Chapter 12

Birthday Boy

Elsa's heart was still racing when she walked into her room and set her purse down on her desk. She didn't know why it was beating so hard. The date had gone relatively well she thought, though she wasn't expecting that last minute kiss. The interesting part was that it was nothing like it had been with Kyle. This one felt different. It was almost enjoyable.

Changing into her pajamas, Elsa flipped open her laptop and logged into Skype. Sure enough, all of her friends were online. She hadn't given Jeremy her Skype info just yet, and didn't know if she would; she still wanted there to be somewhere that she could be safe with her friends. As soon as she was online, she opened up a chat with just Rose and hoped that she could talk more than be lectured.

Frosty Soul: Hey. I'm home. Finally.

Mikasa Ackerman: Oh hey! So, how did it go?

Frosty Soul: It went rather well, I think. We talked about ourselves, just like you had told me, and had a nice dinner. It wasn't anything fancy, but I still feel like I underdressed for the date. I mean, he had on a very expensive outfit, at least according to him.

Mikasa Ackerman: Why haven't you sent me a pic of you in your dress yet?

Frosty Soul: I don't know. I mean, I'm already self-conscious about it as it is, I don't need you making fun of me for it.

Mikasa Ackerman: Why in the hell do you think I would make fun of you?

Frosty Soul: I don't really know. Probably because I look terrible in it.

Mikasa Ackerman: Did Micah get to see you in it?

Frosty Soul: Yeah.

Mikasa Ackerman: And?

Frosty Soul: He said he liked it.

Mikasa Ackerman: That's it? That's all he said?

Frosty Soul: Well, no. He said I was the most beautiful girl on the planet. But I think he was just being nice.

Mikasa Ackerman: Remind me to smack you upside the head next time I see you.

Frosty Soul: Why?

Mikasa Ackerman: Forget it. So, what else happened? Did you guys hold hands or anything? What did you talk about? Details, girl. Now.

Frosty Soul: Well, I know his favorite color is forest green, and he's had six girlfriends before me. I don't know what to think of that. It's probably nothing.

Mikasa Ackerman: Six!? Wow. Okay. What else?

Frosty Soul: Um, all we really did was talk. Nothing exciting happened besides him kissing me.

Mikasa Ackerman: No way! How was it?

Frosty Soul: It was...okay. Much better than with Kyle. I guess I kind of enjoyed it. I mean, my heart is still pumping pretty hard and I have no idea why. It's not like it was an amazing kiss or anything. He sort of just took charge and did it.

Mikasa Ackerman: A go-getter. Interesting. So, he clearly knows what he wants.

Frosty Soul: Yeah. He also wanted me to be his girlfriend.

Mikasa Ackerman: Wow. What did you say?

Frosty Soul: I ended up saying yes.

Mikasa Ackerman: Oh my god! Elsa has a boyfriend!

Frosty Soul: I only said yes so he wouldn't keep bothering me about it.

Mikasa Ackerman: Are you sure that's the only reason?

Frosty Soul: Positive. I mean, yeah, you were right. I have nothing to lose really. But it's not like I'm in love with him or anything. You know where my heart lies.

Mikasa Ackerman: Yeah, but that ship is never going to sail, sweetie. Not any time soon, at least. You might as well try and enjoy this while you can.

Frosty Soul: I know. I'm going to try. But I still feel weird about it. I really don't feel like dating. I'm only doing it to try and get over that feeling, and so he doesn't bug me all semester about it.

Mikasa Ackerman: So, what are you going to tell the boys?

Frosty Soul: I don't know yet. Kristoff I know won't care really, but Micah is going to flip out. I don't know why, but that's exactly what he'll do.

Mikasa Ackerman: Well, they're going to have to know before too long. They'll find out soon enough on their own. You don't want that to happen.

Frosty Soul: I know. So what should I do?

Mikasa Ackerman: I say jump into group chat and just tell them. I'll be there rein in Micah for you if you need me to.

Frosty Soul: You might have to. Now I'm nervous.

Mikasa Ackerman: I know. But you gotta tell them eventually. Just get it out of the way now.

Frosty Soul: You're right. Okay, I'm going to hop over.

Elsa was extremely nervous, mostly because of how she knew Micah was going to take the news. He had already made it abundantly clear that he wasn't thrilled with the idea of her being with Jeremy in any way. The problem, as far as he was concerned, was that Jeremy was going to take advantage of her. Being older than her by a year didn't help any. Soon he was going to be able to drive, and that was scary to Micah.

Frosty Soul: Hey guys, you there?

She only had to wait a few seconds before anyone responded. It was Micah who answered first.

Raging Rajang: Hey Els. Did it go okay?

Frosty Soul: Yeah, it went fine. Better than I anticipated at least.

Raging Rajang: That's good to hear. He was nice to you the whole time?

Frosty Soul: Yeah, he was really nice. We talked and had a good time. I actually learned a little bit about him. Not much, but enough to know him on a more personal level.

Dominator: Glad to see you had a good time. Overall it was a good experience then?

Frosty Soul: I think so. I mean, I didn't dislike it. The strange part was when he kissed me.

Raging Rajang: He did what!?

Dominator: Wow, that was bold of him.

Raging Rajang: Why the hell did you let him do that!?

Mikasa Ackerman: Chill, Micah. It was just a kiss.

Raging Rajang: Alright. I'm chilled. Sorry.

Frosty Soul: Like Rose said, it was just a kiss. Nothing special. I mean, It was different than the one with Kyle. This one felt...better. Not good per se, but it wasn't bad. But there weren't any sparks flying or anything like that. It was just tolerable.

Dominator: So what happened after?

Frosty Soul: He asked me to be his girlfriend.

Raging Rajang: Of course he did. You said no, right?

Frosty Soul: Not exactly.

Raging Rajang: What.

Dominator: Wow, Elsa, I'm impressed. I didn't think you'd go through with it.

Raging Rajang: Me neither.

Mikasa Ackerman: Micah, seriously, stop with the attitude.

Raging Rajang: I'm not giving her attitude. I'm just incredibly shocked. I mean, I didn't think that she would say yes like that. Elsa has been very adamant about not getting into a relationship, yet here she is with a new boyfriend.

Frosty Soul: It's not exactly like that.

Raging Rajang: Then what is it like?

Frosty Soul: I only said yes because I didn't want him bugging me all year about it. I still don't really feel much towards him besides he's a nice guy. But I swear I'm not going to let the whole Kyle thing ever happen again. You guys are still my first priority. I'm going to make that very clear to him on Monday when I see him next.

Raging Rajang: I seriously hope that this doesn't end up that way.

Dominator: Yeah, no offense Els, but me too. Last time we hardly ever saw you.

Frosty Soul: I know. I swear to whatever god you want that I will never make that mistake ever again. Now then, change of subject please. Do you guys want to play a game?

00000

Monday was...strange. It was early morning, nearly half an hour before the bell rang for class to start, and Elsa was sitting alone with Micah in the lunch room eating breakfast. They usually got there pretty early simply so Elsa's mother didn't have to deal with all the traffic that would come closer to drop-off time. It was almost always the same breakfast, too. French toast sticks, scrambled eggs, or egg sandwiches, all complete with a choice of regular or chocolate milk, or orange juice. The food was always mediocre.

They were waiting for their friends to arrive, which wouldn't be for another ten minutes. Because they lived on the other side of town, they rode the bus to school. Neither Kristoff or Rose minded much. They didn't have to wake up nearly as early to get to school, and both always got breakfast at home.

"So, what did you end up doing all weekend?" Micah asked as he tried to suppress a yawn.

"Not much. Besides playing Starcraft and talking to you guys, nothing really. I mostly just read," Elsa said with a shrug. "How come you didn't come over?"

"I dunno. I didn't want to intrude on you now that you have a boyfriend."

"Micah, we're still best friends. That isn't going to change. You're more than welcome to come over whenever you want. You know that."

"Yeah, but-"

"There is no 'but'. You're always welcome at my house. Besides, I wanted you to come over and keep me company anyway. I always do."

"But what about Jeremy?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. He had half of a French toast stick hanging from his mouth.

"What about him? I didn't talk to him all weekend. Besides, we're not even serious yet. It's been two whole days. Even if we were serious, you're still my number one priority. You always will be."

"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude on anything."

"Micah, how long have you known me?"

"Um, nine years this year."

"And in those nine years, have I ever complained about you 'intruding' on anything?"

"Well, no..."

"Exactly. I will always make an exception for you. Always."

It was nearly 7:30 am before the others arrived, and when they did they greeted Micah and Elsa with warm smiles. Kristoff looked more tired than normal, but he was always tired in the morning so it wasn't that unusual. Rose was always alert and perky first thing in the morning. Had been as long as they knew her. Today she was wearing one of her Fullmetal Alchemist t-shirts with matching wristbands.

"Mornin' guys," she said as she slipped into a chair across from Elsa.

"Yeah, mornin'," Kristoff mumbled. He was not much of a morning person.

"Hey. Sorry we didn't get together this weekend. I meant to invite you guys over but actually forgot," Elsa said apologetically.

"It's fine. I was busy helping my parents move furniture around. They're getting rid of the couch and chairs for some new thing they purchased. It's like a big curved couch that comes in big sections," Rose said.

"Oh, well that sounds nice, I guess. I have some sad news though."

"Uh oh, what's that?"

"Pixel died Saturday morning. I was holding him while I cleaned out his cage, and he crawled down onto my bed and laid down. When I went to pick him up, he wasn't moving or breathing," Elsa said, the sadness apparent in her voice.

"That sucks. I know you loved the little guy."

"Yeah, you had him for a long time. I mean, almost as long as I've known you," Kristoff added.

"It made me cry a little. I found a small shoebox that my mom had, and asked her if I could bury him in it in the backyard. She said yes, thankfully. Anna and I had a little ceremony for him. It was nice, for a burial. After I finished filling in his grave I just sat and cried for about twenty minutes. I don't know why it was so emotional for me."

"Because you're a loving, caring person. Even when it comes to animals," Micah said as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

After a few more minutes of talking, Jeremy made his appearance and walked over to their table. He had a smile on his face, but Micah didn't think it was intended to be friendly.

"Good morning everyone. Elsa, come on," he instructed.

"Jeremy, I'm talking to my friends. Whatever homework questions you have can wait until class. I'll be there in time, I promise," Elsa said.

Jeremy's eyebrow twitched ever so slightly. Micah doubted anyone else caught it. He certainly almost hadn't.

"I'm sorry, but you really need to come with me. There's a few things we need to discuss before class, such as our project for tomorrow."

Elsa stared at him for several seconds before letting out a sigh. "Okay. I'm sorry guys. I'll see you at lunch."

As they walked away, Micah turned back towards the others and stared at them. They both looked at him with their eyebrows raised.

"Okay, tell me you noticed that too," Micah said.

"Yeah, it seemed a little off," Kristoff admitted, "but I dunno. Maybe it's nothing. It seemed like whatever they had to deal with was kind of important."

"This is the kind of stuff I've been talking about. He's demanding of her, and she just lets him do it."

"Micah, I think maybe you're overreacting. Like Kristoff said, it could have been pretty important whatever it was," Rose said. She didn't sound too sure of her answer though.

"It's been this way every morning since she met the guy. He comes in here, demands she go off with him to discuss something, and she just caves. There is something going on."

"They just started dating Friday. I can't see how anything has been going on."

"Dude, just give Elsa some space. Let her decide on what to do. If she decides that this isn't worth the trouble, she tell him so," Kristoff reminded him.

"I guess," Micah replied. "But I still don't like the guy."

"Micah, you don't get to say anything anymore. You've had your chances with Elsa so many times it's ridiculous, and you forfeited them every single time. If you had the balls to tell her how you feel, that would be different. But you don't. So now you get to sit back and suffer while she moves on with her life," Rose said. It was the same conversation they had had several times.

"Whatever."

"No, it's not 'whatever'. You have been acting like the world's biggest jackass about this, and it needs to stop. If you love her, go after her and tell her already. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut. Nobody wants to hear you whine and complain anymore."

"I don't need this. I'll see you guys later," Micah said as he angrily got up and stormed out of the lunch room.

"Do you think he'll ever tell her?" Kristoff asked after Micah had left.

"I hope so. He has no idea what he's missing out on," Rose replied with a sigh.

"What do you mean?"

"You can't be serious."

"Well, I am."

Rose turned fully to look him in the eyes and stared at him with a look of impatience. "You really have no idea? Kristoff, Elsa is madly in love with Micah. Has been since before we met them. She's been waiting on him to realize his feelings for her and to tell her so. But she thinks that he doesn't feel that way about her."

"Wait, seriously!? Holy crap. We have to tell him."

"No, we don't. I have sworn myself to secrecy between both of them. Now you have to as well. Things need to happen on their own. Although it seems that they could use a little push."

"And how do you propose we do that without them knowing it's us?"

"I haven't thought of a plan yet. But we clearly need to do something. They're both miserable."

00000

A month passed until it was Thanksgiving, and Elsa had been invited to Jeremy's for the holiday. She had to decline since her family already had a tradition with Micah and his mother, and she didn't want to bail on them. Jeremy wasn't pleased with this, but said he was understanding of the matter. So, Elsa got to spend the holiday with her best friend like always. She wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Then Christmas rolled around, and things were slightly different. For her birthday, Jeremy took her out shopping at some high end stores and outlets. She argued the entire time that she didn't need the fancy clothes, but he refused to listen to her. He would tell her what he wanted her to wear, and she would ultimately appease him. The price tags were outrageous on many of them, and most of the clothes were things she would never consider wearing normally. Overall, it made her feel guilty because she knew she wouldn't wear any of it, and she couldn't pay him back for any of it.

What really stressed her out, though, was the fact that she wasn't able to spend any time with her friends on her birthday. She would have rather had Jeremy over at her house with her friends and just hang out. But it began to become abundantly clear that that would never happen. Jeremy refused to associate with her friends, and her friends became bothered with him and his attitude. Especially Micah, who had grown rather angry with the guy over a short period of time. It was rather taxing on Elsa's mood most of the time.

In January, it was Jeremy's birthday. His dad bought him a new car to celebrate, and had already taken the driver's training courses at school. All that was left was to head to the Depart of Motor Vehicles and take the test. He had told Elsa to be at his house around 2 pm on a Saturday, a day she had intended to spend time with her friends. But he was her boyfriend, so she was obligated to go.

They were outside in the driveway looking at his new car. It was a sporty red 2014 Ford Mustang. His father, owning his own lucrative business, went all out on the thing. It was far more expensive than Elsa had originally thought Jeremy's first car would be.

"Isn't she beautiful?" he asked as he was fawning over the thing, running a hand across the top.

"It's definitely a nice car," she replied, not entirely excited.

"Of course it's a nice car. Elsa, do you have any idea how expensive this baby is?"

"No, why?"

"It's over thirty-thousand dollars. So yes, it better be a nice car. Get in, we're going to test her out."

"Jeremy, you don't even have your license."

"I said get in," he commanded.

Without another word, she did as she was told. Getting into the passenger seat and buckling in, she waited for him to start the engine up and take off. As soon as it roared to life, they were out on the road heading to God-knows-where.

"Jeremy, can you please slow down," she begged.

"No way, we are going to see exactly what she can do."

The car began to speed up, going way over the speed limit. They were out on the main road within seconds, and he kept pushing the car to go faster and faster. He was lucky there wasn't much traffic, because as soon as he got stuck behind someone, he got angry and rode extremely close to them.

"Will you back off!? You're tailgating!" Elsa shouted.

"Hey! What have I told you about talking to me like that?"

"I don't give a damn, Jeremy! This is dangerous! What if you get pulled over? You don't have your license yet!"

Seconds later, he pulled off the road and down a side street before stopping.

"I told you, never talk to me in that tone of voice," he said angrily.

"What the hell has gotten into you?" she asked, scared out of her mind.

"What has gotten into me? My girlfriend is arguing with me over my driving. The same girlfriend that can't get her license for another year. The same one that I have done everything I can to give her the best of everything. You're being incredibly ungrateful right now. Oh, and I noticed you aren't wearing any of the clothes I told you to wear."

"I told you the day you bought them that I didn't care for them. They're not my style."

"Not your style. Really. I see how it is. You think I lack taste, is that it?"

"I didn't say that."

"Then what are you trying to say Elsa? Huh? You don't like the clothes I bought you because they aren't your style. What is your style, exactly?"

"What I'm wearing right now. Jeans, a t-shirt, my Converse... I like this! Not the expensive crap that you bought."

"Crap? You're calling the stuff I bought you 'crap'? Do you have any idea how much money I have spent on you? A lot. We're talking a couple thousand. So don't you dare tell me that that stuff is 'crap'!" He was getting livid.

"I want to go home," Elsa demanded, crossing her arms.

"You want to leave? Fine. Get out."

"Jeremy, you can't just leave me here."

"I said out. Now."

Grabbing her purse, Elsa got out of the car and slammed the door and watched as Jeremy sped off down the road. She was on the verge of tears, and had trouble pulling her phone out to call her mother. She didn't even know where she was. The neighborhood didn't look familiar to her at all.

After she got off the phone with her mother, she sat down on the curb and waited. She had finally started crying, but only a little. She had no idea why Jeremy was acting the way he had been, and she didn't like it. But she knew it was her fault, and she had to make it up to him somehow. However, the first thought that ran through her mind was that she had to call someone.

The phone rang several times before it was picked up. On the other end was a familiar voice.

"Hey Els. How are things going with the boyfriend?" Micah asked.

"Um, not good, actually," she said through a sniffle.

"What happened? Why are you crying?"

"We got into a fight and he just ditched me."

"What!? Where are you?"

"I'm not sure. The street is 'Parker Avenue", but I don't know where that is."

"How the hell did you end up there?"

"Jeremy got a new car for his birthday, and he wanted to take it for a test drive. We were heading down the main road that cuts through the middle of town and he just kept going faster. I yelled at him to slow down, then he got angry and we started arguing about all the stuff he's bought me and how expensive it all was. I don't know why that even came up. Anyway, I told him I wanted to go home and he just pulled over, then kicked me out."

"Jesus. Have you called your mother yet?"

"Yeah, she's on the way now."

"Okay, just stay on the phone with me until she picks you up. Are you alright?"

"I don't know right now. My feelings are really hurt and I'm a little scared."

"I'm awfully sorry, Els. I don't know what to say. Jeremy is an asshole, though. You have to realize that by now."

"He's not normally like this. I don't know what got into him."

"Okay, if you say so. Do you want me to come over when you get home?"

"Yes, please," she said, still sniffling and wiping away the tears.

"I'll be over there the moment you get there then."

"Okay. My mom is here, so I'll see you in a bit."

As her mom pulled up, Elsa did her best to dry her eyes and to get her nose to stop running. When Melissa asked her what had happened, Elsa told her the same thing she told Micah. Her mother wasn't very pleased with the situation, and voiced her opinion on Jeremy's actions and attitude. Elsa didn't really respond to it, instead choosing to stare out the window on the drive home. Once they were pulled into the driveway, Elsa was already texting Micah. It took him less than thirty seconds to respond, flying out the door as fast as he could.

Nearly ten minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Anna answered it and led Micah up to her sister's room. When he walked in, he saw Elsa laying on her bed with her back to the door. Looking back at Anna, he saw that she was slowly closing the door, giving them some privacy. Elsa was still clearly upset, and he had no idea what to say or do.

"You can come sit down if you want," she finally said with a slight cough.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes. I would like it if you did."

Walking across the room and taking a seat next to her, he turned to her and laid a comforting hand on her arm. "I'm really sorry about this, Els. You don't deserve to be treated that way."

"Yes I do. It was my own fault."

"How could him kicking you out and driving off without you be your fault?"

"Because I argued with him, and I made the mistake of not wearing the clothes that he wanted," she tried to reason.

"That is absolutely ridiculous, Elsa. He was clearly in the wrong, and you are not some doll he can just play dress-up with."

"But he bought them for me, and I've been ungrateful about it."

"You told him you didn't like them when he bought them for you," he reminded her.

"I shouldn't have argued then either."

"Elsa, this isn't like you. Why are you doing this to yourself again? You did the exact same thing when your dad was still here hurting you. You're better than this."

"No, Micah, I'm not. I'm an insignificant speck that matters to no one."

"That is bullshit and you know it."

"How so?" she asked.

"Because you matter to me. You have no idea how important to me you really are."

"Thank you, but I know you don't mean it."

"Of course I do. I have never lied to you before," Micah told her.

This started to make Elsa cry even harder, and it broke Micah's heart. To know his best friend thought so little of herself hurt more than anything. So, without even thinking, he kicked off his shoes, climbed onto the bed, and cuddled up behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist. She grabbed his hand and squeezed, letting him know it was okay.

"Thank you, Micah. For everything," Elsa said quietly.

"You're more than welcome. I hate to see you like this."

"It's okay. I'll be better eventually."

"I hope so. Now, let's just enjoy the quiet for a bit."