I'm so sorry, in the last chapter I meant to wish everyone happy holidays! So, here it is:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I'm glad that's off my chest.

Thanks again for your great reviews!! It makes me so happy whenever I see them, just sitting there in my email...

Usualy disclaimers apply.... knock yourselves out!

He showed her a bed upstairs where she could sleep while she was there, though it was obviously his bed, for it was very long and narrow, but comfortable. And it was right in front of the fireplace; exactly where it had been in the movie.

"I hope I'm not being too much trouble," she said. He shook his head with a smile. "No, no, you're not." She still felt slightly uncomfortable. "Are you sure? I can just sleep on the floor, if you want." He gave a small laugh. "No, Tera. Really. It's no trouble."

A shrill scream sounded through the house. Tera jumped, and Jack gave another small laugh. "That's my doorbell," he said. "Don't worry."

She watched him walk down the spiral stairs, his long arms hanging casually at his sides. She heard the door open and went to the top of the stairs, looking down. Sally was walking into the house, and Jack shut the door behind her.

"Where is she?" Sally asked.

"Upstairs," Jack said. "Why?"

"The Mayor's on his way over. He's heard about her and wants to meet her." Sally cringed slightly. "Should we let him see her? He's got a big mouth, and if it gets out, Oog--"

He placed one long finger against her lips, glancing up the stairs to where Tera crouched, out of sight. "Shh," he said. "Not a word about him, alright?" Sally nodded.

"We'll have to let him meet her," Jack said with a sigh, after a moment. "Who knows what he'll do if we tell him no? He'll probably call everyone liars and not talk to them. And without a Mayor, Halloweentown wouldn't get back on its tracks every Halloween." He smiled.

There was another shrill scream, and Sally moved back from the door. Jack opened it, revealing a short, squat man. He wore an old suit, with a red ribbon on the front, and a spider bow tie, and an extremely tall hat, reaching to Jack's bony shoulders, sat on his head. His face was strangely happy, but Tera knew that he was literally a two-faced politician: when he got upset, that head would turn and there was a less happy side.

"Jack!" the Mayor beamed. "Good to see you!" With one short arm he shut the door. "Oh, hello, Sally!"

She smiled. "Good morning, Mayor."

He turned back to the Pumpkin King. "So, Jack, I hear there's a mortal girl? A whole bunch of the citizens saw her!" His face grew eager. "Is there any possibility I could meet her?"

Jack smiled. "Of course, Mayor." He turned and went to the iron stairs, and Tera quickly stood up.

"Tera," he said, stopping halfway up the stairs. "The Mayor wants to meet you."

She nodded and followed him down. The Mayor looked like he was rocking back and forth on his feet, his stubby arms clasped before him. His grin seemed to stretch literally from ear to ear as he stuck out a hand. She had to bend over slightly to shake it.

"Tera, this is the Mayor of Halloweentown," Jack said. "Mayor, this is the girl."

"Pleasure to meet you, pleasure to meet you," the Mayor said. His grin faded slightly as he let go and turned back to Jack. "Any sign of Boogie's Boys?" he asked. When Jack shook his head the Mayor's head swiveled to reveal his distressed face. "What? Where could they have gone?"

"I really don't know," Jack said. "We've been looking everywhere."

The Mayor seemed to be struggling for words. "Have you put out the alert?"

Jack shook his head. "There's no need to alarm the citizens, Mayor."

"Wise decision, wise decision." The Mayor crumpled up his distressed face like he was thinking.

Knowing the answer she would get, Tera tentatively asked, "What do Boogie's Boys look like?"

"They're three children," Sally said. "Two boys and a girl. They're dressed as a witch, devil, and a skeleton…really, Halloweentown's three best trick-or-treaters. But they're in league with…" She glanced at Jack, then continued, "Someone who was banished from Halloweentown a long time ago. And they've disappeared. And when they disappear, that person is up to something, usually not very good."

"I saw them," Tera said quietly. All eyes turned to her in shock.

"Where?" Jack asked.

"They…they were chasing me…through a forest at home. They're the reason I somehow appeared here…they chased me somewhere." She felt unnerved with all the stares she was getting.

"They were chasing you?" Jack said. She nodded. "Does that mean…that person wants something with me?"

"I'm afraid so," Jack sighed.