Knotted Roots - Part 18

I awoke the next morning, my body still aching from the brawl with Greg. Rolling over, I saw my phone lying on the charger on the bedside table. I must’ve drifted into a deep sleep as I awaited Jane’s text letting me know she was home safely. When I checked for the message, I didn’t see any texts or missed calls. I figured she must’ve gone to bed and fallen asleep when she got home, it was an emotionally exhausting day. Hunched over, my head pounding with a headache, similar to that of a hangover. I pressed my fingers into my temples in an effort to ease the thunderous roaring in my head, as I made haste into the bathroom, the hot water soothing my body as I relaxed under the showerhead. Once out and dressed, I checked the time on my phone, and grew concerned as it was nearly nine’o’clock in the morning. I shook the uneasiness away, the last time I grew concerned so quickly, she was just fine. I reassured myself that she would call or text soon, and I distracted myself by traveling to the jeweler in town. Can’t propose without a ring!

“Ah! The young Mr. Black! Never thought I’d see you here.” The shop owner Thomas Greene was an elder in the city, we nicknamed him “Dino” as he was one of the oldest in town! A name he grew fond of over the years. “Trust me Dino, you and I share the same bewilderment.” “I suppose that angelic beauty, Ms. Jane wouldn’t have anything to do with it?” His eyes glimmered with endearment, and my sheepish grin gave me away, I raised my hands in defeat, “Guilty.” “What sorta’ gift are you lookin’ for?” “One that speaks of a promise, a commitment. Of forever.” I said as my eyes darted from ring to ring. “I see. How would you describe her?” My eyes shifted to his, I searched for meaning behind his question, and yet I was speechless. Perhaps because there really were no words fit to properly describe Jane. “I’m not sure there’s anything worthy.” Dino smiled and walked over to a case by itself. “I think you’ll find this collection fitting.” I walked over, intrigued. The case had only three rings to choose from, a square diamond on a white gold, plain yet bold band, sitting on the right side of the case. On the left, was a more rectangular shaped diamond, with a band glittering in smaller diamonds, like a luxurious disco ball. And in the center, was an elegant oval diamond, the band embellished with details like crafted leather. “Any of these match her beauty?” Dino asked, hopeful yet cautious. I was fixated on the one in the middle, it was a perfect blend of her authentic country spirit, and the brilliance of divine beauty. “I’ll take the middle one.” “Ah! What a splendid choice. I’ll grab the box!” While I waited for Dino to finish the sale, I paced the store, eager to surprise Jane. My mind swirled around with ideas of how to ask her, how to make it perfect. Perhaps we could go on a horseback ride, at sunset on the mountain ridge? Or maybe dinner? As I became lost in thought, I stood shocked, speechless as to what I saw before me. “Jane?” I whispered to myself. My eyes fixated on her from across the street. “Dino, I’m going to need to go. I’ll come back for the ring in a bit.” “Take your time!” An uneasy sensation stirred, the air thick and the wind whispered to be cautious as the town fell silent to my ears. I went to where I saw her, and found no one. Befuddled, surely she couldn’t have gone far. With no prevail, I returned questioning if I truly did see her. Did I get hit in the head that hard? I thought to myself. Returning to Dino to pick up the ring, I shook his hand and thanked him for his help. Protectively placing the ring into my pocket, I went to my truck and made my way to Jane’s house.

As I rolled up to the Cross’ home, I was met with Mrs. Cross on the porch, sipping on lemonade and eager to see me as always. “Jasper! How good to see you! Unfortunately Jane’s not here, she went into town this morning.” The thought of Jane not being home, and not calling or texting worried me deeply, but I forced myself to swallow the lump in my throat. I didn’t want to rile up Jane’s parents, especially if they saw her this morning, Jane was probably shopping or going to a bible study. I deterred my thoughts from her to the ring in my pocket. “Actually, that’s quite perfect then.” “Oh?” “I actually came to show you and Mr. Cross something, well, hand-picked for Jane.” I chuckled at myself and gave a silent prayer of forgiveness as I basked in a little white lie, as I tucked my hand in my pocket and grasped the box. Carefully, I presented them with the ring. “Well? What’re your thoughts?” “Oh! Jasper! It’s gorgeous! Perfect! She’ll love it!” Mrs. Cross exclaimed her eyes full of joyous tears. I wrestled between the joy of what’s to come, yet Jane’s absence still tugged at my mind. What was she up to? “You’re going to be a great husband Jasper. We’re proud to welcome you into the family.” Mrs. Cross stated, as she patted my hand in a loving manner. “Thank you, ma’am. I’d love to stay, but duty calls at the ranch. Let Jane know I stopped by?” “Of course!” After another hug, I left and pointed the hood of my truck towards the mountains, as home was just on the other side.

—

Ever since Jasper came and confronted Greg, I felt more myself than ever these past few years. I never expected to rekindle my relationship with Jasper. Although we once had a wild, furious love, it was replaced with a friendship, a bond of protection between us. Something I wish was different, as I longed for Jasper but respected his relationship with Jane. Just then, my phone buzzed. Speak of the devil, it was Jane! Answering the phone I waited for her to greet me back, but there was nothing on the other end. Believing the call to be a mistake, I hung up. Although something about it seemed off. Shrugging it off, I went about my day doing the chores around the ranch and house. Until my phone buzzed again with Jane’s name on the screen. I answered the phone again, “Jane? If you’re pranking me, you’re going to need to do better than this!” I laughed hoping to coax a response from her. “I’m not the pranking type…Grace.” The voice on the other end wasn’t Jane’s, it was a male’s voice. “Jasper? What’s with all the cloak and dagger?” I teased, wondering what these two were up to. “Time will tell.” The voice seemed gritty, and it definitely sounded familiar, but something made me question if it was Jasper at all. The voice was a little too high in tone to be Jasper’s. Before I could say anything else, the call ended. My peacefulness and relief from earlier was swept under a rug as paranoia that Greg may be behind this caused an unsettling nausea in my stomach, creeping to my throat. I rushed inside and into my room. Sitting on my bed, my mind swirled and the room felt dizzy. I’m probably just overthinking it. Yes! I’m just, being dramatic is all. As I clutched the quilt to my chest, finding comfort and steadiness, as the ground no longer felt like unsteady waters and my mind felt steady again. There’s only one thing I could do to appease my fears, one person. I quickly swept out my phone and dialed Jasper’s number. I pressed the phone to my ear, my eyes closed, convincing myself it was just them playing a mean joke on you. “Grace?” His answer was all the confirmation you needed, it was deeper than the one on Jane’s phone, and there was concern in his voice, as if you startled him. “Jasper…Hi.” “Everything okay?” “Yeah, yeah…I was just…checking on you is all.” “Right? Yeah, I’m okay. Hey, actually have you heard from Jane?” “Jane?” What an odd question! Even more confirmation that whoever was on her phone was not Jasper based on the hint of worry lingering in his tone. I didn’t want to concern him, but I didn’t know what to do! Who was on Jane’s phone? And why? How do I explain that to Jasper? “Grace? You there?” “Uh, yeah. Sorry, no. I haven’t heard from her.” I wasn’t lying, but I wasn’t sure how to explain that phone call to him, and I certainly did not want to send him into one of his famous rages the Black family was known for. “Oh? Alright, thanks.” “Is everything okay?” “Yeah, she’s probably just shopping with the girls from bible study.” “You know us girls! We live by retail therapy!” I laughed, hearing the slightest release of tension from Jasper as he chuckled. “Well, don’t be a stranger Grace. Jane would love to get to know you better. I’m surprised she didn’t invite you.” “Ah! Well, you know the ranch can’t run itself out here! Pa needed the extra hands today.” I knew I was lying to appease his troubles, but what was I to do? Rile him into a rampant tantrum? He’d burn the town to find her, and I honestly didn’t know anything other than the mysterious voice on Jane’s phone. After ending the phone call, I knew I had to investigate. After everything I put Jasper through, I’d do anything to see him happy. Even if it meant lying to him to protect him from himself. I sense of determination replaced my troubled mind, and I yanked the gambler hat off the rack and began towards town. Leaving a brief note on the fridge for Ma and Pa. Where are you Jane? Who’s with you?