A/N:
This is a long chapter. Get comfortable.
Leave people better than you find them.
Chapter 75
Instead of staying inside on a beautiful spring evening, all the parents gathered around the patio and the pool. Some individuals stood while others sat. There were extra chairs brought out from the storage area to accommodate everyone.
"They were all so beautiful."
Grace smiled at Steph's mom. It was true. Everyone looked so beautiful.
"I would say all the young women looked beautiful while the all the young men looked devastating handsome." Steph's dad playfully sassed.
"I agree. The guys wouldn't want to be called beautiful."
"I believe they know what I mean."
"They still wouldn't like it." Laughed Thomas.
"So, Grace, how are you handling everything?"
Grace smiled at Connie's mom. She understood the underlying meaning of the question. "Probably as good as you are." She reached for the woman's hand. "Happy… excited… proud… nostalgic… scare… don't want my baby to leave… all the above…"
"Yeah…" All the other ladies stated at the same time.
"You summed that up pretty well."
"When did my little one, who used to sit on my chest and sleep, get old enough to go to prom?"
Grace shook her head in agreement. "I know. Just yesterday she would lie on William's chest and sleep. However, I am excited for her. I know you are excited too. Connie is heading to Trinity. I know she's excited."
"She is. I'm excited for her but not as happy as she is."
"Elizabeth is the same."
"Steph is the same with Cumberland. She received an email this past week with a packing list for her dorm. She has a new address as well." Her voice grew gruff with that statement. "That made it all so real."
"Yeah." The ladies said.
"What do you think they are talking about?" Thomas asked as the men stood around the patio table beside the grill.
"With the expression on Grace's face, they are talking about their babies leaving for college."
"I think you're right. Steph received an email. Her mother is already looking at the list and making a long list of her own."
"Charlette is doing the same with Jack. From her list, you would think Jack is moving to Mars and never coming back." Tom laughed at the absurdity of his wife's list. "That list grows by the day."
"Grace is doing the same too." William paused for a few moments. "It's strange, isn't it? I'm excited about the future that lies before Elizabeth. I know how exciting it is to leave home for college and spread your wings and begin to fly all by yourself. Yet, I hate the thought of my little girl doing that very thing."
"William, I think that is just part of being a father."
"I'm sure you are doing the same with Steph." William nodded his understanding.
"Alright men. If we aren't careful, we will look as sad as our wives." Tom stated.
"True. Let's change the subject. Hey, I noticed Jack is driving William's old truck."
"He is. He bought it from William and we all three worked on it."
"Oh, that must have been a great time together working on that classic."
"It was." Tom and William mentioned at the same time smiling at all the memories.
…
Jack walked in front of his truck, never taking his eyes off his girlfriend, who was intently watching him. Their little talk in the cab of his truck set the mood for the entire evening. She loved the engaging look in his eyes.
"If he only knew…" She thought to herself as she bit her bottom lip. When his smile grew just a little, she thought for a moment that he could read her mind. She knew that thought was ridiculous. However, Jack just had this way of knowing her. She found that seductively endearing.
After he opened her door, he extended his hand to assist her. She slid out of the truck with a huge smile. He ran his thumb over her Gladduah ring.
"If I haven't said this before, Elizabeth, you are breath strikingly gorgeous."
"You've said that more than once." She sighed at his love toward her.
"Then…let me say it one more time…You look beautiful tonight." He stated as she continued to rub her ring.
Elizabeth smiled at his gentle gesture. He would often rub her ring. She always took it as a reminder of the ring's promise.
After only a second and before she could respond, they heard several other people call out across the parking lot welcoming their friends. The prom venue just opened its doors and was allowing everyone in.
"Come on, beautiful. Let's show you off."
…
Ted looked up from his piano as he was playing in the restaurant. The dinner rush was in full swing, and the patrons were greatly enjoying the atmosphere his playing was creating. He knew that perfume anywhere. It only took him a few seconds to find the love of his life. She was sitting at a small table along the wall. She was leaning forward in her chair, with her elbows resting on the edge of the table. Her chin was settled in the palms of her hand.
"I love you, Viola." He whispered to himself. The look of love and admiration on her facial features was just too much for his heart to take in.
As he continued to play the familiar piece of music, he concentrated on his girlfriend. He had already shared with William that he would like to speak with him when he is in town visiting for the semester end recital. His greatest desire was to take the relationship with Viola to the next step. As he thought about it, that wasn't entirely true. He wanted to marry this woman. With school being completed next year, he began to wonder if they could get married sooner rather than later. He knew that wasn't practical, but the thought never left his mind. He also questioned if he should just call William after this set and ask for his blessing. That was until his father's voice spoke into his ear.
"Son…I taught you that a true gentleman has important conversations face to face. Especially when it's as life changing as asking for a woman's hand in marriage."
Ted let out a slight sigh. That was the only time he could remember that he didn't like hearing his father's voice in his ear. He knew his father was right, but that doesn't mean he liked it.
"You know I'm right son. Now, respect that young lady and do this the right way."
Ted chuckled, hearing his father's tone, he always had when he thought he was right. The frustrating part for Ted was that he knew his father was always right. He just had to wait until William visited.
He shook his head when he noticed that the music piece was coming to a close. The next piece was one for his semester end recital. He had to pay attention, or he was going to embarrass himself. With one last glance toward his girlfriend, he turned his attention to the piano in front of him.
…
Jack escorted Elizabeth into the large, grandiose ballroom of the clubhouse. The room was decorated in the school colors in a tasteful way. The DJ was set up in the corner beside the large dance floor. The refreshments were set up beside the front door, and the seating arrangements were placed to the couple's left. They waved at a few friends who were already sitting down. Before taking a seat, the DJ began speaking.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to welcome you to your prom. Let's get this party started with a romantic song. Then we'll speed things up a little."
As the music began, Jack leaned into Elizabeth's shoulder. "Would you allow me this dance?"
"Jack, you don't have to ask."
"Come on Princess Beth, let's dance."
"Jack…that's not my name. Why do you still call me that?" She huffed at his playful teasing.
"Should I use Flower Bug?"
"Flower Bug…? You remember that? Why do you remember that?"
"Princess Beth or Flower Bug?"
"Neither!"
Jack led her out to the center of the dance floor. Several couples were already surrounding them. Jack took her hand and held it close to his heart. He placed his other hand on her hip. He gave her a loving smile as he slowly slid it around her waist until it found the small of her back. When his hand settled there, he deliberately, and slowly, pulled her closer until their bodies met. She sighed at the feeling of him against her. Tonight was going to be a night full of romance and fun.
"I love your cologne," Elizabeth stated when she inhaled a deep breath.
The couple remained very close for the remainder of the song. When the song ended, the DJ immediately came over the speakers.
"Let's crank this up a little."
The song changed to a fast-paced song. Elizabeth remembered what Connie told her about Steven giving the guys dancing lessons. She also remembered the little dancing routine Jack and the guys performed in the school parking lot. As loving and memorable as that was, it wasn't due to Jack's dancing ability. Jack could slow dance, but his other dancing wasn't impressive by any measure. She didn't want to embarrass him. So, she began to turn to walk toward the seating area.
"Woah…where are you going?" He held onto her hand.
"Jack…"
"Come on, Bella…let's enjoy our night together." As he spoke, he began to dance.
Elizabeth stood still and watched her boyfriend in awe for a few seconds. While he wasn't getting an invitation to any dance shows, he significantly improved from that parking lot routine in February. She looked at him from head to toe and back up. She was impressed. Her smile was growing to match his.
"Wow…look at you." She smiled as she began to dance with him.
"I've been practicing."
"Those lessons really paid off. You're doing really well." She chuckled as she danced in front of him, watching her boyfriend.
"Yeah…wait! How did you know about the lessons?
"Oh…" She stopped dancing when she realized what she said.
"Did Steven tell you?"
"Nope."
"It was Connie!" He stopped dancing.
"Does it matter? If you're dancing with me and thinking about Connie and Steven, then I'm doing something wrong." She began dancing again. The facial expression of complete love drew him in. It didn't matter if she knew how his dancing improved. The only thing that mattered was that he was dancing with her.
"Come on Bella…" He began dancing again. He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. "Let's have fun!"
…
Ted finished his allotted time. He felt good with the music he played, even with the two pieces for his recital. They were beginning to feel familiar to him. He closed the lid and turned all his attention toward the beautiful woman sitting a few feet away from the piano. She was still at the same table she had been at all evening.
"Well, look at you. You look happy." She batted her eyes as he reached for her hand. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
"You surprised me." He leaned in a little closer with his smirk. "I'm growing on you, aren't I?"
She knew what he was going to say. That little mischievous smirk spoke volumes to her. "Like moss." She smirked back at him.
"Are you hungry?"
"I am." She nodded her head.
"Let's get something here. The owner told me he would pay me with two dinners if you showed up."
"That's nice of him. Wait…you knew I was coming?"
"Of course. You missed me."
She huffed at his statement. She didn't like it when he won these little battles. She loved his flirty, playful side.
"So…are you ready for the recital?"
"Nice segway." He playfully sassed. "I am. The two hard pieces are finally coming together."
"And our parents are coming."
He smiled to himself because he knew he was keeping a secret. Viola had no idea about his plans to speak with her father. Since their big discussion, they haven't really spoken about getting married.
"They are. My mom and sisters will be here along with your parents and sisters."
"Yes."
"Is Jack and Tommy coming with them?"
"I'm not sure." She reached for her cell phone when it buzzed. "Oh look." She turned the phone around. Elizabeth had sent her a picture of her and Jack."
"Oh…that's right, they are at prom."
"Yes. The dress looks beautiful."
"You're beautiful." He whispered, turning his attention away from the phone screen to his girlfriend's face.
…
"Hey, let's take a pic." Elizabeth stated. They were still on the dance floor. Out of the first ten songs, they have dance for eight of them. She was impressed with Jack's dancing. They were just having a great time together. She took Jack's phone and held it up over their heads. "One…two…" Before she said three, Connie and Steph leaned in for the picture. "Three."
When she said three, Jack had already moved his hand behind her. He pinched her bottom. He has done it so often that she didn't even flinch. She can only remember two, maybe three, times when they took a selfie that he hadn't pinched her bottom.
"Oh…that's a good one." He stated as she handed his phone to her. She smiled at it and then sent it in a group text to her mother, Jack's mom, and to herself. Instead of texting their parents separately, they just sent it to the both of them at the same time. She also wanted the pictures. That's why she sent it to herself.
"Did Jack just pinch her bottom?" Steven asked when Connie turned her attention back to him.
"Yeah…she says that he does that all the time."
"Oh…" He was beginning to form a smile.
"You better not!" She shook her finger at him.
"Interesting."
"No Cory!"
Much to their girlfriend's surprise and angsts, Steven and Cory began to do that every time they took a selfie with their girlfriend.
…
The whole friend group danced together for four straight-up-beat songs. They were all enjoying themselves. For one of those songs, they all danced silly. Everyone laughed, but they had a great time. Several other people joined in and danced silly with them. After the fourth song, Jack led Elizabeth over to a small table.
"I'm going to the restroom and then I will get us something to drink."
"I'll take water please."
"Would you like punch?"
"No thank you."
"I'll be right back." He squeezed her hand three times before leaving.
Elizabeth settled into her seat to catch her breath. She was having a blast, but all this dancing was a little tiring. She was lost in watching her little sister dance with Tom. Then she heard a voice she hasn't heard in a long time.
"You look like you are enjoying yourself out there." Charles nodded toward the dance floor. He was standing a few feet away and didn't make an attempt to sit down.
"It's a lot of fun." She glanced back at her little sister and then back to Charles.
"Are you having a fun evening?"
"I am. I came with Amy."
"Fowler?"
"Yeah."
"She's nice."
"She is."
There were a few moments of awkward silence. They haven't spoken since the hotel during the state playoffs after the championship game. As much as Elizabeth hated how that whole situation ended, she greatly enjoyed that it was finally over. She didn't hate Charles. He just wasn't part of her life any longer. They still had a couple of classes together, but they never interacted. Even passing in the hall, they didn't pay attention to each other.
"Are you looking forward to college?"
Elizabeth smiled at all the future possibilities. "I am. Excited even."
"Good for you. It's great to see you achieve your goals. Oh…congratulations on Salutatorian. I don't think I said that before."
"Thank you, Charles."
Elizabeth shifted in her seat. This conversation felt weird to her. He wasn't aggressive or condescending; they just didn't have the groundwork of friendship they had previously held.
"Elizabeth…" He elongated her name the same way Jack usually does. However, it didn't have the same effect on her like when Jack says it. "…for old times sake, would you like to dance?"
Elizabeth sat a little straighter in her chair. "Charles, you crossed a line that you can never come back from. I don't think it will ruin your life, but it did ruin any possibility of us being friends. You hurt me and caused bruises on my arms because I didn't give you what you thought you were entitled to. I'm sorry Charles, but I will not be dancing with you. I do hope you have your best life, and I do believe you have it waiting for you."
"I understand." He nodded his head. "I do hope you receive everything you dream about in this world."
"Thank you."
Charles gave her one last quick look. He nodded his head and turned to walk away.
Elizabeth let out a short breath as she looked down at her lap. She looked up to see Jack standing about fifteen feet away holding two cups in his hands. Her smile instantly appeared with a radiance that spoke volumes to his heart.
Elizabeth didn't feel uncomfortable being in Charles' presence. She knew he wouldn't do any physical harm to her. She spoke firmly to him, but, in her opinion, respectfully told him the truth. With Jack's posture, she knew he must have witnessed most of the conversation. She was grateful that he trusted her enough not to come rushing to her defense. She was just as grateful that he was nearby just in case the conversation turned bad.
…
All the parents left the Thatcher residence except for the Thorntons. Charlette volunteered to stay and help clean up. There wasn't too much of a mess. Everyone mostly took their empty paper plates and cups to the trash can. Mostly, they just wanted to spend some time together.
"Oh…that's a great picture!" Charlette stated as she turned the phone so Grace could see it.
"Oh, Connie's and Steph's smile is priceless."
"I just love their friend group."
"Me too."
Charlette looked at her phone for a couple more seconds before putting it back in her pocket. She let out a sigh.
"Are you ok?"
"Fine. Just kids growing up."
Grace chuckled. "Tell me about it. Julie and I went round and around because she has a curfew tonight and Elizabeth doesn't. She didn't think it was fair."
"Tom and I did the same thing. We extended it until midnight. He stopped fussing when I threatened to move it to ten o'clock."
"I had to do the same thing with Julie. She couldn't understand that she is two years younger than her sister. She didn't think that should have made a difference."
"I think your daughter and my son worked on their arguments together. They're teaming up against us."
Grace laughed. "They are a lot alike."
…
"Alright PB…may I have this dance?" Steven asked as he looked at Elizabeth and then at Jack. Then he turned his attention back to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth looked toward Jack. He smiled. "If you're dancing with my girlfriend, I'm dancing with yours…if she will dance with me."
"Deal. Elizabeth?"
"I'll dance with you if you promise not to call me PB ever again."
"No promises."
Steven followed Elizabeth a few feet to the dance floor. Very gentlemanly, Steven took her hand and held it in the proper dancing style between friends.
"You're good for him."
Elizabeth smiled. "So are you. You have always protected him. Thank you for that."
"He's a good friend." Steven chuckled. "I have to tell him thank you."
"Why is that?"
"I'm with Connie because he picked me up and threw me through the door after the first voluntary practice."
Elizabeth laughed. "Awe yes…I remember that. She was so upset with me when Jack and I left the booth at Abigail's. Well, she wasn't that upset. She really likes you."
"Me too. Elizabeth, I appreciate your friendship. This has been a great senior year."
"A new girlfriend, a state basketball championship, and going to college to play basketball is a great last year of high school.
"And new friends." Steven smiled at her so she would understand he was including her in the list of things he was thankful for."
"You do realize that Steph and I are a package deal with Connie?"
"Steph told me the same thing when I danced with her earlier." He chuckled.
…
Just before Jack took Connie's hand, he playfully tapped the top of her head.
"Hey, what was that for?" She reached up to make sure her hair wasn't messed up.
"You told on me!"
"What?" She laughed when Jack made a funny face as he nodded toward Elizabeth. "Oh…sorry."
"That's ok. Elizabeth knows I can't dance. She would have figured it out."
"If Steven can learn to dance, anyone can." She laughed. "He wasn't the easiest person to teach."
"You did well with him. I'm impressed." Jack paused for a moment. "Thank you."
"No problem, Jack. It was the best thing. I love dancing and Steven has taken me dancing several times. To be honest, I think it may have been a little selfish."
Jack laughed. "I'm not talking about that. Thank you for becoming my friend when I moved here. It was hard beginning a new school, especially when I didn't want to move here to begin with. Not knowing a single person didn't help either."
"I don't even want to imagine moving just before my senior year. That had to be difficult for you."
"It was, but I think it has worked out for me."
…
The night followed that routine of the evening. The whole group of friends danced one dance with each other's significant other. The meaning of the evening wasn't lost on any of the seniors. They were relishing the night together as a group and with their loved ones.
While they danced with their friends, they spent most of the evening with their significant other. The evening was full of romance. Along with that, the group danced many songs together as a whole group. All the ladies were shocked at Cory's and Jack's dancing skills. Rosemary was even a little shocked by Lee's ability on the dance floor. As a guy who never shied away from the opposite sex, Tom could already dance well. He and Julie ruled the dance floor.
The whole friend group was just off the middle of the dance floor dancing together. It was an upbeat song. Jack made a move and bumped into Steven's shoulder.
"You ok?" Steven grabbed Jack's shoulder.
"Of course." He spoke loud enough to be heard over the music. "I'm just cooking." He laughed.
"I wouldn't say that." Steven laughed. "But you are doing much better," Steven said as he spun around.
"Thanks for working with me."
"I've been taking care of you the whole school year. I think it's been a full time job."
"Very funny!" Jack rolled his eyes.
"It's true!"
"Yeah…thank you for having my back."
"No problem."
"Hey…watch this!" Jack exclaimed just before he made his dance move.
…
The night was winding down. The clubhouse was open for another hour. However, many couples were already leaving or already left. The group of friends was ready to leave as well. They all had plans to meet up to eat together. Julie and Tom were upset knowing they had to go home. If they left within the next ten minutes, Tom would have just enough time to take Julie home and then get home before his curfew without rushing.
The group made their way to their respective vehicles. Jack and Elizabeth protested but lost about where to eat. Most of the group picked Olympic. The young couple just didn't want to share their special place with anyone else. While prom was special, it wasn't special enough for Olympic. They yielded to the group.
The time at dinner was perfect. No one was eager to leave. As always, the food was really good, and the management was ok with hosting a large group late at night. Throughout the night, Jack and Elizabeth would often steal glances at each other and squeeze the other's hand at the memories of the restaurant. They were just a few tables from their table. The crowd was lively and at any given time someone was the topic of the conversation with many stories that began with 'Do you remember when…'.
For the group, the prom and the late dinner were just perfect. Cory didn't even mind that his little brother was still in the group. Each person laughed more than they could remember. This was certainly a night everyone was going to remember.
Everyone in the group didn't have a curfew for the first time, except for Lee. His curfew was pushed back until one o'clock. His mother wasn't willing to go past eleven. When Cory stepped in for his younger brother, their mother yielded and gave in. She still wasn't willing to give him a free rein for the night. However, she did love Rosemary and wanted her to enjoy her senior prom.
Long after the food was gone, the group just sat around and talked. They loved their time together. They spoke about their high school days and the potential college days that were heading their way. They reminisced and daydreamed all at the same table.
It was just past midnight. No one wanted to go home. Since they didn't have a curfew, they wanted to make the most of the night.
"Hey, why don't we walk down to the beach. We can start a bonfire and play some music. I have a wireless speaker in my car."
"Great idea, Steven."
"Yeah man…but, why don't we drive down to the pier. We can walk to Frank's Point and have the bonfire there." Elizabeth said as Jack enthusiastically nodded her head as he spoke.
If the group had walked to the beach, chances were very likely they would all end up at Jack's and Elizabeth's special spot. They shared their restaurant, but they weren't willing to share their spot on the beach.
"We can just walk…" Steph began until Elizabeth cut her off.
"True…however, Frank's Point is beautiful and probably a little more secluded. People will probably be there but not as many."
Elizabeth held her breath hoping Steph and the group would agree.
"That's true," Connie stated. "Plus, it's not that much of a drive, maybe ten minutes."
"Well done!" Exclaimed a smiling Jack. He had leaned in and whispered. "Text our moms and I'll pay our bill."
"Ok. Then I'm going to the restroom."
"Oh, me too." The other girls stated.
"We'll meet you at the front door. We'll use the restroom too." Cory stated.
"Nice!" Lee exclaimed as he stood from his chair.
"What?" Rosemary asked.
"Mom just texted me and told me she added an hour to my curfew."
"You send that dear woman a thank you text and tell her 'thank you' from me. Wait, just give me the phone."
L – This is Rosemary thank you very much!
L – Yes mom thank you
M – You're welcome. Enjoy your night. Thanks for the updates.
…
After Ted finished playing the piano that paid for their complimentary dinner, the young couple decided to walk around downtown. They enjoyed slowly walking the sidewalks looking into the store windows. After the walk, they made their way to Viola's dorm. Viola's dorm mate went home for the weekend. She usually didn't go, but it was her father's birthday. While there was a little kissing, the couple didn't take things too far.
They wanted to watch a movie, but she couldn't decide on one. Ted quickly learned not to ask her to make a choice. She couldn't make up her mind on what to watch or where to eat.
"Are you always like this?"
"Just don't ask me to pick a restaurant."
"How have I not noticed this before?"
"We always eat at the place you play at. There was never a choice to be made."
"Huh…" Ted leaned back to look at his girlfriend. "Scary movie it is."
"Not on your life!" Viola gasped. "I'm not watching a scary movie!"
"Fine. What about a comedy?"
Her less than enthusiastic facial expression told him no.
"Viola, I'm not watching a girly movie!" Ted exclaimed. "That's not happening!"
"Ted." She sweetly said as she batted her eyes at him. She was working her facial features to her advantage.
"Viola…" He whined a little. "You're going to fall asleep, and I'm stuck watching a girly movie that I don't want to watch."
"I'm not going to fall asleep,"
"Sweetheart, you always do."
"Fine…girlie movie it is." She reached for the remote.
After settling in with her head on his shoulder and a throw blanket over her legs, she was asleep in fifteen minutes. Ted rolled his eyes when he noticed she had placed the remote out of his reach. He laid his head back and sighed. "I knew it!" He whispered under his breath. Unfortunately for Ted, he sat there watching this girly movie for a few more minutes. He fell asleep less than halfway through the movie.
…
"This is a beautiful place," Jack said as he stopped his truck in Frank's Point's parking lot. There were only three other cars there besides the friend group's.
"I had to pick a place that the others knew and would approve of."
"Good choice!" He leaned in for a soft kiss. "Oh…If I haven't told you yet, you look stunning in the dress."
"You have told me throughout the night but thank you."
Jack ran his index and middle finger through her hair that wasn't pinned up. "Absolutely beautiful."
"Jack." Her face turned a little red.
"Beautiful." He whispered as he leaned in to kiss her cheek.
The whole group gathered their things as they made their way past another group of friends who were doing the same thing. They walked past that group far enough for privacy and comfort. The guys gathered a few pieces of wood for a fire. As they did that and started the fire, the girls set up Steven's speaker. Connie had a great playlist that was perfect for the occasion.
When the music began, the couples separated into their own groups and sat on either blankets or towels they had in their vehicles. They weren't spread out too far. Just enough for a little privacy if they wanted it. They were close enough to have a conversation if they wanted to. To be honest, most couples were lost in each other to pay any attention to the others.
"I love you, Steph."
"I love you, Cory."
"Would you dance with me?"
"Silly man…you don't have to ask."
Steph accepted Cory's hand. They began to sway to the music. That's when she noticed that everyone else was dancing too. She quickly glanced around the fire, seeing every couple dancing. Just as quickly, she turned her attention back to her boyfriend. The last thing she wanted to do was to ignore her boyfriend and watch everyone else. She looked up into Cory's eyes and chuckled that he was so much taller than she was. If she was to tiptoe, she still couldn't reach his lips.
"Is everything ok?" He asked at her chuckle.
"Perfect." She softly stated as she raised her hand to the back of Cory's head. She pulled him down for a kiss.
The music was soft and slow, a perfect love song to dance with. The fire was a good size bonfire. It gave plenty of light but not too much so there wasn't an atmosphere of romance. The group circled the bonfire. Each couple was so lost in their partner that they just didn't care if other people were around or not.
Steven had his hands intertwined with each other on the small of Connie's back. Her hands were playing with the hair on the back of his head. Their bodies were lovingly pressed against each other. They were slowly swaying back and forth with the music. Their intense gaze not leaving each other's eyes.
"Thank you."
Connie tried to get closer to him. She twirled some hair with her index finger. "For what?"
Steven couldn't resist it any longer. He had to kiss her. After what Connie thought was the world's most perfect kiss, Steven continued his thought.
"For making this last year of high school perfect. For the future that awaits us at Trinity. For…" He paused for a moment. "…for after college."
"It will be fun." She lightly kissed him. "I look forward to what our future holds together."
"Yeah…" He whispered. "Connie…I love you."
"Oh Steven, I love you."
Rosemary and Lee were dancing a few feet away from Connie and Steven. For them, however, they were alone on a beautiful stretch of beach on an island. Rosemary ran her hand up and down Lee's bicep. She loved that he lifted weights. He wasn't massive, but he was most certainly in shape.
"Lee, what are we going to do?"
"What do you mean?"
"I'm a senior. You're a sophomore." Her voice trailed off.
Much to Rosemary's shock, she has fallen head over heels for this young guy.
"It's just two years, Rosey. I'm not twenty-five years younger than you. Two years is nothing."
"But I'm going to college…"
"Yes and I am very proud of you. In two years, I will be going to college too."
"And…?"
"Rosey…There is FaceTime, phone calls, visits, and holidays. We will make it work. However, we are not talking about this tonight. Not here. Not now."
"And why not?" She huffed. Her theater side was beginning to come out in her voice and hand gestures. She leaned back in Lee's arms and intently looked into his eyes.
He took a deep breath. He knew how to handle his girlfriend's dramatic outbursts.
"Because I have to leave in about an hour. We are on a beach with no one around dancing to beautiful music. Rosemary, if you are in my arms on a beach dancing to beautiful music in the middle of the night and you are thinking about anything other than the present, I am doing something terribly wrong. This is a special night. Now, if we both agree that we want this relationship to last beyond summer."
"I do!" She cut him off.
"Then we will discuss everything tomorrow. For tonight, we enjoy this." He pulled her closer. With a soft kiss to her lips, he pulled back enough to look at her face.
"Rosey, I want this too for more than one night. Now, let's enjoy our time together before I have to leave."
Rosemary sighed. She had to admit he was right. She was stressing over something that didn't have to be decided tonight. She wanted this time with Lee.
"You're right."
"I bet that was hard for you to say."
"More than you think." She sassed.
"Good," Lee stated as he turned her around and then dipped her. He held her there for just a moment. Then pulled her back up and tightened her hold on her. He kissed her with passion, working his hands to her back. She welcomed his actions as she tilted her head for easier access to her lips.
…
"I wonder what the kids are doing?"
"If you check on him with that app, I will destroy your phone!"
"Thomas! Why would you say such a thing?" Charlette asked as she was holding her phone in her right hand. She let out a long sigh. "I know…I know. Jack is a very responsible young man. I do trust him. It's just…"
"This is the first time he is out this late with no curfew. Your little boy is growing up."
"He is. All of that."
"You've done well with him, you know."
"This has been a team effort. Plus, he's just a good guy."
Charlette looked down at her phone when it buzzed and sounded the alarm. It was a text from Elizabeth. Over the last few hours, she and Grace have been receiving text messages from either Elizabeth or Jack. The messages always included pictures of them both or with the group.
Charlette's mother's heart was full. She was so happy for her son, but it was still hard not to have complete control. Her little boy was growing up and there wasn't anything she could do about it.
"Oh Tom…they look so good together."
Tom looked at the picture. They're at the beach somewhere. The whole friend group is with them."
"Why do I worry so much?"
"You're a mother. And a good one. Now, our second child will be home soon. Let's make sure everything will be ready for church tomorrow."
"You're just trying to keep me busy."
"I am. You do better when your mind is occupied."
…
Jack was holding his girlfriend close to him. Her head was resting on his chest and shoulder. His head was resting on top of her head. The proper dance technique was long forgotten. Elizabeth's arms were wrapped around him and his arms were wrapped around her. While they were completely touching, it still wasn't close enough. Every so often, one of them would try to snuggle closer to each other. While the attempt was futile, they still tried, nonetheless.
They had been at the beach for a couple of hours. The music was still playing. The fire in the pit was dying down but it wasn't completely out yet. While it was getting late, no one was eager to leave. Lee and Rosemary already left. They said goodbye to everyone. That was the only time everyone spoke to each other since they arrived at the beach and set everything up. Each couple was in their own little world.
To the person, they were grateful they were in a group. They trusted themselves and their partners but were grateful for the extra accountability. They were lost in their significant other's eyes and presence.
While they didn't have curfew, they still had church the next day. Plus, none of them were used to staying up all night. They were accustomed to staying up late, but not all night.
The song ended, but the young couple didn't stop swaying side to side. They haven't spoken to each other over the last four songs. Elizabeth hasn't moved her head nor has Jack. Other than trying to get closer, they haven't moved other than swaying back and forth. After a few seconds, another song from Connie's playlist came over the speaker. Elizabeth sighed.
"Are you getting tired?" Jack whispered.
"A little but I'm not ready to leave. That's not why I sighed."
"May I ask why you sighed?"
"I'm completely contented at this moment. I can't remember ever being this content with anything."
"We graduate in a few short weeks."
"Yeah." She whispered. She snuggled a little closer.
"Are you getting cold?"
"No. Thank you for your jacket."
"You're welcome."
Jack moved one of his hands until it found her left hand. He tightened his hold on her with his remaining hand. He brought her left hand to his chest and held it between them. He began to caress the ring on her ring finger. She loved it when he did that. She took it as a reminder of his promise to her.
"I don't think I have ever seen this ring off your finger."
"I haven't taken it off one time since you placed it on my finger when we were on the beach."
"Not once?" He questioned.
"No! Not one time! I told you I'm not taking it off until you give me an engagement ring to replace it."
Jack could only smile at the determination in her voice. He loved this woman with all of his heart for thousands of reasons, and her determination was one of them.
"Are you still ok with that?"
"I am."
"Elizabeth…"
"Jack, when you are ready to ask me, I am ready to give you my answer."
"I love you, Elizabeth Thatcher."
"I love you, Jarrick Thornton."
…
At three thirty in the morning, Jack, Cory, and Steven made eye contact. They knew it was time to take their girlfriend's home. The night was perfect by anyone's standard. The guys began to kick sand on the remaining small fire while the ladies began to gather the towels and blankets. Steven carried the speaker to his car. Everyone said goodbye to each other. The girls hugged each other while the guys half hugged each one. The guys took turns hugging the ladies. While they hated leaving, they knew it was time. Everyone was beginning to wind down. They were tired and didn't want to chance falling asleep on the ride home.
After the goodbyes, each couple got into their vehicles. Elizabeth sent her mother and mom a short video of the guys smothering the fire with a short message about them leaving within the next few minutes. She quickly received two thumbs-up emojis in return. They promised each other they would text when they were home. They were worried about each other.
Jack pulled his truck into the Thatcher's driveway and parked at his usual spot. Elizabeth raised her head from Jack's shoulder when he let out a small chuckle. She had fallen asleep on the way to her home.
"What's so funny?"
"I can imagine a little Princess Beth standing here in complete amazement as the bubbles continued to grow. I bet you were so stinking cute."
"I thought so, but too bad father didn't."
"Come on beautiful, I need to ensure you get inside."
"You need to text me when you are home. What time is it?"
"It's four."
"Four?"
"Yes…thank you for a perfect prom."
"Thank you, Jack. It was a wonderful evening."
"It was." Jack repeated the gesture.
He stepped out of the truck and quickly walked around the front to open her door. She had long ago given up trying to get out first. She knew this simple gentlemanly act was important to him. To be honest, it was becoming important to her too.
She accepted his hand to assist her out. Instead of holding his hand, she wrapped her pinky around his. She smiled when he tightened his hold on her little finger. This act, while simple, has been important for the both of them since they first did it in the booth of Abagail's café when they began to date. She leaned into his shoulder as he led her up the stairs to the front door. Her parents had left the porch light on for her.
Elizabeth turned so her back rested on the wall beside the front door. Jack moved to stand in front of her. He could easily see the tiredness in her eyes. She could easily see it in his.
"Thank you."
They both chuckled when they said it at the same time. Jack smiled as he went in for one last kiss. As much as they had been around each other and kissed, he still couldn't get enough of Elizabeth Thatcher's kisses. She had the same problem as he did.
When the loving kiss ended, he caressed her cheek with his hand. The caress was so soft and loving. Elizabeth swore she would never grow tired of Jack's attention.
"I love you, Elizabeth." Jack spoke so softly. She had a hard time hearing him even though he was just a few inches from her.
"I love you, Jack." She went in for another kiss.
"I don't want to leave, " he said, his forehead against hers. He just didn't want to break contact with her. For hours, he had been in her presence. The time together only strengthened his resolve to be with her even more.
"I know, but you still have to drive home. You better let me know the moment you pull into your driveway. I know exactly how long it takes you to get home." She looked into his eyes. He not only heard the words, but he saw them in her eyes.
"Yes ma'am," Jack stated as she stood straight. "I'm going to…" He stopped speaking when his brain engaged about what he was going to say.
"Were you actually going to tell me you will miss me?" She asked hopefully. He had stopped saying that because she had teased him so much over saying it.
"No." He laughed. "I was going to say I'm hoping to see you at church."
"Sure, Jarrick. I know what you were going to say."
"Will you miss me?"
"More than you will ever know."
With one last quick kiss on her beautifully shaped lips, he moaned knowing he was about to leave. He was fighting every cell in his body to make it move toward his vehicle. Jack reached for the door handle. When he began to turn the doorknob, Elizabeth placed her hand on top of his.
"Five more minutes." She whispered as she made eye contact with him.