Jack Christmas Novels & Stories

"We have waffles. Eggs. Bacon. Fruit. And hot chocolate because the guy downstairs said it's Christmas and the rules don't count." Malaya squealed. Judy's eyes widened on the screen. "Jordan Hall," she said, the stern mom tone trying and failing to hide her happiness. "You got something to say to your mother?" Jordan's throat tightened. "Hey, Mom." "Merry Christmas," Judy said, softer. "Merry Christmas," Jordan echoed. Jerry pointed a finger like a warning. "Don't drop the tray, son." Jordan laughed. "Yes, sir." Malaya ended the call with a bright, "Love you!" and clapped as if she'd completed a mission.

Now it was an unspoken rule in the company because I wouldn't have it any other way. A text notification lit up the screen of my phone, snagging my attention away from the past, and I picked it up, quickly dialing the number of the agency Parker had just sent, and waited with bated breath as it rang. “You have reached The Xmas Xpress, Erika speaking. What can I do for you?” a feminine voice chirped in one breath with practiced professionalism. “Um, hello, I'd like to book a Santa Claus mascot,” I said, shifting on my feet.

Sophie stood in the middle wearing reindeer antlers and the biggest smile. "There you are! Dad's getting the tree. We have so much to do." The front door opened and Derek and Jason carried in the biggest Christmas tree I'd ever seen. Derek's eyes found mine across the room and held for just a second. Long enough that my coffee mug suddenly felt too hot. "Morning, Maya," he said, voice still rough. "Morning."

she glanced at the tv,“... am I right, Hendricks?” “Of course.” He replies.I shifted my gaze to the tv and, I could see Jake. He was being interviewed about the death of Miss Anna .“... I don’t know, but to me, this year’s Christmas will be feeling a lot like the long halloween.”Jake said, with a smirk on his face.I turned around to leave, unable to make sense of everything.“What do these three meant by ‘The Long Halloween’?” I muttered under my breath.TBC

I put on more makeup than usual, but still much less than Mom and Jaxon probably expected. When I made my way downstairs for the official introductions, I’d managed to calm myself. My eyes still felt too warm from almost crying, but my smile didn’t waver when I descended the stairs toward Dad, Jaxon , and his companion Felix . Dad took my hand, squeezing it as he led me toward my future husband. Jaxon’s expression was a masterpiece of controlled politeness as he regarded me. His eyes were dark blue, like the depth of the ocean, and gave the impression that they could swallow you just as easily as the bottomless sea. Disapproval flashed across his face when he took in my dress.

The silence was deafening, a stillness so complete it felt like the forest itself was holding its breath. That’s when he stepped out of the shadows. A man loomed before us, tall and broad, his features obscured by the hood of his cloak. His presence was overwhelming, the air around him seeming to pulse with menace. “Jona,” Chris breathed, his voice a mix of anger and disbelief. The man tilted his head, his glowing eyes locking onto Chris with an unsettling intensity. “I see my reputation precedes me.” Chris moved to step in front of me, but I stopped him, my eyes narrowing at the figure. “Where is Jake?” I demanded, my voice shaking despite my best efforts to sound strong.

There, the Joker frowned and tears streamed down his face. “This is you.” Rhett put the card in his hand. “You’re a fucking joker. You know that, right?” Jax turned the card over and took in the sleek design. It was thick and more of a lightweight metal that was so thin it mimicked paper. “What’s does a joker symbolize?” he asked. “You know I’m not a card player like you.”

That was weird because he had a look in his eyes that she didn't understand. Daniel noticed. “You good? Who's that?” He asked as he got in. “Yeah,” she said. “That’s my colleague. Dr. Davy.” He glanced at the gift bag she was holding. “He came bearing gifts, huh?” She laughed. “It’s Christmas.” “Well,” Daniel said, smiling, “now I need to up my game.” “It’s not a competition,” she said. “You think so?” “I know so.” He started the car. “We’re going skating first. The movie is in three hours.”

Ava chatted about school with Darla Hale, Uncle Cole's daughter, and Jamie fought over the largest piece of roast venison with Declan Hale, Uncle Cole's son. The Christmas feast covered the entire table. Everything from the roast venison to the mulled wine and the gingerbread house was a reminder of the festive occasion, which celebrated the warmth of being with one's family. They raised their glasses, wishing each other a Merry Christmas. The smiles had already returned to every face. It was as if my disappearance had been nothing more than a small footnote of the night. I hovered by the table, watching them with a hollow feeling in my heart. I was already dead—frozen solid out in the sub-z

Jennifer chuckled and retorted mockingly, "CEO? Do you really think she became CEO through her own abilities? Without Jeremiah and me backing her up, she's just a useless loser." Charles looked at Jennifer in disbelief. His eyes were filled with shock and anger. Annoyed by the noise, I told the bodyguards to drag the two of them farther away. I crouched alone by the seaside. The winter wind blowing from the ocean was icy and piercing. Little by little, I scattered Noelle's ashes into the sea. I said softly, "Today is Christmas, Noelle. It's also the day you were born. I'm letting you return to the ocean."