The start of your new job gives you a really good opportunity to throw yourself into something that isn't moping (not that you're doing much of that at the moment) and researching (well... you've kind of put that on hold for now) and reflecting.
The reflecting isn't bad. One thought keeps bouncing around your head, though – what now? – and the more you think about it, the further away from an answer you seem to get.
So, work, because it provides you another chance to learn and prove yourself. You get to figure out a new system, and meet your new coworkers, and best of all, see animals every day. And that's basically your first day in a nutshell. Sven walked you through the appointment system the clinic used, and how to use the phones.
But the thing is... you know what you're doing. Fundamentally, it's the same as what you did at Arendelle Enterprises, so it means you're kind of able to sit and think about things, even when you should be working.
What now, and it's a question you can't shake because you can't answer it.
The afternoon after your first day, Joan comes to investigate and doesn't seem overly thrilled to smell a varied assortment of dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, and bird on you. So, you pick her up and scrunch her face against yours, and for the first time in weeks... even without answering that question... you feel light. Or, lighter. You still have all this stuff in the background, in the back of your head, but now instead of questions, you've got some answers.
It doesn't feel quite so daunting anymore.
Maybe this is what moving on feels like.
Your second day at work, you meet the second vet, Adam, and his wife, Belle. The entire clinic has the atmosphere of a cozy family-owned business, you think to yourself, and then realise just how true that thought is because Sven really is your family. Perhaps not in blood or law, but he really, actually is. When Sven leaves the clinic, about midday, to go to the local rescue shelter, it gives you a better opportunity to learn about the other people you work with.
Belle is incredibly smart. She knows all these cool facts about animals ("Did you know turtles can breathe out their butts?" "Uh...") and is pretty, but also so down to earth and approachable. Adam is really tall and has a scary angry-face, but it's never ever directed at you. And he never actually sounds angry. Maybe he just scowls a lot. Except not at Belle. His expression always softens when he looks at her. You get an opportunity to observe while they work together to give a litter of puppies their microchips, and she seems to anticipate his every need well before he actually needs it himself.
They're all friendly, but not pushy. You're included, but not asked to give anything more than you choose to give. It's so different from Arendelle Enterprises – where despite the friendly office culture, you only ended up making friends with the receptionist, the HR manager, and your boss.
This is so different, and you think you're actually really going to like it here.
Kristoff rings you when you're on the bus after work. It brings a smile to your face, and while you usually hate being on the phone on the bus, it's actually a fairly quiet trip. Seems like this line isn't used for commuters so much.
"Hey, Kris," you say softly into the microphone.
"Anna! How was your first day at school- I mean, work, kiddo?"
You snort, but there's definitely a wide grin on your face as you answer. "Fine, Dad." It gets him chuckling at least. "Anyway, I'm sure Sven has told you all about it by now. We're new BFFs – watch out!"
Kristoff laughs again. "Be careful or I'll actually start believing you. In all seriousness, though, how are you finding it?"
"I like it. It's nice and cozy and I get to see animals all day. Why wouldn't I like that?"
"Well, we should celebrate. Do you want to come around Saturday night? We can watch a movie?"
The idea is extremely appealing. It feels like you're catching up on a lot of lost time, for no apparent reason. It just... feels like you missed out on a lot of Kristoff's life, and now you're making up for it. That, of course, but also... Saturday was your day with Elsa. And now that it's changed, now that some time has passed, you realise how empty your weekends seem now without it. "Of course! Is Sven making dinner again?"
Kristoff doesn't answer for a moment; not until you prompt him. "I was thinking it could just be us? It's been ages since we hung out together, just the two of us."
"Of course. You and Sven... everything's okay, isn't it?"
"Yeah, yeah. I mean, I wasn't kidding last week – he doesn't actually live here. We do spend a lot of time together, but we also spend a lot apart. We're our own people, y'know? We don't have to be joined at the hip."
God. It would be nice if Hans knew that. Since your first time, you've been quite literally joined at the hip. Most of the time spent with him these last few months has been with him inside you.
Ugh. Shaking your head of those thoughts, you hit the stop button. "Hey, I gotta go – almost home. But I'll come over around 5 on Saturday?"
"Sounds like a plan! Night, Anna!"
You hang up, just as the bus pulls into your stop.
Everything's getting brighter. Day by day... it's getting better.
AN: We have officially written the "anna breaks up with hans" chapter. so. yknow.
get hyped.
:D
