The Potter and His Clay.

Dinner With The Thompsons.

Mrs. Thompson stared at her Granddaughter for a whole two minutes, as Eliza picked around her plate of scrambled eggs and toast, she sets her fork down in frustration, Mr. Thompson reaches over for her hand only to have her move her hand away from his grasp. 

"I knew, we should have just kept you in that Jiu Jitsu Class" she muttered, eyes still on Eliza, Mr. Thompson sighed "honey, there's no need to dwell in the past now" he replied, looking back down at his food.

Ethan quietly drank his orange juice while his eyes darted to and fro across the breakfast table, Eliza sat her fork down and looked at her Grandmother, "I'm honestly okay Grandma, I'm just thankful Jonathan was there to help me when he did".

 Mrs. Thompson watched her closely with concern still evident in her eyes, she sighed and nodded "yes" she said, finally turning her gaze to her own breakfast plate, she paused for a moment as an idea popped into her head  "we must thank Mr. Scott for saving your life". Eliza and Ethan looked at her at the same time as they waited what she had on her mind, "Eliza, invite him for dinner tonight, I will make a feast worthy for a hero" she beams brightly, she got to her feet, taking her plate and walking off to the kitchen.

 Eliza and Ethan exchange horrified expressions and looked at their Grandfather, 

"Grandpa?" Ethan says uncertainly

Mr. Thompson grinned, getting to his feet with his plate "I think it's a great idea" he says as he leaves the table and goes into the kitchen. Eliza sat thinking on how she would do so, Ethan chuckled shaking his head 

"this oughta be fun" 

Eliza shot a frown at him, making him chuckle even more, "just ask him, if he says no, then just tell Grandma, he said no" he shrugs casually

"are you crazy?!" she hissed, throwing her napkin at him, he wacked the napkin away "Grandma doesn't take no for an answer when she's cooking!" she added

he sighed leaning back in his seat, they sat in silence as they tried to think of ideas, Ethan held his hands in front of him and let out a deep breathe "well" he says breaking the silence "in tough situations" he pauses "pray". Eliza nodded, "yeah, I'll do just that".

***

Spencer stared at his best friend for a few seconds before opening his mouth to speak, "you saved Eliza Thompson from getting assaulted by a drunk hobo?" 

Jonathan shut his locker and looked at him "sort of"

Spencer stared in awe "wow" he says, Jonathan turned and began walking down the busy hallway, 

"you saved Virgin Mary" Spencer sighed, as he looks out into space in wonder "you blew her chance into getting laid bro" he added letting out a laugh

Jonathan frowned at him "really dude?" he deadpanned as he stopped midway and looks at him, Spencer raised his hands up in defense, Jonathan shot him a last frown and continues down the hallway. 

"Hey!" 

Jonathan suddenly falls back in shock when Eliza suddenly appears up to him, she smiled softly and smiled at Spencer, he gave a nod and turns away, Jonathan took a step back 

"hey" he says sternly 

Eliza shoved her hands in her back pockets and sighed "so listen" she began "I want to thank you again for-"

"it's okay" he interrupted 

she shook her head "no, yeah, I get it but" she paused "my Grandma actually wanted me to invite you for dinner tonight"

Spencer snorted, Jonathan shot him a glare and turned back to Eliza "I appreciate the invite but-"

"she expects you to be there at seven, dinner begins at seven twenty" she snapped before turning away to leave. Spencer laughed, tapping him on the shoulder, 

"dinner with the Thompsons!" 

Jonathan shrugged his hand off as he watched Eliza rush off away from his sight, he sighed, pulling his bag strap further up his shoulder and continues his way back down the hallway. 

Twenty Minutes Earlier.

Eliza watched Jonathan and Spencer talk from a few meters away from her own corner where she hid and observed them like a stalker. She groaned, slamming her back against the wall, shutting her eyes in complete hopelessness,

"Father, please give me the  boldness of heart" she whispered, she looked over back to Jonathan and waited for the perfect approach time. Ethan shook his head as he caught sight of her and walked up behind her pulling her hoody down, she whirled around and looks at her cousin, she punches his torso, having no effect, 

"you look like a pyscho stalker" he sneered

she sighed and took off her hoodie, shoving it into her back pack, "I don't think I can do this" 

"just do what I told you to do Liz" he reminded. Tracy Greene walks up to the duo and links her arm around his own, he looked down at her and smiles

"hey" he says warmly

she smiled and hugs his arm "hi" she replied and also smiles at Eliza "hey Liza"

Eliza smiles a bit on edge and turns to look in the direction of Jonathan and Spencer, they had walked closer to where she was, being just few meters away and she had to move now before he disappeared off into the sea of pupil. 

"I'm doing it!" she cried softly before turning away and rushing to her target, she basically flew up to Jonathan startling him. She invited him over for dinner, not giving him a chance to refuse, she quickly turned and rushed off before he could stop her. She ran to the end of the hallway and disappeared as she turns into the next hall. 

***

Mrs. Thompson stirred her famous sweet corn soup, the aroma filling the room, she took in a deep breathe and smiled joyously, she hummed to the praise song she played on her phone and moved her feet to the beat. 

"Mum!" 

Reid Thompson walked into the kitchen and sighed aloud "what's the special occasion?" he asked as he walked over to her and kissed her cheek, she smiled at her son "what brings you home?"

he walked to the counter and sits on a stool "where's Ethan?" 

"he's training late this afternoon" she replied, a sound was heard from the oven as the ham was done being  roasted over half an hour, she quickly puts on her mittens and rushes over to the oven, she takes out the tray and places it on the counter

"is it Dad's birthday?" he asked taking in the aroma of marinated juicy roasted ham, she takes her mittens off 

"we're having a hero over" she smiled excitedly 

"who? Superman?" he asked with a chuckle "Batman's busy today, he's getting a tan" he added humorously, Mrs. Thompson stared at him sternly, his smile dropped and his chuckle died out completely. 

"Grandma?!" 

"In here sweetie!" she cried , Eliza made her way to the kitchen and sighs "something smells amazing!" 

she looks at her uncle and walks over to him "hey Uncle Reid", he gets to his feet and takes her into a hug, she sits next to him, "how's school?" he asked her

she shrugged "school's school, we're having a fundraiser for our Senior Formal" she announces "and I'm organizing it" she adds almost in a whisper 

"that's great!"

"what?" Mrs. Thompson asked, narrowing her eyes as if it would allow her to hear better, Eliza pressed her lips together, "I've been elected Student body President for the year" 

Mrs. Thompson gasped, "that's amazing Eliza!" Uncle Reid cried, pulling her into a side hug, Mrs. Thompson went around the table and hugged her "that is so exciting!" she exclaimed "something to add onto our dinner celebrations" she paused, remembering last nights incident, she takes her hands into hers and rubbed them softly "God protected you last night and sent you an angel" she says almost in a whisper, she cupped her cheeks and pulled her into another tight hug. 

"What am I missing?" he asked suddenly concerned, Mrs. Thompson and Eliza chuckled as they completely ignored him and embraced each other even tighter. 

***

Eliza looked at her phone, checking the time, Jonathan was five minutes late and she was on edge. Mrs. Thompson walked into the dining room with the bowl of chicken corn soup and placed it in the center by the rice, 

"I'm sorry Grandma" she says looking at her with worry in her eyes, Mrs. Thompson frowned at her "what for?" she asked 

"he's not here yet and you've prepared such an amazing-" 

"even if he doesn't come, we have your presidency to celebrate!" she interrupted happily. She took her hand and led her to the living room where Mr. Thompson sat in his arm chair and Uncle Reid on the sofa, flipping through a Mylife magazine who decided to stay for dinner. Mrs. Thompson sat Eliza down, 

"alright, dinner is ready and the table is set, we'll just wait until our guest of honor has arrived" she announced. She sat next to Eliza and they sat in silence, waiting patiently for Jonathan. After five minutes, the door bell rang and their heads peeked at the sound of it, 

"he's here!" Mrs. Thompson cried, she excitedly rushes over to the door and pulls it open, "Hello!" 

Mr. Alistair stood at their door with a smile, Mrs. Thompson's smile died down and she stares disappointedly at him "Mr. Alistair" she says 

he grinned "Hello Mrs. Thompson, I just wanted to say that this weeks bible study will be postponed due to Evelyn's Father's funeral that will be taking place at the church" 

she nodded "oh okay thanks Fred" she shuts the door before he can even say goodbye, Eliza chuckled "did you just shut the door in Mr. Alistair's face?" 

Mrs. Thompson paused, she quickly reopens the door and looks out, Mr. Alistair was already making his way down the path to the street "bye Fred!" she says waving 

he turned and gives a small smile before turning away again and crossing the street. She lets out a relieved sigh and shuts the door again "that was close" 

Eliza laughed "okay Grandma". She put her arm around her shoulder and they walked to the dining room "let's eat", Mr. Thompson and Uncle Reid were already seated, 

"where's the chief guest?" Mr. Thompson asked 

"Fred says there will be no bible study for the week" she deadpanned, Uncle Reid chuckled, she shot him a glare and took a seat. She puts her hands out for grace

"lets say grace" she says with a sigh. The sound of the front door opening made them look to the hallway hopeful, leaning forward, Ethan made his way around the corner "I'm home" he says, they all groaned and sat back into their seats, he frowned at their expression "well" he deadpanned "hello family" 

Jonathan appears behind him. They all perked up in surprise, Mrs. Thompson got to her feet "You must be Jonathan!" she exclaimed 

"hello" he greeted with a small smile, she walks over to him, he puts out his hand towards her for a handshake, only to be ignored, she suddenly pulls him into a tight hug happily "its so good to finally meet you !" 

Eliza watched relieved and embarrassed at her Grandmothers outburst of emotion and openness , Ethan walks over to her and sits next to her, he looks at his Father "what are you doing here Dad?"

Uncle Reid frowned at him "this is my house" he snapped sharply 

Ethan moved his head back with a frown "geez louis" he chuckled "chill" 

Mrs. Thompson walked him over to his seat, while she introduced him to Mr. Thompson and Uncle Reid, who he sat next to. 

"I apologize for being late" he says politely as he sits down into his seat, Mrs. Thompson waved his apologies away "pish posh" she chuckled "there is no need for apologies"

"alright, since our guest of honor is here" he smiles at Jonathan, making him look down at his lap uncomfortably, "let's say grace" he says, Jonathan tenses up as he watched them take each other's hands into theirs, he looked at Mr. Thompson who smiled reassuringly and then at Uncle Reid who grinned at him, he reluctantly placed his hands into theirs, they took his hands and they all bowed their heads to pray, he watched them carefully, listening to their prayer.

"Thank you Lord, for this meal that is prepared before us, thank you for the hands that prepared it, thank you for the day and bringing us together as a family. Thank you Father for our guest who is here today, Jonathan, I pray you will bless his life and his family. We give you all the praise and glory, we pray in no other name but in Jesus's mighty name" 

they all said "amen" in unison, leaving Jonathan a bit lost, he cleared his throat "amen" he whispered. Mrs. Thompson smiled at Jonathan as she took the spoon "here Jonathan" 

Jonathan took his plate and got it close to her spoon as she served him potato salad, she gave him a spoon full and went over to the butter chicken, "chicken?" she asked 

he pressed his lips together shyly "yes please" he says softly

Eliza watches him in awe, she had never seen him so vulnerable and soft before, it entertained her, 

"so Jonathan" Mr. Thompson says, breaking the awkward silence "are you into sports?" he asked "you look like a sportsperson"

"a lacrosse person sir" he answered politely 

Mr. Thompson lit up "I was an attacker for the Hawks back in my day"  he says proudly, Jonathan grinned "how long ago was your day?" he asked, Mrs. Thompson chuckled "back when I shook pompoms around by the sidelines" 

"you were a cheerleader Grandma?!" Ethan exclaimed suppressing his laughter 

"I used to do cart wheels and back flips when I was your age!" she cried, Eliza laughed "that's unbelievable!" 

"and I played the cello" Uncle Reid deadpanned in his seat, Jonathan laughed at his remark, Eliza and Ethan stared at him with wide eyes. Jonathan looks at them and realized he had laughed out loud, "sorry" he apologized 

Mrs. Thompson chuckled, shaking her head "no, you have a lovely laugh" she complimented 

"not as lovely as yours" Mr. Thompson smiled meekly at his wife, Mrs. Thompson smacked his hand blushful earning disgusted stares from their Grandkids and their son, Jonathan grinned at their love for each other and wished secretly for a love as such. They continued the evening with jokes and stories, laughing at on going clap backs from one another, Jonathan watched and felt an ache deep in his chest, it was his first time having a family dinner. He watched Mr. and Mrs. Thompson constantly share a loving smile while Eliza and Ethan listened to Uncle Reid's stories of his high school experience, he came into realization of what a family dinner looked like. After half an hour of dinner, they finally get up to retire to the living room, Jonathan collected his fork and knife, placing it on top of his plate,  Mrs. Thompson walked over to him and took the plate from his hands "don't worry about this" she says with a grin, Jonathan protested kindly but she kindly obliged and urged him to rest in the living room. He reluctantly made his way out of the dining room and into the living room where Uncle Reid and Mr. Thompson sat talking, he sat next to Uncle Reid and waited quietly. 

Mrs. Thompson walked into the kitchen and placed the dirty dishes into the sink as Eliza washed quietly, Ethan busily cleared the table, "Jonathan's cute" she whispered sneakily 

Eliza laughed and looked at her Grandmother "Grandma?!" she exclaimed, shaking her head

she laughed back and smacked her arm "he's kind too" she added "and polite!" 

"and a prick" Ethan added as he walked up from behind them and setting the empty bowls on the counter, Mrs. Thompson waved his comment away "not everyone's perfect Ethan!" she snapped "I think he's lovely"

***

Mrs. Thompson walked into the living room as Eliza stood by the door way looking in,  Jonathan got up from his seat "Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Thompson junior" he finishes looking at Uncle Reid "thank you so much for inviting me over for dinner, the food was amazing" he thanked with a soft smile 

Mr. Thompson got to his feet and took his hand, shaking it "no" he says sternly "thank you. If it weren't for you, our Granddaughter would've been hurt" 

Mrs. Thompson walked over and took him into her embrace, she was on the verge of tearing up, "thank you, thank you son" she whispered

Eliza bit her lip as she watched almost in tears, Jonathan was frozen as he was being hugged by Mrs. Thompson, Uncle Reid got up and touched his shoulder, giving him a grateful smile. The evening turned into an evening of mended conflicts and turning points of how they saw each other.

***

Eliza closed the door behind her and followed Jonathan down the stairs, she quietly followed him a few steps behind. Jonathan turns around when they reach his car parked by the sidewalk, Eliza looks up at him and gives a small suppressed smile, "thanks for inviting me" he says awkwardly

Eliza nods with her lips pressed together "you're welcome", he nods back and turns to leave, he paused for a moment , turning around once more "I'm sorry about what I said the other day" he says almost in a whisper, Eliza stares at him in astonishment, at that moment Jonathan Scott was apologizing for his actions. What a golden moment. "I didn't mean what I said and I hope you can forget about it" he finished 

she nods, still in awe "oh yeah, no p-problem" she stammered, he gives a small smile and turns to leave, he goes around his car and gets into the drivers seat. He placed his key into the slot and started the ignition, he looked at the passenger seats window as Eliza knocked three times on the glass, he had the window move down and he looked at her, she looks at him with the most sincere expression "thank you" she says "so much" she added. He looks into her soft brown eyes and felt his breathe stop in his lungs, he cleared his throat "you're welcome" he replied. Eliza moved away and gave a small wave, she turned her back and made her way to the porch, he found himself with his eyes glued to her back, his thoughts began to float all around her, he frowned as he pulled him back from his thoughts and stepped on the pedal, driving off into the night street.