Chapter 66

Monday morning came quickly for everyone involved. Tom and Julie enjoyed their time together with each other and with their friends. While it still wasn't a date, it was as close as they could get for the next week or so. They held the day close to their hearts as a special day.

Ted and Viola enjoyed their time together. Even their time studying was good. Just being together was everything to them. It didn't matter what they were doing. The movie was sweet, but their time together was everything. For Viola, spending time with Ted was everything to her. This was so different than her previous relationships. It was also completely different from her friends' relationships as well.

The Thatcher's and the Thorntons enjoyed their time over ice cream. The ladies did give their husbands a hard time about their indulgence of ice cream, but the distraction of planning their children's move to college was enough to deflect their wives' intense glare. While nothing was settled in that regard, the ladies enjoyed talking about the future. They just wanted their child to transition with the least amount of anxiety. William and Tom also thought all the planning was just a way of distracting them.

…

Jack was sitting in his truck, waiting for Elizabeth to pull into the school parking lot. Their Sunday together was perfect in his eyes. They spent the whole day together. While there were times of kissing, the day was more than just making out. They just enjoyed the time together. With the times of small kisses, sitting in silence in each other's company, and playing basketball with the kids, the time was just perfect and another day that drew them closer together.

Jack looked up and laughed when his girlfriend's white Mini Cooper barreled into the parking lot. She was driving like she was late even though she wasn't. He would have sworn she stole the car if he didn't know any better. He swore she took the turn on three wheels.

When Elizabeth stepped out of the car, she saw her boyfriend's little smirk. She instantly knew what he was thinking.

"Don't say it." She warned him as he was walking in her direction.

"What?"

"Just don't go there today! It's too early." She playfully sassed as she pointed her index finger at him.

Jack let out a loud laugh. "Come on, Princess Beth, our group is probably waiting on us."

"I'm sure they are." She stated as she leaned in the car to grab her backpack from the back seat. He playfully tapped her on the bottom as she reached for her bag.

Jack almost fainted when he saw her smiling smirk. Even after all their months together, that little look still moved him to his foundations. It drew him in as much now as it did on the first day of school.

"You're getting pretty comfortable doing that, Jarrick."

"Felt better than I could ever imagine." He playfully flirted. He knew she liked him doing it almost as much as he enjoyed doing it.

"Hum hummm…" She playfully sassed.

.

"I don't do that very often, Princess Beth. Would you like for me to stop?" He smirked his regular smirking expression until she glanced at him. He tried his best to wipe the smirk off his face before she noticed.

She playfully glared at him for a few moments. She just couldn't resist his playful smirk. While frustrating, it was perfect, too.

"Someone is very happy this morning." Her eyes smiled at him.

"I had a really great day yesterday with you. It was perfect." He gave her his perfect dimpled smile.

"It was perfect." She sighed as she spoke. It was a great day. She leaned up and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips, expressing her love for him.

Elizabeth saw the sparkle in his eyes. She knew today was going to be a mischievous day. "Come on, sweet man. We don't want to be late for our group." She grinned as she tapped him on the bottom. She giggled when he jumped a little.

"Why, Ms. Thatcher…what are you doing? Are you flirting with me?"

"Come on…" She stated as she turned to walk toward the school. Her heart skipped a beat when she felt his pinky wrap around hers. "I'm glad you didn't forget the trophy."

"Never. I'm more surprised I got it back from your father."

"Me too. I think he is enjoying having a son. I know he loves me and my sisters, but I think you woke up the part of his life having a son."
"He loves you with everything he has. He's a good father to you."

"He does, and he is." She smiled at the memory of her father. "I still think he thinks of you as a son."

Jack smiled at the thought. As much as possible, his and William's relationship was growing closer.

…

Jack and Elizabeth stepped into the school to their group, waiting for them in the middle of the hallway. All the special ed students smiled as they noticed their whole group of friends.

"Jack…! Princess Beth…!" Every special student excitedly spoke except for the two nonverbal students. They waved their hands over their heads, excited to see their favorite couple. They also smiled and waved as Connie, Steven, Steph, and Cory walked in, immediately following Jack and Elizabeth. The students called out the other couple's names as well.

"I love that group," Steph spoke as she watched their smiles grow.

"They have this way of just making you happy. They are always happy to see you."

"They do, Connie. It just rubs off on you."

"I can't believe it took us this long to talk with them."

"I think it's just because they are a little different and weren't sure how to deal with that."

Steven stepped in. "I agree with all of that."

"Me too," Cory spoke, agreeing with the sentiment.

"While I have very few regrets with high school, not getting to know this group earlier is one of them," Connie stated as she opened her arms for a loving hug from one of the young ladies.

Adam released his hug from Jack and quickly turned his attention to Elizabeth. He squeezed her and then released the hug. She could quickly feel the love in Adam's hug. To each person everyone thought the time with the special ed group before school and during lunch was one of the best parts of their day.

Jack pulled the trophy out of his backpack. While it wouldn't fit entirely in the bag, it was secure enough to carry.

"Come on, Adam. We need to get a picture." Jack stated as he handed the trophy to his friend.

Beginning with Adam, he posed with the trophy. He also held it when he had his picture taken with Jack. He also wanted individual pictures with Cory and Steven. Then he pointed toward Jack, Cory, and Steven for a picture. Then he pulled Jack and Elizabeth in for a picture. He held the trophy during all the pictures. He caressed the top of the trophy and kissed the top of it before giving it back to Jack.

As soon as Jack held the trophy again, John stepped up and took hold of it. Just like Adam, he had all the same pictures taken with everyone. Then, one of the young ladies stepped forward and accepted the trophy from John. Just like Adam and John, she had all the same pictures taken. Each special ed student posed with the trophy and had all the same pictures.

The whole group was having so much fun and was lost in each other that they didn't hear the warning bell, and they most certainly didn't hear the class bell. They didn't even notice that the hallway was clear. They were just too wrapped up with the entire group. When the last picture was taken, they were already ten minutes late.

"What are they doing?"

Mrs. Johnston's smile only grew at the thought and memory. "They are loving on my group. Each one of my group is getting pictures of the trophy with everyone."

"That's so sweet."

"It really is. They are about done. Would you mind if I get permission slips for everyone?"

"Give me a minute."

Mrs. Johnston stepped out of the school office with passes for everyone. She loved the fact that the teen group was spending time with her group. They were making her students feel very loved. She would not allow the teen group to get in trouble for taking time with the special ed group.

"Aright everyone, we are already late for class?"

"What?" Elizabeth asked as she pulled her phone to look at the time. "Awe man…!" She moaned.

"Don't worry, Elizabeth. Here." Mrs. Johnston stated as she began to hand out passes to everyone.

"I need to return the trophy to Coach Franklin before class," Jack stated as he accepted the pass.

"That's ok. Go ahead and take it to him. Then please hurry to class."

"Thank you, Mrs. Johnston." Jack smiled at her. "Princess Beth, I'll see you in history class in a few minutes."

Elizabeth nodded her head. She wanted to go with him but knew she needed to get to class.

"Hurry up." She sassed her boyfriend. "You don't want to be too late."

"Thank you all." Her eyes roamed each teen as her eyes filled with tears. They didn't fall over her eyelids, but this teen group always moved her. Not only did this small group love her kids, but they also opened the doors for other students to do the same. It wasn't just Jack's and Elizabeth's friend's group that spoke to her group anymore. She lost count of how many other teens spoke to her group on the way to the cafeteria. The special ed group has become the most popular group in the whole school.

…

"Coach Franklin." Jack stated as he walked into the coach's office holding the trophy. "I need a rag.

"Hey Jack. You need a what?" He asked as he looked up from his desk. "What in the world…?" He slowly asked as he saw what Jack was holding. "What did you do to it?"
Jack chuckled at his coach's response and facial expression.

"I didn't do anything." He shrugged his shoulders.

"From the looks of that trophy…"

"Well, that wasn't actually me."

Jack spent a couple of moments telling his coach the story of the trophy and the group in the center of the hallway. He even pulled out his phone and showed a couple of pictures. Coach Franklin smiled and then laughed at the pictures and the story. He was happy the group, especially Adam, had a few moments with the trophy. He leaned back in his chair and pulled on the upper drawer on the right side.

"Here." He tossed Jack the towel from the drawer. "Use this." He placed a spray bottle of Pledge on the top of the desk. "From all those smudges, this might takea while."

"Totally worth it." He grinned at the memories of the special ed group with their time holding the trophy.

"I bet."

…

William looked at his phone. His beautiful wife sent him a text message, but he had to have misunderstood it. It didn't make sense. Instead of trying to text and figure out what she meant, he decided to call her.

"Hey, William."

"Hey, Grace."

"Are you ok?" She asked, a little concerned.

"I'm fine. I didn't understand your text. What do you mean that Julie doesn't want a huge sixteenth party? She has been talking about it for months. She gave you a list of things she wanted."

"I remember. She spoke with me this morning before school. She said that if the weather was nice, she would like to have a small party here with you grilling out. If it is raining, she would like to have it inside. She doesn't want the DJ or the large party. She wants us all, The Thorntons, and about ten friends. That's it."

"That's it?" William asked as he sat down at his desk. "What happened?"

"I believe she has finally begun to mature a little. She said she just didn't want the elaborate party like she did just a few months ago."

"Is this the aftermath with her and Tom?"

"That little incident changed her. It made her realize that she needed to mature. I'm not even sure if she knows it did, but I can tell a difference in her."

"Me too." Wiliam's mouth curled into a small grin. He was extremely happy that his youngest began to mature and looked further ahead than just a few seconds. He and his wife have waited for this for a long time. They were beginning to give up hope that their Julie would mature. Now, she is becoming a better version of who she truly is inside. She is still Julie, but a much better version of her true self.

"I think we should revisit getting her a car."

"The last we spoke about it, we decided against it."

"That is very true. However, I do think she has changed."

"I agree." William stated. "Not a big fancy one, but something comparable with Elizabeth's and Viola's."

"Yes, that's what I was thinking."

…

Thomas sat at his desk, looking over some paperwork. Things had been running smoothly since the kidnapping and the Hamilton brothers' targeting of William. A couple of individuals were on the radar screen, but nothing regarding his boss. Thomas was grateful for this.

"Tom?"

Thomas looked up when he heard his name called from the doorway.

"Come in, Andy. What's up?"

"Have you read the S-14 paper from the FBI?"

"Not yet. I've just started."

"You may want to skip ahead." Andy nodded to the small stack of papers.

"What's your thoughts on it?" Tom stated as he reached for the papers.

"It's not like that Monday," Andy emphasized. Everyone still remembers that day, and the feelings ofthat awful day still conjures up.

"Thank goodness." Tom sighed as he looked through the papers. "Is this the cyber thing?"

"It is." Andy nodded.

The Hamilton brothers are no longer the norm. It's all cyber issues now. I'm thinking Mr. Thatcher needs to enhance his cyber security."

"I wholeheartedly agree. Cindy is really good at her job, but Mr. Thatcher needs more of a presence in that area."

"I agree, Andy. Cindy will be in charge of the next person under her leadership. Of course, this is all dependent on Mr. Thatcher's decision.

"I would recommend speaking with Cindy first, but I think she would be happy with that arrangement."

"I'll put a bug in Mr. Thatcher's ear about all this. I know Julie's birthday is coming up soon. The Thatcher's are planning something. I understand it is a big celebration, but that may change. We'll have to wait and see what the final decision is."

"What are your thoughts?"

"While I do think the major issues will be cyber attacks along with pirates who want to take over a ship for ransom, we cannot dismiss a potential physical attack."
And he nodded his head in agreement.

"The pirates are always a problem, and we have been saddled with that issue, but our main focus is on Mr. Thatcher. We need to make sure we have everything under control."

"I'm on it."

"Thank you."

…

As Jack cleaned the trophy, which took longer and more elbow grease than imagined, he talked with his coach. They had a good relationship throughout the season, but somehow, this was a little different. Before, the relationship between coach and player wasfilled with mutual respect. Now, the tides seemed to have shifted to friendship.

"How do you feel about Bryan's?"

"Good."

"Jack…"

"A little nervous. It's all so new and much bigger than I imagined."

"It is. When I went to a small college to play, I was scared to death. But I know you, Jack. You will do fine. I have spoken with Coach Brown on several occasions. He is excited to have you join the team."

"You know, he reminds me a lot of you," Jack stated as he sprayed the top of the trophy and began to wipe it off.

"Thank you."

"He is a good guy."

"He told me about your visit with him on campus. He loves your game."

"He told me that I needed to work on my game. It was the same thing you told me."

"A good coach is a good coach." Franklin sassed.

"True." Jack laughed. "I like the fact that he will give me an opportunity. He didn't promise me anything other than an opportunity."

"I know you, Jack. That is all you ever wanted…a chance. Now, use that nervousness as fuel. Go there with your head down and get to work. Just like you always have done."

"Thank you for everything, coach."

"Thank you, Jack. Now, you missed a spot." He laughed at his teasing.

The two spend the next thirty minutes just chatting about the season, the following year's season, and Jack's more profound thoughts on attending Bryan's. Franklin was excited about Malichi and Shane developing for next year. Jack had done a great job in helping them grow into better players. He also shared with Jack some of the issues he faced as a new freshman on his college team. Jack shared with the coach some thoughts on Shane and where he needed to improve. Jack looked up when he heard the bell go off. He looked at the clock on the back wall of his coach's office.

"Wow! I missed the first period."

"You have a slip from the office?"

"I do."

"Here, " he stated. He made a quick note of it and gave it back to will cover you if you make it in time for your second period."

"Well?" Jack asked as he extended the trophy to his coach.

"Good enough." He laughed. "Hey, did you sleep with it in your bed?"

"No." Jack laughed. I did have it on the night side table."

"I think I'll do the same."

"Who gets it next?" Jack asked as Steven knocked on the door.

"Him." Franklin nodded toward Seven. "Come in, young man."

"Hey Jack… Hey coach…you wanted to see me?"

…

"Where were you? You missed the whole class." Elizabeth huffed as Jack sat down behind her in honors math.

"I was with Coach Franklin." He lifted the permission slip with Coach Franklin's added note. "We talked, and then he made me clean the trophy."

"Oh…that's what took you so long." Elizabeth laughed.

"It was pretty bad." Jack shook his head. "Did I miss anything in history?"

"No."

"I already knew the material, didn't I." He sassed with his little playful grin.

She shrugged her shoulders at his little victorious grin. You're lucky you're cute, she thought to herself as she watched his smirking grin grow into a full-fledged smile.

"At least my absence gave you the opportunity to shine." He playfully stated as he bumped her shoulder with his.

Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh with his playful mood. The whole friend group laughed at Jack's playfulness.

…

As the young couple found their seats in honors math, Mr. Callahan's classroom speaker came to life.

"Mr. Callahan, please send Elizabeth Thatcher to the office for a few minutes?"

"On her way." He called out as he looked toward his star pupil. He chuckled at her confusedand slightly panicked expression. "Don't worry…the last time you were called to the office you found out you were salutatorian for the class. I'm sure this is nothing." Mr. Callahan assured her.

Jack leaned toward her with a smirk on his face. "He's right…" He nodded toward the teacher. Then she noticed the little playful twinkle in his eyes. "Or…they finally found you cheating in this class. Maybe Mr. Callahan finally turned you in?"

Elizabeth glared at him as she smacked his bicep. "That's enough from you!"

"If they caught you, do you think they will remove your salutatorian position?"

"Then I have nothing to worry about." She crinkled her nose at him as she stood.

"Be back in a few minutes, Ms. Thatcher."

"I will, Mr. Callahan."

Elizabeth walked into the office to a smiling Mrs. Waters. She nodded her head toward the principal's office. "Go in, dear. They are expecting you. And don't worry…it's a good thing." She smiled at Elizabeth's relaxed expression overtaking her face.

Elizabeth walked into Mrs. Farley's office as he stood behind her desk.

"Elizabeth, thank you for coming."

"Yes, Mrs. Farley." She noticed a man and woman standing on the side of the desk.

"Elizabeth, this is Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Simpson. They are from the Ruritan Club of Hamilton."

Everyone has heard of the Ruritan Club. They were a large group of professionals from all over Hamilton who worked together to promote different things within the community. She didn't know them well, but she had heard of them. The two individuals offered her smiles as they stepped forward to shake her hand.

"Good morning, Ms. Thatcher." Mrs. Thompson stated after the brief introductions. "We would like to havea moment of your time."

"Yes, ma'am. What may I do for you?"

"Please, let's have a seat." Mrs. Farley stated.

After sitting down, Mrs. Thompson continued. "Each semester, the teachers of our local schools meet and suggest a student for the semester. We award a Student of the Fall and a Student of the Spring. We have a lunch in their honor, and we award a scholarship. Each student from our two local high schools gives a small speech recognizing their achievements. The two students may bring three individuals and a teacher to celebrate with them. Most students will bring their parents or guardians and another person."

"That's very kind of you all to do that."

Mrs. Thomspon smiled, knowing Elizabeth hadn't put everything together yet. She could see she was still a little nervous.

"Ms. Thatcher." Mr. Simpson began. "You have been chosen by the faculty here as the Student of the Fall recipient. Congratulations!"

Elizabeth quickly blinked several times. "Me?" She questioned slowly.

"Yes, Elizabeth. This is a great honor."

"Yes, Mrs. Farley."

"Elizabeth." Mrs. Thompson spoke. "Congratulations on this award. It means something on an application and resume."

"I know. I'm just shocked."

"Now, we will have our luncheon this coming Friday. Please invite one teacher you would like to celebrate with you and three others. We will meet at the Hamilton Bay Hotel in their ballroom at noon. The event will last an hour or so."

"You will be excused from school beginning at eleven fifteen. Once the luncheon is finished, you will be excused from school for the rest of the day. It is our way of saying 'well done.' Congratulations, Elizabeth. This is a good thing." Mrs. Farley explained.

"Thank you."

"Please be prepared to speak for five minutes after the lunch. We look forward to celebrating your achievements with you."

"We also look forward to hearing from you as well." Mr. Simpson added.

Suddenly, Elizabeth became worried about giving the small speech. Other than presentations in class, she hadn't spoken in front of a group of people…certainly not in front of so many professionals.

"Don't worry, dear. You will do fine." Mrs. Farley stated when she noticed Elizabeth's confused expression turn into a worried look. "Now, Mr. Callahan expects you back in his class soon."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Nice to meet you." Mrs. Thompson stated as she stood and extended an envelope with Elizabeth's name written in calligraphy. It struck her as very fancy. "This is the formal invitation to the luncheon and announcement for the Student of the Fall."

"Thank you very much," Elizabeth stated as she accepted the envelope.

…

Jack was standing at the whiteboard with the erasable marker in his hand. He was working on a math problem Mr. Callhan posed to the class. Since Elizabeth wasn't in the classroom, no one volunteered to work on the problem. Mr. Callahan called on Jack to work onthe problem. After Elizabeth, Jack was the best math student. He just couldn't catch up to Elizabeth.

Since he was concentrating on the math problem, he didn't notice when Elizabeth entered the classroom. Mr. Callahan looked at her and raised his eyebrows, seeking confirmation that everything was good. He smiled when she nodded her head with a small smile. She quickly took her seat and then watched Jack work on the problem. She only wished she could see the look of concentration. However, she was enjoying the view of his backside.

"Thank you, Jack. Well done." Mr. Callahan called out.

Jack turned around and instantly noticed his girlfriend sitting in her seat. She was working through the problem. He just knew she was trying to find something wrong so she could sass him.

As he took his seat, he stated. "Don't worry…it's correct."

"Just checking." She grinned at him.

"Did they suspend you due to cheating?"

"No." She shrieked under her breath as she shook her head. "You know better than that."

"I know no such thing." He chuckled. Then he noticed an unnoticeable turn down of the corner of her mouth.

"Is everything ok?"

"Yeah…I'll tell you after class." She whispered as Mr. Callahan began to explain the process of solving the problem.

Jack continued to look at his girlfriend. She settled in her seat quickly. She opened her math book and notebook. She settled the pencil in her right hand and intently looked at the teacher as he continued explaining. However, something was off. He couldn't put his finger on it. It wasn't obvious, but something was wrong.

When class ended, Jack stood and reached for Elizabeth's hand. He had watched her for the rest of the class. He still couldn't figure out what was wrong, but something was certainly wrong.

"What's going on?" He asked in a whisper. He didn't want to bring attention to any problems.

"Let's talk to Mr. Callahan."

"Elizabeth…"

"It's a good thing."

Jack stood where he was when she took a step forward. She turned her head to look at him.

"Come on."

Jack slowly walked with her to the teacher's desk.

"Mr. Callahan, do you have a few moments?"

"I do. Is everything ok?"

"Yes. I was called to see Mrs. Farley because the Ruritan Club of Hamilton awarded me the Student of Fall."

"Wow! Congratulations Elizabeth! That's great!"

"Congratulations," Jack stated with a huge smile.

"That is a great honor, Elizabeth." Mr. Callahan continued his praise.

"There will be a luncheon this coming Friday to honor the recipients."

"How many recipients are they?" Jack asked. He had never heard of the award.

"There are two. One is from here, and the other is from Hamilton West. It is truly an honor. They have a luncheon to celebrate the students, and each student receives a scholarship. The teaching faculty of each school recommends a student for the award. Then the Ruritan Club meets to discuss the students."

"That's really great, Elizabeth." Jack turned his attention to his girlfriend.

While she was smiling, he could still see that something was off with her. He couldn't understand what since this seemed like really good news.

"Thank you, Jack. Thank you, Mr. Callahan. Mr. Callahan, I can invite one teacher to the luncheon. I would be delighted if you would come with me as a thank you for all you have done for me."

"Elizabeth, it would be my honor to attend as your invitee. Thank you." His voice was full of emotion.

"And Jack, along with mother and father, would you please join me?"

"Absolutely," Jack stated with pride in his voice. He was really happy for his girlfriend. While he hadn't heard of the award, he was beginning to sense this was a significant accomplishment.

"Well, you two need to get going or you will be late for your next class." Mr. Callahan stated. "Again, Elizabeth, congratulations, and thank you for the honor of attending your luncheon."

"Thank you, Mr. Callahan."

As the young couple walked out of the room, Jack closely watched his girlfriend. He reached for her pinky. She smiled when she felt his pinky wrap around hers. She gently squeezed it three times. He returned the loving gesture. When they were outside the classroom in the hallway, he turned his head toward her as they continued to walk to their biology class.

"I know I don't know the whole thing, but I am getting the feeling this is huge."

"It is."

"Ok…so…?"

"So?"

"What's wrong?"

"What do you mean?"

Jack stopped walking. He tugged on her pinky just enough to make her stop walking and turn to face him.

"Elizabeth…what's the matter? This is great news, but something is off."

"Jack, we need to get to class. We can't be late."

"Elizabeth, what is the matter? You are avoiding the issue. I know something is wrong. What is it?"

She sighed. "How do you know me so well?"

"Just like you know me so well. You love me and pay attention to me. I do the same. What is it?"

"I can invite a teacher and three individuals to the luncheon. There will be a lot of people there. A lot of professional people."

"Ok…that sounds really nice. Plus, you are being honored for all your hard work. This is a great thing."

"It is…but…"

He tugged her pinky a little more as he took half a step closer to her. The act proved to her that he wouldn't let this go. He knew something was off, and he wasn't going to forget about it, nor was he going to let her off the hook.

"Elizabeth…" Jack's voice was soothing, but it also had a hint of aggravation of her not answering the question.

She made eye contact with him. His loving eyes were a little worried. She smiled at him. He was so loving and worried about her. He could easily read her, and she loved him for it.

"I have to give a short speech."

"Ok?"

"Jack…I have to speak."

"Elizabeth. I have watched you give a couple of presentations in English class. You always do a great job. You are a natural at it."

"But Jack…that is in class. I just pretend I am a teacher. I give those presentations like I am teaching a class."

His eyes were asking the question of him not understanding. She sighed as she continued.

"All of those individuals will be professionals. Jack…they're professionals."

He smiled at her. This was beginning to make sense. His smile confused her a little.

"Elizabeth, you will do great. They are there to celebrate your accomplishments. They will be excited to hear what you have to say."

"Exactly!"

"Yes. They want to listen to you. They are not expecting you to change the world in a short speech. You will do great!"

She shook her head. She wasn't looking forward to standing in front of so many professionals and then having to speak.

"Listen." Jack began as he released her pinky and intertwined his fingers with her. He squeezed her hand three times to express his love for her. "You are an intelligent young lady. You have great things to say, and they will love to hear them. Plus…" He winked at her. "I will be there for you. I will make sure I'll applaud louder than anyone else."

"Jack! You better not!"

"Oh…I most certainly will. I will cheer you on as loud as you cheered me on."

"Jack!" She huffed.

"I'll bring pom poms." He laughed at her shocked expression.

"Maybe I should reconsider the invitation." She hummed as she challenged him with her eyes.

"Too late! I've been invited, and I have already accepted. Plus, I will be there for you. Just like you did for me, I will give you all of my strength just like you did for me."

"Thank you."

"What happens to you happens to me. We are in this together." He raised her hand and kissed the back of her hand. "Us…together."

"Us…together." She offered him a genuine smile.