Chapter 1 – Decisions, Decisions

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 to spend time with each other. It was also where all the other teenagers would go to hangout and make out; enjoying the pleasures of their puppy love. Jack’s best friend Chuck was always the one on guard, 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 only smart girls, but he wasn’t ready for a relationship, so he didn't mind being the lookout.

After their high school graduation, Jill attended a local college in Thornsberry. Jack attended a 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 when she finished college, to explore life outside of their small town. To have the kind of 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 anywhere else.

Jill didn’t want to leave without Jack, but she knew they had to make a decision. They started spending more 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 was hoping Jill would change her mind and stay in Thornsberry so they could get their own 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 jobs offers, Jill finally accepted a job in Summerville, another town, 2 hours outside of Thornsberry. Jack still insisted she stay, then they could get married and settle down. But Jill did what she felt was best for herself, and she had no regrets about it. 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 he 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 to end their relationship, no matter how confused they were about their priorities. Jack knew in his heart that he still wanted to marry Jill and to 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 Summerville, she called Jack and her parents to let them know she made it safely. Jack didn’t answer the phone but she left him a message. Summerville was more of the city life, fast-paced and overcrowded. It didn’t take long for Jill to make new friends to hang out with. There were plenty of handsome single guys, but Jill turned them down because she still loved Jack and was hoping he would soon change his mind and move to Summerville with her. Jack was in his feelings, but he listened to the message Jill left him then 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 days off at the pub with Chuck, his best friend, or with some of the other guys 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 Summerville.”

“Hi, Ms. Leann. I am doing great and everything is going very 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 goes to hang 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 time 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, Ms. Leann. 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 places outside of Thornsberry, Jill didn’t want to worry herself, so she showered and went to bed. Jack and his friends were at the pub with a few of the young ladies who lived in Thornsberry. He had no concern about Jill at the moment, but when he thought about her, he could feel the sadness in his heart. There were a few of the young ladies trying to get with him, but Jack knew his heart still ached for Jill. He was still upset about her leaving him, but he had no interest in any of 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 take him to 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 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 work on the farm. When Jack heard his mom come 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.”

“Yes, Mom. I got it. If she calls back just tell her I have been busy and had no time to call her.”

"OK, son. I’ll let her know. Enjoy your day.”

“I will Mom. Thanks.”

His mother looked at him with concern, but she didn't say anything more or make a big deal about it. Jack kissed her cheek and left for work. He was aggravated, and he hated that Jill contacted his mom. He wanted Jill to move back to Thornsberry, not call from Summerville.