Nothing's Changed

Chapter 2

"Anna!" Hans said, smiling wide as he spotted her. "You're even more beautiful than last time I saw you."

You too, she wanted to say, her mouth dropping open as he stepped further into view. She was quiet long enough for him to look at her strangely, and she tried to cover it with a smile.

"Of course! You didn't think I'd look the same, did you?" Not like me, who for some reason, thought you'd still look eleven, only taller...

He shook his head. "Of course not! But I'd never imagined you'd be this spectacular."

She blushed under his excessive praise, and it only grew worse when he took her hand, and got to his knees, giving her a kiss on her soft hand. She stared dumbly, only getting some sense back when he stood up right, and opened his arms for a hug. She smiled then, and leaped into his arms. That hadn't changed, at least. He still was the same Hans who wanted her hugs.

"I'm so happy to see you again." she said into his ear, and she felt him smile into her hair.

"Me too, Anna."

Once they pulled apart, Hans turned his attention to Elsa, and bowed. "Your Highness. You too, look more lovely than ever."

Elsa smiled kindly. "Thank you Hans, but you should be careful of what you say. You may make my sister jealous." The queen said with a coy smile. Anna glared at her, as Hans cocked his head, looking confused. But he chose to brush it off, and turned to the carraige, shouting, "Guys you can come out, you know."

Out from the carriage came Kristoff and Luka, two of Hans brothers. Kristoff was closer to Elsa's age, and as such, the two were close friends. Even now, they were running over to embrace, smiling joyfully at being reunited. Luka was Hans younger brother. The last time Anna had seen Luka, he had been only eight, making him thirteen now.

"Luka, Kristoff, how good to see you." Anna said, meaning it.

"You too." Kristoff said, with sincerity. Luka nodded quietly, but didn't offer any words.

"Come, lets go inside." Elsa said, gesturing. "We have a great feast prepared for dinner."

Anna nodded, and grabbed onto Hans arm, like she always used to do.

But this time, her heart jumped in her ribs, catching in her throat.

Dinner was going to be harder than she thought.