Chapter 21

"Elsa! Elsa are you almost ready?" Anna shouted inside her bedroom. She was standing in front of her life-size mirror and applying the last traces of mascara on her lashes.

Her long strawberry blonde hair was pulled up in an elegant up-do and accessorized with an emerald hair comb. The ball dress was long and a nice shade of dark blue and the neckline sprinkled with pink sequins. To complete her dress the sophomore slipped on a matching pink three-drop necklace and a matching bracelet. Light traces of eye shadow and mascara outlined her smiling face and Anna made sure not to go overboard on her rosy pink lip-gloss. Slipping on her black sequined flats, the girl straightened and gave a small twirl.

"Elsa?" Anna turned around as the door to her bedroom creaked open. A few seconds later her older sister stepped in and Anna sucked in a large awed breathe.

"Wow Elsa! You look…." for a long moment the younger girl did not know what to say.

Her sister stood in the long, strapless light blue gown that fell nicely over her slim body. A silver snowflake pendant hung from a thin chain around her neck and she wore a few silver snowflake charm bracelets on her wrists. Her long platinum blonde hair was arranged back in a single braid and adorned with small snowflake hairpins. A faint trace of silver eye shadow and dark mascara traced her deep blue eyes. To complete her outfit, Elsa slipped on a pair of blue, silver trimmed heels that matched her dress perfectly. The older girl gave her sister a small smile and looked down at herself.

Anna smiled and clasped her hands together. "You look beautiful."

Taking in her own sister's appearance Elsa returned her smile. "So do you,"

Anna blushed and look down at her own dress. "Thank you but you look beautifuller….I mean not fuller…..no no you don't look fuller but definitely more beautiful!"

Elsa could not help but release a small laugh and shake her head. "Thank you."

They both stood in the bedroom and let the silence fill the air before Anna smiled and hurried over to her sister, throwing her arms around Elsa's thin frame.

"I know we'll have an awesome time tonight. I don't see how anything can spoil it."

"I just want you to be happy." Elsa assured her, pulling back and slipping a stray strawberry strand behind Anna's ear.

Anna smiled and pecked a sweet kiss on her sister's cheek. "And I want the same for you. Are you ready?" she asked, turning around and grabbing her black handbag.

Elsa closed her eyes and let out an anxious sigh before giving Anna a final nod. "Yes, let's go."

As the sisters made last minute adjustments to their hair and make-up, Walter was sitting in the lounge area and in the middle of watching a Stephen King horror flick.

Ding-dong! Ding-dong! Startled, Walter jumped in his seat even before the murderer appeared on the screen.

"Coming!" the flushed man stammered, fixing his shirt collar and standing up.

While the film continued to play and the sound of the murderer's tensed footsteps filled the living room, Walter approached the front door and opened it. The first thing he was greeted with was Jack's friendly yet slightly nervous grin, and an instant frown took over Walter's face at the sight of the silver haired boy. At the moment Jack stood in a pair of black dress slacks, a light blue dress shirt that was undone at the first three buttons, and a black tuxedo jacket. His silver ruffled hair remained the same.

Walter straightened and crossed his arms. "Can I help you young man?"

"Good evening Mr. Northland, I'm here to pick up Elsa for the Winter Ball." Jack greeted.

Walter arched a brow and was about to further question his suspicions when suddenly Anna appeared right behind him.

"There you are! Elsa was starting to think you bailed out on her." Anna teased, grabbing Jack's arm and pulling him in.

"Excuse me can I get a proper explanation? Who is this punk?" Walter demanded.

Anna held up her hands. "Okay, so remember how you said I could date if Elsa dated? Well, she found a guy who's actually kind of perfect for her. This is him. Don't mind the hair, it's all part of the image." Anna pointed a finger at Jack, who did not know what to say.

Walter narrowed his eyes. "Go on."

"So this is actually kind of perfect for me, because Kristoff asked me to the ball and I really really wanna go. And since Elsa is going with Jack….then I guess I'm allowed too, based on the aforementioned rule, and it's previous stipulations, of course." Anna explained.

Jack shook his head in awe and Walter only blinked before turning back to the young man and arching a brow.

Smiling, Jack held out a hand. "Nice to meet you sir."

"As to you." Walter looked even more un-amused.

Anna blushed and turned away to hide her amusement, while Jack found himself stuttering in surprise. "I…um…."

Ding-dong! Ding-dong!

"Oh look Kristoff's here!" Anna squealed, luckily sparing Jack the humiliation and turning Walter's attention away from him.

Excited, she approached the door and threw it open, revealing a shivering yet smiling Kristoff, who held a small bouquet of red roses and wore an elegant and classy tuxedo underneath his winter coat. The moment he noticed Anna his mouth flew open and he did not know what to say.

Anna smile wide. "Hi."

"Hi, you look beautiful." Kristoff confessed.

His date blushed and pulled him into the house. Smiling, Kristoff handed her the bouquet and Anna took them.

"Thank you, and you look so handsome." Anna admitted. When Walter turned his back to face Jack, Anna pulled Kristoff towards her and gave him a sweet kiss on the lips.

"Where's Elsa?" Walter asked curiously.

"Here I am." a voice spoke up.

The three men and Anna looked up and Jack felt his heart stop as Elsa emerged at the top of the staircase in her blue dress and smiling down at them. Her hands slightly trembled as she held her handbag.

"Whoa." Jack stuttered, his eyes widening.

Kristoff and Anna laughed as Jack approached the staircase, unable to divert from his beautiful date. Elsa's smile was nervous as she made her way down the stairs and took Jack's offered hand. With a wink, Jack reached out and gave her hand a soft kiss.

"I always wanted to try that." he admitted.

Elsa rolled her eyes with tease as Anna handed Jack her coat and let him slip it around her shoulders. Once she was covered, Elsa turned and met her date's gaze.

"I'm sorry I was so harsh the last time. It was wrong of me to question your motives." she whispered.

Jack grinned. "You're forgiven."

He then leaned over, "Besides you know the rules, Anna can't go without a date. And it looks like the last thing she wants to do is back out."

"True." Elsa smiled and looked down at Jack's outfit. "Where did you get the tux at the last minute?"

Jack shrugged merely before taking her hand into his. "Oh it's just something I had laying around."

His eyes then rolled down to her dress. "And you? Where'd you get the beautiful dress?" he whispered, leaning in and pecking a kiss on the corner of Elsa's mouth.

"Oh that was me! I'm good aren't I?" Anna spoke up, bouncing beside them.

Elsa rolled her eyes a playful tease as Jack laughed and began to escort her outside. Kristoff held up his arm in a playful sophiscated way and Anna took it after he draped her coat over her own shoulders.

"Let's go! Our carriage awaits!" Anna chirped.

At the door, Elsa turned to Jack and let go of his arm for a brief moment. "Hold on there's something I forgot to tell Daddy. Be right back."

Jack watched as Elsa moved back into the house and leaned towards her father. She whispered something into Walter's ear and a few seconds later her father pulled back with a surprised glance.

"Really?"

Elsa winked. "Yeah, but it shouldn't be a problem, knowing you and your way with boys."

Walter still looked curious as Elsa gave him a quick kiss and moved back to the door.

"Should I be concerned?" Jack asked as Elsa took his arm and they began to walk into the peaceful and snowy night.

"Oh don't worry about it. Daddy has it all under control." Elsa then stopped and turned to Jack, holding his arm tight. "Are you ready for the ball?"

"After you." Jack gestured with a wink.

E - On our way to the dance. Can't wait to meet you there. :)

Astrid released a large breathe before turning to her vanity mirror. She leaned in and adjusted the Vikings pendant around her neck before taking a step back and acknowledging herself. Her blonde hair fell loose in soft waves over her shoulders and she was standing in the dress that Hiccup gave her, along with a pair of black, frilled fingerless gloves, tall heels, and fishnet leggings.

"Calm down Hofferson, it's just a stupid dance!" Astrid assured herself with a crooked smile. She was about to grab her handbag and jacket when her phone's screen lit.

H- Waiting outside. :)

Biting her bottom lip, Astrid pulled on her leather jacket and grabbed her phone. She turned to her bed where Stormfly was happily playing with her knotted rope.

"Wish me luck Stormfly." she said before hurrying out of her bedroom.

A few moments later Astrid walked up to her front door and opened it. Hiccup turned and almost slipped on the ice at her appearance. Luckily, he managed to grab the banister in time before his legs gave in.

"Astrid! Hi….sorry! I swear that ice wasn't there before!" he apologized.

Astrid covered her smile and stepped out, closing the door behind her. "Thanks, you look nice." she admitted, her eyes taking in his all black tuxedo and deep red dress shirt underneath.

When she looked closer she noticed that he wore a matching pendant necklace around his neck and her smile grew. "Nice necklace."

"Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself. Are you ready?" Hiccup asked, holding out his hand. Astrid nodded and took it, surprised that his wasn't the only one slightly shaking.

"Winter Ball here we come."

"Oh my gosh we're here!" Anna announced with sudden excitement.

She sat at the front passenger side of Kristoff's car with Kristoff driving. Her sister and Jack sat in the backseat with Elsa's head lying on Jack's shoulder. Kristoff parked the car in an empty spot and turned off the ignition. A few seconds later he slipped out and moved around to open the door for her. Anna smiled and unbuckled her seatbelt just as her door opened and Kristoff bowed, his hand held out.

"Milady."

"Thank you." Anna took his hand. She slipped out along with Jack and Elsa.

The four of them approached the large banquet hall that the Ball was being hosted. Music echoed from inside and couples were still heading in.

"C'mon Kristoff!" Anna exclaimed, grabbing her date's hand and pulling him towards the opened doors.

Kristoff gave the lingering couple a weak smile before he vanished inside. Elsa and Jack exchanged a smiling glance before following them in.

The banquet hall was huge and full of students when the four friends entered in. White, silver, and blue glittery snowflakes hung from the ceiling and decorated the dark walls. A live DJ played on the small, brightly lit stage and teens already occupied the dance floor. On one side of the hall stood a long buffet table covered with a variety of foods from candy to finger sandwiches and veggie platters. Blue and white lights danced around the room and Katy Perry music played from the DJ.

Anna gasped. "Wow! This is amazing."

Elsa stepped up beside her, looking just as awed as her sister. "So this is what the Winter Ball looks like."

"It's actually warmer than I thought." Anna nodded.

"And what is that amazing smell?" Elsa questioned.

The two sisters closed their eyes and inhaled. "Chocolate!"

Anna let out an excited squeal and grabbed her sister's hand. "Come on! There's no way I'm turning that down!"

Elsa laughed and let Anna pull her through the throngs of people and right up to the buffet table where Tiana was serving chocolate fondue.

While the four friends were enjoying themselves at the ball, Hans smiled and pulled his black Porsche onto the Northlands' driveway. When he turned to glance at the house, his smile grew at the sight of the light shining through the first and second floors.

Perfect. The senior thought as he fixed his jacket and grabbed his keys. He got out of the car and walked over to the front porch where, to his luck, he noticed Walter walk past the window. Knowing Anna pretty well, Hans had to guess that she was still upstairs and getting ready.

After an eased, triple knock on the door, Hans stepped back and straightened his shoulders confidently. All he had to do was get past the father and Anna was once again his for the night. He was sure he was not going to disappoint her this time.

Just then the door opened and Walter stepped out. His eyes fell upon Hans and they widened.

"Good evening Mr. Northland, I'm here to pick up Anna." Hans introduced with a charming smile.

Walter gave him a long blank glare before he stepped back and shut the door into the young man's face.

"This is all so nice!" Anna sighed in bliss.

She and Kristoff were slow dancing in the middle of the dance floor to Hunter Hayes's "Wanted" as the large disco ball twirled above their heads and a peaceful, romantic vibe filled the room.

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." Kristoff said.

"It's perfect." Anna whispered, lifting up and kissing him on the lips.

"Urgh this song is so mushy! It makes me wanna puke!" Astrid teased as she stood next to the buffet table.

Her date approached her with a glass of punch and handed it to her.

"Thanks," Astrid then turned to the dance floor and suddenly began to giggle.

"Hey look at that." she nodded at a corner of the dance floor with a bright smile.

Hiccup met her gaze and he suddenly found himself bursting into laughter.

There, standing on the dance floor in a short simple dress and her wild curly hair in an very high updo, was Ms. Gothel. Her eyes were wide as she watched Mr. Weselton dance and hop around her like a crazy chicken.

"Are those two dancing?" Hiccup questioned slowly.

"Shhh just watch!"

"Well Weselton you certainly are quite a dancer!" Ms. Gothel exclaimed. She suddenly let out a small cry as Weselton grabbed her and dipped her low.

Astrid snorted. "Like an agile peacock, he flies!"

"Really? I'm seeing more a chicken with the face of a monkey." Hiccup teased. He slipped his hand from around his back and pulled out his phone.

"Already got it." Astrid winked, holding up her phone with the camera on.

Hiccup could not help but laugh. "We're so dead."

While Astrid and Hiccup mingled and waited for the next song to come up, Elsa came out of the bathroom and was about to return to the ballroom when she suddenly felt a warm hand take hers. She turned and smiled up at her date.

"Can I have this dance?" Jack asked, holding out his hand.

"You may." Elsa answered softly, taking his hand it and allowing Jack to lead her onto the dance floor.

They stopped and began dancing just as Imagine Dragon's "River" began to play. Surprised, Elsa turned to Jack, who shrugged and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I called in a favor."

Elsa smiled and leaned in for a sweet kiss before resting her head on Jack's shoulder and letting him sway her to the music. Honestly, the girl did not know how this night could get any better.

The restroom was silent and empty as Anna leaned in to one of the mirrors and brushed her bangs from her forehead. She was just about to step out and return to the ball when the door opened and another girl waltzed in, her stiletto heels clicking on the tile floor. Anna turned and began to make her way when she suddenly collided right into her.

"Excuse me I…" Anna's voice faded as she gasped and rolled her eyes up at the tall, beautiful black-haired girl.

It was her. The girl Hiccup's party. Anna suddenly felt her belly flop at the haughty grimace. She was hoping that she'd never have to run into her again.

"Sorry." Anna apologized quickly and made a move to brush past the smiling girl.

"No problem….say you're Anna Northland aren't you? The Ice Bitch's sister?" Ivy questioned with a devious smirk.

Anna froze and slowly turned around. "Yes, and my sister has a name you know!"

"Sorry, it's just that I heard a lot about you. Hans says you're quite a little princess." Ivy admitted.

Anna's frown deepened. "Whatever, he's all yours."

"Ooh someone's a little feisty. And just so you know Hans only liked you for one reason. He only wanted to get his fill of you." Ivy whispered.

Anna tried to hold the nausea back. Elsa was right.

Ivy's smile widened at the horror on the girl's face. "Oh your sister gave you a heads up? How generous. Hans was going to try to make his move tonight as a way of getting revenge on Elsa embarrassing him."

Anna's hand became sweaty as she gripped the doorknob. What Ivy was telling her now was what was what Elsa warned her about all along. Hans was not the boy who she thought he was when they first met, he was only wearing a mask. And now the mask came off and he showed the real face underneath.

How could I've been so naive and stupid? I should've listened to Elsa. Anna thought.

Ivy, loving the shocked look upon Anna's face, giggled and looked at the mirror. "And that's not all of it. He and Frost have been scheming to get you into Hans' arms all this time."

"You're lying!" Anna declared.

Ivy turned to her with a sly smile. "Am I? Just ask them Princess."

And without anything more to say, Ivy straightened and brushed past the speechless Anna. Once the door closed behind her, Anna turned to the mirror.

"She's gotta be lying." the girl whispered before letting go of the sink and hurrying out of the bathroom.

Back in the banquet hall, the song ended yet Elsa and Jack continued to waltz happily. His arms felt nice around her waist and she let her lips kiss his neck.

"So do you regret coming to this?" Jack asked her.

"Not anymore, they actually did a descent job with the music." Elsa revealed with a bright smile.

As Elsa rested her head back on his neck, Jack looked up and suddenly frowned as Hans make his way over towards them. Behind him, just a short distance away, stood a smiling Ivy. Before Jack knew what was happening, Hans grabbed him and pulled him aside.

"What the hell is going on? Why did I just come across Anna and Bjorman?" the senior demanded.

Jack opened his mouth to explain yet Hans cut him off.

"Look I didn't pay you to take out Elsa so Kristoff can slip in and steal Anna away from me!" he growled.

Jack turned and to his horror, Elsa moved towards him, her eyes wide in shock.

"What's going on Jack? What's he talking about?" she declared, turning from Hans to Jack.

Anxious, Jack gently grabbed Elsa and pulled her away. "Babe look I can explain…."

Elsa though pulled away, her body starting to shake. "You…this…this was all an act?" she choked out in a high voice. "You couldn't have…no." the blonde dropped her head into her hands.

"Elsa please just…"

"No! Get the hell away from me!" Elsa cursed. Biting her lips, the senior spun around and ran out of the ballroom.

Nearby, Hans smiled smugly and Jack turned around to him.

"Fuck you!" he cursed before running after the girl. "Elsa!"

"Oh no, looks like we got a Code Red emergency." Hiccup announced nearby where he danced with Astrid. Taking Astrid's hand, Hiccup moved towards Anna and Kristoff, who stood by the buffet table.

The moment they appeared, Anna turned to the pair. "There you are. We gotta find Elsa and Jack!"

"Too late for that, the shit has hit the fan." Hiccup revealed.

Kristoff and Anna exchanged a confused look before Kristoff let go of Anna and followed the brunette. Noticing Ivy standing nearby and watching her, Anna shook her head and followed after Hiccup and Kristoff.

"C'mon Astrid!"

Approaching Hans, Hiccup laid a hand on the senior's shoulder. "Look Hans…"

Hans frowned and pushed Hiccup aside. "Looks like the deal's off!"

Surprised, the smaller boy flew forward and fell right onto the ground.

"Hiccup!" Astrid gasped, helping her stunned date up. "Are you okay?"

Kristoff angrily turned back to Hans and held up a hand. "Okay can you just chill? This is really getting out of hand."

Hans chuckled and pulled his fist back. Before Kristoff could think the senior reached out and punched him in the face, knocking the boy out and making him fall on the ground.

Hans smirked and held his hands up. "You were saying?"

Kristoff sat up and held his nose just as Hans straightened smugly and turned around, unaware of Anna's raised fist.

With a cry, the small sophomore grabbed the taller senior by his shirt collar and threw a punch square at his own face. Shocked, Hans flew back and landed headfirst into a bowl full of chocolate fondue that Tiana was carrying to the buffet table.

"Jerk!" Tiana cursed as Hans crumpled onto the floor.

Red in the face, Anna grabbed Hans again and pulled him up, while Hiccup, Astrid, and Kristoff could only watch. Others who noticed the scene also stopped and turned to watch the spectacle.

"This is for messing around with my boyfriend!" Anna snapped.

Hans had enough time to let out a small grunt before Anna threw another punch into his chocolate covered face. Kristoff blushed and smiled, while Hiccup and Astrid looked equally amused.

"And this is for my sister!" Anna added, aiming another blow into his chest.

Hans sputtered and let out another gasp. "Shit Anna are you insane?"

Anna smiled and flickered a bit of chocolate from her cheek. "And this is from me you no good son of a bitch!" she cursed before finally reaching out and striking him square in the groin with her knee.

"Shit!" Hans groaned and fell back, his hands coming up to his struck groin.

As the boy fell onto the ground, Anna wiped her hands victoriously and stepped back. Other students around her could only stand and stare in shock and surprise. After a short, stunned moment a boy let out a pleased whoop.

"Yeah you go Northland!"

Anna smiled wide as the rest of the crowd started cheering and applauding. Standing by his friends Hiccup chuckled and pressed a button on his phone.

"Already posted."

"Wow that was…remind me never to get on your bad side." Kristoff spoke up.

Leaving Hans groaning and curled up on the ground, Anna moved to her date. "Your poor nose! Here let me help you!" she offered, kissing Kristoff on the cheek and taking his hand.

"It's fine, I got a thick skull." Kristoff said, while Astrid turned to Hiccup.

"C'mon we should go after Jack and Elsa." she decided.

She and Hiccup turned towards the hall doors and Anna took Kristoff's arm.

Casting one last glance at Hans, Anna lifted her chin. "So long Hunky, have a great night!" and without another word she and Kristoff left.

As they passed by a stunned Ivy, Anna grabbed a cup of punch and tossed it at her dress. "And that's for my sister bitch!"

"Elsa! Elsa c'mon please listen to me!" Jack begged.

He followed Elsa through the long elegant corridor. The girl was already far ahead of him and to Jack's dismay, it looked like stopping and listening was the last thing Elsa wanted to do.

"I can't believe this! You knew very well that Hans is my sworn enemy yet you let him pay you to take me out?" Elsa cried, spinning around to face him.

Jack froze and his heart dropped at her trembling lips and flashing eyes. "Elsa can you please let me explain?"

"Why should I? You were scheming with that prick this whole time! How much did he pay you?" Elsa snapped.

"It wasn't like that!" Jack insisted desperately.

The girl let out a bitter laugh. "Ha sure it wasn't! What was his next offer? Double price to get me to bed?"

The last remark felt like a slap on the face to Jack as he stopped and tried to get his words together.

"It wasn't like that Elsa. Yes I liked the money at first but then you changed me and I fell for you…I love you." Jack whispered, hurt evident in his voice.

For a long moment, Elsa starred at the boy before she shook her head in complete disgust.

"You're so not who I thought you were." she choked out.

Not wanting to hear anymore, Elsa then turned around and prepared to slip out the main doors. She was about to grab the doorknob when she suddenly felt Jack take her arm.

"Elsa!"

"No! Just get away from me!" Elsa snarled. She didn't even give him a chance to explain before her hand came up and struck Jack across the face.

"Elsa please!" Jack shouted, completely caught off-guard by her resistance. He watched as Elsa turned and flew out the doors. Turning back around, he cursed and ran a shaky hand through his hair.

"Hey."

Jack turned and met Hiccup's sympathetic gaze.

Astrid stepped away from her date. "I'll go after her." she offered.

She then turned back to Hiccup and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks for the night. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye." Hiccup smiled and watched her walk out of the building.

The moment Astrid left, Hiccup turned back to Jack, who looked beyond disbelieved and hurt. His friend finally looked up and shook his head.

Outside, Elsa was standing pressed to the building wall, her arms wrapped around herself and her head bowed as she tried to digest everything that just happened.

She was so certain that tonight was going to be something to remember. She was sure it was not going to be like it was before – where she felt beautiful for one moment and then came to realize someone else was playing with her. Nevertheless, that didn't matter anymore, not when Jack finally showed his true colors.

I loved him…I actually had feelings for him and he did this to me. I should've known. Elsa thought with an aching heart as she lifted her head and watched the snowfall on the full parking lot. Her shoulders trembled underneath her coat yet Elsa did not care.

"Elsa?"

The girl lifted her eyes and met Astrid's gaze. She forced on a smile yet it came out sad and fake.

"Wanna head on home?" Astrid whispered. Elsa nodded a silent yes and Astrid reached out and draped an arm around her best friend.

"C'mon, let's go."

"Thanks Astrid." Elsa sniffed and leaned her head on the other girl's shoulder as they both walked to the parking lot.