At the end of winter break, Jack awoke in Sandy's comfortable bed feeling strong physically but the uncertainty of his place in Burgess suddenly struck his like a stab to the chest. He looked over at the sleeping form of Sandy and smiled sadly. Sandy was so perfect and Jack was so broken, odd. How could he ever possess such a man as Sanderson Mansnoozie. He leaned over his love and gave his forehead a kiss, waking the sleepy man. "Sandy I need to go home." He whispered sadly.
Sandy sat up and frowned, shaking his head and kissed Jack's hand, but Jack had made up his mind as his mind raced with doubt and feelings of inadequecy.
"Please Sandy, understand." He sighed and Sandy tried to persuade him as they got dressed but Jackw asd etermined, and soon they ended up at Sandy's front door, Jack's bags in his hands.
"Thank you Sandy. I'll see you on Monday. Take me out to dinner." He smiled and kissed him gently before hurrying to the car Sandy had called for him.
He had insisted on not imposing on Sandy anymore. Ridiculous Sandy shook his head. Sandy had tried to keep him there, insisting that it was no trouble but Jack had learned to see himself as just an imposition since he was little. Sandy hadn't been able to convince him and he took off. Troubled that his boyfriend felt this way about himself, Sandy shook his head as he closed his front door. As he trudged back into the foyer his foot came into contact with an envelope. He looked down at it in surprise and then picked it up curiously. It wasn't addressed to anyone but he opened it anyways.
He pulled out a piece of paper and read the scratchy handwriting scribbled on the paper.
I know who hurt your friend. Meet me at Black Rock Rapids.
Sandy was suddenly filled with an uncommon fury and he grabbed his coat, hurrying to his car. He drove up the dirt road in his jeep and stopped at the path up to the cliff looking over the famous rapids. They were famous for their dangerous rocky rapids and for not freezing during the winter. He looked down at the perilous drop and looked around the clearing. A railing had been set up in order to prevent falls like those of the past. Sandy kneeled down to look at the memorial area set up for those who had fallen into the falls.
He closed his eyes and put his hand on the ground. He looked at the pictures surrounded by flowers and gently stroked his fingers over the glass. It was a smiling young girl with brown hair and a gap between her front teeth. A tear fell from his eyes and he patted the ground sadly. Poor young woman. He thought then whipped around when he heard the crunch of someone stepping on leaves behind him.
He squinted into the darkness, trying to make out the figure he could sense standing there. He remained silent, gesturing for the person to come out.
"Hello Sanderson." A deep voice cut through the sound of the rapids.
Sandy's heart froze in his chest and he took a step back, his back hitting the cold metal of the railing preventing him from tumbling into the roiling waters below.
"So you took my bait." Pitch chuckled as he seemed to seperate from the shadows himself, a sinister grin painted on his pale face. "Of course you'd come to help your little Jack. Anything for Jack." He simpered sarcastically.
Sandy's look of surprise hardened to fury and he pointed accusingly at Pitch.
"Oh do speak up you little idiot." He growled. Sandy crossed his arms and clenched his fists. "Ah yes you don't speak. Thats why they brought in that little white rat." He growled and Sandy took a step toward him, black fury in his eyes.
"Yes yes your information. The one you are looking for, the man you hate with such fury even though you have never seen him...is me." He grinned and then dodged as the little golden men ran at him.
"Dearest Sandy do relax." He chuckled and pushed him toward the railing again.
"God I hate you." He snarled and gripped his jacket as Sandy struggled. "You blasted little fucker. You took everything from me. You and that little group of yours." He lifted Sandy so that his feet brushed the railing. His eyes widened and he began to struggle harder as he realized Pitch's plan.
"And now you're going to die and everything you love will be destroyed." He said quietly, getting in his face. Sandy spit in his eye and Ptch gasped. Sandy ripped his jacket getting free and socked him in the jaw. He wrestled with pitch until he was subdued by a well-aimed punch on the side of his head.
"Goodybye Sandy." He whispered and laughed as he threw him with all of his might over the edge.
Sandy's eyes were wide with fear as he seemed to fall in slow motion toward the water. His heart broke in his chest as he closed his eyes and accepted his death. He hit the water with a resounding splash and his tiny body disappeared into the murky, frothing waters.
Pitch leaned over the railing casually but his piercing grey eyes searched the water for any sign that his hated rival still lived. After a few moments nothing appeared and he smiled sadistically.
"I'd say sweet dreams... But there aren't any left." He laughed and strolled away.
Behind him the dark surface of the water remained unbroken by the silent golden cherub.
