Author's Note: This was supposed to be attached to chapter 2. However, the chapter was too long so I had to cut it in half. So, here's the other half of chapter 2. Well, now chapter 3.

Disclaimer: I don't own Rise of the Guardians. Dreamworks does.


Chapter 3

Many people aren't that surprised when they hear I'm studying in child development. They all think the reason I'm interest in this field is due to my harsh background but that's not the reason at all.

The reason I'm studying in this field is because I loved kids.

When I would watch the children for Miss. Miller, it always makes me happy to see them smile and have fun on a daily basis. I wanted to make sure they stay happy and give them that love they needed. So, one day while I was still in high school, I told Miss. Miller and Sara what I decided to do with my life.

They were both pleased to hear this, especially Miss. Miller.

"Ohhhh… That so great, Jack! You're going to love your job. Taking care of children is the most precious thing in the world."

And you would know, wouldn't you Miss. Miller? You practically have a smile on your face everyday while you're doing your job. No wonder you're the owner of the Haven Pines orphanage.

"I know, Miss. Miller. Thank you."

Sara took a sip from her hot coco. "It's great you want to have a career with children, Jack. I know you're going to do an amazing job at it. Hell, I think you're doing an amazing job already." She points down the hall where all the children were sleeping. "You really know how to make them happy." I couldn't help but give Sara a boastful smirk.

"Well, I do try my best." I said as she smiles at my comment. She blushes a little before taking another sip from her mug.

"Speaking of trying… when are you going to try to have kids with my daughter, Jack?" Miss. Miller spoke in an innocent manner.

Sara nearly spits at me with her drink when those words came out of Miss. Miller's mouth. My face growing red as Sara angrily glares at the older woman. "MOTHER!"

Miss. Miller simply smiles. "What?"

Anyway, after Sara scolded her mother for saying such things about us (mind you that we are NOT doing that!), Miss. Miller, offer me an official part-time job here so I can get some experience with children.

Speaking of the children…

"STORY TIME! STORY TIME! STORY TIME!"

It was time to tell them a story.

"Alright, alright… I'll tell you a story but after that, bed time, okay?"

All the children nodded, some I know were crossing their fingers behind their backs. "OK!" They quickly sat down on the rug as I sat on a wooden chair at the corner of the living room. I watched as the kids tried to shuffle closer to me so they hear what story I would tell next.

My stories are really popular with the kids. It all started when we had a black out in the orphanage. Since there was no power and the kids were going crazy from boredom, I began to tell a story so the kids would get their minds off the blackout. Soon after that day, they quickly demanded more stories from me. Eventfully, story time became a daily thing to do after the kids finished their homework. Ignoring the aches I felt through my body, I spoke. "Ok, ready to hear about the tale of the Tooth Fairy?"

One of the boys in the group frowned. "Who wants to hear about some stupid fairy?"

"You would if you knew that there going to be a lot of bloody fighting and revenge. You see…."

As I told the tale of the Tooth Fairy, they listened to every word I said. Making sure they didn't miss any details as the tale continued on. When the story came to a end, I got up from my seat. "Now… I think it's time for all of us to go to bed."

"Awwwwww…." They said. "But can we hear another story?"

"Yeah!"

"C'mon Jack, Tell us another story."

"We'll go to bed after we hear another one, we promise!"

"Pleassssse!"

I didn't mind telling another story to them but the throbbing pain I was feeling right now was starting to get worse. Thankfully, Miss. Miller called out to the children before I could say anything. "Now, children…Jack has to go to bed. You'll hear another story tomorrow." The children turn around to look at the older woman. "But Miss. Miller…"

"No buts…Now, get ready for bed. I think I remember tomorrow being school." All the children frowned but nonetheless got up and left the living room, saying their good nights to me. When they were all gone, Miss. Miller turns to me. "Thank you, Jack. I know they must be a hassle."

"I don't mind, they're good kids." We left the living room as well and into the main hall of the orphanage. I stopped in front of the staircase. "Do you need any help getting them into bed?" Sara was staying at Diane's dorm room tonight, studying for an English mid-term. So, it was just me and Miss. Miller here tonight.

"No, no. I can handle it on my own."

I nodded. "Ok, call if you need anything." I began to walk up the staircase where my room was. Suddenly out of nowhere, Miss. Miller calls out. "Jack, have you been taking your pain medication?" I stopped mid-way up the staircase. Crap… I turn to Miss. Miller with a smile. "Yea, I've taking my meds, Miss. Miller."

"Jack, I watched you as you told that story to the children. You look like you were in pain a bit." She looks at me with concerned in her brown eyes. "It's great you don't want to depend on medication but if the pain is too much for you to bear-"

"I'm fine, Miss. Miller." She gives me a disbelieving look. "I'm fine, really!" We look at each other for a few minutes before she gives me a concerned smile. "Ok… I'll take your word for it but please make sure you take it, alright?" I smile one of my own. "Yeah, I understand…"

-#####-#####-

I wasn't telling the truth when I said I'm been taking my pain medication to Miss. Miller.

Truth is that I haven't taken my medication for nearly seven months now.

I look at the medicine with a distasteful look on my face, ignoring the pounding headache that went through my skull. My body was throbbing in pain as well but I've gotten used to it. When I left the hospital, the doctors subscribed me some pain medication to take once a day so I wouldn't feel any pain in my body anymore. Even after I left that place, I still suffered from painful headaches and at times painful aches throughout my body. Doctors said it must been a side-effect from the attack.

I never like taking my medication.

I know it's supposed to help me but I hated it. I always felt pathetic for needing pain-killers to help me to take care of the pain and also…while I won't say this out loud, it's also scares me. One year ago, someone who went to the same school as me died from a drug overdose. The drug that the guy was addicted to was pain medication.

That really scared me. I never took my medication more than necessity but it also made me wonder if I should be taking this stuff at all? So, I decided to stop taking it. I can still feel painful aches time to time but I managed to get used to it as the months rolled by. They still hurt though.

I look at the medicine bottle before putting it back under the bathroom sink. I didn't need to take it. I can handle the pain.

Deciding to take a shower instead, I began to take off my shirt when I saw it. On my upper right arm was a strange blue tribal tattoo. I always wonder how I got this thing on my arm? Did I get it by choice when I still had my memories or… was it by force?

I decided it was best not to think about it for now.

After taking a shower and brushing my teeth, I put my pjs on and left the bathroom. I go back into my room, flopping face down on my bed.

Phew~ what a day!

I turn around to lie on my back. I put my arm over my eyes. "The only time I ever get to sit down these days is in the classroom and telling a story to the kids." I laid on the bed for awhile, enjoying the silent and relaxation. Lately, with school and helping Miss. Miller with the kids, I haven't had any time for myself. I think this is all part of growing up. Always working, never having a moment of peace to play around or relax. Ahhh…sometimes, I wish I was still a little kid. Kids never had any big responsibilities they have to worry about. Kind of makes me wonder what I was like when I was a kid? I properly got myself into a lot trouble by playing pranks on people.

….

….

….

I removed my arm, looking at the ceiling with a blank look.

I wonder…if there was someone out there looking for me? Do I have a family who was right now looking for their missing son? Did they even care that I was gone?

That I wasn't with them anymore….

Trying to rid myself of such negative thoughts, I turn to look out the window that was next to my bed. It works as I look into the night sky. The cold wind could be heard as it blew through the dead trees, picking up colorful leaves along the way. People were now wearing winter coats as they crossed the street to their destination. It was a sign that winter was coming early. I could feel it.

"Please, snow." I whispered.

I always love winter. It always felt so right as the cold wind hit my figure as I breathe in the frosty air. I always felt so complete being around ice and snow. It was like I belong in that season.

"Please, snow." I repeated, in a more demanding tone. I continued to look out the window for a minute before sighing. Yeah right, Jack… like you're going to make it snow just by commanding it.

I took the covers from my bed and wrap myself in them. As I fall into the land of dreams, I could've sworn I saw snow falling through my window.

TBC…


Author's Note: That's the end of Jack's day since he lost his memories. It's pretty normal, right? Well, when Jack wakes up tomorrow, normality is going to take 180 turn. HeeHeeHee~

Now, the real story will begin!

Until then…