Lydia knocked on the door of the hotel where Jackson was staying through the holidays. His mother answered the door greeting her with a friendly smile. "Lydia, its been such a long time since we've seen you around here. How have you been?"

"I'm good Mrs. Whittmore. And yourself?"

"I'm just fine, Merry Christmas, is there anything I can do for you?" She asked.

"I'm glad to hear that, and a Merry Christmas to you too. Um... I was wondering if Jackson was here?"

"Mom who is it?" He called before she could answer, "Cause I know your not talking to room service for that long." Jackson paused reaching the door. "Lydia. Hello."

"Hey, Jackson. You never told me if you were coming to our Christmas party, so I just took that as a yes. Your the only one not there yet."

"I'm not going Lydia." He put on his best preppy jock face, "I mean, a party at McCall's house? Not really my idea of a good time." He tried for a laugh.

"Well we're all having fun, and everybody misses you. Besides, you have a few presents under the tree..." She knew he loved presents, how could he possibly say no to getting stuff.

"I don't think so. I'm not really in the Christmas spirit this year."

Did he actually just say no to getting gifts? He really did. The red heads jaw dropped.

"Well," his mother cut in, "What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than spending some time with friends? I think it sounds like a great idea, has to be better than sitting here in this silly hotel on Christmas eve right? Go on."

She gave him a gentle shove pushing him threw the doorway before closing it. "Jackson's out for a few hours! Get the Mr. and Mrs. Clause outfits from the luggage!" And then Barry Manilow was turned on.

He made a disgusted face, "Guess I have no choice now..." Lydia laughed and lead him to the car.

"So," She started, "How's London been treating our favorite American werewolf?" Jackson rolled his eyes and scoffed.

"Ha ha. Very funny." though he smiled slightly, "How've you been? Any new boy friends?"

"Just one." She smiled as she drove, "Care to elaborate?" He asked.

"Promise not to laughs." her voice clear she wasn't kidding.

"I promise I'll try my best. But honestly, I could use a good laugh about now."

"I'm dating Stiles." Jackson burst out laughing, then realized she was serious and his face went serious again.

"Your not joking are you? You and Stillinski?"

"Yea, me and Stiles, are dating. What about you? Any girlfriends?"

"Like I have time for that crap right now. No offense."

"None taken. So, what did you mean about needing a good laugh? What's wrong?"

"Nothing..." she rolled her eyes so much he could practically hear them spin in their sockets.

"Jackson. Please. This is me your talking to here."

He sighed in defeat knowing it was pointless to argue. "I'm a killer. That's what's wrong. As the kanima, I killed people."

"I don't believe that." She said, "Not for one minute."

"Someone had to rip those people's throats-"

"Physically. But logically, you didn't know you were even doing anything, or what you were. And emotionally, your not that person. Matt is, and nobody blames you for he made you do. You had no choice. Its like when you see stories on the news where the bad guys says, "Give a million dollars or I kill your kid. They feel helpless and do what ever it takes. You were forced." She went on rambling with technical speak.

"Okay! I got it, just... no more big fancy medical words alright?" He chuckled.

"Alright. Deal." Lydia pulled up to Scott's house and parked before getting out.

…...

They walked down the stairs, Lydia announcing their new guest, "Look who I found guys!"

"Jackson!" Allison hugged him smiling, "Hey, welcome home."

Scott gave him a pat on the back and the teens all greeted their old friend, Danny introducing his best friend to his boy friend excitedly.

"This is Ethan, my boyfriend." he smiled holding his hand proudly, "Ethan, this is my best friend Jackson that I've told you about."

Ethan went on to introduce him to his brother Aiden, and Isaac to introduce him to Cora, and before long Jackson was feeling like his old self again, all of his friends- old and new- making him feel welcomed to the party. For the first time since he had gone to London, he felt like he was home again, and for the first time since being turned, he was happy.