I lie on my bed with tears in my eyes, looking up at the ceiling.

I never knew that I would know what it would feel like to have my heart broken completely… Now I know.

Life is full of ups and downs… Sometimes you get a happy ending, sometimes you don't. Did I? Well, that depends on how you read it.

But I'll start this off all cliché…

Once Upon A Time, there was a young girl named Anna-Grace. She grew up an only child with her parents in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by friends and family. That young girl was me. Is me, I guess… And I met a few new people in my life, and 1 specific girl… A girl you can never forget—I can never forget…

Elsa Madeleine Echolls…

So, this is my story.


The school bell rang, and the students all rushed away like a herd of cattle. It was a little insane, I'll admit—but it was the life of high school.

Let me tell you a little about myself.

My name is Anna-Grace Marie Christian, but people call me Anna (note: it's pronounced Onna, not Anne-ah). I'm currently 17 years old. I live with my parents in Orlando Florida. My birthday is August 28th 1996. Though I'm an only child, I have a cousin named Rapunzel, and quite a few really close friends, so I'm never lonely. I think that should be good for now…

I picked up my black back pack and swing it over my right shoulder, soon sliding my left arm through the other sleeve. I bent forward a bit, letting my hair fall, and I brushed it with my hands into a pony, quickly tying it off, and flipping it back.

"Hey," Rapunzel said, twirling around me and resting her back against the lockers.
"Hey," I responded, stepping back. I put my right foot on the locker and tied the laces of my white running shoes.
"Wanna hang? Kristoff and Jack are free, and I kinda don't want to be the only girl…" Rapunzel asked.

Kristoff and Jack have been close friends of mine for years, but I think I've known Kristoff the longest.

"Where?" I let my right foot fall, and put my left foot up, tying the lace.
"We were thinking of going to the mall, but if you wanted to go somewhere else—"
"Malls good."

I put my left foot down and turned to my cousin.

She wears a cheerleading uniform—tee-shirt, short skirt, and runners with her hair in a ponytail. I just wear a white tee-shirt with black shorts and white runners with my hair in a pony.

"Great, let's go!" Rapunzel took my hand and basically dragged me away.

I quickly hit my locker door, and it swung shut, locking.

"Punz!" I tried to keep up, but for some reason, the smaller girl is faster. "Slow down!" I laughed.
"They're waiting for us!" Rapunzel laughed.

Rapunzel led me down the stairs, through the crowds of students, and out the front doors.

"Hey, girls!" Jack cheered.

Rapunzel and I both laughed and ran across the grass, over to the black, new convertible that held our two friends.

Jackson Overland Frost. He's 18, just turned. He has a sister—an identical twin sister, one in which I haven't met yet. He doesn't talk about her a lot, but we know she exists—even though she's like never at school… Or anywhere. Anyway, he's a nice guy and we get along like bestest friends!
Kristoff James Bjorgman. Also 18. He's an only child, like me, and he lives with his mother. His father died when Kristoff was little, so nobody really knows a lot about him… He is probably my best friend. We've known each other since kindergarten, and just—awe, he's just great. And we'll forever be friends (I hope).
Rapunzel Summer Corona. She's 16, almost 17. She's also an only child, and my only cousin. She's like a sister to me, though, and we get along like sisters. Another one of my best friends!

"So," Kristoff gently took my hand, "Mall?"
"Mall," I smiled with laughter.

Rapunzel put her hands on my shoulder and bit my neck like a vampire.

I laughed and Kristoff held my arms aside so I couldn't fight back, I guess. What we do? Pfft, whatever we want, basically. Except for when parents come around…

Jack ran over and scooped me up, putting me over his shoulder.

"Put me down!" I shrieked with laughter.
"Gotcha!"
"Jack!"

I could hear Rapunzel and Kristoff laughing, not helping as Jack carried me around, nearly dropping me a billion times.


We had been at the mall for nearly 5 hours that day. We only left because it was closing—and because we spent nearly $500 on stuff we didn't need…

I had to drive everyone to their homes, since the amazingly awesome, brand new, black convertible was my 18th birthday present that I got early. And I'm graduating this year! So are the others. I'm kind of like really, really excited for that…

"This is my stop," Jack said.

I pulled the car to the side of the road.

Being me, I also looked at the house—the house I've never been in—and got an uneasy feeling… The curtains are closed, and it seems really dark. And it doesn't look like anybody actually lives there…

"Are you sure this is your stop…?" I asked, unsure.
"Yeah, this is it," Jack answered.
"Can we go in?" Kristoff asked, hopping over the door and onto the concrete sidewalk.

Jack seemed to hesitate.

But within minutes, we were all out of the car, leaving him without a choice. So, we said we could see.

"If I show you inside, you can tell absolutely nobody, understand?" Jack asked firmly, stopping at the front door. "You can't say who lives here, or what's inside."
"Gees, are you hiding something?" I asked, not completely serious.
"Yes."

We all silenced. We had no idea what to expect!

Were we about to walk into a murder house? Or was he just goofing around?

Jack quietly unlocked the door. "Stay quiet, okay?"

We all nodded our heads in response, staying close together.

The darkness of night wasn't helping, either. It was just after 8, but the sun was already almost completely gone down.

Jack slowly and seemingly cautiously opened the door a bit and looked inside. It was pitch black, and a little scary…

"Alright, follow quietly," he opened the door a little more and snuck in.

Rapunzel then I then Kristoff followed, closing the door behind us.

The house was dark and cold, but not exactly scary… I honestly thought it would be worse.

"Are y—"
"Shh," Jack interrupted Rapunzel and slowly stepped forward. "Els, its Jack. I brought a few friends in."

Who's Els? Els like Else? Or Els like a nickname for Elsa?

We heard a door open down the hall, and Rapunzel jumped slightly, moving closer to Kristoff and I.

Jack turned on the main entry light to the 1 story house, and we could see a girl peeking around the corner of the wall in the hallway.

She has platinum blonde hair that was long, a bit of a mess, and in her face a bit. Blue eyes, pale skin… She wore a white hoody, and had white gloves on, white leggings, and white warm, slipper boots. She's tall—maybe 5'10, and seems little, and shy.

Jack walked over and gently took her hand, but she didn't move. "That's Anna, Rapunzel, and Kristoff. I go to school with them, remember?"

She slightly nodded her head, and looked down at the floor.

"Anna, Punz, Kristoff, this is my sister, Elsa," Jack said.

"Hi," we all said quietly.

Jack gently stepped behind Elsa and moved her out from behind the wall.

She quickly crossed her arms and bit her lip, looking down at the ground.

"Is she okay…?" Rapunzel asked quietly.
"It's a long story…" Jack answered. He stepped in front of his sister and looked her in the eye. "Do you want to stay or go back to bed?"

We couldn't quite hear her answer, or her voice… She was talking too quietly.

Elsa slightly stepped back, uncrossing her arms. She brushed her hair back, slightly waved at us then walked into the kitchen and sat on the counter with a sigh.

Jack walked back over to us.
"So, you do have a sister…" Kristoff said quietly.
"An identical twin," Jack added. "And yes, I do. And trust me; she's quite the character once you get to know her. Just be gentle and slow, and don't do anything stupid."

I looked into the kitchen and at the older girl with concern. "Jack, what happened to her…?"
"I can't tell you…" Jack answered quietly.

But why couldn't he tell me? I didn't understand…

Rapunzel's phone buzzed, startling everyone. "Sorry…" she answered it, "Hello?"

Nobody could hear the voice on the other end.

"Alright," Rapunzel hung up and sighed, "Parent's want me home. I'll walk. Bye."
"Are you sure?"

Rapunzel opened the front door. "Yeah, I'll be fine."

Elsa slightly looked back at her, barely turning around.

"Goodbye, Elsa. It was nice meeting you, finally," Rapunzel said gently. She smiled at us and we smiled back then she was gone.

"I should get home, too," Kristoff said, stepping back towards the door.

Jack grabbed the keys. "Anna, can you watch her? I'll drive Kristoff and Punz home."
"Uh, sure," I answered. I was never good at saying "No" to people…
"Great. Els, I'll be back soon. Be nice to Anna, okay?"

Elsa slightly nodded her head.

"Good luck," Jack brushed my hair back then left.

I locked the door behind him, and fixed my hair before turning around—to find Elsa gone. I paused, a little nervous. I knew nothing about this girl, or this house… And now I was alone there.

"E-Elsa…? Where'd you go?" I called gently, slightly stepping forward.

All the lights went out, and I stopped in place. My heart skipped a beat, and soon my heart rate picked up nervously. My hands turned into fists and I chewed on the inside of my bottom lip.

Nothing could be seen, or heard in the house.

Someone gently put their shaky hand on my arm, and all the air left my lungs, most likely in fear. But why was I so afraid…?

"Anna," Elsa whispered. I could still barely hear her voice.
"Elsa…?" I asked quietly.
"Why is it dark…?" she whispered ever so slightly.

I literally had to hold my breath to silence my breathing, just so I could hear her faint, whispered words.

"I don't know," I answered breathlessly.
"I'm scared…"

Jack, why didn't you at least tell me who your sister was? Or your back story? Or something about any of this?!

"It's okay," I gently took my arm back and turned to find a light.

I found a light switch and flicked it on and off, but nothing happened.

"Do you know where the power box is?" I asked quietly.

I couldn't quite hear, but I think she said "No".

I opened the front door, letting the light from the streetlights stream in.

I turned back around, and Elsa had sat down against the wall. She's quite the pretty girl…

I opened my mouth to speak, but was interrupted when I saw a woman coming up the driveway, looking quite furious.

"Who's she?" I asked.

Elsa stood and looked out, and on sight, her eyes widened with fear. "Hide!" she squeaked, backing away.

I found myself being pushed into a closet, and locked inside. "Elsa!"

It was dark… But that wasn't my main fear. Why was I being locked in a closet?!

"What is this?!" the woman exclaimed, slamming the door shut.
"I—"
"Leaving the front door wide open so everyone can see you here?!" the woman exclaimed.

But I left the door open! Not Elsa! Great going, Anna…

"Mom, I—"

Elsa shrieked and I'm guessing she fell to the floor.

I still can't see what's going on, but Elsa's crying… Is this woman hitting her?! I hesitate to leave the closet for 2 reasons. 1: it could get me hurt or worse, and 2: it could get Elsa in more trouble…

The sound of the woman hitting Elsa, and Elsa's screaming and crying was next to fill the air, and my heart dropped. I knew I had to get out of the closet and stop this woman from killing her daughter.

"Stop!" Jack exclaimed.

I managed to peek through a small hole in the closet door. Elsa was curled up on the ground, crying, I'm guessing in fear. Jack was holding the taller woman back.

The woman kicked Elsa, only to have Jack throw her into the wall. "Stop hitting her!"
The woman hit Jack, knocking him sideways. I ended up covering my mouth to hold back shrieks.

"Get to your room, Jackson!"

Jack nervously stepped back, nearly tripping over his sister.

I can't believe what I'm seeing…

He looked down at Elsa, who looked back up at him with tear-filled eyes.

"Now!" the woman screamed, startling them both.

Jack helped Elsa stand, and hugged her close.

"Let her go!"

Jack quickly turned away and ran, taking Elsa with him down the hall and into their bedroom.

I managed to get the closet unlocked, and it made a clicking noise, getting the woman's attention. Shit…

The woman walked over and grabbed the closet handle, and my heart skipped a beat.

The door flew open and I gasped, stepping back with wide eyes.

"What the fuck are you doing in there?!"

I wanted to speak, but the words got stuck and died away.

The woman grabbed the collar of my jacket and ripped me out of the closet.

"Leave her alone!" Jack exclaimed, pushing us apart.

He quickly opened the door and pushed me out. "Go! And don't tell anybody about this!"
"Jack—"
"Trust me, Anna. I'll explain later. Just promise that you won't tell anybody!" Jack pleaded.
"Okay," I responded, crossing my arms in fear.

Jack closed the door and it locked.

Yelling and Elsa shrieking picked up again, and I stepped back nervously.

What just happened…?

I slowly back away then turn and run off down the road, heading back towards home.


I sat at the kitchen table, fiddling with my breakfast with a fork. Jack has a sister named Elsa… And some crazy woman hit them both—and nearly, maybe would've hit me too if Jack hadn't been there…

"Honey, what's wrong?"

I looked up at my mother and father.

Amelia and Walter Christian…

"Oh, nothing," I answered, sitting up more. I still found it impossible to eat…
"Something's wrong, dear," dad responded. "What is it?"
"It's really nothing," I answered.

Words couldn't describe how much it hurt lying to my parents… I always told them everything, and never kept secrets or lied or avoided questions…

But Jack basically begged me not to tell anybody about the incident, or his sister… So, what am I supposed to do?

"Alright," mom said with a sigh, dropping the topic. "So, I'll pick you up after school."
"Okay. I'll be on the field," I responded, standing up, picking up my textbooks.
"Have a good day," dad said.

I forced a convincing smile then left the house, closing the door behind me.


Sitting in math class, my heart dropped when Jack wasn't around… I was so worried about him and Elsa, I could barely think.

I stood and gathered my things.

"Miss Christian," Mrs Haus, the math teacher, began. "Going somewhere?"
"I'm a little unfocusy…" I answered.

She looked at me with concern in her eyes. "Alright… Come see me after class, please."
"Will do."

I quietly left the room, feeling everyone's eyes watching me leave. I never left class, I was never unfocused, I was never late, or absent… So that probably stood out a lot…

I walked down the hall and into the girls' bathroom. I stood in front of the mirror and let my backpack fall to the floor. I gently pulled the collar of my black sweater down a bit, looking at the scratch marks from Jacks' mothers' nails. Honestly, it was more than hard to hide these from my parents…

With a sigh, I looked up into my eyes, and something out of the ordinary caught my eye.

Elsa…

I turned around, finding her standing in the corner of the room. She still wore the same, all white outfit—but it was messier, and dirtier. And… bloodier…

"Oh my gosh…" I said unconsciously.

Elsa didn't really say anything, but from what I've heard, she rarely did.

"Elsa, are-are you okay?" I asked. Yes, of course. The girl who was just beaten up last night is definitely okay.

Elsa slightly shook her head.

I locked the bathroom door so nobody walked in on us.

When I turned back around, Elsa was standing, back against the counter.

I walked over and gently tucked her hair behind her ears, looking at the injuries. Bruises, cuts… "How long has she been doing this?" I asked gently.
"Long," Elsa whisper answered. Her voice seems a bit weak, scratchy… Not that I actually know what she sounds like, due to the constant whispering…

Elsa nervously put her gloved hands together.

"And Jack?" I asked gently.
Elsa shrugged a bit.
"Is he at home?"

She shook her head.

I got some paper towel and got it damp then placed it on the counter. I reached into my backpack and got out my hair brush then gently brushed her messy hair.

She seemed to like it, as if nobody had ever helped her with anything…

It didn't take too long before it was completely brushed out. Though I try my best to not be rude when saying this, but it's as if she hasn't showered or had a bath or even washed up in days—maybe weeks… Her hair didn't seem clean at all, and she just… she smelt fine, but didn't look like she'd been living in a house…

Which is honestly strange, because Jack showed up at school every day, looking like any other normal teen. Who would've guess he had an identical twin sister living at home, never going to school, and seeming as if she lived outside?

I looked through my backpack and got out a green tee-shirt and black leggings. "Here."

She hesitantly put her shaky, white-glove covered hands on them and took them with a very faint smile.
I slightly smiled in return, and she walked past me, into a stall.

I don't think I have a choice, here… I think I have to tell my parents…

The school bell rang, indicating that students would want to be coming into this bathroom soon.

Elsa walked back over, wearing the tight green tee-shirt, and long, black leggings. Her hair was still down, and a bit messier. She still had on the white slipper boots. She held a white tee-shirt, white leggings, and the white hoody in her hands—and kept the gloves on.

"Any better?" I asked, taking the dirty clothes and putting them in my bag.
She slightly nodded her head. "Th-Thank y-you…"
"You're welcome," I said gently.

I picked my backpack up and swung it over my shoulder.

But the students can't see her this bloodied and bruised…

She has a cut on her lip, on her left cheek under her eye, and at the end of her right eyebrow. Her left eye is black, but no swollen. She has a bruise and bump on her forehead, and a bruise on her right temple.

I look through my purse, and get out my makeup.

Elsa looks down at it with wonder, as if she's never seen it before.

I gently put some cover up on my finger and add a little bit of white so it matches her extremely pale skin tone. Then I gently cover the bruises with it.

She stays still. Surprisingly still…

I gently got out a small makeup brush and put the cover up around her eye, hiding the bruising.

Why would someone want to even think of hurting her…? What did she do wrong? She's so gentle, innocent…

"There," I put the makeup away, and she turns to the mirror.

A faint smile appeared again and she gently put her fingertips on her cheek.

It's like… She's never seen herself without a wound before… my heart dropped further a little more and more.

The door is unlocked and opened by the principal, and Elsa and I turn around quickly.

"Miss Christian. My office, please," she said.


I sit at the desk in the principals' office with Elsa waiting patiently outside the door.

"You left class today. You were late this morning… You locked yourself in the bathroom with a girl who doesn't even go to this school…" Principal Linda said with a concerned tone. "This is new…"
"I'm very sorry, Linda. I just…" I paused, hesitating to ask. "Would I be okay if I took a week off school to figure a few things out…?"

Linda seemed to sigh a bit.

I've never asked for time off school—mostly because students can't ask for that…

"Anna, you're a straight A student, with a perfect attendance, honor roll, everything. So, if you think it's necessary, then I'll accept that," Linda explained. "You may take 1 week away from school, not counting weekends. 7 school days off, and it will not affect your attendance."

I sighed a relieved and grateful "Thank you", and she smiled at me, causing me to smile back.

"You're a bright young girl, Miss Christian. And I trust you," Linda said warmly. "You may go."

I stood up, "Thank you so much," then turned and left.

Elsa stood upon seeing me.

"Ready to go?" I asked.
She nodded her head and stayed close behind me.


Elsa and I walked into the parking lot. I looked down at my watch that read 2:07pm. School ended in 53 minutes.

"My mum will be here in 50 minutes, so… We could go somewhere, if you wanted?" I asked. "Get some lunch?"

Elsa quickly looked at me with surprise.

"I can afford that, I think…" I looked in my wallet. "Yup. So, food?"

She shook her head with what seemed like excitement.

"Alright, what do you fancy?" I asked.
She opened her mouth to speak, but paused and her expression turned frightful again as she stepped back, looking behind me.

I paused for a moment and turned around, seeing the same woman walking towards us, looking absolutely furious.

Elsa put her hands on my shoulders and I allowed her to hide behind me—even though I'm like 5 inches shorter…

"This is a disgrace!" the woman exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. "Elizabeth, get home!"

She stopped in front of me and looked down at me. She's got to be at least 6'1 in height, standing 3 inches taller than Elsa, and like 8 inches taller than me… I'm not a very tall or big girl, being a whole 5'5 in height, and really petite.

"You were in my house yesterday," she snarled.
"You hit my friends," I responded with anger.

The woman reached behind me and grabbed Elsa's arm, pulling her in view.

Elsa stood still, tense and nervous—looking terrified.

I honestly didn't know what to do…

"What is this?!" the woman grabbed the front of Elsa's green shirt. "This is unacceptable!"

Snap, I'm done.

"Alright, enough!" I smacked the woman's hand away and pulled Elsa away from her. "The only unacceptable thing here, is how you're treating Jack and Elsa!"
"Get lost, kid."
"No!"

The woman slapped me, and Elsa shrieked.

I quickly straightened back up and brushed my hair aside. "Thank you, for doing that."

She glared at me.

"And just for the record: you can get into trouble for assault for hitting me, and even more trouble for what you've been doing to Elsa and Jack," I said firmly.
"You have no idea what you're talking about," the woman sneered.
"I think I do," I responded.

Elsa stepped back, and gently took my hand.

She was shaking so much…

The woman walked straight over and stood an inch from Elsa, looking down at her.
I could see Elsa shaking in fear.

I slightly tightened my grip on her hands, and she took a deep breath.

The woman narrowed her eyes and walked over, looking way down at me.

I looked up at her with angry eyes. "I'm not afraid of you."

The woman stepped back. "Elsa, you're coming home right this instant," she said firmly, smacking our hands apart.

She grabbed Elsa's arm and started leading her away.

I grabbed Elsa's other arm, and they stopped walking. "Elsa, you're 18, right?"
Elsa nodded her head a bit.
"Then follow me," I knocked the woman's arm away and led Elsa in the other direction.
"What do you think you're doing?!"
"She's a legal adult, bitch. She can do what she wants."

The woman stood there, astounded.

I felt a little accomplished, but still felt awful for Elsa.


I had never seen anybody eat so much before, until I met Elsa…

"When was the last time you ate?" I asked with concern.

Elsa held up 4 fingers.

"4 days?!" I exclaimed with a quieter voice.

She nodded her head and put her utensils down. She took a quick sip of her iced tea, and dabbed a napkin against her lips. She has better manners than I do…

"Do you speak?" I asked without really thinking.

She slightly looked up at me, and I mentally slapped myself.

"Sorry, stupid question…"
"I do," she whispered.
"Anything more than a whisper?"

Elsa shrugged a bit.

I sighed ever so slightly and hesitated.

"Are you allowed to speak…?"

And she silenced, slightly shaking her head.

And my heart dropped all the way down, too far to be saved….