Everyone sat in silence. Even Sophie could sense something was wrong and she remained silent. The only sounds which could be heard were the clinking of the cutlery and glasses. Jamie glanced up from his dinner at both his parents. They were not talking, not making eye contact, each acting like the other did not exist or wasn't there.

"Um... so, mom? Dad? We haven't... gone out as a family for some time... what do you say... we head to the beach this Sunday? It's summer after all," Jamie said, breaking the silence. He had to try to do something. He had to act nonchalant and normal, like he did not overhear their conversation. By the looks on his parents' faces, they seem to be on the verge of telling him and Sophie about their future 'plans' and he wanted to try to delay that for as long as possible. And perhaps, they might just about rethink their 'plans'.

"No, Jamie, I... I'm not free this Sunday," Mrs. Bennett said, struggling to speak. "And you should get a summer job instead of just idling about, daydreaming and reading fairy tales. You're already almost 17. Find something beneficial to occupy your time with."

Jamie remained silent. There was really no use in arguing with his mother about daydreaming and fairy tales. He turned to look at his father. The latter was avoiding his gaze and seemed to be much more interested in his mashed potatoes. Jamie realised that it was good enough they were still dining as a family.

"I have to go," Mr. Bennett said, all of a sudden, getting up. He hadn't finished his dinner, but brought the plate to the kitchen where he left it in the dishwasher. A moment later, he was out of the front door.

"Where's dad going?" Sophie inquired.

"Work stuff, I suppose," Mrs. Bennett said, shortly. She did not finish the last of her dinner. "Jamie, it's your turn to do the dishes today. And Sophie, remember to brush your teeth before you go to bed." Without another word, she got up and left the table.

...

There were not many plates in the sink for Jamie to rinse. The number didn't even touch the average of plates the Bennetts usually used for dinner or any other meal of the day.

Jamie's mind reeled as he turned on the tap. His father had obviously found someone else. That would definitely explain his late nights at 'his workplace'. Mrs. Bennett had been rather quiet and passive lately. As Jamie slowly did his job of doing the dishes, the tap water suddenly ran cold and froze and so did the rest of the water in the sink. Jamie yelped and drew out his hands in time.

"Jack!"

A mischievous chuckle could be heard behind him. The 16- year old turned to see another grinning teenager behind him, with a staff and white hair. "You came back. Where did you go?" Jamie asked. He managed a small smile though smiling was the last thing on his mind at that moment.

"To North's," Jack said, eyeing him. "What's wrong with you? Why so glum?"

Jamie didn't know how to explain to Jack. He turned back to the frozen sink. "Long story," he said. "Can you please unfreeze the water before my mom comes down and kill me?"

Still no smile. "Tell me what happened," Jack said, before waving his staff once and the water unfroze, though it was still rather cold. Jamie went on doing the dishes.

"My parents..."

"What about them?"

"They're... drifting apart."

Jack remained silent for a moment. "Well, they're just drifting apart. Perhaps there is something you can do to bring them back together again," he said, in an effort to bring back a smile on the 16- year old's face.

"My mom did mention a divorce," Jamie said, his tone filled with worry. Jack walked over to his side but took a few steps back when the water in the sink threatened to freeze again. Jamie finished doing the last of the dishes and turned back to Jack.

"I think my father... is seeing someone else." Jack watched as Jamie cleaned up the area before heading out into the dining room. The spirit of winter followed. Jamie sank onto one of the chairs. "My cousin died, Sophie stopped believing, my mother thinks I'm mad for believing in fairy tales at this age and now my parents are on the verge of a divorce. What's happening? Is Pitch back or something?"

"Well, I most certainly wish that was the case," Jack said. "Because then the Guardians and I will defeat him and your problems will be over. But so far, no, there has been no sign of Pitch Black."

A short silence filled the dining room.

"But I do know of a way to make Sophie believe again."

Jamie looked up. "How?"

Jack smiled. "Let's just say it's time to visit a friend. Wanna come with me?"

Jamie glanced dubiously up the stairs. "Well, I don't think I'll be missed," he said.

Jack smiled. "We'll be as quick as a bunny," he said, his smile widening into a mischievous grin. "Or should I say... two bunnies."

Please review.

To Guest: That... I'm not so sure about. I don't have the art book (Although I do wish I have it). I just read somewhere that it was stated in the art book. And if you're referring to the Guardians of Childhood series, they don't sell them in my country. And I'm not allowed to shop online. Plus, my mother would just dismiss my request by stating that I'm too old for these sort of books. The age range is 4-8 and even my younger sister is already 11. So it's pretty useless to ask.