Falling for Jack

Chapter 10

After I finished my food,I went to buy a new phone and then I drove home.

When I arrived home I quickly put the groceries away. Next I went to the bathroom to take a shower and put on some clean clothes.

Once I finished, I laid down on my couch to try and rest a bit but it was impossible. The only thing I could think about was my conversation with Jack. I'm feeling bad about the way I spoke to him. I mean he did help me, did he have to carry me to his front porch? No. But did I mind it? No even one bit! I actually quite enjoyed it. So why did I have to be so mean to him? I guess that the fact that I can't read any emotion on his face played a part in it. Also he always looks kinda grossed out by me. I don't know what to think. But still I feel that it was too much. Finally, I made a commitment to myself that I will apologize to him Next time I see him.

In the evening I was able to work a little and at 11 p.m. I went to bed. Thanks to the painkillers I was able to have a good night's sleep.

The next few days were spent mostly at home working on my business. I only got out of the house once a day to ship the orders placed on my online shop.

Because I always work sitting down it was easy to follow the doctor's order's and I kept my ankle elevated most of the day. By the end of the week the pain and swelling were mostly gone.

Whenever I needed crochet materials I purchased them online and they were delivered to my door. So that also helped.

Today, for the first time since my "accident" I'm going out. Well, it's not the first time that I'm going out of the house, but until today I've only gone out to go to the post office. Today I need to go buy a present.

Yesterday Rhonda called me to invite me to her grandson's birthday party. The little guy is turning two and everyone is very excited. At first I said no thank you but then Rhonda insisted and I finally agreed. Later I thought that this could actually be good for me, since I'm new in town and besides Rhonda, Cece and… Jack, I don't know anyone else.

I get in my car and drive to the shops in the town's center.

I get there fast and quickly park my car. I get out and take a look around thinking where to go. Should I go to the supermarket and buy him something there or should I offer him some clothes? Kids grow up fast so that can always be handy. But I don't know his mother and I have no clue what her taste is like so I decided against it.

Then I remembered that Rhonda mentioned a really nice and small family owned toy store here next to the haberdashery. She told me that all their toys are handmade and that they are really cute, so I decided to check it out.

I clutch my way down the road and after a while I finally see the haberdashery as well the toy store. On the sign you could read "Steven's Toys" and underneath "since 1935". "I guess this is it" I think to myself and get in.

As I walked in I could see a lot of different wood toys on the shelves. There were cars, trains, animals, toy foods, toy telephones and pretty much anything you could imagine. On the floor there were some castles, some doll houses equipped with all the furniture as well as some play kitchens and some horsey swings. Hanging from the ceiling you could see baby mobiles and toy planes. I instantly fell in love with this store.

Suddenly I hear someone say "Good morning. May I be able to assist you?"

I looked to my right and saw a tall man who looked to be in his late fifties or early sixties, with gray hair and glasses. He had kind eyes and a warm smile.

"Hello, good morning" I said "yes, I'm looking for a present for a two year old. Rhonda from the Sunshine Diner told me about this store."

"Oh Rhonda, yes. She has a really cute grandson. She comes by often to buy presents for him" he says, smiling.

"The present is for her grandson. She invited me to his birthday party, tomorrow" I state.

"OK, do you have anything in mind?" The man asks me.

"Well, I like everything in your store, but I was thinking maybe that castle over there." I say pointing at a smaller castle with a drawbridge and a pirate flag "Does he have anything like that?"

"You are in luck, Rhonda has yet to buy that one for her grandson" the man says and I give a small laugh.

He goes around the counter, grabs the castle, puts it on top of the counter and asks me "Do you want me to put it in a bag for you?"

"Yes please. You have a really lovely store. Are you the one who makes the toys?" I inquire.

" Thank you for your kind words. The toys are made by me and my son." He says proudly.

"It really is a family business" I smile.

"Yes it is mam."

I payed for the castle, thanked the owner and when I turned to leave Jack walked in.

"This is my son, the one I was telling you about." the shop owner proudly states.

How is it possible that Jack is a toy maker? How is it possible that this man, who is always unhappy and angry, is capable of making such lovely toys that bring so much happiness and joy to children?

At least, now I understand all the wood chopping…

Jack turns away from me, ignoring me, and walks to the back of the store.

"Jack, please wait! I need to tell you something".

I clumsily clutch my way to him. He abruptly stops and stares at me. His eye shooting daggers in my direction. If looks could kill, I would be dead.

"What could you possibly have to say to me?" He asks dryly, like the desert.

Ouch.

"I just wanted to say that in the end you did help me and took me to safety. I should have not snapped at you like I did the other day and for that I sincerely apologize." I blurt out.

He looks at me slightly surprised but doesn't say anything. After a few seconds I start to feel a bit embarrassed and say "Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that. Have a nice weekend." I smiled weakly at his father, who was watching our interaction curiously, grabbed the present and walked out the store.