Anna strolled through Oaken's pharmacy cautious and alert. Bold blue, purple, and red dye sat strikingly on the shelves. No, Anna thought. These are definitely too obvious. Black contrasted her eyes too much, and brown made her look more like her mother. She started to shake. Most of the colors change her color too much or too little.
"Yoo hoo!" Oaken came up from behind her. "Looking for a new change, ya?"
Oaken's pharmacy wasn't the most popular in town, but it was Anna's favorite place. It was a little store attached to his house with pretty much everything she needed. Anna had become so close to Oaken that she started calling him uncle a while ago.
Anna, still startled from the man, nodded. "Yeah, something like that."
He stretched his arm to grab a box from the top shelf. "This would look lovely on you, Dear," he suggested.
The box he held wasn't the bold red Anna declined earlier. It was a natural ginger, almost orange. The color seemed modest, yet cute. "It's perfect, thank you," she smiled.
After paying for the dye, she didn't have a place to dye her hair. "Uncle Oaken? Can I use your shower? I can't really do this at home."
"Ya, of course. Just go upstairs, and one of the children will show you where it is."
Anna felt a pang in her stomach. She hoped they wouldn't question her. The less people to see her, the less chance of being found. "I'll just find it myse-"
"They might not know, but it would be good to see them one last time, Dear," Oaken interrupted.
She smiled at him and made her way up the stairs. She was light headed, but she didn't want the children to notice. It would be hard to hold back her tears.
"Anna!" The two girls and the boy surrounded her. "What are you doing?"
She dropped down to her knees to meet the children eye-to-eye. "I just need to use the bathroom," she said watery eyed. She held her arms out and they filled the space. Anna closed her eyes and breathed heavily.
Once they let go, Charlie wiped the little tear that had escaped. "Why are you sad?"
"Sometimes life is sad, but don't worry. I'm going to be happy soon," she said and gave them one last hug.
The eldest of the children was sitting on the couch on her phone. Because of the somewhat closeness in age, they had become close friends; Anna would even consider her her best friend.
She plopped down on the couch next to the girl. "Hey you," she poked her leg.
"Are you okay? What was the hugging about?" She was genuinely curious, but didn't seem too concerned.
"I'm going away for a while. I can't say too much, though. I love you, Brit," she hugged the girl tightly.
Brittany searched Anna's eyes when the hug was over. She saw sincerity in the girl who was usually joking around and laughing. The brunette nodded and swallowed. "Stay safe, love you," she squeezed Anna's shoulder lightly before Anna walked into the bathroom.
Her hands were shaking as she read the instructions. Why does this have to be so complicated? She put the gloves on and mixed the dye. Apply to hair and wait for 30 minutes. Oh god, I need to hurry.
She tried her best to get every strand of hair possible in the shortest amount of time.
I don't even know where to go... Someone will find me before I even make it out of town. No, no, no. Don't start doubting now. It's too late to go back.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she jumped at the alarm from her phone. Anna stripped of her clothing and looked at herself in the mirror. The bruises were still tender, and the scratch on her stomach was slowly healing.
After her shower, she took a look in the mirror. Oaken was right; the color suited her more than well. It even looked better than her natural platinum blonde hair. She looked a bit closer into the mirror. There was a streak of the blonde still showing. Shit shit shit. She shook the bottle. Empty. Hopefully nobody will notice.
The house was empty when Anna left the bathroom. She gave a relieved sigh and went down the stairs to the pharmacy. Oaken was sitting at the counter talking to a blonde man, about twenty-five, and with a slightly large nose. She hid between the shelves of an aisle, waiting for the man to leave.
"I am sorry, Mr. Bjorgman. I cannot lower the price of the meat. I've already given you a discount. I'm afraid that fifty dollars is the least I can offer you," Oaken said apologetically.
The man grumbled under his breath and left the store.
"Since when did you sell meat?" Anna said, jumping onto the countertop.
"Mr. Bjorgman orders my husband's special hamburger meat every three months. It's very delicious and high in demand, but it does not compete against the other meat he has, if you catch my drift, ya."
Anna choked out a laugh, "Gross. I only have fifty dollars, but I'll take the meat."
Oaken gave her a look. "I'll let you buy this if you agree to let me give you something for your leave," Oaken claimed. He handed her a cell phone and generous amount of cash. "This is strictly for emergencies. I'm always here for you, Dear. Only Brittany and I know this number."
"Uncle Oak... I can't take this, really."
"It's the least I can do to help." He put the money and phone in her purse, removing her old phone.
Anna hugged him, still on the counter. "I'm going to miss all of you so much. I'm so scared," she confessed, "but I can't keep living like this."
"I know, Dear," Oaken released her from the hug. "Looks like you missed a spot," he touched the blonde streak of hair.
"Is it noticeable? I don't want to get caught," Anna worried.
"You won't. You can't forget your past, your real life. Make it a reminder," Oaken said softly.
They walked silently to the old light blue truck Anna bought for a cheap price. Oaken set the box of meat in the passenger seat along with the address to the blonde man's restaurant.
The pair exchanged light smiles. Anna started the engine, ready to leave everything she had behind.
Elsa left work with a grunt and a pounding headache. Why did I want to major in business? Staring at a computer screen was only fun when Tumblr or dumb YouTube videos are involved, not headache inducing numbers and thinking.
She arrived at her house, craving a burger from Sven's. She chuckled at the name of her friends restaurant. Who names their restaurant after their pet reindeer? Who has a pet reindeer?
Elsa changed from her work clothes into a pair of jeans, boots, and a light blue blouse to compliment her eyes.
"Hey Marshmallow," she smiled and pet the fluffy, white cat. She lay on the couch, and Marshmallow sat on her stomach, purring. She closed her eyes, trying to rid of her headache, and fell asleep.
Elsa woke up to Marshmallow's loud meowing. He was lightly tapping her nose with his paw, attempting to wake Elsa up.
"Unnggff," she moaned and got up from the couch. "You're such a weird cat," she got up to feed him. "I'm talking to my cat. God, I'm weird too."
Her stomach growled at her own hungriness. Elsa left her apartment and checked the time. 7:15. It was starting to get dark out, but mostly due to the clouds forming. Elsa entered her silver Volvo, which she picked mostly for the color. She didn't care about cars much, but Kristoff did and loved her car.
She turned the radio on to the hip-hop station. No one knew about this guilty pleasure of hers, and she wanted it to stay that way. Once she pulled into the parking lot to Sven's, it had started sprinkling.
"Welcome to Sven's how may I help you," Kristoff beamed, happy to see his friend.
"The usual, please. I'm starving."
"Did Weaselton work you to your limit today?"
"It's Weselton, and yes. I have reached 'maximum bitch' mode, so hurry up with my burger before I punch you," she replied.
"Yes ma'am," Kristoff saluted.
Kristoff served Elsa her regular: a single cheeseburger, large fries, and a medium red cream soda. She sighed in content as she took a bite of the burger.
"I don't understand how barely anybody comes here. It's ten times better than McDonald's and reasonably priced," Elsa stated.
"Thanks, but you should tell that to like, everyone. Maybe you could advertise for me," he joked.
"I would if Weselton took suggestions. Everything has to go his way. I bet on his secret that his hair is really a wig that we could be making twice the money we make if I ran the place."
Kristoff snorted at his best friend's claim. "Betting on his wig secret? That's a pretty risky bet. Seriously though, why don't you just quit?" He asked.
"I have no where else to go," she shrugged and looked out the window. "It's really starting to pour out there."
"Good, now business will be slow for the rest of the night."
"Business is slow here no matter what," Elsa teased. "I like it. It's relaxing."
Anna had been driving for about an hour already. Rain loudly plopped down onto the windshield. She always loved the rain. It was peaceful, calming. She would usually sit with Hans and drink hot chocolate and tell stories while it rained. Her and Brittany would have Gossip Girl or Pretty Little Liars marathons on rainy days with pizza, candy, and popcorn.
But that day the rain was sad. It was a subtle reminder that she had to leave that part of her life behind along with her natural blonde locks. The clouds covered the happiness in her life with a layer of melancholy. Anna could only wish for the storm to pass and leave a rainbow, but she knew it wouldn't for a while.
Anna was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize her car stopping. She stomped on the gas pedal, but it remained still.
Piece of shit.
She was close to the address Oaken had given her, though. Anna took the keys out of the ignition, hid the money in the glove compartment, and walked to the passenger side. She grabbed the box and started walking with only her purse on her.
The bell above the door sang as a soaked redhead came fumbling in. Walking was a struggle due to the huge box she carried. Her mascara ran down her face and smudged around her cheeks. She trailed puddles of water along as she set the box onto the counter.
She let out an exaggerated breath. "Mr. Bjorgman! I bought this for you from Oaken's," she said dizzily.
Kristoff's eyes widened. "Seriously? Why?"
"Just wanted to help," she sat down.
"Thank you, really, you don't know how much I needed this!" Kristoff exclaimed.
"It wasn't a problem... Well aside from the fact that my car broke down, and I had to carry a box half my weight here in the pouring rain... But other than that it was a great experience!" The girl said sarcastically. "I'm going to dry off in the bathroom, if you'll excuse me," she got up and left Kristoff and Elsa alone.
Elsa nodded towards the box. "What's that?" She asked.
"The meat that makes my burgers taste fantastic. I couldn't buy them today because I didn't have enough money. I don't know how that girl knew; I have never seen her before in my life," Kristoff explained as he mopped the floor.
"She's pretty," Elsa stated. "I mean, for a girl who looked like a complete train wreck."
Kristoff smirked at Elsa and wiggled his eyebrows. Anna returned from the bathroom cleaned of runny make-up and somewhat more dry.
"I, um, sorta used all of the paper towels, sorry," Anna smiled.
"It's alright, can I get you anything?" Kristoff asked.
"Can I have a chocolate milkshake and large fries please?"
"Okay that'll be 7.36," he punched into the register and looked up at Anna.
She dug through her purse managing to find only 5 dollars and a couple of coins. Kristoff repeatedly shifted his eyes back and forth from the ginger to the blonde in a you-know-what-to-do manner.
After getting the hint, Elsa took a ten dollar bill out of her purse and slid it across the counter. "Here, it's on me."
"No, I can't, really. I just won't have the fri-" the ginger started, but was soon interrupted.
"It's really no big deal, go on," Elsa smiled.
The redhead sheepishly grabbed the money and handed it to Kristoff, who went to prepare the meal.
"I swear this restaurant is running off of only my money," Elsa muttered.
"What do you mean?" Anna asked.
"Kristoff never gets business, but I'm a nice enough friend to come here like, all the time."
"Thank you for paying. I like your shirt; it really brings out your eyes," Anna complimented.
Elsa's face turned slightly red at the compliment. "Thanks," she smiled.
Kristoff set the shake and fries across from Anna. She took a sip and gasped. "Oh my god this is delicious!" She sipped again, this time noting the second straw. "Two straws?" She asked.
"Yeah, I thought you wouldn't mind sharing with Elsa. You know, since she bought the shake," he winked.
"Do you want some? He's right, you did pay," Anna offered.
Elsa glared at Kristoff, "I actually had too much to e-"
"Oh, come on. Who can resist a chocolate milkshake? I think this is the best one I've had."
Elsa nodded and grabbed onto the straw. Without thinking, she started to drink it. She found herself staring into the ginger's eyes. They were a gorgeous blue- almost teal. She saw warmth in the eyes, but they seemed to be hiding something. Then, Elsa realized her closeness to the redhead.
Oh my god. I should've waited to take a sip. Isn't this something couples do? I don't even know this girl's name.
Elsa backed away, her face reddened with each passing second. "I, uh, s-sorry," she stuttered. Again, her mouth was talking without her brain's consent. "Name? Uh I mean, what's your name?"
"Oh! I'm A- um ahhh- Alyssa," Anna mentally kicked herself. I should've planned this out a bit more. She pulled a strand of hair behind her ear.
Elsa nodded and became curious. "What's this?" She asked, pointing to the blonde strand of hair.
"I was um, born with it, I guess," Anna lied.
"I like it," Elsa smiled.
Anna took a fry and dipped it into the shake. Elsa shot her a horrified stare.
"You've never tried this?" Anna asked, and Elsa shook her head. "Here, try it," Anna handed her the milkshake-covered fry and watched as the blonde ate it.
Elsa's eyes widened. "That's actually really good."
"Duh! I used to do this all the time. Chocolate goes with pretty much everything," Anna said.
"Chocolate is definitely the best thing ever," Elsa agreed.
After they finished the shake, Elsa grew tired. "I should probably go, this was nice," she said.
"It was," Anna smiled. "My car actually broke down, would you mind driving me to it?"
"Yeah, sure, are you on some road trip?" Elsa asked.
"Not really, I was looking for a small town to live in. And a job. But I'll just sleep in my car for the night."
"I can't let you do that. At least let me drive you to a hotel. I'll even pay," Elsa offered.
"No, really. I don't want you to spend any more money on me. I've slept in a car before; it won't be so bad," Anna reasoned.
"Alright." Elsa drove Anna to her car, and watched as she got comfortable in the back seat.
This girl drove all the way here to give Kristoff his box of meat. She didn't have much over five dollars, and she planned on sleeping in her car over night?
Elsa tapped on the window. "Alyssa?"
Anna opened the door. "Yeah?"
"You can crash at my place for a while. I'm totally okay with it," Elsa said.
"Really?"
"Grab your stuff. I'll wait in the car," Elsa smiled.
They drove in silence for the first five minutes. "You have a really nice car." Anna's hands roamed around the dashboard to the radio. "May I?" She asked and turned it on when Elsa nodded.
Anna jumped at the loud rap that suddenly blasted through the speakers. She started giggling and rapped along. "I wouldn't have pegged you as a rap lover," she commented.
Elsa blushed, "I- I'm not."
Anna just kept laughing and rapping. "Then why are we on this station?" She teased.
"I have no idea," Elsa replied.
Anna pulled herself closer to Elsa's ear, singing along to the chorus. "Oh, luxury, chidi-ching-ching could buy anything cop that-"
"Oh, collard greens, three degrees low make it hot for me, drop that oh," Elsa joined Anna's singing and laughing.
"I knew it!" Anna slapped her thigh.
It was 10:00 when the girls arrived at Elsa's house. Elsa prepared the couch with pillows and blankets while Anna played with Marshmallow.
"He's so cute!" She exclaimed. "He looks like you," she said, but quickly continued. "Not that I'm comparing you to an animal, but he has blonde fur and the same blue eyes that you have."
Elsa laughed at Anna's rambling. "Want to feed him a marshmallow?"
Anna's eyes lit up, "Yes!" She fed him the marshmallow that Elsa had given her. "He is literally the cutest cat ever," Anna looked up at Elsa.
"I think he likes you," she smiled. "He'll probably sleep with you tonight."
"Yay!" Anna squealed as she walked into the bathroom to change into pajamas.
She looked in the mirror, surprised. I don't think I'll ever get used to this color, she thought. Tonight actually went well. I made two friends and have a place to stay. Why did Elsa let me stay the night? I look like a homeless person... Oh, right. I am a homeless person. Anna brushed her teeth and lay on the couch. "Night Elsa!" She yelled through the apartment.
"Good night, Alyssa," Elsa said back.
That was another thing she'd have to get used to. Alyssa. Respond to Alyssa.
"Can you and Sven pull Alyssa's car into the parking lot? It's not far from the restaurant. I let her stay with me tonight." Elsa sent to Kristoff.
"Yeah, but you let her in your apartment? She's a stranger! You don't know who she is. She could be crazy, or she could murder you in your sleep. Sleep tight ;)" he replied.
"Shut up, Kris! She's really nice. I have a feeling that we'll become fast friends. You'll see."
"I know, I'm teasing. Maybe more than friends? Are you going to make sweet, sweet love to her tonight? #Elyssa"
"Night Kristoff. I hate you." she sent before setting her phone down.
Elsa lay in bed, thinking about what Kristoff had said. Was letting Alyssa spend the night too risky? I really don't know much about her. What if she is a complete psychopath? Oh god.
Sleep would not come easy for Elsa that night.
Sleep did find Anna easily, though. Marshmallow contently purred against her stomach. She drifted off sure that happiness will find her.
A/N: This is loosely inspired by the movie Safe Haven. The song used is "Collard Greens" by Schoolboy Q ft Kendrick Lamar. Should I continue? Let me know! :)
-4soc
