Hello! Thanks for the review, follows and favorites! Still a beginner here so take it easy. Enjoy!
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Chapter 2 – It's you
"Oh no Kristoff! What am I supposed to do!?" Anna sat on the barstool with her hands on her chin, her freckled face scrunched up in worry, as she stared puppy eyes at her best friend on the other side of the bar.
"What's the matter? This is what you want right? Now you have it your way." Her blonde best friend was currently wiping a glass clean in his massive hand, watching the slumped petite woman in the corner of his eye with interest. Kristoff was working at night as a part-time bartender in a nearby bar owned by his close friend, Eugene Fitzherbert.
"I know, I know, I know! This is exactly what I want! But.. but… what should I do?" Anna squeaked like a trapped animal, her voice high-pitched and strained. "It's tomorrow! The audition's tomorrow and I still don't know what song to sing or what dress to wear or what make up to put or what shoes to wear! And every time I think about singing in front of this huge crowd, it makes me… nervous. I'm freaking out and I can't think straight. I won't be able to focus on my performance!" Anna sighed deeply, her turquoise eyes falling on the lone drink in front of her watching the ice cubes slowly melting. "I don't think I'll make it… I'm just..not ready for this… what I am even thinking! Why did I even consider auditioning! Oh Kristoff, it must really be the heat just talking to me that time! What to do? Oh no!" She covered her face with her hands, entirely frustrated with herself.
He placed the glass down and brought his big hand on her shoulder, squeezing it for reassurance. "Relax Anna, you'll be fine." He smiled encouragingly at her showing his pearly white teeth. "Since you've already come this far, show some spirit, Feisty-pants! You've got this."
"Y-you really think so?" She took a peek at him, her voice small and uncertain, unlike her usual confident singsong voice.
"I remember someone telling me the 'you-won't-know-unless-you-try' motto. Would you by any chance recall who mentioned that to me?" He waggled his eyebrow at her mischievously as he crossed his arms on his chest.
"Oh shut it, Kris. I'm already in this dire situation and you still find ways to annoy me more! Are you really my best friend or what?" Anna glared at him while her hands cupped the glass and sipped the drink grudgingly.
"Chill, Grumpy-pants! I'm on your side okay? I just want you to remember." The blonde guy raised his hands in defense, laughing nonetheless.
"Right, you always remember to humiliate me? Is that what you mean?" Anna blew her bangs in frustration, her twin braids falling backwards from her shoulder. "Ugh, you're totally not helping Kristoff."
"I want you to remember that wonderful and intense feeling that you felt right before you decided to audition. I saw that burning desire and passion you had in your eyes that motivated and inspired you despite my futile attempts to stop you. You are determined and confident." His voice lacked nothing but pure honesty. "That's the Anna I know. And that's what I want her to remember. You had it in you; you just have to believe in yourself." And that's what I love about you, Anna. Kristoff then brought his hand on her head and messed her strawberry-blonde hair, earning a glare from her as she tried to swat his hand away.
Nonetheless, Anna was really touched to hear those encouraging words from him. She was really blessed to have such a kind-hearted best friend who supported her in everything. He was her confidant, her partner-in-crime and her crazy sometimes annoying buddy. And she would always be thankful to have him in her life.
After their little chat, Kristoff sauntered away shortly, serving the influx of customers wanting some drinks. Anna settled to finishing off her drink, her mind drifting to Kristoff's advice. She slowly closed her eyes as she imagined herself time-traveling to that very moment of Elsa' performance.
The marvelous stage sparkled with thousand spotlights emanating an almost magical experience of a lifetime as the center spot opened mystically revealing the platinum-blonde singer in all her glory. And there she was, waving brightly and smiling sweetly; her porcelain white skin showing off from her light blue dress was just too tempting to touch; her beautiful serene face was just faultless in every angle and those dazzling blue eyes radiated calmness and elegance. Elsa was just breathtaking.
If Anna thought she was already captivated more than enough, she was entirely mistaken when the blonde beauty began to sing. It was as if she was listening to the voice of an angel – powerful and majestic complimented by an overwhelming sincere emotion bursting from within. It was hypnotizing that she was moved to tears with such a wonderful performance.
However, despite her impressive performance and professionalism displayed, Anna could not shake off the nagging feeling at the pit of her stomach that there was something off about Elsa. It was as if Elsa was communicating her true feelings through a song and Anna felt that strong surge of emotion rushing in her veins, pumping in her bloodstream, driving her to reach out to her.
Elsa, why do I feel like you are not happy at all? What's bothering you? What's on your mind? Are you hurting? Why are your smiles not reaching your eyes? Why do you look so perfect and broken at the same time? Why? Elsa, why do I feel like you are pretending? Why do I sense that you are in hiding? What is never enough?
Anna might have been imagining things but her heart was torn in pieces as she watched her perform. At that moment, all she wanted to do was hug her and tell her that everything was alright. She was aching inside to let her know that she was there for her. She knew this might be her mind playing tricks on her but she did not care. She knew it sounded crazy, weird and absolutely out of ordinary for someone who was a total stranger like her to act as if she knew Elsa by heart. But Anna was never one to ignore what she was feeling no matter how bizarre it was. Right then and there, she had made up her mind – she would audition and get to know Elsa.
Right, it's you Elsa. You are my reason. You are my inspiration. Elsa.
As Anna slowly opened her turquoise blue eyes, a pair of huge black innocent eyes looked back at her curiously.
"Hi!"
She shrieked in alarm, her hand knocking the glass down as she moved backwards instinctively almost tumbling down from her seat until a hand pulled her up safely.
"Oh sorry Miss, I must have surprised you. I didn't mean to. I hope you are okay." He smiled gently at her, his front teeth protruding from his mouth.
"It's okay. I guess I was just… a bit disoriented." Anna clasped her braid in her hand embarrassingly, trying to recover herself. She glanced at her companion and noticed his long nose almost occupying most of his face while his teeth seemed too big for his mouth. However, it was his sincere smile and bright black eyes that caught her attention.
"Okay, let's start this thing over. Hi, I'm Olaf!" He raised his thin arm at her and waved enthusiastically, his warm smile not faltering on his long face.
Anna couldn't help but feel his smile getting contagious. She beamed at him energetically. "Hi Olaf, I'm Anna. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Oh, the pleasure's mine!" He responded abruptly. Then he crept closer, his large eyes bubbling with interest. "I overheard you mentioning Elsa." Anna's face suddenly flushed various shades of red, her eyes turning saucers from being caught off-hand by a stranger.
"I was just… Uhm… Are you sure it was me?" She blurted lamely, her hands fidgeting in front of her. Olaf looked past her and she followed his gaze to an empty barstool. "Well.. yeah, on second thought, that might just be really me…" She went on, laughing embarrassingly. "If you're so sure you're not imagining things." She added sheepishly. "That's me, I think?"
"Then, that means you're gonna be auditioning!" Olaf's wide eyes twinkled with delight, his gaze fixed at Anna as if in awe.
Anna felt as if cold water had just been splashed on her face. Reality check. Audition. Tomorrow. She suddenly felt troubled and apprehensive, her freckles getting more pronounced as she winced slightly. Yes, she might have remembered why she had auditioned but the certain facts never changed. She hadn't chosen a song to sing and she had yet to overcome her stage fright. Her eyes downcast, she responded pitifully. "Yeah.. but I don't think I'll make it." Then she brought back her eyes at him. "I mean, don't get me wrong. I really, really, really wanted to pass the blind auditions! But I was just not prepared and it's gonna be tomorrow. I just hope I won't make so much a fool of myself there…"
"Well, you still have tonight." Olaf remarked positively. "You can still make the necessary preparations, right?"
Anna sighed. "Easier said than done. It's not like I could overcome my stage fright in just one night. It'll take quite a lot practice until I could get my nerves under control. Whenever I'm in front of the crowd, I'm losing it. Fear just overwhelms me." She shook her head sadly.
Despite Anna's depressing sentiment, Olaf remained optimistic. "Then, this is your chance to shine." Anna raised her eyebrows, clearly confused whatever he was saying. Is he even listening? I said I can't do it!
Anna was about to ask what he meant when a golden blur suddenly jumped at Olaf, crushing the small guy in a bear hug. She couldn't help but notice the long braided golden hair bouncing behind her back despite being poorly covered by a blue cap. Her big round glasses turned askew as she tackled Olaf. She was wearing pink tee under the denim jacket and really tight jeans. Shortly, she released the breathless little guy and started berating at him.
"Olaf! Where have you been? I've been frantically searching everywhere for you! Y'know the Ice Queen will…" However, she stopped short as she realized Anna curiously looking at the two of them.
"Oh, hi!" She greeted cheerily, fixing her round glasses on her face and bringing the cap down so that her small face would somehow be obscured.
"Hi, me?" Anna squeaked, pointing at herself in question. The newcomer nodded her head amusingly. "Ohh, right, of course hi you! I mean, hi to you too. Sorry that was just awkward. Not that you two are awkward. I mean, I'm awkward, with the staring and all that. Sorry." Her hands flailed wildly hoping to get what she meant.
The petite blonde giggled her hand flying to her mouth. "You're funny! I feel like we're going to be fast friends."
"Oh, I like fast! I mean, you and me friends quickly." Anna clarified, smiling sheepishly. Then, as she glanced back at her pretty features, Anna felt like the girl looked familiar, only that she could not put her finger on it at the moment.
"I'm Punzie!" She extended her hand delightedly.
"Hi again Punzie, you can call me Anna." She shook the girl's hand, her turquoise eyes still studying the familiar face in front of her. "Uhm…is it just me or have we met before?" Anna blurted even before she could stop herself, her curiosity killing her. "It's just that, you look familiar!"
Punzie laughed sweetly. "I didn't know ladies also use that pick up line." Anna suddenly turned bright red, her freckles getting bolder. She didn't mean it to be a pick up line or what but she was just beyond intrigued to remember where she saw her.
"Of course, she looks familiar." Olaf chipped in. "She's Rap…." In lightning speed, Punzie cupped Olaf's mouth, blurring out further words as she silently signaled him to shut up.
"What do you mean, she's rap?" Anna asked, her eyes traveling back and forth between the two.
"Don't mind him. I used to rap before. Right! I rap!" Punzie responded, more likely convincing herself more than anyone.
"Ohhh! That's nice! You must be a familiar rapper before. That must explain it!" Anna nodded in understanding and Punzie sighed in relief, though feeling bad for lying. But it was inevitable. She should disguise herself or she would be in trouble. Her manager specifically forbade her to go out at night without permission.
"Anyway Anna, as I was saying." Olaf continued briefly while Punzie shot him a glare. "This is your time to shine!"
"What is?" Punzie inquired, her bright emerald eyes suddenly twinkling excitedly. "What did I miss?" She glanced at the two, waiting for anyone to spill the beans.
"Ugh… that's just wishful thinking Olaf. There's no way…" Anna was cut off when Olaf pointed his thin hand towards the mini-stage set-up in front. Both Anna and Punzie slowly turned their heads. Instantly, Anna turned paler while Punzie got hyped up.
"Open Mic Night!" The little guy cheered gleefully.
"NO NO NO!" Anna shook her head rather violently as Punzie and Olaf looked at her with glowing happiness. "Definitely a big fat no!" She again repeated.
"What? Why?" Punzie questioned, frowning slightly.
"You don't understand, I have stage fright. I can't." Anna explained truthfully. "You guys go ahead and enjoy yourself. I'll be right here." She smiled at the two, urging them to move without her.
"Think of this as your practice session, before your audition tomorrow!" Olaf remained unperturbed despite Anna's defiant refusals.
"Oh my! You're gonna audition!?" Punzie squealed loudly, her hands falling on Anna's shoulders, gripping the latter a little too eagerly. "Then, all the more you have to do this! Come now, I'll be with you." Punzie pulled her off the chair but Anna resisted, too unwilling to move an inch from her comfort zone which was her barstool.
Punzie turned back and cajoled her to imagine that the people all around were walking potato heads. However, Anna's fears only intensified even more as they neared the front of the stage where a lone microphone was occupying the empty space.
"Anna, relax. Deep breaths." Punzie whispered soothingly but Anna was just too terrified as she eyed the microphone with trepidation and anxiety. "Okay, how about this, think as if you're gonna sing to someone very special to you? Imagine yourself singing just for that person." Those words somehow uplifted Anna as she nodded her head timidly and smiled weakly at Punzie. Olaf was already in front rummaging through the song book until he settled on one song and requested for it.
"Don't worry. I'm right here!" Punzie squeezed Anna's hands reassuringly. Olaf then signaled them to come in front, raising two thumbs up and grinning jubilantly. As the two made their way in front, Anna noticed that curious eyes were starting to focus on them and she felt like her legs would buckle up as her mouth suddenly turned dry when Punzie again squeezed Anna's hand. She looked at the golden blonde and received a warm encouraging smile as if saying 'you can do this'.
The music then boomed in the loudspeakers. Punzie started clapping her hands, arousing the audience to do the same. In a flash, most of the customers had their eyes glued at the two performers, their hands also clapping, some even hooting and whistling loudly cheering them. Even Kristoff was taken aback, almost dropping a glass from his hand as he watched Anna on the stage. Anna was still slightly agitated, her posture stiff and rigid that she stood there in front almost frozen.
Punzie then pulled the mic off the stand and started singing vibrantly, moving towards the front, further hyping the crowd even more.
Clock strikes upon the hour
And the sun begins to fade
Still enough time to figure out
How to chase my blues away
Those who immediately recognized the song started jamming with the singer with their hands still clapping, their heads grooving to the beat, their feet tapping into the rhythm.
I've done alright up 'til now
It's the light of day that shows me how
And when the night falls
The loneliness calls
Punzie then went to the frozen Anna and started pulling her into a dance. Punzie's singing somehow eased her from her tension and actually enjoyed the moment with the golden blonde finally tuning in to the song and temporarily forgetting her distress.
Oh! I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah! I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
She then handed over the microphone to Anna and urged her to sing the remaining. Anna took it from her and with a determined face she sang her heart out while dancing with Punzie.
Oh! I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah! I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
Punzie was totally elated that Anna had finally overcome her stage fright seeing as how Anna sang the song with confidence and enthusiasm. She realized that Anna had a very sweet and lovely voice making any songs she sang more alluring. She grinned at her as she caught her eyes and was surprised when Anna tugged her hand, pulling her closer to her.
I need a woman who'll take a chance
On a love that burns hot enough to last
So when the night falls
My lonely heart calls
Punzie shot her an amused look, her eyebrows raised in a mischievous manner. Anna couldn't help but grin widely as she winked at her. Then Anna brought the microphone to her mouth and started singing again.
Oh! I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah! I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
As the song finally ended, the two were breathless and Punzie hugged Anna fervently. "You did it! You did it!" Punzie shouted over the thunderous claps echoing from the audience. Anna grinned ecstatically, returning the hug with as much vigor. "Thanks Punzie! That was just amazing! I didn't know I could do it!" Her eyes twinkled with passion.
Unbeknownst to both of them, their performance piqued the interest of certain customers watching them from afar. One of them was a handsome guy with prominent sideburns. His nasty gaze was fixed at the strawberry-blonde head during the entire performance and a remarkable smirk slowly formed on his face. That must be her.
Another one was a charming brown-haired young lad whose hands were plopped up on the bar top supporting his dreamy face as he watched the golden blonde dance and perform. Kristoff nudged him unceremoniously and whispered savagely. "Dream on mate, coz' you'll never have her! Not in this lifetime." He sniggered loudly as he walked past however stopped mid-step when he heard his friend talking.
"Friends of the same feather right?" Eugene raised his eyebrows teasingly. Kristoff would have wanted more than anything to rebut however, the mischievous glint thrown at him stopped him to further embarrass himself. He had never told anyone about his feelings for Anna but for some reason, Eugene kept on suspecting him at every turn, luring him to give the game away. In the end, Kristoff decided to walk away mumbling something inaudible as his friend continued to laugh maniacally in the background.
Further away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd was a lone figure seated at the far end of the bar which was mostly dimmed out, thus effectively concealing her presence. The moment she laid eyes on that strawberry-blonde head, her breath hitched and her heart thundered erratically that she could hear blood rushing in her ears. Her blue eyes turned bleary as her hands shook uncontrollably. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths before opening them again and turning those orbs towards the stage performers. I'm not dreaming. It's you! And you're alive!
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Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Still can't decide if Elsa should have powers or not! What do you think? Song – I wanna dance with somebody (Whitney Houston), though I prefer glee version! Cheers!