Chapter 8

My world is changing

I'm rearranging

Does that mean Christmas changes too

~ Where Are You Christmas by Faith Hill ~

~*/*\*~

Winter break arrived a few weeks after the school dance. Dani spent a lot of her free time at the park with Eddie or at Sarah's store working. When unable to escape the house to those two locations, Dani would disappear into her room to read the few books she owned. Books from the school library or the public library made their way home in her bag and entertained her for hours.

Veronica left the kids at home more and more - with Jessica in charge. One such day, the four had been left with orders to decorate the house for Christmas. Jessica left everything for Dani, Peter, and Eddie to put up.

Dani dug through the CD collection for all of the Christmas music and popped one of the choices into the CD player. Turning back to her two cousins, a grin lighting up her face, she said, "Okay! Operation Deck the Halls is a go!"

Peter groaned and slunk down in his seat on the couch. "I want to play my game."

"You've played it a hundred times over," Dani pointed out. "Isn't it boring yet?"

"No," he mumbled, averting his gaze.

Rolling her eyes, Dani heaved a sigh. "If you don't help, you don't get Christmas cookies."

Eddie jumped up and down. "We're going to make cookies?"

"Sure are!" Dani tousled her cousin's hair. "But not until after we put up the tree. Where did Uncle Jason leave the box?"

"I wish we could have a real tree," Eddie whined as he followed Dani on their hunt for the fake tree and its box.

"Mom doesn't like the mess it leaves," Peter reminded his brother.

"Did I ever tell you guys about the time my dad brought home a Christmas tree with a bird's nest in it?" Dani spotted the long box in the foyer and walked over to it.

Peter sneered. "You're not allowed to talk about Aunt Chelsea and Uncle Grant. Mom said so."

"If you tell on Dani, I'll break your game!" Eddie whirled on his brother and puffed out his chest.

Peter's hands curled into a fist and he tried stretching so he was looming over his shorter, younger brother. "You do and I'll send the goblins after you - after I beat the tar out of you."

"Both of you, knock if off!" Dani scolded. "Eddie, Peter's right. I won't say anything else about my parents. Peter, you threaten your brother with goblins again and I'll hide your game for a month!" Once both boys were mildly chastised, Dani started dragging the box holding the fake pine tree into the living room.

"I'll get the ornaments!" Eddie shouted as he picked up two boxes.

Peter scoffed and said, "Don't break any, butter-fingers."

"If you're so worried, Peter," Dani flipped open the box's lid and pulled out parts to the tree as she ordered, "help your brother carry the boxes over here."

A couple hours later - and several minutes of complaining from Peter and Jessica - the tree was up and decorated. Green garland wound up the banister to the second floor and a wreath hung on the front door. The fireplace mantle had stockings hanging from gold hooks and a snowglobe sat on the coffee table's center.

Laughter echoed through the house as Eddie and Dani popped the last tray of cookies into the oven.

"There," the teen declared, "that's the last batch."

"When can I eat one?" Peter questioned, not looking up from his Nintendo.

"Have to wait until the cookies have cooled," Dani answered as she set another dish into soapy water. "Here, Eddie, help me dry these."

As Dani scrubbed the dish in her hand, she glanced over at the calendar that hung from the refrigerator door. Almost two weeks until Christmas. The girl returned her attention to the task at hand, relieved that this was the last dish.

"I'll - uh - be right back, okay?" She dried her hands on her sweatpants and backed out of the room. "No one touches the cookies! Eddie, call me when the timer rings." Both boys vocalized their consent as Dani slipped out.

Dani took the stairs two at a time in her haste to reach the upstairs. She tiptoed past Jessica's room and hurried up to in the attic. Once in her room, Dani walked over to her bed and knelt beside it. Bending over, she reached under her bed and pulled out a duffle bag.

She dusted off the blue bag before unzipping the opening. Inside rested two objects wrapped in ratty, old towels. Dani uncovered them, revealing a red cedar box that had black scorch marks on the edges. A sad smile twitched at the corners of her lips as she ran a hand over the smooth surface. Flipping the metal clasp up, she opened the lid and looked down at the contents cushioned on black velvet. Her gaze looked down at a folded flag - the navy blue background accenting the white stars.

"Dani?"

Turning, Dani saw Eddie standing in beside the door. "Eddie, what's up? The cookies can't be done yet."

"No, I brought the timer with me. I was wondering if we could put icing on some of the other cookies now." Eddie's face creased in concern. "Why are you crying?"

Startled, she lifted a hand to her face. Sure enough, tears had started to fall. Rubbing her face with the sleeve of her purple and gray striped sweater, Dani forced a smile onto her face. "Um - the dust - I guess."

Eddie shuffled toward her and looked down at the two boxes. "Are those Uncle Grant's?"

Dani looked down at the objects and nodded. "Yeah."

"Why don't you leave them out where you can see 'em?"

Slowly, she shut the case and began wrapping it up in the towel again. "Veronica wouldn't want to see them."

"But Mom hardly comes in your room," Eddie countered.

Dani sighed. "Eddie, Dad's - my dad's medals and his flag - they're really important to me. They were important to my mom - and -" She felt her throat constrict. Taking a deep breath, she tried to explain, "I don't want anything happening to them. My dad earned these medals and - mom - she -"

Eddie set the timer on the bed and flung his arms around Dani's neck. "Don't cry anymore, Dani. Please?"

Returning the hug, she bit her trembling lip. Dani didn't try to respond. She only tried her hardest to stem her tears.

~*/*\*~

Dani shivered and pulled her blue bed comforter up to her chin. She knew she was starting to wake up, but she wanted to stay in the warmth of her bed a little while longer. Vague awareness of people moving about below her room made her moan as that meant she would need to get up soon. Rolling over, she sighed. Sleep was leaving her and it was time for a new day.

"Dani!" Her door burst open, squealing on its hinges in protest to the force. Dani's eyes shot open and she stared, bewildered at her young cousin as he raced toward her bed. Eddie jumped onto the bed, landing on her legs. The giggling six year old bounced up and down with excitement. "It's Christmas! It's Christmas!" He shouted over and over with each bounce.

A smile spread across her face and she flung her arm over her eyes. "Eddie," she moaned, "you could have waited. Or even woken me up nicely."

"Dani!" Eddie whined as he took a hold of her arm covering her face and shook it. "Mom said everyone has to be downstairs for breakfast and after breakfast we can open presents!" Tugging on her arm and sliding off the bed, Eddie insisted, "You have to get up!"

Dani turned her head, not budging from where she lay. "Is breakfast even done yet?"

Eddie's lips puckered into a pout. "No. She just woke up a couple of minutes ago."

A chuckle bubbled forth from the dark haired teen. "Then I'm going back to sleep. Come get me when breakfast is close to being finished."

"If you help, it'll go faster!" Eddie countered excitedly.

"There is no way I'm braving the kitchen when your mom is making a big holiday breakfast," Dani mumbled.

"Eddie! I'm gonna count my presents!" Peter shouted up the stairs of the attic. "I bet all the goblins took yours!"

With a yelp, Eddie released Dani's arm and raced down the stairs to follow his brother. Dani shook her head and rolled over once more. No doubt Eddie would tally all of his presents and see if the amount was equal to or less than Peter's amount. If Peter had more, Dani would no doubt be called away from her bed by her little cousin to come find the missing present.

"As if goblins took such frivolous objects." Dani tilted her head back so she could look out the window. The snowy, white owl that she talked to perched on the branches outside, apparently oblivious to the cold.

"I know that, and you know that," Dani replied, "but Eddie doesn't know that. He's six. Cut him some slack."

"Well, goblins enjoy taking things - but I doubt you'd be able to find them again." The voice in her head coolly added.

Groaning and sitting up in bed, Dani ran a hand through her hair. "As if they were real anyway."

"Says the girl speaking to an owl."

"Shut up," Dani said around a yawn. "Merry Christmas. Now leave me alone so I can get dressed."

The owl seemed to nod before he took flight and disappeared from sight.

Once Dani was dressed in a green sweater, pair of jeans, and striped white and black socks, she left her room in the attic. Passing Jessica's room, she saw that the door was still closed. Chances were one of the boys had tried getting her up and had been thrown out. Dani cautiously jiggled the door knob to her cousin's room and discovered that it had been locked. Dani smirked and went on her way down the hall.

Descending the staircase, she heard the radio playing Christmas songs while the TV played "A Muppets Christmas Carol" - one of Eddie's favorites. From the kitchen, Dani smelled bacon and eggs frying on the grill. She slipped into the living room and plopped down on the couch next to Eddie as Rizzo the Rat's tail got lit on fire by Gonzo.

"So, goblins steal any of your presents?" Dani asked.

Eddie grinned and shook his head. "Nope! But I think they took some of Peter's."

"I didn't count right!" Peter disagreed from where he sat on the floor next to the tree.

Jason walked into the room from the kitchen and smiled at everyone. "Merry Christmas, everyone! Peter, go get your sister. Breakfast is almost ready."

"Make Eddie do it!"

Dani rolled her eyes and stood up. "I'll go. She's locked the door anyway."

Jason chuckled and shrugged. "Good luck getting her down here then. Come on, boys!"

As the three males of the house made their way into the kitchen, Dani ascended the stairs for one of her favorite pass-times. Messing with her cousin. Dani stood outside of Jessica's door and knocked.

"Jessica," Dani called, "breakfast is ready." She waited but didn't hear anything. Shifting her weight and leaning against the door, Dani hummed in thought. "Jessica, you know how your mom gets if everyone's not at the table when she sets the last dish down."

"Go. Away." Jessica's mumbled reply was so muffled, Dani had to press her ear to the door to make it out.

Dani looked at the ceiling and drummed her fingers on the door. "Jessica, just thought you'd like to know - Eddie just came up to let me know that someone's on the phone for you. You know, since you're cell phone was revoked - again. Wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and all that. Oh wait, he's handing the phone to me now." Dani smiled slyly and mock-gasped. "Oh! Drew! So nice of you to call. Yeah? That's so sweet of you. Nope. She's still in bed, but I'd be happy to relay the message."

Dani heard the mad scramble on the other side of the door and took off running. A thump and screech from Jessica's room elicited a laugh from the fleeing teenager. Dani jumped the last two steps to the floor of the entryway and tried to prevent herself from falling on the hardwood.

"Dani! Give me that phone!" Jessica shouted from the top of the stairs.

Dani slid into the kitchen and plopped into her seat next to Eddie. Flicking a strand of hair out of her face, she smiled at everyone present. "She'll be right down."

All eyes looked up as Jessica came storming after Dani. Her hair and clothes were disheveled and there was an imprint of the creases from her pillow on her cheek. Flushed and panting, Jessica glared at her smiling cousin. "Give me back my phone!"

"She doesn't have it, Jessica," Veronica informed her daughter as she set the plate she was holding onto the table. "And you're not getting it back until after New Years - as we already discussed. Now sit down and join everyone for breakfast."

"But Mom!" Jessica flapped her arms in aggravation. "Drew called to wish me Merry Christmas!"

"No he didn't," Dani informed. "You must have been dreaming. I only came up to tell you that breakfast was ready and your presence was required." Growling in frustration, Jessica spun on her heels and started exiting the room.

"Jessica, you sit your butt down in that chair!" Veronica snapped. Regaining her composure she added, "Breakfast is ready and it would be rude to make your family wait."

"I just want to change and run a brush through my hair, Mom," Jessica retorted.

"It's just your family, Jessica." Jason laughed as he helped himself to slices of bacon. "We don't care how you look. Sit down while the foods still warm."

Jessica angrily marched to her seat and plopped down in it. Dani glanced down at Eddie and gave him a conspiratorial wink. He giggled as he took a bite out of his toast.

~*/*\*~

Dani peeked into the living room and saw that Peter was lost in his new game. Good, she thought as she tiptoed to the front door. Wrapped up in her coat, boots, scarf, and mittens, Dani exited the house. She descended the porch steps and started walking away from her relatives house.

The thin layer of fresh snow crunched beneath her boots. The chill morning air turned her breath into wisps as she breathed out through her mouth. Dani reached up and pulled the gray knit hat down so it covered the tips of her already cold ears. A shiver ran up her spine.

Presents had been opened and now the family was either resting or enjoying what they had received. Veronica was busy preparing dinner for when Jason's parents would arrive. Jessica was whining about how she couldn't call her friends and brag to them about all her new stuff. Eddie was preoccupied with his new Lego set to care what was going on. Peter was - of course - wrapped up in his new game. Jason was holed up in the master bedroom, watching the television.

Dani felt no qualms for slipping out of the house. She wasn't interested in sitting in her room on such a beautiful morning - and she really wanted to think.

Wandering the streets of the neighborhood, Dani lost herself in her thoughts and memories of past Christmases. Eventually, her path led her to the park. More specifically, she found herself crossing the bridge to her little hide-out under the oak tree. Her eyes rising from the snow covered ground, Dani was slightly disappointed to see that no one was sitting on the bench.

With a sigh, Dani walked over to the stone bench and dusted off the snow. She sat down and leaned back against the tree trunk. Maybe it was for the best that no one - rather he - wasn't here. Now that she was blissfully alone, she could do something she didn't have the luxury of doing. Thinking of home.

Closing her eyes, she tried to envision sitting in her old home's living room. The Christmas tree standing in the corner in front of the antique display case that held her mom's special dishes. The colorful lights were on, casting a glow over the orbs that hung from branches. A star sat on the very peak of the tree, glowing with a golden light. Two loving parents stood wrapped in each others arms. Smiling at her.

"Danica, what a surprise." She opened her eyes and turned toward Jared's voice. The tall man approached her, a package under his arm. "What are you doing here instead of at home on this fine Christmas morning?"

"I could ask the same of you," Dani countered as she moved over to make room for him. She blushed a little as he sat. She hadn't seen him since the night of the school dance. Dani couldn't understand him! He very rarely showed up at the park when she wanted him to be there. When she didn't want company, he was there. Now he was here. Interrupting her precious memories.

Jared shrugged. "Well, I don't have any pressing engagements so I decided to take a stroll through the park."

"I'd say great minds think alike," Dani grumbled, "but I wouldn't want to inflate your grossly large ego."

He chuckled and shook his head. "Top form today I see."

Dani reached a hand up to brush back a strand of her black hair. "Well, you did interupt me."

Jared looked questioningly about and gestured with his own hand at the silent landscape about them. "What, pray tell, did I interrupt? Were you waiting for a chap to rendezvous for a snog?"

Laughter erupted from Dani as she pictured Jared walking up to the bench and discovering her kissing someone. A blush flamed her cheeks the next moment when that 'chap' morphed into Jared. Uncomfortable with her imagination, Dani bit her lip and looked away.

Coughing slightly in embarrassment and hoping to all the powers that be that Jared did not deduce where her thoughts went, Dani shook her head. "No. No snogging." Chuckling and attempting to change the subject, she said, "Snogging? Really? You're so British."

"Yes, I suppose I am." Jared smirked. "That would explain things."

"Besides," Dani continued as if he hadn't spoken, "we already established the fact that I am not desirable to the guys at my school."

"Their loss."

"Unless we're talking Drew - but he's been avoiding me thanks to the punch fiasco. Which is kinda nice but -" Dani stopped talking and turned to blink in surprise at Jareth's expressionless face. "What did you say?"

"That I'm British?" He smirked tauntingly.

Dani shook her head, her hair whipping her face as she did so. "No, no, no, no, no, no! After that."

"My being British would explain things."

Growling in frustration, Dani rolled her eyes. "After that! You know what, forget I asked. I'll pretend you didn't say anything and you can continue being a jerk."

Jared laughed quietly. "Fine by me." Tilting his head so he could smirk down at her, he said, "Well, I've answered your question as to why I'm out and about on this fine Christmas morning. Or," he paused to expose a wrist watch and corrected himself, "this Christmas afternoon - seems we have missed lunch."

"Did we?" Dani looked up and over the trees to spy the large clock that rose over the town. Sure enough, the clock face read ten minutes after one.

"I believe it is your turn to explain your presence here," Jared interrupted her inspection.

"Oh," Dani shrugged and stared ahead at the white snow and the clear ice coating the bushes lining the river. "I thought it was a lovely day and didn't want to spend it inside."

"Yes, a lovely, chilly day. Who wouldn't want to go for a walk on a crisp, windy December morning. No need for warm houses." Jared's voice dripped with sarcasm. So much so, that Dani felt her fingers curl into a fist in aggravation.

Glaring up at him, she snapped, "Well, I happen to like it out here better than inside. If you're going to be a wuss, then you can - how did you phrase it? Shove off!"

Releasing the wrapped package that he had been holding in place on his lap, Jared lifted his hands up in mock surrender. He ducked his head and attempted a contrite expression. "Merely pointing out the ridiculousness of your statement."

Dani sighed irritably and stood from the bench. She stepped away, letting out another sigh and watching her breath materialize into fog and disappear. Her shoulders sagged as she watched the brief life of her breath appear and disappear. Just like human life.

"I assume there's another reason," Jared countered from behind her.

Dani turned her head so she could look over her shoulder at him. "What makes you say that?"

Setting the package on the space she vacated, Jared made himself comfortable by leaning back against the tree trunk. He crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head. "It's Christmas. Normally people spend holidays with their family."

"What about you?" Dani turned her head away and kicked at the snow beneath her feet. "Why aren't you with your family?"

"I don't have any and I don't celebrate Christmas. Stop evading," Jared quipped. "Why aren't you home with your family."

"I'm not normal and I don't have a family," she declared bitterly.

"What about those lovely stick figures in your discarded book?"

"I want that book back," Dani stated as she bent over to scoop up a handful of snow in her gloved hands.

"Danica," his voice turned harsh. She refused to look at him. Instead, she packed the snow in her hands into a ball. Just like the way her dad showed her when she was six.

"Danica!" Jared snapped.

Dani jerked her head enough to look at him out of the corner of her eye, but no more than that. He was leaning forward, arms resting on his knees. His own mismatched glare was leveled at her now and it sent shivers down her spine. She glued her eyes to the snowball in her hand and kept compressing it.

"Now, that I believe I have your attention," Jared drawled, "you will listen to me, young lady.

"You do have a family. They may not be the family you want, but you have one. How many children in this world don't have family? Stop thinking of yourself for one moment and consider them."

"I don't care!" Dani shouted as she whirled and threw her snowball at him. She ignored the stunned expression on his face when it hit him square in the chest. "I don't care about those other kids!" Dani insisted. "It's Christmas, and it's the first Christmas after my mom's death! Can't I be miserable? Can't I be angry? Why do I have to feel miserable about kids I don't even know?"

She scooped up another handful of snow and threw it, but it didn't reach him. "It's not fair! She's gone and she was - she died because - she was so - stupid!" Dani collapsed to her knees and buried her face in her hands. "She went back in and - the medals - Dad's medals and flag - hit on the head - and - smoke -" Dani's incoherent words and thoughts were interrupted by her sobs.

"Isn't it enough - that - I lost Dad?" She dug her fingernails into her scalp as she sobbed. "Why did I - have to lose Mom too?"

Two, heavy hands gripped her shoulders, causing her to look up in surprise and misery. Jared's face was staring down at her in concern, understanding, pity, and sympathy. "I am sorry, Danica. Empty words that may not comfort you, but I am sorry."

Lip trembling and tears brimming in her eyes, Dani sought comfort from the frustrating man. She leaned toward him and hid her face from the world. Jared's arms enfolded her in a comforting embrace and he just let her cry. He spoke quietly. What he said, she could not discern. Most likely the words a parent or adult would say to a hurt and frightened child.

When she started to calm down a bit, and became aware of Jared and what he was saying, she listened.

As if he sensed she was ready for his words, Jared murmured, "Life is not fair, as I've said before, Danica. What would have been fair? Losing the memento of your father's courageous deeds? Your mother living, trapped in a hospital bed and unconscious for the rest of her days? Who knows what her condition would have been had she survived the fire? What would you have done if she was unable to live with the requirement of aid every waking moment of the day? You're still a child, Danica. Children should not have to become adults so soon and take care of adults.

"Life is not fair," he repeated. "You don't like your aunt and your cousins. Do you really hate all of them?"

Dani shook her head, collecting her thoughts. "Eddie," she hiccuped.

"Then focus on him," Jared instructed. "Think of him when you feel like the whole world and life are against you. What life must have been like," he sighed sadly, "for that boy before you came to live with them."

A frown creased Dani's features. What did he mean? Did he know about Eddie? Did he know about her whole family?

"Holidays are hard," he continued, not giving her a chance to speak. "I assume then, that you came out today to think about your holidays with your parents."

She nodded and felt the warmth and softness of Jared's shirt against her cold, wet face. "I can't talk about them at my aunt's house. She won't let me. It's hard," she croaked, "to not talk about Mom and Dad. All I want to do is talk about them. Remember them. Share what they meant to me with someone. Everyone thinks I'm so tough, but -"

Jared remained silent in case she wanted to finish her thought. When she did not, he extricated her from his shirt front. Their eyes met and his gaze searched hers. "You are still a child, Danica. You are making that transition from child to adult, sadly, faster than is meant, but you are. However, you are still allowed moments of fear and doubt. These are the days where you become stronger, but it is a long journey before you are the tough, assured woman I know you will be."

Dani offered him a shaky smile before looking away again and reaching into her coat pocket. Tugging free a small, familiar handkerchief, she blew her nose before stuffing it back into her pocket.

"I'm so pleased to know you've put my handkerchief to good use," Jared intoned.

"Shut up," Dani chuckled as she backed away from him and stood. She brushed the snow from her marginally soaked jeans. The touch of his hand to her elbow made her jump in surprise. He quirked an eyebrow at her and motioned to the bench. Silently, she allowed him to lead her back to the bench they had abandoned.

He let her sit first before he picked up his package and sat down with it on his lap. Dani looked at him sheepishly before whispering, "Thank you."

"Think nothing of it," he ordered stiffly. "I don't make it a habit of comforting teenagers. Children - that's in my line of work." He smirked and glanced down at her. "Your assessment of the similarities between adolescents and children is gaining credibility."

"I don't understand you," Dani sighed as she scrubbed her face with a hand. "One minute you're nice and I think I like you. The next minute, you're acting like a smug git."

Jared laughed that infectious laughter that coaxed a laugh out of Dani. When the pair quieted their mirth, they sat in companionable silence.

After what seemed like a lifetime of silence, Jared cleared his throat. Dani looked up at him expectantly. "Well," he began, "I don't celebrate Christmas - not really - but I do have a present here for you."

Dani stared at him with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. "You - didn't have to, and why?"

"I get presents for all the children I help," Jared explained as he handed her the package he had been holding onto. "Considering I've rid you of a book that could have ended up getting you in trouble, contributed to your little junk sale, and danced with you on the night of your school's winter festivities, I would say I have helped you. So, a present." He smirked and folded his arms over his chest. "And you thought I was a git."

Dani's mouth opened and closed in an attempt to say something, but nothing came to mind other than a very confused, "What?"

He freed one of his hands from the confines of the crook of his elbow so he could make a shooing motion with it. "Go on! Open it! Tear it open like the toddler you've compared yourself and all other teenagers to."

Sticking out her tongue and earning a chuckle in response, Dani looked down in wonder at the package. Contrary to his suggestion, she carefully peeled paper away so the suspense would build. The corner of a book peeked out until she realized that it was a stack of two books instead of one large one. Brushing the paper back, Dani gasped. For the second time that day, tears came to her eyes as she stared down at the familiar book cover.

"It's a copy of MacBeth!" She lifted the book in her shaky hands and fingered the cover.

"Open it," Jared insisted quietly.

Dani did as told and saw her name and address sticker - her handwriting and no one elses. She flipped excitedly through the book to find all of her markings and notations. This wasn't just a copy - it was hers! The pages with the offending drawings were gone - better yet, they were replaced. No one would have known what used to tarnish the pages.

As she flipped through the book, the pages fell open to the very back where blank pages had been inserted for director's notes. The sharp writing in fading blue ink caught her eye and caused the tears that threatened to fall to finally break over her lower eyelids.

To: Danica, my aspiring storyteller

From: Daddy (I love you.)

Closing the book and hugging it to her chest, Dani looked up with a smile at Jared. "How -?"

Jared reached out to brush a tear off her cheek with his gloved hand. "I have a friend that works with bookbinding and restoration. I just called in a favor." Smiling smugly, he said, "I told you I was going to return it. Just not in the previous condition."

Since the day seemed to be made for seconds, Dani threw one arm around Jared for a one-armed hug. She giggled at the startled expression on his when she released him. "Thank you," she said with a nod.

"You haven't finished noticing your entire present," he bruskly stated. "Go on."

Dani looked down, not expecting any book to exceed her happiness. She was wrong. "An anthology of Shakespeare's works?" She gasped as she looked from book to the man beside her.

"Well, you liked that tragic story so much, I thought you might like some others written by the man." Jared shrugged.

"I - I don't know how to thank you," Dani admitted as she rested both of her hands protectively on the books.

Jared smiled kindly. "Be happy, lonely girl."

Dani reeled back in surprise. "What did you say?"

"I said, be happy." Jared shook his head and sighed. "Honestly. If I have to repeat myself again, I'm going to insist you see a physician about your hearing."

Shaking her head, she said, "No, I meant - oh," with a sigh she shrugged. "Nevermind. Thanks." The sound of the bell tolling two o'clock, caused both to look up.

Dani stood slowly and stepped away from the bench. "I better head back. Thanks, Jared. For - well - everything."

Jared stood and stuffed his gloved hands into his coat pockets. "Any time, Danica. Merry Christmas."

She smiled and turned to go. She was just about to step onto the bridge, when she heard Jared say, "Danica." Looking back, she waited for him to speak again. His face expressionless, Jared said, "I meant it. Those chaps at your school who won't give you the time of day? Their loss for not noticing you. Just goes to show they can't appreciate you."

A smile and blush spread across Dani's face. "I'm not saying 'thanks' again. So stop fishing for them." She turned and ran across the bridge, a giggle bubbling up inside her as she listened to Jared's infectious laughter chase after her.

~*/*\*~

Dani knocked on Eddie's bedroom door and peeked into the room. He looked up from his Lego set and grinned. "Hey, Dani!"

"Hey." She entered and sat down Indian-style on one of the few clear spaces on the floor. "Having a Merry Christmas?"

"Yeah!" Eddie declared happily. "I think the goblins took Peter's presents."

Rolling her eyes, she asked, "What makes you think that?"

"I overheard Mom asking Dad about one of Peter's presents. Guess, they either forgot or lost it - or," he said conspiratorially, "the goblins took it!"

Dani ruffled Eddie's hair. "Better his, than yours, huh?"

"Yup!"

"But you know," Dani hummed in thought, "I think the goblins actually exchanged gifts."

Eddie's face puckered in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Well," Dani explained nonchalantly, "I think the goblins took Peter's present cause he was being mean and a Scrooge, then traded it in for a present for someone who has been nothing but an awesome cousin to me."

Eddie grinned excitedly. "Really? Where is it? What is it?"

Dani pointed sneakily toward the pillow of his bed. She watched with delight as Eddie ditched his Legos and threw his pillow to the foot of his bed. He sat on the bed and tore the wrapping paper. Shouting with joy, he held up a copy of Mossflower.

"What do you know!" Dani laughed. "Goblins must have thought it was too long for them to read."

"Understatement of the year." The voice chuckled in her head. "Why do you insist on using goblins as your excuse for your own actions?"

She ignored the voice since Eddie was excitedly talking to her about how she had to read the first chapter to him after dinner. With a promise to do just that, Dani excused herself to her room.

Dani spotted the two books Jared gave her. They lay on her bed, where she had placed them when she returned earlier. A smile quirked the corners of her lips up. A flutter of white caught her attention to the window. Sure enough, there was the white barn owl, perched outside her window.

"Merry Christmas," Dani whispered before descending the stairs of her attic room, to join her only real family member - Eddie.

Author's Note: Aaaaaaah! Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorrysor ry(a million times over!)

It's been forever since I updated. I'm so so sorry! D= Life has been so stupid and I never want to have a repeat of this semester ever again!

In other news, here's a Christmas-y themed chapter update. =) Sorry of 'Jared' seems OOC. =/ I'll explain that eventually. He is still himself, just . . . ah, now I can't give it away THAT easily. Thanks for being patient. :) Maybe this Christmas Break will lend time to this and other fics. =D

Review!