Chapter 3: Things I've Never Felt
In the weeks that followed Elsa and Anna became extremely close which came as a surprise to most of the cast. They often partnered up in pre rehearsal warm ups and games and it wasn't uncommon to see Anna joining Elsa and her friends or Elsa sitting with Anna and Rapunzel during lunch periods.
It was now late January. Anna turned the corner and was met with a deserted drama hallway. She had arrived more than an hour early to rehearsal and the usually loud and crowded hallway seemed almost eerie as she walked down it. Anna opened the stage door and entered the dimly lit stage. She smiled. I could get used to this.
Anna walked into the middle of the stage and pulled out her iPod. She stuck her headphones in her ears and turned on shuffle, letting the music fill her ears. Soon she was dancing and singing around the stage, jumping on boxes and pointing at an invisible audience as she belted out her favourite tunes.
The music changed and a familiar voice spoke.
Elphie, now that we're friends, I've decided to make you my new project.
Anna grinned. She moved to a new spot on stage and became Galinda Upland. Dancing and twirling around the stage as she sang to an invisible Elphaba. She was so immersed in the song that she didn't notice the stage door opening.
"When I see depressing creatures with unprepossessing features
I remind them on their own behalf
To think of
Celebrated heads of state or specially great communicators
Did they have brains or knowledge?
Don't make me laugh!
They were popular, please
It's all about popular
It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed
So it's very shrewd to be
Very very popular like—Elsa!"
Anna froze mid twirl and pulled her headphones out of her ears, letting them fall onto the floor. Standing by the stage door, mouth agape, was Elsa. Oh my god. How much did she hear? How much did she see? Anna opened her mouth to explain herself but couldn't think of anything to say. So both girls stood there, staring at each other, saying nothing.
After what seemed like an eternity, Elsa finally spoke.
"You can sing."
Anna closed her mouth. "Well yeah. How else do you think I got into the musical?"
Elsa stepped forward and shook her head. "No I mean you can sing. Anna, you're amazing"
Anna felt heat rising into her cheeks. She looked down at her feet. "Thanks" she mumbled.
The older girl moved forward again until she was standing right in front of Anna. She reached out and pulled Anna's chin up so their eyes could meet. "I mean it, Anna. I've never heard Popular sung better."
"Not even by Aurora?" Anna asked, her face turning the same shade as her hair.
Elsa giggled softly. "Not even by Aurora. But don't tell her I said that."
Anna smiled. "I won't."
They were close, so close that Anna could make out a tiny sprinkling of freckles on the taller girl's cheeks. If only she could just take one more step forward, maybe lean in a bit..
The sound of voices and footsteps broke the girls out of their trance and they stepped away from each other. Anna shifted her gaze to the floor again, her face burning.
"I uhh… I have to go get my script. Bye." She scurried out of the stage leaving Elsa standing in the middle with a dazed look in her eyes.
"She likes you."
"What?!"
Rehearsal had just ended and Anna and Rapunzel were walking to the bus stop. Anna had just finished telling her friend about the events in the morning.
"It's obvious. Elsa likes you." Rapunzel repeated
"I.. but.. wha.. no she doesn't!"
Rapunzel sighed and began counting reasons on her fingers. "She helps you when your binder explodes,"
"She's a decent person, she helped me out that doesn't mean—"
"She walks you to class on like the second time you guys talk,"
"Technically the third but—"
"She's two years older than you and probably one of the most popular people in the school yet she's constantly hanging out with you,"
"But—"
"She says you're a better singer than the girl who plays Galind—"
"Elsa doesn't like me!" Anna shouted into the empty street. "She's straight."
"How do you know?" Rapunzel countered
"What do you m—"
"How do you know she's straight? Has she told you?"
"Well no.."
"Exactly."
The girls walked in silence as Anna pondered what her friend was saying. Elsa liking her? it seemed impossible. But Rapunzel did have a point. Why would someone as amazing and popular as Elsa Nolan want to hang out with stupid tenth grader Anna? It didn't make sense. No, Anna thought, she doesn't like me. She can't.
"You're wrong." Anna finally said, "She doesn't like me."
Rapunzel shrugged. "Whatever you say. But just for the record I call dibs on being maid of honor at your wedding"
That chapter was so much fun to write. Thanks to everyone who favourited, followed, and reviewed. More than 50 followers already?! You guys are the best. Keep the reviews coming! I love each and every one of them.
~ Manny
