North, tooth, and Sandy watched as several more stories were told. One of North's favorite was the tale of a proud journey of a man's life and all he had learned through it. Tooth was partial to Mrs. Bennett's tale of her dad being a stay at home "Mr. Mom", holding a hand over her mouth to stifle her giggles. While Sandy all but sang along with the teen Max's open road story. The thought never occurred to them to try and go in the house, maybe because they thought they would be intruding, but they were content to watch from the window.
"I have to admit mates, this is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving!"
Bunny's voice drew the other three guardians attention to the rabbit and winter spirit in the room. They honestly had forgotten that this wasn't just any old family get-together they were watching from afar. This was a family get-together where all the people could see the large Pooka and the young white haired winter teen.
"Couldn't agree with you more Bunny!" Jack said as he lounged against his propped up staff.
"But there's something I'm still trying to figure out. If you're there many greats ancestor, then why'd you tell us you'd been alone for 300 years?" Bunny said pointing at Jack.
"I didn't know I was there ancestor!" Jack replied, then told the story of last year's big reveal of the long-lost family album.
This prompted Mrs. Bennett to get the collection of memory books out. The first to be opened, of course, was the oldest. From their window view the three Guardians had a perfect vantage point to see the same thing Bunny did. And like Jack the year before them they were overcome by a chaotic collection of emotions. Pride in the older brother who stood up to the bullies and lived by the motto of: "who wouldn't want to be me!" Heartbreak and horror at the sacrifice the brother had to make to save his sister. Happiness at the sister creating a tradition to keep her brothers memory alive. Then paralyzing shock at the reveal of the charcoal drawing of Jackson Overland, aka their Jack Frost. Their paralyzes only braking when Mrs. Bennett read Penny's letter.
"You've been a Guardian this whole time!" Bunny let the words out in airy whisper. "And I've been too blind to see it this whole time!"
"Don't be too down on yourself Bunny! You weren't the only one." Tooth's high pitched voice caused Bunny, Jack, and several kids to spin around and stare at the window revealing Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, and the Sandman had been watching for who knows how long.
"What is it?" Asked aunt Greta.
"I think it's the tooth fairy, the Sandman, and Santa Claus!" Shouted Tommy.
"I think you're right." Said grandpa Bennett. He was only the first of the adults to see the remaining three guardians. Aunt Greta finally stood up, gave a Huff, and marched over to the window. She stared down the three Looking loos with her hands on her hips. "Are you just going to stand there are you going to come in?!"
The three guardians blinked a little bit, then hustled to the front door where Mrs. Bennett was waiting to assure them in.
"Please accept our apologies! We weren't trying to spy. We were on our way to look for Jack and Bunny and found ourselves entranced by your stories." Tooth explained.
Sandy nodded vigorously, creating a storybook with the word family written on the cover and giving it two thumbs up.
"So exactly how much did you hear?" Jack asked.
"We arrived just as Mr. Bennett started telling the story about his great great grandfather." North answered.
"Then you know about…." Bunny started to say.
Sandy created an exact replica of Penny's charcoal drawing, and an image of Jack floating above his like, all accompanied by the Bennett clan giving a group hug to Jack.
"No wonder you didn't show up for the meeting." North said with a hearty laugh.
Jack nervously scratched the back of his head. "To be honest I didn't even see the northern lights. I had a storm job right before this, and kinda passed out in a forest nearby the storm front. When I woke up I realized that I was late for the family Thanksgiving and dashed over here as fast as the wind could carry me. My mind was totally focused on getting to Bergress I wasn't looking or thinking about anything else."
"Bah, don't worry at all! Family iz much more important!"
"I agree! In fact, if you don't mind me sticking around that is, I love to hear more of your stories!" Tooth said with her hands clasped in front of her eagerly.
Sandy floated to the ground and set right next to Max and Candace.
"As long as none of you try to drag Jack off anywhere," aunt Greta said looking Pointing the at Bunny. "It would be an honor to have such distinguished guests at our small family gathering!"
Tooth looked confused for a moment until North let out a burst of laughter so loud it startled her into flight.
"I like your style Bunny, but I think you need to practice a bit more restraint with your ways of invitation."
Jack's eyes twinkle as he pretended to look behind North. "You're not hiding a magic sack are you North?"
North laughed like he did when he was going on a joy ride in his sleigh. "You make good point Jack!"
Sandy rolled his eyes and and blew a puff of air up towards his golden locks, making them swirl a bit in the breeze he created. He created his sand whips and pointed them threateningly at North and Bunny, telling them with his eyes that if they tried anymore funny stuff to Jack they'd have to deal with him.
Aunt Greta smiled at the Sandman, liking his style. "Well then why don't we get back to it. I believe I have just the story to commemorate both the past and the future at the same time."
Everyone sat down and got comfortable.
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