The Shack

Chapter 4

WC: 357

"Jessie?" He says, still confused.
Jack sat down in a chair that I could actually see. I sit down in the chair in front of him.

"If you're not Mary, let me tell you about Mary and I's first date...."

                               3 Years Ago
  
    "Come on, Mary." Jack said.

"Are we getting close?" Mary asked.

"And...now!" Jack exclaimed as he removed Mary's blindfold.

"Wow!" She said.

She looked around to see roller coasters and all types of concessions. Then in the back, she spotted the Ferris wheel.

"I wanna go on the Ferris wheel." She said, starting to wander off.

"Wait for me!" Jack called after her, laughing.

"Come on!" Mary yells, getting in the seat of the Ferris wheel.

"Alright, I'm here." He said, sliding into the seat beside her.

"The stars look beautiful." She said, looking up into the night sky.

"They sure do." He replied.

"You know Jack, this is the best date I've ever had. Well, and the only date I've ever had." She said.

They both laugh.

"Jack, I really like you." She said.

"I really like you too, Mary." He said, looking into her eyes.

He then leaned closer, and-

                                 Present
 
      "I leaned closer and-" He stops.

"And, what?" I say.

Jack gets up and starts to pace around the room.

"Are you okay?" I ask him, getting up.

I walk over to him and place my hand on his shoulder, causing him to stop walking.

"I don't get it." He says. I look into his eyes again.

"It's just that, I see you, Mary, looking at me. But you said that you're not Mary." He says, shaking his head.

"Look, it's okay. Jack, I can help you." I say, nodding my head slightly.

"What do you mean 'help me'?" He asks, closing his eyes.

"Hey, look at me." I say.

He opens his eyes.

"Where's Mary now? Do you know?" I ask him.

He places his hand on the side of my face.

"I loved Mary." He says, quietly.

I can tell that there is sadness behind his eyes.

"I know you did." I say.

He leans closer....