Chapter 48

The week went by quickly. The two days riding the exercise bike went really well. Jack's ankle didn't hurt. It was just tired at the end of the forty five minutes workout. The two days of straight line running was more challenging, but very doable. His legs were tired. His ankle was sore after the first day but wasn't painful. The muscles were just tired. He hated the brace he was required to wear but was grateful for it on his first day of full practice. It was one day before Friday's game. Jack would describe the brace as a child's inflatable arm floatie. The coach had to get him a low cut shoe and one that was one and a half size bigger just for it to fit in the shoe. Jack was slowed by it, but he felt good being out on the court with the fellas. He knew he wasn't in as good a shape as he was before the injury.

Elizabeth made an effort to be at the school after each practice. Jack would tease her that she was taking the doctor's orders way too seriously. She would walk with him from the locker room to his truck. She wanted to see how he walked and if he walked with any pain. She also enjoyed a little kiss before they would go to their home.

"Hey, this Friday is when I am able to sign the scholarship. Would you please be with me?"

"I'll be there. I think the school is doing something for you, Cory, and Steven."

"Yeah. I don't know why. But I'm hoping you would be at the table with me. Ma and Pa will be there along with Coach Franklin. I would like for you to be there too."

"Me?"

"Yes…you." Jack stated as he turned to face his girlfriend. He rubbed his thumb over the Claddagh ring. He watched her smile grow at his gentle, subtle gesture and its meaning.

"Are you sure?"

"I am positive. It's us, Elizabeth. What happens to me or to you…it happens to the both of us. It's us, Elizabeth." He took a step closer to her. "We're a team. My victories are your victories. Your victories are my victories. It's our victory. Our sorrow. Our joy. Our burden."

"Us together."

"Yes, us together." Jack's smile matched hers.

…

"Are you ready?" Viola asked as Ted walked up to her. She was waiting for him under the tree in the quad.

"Yeah…" He stated as he leaned in for a gentle kiss. Meeting a few minutes before class had become their thing.

"Are you nervous?"

"Scared out of my head." He honestly stated.

"Why?"

"Are you really asking me that question?"

She couldn't help but chuckle at him. He looked petrified. He was very nervous meeting her parents. She stopped walking. Which caused him to stop. Viola stepped closer to him taking both of his hands into hers.

"My parents are excited about meeting you. I have told them all about you. Father said that you are the first boy he is excited to meet that I have brought home. Now, don't be scared because of the size of the house. Remember what Jack told you. Father is a wealthy man, but he isn't one who flaunts it. He also doesn't lord it over anyone. He loves Jack. Poor Elizabeth thinks he loves Jack more than her at times." She chuckled, causing Ted to lighten up some. "Just treat me like you have been doing and he will be very happy to meet you. After all, mother already loves you."

"Why? She hasn't even met me yet. We haven't even talked."

"She said since we have begun seeing each other, that I call home more often. She says you are good for me."

Ted closed the distance between them. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. "Thank you for talking me down from the cliff ."

"Anytime. You have helped me."

Ted tightened his hold on Viola. "Mom says that a relationship must be built on that."

"Then I think we are doing a good job so far." She leaned up to gently kiss him.

"I agree."

They began to walk to their class together. "I look forward to seeing Jack play and to spend time with Aunt Charlette and Uncle Tom."

"Good, as long as I get time with you too."

"You can count on it. So, are you packed?"

"I am." Viola nodded.

"Perfect. When class is over, I'll get my bag and pick you up twenty minutes after class. We'll get something to eat on the way and then head to Hamilton."

"Perfect. It'll be a little bit of a drive. If traffic is good, we'll be there early this evening."

"Great. Let's get this class over with."

…

"What do you think?"

"Coach Franklin, I feel good."

The coach watched him closely during the last practice before the game tomorrow. He was moving, but much slower than normal. He noticed Jack moved a little gingerly on the ankle but didn't flinch too much as he worked through the drills and scrimmage. He loved what Jack brought to the court. As well as Malachi and Shane played, they weren't Jack. The team lost one of the four games Jack didn't play in. It wasn't due to Malachi or Shane, but the coach thought they would have won if Jack played.

"Here's the deal." Coach Franklin stated as he took a seat on the first row of the bleachers. Jack sat beside him. "Tomorrow morning during school, we'll have a school assembly in the gym. There will be three tables set up, one for you, one for Cory, and one for Steven."

"Isn't that a little too much for me? I mean, I understand for Cory and for Steven, but…"

"Nonsense. Now, after school stop by and see Candy for one last treatment. Then we will make a decision during pregame warmup."

"But coach, I feel good."

"Jack, I am not questioning your toughness. I want to make sure you can be on the court and not hurt yourself. We have a district tournament coming up soon and then the playoffs. I just want to make sure you can play without any additional risk of hurting that ankle any further. Plus, you have a bright future at Bryan's waiting for you. I will not allow you to put that future in jeopardy."

Jack lowered his head after breaking eye contact with his coach. That wasn't what he was wanting to hear. "But coach…" He whispered.

"You know I'm right, Jack."

Jack nodded his head. He did know it, but he wanted to be on the court.

"Jack, you are a true competitor in every sense of the word. A competitor always wants to be playing with the ball in his or her hands. That's you to a tee. One of the biggest problems a true competitor has is themselves. I know you. You would push and push even at a greater risk to yourself. I will not allow you to do that."

"Yes, coach." Jack's voice was soft.

"If you play, you will be on a clock. You will play five minutes a period. No matter how much you protest against me. Do you understand me?"

"Yes sir." Jack nodded his head.

"Then we will see how you do that night after the game and the next day. As it strengthens, your playing time will naturally increase. I suspect you will be back to normal very soon. Then we make the run toward the tournament and state playoffs."'

Jack nodded his head. He wanted to argue but knew he wouldn't win.

"Now, do you think you can walk toward the locker room without limping?" Coach Franklin sassed.

"Sure thing, coach."

"You know Elizabeth is there waiting on you."

"You better believe it."

"I'll get my customary text in a little while wanting to know how you are doing."

"She's been texting you?"

"Do you doubt that she would? She has been since you began practicing again." He laughed. "She's concerned about you."

"Yeah." Jack smiled at the love of his life being his loving girlfriend.

…

"This place is huge." Ted stated as they drove through Hamilton. This was certainly the biggest town he had seen in person.

"It is." Viola stated.

They drove through town and into her neighborhood. It was just after six thirty. All of the homes were on the large side. Viola kept a close watch on her boyfriend. She was looking for any signs of him freaking out.

"Take the second driveway on the right." She instructed him.

Ted slowed down as he approached the driveway. The front lawn was huge and immaculately cut. The house was huge. "Wow…" He stated to himself.

"I know." Viola heard him. "You, ok?"

"Did you really grow up here?" He asked as he turned into the long driveway. He had stopped the car at the beginning of the driveway so he could take in the home.

"I did. It's the only home I have known. Listen Ted, in high school I was caught up in all of this, but I have changed since I have been in college."

Ted stopped her talking by squeezing her hand. "I don't know the old Viola. I only know this one. And if you haven't noticed, I really like this one. You have never given me a reason to think of you that way."

She nodded her head at the compliment. She really felt she had changed over the last couple of years.

"I'm just glad Jack warned me."

"What did he say?"

"He sent me a text this morning warning me not to jump to any conclusions when I saw the mansion."

"The home." She corrected him.

"Viola, that's a mansion." He nodded toward the huge home.

"What did he say exactly?"

Ted opened his phone and found the texts from Jack. "Here." He handed it to her.

J – Hey cous don't freak out when you see the mansion

J – Think Richie Rich

T – That big

J – Think bigger Don't worry Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher are really good people they will like you

T – Thanks for the encouragement

J – Don't park by the water fountain that's my parking spot

T – They have a water fountain in their driveway

J – Didn't Richie Rich

T – I'm in way over my head aren't I

J – Me too but I couldn't help it

T - Thanks

J – If I catch you kissing her I will throw at towel at you two and hit you in the head

T – Thanks for the warning

"That was nice of him."

"He knew I would be freaking out a little. He sent me that before our class this morning."

"Well, I can't officially bring you home to meet my parents if we remain parked in the driveway." Viola sassed. "Come on, let's get this done." She stated as she leaned in for a soft kiss.

"I can do this."

"Yes you can. Come on."

…

Jack looked up from his book as he sat at the table in the library. He smiled at the concentration of his girlfriend.

"Is it that difficult?"

"Not for the Salutatorian." Elizabeth sassed without looking up from her textbook.

"You know, I'm graduating with a 4.360 GPA.

"That pretty impression Jarrick, but it's lower than my 4.367." She teased.

"Good grief…do you have to be so adorable when you are teasing me?"

Elizabeth looked up from her book. She shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not even trying."

"I think that is why you are so adorable. You just are without trying." He reached for her hand to squeeze it three times. She smiled at his loving gesture. "How long are you going to hold this over me?"

"For about a week, I assume. Give or take a few days. However, I may bring it up at any moment if it benefits me."

"Really?" He stated to her giggling.

They both looked up quickly and became very quiet when they heard the librarian shush them. They looked around to see if they interrupted anyone. They were relieved when only one person was looking in their direction.

"I can't believe you got me in trouble…again."

"What do you mean? You are the one talking." Elizabeth challenged him in a whispered tone.

"Me? You are the one that's giggling and you're talking too." He sassed her back in a hushed tone. He playfully swatted her forearm.

"You are the one who got us sent to the office on our first few days of school with that kiss on my cheek."

"And you're the one who was so stinking adorable that pulled me in. See, you made me do it."

"Jarrick, I did not such thing."

"You have always pulled me in, and you know it. I told you its your fault." He picked up her right hand and kissed the back of her hand.

"I love you, Jarrick."

"I love you, Princes Beth."

She sighed. "Jarrick, that's not my name. Aren't we passed this?"

…

Ted stepped out of the car and stood by his door. After a few moments, he walked around and opened Viola's door. He just stood there looking over the front of the large home. It was absolutely huge.

"Are you ready?"

"I am. Let's do this." He stated with more confidence than what he had inside of him.

Ted carried Viola's suitcase up the stairs. He continued to look around at the home and at the landscaping. He swallowed hard as they approached the front door. Viola smiled at her boyfriend's nervousness.

"It'll be ok." She leaned in for a soft kiss.

"Excuse me." The young couple jumped back when they heard a man's voice.

"Father." Viola exclaimed as she stepped back from Ted.

William had seen the car pull up and went to the door to help with the bag and to greet them. He opened the door as soon as Viola leaned in for a kiss. She walked to her father and gave him a hug and a kiss on his cheek.

"It's good to see you."

"Yes, it is." He accepted the hug and kiss. "Please introduce me to your boyfriend."

As Viola began the introductions, Grace stepped beside her husband.

"Ted, it is great to met you. I have heard a lot about you."

"Nice to met you, Mrs. Thatcher, Mr. Thatcher."

"Please, call me Grace and you may call him William."

"I'm sorry Mrs. Thatcher. I can't do that."

"Let me guess, your mother's voice is in your ear."

"Yes ma'am. How did you know that?"

"That is what Jack said about his father's voice. It must be something in that family."

"Yes ma'am."

Ted carried the bag inside. "At least he doesn't have orange hair." William whispered to his wife.

"William!" Grace corrected in a hushed tone as she lightly elbowed him in the ribs.

"Am I wrong?"

"No, you're not wrong." She stated shaking her head. She was secretly grateful Ted looked normal with normal hair and no weird piercings. She sensed that Viola was beginning to change over the last couple of weeks. They all sat around the kitchen island. Grace pulled out some food for them and heated it up. As they ate, they got to know each other a little better.

…

"Are you ok?" Elizabeth asked as Jack walked toward her car. This Friday morning was a little cold and overcast. No snow was expected.

"Good morning to you too." Jack smirked. "I'm good. Maybe a little tired."

"Did you stay up late with Ted?"

"Maybe a little later than I should have, but it was great catching up with him."

"That's great. Mother and father really liked him."

"I think he really likes Viola."

"I hope so. She really likes him."

"I warned him that if I catch them kissing, I'm going to throw a towel at the both of them."

Elizabeth let out a loud laugh. "Come on big boy. We need to say hello to our group. How's the ankle?"

"Good." He nodded his head.

Jack reached for her pinky as they turned toward the school. She quickly wrapped her pinky around his. They fell into step with each other like they have always walked together for their entire lives. That's one of the things she loves about Jack. They just were natural together and fit well with each other. She still felt like something was off with Jack, but it wasn't too obvious.

"There's my guy!" Jack called out. He and Elizabeth just walked through the front door as Adam and the other special ed group made their way around the corner and down the main hall.

Adam began to wave his arms in air in pure excitement to seeing his guy. Jack dropped his backpack and opened his arms for a hug. Adam immediately walked into the hug. Jack picked him up off the floor and twirled him in the air one time. When Jack lowered Adam back to the ground, he didn't release the hug. Adam sensed Jack's need for a hug. So, he didn't release the embrace either.

As Elizabeth was hugging one of the girls, she caught the embrace from the corner of her eye. Now she knew something was off. While Jack and Adam always hugged, this was different. It reminded her of the first day of school when Jack met Adam for the first time.

The time with the special ed group was like all the other times, plenty of laughter and hugs. Elizabeth received hugs from everyone while Jack received hugs from everyone except for John. They fist bumped a couple of times. Mrs. Johnston just stood back and watched the group with a huge smile. This was her favorite part of the day. She had also noticed that after the morning greeting with Jack and Elizabeth, many other students spoke to the group as they walked down the hall. The whole thing did her heart good.

Jack stood and watched as Adam made his way down the hall toward the cafeteria. He needed the hug from him this morning. Elizabeth stepped and stood beside him and watched the group as well. She wanted to say something to Jack, but he beat her to it.

"Elizabeth, may I tell you something?"

"Sure Jack. What's on your mind?"

"Hey guys." Connie and Steven spoke as they walked through the front doors. "Has the group already been by?"

"Yeah, you just missed them."

"Awe man!" Moaned Steven. "I'll have to catch up with them during lunch."

"How are you?"

"I'm fine Connie. How are you."

"I'm good Elizabeth. I would like to talk with you later about that math homework. I'm having a little bit of trouble with it. Mind looking at it with me?"

"Sure thing."

On their way to honors history with Mr. Jackson, Connie and Steven fell into step with them. Jack sighed. He wanted to speak with Elizabeth about something, but he didn't want to talk in front of anyone. Elizabeth sensed his discomfort. She reached for his pinky and gave it three squeezes when he interlocked his pinky with hers. He understood the look she gave him. They'll find time to talk later.

…

"There's my beautiful red head."

"Hey Tom."

"You ready for this test?"

"Did you have to remind me?" Julie moaned. She didn't like this class very much. However, it was the only class she had with Tom. She enjoyed that.

"I get it. Are you coming to the game tonight?"

"Yeah. I think mother and father are meeting with your parents at Abagail's before the game."

"I'll see you there."

"Perfect. Not much longer and we can actually go out on a date without anyone else."

"I can't wait!"

…

"Good morning, Ted. How are you?"

"I'm good Aunt Charlette."

"Did you rest well?"

"Yes. I slept hard. I must have been more tired than I thought. What are you planning today?"

"I'm working at the library today. They needed help with organizing a large shipment of books they received. What are you doing?"

" I'm going to call mom. Then I need to sit in front of a piano for a few hours today. Viola told me I could use her parent's piano for my practice. I'm leaving in a few minutes."

"How did that go last night?"

"They were super nice."

"And the house?"

"Jack warned me about it before I dropped Viola off. It was huge."

"It is. However, I know Grace very well. She is my best friend. One of the sweetest women you will ever know. Don't let the size of the house be an issue."

"That's what Jack says. It's not. I just hope Viola will be ok with me."

"I don't know her very well, but if she is anything like Elizabeth, you will be fine."

"Viola said she wasn't that way in high school. The Viola I know now is a great woman I hope to get to know more of."

"That sounds great. Just keep your head, please."

"You sound like mom." Ted teased his aunt.

…

Grace sat in a chair in the corner of her living room. The piano Ted was playing is in the den. Just the next room over. The magazine she was reading was long forgotten in her lap. Her eyes were closed with her head slightly tilted back. She was marveling at the sound coming from the den. She had been to many concerts with classical pianists, but Ted was better than any one she has ever heard. He was so good that she called her husband and left the phone on the side table on speaker so he could listen.

Grace wasn't able to speak to him before he began playing, She was in her bedroom taking care of laundry when he arrived. Viola welcomed him inside and showed him where the piano was. She was on her way to say hi to him when he began playing. She had no desire to interrupt him. She also had no idea how long she had been sitting in the chair listening. If this was him practicing, she couldn't wait to hear him in concert.

Viola stepped into the living room and noticed her mother sitting and listening. She walked up to her mother and sat in the chair beside her. She noticed her mom's phone on the counter. William had to attend a meeting and hung up when he couldn't get her attention. She placed her hand on top of her mother's knee.

Grace slowly opened her eyes and focused on her oldest daughter. "That young man is really talented."

"He is. I love to study when he plays."

"Do you do that often?"

"I do. He usually practices in the music hall, they have tables. I sit there and study. It's so peaceful."

"It is. I never knew that piano could be played like that."

"He's special."

"He is." Grace looked at her daughter for a few moments. "I believe he's more special than just playing the piano so well."

Viola's face turned a little red. She nodded her head at her mother's statement.

"So, how serious are you two?"

"Mother, we haven't dated very long. He's very nice. I like him."

"Like him?"

"More than that, but I'm not willing to admit to more than that at this time."

"Your face tells me more than that, dear?"

"And how do you know that?"

"Dear, I'm not that old." Grace chuckled. "Plus, I see it on Elizabeth's face. Julie's too."

"Gracious…I'm not sure."

"Sure you are. It's ok to take this slow." Grace patted Viola's hand. "Tell me, did you really help built that house?"

"I did." Viola answered with great pride in her voice. "It was a lot of work, but I loved every moment of it. Except for the sore muscles the next couple of days."

"That's when he arranged a message for you?"

"Yes, after church. I attended with him."

"I'm grateful you attended church with him."

"I know." Viola admitted. Her church attendance stopped when she began to attend college. She just didn't go since she didn't have to go with her family. She was now attending with Ted.

"I believe he's good for you, my dear."

"I agree."

"Just don't lose you head in this." Grace stated softly.

"I know. I don't think I will."

"Your father was impressed he didn't have orange hair." Grace and Viola laughed at the strange memory of her high school boyfriend.

"Ted is completely different from him…goodness, I don't even remember his name."

"Me either. All I can remember is that orange hair. I just knew the pool water was going to be orange after he went swimming."

"I can't believe I brought that guy around."

"Youth dear. Ted isn't that way at all. He seems like a fine young man."

"I agree." Viola sat back and closed her eyes listening to her boyfriend play the piano. Both ladies were swept away by the sound that flooded the home.

…

Jack was unusually quiet during history. He did answer two questions but didn't gloat over it like normal. He grinned at Elizabeth when she would smirk at answering questions in math class, but he wasn't too engaging. Honors Biology was spent watching a documentary on cells and their ability to regenerate themselves. Elizabeth was hoping gym class would be a free day, or at least, an easy day so she and Jack could talk.

They walked into the gym class just ahead of Charles. She smiled when nothing was set up. That usually meant an easy day or free day. The teacher began speaking when the last student walked into the gym.

"Free day today after you walk four laps around the gym. I have to be out of the gym for reports. Nancy is in charge while I'm gone. Please do not be rude."

They watched the teacher blow his whistle and then head to the doors where another teacher was waiting on him. Elizabeth extended her hand and Jack quickly accepted it.

"Are you picking me up for the game or am I meeting you at Abagail's?"

"May I pick you up?"

"Sure." She couldn't help but smile at this little grin.

She never completely understood why it was so important for him to pick her up at times, but it was. She loved to drive by herself. It was her alone time. However, she did enjoy spending time with Jack too.

"May I tell you something?" His voice was very low and soft.

"You are speaking to your girlfriend, Jack. You may tell me anything."

Jack rubbed her ring with his thumb. He would often do that to tell her that she wasn't just his girlfriend. She couldn't help but smile each time he did that. The simple act was moving to her.

"I'm scared."

"Scared?"

"Yeah." He broke eye contact with her and looked at the ground in front of them. He was being completely open with her. It was scary being that vulnerable.

Elizabeth stopped walking and turned to face him. "Jack, why are you scared?"

He looked beside him at the couple of people that were walking toward them. She turned her head and noticed them too. She turned him and they began to walk again. Speaking where only Jack could hear her, she continued.

"What are you worried about?"

"Coach Franklin stated that he would run me through some drills before the game. He'll make the decision then if I will play tonight. If I do, he said I would only play five minutes per period."

"He just wants to make sure you're ready. He doesn't want you to get hurt any further."

"Is that what you two text about each evening?"

"Oh…you know about that do you?" She lowered her head at getting caught texting his coach. "It doesn't sound too bad. He just wants what is best for you. Are you afraid he won't play you?"

"I am."

"But Jack, if he doesn't, you will have games next week. I know it's hard missing a game, but it isn't the end of the world. It's much better than injuring yourself by coming back too soon and being out another two plus weeks." She looked at him for a few moments. "That's not all of it. What else is scaring you?" She noticed his questioning facial expression. "I think I know my boyfriend pretty well. Out with it Mr. Thornton."

"You do. Thank you for that." He squeezed her pinky three times. He absolutely loved this woman. She really did know him.

"I love you, Jack. Now, what else has you worried?"

"What if I play and I get hurt again? Or I'm not the same because of my injury?"

Her heart hurt for her boyfriend. His voice was full of doubt and worry. That wasn't like Jack. He wasn't arrogant. She would describe him as humbly confident. He didn't beat his own chest, but he was good at what he did. He was in the top ten of the graduating class. He accepted a scholarship to play basketball at Bryan's University in the fall. He was signing the scholarship after lunch in a ceremony. Yet, he never broadcasted his achievements. He always credited his teammates and others. Hamilton East is having its best season in decades, and it was due to Jack. Yet, he praised everyone else and downplayed his achievements. She loved that about him. His humble confidence was an attractive characteristic she admired.

Elizabeth let go of his pinky and took his hand. They intertwined their fingers and she held tightly to him as she moved them to the bleachers. She wanted to get them away from everyone so they could talk privately. After sitting down, she pulled him to sit beside her. She turned slightly to face him the best she could while sitting beside him on the bleachers. With a loving voice filled with sincerity, she began to speak.

"Jack, you suffered a pretty big injury. You have recovered from it. Actually, you are still recovering from it. That's why you have the brace you need to wear. It will affect you for a little while. The doctor, Candy, and Coach Franklin won't allow you on the court if you could be injured so easily. They are also protecting you by limiting your playing time. That will protect you but will also allow you to come back slower so you can get stronger and back in playing shape.

"You may not be exactly the same at first as you were before the injury, but you will get back to who you were very quickly. But Jack…I think you will be better than you think you will be. I have all the confidence in you. Take your time. You will become stronger than you were before because of all the work you put into healing."

Jack heard every word. He also saw the look in her eyes. She wasn't just saying this to make him feel better. She truly believed the words she spoke. He felt loved by her words and action. He appreciated that she pulled him to the side to have this conversation privately. She knew him. She knew how to handle him, to comfort him, and to challenge him. For the millionth time, she proved to him that they were a true team. Two separate individuals coming together to work together for the betterment of each other. As a result, they were stronger together. He appreciated her.

While he still had doubts, he was leaning on her strength at the moment. This is one of the things they did well. They shared their strength with each other when the other person needed it. Jack scooted a little closer to her. He leaned his head on her shoulder for just a few seconds. He squeezed her hand three times as he spoke. "Thank you."

…

The auditorium filled up quickly. There were three tables set up with chairs surrounding each table. Most students were just excited about being out of class. Coach Franklin was excited about his star players receiving an opportunity to go to college and continue to play the game they loved. Along with Thomas and Charlette, William and Grace came to celebrate and witness Jack signing his scholarship.

Jack had received a few offers from other schools, but he was steadfast in attending Bryan's University and playing for Coach Brown. Jack pulled out his phone as did Elizabeth when it buzzed. They both received the same text from Coach Brown.

B – Big day you two. Looking forward to you both being here!

J – Thanks Coach

E – Thanks Coach Brown

Jack put his phone in his pocket and turned his attention back to his girlfriend. He wasn't finished with the conversation he and Elizabeth were having.

"Now, where were we?"

Elizabeth huffed. "Jack, there is no way I'm going on that stage with you. I am not receiving a scholarship. This is about you."

Jack placed his hands on her biceps. "E-liz-a-beth." He elongated her name. "I'm not going up there without you. We do this together." His voice was adamant.

"Jack, this is about you and you signing the scholarship. This isn't about me."

"It's about us, Elizabeth." He stated. He looked down at their feet for a few seconds. He was having trouble finding the proper words he wanted to say. He let go of her bicep and reached for her left hand. He picked it up so they could both see her fingers easily. "Elizabeth," He began by rubbing her Claddagh ring he placed on her finger weeks ago. "I gave you that ring because I wanted you to know how much I love you."

"I love you."

"Great. That ring represents my commitment to you. I promised you that evening that I will be coming to you with an engagement ring and an important question about our future."

She smiled at the precious memory. "Yes…I remember."

"You said you would be ready when I ask you."

"Yes. I will be ready. I promise."

"My heart belongs to you. I love you. As far as I am concerned, we are already one. I know in my mind we aren't and won't be until we are married. However, my heart doesn't know that. It already beats for you. You have my heart."

"You have my heart."

"Us together."

"Us together." She repeated their phrase.

"Now, I would love for you to be there with me…together."

She sighed. When Jack got out of his head, he always spoke perfectly from his heart. It always touched her. She wanted Jack to be center stage. However, he wanted her with him. How could she say no to his heart.

"Fine, but mom and dad sit beside you. I'll stand direct behind you."

"We'll work on the sitting arrangements later."

"I have the feeling you aren't paying attention to me." She wagged her free index finger at him.

"Probably a little more than I should." He flirted. "You know I love that scary teacher face of yours."

…

Elizabeth sat beside Jack at his table. She wasn't happy about losing that argument with him, but quickly realized there wasn't any hope. Jack's mother was sitting beside him. Tom was standing directly behind him. Cory and Steven were sitting at a table on either side of him at their perspective tables. Jack was the middle table. Their parents and loved ones were sitting with them. Jack had asked Coach Franklin for the team to stand behind them. When Coach Franklin balked at the idea, Jack insisted that he, Cory, or Steven wouldn't be signing a scholarship without their help. The team fanned out behind three tables. Charles stood at the very end trying to distance himself as much as possible. It didn't go unnoticed by the coach or the team.

"What are you thinking?" Whispered Elizabeth in a challenging voice. She saw the little expression change in Jack's face.

Jack turned his face just a little to his right. He leaned forward and raised his right hand. With his index finger, he made the motion for the person he was looking at to come to him. Elizabeth followed Jack's gaze. She knew instantly who Jack was motioning to. Adam quickly stood and began walking toward Jack waving his arms in excitement.

"If it wasn't for Adam, I wouldn't have made it through the first game. I would have collapsed from dehydration."

"Very true…he's your life saver." Elizabeth smiled.

"There's my guy!" Jack stood when Adam climbed the last step and walked onto the platform of the auditorium.

Jack gave him a hug and lifted him off the floor. Adam was wearing his basketball warm up pullover.

"Come on, Adam. We have something to do."

Jack sat down in his chair and both Elizabeth and Charlette patted his knee. Adam stood beside Tom. He was on Jack's left shoulder. He placed his hand on Jack's shoulder. Jack reached up and patted Adam's hand. Then he reached for Elizabeth's hand.

Coach Franklin walked behind the podium. The reporter and photographer from the Hamilton Gazette kneeled in front of the three tables.

"Good afternoon. We are here to celebrate Jack, Steven, and Cory today for all their hard work on the court. Today, they have decided to attend the colleges of their choice by accepting a basketball scholarship and furthering their education. There is no suspense about a decision to attend school. They have already made that decision and are very comfortable with it. So, this ceremony is more about celebrating these three individuals as they officially accept their scholarships." The coach stopped for the applause. "Now, Jack we'll start with you."

Jack rolled his eyes. He had asked to go last, but Cory and Steven insisted he go first. Elizabeth squeezed his hand three times. When she began to let go of it, Jack tightened his grip. He wasn't willing to let it go.

"First, I would like to thank my ma and pa. They have always supported me in any endeavors I decided to take on. They have always been a great source of strength and encouragement for me. I would also like to thank Coach Franklin for his unwavering support. My teammates have been essential in our success. We have come together as a true team with one heartbeat. I wouldn't be here without them. They have pushed me, challenged me, and encouraged me every step. I would also like to thank Adam." Jack reached for his hand that was on his shoulder. The school erupted in applause. It took several long moments for the applause to die down before Jack could speak again. The school has warmly accepted the special ed group and loved on them as much as possible. "I would like to thank William and Grace. They have been a great support to me as well. I would also like to thank Elizabeth for everything." Jack leaned and bumped his shoulder against her. He squeezed her hand but didn't release the grip on it. He whispered. "Thank you."

The phrase wasn't loud so others could hear it and the gesture was small and not noticed by everyone, but it was very moving to Elizabeth. Jack wasn't one for grand gestures. However, he mastered the small, loving gestures that spoke everything to her heart. The look in his eyes told her everything. She saw his loving soul and fell in love with Jack all over again. She squeezed his hand three times. They were lost in each other's eyes for just a moment, yet it was moving, nevertheless.

Jack reached up and took the pen that was laying beside the scholarship in front of him. He twisted the pen open and leaned forward. He signed his name on the bottom of the scholarship beside Coach Brown's signature and the stamp of the school.

The school applauded as Jack settled back into his chair. He watched Cory and Steven go through the same process he did. Jack took his pen and closed it. Then he handed it to his father. Without saying a word, the expression between the two men spoke volumes, Cory's and Steven's speeches were a lot like his, somewhat short, praising and thanking everyone else. The photographer was snapping pictures of everyone. When the assembly was finished. The photographer asked each person to stay. They took family pictures for the newspaper of each group.

When everyone was finally dismissed, and the ceremony was over, Jack turned to his mother and father. He gave them each a long hug. He whispered thank you in their ears and held on tighter and longer than normal. The love was easily seen between them.

After his parents, he hugged Grace and William. They each congratulated him. Then he turned to Elizabeth. She saw the torment in his face. He had so much to tell her, but he couldn't get his heart to work with his head and mouth. He opened his mouth a couple of times trying to say something, but no words would form. He lowered his head frustrated with himself. Elizabeth saw the frustration. She stepped a little closer to him. When her index finger was placed under Jack's chin, she raised it so he would be looking into her eyes.

"I know Jack."

"But…"

"Your eyes are telling me everything. I know." She softly stated.

"Us… together." He softly stated.

"Us… together." She lovingly repeated the phrase.