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A/n: As usual, thanks for the reviews, faves and follows. Much love to all of you.

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#PrayForMH370

Chapter 14

Me

I cursed softly as my nail caught in the slit of my locker again, stopping for a while my futile attempts to open it up. Some dumbass had pulled a prank on me, either changing my lock number or sticking the door shut with Superglue. I couldn't bother to consider who, though. I was in too many people's hate list to even start dreaming of looking for the culprit.

My to-do list in school went something like this: 1) Get good grades. 2) Have as little to do with other people as I could help, except (bf/n). That was about it. No one had ever taught me how to make friends, but that didn't mean I felt any less lonely. This was my last year in school and I planned to worm my way out of here as little noticed as possible.

'Hey (f/n).' I swung around to meet Cameron's eyes. 'Oh, hey there,' I said, turning back to my locker. 'You look like you could use some help,' he smirked and reached a hand over to the dumb metal door. Clasping the clutch, he jerked it up three times, then once to the right. The door fell open smoothly, as did my mouth. 'How'd you do that?' I gasped. 'It's the same with every one. You're lucky it wasn't Superglue,' he remarked. 'You'll have to set a new passcode, though.' He looked at me. I grinned and nodded my head. 'Thanks a lot,' I said.

Cameron leaned against the locker beside mine. 'So, where's Romeo?' he smirked again. Jack had been here for three days (today was Thursday as yesterday was a holiday for the New Year, which Jack and I had spent the night before staying up to see the fireworks), and almost the whole school knew him already. I also had another new name besides Moneypants; Jack Frost's Girlfriend. I glanced around the almost empty hall. School was over and it was just us and a few other students dawdling around. 'I don't know. He's supposed to have finished History by now.' I stared at Cameron in the eye. 'Remember, you're supposed to keep the fact that he's the winter spirit secret, alright?' I whispered. Cameron chuckled. 'Yeah. But who would believe me even if I did?' I heaved a sigh of relief. Feeling a hand brush against mine , I turned and saw Jack standing beside me. 'Sorry, baby. Had a little debate with Mr. Lake just now.' He gave me a kiss on the cheek before nodding his head at Cameron.

''Sup', Cameron grinned, showing two rows of white teeth perfectly aligned. I could still picture how he looked before the braces period as I entered a new code into the lock. 'I see you're being quite the talk of the school now.' Jack smiled and put an arm around my waist. 'It takes some getting used to. D'you want to go home, (f/n)?' he looked down at me. I could just see the pleading in his eyes, to get away from the quarterback in front of us. 'Okay. I am a bit tired,' I sighed, taking up my bag. The tension was too much. 'See you around,' I bid Cameron who gave us a knowing smile. 'Same.' He sauntered past us, his shoulder brushing Jack as he walked towards the football field. Jack's lips were pursed tight on the drive home.

I sat at the kitchen table, my brain struggling its way out of a flood of quadratic equations and whatnot as Jack sat opposite me doodling on a notebook. Sighing in a frustrated voice, he shut the notebook and stood up, locking his arms at the back of his head. 'Finished your homework?' I asked him, the numbers swimming before me in annoying columns and boxes. 'Yep. Did it at school,' he mumbled, coming to look over my shoulder at my math. 'Teach me then,' I craned my neck to look up at him. Jack bent down and planted an upside down kiss on my lips. 'Never was good at math. Sorry,' he smiled at me. I shut my book too and looked at the clock. 9.30p.m. I yawned and stretched myself. 'So how do you fine 21st century schooling?' I asked Jack, rubbing my eyes. I heard the sound of my book pages ruffling in his hands as he turned them. 'It's quite fascinating, actually. There're more interesting things to learn, I think. And girls to eye.'

I sat up straight and glared at Jack. He was completely oblivious to my reaction, his hair falling in his forehead as he bent down to squint at the little drawings I made on the page margins. 'Say that again?' I whispered. Jack turned his head to me, and I saw his mouth twitch the slightest bit with the hint of a smile. My hand found its way to his shirt collar and I pulled him towards me until our faces were mere inches apart. 'You said something about girls?' I growled. An eyebrow went up on Jack's forehead. '(f/n), you honestly think I meant it?' he grinned. I rolled my eyes and pushed him away. Standing up, I gathered my books into a pile to take upstairs. A pair of arms wrapped around my waist from behind and I felt Jack kiss my shoulder. 'Don't be mad,' he pleaded. I could feel his puppy eyes on my face. I pouted my lip and tried to squirm out of his grasp, at the same time hoping he wouldn't let go.

He didn't. Jack pressed me tight against his body making me want to hyperventilate. 'What now, Jack?' I tried to sound annoyed, and it wasn't coming off very well. 'I get it, okay? You're a guy, and guys like to look at pretty girls.' I crossed my arms over my chest and huffed. Jack chuckled into the back of my neck. 'That is true,' he muttered before turning me around to face him. 'But all I really want is you.' I felt my face redden up, so I stared down. 'I'm not pretty,' I whispered. Jack snorted then scoffed at me. 'Hey, whoever the winter spirit thinks is pretty is definitely pretty.' He tilted my face up so that he caught me in his gaze. 'You remembered,' I grinned. 'Yeah, I've been reminding myself in the last couple of days.' Jack smiled, then continued in a monotonous voice, 'I'm the winter spirit. I'm the winter spirit. The sexy white-haired winter spirit.' I elbowed him in the stomach. Jack laughed. 'Woah, tigress.' I had a faint sense of déjà vu towards that nickname. 'But you know it's real, (f/n). You have to admit my irresistible charm,' he smirked naughtily. I sighed loudly in exasperation. 'You are so full of yourself,' I commented sarcastically. 'You are soooo cute when you're mad,' Jack replied as he kissed my forehead. I felt that I was being too unfair to him, being all grumpy and mean when he was so sweet to me. I put my arms around his neck and kissed him softly. Jack's hands gripped the small of my back through my shirt as he kissed me. He backed me up against the table, lifting me up and putting me onto it as his tongue licked my lips.

The front door slammed.

We jerked off each other as if an electric shock went through us. My body stiffened when I heard the voice of the last person on my mind now: mom. '(f/n) honey, are you home?' I could hear someone else mumble something in the living room, which must've been my father. I got off the table and stood there in front of my boyfriend, who was ironically the person I wanted least in my house now. Jack bit his lip as he thought for a moment, then gently pushed me towards the hall. 'Go meet them. Don't worry about me,' he smiled before disappearing into the kitchen again.

I felt insecure without Jack by my side. As I paced to the living room, I wondered how I'd welcome my parents back and if I should say anything about Jack. Hey mom and dad. I'm so glad you're home. For your information, my boyfriend who is the winter spirit is currently living with me, in my room to be exact, so please excuse him for the time being. Turning the corner, my feet found the cool tiled floor of the living room and my eyes met my father's.

A need to turn and run suddenly came over me. Dad's stern eyes pierced through me like I was a permeable membrane, seeming to look into my darkest secrets. 'Hello, (f/n).' His voice was formal and strange. It had always felt like that to me, though. 'Heydadwelcomeback.' I mumbled quickly and nodded my head towards him. Mom came up to give me a squeeze. 'How are you, darling? Aren't you surprised to see us?' She had on too much of her sickly perfume, and she felt like all boobs and fur coat. 'Hi mom. Glad you're home. You already told me you were coming back after New Year,' I replied. Mom pulled away and gazed at me clueless. 'I did?' she breathed. I caught my dad looking at my shirt which was still crumpled. Oh why did Jack have to grip so hard?

'Yeah. I called you before Christmas. You told me you weren't gonna be back for the holidays but during New Years'.' I started to feel a hollow feeling in my stomach. Mom's eyebrows were knitted together slightly. 'Well, I guess you did,' she mused before smiling at me like a child. My father slid off his travel boots and put them on a rack by the door. 'Could you help us take these upstairs, (f/n)?' he ordered. I say ordered because even though he posed it as a question, you could NOT say no. I bit my lip and nodded my head again. Dad smiled a tight smile at me before putting a hand around my mother's shoulders. 'How about a little champagne?' he asked my mother. She giggled and they both started walking towards the freaking kitchen. I clenched my fists and prayed to God that Jack could handle the situation for me. Taking the first boulder suitcase, I hauled it up the stairs, my heart swallowed by a grief only a daughter could feel.

Jack

I was crunching some numbers when I heard someone gasp at the door. Looking up, I saw a dark haired woman, maybe in her late-thirties, gaping at me with a hand on her chest. I stood up at once. 'Hello, you must be Mrs. (l/n).' I reached out a hand to her. She stared at it then looked to the man standing behind her. As his dark eyes met mine, I felt my body stiffen. He made me feel like I had just committed a serious crime by being at his daughter's house when it was almost 10p.m. 'Who are you and what are you doing here?' he said in a quiet voice. I wondered how (f/n) could live with this. 'Um, I'm Jack, (f/n)'s History project partner. We were just finishing our assignment tonight.' I held my hand to him, and he shook it quickly and shortly. My eyes went back to her mom's as I couldn't hold her father's gaze. She stared back at me like how (f/n) did when we first met, all wide eyed and amazed.

Her father cleared her throat. 'I hope that's all you were doing, not trying to take advantage of her or anything.' I deserved a medal for my efforts in trying got suppress

the oncoming blush. Not that I did want to take advantage of (f/n), but…you know. (f/n)'s mom nudged her husband. 'Dear, don't tease the poor boy like that. He seems really nice.' She smiled at him in a puppyish way as he looked at me. He gave a small nod of his head. 'Very well. You may take your work out of this room for now, though. My wife and I need some refreshment.' I faked a smile and nodded my head as my hands cleaned up the table. 'Pleased to meet you both,' I said before backing out of the kitchen and bumping into (f/n). She must've been eavesdropping.

Before I could gasp, (f/n) quickly covered my mouth and held a finger to her lips, then letting me go. She motioned to the staircase. As we climbed up, I noticed she was staggering a little. I would've held her, but my arms were full of her books. When we reached her room, I went in and dumped her things on the study table as she closed the door. And locked it. Coming over to me, she hugged me tight and pressed her face against my chest. I held her in my arms, kissing her head as I rubbed her back. 'I'm exhausted,' she sighed. Taking my hand, she pulled me over to the bed and we sat down on it. 'Tell me everything,' I said. (f/n) pouted her lip and looked at me. 'It's nothing new. They come back, we greet each other, and I carry their suitcases up while they "refresh" themselves.' She rolled her eyes sky-high. I whistled at the suitcase carrying part. 'So that's why you're so tired.' I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

(f/n) continued. 'But you know what? The worst part is, my mom couldn't even remember I called her before Christmas. She thought them coming back today would be a surprise for me. I don't know how we got like this.' She gave a dry chuckle and shook her head. Personally, I didn't really understand how she felt, but it had to be awful. (f/n) jumped up from her bed. 'But now, we have to make sure you've "gone home", not staying the night here with me.' She smirked, making her look adorable and sexy at the same time. 'Wait,' I said before standing up and pulling her into a fierce kiss. 'What was that for?' she breathed in a dazed voice when I pulled away. 'I had to do that. That's what you get when you smirk at me,' I chuckled. (f/n) blushed and went out the room. I stood at the top of the stairs and listened as she stepped down towards the front door. 'Bye, Jack. See you tomorrow!' she yelled before slamming the door hard. Then she went to the kitchen.

I heaved a sigh of relief then decided to clean up. I brushed my teeth then changed into black sweatpants and a thick shirt. Going back to (f/n)'s room, I buried myself in the covers and dozed off.

When I woke up, it was still dark. (f/n) lay beside me, I could just make out her eyes staring into mine as her hand twirled my hair between her fingers. I felt our legs tangled together. 'Jack, it's two in the morning,' she whispered very quietly. 'Okay,' I said. We stayed like that for a while, the tension growing so strong until I could feel it seeping out of the walls. I bit my lip as (f/n)'s hand left my hair and trailed down my face. She stroked the place where my neck met my shoulder. Moving closer, she put her lips on the skin there, placing kisses along my collarbone. Shivers went up my back as I restrained myself from grabbing her and submitting to the wild animal inside me. I let one hand rest on the small of her back. Something made her jerk away and she sat up, looking at me terrified. 'I'm sorry, Jack,' she said, her voice a little too loud in this hour of the day. I stared off into the wall on the far side of the room. Sitting up too, I looked at her beautiful face before giving a huge sigh.

'It's late,' I said randomly. She mumbled a small 'yeah' and started burying herself under the sheets. Her head lay on the pillow, (e/c) eyes darting up to mine then looking away. I cupped her face, which must have been beet-red judging from the heat I felt on my hand. My mind drifted to Sandy's jar of dreamsand under her bed but decided against it as I felt (f/n) take my hand and held it in both hers as her breathing steadied.

I knew we wouldn't have nightmares tonight.

Me

I honestly didn't know how we pulled through three whole weeks without my parents somehow noticing Jack was in the house. They rarely came into my room which was a good thing, but I had caught a few funny looks from them. Once, I didn't notice they were in the house when I got home, and I was about to let Jack in when I heard my mom greet me from the living room. I pushed Jack behind a large fake potted plant beside the door and went in trying to act natural. 'Is someone there, (f/n)? I thought I heard a voice,' she had said, craning her head to look out the door. I shook my head and said it was just my message tone. Then I zoomed upstairs to put my bag down, then went back to tell my mom that I'd be going out with (bf/n). She hadn't bothered to look outside while I was in my room, or else she'd've found Jack. We had to spend the day driving around the state before going home to find my parents finally out.

Another time was when my dad heard Jack singing in the shower. I heard dad thump on the door asking if it was me as I could never sound so masculine. A moment's silence passed with me crossing my fingers, hoping for a way Jack could get out. Then a high-pitched voice came from the bathroom, 'Yes, dad.' It sounded almost like my voice. Dad shouted something about keeping the volume down then went downstairs. I had to stuff a cushion into my mouth to muffle the giggles. Jack came back into my room with a red face, swearing to never sing while bathing again.

Sometimes I'd 'invite Jack over'. We would go out and play in the snow, throwing snowballs at each other. I caught my dad looking at us through the kitchen window. But it was tiring. I was tired of adrenaline pumping through my veins every time I had to sneak Jack around the house. Cooking for him was hard when I had to do everything for two now, and Jack was getting restless from being cooped up in my room all day. My parents weren't dumb, and it was only a matter of time before they found out.

Jack was doing tremendously well at school, though. He came out tops at the recent exam, and got admitted into the school basketball team. He was helping me open up to people at school too, which wasn't easy at first because everyone knew Lauren hated me, and no one wanted to mess with the Queen Bee. But I had gained a few new friends in a week. I became happier at school although the mean kids still picked on me. Jack had somehow risen up to the Top Ten on the popularity list in the little time he was here, which goes to show how much people like him. Girls would do anything to get his attention, but he would just say hi and wrap his arm tighter around me, making my heart swell in pride. He even had his own circle of friends now, which was getting bigger by the day. It was enough for me to see him laughing in the hallway with the guys before breaking away to come over and kiss me. I could feel his lips grazing mine—'No kissing in the hallway, you two,' the vice-principal, Mdm. Chow caught us once. I jumped. Jack pulled away and looked apologetically at her. 'Good afternoon, madam. I'm sorry, it was my fault. I started it. It won't happen again.' He flashed his pearly smile, inducing one of Mdm. Chow's rare smiles as she nodded and walked away, shaking her head. 'You got us away without a remark,' I breathed admiringly, marvelling at Jack's way of charming even the teachers. He smirked and kissed me again.

When January passed into February, the snow getting no lesser, mom and dad embarked on another trip. I waved them goodbye from the driveway then went inside and slammed the door shut. Running up to my room, I opened the door. 'It's safe now, Jack. They're gone.' I went over to the lump on my bed and slapped it. A muffled 'oww' sounded as Jack emerged from the covers. 'You just slapped my ass, naughty,' he grinned. I stuck my tongue out at him and started running from the room. 'You won't get away this time, (f/n)!' I heard him yell as I ran down the stairs. Hesitating at the last step, I regretted it at once as Jack put his arms around my waist and lifted me off the ground. 'JACK FROST PUT ME DOWN!' I screamed, gasping and laughing as he tickled my sides. 'Whatever,' he snickered and tickled me harder. My legs kicked about as my giggles sounded off the walls. Suddenly a hole formed in the middle of the living room and Bunnymund jumped out.

Jack freaked. 'What the hell is that?!' he shouted as he dropped me. I landed on the floor and looked at him, bewildered. 'It's Bunnymund, Jack. Don't play around.' Jack frowned and pressed his hand to his forehead. Bunny stood there in shock, his arms by his sides as he looked back and forth between Jack and me. 'Oh yeah, sorry. Hey Bunny.' Jack was gazing at the pooka with a forced smile. 'You forgot, didn't you?' I whispered. He nodded sadly. I explained the whole situation to Bunny about how Jack forgot he used to be the winter spirit since he became human. Bunny took it all in seriously and frowned. 'This is dangerous, mate. You'd better remind him all the more now.' He took a seat on the sofa and looked at both of us. 'North wanted me to check on you two. Pitch has been sighted at the North Pole again. Better keep your eyes peeled,' he said, even though it was miles away from where we were. I took Jack's hand, and he held mine tightly. 'Thank you, Bunny.' The pooka nodded and got up to go. 'Wait,' I said, running into the kitchen and taking some carrots. I stuffed them in a paper bag and ran back to give it to him. Bunny looked touched, and gave me a one armed hug. 'Thanks (f/n),' he smiled. Nodding at Jack, he tapped his foot twice on the ground. A hole appeared and he jumped into it, leaving us standing with our hands linked together.

Another week passed, and things were getting better at school. My social circle was reasonably large by now, and the best thing was Lauren not picking on me so much. See, Jack's popularity kinda helped me up the social ladder, and there was something about him that made her think twice about singling me out in front of him. She'd swear at me when he wasn't around, and pull my hair and stuff, but it was all good. Nothing could get me down when Jack was at school with me. The only trouble was that Cameron and Jack were still icy towards each other. Jack had said a couple not-too-nice things about Cam and how he should keep his girlfriend on a leash. And I saw Cam give Jack the finger after Jack's team beat his in a game during gym. I seethed and ran up to give him a scolding when Jack held me back, telling me to cool down and let it go.

My parents were gone on a one month trip, which was ample time to spend running about the house with Jack without worrying about being found. Diablo and Buddy joined in the fun, nipping at our ankles as we chased each other around. We did our homework together at night, then drove out to get a late night snack. Nothing came from Manny, and we had no visit from the dreaded Pitch.

Mostly, I loved nights with Jack. To have him pressed against my back with his breath tickling my ear was ultimately the best, most heavenly feeling to ever experience. I loved his lips against mine, comforting me before we submitted ourselves into the world of dreams. We seldom used the jar of dream sand since we didn't have nightmares recently. Some nights when Jack was asleep and I was looking out the window, I'd see Sandy flying past, blowing golden sand into our window. We'd wave at each other and he'd continue on his way. A few times I heard Jack mutter my name as he slept, making me feel the whole zoo in my stomach.

But good times never lasted long.

On Friday, we had gym class. It was the third week of February. I sat with (bf/n) watching Jack and the boys play basketball, Cameron sulking on the side bench. The way Jack's body moved was mesmerizing as he concentrated on passing the ball around, sweat rolling down his face when it was freezing outside. I blushed as he threw the ball into the hoop and turned around to grin at me. (bf/n) nudged me unusually hard. 'You are one lucky little girl, (f/n). He's fabulous,' she mused. I giggled then stood up to leave the gym as PE had finished. The teacher shooed us out. Jack came up to me and kissed my cheek. 'Be with you after changing,' he whispered in my ear before turning to the boys' room. I changed in the girls' and went back to the hallway to wait for Jack. I was picking at my nail when I sensed someone in front of me. I looked up to see Cameron staring at me with this wild look in his eyes. Without warning, he grabbed my waist and slammed his lips into mine. I was so shocked I didn't know what to do.

Jack

I stepped out of the changing room, swiping my hair out of my face as I walked down the hallway. Turning the corner, I saw something that made my stomach dissolve.

Cameron was kissing my girlfriend. In my face. I stood there petrified and revolted. (f/n) didn't seem to be fighting him at all. My face becoming warmer every millisecond, I watched as the freak pulled away from her, turning around to smirk at me like he knew I was watching before sauntering away just like that. (f/n) was frozen on the spot, looking at me in pure fright. I stared back at her as my feelings went numb. Going to my locker, I took out my bag and slammed the door, then walked away. I heard footsteps behind me. 'Jack, wait for me,' she pleaded. I stopped to face her. 'So this is what it is? You didn't even pull away or anything. What am I supposed to assume now, huh?' She had tears in her eyes. I pulled my arm out of her reach and continued out of the school. I should've punched the brute then and there, come to think of it. My fists were itching for something to let the pent up feelings out.

I was so angry I hardly noticed when I stopped outside (f/n)'s house. I had used a short-cut her car couldn't go through, and I reached the house before her. Using the spare key she lent me, I let myself in and stormed up to her room, ignoring the two dogs' barks at me. I heard her run up the stairs, she must've reached home. I turned to see her face, she was standing in the doorway. Only then did I realize the phrase 'rivers of tears' were actually possible in real life. She was beautiful even in this pitiful state. I sighed.

Me

'What?' he said. I held in another sob and stayed in the doorway. 'You wouldn't even hear me out, how can you do this to me?' I half-screamed. I lunged at him and he dodged. 'I'm not cheating on you, Jack. Really!' I was crying freely, unable to stop myself. I didn't care how ugly I looked, I wasn't gonna let Jack run away, which was what kept eating at me the whole journey back here. I heard the front door open then close. Footsteps thundered up the stairs. Seconds later, my father swept into my room looking at both of us with a smug, triumphant look on his face. 'I knew it,' he said in a light, chill tone. 'I suspected something like this, and I knew that boy was no good!' he pointed at Jack, who looked shocked. Jack shook his head and rearranged his expression. My mom came panting up the stairs. 'I can't believe it, (f/n).' She frowned at me. 'I didn't believe it when your father said he was staying with you,' she jerked her head in Jack's direction, 'but when we saw him walking to the house…' Mom shook her head sadly. She rounded on Jack. 'And I thought you were a nice boy, but clearly not!' I looked at them in disgust. 'You were supposed to be gone for a month.' I said coldly. My father came up to me, and a second later I felt my left cheek stinging from his fingers. 'That should teach you to be rude to your parents,' he spat at me.

I was fuming. No one had ever slapped me like that in all my life. Jack watched as I lifted a hand up to sooth my stinging cheek, his eyes wide and blank. The salty tears rolling down my face made the stinging worse. My mother had a hand clapped over her mouth. Dad was looking at Jack with a livid face. 'I must say, you were quite good. But you couldn't outsmart us forever,' he said through gritted teeth at Jack. There was a very, very awkward silence. Then Dad lost it. 'Are you going to leave or do I have to beat you out?!' I swallowed a sob and met Jack's glance for one precious second before he turned to my father. 'I was going to, anyway.' I didn't want to believe my ears at all. My parents watched as Jack took a travel bag he bought from the money he got from his shifts at the bookstore. He started stuffing his clothes from a closet when I flung myself at him, yelling hysterically. Dad immediately pulled me back. 'The boy wants to leave, so don't stop him.' He threw an ugly glance at Jack who was staring at me with his mouth half-open. Dad shouted at him to hurry up and that he only had five minutes. Hurriedly, Jack took his remaining clothes and things and crammed them into the bag.

He walked out of the room and my dad followed, dragging me by the arm. I twisted and wriggled in his grasp in vain of getting out. Jack opened the door and looked back at me. I glared into his beautiful brown eyes. I could not lose him. Once he walked out that door, it would mean he was walking out of my life. Forever. I wrenched myself free and ran to Jack who was halfway across the porch already. I grabbed his arm and hung onto him. 'Don't go,' I croaked. I pleaded him to take me with him. Jack seemed to consider this for a while, but my father was making his way over to us. Jack bent down and stroked the place where my dad slapped me. His eyes were filled with pain and resolve. 'Wait for me,' he whispered before kissing my forehead. That was when my dad pulled us apart. 'Run along, you!' he shouted at Jack.

Jack gave my dad a handsome glare before turning around to walk out the gate. Once he was out, the gate closed. I turned back to the house to see my mom holding the gate control. 'Don't expect him to come back, (f/n). He didn't even fight to stay with you, said he was going to leave anyway.' I heard a disapproving huff from dad as his footsteps went back to the house. He didn't even help me up. I stood up, bruised and broken, and ran to the gate. I yelled Jack's name in the direction he walked until my throat was sore. My legs giving way, I slumped against the gate.

It started to snow.