A/N- Hey Halloween Thief Lovers! Haha, Alyss Mei and I are here, with the ELEVENTH chapter of Halloween Thief! Wow, I've never co-written or written stories this long! Well, here is the "what happens next" to the bomb! OMG, are you excited? Well, whatever you're feeling, hope you enjoy this chapter! :D
Kim's POV
I…can't…breathe.
I could feel my clothes and hair absorb the freezing cold water. I couldn't take this. As I jumped in the water, I knew I would have hypothermia. You know the feeling you get when you first go in the pool? Cold right? Well when you jump into a lake, the chillness level is much worse. It's like dipping into the arctic waters. Jack and I started swimming up to surface…we've been in the water for 30 seconds, and counting. I couldn't hold my breath any longer…unlike the many talents I have, swimming isn't one of them. As we rose to surface, I inhaled deeply for oxygen. Sweet, sweet air. I saw Jack next to me, and we started swimming to land. He was helping me get on, because again…not a good swimmer.
"Are you okay?" Jack asked, as I climbed onto the ground, coughing up water, and embracing myself for warmth. My teeth were chattering, and I could feel myself vibrating crazily. I've never felt this cold in my life.
"N-n-no…I'm f-f-freezing to d-death…" I said trying to cover my damp cardigan for warmth…but I knew it wasn't helping. I looked over at Jack, and he was as wet as me, with his brown hair damp like a wet mop on his head, and his t-shirt soaked. As for me, my pin-straight blonde hair is now curly, wet blonde hair, with my hair and clothes dripping water everywhere.
"One second," He said. He grabbed the jacket that he took off before we jumped in the lake, and wrapped it around me. This time, I didn't argue with it, because…I needed it.
"H-how are you not c-c-cold?" I asked him.
"I am," He said. "But not as cold as you."
"W-was that an in-insult?" I teased. He laughed and adjusted his jacket on my shoulder. I gave him a grateful smile. I knew it wasn't really the time for jokes, but I was trying to get my mind off of what just happened in the past…thirty seconds. I'm still as confused as to what was happening, and why there was an actual explosive in the dojo, and who could've put that there. I could've sworn I didn't hear anything from the bathroom. All I heard was banging, but I was assuming at the time, that it was just Milton getting beaten again by…well…all of the other guys. Well, it's not my fault that the bathroom is soundproof! Anyway, I don't understand anything that took place. The only thing I do understand is Jack saving my life, and the fact that our beloved dojo is…gone.
"This hasn't been the best birthday for you, hasn't it?" He asked me, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Well, my b-best friend said mean things about m-me, I get weird t-text messages from some stalker I still d-don't know who, my p-parents completely forgot that t-t-today was my b-b-birthday, and our d-dojo is in pieces. You t-tell me?" I stuttered. Even with Jack's warm sweater, I knew my lips were icy blue, and I feel so dizzy, I can barely speak. I could tell I was indeed having hypothermia.
He chuckled. "Kim, I don't know if you still believe me or not… but I'm sorry for what I said. I swear to you, I didn't mean it. If anything you're the opposite of what I said. You're funny…smart….and you're a good friend. I wasn't there for you today. So, I'm sorry." Normally, I would've argued but this time I didn't. In fact, I didn't say anything. I threw my arms around him, and I could tell he almost fell back when I did.
"Jack, you saved my life…how can I not forgive you?" I said squeezing him tightly. For some reason, even with the jacket slipping from my shoulders, I still felt warm.
"I wouldn't forget about you…and see you…explode," He said. I laughed but was almost crying at the same time. In a matter of ten seconds, if he hadn't come for me, or even unlocked the door (which I thought was perverted at first) I would've died. I would've died along with the dojo. But he came for me. Even when I avoided him throughout the day. I let go, and met his eyes, who were deep brown with affection. Now I know, that he really does care…that he was a good friend. What I said to him was wrong. I don't hate him. I never will. And Jack isn't the worst friend ever. He's the best friend anyone could ever have. I…I…
Say it Kim! SAY IT!
I like him.
"Kim…just know no matter what happens, I'll always be there for you," He said, as our eyes locked. I smiled. And I did something that I'd never thought I'd really do.
I kissed him. I actually kissed Jack…and I liked it. As I pulled away, I saw that Jack was smiling. And, so was I.
"W-what?" I laughed.
"You so had a crush on me." He said putting the sweater back on my shoulders, as it had slipped off.
"Hey, c-can't a girl just casually k-k-kiss his g-guy-friend?" I said, smacking him on the head, still stuttering from the chillness. And honestly, I didn't kiss him because I thought he was hot or anything (which he isn't) but I kissed him, as a thank-you-for-saving-my-life kind of thing.
I kissed him because I was thanking him… right?
"No need to smack my head for that, Kim," Jack said, smiling.
"Well, that w-was just my way of s-saying 'thank you,'" I said, smiling. I decided to change the subject. "So, c-can you explain m-me why there w-was a b-bomb attached to the d-dojo in the f-f-first place?"
Jack slowly got up, and reached out a hand. "I think I should explain that on the way home."
"S-so, you're going to knock on your p-parent's door and t-tell them "Hey, m-mom my d-dojo just exploded, b-but no b-biggie…I'm fine!"
He laughed. "Even when you have hypothermia, you still deny your love for me, and have that sarcastic tongue of yours." He said. "Well we have no other choice now, do we? My mom's going to freak out if I'm not home. It's eleven at night. I'll explain on the way home."
"B-but I need to g-get to my home," I said, still on the ground and snuggling up Jack's sweater.
"Kim, your parents aren't home, and you need to be looked after by my mom. She's a doctor; she knows how to deal with hypothermia. And we could use some dry clothes."
"And that is w-why I n-need to get to my h-house." I repeated.
"Okay, tell you what. We'll stop by your house, you get your things, but you're coming to my house, to stay overnight. My mom needs to watch you…having hypothermia isn't a simple thing."
"I d-don't have h-hypothermia," I lied.
"Kim… you're stuttering at almost every word you say, your skin is blue, and you look like you're about to pass out…looks like I'm going to have carry you to my house."
It was true…I was feeling light-headed. I saw his hand, and it was still reached out for me to hold. "F-fine." I said. I took his warm hand and rose up…apparently; I was more light-headed than I thought I was. Jack's hand must have been under a lot of pressure, considering the amount of support I put into it. I could tell that I wasn't stable. And Jack seemed to know that.
"What did I tell you, Kimmy?" He smirked.
"If I had the energy, I would've punched you so hard." I retorted.
"Hey, you can't talk to your boyfriend like that," He said.
"Jack…for the last time that was a friend kiss, okay?" I said.
"Oh, so it's okay if I do this?" He gave me a devilish smile, and lifted my legs and carried me. I laughed...even though his clothes were wet; I gently rested my head on his chest. And for some reason, I didn't argue and scream "put me down!" I started to think about what he said before. Was I his really his girlfriend? I just gave him a kiss! Well maybe, I did do it because I did like him. Maybe I did have a crush on him. But I should first pull myself back into normal, before I think about my love life. I need to work out this whole hypothermia thing and soak in what Jack's about to tell me. The question I've been asking myself repeatedly in my head, ever since I ran out of the dojo with Jack (which was frankly only a couple of minutes ago).
Why is our dojo blown up?
Jack's POV
As soon as I told Kim the story of our scary encounter with Marcus…it looked like she was traumatized…like I was just carrying a body in my hands…with the eyes wide open. Except, she was alive…hopefully.
"W-wait…"Kim said, deep in thought. I was happy that she said something…I was afraid if…you know what never mind.
"What?" I asked.
"So, all those t-t-text messages….and that w-weird phone c-call we got-"
"On Monday." I finished.
"It seemed l-like ages ago," Kim said. I nodded in agreement. It did. It felt like years since I taught Kim how to skateboard. But it's only been a couple of days. "Anyways…so they were all from M-Marcus?"
"I know…I couldn't believe it either."
"But he seemed so n-nice…well until I r-realized that he c-caused my amnesia at j-just the age of n-nine." She said sadly. She looked like she was recollecting all those bad memories, because her skin was even paler than her pale skin from the hypothermia. Okay, we need to get to my house fast…luckily we already got Kim's clothes. But as I looked at her face…I was worried.
"Kim, are you okay?" I asked.
"No…this is all h-happening so f-fast." She said helplessly. "I can't k-keep up with all these t-twists, and s-surprises…and l-loss." She rested her head on my chest again.
"Hey…that's life." I said. "You think I'm fine with all these surprises?"
She looked up at me. "Well…you seem so c-c-calm about it. I m-mean, sure you have your w-worries, but you're t-taking things more…p-p-positively than I am."
"Because I'm moving on…and not going back. I keep moving forward." I said. She gave me an intuitive look.
"J-jack?" She asked me.
"Yeah?"
"You never t-told me about that d-dream you h-had about your g-granddad when you p-passed out…w-what happened?"
I completely forgot about that. I figured…well…this wasn't how I envisioned telling Kim about this…walking to my house, with her in my arms in the night sky, after our dojo got blown up. But, I had to tell her eventually. Might as well tell her now.
"Well, let's just say you're not the only one who's lost loved ones." I began. Kim looked up at me with sympathy.
"Your g-granddad…?" Kim's voice trailed off.
"Yeah," I said softly. "He died from cancer last month. It was hard for my entire family. Even Bobby Wasabi. That's why I was absent from school for a week."
"Okay, f-first of all Jack, I n-need you to let me d-down." She said.
I looked down at her. "Why? You'll just fall…you're still sick."
"I seriously d-don't care." She said. "You've b-been holding me way too l-long, and I w-want to give you advice the r-right way…not when you're c-carrying me…it just m-makes me look w-weaker. Kim Crawford never w-wants to look w-weak. She's strong."
"You know it's creepy to address yourself in a third person?" I teased.
She smacked my head. "J-just let me down." Reluctantly, I put her down, but still held on to her hand…not because we were now possible boyfriend and girlfriend, but because she could fall.
Then my mind went on when she kissed me. She claims it was a thank you gift, but for some reason…I actually liked it. I liked it when Kim kissed me. Looks like she's not the only one who has a crush in mind. But why did she kiss me? Why didn't she just say thank you, or just stop with the hug? Why did she leave me another thing to think about? All these questions whirled around in my head.
"J-jack," She said looking at me right in the eye. "Why didn't you t-t-tell me? It w-was obviously a hard t-time for you…b-but I realized if you t-tell someone, you'll feel t-ten times b-better."
"I don't know," I admitted. "If I told you guys, it would've been a big deal-"
"B-because it is a big d-deal." She stuttered, but with confidence still in her voice. "Your gr-grandfather, the guy who t-taught you karate, the guy who t-technically helped you save that d-dojo, is gone. That's s-something you can't just h-hide to yourself."
"But Kim, look at our dojo now? You call that saving?" I said, my words coming out harsher than I meant.
"Jack, that w-was out of your h-hands." She said. "It was s-something evens the Great Jack Anderson c-couldn't d-do." She smiled. I put my arm around her, no longer gripping her hand.
"You know how to make someone feel better, you know that?" I said.
"It's w-what I do," She shrugged. "But…I'm s-sorry for your loss. L-looks like I'm not alone then. We b-both have our s-sob stories."
"And now, we both have a new one. The story of The Explosion of the Bobby Wasabi Martial Arts Academy….by Jack Anderson. No, literally, Jack Anderson caused the explosion."
She chuckled. "J-jack, its n-not your fault…hey you s-saved my life…but w-what Marcus d-did was out of your h-hands. It's okay. You d-did what you c-could. Now, all we h-have to do is j-just…put p-positive thoughts out th-there in the w-world…and hopefully we c-can get our d-dojo back."
I gave her a smile, and realized we made it to our house. Oh no, now there's another problem to deal with. My mom. I hesitantly ringed the doorbell. Kim and I heard a muffled noise of footsteps growing louder and louder, and…I think a yelp of relief. That must have been my mom. The door opened, revealing my mom with bloodshot eyes and dry tears still on her face. When she saw me and Kim, her eyes widened.
"Oh my goodness, Jack! Kim! You're both okay!" She swept me and Kim in her arms, and was almost jumping for joy. "I thought I lost you like I lost your dad!"
"Mom!" I screamed. "That's enough, thank you!"
She finally let go, but looked at the both of us, wet and cold. "Why are you both wet?"
Kim and I exchanged looks, and she clutched my now wet sweater tighter into her body, and looking down.
"It's a long story," I said, taking Kim inside.
"Oh, you poor things!" My mom squealed, holding Kim's arms.
"I'm fine," I said. "Kim looks likes she has hypothermia…I was thinking we could keep her overnight."
"Oh, I'm more than fine with that," My mom said, looking at Kim in pity. "But is it okay with her parents?"
"Yeah, I d-don't think they w-would c-care." Kim said quickly but quietly. My mom gave her a strange look. Normally girl's parents wouldn't let them sleep at a guy's house. But she still kept a caring look on.
"Alright, sweetie why don't we first run you a nice hot bath, and then you can go lie down in our extra room over there…call me and I'll be right over there, okay sweetie?"
"Th-thank you, M-Mrs. Anderson," Kim said, forcing a kind smile on her face. I gave Kim the bag with the dry clothes in it. She went into the bathroom to take her shower, leaving me and my mom alone. I looked into my mom's eyes and for the first time, I couldn't read them. Was she mad at me? Did she want to cry? Was she relieved? I couldn't tell.
"Jack, honey go take a nice hot bath," She said ushering me into the other bathroom. "I don't want another hypothermia patient."
That's it? That's all? No "Jack Anderson I'm so disappointed in you!"? I took dry clothes from my closet and took a shower, utterly confused, and worried about Kim. I hope she's doing okay. However, after we all see the dojo, I don't think any of us will be okay.
Kim's POV
After taking a hot bath and changing into dry clothes, thankfully I stopped stuttering. I did feel a lot warmer than I did before, but I still felt like snuggling up in a blanket. I walked into Jack's living room, and could smell the scent of cocoa. I looked at the clock, and it was near midnight. But I didn't feel sleepy. All I could concentrate on was the delicious scent coming from the kitchen. Mrs. Anderson came out with a cup in her hands and gave me a warm smile.
"Hey how are you feeling, Kim?" She asked me, handing me the mug of hot chocolate. I sipped it…man this was good. The marshmallows melted on my tongue, and I was feeling better by the minute.
"I'm feeling a lot better, thank you," I said giving her a reassuring smile.
"Okay, Jack's still showering I think, so after hot cocoa why don't I get you to bed and I'll check you out. You seem to look a lot better…your lips aren't blue and your skin seems to be a lot less pale. But I'm just going to check on you to be sure."
"Okay, thank you so much Mrs. Anderson." I said sipping on my milk. She gave me a caring pat on the shoulder.
"No problem, sweetie." She said, giving me a smile. Jack's mom is just as nice as him. I finished drinking the last of the hot milk, and walked to what looked like a guest bedroom. I got under the covers, and almost drifted off to sleep, when I heard a knock on the door. I quickly got up, thinking that it was Jack's mom, when it was actually…
"Jack?" I called, getting up from the comfy pillows. "What are you doing here?"
He gave me a smile and walked into the room and took a seat on the bed. "Well, believe it or not Kim, I actually live here!" I gave him a playful shove.
"Very funny, Jack," I said.
"I was just checking on you…I was worried." He said feeling my forehead. "You're burning up, Kim, you must be sick."
"Hey, I'm not…." But my voice trailed off, as my nose was tickling…and I sneezed. Jack gave me a look.
"Okay, maybe I am sick," I said, wiping my nose.
"You better not kiss me with that chest cold." He said. I shoved him.
"For the last time, we are not going to be dating, okay? God, a girl gives one kiss and ultimately leads to love and relationships."
"Even after kissing me, you still can't admit your feelings for me? Wow, Kim just wow." He said shaking his head.
"Jack, why does the girl always have to have the feelings for the guy? What if you have a crush on me?" I was smiling, hoping to convey that this conversation isn't "serious" but that we're just joking around with eachother.
"Maybe I do," He said facing me. My smile faded away. Did Jack just admit that…he liked me?
"You do?" I asked him.
"Let's just say after saving your apple on the first day I met you I kind of did think you were…kind of….nice," He said, with a shy smile.
"Looks like I'm not the only one who has a hard time expressing their feelings!" I said laughing.
"So you do have feelings for me!" Jack said, pointing at me.
"Hey, so do you!" I said, coughing a little bit.
"Well one thing I know for sure is that the reason why I'm so overprotective of you is because I care about you. That is something I can admit."
"I know you care." I said, now sitting closer to him than before. "Maybe when I kissed you…it wasn't just because of the fact I wanted to say 'thanks for saving my life.'"
"Well, since we're confessing…" He sat even closer to me. "I liked it."
"You did?" I breathed.
He nodded. I smiled. I found myself staring into his eyes for a long time. And then…Jack starts leaning in…oh my god, he's about to kiss me. Kim, should you back away? Should you enjoy it? Think fast Kim…think—
"Alright Kim, let's see if…Jack what are you doing?" I hear a voice. I quickly back away from Jack, and see Mrs. Anderson standing at the door, confused.
"Uh…I…he…" I attempted.
"I was just checking to see if she had a fever." Jack said. "And she's burning up. She probably has a chest cold."
"Oh…well Jack, you can go to your room now, I'll just give Kim her free doctor's advice."
Jack got up and gave me a wave. "See you in the morning. Hope you get better."
I gave him a wave and smiled. "Bye." He rushed out of the room…I saw that his cheeks were red, flushed with embarrassment. I could feel my cheeks burning up as well. But it's probably from the fever.
"Alright Kim, I'm just going to check your temperature." She stuck a thermometer in my mouth, and in a matter of seconds the thermometer beeped. Usually, that's not good. Jack's mom took it out of my lips and looked at it. Her eyes widened.
"Ooh, you have a 104 temperature…that's not good. It's effect from swimming in cold water. What were you guys doing?"
"It's a really long story…I think Jack would do a good job of explaining." I said guiltily.
"I'll ask him. But for now, looks like your symptoms of hypothermia have worn off, but you have high fever…maybe if I just give you some medicine, you should be fine by morning. Here take this." She handed me a pill, and gave me some water to help swallow it. I took the pill and slurped down the water.
"Now, it'll make you pretty drowsy, just a heads up." She said.
"So, will I be better by morning?" I asked resting my head on the pillow.
"Sweetie, you should be fine by tomorrow…I guarantee that." She gave a smile.
"Thanks for everything, Mrs. Anderson. It means a lot." I said. She gave me a kiss on the forehead.
"Kim, you're practically family to me…just remember you can tell me anything. Good night." She left the room, and flicked the light switch off. For once, I didn't feel alone. Even though I did love my parents, I felt that Jack's mom took more importance to me for one little thing, than my parents ever did their whole life. Jack' mom was just like Jack. Nice…caring…loyal…trustworthy. I almost felt glad to have them as a part of my life. Slowly, with the drowsiness of the medicine I drifted off to sleep…but even though the medicine was strong, I still twisted and turned in the bed, feared of the result of the dojo. How's it going to look like? How is Rudy going to react? Then I realized something…something I didn't realize from all the shock and confusion.
The Bobby Wasabi Martial Arts Academy is…gone. For good.
A/N- Whoa! Can you believe what's been happening? It's even a shock to Jack and Kim! Speaking of which….Kim kissed Jack? AND SHE'S STILL IN DENIAL! Or is she? And does Jack feel the same way? Hmm….and Kim having hypothermia! Also…did Jack forget something? Something by the lake? What's going to happen to it? Stay tuned for the twelfth chapter! REVIEW! Thanks SO MUCH!
PEACE. LOVE. HAPPINESS.
-Taylor and Alyss Mei.