A year gone and Elsa enjoyed having Uncle Henrik solving the current affairs in Arendelle. Throughout the whole year, she learnt a lot from her uncle and she had never imagined what it would be without him.
On Tuesday morning, she received a notice from Kai that graduates from Austria would be having an exchange with Arendelle students through a music concert, and the royal family had to attend the concert without doubt. Elsa was not so sure if she could stay awake for the whole concert, she was not the type of person that had a wide knowledge about music, all she knew was playing a few piano pieces and read the bars.
The concert took place at the castle's grand theatre and a few notable people from Austria and Arendelle would be present too, and Elsa knew she was to sit at the front with Anna. She wished the music would be captivating enough to make her stay awake.
At sharp two, Elsa was ready and she headed to the theatre with Anna and her uncle.
"Elsa, the media has been notified of this event, I hope you know that," said Uncle Henrik.
"Yes, I am aware of that."
"Later, the representative of the Austrian graduates would come downstage and you will have to give the person our souvenir, photos are unavoidable."
"I know."
They settled down at the front row after greeting with the other audience. Then the curtains drew and the students from Arendelle came and sit down at the chairs, playing their pieces by heart. After that, they left and the Austrian graduates came and settled down. The young gentleman who played the violin stood beside the conductor and bowed deeply. Then Elsa saw met his eyes, they were familiar, but Elsa could not explain why. It seemed that she had known him since childhood but she had never seen him before, yet the face was familiar.
As he sat down, Elsa gasped with surprise, the snowflake brooch on his left chest was shining brightly and she immediately recognized it.
Could it be him?
Elsa could only stare at him for the rest of the performance, completely ignoring the music. The bracelet on her wrist was sparkling brightly, she clutched it tightly and did not let go. There was a sharp pain in her chest and she could hardly breath, frost began creeping onto the ground and Elsa tried her best effort to control it.
Then I'll come back and play the violin to you, and just for you.
Why had it become so far away and sounded strange? Thought it was just a couple of years ago, she had almost forgotten it, then he triggered the memory again.
The music stopped and there was a round of applause, Elsa clapped dully with the audience as the group of Austrian graduates stood up and bowed deeply. Then, she could see the violinist was glancing at her. Then he came down and faced Elsa, smiling. Then he shook Elsa's hand.
His hand was warm and familiar, and Elsa knew it.
"Your Majesty, please stand beside the representative and we'll take a couple of photos," said the journalists.
After handing him the souvenir, Elsa stood beside him, smiling reluctantly. As soon as the journalists had taken enough photos, Elsa quickly left the theatre and took off the bracelet, Leif came and clutched her wrist.
"Elsa, don't you recognize me?" asked the gentleman.
"Let go, please."
"I'm Leif, Leif Carlson, " he said. "We've been friends since childhood, we met on a competition and we were classmates at the college…"
"Please, let go."
"Why have you taken off your bracelet?"
Elsa was struck, then she took it out from her pocket and placed it into his palm.
"I'll give it back to you."
"What has happened to you?"
"Nothing, just let me go."
"No, there's something, you've said you will wait for me to come back."
"It's in the past now, and it has to go."
"Elsa, listen to me—"
"Elsa!"
Elsa turned around and saw Erik coming towards them. Elsa quickly withdrew her hands.
"You must be the one of the Austrian graduates, guten tag!"
"Good afternoon, I live in Arendelle before studying in the music academy in Austria."
"Oh, that's good."
"Elsa and I are very close friends since we are in elementary schools, and we become classmates in college."
There was a flicker of jealousy in Erik's eyes.
"That's nice," said Erik politely then he turned to Elsa. "Are you ready?"
"Erm…yes?" said Elsa hesitantly, she was not sure if she should go with Erik at this moment.
"Excuse me, I have asked Elsa out today so…please be excused."
Leif watched Elsa and Erik walked away and slowly disappeared around the corner.
"Erik, I don't think we should go away just now when we were with Leif," said Elsa with a frown.
"No regrets," said Erik. "We've arrived at the restaurant, and now we can enjoy our lavish meal."
"He's my—"
"Friend, and just friend."
Elsa bit her lips. She rubbed her hands with unease under the table, but Erik seemed to have noticed her discomfort.
"I know," said Erik slowly in a whisper. "He maybe your first lover, but like what you have said, it's already in the past, and we have to live in the present and look into the future."
"I know," said Elsa with worries. "But I…I don't think I have put down the…the…the feelings of him."
"At least you have put down the bracelet."
"You know?"
"That day when I asked about your bracelet, you ran away. I can guess how important the bracelet is to you. And your sister somehow leaks out the information."
"Anna…" sighed Elsa. "She is always like that."
"Elsa, let me tell you one thing. I won't mind if you choose Leif over me if you think that is the best with you," said Erik. "But I don't want this complexed relationship going on and on. This will definitely hurt all of our feelings and even affect those around us. In the end, everyone suffers."
Elsa nodded.
Nervous now, right? Who would Elsa choose?
Next chapter-The Decision!
Don't hate me because of the choice Elsa makes, today is my day, one year older, so be merciful!
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