A/N: Here's a continuation of the ending scene in the last chapter, since it ended rather abruptly...there is also new content, which I hope those of you who are still remaining, will still enjoy it :) I'm terribly sorry for being so absent and having sporadic uploads :(
Without further ado, here we go :)
The moment she leaves, George breaks out into sobs, his little shoulders trembling violently. "It felt so-so real. Daddy wouldn't stop hurting me…"
"You're safe now. He can't hurt you anymore, you hear me?" I don't hesitate to wrap my arms around him and cradle his head gently, rocking his small frame back and forth. Although I keep a brave face for George's sake, I am secretly terrified that Hans will forever have control over our lives. I feel utterly powerless, and I hate that I cannot overcome the scars he has inflicted upon us.
The wind plays with my tangled braids as I stroll down the cobbled sidewalk of our town, making my way towards the local market. The sun shines brightly and brings the world to life; every vendors stall and quaint shop glows with the promise of a successful day. Our town of Arendelle has been prosperous since my ancestors founded it over two hundred years ago. Families rarely go hungry and the economy continues to grow very well.
As I round the corner towards the vegetable stand, I catch a glimpse of tousled red hair and broad shoulders, causing me to halt in my tracks. My secret crush, who I still haven't managed to speak properly to, is having a lively conversation with the vender's daughter, Miss Sage. She's a young girl with lovely raven hair and exotic features who has been flirting with my crush for the past few weeks. I've grown envious of their exchange and begin to wish I could capture his attention the same way she can. It's ridiculously immature to think such things as I've been chastised by my parents for it, but my angsty adolescent heart just cannot help it.
I take a deep breath and gather my courage so that I can avoid continuously acting like a complete idiot in front of the most handsome boy in town. My best friend says I'm crazy for fawning over him like every other girl, but I can't help myself. I'm completely taken by his charm and sparkling green eyes and oh-that carefree laugh of his sends me reeling.
Just as I'm about to approach the stall, a familiar burly arm throws itself across my shoulders and nearly gives me a heart attack.
"Kristoff! Would you consider giving me a heads up next time?!"
"Nope." He grins cheekily, his blonde locks catching the sun and blinding me. If he hadn't been my best friend for all these years, I would've socked him in the nose and proudly dirtied that old rag he calls a shirt.
I roll my eyes in annoyance. "Typical."
"So, were you going to try and talk to him again? Because I don't recall that working out so well last time." Kristoff's voice has taken on a high pitched singsong tone, which he knows I find to be extremely irritating.
I blush hotly. "Maybe, but that's none of your business. If you would please excuse me-"
He goes to block my way, grabbing an half eaten carrot from his pocket and munching it. "Are you sure you want to do that? Because you have a very high chance of face planting into the dirt-again."
"Shut up." I shove him aside, walking with determination and only turning back around to defiantly stick my tongue out at him. He smiles in jest, but there's something off about the look in his light brown gaze that I can't quite read.
I don't have time to dwell on it, as I swiftly approach the stall and extend my hand towards my crush, thereby silencing their conversation.
"Hey, I'm Anna. It's nice to meet you."
He's caught off guard, but he soon grins charmingly and grips my hand. I repress a shudder of pleasure at his warm touch.
"I'm Hans. Nice to properly meet the girl I've heard so much about."
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