“Great game baby!” She said as she embraced him.
“Thank you. I had a lot of fun today,” he said as he winced. He stepped the wrong way on his bad ankle.
“It’s your ankle again. Did you reinjure it today?” Rose asked.
“I’m not sure. I think it just never healed completely from the original injury,” Jett said.
He injured his ankle a month before and the team doctor assured him it was a severe sprain and no more.
“We don’t have to do anything tonight. You need to get off of that foot and rest it,” Rose said as she stroked the left side of his face with her right hand.
He shook his head as he took her soft hand and kissed it.
“No, I feel like celebrating – especially with you. A lot of the guys are going to the R & R tonight. J.D.’s got an informal end of the season party planned. But if you want, we can go somewhere else,” Jett said.
“No, the R & R is fine with me. Besides, Alicia and Gwen will be there too. It actually sounds like fun,” Rose said with a smile.
“If it’s okay with you, could we go for a short walk? It might help me work some of this soreness out of my ankle,” he said.
She took his hand in hers. The contrast in skin always amazed him. The calloused and rough skin on his hands pressed into her silky smooth, delicate hands.
“That sounds fine too,” Rose said as they started on their way across campus. “But I suspect this about more than just your ankle. Is something else on your mind?” She asked.
He couldn’t stop himself from smiling.
“You know me too well. There is something I want to talk to you about but for the sake of privacy, I’d like to wait until we get somewhere that we won’t get interrupted,” Jett said.
“We could walk to the bench by the music building. That’s pretty private,” she suggested.
He nodded.
“Okay, that ought to do,” Jett said.
Rose had no idea but that was his plan all along.
About five minutes later, they found themselves at the bench that already held wonderful memories for both of them. Rose took a seat as Jett remained standing.
He hesitated before he started to speak. When he exhaled a vapor of steam escaped.
She looked up at him. Her brown eyes sparkled in the moonlight of the darkening dusk.
“What’s on your mind my love?” Rose asked.
“I need to apologize to you – first, for keeping you out in this cool night air. And secondly...for lying to you,” Jett said.
The smile faded from Rose’s face as concern grew but she remained silent.
“Please hear me out. As you well know, I’m far from perfect but I love you so much it’s impossible to put into words. I cannot – and do not want to – imagine my life without you. I never knew anyone could be as happy as you’ve made me. You own my heart and I thank God every day for placing you in my life. I’m not good enough for you; then again, no one else is either – you’re that special. For all of these reasons and so many more than I can’t put into words, I’m so very sorry for lying to you. You see, I didn’t bring you all the out here to tell you anything. I brought you out here to ask you something,” he said as he slowly dropped to one knee.
Rose gasped audibly and her eyes widened. She brought both hands to her mouth.
“I love you. Will you marry me?” Jett said as he pulled ring box from the left pocket of his jacket.
For a couple of seconds - that seemed like a couple of hours to Jett - Rose was speechless. She slowly nodded and in a hushed tone said, “Yes.” A second later she nearly screamed it. “Yes! I’ll marry you!”
She held out her left hand for him to place the engagement ring on her finger.
Her hand was trembling so badly he couldn’t get the ring on her finger. Then he realized his hands were as shaky as hers.
They both started laughing at the same time as he made his clumsy attempt with the ring. Finally, Jett succeeded in getting the ring in place.
Rose held it up and looked at it, looking happier than he had ever seen her look. The ring was white gold with a one-karat classic-cut diamond in the center with identical blue half-karat blue sapphires on each side.
“If you don’t like it, we can go get whatever you want. I don’t mind. I just want you to be happy,” Jett said.
“We’ll do no such thing! I love it!” Rose said.
They kissed and their lips lingered for a moment.
“And I am happy. I couldn’t be any happier. I love you too – so very much. I love you more than life itself,” Rose said she kissed him again and embraced him.
“Oh Rosie, I want to spend the rest of my life taking care of you and making you happy,” Jett said.
“I want to do the same for you. When we’re old and gray, I want our grandchildren to talk about how much in love we still are. I love you forever and always,” she said as she ran her fingers through his hair.
Jett stood as though he were invisible watching the young couple revel in their happiness.
“Now that’s a beautiful moment,” said a familiar voice echoing from the darkness.
Jett turned to see J.D. emerging from the shadows. This wasn’t “the Judge.” This was the rising undergrad looking fashionable in khakis, a button-down white Oxford shirt, and a green pullover sweater.
Jett looked around.
“Where’s Rose?” He asked.
“Gee thanks. It’s good to see you too,” J.D. said.
“You know what I mean,” Jett said.
“Yeah, I do. You know how long it’s been since I got to bust your chops?” He asked.
“It’s been a while,” Jett said.
“Too long amigo,” J.D. said.
They stood and watched the happy couple leave arm in arm, overjoyed and excited about their future together. Jett had tears in eyes, both in memory of how happy they were that night and with the knowledge that he would wake up to one more day without Rose.
“She’s closer than you think. And if it makes you feel better, she is keeping an eye on you and the boys,” J.D. said.
“Thanks J, that does make me feel better. But I still miss her,” Jett said.
“I know you do. And she misses you - just like I miss Alicia,” J.D. said.
“Are we - and by we, I mean me and Alicia - getting any closer to figuring this thing out?” Jett asked.
J.D. laughed. “I told you we married beauty and brains. She’s a worker too.”
“But you can’t give us a hint as to what we need to do next?” Jett asked.
“Afraid not. You two have to figure this out without any help from the gallery,” J.D. said with his trademark grin.
“Why? Why can’t you tell us? What’s preventing you from helping us out?” Jett asked.
J.D. merely grinned.
“Can’t tell me that either?” Jett asked in exasperation.
“I’m sorry buddy boy,” J.D. said.
“There has to be a way,” Jett said.
“You’ve made a life out of singing ‘The Authority Song’ but that won’t fly here. You just have trust me and Rose,” J.D. said.
“Can you give her a message for me?” Jett asked.
“I can, but she can hear every word you saying right now,” J.D. said.
Jett nodded and looked around.
“Baby, I love you and miss you. We’ll find a way. Please be patient,” he said in a near yell.
“I said she could hear you. She’s not deaf,” J.D. said.
“Well, I’m still pretty new to this ‘many worlds’ idea,” Jett said.
J.D. laughed.
“So you are. And she knows you’re trying. But between you and Alicia together, you’ll get it figured out,” he said.
J.D. walked over and sat on the bench.
“1985 – What a year. You had Rose. I was just getting to know Alicia. The Chicago Bears had the baddest football team on the planet. We didn’t know it then but we were just kids sta
rting a journey,” he said as he placed his right arm along the back of the bench.
Jett nodded and smiled.
“It was a great year,” he agreed.
“And this bench...you two made some great memories right here,” J.D. said, patting the bench.
“Yes we did. That’s why I proposed to Rose there. She knew the significance of the location. It was a special place where we could talk. It was – wait a minute. Are you trying to tell me something?” Jett asked.
“I’m merely pointing out the obvious,” J.D. said.
“I thought you couldn’t give us hints,” Jett said.
“There are hints and there are hints. There’s nothing wrong with you finding a place to communicate with Rose,” J.D. said.
“I’m guessing nights work best for communication,” Jett said.
“Unless you want people to think you’re nuts,” J.D. said.
“Too late for that,” Jett said.
J.D. laughed.
“By the way, thanks for taking care of Maggie. You’ve made her the happiest she’s been in a long time,” he said.
“We’re lucky to have her. She’s a good girl. You ought to be proud. You and Alicia did a great job raising her,” Jett said.
J.D. smiled.
“Not so great. Out of all the men in the world, she fell for your son,” he said.
“Well he fell for her and I couldn’t ask for anyone better for him,” Jett said.
“I dropped in on them earlier tonight. He’s so much like you it’s not even funny. But you’re right, he is a good kid,” J.D. said.
“So did they...?” Jett asked.
“See me? No, they were too busy looking at each other. That hot blonde that’s shacking up with Bud broke up their little party but I’m not too concerned about it,” he said.
“What does Rose think?” Jett asked.
“Are you kidding? Alicia’s daughter and her son? She’s thrilled,” J.D. said.
“So if you’re talking with me, I take it Rose is visiting Alicia tonight,” Jett said.
“Among others. I expect that she’ll look in on the boys but to what extent I don’t know. I have others to see tonight too,” J.D. said.
“Like Bud?” Jett asked.
“And Maggie,” J.D. answered.
“I understand,” Jett paused. “I have to ask. Do you change your appearance when you feel like it? I mean, look at you. You’re what, 22 or 23? You have hair again for crying out loud.”
J.D. laughed.
“There are some advantages to being on this side - like never being sick or feeling pain, at least not physically. And we have...leeway...I guess you can call it in our appearance. I kinda like it,” J.D. said.
“I’ll bet you do. You don’t feel physical pain. Do you feel emotional pain?” Jett asked.
“Are you writing a book?” J.D. asked.
“I’m curious. And I think Alicia and I both deserve some answers,” Jett said. “And in due time you’ll get those answers. But to answer your question, the best explanation I can give is that we’re aware of our emotions,” J.D. replied.
He started walking back toward the darkness.
“Wait a minute! Where are you going?” Jett asked.
“I’ve got other people to see, remember? Besides, I’ll be around from time to time amigo. And Rose sends her love,” J.D. said as he faded away in the darkness.
***
It was a beautiful late summer afternoon and Bud sat in a weathered hickory rocking chair in the shade of his front porch enjoying a fresh chew of tobacco. The breeze felt good and the smell of the freshly mowed grass was enjoyable. The screaking sound the screen door opening caught his attention.
Out stepped a very young and healthy looking J.D. Blake wearing a gray T-shirt and green coaching shorts.
“Howdy Bud,” J.D. said.
Unphased, Bud nodded.
“Good to see you again J.D. Pull up a chair,” he said.
“If it’s all the same to you, I’ll just sit on the porch rail,” J.D. said.
“Suit yourself. I was kinda hoping you’d be around - again. I reckon you know you scared the living shit out of Mallorie and didn’t help me a whole lot either,” Bud said.
J.D. grinned.
“Yeah, well, I’m sorry about that. I really am. I just wanted to get a good look at Maggie. You’re mighty stingy with that tobacco,” he said.
Bud handed him the pouch.
“Help yourself,” Bud said.
“I really didn’t mean to scare anyone. But I’ve got to hand it to you – that lady friend of yours is a looker,” J.D. said as he placed a wad of brown strands in his mouth.
“Yes she’s that and more. It’s one of the advantages of not being dead – no offense,” Bud said.
“None taken,” J.D. laughed.
“I guess you know Maggie’s getting ready to move into your old apartment,” Bud said as rocked forward and spit off of the porch.
“That’s why I’m here. I like to check on her from time to time and it’s unusual that anyone can see me. As a matter of fact, it’s never happened before – outside of this...form of communication,” J.D. said.
“In dreams, you mean,” Bud said.
J.D. hesitated before he spoke again.
“Yes Bud, in dreams. I don’t know how that happened or if it can happen again. Just know that I’ll always be around my little girl,” he said.
“I have some questions,” Bud said.
“You newspaper guys usually do. But there’s so few answers I can give – at least right now,” J.D. said.
“I’ll be damned Casper. Are you dead or do you work for the government?” Bud asked.
J.D. snorted.
“I know you’ve talked to Jett - and Rose. You’re aware of what’s going on. They could use your help and to be honest, so could I,” he said.
Bud stopped rocking and scratched his chin.
“I’ll help in any way I can. I just have one question,” he hesitated. “Uh...there’s no delicate way to ask this but...how often do you watch me and Mallorie?”
J.D. howled with laughter the way Bud remembered.
“Don’t worry. Only when I’m checking on Maggie,” he answered.
“Good. Thinking you’re watching me every time I take my clothes off would make my skin crawl,” Bud said.
“You’re not worried that I might watch Mallorie in private moments?” J.D. asked.
“I couldn’t blame you if you did,” Bud said.
J.D. laughed again, reached over, and patted Bud on the left knee.
“Remember what I said about helping. It was good seeing you again,” J.D. said as he stepped down off of the porch.
“Where’re you going? You’re not gonna fade away like Rose did?” Bud said, leaning forward in the rocker.
“No, it’s such a beautiful day inside your mind I figured I would just talk a walk and enjoy the sunshine,” J.D. said. “Suit yourself,” Bud said.
“I’ll be seeing you Bud,” J.D. said.
***
Alicia drifted in and out sleep for a couple of hours. Her mind was weighed down with so many questions and too few answers. As busy as her thoughts were, she was aware that she needed not just sleep, but a deep sleep. It had been days since she enjoyed a good night’s sleep.
The guest room had changed over the years since Rose and Jett originally inhabited the house. Several families had rented the house and with it came redecorations of the room. Apparently the last family to occupy the house believed that pale green best suited the walls.
After tossing and turning for an hour or so, Alicia grew afraid that sleep would not come. She looked at the dark brown wing back chair next to the bed. There sat Rose, smiling.
“I hated to disturb you,” she said.
Alicia looked at herself and then to Rose.
“How did...am I...am I awake?” Alicia said.
“No, you’re sound asleep and have been for a couple of hours,” Ros
e said.
“You mean I’ve been dreaming of having insomnia?” Alicia asked.
“Ironic, huh?” Rose laughed. “But you need the rest my friend,” she said.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Alicia said as she sat up. “Is there anything else you can tell me?” She asked.
“Trust your instincts. You’ll know the answers when you find them,” Rose said.
“You know Jett’s going crazy to talk to you,” Alicia said.
Rose looked saddened.
“I know. And I want to talk to him. I hope that’s been remedied tonight – at least partially,” she said.
Alicia listened.
“Is there maybe some way I can talk with J.D.?” She asked.
Rose nodded.
“I think Bud might be able to clue you in on that,” she said.
“The apartment?” Alicia asked.
Rose only smiled.
“Maggie is such a wonderful girl and J.D. is a justifiably proud father. My Danny knows the best when he sees it,” Rose said.
“She’s so much like her dad,” Alicia said.
“But even more like her mom,” Rose said.
“She’s getting ready to start her own life journey and I’m not sure how to handle it Rose,” Alicia said.
“I’m not sure this helps but my advice is to just do what your mom did - trust your daughter,” Rose said.
“It’s not her I worry about. It’s me. Once she’s gone...I’m completely alone. Even in college before J.D., I had you. And now...,” Alicia couldn’t finish the sentence.
Rose walked over and sat on the bed. She took Alicia’s hand.
“Listen to me; I’m going to say this one more time: Follow your instincts. You’re going to be fine,” Rose said.
Alicia nodded. The last thing she remembered was feeling so sleepy she couldn’t keep her eyes open.
***
Maggie found herself in the study of her family’s house near Shelbyville. She was a little girl again, no more than seven or eight. Her dad’s desk loomed large in front of her.
He sat at the desk reviewing paperwork. He looked like a man older than one in his early thirties. Maybe it was the receding hairline or the few streaks of gray around his temples. The black horned rim reading glasses certainly did nothing to make him look younger.
J.D. looked up from his papers and smiled sweetly as he took his glasses off.
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