Jamie sat by the window with his face pressed against the glass. Sophie was on the floor rolling a ball for Abby to chase after, giggling when the Greyhound brought it back. Mrs. Bennett checked on the children. She sighed when she spotted Jamie.
"Staring out the window won't make them appear sooner," she told him.
"I know but I don't want to miss them."
"Just be patient, honey, they'll be here soon." She walked over and took the ball Sophie was playing with. "Sweetie, let's use a tennis ball instead of an ornament, okay?"
"OK!"
Mrs. Bennett smiled. She glanced at the clock and noticed it was 4:25. Roxy was running late. She thought about giving her daughter a call when Jamie stood up.
"They're here!" He jumped from his seat and rushed to the door just as the lock clicked. It opened to reveal Roxy and brown haired boy about her age. He wore a blue sweatshirt and dark jeans, and carried a gray duffel bag on his back. Jamie's face fell.
"Hey Jamie," Roxy smiled.
"Hi Roxy," Jamie said back. He looked behind her. "Who's that? I thought you said Jack was coming."
"Jamie, don't be rude."
"But…"
"Hey now, I thought you said you wouldn't forget me?" Jack teased.
"Jack?!" Jamie squinted his eyes, not believing what he was seeing. "Is that really you?"
Jack laughed, crouching down to his level. "You tell me you stop believing in the moon when the sun comes up? Or, do you stop believing in the sun when clouds block it out?"
"Jack!" Jamie launched himself. He hugged Jack tightly, nearly knocking him over.
"Good to see you too."
"What happened to you, Jack?" He pulled back to get a better look. "You look…so different."
"Jamie, let them in already. It's freezing out there," Mrs. Bennett called from inside.
"Looks like we need to go in," Jack said. He set Jamie down, whispering, "I'll explain later."
The three of them walked back into the house. Jack said his stuff down as Mrs. Bennett walked up to greet them. Roxy shut the door and some of the wind had made its way into the house. Mrs. Bennett shivered.
"Goodness! It must be below forty out there."
"Below twenty, actually," Jack said with pride. "Looking at a perfect Snow Day tomorrow." Roxy nudged him in the ribs, a playful smirk on her lips.
"Well, you must be Jack," Mrs. Bennett said. She held out her hand. "It's nice to meet you."
Jack smiled and shook her hand. "Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Bennett."
"Goodness, your hands are like ice," she said. "Oh, you both must be freezing. Come and sit in the living room. I'll turn up the heat."
They followed her into the next room. She made Jack and Roxy sit on the couch while she went to check the heater. The two teens shared a glance, trying not to laugh. Even with the pendent subduing his powers, Jack's icy touch was still very prominent.
"Jack!" He looked up to see Sophie toddling over to him. He smiled as she stood in front of him. "Hi Jack!"
"Hey kiddo." He ruffled her hair.
"Where bunny?"
"Sorry kid, but Bunny ain't coming tonight," he said, half smirking. "But he told me to tell you hi the next time I saw you."
Sophie giggled and then pounced on him, hugging his leg. Jack laughed and picked her up so she sat on his knee. When Mrs. Bennett returned, she took the seat opposite the couch. "So Jack…" she began. "I'm sorry, I don't even know your last name."
"Overland, ma'am."
"Overland?" Mrs. Bennett repeated. Roxy raised a brow. This was the first she'd heard of it too.
"Yeah, it's kind of an old family name, you could say." Jack chuckled. "Sometimes I forget it since everyone just calls me Jack."
"Oh, that's alright. I'm sorry. I guess I'm a little curious since Roxy hasn't told me much about you."
"No worries, Mrs. Bennett. Ask me anything. Roxy's told me plenty about you and Jamie and Sophie, so I feel like I already know you guys."
"Wish I could say the same." She gave Roxy a knowing glance. "At least it's good to know Roxanne mentions her family every now and again."
"Mom!"
"Honey, you know I'm teasing. I am glad that you accepted our invitation, Jack. It'll be so nice having you here for Christmas."
"Thanks for the offer," Jack said. "It feels like an eternity since I last celebrated Christmas."
Roxy saw the word not pass over her mother's eyes. She felt the similar small twinge should her heart. After all, she knew jacket been alone for centuries. What was that of been like? No memory? No one to welcome him home each night? It made her sad thinking about it.
To her surprise, Jack smiled. "So there anywhere you'd like me to put the stuff?" He indicated to his duffel bag.
"Oh, yes! Jamie, be a dear, and show Jack to your room." Jamie nodded and took Jack's hand.
"Come on, Jack. You get to stay in my room."
"Cool." Jack passed Sohpie to Roxy before he got up and followed after Jamie. He walked to the front door just as Jamie was trying to carry Jack's duffle bag upstairs, but Jack was quicker. He grabbed it and placed it over his shoulder. Jamie just laughed and lead them upstairs. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennett sighed, drawing her eldest daughter's attention. Roxy prepared herself for the worst.
"Okay, so what's the verdict?" she asked.
"He certainly seems very nice," Mrs. Bennett noted. "Jamie and him really hit it off."
"Yeah, they are really sweet." Roxy smiled.
"And Sophie seems to like him, don't you dear?" Sophie nodded.
"So… Does he pass inspection?" Roxy asked.
Mrs. Bennett smiled. "This was just the introduction, but the night's still young," she said. "I'm certainly interested to know more about him. Though he seemed a little reluctant talking about his family. Does he mention them often?"
Roxy shrugged. "Not really. We've never talk much about his past."
"Is it painful for him?"
"I think it is." Roxy set her sister on the floor. She twiddled her fingers, unsure how to proceed without revealing too much. "Honestly, I never asked because I wasn't sure if it would be painful. And Jack, he… He's more about fun than worrying about stuff like that. He just goes with the flow. He lives for the moment, and likes to have fun. He also really enjoys seeing others happy."
"Well, that's good". Mrs. Bennett got up and patted Roxy's shoulder. "Well, it's getting close to dinner and I'll bet you're all getting hungry. And since you decided to arrive late, you can help me by setting the table."
Roxy laughed. "Yes Mom."
Meanwhile, Jamie was busy showing off all his stuff to Jack. He couldn't help but smile as he watch the younger boy bounce around explaining all of his knickknacks. Clay figures Jamie sculpted himself, handmade posters and a few scattered toys here and there. He recalled seeing a few of these from Jamie's window on his nightly visits to the Bennett house, but Jack had never gotten much of a look into this room before. It definitely fit the young boy's personality.
"And this one took forever to make," Jamie said, holding up the model.
"Looks good. Maybe you could show me how to make one next time."
"Are you going to make it snow again?" Jamie asked hopefully. "Can we go sledding like last year?"
"Probably not. Got to keep it low profile, okay?" Jack smirked. "Besides, I don't think your sister would like a repeat of last year."
"Awe, she wasn't that mad." Jamie set the model down. "Hey Jack," he said, "how come you look like that? I mean, not that you don't look cool, but…"
Jack chuckled. "Well, you know that your mom wasn't going to be able to see me as Jack Frost, right?"
"Yeah, she said you were just an expression."
That stung a bit. "Yeah so we couldn't have her meet me if she couldn't see me."
"That still doesn't explain this." Jamie pointed to Jack's appearance.
Picking up the chain around his neck, he held it up for Jamie to see. "This little pendent here. Long as I'm wearing it, anyone can see me."
"Whoa! That's so cool! But how come you look so different? I mean, why are your eyes and hair brown like mine?"
"I think because this is what I looked like before the Moon chose me to be a Guardian"
"Oh, I guess that makes sense." Jamie jumped off his bed an walked over to Jack. "You know, you kind a look like me."
"Oh really?" Jack scooped Jamie under his arm, making him laugh. He carried him out of the bedroom toward the bathroom, and turn on the light. He looked at their reflection.
"Ha? Well look at that? We do look a lot alike."
"See! I told you," Jamie said. He tried wiggling himself free. "You could totally pass for my big brother."
"Hey, what are you monkeys up to?" They turned to see Roxy leaning against the doorway. She smiled seeing Jack and her brother, though she hadn't failed to notice Jack had removed his sweatshirt and shoes. He was now wearing a white V-neck undershirt with a brown vest. She thought he looked pretty good.
"Roxy, check it out!" Jamie said, pointing to the mirror. "We could be brothers! Hey, what if Jack is related to us? Wouldn't that be cool!"
"Oh, I hope not," Roxy said, walking to Jack's side. "That'd make things pretty awkward."
"You're telling me." Jack flashed a smile. "Though Jamie does remind me of me sister, and they look similar…"
"Oh, knock it off you." Roxy shoved his shoulder, laughing when he retaliated, wrapping his arm around her waist. She just shook her head. "You goofball."
Jack grinned. "If it makes you blush like that." He nuzzled her nose with his.
Jamie groaned. "Gross! Don't start getting all mushy."
"Oh shush, little brother," Roxy teased, poking his forehead. "Like it or not, I'll be mushy with my boyfriend when I want, no matter how gross it seems to you." She leaned up and kissed Jack's cheek.
"Eww!"
Jack chuckled. "Better start getting used to the idea, Jamie. Someday kissing a girl won't seem so bad."
"Doubtful."
"He's right but don't worry. Enjoy being a kid."
"Right now I feel more like a potato sack," Jamie said. "Jack, you can put me down."
"What, you bored already?" Jack said. He noticed Roxy had that delightful mischievous look in her eye.
"We'll have to fix that." Roxy wiggled her fingers at Jamie.
Jamie squirmed. "No!"
Roxy moved too fast. She caught Jamie and took his from Jack, drawing him close. Her fingers dug into his sides, tickling her little brother mercilessly. "Tickle Monster!"
"No, no! Stop!" Jamie laughed and tried to free himself. He laughed and squirmed under the attack.
"No chance!"
"Jack! H-Help me! Hahahahaha"
"Oh, but Jamie, don't you know? There's only one way to defeat the Tickle Monster," he replied dramatically.
"W-What?" Jamie pleaded. "T-Te-Tell me-me!"
"You got to tickle her back." Jack reached around and caught Roxy with his free arm, getting her in the ribs.
She squealed and pulled back. Once freed, Jamie turned on his sister. "Jack's on my team!"
"Hey! No fair!" Roxy squealed, darting from the bathroom.
"No rules, remember?" Jack taunted, recalling their game from yesterday.
"Let's get her!" Jamie cried, already in pursuit.
"Right behind you." The boys chase Roxy downstairs. The noise startled Abby, making her jump as the trio charged into the living room.
"Abby play?" Sophie looked up. She tilted her head but then smiled. "Play!"
"Hey, no running in the house," Mrs. Bennett called out.
"Sorry Mo-Aaaah!" Roxy's pause had left her open. Jamie tackled her to the couch and begin tickling her.
"Gotcha!" he cried.
"Ha ha, get her, Jamie," Jack called. He walked over to Sophie and picked her up. "You want to get Roxy too?"
"Play, play!" She said.
"Oh? You want to play?" Jack grand before he started tickling her. The tiny girl squealed, kicking and flailing her arms.
Mrs. Bennett walked in to let them know dinner was ready. When she saw the commotion, she laughed. "What's going on?"
"Tickle Monster!" Jack said.
"T-The boys ga-ganged up on on…" Roxy couldn't get a word out. She stopped trying to defend herself and went for Jamie's unguarded sides.
"Aaah!" Jamie struggle but was once again captured.
"Surender and I may spare you," Roxy declared, lightening her tickling so her brother could answer.
"Mercy! I give, I give!" Jamie laughed. Roxy released him and allowed him to catch his breath.
"You were a worthy opponent," Roxie said, her voice taking on a thespian tone. "Though you perhaps you can aid me in the rescue of our sister?"
Jamie grinned, turning towards Jack. "Oh yes, our sister."
"Uh oh!" Jack put Sophie down and backed up. "Come on," he said, "this isn't fair. Only two on one? You don't stand a chance."
"Challenge accepted!" brother and sister cried together.
"Hold it, you three," Mrs. Bennett called out. "Enough roughhousing. Dinner's on the table."
"OK Mom." Jamie hopped off the couch. "To be continued," he whispered.
"Food, food!" Sophie raced after her brother, Abby close on her heels.
Jack laughed. "It's been a long time since I had that much fun."
"Hey, little help?" Jack turned around, smirking at the sight of Roxy slumped over the couch. He reached out to help Roxy up.
"Thanks. You made an excellent Tickle Monster, by the way," she said. "Usually, Jamie gives up faster or he and Sophie gang up on me."
"Well, you are fun to tickle," Jack said, wiggling his fingers.
"Don't even think about it, Frost."
Jack smirked. "I didn't do anything…" He poked her in the side, making her squeak. "… Yet."
"Oh, you're going to be trouble all night." Jack gave her a wink before taking her hand, and leading her into the kitchen. They joined the rest of Roxy's family at the table. Jack helped Roxy into her seat before taking his next to her. Jack was really impressed. Roxy said her mom always went all out for Christmas, but he had not been expecting the meal before him. Glazed ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole. All of it looked really good. True, he technically didn't need to eat, but every once in a while he managed to have something.
Mrs. Bennett had Roxy serve as she began talking again. "So Jack, how long have you and Roxy been seeing each other?"
"Oh, it's been a few months," he said. "Sure the long distance thing can be hard, but we've done our best to keep in touch."
"That must be difficult. I am curious about what made you decide to travel, Jack?"
"You could say it was more of a calling than anything." Jack noticed Roxy trying not to laugh. "Feels like I've been doing in a long time. I must've seen the world about a hundred times."
"Ever think about going back to school?" Mrs. Bennett suggested.
"Oh, I couldn't give it up. While it gets a little lonely being on my own, I honestly couldn't imagine doing anything else," Jack explained. "I get to see new and exciting places, meet some interesting people, and I love the freedom I get when I travel."
"That's all good but you think you can make a career out of?" Mrs. Bennett asked.
"Mom!"
"Roxana, it's a harmless question. You're both eighteen. Time to start thinking about your future."
Roxy pick better food, muttering, "…Great dinner talk."
Seeing the turn this was headed, Jack decided to change topics. "Hey Jamie, what's new with you?"
Jaime swallow a mouthful of potatoes before answering. "Well, I got a new teacher this year. Really nice and he lets us go outside. And I lost another tooth. See!" Jamie open is not mouth and pointed to the gap in his smile.
"Whoa! How'd that happen?"
"Playing baseball over the summer," Jamie stated proudly. "I got hit in the face when Pippa was at bat."
"Ha ha. Hope you got something good for it."
"Yep! A silver dollar."
The conversation fell into a more relaxed setting. Jamie talk more about school, and Roxy mention she might be up for a promotion at work. Mrs. Bennett had a few more questions for Jack, but he and Roxy were able to give her satisfactory answers. After dinner, they all moved into living room to watch Christmas movies. Jack was told it was the Bennett family tradition.
"Jack, since you're our guest, why don't you pick the first," Mrs. Bennett suggested.
"Uh, sure." Jack followed her over to the movie cabinet. There were many choices but they all looked good. He was about to choose one when Sophie bummed into him. They all watched as the little girl began searching through movie collection. She ran through all of them until she found what she was looking for. She gasped and held the VHS tape up in both hands. She then turned and tugged on Jack's pant leg.
"This one! This one!" Sophie looked up at him, her pleading eyes hidden by a curtain of blond hair.
"What you got there, Soph?"
"This one!" she said, holding up the tape higher.
"Sophie, it's Jack turn to pick," Mrs. Bennett softly reprimanded.
"Bet it's the one about the frowning teddy bear," Jamie said. "It's her favorite but kind of dumb."
"Hey, don't knock The Tangerine Bear," Roxy mock scolded. "Everyone's entailed to a favorite. I seem to recall yours was Annabelle's Wish, if I'm not mistaken."
Jamie sputtered. "I-Is not!"
"What's the matter, little brother?" Roxy snickered. "You used to love it when you were five. You said yourself she was the cutest little cow you'd ever seen…"
"Hey! Don't tell Jack that." Jamie pouted, trying not to let anyone see how red his cheeks were.
"No worries, Jamie," Jack said.
"Yeah, I'm just teasing you," Roxy added. "Really, there's nothing to be embarrassed about."
"Tangy! Tangy!" Sophie laughed but then held up the tape again. "But this one. Please Jack?"
"Okay Sophie," Mrs. Bennett said, walking over to her excited daughter. "And which movie have you got there?" She took the tape to examine the title. Mrs. Bennett's smile grew and she looked up. "Well, look at this."
"Which is it, Mom?" Jamie asked.
Mrs. Bennett gave Roxy a knowing look before turning the tape around for all to see. "Roxana, I believe you know this one."
It was Roxy's turn to turn bright red. Of all the videos, Her mother had to pick that one. She inwardly cursed herself for not hiding it. Despite her big speech, there was no way in all the world or the stars beyond that she could allow Jack to see that tape. It would completely humiliate her and she would never hear the end of it for who knows how long. However, Jamie didn't waste any time taking a stab at his sister's expense.
"Oh, Jack will LOVE that one."
"Oh no, I don't think so," Roxy squeaked. "Let's go with the bear. I'm sure we'll all enjoy that one."
"Come on, Roxy," Jamie teased, loving how red his sister was turning. "You're the one who just said there wasn't anything to be embarrassed about…"
"Totally different!" she hissed.
"What's wrong?" Jack asked. He was wondering why it had suddenly caused Roxie to be so nervous.
Mrs. Bennet smiled. "Oh, just one of her guilty pleasures," she said, looking at the tape. "Roxy used to rush home every day after school to watch it when she was a little girl. I remember how excited she was when she got this tape for her ninth birthday."
Roxy wanted nothing more then for a hole to open up in the earth and swallow her up. Or perhaps to be in another battle against a herd of Pitch's Nightmares. At this point, she could care less. Anything was better than the humiliation she would endure if Jack picked that movie.
Jamie got up and took the tape from his mother. "Jack, I think you should pick this," he stated. "It's a movie about–" He could hardly contain his laughter. "–It's about Jack Frost."
Jack's eyes widened and his smile grew considerably. A movie about him? And Roxy was embarrassed to watch it? "Oh, We are so watching it." He looked over his shoulder when Roxy groaned, his grin growing at the sight of her trying to bury her face in a pillow. So, she still has a little fan girl in her? he thought mischievously.
Mrs. Bennett took back the tape and popped it into the VHS player. Everyone took their seats. Jack went to sit by Roxy on the opposite side of the couch. He was about to move closer until a small bundle plopped itself into his lap. Sophie smiled up at him before getting comfortable. Jack sighed. He had thought about scooting closer so he could wrap his arm around Roxy, but he was pinned. Instead, he turned so that he could watch the movie and still keep an eye on Roxy's reaction. Besides it was the first time he ever heard a movie that was made about him.
This is going to be fun.
