It took Jack only a week and a bit to return back to Burgess. The week had gone by fast because the feeling of loneliness had subsided when I was with Alvern. Alvern reminded me a little of Jack; he was fun and energetic. My parents also seemed to like him, as did Bribry, and that was good enough for me.

I was in the meadow with him, just talking about the different countries and how beautiful each one was.

"Let me show you something," he said. Snow had not yet fallen in Burgess, but it was frosty and cold. Alvern picked up a flower which was long dead. He held it in his palm and I stared curiously at it. Slowly, the brown colour of decay began to leave the flower and colour began to flow back into it. I gasped as the petals opened up and the flower was alive again. I smiled and took the flower from Alvern's hand.

"Let me show you something," I said. I thought slowly of death and in my palm the little flower began to die again.

"You and I are complete opposites," Alvern pointed out. "I bring things to life and you kill them... It's weird."

That's when something cold, white and fluffy landed right in front of me, in between Alvern and I. I focused on the snow drop for a second before I grasped what it meant. My mouth stretched into a smile. Jack was home. I turned around looking for any sign of him but could not see him. The snow began to fall faster and my heart pace picked up. Where was he? I frowned when I saw no sign of him, when–

I screamed as cold white snow hit off my back, full force. My scream turned to a laugh when I turned and saw Jack behind Alvern. Alvern turned and ducked as a snowball zoomed in his direction. The snowball landed at my feet and I chuckled.

"Jack!" I exclaimed happily. I flew over and threw my arms around him, feeling happier than I had since he left. Don't get me wrong: Alvern's company made me happy too, but it was different with Jack. Jack laughed into my ear and hugged me back. I let go and he looked curiously over at Alvern. "Jack, this is-"

"Alvern," Jack finished. "Alvern, the spirit of spring. I haven't seen you in a very long time. What brings you here?"

"Well, I did hear of a new spirit, and curiosity got the better of me," Alvern replied. Jack was frowning and I suddenly felt like an idiot... It really would be difficult to have a guy friend when I have a boyfriend. "I've been talking to Sophie while you were gone. She just showed me that power of hers when you showed up."

"Really? Um... Great, I guess," Jack said. He was still frowning over at Alvern, but he quickly changed it into a grin. "Did she show you her lightning power, then? It's pretty wicked, to be honest. She hasn't used it in a few months now."

"Lightning powers?" Alvern mused. "That's impressive." He shook his head. "No. She didn't show me that one. Mind showing me now?" He looked at me pleadingly and I chuckled. It was nearly impossible to say no to any guy when they gave you a puppy dog look. He grinned at me.

"Fine. But stand back," I warned him. Jack and Alvern stood behind me, away from my line of fire. I focused on a tree right in front of me, held out both my hands and closed my eyes. I could feel a shock of power course through my body and make its way to the palms of my hands which were faced out towards the tree. I opened my eyes in time to see a blinding white flash erupt from my hands. There was a loud bang as the lightning hit the tree. I heard a gasp behind me. I didn't look to see the expression on Alvern and Jack's faces. My heart was racing. My power was getting stronger, I knew it. I've never felt like this before. My arms tingled.

Finally, I turned to face Jack and Alvern's impressed expressions. I smiled, feeling a little proud of myself. It's not everyday I can impress two guys at once. Actually, that's never happened before, if I recall correctly.

"That. Was. Amazing," Alvern said, his eyes wide. Just as I was about to respond, my father came panting towards us.

"Soph! Jack!" he exclaimed. "It's Pippa- she's gone into labour!"

"What?" Jack and I said in unison. I continued on myself, "there's still three weeks left before the due date!" I could feel the panic rising up through my body. All I could think about was Jamie and how stressed he would be. "We'll meet you at the hospital," I told him. "Sorry, Alvern." I took Jack's hand and together we flew up into the air. The closest hospital was about a ten minute flight from where we were.

Talk about a crazy day. Jack comes home and now Pippa's in labour. I couldn't believe it. I hoped Jack didn't make the roads too treacherous. They would be okay, I told myself. I still hadn't let go of Jack's hand. I guess he knew I was nervous as he gave my hand a gentle squeeze. I gave him a wry grin.

We landed in front of the hospital and ran in. My mother was waiting by the entrance for us. "Room 102," she whispered to us. We thanked her and ran to the room. We waited outside on the chairs, both of our hearts racing. This was it. I would be an aunt and a godmother. I couldn't wrap my mind around it. I could feel the adrenaline rush through my body. I felt like I just drank twenty cups of coffee and added a Red Bull in, just to be sure. Inside, the birth of my niece or nephew was happening. I couldn't stop smiling.

My father and mother joined us five minutes later. My fathers face was white, while sweat beaded across my mothers forehead. "I'm going to be a grandmother," she kept muttering to herself. I smiled at her.

"Jamie's going to be a dad," I heard Jack mumble. He chuckled a little. I could tell, like me, Jack was anxious. To Jack, Jamie is family and nothing like this has happened to him for a very long time. I knew his nerves were definitely at him.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

It felt like time slowed down. We waited for what felt like hours; I wasn't keeping track of time.

Eventually, the door opened and my heart stopped for a second. Jamie came out, his eyes sparkling. His face was pale, but slowly regaining colour. His mouth was stretched into a smile that I knew wouldn't be gone for hours. I smiled back at him, eager to see my niece or nephew. I was happy.

"Who wants to see Ben?" Jamie asked. I squealed eagerly and followed him back inside. My parents were pushing as eagerly as I was to get in to see Ben. My smile grew wider when I saw the baby in Pippa's arms. His eyes were closed, and he was so small. He looked so fragile; I was afraid if I ever held him I would break him. A lump formed in my throat; wow, I was emotional

"Ben Bennett," Jack said softly. I swallowed, trying to get rid of the lump. Slowly, it subsided and I just stared in awe at the baby. My mother and father walked over beside Pippa's bed. Pippa handed my mother the baby. My mother looked so happy, her eyes taking in every inch of her grandchild. My dad leaned over her shoulder, adoring Ben. The silence that passed wasn't an awkward one, but a silence of awe, it seemed. All we wanted to do was love the child before us.

"Do you want to hold your nephew, Sophie?" Jamie asked from beside me. I gasped; they would allow me to hold him? Now? My mind buzzed. This was so surreal. I nodded slowly and walked over to my mother. She handed him over and I took the child in my own arms. My heart filled with joy as I stared down at Ben. Jack stood behind me, peering carefully over at the baby.

"BenBen," he said.

Hey guys! Okay. Sorry for the long wait; I haven't been feeling well. I'm still not. :( I'll reply to comments later on in the week, it's late here and I have to go to bed. Double geography in the morning- oh, what joy! :/:L

Anway, I'll also reply to guest comments in the next chapter.

Ive been dealing with stupid writers block, so sorry for the short chapter and whatever. Hope you like BenBen. :P

Slán le grá!:)