Chapter 4: Jack

Catherine told the doctors what she heard, but they didn't consider it a major problem, and thought it would "probably stop with time." She still wasn't sure when she left, but she couldn't stay forever. Her payment was no problem, as she was very "well off." Her job wasn't really as easy as most would think, but she enjoyed it nonetheless. And after three nights of silence, she felt pretty good. But it was still bothering her. How could I "hear" something I've never heard before in my life? My mind just didn't dream it up. No, I'm just making a fuss. It was an illusion, like the doctors said, it stopped with time. But something still was amiss. And she was nearly positive she couldn't dream up the skeleton-man.

However, the human mind is easily distracted, and she returned to life as usual, almost completely forgetting the accident. Soon enough, it was Christmas time, and Catherine seemed to glow. She had always loved Christmas, ever since she was a girl. She personally decorated everything in her house and the workplace. Others seemed to absorb some of her spirit as it radiated off of her. She erased all thoughts of Halloween and became her usual self again.

However, the same could not be said for Jack. He still seemed lonesome and the town was starting to worry. He was becoming a recluse. They began to think he didn't care about next year's Halloween...

"Zero, what should I do?" The dog's empty eyes only looked up in confusion as he tilted his head. "Never mind." Jack sat down in a slump, leaning his skull on his hands and let out a deep sigh. Zero didn't like his master so gloomy, even if he was a skeleton. The ghost dog flew over to his bed and grabbed something that would hopefully cheer up his master. "What is it, Zero?" Between the dog's jaws was a red and white candy cane. Zero was saving it for this year.

"Oh my goodness! I forgot about Christmas! What day is it?" He ran through the house to a calendar hung on the wall with a spider's web. "Why, it's Christmas Eve! Let's go visit Sandy, come on Zero!" The two rushed out of the house, blowing back some of the residents who had been gazing into the mansion. "I can't wait to see what Sandy's got this year." His mind completely forgot all his worries and prepared for Christmas. Even though he admitted to mucking things up a bit one year, he still loved Christmas time, and that special feeling one gets.

Once through the door, he gazed out, seeing the wonder and cheerfulness he had seen the first time he set foot in Christmastown. Zero fell into Jack's arms and barked happily. Jack smiled and set the dog down in order to greet the two elves coming to him.

"Jack, Jack!" They were excited to see him, "We were afraid you wouldn't come." They all shared smiles for a moment until the elves remembered, "Oh, Jack! Santa wants to see you, come on!" The three of them ran down the hill, Zero floating close behind. Upon entering the busy toyshop, Santa spotted them and called them over, list in hand.

"Jack. I want you to come with me tonight." Jack's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "I've heard you haven't been yourself, and I thought this might help."

"Thank you so much! I can't believe it!" He hopped in, is long wiry legs poking out. Santa got in after checking his list one last time. Zero stayed behind, unsure of the outcome of this ride. The elves waved goodbye, flailing their arms in the air. "Take care of Zero until we get back!" The reindeer pulled the sleigh skyward, soon out of sight.

Things went smoothly, Jack kept the toys in check as Santa slid down each chimney. Nearing completion Santa stopped, "Oh, I almost forgot. Jack, this is a special visit."

"What do you mean?"

"This one isn't like my usual stops. This one is a grown-up."

"Why stop?"

"Because she always leaves me something nice. One year it was cake, another it was brownies... She still believes, somewhere inside. And this year, I have something special to give back."

"What is it? Who is it for?"

"You're not going to like it, but I think you'll thank me later. Be sure to treat her nice!" And with one fluid motion, Jack was thrown off the sled.

"Wait! I can't- You just- Oh, now what." He pouted and leaned against a nearby tree. Looking at the tree, he noticed white twinkling lights draped on the bare branches. Turning around, the house was covered with lit garlands and red bows. Not overly commercial, with more of a classic charm. He half-smiled and picked up a wreath that had fallen off a window. He placed it back, lightly singing to himself, "There are objects so peculiar, they're not to be believed. All around, things to tantalize my brain."

Soon he found himself dancing in the pale moonlight and singing a few tunes. He stopped suddenly when he heard a harmony, humming in the background. He turned, opening one eye, and saw a light turn on within the house. He ran behind the tree. Standing still, his figure vanished behind the trunk where a human would have been obvious. Then he heard a familiar voice.

"Please, don't leave this time. Who are you? Where are you hiding?"

Jack paused, realizing the owner of the voice. He wanted to introduce himself, but all he could utter was "Jack."

"Jack, then. Please... Sing some more." And they shared songs through the night. All she ever knew about him was "Jack" but somehow she was satisfied. He never revealed himself, but he learned more fascinating things about "Catherine." She worked at a studio, recording songs, and that she had a beautiful voice. She came to look forward to Jack's now frequent visits. And Jack managed to escape Finklestein, telling him he was visiting Sandy. Finklestein had no time to doubt his claim, as he was far too busy with his latest creation. All seemed to work out for the two of them...