whatever I can. Why are you up?"
"I'm going for a run with Cowboy and Rabbit. They texted me late last night and asked. I was going to ask Nana to let you know."
"Hey, why don't you go with them?"
"Oh Nana, I don't believe I have ever gone for a run."
"Maybe you can go for a walk?" Nana pushed. "It would be good for you."
"You can come if you want too."
"Jack, I will only slow you down. I haven't run like that. I don't play sports."
"Maybe you can walk while we run. We are going on our normal run. It's safe."
Elizabeth looked toward Nana to get her opinion. She only smiled and nodded her head slightly. "You can always help with lunch. Tonight is your last night. We always have a family game night. You up for it?"
"I'll help with lunch and then tonight."
"Then you need to go and have fun. Now…go…go…"
"Let me go and change first. I'll be right back." Elizabeth stated as she walked toward Nana. "He does." She whispered.
Nana nodded her head. She was grateful Jack treated Elizabeth was true respect.
…
Elizabeth felt bad that she couldn't run with the guys, but she did enjoy her walk. She did feel safe walking the trail. Every so often the guys would run past her, and she would give Jack a smile each time he looked in her direction. He would give her a thumbs up asking if she was good. She would nod in agreement and watch him as he ran by. She did love the look of his backside in those shorts.
Elizabeth was never a sporty girl, and she wasn't one who would work out, but she loved the walk. It did make her feel good. She had no idea if she was making good time or not, but she felt good pushing herself. She was sweating and knew she needed to shower when they got back to Nana's home. As she was approaching the parking lot, the fellas came around the curve.
Jack was immediately drawn to the view of her backside. He loved the view. She was a beautiful woman. He loved her personality and the type of person she is. He also loves her physical attributes as well. No one could deny she was an attractive woman. He didn't know why she loved him, but she chose too. The view at the moment was one of a hundred reasons why he loved her.
The back of her shirt was a little wet from her sweat. Other than the little beads of sweat on her top lip, he hadn't known her to sweat. He began to slow down lost in staring at her. Rabbit and Cowboy passed him and then passed her. Elizabeth looked up and wondered where Jack was. She stopped walking and turned around to see what had happened to her boyfriend. The look of him took her breath.
Jack's shirt was wet from sweat. She didn't understand it, but she thought he had this sexy look when he sweated. His shirt stuck to him and the hair on his forehead was stuck to it. His remaining hair was wet. She never thought that was sexy before. However, with Jack, he looked hot. She wanted to walk to him, but her legs weren't working, and it wasn't because she just walked.
He slowly walked toward her. Their smiles matched as he approached her.
"Hey handsome." She flirted.
Jack didn't say anything. Her hair was in a ponytail. There was some hair on both sides of her face that framed it. Some of that hair was sticking to her because it was wet. She was gorgeous and he was lost in her. He stopped about a foot away and looked at this precious woman. Her shirt was sticking to her a little. A bead of sweat fell down her cheek and traveled to her chin. He took in every moment but couldn't remember it.
"I always thought people that sweated was a little gross." Elizabeth began until Jack cut her off.
"You don't make it gross." He scooted a little closer.
"Really?" She asked, pulling the shirt from her body. I bet I smell."
"Yeah…" Jack stepped a little closer but still didn't touch her. "Elizabeth…" He stated as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. He felt her sweaty face. Instead of being gross, he thought she was incredibly sexy.
They spent a lot of time together over the holiday, but they were mostly with people. Rabbit and Cowboy saw the brief interaction. They decided to just leave them alone. They would text later to check on them.
When Jack felt her sweaty cheek, he had a desire to deepen the kiss. He slowly worked his way kissing her cheek as he made his way to her ear. She giggled and slightly moved but didn't try to get away from him. He reached her ear and slowly kissed and nibbled her ear. She took in a quick breath of air at his attention to her ear. She loved that sensation. Jack placed his hand on her hip and purposefully pulled her toward him. She placed her hands on his chest.
"Jack, you may not want to do that. I'm all sweaty and stinky."
He ignored her words. He left her ear and slowly kissed and nibbled his way down her jaw.
"Jack…" She gasped at his actions. She loved every moment of it. "I…I don't think you're paying attention." She paused after every word. His actions were driving her crazy. She pulled him a little closer.
"Elizabeth." He began in a husky, manly voice. "That's where you're wrong." He stated as he passionately proclaimed her lips. He tried pulling her closer.
Instead of finding his sweaty body disgusting, she found it strange that she enjoyed it. There was just something different about it. She saw him sweaty before. After the game at the picnic, after practices, and after games, but this is the first time she has touched him sweaty. Maybe it wasn't disgusting because she was sweaty too. For some weird reason, she found this sexy.
Jack pulled away from the passionate kiss because he needed air. However, she wasn't ready for the kiss to end. She immediately followed him and claimed his lips once again. He may have been surprised by her forwardness, but he welcomed it wholeheartedly. He tightened his hold on his girlfriend. He tried to pull her closer, but she was as close as he could get her. She finally pulled back and quickly inhaled a breath of air. Her lungs demanded its life giving source.
"Jack…you're…good…at…that…" She gasped with each word trying to inhale the air she needed.
He laid his forehead against hers. He didn't want to lose the closeness.
"Wow!" He gasped.
"Promise me you won't stop doing that…ever."
He couldn't say the words. He wasn't sure if it was due to his lungs still demanding air or if it was due to the fact that she paused his brain.
Their passionate time was disrupted when a car horn blown. "Hey! Get a room!" Some guy yelled.
Their bodies may have separated a little, but they didn't release their hold on each other. They looked lovingly in each other's eyes.
"Maybe we should go back to Nana's." Elizabeth finally broke the silence.
"Yeah." Jack stated dejectedly.
…
"You've been looking at your phone all afternoon. What's up?"
Viola quickly looked up from her phone. "Nothing." She stated.
"I have known you my whole life…literally my whole life. I know when you are hiding something."
"Julie! What am I hiding?"
"I don't know. That's why I asked you." Julie started at her sister for a few moments.
"Fine. Jacob texted me and we have been texting."
"Who is that?"
"I went to high school with him."
"Oh…give me all the juicy details." Julie excitedly stated as she moved closer to her oldest sister.
"There's nothing to tell."
"Right…spill sis."
"I don't know. I had a crush on him, but he was always dating that girl. He's in college."
"Intriguing…"
"Not really. Our colleges are over seven hours away. Long distance relationships in college don't really work out."
"Maybe, but you can have a little bit of fun now."
"I leave tomorrow for school."
"So?"
"Julie, you read too many romance novels."
"You know I have a boyfriend for weeks now, right? I'm not the same girl."
"True. I do think Tom is good for you. Too bad Jack doesn't have an older brother."
"I do think he has an older cousin."
…
"That's just precious." Elizabeth cooed over the photo Nana showed her. "I don't think Jack would appreciate this very much."
"Oh dear…who cares? I'm Nana. No one fusses at Nana." She smirked. "Oh, you need to see this one."
Jack stepped out of the shower. Once they were home, he asked Elizabeth to go first. He was grateful and remorseful for that fact. He loved that he smelled her shampoo and perfume. He also hated the fact he smelled her shampoo and perfume. He loved those two scents. He always thought of her when he smelled them. They were essentially his Elizabeth. After getting dressed he picked up his clothes and placed them in his suitcase that was in Elizabath's room. Nana couldn't let him keep it in the living room. He swore he had two hoodies he packed but couldn't find any one of them.
Jack looked up and noticed Nana and Elizabeth sitting on the couch with a photo album on Elizabeth's lap. She had her phone out and he saw she was taking a picture of one of the photos.
"What are you doing? Wait! That's my hoodie."
"What?"
"You stole my hoodie."
She scrunched her nose at him. "So?"
"What are you doing?"
"Looking at some baby pictures of you."
"You're not!" He looked right at Nana. "You better not be showing her that picture."
"Of course I did. Why wouldn't I?"
"Nana…that picture is embarrassing."
Elizabeth flipped over the page back to the photo she was looking at when Jack walked in. When Jack saw it, he gasped.
"Nana! You're not supposed to show anyone that picture. Why do you still have it?"
"Look at it, JayJay. It's adorable. Why would I get rid of it?"
Elizabeth giggle at the picture. Jack was about one and a half to two years old. He was in Nana's house running through the living room. He was at the beginning of the hallway about to turn to run down the hall. He had on his Elmo bicycle helmet and a red pacifier in his mouth. The best part of the picture was that he didn't have on a stitch of clothing. His back was toward the camera. He was looking over his shoulder. You had a clear view of his little tush. You could even see the smile behind the pacifier.
"You're so adorable." Elizabeth giggled.
"Elizabeth!" Jack gasped. He placed his hand over the picture. "You shouldn't look at that picture."
"That's ok Jack. I have it on my phone."
"You didn't!?"
"Look at your Elmo helmet and your little pacifier. You're adorable."
"Sure, that's what you're looking at."
"You had a cute tush too." Her face turned a little pink.
"Had?" He raised his eyebrows with his question.
"Oh JayJay, find the one when you were four and you…"
"You two are done!" He snatched the album from Elizabeth's lap.
"Hey…we weren't done with that." Elizabeth stated as she watched Jack head toward the hallway.
"Don't worry dear, that's not the only album I have."
Jack stopped walking and turned to face his grandmother. "Nana..."
…
Elizabeth stepped out from the bedroom that was temporarily hers during her visit. She just spoke to her mother and father on the phone. She heard a lot of chatter coming from the kitchen.
"If she's going to be part of this family, she will need to learn to play this game our way."
"But she hasn't before." Elizabeth heard Jack's voice.
"That's why she needs to learn it."
"Fine, Give her a couple of hands before we throw her off the cliff."
"She gets one freebie, then that young lady needs to swim herself."
Elizabeth was shocked at the tone of Nana's voice. She has always been so sweet and loving. The ideal example of a loving grandmother. Now, not so much. She heard the doorbell ring and turned to face the door.
"Hey…would you mind helping me?"
"Sure Tom. What's going on?"
"The pizza is here."
"You need help with the pizza?"
"Oh yeah…we order a lot for our game night."
"There's just seven of us."
"Yeah, but game nights here are different. We order a lot of pizza and play a game. No holds barred. It's every man for himself."
"Really?"
"Yup, it's kill or be killed."
"What game do you all play?" She asked as she stepped beside him at the door.
"Uno." He answered as he opened the door.
"Uno?" She chuckled.
"Yeah…Uno."
Much to Elizabeth's shock, there were ten large pizza boxes. The man struggled under all the weight of it. When he noticed Elizabeth, his smile grew. She only noticed the pizza boxes. Tom just smiled at her confused expression and her missing the delivery driver's flirty smile.
"Here you go." Tom stated placing three boxes in Elizabeth's hands. Tom placed the money on top of the remaining seven boxes and then took the boxes. The man stared at Elizabeth as she turned to walk away through the living room.
"Hey." Jack stated as he walked toward Elizabeth and took the boxes from her. He sat them on the counter. Tom immediately followed, placing his boxes beside the others.
Elizabeth noticed the kitchen table was pulled out from the wall a little more than normal. Everything that was in the middle of the table, napkins, salt and pepper shaker, and the small vase of flowers had been removed. There was a deck of Uno cards and a pencil and piece of paper sitting by one of the chairs. In the center of the table was an old trophy. It looked like a football player's trophy. On the front where the plaque would normally be, was a piece of red paper taped to the front. There was only one word on the piece of paper, "Champ." The trophy stood about ten inches tall and was evident it wasn't in the best shape.
Beside the pizza boxes were paper plates and napkins. She thought the paper plates were odd. Nana never used paper plates since she has been there. She always insisted on using real plates. After all, "Real food requires real plates." She would state often. She would later find out that Nana took pride in making food for her family. She wanted them to feel loved.
Nana walked up and placed her hand around Elizabeth's waist. "Now dear, tonight is game night since this is the last night of your trip. We loved having you here with us. I expect you to come and visit with us again.
"Thanks Nana. I have enjoyed it."
"I have loved having you with us."
"Me too." Elizabeth tightened her hold on Nana.
"With that being said and understood, this is game night. It is every person for themselves. You may team up with someone if you want, but don't think they are in your corner. They will turn on you when it suits them best."
"Ok…" Elizabeth slowly stated.
"You walk in with that deer in the head lights look and you will be eaten alive. We normally eat pizza as we play."
"Don't forget to tell her about the trophy." Sassed Tom.
"If you win, you will keep the trophy until we play again. It's a source of great pride in our family."
"A lot of bragging rights comes with that trophy."
"That trophy is coming back home where it belongs." Charlette stated.
"I don't think so." Tom sassed. "I've had that thing for the last year. It's staying with me."
"Oh my dear grandson…surely you are not that dumb." Nana stated.
"What am I about to get into?" Elizabeth chuckled.
"All out Uno war." Pops stated with a tone that was very serious. "You may be cute and Jack's girlfriend, but that doesn't apply when we sit at that table. You are on your own. Once we're done playing, we're family again."
"The rules are simple Princess Beth." Jack began with the determined expression he had when he was playing basketball. "If someone plays a draw four, you must draw four cards or if you have one of those cards, you may play it. The next person will have to draw eight cards, or they may play their draw four card. Then the next person will have to draw twelve or play their draw four card."
"The same applies to a draw two card." Tom added.
"That's not how you play Uno."
"Sweetheart, you're in Buxton. We play by Buxton rules." Thomas stated with a determined voice and a cop's tone in his voice. When he said 'sweetheart', he tried to make it sound very condescending. Elizabeth still noticed a small curl of his lips.
Elizabeth looked around the table. Everyone had a serious expression on their faces. She couldn't tell if they were serious or just giving her a hard time.
"Now, the first hand won't count. It's just to get you used to how we play. After that, you're on your own. I would recommend you ask any questions you may have during the first hand."
"Thanks Nana." Elizabeth stated.
"Once you sit at that chair, you're all alone."
"Got it."
…
Halfway through the night, Nana was up. Elizabeth was a close second, followed by Charlette. Pops, Jack, Thomas, and Tom followed. Elizabeth knew how to play Uno, but she has never played it under these rules. She also hasn't played it this seriously. It took her a couple of hands before she figured it all out. Pops was the one keeping score. He was the only one the whole family trusted.
Jack was dealing the cards. Nana leaned over to Tom and spoke to him as she looked at Beth.
"Wear…her…out." She playfully hissed in a whisper.
"If Jack would give me any cards, I would." He was sitting beside Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was looking at each card as she placed them in her hand. She heard the statement from Nana but decided to play it smoothly. That was her play. She wouldn't get too excited or animated. She just played everything smoothly. She glanced up and noticed Nana glaring at her. She gave Nana the sweetest smile and winked at her. Nana was having trouble figuring her out.
…
The card game was coming to an end. Charlette was dealing the last hand. The evening was intense and very fun. This was not a normal evening for Elizabeth. She loved her parents and other family, but they would never have a game night like this. There was plenty of laughter. People would help each other if it suited them or would turn on them if it was in their best interest. It just depended on what was best for them. There were always snide comments made with laughter or at least a smirk. Nothing was taken seriously. It was all in good fun.
Elizabeth was holding her own. She has played well and got Tom and Charlette several times with playing a draw four or a draw two card on top of what was played to her. There was always pouting from the one who had to draw the extra cards and laughter from everyone else. There was one hand where Elizabeth had to draw sixteen cards by the time everyone else played their draw four cards.
"This is the last hand. The last hand rule is in effect."
"And what is the last hand rule?" Elizabeth asked.
"If you play a seven, you have the option of changing hands with anyone."
"Really? Are you making this up as you go?" Challenged Elizabeth.
"Nope. Don't you trust me?"
"Not sitting at this table, I don't."
"You know the rule young lady." Charlette wagged her finger in Elizabeth's direction.
The last hand basically came down to three people, Jack, Elizabeth, and Nana. Nana was up by only a couple of points and Jack followed Elizabeth by ten points. If any of the three would win this hand, they would win and get the trophy. It was placed by the score card as a constant reminder of its importance.
"Now, you all will be leaving early in the morning. If this goes well, I'll have you all a nice breakfast to send you home with. If not, I'll send bologna sandwiches with you as you get out of my house." Nana stated in a sweet grandmother's tone. "How does that sound?" She never took her eyes off the cards in her hands.
"Not on your life, old woman." Elizabeth smirked without looking up from her cards. The tension was thick.
"Doll Face, how are you doing over there?" Jack flirted.
"Fine Jackie Boy…just fine." She sweetly smiled.
In fact, her hand was horrible. She didn't have any draw four or draw two cards. All of her cards were almost an even mix of colors. The only saving grace was that she did have one seven. She wanted to play it only when it would benefit her perfectly. She glanced toward Jack. He was nervous. He rubbed the back of his neck twice. She knew he didn't have a good hand. Nana was an enigma. Throughout the whole game, she was sickly sweet. She would often use a sarcastic tone but in a sweet voice. Elizabeth hadn't gotten a read on her yet.
With a couple of good draws from the deck of cards in the middle, Elizabeth's hand improved slightly. Jack and Nana were down to two cards while she held five. She had two reds and three yellows. No card was better than that seven of red.
Jack played his card and called out uno before anyone could do it. He was down to one card. Thomas played his card and had Charlette draw four. He changed the color to red. Jack moaned slightly. She knew he didn't have any red. Nana played her card and called out uno before doing so. She was safe from having to draw an extra two cards. Now Jack and Nana had one card each and she was sitting with five. She had to make her move soon. When it was her turn, she placed the red seven down. Jack didn't do anything, but she thought she noticed Nana flinch ever so slightly. She looked into Nana' sweet eyes and noticed a small flinch in the corner of her right eye.
She smiled a knowing smile and turned toward Nana. "Nana, I would like to switch hands with you please."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." Elizabeth stated with unwavering confidence. She extended her hand out waiting to exchange hands with her.
"Fine dear." Nana relented. When she took Elizabeth's cards, everyone noticed her slumped shoulders. Elizabeth's smile only grew. She had a draw four card. It didn't matter what color came around to her, she would win unless something weird happened. As much as she tried, she couldn't keep the small bounce from happening. She bounced in her seat ever so slightly.
Jack saw the bounce. He knew exactly what that meant. He had seen it too many times in math class. He leaned over to Tom. "You have to take her down."
"I've got nothing." He did the best he could. He changed the color to yellow with a wild card. Hoping that would prolong the hand with a chance for something happening. Jack didn't have a yellow, so he had to draw from the middle. He drew a yellow four and played it after calling out Uno.
When it was Elizabeth's turn, she looked into the eyes of everyone. She gave Jack a small smile. He understood what was happening. She stood up slowly. Then she reached for the trophy that was sitting beside the score paper that was next to Pops.
"You can't do that unless you win, young lady." Pops sternly stated pointing his finger at her.
With great emphasis, she slammed the card down on top of the loose pile of cards. "Bam!" She exclaimed in a loud voice. "Now, give me my trophy!" She exclaimed in a victorious voice. She snatched the trophy from its resting place. She extended it over her head and jumped up and down in victory. Then she clutched it to her chest. "You're coming home with me!"
Nana and Jack disgustingly threw their cards down on the table.
"I can't believe it!" Exclaimed Nana. "Her first time playing, and she beat all of us!"
"Good grief…she's going to be hard to live with now." Jack shook his head.
"You know dear, we really don't take it home. We usually just leave it here with Nana for the next game night." Charlette sweetly smiled.
"Not on your life! This baby's mine!" She caressed the top of the man's head at the top of the trophy. "I have the perfect spot for it in my bedroom."
Author's Note:
The baby picture of Jack with his Elmo helmet and pacifier is exactly like the picture of my daughter when she was that age. That is one of my favorite pictures of her. She hates it but it is an adorably embarrassing picture of her.
Five years ago, we were on a mission trip to Cuba. I greatly loved that trip. While there, we played Uno at night as a group. It got pretty intense as we were having fun. I told everyone that the Cuban people must think a group of twelve Americans yelling 'one' late at night must have been hilarious and confusing. Those were the rules we played by. Each night was great playing that game.