Chapter 56 Committed

Chapter 56 Committed
"I don't understand," I stuttered after Jack broke off his embrace.
"Come on, there's a lot for us to catch up on," said Jack, offering me his elbow. "Let's go have a drink."
I was in a total daze as I accompanied Jack down the hallway and out onto a balcony. It was only after I sat down that I remembered that this was the spot when he'd surprised me after his date with what's-her-name from the country club.
"So, what'll you have? I'm thinking a piña colada for me," said Jack, his eyes flashing with excitement.
"Um, just some juice," I said, reflexively cradling my stomach.
"Ah, yes, good choice," said Jack, giving me a wink.
A moment later, a member of staff appeared out of nowhere. Jack gave him our order, and then he disappeared like a ghost.
"Jack, what's happening?" I said, holding onto the armrest of my chair to steady myself. "Malcolm said you'd gone away."
"Ha! Well, that's definitely true in a way," said Jack. "And a part of me is gone forever. Nonetheless, I owe him a great deal of gratitude, even though he probably thought he was punishing me."
"Everything is so confusing," I said, feeling dizzy.
"Well, as you know, I got sent off to what they call a rehab clinic in polite terms," said Jack. "At first, all I could think about was escaping again. But then the doctors and everybody there were so kind and courteous, and with their help, I was finally able to realize some really important things."
"Like what?" I said, craning my neck to see if I could spot someone bringing my juice because my throat was really dry.
"Well, for one, how I feel about you," said Jack, leaning forward to rest one hand on my arm.
Something about the heat of his touch sent a tingle racing through me. It had been far too long since anyone had caressed me like that, and I instantly felt my inner flames roar into life.
"But maybe more importantly," said Jack. "I learned to accept that my father has some serious issues. Issues that have never been addressed or resolved."
"Tell me about it," I muttered as the staff member finally showed up with our drinks.
"Listen, despite everything, I love my father a lot," said Jack. "So this isn't easy for me to talk about."
"It's okay," I said. "You can tell me."
"Wow, and it took a lot of therapy for me to even be able to admit this," said Jack with a nervous chuckle. "But I can say it now. My father is a sexual predator."
"Oh," I said, shivering as my skin turned to goosebumps.
"I guess I've always kinda known that," said Jack. "But I didn't want to admit it, you know? Anyway, I think that's why I've been so shy around women my whole life."
"I understand," I said, reaching over to rest my hand on his arm, which I noted had some nice color to it.
"I don't think the trauma started with my father," said Jack. "I think it's been passed on down through the generations. But I want to put a stop to it."
"You're so brave," I said, giving him a little squeeze.
"I'm glad you agree," said Jack, giving me a smile. "I still get a little anxious whenever I think about it."
"No, no, you're doing great," I said. "And you look wonderful, by the way. Seems like you've been taking care of yourself."
"Wow, thanks," said Jack. "Anyway, I've been in touch with a few people who work here, so I heard about what my father did to you."
"Oh," I said, feeling crestfallen as I leaned back and focused on sipping my juice.
"I was horrified when I found out," said Jack. "And I wanted to come back sooner, I really did. But I had to wait until I had all my ducks in a row."
"What do you mean?" I said, wishing he'd change the subject to something more pleasant, like how he'd gotten in such phenomenal shape and developed such a lovely tan. Did they offer tennis at the place where he'd been?
"My dad's a well-respected businessman, as you know," said Jack. "So I had to get a team of lawyers to help guide me through what steps I need to take."
"I don't understand," I said, admiring how brightly his eyes were shining even in the dim lighting.
"Well," said Jack with an audible gulp. "I'm going to have my father committed to a mental hospital."
"What?" I spluttered, nearly choking on my juice.
"Yeah, I know it's a serious move, but it has to be done," said Jack. "And my father has powerful friends. But in the end, this is what's right."
"Are you sure?" I said, my heart thumping in my chest.
"Yes," said Jack, nodding gravely. "If someone doesn't stop him, he's going to continue hurting people."
"But why not just let the police handle it?" I said.
"I'm his son, and it's time for this cycle of abuse to come to an end," said Jack, looking more manly and courageous than I'd ever seen before.
"Wow," I said, my mind racing as I tried to imagine Malcolm being dragged away in a straitjacket. It was quite a horrifying sight, but in some way, it also felt satisfying.
"The time has come for me to grow up and accept my responsibilities," said Jack. "And anyway, I can't give you the life you deserve with my father running around loose."
"What?" I said, scared stiff that Malcolm was somewhere spying on us and about to swoop down at any moment.
"The other thing the doctors helped me realize," said Jack. "Is that I love you, Alice."
That sudden swerve in topic was so unexpected that it left me completely speechless.
"I mean it. I really do," said Jack, his gaze locked directly on me.
"Listen," I said, finding it hard to swallow. "There's something you should know..."
"Yes, I heard. You're pregnant," said Jack. "But that's okay. We can raise the baby together."
"I-I don't know," I said, feeling more confused than ever.
"Besides, there's a chance that it's mine, right?" said Jack, giving me such a hopeful look that it almost broke my heart right there on the spot.
"Sure, right," I said, although inwardly, I knew there was no chance that he was the baby's father.
At least, I was pretty sure that it wasn't possible, but I'd gotten so mixed up with everything lately that I couldn't be completely certain.
"But I can't go through with everything, getting my father the help he needs and the support you deserve," said Jack. "Not unless I know that you support me and are on my side."
"What?" I said. "But..."
The words of my objection died in my throat when I saw Jack stand up from the table and then drop down on one knee. My eyes then about fell out of my head when I saw him take out a small box from his pocket and open it to reveal a glittering ring.
"Alice, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" said Jack.