I had woken up early that morning. Elsa's mother was going to be out all day, so we were going to hang for a bit and talk. I was hoping to convince her to tell me more of the story, maybe tell me where Jack was hiding—but I didn't have my hopes up. Elsa wasn't the most talkative person…

"Anna-Grace," Mum opened the bedroom door and leaned in, "there's someone at the door. Didn't say anything… Tried to just run off, but I said you were here."
"Who?" I asked, climbing off my bed and tiredly walking across the room.
"Young girl," mum had led me down the hall. "Blonde hair…"

We made it to the main entry and the door was open.

Elsa stood there with her hands in her pockets, a few tears, and a large cut on her forehead, hiding under her bangs and hood.

"Els—"
"I need help," Elsa whispered with a partly broken voice. "Now…"

Me and my mum made worried eye contact.

I quickly grabbed my black hoody and put it on, slid on my white flats. "Mum, I'll be back later."
"Yeah, of course," mum responded. "Be safe."

I nod my head then gently nudge Elsa and she turns to walk. We walk down the stairs and mom closes the door behind.

"Elsa, what happened?" I asked, turning to her.

Elsa looked at my house. Nobody was watching us, or listening. She looked back down at me, and slightly stepped back as if feeling too close or something. She opened her mouth and tried to speak, but couldn't get the words out, and soon felt frustrated.

"Was it your mother?" I asked with worry.

She shook her head, and tried again. "…J-Jack…"
"Jack did this?!" I asked, honestly shocked.

She shook her head again and I sighed in relief.

I listened, but Elsa seemed frustrated, like she couldn't get her voice to cooperate, and couldn't speak.

"Try writing it down?" I suggested, handing her a pen that was in the pocket of my hoody.

Elsa took the pen in her left hand.

So, she's gorgeous, and is left handed? Wow… So perfect.

Elsa wrote on her right hand then showed it to me.

'Vick took Jack'

Who's Vick though?

"Vick is… Your mother?" I asked.

Elsa nodded her head.

"Can you speak?" I asked with an unwanted desperate tone.

She slightly tilted her head and sighed.

"Elsa, please?" I asked.

I know she can speak more than just a whisper. I just don't think she likes too… Or maybe she's afraid too? I don't know…

Elsa licked and pursed her lips, then bit her bottom one.

I found myself breathless for a moment, but soon shook it off. I fidgeted a bit, and shivered slightly at the feeling. The weird feeling that I didn't understand…

"Fine. But not here," Elsa whispered, still not letting me hear her voice.

I sighed a bit with frustration. I just want to hear your voice! "Okay."

I hesitated to check the cut on her forehead, but decided against it. She's still a little jumpy, and shy. Plus, we barely know each other… "Let me get dressed," I back up slightly, "do you want anything?"

She slightly shook her head.

"Your loss," I shrugged, turning with a smirk.

I could feel her eyes watching me walk away and back towards the house, and she soon followed.

She had worn a white tee-shirt with her white hoody and white leggings, with white, proper boots. Her hoot was up, and her hair seemed to be in a messy bun. The makeup I put on her a couple of days ago was still on, meaning she probably hasn't showered or anything—still. But strangely enough, I didn't find myself grossed out at all, probably because I understood the situation, and she's just so… Elsa.

I closed the door behind her, and she looked at the house with wonder.

I could try, but I can't. It's small and at least 30 years old… Sure it's clean and newish looking, but it isn't really anything amazing.

Then again, she lives in a smaller house that is dark and dirty and messy—and who knows when she wonders around… Does she stay in her room all day? Does she pace around? Does she leave the house?

"You can sit there, or stand—your choice. Make yourself at home," I offer. "Mum, this is my friend Elsa. Elsa, this is my mother, Amelia."
"It's nice to meet you, Elsa," Mum said politely.

Elsa smiled a bit, and kept to herself.

"She doesn't talk a lot," I whisper in mum's ear.
She nods her head in understanding.

I turn back to Elsa. "I'm going to hop in the shower and get change. 10 minutes, okay?"
Elsa nods her head a bit.

I look back at my mom before turning and walking down the hall into the bathroom. I can still hear what's going on in the rest of the quiet house, though…

"Can I get you something?" mum asked with a gentle tone.
I couldn't hear Elsa's response… She could've simply shaken her head, or nodded or whispered—and I wouldn't know.

I walk out of the bathroom wearing white leggings and a green tee-shirt with my hair in two side braids and my usual no makeup.

Elsa sits on the couch, watching out the window, not seeming anywhere near relaxed—but tense.

I walk into the kitchen and stop next to my mother, and we both look at the girl.
"She's hurt…" mum whispered with concern.
"I'll explain later," I promise, grabbing an apple. "I'll be back later, okay?"
"Okay."
She kisses my head and I smile then go back into the living room.

Elsa looks up at me and stands as I round the corner, and she seems to relax more now that I'm around.

"Ready to go?" I asked.

She nodded her head then walked and stood next to the door.

I waved goodbye to my mother then left the house with my new friend.

Elsa quickly walked down the stairs, keeping her hands in her pockets, and her hood up.

"Hey, wait up," I follow along after her and try to keep up. But she walks quickly… "Elsa," I gently take her arm and she stops walking, stiffening completely.

I gently release her arm, and she slightly looks down at me with wider, fearful eyes.

"It's just me," I slowly move in front of her and look up into her big, blue eyes. "Can you tell me what happened?" I ask gently.

Elsa sat curled up on her bed, holding a white mug in her hands.

I sat on the end of the bed, also holding a white mug. I just want to hear your voice…

Her room is… cold. Its baby blue walls with a baby blue carpet, and white snowflakes painted on the walls, ceiling, and floor. There're a few snowflake stickers on the windows, hiding behind the long, white curtains. Her bed is mostly white with a circle, blue and white quilt on top.
The other half of the room looks like it must be Jack's. It still has the same snowflake pattern to it, but the blue bedding is darker, and… I don't know, it just seems a bit different. They must like the same stuff.

"Elsa…" I begin gently. "I'm beginning to beg… I'm desperate right now. Where is Jack…?"

Elsa remained silent.

I sighed slightly and tucked my hair behind my ear then looked up at her. "Elsa, please. Where is your brother?"
Elsa put her head down and looked at the quilts, biting her lip again.
"If Vick took him, he could be in a lot of danger… Life or death danger. Do you want him to get hurt?" I asked with a gentle tone.

Elsa shook her head with tears in her eyes.

"Then where is he?" I asked gently.
"I don't know," she whisper answered. I still can't hear her voice… And how gorgeous her voice must be, matching up with her looks.

She sighed a shaky breath and sat up a bit straighter. "I woke up," she whispered, "early… And h-had to go to the bathroom. But, I was-sn't supposed to…"

Not allowed to go to the bathroom?! Gees, is this a prison or something?

So, she can't speak, can't eat, can't go to the fricken bathroom, can't leave the house, can't have the lights on, and can't talk to people— and she's beat on!

The first chance I have to get her out of here, I'm taking it.

"And h-h-heading back t-to my bedroom," she continued, still whispering, "I was c-caught… S-She yelled a-at me, a-and…" Elsa shook her head and silenced.

"Elsa…"
"I can't s-speak," she whispered with a shaky voice.
"You can. She's not here, okay? You're safe with me. I promise…"

Why did I promise that? Because I thought I could protect her. Because I thought that woman would never actually dare hit me, so if I was with Elsa, it left her safe. I wish that was reality…

I closed my bedroom door and fell onto my bed, rolling onto my back then staring up at the ceiling.

Elsa told me everything I asked her to tell me…

She was caught out of her room, and Vick beat her up again. Jack tried to defend his sister but Vick knocked him aside before throwing Elsa into the bathtub, where Elsa hit her head and passed out, and that's where the cut came from. When she woke up, Jack was gone.

I sighed and put my hand over my eyes. My best friend is missing, and his sister is terrified beyond words…

My cell phone rang, startling me. I picked it up, pressed talked, and it beeped. "Hello?"

I held the phone in my right hand and kept it against my right ear.

"Anna, where have you been?" Kristoff asked. "I tried calling and texting—I even came by your house and nobody was there!"
"I'm sorry, Kristoff," I said with a sigh.
"Yeah, so are we. Jack's here," Kristoff continued.

I found myself sitting up. "He is?!"
"Yeah, and he told us everything that happened. Where the hell are you?!" Kristoff asked with what sounded like worry.
"I'm at my house! Where are you?!" I asked, quickly getting my things together.
"At the high school," Kristoff answered.
"I'm coming there."

I ran out of my bedroom and out the front door, locking it behind me.

"Anna, when did you last see Elsa?" Kristoff asked.
"About an hour ago, why?" I asked, quickly entering my car and turning it on.
"Jack went back to the house to find her after running from Vick, and the place was a bigger mess than before. He said there was blood near the front door, and Elsa wasn't there…" Kristoff answered.

And my entire world came crashing down…

I hung up the phone and literally put the gas pedal to the floor, speeding off down the road.

I jumped over the door of the convertible and ran to the open front door of the house. Sure enough, there was blood on the door frame and on the door knob.

I ran inside the dark house. "Is anybody here?!"

No answer, but I don't think I was expecting one.

I took another step forward and slipped on something, falling back with a slight shriek. I landed on my back, hitting my head on the floor. "Ouch…"

It took a second, but I soon came back to my full senses and sat up. I slipped in blood… A small puddle of blood…

I was soon on my hands and knees. I ran two fingers through the blood. It was warm…

Alright, Anna. Time for detective work…

I climbed to my feet and managed to turn the lights on. The house was a disaster, as if someone was fighting… I can't even imagine what happened here, and honestly don't want too.

The table is broken, there is glass everywhere, the couch is moved out of place, the lamps are broken and on the ground, the TV is cracked with blood on it, the kitchen counter is completely clear and everything that was on it is now on the floor, and the back, glass door is shattered. The glass is on the porch.

I rush over and open the back door, stepping onto the wooden porch. Looking down at the glass, I find a handful of platinum blonde hair…

My heart drops again. Vick, if you killed her—

I pause my threatening thoughts upon seeing movement in the forest behind the house.

No lie; a rock flies onto the grass of the lawn as if thrown by someone.

"Elizabeth!" Vick screamed from somewhere in the forest.

I quickly ran down the steps and onto the grass. I knew I had no weapons. I knew I was tiny compared to this woman. I knew I was weaker. I knew how dangerous she was. But I knew I didn't care, and I knew that Elsa's life was on the line here, and if I didn't move soon—that line was going to snap, and she was going to fall…

I ran a little into the woods and looked around frantically, not wanting to make any loud noises.

I could just barely see Vick running away from me, as if looking for Elsa.

Someone grabbed my ankle, and I shrieked, jumping aside. When I looked down, I saw Elsa on her stomach, with her left arm over her stomach, looking up at me desperately.
"Oh my god!" I quickly put my hands under her arms and helped her stand.

I swung her right arm over my shoulder and she kept her left arm over her bloody stomach. She had a large cut on her lip, and her cheek was swollen severely.

We made our way out of the woods, through the house and soon into my car. I helped her in and soon got in, and drove off quickly.
"How badly are you hurt?!" I exclaimed fearfully.

She sat back more, leaning her head back as she uncrossed her arms, revealing her blood soaked shirt.

I skidded the car around the corner and once leveled again, I slowed it down and gently lifted her shirt up a bit, but she jerked away. I quickly pulled my hand back. "Sorry…"

I honked the horn a few times then jumped out of the vehicle, rushing to the other side.

My mother and father opened the front door. "Anna?"

"Help!" I shrieked, opening the passenger side door.

My parents rushed over and gasped on sight. "What happened?!"

My mother and I carefully helped Elsa out of the car, and my father ran ahead to keep the door open.

Mum and I gently put Elsa on the couch while my father rushed to get medical stuff.

"Anna, what happened?" mum asked with a firm tone.

I looked at Elsa whose eyes slipped closed. Shit! "Uh, her mother is… Abusive, I guess. And it was taken really far, and she got hurt and—mum, please help her…"
"We'll try, honey."

Dad rushed back in and I gently pulled Elsa's shirt up a bit, finding the large, but not deep cut.

I stepped back while my parents cleaned the blood away and washed the wound. They then wrapped gauze around Elsa's stomach.

"Anna," mum stood and looked around for the scissors.
"I'll take care of her," I said, looking down at the platinum blonde. "I promised I would…"

I sat up in bed and leaned over the edge. It's a bunk bed… Did I mention that?

Elsa lies asleep on the bottom bunk, still covered up. She seems more peaceful, and hopefully isn't still in pain.

I rolled back over and looked up at the ceiling.

We had figured out why her cheek was swollen. Someone, most likely Vick, hit her so hard, that her first molar on the left side of her mouth had been knocked out. We don't know if it's lost, or if she swallowed it—but, ouch…

Why is she treated this way? What did she ever do wrong?

The bedroom door slightly opened and my mum peeked in. "Everything alright?"

I rolled over, bracing myself up on my left arm. "Everything's good."
"Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes, if you girls are hungry. Are you sure we shouldn't call police? Or take her to the hospital or something?" Mum asked with concern.
"I think she's okay… But if she isn't, then we'll take her," I answered.

"It's ready!" Dad called from the other room.

Elsa pulled the blankets over her head. "No…" she whispered, rolling over.

Mum and I chuckled. "I'll let you two wake up."

She left the room, closing the door.

I climbed off the top bunk and looked in the mirror, eyes widening upon seeing my hair. Elsa's hair is thicker than this… So how is her morning hair?

"Elsa, breakfast time," I said, walking over and tapping her arm.

She didn't respond.

"Elsa…" I pulled the blankets back and she put her hands over her face.

I smiled a bit then held her wrists, and pulled her hands back. "Breakfast!" I said goofily.

She smiled and silently laughed then sat up with the craziest hair I have ever seen.

It got in her face, covering her eyes.

We both soon burst into laughter. But I couldn't hear her laughter over my own voice… I don't even know what she sounds like…

A hand her a brand new hair brush that I bought for her, and she brushes her hair.

Her hair is smooth, and shiny—and so greasy…

She looked down at her shiny, damp hands and frowned, soon making a face of disgust.

"You can shower, if you'd like," I offer.

Elsa looks up at me in an instant and slightly nods her head with wide eyes.

I smile a bit, "Alright, before or after breakfast?"
"Before," she whispered.

I finished telling my parents we were going to be a little late for breakfast, and they seemed okay with it.

I closed the bathroom door and turned to Elsa, who looked in the mirror, looking at her reflection intensely. Almost as if seeing herself for the first time…

"I have clean clothes for you for after you're all clean, okay?" I put the folded clothes on the counter, and she smiled a bit.

I haven't heard her voice… I haven't seen her smile with visible teeth. I haven't heard her laugh. I haven't learned about her… Do we count as friends?

Elsa took her shirt off.

I think we count as friends…

She turned and pointed to the bra straps. "Help, please…"

I slowly walked over and undid the straps before turning around while she undressed. I found my eyes drawing closer to the mirror, and so put my hands over them to not risk peeking.

Why would I want to see her naked?! Anna, what are you going through...? A faze?

At the sound of water running, I turned back around.

Elsa was behind the curtains, soaking completely to get clean.

"Use anything you need," I add gently. "Shampoo, body wash—even shave your legs and/or underarms. Whatever you need…"
"Thanks," Elsa whispered.

You're most welcome…

It was exactly 9 minutes and 56 seconds later that she got out of the shower and within 2 minutes, she was dressed and I had blow-dried her hair.

We brushed her hair completely, and wow…

Long, platinum blonde—but more closer to white, now that it's clean. It's soft and thick, and she's just… So different now. Stunning…

I sit her down and slowly spin the chair so she faces me.

Her eyes blink up at me, and her lips slightly move apart, and I get a slight glimpse of her white teeth. Just two of them, though… How can I get her to smile?

I gently put a light purple eye shadow on her eyelids, then black eye liner, and mascara. She opens her eyes, and again I may say: wow…

I get out the shimmering, clear lip gloss and gently put it on her soft, naturally red lips.

I put the makeup aside, and she purses her lips.

I put a small braid in her hair then brush her bangs down, and they fall to her eyebrows.

"All done," I help her stand then pick up an extra tooth brush, and she looks at it with confusion. I put a little bit of white, sensodyne toothpaste on and get it damp with water. "You want to or—"

I pause upon realizing she has no idea what this toothbrush is.

"Never brushed your teeth?" I ask, honestly surprised.

She shook her head, still with slight confusion in her expression.

"Open up," I say.

She hesitantly opens her mouth and I gently put the toothpaste on her right bottom teeth.

Elsa sits back down, making it easier for me.

I'm extra careful around the spot where her tooth is missing, and she flinches away as I get close to it.

"Spit," I said, pointing to the sink.

She gives me a look of confusion then leans over the sink, and pauses.

"Spit out the toothpaste…" I said.

Elsa sighed and sat back, swallowing it all.

I sighed as well. "This stuff is poisonous if you swallow too much of it, you know…"

Her eyes widened a bit.

"Don't worry; you didn't swallow enough for harm. But next time," I put the toothbrush back in her mouth, "spit it out."

She grabs my wrist and pushes my hand back. "Spit?" she whisper asked with confusion.
"You don't know what spitting is?" I asked.

Gees, has she ever actually left the house?! I hope I'm not coming across as rude or annoyed or frustrated—I'm just astounded. It's like… She's a child who's still learning, but she's actually 18…

She shook her head in response.

I got my toothbrush and quickly brushed my teeth, held up an index finger, catching her attention, and then spat into the sink.

"See?"

She slightly tilted her head and crossed her legs, as if wanting me to do it again.

Honestly, this could get fun… Teaching her new stuff? I get to be that person…

I brush my teeth again and spit in the sink.

She smiles a bit with wonder.

"Now you," I say, rinsing off my toothbrush and putting it aside.

Elsa picked up her toothbrush and looked up at me. I once nodded my head, and she put it in her mouth.

"Now brush…"

She slowly brushed her teeth, getting more comfortable with it within a few seconds.

"Now, spit."

She uncrossed her legs and stood, leaning over the sink, and slightly spitting.

"More force…"

She did it again.

"No, no, you need tons of effort!" I said with enthusiasm.

She shook her head and straightened up, slightly swishing the rest of the toothpaste around in her mouth.

"Come on!" I said with laughter.

She crossed her arms and shook her head.

"Elsa! I'll tickle you…!" I threaten with laughter. "Then it'll get messy…"

She put her hand over her mouth as if to hold back laughter.

"Spit! With force!" I laugh, bugging her.

With a sigh, Elsa spits the rest out properly, and I applaud with laughter.

I can hear my parents laughing in the other room, and I smile widely.

Elsa straightened up and wiped her mouth with her sleeve.

She turned to me, and my heart melted at her beauty…

She wears blue leggings with a light blue tee-shirt that has a snowflake on the middle of it… Her hair is down, and the makeup is stunning. She's so pale, and her hair is so platinum and… Wow…
I never noticed until now, but her fingernails are a French manicure, and her toenails are a French pedicure… She's so perfect.

"You," I gently take her hands, "are quite the gorgeous gal."
She smiles a bit with warmness. "Thank you," she whispered.

I smiled back, hiding my disappointment at her whispering.

We all enjoyed breakfast, but Elsa remained mostly silent. I guess I would be too if I were in a strangers' house, sleeping over, and eating dinner with her parents around…

"So, Elsa, how are you feeling?" Mum asked.
"Better," Elsa whisper answered.
"Well, good," mum smiled.

Elsa and I smiled at each other.

"How is breakfast?" Dad asked.

"Delicious," I answered.
"Divine," Mum answered.

We all accidentally looked at Elsa at the same time, and she sunk slightly in her chair.

"I-I can't beat those words…" she whispered with a shy smile. "But, it's amazing. Thank you…"
"You are most welcome," dad smiled.

Elsa's smile grew a bit more, and she grew a little more confident.

I think we can make this work…