Chapter 3

Holly was walking through the endless corridors of the North Pole to her old bedroom, which was turned into an office after she moved out to live with Jack. The North Pole had seemed exceptionally lonely and quiet that day even though nothing was out of the ordinary. The yetis were still loudly making toys as the elves joked around in amusement. The intricate flying contraptions still floated gracefully through the air. Even the globe in the center of the pole was still shining bright as ever. However, in the midst of all the chaos, she still felt alone. The noise faded out to a humming buzz as she slowly paced her way to her office. She hugged her coat that she had brought with her in one hand, and she carried a bag with Jack's breakfast in the other hand.

She looked across the different open floors and didn't see the Guardians at their usual meeting spot. She assumed they must be inside North's office, so she scurried over to it and slowly held her ear to the his door. She heard multiple voices inside the room. She couldn't understand what they were saying but she could distinguish the different voices of Santa, Sandy, Tooth Fairy, Bunny, and Jack. Holly didn't want to disturb their meeting so she left Jack's breakfast outside the room on a stool, and then she made her way to her office.

Her old bedroom seemed more comforting than usual that day. Even though it didn't look much like her bedroom anymore because it was filled with sewing supplies and multiple songwriting materials, it brought memories of when Jack's anti-sedentary lifestyle was something Holly looked forward to. Before they got married, Holly was never concerned with Jack not being able to be there everyday because technically, they weren't supposed to be alone together in her room. These memories had almost made Holly go into depressed mood until she decided to switch her perceptive. After all, he was going to be with her for a few weeks, and she intended to make those weeks last as long as possible. During those weeks she intended to get pregnant, too. Maybe when she had a child, she wouldn't feel so bad when Jack left, and Jack wouldn't feel so guilty leaving her. Maybe that was a selfish reason to have children, though.

Holly put those thoughts aside and selected a torn reindeer harness from the pile of the many things that needed fixing at the North Pole, and sat down in her old sewing chair. She softly started to hum the carol "Silent Night" and began her work.

" What a beautiful song."

Holly jumped from her chair at the sudden remark. She smiled when she saw it was just her husband.

" Jack! Now you've got her all flustered!" Stated a familiar feminine voice. The Tooth Fairy fluttered her way into Holly's room as took her buy your hand,"I'm sorry, dear, but we overhead your beautiful humming after our meeting, and we couldn't help but come listen."

Holly raised an eyebrow and questioned, " We?"

" Sorry for eavesdropping on your work, sheila", said another familiar voice, the Easter Bunny's to be exact.

Holly looked at the door frame that was filled with the rest of the Guardians. She cupped her blushing face in embarrassment and asked, "Oh, was I that loud? I didn't disturb you did I?"

" Of course not, dear, it was wonderful", explained Tooth.

" You left the door opened slightly, so it wasn't so hard to hear", said Jack as he reached out a hand for Holly to grab so she could stand. He pecked her lips and swung his arm around her waist. Holly blushed as she glanced at the other Guardians watching the couples' exchange.

" Don't be so bashful, Holly, besides hearing your voice and watching you two love birds is surly refreshing after the gloomy meeting we just had" , exclaimed North as he tromped into the small room and patted Holly on the back.

Sandy soon followed with a magical sand heart above his head. The group soon realized that the room became pretty crowded yet cozy. Jack put a grin on his face and suggested, " Say, while we are all here, let's eat breakfast together". Sandy was holding the bag that Holly had left for her husband to showcase their intended meal. A genuine smile spread across everyone's faces and Holly stated," I'll go get some cookies. Jack, can you help me get some milk, please?"

Jack followed behind his wife and when they returned, North had started the fireplace and the group was sitting on an assortment of pillows and stools. As the group ate, Jack affectionately had his arm over his wife. The group conversed, laughed and joked as they ate and enjoyed the gentle warmth of the fire. Moments like these made the lonely moments of Jack and Holly's lives seem distant and unreal. In the middle of the multiple conversions, Holly questioned her husband, "Jack, what did North mean about the meeting being gloomy?". Jack's face became serious and he seemed to scowl at the crackling fire during his reply, " I'll talk to about it when we get home." He patted her hand and kissed her cheek.

" You guys are so adorable!", exclaimed Tooth from across the room. The whole room roared with laughter, and even Holly couldn't help but to laugh.

AN/ This chapter makes me feel all warm inside, at least near the end. Thanks your for the reviews, I really appreciate it!