Chapter 54
Julie stood outside of Elizabeth's car Tuesday morning before school. She was eagerly waiting for the number sixty school bus to arrive. Her insistence was beginning to drive Elizabeth crazy. She had bugged her older sister to allow her to ride with her to school. She wanted to avoid the school bus, not because Tom was riding it, but because John was. She wanted to avoid any possible connection with him. She knew she wanted to date Tom and didn't want Tom to think she had any feelings toward John. Honestly, she didn't like John in that way. She reached out to him because it would hurt Tom. She would often tear up when she thought about what she did.
Julie had grown up over the last day or so. She wasn't perfect. She was beginning to mature. Her talk with her older sister had an impact on her. Her mother also came down on her. Grace wasn't happy with how her youngest daughter acted. For the first time she could remember, Grace felt Julie truly listened and paid attention to what she was telling her. Walking into the conversation, Grace had considered forbidding Julie from dating for a long time. By the end of the conversation, she had changed her mind. She could see a difference in Julie's demeanor. Instead of pushing the blame onto someone else, she began to take full responsibility for her actions.
"So, you thought your little conversation went well last night at the game?"
"It did. We didn't talk for most of it. I took your advice. I apologized and was completely honest with him."
"Completely?"
"I told him everything."
"And?" Elizabeth asked.
"Well…we're not together, but we are taking this very slowly. He doesn't trust me but allows me to show him my heart."
"Jack was the same way with me."
"But you proved it right?"
"I did. Best decision I ever made."
"I'm hoping he'll give me the same chance."
"Julie, he said he would. You must trust him. Instead of trying to guess what he's thinking, you need to have an honest conversation with him. No more games or playing around."
"I know…I'm learning how to do that."
"You big goof…" Elizabeth teased.
"Hey! You're using my own words against me."
"I remember. Learn from your mistakes. Grow from it, and don't make it again."
"Is that what you did?"
"Yes."
When bus number sixty pulled into the drive-through where students were let off, Julie perked up. She was eager to see Tom. They weren't together, but he did leave the option for it to happen at some point. Her face fell when she didn't see Tom get off the bus.
"Maybe he rode with Jack."
"He doesn't ride with Jack," Julie whined.
"You don't ride with me either. Maybe he did today."
Elizabeth laughed when she noticed Jack riding his red bike into the parking lot. She could only shake her head and giggle at his large smile. While most guys would balk at the thought of riding a bike to school, Jack was completely different. She knew he loved doing it. She also knew why he rode his bike today. He played a lot last night and knew he must be a little sore. He would often ride his bike when he was sore.
Then they noticed Charlette's SUV pulling into the drop off section. Julie's face lit up when Tom stepped out of the passenger seat. When he adjusted his backpack, he looked up. That's when he noticed Julie. He gave her a little smirk.
"Well…that's something."
Julie nodded her head. "I'll take it."
…
"Wow! Nice red bike." Elizabeth playfully teased. Jack could hear the teasing in the tone in her voice.
"Thanks." He stated before he even turned around. The playfulness evident in his voice. "My girlfriend doesn't like it very much."
"I don't understand why. It's a nice bike."
"My Ma and Pa bought it for me when I turned sixteen. It was new." He turned to face her once he locked his bike to the rack. He adjusted his backpack on his shoulder. His dimpled grin matched his playfulness.
"What kind of guy didn't want a car for his sixteenth birthday."
"I know this may be a little forward ma'am…but I'm not a typical teen guy."
Elizabeth ran her finger over his handlebar. "Not a typical guy, huh?"
"No ma'am."
"Interesting…, but don't all guys say that to win the girl?"
"I guess, but I'm not trying to win you. I have a girlfriend. You came to me. I didn't go to you."
Elizabeth smiled. "So, do you own a car?"
"I own a truck, ma'am. It's a 1970 Chevrolet C10 Stepside."
"Oh…that's a classic truck. Do you give out rides?" Elizabeth smiled and batted her eyes.
Jack looked intently at her. The mischievousness was evident in her demeanor. Her eyes were shining with playfulness. He was greatly enjoying the playfulness of his girlfriend. Like always, she was pulling him in deeper.
"I'm sorry ma'am, but no. There is only one girl who rides in that truck."
"Only one?" She batted her eyes at him again.
Jack flashed her a dimpled smile and then pulled it back quickly. She missed his dimples. "Yes ma'am, only one. I know those beautiful, big, blue eyes have never heard the word 'no'. However, no ma'am. I will not be giving you a ride in my truck."
"Well, that's a little sad to hear. What about a ride on your bike?"
"My bike? My girlfriend never would ride on my bike."
"She's missing out."
Jack took a couple of steps closer to her. He was in her space. He wasn't touching her, but she could smell his cologne. His closeness paused her brain for a moment.
"I always told her that, but she is a little stubborn who doesn't always listen." He leaned in where his cheek was just an inch away from hers. He whispered into her ear. His breath was slowly blowing in her ear. "Even in her stubbornness, I love her with all of my heart."
Elizabeth sucked in a short breath. She loved his little flirting game.
Jack had leaned back to look into her eyes. After a few seconds, his eyes fell to her lips. Elizabeth bit her bottom lip. Jack forgot to breathe. Then he lowered his eyes to her chin and then the little indentation at the base of her neck. He really loved that little spot. It was his favorite place for him to pay attention to. He didn't realize that he was staring. He licked his lips remembering their time on her front porch when he found it for the first time.
"Jack…" She whispered as she leaned in and gently kissed his lips. She couldn't help herself. She had to kiss him at that moment more than she had to breathe.
Jack reached for her pinky when the short kiss ended. No words were spoken. They didn't have too. Their expressions were enough.
…
Mrs. Johnston and her special ed group turned the corner into the main hallway when the teen group made their way through the front doors. Adam's arms began to wave when he noticed his guy walking in.
"There's my guy!" Jack yelled as he quickly walked toward the group. Adam jumped in his arms. Jack twirled him around twice before setting him back down on the ground. "How are you?"
Adam nodded and smiled. He moved to hug Elizabeth as John stepped up and fist-bumped Jack. It took a few seconds for all the special ed group to hug or fist-bump Jack and then hug Elizabeth. They quickly moved to the other couples who were always with them. Even Rosemary and Lee were getting hugs and fist bumps now.
One of the girls dominated the conversation about her horse. She was showing off a new picture she had of him, and the whole group fawned over it. They said their goodbyes until lunch, when Mrs. Johnston stepped forward and began to usher the group forward.
After leaving Jack's and Elizabeth's group, there was another set of teens that stopped and spoke to the special ed group. By the time they reached the cafeteria, they were ten minutes late.
"Mrs. Johnston, this is becoming a habit." Playfully teased the cafeteria worker.
"Yeah." She smiled at the reason why.
"I've heard your group is the most popular group at school."
"They are." She reached for a tear that was threatening to fall. No matter how much she tried, the sentiment that the majority of the high school accepted her little group made her emotional.
"They are a special group." The cafeteria worker stated with a smile.
…
"Alright class, we are going to switch things up this morning." Mr. Jackson stated.
Elizabeth groaned at the teacher's statement. She has spent extra time studying their history assignments. She was determined to beat Jack at least once. She felt very prepared this morning.
"Why?" she asked out loud. She didn't even know she did it.
"For fun and giggles. It's good to change up the monotony from time to time. History must be much more than memorizing names, places, and dates."
Elizabeth doesn't even have to look in Jack's direction to find out what he is doing. His smirk was huge. He would often tell her the same thing when they would study together. She quickly glanced in his direction.
"Breathe, Ms. Thatcher. You'll be ok." Jack sassed.
Mr. Jackson only shook his head. He enjoyed the teasing between the young couple. He knew Elizabeth tried to beat Jack, but he was just better in this class.
"Does anyone know who designed the current American flag and what year he did it?"
Elizabeth thought for a second and remembered the text Jack sent her a few days ago. She jumped in her seat, raising her hand. Mr. Jackson looked from Jack to Elizabeth. He saw Jack's little smirk.
"Yes, Ms. Thatcher."
"His name was Robert Heft."
"And the year?"
"I…hum…I don't remember the year. I do remember he did it for a high school project. He received a B- on the project."
"Good job, Ms. Thatcher. How did you know all of that?"
"That's not important, Mr. Jackson." She mumbled.
"Go ahead and tell him," Jack stated as he lightly pushed her shoulder with his hand.
"He didn't ask that, Jack."
"I kind of did." Mr. Jackson caught on to Jack's sassing and why.
"I don't remember." She whispered.
"Maybe you should check your text messages." Jack smirked. "It was a couple of days ago."
"Jack, that's not important." She stared at him.
"Mr. Jackson, the year was 1958."
"Good job Jack."
"Elizabeth, you should thank him." Mr. Jackson laughed.
"I'll do that." She whispered without looking at Jack.
"That's an interesting story of history. If you only remember dates, events, and names, history is boring. When you learn the story behind those dates, events, and names, then history becomes more interesting. The who, what, and when are important, but true history always comes with a great story behind it.
"Heft's history teacher, Mr. Stanley Pratt, asked his class to make anything they wanted and to bring it in for a show and tell. At that time, the United States only had forty eight states. There was talk that Alaska and Hawaii might be added soon. Heft, who attended Lancaster High School in Ohio, began to imagine what the American flag might look like if it had fifty stars instead of forty eight.
"Heft spend twelve hours cutting fifty white stars from iron-on material, adhering the stars to a piece of blue cloth and sewing the new field of stars to his parents' forty eight American flag. He arranged the fifty stars into a field that included five rows of six stars and four rows of five stars."
Jack jumped in the explanation. "When he brought the flag to school, his teacher wasn't impressed. He stated that Heft didn't even know how many states we have. That he had too many stars."
"Correct Mr. Thornton." Mr. Jackson stated. "He received a B- for the project. However, Heft was given an opportunity to improve his grade if he convinced the U. S. government to use his flag. As you can imagine, the odds were heavily stacked against him, but he was on a mission. He began to write letters and making calls to the White House, asked the president to look at his flag.
"Two years later, after Alaska and Hawaii officially became states, Heft received a surprise phone call from President Dwight D. Eisenhower with the news he was waiting for."
"Really?" Another student asked.
"Yes. His flag was chosen as the model for the new fifty star flag. On July 04, 1960, President Eisenhower invited Heft to Washington, D. C. for a flag raising ceremony at the U. S. Capitol."
"That's cool." The same student stated.
"He even designed a fifty one star flag incase Puerto Rico or Washington D. C. became a state." Jack added.
"True, Mr. Thornton."
"He's going to be hard to be around." Elizabeth huffed.
"When you go deeper than just names and dates, history becomes so much more enjoyable. That's why I love it so much." Jack flirted.
…
"Hey man." Cory stated as he and Steph walked up to Jack and Elizabeth, and Steven and Connie. They were making their way to the cafeteria. When he looked at Elizabeth, he saw the smirk on Elizabeth's face. She was almost glowing. "Did she beat you again in math?"
"She redeemed herself from history class." Jack flatly stated. "I just don't understand why Mr. Callahan doesn't punish her for cheating."
"Jack Thornton! You know I don't cheat in math!"
"I know no such thing!" He defended himself. "No one can always be first and right simultaneously all the time."
"Well, I don't think you can say that." she teased.
"Excuse us, ladies. I need to speak to the guys for a moment." Cory stated as he nodded toward the side.
"What's up?" Connie asked.
"Oh, nothing…" Cory stated as he stepped to the side.
Jack and Steven shrugged their shoulders.
The ladies watched the boys gather a few feet away in a small huddle. They could tell that something was up. Cory had this expression on his face. After a few moments, Jack and Steven gained the same expression.
"What are they up to?" The three ladies stated at the same time.
"Hey man, what's up?"
"Valentine's Day is coming up quickly. We need to do something special for our girls."
"That's true…" Steven stated.
Jack looked at his phone. "Yeah, man…it's just under three weeks away."
"What are you thinking?" Steven asked.
"I was thinking maybe we could ask them out together in a big gesture…"
"No offense, man, but I'm not spending Valentine's Day with Elizabeth with you two?"
"Don't worry, Jack. I don't want to spend Valentine's Day with you and Steven, either. That's not what I meant."
"Then what?" Steven asked.
"Since they are such great friends, why don't we do something together to ask them out, but we go on separate dates?"
"That could work," Steven stated.
"What are you thinking?"
"Jack, do I have to think of everything?"
Jack and Steven laughed.
"I guess that's where we come in?"
"I always knew you were smart." Cory sassed.
"Alright…let's give this some thought. We better get back to the girls. They are already staring at us."
Cory and Steven looked up and saw the three girls staring at them.
"The boys are, without a doubt, up to something," Steph stated.
"Yeah…no kidding," Connie stated as she stared at Steven.
"Uh…humm." Elizabeth continued staring.
…
Jack's phone was on top of the lunch table. He had just left to go grab another drink for Adam and him. Not only was the friend group of all the couples, including Rosemary and Lee, sitting there along with the ten from the special ed group, but six other people had pulled their table up to them to be part of the excitement in the lunch room. By now, this group was the largest and loudest in the cafeteria. No lunch monitor ever stepped up and asked the group to settle down. They had fun and enjoyed themselves; they weren't obnoxiously loud.
"Hey, Jack's phone just went off," Steven stated. He was sitting in front of Jack. "Oh…"
"What?"
"Nothing." Steven tried his best not to laugh, but he failed.
"What?" Elizabeth asked again.
Cory sat up a little and snickered when he saw Jack's phone.
"What?" Elizabeth asked for the third time. She finally looked at Jack's screen just a moment before it went dark. "Oh, good grief."
"What?" Jack asked as he sat Adam's drink in front of him. Then he sat down in his seat. He picked up his fork as he continued to look at his girlfriend.
"What did you do?" She challenged him.
"I haven't done anything! You have been with me all day."
"Jarrick Thornton!"
"What?" He opened his arms to show he didn't do anything. "I'm innocent."
He tried his best but couldn't keep from laughing at Steven and Cory. They were out right laughing now.
"You received a text."
"I what…how am I in trouble by receiving a text?" He challenged her. The young couple stared at each other for a few seconds.
"It wasn't the text that got you in trouble."
"Well, who was the text from?"
"Nana."
"How in the world am I in trouble with my Nana texting me?"
"It wasn't the text that got you in trouble, Jarrick. It's the background screen…again."
"Oh…" Jack stated when Elizabeth touched the screen and turned so he could see the picture. It was the one when she had her hair in a messy bun. She had just changed it back a couple of days ago. This morning, before getting out of bed, he had changed it back. As much as he loved the picture, she hated it.
"We've talked about this." She huffed.
"You told me I couldn't do that, and you changed the background screen without my consent."
"Jack…"
"What? Elizabeth, I love that picture. You are so adorable."
"Jack, you shouldn't have done that." Connie defended her friend.
Jack turned the phone so Connie could see it. "See, it's so stinking adorable. It's a great picture."
"Not cool," Steph stated.
"Don't underestimate the power of a messy bun," Cory stated.
"Wait…"
"Yes, Steph."
"Jack, did you tell him to say that?" Challenged Elizabeth.
"Of course not."
"No," Cory stated. "I say it all the time."
"Steph?"
She nodded her head in agreement.
"So does Steven," Connie whispered.
"See, we love a good messy bun."
"Huh…" The girls whispered together.
…
The next morning, Connie and Steph were waiting in their cars in the school's parking lot. They were there only a couple of minutes before Elizabeth's white Mini Cooper pulled into the driveway. They smiled as they watched their friend.
"You know, Jack's right. She does drive fast in the parking lot."
Steph laughed. "I thought you were pulling in here on three wheels," she said as Elizabeth grabbed her backpack from the back seat and got out of the car.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Did Jack tell you to say that?"
"Nope. I have heard him say that a few times, but I noticed it all on my own."
"Very funny!" Elizabeth laughed.
"Do you think you'll survive this morning?"
Elizabeth smiled at her friend's teasing. Jack had a doctor's appointment to check his ankle. It was doing well and improving each day. This would be his last doctor's visit. He hoped his ankle improved so he could take off his inflatable toy.
Elizabeth was torn between going with Jack or going to school. She had missed a couple of days of school because of his previous doctor's appointments and then the kidnapping. That's more school absences than in all the previous years combined. She also wanted to go with Jack. He assured her it was an easy appointment and that she didn't need to go.
"I think I'll survive."
"This year has certainly been different," Steph added.
"It has, but I like that while Steven and I spend a lot of time together, we don't spend every second together."
"I get it." Elizabeth stated.
"Cory and I like that even when we are together with the group, we are with the group."
"Yeah, Jack and I have talked about that too. We love spending time with just us and the whole group."
"It isn't like Janice."
"Very true. Steph and I were talking about that the other day. When she began dating Josh, she had just disappeared. I don't think I've talked to her more than five words since."
Steph and Elizabeth nodded in agreement. Janice was a nice friend who got entirely lost in her relationship with Josh. They both stopped hanging out with their friends. When they broke up a year and a half later, things differed between them all.
"Come on Elizabeth…Connie and I will escort you to your classes. We doubt you can find your way around without Jack."
"Come on, we need to say hi to our group."
"You know, that's one of the best parts of my day."
"Our day," Elizabeth stated.
…
Charles had sat in his sports car watching Elizabeth, Connie, and Steph. He smiled when he didn't see Jack drive into the parking lot. He had wanted to talk to Elizabeth since the chance meeting at the restaurant a few days ago. His mother really yelled at him for what he did. She knew a few things that happened, but he and his father spared her a few important details. Now she knew all of it, and he was in hot water with her.
His senior year really wasn't going the way he wanted it to go. He thought he would be dating Elizabeth. He still believed that they were good for each other. Jack just derailed that plan. Now, he wasn't a starting guy on the basketball team. His playing time was very short each game.
He overheard Jack in the locker room the previous day talking about going to the doctor's office. He knew Elizabeth would walk into school with her friends. They've always done that. He also knew Jack wouldn't be gone the entire day. Charles didn't have first-period classes with Elizabeth, but he did have honors math classes with her. He figured that was his best opportunity to speak to her.
…
Like all the other times, Jack sat on the exam table, battling with the little protective paper. He had already wrinkled it beyond description and ripped it four times. He was trying to straighten it out as the doctor stepped in. She laughed at the scene in front of her.
"You still don't get along with that huh?"
"No, doc. We are mortal enemies." Jack jerked at it with a tad bit of frustration.
"Where's Dr. Elizabeth?"
"You know, she has taken that nickname to the extreme."
"You are lucky you have her."
"I always knew you were a smart woman, doc."
"So, how are you doing?"
Jack spent the next few minutes telling her everything how it felt after each practice and each game. He was relieved to have the brace on when the guy landed on his ankle. It had done its job in protecting it. While he still hated it, he was grateful for it. He answered all of her questions concerning his first game with no restrictions. She was grateful that the coach and athletic trainer didn't throw Jack to the wolves and allowed him to do everything. He wasn't on the clock, but the coach pulled him when he thought Jack was getting tired.
The doctor examined both ankles and had him do some exercises to assess his stability, flexibility, and strength. She was pleased with the healing of the ankle.
"Things are looking really well. I'm happy with everything." She stated when Jack sat on the exam table. "It will continue to get stronger, and in no time, you will be completely over this."
"Thank you for everything."
"You're welcome, Jack. Now, continue what you're doing. Wear the brace for one more game, and then you will be finished with it. Ensure you have a good tape job on it for a few more weeks. You are all clear from me."
Jack stood and shook her hand. He was grateful for all she did for him. "Thank you for everything."
"Please tell Elizabeth I said hello. The front desk will have your excuse for school."
"Thanks, doc."
…
Charles waited at the door of the math class. He needed to take the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth before Jack came back to school from the doctor's office. He was a little miffed she had ignored his last few texts but knew he couldn't approach her with that mindset. That would be a huge reason for her to continue to keep him at arm's reach.
"Elizabeth…" He stated as she approached the door. "…may I have a moment?"
"Charles, class is about to begin."
"We have a couple of minutes. This won't take long."
She sighed. She looked around and saw the hallways full of classmates. She stepped just beside the door. "What do you want?"
"I'm so sorry for everything. From grabbing your arms and causing bruises to the attitude I've had. I'm just sorry."
Elizabeth studied her old friend for a second. She was still upset with him for what he did to her and his attitude toward her and Jack. With everything that he has done, this is the first time she could remember him apologizing.
"Shouldn't you have done this months ago?"
"Yes, I should have. I have no good reason why. I have several excuses but no good reasons. I just wanted to apologize to you."
"And to Jack?"
"I tried the other day just before the game, but he does not want to talk to me."
"Can you blame him?"
"I just wanted to apologize to you. I am truly sorry. I know I have no right to ask this, but I hope we can be friends again. We had such a good friendship before, and I miss my friend."
She watched him turn and walk into the classroom. She could only stare at him. None of this made any sense to her.
"What was that about?" Sam asked as he approached.
Elizabeth turned her head and looked at her friend. "I'm not sure. He just apologized to me."
"Really? Shouldn't he have done that a long time ago?"
"I agree with you."
"What else does he want?" Sam knew his old friend. He wasn't just apologizing.
"He said that he wanted to be friends again."
"Wow. That's bold after all he's done."
"I asked him if he has apologized to Jack."
"And what did he say?"
"He didn't really answer the question."
Sam saw everything during basketball practices and game while they traveled. Charles had no interest in apologizing to Jack. Sam would often see the glares from Charles. He knew in his heart of hearts that Charles hadn't made any efforts to reconcile with Jack. He didn't have a desire to.
"Elizabeth, he hasn't tried."
"He said he tried to talk to Jack just before the game."
"He stepped up to Jack as the girl's game ended. He knew we were running out on the court in a matter of seconds. He's never attempted to speak to Jack during any games of practices. He sits and stares at Jack. Charles has no interest in apologizing to Jack…none." Sam finished his statement as the two-minute warning bell rang. "Be careful, Elizabeth. I know Charles. He's working an angle somehow."
Elizabeth nodded her head and then stepped into the classroom just before Sam. She took her usual seat and noticed the empty chair where Jack would typically sit beside her. She missed him in that moment. She opened her textbook and turned to the page the teacher asked.
…
"Everything's good, Ma. She said to keep doing what I'm doing and that everything looks really good."
"That's great, Jack."
"No more doctor visits."
"Nice. What are you doing now?"
"I'm on my way to school. I just pulled into the parking lot."
"Have a good rest of the day."
"You too, Ma. I love you."
"I love you, Jack. Now, learn something."
"Yes, ma'am." He stated as he turned off his truck.
He ran his finger over Elizabeth's front fender to her headlight on the driver's side. He missed walking in with her and their shared friend group. He also missed the special ed group. He attended his honor's math class after signing in at the front desk and turning in the doctor's note. If he hurried, he would make it when class ended.
Jack entered the room with just ten minutes left in the class. He wasn't surprised when Elizabeth was at the whiteboard explaining her process of finding the answer to the question. Mr. Callahan nodded his head and nodded toward Jack's seat. He knew Jack was coming from the doctor's office. He slipped something on Elizabeth's desk when her back was to the group. She was writing something on the whiteboard when Jack entered. She had no idea he was in the room.
Elizabeth put down the marker and turned around. She answered another question from Mr. Callahan. "That's correct, Elizabeth. Nice work." Then he explained it a little more as Elizabeth stepped to her desk. She smiled when she looked up and noticed Jack was sitting in his chair. School was good that morning, but now she felt her world was whole with Jack there.
As she sat down in her chair, she chuckled as she noticed a Twix candy bar and a bag of Skittles.
"What's this?" She whispered.
"Well, I wanted to get you something but didn't have much time."
"And the Skittles?"
"You can give that to Adam at lunch."
"Why don't you just give it to him?"
She giggled when he held up another bag. "You always said you get him two bags. You can give him one, and then I can do it as well."
For such simple acts, they were very touching to her. Jack just had this way of showing her how much he loved her. A Twix candy bar is a small gift, but the fact that he was thinking of her made it special.
"That's sweet Jack. Thank you."
He tapped his heart twice. She smiled at its meaning.
…
Jack and Elizabeth were walking around the gym. The physical education class was easy today. The teacher was busy with a couple of students who insisted on causing trouble. The couple was walking with Connie, Rosemary, and Steph.
"What was math class about?" Steph asked. She didn't have the class with Elizabeth, but she had heard about it.
"What do you mean?" Jack asked.
"Oh, I didn't tell you because we had biology, and I was more concerned with what the doctor said about your ankle. Charles came up to me before class. He was waiting for me at the door."
Jack stiffened at the sentence. "What did that guy want?"
Elizabeth sensed Jack's body tense up. She reached for his pinky. "He apologized to me."
"He did what?" Jack asked, shocked.
"He said he was sorry for what he had done. He just apologized and said that he hopes we could be friends again at some point."
"He really said that?" Connie stated.
"He did."
"I hope you told that bozo to fly a kite in a lightning storm," Rosemary stated with disbelief in her tone. "And with a huge brass key tied to it."
"Rosey!" Elizabeth stated.
"He did something that was entirely in the wrong and never apologized for it. Elizabeth, he grabbed you and left bruises on your arms. Yet, he has never changed his attitude."
"He apologized today."
"Months after what he did! It's a little too late!" Rosemary huffed. She was waving her arms in the air theatrically. "I hope you're not entertaining the thought of allowing the bozo into your life."
"She's right," Connie stated. "He crossed the line on several different areas."
"Yeah…" Elizabeth stated.
"How could a guy like that choose such a different path? We've known him for years. We were what…in kindergarten?"
"Yeah. I've known him a year before that." Elizabeth stated.
"That guy must have been stupid coming to you this morning," Steph stated. "Wait, he did that with Jack being gone. Did he know you had a doctor's appointment this morning?"
"I don't know, Steph. He and I don't talk. We haven't in a long time."
"He could have heard us in the locker room. We talked about it last night after practice." Cory stated.
"That's true…so, he waited until you were alone."
"Do you think so, Steph?"
"Why else would he pick today unless he knew I wasn't going to be here? That or he has the best luck ever." Jack's tone changed a little. He let out a quick breath. He just knew Charles arranged everything today so he could speak to Elizabeth alone.
"That's interesting." Steven stated.
Elizabeth glanced up at Jack. He remained quiet and still a little tense. He hasn't said anything the last few seconds. This is his normal reaction when it came to Charles. He just didn't like the guy.
"He said he tried to talk to you?"
"Sure Elizabeth, a few seconds before we ran out onto the court. Why are you defending that guy after all he's done to you? And me. To us."
"I'm not defending him." She stated as she reached for Jack's hand.
"It sounds like it." Jack took a deep breath trying to calm his mind. "He hasn't tried for many months. He said we needed to speak. He has no interest in talking to me. He hasn't even tried to speak to me…not once. And we share a locker room and ride the bus together to games." He looked intently into Elizabeth's eyes. "I'm not one to tell you what to do. Even if I was, you aren't the person to sit back and do what I tell you to do."
Connie and Steph muffled their giggles at Jack's statement. They knew it to be true. Elizabeth even smiled. She wasn't one to sit back like that.
"I do not desire to be friends with him. I don't like him, and he doesn't like me. I am perfectly ok with it." Jack's tone was cold and distant.
The whole group knew that wasn't like Jack. He likes everyone. He got along with everyone, except for Charles.
"If you want to be friends with a guy like that…with that guy, I can't stop you. But make no mistake; I don't trust him and won't hang around with him! I'll find something else to do if you hang out with him!"
Jack's voice grew stronger with disdain. The dislike he had for Charles was evident for everyone to see. He was ok with that fact. Everyone understood Jack's point of view.
"Ok, Jack…hold on. We have a huge misunderstanding here. That guy hurt me. I have no interest in his friendship! He burned that bridge long before he grabbed me in the parking lot." She turned to face him fully. This conversation was getting out of hand quickly. She took both of his hands and squared him up to herself. She wanted him to look into her eyes. Words were always meaningful, but the connection between their eyes was entirely intimate. The communication between their eyes was never misunderstood.
She could see the fire in Jack's eyes lighten up slightly at her words. When their eyes connected, she saw peace come over his expression. He finally understood her meaning.
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth," Jack stated.
"You don't have to apologize. I understand."
"Are we good?" Elizabeth asked as the bell sounded to dismiss the gym class.
"Let's head to the cafeteria. You know our group is waiting for us."
"Jack, you never answered my question."
"Yeah, we're good."
…
Jack skyped Elizabeth at the end of the day. He had just stepped out of the shower. He finished studying before taking a shower. He was looking forward to speaking to her. The conversation earlier and Saturday night before the dinner weighed on him. He wasn't a guy who liked drama. He never has been. Elizabeth was the same way. She didn't like the drama either. She also hasn't liked the last few days either.
"Hey." She smiled into the camera when she accepted the skype call.
"Hey, beautiful…wait, where's the messy bun?"
She laughed at his disappointed expression. "Jack."
"Elizabeth." He matched her sass.
"It's not happening," she firmly stated. She was wearing red sleeping pants and a white long-sleeved T-shirt. Her hair was cascading over her shoulders.
"Please." He whined a little.
"Did you get your homework done?" She changed the subject.
"I did. Then I showered."
That's when she noticed his wet hair. She loved that look on him.
"Are we good?"
"We are Jack. It just seems like we have had several outside forces fighting against us."
"Yeah…it feels that way with today."
"And Saturday." She added.
"I'm sorry."
"Me too."
They stared lovingly at each other. Saturday was a little rough, with their youngest siblings playing a role in the dust-up between them. Then, when you threw Charles in later that night and then again today, it just felt like a lot.
"You do understand that I have no interest in being friends with him, right?"
He nodded his head.
"Jack, I need to hear you say it." She sternly stated. Then her expression changed a little when she saw his smirking expression.
"I know."
"You really don't like him, do you?"
He shook his head.
"Why?"
"You know the reasons. Think back on everything he's done, from hurting me at practice to hurting you and everything in between." He paused for a moment. "Do you really not want to be friends with him?"
"I believe you know the answer to that question."
"Sometimes I do, and sometimes I'm not so sure."
"Why do you say that?"
"There are times when you seem like you miss him. Like you miss the friendship."
"Do you really think that?"
"I do. Like today, it sounded like you defended him when you said that he tried to apologize to me. The truth is, he hasn't tried to apologize to me. He stares at me with a look of hatred. He didn't come to me out of the goodness of his heart to apologize to me. He waited until I wasn't around you to talk to you. I think he still likes you and wants to date you."
"I'm not defending him. He was a good friend for a long time."
"To some degree, you sound like you are defending him just now. From my perspective, it sounds like you miss your friend."
"Are you being jealous?"
"You talk to guy friends all the time. Am I jealous when you talk to other guys?" She shook her head no. "I walked up to you today when you were talking to Nick. You introduced me to him, and we three talked."
"True."
"Nick talked to me. He seemed like a good guy. Charles only talks to you. He didn't talk to me. The same with Samantha the other day. I was talking to her, and you came up to us. I introduced you, and we all three talked. You weren't jealous of her. He would wait and talk to you in the parking lot before I arrived or text you when I wasn't with you. He schemes and manipulates things.
"You've never given me a reason to be jealous. You don't flirt with other guys. I trust you. But this is that guy. He's done so much against not just me but to us. Sometimes, it just feels like you keep the light on for him. Like you are giving him every opportunity to make amends."
Jack and Elizabeth looked into the camera of their phones at each other. The conversation may have been intense, but it wasn't mean or heated. They were sharing their points of view and being honest with each other. Their voices were never raised, and nothing was said in anger.
"Jack, I don't want him destroyed. I don't want him in my life. It's true, we were good friends for a long time. However, he has crossed a line, and he can never redraw it and make it right. He is paying the price for his actions. He has a criminal record. He has lost so many friends because of what he's done. I do feel sorry for him for that, but he is the one who decided to do those things. He didn't have to assault me, but he did. If he truly changes and repents, I don't think that has to tarnish his entire life."
"But he hasn't done that."
"True. Even if he does apologize to me and means it, I will forgive him, but he will never be a friend to me."
Jack looked into her eyes for a few moments. He saw the sincerity in her beautiful seas of blue. Along with her sincerity, he weighed her words. He knew this young lady. He loves her with his whole heart. When she brushed back a few strains of her hair behind her ear, he saw the Claddagh ring he had given her. He believed she hadn't taken it off since he placed it on her finger on the beach.
"Sometimes I think you're too good to be true."
"What do you mean?"
"You are just a good person to the core of who you are. Like with that guy, you want the best for him even after he has done all of that. Most people would wish him ill will and move on. You still want him to succeed."
"And not be part of my life."
Jack nodded his head. "I love you, Princess Beth."
"Jarrick…you know good well that's not my name!" She glared at him through the camera for a moment. "I love you, Jackie Boy." She smirked at him, knowing full well he didn't like that name. "Thank you for the conversation."
"It wasn't the most fun conversation we have had."
"True, but we talked it through and didn't allow it to affect us like Saturday."
"Yeah."
"Jack, we need to have these conversations every once in a while. Just like this one."
"You're right."
"I bet you hated to say that." She playfully flirted with him.
The young couple sat on their beds as they talked. After their serious conversation, they discussed everything from Jack's ankle to their homework. They just loved the connection they made when talking to each other. Elizabeth glanced at her bedside table before they knew what time it was. She forgot all about the little alarm clock on it. She always used her phone's alarm.
"Jack! It's three o'clock!"
"It can't be?"
"It is. Actually, it's three minutes past."
"Oh man…you're going to be in a bad mood at school."
"Jack!"
"At least I'll beat you in math again." He playfully sassed.