Before we start, I want to address a theory some readers have brought up: that Emma Crosley might have some connection to Jack Frost because her first name is Emma. The name "Emma" seems to have some association to Jack's sister. But I did some research before writing this fic, and found out that Jack's sister was never given a name, even in background info provided by the movie's creators. In this story I've named her Annabel (as mentioned in Chapter 4); and Emma's Crosley's name has no particular connection. Though I suppose these things could change in my future stories ;).

Now, read on!

Chapter 13

Cassie's eyes slid sluggishly open. She sat up, raising a hand to the back of her aching neck. Blearily she looked around, blinking a few times to focus her vision.

She was still in her hospital chair, stationed by Jerry's bedside. Emma was asleep in her own chair next to Cassie, her expression troubled in slumber.

Cassie glanced out the window. Pre-dawn light filtered through the windowpane, pale and grey. She turned back to Jerry, who lay still and quiet in his bed. Panic drove out any remaining grogginess in her. The doctors had given Jerry until morning to wake up before they lost hope. If Jerry didn't open his eyes soon…

Maybe he needed some encouragement. Cassie leaned forward and took Jerry's right hand in both of hers, forcing herself to breathe evenly. "Jerry," she said softly. "This is Cassie. Please wake up. There are so many people here who need you. Emma, and your family and friends, and...me."

Cassie paused. If there was any chance Jerry could hear her, she wanted to remind him what living was like. "You know how you taught me to make chocolate chip pancakes? I've made those a few times this month, although they're not as good as yours. You still have to tell me what your secret is. And…you know that boy I told you and Emma about? You might want your crowbar after all, the way things are going with me and him." She smiled like Jerry could see her. "At least, that's how it seems. It's pretty confusing, really, but not necessarily in a bad way. Was it like that with you and Emma? You're going to have to tell me these things." She gave his hand a squeeze.

She talked and talked, saying anything she could think of. She told stories of weird customers and hilarious-in-hindsight disasters at the art shop. She gave him hints about the Christmas present she had in store for him but didn't go into the specifics, reminding him he would have to be there if he wanted to see it. She described the scenery outside, down to each passing breeze that ruffled the trees. The sun began to rise, tinting the room with pale reddish light, but Cassie didn't take her eyes off of Jerry.

Cassie was attempting a joke on the ridiculousness of Jerry's hospital gown when she felt movement between her hands. It was just the slightest twitch; but she desperately hoped she hadn't imagined it.

She took her left hand away so she could see Jerry's hand properly, letting her right hand cradle his palm. "Come on," she said urgently. "Come on, Jerry Crosley, wake up!"

Jerry's hand twitched again, and a puff of breath escaped his lips. Cassie leaned forward, staring at him intently. "It's a new day, Jerry," she almost whispered. "And people who love you are here to greet it with you."

Jerry's face began to contort. Leaning back, Cassie reached over to Emma and shook her shoulder. "Emma! Emma!"

The older woman came to with a start. "Cassie? What's…" she trailed off as her gaze darted to Jerry. She and Cassie watched, wide-eyed, as Jerry's face clenched tighter and then relaxed. Outside the sun cleared the horizon, and Jerry opened his eyes.

Jerry groaned, squinting his eyes against the glare. He turned his head away from the window, and his gaze fell on the women next to him. He frowned, eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

Emma leaned forward, the joy in her eyes mixed with hesitation. "Jer?"

Jerry glanced down and the bed he was in, raising an eyebrow at the IV in his arm, and then looked back up at Emma. "Tell me," he asked his wife. "What kind of mess did I get myself into?"

Emma gave a little sob, and leaned down to rest her forehead against her husband's.

Cassie felt her body sag in relief, watching Jerry reach up to stroke Emma's cheek. Moisture blurred her vision, even as her heart swelled and a smile bloomed across her face.

After a minute Emma sat up. Cassie took the opportunity to lean down and hug Jerry gently around the neck. "Thanks for sticking around, Jerry," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

"Now, now," Jerry pushed her back so he could look at her face. "You didn't worry yourself over an old goat like me, did you?"

Cassie swiped at her eyes. "You shouldn't ask stupid questions." She couldn't stop smiling.

Emma pressed a button on the remote control next to Jerry's bed. "There. I expect a nurse will be here soon."

Jerry made a face. "What do I need a nurse for? I'm a doctor."

"A doctor who's out of commission," Emma fired back. "You barely survived a heart attack, Jerry; so you are going to let the nurse take care of you without causing any trouble. I am not going to lose you," she finished fervently.

"Ok, ok, I'll be good. I'm right here, Emma," Jerry said gently. "I wasn't all here for a while, but I'm back now. You still have someone to scold and make fun of," he added with a grin.

Emma and Cassie exchanged looks. "Not awake one minute and already acting like a clown," Emma chuckled, shaking her head.

"You don't get to call me a clown right now," Jerry protested. "I forgot to bring my red nose."

It was a terrible joke; but it was enough to make the three of them burst into laughter. Emma's face creased as giggles escaped her lips in one continuous stream. Jerry's chuckles rumbled deeply in his belly, the smile lines around his mouth in use once again. And Cassie let several guffaws bounce out of her mouth, even as she continued to wipe tears off her cheeks. It was strange, to laugh and cry at the same time.

Eventually their laughter ceased. Emma pulled a pack of tissues out of her purse and handed one to Cassie. Cassie used it to dab her eyes dry.

The door to the hospital room swung open, revealing a middle-aged woman. She wore scrubs and a lab coat and carried a tray full of medical instruments. She smiled as she entered the room. "When I saw the nurse call was for your room, I had to come check on you myself. I'm glad that I'm seeing a happy scene in here."

Jerry smiled back at the woman. "I would never kick the bucket so easily. Good to see you, Doctor Reynolds."

"That's Lisa to you, Jerry," the doctor corrected him, setting her tray down on the bedside table. "I haven't forgotten how you mentored me during my residency."

Jerry chuckled. "You hardly needed my help. Now, are you going to put those skills to use on me, or what?"

Cassie watched as the doctor ran her tests, checking Jerry's vitals and writing down his description of how he was feeling. When the doctor was done she gave a satisfied nod. "You still have some recovering to do, but you're going to be fine. We'll keep you in the hospital a bit longer and then go from there."

"You're the boss," Jerry replied. "Although I hope I don't have to stay here for too long. I'm taking up a spot that other patients need."

Doctor Reynolds gave Jerry another smile, respect glinting in her eyes. "Even retired, you're still a doctor."

"That he is," Emma agreed, taking Jerry's hand and giving it a squeeze.

Cassie smiled at the sight of the old couple. They were like trees with intertwining branches, always supporting and connecting with each other.

Her train of thought was interrupted by a yawn that gusted out of her mouth, before she could think to stifle it.

The Crosleys turned their gaze to Cassie. "And there's that too," Emma remarked. "You've been here all night, Cassie. You should go home now and get some rest."

"W-what?" Cassie sputtered. "No, I'm not that tired. I can stay." She glanced at Jerry and bit her lip.

"Cassie, you heard Lisa; I'm going to be fine," Jerry said, correctly interpreting Cassie's actions. "You don't need to worry."

"I'm going to call our kids," Emma added. "They should be here to see Jerry soon; maybe the grandkids too."

"But what if—"

"Look at it this way: if you're sleep deprived and I need help, you won't be able to take care of me properly," Jerry reasoned. "You might even be a burden, because then I'd have to worry about you too."

Cassie huffed. Jerry was unfair for using her desire to look after him against her. Still, she couldn't deny he had a point. "Ok," she relented. "But I'll be back soon."

"I'd be offended if you weren't," Jerry said with a grin. "Now get out of here; doctor's orders." He winked.

Cassie nodded, and stood up from her chair. She hugged both Emma and Jerry once more, and thanked Doctor Reynolds before making her way out of the hospital.

It was very cold outside, the gutters and sidewalk edges dotted with clumps of snow. Cassie was thankful that she had worn her thickest coat and her gloves. Even so, she didn't relish the idea of walking all the way home.

Stopping on the corner of the street, she managed to catch the local bus, paying with some of the change she kept her coats stocked with. By the time she got off, it took only five minutes to cover the remaining distance on foot.

She slowly climbed the stairs to her apartment, amazed at the toll the short climb took on her. Wiping her boots on the welcome mat, she unlocked the front door and stepped inside.

She was hardly surprised to find Jack standing in the hallway, just as though he had been waiting for her. She spared him a wave before pulling off her boots and her coat.

Jack took her coat out of her hands, stowing it in the nearby coat closet. "Come on in."

"You talk like this is your apartment you're inviting me into," Cassie remarked quietly as they walked down the hallway.

"I can always invite you to make yourself comfortable in your own home," Jack countered. They stopped in the living room, and Jack eyed Cassie with concern. "So, about Jerry. Is he…" His voice trailed off, waiting for Cassie to finish his sentence for him.

Cassie smiled wearily. "He's ok. He just barely pulled through."

Jack exhaled. He didn't know Jerry Crosley personally; but he did know that Jerry was like a father to Cassie. Losing him would have crushed her. "That's a relief. But, are you ok?" He had asked Cassie that question so many times lately; he wished he didn't have reason to ask it so often.

Cassie walked to the couch and sank down onto it, resting the palms of her hands against the cushions. "Jack, I'm only…human," she finished with a humorless laugh. "I can only handle so much before I break." A few tears welled up in her eyes and ran down her cheeks, and she wiped them away with some irritation. She had no reason to cry, not now that Jerry had made it.

Jack sat down beside her. "You're not gonna break. You don't have to handle all that's going on alone." Cassie's eyes rose to meet his. "You've got Emma and Jerry," he continued. "You've got the original four Guardians. And obviously, you've got me," he finished with a grin.

Cassie smiled weakly. "Thank goodness for that." She scooted closer to Jack, and leaned back to rest her head on his shoulder. A moment later she felt him stiffen and pulled away, realizing what she had done. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean—"

"It's ok," interrupted Jack. "You just surprised me. I'm fine with it." When Cassie hesitated, biting her lip, Jack held his arms out. "C'mere already."

Cassie gave him a grateful smile and leaned into him again; and Jack wrapped his arms around her. Cassie reveled in his solidness, not minding his cold temperature, while Jack soaked in the warmth of her body.

"Would you stay here?" Cassie asked softly, a pleading note in her voice. "Just for a little while?"

Jack gave Cassie a squeeze. "I'll stay as long as you need."

"Thank you," Cassie exhaled. Her body slowly relaxed against Jack's.

Jack kept his arms securely around Cassie, neither person saying a word. After some time, though, Cassie let out a sigh.

"Cass?" Jack tilted his head to look down at Cassie. The blonde girl's face had dipped downwards, but Jack could still see her eyes. They were closed in slumber; and her breath came in soft, intermittent puffs.

Guess I'm not going anywhere for a while. Cassie must be exhausted from her night-long hospital vigil. Jack couldn't find it in him to move and risk waking her up.

Besides…Jack looked at Cassie again, and his lips quirked upwards. There were much worse positions to be stuck in. With an inward shrug, Jack leaned back against the head of the couch and closed his eyes.

ooOoo

Cassie shivered. Was something wrong with the heating in her apartment? She had never had that kind of problem before. Maybe there was a window open somewhere. Sighing, she snuggled into the strangely cold body next to her.

A cold body...Cassie's eyes flew open. She sat up with a start, and gaped at the sight before her.

Jack lay stretched out on the couch, his feet dangling off the end. His head was tilted towards his right shoulder, face slack, closed eyes flickering every now and then.

Cassie forced her mouth to close. She studied Jack's face, stunned by his presence on her couch. She had never seen him so relaxed before, so peaceful. This was the Jack who existed behind all his mischief.

She looked at him, and suddenly she wanted to touch him. She wanted to push his hair away from his forehead, or trace his jawline, or brush her knuckles over his cheek as he had done to her two nights ago. Her hand lifted of its own accord, reaching forward. She ordered the hand to stop moving, and then with a sigh let it drop into her lap. Jerry would definitely want his crowbar for this one.

Tearing her eyes away from Jack, she glanced at the clock. Her mouth dropped open again as she discovered it was almost 4 pm. Turning back to Jack, she leaned down to shake his shoulder.

The boy grumbled, his face scrunching, and tried to roll away from the shaking. Pressing her lips together, Cassie decided to try a different approach. Bringing both hands forward, she started to tickle Jack, her fingers dancing over his stomach and ribcage.

Jack cringed. "Ngh…cut that out!" He protested groggily. He tried to roll away again…and fell off the couch.

Cassie jumped up and away, just in time to keep Jack's legs from smacking into her. She looked down to where he lay sprawled at her feet, and stifled a giggle at his disoriented expression. "Wow, you're as bad at me when it comes to waking up." She leaned down and offered a hand to him.

Jack stared blankly at Cassie's hand. After a few moments the meaning of the gesture clicked. He grasped her hand, and she pulled him to his feet. "Yeah, well, there are nicer ways to wake someone."

Cassie chuckled. "The gentle method wasn't working with you. I guess that since you sleep so rarely, you go all out the times it does happen." She bit her lip. "But then…I fell asleep on you earlier, didn't I?" Jack nodded. "And you stayed?"

Jack shrugged. "You needed the rest. I wasn't going to interrupt."

A warm, glowing feeling gathered under Cassie's breastbone, and she smiled. "Thanks."

Jack smiled back. "No prob. Although I will say, it took a while for me to fall asleep with you snoring," Jack teased.

"I do not snore!" Cassie protested.

Jack smirked. "Keep telling yourself that."

Cassie huffed. "Let no one say that Jack Frost can't be a pest."

"Who are you calling a pest?" It was Jack's turn to protest.

"You heard right," Cassie said cheekily. "I'm calling you a pest. Now, I'm starving. I'm going to make some lunch, or whatever you call food at 4 pm. Want some?"

Jack nodded. "Sure."

Over the next few days, Cassie fell into a routine. Weekdays she worked in the art shop; and spent evenings afterwards drawing and painting, sometimes with Jack for company. Weekends she spent with the Guardians, extracting memories from her mind, or with just Jack, going flying or walking around Burgess. Now and then they passed the downtown library—where Naomi still worked—, and Cassie would hesitate before turning away from the building.

She also used her evenings for another purpose. "Will you quit fussing over me?" Jerry complained. He was back in his own bed, nestled between plush pillows and a soft blanket. "I'm laid up, not helpless."

Cassie placed a glass of water on the bedside table, along with two pills. "Some might argue that they're the same thing."

After a few days in the hospital, the doctors had allowed Jerry to go home. His release had come with a bottle of medication, a list of dietary changes, and strict orders for bed rest and minimal exertion.

Jerry grumbled and crossed his arms. Cassie raised an eyebrow. For an old man, Jerry still sometimes acted like a pouting child. "You're lucky Emma and I aren't constantly pulling the 'I told you so' card on you."

"Speak for yourself." Emma appeared in the doorway, carrying a tray of food. "After the scare he gave us, I'm not letting him forget anytime soon that we were right."

Jerry huffed. "I've noticed."

Emma came forward and placed the tray in Jerry's lap. "Stop complaining and eat." Her expression softened, and she leaned forward to give Jerry a quick kiss.

Jerry returned the kiss, smiling at Emma. "Thank you for cooking for me. Once I'm out of bed we can cook together again." He turned to look at Cassie. "And of course, we'll be including you in that."

"I look forward to it." Cassie grinned; but inside her stomach was fluttering. She clasped her hands in front of her so that she wouldn't fidget, wishing she had a notebook and pencil to keep her hands busy instead. At the same time, she glanced back and forth between Emma and Jerry. She hated how hard it was to talk about important things.

Cassie had visited the Crosleys many times in the past couple weeks. Every time, she had tried to tell them the truth—about her past, her identity, and who she was really spending time with during the weekends. They deserved to know, more than anyone. Every time she had tried, and every time she would freeze up or chicken out. What would Emma and Jerry do if they knew the truth about her? What would they say?

But as much as she dreaded their reactions, she didn't want to wait another day. Jerry's close call had made one thing clear: life was unpredictable. You never knew how much time you had with a person; and Cassie didn't want to wait until she was out of time with Emma and Jerry.

She cleared her throat, and the couple looked at her again. "Um…" She hesitated, trying to think of what to say.

Emma tilted her head. "Yes?"

Cassie's mind raced; and then an idea struck her. "I wanted to ask you two something. It's really random, though."

"Well, go ahead," Jerry urged her. "We don't mind."

Cassie took a deep breath. "Did your granddaughters ever tell you a story about going skating on the river and falling through the ice?"

Emma blinked. "Why, yes. It's one of their favorite stories. Have they mentioned it to you?"

"Not exactly. But…if they're still here to tell the tale, doesn't that mean someone saved them? Did they ever describe their rescuer?"

Jerry frowned. "Cassie, why are you asking this? What's this all about?"

"I promise I'll explain as best I can," Cassie said gently. "But first I need you to answer the question."

Jerry's brow furrowed. "The girls said they were rescued by a water spirit. They always say she was pale and very pretty, with long blonde hair and dark blue eyes."

"Eyes like mine?" Cassie jumped on the opening. "Long blonde hair like mine used to be?"

"What—"

"Was she barefoot?" Cassie pressed on. The words were pouring out of her now. "Did she have blue and silver patterns on her arms and in her hair?" Her voice grew softer. "Was she wearing a dress like the one you found me in three years ago?"

Emma and Jerry sat frozen in their places, staring at Cassie like she had grown an extra head. "How do you know all this?" Jerry asked, his voice quivering.

Cassie looked at the couple, praying this confession would go better than the one with Naomi. "Did this spirit save your granddaughters on the same day you found me?" She bit her lip. "I have a story of my own for you, a big one, if you're willing to listen."

For a moment there was silence. Emma and Jerry looked at each other for a moment, and then turned their faces back to the blonde-haired girl in front of them. Emma took a seat next to Jerry, on the bed. "Then I think it's time you told us this story," Emma said finally.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Next chapter: Emma stared into Cassie's deep blue eyes. They reminded Emma of mountain lakes, deep and full of possibility./ "They want to meet me?"/ Jack glared at Cassie. "I hope North puts you on the Naughty list for that."/ "So, what are you doing to celebrate Christmas?"

Welp, let's hope this confession goes better than the last one; though that's not really a high bar to reach. Please leave a review!