Unspoken Words (Hope and a Future Book 1)

by Janna Halterman

  His parents waited for them in the study. His father sat at a table next to a fire, going through documents while his mother sat in a chair reading a book.

  “You’ve brought a guest,” his mother said delightfully, getting up to hug her son. His father stood at the sight of Evelyn and came to greet them.

  Evelyn let go of Jackson’s hand when she saw his mother notice them. She wished she had let go sooner.

  “This is Evelyn Carter,” Jackson gestured to her. “Evelyn, these are my parents, Natalie and Charles.”

  Jackson’s parents couldn’t have looked less alike. Mr. Monroe was very handsome, with fair skin and dark brown hair worn short and neat. Mrs. Monroe was about Evelyn’s height, but built stronger with a very petite waist. She had thick, blond, wavy hair that complimented her olive skin beautifully. They were a very handsome couple.

  “It’s very good to meet you, Mr. & Mrs. Monroe,” Evelyn said, shaking Jackson’s mother’s extended hand.

  “You will call us Natalie and Charlie,” his father replied, winking as he gently took her hand in his.

  “So, to what do we owe the pleasure of our son coming home a day early, and with a guest?” Natalie asked, smiling at Evelyn but clearly directing her question to her son.

  “Evelyn was involved in an unfortunate situation…” Jackson began. He looked down at her. “I can explain later, if you’d like, so you don’t have to hear it all again.”

  Evelyn’s cheeks burned with embarrassment, but she shook her head. Neither parent had asked, but since there was no hiding the marks already showing on her skin, they had to be curious about her story and she’d prefer it come from her. She touched her hair, making sure enough hung over her shoulder to conceal at least some of her shame.

  “Thank you, but no. I’d rather explain. I’m so sorry; it’s really all my fault. I managed to become…acquainted with someone who, well, with someone rather noxious.” She looked up at Jackson. “I don’t deserve it, but your son saved me.” She looked back to his parents. “Jackson knew I didn’t have anywhere else to go and invited me here. I’m so sorry to impose.”

  “That’s not really the whole truth,” Jackson added, looking at his dad. “It was an officer, Thomas Williamson,” his father raised an eyebrow, “who assaulted her. And I didn’t invite her here. I made her come.”

  Evelyn was shocked when Jackson’s mother threw her arms around her, hugging her so tight that she almost couldn’t breathe.

  “I’m so glad he made you come, dear! We’ll have so much fun together!” Natalie exclaimed.

  Evelyn already liked his family, very much. She fought back her tears, refusing to let a single one drop. If she let them go now, there’d be no stopping them.

  Natalie reluctantly let go of her. “Well, let’s get you something to eat, and then we’ll show you to your room. I’m sure you’re both hungry.”

  “Starving!” Jackson exclaimed. He took Evelyn’s hand again as they followed his parents to the kitchen. It felt awkward, but she couldn’t deny the comfort it gave her.

  Natalie laid out a small feast. Evelyn snacked on a biscuit, dipping it in delicious gravy, as she watched Jackson. He was speaking to his mother quietly while eating more food than she thought any one person could consume on his own. They both seemed to be guarding their expressions, but every so often, Natalie would glance in her direction. Charles, who was sitting close by, smiled at her.

  “There’s no trusting those two,” he said loudly, so as to tease his son and wife. “They’re always up to no good.”

  Evelyn smiled with their laughter.

  After they had their fill, Natalie offered to show Evelyn to her room while Jackson and his father excused themselves back to the study. Having seen the look his father gave Jackson when he said Tom’s name, Evelyn assumed more would be said about Tom privately.

  “I just need to grab my bag,” she said as she started following Natalie.

  Natalie waved her off. “Jackson will bring it up,” she explained, and led her up a flight of stairs.

  The room Natalie took her to was lovely. The walls were a delicate pink, and the bed looked like a cloud, decorated with soft, white linens. “This room is lovely, Mrs. Monroe. Your whole house is beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Evelyn, but if you call me Mrs. Monroe again, I will be forced to call for Charlie.” Natalie replied lightheartedly. She sat in one of the two wicker chairs in the room and invited Evelyn to take the other. “Jackson cares for you, and he’s worried about you as well. He’s convinced you lied to him when you told him you were okay.”

  Evelyn looked down. She didn’t wonder what the two of them had been speaking about any more. “He’s been very kind to me and more attentive than I deserve. I confess I am struggling right now, but I will be fine, thanks to him.”

  “I know we’ve only just met, but you’re welcome to come to me anytime if you need someone to talk to,” Natalie comforted her. “But just know, Jackson wants to be here for you.” She stood. “I’ll let you get some rest. If you need anything, Jackson will be in the next room, and we are at the end of the hall. The restroom is across the hall, and the kitchen is always open. Please consider this your home while you’re here.”

  Evelyn stood with her. “Thank you, Natalie.”

  Natalie smiled and left, leaving the door cracked behind her.

  Evelyn sat at the vanity and looked at herself in the mirror. She touched her eye where she’d been hit. It was bruised, but not black like she thought it’d be. She moved her hair to look at her other bruises. Images of Tom replayed in her mind. She hadn’t washed since he’d attacked her. She could feel him still on her, still claiming her. Panic was swallowing her. She rose to find the restroom so she could wash Tom off of her and literally ran into Jackson when she opened the door.

  Jackson saw the panic on her face. “What’s wrong?”

  Too many emotions pulsed through Evelyn when she looked into his caring eyes. He’d done too much for her, and all she’d brought him was trouble. “I’m so, so sorry, Jackson.” He started to tell her again that she had nothing to be sorry for, but she cut him off. “I know what you’re going to say, but I hate what I’ve put you through. From the moment I asked you for help in the gardens, I have been nothing but trouble for you, and you’ve saved me from so much…” She was very near tears. “I don’t understand you at all, Jackson Monroe. Why are you so nice to me?”

  He walked towards her, but she backed up with each step he took. She was scared; scared by what had happened to her, scared of letting that fear overtake her, scared of him.

  “Why won’t you let me near you?”

  “Because I don’t deserve to be near you! I’m dirty! I’m covered with him! I can still feel him on me,” she cried out, touching her neck, disgusted with herself. Jackson reached out and brushed her hair from her shoulder, exposing her bruises. She trembled under his fingertips. The marks would fade and eventually disappear from sight, but she’d carry them with her nonetheless. He moved toward her, slowly bringing her to him, and wrapped his arms around her.

  “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there sooner. I’m so sorry I couldn’t stop him from hurting you.”

  Evelyn couldn’t stop the tears now and she sobbed. She curled into his arms and he held her close as she released the flood of emotions she had been holding back over everything that had happened. His fingers ran through her hair and gently rubbed her back, trying to comfort her.

  After a long time, the tears stopped and her breathing calmed, but still he held her. She wiggled her arms out from between their bodies and wrapped them around his waist. “I don’t deserve this.”

  He sighed quietly into her hair. “I already told you, you’re very worth it.” A while later, but still too soon, he released her. “I’m sure you’d like to get ready for bed now. I brought your things up.” He grabbed her bag from outside her door and placed it on her bed. Even in his parents’ home, and after all she’d been through, temptation attacke
d him being alone with her. “My mother probably told you, but I’m in the next room. If you need anything, please let me know.” He turned and left, not wanting to leave her, but needing to. He hated himself for being so weak.

  Evelyn wished she could have stayed in his arms for always. She was safe there. It was such a new feeling for her to find safety in someone else. She’d never had anyone care for her or comfort her. Not like Jackson did. Of course, she had the Madames who raised her, but it was their job. It was Jackson’s job too, she realized, to keep people safe. He’d said his parents would agree with him in bringing her with him, and he was right; but it was Charles’ job, as well. Maybe all of what they were doing for her was because it was their duty. The thought left her feeling a bit hollow, but she held fast to her gratefulness for all of them.

  She took what she needed from her bag and found the restroom. The shower was hot; washing Tom off seemed hopeless, but maybe she could burn him off. Her skin was red and tender when she was done, but she didn’t care. She dressed for bed and tried in vain to sleep. Hours later, when she finally drifted off, Tom waited for her in her dreams.

  When she woke the next morning, her eyes were swollen and her pillow was wet.

  Chapter 18

  Jackson rose early. He spent his sleepless night in prayer and poring over scripture. Experience taught him that his best rest came from spending time alone with God, and though his body was moving a little slower, his heart and mind were refreshed.

  He wisely anticipated Evelyn’s uncertainty of waking in a strange home, so kept an attentive ear to her room. When he heard movement, he went to greet her.

  He kept his knock quiet.

  She’d been crying. His heart ached for her. He gave her a moment to focus her thoughts before he spoke. The way her eyes took him in stroked his pride. Of course, she could just be adjusting to seeing him in flannel instead of a uniform or his teaching attire.

  Her eyes found his.

  “Good morning,” she said as she opened the door further, taking a step back to put more space between them. She instinctively draped her hair over her shoulder, trying to hide the marks on her neck.

  Jackson smiled warmly. “Do you know where you are?”

  “We’re at your parents’ home. I didn’t hit my head that hard!”

  “I know you know that, but do you know where my parents’ home is?”

  “Oh,” she blushed. “No, I don’t know where we are. Where are we?”

  “Well, at my parents’ house, of course.” He teased, rolling his eyes. “What a silly question.” He smiled again and took her hand, leading her out of her room and towards the stairs.

  Jackson had taken her hand a number of times since they left her apartment, and thus far she hadn’t protested. But this morning she didn’t hold on. Instead, she slipped her hand from his.

  That was a bit discouraging.

  “Just follow me.” He led her down the stairs, to the back doors, and out onto the back deck.

  The view was breathtaking. The Monroe home sat at the edge of a lake, surrounded by trees with their leaves on fire with reds and oranges. Jackson smiled seeing Evelyn lose herself in the beauty around them. She walked to the edge of the deck and rested her arms on the railing.

  Jackson always felt God’s presence and His peace here, at his parents’ home. He watched Evelyn gazing out at the lake, happy to see her appear carefree and at ease for once. He knew she wouldn’t notice him stepping away, so he slipped back into the house for blankets and coffee.

  He held both cups of coffee out for her choosing when he returned. “I didn’t know how you take your coffee.”

  “I like it sweet,” she replied, her smile sweeter than the sugar in her coffee.

  Preferring his black, he gladly relinquished the sweetened cup. As he had done in the library so many times when giving or receiving a book from her, he let his fingers brush over hers as she took the mug. Unlike at the library, she acknowledged his touch, though he knew she didn’t mean to. Her eyes fluttered up to his, wide with questions, but quickly fell down to her coffee, then focused back on the lake. She stayed leaning against the deck’s railing as he draped a blanket about her shoulders, then sat on a patio couch. He enjoyed watching her. The wind blew lightly and played in her hair. She didn’t seem to notice the chill. He thanked God again for her, and that he had made it to her before any worse had happened.

  Charles and Natalie quietly joined him, both bundled in warm jackets and scarves, carrying coffee. Natalie set a plate of breakfast pastries silently on a table and snuggled against Charles’ side, taking his hand. Jackson smiled at them and prayed one day he could have a marriage like theirs. If he was lucky, maybe it could be with the woman standing before him.

  He tried to push that thought away. She needed a friend right now, nothing more.

  “It’s beautiful here.” Evelyn said.

  “Just wait until tonight when the sun sets,” Natalie answered. “Everything glows just before it disappears behind the trees.”

  Evelyn jumped at Natalie’s voice, somehow managing to not spill her coffee, and turned to see the three of them sitting. “I didn’t realize you were there!”

  Natalie smiled at her new friend. She could see why her son was so attracted to her. She was young and beautiful and had a sweetness about her, even as guarded as she was. “Come sit with us, Evelyn.”

  Evelyn sat in a chair next to the patio sofa Jackson sat in. Natalie saw the disappointment in her son’s face. He needed to be patient. It was a mark of respect for Natalie and Charles that Evelyn didn’t sit with him, not rejection.

  Evelyn looked at Jackson and his family, and her heart ached. This was why she never agreed to go with Bekah during school breaks. One night here was enough to stab her heart with the loneliness and longing she thought she’d learned to ignore.

  “Were you comfortable last night, Evelyn?” Natalie asked, offering the pastries.

  “Yes,” she answered honestly. “Very comfortable. Thank you.”

  Jackson knew she was nervous. He wondered what she was thinking, but knew not to ask. Turning to his mom, he steered the conversation to that night’s feast. “So, Mom, it’s been a while since I’ve had your cooking. I hope you’re prepared for my appetite!”

  “Of course!” Natalie exclaimed. “I’ve been looking forward to this day all week! You boys will have to entertain our guest, though. I’ll be busy cooking all day for it.”

  “I think you may find a worthy helper in Evelyn. I believe she loves the kitchen as much as you do,” Jackson said, gesturing to Evelyn.

  Natalie turned to her with a wide smile. “Well, you’re more than welcome to join me, dear! I’d love the help, and Charlie and Jackson have never proven anything but a hindrance when it comes to cooking.”

  “I think that would be very fun, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”

  Natalie was thrilled. “Well then, I’ll run in and get properly dressed and we can get started!”

  Charles smiled after his wife as she skipped into the house. “You’ve made her very happy, young lady,” he said, looking at Evelyn.

  Chapter 19

  Evelyn and Natalie spent the entire, wonderful day cooking together. Evelyn didn’t know where the boys had disappeared to. She only saw them briefly when they came in to inhale lunch. Jackson had run his hand along her lower back when he greeted her with a very charming smile. She was once again amazed at how much he could eat. She’d make a mental note of that in case she ever got to cook for him at home.

  Natalie was easy to talk to. She told lots of stories about everything from her childhood to marrying Charles and having Jackson, to the raccoon that broke into their house just two days ago. She asked a lot of questions, too, but it never felt like she was prying or judging.

  Cooking with Natalie was the most fun Evelyn could remember having in a long time. The events of the previous night were all but forgotten, until she began putting her hair up to keep it from her face.
She promptly dropped her hair back around her shoulders.

  “Oh, Evelyn, dear!” Natalie exclaimed, having noticed. “You don’t need to worry about those. Just tie your hair back already. No one here is going to judge you, so you might as well be comfortable while we work.” She talked about it like she was talking about something no more scandalous than the weather.

  Evelyn decided to listen to her and tied her hair back and set quickly back to her work.

  It was sometime later when Natalie finally brought up Jackson. “So, tell me, how did you and my son meet?”

  “We met at my work. I work at the library just off campus and he needed help finding a few books.”

  “And you two just became friends after that?”

  “Not exactly. Until last week, we only saw or talked to each other if he needed help with something at the library.” They had just finished setting the table and she was happy to hear the men coming into the house, not leaving them with enough privacy to finish their conversation.

  The men walked in, and though they talked quietly, their presence filled the room. Both men carried themselves with such confidence. Both were tall and broad-shouldered and shared many of the same features. Their skin tone was their main distinguishing feature. Jackson had a warmer olive color like his mother’s. Both men, though, were handsome, and when Natalie looked at Charles, Evelyn could tell she was still mad about him.

  The men laughed when they looked at Natalie. Somehow she had managed to cover herself in flour. Charles pretended to dust it off her shoulder. “It never fails,” he said smiling down affectionately at his wife. “Each year you manage to make a bigger mess of yourself than the last. What am I going to do with you?”

  Natalie grabbed her tidy husband around the waist. “Love me forever, I guess,” and wiped her flour-covered face all over his clean shirt. She looked back at Evelyn and Jackson. “We’ll have dinner in thirty minutes,” and she and her husband left the room chuckling to themselves.

  Jackson laughed lightly and looked at Evelyn. “How was your day with my mother? And you have to tell me how you managed to stay so tidy while she covered herself completely.”