Chapter 2

Nothing Like the Life I've Led So Far


"Jack Frost," I muse. "That's an interesting name."

"We're from a ways away," Jack says quickly, moving the rug out of the way and sweeping under it with his broom.

I shouldn't be spending time with this boy, but he intrigues me with his quick smile and the way he carelessly cleans the floors. For a boy who has been in a cleaning business his whole life, he doesn't know how to do it right.

Or perhaps he's just gotten tired of doing the same thing over and over again.

Like I have.

"I've only ever been in Arendelle," I tell him.

He nods. "I figured."

"And why would that be?"

"Well, there are two possible options," he says. "Either you've traveled a lot and that's why no one's seen you . . . which isn't likely because someone was bound to see you. Or you've been stuck in this castle your whole life."

"Observant, are you?" I add a level of lightness to my voice, to play off how close his guess really is.

He shrugs. "I don't really have much else to do." He finishes sweeping, and kicks the rug back into place with his foot.

"You should take off your boots," I say.

"What?" He glances down.

"If you want to clean a castle, you need to clean yourself first."

He notices the mud on his boots, and slaps his hand to his forehead. "I forgot!" he says.

I smile. "Are you often forgetful?"

"You'd think that since I do the same thing every day that I wouldn't be." He sounds exasperated, but there's a pleased look on his face.

"Don't worry," I tell him. "I do the same thing every day, too."

A smile quirks on his lips. "Are you often forgetful?"

I consider all the memories I have stored in my mind, all the things I wish I could forget. I say, "Never."

I meant to be joking about it, but my thoughts must've translated into a tone that gave me away. Jack's smile disappears.

"Are you okay?" he asks, stepping forward, reaching his hand out.

"I'm fine." I move away and my back hits the tapestry I'd hid behind moments before. I dart out and away from Jack, and start to walk to my room.

"Hey!" he says.

I don't say anything back.

"I'm sorry!" he says. "Did I offend you? Please forgive me, Princess Elsa."

Princess Elsa.

I know I shouldn't look back. I know I shouldn't say anything more. I've already done enough damage, and if I spend time with this boy, I will do all the more.

But I do look back, and I do say,

"It's just Elsa."


Author's Note: And here is Chapter 2! It's short, but I'm uploading Chapter 3, too, so that shouldn't be a problem. Anyway, what do you think so far? (Also, if you notice any typos or grammatical issues, please tell me! Thanks!) Can't wait to share more with you guys.

- J. Dom