Jack Skellington, the almighty Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, silently stood observing the day's activities at Town Hall. Things were, for the moment, pretty quiet. Every ghoul and goblin was working quite diligently, preparing for the big night next October 31st. That was when they would give their grand performance, the one they gave only once a year. After 365 days of planning and hard work they'd finally put on their show, the same one that had been performed since before time could tell. And all to place terror into the hearts of those weak and quite pitiful little humans, being the pathetic race that they were. Yes, All Hallow's Eve; that's what all of this was for. All of these scurrying creatures, all of this mad activity. It was what they all lived for, what they had been born to do. It was their task to make sure that the mortals got Halloween. And every year they delivered it without fail, no matter what problems or conflicts arose along the way.
Deciding that he had nothing better to do, Jack began to walk around Town Hall slowly, still watching everyone work. Usually things were alot more hectic then this. Today was pleasantly silent, a rare treat. Especially for Jack. Being the Pumpkin King, it was his job to ensure the smooth development of the holiday. He was responisible for creating everything that would happen on October 31st; without him, none of this would be happening right now. The job was long and tiresome, oftentimes physically exhausting. Then there were those instances when he would just get depressed. He could never tell when he'd gt like that, it just did. The stress that was constantly being placed under him would simply build up until he burst. Needless to say, being the King had its drawbacks.
Currently, it was December 24th; Christmas Eve. Usually that meant nothing to the people here, but tonight was the exception to the rule. Santa Claus, being the gentleman he was, had very kindly made an offer to Jack. It had been his idea to have the people of Halloween work by the side of his elves this year, not frightening people buit helping to spread good cheer. He had sprung the idea up to Jack on a visit not long ago, suggesting that such an event could possibly create a strong friendship between the holiday worlds.
"Surely you remember a few years back," Sandy had said. "When you nearly destroyed Christmas as well as myself?"
A cringe on Jack's part. "How could I not?" It still pained to be reminded of it. Jack, feeling quite low at the time, had been yearning for something unknown to even him. Then one morning after a whole night of aimless wandering, he'd happened upon the world of Christmas Town. Believing this to be what he had wanted he had immediately made plans to make the holiday his own. Halloween had immediately put all current production on hold, resuming work on this new holiday; making toys, stuffing stuffings, etc. They had even gone to the extreme of kidnapping the jolly old elf himself. Then had come the 'Big Night'. Jack, in his Sandy Jack outfit, had flown with his team of skeletal reinderr to the human world, to deliver all of his ghoslty gifts. It hadn't been too greatly appreciated, however, as he was blasted from the sky. Hurt and dejected he had briefly mourned his rejection, until he had quickly come back to his senses. Gaining back his strength and confidence he had hurried back home, wrestling Sandy from the evil clutches of Oogie Boogie (the town's former villain) and setting everything right.
"Anyways," Sandy had gone on as Jack recollected all this. "Well I was thinking that doing something like this could create a new relationship between my people and yours. After that Christmas Eve, you know, they've always been kind of frightened of you..."
"Of course."
"But this would surely rekindle their spirits."
Jack had smiled pleasantly at that. "Well, it sounds like a wonderful idea. When shall all of this be taking place, this little mission to spread Christmas cheer?"
"December 25th. Not the night itself, as then is simply the worst time. There's no way we could possibly afford losing the extra elves..."
A little nod. "Yes, yes, of course. Well, it's a deal." And they had promptly shaken on it.
Now, however, Jack was beginning to regret that deal. He really wasn't in the mood for it any more. He wasn't in the proper frame of mind for it. Once again depression had struck him, and he was lower at this point then he had been in quite some time. He didn't choose to be like this, he honestly didn't--it just sort of...happened. Everyone hated it, his family especially. His beloved wife, Sally, was forever begging him to cheer up. His three adopted children Lock, Shock, and Barrel were constantly telling him to snap out of it. And occasionally it'd work; he'd see the way it was affecting his loved ones and come out of his hole. Other times, though, that was impossible; and now was one such time.
"Jack!" came a sudden voice. "We need your assistance over here!"
He shook himself from his daydream, spinning around to see his good friend the Mayor. Short and quite obese, the little man was looking at him with an expression of impatience.
"Oh, yes, of course," the King replied. "With what?"
The other began to walk, and Jack did as well. "The jack-o-lanterns. The vampires are having a bit of a problem."
A groan. "Of course they are. Alright then, no sweat." He followed the mayor over to the other side of town hall, where the four vampires were busy arguing.
"Bigger smiles!" exclaimed one.
"Smaller eyes!" cried another.
"Make their noses larger!"
"Hush!" the King demanded. "There will be no squabling while there is work to be done. What is the problem over here?"
"We can't decide how to carve this one!" said a vamp. "I think it should be more scary; they think it should have a touch of morose in it! Which do you think?"
An angry growl. "Listen, I really don't care...Sure, go for scary; this is Halloween Town, right? Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?"
"Um...yeah..." they all stammered.
"Exactly. Now get back to work!" With a frustrated sigh he turn on his heals, storming away while the mayor raced to keep up.
"Jack!" he cried. "Jack hold on!"
"What?" he hissed.
A little frown as he stopped in his tracks, eyeing his boss and friend. "You've been acting so uptight today, so jumpy. What's wrong?"
"Who said anything was wrong?" came the reply. "I didn't say there was a problem!"
"Look, if you want to talk...."
"I don't bloody well want to talk, alright? I think you've got work to do somewhere, don't you? Why don't you go do it?"
A little sigh. "Alright Jack, but I offered..."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Good-bye, Mr. Mayor."
"See ya, Jack." The little man headed off, while the King just let out a sigh as he slumped back up against a wall. This wasn't one of his days.
Jack got home late that day, around 6:00. When he finally did get back he was even grumpier and more depressed then before, grabbing a beer from the fridge and sitting down by himself in the living room. With a sigh he sat hunched over in the sofa, head in his hands, his drink beside him.
"Jack? You're home?" came a voice from the living room entrance. He sat up to see his wife Sally. He tried to offer an encouraging smile as he stood up, heading over to her and giving her a hug.
"Have a good day?" he asked as he gave her a kiss.
"Yeah, but I know you didn't."
A little shrug. "What else is new? Another slight bout of depression, I suppose I'll get over it..."
She frowned, pulling back slightly so she could look into his face. "Jack, 'suppose' is not good enough. You know I can't stand seeing you like this, so upset..."
He stepped out of her reach, plopping back down upon the sofa and grabbing his beer.
"Look, you think I can help who I am?" he demanded. "You think I can possibly change? That I haven't tried? I apologize, but it's not that simple."
"I know, but I love you. I don't enjoy seeing you depressed and upset. I miss that smile of yours."
"So do I," he said quietly, so she couldn't hear. She just decided to drop the subject, bringing up something else.
"Supper'll be ready soon," she told him. "In the mood for scalloped bat wings?"
"Perfect." He paused. "Hey, where's the baby, where's Kyrene?"
"Sleeping," came the reply. "Poor tyke, she was exhausted."
"I see. Hey, I'm sorry for holding up dinner like this..."
"No problem, I had a late lunch anyways." A buzzer sounded in the kitchen. "Oops, there it is. Would you beckon the kids down please?" Without waiting for his answer she hurried off. He just stood up, heading for the stairs. "Kids!" he called. "Dinner!"
"Coming!" came three voices.
Nodding to himself the King headed to the kitchen, setting the beer down in his place and heading to help Sally serve up dinner. She accepted his assistance with a little smile, getting him to set each plate in its special place. It didn't take long to complete their task; all they needed now was the children.
Jack glanced impatiently at the clock.
"Goodness, it doesn't take that long to come down the steps, does it?" he asked. "Of course, they're all teenagers by now, aren't they? No respect for anyone but themselves."
"Now, I don't know about that," his wife frowned. "You're just letting your depressed side get the best of you. They're just getting ready, that's all."
"Yeah, and they're taking too long. How is that we're raising three teenagers all at once? Shock is bad enough with her wild and crazy antics; now we've all three of them in the act!"
"Oh, hush," Sally warned him. "Don't be cranky." When he didn't reply she gave him a soft smile, taking him into her arms and giving him a hug. "I'm sorry, love. I guess sometimes when you get like this, it can get the best of us both."
"Still, they've no respect for anyone."
"That's enough," she told him, kissing him.
"Smells good!" came a voice suddenly as the three kids barged into the room. Sally released hold of her husband, taking her spot at the table. The rest of them did as well, the King frowning at his adopted children.
"Take long enough?" he asked as he picked up his fork, taking a bite of his bat wings.
"Calm down, we were only a couple of minutes," Shock fired back.
"Yeah, sheesh," grumbled Lock. "Jump on pour backs why don't you?"
"I'm not jumping on anyone's back. I'd just like you to hurry up next time."
"Why are you making such a big deal out of it?" asked Barrel. "I mean, it's not like the world is gonna end or anything."
"Alright, that's it," Sally told them all. "No more squabbling, just eat."
"We're not squabbling," Shock insisted. "We're proving our point."
"Which is more then enough. Eat."
"Fine," they all shrugged at once. It was silent for a few minutes.
"So," Sally said at last as she ate. "How was everyone's day?"
"Pretty good," Lock told her. "I just hang out with my friends, that's all."
"That's great. You all had a good day?"
"Reasonable," Barrel shrugged.
"No," laughed Jack miserably.
A groan from Shock under her breath. "Oh, perfect, this again."
"Listen, none of that."
"Of what?" Jack asked suddenly. "What did she say?"
Sally barely acknowledged him. "Shock, we'll stand no more comments in this household about anyone else. Especially not your father, he's done alot for you."
"Then why can't you friggin' tell him to cheer up or something? Geez, he's always so down-in-the dumps all the time, it's sickening."
The angered King rose. "Young lady, I hardly think that you have the right to talk to me about my current state of mind..."
"No? What if I told you that it's seriously dragging us down at Town Hall? That we're way behind because of it? Cause you know, we are."
"Yeah, and I really needed that info," he proclaimed. "Look, if you don't like it here you can leave."
"You wouldn't do that. You couldn't. Imagine, the King throwing out his oldest daughter and heir to the throne."
"That's enough!" Sally yelled, standing and throwing down her napkin. "Jack, just leave her alone, alright? She's just being a brat, don't give her the attention she's looking for."
"I'm not looking for attention," she whined.
"Who said I was giving in to her?" he demanded.
"You looked kind of flustered to me," came the answer.
"Sally, you've no idea what you're talking about."
"No, you don't," she fired. "Because you're so goddamned depressed. You know, Shock's right. You've gotta snap out of this, for pete's sake."
"So now you're on her side! Gee, thanks."
"Well, maybe I'd be able to understand your point better if we weren't worlds apart like we are."
An angry. "Oh, to hell with this. I'm through with supper, I'm going to bed early."
"Good riddance," Sally cried as her husband left the table. No reply as the King headed up the steps. She just sat back in her chair angrily, glaring at the kids who simply stared at her. "Eat," was all she said.
Upstairs Jack was fuming. After changing into his nightgown and cap he collapsed into bed, pulling the covers up around him. He sat back up after a moment, however, staring out at the bedroom around him. Sally did have her reasons for being angry. He was a bit too melancholy. But he couldn't help it, it wasn't his fault! So why was she condemning him like this? That was really what he was upset over, that she couldn't understand him.
With a sigh he rose from his bed, heading down the cast iron steps and then heading down a long corridor. At the end of the corridor sat a little bedroom, with the door sligfhtly ajar. Slipping inside the room he glanced around quickly. This was his youngest daughter's room, his little girl Kyrene. No more then 6 months old, she was a beautiful little girl. Smiling to himself the King stepped towards the side of the crib, peering in.
There slept the child, quiet and peaceful. Leaning into the crib he gave her a gentle kiss. In all the five years they'd been together, Jack and Sally had never been as happy as when their little girl had been born. Kyrene was a symbol of all they shared, the love that still kept them together, the bond that made them one. The child was indeed quite special. Giving her now one last kiss Jack left the infant, heading back upstairs and lying back down in his bed.
It was silent for a few minutes as he lay there. Downstairs he could hear as supper was wrapped up. The wind rattled against the window panes, and he grew quite grateful that he was indoors; no matter how depressed he was.
He was close to sleep when it happened; the temperature of the room suddenly dropped around 5 degrees, and a fog began to swirl along the floor. Shooting up straight in his bed Jack's eyes widened as he called for Sally. Something was very wrong here.
"Jack," came a strange voice suddenly. "Jaaack..." It was a strange voice, oddly familiar, masculine yet not that of either Lock or Barrel.
"Who is it?" he asked timidly, trying to battle the quiver in his voice.
"It's me, Jack," came the voice again. "Who do you think it is?"
"I have an idea," he whispered. "Oh, God, I have an idea..."
To his left the fog began to rise, swirling to create a tall cylindrical tower. It changed and took shape, molding and sculpting itself until a person stood there. The unmistakeable figure of...
"My father?" Jack said quietly.
Indeed it appeared to be so. Robert Skellington, former Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, did in fact appear to stand there in the center of the room. "No, this is impossible..."
"My dear child," smiled the old King. "My one and only son. Nothing is impossible in this world, only if you cannot open your mind to it. Your eyes are not decieving you; I am here."
"But why?" he asked as his eyes began to fill with tears. He took a breath in order to hold back to hold them back."Why are you playing with my mind like this?"
"I have come on a mission, to deliver to you a message. You shall be visited tonight by three spirits..."
A chuckle. "Father, I'm always being visited by spirits, what else is new?"
"Quiet while I'm talking to you, boy. You shall be visited tonight by three spirits, who shall each take you to a different place to learn a different lesson."
"Lessons?" Jack insisted. "Father, you must be delirious."
"No son, my brain is working fine. Even if I am dead. It is your brain that is malfunctioning. And that is what the three spirits are going to try to do; clear your thoughts."
"Why though? I'm perfectly fine."
A sad shake of his head. "No Jack, you're not. After the display you put on tonight at the dinner table, it's painfully clear to me that you're not." He smiled weakly. "My time here is up, my son. But remember; along with the struck of midnight shall come the first spirit. And listen to them all, hear them out."
Jack simply shrugged curled back up in the bed. "Yeah, whatever. I don't believe a word of this, but whatever."
Robert simply sighed. "So long, Jack. I can only pray that your journies tonight prove of some use to you."
Jack woke up later on at around 11:52, suddenly quite cold. He glanced at the spot in the bed beside him; Sally lay there sleeping, probably quite content with the fact that her husband was freezing. With a little grumble Jack rose, stumbling toward what appeared to be an open window. Sally must have opened it before heading off to bed. Pulling it closed he briefly rubbed his arms in order to warm them up, whirling back around to see someone else sitting on the edge of the bed. He cried out, recognizing this person. A young skeleton boy, his feet dangling off the large bed as he grinned cheerfully. "It's you!" Jack cried. "I--I mean...you're me! Myself as a child, no more then ten years old!"
The boy king applauded. "Way to go, Einstein. Guess I didn't grow up to be a total idiot after all." The child Jack glanced over at Sally. "Hey, she's a nice one," he grinned. "She your wife?"
"Yeah, she is," came a startled answer.
"Hey cool, not only am I gonna be smart but I get a great looking wife. Pretty neat."
A sigh. "Was I really this much of a brat as a child? Alright, kid, I guess you're the first spirit, eh?"
"Yep," came the answer along with a smile of pride. "The Ghost of Christmas Past."
"This is ridiculous, Christmas Past and all this bullshit..."
"Tut tut, don't swear. I'm only a kid, you know. Anyways, are you ready to go?"
"To go where?"
"Why, to the past, of course."
A slight pause. "I---I guess so."
"Great. Come on, then." Little Jack went over to the window, opening it wide.
"Hold on, it's freezing out there. And how exactly are we supposed to get anywhere like that?"
"Come over," the Ghost replied simply, motioning the King towards him. Taking his hand the little boy stepped upon the window sill. "Just trust me, alright? I've done this before." Without waiting for an answer he took off, flying away from the mansion.
"What the hell, get me down!" Jack cried. "I hate heights, get me down!"
"Yeah yeah, you wait," came the reply. "We're gonna be speeding up now, so hold on..." Jack held his child self's hand tightly as everything fly by quicker and quicker, until soon everything was whizzing by so quickly that is was all just a big blur. He couldn't get out a word as the flew, and he was near blacking out when he found himself upon the ground once more. He glanced at where they had landed.
"We're back where we just were!" he cried. "My home!"
"Our home," the child corrected. "The year is 1494. You are only one and a half years old at this time. Robert Skellington, our father, is currently ruling Halloween Town. Now come, let's go inside." Without waiting the lad walked through the side of the house, disappearing. Heaving a sigh Jack followed as well, finding them standing in the same kitchen he remembered eating supper in earlier that evening. All was silent in here, but he could hear dim laughter coming from the living room. Not waiting for his child self he headed for the living room, to see a sight that made his heart melt. His father and mother both, playing joyfully with their only son. Himself walking on unsturdy legs towards his mother, his father sitting on the floor smiling at the two people he loved most in the world.
"Isn't he a little doll?" he asked his wife, Naomi. "Isn't he a sweetheart?"
"Our little creature of the night," the proud mother smiled as her son showed her a toy truck. "Imagine Robert, we're a family here. You me, and little Jack."
"We certainly are," he replied. "I never saw any of this coming ten years ago."
"Certainly not." Both watched as the boy toddled over to a toybox upon the floor, rummaging about. Sighing contentedly Robert slid over to his wife's side, wrapping his arms around her. She just smiled, reclining in his arms as they sat against the sofa. "One day he'll grow up, Rob," she told him. "He'll be big and tall just like his father, a man with a wife and children of his own. He'll be a wonderful and brilliant king, a wise ruler and a fair judge. He'll be a fine man."
"Indeed," he nodded. "That's our little guy. Just like his father."
A raised eyebrow. "Kinda full of yourself , aren't you?"
He shrugged. "Maybe a little..."
"Bullshit, a little," she giggled.
"Hey!" cried little Jack suddenly. "I want you ta pway wiff me!!!"
A little chuckle. from Naomi laughed. "Attention deprived, poor kid. What do ya wanna play?"
"Ball!" cried the lad. "Catch, dad!" A good hard toss, catching the grown man in the chest.
"Wow, that was pretty good son," he breathed. "I have a better idea though." He motioned his son forward, whispering something into his ear. Both chuckled then as they looked at Naomi.
"Um...guys?" she asked. "Why are you...looking at me like that?" She didn't get time to reply. Quick as a flash the two jumped upon her, tickling her as she squirmed and laughed while begging for mercy.
Meanwhile the two ghostly visitors sood watching the scene. "I don't get it," Jack said. "Can't they see us?"
"No," came the answer. "They can't."
"What was the meaning of this trip anyways?"
"To prove to you your innocence, that's what. The innocence you once had. Now, it's time to go."
"Oh please, no more flying...my stomache is still churning from last time..."
"Fine, we won't fly. Take one last look at it all."
Jack did just that, glancing back at his parents and his infant self. It was a lovely scene, and he was all too sad to leave it.
The next instant Jack felt as if he were flying through outer space; it didn't last long, however, and he found himself in his old bedroom, once again with his childhood self. He remembered this as the place he had slept in as a young lad, before he had gotten control of the throne. There he was now, a boy of eight, playing with his trucks. A smile crossed the grown king's face.
"I remember that," he said. "That was so much fun, when I was able to just sit down and play...but that all changed..."
"Didn't it?" asked his child-self companion. "Just watch." He did just that, his eyes on the scene as a slightly older Robert Skellington appeared in the doorway.
"Son?" he asked. "Did you forget your bath?"
"Aw, dad..." he whined. "I don't wanna take a bath, I'm playin'..."
"Now Jack," he frowned. "You're a young prince. You need to be clean. Now come on, clean up..."
"No" he insisted, crossing his arms stubbornly.
"Do it or else you're grounded."
The young boy was defeated as he turned away, heading to put away his things. Smiling Robert left the room, closing the door behind him.
As soon as the door was shut Jack stopped his cleaning, heading directly for the closet and pulling out a small bookbag. Shoving a few toys and some clothes inside he headed for the window, opening it up and glancing down. It wasn't too high, only a few metres. Being a young and agile skeleton, he could easily handle that. Besides, he was dead, wasn't he? Smiling to himself he hopped onto the window sill, took a deep breath, and jumped...
He hit the ground hard, having not landed the way he'd planned on. After a few minutes of recovering the boy stood up, dusted himself off, and headed along on his way. He was going to run away, whether his dad liked it or not.
The grown-up Jack watched meanwhile this happened. He grimmaced as he watched himself hit the ground, letting out a sigh of relief when he stood up. "I remember that,' he chuckled. "What an ass I was, eh?"
"Yeah," came the reply from himself. "We were, weren't we? I remember too. It was dumb. Do you remember what happened next?"
A little gulp. "All too well..."
"Well, we're gonna go and watch anyways. Hold on now...."
Once again came the familiar flying sensation. When Jack looked it was morning, and they were stood before Town Hall. There sat the little prince, sleeping contentedly, wraped in a warm jacket he had thoughtfully brought along.
"Jack!" someone cried suddenly, running up to the boy. "Jack, wake up!'
"Wha---who is it?" he muttered.
The grown up Jack just nodded to himself. He still remembered this man; the former mayor of Halloweentown. This man continued to shake him. "Come on, boy, it's important. No time to delay, come on..."
A brilliant flash of light suddenly appeared, and the King found himself standing back in the master bedroom of his home. There in the grand canopy bed lay Robert Skellington, the great King, pale and deathly ill. And there was little Jack, at his father's side, his face sticken with confusion.
"Mr. Mayor..." he muttered. "What's going on?"
"He's very sick, my boy," came the reply. "I think he's seen the last of his days, I'm afraid. His soul has decided to move on..."
"No," he sobbed. "You're lying, he was fine just yesterday."
"Jack., you know the way it is sometimes. Here in Halloween, a person's soul can chose to continue on towards heaven or hell at any time. His decided to go now."
"It can't be..." came the choked sob. "It can't...."
"I'm afraid so, my lad. Within a matter of hours, you shall become the new Pumpkin King."
Still invisible to the rest of them, the two ghostly spirits looked on. Jack was near sobbing. "I remember it so well," he said. "My poor father...please, is it alright if I say good bye to him before we go to the next scene?"
A nod from the Ghost of Christmas Past. "Yes."
"Thank-you." Taking a small breath he headed towards the side of the bed, gazing at Robert, his dad. He remembered it so well, the final hours they'd spent together. How he detested it as well. A tear rolled down his cheek silently he gave the man a kiss upon the cheek. "See ya dad," he said gently as that same feeling came over him once again...
When he looked up he was back in Town Hall. Next to him stood the spirit, who guestured to his surroundings. Understanding, Jack took a look around.
Work was currently well under way on the holiday; old friends that had long since passed on were busily making their way around, while a young Pumpkin King oversaw it all. Jack Skellington, the boy King, no more then 20. "You over there!' the young King cried. "Move that there! No no no, not there! Arg, can't anyone here do anything right?"
A smile from the older and wiser King. "Young and stupid, wasn't I? No idea how to run a kingdom. Then again, perhaps I still don't."
"Take a look at yourself here," little Jack said. "Notice anything?"
"Kinda," he shrugged. "How uptight I am, for starters."
"Anything else?"
He watched as the Boy King leaned against a wall, shaking his head with dismay as he let out a long, pathetic sigh. Holding his head in his hands the young man escaped to his private sanctuary, his office, where nobody could disturb him.
Yeah," he said at last. "I'm depressed."
"You are. Then again, what else is new? You've been that way since dad died--we have. And has it ever poven of any use to you?"
A little shake of his head. "No. Never. Only gotten me into trouble."
"Exactly. Your attitude has never helped a soul, has it? Only hindered."
"Yeah, I know. And it hurts Sally so much, it hurts me..."
"That's not all," came the reply. "But nevermind that now. Our time is up."
"No, wait!" he cried. "No, I'm not done yet!"
But it was useless as everythin began to go blurry. "So long," said his childhood self. "And be prepared for when the second spirit visits you...!"
Jack knew there was nothing he could do now to get the ghost to stop. All he could do was wait for it all to be over....
When Jack re-opened his eyes he found himself back in his bedroom, laying beside Sally as he had been before. Heaving an exasperated sigh he sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and cradling his head in his hands. After sitting like this for a moment or so he sat back up, stumbling awkwardly towards the bathroom to wash his face.
He came back out a few minutes, to hear a most peculiar sound. Piano playing, coming from downstairs. Who could it be? Certainly not his wife or any of the kids; none of them could play. He was the only piano player in the house. Heading now down the cast iron stairwell he followed the noise softly, into the living room. There his eyes beheld a most bizarre sight.
"It's...it's me!" he cried wonderously. "I mean, I'm you...what's going on here....?"
The music didn't stop, Beethoven's 5th Symphony. A smile crossed the other Jack's face. "Lovely, isn't it?" he smiled, pleased with himself. "I've always had a thing for Beethoven myself...course you already knew that."
"Wait, I'm not getting this," the Real Jack proclaimed. "First it's me as a kid...now me as an adult? I don't understand!"
The music stopped, and he stood up. "Allow me, then; I am the Ghost of Christmas Present."
A nervous little giggle. "Oh, I get it now. And the next guy is gonna be me as an old man, The Ghost of Christmases To Come."
He shrugged. "You'll see, won't you?"
"Unfortunately," he whined.
The other Jack put on a smile. "Come now, don't be so gloomy!"
"You of all people should understand, you know."
A shake of his head. "Sorry, I don't. See, I'm you as you could have been, had your ways and personality been different."
"You're me as if I had never been depressed."
"Exactly. And it's my job to help you see things from my point of view."
"Whatever you do then, don't make me fly...I'm begging you!"
He laughed. "Alright, I know your fear of heights. I'm the same."
"Go figure."
"Such dry humour, I really don't understand you. But whatever. Now, shall we be off?" Without another moment's delay he snapped his fingers, and they were instantly in another section of Halloween Town.
"I know where we are," the Real Jack said. "The West End of Town. Why are we here?"
"To watch," came the answer. "To see how other people are spending Christmas Eve. Your average citizens; not rich Pumpkin Kings."
No immediate reply from Jack. This area was quite run-down; the houses were shabby and old, a little too close together and a little too crowded. "Well, go ahead then," he said at last. "I'm ready."
A smile. "Great. Come along, over to this window here."
He nodded, following himself over to one house. Together they peered inside. There sat a man and a woman, probably husband and wife. At their feet slept two little boys, and the woman was hugging a baby girl in her arms. Both she and the man were content and smiling, despite the fact that their financial position was not one of royalty or fame. They were a family, and they didn't care what else happened; they had each other, and that was all that mattered.
"It's so strange," Jack whispered. "How can they be so happy? Look, they've barely even got any furniture in there! Yet they don't care..."
"Exactly," his ghostly friend said. "Come now, over here." They crossed the street, peeking in to another home. Inside here sat an old couple, each in a rocking chair, the two of them holding hands as they rocked soundlessly. Smiles were across their faces; once again, despite their low income, they were quite happy.
"It's so sad, to see them like this...I can't believe anyone in my wonderful kindgom is so poor off. Yet I'm also baffled by their happiness! It's impossible!"
"No, it isn't. We've one last house to look into. Down here." Quickly the other Jack made his way down the street, to another house not far from there. Stepping up carefully to a window he glanced inside.
There sat a young man hunched over a desk, working incessantly at a document of some type, perhaps for a job. He was putting in so much effort, yet this was all he could afford. And look at how diligently he worked! Without fail, never quitting, even though he surely detested it!
A little sob escaped the Real Jack's throat as he collapsed to the ground. "I understand what you mean," he said at last. "These people are all so content with theri lives...they haven't a quarter of what I have, yet look at them! And I constantly mope about feeling sorry for myself, when I've nothing to be depressed over! And further more, my depressin has allowed for this to happen, for all of these people to be living like this. I simply never cared enough to do anything about it! Oh, I feel perfectly awful about this, I have to make it up to them!"
A little smile. "I was hoping you'd say that. Well, time's up for now. Ready to go back?"
"Yes I am. Thank you."
"No problem." Slowly, everything began to go blurry again. "Remember what you've learned here, Jack."
"I will!" he cried. "Oh, I will!"
Once again, he opened his eyes to find himself in his bed. Rising he yawned sleepily; he wasn't getting much rest tonight. Heading over to the window he looked outside at the town below. It seemed so quiet down there, so peaceful...
Letting out a sigh he turned back around, to find behind him a large, hooded figure in a black robe. He let out a small cry.
"Whoa, I was so not expecting you!" he cried. "I was expecting myself as an old man. What are you doing here?"
No reply from the figure, who held a long, gnarled staff. "Yeah, yeah, I know the routine. You're the Ghost of Christmases To Come, and we're heading to the future. Okay then I'm ready. Let's go."
Still no answer. All the stranger did was make a large sweeping motion with his staff, and instantly they were in the graveyard. It was cold out here, and Jack pulled his nightgown closer arond him. "Cold out here," he muttered. "What the heck did you bring me out here for ? You're not a very good spirit, you know."
The robed figure let out a low chuckle, the first sound emmitted from him lt. With the tip of his cane he pointed to one of the graves.
"Ah, you want me to read it? Fine." He began to do so. " 'Here lies Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King of Halloween Town...' His voice began to choke up, but he continued to read. "Died the Fourth of May, 2003...that's only three years from now! Oh my God...died of suicide!" He began to sob, collapsing to his knees. "Now I know why my older self didn't come here instead of you--there isn't one!". His fingers clawed at the dirt. "Three years! No, that's not long enough for me! I still have a family to raise, a town to rule over...I can't die! Oh, this is all because of my attitude! My horrible, pessimistic, depressive attitude! Spirit, I'm sorry, I'll do better this time! Things will be different from now on, I promise you...I'll never let my personal emotions get the better side of me ever again! Just please spirit, get me out of here....please spirit..." He stared at the gravemarker, still horrified. "Spirit, please....please, spirit, please... please....please....
"Jack!" came a voice from far away. "Jack, wake up!"
"Please...please..." he muttered as his eyes adjusted. There sat Sally gazing with concern into his eyes, shaking him awake. The morning sun could be seen pouring into the room, framing his love in an angelic glow. He just laughed at that thought, grabbing hold of her and kissing her passionately before leaping up to find his clothes. "Oh, Sally!" he cried. "Sally, Sally, what a glorious evening!
"My, you're in a good mood."
"You would be too, my dear!" He called as he pulled on his pants. "Whether it was a dream or not, I don't know, but I swear I've never been happier!"
"I don't understand, love."
A laugh as he buttoned his shirt. "That's alright, you don't have to." He paused for a moment, sitting beside her on the edge of the bed. Giving her a little hug he kissed her on the cheek. "Sally, I'm so sorry for my behavior last night. Can you forgive me?"
"Sudden change of heart?" she grinned.
"More like a change of life. You forgive me though, right?"
She smiled. "Of course dear."
He leapt up once again. "Great! Oh, I musn't waste another minute!" He hastily tied his bat shaped bow tie before grabbing up his jaket, blowing his love a kiss. "I've got to run, dear, there's many things to be done." He ran down the cast iron stairwell. "I'll be back soon!"
She just grinned, despite the fact that he was already long gone. "Alright, Jack. See you later."
Jack burst into the mayor's home, not caring whether or not he woke the man up. Luckily he hadn't; he was sitting at his kitchen table reading the paper sleepily. He looked up confused when he saw Jack.
"What are you doing?" he asked. "Is there something wrong?"
"Quite the contrary, my dear friend, everything's just wonderful," came the reply. "I have a new project for you, to be started immediately."
"And what's that?"
"To reconstruct the entire West End of Halloween! New homes, better housing, extra employment opportunities, extra benefits for seniors, more affordable and better quality housing for families..."
"Calm down there, man!" he cried. "We'll get to all that. But what's inspired this sudden change of heart?"
"Realization, Mr. Mayor. Hurry now, get dressed! We've got so much to do!"
He just smiled as Jack zipped off once again. "Yes, your Majesty."
Jack had another stop to make; he headed directly for the West End, to the place he and the Ghost of Christmas Past had gone last night. Never missing a beat he headed up to the last house they had visited; to the one of the hard working young man. He knocked loud and hard upon the door.
"Coming!" came a voice. Soon a face appeared, that of the young man. A surprised expression crossed his face as he bent down to bow to his King. "Your highness, what an honour!"
"No son, no formalities. Please, may I come in?"
"Certainly."
An excited nod as Jack stepped inside. "I've come here to make a bit of a business offer with you."
"Really? What's that, sir?"
"I'd like to offer you a job, working by my side. You will be working with me at Town Hall, as my assistant. I've always been wanting one, never got around to it though. It's not a difficult job, really. Some paper work now and then, I'll also be consulting you for your input on certain decisions and such. What do you say?"
He was shocked. "You want me? To help you? I'd be honoured! Thank you, when do I start?"
"Tommorrow, 9:00. By the way son, what's your name?"
"William, William Frankensoft."
"Great then Will, mind if I call you that?"
"Of course, Jack. But why did you chose me for this job? How'd you even find out about me?"
"Oh, you wouldn't be interested in any of that," the King replied, waving a hand in the air. "Just remember; tommorrow at 9. Don't be late!"
"Oh, I won't," Will replied as Jack began to head outside. "Mark my words, I won't! And thank you!"
Jack hadn't forgotten the commitments he'd made with Santa. Happily he headed back home, running past his family who sat in the kitchen. "Hey guys! Be right back!"
Shock's jaw dropped. "Is it just me, or is he happy?"
"I think you're right, dear," Sally replied as she fed Kyrene some strained bats. "You'd hardly know it was him."
He appeared a moment later, in an outfit he'd had specially prepared for today's excursion; a red Santa suit, like the one he'd worn that first and most fateful Christmas. He even had his own hat this time; last time, he'd stolen Saint Nick's.
"I'm off!" he told them all cheerfully, giving everyone a kiss.
"You look like you're in a good mood," said Barrel.
"Yeah, what's the deal?" laughed Lock.
"No deal about it, I'm just happy. What a glorious day it is! I'll see you later, all." He gave Sally a last kiss. "Love you."
A little smile. "See you, Jack. Have a great time." Returning the grin he took off, disapearing out the front door and running down the front steps joyfully. Silently Sally rose from her chair, heading to watch her husband head off.
"This is really weird," Shock laughed. "But oh well; at least he's not depressed for once!"
Sally didn't reply, just stood there thoughtfully observing as he hurried along. Whatever was up with Jack, she knew he was happier then he'd ever been in his entire life. Watching now as he skipped towards his destination she couldn't help but smile; he was going to be just fine.