WATP ch. 22- Frostbite

"This is bad." Ginger said. "He's out there in socks."

"Very thin socks, he refused to borrow mine." Private said. He was trying not to panic. "I'll call my dad."

"We'll check the bathroom." Ginger said.

She and Daniel ran inside the store. Daniel went to check the bathroom as Ginger asked people if they saw a boy run in here without shoes on. She scoured the entire store, asking people if Kenny had been through. Daniel came back, shaking his head. The both of them looked through the store again until one of the employees snapped at them to buy something or get out.

They went outside to see their friend close to tears.

"Kowalski's going to kill me!" Private said. "He's going to catch a cold or Hypothermia or-"

"We're going to find him." Daniel said. "I'm confident."

The three of them split up and searched, calling Kenny's name. They were at least half a mile from the lake when Ginger caught up with Private.

"Where could he have gone?" Private panicked. "He didn't answer my call."

"Give me your phone." Ginger said.

Private handed it over. She took out her own phone and typed in a number.

"I'm calling him from my phone." Ginger explained as she gave Private his phone back. "Hello? Kenny, I'm so sorry! Please go inside a building so we can bring your shoes to you. It's not safe to be out like th- Kenny?"

She put it on speaker, but they only heard a coughing noise.

"I heard something fall." Ginger said. "Does he faint often?"

"He did once when he was terrified. He's probably worked himself up into a panic attack."

"This is bad." She called Daniel. "Dan, this is an emergency now. Kenny's most likely fainted and needs to be found immediately before he freezes…what? You see him? Where? That's near my house…wow he did get that far. Get him inside my house."

"Kowalski's still going to kill me."

"Not if he doesn't hear about it."

The two of them trudged through the snow for five blocks until they reached a nice looking cottage.

"Wait, will they be able to get in your house?" Private asked.

"Yes, my cousins are here early for the holidays and my aunt's helping out by wrapping gifts." Ginger said. "I hear your mum's coming in a few days."

Private nodded. "Do you have a key?"

"Door's unlocked." Ginger said. "It always is when the boys want to play in the snow."

As if on cue, three kids came barreling out of the house and tumbling into the snow.

"Oi! Be careful!" Ginger said.

"Sorry Gingy!" The youngest said. The other two stuck their tongues out at Ginger.

"Gits." Ginger muttered.

The two of them entered the house to see rolls of wrapping paper stacked up on the couch. A thin woman was barely visible behind stacks of presents, both wrapped and unwrapped.

"Ginger, is that you?"

"Yes, did Daniel come in?"

"Yes, with a small boy named Kenny. Poor dear was nearly frozen. He's in the boys' bedroom."

"Thanks."

"Nice to see you again, Andre!"

"You too." Private said.

They found Kenny unconscious on the bed. Daniel sat in a chair next to him.

Kenny had blankets piled on him and his feet were covered in washcloths.

"Excuse me." A teenage girl scooted past them, holding a bowl with more washcloths in it.

"Sorry, Jamie." Ginger said.

"No problem, cousin." Jamie said with a wink. She wrung out the towels and replaced them with the old ones. "Just keeping his feet warm. Why on earth was he in his socks? Very thin socks, mind you. I don't even know how many holes were in those." she shook her head disapprovingly. "I threw them away and gave him a pair of my brother's. Don't worry about it." She added at Private's concerned look. "He's about the same age and we can always get more."

"How's Germany?" Private asked.

"Good, I'm learning a lot even though Mum wanted me closer. She said she missed me, but I think she missed having an easy babysitter."

"Easy? They're six, ten, and thirteen, how's that easy?"

"I have no idea. How was New York?"

"Pretty amazing really, I've made new friends and learned a lot."

"Well that's good. Any boys look cute?"

"Er…"

"Just messing with you, I actually have a boyfriend…I think. I should really learn how to speak Vietnamese…or at least I think he's Vietnamese…"

Ginger shook her head. "Why don't you find a German boyfriend since you're in Germany?"

Jamie shrugged. "I'm actually not looking for anyone. Why? You think someone might be good for me?" She winked at them again.

"Maybe his roommate. The tall, silent one with black hair." Ginger said. "Rico, was it?"

"Hmm, Rico. I like the sound of his name. You should introduce me sometime." Jamie said.

"Really? Er…Rico's not really the-uh...well he's not the romantic sort." Private said. "And I'm not sure I'll be able to come back again."

"What? Why not?" Jamie asked. "Is it because of that git? No offense." She pointed at Daniel.

"None taken?" Daniel said questioningly. "But yes, it is my fault. I'm going to fix it though!"

"Forgave him in such a short time?"

"Well, family forgives family." Private said.

"And I could never stay mad at these fools for long." Ginger said.

"I'm stupid and I know it." Daniel said. "Some of my friends said they'd have a hard time trusting me, but they'd try if I did."

Jamie smiled.

Kenny groaned and shifted.

"Kenny?"

"Walski?" Kenny said hoarsely. His eyes opened slowly.

"It's Private. You're at Ginger's house."

Kenny blinked a few times.

"Hey, I'm Ginger's cousin." Jamie said. "First off, if you're going to run away, bring your shoes. Honestly, I mean it's freezing. Maybe you're from somewhere where it doesn't snow as often, but in case you didn't know, it's cold. You have frostbite."

"Am I going to lose my feet?"

"No." Jamie said with a chuckle. "You're actually lucky it was only a first degree, or frostnip, as it's sometimes called. Sit up, please."

Kenny shifted to the end of the bed with Daniel and Private's help.

"This is hot water; put your feet in it."

Kenny did as told.

"Hot enough?"

Kenny nodded.

"Alright, after you've finished soaking, I'm going to dry you gently and wrap your feet in gauze."

"Why?"

"Because it works if you want to take care of yourself. And I've gotten it before and done this with my brothers countless times. Most often it's because they get overexcited and forget shoes or gloves. Most often, they forget gloves and think they're immune or something." She shook her head. "For some reason, you were not as bad as I thought. Are you used to the cold?"

"Somewhat." Kenny said.

"Are you usually far north of the equator?"

"I'm from Wisconsin and go to school in New York."

"Ah, well you might be used to the cold a bit, but ice is…well, it's ice cold. You might feel a little pain, numbness, and prickling. It'll be red for a while so try not to run around on your feet for the next few days. Soak your feet later tonight too."

Kenny nodded. "Are you a nurse?"

"No, just a very good babysitter. I've babysat for kids before and I can't tell you how many have thought they could just plank on snow." She shook her head again. "One of my brothers couldn't walk for three months. But you should be okay in a few days if you tread carefully."

"Thanks, Jamie." Ginger said.

"Thank you." Kenny said softly.

"Kenny, please don't run away again." Private said. "You are the first friend I made in America and I want to keep you as my friend."

"I'm sorry too." Ginger said. "He told me not to press the subject and I did that anyway. Would you forgive me? I promise I won't try to pry into your business."

"I forgive you. I won't run away again…I have no idea where I'm going anyway."

Everyone laughed. Kenny smiled at them.

"Hey, I almost forgot!" Private said. "Barry said we could Skype chat with him tonight, I think. Skipper also said his whole family won't be there until Friday so we can talk to him tonight."

"Can we call Kowalski?"

"Sure."

Jamie began to dry Kenny's feet and wrap them up.

Daniel joined in the conversation when they started talking about redecorating Private's room.

Jamie drove Ginger and the boys to Private's house.

Kenny was able to sit on Private's bed while the other three rummaged for things in the house. Daniel ran out to get some things that were on Private's list.

While he was out, Ginger and Private were able to tear down the animal wallpaper. Kenny was in charge of picking up trash and telling them if they missed spots. Soon enough, the wall was a grassy green color of Andrew's choosing.

Daniel came back about four hours later with two full bags.

"I had no room for these at my house." He said. "I live in the next town over." He added at Kenny's confused look. "It takes me an hour to walk there at a decent pace. I spent two hours looking for things I thought would go good in his room. Plus I needed bags."

They put up the three posters Daniel brought. One was of New York at night.

"I got this from my dad, he doesn't mind."

Another one depicted Star Wars.

"I have a different one at home."

The third Poster was of the Digimon characters. There were wall stickers of Pokémon characters as well as a few pictures that had been hidden at Daniel's house. The pictures had Private skating with his cousin and friend when he was little, trick or treating at the age of three, and playing games that his mother would disapprove of.

"Wow." Kenny said. "This is amazing!"

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to redecorate his room." Ginger said. "I didn't mind the green, but having everything blank was too boring."

"I know what you mean." Private said.

"Mum said she wanted me home for dinner." Daniel said. "But I'll come back tomorrow with the Pokémon games."

"We could meet at my house." Ginger suggested.

"But I'm supposed to stay off my feet." Kenny said.

"Hmm…true." Daniel said. "Well, you'll have to wait to use the television games, but I'll bring the Pokémon games."

"Aww, I won't get to come then?" Ginger asked.

"Sorry."

"Huh?"

"We're going to Daniel's house on Christmas Eve." Private said. "I was dreading that, but not anymore."

"I know, but your mum is coming Sunday and Christmas Eve is Monday." Daniel said. "And it's my fault if you're not allowed back…"

The four of them were quiet until Ginger broke the silence with a sigh.

"Let's just take this one day at a time." She said.

The boys nodded. Daniel said his goodbyes and headed home. Ginger and the other two went down to help. Kenny had to sit and rest his feet, but he was allowed to knead the dough while sitting at the counter. Ginger left with her mother at closing time. Kenny and Private ate dinner with Andrew again as he told another story. This time it was a story about how Nigel got frostbite so badly that he had to have surgical procedures done

Kenny learned that the plan was that Daniel would bring Pokémon games and that Friday would be a day of gaming and introducing Kenny to the world of Pokémon. They would also Skype chat with Barry and the others. Saturday was going to be playing out in the snow with a chair for Kenny. Sunday, Candace was to come back and they would prepare for Christmas Eve. For the whole day on Monday, they were all going to Daniel's house because it could hold the most people.

Kenny woke up late the next day with his feet hurting a little. He had taken Jamie's advice to soak his feet again and felt a little better. He limped downstairs to see Daniel and Ginger grinning at him. Private came out with some food and the four of them sat at a table. Daniel had brought as much gaming as possible. Ginger's cousin gave her an extra Nintendo DS once he heard that Kenny had never played before.

They all started by showing Kenny the basics of the games. He chose Squirtle as a starter. Private noticed that Kenny smiled and laughed more than he'd ever seen before. He seemed to be truly enjoying himself.

Kenny called Kowalski later in the afternoon to check on him. Kowalski said he was fine and he was taking care of himself.

To take a break from gaming, the four of them decided to Skype chat with Rico. He and Rikki were happy to hear from Private and Kenny. They met Rico's grandmother, Mary, who was happy that her grandson was making friends. Mary stated that she thought Kenny was familiar, but he said he was pretty sure he'd been in Wisconsin his whole life.

"Hmm, you look like a friend that my late daughter in law had…maybe I'm just old." She had joked. "Does the name Maria ring any bells? I think she lived in New York, though."

Kenny had told her that he didn't know anyone named Maria. "Maybe my brother knows." He texted Kowalski, but received a negative response. "Sorry, ma'am, he doesn't know either."

Mary waved it off saying that she was probably just getting old and losing her memory.

Private called Ramona next. It turned out that Allie and Ramona were hanging out together at Ramona's house. Bradley, Samuel, and Eggy popped into the chat immediately and made faces while Ramona tried to shove them out. Both girls beamed when Private mentioned that they were having so much fun. Kenny's face was priceless. Ginger had been secretly snapping photos of Kenny having fun so she could send them to Private.

By that time, though, Daniel had to return home. He told Kenny to keep playing Pokémon and just leave it at the bakery when it was time for the latter to return to America. Kenny grinned and nodded.

Ginger's mother had to talk about inventory with Andrew so her daughter was allowed to stay later.

The three kids Skype called Barry.

The first thing they saw when the call was accepted was a pair of nostrils. The nostrils then moved to reveal very small teeth.

"Raa, I'm a dinosaur!"

"Carlos, get off my computer!" Barry said.

"Aww, Barry!" Carlos moved backwards and grinned as Barry joined him.

"This is my roommate, Carlos!" Barry said. "He's six years old."

"Barry!" A girl's voice said. "Where's Gordon's laptop?" A girl with brown hair came into view, she blinked several times. "Hi!" She said.

"And this is Beck." Barry said. "Gordon's computer is in England."

Beck's jaw dropped. "What? Which one of you is Kenny?"

"Me." Kenny said.

"Please make super sure that my big brother's laptop comes back safely."

"I promise, you'll get it when Barry comes home for the summer break."

The girl looked relieved. "Thank you."

"Is it really important to you?"

"Super. My brother can't talk much now because he got run over and he's in the hospital."

"Oh. I'm sorry about that." Private said.

"Hey, you talk funny!" Carlos said.

Barry shoved him. "He's British. Would you like me to make fun of your dad for having an accent?"

"No…"

"Then don't make fun of others for their accents."

"Sorry." Carlos said sheepishly.

"I'm not offended." Private said.

"I gots to potty!" Carlos announced, running off.

"He doesn't." Beck stated. "He feels bad so he left. I'll talk to him."

"Ginger, darling, we have to go."

Ginger looked up. "Aww, Mum!"

"Let's let the boys have their conversation."

"So, you're Ginger?" Barry asked. "You're pretty cute. Too bad I already have a future wife."

"A what?"

"Later." Private said while Kenny rolled his eyes.

"So Ginger, do you like video games?" Barry asked.

"If you count Pokémon, then yes. Have you played?"

"Yep…although I lost one in the Hudson River."

Ginger shook her head. "Do I even want to know?"

"No, you do not?"

"Well, I have to go. It was nice meeting you, Barry."

"You too."

Ginger waved and said she'd be back the next day.

"So, what's new?" Barry asked. "I was thinking about the whole puffin toy thing. I'm positive that Hans gave it to me and said to give it to you. He also approached Rikki, but I didn't think anything of it. Am I being kept in the dark about something?" He frowned. "Never mind, I'm used to it."

Kenny looked away.

"Barry, it's not like that." Private said. "If something happens where you must know, then we'll tell you. Otherwise it's trust no one who isn't involved. It's nothing against you at all. Rico and Rikki aren't even allowed to tell their dad. Let's just say that some butt munches were messing with us and knocked me and Skipper out, but Rikki and Kenny are safe."

"Tell me something though, did I make it worse?"

"I-"

"Don't lie. Did my text blow your cover or something? Did I basically ruin the surprise?"

"It wasn't your fault." Private said. "You didn't know."

"I get it." Barry said. "Hey listen, I got to go. My turn to do dishes. Bye, guys."

Private and Kenny only were able to open their mouths when Barry hung up.

"I feel terrible." Private said.

"Part of the job, boys." Andrew said. The boys jumped and turned. "Sorry. Nigel had to keep me in the dark for several years until I got involved. Candace doesn't know exactly what we do, but she told me that she didn't want you involved. Hey, you never know. Barry seems like a bounce back kid."

The boys smiled.

Sure enough, Barry texted an hour later and said that he'd be fine and that he hoped they had a good Christmas.

Barry: Btw, How r Kowalski & Skipper getting along?

Private: What r u talking about?

Barry: He went to Skip's right?

Private: No, he told us he would be fine and had it taken care of.

Barry: Odd…

Private: I'll talk to him, probably went back to Wisconsin.

Barry: K, got to stop Carlos from jumping into pie XP

Private and Kenny looked stunned and called Skipper immediately. Kenny texted his brother with concern.

"Kowalski told me the surprise last night and that he was flying himself back to Wisconsin." Skipper said.

"He told me that you were okay with him staying by himself."

"I certainly did not. Don't try to contact him, I'll investigate."

"Too late, Kenny texted him."

"He'll have time to cover his tracks by the time I'd get there. I'll talk to him."

"Do you have control over security cameras?" Kenny asked.

"I do. I'll tell you as soon as I figure something out."

"Skipper, the suspect for the Rikki and Kenny incident is most definitely Hans." Private said.

"Got it." Skipper said.

"One more thing, do you or your family know anyone named Maria? According to Rico's grandmother, Kenny looks a lot like someone named Maria."

"Any more info? Surname or Maiden name?"

"No, sorry, but she was friends with Rico's mum."

"Sorry, but I need more information to mount an investigation."

"Alright, well, enjoy your holiday!"

"Hey, you boys have a good time too."

They boys said goodbye and sighed deeply.

Kenny had a restless night of sleep, worried about his brother.

In the morning, Private received a text from Skipper saying that Kowalski refused to answer his phone, but evidence said that the resident genius was definitely where they thought he was.

Private relayed this information to Kenny who seemed slightly relieved to know that his brother was safe. Kenny's feet had felt slightly better, but they brought a chair outside anyway.

"Do you want to build a snowman?" Ginger greeted as she walked up.

"There should be a song about that." Private said.

"I agree." Kenny said.

Daniel came about an hour later to help them fix up their snowman. They then had a snowball fight that Kenny couldn't participate fully in, but he enjoyed throwing snow at them.

After building and destroying a huge fort, the kids came in for cookies and hot chocolate.

"This has been so much fun." Kenny said. "Honestly, I don't care if I have frostbite or not." He nodded to his toes which were close to the fireplace. "I've had fun and I'm glad you're my friends."

"We're glad too." Ginger said.

"I'm happy you came." Private said.

"You're awesome!" Daniel said.

Kenny blushed.

They talked about their day until Ginger had to leave.

"Daniel, do you want me to drop you off?" Andrew asked.

Daniel blinked and looked outside. "Wow, actually yes Uncle Andrew. It's dark already. Hopefully our small forts are still there in the morning."

"Alright. Are you boys alright by yourselves?" Andrew asked. "For safety reasons I have to put out the fire. I trust you." He added at Private's look. "But in case those nitpickers come knocking at my door. I technically cannot leave anyone under eighteen alone in a building with the fireplace on. The heater's on, though."

"Yeah, we'll be alright. We have Pokémon, right?" Private grinned.

Kenny smiled back. "Yes, we'll be fine. Thank you, Andrew."

Andrew grinned. "Alright then, the doors are locked, you know emergency numbers. See you soon. If you absolutely need someone, Ginger's mother can be here in ten minutes or less."

"Got it, Dad." Private said.

Kenny and Private spent the rest of the night playing Pokémon and just talking about what was ahead of them.

Both boys were extremely tired by bed time and dragged themselves to bed. Neither of them had the energy to fix their blankets, having barely gotten dressed by themselves.

Andrew put an extra blanket over Kenny's feet and moved the hair from his face. He rubbed Kenny's back a little bit as he used to do when his son was little.

"Goodnight, Kenny."

"G'night, Dad." Kenny mumbled.

Andrew blinked and stared at Kenny openmouthed. The boy made no sign of waking up. Andrew walked to his son's room to tuck him in.

"Thanks." Private said tiredly.

"Your friends are always welcome here."

Private yawned widely.

"He called me Dad."

Private smiled sadly. "I don't think he really has one."

"It breaks my heart too, son." Andrew said. He kissed his son on the head. "I love you."

Private drifted to sleep in mid answer.

Andrew checked on the boys again before going to bed. He noticed that Kenny clutched his blanket as if he was about to be ripped away from it.

The next day, Daniel and Ginger came at around noon.

The four of them were a big help in the kitchen.

"Thanks," Ginger's mom said. "I'm taking a large portion of baked goods home with me tomorrow."

"Is the bakery open tomorrow?" Kenny asked. He had been getting along with people and talking to people more. He no longer left the room when the large man came in to order his bagel.

"Yes, but only until three."

Kenny smiled. He was allowed to be on his feet again. He had started helping Daniel take orders for people who were eating there.

Private and Ginger made Christmas themed cookies.

They also helped with closing time. Ginger's mother stayed in the bakery with them while Andrew went to pick up Candace. He gave them hopeful grins as he left.

Somehow, during cleaning, the four kids started a flour fight, joined with jam when Kenny found a jar. They were sentenced to playing outside for a while when Andrew's car pulled up.

Daniel and Kenny had worried looks. Ginger looked like she was preparing to enter a particularly difficult exam. Private put on a smile as his parents got out of the car.

"Mum!" Private yelled, running up to her with outstretched arms. "I'm so happy to see-"

Everyone gaped at Candace. She walked by Private. She didn't even look at him or acknowledge him, she just walked by.

Private's arms were still outstretched, a shocked expression etched across his face.

"Candace…" Andrew said.

She didn't listen to him.

"I lied!" Daniel said. "I lied about everything because I was mad at Andre for something stupid…honestly, Aunt Candace, his roommates are nice guys! I was mad at Andre because I thought he cheated at a card game and we never talked about it and-"

She entered the bakery without responding.

"I'm sorry." Daniel said.

"Let's go inside." Andrew said. He brought Candace's bags inside.

"I'll get him." Kenny said.

Kenny approached Private and put a hand on his shoulder.

"I know." Kenny said. "Don't ask, but I know how you feel."

Private's arms fell to his sides and he numbly followed Kenny's guide into the bakery.

They found Ginger and Daniel sitting at a booth with Ginger's mother.

Daniel stared at the staircase with a face full of guilt. "It's my fault…everything…"

"This is it." Ginger said. "You have to stand up to her."

Private looked at her with tear filled eyes.

"You can't keep going like this. Let it out, tell her everything you feel. Let her know what you want her to hear. Stand up for yourself."

Daniel nodded. "I should have done that too. I should have stuck up for you. I'll go with you if you want."

Private shook his head as his father came down the stairs.

"I have to do this." He said.

"Son-"

"Dad, I need to talk to her."

"Do you need me there?"

"No, I need you here."

Andrew nodded.

"Good luck." Daniel and Ginger said.

"She used the bathroom at the Airport." Andrew added.

The others gave him hopeful looks. Kenny gave him thumbs up.

"If you managed to get me back to Math, you can do this."

A smile flashed across Private's face for a split second. He nodded to them and ascended the staircase. He reached his parents room and stopped at the door, taking a deep breath.

"I am about to enter the dragon's den." He whispered. He hesitated, thinking about the pros and cons when his phone began vibrating. He looked at it to see his team's texts.

Kowalski: You can do it, I believe in you.

Skipper: You're a great kid who can do what he sets his mind to.

Rico: Follow your heart. Don't forget we still have to play Monopoly

Private grinned at that.

He took another deep breath and whispered, "Enter the dragon's den…"

He opened the door to find his mother facing away from the door, hanging up shirts. He closed the door and stood in front of the bathroom door.

"Mum?"

She didn't respond.

"I know you want me to apologize, but I can't." Private said. He took a deep breath for the third time. "I can't because I have nothing to be sorry for."

"Please move, I have to use the restroom." She said, not making eye contact as she approached.

"I-no."

"Excuse me?"

"Er…"

"What did you just say to me?" She looked at him sternly.

You can do what you set your mind to. I believe in you. Follow your heart.

"I said no." Private said firmly.