Chapter 21:

Well it's been 3 years. In all honesty all I can say is college happened a plethora of family problems occurred. I always wanted to finish this story and due to the new quarantine, it left me with time to realize that I have a whole folder of fanfictions that I need to finish. I saw a document that was a partial chapter for this story and thought I needed to get my act together and finish it. I do indeed want to finish this story if anyone is still reading it (dear Lord it's been a long time), since I do have an ending in mind (which is rather great I may say). Anywho, I will not hinder you with anymore author notes and let you get onto the chapter! Reviewing and Favoriting is appreciated! (also my editing skills are still as bad as ever)

Sitting at the white pristine table, I stared at the one of the many clocks that Time had sitting on his multitude of shelves. Rows and rows of clocks lined the walls, each set to a different time and each with a different design. I was staring at whoever the heck is "Jeremy Smith."

Looks like he has another good 32 years.

The meeting came to a point where Time had gone off on a tangent and was four topics away from where he started. At this point Death and I would start passing notes (even though Death deemed that rude). Instead this time however, my mind had a few things to mull over. It was Jack.

Should I talk to him when I get home? I mean, I was about to before Death showed up…Maybe I should just leave it as it is and let it fizzle out on its own. It's not that bad. This weird awkwardness just needs to run it's course that's all. Plus, he seemed pretty chipper when I left. But then again…

Every time I tried to find a solution to this dilemma my mind always wandered back to that night―with that stupid song and his stupid cute face. It was starting to annoy me that any free moment I had where my mind could wonder…it always led back to Jack…and his stupid cute face, and his smile, and his EYES.

Why do I keep on feeling this way? Gosh if this keeps up I'm going to go nuts―

"―with you, Nature?"

Jerking my head back to the table, I looked across at Time. By the way he was looking at me, he most likely just asked a question about the seven topics he just ran through.

"Uh yeah?"

"I was asking if it was true."

"Oh…um…What was the question again?"

A small smile was brought to his lips and he sighed through his wrinkled nose.

"I said, Jack Frost is now living with you now. Is he not?"

Completely caught off guard, I'm sure I looked like a deer caught in head lights.

Looks like the meeting is now at the point where it's no longer a meeting. We're now in the "catching up with each other's non-social lives phase."

"Well, yes, he is. He moved in around a month ago."

"And what seemed to bring this on, my child," Time questioned, folding his hands on the table.

Shrugging my shoulders, I rested my chin on my hand. "Well for starters, he doesn't have a house. And we became friends after the whole fiasco with Pitch. I figured I had so much space, it wouldn't be much trouble."

His smile only grew wider. "I see."

Narrowing my eyebrows, I pursed my lips. I knew exactly what that look meant.

"Oh no. Not you too. I already have North on my back about Jack living in my house and about our relationship, which he can't understand is PLATONIC. It was an act of friendship. I don't see why two friends of the opposite gender can't be friends with people not pushing them together. I mean there's nothing going on between us. Why does everyone think there's something going on?!"

Time's expression did not falter and he continued to look into my eyes, clearly amused. He let out a small chuckle before speaking.

"My child, I think you answered your own question."

"I'm sorry, what?"

Shaking his head, he gave side glance over to Death before he stood.

"Well I think this meeting is adjourned. We've covered everything on the schedule and I think we've got some substantial solutions for the current issues that have arised. If you want, you are free to stay for tea. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me."

With a final nod, he slowly made his way around the table and into the adjacent hallway, which led out of the dining room and into the kitchen. Crossing my arms, I huffed through my nose.

I can't believe this.

"I'm assuming you want to make your leave?" Death said, finally breaking the silence.

"I don't know―I mean, it's only 3:00."

"Oh, I see. I just thought you would want to see Jack."

Turning in my seat, I looked directly into his golden eyes.

Out of all the people, I never would have thought―

"You too?! Really? Ughhhhhh…" I groaned, resting the balls of my hands over my eyes.

Eventually, I opted for slamming my head on the table.

"I did not mean for my suggestion to indicate anything about your and Jack's relationship. He just looked saddened when you left."

My ears perked up at his comment.

"He did?" I said, my voice muffled from the table.

"Granted, it is just my opinion."

For some reason his comment made a small warm ping resonate in my chest. Taking his comment with a grain of salt, I ignored the feeling.

Finally sitting up, I brushed the hair from my face. "Never mind, it doesn't matter."

"Clearly your feelings matter."

"I don't have feelings for him―GOSH."

There was a short pause before Death spoke again.

"I never said that. I meant you being distressed."

Feeling like I was caught in some sort of lie, even though there WAS NO LIE, I stood up from the table and shook my hands in defense.

"You know what, let's just head home. I have a feeling Time has been listening this whole time and I really don't want his input. He may appear ancient, but that old timer can sure hear."

Following my lead, Death followed me out of the dining room and down a long hallway which led to the landing platform. Honestly at this point, I really wanted to go home. And if I was being completely honest, I really wanted to see Jack.

Loading myself into the carriage, Death soon followed and seated himself across from me. I heaved a sigh of relief once I felt the carriage slowly lift into flight as then I knew Time couldn't quickly peek his head in, asking an array of questions, as he has been known to halt my departure on a few occasions. I glanced out the window hoping that Death wouldn't find the need to ask questions about Jack and me as well. This whole scrutiny is getting rather annoying.

I mean Jack and I are just friends. All these comments from people are messing with my head. Even now I'm thinking about him. How did this even all start? Is it because we live in the same house? Is that why people think we're together? That could be a likely cause. I mean, would they still be doing this if we lived separately? North knows that I'm what he refers to as "abrasive" so why would he think I'm head over heels for Jack? I don't do romance. I'm not romantic with Jack. I don't have a crush on Jack. It's not like I wanted to kiss him at the party seven days ago…even though I did.

"Oh my gosh. What?" I uttered to myself in disbelief.

Did I just think that?

"Hmm? I did not say anything," Death said lifting his head to meet my gaze.

"Uh, it's nothing. I just, was thinking about—it's not important."

Folding his hands in his lap, he didn't look all too convinced.

"Nature, if something is wrong, you know you can confide in me."

Sighing through my nose, I leaned my head back. "Yes Death, I know. Really, it's nothing important. I just realized something about my schedule is all. Got more to do that I anticipated."

Whether he believed me or not, he didn't show it. But there wasn't any time for him to further this conversation as we had reached my base. As soon as I felt the carriage rock onto the ground, I slowly stood.

"Thanks again for taking me home Death. Saves me the trip."

"Of course. No thanks are needed."

Stepping off the steps of the carriage, I swiftly turned to bid Death goodbye.

"Don't be a stranger. It would be nice to have you over some time. And I'm sure Jack would love to have a Seinfeld marathon."

Still seated on the plush seats, he leaned forward to reply. "Sounds wonderful. I will certainly try to make time. Give Jack my best."

"I sure will. Goodbye Death."

"Farewell."

With a quick wave the carriage door flew shut and the horses began their ascent from the cloud ground. As I watched them fly away, I realized I had two choices. I could go through that big oak door and do what I was going to do three hours ago and confront Jack about what has been going on…or ignore it and continue on as usual. I realized then I was a whimp.

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Jack's POV:

I had to have done something wrong or something went wrong. Cly has been acting weird, or well, more weird than usual today. After her meeting two days ago, things finally started to return to normal or at least the awkwardness was getting a little better. But today has been different. She's been fidgety and timid—if Cly could be timid. Whenever she caught me looking at her, she'd mask her frown with a smile and go on about how today was "a really busy day" and scamper off. This isn't just the awkwardness about that dance. I think something's wrong. I haven't seen her since breakfast. This isn't her usual workday.

Looking out the window from the sofa, I saw it was pouring rain outside.

Oh yeah it's the 24th.

Somehow Cly had always managed to make it rain on May 24th or at least it rained in the majority of North America. It's been like this since I could remember—something I noticed over my 300 years of living. It was always a constant thing that I never questioned. Must have something do with the weather, or plants, or climate stuff, or something else that I completely don't understand when she tries to explain it to me.

"It's almost 5 o'clock…she should be home by now."

Sitting up, I made my way over past the kitchen and into Oak's office. If anyone knew where she was it was him. Sure enough, he was sitting at his desk looking over some documents. His small silver spectacles sat on the bridge of his snout, making him appear all the more wise. Before my hand could make contact with the open door, he snapped his head in my direction. Frozen in place, I waited for him to gently tilt his head before I spoke.

"Hey Oak, I know you're probably busy like always, but like…Cly isn't home yet."

He just stared at me. His silver irises boring into mine. An artfully arched eyebrow already indicated to me his response. And?

"And…she's been acting weird all day. I know you…" I said, hesitating if I should really lay everything out on the table.

Jack this is Oak we are talking about. It's not like he hasn't noticed. Nothing gets past him.

"I know you probably already know we've been awkward around each other all week, because you somehow know everything, but today she's been different. I mean you above all people have had to have noticed. She seems…sad."

Oaks gaze faltered from mine and fell to the floor. His once calm demeanor had gone and was replaced with something I had never seen before. Confusion? Fear? Helplessness? It was unnerving. It didn't suit him. His jaw tensed up a few times, before he looked back up at me.

No…he's sad too.

Jumping down from his chair, he exited his office. He looked back at me, so I took it that he wanted me to follow him. Walking a few short paces down the hall, he stopped right him front of Cly's room.

"Ok…what are we doing here?"

Jutting his head towards the room he snorted through his nose.

"What?"

I guess whatever he was trying to tell me was obvious because he gave me the look. The "you're and idiot" look. Letting out a sigh, Oak looked up at me and gave a stern nod, and then quickly looked to the door and nodded once more.

Man I gotta have Cly teach me wolf body language.

"You want me…to go in there?"

Inching closer to the door, Oak let out a low whine and licked the wood.

"…She's in there," I said in realization.

He nodded his head.

"W-well what is she doing in there? Is she ok? Is this some yearly thing that has something to do with the weather?...or…did she pay a visit to herself? Ya know, the umm, monthly bill—"

Oak then started to walk away. He headed into the living room.

Watching him make his way over towards the coffee table, I hesitantly followed him. "I-I'm sorry, forget I said that. It was stupid and insensitive. I'm just trying to figure out what—"

He dropped the phone right in between my feet. I gave off a loud ding as it hit the floor. Staring quizzically at him, I watched him then walk over to another side table and grab a picture frame. Throwing that down at my feet, I saw it was a picture of Bunny.

What in the…this is vague right? I'm not the only one who'd be confused by this. I can't be that stupid...I hope.

"So…you want me to call the Kangaroo?"

He nodded.

Well thank God I got that.

"And why? Why can't you just tell—oh. You can't tell me."

Oak nodded again.

"But Bunny can."

With his all too knowing gaze, he snorted and walked off.

"Alright then." Picking up the phone, I began to roll the numbers.

This all still didn't make sense. Why didn't Cly just tell me if she was having a problem? She's blunt as it is. She never seems stray away from any subject. Things have been awkward, I'll give her that, but it's not like she's been avoiding me all week. We still talk, she still tells me things, things have been getting better…but Bunny knows. That means this is something else. Something that can't be about me…I think.

"Hello? Sheila you there?"

Gripping the phone tighter, ran a hand through my hair. "O-oh Kangaroo sorry, it's me. I was just—can I ask you something?"

There was a pause on the phone. "What's goin' on Frostbite?"

"Listen, Cly's been acting weird today, and I mean like lowkey trying to cover up stuff kind of weird. I don't speak dog so—"

"Oh crikey."

My heart dropped. That's not a good response.

"What's going on Bunny? I-Is she ok?"

"She's…alright in a sense."

"That does not help."

"Ahh, listen mate, I don't think it's my place to tell you—"

"Oak told me to call you."

I heard him clink his teeth together on the other line. "So, he wants you to know. Guess he trusts you now."

"Trusts me with what?"

I was becoming impatient. I'm not known to be patient in the first place, but this was unbearable. I had to fidget with the cord to keep myself grounded.

"Bunny please, I'm really worried. I'm tired of all the cryptic and vague responses. I got enough of that from Oak. Can you just please tell me."

Bunny heaved a large sigh—one that spilled out from deep in his chest. His breath hovered in the air. It didn't settle the rapid beating of my heart.

"Today's the day Shiela died."

Holding the phone to my ear, I still couldn't quite put together the words I just heard. It was as if a part of me was lagging behind and desperately trying to catch up.

"What?"

"She died today. All those years ago. Sheila tries to forget, but…it always creeps up every year."

I never considered that Cly even thought about the day she died or that it still bothered her. She was so head strong, so determined, so nonchalant. Nothing seems to faze her. If anything, I would have thought she would have made light of the situation—not that her death is something to take lightly, but that's just how Cly is. Granted, I never really knew how I died. I only found out about it recently. And what I remember is still somewhat fuzzy. It's like I was watching small tidbits…I don't remember the pain of when I drowned in that pond.

"Frostbite? You still there?"

"Y-yeah sorry. I'm here."

"Good, because I need ya' with me. We—all of us have tried to help her, but she doesn't want it. She locks herself up in her room and doesn't come out till the next day, pretendin' like nothin' happened. Cly she—"

Bunny sighed into the phone, leaving me holding onto his every word.

"It's hard for her ya' know. I mean, it's hard on all of us—rememberin' our old lives, but Sheila…I don't think she quite ever found peace. She was real close with her family. They were her whole world…and what happened to her was…crikey."

I honestly didn't know what to say. Cly never talked about her family—never even mentioned them. And the tone of Bunny's voice was not settling. My heart went into my throat thinking of what possibly could have happened to her.

Cly could have...she could have been…

"How—what happened to her? H-how did she die?"

"Now that is somethin' I can't tell you. It's not my place."

"But Oak—"

"I know Oak told ya' ta' call me. The bugger knew I would want you to hear it from her…and I think he does too."

"How can I do that if she's locked up in her room? If you guys tried and couldn't help, how do you expect me—"

"Because you're going to go talk to her."

Pausing for a moment, I pulled on the hem of my sweatshirt. "I don't understand. If she locked herself away from all of you—a-and from how she was today she probably doesn't even want me to know—"

"Listen Jack. You and Shiela are more alike than you think. And I think Moony knew that too when he chose you…Everythin' happens for a reason mate. And I think there's a reason you're livin' in that house right now."

"Bunny—"

"Gotta go Frostbite. Take care of my girl. I know you will."

"Bunny? Bunny?!"

The phone went dead. I felt so lost at this point. I'm not wise like North or comforting like Tooth…or fluffy like the Kangaroo. It's not that I don't want to help…I just don't think I can. From my own experience with Cly, you can't just barge in and try to lead the way. If she doesn't want to talk about what happened, then by God's green earth, she's not going to talk about it. Already this morning when I asked her if she was ok, she just brushed it off as work. Who's to say she won't say that now? What if I just make things worse or appear insensitive? And what am I supposed to say? "Hey, I know that you died today due to Oak's vague mannerisms to call Bunny, and Bunny telling me over the phone, but they won't tell me the whole story so can you tell me about your possibly gruesome death while I try to comfort you?...even though I'm the least qualified." I mean, I was broken myself a few months ago.

But maybe that's why you can help.

There was only one thing to do. Go back and plead with Oak on what to do because when it comes to Cly he knows best. This is too serious for me to try and wing it. The last thing I want to do is cause Cly anymore pain. Setting the phone down, I turned on the balls of my feet and headed straight to his office.

Taking in a deep breath, I peeked into the open door. "H-hey Oak listen, Bunny told me and—"

Oak was gone. His spectacles sat neatly on his desk along with the documents I saw he had from earlier. Oak's chair however was unusually pushed out from his desk. There, on top the evergreen cushion, was a key.

"Oh no. Oh gosh, Oak…I'm just going to make things worse. I don't know what to say or what to do. I-I don't want to hurt her. Oak?" I called out, desperately looking around his office.

I hoped he would come on and give me all the answers, like he usually would. He always seemed to fix things...but I guess this is one thing he can't fix. Looking down at the small sliver key, I leaned down and grasped in my hands.

"You can do this Jack. You gotta do it for her. You gotta at least try."

Exiting the room, the closer I got to her door, the more the lump in my throat swelled.

"Just be honest. Cly likes honesty."

Do I just go in? Oak may have given my silent permission, but Cly sure didn't.

"I'll knock first."

Sorry to leave you all here, but the next part is rather long and isn't quite finished yet. Instead of making you guys wait (granted you all have waited 3 years), I thought it'd be better to post what I have! I'm hoping the next chapter should be up within a week (or at least this month, no more 3 year waits mind you!). Finally I just want to apologize for the long wait. Life certainly took me for a ride! Hope there are still some readers out there haha. Thank you all for still reading if there still are!

Cly

********reviews********

Awesomo3000: You know, your comment still makes be double over in laughter 3 years later. Loved the video! It really speaks to me haha. And I shall get on with it! Hope you're still on this site. Thanks for sticking around ^-^

xXBloodJewelXx: Yes, Jack shall go in for the kill soon! Just some things to spice it up as a new conflict is going to arise. Fear not however, they shall be together in the end! Thanks for sticking with my story! ^-^

ALSO SORRY FOR THE WAIT I CANNOT STRESS THAT ENOUGH. I LOVE YOU ALL 3