Cold Shoulder

Chapter 28

Well, here's the last chapter! It's kind of like an epilogue.

XXX

Jack stood in the middle of the lake. Since it was winter vacation time, he was able to come back for a visit. He looked up at the trees for a while before directing his gaze down to the ice below. Jack slowly sat down on the ice and placed his gloved hand onto its cold surface.

"Hi, Sarah," Jack greeted. "I told you I would come back, didn't I? I still miss you a lot, you know."

He smiled sadly.

"I'm doing a lot better now, though. I've been talking to everyone a lot more about everything, so that's helped. I'm glad that I'm able to visit for a few days. I'm going to go back home in time for Christmas, though," Jack continued.

He glanced at his arms. The thick material of his coat hid his scars from view, but he could envision the lines going across his skin.

"I haven't… cut myself in a while, either. I still want to do it sometimes, mostly when I get really lonely, but I haven't actually done it," Jack breathed out, forcing his smile back on his face. "Oh, yeah! I made a new friend at school! His name's Jamie. He's really fun to hang out with."

Jack removed his glove and returned his hand to the ice.

"I've been getting to know our little brother more, too. Will likes to play in the snow as much as I do. Last week, we build a fort in the back yard and built a snowman army to guard it," Jack laughed. "It was really fun!"

Jack's hand started to feel numb from the cold ice, but he didn't remove it. Not yet.

"Mom and Dad are really great. They're just as caring as I remember them to be. I wish I never ran away from them… I wish I hadn't forgotten them, or you, either… It's been hard getting used to everything. I can remember my past now, but it still feels like someone else's life sometimes. Kind of like I'm watching a movie. I know it's all real though. Without our parents, I don't I would have been able to get used to everything as quickly as I did," said Jack.

His hand continued to grow numb, but his mind was alert with a mixture of emotions.

"I went to visit your grave, you know. I tried to talk to you there, but since your body… or whatever's left of it… is still here, it felt weird. Did you hear me? I mean, you might not even be hearing me now, but… well…," Jack trailed off. "Oh, yeah! I brought you a gift. It's your Christmas present. I haven't gotten you one in a while… I hope you can forgive me…"

Using his still-gloved hand, Jack removed a small package from the pocket of his coat.

"Here you go!" he smiled. "I'll just leave it here, and it will sink down to you when the ice melts."

Suddenly, Jack heard a voice calling for him.

"Hey, Jack, Ms. Lilly made hot chocolate!" Toothiana called from the edge of the lake. "Come get some!"

"I'll be right there!" the boy called back before he turned back to the ice.

Slowly, he removed his hand from its surface. It had grown red from the contact, but it hadn't caused any damage. Hack slid his glove back on, allowing the warmth to bring the feeling back into his hand.

"Well, I have to go, sis. I'll try to come back before I have to go home, okay?" Jack spoke to his surroundings. "I love you, Sarah. Merry Christmas."

With that, Jack stood up from the ice and carefully made his way back to the shore. Toothiana was still standing there, waiting for him. She smiled.

"Last one there's a rotten tooth!" she chirped playfully before running off.

Jack glanced back at the lake one last time before chasing after her, his laugh echoing through the forest.

The End.

XXX

Well, we've reached the end! I've been writing this for almost two years now.

Thanks to everyone who has read this story, and a special thanks to those who have read it since the beginning! I also want to thank anyone who was written a review for the story. You've taken time out of your day to not only read what I wrote but also to comment it. Some of your reviews have literally made my day and made me feel happy.

It's hard to believe this is over after writing it for so long, but I think this was a good way to end it. It's a bit bitter-sweet. I think Jack will end up happy though, just like he ends up being happy in the actual movie.

Goodbye, everyone! :D

~ Doomed-Kelpie