DISCLAIMER: I forgot to mention in the last chapter and it goes for future chapters as well the song Karen sings is actually taken from Lunar SSS. It fit pretty well in here though and will be a major focal point.

NOTE: If you want insider information and know how far along I am on writing the next chapter for your favorite story sign up on my message board. There's ton of insider info like notes I used while writing, inspirational music, ect and DAILY story status updates to fill you in on when chapters will be released. Check out my profile page for the link!

Chapter 3

She was smiling

Karen's P.O.V.

I looked out from the chapel doors and instantly got nervous. The entire village was here. I inwardly regretted my decision to try out for a leading role.

"Now I understand why Jack didn't want to do this."

I looked around for anyone that I could talk to before I had to go out. Harris was playing Joseph and he was even more nervous than I was. Rick was in the back arguing with his sister Popuri about whose flag should go first. That's when I spotted him, or I guess you could say he spotted me.

I saw Jack sit his flag in the stand and walk my way. The past few weeks leading up to this were kind of painful. Jack told me the night after his mother gave him the news that she didn't expect to make it to Christmas. I couldn't really understand how he must have felt about losing his mother, and so close to Christmas too. It just didn't seem fair.

"Karen, are you ok?"

"Of course," I lied, and it was clear he saw right through it.

"You're nervous aren't ya?"

"…yes"

"Don't be," Jack gently grabbed my hand and it made my heart beat even faster, but for a different reason this time. "You're going to do fine, just act like it's just me and you and you'll do fine. Mama's watching both of us; let's make it special for her…"

Jack let that last part of the sentence drown out, but I knew what he was going to say. He wanted to make it special for her last time. After Jack told me that I couldn't possibly let myself get nervous and screw up. I instantly felt calm.

"I will, thanks Jack."

"No problem, but remember you promised me last month you'd tell me what was on your mind once this was over."

I instantly turned red all over. I had forgotten about that promise. Tonight I had to confess to Jack…that I liked him.

One Hour Later

"Ok last song, I can do this. Everyone's singing, my solo is over," I breathed a huge sigh of relief. The last song, 'Joy to the World', was about to play. Jack was standing below me off to the side of the chapel with the other flag carriers. I saw Jack's mom beaming at Jack, and a few times she even smiled at me, especially during my solo.

The organ started to play its tune and all of our childish voices started to fill the chapel. As we got into the chorus I noticed Jack's mom was sweating some, but I figured it was just hot in here. Then we got to the second chorus and she fainted. Jack ran to her. No one seemed to notice, so I went to her too. Since I was center stage all eyes followed me off. When they saw Jack's mom Doctor Tim ran over.

"Help me carry her to the hospital she needs help quickly."

The next few minutes were a blur. I remember running after Jack and catching him as we both ran towards the hospital. I could see the tears streaming down his face, and not noticing before I felt under my eyes and felt my own tears.

"When did I start crying?"

We continued to run down the path to the hospital. The men who had carried Jack's mom were able to run faster than us, and the rain that started up was slowing us down.

Then we got there. I don't know why but just standing outside seeing the red glowing hospital symbol above the door made me and Jack both stop for a few seconds. I grabbed Jack's hand and smiled at him trying my best to help him. It seemed to work, but then the tears came back and he snatched his hand from my grasp and ran inside. I followed him in as we ran aimlessly down the hall. Then we both ran into someone.

It was pappy, and he was crying.

Jack's POV

As soon as I saw Pappy's face I knew what had happened. I wanted to cry but my throat was closed up. I managed in between sobs to get out a simple question.

"Pappy?"

He looked like he was just as choked up as I was. He looked at me and just shook his head.

"Jack…your mamma…Amanda…she went to…heaven."

I grabbed onto Pappy's leg and cried. I saw Karen grab onto Pappy's other leg and do the same. I knew she cared about my momma too so we both just stood their and cried into Pappy. He bent down and hugged us both. Before we knew it he was carrying us out of the hospital to the house. I didn't want to be in there any more. I didn't want to see my mother dead.

Before I knew it we were in the house. Pappy walked to his bedroom and when he came out I saw he had a fresh set of clothes on. He handed me a set of clothes and offered Karen a spare set of mine as well. We quickly changed wordlessly. We both couldn't cry any more. When I got out Pappy had started a fire in the fireplace and pulled out the sofa bed. Me and Karen climbed up onto the bed and each of us snuggled up under one of pappy's arms as he gently played with our hair.

"Pappy?"

"Shh Jack, don't worry everything's going to be wonderful someday."

We all drifted off to sleep.

The Next Morning

The ringing of Pappy's old wall phone stirred us from our sleep. If I had just been asleep in my own bed I would have thought all the things that happened last night were just a bad nightmare, but seeing I was on the couch with Pappy and Karen only reminded me of what happened. I got a little sad, but I kept myself from crying. I knew if I did Karen would start too.

Pappy got off the couch and walked over to answer the phone. I could see his solemn expression when he answered.

"Hello Alex."

There was a pause. "Yes it's true. Amanda passed last night."

"Of course, he's just waking up. He's a little down I'm sure you can imagine."

"I know Alex, I miss her too."

"Jack come here your dad wants to talk to you."

I ran out of the bed and got the phone from Pappy.

"Dad?"

"Jack, are you ok?"

"…not really"

"Jack I'm coming to pick you up today and take you back to the city. Get your things ready."

"But dad."

"Son, I really can't deal with this right now. Have your things ready I'll be there by supper time."

I had to fight the tears welling up in my eyes. Pappy caught my look and took the phone from me.

"Alex what did you just tell him? He's about to cry."

Karen heard Pappy say that and she jumped down from the bed. I was able to stop crying a little when I saw her dressed in my clothes, she looked funny.

"Jack, are you ok?"

I nodded. I didn't want her to know yet. Maybe Pappy could talk dad out of it.

"Alex he's got a home here, you can't just do this all of a sudden, it'll be too much on him."

"Of course I understand he's your son, but think about it, who's going to watch him?"

"A nanny!? Alex please be more…yes…yes Alex but…at least for the funeral Alex…this is crazy Alex I understand your grieving, but…don't make this worse on him Alex."

"She was my daughter Alex of course I'm grieving. No father should have to bury his children."

There was a long pause and I saw Pappy's face get angry for the first time in my life. "I thought you were a better man than this Alex."

He hung up the phone and his face had an apologetic expression. "Jack I think you should tell Karen what your father told you."

It was too much. First I lose my mom and now all my friends. I wanted to just freeze time and never have to leave. "Karen my daddy wants me to go home."

I could see the tears in her eyes. "But Jack, tell your daddy you're already home."

"I tried Karen, I really did. Dad's really upset right now…I am too…and I know you are also."

Karen didn't move. I was hoping she'd come and hug me or at least grab my hand, but instead she just stood there.

"So you're leaving?"

The way she put it made me feel ashamed. It's not like it was my fault. It wasn't my choice. If I had my way I would have stayed.

"It's not like I chose to leave."

"But you're leaving."

"Yes I have to."

"Why can't you stay?"

"I don't know. My dad's making me leave."

Then she ran. I don't know why, but she just ran out of the house. I started to go after her, but Pappy put a hand on my shoulder and kept me back.

"Pack your things Jack. She'll be back."

I nodded and went to my room to get my things together. This was the worst two days of my life.

Karen's POV

I shouldn't have run. In fact I should have stayed there and tried to comfort him, but instead I ran. I ran because I couldn't take it anymore. I was really sad that Jack's mom died. She was nice to me and I liked her. I especially liked that song she gave me.

I ran towards my room. I saw both my parents in the living room. My mom shouted to me, but I didn't want to talk right now. I'm sure she understood because she didn't follow me. When I got to my room I opened my hope chest and got the song out. I hummed it through once and then once I got the tune I started to sing.

"In your dreams magical thoughts, all things are real unless you dream their not, in your dreams love is the plot carried on wings of hope," Just listening to myself sing the lyrics calmed me. It was like Jack's mom knew the words would comfort me.

"Each of our souls intertwine when we do. Instantly we see it, the time to grow and be it. When everything is pinned on a hope" Now I started to feel bad about leaving Jack. I was feeling sorry for myself, for losing him, but I had to think about what he was losing. His home he's known for the past three years, his mother, everything he had finally come to accept as his home and his life was now gone.

"Let rise the dreams of your hearts, that innocent youth, careless and kind. Dream upon the breeze of love, only when two brilliantly shine as one."

Now I didn't know what to do with myself. I felt horrible. I only had a few hours left with Jack before his father got here, but how could I make them count?

"No problem, but remember you promised me last month you'd tell me what was on your mind once this was over."

Jack's words echoed in my head. "Should I tell him I like him?"

Part of me said yes, this might be your only chance. The other side said why bother he's going to be gone for good in a few short hours.

I sighed no matter which way I looked at it there wasn't anything there for me, just hurt. He'd either hurt me by not returning my feelings, or he'd hurt me by leaving. It hit me then that I was just thinking of myself. This could be something good for Jack. If he did like me maybe it'd give him a reason to come back, maybe if his dad saw how good life was down here he'd let Jack stay. That's when I decided to set my plan into action.

I ran down stairs and explained this situation to my parents. They both already knew that Jack's mother was dead, but they were shocked to hear that Jack's father was going to be taking him away from the island so quickly.

"I thought if we showed Jack's dad how friendly the island was he'd let Jack stay."

My daddy stroked his beard for awhile and then smiled. "I think that's a good idea Karen, what do you say, Sasha, should we give it a try?"

My mom smiled. "It couldn't hurt. Besides poor Jack's going through so much right now it doesn't seem right. I'll go tell Manna."

Dad moaned. "Well there's one way to get the news out quick." We all laughed and Mom left to get her job done. My dad stood up. "Well I'll take care of the grapes and then go talk to the Mayor. I'm sure you have your own plans to take care of."

I smiled. "Yep."

"Alright then squirt get to it." My dad patted me on the head and I ran out find the first person I needed to help me, Ann. It wouldn't be easy, but I had to do it. At least that's what I kept telling myself as I walked up to her family's Ranch.

"Hi Karen," Gray, Ann's brother, greeted me from the path. I waved to him with a smile and walked towards the barn. I knew where Ann would be.

Sure enough, she was tending to the animals when I walked up. She caught my eye and I could see the surprise.

"Karen?"

"Ann, I really need your help."

Ann threw her nose up. "Why should I help you?"

I calmly walked towards her. "Ann I'm really sorry for everything that's happened between us. I really want to be friends again."

I saw Ann's expression soften some as she looked at me. "Are you really sorry?"

"Yea."

Then Ann really surprised me. She hugged me.

"I missed you Karen."

I returned the hug. "I missed you too Ann. I really need your help though; otherwise you'll be the only friend I have on the island."

Ann was really surprised as she drew back. "Huh?"

"Jack's mom died last night so Jack's dad called this morning and told him he was taking Jack back to the city."

Ann looked shocked. "But he can't do that, this is Jack's home."

"I know Jack doesn't want to leave. I told my mamma and dad and they're both helping me. We have to show Jack's dad how wonderful the Island is so he won't want to take Jack."

Ann smiled. "It might work, I'll tell my parents. What are you going to do next?"

"Talk to Carter. Could you ask Popuri and her mom about flowers and stuff?"

"Sure how long do we have?"

"Until supper."

"Wow that's not really a lot of time you know."

"I know, but we can do it, right?"

Ann smiled even bigger. "There's nothing we can't do Kar."

I smiled hearing my old nickname coming from my friend again. "Thanks Ann."

"No problem, let's hurry though!"

"Right."

I was off running again. Ann ran into her house to tell her dad the news. Meanwhile I made a B line for the church. Running towards it I noticed the bar and made a mental note to stop in and ask Duke to help too. He always had stuff that made old people laugh and be happy so I'm sure he could help Jack's dad.

I ran into the chapel and saw father Carter sitting down on one of the pews praying. I came in quietly so I wouldn't disturb him, but I couldn't wait for him to finish.

Luckily when I walked up on him he heard me and finished praying. "Karen, are you ok? I heard Jack's mother passed away last night and you were there."

I nodded. "I'm still sad about it but I'm fine. I'm here to ask for your help though."

"What do you need?"

"Jack's daddy called this morning and wants to take him back to the city. Jack doesn't want to leave and I can tell Pappy doesn't want him to leave either."

"Yes that does sound bad. Did Jack's father tell you why he wanted to bring Jack back home so suddenly? Especially since his mother just passed away last night?"

"I don't know Pappy and Jack were the only ones who talked to him, but Pappy got really upset. I'm trying to get all the villagers together so we can show Jack's dad how great our Island is so he won't want to leave."

Carter smiled. "Karen that's a splendid idea; I'll be glad to help. Let me finish up here and I'll go gather as many people as I can find."

"Thanks Father."

"No problem."

I ran out of the church to the bar and banged on the door. Duke came out smiling when he saw me. "If it isn't little Karen. What do you need?"

"Duke, Jack's daddy's going to take him away."

"My, didn't his mother pass on last night?"

"Uh huh. I'm trying to get all the villagers to help me tonight when Jack's daddy comes. I want to show Jack's daddy that this place is wonderful and he should leave. You have stuff that makes all the adults happy so I hoped you could help."

I wasn't sure why but Duke seemed to find the part about his stuff that makes all adults happy hilarious. He stopped laughing and smiled at me. "I'll be happy to help Karen. Where are we all meeting?"

"At the dock. We'll all eat an early supper and meet at Zack's house."

Duke smiled. "I think I'll go talk to Zack before he leaves for the city. I'll be there Karen and I'll bring plenty of stuff to make Jack's dad happy."

Duke locked the door and laughed as he walked off towards the beach. I still wasn't sure why it was so funny, but if Duke was going to help I was sure this was going to work out.

---

Jack's POV

Everything seemed foggy to me when I looked at it. I noticed I was crying; slowly building up tears until everything around me looked like it was underwater. Then with a blink the tear would fall down my cheek as another one started to build. It was like that the entire time I was packing. Putting away my clothing, toys, and things I had collected. To be honest the only reason I hadn't noticed the tears running down my face was because I was numb. My brain had barely started to grasp the thought that my mom was now dead. Instead of the people I had grown up around slowly trying to bring my life back to normal I was being pulled away from that too, to be taken back to a life I had left behind.

I stopped, looking at my nightstand at the picture that was on it. A few months after we arrived, mom, Pappy, Karen, and I had started to build the extra rooms onto Pappy's house to hold us. I remember how excited I was to actually build my own bedroom. I looked around the room and could almost see all four of us again working on the room. Me and Karen hanging from the rafters handing stuff up to Pappy; mom shouting at us to be careful as she handed us wood, nails, and what not from the ground, and Pappy smiling at us with a mouth full of nails as he made the room slowly take shape. Of course the carpenters had come to help with mom's room and a new bathroom and kitchen, but we built my room.

I looked over at my clock that hung on the wall. It was already five thirty in the afternoon. A knock at my door grabbed my attention. Pappy slowly entered.

"Jack let's eat supper."

"Ok Pappy."

Pappy put on what I easily recognized to be a fake smile as we walked to the kitchen to have what I thought would be our last meal together. My favorite dish sat on the table, a steaming plate of mac and cheese.

"Did Karen make it?" Secretly I prayed Karen would come back as I desperately wanted to spend as much time as I could with her before I had to leave.

Pappy's fake smile disappeared and a frown took its place. "I'm sorry Jack but Karen hasn't come back yet."

I looked down at my bowl of food tears swelling up again I wiped them off before putting a smile on my face. "That's ok, lets try and be happy, momma's watch'n."

Pappy smiled. "Yes she is Jack. Yes she is."

We quickly finished eating and decided we'd walk down to the dock to meet my dad. I could tell Pappy was going to give it one last shot to see if dad would let me stay. I really didn't want to leave. When we got closer to the beach we saw the lights were on at Zach's house. Straining my eyes revealed what must have been the entire village partying at Zach's house.

"Pappy what's going on?"

Pappy smiled at me. "It looks like I'm not the only one who doesn't want you to leave. Look here comes Karen."

My spirits instantly lifted when I saw Karen running my way. I hugged her tightly. "I thought you hated me."

I pulled back and saw the surprised look on Karen's face. "Hate you? I couldn't hate you Jack. I got scared, but then I had this idea. I went to Ann and all the villagers to throw a party so we could show your daddy what a fun place this is so he won't want to take you home."

I got very excited thinking there was no way my dad was going to take me home now. "Karen you're the best friend ever!"

We hugged again and this time I didn't pull back when Karen started to whisper in my ear. "And once we convince your daddy you should stay I'll tell you what I was going to say after the Christmas pageant."

I had forgotten about our promise, but I wasn't going to let Karen off that easy. "That's not fair you gotta tell me now. You were supposed to tell me earlier."

"Gotta catch me!"

I chased after her not caring if she told me or not. Right now I was free. Right now I was where I belonged. I was a kid playing pointless games having fun with friends. Not worrying about my dead mother, or the possibility I would have to leave this all behind. No today I was just a normal nine year old boy.

We continued to run around on the beach until a boat horn caught my attention. Karen grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the dock. "Come on Jack we have to meet your daddy."

As we passed by Zach's hut Karen banged on the door and yelled to the crowd. "Everyone Jack's dad is here!"

"Woohoo let's get the party started!" Ann's father Doug had shouted. I saw a glass of something in his hand. I recognized it and Pappy had told me it was called beer. Some of the other people had smaller glasses filled with different colored liquid. It was interesting, but Pappy would never let me taste it saying it was only for grown ups.

"Doug careful we don't want to scare the man off, do we?" Karen's father also had a huge smile plastered on his face. All the villagers walked out to the dock with me. I was glad for their support because I was really nervous about meeting my dad.

I saw him step off the boat. Blue jeans, sneakers, long straight brown hair, a red button down shirt open at the top revealing a white undershirt. It was my dad, no mistake. His eyes looked like he had been crying which instantly reminded me of mom's death. But I knew I had to be strong. I had to make dad feel at home, or he'd take me away.

"Daddy?"

My dad smiled and held his arms open. I ran to him and he scooped me up. "Jack I'm sorry I was so mean to you today I had just heard about mom and was really upset."

"It's ok Daddy. All the townspeople came here to cheer you up!"

My dad looked around and I could tell he was surprised. "Wow you're right."

"Alex let me be the first to welcome you to Flower Bud." The mayor shook my dad's free hand the other was holding me. My dad was really strong.

The mayor gave my dad a drink. Dad sat me down and I ran over to Karen. Pappy walked over to dad, he had already gotten his own drink.

"Alex we want to show you how life is on the Island. We believe on a happy sending. Amanda wouldn't want you, or Jack in pain, but stay here awhile. This is where Amanda grew up and turned into the woman you fell in love with. We've all got stories about her."

My dad looked down into his glass as if in deep thought for a second. "I would like to learn about her life here. It would help me raise Jack."

Duke went up to my dad with a blue colored drink taking my Dad's beer away for a second. "Here Alex drink this down it'll help."

My dad listened and quickly drank the drink. He coughed afterward. "What was that?"

"Invented it myself, we call it the Harvester because it gets everyone into the party mood."

Dad picked his beer back up. When he bent over to grab it he stumbled a little and the villagers laughed. "Feeling it already Alex?"

My dad was smiling. "Just a little buzz, everyone get over here and introduce yourselves to me!"

Pappy laughed and it looked like he had relaxed a little. I was on cloud nine thinking dad had at least decided to give the island a chance. I grabbed Karen's hand and squeezed it to get her attention. "Thanks."

Karen smiled at me. "Don't worry about it. I'd miss you too much so it was worth it."

She quickly turned away from me. I guess she said something she didn't mean too because I saw her blush. I really didn't understand her sometimes, but I was glad the plan was working.

As the night went on there was dancing and races down the beach. The bakery had brought over a huge cake that we all ate. At the end of the evening me, dad, and Pappy lit a candle and put it on a small wooden boat. We let it drift off to sea letting go of mom.

"Momma's still watching right daddy?"

My dad didn't say anything he fell backwards and didn't move. I got really scared thinking I had lost my dad too. Pappy came up to me laughing.

"Its ok Jack, he just had too much to drink."

"But Pappy, he isn't moving."

Pappy put a hand on my shoulder. "Trust me he's fine see." Pappy jabbed dad on the shoulder and my dad moved a little and grumbled something I couldn't understand before falling asleep again. I laughed.

"Good."

I saw Karen down the beach and decided to run after her. "You gotta tell me now!"

I saw her smile in the moonlight and for the first time I blushed. Karen was really pretty.

"Gotta catch me!"

Her taunt shook me out of my day dream and I chased after her.

End Ch. 3

Wow that was longer than I expected. So what's going to happen will Jack and Karen stay together or will Jack's dad have such a huge hangover he'll be in a horrible mood and want to leave the island the second they're able? Tune in next time for Chapter 4 Home is Where The Heart Is.

PS Thanks to Libra1 for checking over this for me. Wouldn't have been possible without her help and she's got a lot of quality HM fanfic's so check out her stuff when you get the chance.