I'm working on a little something-something in celebration of Christmas and just though that I'd give you guys a sneak peek....
***
"Why are you doing this, Jack?" Katherine asked, blinking back tears. "What's wrong?"

"I already said I'm fine Katherine!" Jack snapped. "Leave me alone."

"You always do this," Katherine glared. "I'm tired of this. I tell you I love you, and you never believe it! If you don't believe that, why are we even getting married?"

"I don't know," Jack said in a low voice.

"Please tell me what happened! We can fix this!" Katherine tried.

"You're better off without me, Kath. You should've married Darcy or Bill. You would've been better off. You'd be happier if I weren't here," Jack turned away from her. The Delanceys had been right, he was holding Katherine back. She'd be happy if he was out of the picture. So would the boys. They'd be better if he was gone.

"Where are you going?" Katherine cried as Jack left.

He ignored her. He was going to Brooklyn Bridge, the only place he could be alone to think right now. The one place no one would look for him.

***

Jack blinked, looking around him. Nothing had changed. He was still standing on the bridge, the water just as black and choppy as it had been before the man.

He pulled his coat tighter around him, the wind was biting at him. He shivered again and reluctantly headed back to the lodge. He cast one more glance at the water that had seemed so inviting just minutes before, then turned to move back into Manhattan.

The lodge was supposed to be empty, the boys would be at Medda's party, so he was surprised to hear talking as he pushed the door open.

"What are you guys doin' here?" Jack asked, confused as he saw all of the boys sitting around the old, lopsided table.

"We live here, don't we?" Finch snarled. "The real question is what are you doing here?"

"I'm tired, I'm gonna sleep," Jack replied. He stared at Finch in confusion. The boy was never that harsh.

There was a creak as Albert stood up from his chair. His hands were placed palm down on the edge of the table in a threatening manner that Jack had only witnessed from Spot.

"Hey, bub, you gotta sign in with the superintendent if youse plannin' to stay the night," he growled, face twisted into a scowl.

"Real funny," Jack muttered, pushing past the redhead.

A hand gripped his shoulder tightly and pulled him back. "I ain't kiddin'."

"I ain't in the mood, Albert."

"How do you know my name?" Albert hissed.

"I've known you for years, Al!" Jack cried.

"Look pal, none of us know you. Now get outta here!" Elmer said.

Jack hesitated and Romeo glared. "You heard him, scram!"

Jack looked around at the boys desperately. None of them said anything, only stared at him. All mirth was long gone. Now they stared at him in annoyance. Little Sniper seemed scared and tried to hide behind Mush, only to be pushed away in disgust.

Jack turned and hurried out the door. No one remembered him.

"Man, we've already got a dunce and now we almost get a crazy! What is it about this place that attracts all the characters?" Romeo muttered.

***

There it is! The sneak peek for my latest and greatest project! Coming soon to theaters near you!!!