Chapter 2 How It Began

Jack and Jill lived and grew up in Thornsberry with their families. Nothing exciting ever happened in Thornsberry. The big windmill and the old well were the most historic and oldest things there. As Jack and Jill became young adults, their relationship blossomed more into a romance. On the top of the hill, by the old abandoned well, is where they had their first kiss and where they would meet every day after school. It was also where all the older teenagers would hang out and make out; enjoying the pleasures of their puppy love. Jack's best friend Chuck was always on the lookout, standing at the bottom of the hill, ready to alert everyone of any adults passing by. Chuck was nerdy and more interested in science and video games. He liked smart girls, but he wasn't ready for a relationship.

After their high school graduation, Jill attended a local college in Thornsberry. Jack attended trade school to learn carpentry, to help his dad with the family business and he worked on the family's farm. Jill had a conversation with Jack about their relationship. She wanted to leave Thornsberry after she finished college, to explore life outside their small town. To create the life she and Jack always talked about and dreamed of. But Jack wasn't sure about leaving Thornsberry, even though he knew a stable life required more than just their love for each other. He had other obligations working on the farm his dad inherited, and helping his family maintain it daily. Jack knew his life was in Thornsberry and he wasn't open to living elsewhere.

Jill didn't want to leave without Jack, but she knew they had to make a decision. They started spending time together, discussing other options and what was best. There was no other young woman in Thornsberry who Jack loved, adored, and cared for, more than Jill. Although they were young, their love grew stronger and their desire for each other became more passionate. They sat on the hill reminiscing about their life, especially the first time they made love. They smiled as they stared into each other's eyes, and held hands. They talked about their future, getting married, and having children. Jack hoped Jill would change her mind and stay in Thornsberry so they could have a place and save up for their wedding.

Most of all, Jack wanted Jill to stay because he didn't want to be without her, although there were better opportunities for them in another city. After numerous job offers, Jill finally accepted a job in Sumerville, a town, 2 hours outside Thornsberry. Jack insisted she stay, and then they could get married and settle down. But Jill did what she felt was best for herself, and she had no regrets. She wanted a different life, even though she still loved Jack and wanted them to be together, working on the farm was not what she wanted. Thornsberry was no longer the place to be, at least not for her. She decided to explore other options and to give herself a fresh start. Jill tried to convince Jack to come with her, but his loyalty was to helping his dad on the farm and with other work.

Jack was upset and felt betrayed by Jill when she packed up and moved away without him. He loved her, but he knew she had to live her life doing whatever made her happy. They didn't want their relationship to end, no matter how confused they were about their priorities. Jack knew he still wanted to marry Jill and spend the rest of his life with her. But it just wasn't the right time, even their parents advised them to wait a few more years before getting married. They thought Jack and Jill were too irresponsible for marriage, and not quite ready for that kind of commitment. Jill's parents encouraged her to take a break from Jack, to see if their feelings would change. After Jill moved away, Jack took an interest in dating other young ladies in Thornsberry, to keep his mind off of Jill. Although his heart yearned for her, he didn't let his sadness make him feel lonely.

When Jill arrived in Sumerville, she called Jack and her parents to let them know she had made it safely. Jack didn't answer the phone but she left him a message. Sumerville was more city life, fast-paced, and overcrowded. It didn't take long before Jill made new friends to hang out with. There were plenty of handsome single guys, but Jill turned them down because she still loved Jack and hoped he would soon change his mind and move to Sumerville with her. Jack was in his feelings, but he listened to Jill's message before he deleted it. He didn't feel the need to call her back just to have another discussion about moving out of Thornsberry. Jack spent his weekends and off days at the pub with Chuck, his best friend, and some of their other friends in the neighborhood. Jill was disturbed that Jack had not returned her call. She called his mom Leann to ask her if everything was OK with him.

"Hi, Jill. How are you? It's good to hear from you. I hope everything is going well for you in Sumerville.”

"Hi, Mrs. Leann. I am doing great and everything is going well with my new job. I was calling hoping to talk to Jack if he's there. I left a message for him a couple of days ago. But I haven't heard from him since I left Thornsberry."

"Is everything OK with him? Is he there right now so I can talk to him?" Jill inquired.

"I have no idea where he is at the moment, Jill. But he usually hangs out with the guys at the pub or with his friend Chuck when he gets off work. You know how those young men are, never where you expect them to be but always somewhere you think they're not. I will make sure to let him know you called. He's been working very hard on the farm, so most times he's tired. I will leave a note for him just in case he comes in after I go to bed." she assured Jill.

"OK. Thanks, Mrs. Brennan. Enjoy your evening.”

"Thank you, Jill, and same to you too. Take care.”

"Yes. I will.”

When Jill hung up the phone, she wondered what Jack and his friends were doing. There weren't any strip clubs in Thornsberry, but a few outside of Thornsberry, Jill didn't want to worry herself, so she showered and went to bed. Jack and his friends hung out at the pub with a few of the young ladies in Thornsberry. He had no concern for Jill, but when he thought about her, he could feel the sadness in his heart. A few young ladies tried to be with Jack, but he knew his heart still ached for Jill. He was still upset about her leaving him, but he had no interest in them. The pub was closing and it was time for everyone to leave. Chuck was Jack's designated driver for getting him home safely and for that reason, he was given a key to Jack's parents' home. When Jack got home, he was too intoxicated to see the note. Chuck had to walk him inside his room. Jack collapsed on the bed and slept until the morning. Chuck read the note on his way out but left it in the same place Jack's mom had placed it, then he locked it up and went home.

The next morning when Jack got up to get ready for work, he read the note his mom left for him. He tore it into pieces and threw it in the trash. He made himself some coffee and ate breakfast before going to the farm. When Jack heard his mom coming out of her bedroom, he pretended to be in a hurry.

"Good morning. Did you get the note I left for you? Jill had called and just wanted to check on you." his mother told him.

"Yes, mom. I got it. If she calls back tell her I have been busy and had no time to call her." Jack said. His mother looked concerned but didn't make a big deal about it.

"OK, son. I'll let her know. Enjoy your day." she said.

"I will Mom. Thanks." Jack said as he kissed her cheek and left for work. Jack was aggravated, and he hated that Jill contacted his mom. He wanted Jill to move back to Thornsberry, not call from Sumerville.