Another day, another chapter :D. Well, I won't be regularly updating this soon because I'll be kind of busy with my summer class (I didn't fail though! It's just extra classes). But please continue with the reviews, it makes me feel appreciated! I must admit, flames make me sad, but well, everyone has opinions so it's ok.
By the way, Jazz was a real genius here, to the point that she will go to college at around 16. I'm not sure how American education works, since I graduated at 15 (I only went to grade and high school for 10 years). I'm also going to make Sam and Tucker (of course I'll put them here! They're just so loveable) 14 here, and freshmen (technically about to become freshmen at the start of the story). I might make some clear stories about Jazz skipping grades due to her wits because I'm such a jerk about plot holes. Please enlighten me ahaha;;;
About Jack's character, I'm not really sure whether to call it OOC or character development. I mean, he was divorced. I don't think anyone divorced would have the same outlook in life as the canon Jack Fenton. He'll still have his goofy side, although expect a darker and more mature side of him.
If you're wondering about your favorite ghost boy, I intend to make him appear around chapter 3 or 4, so hang on. ;)) We'll still focus on Jazz's side here.
I hope you like it! Please review if you have the time!
A Grasp at a Distant Memory
Chapter 2: Different Days at Different Sides
"Dad, Dad, wake up", Jazz's voice nudged Jack to start his morning. "It's already 8 am."
"It is?" Jack groggily asked, one of his eyes partially opening to a Jasmine-in-apron. "Good morning, sunshine." He flashed his only daughter a toothy grin.
"Morning dad. I've prepared breakfast. I'm pretty sure you will be relying on convenience store food and instant noodles after I leave, so better make it worthwhile"
"As you wish, my dearest princess", Jack yawned, and went out of his room to follow Jazz to the dining table. The girl set the plate full of bacons and eggs, as the toaster made a 'Ting!' sound. Pulling the toasted bread, she set it up as well.
"Holy ectoplasmic molecules, it's been months since I last had bacon!" the buff man dig hungrily into his plate, earning a giggle from Jazz.
"Slow down, Dad. You might get a stomachache."
"By the way, Jazzerincess, when will you visit here again? I've been lonely without you here…" the man said, his sorrowful eyes haunting Jasmine forever. "But I'm not forcing you though! I'm pretty sure you'll be busy with college applications so-"
"Dad, I plan on working at Nasty Burger after graduation. Offers pretty good, can suffice for myself. At least I won't be asking for the apartment rent anym-"
Jack stood up and slammed on the table, Jazz dropped her bacon in surprise.
"You're NOT working, Jasmine", her father said, his eyebrows crunching together. "As much as you want to prove to us you can do things by yourself, you wouldn't dare ditch college because of our situation right now."
"But dad!" the girl stood up as well. "I can do it on my own! I don't want to be a burden to both of you! I can still work even if I don't finish my studies!"
"And that is why, as your father, I won't allow you, Jasmine Fenton."
"But, dad!"
"No buts, daughter. I won't let you ditch college right now. Even when you're living by yourself, you won't throw away that opportunity, do you hear me? You're intelligent and capable! And you're still a kid!"
"DAD! I AM TIRED OF THIS LIFE! I WANT TO LIVE ALONE AND AWAY FROM THIS STUPID FAMILY!"
Jack's expression faltered, and Jazz clamped her hand to her mouth when she realized what she just said.
"I'm sorry, dad, I-"
"No, I'm sorry princess, it's all my fault…" he smiled with a hint of grief, as he ruffled Jasmine's hair. "I guess your decision came with all the troubles I have been giving you… "
Jasmine hugged her father tightly before he can even react.
"I'm sorry dad, I didn't mean what I shouted earlier… It's just that, I don't wanna burden you or mom anymore… Just I being here reminds you of the times your marriage was perfect."
Jack firmly, although gently, held his daughter by her shoulders, staring at her right into her eyes.
"Jazz, you are probably the only person Maddie and I both care for by now, even if we aren't at our best relationship anymore. She won't let you do that, and I won't as well. Please, just let us provide for you until you finished college. Then that's the time you won't be my princess anymore. And if you're thinking about being a burden – you never are."
"Dad!" Jazz protested, although in her usual tone now. "I understand. Thanks, dad. No matter what happens, I love you and mom."
"I love you too, Jazz. Can you imagine, my young college girl, at the age of 16?"
She smiled and glanced at her wrist watch, noting the time.
"Oh, it's almost 9 by now. I'll be visiting mom today, dad. I'll be leaving soon."
"Wait, Jazz! Before you go, can you wait here for a few minutes? I have to fetch something"
®® - Danny Phantom belongs to Butch Hartman - ®®
"Hello? Is anybody home?" Jazz knocked at the door. It's been a good 3-hour ride from Amity to Wisconsin, and all Jazz wants was to slump at her grandparents' comfy couch.
"Who's there? We don't want any—oh, hi dear Jasmine!" an old man greeted, as Jazz launched her arms on the man.
"Grandpa! It's been a while!"
"Yes, sweetie. You've grown more beautiful."
"Oh, grandpa", Jazz replied in a sing-song voice. "You embarrass me so much. Is mom there?"
"Yes, but I think she and your grandma is arguing again", the man scratched his head, and Jazz frowned. "But come in, sweetheart. I'm pretty sure you're tired."
"Sweet." She said as she dropped her bag beside the couch and slumped, still clutching the bouquet of daisies on her hand.
"Remember Jazz, please don't tell her that came from me. She'd just throw it away", Jack told her.
Her mom came out of a room, and Jazz was about to greet her, until she saw her puffy red eyes with leftover tears.
"Mom, did you just cry?" Jazz raised her eyebrow.
"Oh, sweetie!" Maddie wiped her eyes. "No, it's just dirt. You know, your grandma and I cleaned the rooms, swam in a pool full of dust."
"Mom, you know I won't persuade you to tell me, but you're a bad liar."
She held out the bouquet in front of her mom.
"Bought some daisies at the flower shop, I know you like it", she said, scratching the back of her head.
"Oh, how sweet. Thanks, Jasmine!" the woman took the flowers from her child, and laid it on the center table. "Anyway, what brought you here? I thought you're busy with college applications? Please tell me what university you're applying at. Yale? Harvard? Or probably Wisconsin?"
"Mom, about that, I-"
Just before Jazz can tell her mom about her plans, her grandma went out from the same room Maddie came from.
"Well, that's what happens when she didn't listen to me before. I knew that Fenton was up to no good! And now she's rejecting that single millionaire? No, billionaire? Tch, what a waste, I could've lived in a castle before I die…"
"Ma!" Maddie scolded her.
"Don't you 'Ma – Ma' me you rebellious child. Just because you think you-". She halted her speech when she noticed Jasmine was there, staring at her dumbstruck.
"Oh, my lovely child!" she changed her tone, which could've made Jazz gag if she didn't have any respect left for her grandmother. "How good of you to come here? Perhaps you'll tell us what college you want to go to?"
"Well, to be honest, I actually planned not to go to college…"
"What!?" Maddie and her grandma shouted in unison.
"Young woman, that won't be-"
"Don't worry mom, I slapped that possibility out of my mind. Dad convinced me to go to college, and I will."
Maddie gave out a sigh of relief.
"Oh, goodness, you must be famished my dear. I'll prepare something for you", her grandma rushed to the kitchen.
"Grandma! You don't have to—Oh", she realized she had been too late to tell her she isn't that hungry.
"I- I guess I have to go too since you two might have a serious talk", her grandfather, who has been there all along, stood to go elsewhere, exiting by the door.
"Now, Jazz", Maddie gave her a stern expression, capturing one of her daughter's hand on her own. "I understand that your father might have convinced you, but what made you think you will quit college, my dear. For goodness' sake, you have As on your report card!"
"Mom, I just don't wanna burden you or dad, ok? You have your own problems now, and it's definitely not me." Jazz held his head down, too embarrassed to tell her thoughts on her mom. Maddie smiled at her, and stroke her orange hair gently.
"You know Jazz, even though we're separated by now, we'll never stop loving you, ok? You're still our top priority" Maddie held her daughter closely, eventually hugging her after a few seconds.
"I love you too, Mom", she returned the kind gesture. "By the way, can I stay here tonight? I just want to be with you, I probably won't have the chance when I go to college…"
"Of course dear! I'm happy you visited me, I missed you so much!" Maddie pinched Jazz's cheeks, much to the teenager's dismay. "You're growing lovelier as years pass, sweetheart."
"Mom, you know that compliment embarrasses me. But thanks to you, I got your genes", she winked at her mom.
"Oh, my little girl, I never thought you'd be such a goof! Now you're almost like your father…" she just realized what she said and cut herself from the talk. "Oh my, I have to help your grandma. Enjoy yourself, sweetie!"
She watched her mother go to the kitchen, wondering if she still loved her father. Is there still a way to bring them back together, just like the old days?
®® - Danny Phantom belongs to Butch Hartman - ®®
After that Saturday with her father and Sunday with her mother, Jasmine was back at Casper High that Monday, willing to report to Mr. Lancer about her decision. She didn't want to disappoint him as well, seeing that the teacher has high hopes for her. Mr. Lancer is like her third parent, and he's the only person that helped her still regain her standing even after all that happened.
She spotted that familiar bald head on the corridors.
"Mr. Lancer!" Jazz shouted, waving her hands upward. The man turned back to acknowledge her presence.
"Oh, Jasmine. As much as I wanted to talk to you, freshman applications are today and I'm assigned to be the interviewer. What a pain", he grumbled as he continued to walk to the room. Jasmine followed him.
"I have nothing to do now, and I'm pretty sure the board trusts me, so do you want an extra hand?"
Lancer smirked.
"Only if you won't feed your pride and let me treat you to Starbucks after this."
"I'm craving for a mocha frappe anyway, so it's a deal."
Once they entered the room, Jazz looked at the freshmen who clearly is still not used to the atmosphere of the school. She smiled, remembering that during her first day, she was nervous as well, but with Lancer's soothing words, she managed to get through the whole interview.
"Well, go to the Physics room, and I'll send the students there. You know the drill, right? Casper High doesn't make too much rules. As long as you think they won't kill anyone, then accept them."
"Yes sir."
"Thank you very much, Jazz." He smiled at her. "I'm going to miss you."
"The same goes for you, Mr. Lancer. I heard there's a scarcity of considerate college professors nowadays." She winked at the teacher, and he gave a short gasp, his smile beaming widely after that.
"And that is why I'm proud of you, Jasmine. Come, the kids must be waiting."
She parted ways with her favorite teacher, and when she entered the Physics room, her eyebrows twitched when she saw what appeared to be rebellious kids – a girl wearing a goth outfit, and a boy who seems too indulged in his PDA to give her a glance.
'This is going to be a long day', she mumbled to herself.
A/N: Sam and Tucker makes their brief appearance! Looks like I made them to be the out-of-the-box kids, aren't they? (Not that they aren't in the cartoon) In this story, they'll make their relationship with Jazz first before with Danny.
And if you're wondering where Danny is, I'll try to introduce him in the next chapter, although high unlikely, because I only put under less than 2500 words in each chap. After that, most of the story will come from his point-of-view, although I'm not sure if I'm going to make it 1st or 3rd POV. I'm bad at 1st POV orz.
Remember that this is an AU, and all of those questions you're probably asking is supposed to be a mystery and I'm not going to spoil each and every one of you (future beta readers not included)
Thanks for reading, and please drop a review! XOXO ~AyaPie
