Memories of Jack & Eliza (BWWM)

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Eliza

           I woke up wanting to see my mother. A couple of weeks ago, Jack's parents came and visited him. This Thanksgiving was special but I could not help but hear her voice. I returned her miss call when I got up to go to work. "I understand baby," My mother spoke over the phone when I told her that we had to miss this Christmas with them. "You say that every time, but now your feelings are hurt," I respond looking at our Christmas decorations. We set up a few things early this month, but once we both have time, the tree will be up.

            "Spend this time together. You have had 23 years of Christmas with us. This one needs to be special too." Wise words from a caring woman stuck in my head. Jack sent me a text of a black Santa on someone's desk at his job. "You are right Mom, I just need to be grateful," I knew she was smiling on the other end. "Eliza, you are grateful, you just miss your momma," It was my turn to laugh. "I do, but have to get going so I will talk to you soon, Momma," I get into the car and drive to the job that I was too tired to enjoy.

              I went in thought; I served a bunch of lawyers during the lunch hour. I split my tip with Devin, because that is what we always did for each other. "Thomas is at table three. I know this is dejavu, but show a bright smile," Devin pushes me towards him and places a notepad in my back pocket. "We have to stop meeting like this," His smile is small, but his eyes showed relief. "I know, but this is time where I asked what you want. It's on the house," I offer and in the back of my head, I want to take it back. "I just want a drink," I could see the bags under his eyes and the way he would stare out into the distance.

                   "I'll get you a water," All the pain I felt while Jack was in the hospital, was not worth the day drinking, and the emptiness of a hangover the next day. I had to be strong for him. I come back with his drink my hands and an order for another table. "My break is in a little while and I can walk over to shop with you," Another thing I was offering, my company. "I'd like that," Thomas nods his head, and I watch as he pushes he hair out of his face. It grew from the last time I saw him, his hazel eyes had a spark in them too. "Ready to go," I clock out for my break, take off my apron, and give my notepad to Devin. "I'll be back."

                     Thomas and I walk with our hands swinging next to each other. "Why do you pity me," The hint of his accent on the word, 'pity' makes my stomach drop. "I don't pity you. I am empathetic towards you. I know what you're going through." He makes his scoffing noise and waves to the lady that let us pass across the street. "You know what I'm going through. I don't think you have any idea," His words cu through. "I do, Thomas. I had to wait for him to wake up and question every day without him. I know you have to do that with her. I know how it feels to have no control over what happens next." We walked into the galleria and there are paintings on the walls but are covered with sheets. "Tomorrow night is that Art Show, I told you about in a while back." The sadness in his face drained away as he stared at the covered paintings. "You know what's under there," I watch as the sides of his lips form a smile. "I do, but you can see for yourself if you come," He brushes his hand against mine and I feel like a hint of fire.

             "We'll see," I look around again, imagining all the beautiful pieces under those covers. "I really don't think you know what I'm going through." Thomas murmurs. He sits at this small table near the window. I see all of his features now, the ones that are block by sadness. "I do," I breathe. "You don't Eliza, because he was going to wake up. One day, all the damage that was done to him will be gone. However, for her, and me, there is no end. She will always be in that coma, and I will always be on the outside." His sadness is breaking my heart.