My Soul to Keep
By A Little Disney Crazy
Hey everyone, and yes I am A Little Disney Crazy (okay, a lot) and this is my first fanfic. Let me know what you think. Be honest, but nice! I think you're gonna like (my bias opinion) so give it a shot. I have a lot of ideas for all the different characters. And I promise it's gonna get nasty! (In a good way, lol) I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: Um, yeah I don't own Disney or DreamWorks.
Obvi.
Most young people go to places like college to further their education or broaden their horizons. Others, like the beloved characters in this story, go to get away from dark secrets. And as everybody knows dark secrets can be dangerous, especially in the wrong hands. Some people will do anything to keep certain things from coming to the light. Anything. But what happens when in a school full of students desperately scraping to keep their wrongs a secret, a mysterious entity who knows all of their dark deeds threatens to expose them unless they comply with his every wish. How far will they go to keep themselves safe?
It could prove dangerous to find out, because as we all know secrets can kill.
If she could make it through the day without throwing up or passing out she would consider today a victory. Elsa stood outside of the School of Higher Arts and Performance.
It was actually a specialized college, but not in the traditional sense. Instead of possessing a certain GPA or credits to be admitted into the school audition videos were sent in to determine the status of admission. Students were required to send in videos of themselves performing their preferred arts, whether it be singing, dancing, acting, or even sports reels and other various forms of art.
She had gotten in to the school after her parents had practically went behind her back and submitted a video of her singing. She was readily accepted by the college.
Okay, so maybe they weren't terrible parents and yeah maybe they were just trying to do what they thought was best for her. But how did they really know what was best for her? They hadn't spent that much time around each other, what with all of her time in the…
No, no don't think about that.
It upset her to think about that and getting upset led to so many bad things.
Come on, Elsa, conceal it, don't feel it, don't let it show…
How many times had she heard her parents repeat that too her? How many times had she said it to herself?
Her stomach twisted in knots, and her hands balled into fists as she began unconsciously scratching at the palms of her white, hand gloves that were worn more for protection than fashion.
Come on, get a grip. Don't feel…don't feel…stay calm…
"Elsa!"
If she could have jumped from her skin, then she probably would have. But the startled feeling was quickly replaced by shame. It was her own fault she wasn't used to her sister's sudden noises.
She turned to Anna and offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry, what?"
"I said come on!" Anna was literally bouncing on her toes in eager anticipation. Even at eighteen years old her younger sister was still more child than young adult. Elsa wasn't used to it, but she found she really didn't mind it.
Forcing a smile Elsa nodded and allowed her sister to drag her towards the Green.
They had already sent their belongings and luggage ahead so there wasn't anything else to do other than explore their new surroundings. Great…
Anna was studying to be an actress and had no apparent problem making friends or standing out in a crowd. Elsa on the other hand, well let's just say if friendship was a varsity team she wouldn't even make last pick of second string.
So what though? People were backstabbers. If most people were honest it was actually better to be alone, less chances to be hurt.
"It's so beautiful!" Anna spun around in a dramatic circle, taking it all in. "Elsa, it's just so-just so- Oooh! For the first time in forever I feel like- Ohmigosh, there just aren't words to explain-"
"Anna," Elsa interrupted, with a smile. "Breath."
Anna gulped in a deep breath of air. "Right, thanks."
Elsa looked around the College Green. Okay, it was beautiful, even she could see that. The sun was bright and the sky was an ocean of blue. The breeze tickled her face and caressed her platinum blond hair. The grass and tree leaves competed to show off the brightest green and both looked more than inviting to wish to curl up on the grass or climb the branch of a tree to read a good book. The only thing that spoiled the view were the people. They were all lounging about, either on the grass or sitting at the picnic tables, soaking up the good weather.
Elsa didn't know why she didn't like people so much…no she did know why. Knew perfectly well why and pretending she didn't made absolutely no difference.
Elsa sighed. She had tried it many times before.
Without warning Anna slipped her small hand inside of Elsa's gloved one. Flinching at the sudden psychical contact Elsa looked at her sister with raised eyebrows.
"Hey," Anna asked in an uncharacteristically quiet tone. "Are you going to be okay?"
Right, she kept forgetting Anna knew part of the story.
Mustering up another one of her infamous forced smiles, she quickly untangled her hand from Anna's. "Yes. Why?"
"Because…you know the whole…" Anna apparently thought better of it and shook her head. "Never mind."
Thankful she let it drop Elsa quickly changed the subject. "Hey, you said Rapunzel got here yesterday, right?"
Anna nodded. "Yeah, she was supposed to meet us here on time, but you know her she probably got tangled up in her hair again. I swear, if she doesn't cut that stuff she's gonna hang herself."
"Jealous much?" Asked a teasing voice.
The sisters turn to see their cousin Rapunzel Gothel, standing behind them wearing her ever present million watt bulb smile and her golden blond tresses hanging behind her back, nearly to her feet.
"Zel!" Anna cried ecstatically as the two embraced each other in a tight hug.
The girls had always been more than just cousins, they were best friends. Inseparable and similar to a fault, before Rapunzel and her family had moved she and Anna had been the cutest and worse troublemakers anywhere.
Anna had been heartbroken when Rapunzel and her parents had unexpectedly moved away, without any reason or warning. But the two had a bond not easily broken and had stayed close as ever through skype, text, email and every other form of communication known to man.
Rapunzel had been admitted in to the school for her skill at dancing, an extra extraordinary feat with that outlandishly long hair. Talent was something that flowed freely in the family.
As Elsa watched the two she felt a strange pang inside her. The two were so close, there wouldn't be any room for her to slip in and why would they want her to? They were both so beautiful and free and she was burdened with guilt and shame and regret. There was nothing she could contribute to her family, not anymore. She was simply the shell of a girl who had once been Elsa.
Rapunzel turned to her and an uncertain smile settled on her face-nothing like the one she had worn moments ago with Anna. "Hi, Elsa. I'm so glad to see you."
Sure…
Elsa smiled. "Hello, Rapunzel."
Rapunzel was more aware and considerate of Elsa's reluctance to touch than Anna was, so she showed obvious dilemma on how to greet her older cousin. Eventually she settled for a quick and awkward half hug around the shoulders and another uncertain smile.
Why do I always make people feel this way?
Rapunzel turned back to Anna. "Ooh, Anna, I have to show you the gift shop and the coffee shop called the Rabbit Hole and ooh, Anna, the theatre, you'll love it!"
Anna squealed in the appropriate amount of delight. "Let's go!" They both started off, but suddenly stopped short and turned to Elsa.
Elsa smiled softly. "You guys go ahead."
"You don't want to come with?" Anna asked.
Elsa shook her head. "No, you go ahead. I'll explore by myself." She forced a chuckle. "You know, at a slower pace. Call me later and we'll meet up."
The two younger girls nodded-without much hesitation Elsa noted- and went off with each other, giggling.
Of course they were eager to get away from her. She did have a knack for bringing down a room temperature.
Elsa leaned against a nearby tree and closed her eyes. She never should have come. She let her parents treat her like a child and force into public college life. She was 21 years old, she was supposed to make her own decisions by now. But to be fair she hadn't had much practice with decision making and that had been her own fault.
She pushed herself up from the tree, and felt a headache coming on. Great, she should have known to pack aspirin in her car. Now she would-
"Umph!"
Elsa's eyes flew open as she stumbled back in surprise. She looked to see she had collided with a beautiful girl with brown hair pulled back into a low ponytail with a blue ribbon. The girl looked just as surprised and frazzled as she felt.
"Oh no, oh no, I'm so sorry." Elsa said quickly. "Really, I am. I didn't see-"
The girl laughed her off. "Oh no, that was completely my fault. I had my nose buried in my book. If others didn't watch where they were going, this would happen at least twice a week." She looked Elsa over. "Are you okay?"
Elsa nodded, suddenly unsure of what to say. She hadn't spoken to very many people outside of her family in a very long time.
"I don't remember seeing you last year. Are you a freshman?"
Elsa nodded.
"I'm Belle River." She offered her hand to shake.
Elsa finally found her voice. "Elsa Arendelle."
"So how do you like the school?" Belle asked.
Elsa shrugged. "I haven't seen it yet."
"Really? Would you like me to give you the tour? Trust me, it's a lot easier on your first day when you have someone to show you around. Much easier."
Elsa was a little taken aback by the girl's sudden offer of friendship, but decided it couldn't hurt to accept, as long as she was guarded. "Uh…sure."
"Great." Belle bent down to pick up the book she had dropped in the grass.
Elsa caught sight of the title. "Pride and Prejudice"?
Belle nods. "It's one of my favorites." Her face hardened for a moment, as if she were bracing herself for a nasty comment from Elsa.
"Mine too," Elsa admitted.
Belle's pretty face relaxed into a smile. "Really? What do you like most about it?"
"Everything." Elsa found herself smiling. "The time period, the elegant insults, Elisabeth, Mr. Darcy…"
Belle's hazel eyes lit up. "Isn't he the best part?" She giggled. "I adore Prince Charmings in disguise."
Elsa allowed herself to laugh a little. "Yeah."
"Well come on," Belle says. "There's a lot to see."
It took almost two hours for Belle to show Elsa around the whole campus-it was that big. After the tour they found themselves back at the Green, where even more students were now socializing.
"Thank you for showing me around, Belle," Elsa said, smiling. She felt more at ease around the brunette, who was open, friendly and possessed just the right mixture of wit and decorum, to make her the ideal first day friend. And it pleased her that Belle seemed to enjoy her company as well.
"No problem," Belle said. "But the tour's not over yet."
Elsa raised an eyebrow. "Really? I thought we covered everything. There can't be anymore."
Belle laughed. "Are you kidding? We haven't covered the most important part. The other students."
"Oh." That was something she could do without ever knowing. But it might help to know a little bit about the new people she would be living, studying, and eating around for the next year.
Belle led her over to an empty picnic table and set on the tabletop. Elsa contented herself to sit on the bench, but faced toward the other students.
"Okay," Belle began. "First thing you should know is the profession you chose is high stakes. And people here take the arts and performing very seriously. You don't show talent, you're nothing. You do show talent, you're the enemy."
Elsa frowned. "That doesn't sound fair."
Belle laughed again. "It's not. We're supposed to know that before we enroll. Just be careful who you pick as your friends. They can make or break you."
Elsa paused. Was this Belle's way of subtly telling her that they weren't friends?
Belle's hazel eyes swept the Green. "Let's see who to start with. Oh." She pointed to a group of tall, lean and attractive girls practicing spins on the grass. There's Pocahontas Wind- she's pretty cool." She pointed to a tall girl with slick, long, black hair and deep brown eyes. "She's a dancer. So is her best friend Nakoma."
Another girl of Indian descent performed an impressive mid-air spin.
Belle pointed out a boy with short brown hair pulled into a ponytail and shaved sides, performing skateboard grinding tricks on the rail of the outdoor stairs. "That's Jim Hawkins. He's pretty snarky most of the time. He's a hair stylist- if you can believe that."
Elsa studied the boy. "Well, his hair is…innovative."
Belle smiled and went on. "There's the Trident sisters." She pointed to three girls sitting on the edge of the large fountain.
They didn't look much like sisters Elsa thought. At least not the youngest to the two older ones.
There singers and they're amazing," Belle explained. "They have four older sisters who graduated from this college and are rising singers now. The older pale blond is Arista, and the other blonde is Andrina. The redhead is Ariel. And the rumor is her voice is the most beautiful of all."
Elsa watched the three sisters, suddenly feeling intimated. She was here to learn the trade of singing as well, how was she supposed to compete with talent like that?
"Over there is Esmeralda Gomez. She's from a gypsy family and she's a great dancer. That's her best friend, Megara Chalice." Megara was a tall, slender girl with sharp eyes and an even sharper gaze. "She's in martial arts."
Elsa looked at her in surprise. "Martials arts? Really?"
"Yeah, she's pretty hardcore. And well, she's a little scary. I would stay away from her, she only gets along with Esmeralda and that's how she likes it. Let's see there's the boy with the one leg and the funny nickname…Hiccup, right how could I forget that?"
"One leg?"
"Yeah there was some accident. I don't know the particulars."
Elsa looked at the boy with the prostatic leg and unkempt brown hair. He sat on the grass next to another boy who also had unruly hair, but his was so blonde it was almost white. His eyes were cobalt blue and so clear Elsa thought he must make people feel as if he were looking right through their thoughts.
"That's Jackson Frost," Belle said. "He's a freshman too, just got here yesterday."
As if he could hear them speak his name, the boy with the striking blue eyes looked up and gazes with Elsa. Immediately a small, mischievous smirk spread across his face.
Elsa tore her eyes away. She felt a peculiar, yet familiar feeling stir in her chest.
Oh, grow up, Elsa.
"The guy on the other side of the tree is Edmund Aster Bunnymund, but everyone just calls him Aster. He's studying to be a stuntman. The small boy's name is Sandy Manson, he wants to be a set designer. He's mute. But he's crazy smart and he's really fluent with the whole 'making people who don't understand sign language know just what he's saying' thing."
"You don't know sign language?"
"Oh, no I know it, but not everyone else does. Ok so, the girl drooling over the new guy is Titania Tooth, but for some reason everyone just calls her Tooth."
"Tooth?"
"Yeah, I don't get it either. But hey she's an artist." Belle rolled her eyes on the last word. "She's a dancer and the worst part is she's good." She turned her attention to a group of large guys. "Anyway, there's the football team-mostly made up of males with little to no actual artistic talent."
Elsa couldn't help but smile. "You have something against football?"
"No," Belle admitted. "Just it's players sometimes. There's Hercules Demi, the captain of the football team. As an individual I guess he's not so bad. That's Tarzan Edgar, Kristoff Stone, Phoebus Gold, John Smith, Kocoum Longshadow, Ferdinand Prince, Gaston Black, and Adam Beast." Her expression changed to one of annoyance as she said the last two names, as if just thinking of those two men irritated her.
But her expression changed back to her carefree, sweetness so fast Elsa had to wonder if she imagined it.
"Oh there's my friends Mulan and Merida." Belle pointed to an Asian girl with a serene face and a fiery redhead with the biggest, frizziest hair Elsa had ever seen- and that included Rapunzel in the middle of a humid afternoon. "There super sweet, I hope you get to meet them soon."
Elsa flinched as Mulan threw Merida over her shoulder with a quick twist of her wrist.
"Mulan Fa is martial arts and Merida Dun Broch is training to be a stuntwoman. They do that kind of thing all the time. Oh and the boy supervising the match is Shang Li. He's in martial arts too and he's unstoppable. Seriously even his instructors have a hard time keeping up with him."
"Sounds impressive," Elsa said.
"I just love going to all their matches." Belle's eyes light up. "I'm crazy for anything with action. Unfortunately my Papa won't allow me to do anything more strenuous than what I'm studying for."
"Oh?" Elsa asked. "What are you majoring in?"
"I have two. Music and writing."
Elsa raised her eyebrows. "And you want more?"
Belle shrugged. "Tons of celebrities are good at more than one thing."
"True."
"Over there is Jasmine Sultan and Tiana Green," Belle nodded to two pretty girls pouring over scripts at a nearby table. "They both want to be directors." "That's Aladdin Ali and Flynn Fitzherbert standing by that tree. They're the biggest slackers at this school. I think they're alright, but I have noticed people's belongings mysteriously seem to go missing whenever they're around. They're both actors and it is almost impossible to know if they're ever for real or not. Surprisingly there's more males in acting classes than there are girls. "There's also Naveen Maldonia, Henry Charming, Philip Hubert, and Hans Isles."
Elsa's heart sank when she heard how many young men would be in a class with her young, impressionable, hopelessly romantic, little sister. "My younger sister is in acting," she said aloud to Belle.
"You didn't tell me you had a sister here," Belle said. "What's she like?"
"She's 18 and innocent and sweet and trusting towards anyone who smiles."
Belle laughed, understanding. "Don't worry, there are some other girls in the class. And some of the boys are flirts, but they're mostly pretty harmless. There's some of the other girls in the class now. Wendy Darling and Alice Hearts." Two short girls, one with brown hair and one with blonde, walked arm and arm onto the Green.
"They're super sweet, but everyone thinks they're a little ditzy. That's Astrid Star and Kida Nedakh. They're both stuntwomen, but I think Astrid also doubles in martial arts. Standing next to them is Kenai Hawk and his best friend Peter Pan and Peter's girlfriend Tiger Lily Lark. Kenai is in martial arts and Peter is a stuntman, Tiger Lily is a dancer. Oh, there's some of my classmates inside writers guild. Jane Porter and Milo Thatch." She waved to a passing boy and girl and they waved back.
"Oh and Eric Royal, he's in my music class." She pointed to a boy with dark, wavy hair sitting on some the stone steps, playing a guitar.
"And how I could leave out Kuzco Emperor, himself?" She motioned towards a slight boy with dark hair and a smirky expression. "He's a director, which is good cause he has control issues. He's been bossing around poor Quasimodo Frollo since last year." She pointed out a boy with red hair and an obvious psychical birth defect. Strangely despite this, and the boy who was obviously ordering him incessantly, that didn't keep the sweet smile from adorning his drooped face. "Quasi's guardian is one of the teachers, by the way. "Oh and Hiro Hamada. He's been here since last year, but he's the youngest student in the entire school. He's also like a genius."
Elsa gazed out at the crowd of people close to her own age, her head spinning from the names and information Belle had given her. The girl seemed to be a library of knowledge. She was both beautiful and intelligent, but didn't let any of those things give her an excuse to be unkind and lord over others. She was sweet, open and honest.
Something Elsa wished she had been all of her life.
"Wow, okay. Just to be clear, I'm not going to be tested on this later, am I? You must have pointed out everyone in school."
Belle smiled. "Not everyone-"
"Belle! How good to see you back!"
Elsa and Belle turned to see three beautiful girls approaching their table.
The girl in the middle was a gorgeous, blonde, blue eyed version of a modern day princess. She seemed to lead as the other two walked a step and a half behind her. The girl on her right had ebony colored hair cut short to her chin, ruby red lips and skin so pale it rivaled Elsa's own complexion. The girl on the left was a beautiful blonde bombshell with golden ringlets and violet eyes. Together the girls made a stunning picture of unattainable, untouchable perfection that would have put any modeling agency to shame.
Elsa couldn't help but wonder if their aura of natural, unrehearsed perfection was deliberate. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Belle stiffen. She wondered why. Other than a bit aware of their collective beauty, the friendly smiles plastered on the girls' faces didn't give off the slightest hint of unpleasantness.
The head girl stopped an arm's length from a Belle and put her hand on her shoulder. "Hey, sweetie. I didn't think we see you again this year. I mean you know with your dad being unable to pay your tuition. It's too bad about his new invention, everyone heard about it."
Belle shrugged her hand off. "Thanks for worrying, Ella, but as you can see everything is fine. I'm back."
"We're so glad," gushed the dark haired girl. "We were in torment all summer."
Belle forced a smile. "That's sweet, Snow. Sorry it was for nothing."
The second blonde girl tossed her perfect hair. "Oh, come on Belle, you know it wasn't for nothing. You made…quite an impression on us last year."
"Ditto," Belle muttered.
The first girl turned her eyes on Elsa and examined her with a long gaze. "Who's your new friend?"
"Um…this is Elsa Arendelle. Freshman. Elsa, this is Ella Tremaine, Snow White, and Aurora Rose."
"Everyone calls me Ro," the second blonde said. "Ooh, you have great hair."
"And pretty eyes," Ella complimented.
"And flawless skin," Snow said.
Ro flashed a dazzling smile. "New and pretty. Everyone's going to notice you."
"What are you studying, Elsa?" Ella inquired.
"Singing," Elsa answered. She swallowed, hoping no one would notice. The only reason she was able to find her voice at all was because she had to, she had to at least try to make it in this school. She owned that much to her parents, she had a duty to them.
"Me too!" Ella pressed two perfectly manicured hands to her chest. "Looks like we'll be classmates."
"And don't forget about me," Snow said. "I take singing class too."
Ella's smile tightened for a moment. "Yeah, Snow, we all know you take singing class too."
"I didn't," Elsa heard herself say.
Ella raised an eyebrow. She didn't look like a girl used to being contradicted, but she let it slide. "Sure. Well, we'll see you around sweet. You too, Belle. I have a feeling this gonna be a fun year." She winked. And in a twirl of perfect hair, they were gone.
Belle let out a breath and rolled her eyes up to the sky. "Are they for real?"
"What's wrong?" Elsa asked. "They don't seem like their bad."
"Yeah, because you don't know them," Belle said, her voice rising a little higher than necessary. "They look pretty and sweet on the outside, but they'll chew you up and spit you out if they ever need to. Most people don't know them like I do. Trust me you need to stay away from them. They're trouble."
Elsa was silent. Was Belle jealous of those girls? What other explanation could there could be for her cold reaction to the girls and that outburst without any details? Maybe she wasn't as nice and easy going as she first thought. And she knew how dangerous jealous girls could be. Maybe Belle wasn't the friend she needed after all.
"Right, I'll remember that, Belle. Um… thanks for showing me around the campus. That was really nice of you." She stood up from the bench.
Belle looked surprised. "Where are you going?''
"To the library. I'd like to find some books on the history of performers and art."
"Want me to come with you?" Belle asked, beginning to slide off the picnic tabletop.
"No," Elsa said quickly. "You've done enough. I remember the way. Besides… I don't mind being alone."
Belle caught it then. "Oh." Slight confusion and hurt flickered across her face. "Sure, Elsa. Maybe I'll see you around."
"Yeah." Elsa looked down. Why did she always have to be so cold? But it was for the best. She and Belle would probably be better off not being close. "Um, thanks again."
Belle only nodded.
Elsa turned away awkwardly and quickly walked away. Trying hard to pretend she hadn't registered that familiar look of disappointment she now often brought to everyone's face.
Elsa's P.O.V
I wish I could crawl out of my skin and become someone else.
Someone good for once. That would be nice. But since that's psychically impossible, I'm stuck with Elsa Arendelle. Or at least, the girl she is now. Sometimes I lie awake at night wondering who I loathe more. The old her or the new me. It's a terrible thing to hate yourself. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. But still it is a proper punishment. Heh, irony is a kick, right?
I walk to the school library alone. I can't help but feel bad about Belle. Did I hurt her feelings by brushing her off? I know it kind of seemed like I used her to learn my way around the campus and then blew her, but it really couldn't be helped. It's just the way things have to be.
I reach the school library and push open the door. Classes don't start till tomorrow so I know the library will be empty. I'm glad. I crave solace in solitude after being surrounded by so many people. It's too bad I can't bring myself to enjoy anything anymore, the old me would have adored a place like this. That makes me think about Anna. I wonder where she and Rapunzel are now. Probably somewhere giggling and flirting with a whole hoard of new friends. Things are always so easy for them. I'm jealous of that.
That's something the old me would never have admitted, maybe I really am making progress.
I walk through the shelves of the large, grand library. The shelves wind through the room like a maze, filled with old and new books of every genre. The library is silent save for my light footsteps. I think I hear the hand of a clock ticking somewhere. I smile the first genuine smile I have all day. I like this. I hope I get to spend more quiet days at the campus like this. I locate a book on the subject I was searching for quite easily. I take it and sit in a comfortable looking chair at a table near a large window. I quickly become engrossed in the artistic history. That's also something the old Elsa never would have done. Sit and learn things about other people. I'm probably there for about thirty minutes when my phone whistles, letting me know I have a text. Realizing it's probably Anna I unlock my screen and go right to the message. But the message isn't from my sister.
Unknown: I see you.
The simple three words send a shiver down my spine. Immediately I jerk my head up and look around the vicinity. I thought I was the only one in the library. I don't see anyone. Besides if anyone where here, how would they have my number? The only person here who has it is Anna. Must be a wrong number.
I set the phone down and continue with my reading. The phone whistles again. I reach out and hesitantly unlock the screen again to read what it says.
Unknown: So, what do you think Higher Arts? Enjoying it so far?
My heart lurches for some reason. Okay, weird. But it must be a coincidence. A wrong number and somehow there's someone who is a texting a friend about being here in Higher Arts too. That must be it. I text back.
Me: Sorry, but I think you have the wrong number.
I set the phone back down and continue reading, but less than like 30 seconds later, I get another message from Unknown.
Unknown: No, I don't, Elsa.
I almost fall out of my chair. What the heck? How does some unknown caller know my name and where I am right now? I look around the room again. I feel goosebumps beginning to break out on my arms, despite the warm temperature of the room.
Come on, Elsa, don't freak out. Don't feel scared.
I just have to think for a second.This was probably just Anna's idea of a weird joke. Yeah, that's gotta be it. She took one of her new friend's phones or maybe even Rapunzel's and blocked the number to text me and act all creepy.
I am so going to wring her neck. I text back.
Me: Ha-ha, Anna. I know it's you. Stop being weird, it's not funny.
Unknown: This isn't your little sister, Elsa.
I roll my eyes. Me: Then who is it?
Unknown: Not important that you know right now. What is important is that you know I'm going to be your friend for a while.
I huff, blowing my bangs out of my face. Yeah definitely Anna. Before I can text a reply another message arrives at my phone.
Unknown: And friends do nice things for other friends. Like help them with homework, do their laundry, buy them bagels…keep their secrets.
I be lying if I say I didn't nearly choke on my own air right then. What…? I suddenly feel shaky. Secrets and me weren't a thing to kid about. I don't think even Anna would be so careless. Could this really not be her? Refusing to believe it, I try one more time.
Me: Come on, Anna. You need to stop now. This isn't funny and you're keeping me from reading.
Almost immediately a reply came back.
Unknown: The Educational History of Performing Arts. By Edgar Ballot, right? Looks intriguing.
Almost clumsily I flip the book to the cover. Yes, the book even the name of the author. How could-? Another ominous whistle from my phone startles me. With shaky hands I unlock my screen.
Unknown: You know I really think Karen would be surprised to find you reading a book like that.
I drop my phone. It clatters loudly onto the wooden desk, sounding like a clap of thunder in the silent library.
I feel my chest start to heave and my vision blurs, I'm not sure if it's from tears or shock.
Karen?
Impossible. How could anyone know about her? Only Anna-No. I know for certain now this isn't Anna. She would never dream of doing something this cruel to anyone, and she only knew half of the story.
So that meant that someone else… But it was years ago, thousands of miles away in England. It wasn't common knowledge.
But somehow, someone knew about Karen.
My phone whistles again.
No, I won't open it. I won't read the message. I won't…
I unlock the screen.
Unknown: Aww, you look sad. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. Provided you be good girl and follow my conditions. Lol I bet you're just wracking your brain to figure out what those conditions could be. Don't worry your pretty little head about it, dear. I'll let you know soon. Just for now, know you have a new friend and…we'll be in touch.
The messages stopped after that. Twenty minutes went by and my phone didn't whistle again. I think I spent the whole time staring into space, numb. It couldn't be, it just couldn't be. I thought I had left that behind me a year ago. That's the whole reason my parents forced me to come here. To get away and become a new person. I was supposed to leave Karen behind with the old Elsa. But apparently they had both followed me here.
If people ever found out about it, if Anna ever found out about it… No, I couldn't let that happen. Somehow I just knew from the way that unknown person phrased things, that they didn't want money or they probably would have just asked for it then. I think they want action, deeds. They want me. And to keep my secret safe I would give them me.
I bury my face in my arms. What am I going to do?
And more importantly, what is Unknown going to make me do?
Well there you go, everyone! Chapter 1! I've been kicking this idea around for a while and I've been pretty nervous and shy about uploading it. I don't even know if anyone is still reading Disney/DreamWorks modern AU college fanfics anymore, so I hope this isn't a waste. Anyway, if you are out there leave me a review and let me know if you want to know what happens next. I'll check back in a week to two weeks and if 3-5 people review it and want it, I'll upload another chapter. Until then!
