Trouble (Hijack)

Part 28

~We'll let the fire just bathe ussss~

Jack's phone vibrated and he opened it to see a picture of Hiccup in his cap and gown. He wore a silver gown over his suit and tie. His silver cap hung awkwardly on his head matching his lopsided, goofy smile. He'd obviously been trying to make it work before sending the picture.

Jack smiled and looked down at his scarlet gown. He hated the colors, but figured it was just for a day so he would live. He put his red cap on and took a picture of himself to send to Hiccup.

Both their graduations were that day so they would miss each other. Hiccup's party was at his house right afterwards so Jack promised to come over. Since Jack's party was in a couple of days, he was glad he at least got to spend part of his day with Hiccup.

He sighed and looked over at a picture of his dad. He smiled thinking about how happy his dad would be to see him right now.

He heard a noise behind him and saw his door open. His mom came in looking excited and wearing an exotic printed summer dress.

"Just wanted to see if you needed help." She said as she walked in.

"Think I'm good." He chuckled.

She took his face in her hands and beamed at him, "I'm so proud of you."

He smiled back at her, "Thanks Mom."

She smoothed out any wrinkles on his gown and smiled back up at him. He seemed sad about something and she had a feeling she knew why. She took his hands and looked him in the eyes, "Your dad would be so proud of you Jack. He is proud, I know it. And he's got the best seat in the house." She smiled.

Jack nodded and smiled at his mom, "Can I ask you something?" he asked her.

"Of course." She said.

He bit his lip, "Why did you choose to go out with Max now?"

She sighed and sat on his bed, "Well...I guess I was just finally ready."

"Did you worry about how dad might feel?" Jack asked her.

She looked up at him softly, "I did. But then I realized that he'd want me to feel safe and happy. That if he were to choose another guy for me to go out with, it would be Max."

Jack nodded and looked away.

She smiled and stood up, "Jack...he'll always be the man I love, just like you will always be my son. It's okay to move on; we just don't have to forget them is all."

He looked at her and hugged her, "Mom?"

"Yeah?" she answered, hugging him back.

"Thank you for always being there for me. I love you."

She held him tighter, "I love you too. And I'll always be there for you."

Punzie came rushing in wearing her brand new purple dress. Unfortunately...

"What happened?!" her mother screamed, staring at the mess of food all over her.

Jack could only laugh as Punzie looked devastated and cried, "I spilled!"

Gwen sighed, "God, I just want us to look like a family; is that so much to ask for?" she muttered to herself as she took Punzie's hand, "Let's put on that pink one Ana got you."

"But I wanted to wear this one!" Punzie shrieked sadly, her voice cracking.

Jack winced knowing that her tonsils would be coming out soon. All her illnesses were catching up and she'd needed lots of rest but it also managed to really change her voice.