I know I'm probably not your guys' favorite person right now. I know as well as anyone how absolutely annoying it s when an author doesn't update, especially because I have such short chapters (I'm trying to work on that). But it's still hard for me to believe so many people like my story. Thanks so much to everyone for all the feedback!

Jack took the long way home. That's how he saw the village now, or wherever Claire was. Home. He felt like he belonged, like when he used to live with his family and sister. The story North had told him was still ringing in his head. It was sweet, if incredibly cliché. Toymaker from the wrong side of the tracks falls in love with rich Russian ballet dancer. Jack had interrupted the story telling only once to exclaim the connection "What is it with dancers?!" North had only laughed and told Jack that it was not the fact that they danced that made them special. Jack thought about that. Possibly harder than he had ever thought of something. He also smiled fondly at North describing the romantic dates he had taken his lover, Viktoria, on to woo her. Jack made a mental note to maybe use some of those ideas with Claire. Jacks stomach churned at the thought of her. He was dying to see her, yet couldn't stand it if she wasn't better, or worse, believed that Jack had abandoned her. Jack sighed as he cast snow down on Washington. He knew she had seen him fly, or would at least wonder how he had gotten her to the hospital and left afterwards. Whatever she believed, he knew she would be wondering about him, and he would have to explain himself. Jack contemplated the many different things he could tell her, but his thoughts always went back to how she would react to the truth. It was complicated being a Guardian. Kids believed in you, yet it was too dangerous to go around making your presence known. Some people were driven crazy at what they didn't understand. Jack almost laughed at his thoughts. A few months ago he never would have cared about following guardian rules. But now that he had his memories back, he was reminded of what true sacrifice for the ones you loved was. Meeting Claire had only made him care more about the children of the world. Should he really sacrifice telling Claire the truth to protect her? Or would he hurt her even more? Jack shook his head. Claire probably wouldn't even believe him if he told the truth. When he had asked North about the situation, the young boy was provided with some simple advice. "She does not have to believe you. Regardless of whether or not she believes does not affect the fact that you exist." Jack figured that he didn't need Claire to believe him. He just needed her in his life.

Jack touched down behind Claire's house. It was early evening and Claire's bedroom light was on. Jack scolded himself for knowing which room was her bedroom but shook it off. He contemplated just flying up to her window and taking it from there, but he settled for tossing pebbles to get her attention instead. He grinned at the pictures Claire had drawn on the frost Jack had put on her window. After the fourth soft tap against the cold glass Jack saw a shadow appear behind the white curtains. The curtains parted to reveal a confused looking Claire. Jack felt his heart beat faster at the sight of her standing there. Claire looked around confused until she seemed to find Jack in the dim light of her backyard. She squinted her eyes and leaned forward. "Jack?" He saw her mouth. She opened the window and leaned her head out.

"Jack?" She called out softly. Jack's throat closed. He hadn't actually thought about what he would say to her, or rather, how he would say it.

"Uhh… Can we talk?" he weakly called out. Claire's look of confusion deepened.

"Wait there." She commanded, disappearing into her room. Jack obediently waited, thinking of some things that would be good to say, but when Claire walked out of the sliding back door of her house; Jack could hardly remember his name. As he watched her pad over to him across the light snow clad in fuzzy boots, loose sweats, and a Julliard sweatshirt. He couldn't help but think that she had to be the cutest girl in the world. And Jack had seen a lot of girls in his years. Claire stopped in front of Jack.

"You rang?" Claire asked sarcastically. Jack couldn't help but smile at her attitude, but then quickly wiped the grin off his face.

"We- we should talk." Jack managed. Claire raised her eyebrows.

"You think?" Jack swallowed thickly and Claire seemed to smile slightly at how uncomfortable he was. Pushing his nervousness aside Jack looked her in the eye.

"Are you okay?" He asked, genuinely concerned. Claire's face softened as she looked down at her slightly wet boots.

"I've been better", she mumbled. Jack noticed how tired she looked and how pink her cheeks had gotten since she'd come outside. He would try to make this quick. "Really, how are you?" He pressed.

"I'm okay." She said. " Apparently, I was brought to help early, so It wasn't that bad. I woke up this morning and my temperature was back to normal. They told me to take it easy and I'll be okay in time for the festival." Jack was relieved that she was okay, but Claire seemed tired and stressed; Jack felt awful for putting her through that.

"Claire…" Jack started.

"I want the truth." She interrupted him, "I know I saw something. Flying. And I've mentioned you to some girls at dance and they haven't seen you around. And…. Where did you say you were from exactly?" Claire finished a little exasperated. Jack sighed.

"The truth." Jack stated. That can be difficult he thought. Claire waited, despite the fact that she must be freezing.

"The problem with the truth is that you might not believe it." He started. Claire looked at him incredulously.

"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." Claire quoted. Jack couldn't help but smile at her quirky ways.

"Who said that?" He asked. Claire beamed a little bit.

"Mark Twain." She stated a little proudly. "So do you want to have to remember anything?" She asked, pushing her messy hair out of her face. Jack shrugged.

"Some things." He said. "But I can forget enough to tell you the truth…. tomorrow." Claire frowned.

"If I wasn't so tired and cold I'd object." She said. "But I'll see you tomorrow. Right?" She questioned. Though it sounded more like a threat. Jack nodded.

"Definitely". Jack nodded. "Meet you at the park." Claire turned around and started heading back inside. "And Claire?" He called. She turned back around. "I'm sorry." He didn't specify exactly what for but Claire seemed to understand. "S'okay". She smiled slightly and headed inside. Jack was content as he flew off into the night, thinking about how on earth he could explain his situation to Claire.