Chapter 13: There's No Place Like Home
(Will's POV)
"Oww, oww! Easy on the wrists Jack," I scolded as Jack pulled me through the alcove.
"Sorry," he apologized. He pulled me through and set me down on the floor. I didn't have time to settle in when Sally suddenly hugged me, almost throwing me off balance.
"Oh Will, are you alright?" she asked.
"Yeah I'm good. Thanks for the attack," I said and hugged her back. We stepped back and then I turned and gave Jack a hug as well, only I got his legs since he was so dang tall. "You're not getting out of an attack either, Mister. Did ya have to take so long getting here?"
"I apologize but in my defense I did have to travel from the Human Realm to get here."
The Mayor cleared his throat and got our attention. "I hate to interrupt but we must return to Halloween Town at once."
"All right Mayor, we're coming," Jack said. We all followed Lock, Shock, and Barrel out of the casino lair. Jack and I hung in the back. I wanted to talk to him before his mind wrapped too far around the idea of getting back to Halloween Town. Besides, I still wanted to know what he was going to say to Sally before the Mayor showed up. I felt a nudge on my shoulder. Turning around I saw Zero with my backpack in his mouth. I'd forgotten Oogie snatched when I was unconscious.
"Thanks, Zero." I gave him a pat on the head before slipping my arms in the straps.
"Umm Will?" Jack asked. "Why are you covered in blood?"
I looked down and laughed. "Oops. Forgot I was still a mess. It's not real blood. I was being the distraction for Sally earlier, and I didn't want to ruin the sweater she made me. I'll clean up back at your house." Jack laughed although he still looked confused. That's when I saw my chance.
"So Jack? I couldn't help but wonder, just what were you going to say to Sally back there?"
"Oh, that," he said. "I was just going to say I never realized how much she cared about me."
"Of course she cares," I told him. "How could she not? When she told me about her vision, I knew I had to help her stop you. Although the plan kinda backfired on us. No offense but you can be a real bone head sometimes."
"What do you mean?"
"If I recall, Sally tried several times to tell you taking over Christmas was a bad idea. Do you want me to reenact when Sally first tried to tell you, and you blew her off for a Santa suit?"
"No but I just don't understand. No one else seemed to think it was a bad idea. Everyone was thrilled to celebrate Christmas."
"Exactly! But in case you didn't notice, Sally's different. She doesn't go around fawning over the all-terrifying Pumpkin King. Sally is more concerned about Jack Skellington. She values what you have to say and knows exactly how you feel..." I quickly shut my mouth. Getting into personal territory that I wasn't permitted to tell.
But it was too late. I could see it on his face. Jack had defiantly heard that last part and he stopped walking just before we were two feet from the Mayor's hearse. Neither of us had even realized we had left the tree house. I kept moving and joined the others. The Mayor and Sally occupied the front seat, so I decided to join Lock, Shock, and Barrel on top of the hearse. This was going to be a long drive.
XXX
(Jack's POV)
As we drove back to Halloween Town I couldn't stop thinking about what Will had said. Sally knew how I felt? But how could that be? Sure I always felt like I could talk with her, and just be myself when she was around. I began to think about all the time we had spent together recently. Soon I was reminded of all those times we were alone together, especially that night Will had tricked us into standing under the mistletoe; I began to think of how I felt when we had kissed. It was as if, for just a moment, I'd forgotten about all my problems with Halloween and Christmas. And then back when I fought Oogie Boogie, seeing Sally in danger had really set me off. I didn't care about anything but getting Sally out of danger. When we got back to town, and all this fuss was over, I was going to make sure I talked to her. We really did have a lot to talk about now.
We pulled up to the Main Gate and the Mayor honked his horn to alert the Gate Keeper of our arrival. I had to duck as the gate opened and we drove into the Town Square. Suddenly, everyone was awaken from their nightmares and started gathering around us. Everyone started shouting when they saw us.
"Jack?!"
"Jack's back?"
"Jack?"
"Jack's okay!"
"He's alright!"
Suddenly they all burst out into song.
GROUP
Jack's okay
And he's back, okay
CHILD CORPSE AND GROUP
He's alright
MAYOR AND CHORUS
Let's shout make a fuss
Scream it out
I stepped off the hearse and made my way up the stairs to Town Hall. I paused as I felt a small weight on my leg. I looked down to see the Corpse Kid clinging to my leg. I reached dow to pick him up, tossed him in the air and set him down on the Mayor's hat before shaking the politician's hand.
GROUP
Jack is back now everyone sing
In our town of Halloween
"Its great to be home!" I shouted over the crowd. Everyone cheered until another voice was heard, a "ho, ho, ho" sound. Everyone looked toward the sky to see Sandy Claws flying over the town, bringing Halloween Town's first snowfall.
"Happy Halloween!" Santa shouted from his sleigh.
"Merry Christmas!" I shouted and waved back. Then I looked around as all my friends marveled at the snow.
CHILD CORPSE
What's this?
CYCLOPS
What's this?
HARLIQUIN DEMON
I haven't got a clue
MR. HYDE
What's this?
CLOWN
Why it's completely new
GHOST
What's this?
WOLFMAN
Must be a Christmas thing
MAYOR
It's really very strange
GROUP
What's this?
What's this?
I looked around as everyone enjoyed Halloween Town's first snowfall. The vampires were playing ice hokey with broomsticks and a pumpkin. The behemoth and the Undersea Gal were making snow angels, and everyone else was running around in the snow. I even tried catching a few snowflakes, until a snowball smacked me right in the face. I opened my eyes to find Lock, Shock, and Barrel laughing and hiding behind the well.
I laughed and then, seeing movement from the corner of my eye, lifted my leg to avoid the Mummy as he rolled the Corpse Kid into a large snowball. I watched the youngsters until I heard the distinct voice of Doctor Finklestein. "Careful my precious jewel."
I turned, expecting to see the doctor with Sally. Instead a tall creature that looked exactly like him was wheeling Doctor Finklestein, only it was obviously female with blonde hair and green coat with a spotted fur trimmed collar. I gasped and then began looking around for Sally. I spotted her quietly slipping away from the crowd out the gate, into the graveyard. Why wasn't she staying? Had she seen the doctor with his new creation? Zero floated to my side and we watched as Sally's form disappeared. Then I felt a tap on my arm. I turned to see Will standing behind me with a warm smile on her face.
"Well? What are you waiting for?" she asked me. She gestured her head toward the direction Sally had just disappeared into. "Go get her."
"But I don't…" I tried to say.
"Jack, for once, stop over thinking things. Haven't you realized by now how Sally feels about you? So quit standing here and go. You shouldn't make her wait too long ya know."
"Bu-But what do I say to her?" This was all so new to me. Sally and I had always just been friends, but now there was something more, something much more between us. It made me feel really good, but very nervous. Actually it made me feel something I never thought I'd feel. I was the Pumpkin King. I wasn't supposed to get… scared.
Will continued to smile and looked at me with her mischievous eyes. "Just say what's in your heart. Something tells me you'll know what to say when you see her."
"How do you know that?" I asked.
"Because…" she smiled, "you're meant to be." She took a step back and acted like she was waiting for something. Meant to be? I liked the sound of that. Suddenly I knew just what I had to do. I took a step and then made my way into the graveyard.
It took me a while but I found her. I had a sudden sense of déjà vu as I spotted Sally atop of Spiral Hill. It brought me back to the night I discovered Christmas Town. I had come to the graveyard to escape, and had sung a lament about how bored and alone I felt. And now here I was, watching as Sally sat there in the snow, so similar to how I'd been that night. She was sitting in the snow picking petals off a flower.
Just say what's in your heart. Something tells me you'll know what to say when you see her. Will's words repeated themselves in my head. Looking at her, there were so many things I wanted to say, but how to begin? I'd never done anything like this before. But as I looked at Sally, her silhouette against the moon, she looked utterly breathtaking. Before I knew what I was doing, I stepped forward and began to sing.
My dearest friend, if you don't mind
I'd like to join you by your side
Where we can gaze into the stars
She seemed surprised at first, but then she smiled at me. I eagerly walked up the hill to join her. And to my surprise and delight, she rose and began to sing with me. Oh, she had such a beautiful voice.
And sit together, now and forever
For it is plain as anyone can see
We're simply meant to be
I took her small hands in mine as I stared into her eyes. Oh how could I have been so blind? I always admired Sally for her cleverness, but now as I looked at her, how could I not have seen just how hauntingly beautiful she was? The way her eyes shone in the moonlight, or how her hair shimmered like red autumn leaves. Just being this close to her, I felt a warm feeling spreading through my bones. It was even better than when I first discovered Christmas Town. I never wanted this wondrous feeling to end.
I felt our joined hands lower and it was as if we were reacting purely on instinct. We stepped closer and as I wrapped my arms around her waist and lower back, Sally's arms came around my neck. I felt myself being pulled to her and my gaze fell to her devil red lips. And then it happened. I lowered my head as she tilted hers upwards and our lips met in a sweet, passionate kiss. Oh her lips were even softer than I'd imagined. We swayed for a moment, completely lost in our rapturous kiss.
Reluctantly, I felt us pulling away. I removed my arms from her waist and took her hands in mine once more. At that moment I realized what I had been missing all along. I found the filling to the emptiness that had been growing inside of me. And I intended to let her know just what she meant to me, even if it took the rest of eternity.
"Sally."
"Yes, Jack?"
"I … I love you."
"Oh Jack…" Her eyes misted over with unshed tears and her smile just about melted my bones. "I love you too."
Hearing her say those words, I couldn't hold back. I released her hands and cupped them around her face, and kissed her again. I sighed as I felt her kiss me back. This truly was the greatest night of my life.
XXX
(Will's POV)
Well I'm happy everything turned out alright in the end, but there was still one problem: How do I get home?
Since the movie ended with Jack and Sally's kiss and Zero flying off into the night, then technically I should have gone home by now. Yet here I was, still in Halloween Town. I walked around and smiled at the passing monsters. Finally I managed to walk all the way back to Skellington Manor. I went inside and found Mogwai asleep on the couch.
I shook my head. Taking off my backpack, I took out a clean shirt and shorts. I headed for the bathroom and washed the dirt and fake blood out of my hair, and off my skin. After I changed, I put my dirty clothes in my pack. Then I joined my sleeping puppy on the couch. It had been a long night and I was exhausted. As I sat there I began to wonder when Jack and Sally would be back. They were probably going to talk for a while, but if Jack was brining her back here I didn't want to be a third wheel. Well, no sense in being bored. I got off the couch and rummaged threw my pack until I found one of the books I'd stuffed down there. I smiled and returned to the couch to read Nightshade while I waited.
About an hour or two later I heard the front door open. I smiled as I heard Jack and Sally coming up the stairs, laughing. They walked into the room, Jack's arm around Sally's shoulders, and only paused when they spotted me.
"Oh, Will," Jack said. "H-How long have you been there?"
"Awhile," I told him. "So, I see things went well." I couldn't resist and winked.
Sally blushed and Jack scratched the back of his skull. "Yes, well umm..."
"Say no more, I know when I'm not needed." I picked up my book, sleeping bag, and tired dog, and made my way towards the tower. Turning back over my shoulder, I told them, "I'll leave you two kids alone, but remember: I'm right upstairs so no getting too comfortable."
Both skeleton and rag doll bushed/blanched in embarrassment, while I quietly chuckled all the way upstairs. I found a nice spot by the window and settled down for the night. I was just finishing another chapter when Zero flew in. He barked once to get my attention.
"Hey boy. Get a little crowded down there with the love birds."
"Arf!"
"Ha, ha. Well, you better get used to it. I gotta feeling this sorta thing will happen a lot more often. But you can crash here with me and Mogwai tonight." Zero barked his approval and settled down next to his buddy. I smiled and decided to join the two pups for a peaceful slumber.
XXX
The following morning I awoke to the smell of pancakes. I rolled out of my sleeping bag and followed my nose into the kitchen where I spotted Sally busying herself at the stove. She turned and greeted me with a smile. "Good morning Will. Did you sleep well?"
"Like the dead," I smiled back, "if you'll pardon the pun. Mmm, smells great. Whatcha cooking?"
"Pumpkin pancakes. Jack's still asleep, so I thought I'd make breakfast."
"Need any help?"
"Sure. Could you set the table."
"Sure thing." I was just about to get the plates when Sally hugged me. I returned the hug and asked, "What's this for?"
Sally leaned back to look at me and said, "To thank you. For all that you did for us."
"It was nothing. You needed my help and I did what I could. Although I'm guessing my help wasn't needed last night."
Sally blushed and released me to finish the pancakes. I giggled and resumed to the task at hand, setting the table. Soon there was a fresh stack of pancakes waiting to be devoured. And apparently, I wasn't the only one who thought they smelled delicious. Soon Jack, Zero, and Mogwai found their way into the kitchen.
"And just what have you two been up two this morning?" Jack asked from his spot in the doorway.
"Sally made breakfast."
"Is that so?" He walked over and wrapped Sally in his arms before giving her a peck on the cheek. "What a thoughtful woman my Sally is."
"Oh Jack," she blushed.
I smiled and shook my head. Oh yeah, they were defiantly in the first stage of a new relationship. After they said their good mornings, we all sat down at the table for breakfast. And boy was it delicious. Way better than the Christmas food I'd been eating for the last month and a half. Both Jack and I showered Sally with compliments on the food. Even Zero and Mogwai were lucky enough to each receive a pancake. We were all enjoying Sally's cooking when there was a knock at the door, followed by the scream of the doorbell.
"I'll get it. Excuse me ladies." Jack rose from his seat and left the room to answer the door. It was probably the Mayor coming to see if Jack was finally ready to discuss next year's Halloween plans. Sally and I were just finishing breakfast when we heard Jack downstairs.
"Oh my…"
"Who is it Jack?" Sally asked.
"Sally, Will. Could I see you both in the living room?" Sally and I both looked at each other, quite puzzled, but we followed Jack's instructions. However, we were very surprised to see who was with Jack as we entered the room.
"Hello Willa," Santa smiled at us. "Sally, it's nice to see you again."
"Mr. Clause, what are you doing here?" Sally asked.
Santa smiled but looked at me. "I came to see you, Willa my dear. I was sitting in my workshop when I remembered I had promised to take you home on Christmas Eve."
"But Santa, isn't that going to be a problem now?" I asked him. "After all, Christmas was yesterday."
"I'm well aware of that my dear," he stated. "And that is why I brought you this." He handed me a small green box wrapped in a silver ribbon.
"Thank you." I took the box and undid the bow. Inside was a beautifully carved wooden key. It looked like it was made from dark oak wood, and it was shaped like an old vintage skeleton key. I looked back at Santa and asked, "It's beautiful, but what's it for?"
The jolly old elf chuckled. "It is very special. Seeing you defending you're friends, I assumed you would want to continue visiting them. And as Jack learned, one can travel to other holiday realms through the Holiday Doors, but you, Will, were brought into Christmas Town by accident. After I returned from delivering all my presents, I decided to investigated the trees from my realm. Since they act as a kind of gateway to another world, I thought I could make a device that would allow you to return home. So I made this key from the bark of the Halloween Holiday Door."
"So if I use this key, I can come visit Jack and Sally whenever I wanted?" If he'd made it from the Halloween Door, then wouldn't that mean I could also return to Halloween Town and visit Jack and Sally? Huh? Suddenly I felt like I was in a scene from Scary Godmother.
"Just place it in any door in your world and this key will open it into this one," Santa instructed. "I'll admit, I'm still disgruntled with you, Jack," he cast a quick glare at the skeleton, "but Will and Sally have shown me that there is hope for this town
"Well, I'm sure Jack has learned his lesson about taking over other holidays." I quickly leaned in so only Santa could hear me and whispered, "But any chance you could get Sally one of the monkey leashes parents use for kids?"
Santa let out a strong laugh and smiled at me. "Perhaps. But for now I think it's about time you were heading home. And speaking of home, I'd better be on my way. This is my only day off for the entire year. Oh, just one more thing." Santa walked over and handed me another gift. It was a white cloth doll in a white ragged gown, with big eyes and black hair that looked like one of the troll dolls.
"I believe your friend wanted one of these toys. This was the only one I could salvage, not to mention it is the only harmless toy of Jack's terrifying creations." And with that Santa smiled, bid us all good bye, and left. I was completely stunned. How had Santa known that Al had wanted one of Jack's toys? Guess it just came with being Santa Claus.
I turned back to Jack and Sally. "Well, I guess I'd better be getting going too."
"I guess," Jack said. I noticed both he and Sally looked a little sad. It made me feel sad too. Part of me didn't want to say good-bye to my new friends. But another part of me knew I had to go home. "I'm really gonna miss you guys."
"It's been wonderful to have you Will," Sally said, "and thank you for everything."
"Aww, I didn't do anything." I couldn't help but notice she had gotten just a tad closer to Jack. "You guys would have been fine even if I hadn't dropped in."
Soon I gathered up my things and turned back to my friends. It was hard to have to say good-bye. Even Mogwai and Zero were having trouble letting the other go. I gave Jack and Sally each a hug, and patted Zero on the head. Then I picked Mogwai up in one hand and grabbed my key in the other.
"Well, good-bye everyone. Maybe we'll see each other again. But try to stay out of trouble, okay Jack?"
"I promise," he said, wrapping his arm around Sally's shoulder. She smiled and waved at me.
I waved back with my key hand and then turned to the door. Taking a deep breath, I placed the key in the lock and turned the handle. A shaft of light began to glow and I opened the door and stepped threw into the blinding radiance.
XXX
I stepped through the door to find myself walking into my living room. The sun was shining so it was clearly morning. I took out my phone and saw that the date had changed by only one day, but at least I was back in my own time. Mogwai wriggled out of my grasp and began prancing about the room, happy to be home. So far everything seemed as if nothing had happened. I absentmindedly slipped the key into my pocket and began setting my things down. I was just about to open my pack when I heard a wrapping at my door. I opened it to find Al standing there with a worried look on her face.
"Hey.. Eh!." She immediately started shaking my shoulders and was screaming at me.
"Where the hell have you been, Missy! I stayed up all night and I never once saw you in the movie. So I waited for you to call, but do I hear anything? NOOOO! Nada! Zilp! So I hopped into Bosco and drove all the way here on only one cup of coffee, just to find you smiling and acting like nothing happen?! CONFESS!"
I put my hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye. "Ally, chill. If you take a deep breath, and let me go, I think I have something that will answer all your questions."
She did as I told her and released me. I walked over to my pack and pulled out the doll Santa had given me. Then I walked back and handed her the doll. "And a very happy belated birthday to you. I was going to give you a chainsaw, but three certain little brats broke it."
Al took the doll and began examining from all sides.
"It is accepted and YOU ARE FORGIVEN!" I felt the wind get knocked out of me as Al pounced on me in the tightest hug of my life. And then she let me go and started babbling about how her day was. It's like I never even left.
After about a good six minutes, Al waited as I repacked some fresh clothes in my pack and then helped me load my stuff into her car. I ran back into the house and made sure all the doors and windows were locked. Then I checked for the note my mother as supposed to leave for my brother, Thomas. He was looking after the house while I was with Al and Kat. I found it next to the phone and, after saying good-bye to Mogwai, I joined Al out in her car. Once I was buckled, Al started the car and we were off to the cabin. As I sat there I felt the key in my pocket. I slipped it out and began examining it.
"So tell me," Al asked as she pulled onto I-5. "What was it like being in Halloween Town?"
I smiled and looked down at the key in my hand. If it weren't in my hand, I probably would have thought the whole thing had been a dream. But it had really happened. I had gone into one of my favorite Tim Burton movies, met some of my favorite characters, battled an evil villain, and even gave romantic advice to a skeleton and a rag doll. It would be one adventure I wouldn't forget any time soon, and I couldn't wait to go back.
Tucking my key back into my pocket, I turned to face my best friend. "Ally girl, where do I even start?"
The End
XXX
GodlyJewel: Well, there you have it folks. My story is finished. I hope you all have enjoyed it and will leave many reviews. Once again I'd like to thank Cosmic Horse for participating and contributing to my story. Oh, and one more thing. There may be a sequel to this. After all, Al had been begging me to let her come to Halloween Town…