This self-absorbed dandy was revealing a completely different side of himself. It turned out he had a very vulnerable soul. But, you know, Jess, that didn’t work either.
Mother threatened me, said if I didn’t stop causing trouble, she’d send me to an orphanage. That’s when I realized I needed to get out of the house as soon as possible. But getting off the bad boy path turned out to be very difficult for some reason.
Yet I’ve always had a knack for math. Teachers predicted a great future for me. They were wrong.
Jack, forgive me if you can. I was so angry at you then. My mom was one foot in the grave.
I had an old grandmother to take care of. And Peggy was mad at me, accusing me of stealing her dream guy. She dragged me to the lake just to meet you there.
She dreamed of dating you. Silly village girl Peggy. Jessica sighed and looked into the distance.
I really wanted to spend the evening with you, Jack smiled bitterly, glancing at the girl. I literally lost my head. I tried everything to get rid of that friend of yours.
She looked at me as if expecting me to marry her right there at the lake. Yes, it would have been better if I hadn’t gone to that cursed lake that night. I often told myself that too, Jessica looked at Jack and then averted her gaze again.
You know, I was so angry at you then, like never before. I wasn’t even afraid that the entire village would point fingers at me. My granny and I had a hard time.
Everyone had something nasty to say about the wayward granddaughter. I thought I wouldn’t survive. But then my Samantha was born.
Whose daughter is she? Were you seeing someone? No, of course not. We barely survived and no one would have wanted to date me. Jess, I don’t understand.
Samantha, your daughter, is she mine? Jessica was silent. She didn’t even understand why she had started this conversation. So many years of fearing meeting this person, then living in constant tension for months that something might happen to her grandmother or daughter, and now just taking and pouring out everything that was on her mind.
God, what an idiot I am. Jack clasped his head in his hands again. If it weren’t for me then.
You might be happy now. But I am happy, Jack. Not long ago, I met the man of my dreams.
You know, if it weren’t for that meeting with you, I’d never have met Paul Gill, never have known true love. They were silent for a while, each thinking about their own things. You know, Jack, I want you to be happy too, Jessica suddenly said.
Alas, that’s impossible, Jack shrugged. No, it is possible, believe me. You know, you need to start with a confession.
We have a wonderful priest in our village. Father Benjamin will surely help you. He’s helped me many times.
Everyone turned away, but he listened to me and gave good advice. Let me take you to him right now, the girl said fervently. I’m afraid, Jess, no one can help me now, not even a priest.
You’re wrong. You’re young. You still have a chance.
Don’t bury yourself alive, I beg you. Thank you, Jess. You really are an extraordinary girl.
I’ve done you so much harm, and you, if anything, I’ve done you no less harm. So we’re even, Jessica smiled slightly. All right, honey, I agree.
I’ll go to your father Benjamin. Let him tear me apart. For the first time, Jack smiled.
You know, I feel much better after talking to you. It’s like a weight off my shoulders. I’m not such a scoundrel as I might seem.
I realized that, Jack. I realized it when I saw you here today. They talked a little longer, then went their separate ways.
Jessica felt relieved. Still, she was uneasy about putting the guy behind bars. After all, he didn’t rape her back then, though he was excessively persistent.
Now she hoped that this boy, unloved by his mother, would fare much better than before. Where have you been? Her grandmother asked anxiously when the girl returned home. It turned out she had been sitting by the swamp for about two and a half hours.
Just went for a walk, Jess replied. She decided not to tell anyone anything to avoid unnecessary worry. Jesse, I’m afraid I can’t live there in the city.
I was born and raised here. I don’t have much time left. I’d like to spend my remaining days in my own home.
Grandma, why are you burying yourself already? You’ll still get to see Sammy get married. I don’t want to get married, the girl intervened. I want to go to the amusement park.
Kind Paul Gill said he’d definitely take me there. He said it’s very fun and interesting. If Paul Gill said so, then that’s how it’ll be, Jess patted her daughter on the back.
Mom, he’ll be my dad, right? I mean, when he marries you. Do you want that, bunny? Yes, I do. Paul is kind, handsome, and he has a cool car.
Jessica and Grandma Mary burst out laughing. But it’s true, the girl pouted slightly. Several years had passed since Jessica last saw Jack White in the forest by the swamp.
She, her daughter, and Paul lived in a small but very sturdy and cozy house not far from Paul’s parents’ home. Angela and Christopher Gill warmly welcomed Samantha and loved her as their own granddaughter. They spoiled her and often gave her gifts.
Jessica decided against studying to be a translator and became a child psychologist. She got a job at a children’s development center. She was so adept at connecting with any child that parents were amazed at how she did it and the results Jessica Gill achieved in a short time astonished them.
Grandma Mary refused to move to the city and continued living in the village. Jessica visited her very often. After all, age could bring unexpected issues and she might need help at any moment.
Grandma was always very happy when her family came to visit. Paul’s parents also often dropped by to see the old lady and delight her with some treats. They even considered moving to the village when Christopher retired.
It was so nice and peaceful there. In short, it was a green haven. One day, a mother with a little boy came to see Jessica.
When they entered, Jess gasped. Standing before her was her old friend Peggy. Peggy, she asked, staring in surprise at the woman.
Jess, is that you? The old friend rushed to hug her. They agreed that Jessica would visit them after work. It turned out Peggy had become Jack White’s wife.
They met a few days after Jessica’s conversation with him at the swamp. Did he really go to Father Benjamin? Jessica smiled and hailing the aroma of the herbal tea Peggy had made for her. Yes, Jack told me about your meeting at the swamp and how it turned his life around 180 degrees.
I’m so happy for you, Peggy. Remember when we went to the lake, you kept saying you’d get your way and become the wife of that city heartthrob? Jess laughed and covered her friend’s hand with hers. I missed you so much, Peggy.
I missed you too. But back then, I was angry at the whole world and went to my aunts to avoid seeing you or anyone from our village. But I missed you, your advice, and your wise thoughts from all those books you read.