Author: Merry Christmas. My gift? A long-ass chapter since I haven't updated in a month. Is this really a gift? I dunno. You decide.

"I don't get it," Jamie said again.

Jack hurriedly changed into clothes that were unmarred from the elements. The only clothes he didn't wear when he was outside working. "What's not to get? When Elsa gets back, we're going to meet her family, and Elsa and I are going to have a talk with them about what we can do."

Mary was equally confused, "What could they do?"

"I don't know. Maybe feed us? Help me find a job?" He finished packing the trunk and found his shawl again. He made sure he didn't look like just another peasant boy. This would be the most important exchange of his life. His grin belied the panic inside of him, "It's a good thing."

The twins could hear the tremor in his voice. Jack stepped closer and knelt in front of them, "Listen... There's a lot that's happened that I can't explain. I need to do this—not just for us, but for Elsa too. I need you two to be on your best behavior. When we get there, just..." What advice could he possibly give them? "Just... Don't say anything." He got up, "I probably shouldn't either." He grumbled under his breath and picked up his satchel. He sucked on his lip again and remembered how terrible he must look. Sleep-deprived, a busted lip, and pink bruises all around his neck. He could easily insist he keep his shawl on to hide the bruises, but as for everything else...

Of course on this crucial day Jack had long-known was coming, he looked disheveled and unfit to even be in the presence of wealthy townsfolk. Though, in the Nordheims' case, their privilege was only for show, and may not last another month without his aid. But Jack couldn't make it obvious he knew, not unless Elsa specifically said so. He was waiting for her to return and give them the okay.

He hoped she was all right. What would she say? Would they ask about their 'friendship?'

How was she so sure this plan could possibly work? Yes, they were desperate, but—

"Jack?" Jamie's voice jolted him from his thoughts. "What's wrong?"

He thought he'd been doing a good job at seeming calm, so his confusion wasn't an act, "What do you mean?"

"You're pacing."

Jack had been completely blind to his walking back and forth in the small shed; he was accustomed to having his fieldwork and household chores keeping him active and busy that the physical work relieved his stress. But his entire life, Jack was a pacer. Moving was his way of letting out his worry. The beast would tell him to sit still, and whenever he tried, he'd end up swinging his legs on whatever chair he was seated in.

Jamie wasn't clueless to Jack's nervous habits. "When you're worried about something, you pace. And you bite your thumbnail."

And a nail-biter. Jack couldn't believe he didn't realize he'd been nibbling his own nail; Lord forbid he at least have presentable hands for the family he so badly wanted to call in-laws. He ripped his thumb away from his lips and wrung his hands together tightly. He just wished Elsa would get back already so he could at least know what was going on.

He had to be brave, be brave for Elsa. She wore her courage like a cloak—perhaps she had been born with it. Jack always wanted to be one of those lucky ones, but he had to work to find any bravery in him. He couldn't relax, and the air was starting to feel like heavy stones on his chest.

"Jack, sit down." Mary urged.

"I just need some air." He opened the shed door and let the menacing cold in, but once the outside nipped at his skin he started to feel better. The dizziness went away and the nerves subsided. For now.

...

Hours went by. The woods were uncharacteristically silent aside from the autumn drizzle that had started just a moment ago.

Jack was the only one who knew it was raining, for Mary and Jamie were both resting, both their heads on each knee. He hadn't been able to move for quite a while, but they needed their sleep. It might help Jack if he were to lean his head back and close his eyes too, but he had to stay alert. In case Elsa came back, in case a hungry animal or some stranger came wandering close, in case the roof caved in over their heads.

Instead of allowing himself some peace, he stared at the ceiling and listened to the rain calmly drench the dark wood. The longer it took Elsa, the more Jack began to think how nice it might feel for everything to go away from the shed collapsing over him. His father, his mother, his memories, his sins, everything would be gone should death come to greet him–

Jamie stirred in Jack's lap and he snapped out of his selfish thoughts. He wasn't going anywhere, not yet. Death wasn't solace, not for him. Elsa, the siblings who needed him, and the babe he would soon hold in his arms and call his own were.

Jack tried to stay awake, but he was just so tired. He waited... and waited... closed his eyes, just to let them rest a moment... Then he was in the pasture he once spent two hours walking the goats to and back. He saw grey clouds in the sky, the fjords, tiny little flowers in the grass beneath him.

Someone called his name. He looked around the field for the source but saw no one.

"Jack!"

The voice woke him up that time, in a single jerk did his head shoot up from its drooped position. Was it the dream that woke him? No, it was from outside.

"Jack!" Elsa.

He could see it was now getting dark—he must've been asleep longer than the dream made it seem. It didn't matter; Elsa had returned, which surely meant some good news. Jack shook both his siblings, who only stirred. "Guys, wake up." There was a quiet urgency in his voice. He maneuvered them off of his lap and went to the shed door. He held his breath as he opened it, still not sure what awaited him once he did.

He was quick to let Elsa in so she could have a moment's respite from the rain that was now mixing with snow. Elsa rolled down the hood of her cloak, "They want to meet you." She said with haste, out of breath from moving as fast as she could.

...

"This is the story. We became acquainted last year, got to be good friends. I came to you one day upset and wound up telling you all my problems. Your grandfather passed away and as part of his will, he left you that money to buy your own house and move away from your father. From the kindness of your heart, you're giving us some of that inheritance." It was the most credible tale she could come up with in the span of a few minutes.

"You told them about my father?"

"Just what was necessary, that you need to get away from him."

Jack self-consciously pulled his shawl so it covered his neck. "I don't want this to be a pity party, Elsa."

"It's not!" She exclaimed, chasing her own nerves. The four were nearing the Nordheim's abode. The children walked and silently listened, as baffled as Jack was. When Jack looked doubtful, Elsa stopped in her tracks and looked at him, "My hope is that they won't want to let a young boy the same age as their daughter go home to a monster. Especially with two children. Your money helps get my father back on his feet, he helps you find a house and get a job—"

"What about the–" He almost forgot that his siblings were listening. "You suppose he'll just let you walk out the door with me?"

"Who says he has to agree? He'll kick me out anyway once he finds out."

"Once he finds out what?" Jamie blurted.

"Nothing." Jack replied. He had another panicked thought. "How do I explain why I brought them along?"

Elsa hadn't considered that and the concern on her face showed. She wasn't going to make them wait outside in the cold! There wasn't any time to think, her parents were waiting. "We'll figure something out."

They would have to, Jack surmised. He saw the kids' anxious looks and he forced a grin, at them, one that belied the twisting knot in his stomach. "It's going to be fine."

"Are we gonna stay at Elsa's house?" Mary asked for her own reassurance.

Jack couldn't be so sure, he swallowed, "That's the plan."

"Then where are we gonna go?"

"Jamie," Jack found his tone growing impatient and he took a breath, "one thing at a time." And that hushed the boy who knew Jack was nearing his wit's end. He still wasn't sure how he felt about Elsa; out of nowhere did she appear in his life, and now her brother was following every word she said. Jack was smart, and he supposed if he trusted her, then they could too. Jamie could see why Jack liked her now, she was tall and pretty like Pippa had been.

At that, Jamie shivered—for a moment, he forgot she was gone. He understood now what Jack meant when he said it would feel like she was still there.

"Jamie, you okay?" Mary asked, gripping his cold hand.

"Yeah."

...

The light coming from inside Elsa's home grew brighter as they neared the abode. Jamie couldn't believe anyone lived there, it looked as big as his school! He stared, a little intimidated, while Mary was aglow with wonder what it looked like inside.

"Okay, this is it." The children perked up at the suggestion of food. It was easy to comfort their worries. Meanwhile, Elsa stopped short in front of her own home, knowing she had as much to lose as Jack had. Neither could calm their panic; Jack peered into the satchel one more time to make sure the money was all there. He felt as though he was making some sort of transaction for Elsa's life, and he couldn't shake the dirty feeling he got. He didn't want to take advantage of their desperation, and he also didn't want his problems to become theirs—he'd already caused enough for their beloved daughter. "Jack? Are you with me?" She took his shoulder.

"I think so." His heart was going to explode out of his chest before he could even walk up to her porch. He was certain that the kids could feel his tension. "What about the kids? Are they welcome?"

"Let me go inside first." She left the three waiting as she trotted up the two steps of her porch and went inside. It looked so much warmer that the children were fighting not to sprint through the front door. Jamie and Mary approached Jack on each side, Mary wrapping herself in part of Jack's cloak while Jamie took his hand.

"Is she really going to help us?"

Jack hadn't time to think of a comforting answer, he was too choked with fear. "She's trying to." The door opened and Jack nearly jumped out of his skin; he squeezed Jamie's hand so hard that he made his knuckles crack. He felt like he was walking from one deathbed to another.

"Here goes nothing..." He mumbled sarcastically.

...

The first relief Jack had was that neither of Elsa's parents were the imposing figures of authority he'd made them out to be in his head. Iduna Nordheim had the same blue-gray eyes as Elsa did, her hair was in a rather messy upsweep of braids and bangs which were falling out from rushing to clean and set up dinner. Agnarr Nordheim had his hair brushed back neatly, which made Jack even more self-conscious of his own tousled hair that made him look like he'd spent the night in the forest. He nervously sucked on the cut on his lip, knowing that hiding the mark was futile. At least he could keep his neck hidden as long as he insisted he keep his shawl on.

As for their home, it was all the things Jack wished his own could have; a lovely patterned rug sat decoratively in front of a large fireplace, bookshelves were lined with novels, new and old. Their furniture was well-kept and plentiful, and it seemed like when Jack thought he'd seen every room, more appeared. Elsa explained that they once had a live-in maid, but they had to let her go when they couldn't afford to pay her anymore. There was a second empty room that served as a guest room whenever family came to visit. Jack had never heard of something so absurd and foreign as having an empty room in a house.

The twins had never seen what houses in the towns looked like before, and they were behaving as if they'd walked into a castle. One that was warm and filled with delicious smells. They were almost afraid to touch anything because of how expensive it looked.

Jack and Elsa were the only ones well aware that they knew what her parents were thinking, that they were degrading themselves by letting in one of the shepherd boys into their home. Jack was certain that their smiles were just to hide their chagrin. He felt their judging eyes—he was used to his father's, he could take theirs. He was too defeated to care, and he was sure they were as well. Both had their issues neither wanted to tell the other, yet here they were.

"Oh, so you're Jackson!" Iduna came close and took his hands, acting simply delighted to meet him. Of course she was, he just might be their savior. "I wish Elsa had spoken of you sooner, we adore company!" Jack recognized her fakeness as the same his father wore every day.

He managed a shy grin, "Thank you. And, uh, I go by Jack." Only the beast called him Jackson, and he never wanted to hear his full name out of anyone's mouth again if he could help it.

Iduna saw the two beguiled children, "And these are your siblings?"

"Yes. This is Mary, and this is James."

"It's Jamie!" Blurted the boy, and Jack gave him a reprimanding look.

"Manners!" He hissed under his breath.

"Well, that'll be easy to remember. And you're twins?"

"Yeah. I'm the older one." Mary pointed out smugly.

"Wonderful." Iduna said. Jack saw behind the woman that Elsa was rolling her eyes. "Dinner will be ready soon. Set your things down, get comfortable, please." She headed off, racing to the kitchen to finish setting everything up. Jack placed the satchel and trunk down beside one of the chairs.

Something brushed Jack's ankle and he startled. Down by his feet was a Norwegian Forest cat, looking up at him curiously and swishing its tail.

Mary gasped with delight, "You have a kitty?" She fell to her knees and held her hand in front of its face so it could sniff her. Mary adored all animals, sometimes to a fault. She insisted that she wanted a rabbit for a pet, and Jack had jokingly said that if she could catch one, she could keep it. He had no idea the then-seven-year-old would take him seriously and spend a whole evening chasing one back and forth across the field while he tried to work.

"His name's Fafnir," Elsa grinned, "he's very friendly." Fafnir purred and rubbed his forehead across Mary's hand, audibly purring. "But be careful, he likes to bite toes." Iduna called Elsa from the kitchen, to which she gave Jack a knowing look. "I'm gonna go have one more talk with them before we eat." Elsa whispered and disappeared into the other room.

It seemed the children were content, warmed by a fire and now with a fluffy cat to distract them from the troubling events. If only it were so easy for Jack. He was too stiff to even take a seat while he waited.

...

"He's not what I expected at all." Iduna mumbled as the three set the table. "He's got such white teeth!"

Elsa threw in the more important details, "And he's educated and kind and generous and doing us the biggest favor of our lives. Mother, please don't offend him."

"We won't." Agnarr said. "Can't you see we're grateful? We don't have to feed them." He looked at the servings of meat and veggies they'd prepared, "We certainly didn't prepare enough for six people."

"It's fine. I'm sure the kids will eat smaller portions." Elsa eased. She was sure the Overlands were so hungry that they could eat everything on the table themselves. She was also positive that she could clean the plates on her own. Even now her belly grumbled angrily for more food despite snacking on berries right before she left to fetch Jack.

...

While everyone was making a stab at concealing their own discomfort, the twins were more than happy to dig in. Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with black pepper, carrots, and lamb. Jack's own portion was almost untouched—even with his hunger, he still couldn't eat. Elsa herself was uninterested in the meal, her eyes kept switching between her parents and the Overlands.

It was Jamie who noticed the tension. He couldn't censor the worry in his face as he glanced over at Jack; didn't he know what to do? It must be up to him then. When he finished chewing, he sat up straight in his chair and said, "You have a really nice house." In an instant, the entire table seemed to perk up.

"Why thank you," Iduna sounded rather surprised. She was almost blushing. "Aren't you charming?"

Agnarr grinned at the boy, "How old are you—the both of you?"

"Ten." Jamie beamed. Mary was busy wolfing down her food and petting Fafnir, who was seated next to her chair and greedily hoping someone would drop a scrap.

"Well, you're both very well-behaved children." Agnarr said it as if he hadn't expected so from village folk. Elsa tried hard not to roll her eyes.

Jack found his courage and spoke up, "I can't thank you two enough for dinner. It's wonderful."

At that, the mister and missus seemed to bristle. "It's no trouble at all." Iduna replied through forced calmness. "So... Have you lived on the fjord your whole lives?"

"Our whole lives so far." Mary chimed in.

"Do you like it there?"

"Mom," Elsa leered at her; definitely not a question she should ask right now.

"It's nice." Jamie answered before anyone could change the subject. "Haven't you guys been there before?"

Agnarr chuckled, "We don't visit often. Too far of a walk."

Jamie winced—it couldn't be that far if Elsa had been seeing Jack for over a year.

"What happened to your lip?" Agnarr inquired and Jack, who'd finally gotten a single piece of lamb in his mouth, almost choked as he swallowed.

"Sorry?"

"Your lip. That looks painful."

"Oh—Uh—I—I bit it." That wasn't entirely a lie. "I don't think it needs stitches or anything." The twins started to look uncomfortable, Jamie fidgeted in his seat and Mary stopped eating. Jack set down his fork and took a breath, "I owe your daughter a great deal. She's been a good friend to me. And now I see it's because she comes from a great family." Better than mine at least. He added silently. He just wanted to rip the gauze off and get to what needed to be done. "We all know why I'm here tonight. I think we'll feel better if we stop dancing around it."

Iduna looked saddened, she had indeed been putting on her best hostess persona just to appease him and get their money. Agnarr concurred with Jack's reasonability and he nodded. "For now, let's eat."

Jack nodded back, Elsa stared at her lap, and the twins exchanged looks. Mary pulled on Jack's sleeve, "What are you talking about?" She whispered.

"Adult stuff. Finish your food."

...

While the twins were kept amused by Fafnir, the adults were gathered in the study. Jamie and Mary would try to listen, but they couldn't hear what was being said behind the closed door.

Jack was seated across from the Nordheims, making him feel like he really was in this on his own. Elsa kept reminding him with small gestures that she was on his side, both hopeful all would be well.

Jack still had the bag of money, his siblings' futures, in his hands... And now the future of this desperate family of the woman he loved. Jack hadn't even negotiated with them yet, made it clear that the forty-three hundred was all he had now. His heart was pounding, neither knew how to start. Iduna made tea and brought them each a cup, but Jack wasn't a tea-drinker, he couldn't even touch the cup to his lips out of politeness.

All of them were on edge, so at least he was in good company. Agnarr and Iduna were just better at hiding it.

Agnarr scrutinized the boy, regarding him curiously, which reminded Jack of the wolf's stare and it made him want to sink into his own skin. Unable to take the silence, Jack took a crisp breath, hoping to God his voice didn't crack as he made his case, "Before I—We make any decisions, I want you all to know that I am here to help." His voice was so quiet he worried that they didn't hear him—his mumbling was something the beast would smack him over, but they seemed to be listening with patience.

Jack pulled his cloak more tight around him, "I'm sorry you've had to go through so much strife for the past last year. And... I'm grateful that you're trusting me."

"Our daughter trusts you," Agnarr said, "we're trusting her."

Jack's heart trembled and Iduna softened the blow, "She's always been a good judge of character... How's your tea?"

They were all speaking at once.

"Uh, I haven't—"

"Mom, don't—"

"Let's just get straight to the point." Agnarr sighed. "You're offering us nearly all the money I owe from your inheritance just as a favor to my daughter?"

The truth sounded less believable than any lie they could've made up. He didn't blame them for being suspicious; they weren't wrong for assuming he was from a less fortunate upbringing. Surely Jack must want something in return, but he didn't. His heart wouldn't stop pounding. "As I said, I want to help. Elsa's been..." He looked at her for a moment before glancing back at Agnarr and Iduna, "So, so wonderful. I—I've never had a friend like her."

"You've only known her a little over a year."

"Yes." Jack felt his breath quickening, but now was not the time, "I know it sounds absurd for some stranger to just want to give you money, but I promise, I have no ulterior motives. I just want Elsa to be happy." And Jamie, and Mary... and—

"How much money in inheritance did you receive?"

Not nearly enough. Jack couldn't come up with a logical number off the top of his head, not when his nerves were frenzied. He was always a bad liar. Elsa saw the color drain from Jack's face and knew she'd done him wrong by dragging him into a lie of her own making. Jack attempted at a stealthy deep breath, but Agnarr's eyes brought back the panic of having his own father's stare him down. Then he remembered his fading eyes as he laid dying, a death done by his own hand.

He couldn't breathe.

Elsa stepped forward, "Jack–"

"I'm fine." He pushed her hands away.

Agnarr stood up, "Is everything all right?" His hands reached for the sleeves of his shawl, "Let me take this off—"

They went close to his neck and Jack leapt from his seat, "No! Don't, please!" He felt so small under Agnarr, it felt like his ribs were going to crush his lungs.

Elsa took his hands, "We're gonna go outside for just a second!" She insisted and dragged him off. Right before she did, Agnarr and Iduna both spotted the marks on the boy's neck that he was so desperate to hide. It made Iduna throw a hand over her mouth and Agnarr realized just what kind of person he was dealing with. A person he knew well.

...

"Jack, it's okay."

"It's not—I can't—"

"Breathe." Elsa quietly said, "Deep breath." He took a deep breath, letting the embarrassment and anger at himself for letting his weakness show fill him. "Just keep going." Elsa reassured, "We'll work this all out."

"Elsa," his voice was still choked with fear, "if I give you that money, I'll have nowhere to go."

"That isn't true."

"The kids and I will be homeless—It's about to be winter and they might starve!"

"You're getting irrational!"

"I can't let them die, I can't!"

His panicked ramblings weren't unnoticed by the twins, who peered outside the window from where they sat to see Jack on all-fours with Elsa crouched beside him. Neither were used to seeing Jack this way, and though mature enough for their ages, it wasn't an all-too-sobering sight to the children who just didn't understand his position.

Fafnir was cuddled in Mary's lap, having grown fond of the children who were willing to give him their undivided attention as cats enjoyed. Jamie stroked his hand through his thick fur, finding it relaxing.

They both startled when Agnarr and Iduna left the study, and Fafnir poked his head up sleepily. Agnarr stopped and grinned at them, "How are you two doing?"

"We're okay." Mary answered and Jamie nodded. He watched the scene from inside, brows furrowed with worry.

Iduna had a brilliant thought, "Would you two like some hot chocolate?"

"Hot chocolate?"

She looked surprised. "You've never had any?" Both shook their heads, but the word 'chocolate' was all they needed to persuade them. She took the kids into the kitchen and Agnarr went outside.

Jack was finally getting himself together. Elsa was whispering soothingly, "It's all okay. Everything's okay."

Agnarr, in an attempt to be less imposing, knelt down, "Jackson, may we speak privately?" His voice was so gentle that even Elsa didn't recognize it!

...

Seated by the fire, a few agonizing minutes went by as Agnarr took in all he'd just seen and heard. Jack simply watched the fire, unable to make eye-contact with the man he'd just made a fool out of himself in front of. His heart felt like a weight in his chest.

"So, your father did this to you." He said. "What else has he done?"

Jack could only release a tremulous sigh. How did he tell him his father was a murderer... and now he was one too?

Agnarr didn't press any further, "Where is your mother?"

"She's not with us."

"Passed away?"

Jack stiffly nodded, traces of resentment clear on his face. If only he knew.

"Has he done anything to the children?"

"He tried to, but I wouldn't let him... That's the reason I'm trying to get them out."

"How old are you?"

"I'll be nineteen on the twentieth."

"When did you lose your mother?"

"I was eight... The kids never even met her; they were still babies. I'm the only one that remembers her."

Agnarr nodded, "Well, it seems good fortune came around; you have your money and you're free of that man." Jack closed himself off even more by wrapping himself in his cloak, ashamed to admit the truth even though circumstances weren't his fault. Agnarr let his sincere side show, "The fact that you'd even consider giving some of it away is highly respectable... Not a lot of young men in your position would do such a thing."

Jack arched a brow, "Have you known many young men in my position?"

"Many? No." The older man let his shoulder sag. "Just one. Myself."

Jack regarded him with surprise.

"I know where bruises like those come from." It was Agnarr who now gazed at the fire, "When I was growing up, as a young child, I idolized my father... worshipped him. Even when he didn't have any time for me. What I didn't realize back then was how competitive, manipulative, even belittling he was towards my mother and I. Whenever I would cry, he would scold me and shame me in front of my friends. He would blame our problems on either me for not being a 'real man,' or my mother for not being a 'real woman.' I've seen things no child should."

Jack's chest finally began to unravel, but the revelation that Agnarr was making an attempt to connect made him want to break all over again.

"One day... and I remember it all too clearly, when I was twelve years old, my father came to my doorway and said 'Agnarr, your mother is gone. She left with all her things... She probably isn't coming back.' I'm sure you know the terror... and the grief all too well... I'd give anything to have the relief of knowing she was at peace and not still out there somewhere."

Jack numbly looked down at the floor. He was scared of ever feeling that grief again, there was trepidation in his eyes.

"Anyway, I... I hope you can understand my qualms about taking money from a stranger, especially when I don't know where the money's from. But I believe I can trust you." Jack only stared blankly. "You have my word that the money will be put to good use. It'll get us out of the hard place I've put us in. And you are welcome to see us any time—"

"Sir," Jack couldn't take this anymore, "if you're going to be candid with me, then I must be with you. That money is all I have."

Agnarr blinked.

"The truth is I have nowhere else to go. I've been earning that money by selling things from my home, waiting until we had enough so we could move out. Things changed. He's been beating me for years, but my father took a step too far and threatened my brother and sister, so I took them away with everything you see in that bag and in that trunk." He grasped his cloak tightly to keep his hands from shaking. "We can't go back to the fjord. And until I find work, I don't know what we'll do for food, clothes, shelter... It isn't Elsa's fault she got caught up in all of this, in fact, she wouldn't have even brought me here if I didn't suggest giving you the money... The reason I'm here is because I love your daughter and I would do anything to see her happy."

Agnarr's brow flinched.

Jack felt breathless as he went on, "No matter what you say, that money is yours. I want to get you out of your debt." He turned his head away. To his shame, he felt tears still left for his mother slipping down. He scrubbed them off and turned back, "But all I ask, if she'll have me, is for her hand."

"You want to... marry her?" The change in conversation and all this new information was jarring.

"I do. And I understand if you refuse, I won't go back on my word."

Something still wasn't clear to Agnarr, "You have your own family to take care of and you'd still give us all you have left?"

Jack nodded.

"You love my daughter that much?"

Jack nodded again, emotions running high. "I know I have nothing to give. I know I'm just some down-on-his-luck kid that loves your daughter... But if I could have her by my side..." Jack didn't know how to finish—he was sure all he'd done was ruin all of his chances of holding Elsa in his arms again, of rescuing her from the spurn of society, of raising his own child.

For God's sake, why wouldn't Agnarr say something? It was a few agonizing minutes before the man said, "I think we all need rest."

"Sir?"

"A good night's rest. You look like you've never had one in your life. Come on, I'll show you your room."