Chapter 35
Her teal eyes felt dry. Absolutely arid. Oh God, how long had she been staring, wide-eyed, gawking, like some fool? And in the presence of one of the rowing world's representatives, for God's sake.
Nearly jerking with her regained her attention, Anna forced herself to blink, disoriented, despite how uncomfortable every following flutter, to clear her mind from this absolutely unreal moment. This.. It had to be another dream. Had to be!
Maybe she actually hadn't gotten to the graduation yet.. Maybe this was her alarm clock waking her up, right this very moment.. Maybe this was even some Inception turn of events! Anything seemed possible. Hell, anything really was way more plausible than.. than..
Anna swallowed, an awkward chuckle coming from her lips; dark lashes fluttered in a flurry as she looked back up to the recruiter.
With a heavy blink of dark navy eyes, expression much more composed than the fervent flickering occurring above paled freckled cheeks beside her, the envelope still remaining centered in Elsa's view, the older woman looked up as well. The dull rumbling chatter of unbeknownst peers and families was left unprocessed, bustling along in the background without the slightest clue of the thick, anxiety ridden air that had descended upon the two women.
Only after the stupefied silence had stretched uncomfortably long, the blonde woman finally seemed to find her words amidst her regained bearings; tabling the uncertainty from rosy lips, confusion weighed most heavily as she calmly asked, "We-we're getting tickets to go see the Olympics in America?"
The older gentleman only smiled softly in her direction. A nod accompanied it. "More than just that, Ms. Winters."
Elsa's gaze only dropped back to where they had been on the white envelope in her hands, as if she was looking into a crystal ball that held the answers to all of her current doubts and wonders; one that perhaps even held all the knowledge in the known universe. At least, that's what Anna could compare it to; the intensity of the azure gaze, so familiar but feeling horribly out of place here.
Seriously, Anna was barely was able to tear her own eyes away from that wondering look long enough to watch the recruiter as he continued. His kind brown eyes never wavered from their stare in the blonde's direction.
"So, unfortunately, an injury has prevented the participation of one of our rowers planned for the Lightweight Double. We have been scrambling to find alternative lightweights that have not already been committed to our other events, let alone simultaneously maintain a caliber of racing potential this late in preparation." His hands had been gently gesticulating along with his point before they smoothly tucked behind her back. "But I had always been impressed by your career, and knowing that you had the won World Rowing Championship.. well, that's already one of our standard considerations for any qualifiers."
Those motionless blue eyes blinked away from their stationed gaze at the concluding words, looking up again to the newcomer. There was a thoughtful pause, one so characteristically long of Elsa's thought process; the kind where she was really really picking her words with the utmost care. Anna would have snickered at the man, now growing increasingly uncomfortable while getting that silent penetrating stare-down, had she not also been waiting so intensely on Elsa's clarifying question.. a response for both their sakes.
"So.. you're looking to replace a seat?" was what she finally settled on asking, initial tentative voice leveling out relatively quick.
Mr. Mattias smiled, visibly relaxing when the graduate finally eased up on her hard gaze. "That may not have been what started my search, but it's what it has evolved to over the last month, yes." He straightened his shoulders. "What do you think?"
They're seriously looking for.. Her body felt frozen, stiff; her mind slowly processing the information, each gear in her mental cog-works loudly turning as she began to truly make sense of what the man had proposed.
She had quickly turned to watch the deliberation passing over the older girl's face, only straying for a short moment down to that sterling white envelope held firmly between calloused fingers.
The pause grew long. Seconds ticking by, longing to stretch into anxiety filled minutes.
But at the brink of her insanity, where she was surely to voice that she could wait no longer, then, finally, "I'm not interested."
Anna blinked, feeling a blanket of unseen weight drape over the group, wrapping them in a constricting silence; stifling the breaths all held so tight; thoughts processing, distorted, as the gravity of reality pulled them down. Each second, ticking along.
..
.. Not..
Not interested?
"What?!" came the unbridled unison cry of Coach Oaken and Anna, with Mr. Mattias visibly flinching, close to uttering a sound of incredulity as well; the trio's shocked voices strangely harmonizing in emotion alone.
Anna's head had abruptly turned to the blonde, her body taking a short stance back, shoulders sinking in time with her dropping jaw. Gears previously grinding to even start now wheeled madly inside her head, mind now sputtering with incoherent disbelief. Had Elsa.. really just said that? Did she really, truly, seriously just turn down an offer at the chance to row in the fucking Olympics?!
Holy Hell, the fiery redhead wanted to interject! To vehemently express her own building doubt in the elite rower's terse response. To correct the graduate's obviously confused brain because there is no way, no how, that the one and only Elsa Winters, most amazing sculler that Anna had ever known, world rowing champion title holder, would ever, ever, in a million billion years, back away from this opportunity!
But steady and professionally toned words enveloped the atmosphere before she could begin her barrage of questions and reprimand of the blonde's grip of reality.
"As my titles showcase, I'm a Singles rower, first and foremost," Elsa stated matter-of-factly, looking directly across at Mr. Mattias who, while no longer trembling beneath the stern eyes, still was somehow managing to contain his own facial expressions much better than the other two gaping members of the group. "If I am to row anything other than that, then I will not do so without my Doubles partner. There's no room for negotiation. That is what I think." The men followed her subsequent head turn toward the freckled redhead who blinked rapidly under the new attention.
Because now all eyes were on her.. because Elsa said..
Wait. Wait. What?!
Face now flushed, red hot and steaming, already discombobulated thoughts practically tripping over each other and messily spilling inside of her brain leaving no room to process anything substantial; only the stuck record of 'without my Doubles partner' bounced off the cavernous confines of her shell-shocked mind. Perhaps the only other thing registering was the dark ocean eyes, seconds ago being so stoic when speaking toward the recruiter, having now become the familiar gentle oasis pools Anna was so familiar with; watching the young rower with an expression she never lent to anyone else.
In that moment, the freckled teen was sure she wouldn't even be able to respond her own name if asked; she was utterly gone.
"Ms. Winters, my sincerest apologies," said the man, sounding something like a muffled echo in the teenager's mind, though enough to grab the addressed woman's attention. "I should have been more clear in what I am offering." To the Arendellian crew members' surprise, he tilted his look to Anna this time, the movement change in her peripheral the only thing stealing her own awareness back to the conversation. "Then I heard about you, Ms. Suvi."
The youngest felt the blonde's eyes snap away from Mr. Mattias to send her a momentary side-glance with raised curiosity.
"I'd sent scouts out this spring, originally looking for possible National's recruits. And one scout just so happened to fill me in on the up and coming performance that your Double had demonstrated, as well as the flexibility in sculling boats this spring between Single and Double.. And can't forget the phenomenal Erg times reported by your coach when we had inquired. I simply had to meet this unknown rower; one who was not only competitive enough to row alongside Ms. Winters, but who was also showing so much potential that the rowing world should know." He smiled between the two of them.
This time, both girls' wide eyes turned to each other in shock before shooting back up at the rowing coordinator,, to their coach, and back, awe from earlier having renewed its energy after the brief sobriety. Mr. Mattias smiled proudly while their mouths hung agape like Magikarp (at least Anna's remained so; Elsa's demure lip parting just demonstrated the woman's supreme resilience in the face of even the most unpredictable news).
"Now ladies, because of both of your respective performances, the Norwegian Olympic committee invites you both to participate in the Olympic Hopeful's race in the next coming weeks."
Wh-wh-wh-wh-
"Wait what?!"
The sudden high-pitch squeak replacing the normally alto voice had Anna jumping back in surprise, head spinning to her side as Elsa, actual Elsa, blurted out Anna's usual catch phrase. Those cherry red lips quirked up in the corners, a new light returning to the blonde's face having been dimmed earlier when discussing her initial decision.
"Congratulations again, and I hope to see you at the qualifying round. Now, if you'll excuse me.." Mr. Mattias nodded and took his leave shortly after. This left the two girls, standing completely flabbergasted, slowly beginning to let their elated astonishment melt into gentle laughing and smiling and jumping and eventually ending up in the tightest giddy hug.
The pair felt burley arms wrap around them, lifting them up in a tight squeeze. "Congratulations! I'm so proud of you both," boomed their coach happily. When he put them back down, Elsa stared at the envelope for the Nth time, knowing that it contained the official written invitation that had been brief to them.
"I can't believe this.." the older woman said in a breathy tone, so much delight freely seeping into her words, blue eyes glued to the object. She couldn't help smiling despite the tremble in her hands.
"I know I know, oh my gosh oh my gosh! It's like- Holy cow! Eeeee!" Anna squealed in absolute elation, tucking her arms up to her chest as she practically burst at the seams with excitement; her antsy movements making her dress sway in an equally lively manner. "I can't wait to tell everyone!"
Coach Oaken laughed heartily. "Speaking of that, let's go find the rest of the team! No better time than the present."
Not a second later, the trio started the slow process of weeding through the massive crowd of caps and gowns looking for the rest of their crew-mates, not exactly sure of how the information would be shared (she was probably just going to blurt it out, who was she kidding) but still buzzing with eagerness. Flynn, Kristoff and Rapunzel were going to flip!
Trailing behind the massive man, Anna felt the back of her hand brush against Elsa's. That familiar zing was still ever present and it almost made her smile widen further, if possible. And just as she ran her fingers down Elsa's open palm, about to intertwine their fingers for the first time since celebrating the end of nearly 2 agonizingly long months without anyone interrupting this further, she heard her coach's jovial voice speak once more.
"Now you two should go about appreciating your being teammates while you can!" Both girls had looked up, excited expressions growing curious. He laughed with a light voice, though did maintain a degree of order as he continued. "This'll come down to a competition between some top rowers, ya know. You two always seem to find your way out of tough matters, but with all of the preparations and focus needed, keep in mind that it's not going to be easy."
Through the lightness and previous laughter, Anna had almost expected a joke to come of his words. But that certainly wasn't the case. It actually felt like a sting with its truth bombs ringing loud and exploding around them.
Her now concerned eyes had all but just landed on the graduate's profile at her side when she felt Elsa abruptly squeeze her hand closed; the energetic aura shared by each of them bleeding into one of sudden anxiety. It was as if a gust of cool air blew through Elsa's thoughts, whisking past Anna's own with razor cuts.
The painful realization struck her hard. If they were going to compete as Olympic 'Hopefuls', and maybe beyond, they would still be each other's Doubles partners as hoped, at least up until the competing for the boat's seating.. and then what? The envelope must have held answers that Anna was slowly beginning to wonder, though she really wanted to ignore it.
Because it was the other stuff that was also beginning to grow worries; all the added plans and changes, paired with how it was always Elsa's stresses that had held them back in their relationship progression before.. Today, marking the date when they'd broken free of the binds that academic stressors had chained down and both were free to attend to a set plan and each other, was Elsa going to succumb to these new worries now? Hell, would Anna too?! What kind of new preparations were going to be needed? This would be intense, so incredibly intense, yet how intense, physically and mentally, did that actually mean?
Elsa knew the focus necessary for Nationals, and Anna had been pretty confident that they'd weather it easily together, but neither knew what this could mean or bring upon them.. Beyond the absolute excitement, the glory, and the prestigious honor of being chosen by the Olympic committee, by FISA, for this humongous honor.
Anna mentally deflated, puffing her cheeks into a frustrated pout, letting her head fall back in a wanton display of grumpy displeasure and probably the most ironic thought she'd ever considered.
Never would I have ever thought this in a billion years.. but I'm literally able to call myself an Olympic Hopeful before I get to officially call myself Elsa's girlfriend. What. The. Fuck!?
…
It was in her dreams. Circles spiraling into infinity. Rings. Everything in color. Blue. Black. Red Yellow. Green. It was in her waking thoughts. Everywhere she looked she would be taken to places in her memory; the jogger jumping over a crack, someone passing a bottle of soda off to another, a man throwing a Frisbee, those damn plastic torches on display inside the local costume shop.. Every freaking thing reminded her of the Olympics!
The last 24 hours had been a blur but one filled with excitement. Anna felt herself practically walking on air, skipping from cloud to cloud. She couldn't stop thinking about it. But could anyone even blame her?! This was a once in a lifetime chance! A chance she never thought in her wildest dreams could ever happen!
She had not allowed herself to consider the logistics, or rather dwell, at least. As with most things, Elsa did enough of that for both of them. Ever since reading the contract and the annoying fine print easily 20 times, if not more, neon highlighter running dry as it marked up the entirety of the packet, the blonde had been straight laced business; high focus. Whereas Anna was the farthest from worried once the fact of the matter settled inside her, and that ease may have had to do with how she purposefully checked-out after reading the first paragraph of the contract. But that was fine.
Even after they shared a relatively light but long 10 mile row the following morning, Elsa remained more tight-lipped about the coming events, while it was Anna who reminded them every other minute with a passing comment. It really wasn't fair, in Anna's mind. Elsa hadn't even enjoyed anything close to her significant exuberance for more than a mere 5 minutes in total, and that was only actually receiving the news! The mature woman was too hard-set and focused on the details looking far ahead into the coming summer. So what was Anna to do? Take it upon herself to be the light that they both needed to illuminate the present. Every analytic Realist needed their free-spirted Dreamer counter-part after all.
Most of all, it was important to remind them both of enjoying and appreciating everything here and now..
.. Because they could be going to the fucking Olympics!
Somehow, during this typical blissful event playing out on the theater of her mind's eye, she had functionally found her way up to the familiar North Street apartment, elevator thankfully working upon her arrival. Without a second thought, she gave the automatic 5-knock passcode to the 7th floor apartment. An alert before entering was all she had needed over the last few weeks, Elsa having relented on her old 'closed door policy' (as long as Anna always knocked).
But it was the moment that she finished the short rap that her arm froze in place, eyes rolling to herself not a second later.
Oh. Right. She actually didn't need to knock anymore. She really must have been distracted by her thoughts, reaching into her pocket and yanking out a key while shifting the box in her arms. Swinging her body around the open door, she spun and plopped the medium sized cardboard box on the island counter.
It was a good thing she had the key because, with one glance around the bright space and a polite call of arrival, the small apartment remained quiet. Elsa wasn't home right now. She grabbed her phone from her pocket, noticing the unread message from a familiar face; just a passing acknowledgement that the blonde had chosen to go for a midday jog and would be home later. Something which Anna had greatly appreciated not being invited along on. She sent an energetic emoji face and left it at that.
Phone tucked back in her pocket, hands on her hips, she looked around the immaculate space.
Well, it looked to be the perfect timing for her to move in, as to not overwhelm the blonde with the soon to be pile up of half-assed packed boxes.. nor bother her with excess noise. She herself may be the kind to make some extra sounds, but her moving team definitely could top her.
Muffled grunts and chatty complaints were coming from the hallway stairwell, and she turned her attention back.
Her blond friend lugged a stack of two large boxes, head barely peaking around the items. Behind him, the small brunette carried some pillows and blankets in a hamper pack. Both were huffing hard as they staggered onto the landing. There were some breathy mumbles of 'I win' and 'you cheater' mingling in the air.
Anna went to make a comment, asking them why they chose the stairs, but a pretty 'ding' filled the hallway, posing the question for her, and each person watched the doors open. Box in hands, the small Latina girl hopped out, tossing a cheeky grin at the sweating, and now disgruntled looking students.
"Hey, I tried to tell ya," Audrey said casually.
"Wh-what?" panted Kristoff with a skeptical look. "You did not!"
As the dark haired girl popped her typical chewing-gum bubble, she approached Anna with a shrug. "They're very loud when they get competitive.."
The redhead laughed and nodded, understanding the situation full well by the comment alone.
"Why are we doing all this grunt work for a freakin' Olympian, again?" murmured Kristoff. "She needs to be shaping up anyway."
The brunette rower beside him elbowed him hard in the ribs, almost making the boy crumble under the combined weight of his box and winded lungs. "Don't you dare jinx it for them with your pitiful drama!" Rapunzel hissed, tossing a smirk to Anna as she passed through the doorway. "We need them to have all the luck possible."
"Ugh," groaned the tallest of the small moving party. He sluggishly meandered in toe behind Rapunzel, side-glancing Anna. "We shoulda requested more than just ice cream for all this work.."
The freckled teen gave him a skeptical glance and shook her head. "You shoulda waited for your payment instead of insisting we eat it first "for energy" and then doing the labor." When he stopped and looked at her with a frown, she shrugged. "Ya get what ya get." And hurriedly she ushered the tail-end of her raggle-taggle moving crew inside to hopefully finish this move as quickly as possible..
Barely a full hour later, there was a familiar chime from the hallway, floating through the open front door. A few seconds later, Elsa carefully took a step into the room, inspecting the area.
Anna waved at the woman from over one of her boxes as she dug around for her phone charger.
"Hey! How was your run?"
The athlete, dressed in her usual regatta themed shirt and spandex leggings, thick hair drawn up in a high ponytail (a.k.a Elsa's new go-to style for running until she could quote, "find time for a damn haircut") stepped inside. Delicately, she began to take her sneakers off with one hand; a bag of groceries dangling as a counter-balance in the other.
"It was good, grabbed some stuff from the convenience store. I just passed Kristoff and Rapunzel leaving the building." She spied the boxes splayed randomly throughout the living area, taking up enough room to make the bright apartment look rather crowded now; the haphazard piles obscuring the tidy cleanliness normally associated with the finely décored room. "Do you have anything else to bring up from the dorm, or was that-"
A boisterous voice filled the apartment, eclipsing the decorous blonde's sentence, causing both occupants to turn toward the little hall at the back of the room.
"-Anna, I stacked your bathroom stuff in the tub since it's gonna need to be rearranged to fit. Hope that's okay." The Latina woman came into view, hands tucked into the deep pockets of her jean overalls. Her dark eyes moved from the freckled teen over to the new arrival standing at the door. She raised a hand to wave at the apartment's owner. "Hey, blondie," she called with a good-natured wink.
Anna had barely made it across the room, practically perfectly halfway between the two women. She turned her head from the small mechanic to look at her rowing partner, immediately noticing how her easy posture, the mix of relaxed and gentle exercise fatigue, had noticeably straightened, standing fully upright; shoulders perfectly squared, tall. And for the very first time, Anna actually could recognize the behavior; the association..
Biting her lip lightly, softening eyes toward the older woman, she motioned her palm toward the small girl.
"Elsa, you remember Audrey." She watched the blonde nod.
"I do." Her blue eyes were slightly lidded as her gaze ticked between the girls, a careful, neutral expression masking her features. "How have you been, Audrey?"
The short girl chuckled, stepping up until she was beside Anna. "I've been good, yourself, chica?"
"Fine as well."
The pleasantries were so formal, stiff, and, ugh, awkward that Anna felt her teeth gnawing. And not just out of the air's discomfort. But because it was the first time, in who knows how many occasions that Anna had broached the subject of her new friend to around the blonde, that the older woman's reaction finally registered; the colorfully green emotion generating an official definition in her brain.
There was a funny thud in her chest, the sensation doing enough to cause her distraction from whatever was said in the first few seconds; words passing between them as she found her gaze bashfully blinking back and forth over the tall rower's face.
So, Elsa had not just felt uncomfortable at the thought that the two may have been dating back then. It had been more. She'd actually been.. jealous of Audrey. This whole time.
Below her surprise, she simultaneously knew that she probably should have realized this sooner. But the idea that Elsa could ever have reached the level of actual jealousness over Anna had seemed more farfetched than not. Another funny thump bumped within her chest, this time startling her to blink.
Steadying her hitched breath before she let out an audible gasp, she noticed the small smile tugging at the blonde's lips, as well as the softening of the tense corner pull of her eyes. The voices even sounded a little less crisp, although the content of wherever the conversation had led was unknown thanks to her wandering thoughts.
"Thank you.. for helping Anna today," Elsa spoke in a relatively easy and acquiescing voice during Anna's inspection, slowly returning to the moment.
The smallest woman shrugged, a less familiar honest smile coming to her ruby lips. "Well, I'm always here for my friends."
The blonde's smile also became more natural as Elsa bowed her head in a cordial manner of gratitude. "Then I'm glad she was able to make such a reliable friend." She then extended her hand which the tan-skinned girl took right away without hesitation, toothy grin lifting at the side of her mouth.
"Same. Take care of her, yourself, too," she said with a more accustomed knowing, yet teasing wink. Although Anna felt her cheeks redden, somehow Elsa's remained steady as she nodded at the remark.
Another quiet, but amicable exchange was shared in their gazes, hands symbolizing a mending bridge. At least by Anna's perspective, whether silly to perceive or not. It made her smile too, feeling almost closer to Elsa just by seeing the usually closed-off woman gradually grow more familiar with Anna's own friends.
The young Latina eventually bid her farewell and gave a final wave over her shoulder with both rowers watching as the door closed behind her, leaving the apartment with a new warmth in the wake.
After a brief pause in silence, the blonde was first to move, stepping around the kitchen island, immediately busying herself with putting away the staple grocery items that Anna knew to always be stocked in the white painted cabinets.
When the final box was being slid onto a high-set shelf, she finally moved into the kitchen too.
Her body slid up behind the tall woman, arms wrapping around the stretched mid-section just as Elsa was relaxing from her reach. Anna bit her lip, face pressed against the flexed shoulder blades, as the woman let out a surprised 'oh' at the sudden contact.
Anna could practically hear the question within the following silence. She shook her head, face eager to take the moment to nuzzle into the woman's t-shirt, enjoying the subtle mixture of a soft linen fabric softener and the woman's natural wintery scent; a subtle saltiness still clinging to the cotton. "Ya know, I'm really happy to be here.. with you," she mumbled, pressing a kiss into the tall back. The blonde's distracting movements had been rather telling, so it was as good of a time as any to give her some reassurance. "I wish it could be like this all the time." Really, I wish it could have been like this so much sooner... She could feel the body relax into her impromptu embrace, allowing her to lean into their melding postures even more; the very position, here in the kitchen, with the same act of surprise, stirring a memory of comforting care from months back. She distantly wondered if Elsa recalled the same.
Cool hands found their way atop of Anna's; calloused fingers a reminder of such mighty power contained within these palms, feeling so feather light as they folded around her own.
Elsa tilted her head, chin tucking toward the side as she made a glance over her shoulder. "Me too." The quiet voice, containing so much sincerity in the short phrase, brought a blush over the freckled cheeks, glad to have the ability to hide into the body's warmth. Said body then turned with her grasp, longer arms coming to hug over her shorter shoulders; the older woman's face tucked beside hers. "Now," she said with a light tone, pulling her head back. "Let's get you unpacked so you can feel at home." Her blue eyes glanced to the side before rising with a delicate chiding of sarcasm, somehow delicate in her presentation. "Well, more at home than you usually act while being here."
The redhead beamed widely, knowingly, up at her partner, stepping back and hopping onto the center island, taking a second to inspect the counter-top. "Hm. No mail for me to go through today? Ya better be on top of your bill payments, Missy.."
Elsa chuckled, a small shake of her head following the silly comments. "Come on, you. You can balance my check-book later."
Anna made a face. "Hard pass. That sounds awful," she grumbled jumping down from her spot, purposefully sliding herself through the kitchen toward the living room, Elsa walking in toe behind the teenager..
It was nearly an hour later when the two women both fell back tiredly into the plush of the couch, each sighing heavily in perfect tandem; exhausted from the unpacking act and sufficient organization planning for a second person to comfortably live within the confined space.
"What the Hell, I'm so drained. I literally feel like I just pulled an erg piece," Anna muttered with a groan as her neck craned over the back of the seat. The older girl laughed.
"Well, you got up early, packed, moved up here, unpacked.." Elsa offered, as if actually granting validation to the young athlete's complaint, while she, the champion herself, had been up near dawn doing a 10 mile run. The blonde then smirked, turning her head to the side, cheek resting on her knuckles to look at the frazzled girl. "Plus, we had to do a lot of organization. You're very strong, but that isn't exactly one of your particular strengths.."
Head tilting, eyes narrowed to slits, Anna gave a small glare. "Rude."
Before she could find anything more to add, or comment against the small laugh tickling Elsa's lips, a familiar song began to play. Ring ring ring ring ring ring ring. Banana phone!
The younger rower dug into her pocket, pulling out her phone, pressing it to her ear. "Hello?"
"Hi Anna, sweetie."
A broad grin immediately lit up the girl's face. "Aunt Gerda, hi! What's up?" She sat up taller as she listened to the caller.
"Oh, I was just calling to check in on you. Today was your big move, right?"
Anna nodded before remembering to respond. An agreeing hum passed her lips. "I actually just finished setting everything up. The place is kinda looking fuller than normal, but Elsa got it to work. She's really amazing at planning that stuff." Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the blonde woman tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, suddenly moving to grab her laptop for something to occupy herself with.
"Can I see it?" Anna blinked.
"Um, see what?"
Her aunt laughed in a jovial manner. "The place, sweetie. Your Uncle Kai downloaded the Skype, so I am all set to do this video thing you've wanted me to try for so long."
Blinking, Anna puckered her lips. That was true. She really had thought her aunt would like the technology. And of course she wanted to try it now, too. Aqua eyes scanned the vicinity, eyeing the stack of books in the room's corner and miscellaneous items tidily piled high in a straight row of boxes. Shoot. Where did she last have her laptop? Backpack, maybe. Wait, where did she put the bag?
"Can I hit the call button?"
"N-not yet," she murmured, knowing how antsy her aunt was. It was definitely within the Suvi genes. She glanced to the side. An idea. "Hey, Elsa?" she asked, pulling the phone away and sliding herself up to the taller woman. Blue eyes were on her instantly with bemused question sparkling under a blink. "Can I borrow your computer to Skype my aunt real quick? She wants to see your place." She added a prolonged 'please' at the end of the statement.
Hesitating for a second, before letting out a sigh, Elsa nodded. She quickly went about clicking the Save icon on one of her open documents, and then minimizing her open windows, making some questioning side comment how Zoom was much more relevant. Hey, wasn't Anna's fault her Aunt was taking eons to catch up with technology.
"For future reference.." said Elsa as she handed the computer over to the girl, swiping a click over the video app; the login screen ready just as Anna positioned the device in her lap. Teal eyes looked up at the knowing look. "You have a key. Our place."
Anna was quite aware of how her jaw relaxed into a tiny, silent 'Oh'. Unable to formulate anything better, nor very functional, while still being tethered to the call, she mouthed a bashful 'thank you' from her spot on the phone, before turning her glowing cheeks away, quickly typing in her information.
"Okay, um, yeah. You can Skype me.. now."
A few seconds later, the famous incoming call chime bubbled out of the speakers and Anna clicked the accept button as quick as possible.
"Oh, sweetheart, I've missed your smiling face!" she immediately gushed the second Anna's slightly pixilated face appeared while the WiFi connection buffered. The girl laughed and rolled her eyes at the dramatic nature of the statement. "Are you there with Elsa?"
Anna nodded, turning to her side, only then noticing that the blonde had completely disappeared, more than likely during her hasty absorption into the task. "Uh, yeah. She's here.. um, somewhere." Practically hearing her aunt's thoughts through the dejected expression, Anna hurried to add, "I'll make sure you meet her before we're done, don't worry."
There was no denying how much she had spoken about Elsa to her family over this past year. Like, come on. How could she not? They spent so much of their time together after all. And crew had become basically her second role in life aside from being a student. She had assured her guardians that she wouldn't let her grades slip (not like she'd risk being kicked from the team for being out of good academic standing, anyway).
But she knew her Uncle and Aunt, in particular, were quite astute. There were a couple of occasions, through various phone calls, text messages spared (for now), where she heard her aunt drop some side-comments. So subtle that Anna wasn't sure they could even be suspect the first few times they'd come up. Yet more and more recently, the elder woman was more frequent in her observational remarks. Anna would not be surprised if Aunt Gerda had come to some sort of conclusion about their relationship; their degree of closeness. Or, at the very least, Anna's particular form of feelings.
She'd been told too many times by her peers that she was an obvious read, how could her own flesh and blood not pick up on it? Especially with Gerda being the one to label her as 'an emotional window', so easy to see right through.
Anna stood from the couch, beginning her show of the room; her home for the next few months. She was glad the computer camera was faced away because a goofy grin spread on her face.
Because, no.
It was their home.
The open studio style revealed the living room melting seamlessly into the kitchen, only detaching to the little hallway toward the added room to establish the official one-bedroom apartment design.
She smiled and laughed warmly as her aunt let out various 'ohhs' and 'ahhs' in excitement, adding in tid-bits of information or phrases that only a middle-aged parent figure would comment on. A few eye rolls followed those types of remarks, including how the counter-top material looked modern, or that it was "incredible" that a room so large got enough light from two windows, or asking about what shade of white the walls were, or wondering how Elsa keep it so clean when she let "that bird" roam around.
"You should keep your comments in check," Anna cautioned in recommendation after passing a sweep of Maximus' cage and pointing out his engraved food bowls in the kitchen. She spun and did a quick show of the short vestibule leading to the rest of the space, only quickly sharing the view of the rather cluttered bathroom, turning to point out the lone hall closet, and finally spinning to face the farthest door-
At the sudden re-manifestation of the body in front of the laptop as she turned, both aunt and niece let out shocked squeaks at the abrupt change of view.
Elsa stood at the entrance to her bedroom, eyes wider than normal at the surprised noises although she still managed to maintain perfect stillness.
"Ah, Elsa, jeeze you scared me," Anna sighed in a breath, hand slipping from the laptop to hold her heart. The small computer began to slip from the singlehanded grip with the movement. Elsa lunged forward, taking it instantly rather than trusting it much longer in the ever clumsy girl's grasp.
She gave a small huff. "I can tell.. try to be careful, please.." Her voice was soft as she righted the computer camera to face her. A gentle, welcoming expression spread over her features; reserved in professional ease. She raised her hand, delicately waving to the woman on the other end of the call. "Hello. I'm Elsa."
"Elsa! Oh, it's so nice to finally meet you!" cooed the older woman excitedly, causing a bit of the reservation to alleviate from her porcelain face. "Though I must say, by all that Anna's told me, I feel like I already know you."
Dark blue eyes snapped up over the laptop screen, spying the blushing redhead who stiffened at the revealing information. God dammit, Aunt Gerda!
"Oh, really now.." she said slowly with a rising brow before easing up on the non-verbal interrogation of the smaller rower and dropping her attention back to the Skype call.
While Elsa moved to start walking back over to the couch, Anna moved to follow in toe, only then taking time to reassess the other girl and her reappearance.
Elsa had still been in her work-out attire ever since she'd returned home; a look Anna very much enjoyed, by the way (even if she bit her tongue on how much exactly she liked when those familiar black leggings made their appearance).
But in these mere past 10 minutes, from Anna beginning her call to finishing her tour, Elsa had changed into a very nice ¾ length sweater and dark jeans, as well as fixed her hair back into her characteristic braid. And although Anna had been stunned for the first moments, when she finally rounded the sofa and took a seat beside the blonde, she could also confirm that, yes, Elsa also completed her full make-up routine. Completely primped and groomed, head to toe and just looking so beautifully stunning. Why would she bother getting so dressed up just for a video call..?
Oh.. Oh my gosh..! Anna's breath caught. When the realization of the sudden transformation's actual purpose hit her, Anna felt like she wanted to cry. She got all dressed up knowing she was about to meet my aunt..
They couldn't meet in person at this time, and video chats weren't anything special given the media quality and all, yet Elsa still thought that it was important enough to do this. She believed this sort of moment, no matter how simple, meeting Anna's family, was special enough to pull out all the stops.
Watching the pleasant exchange occurring in front of her, paired with that knowledge of the effort Elsa was putting into such an informal (yet also important first impression) meeting, her heart was thudding heavily with a new fullness she didn't know she could even experience.
At the call of her name, her eyelashes fluttered in a frenzy. "H-huh?" She could see the questioning amusement in Elsa's eyes.
"Your aunt wanted to show me your home," she informed, turning the computer screen a little more so that Anna had a better view.
Shaking her head clear, the redhead brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, taking the chance to sidle up to the warm space at Elsa's side. "Oh, uh, cool. Yeah, let's do it." She wasn't sure what else to say. Not like Aunt Gerda was going to give much choice in the matter.
"Okay, let me begin the tour.." A bit of shuffling had the computer screen turned around; both young girls with their eyes watching the scene. "Welcome to our home sweet home!"
Anna felt a pang of nostalgia burst in her chest as they were taken through the little kitchen into the enclosed dining room space of the cottage. It had been nearly 6 months since she'd last been home and seeing the warm wall-paper colors and rich stained wood of their furniture stirred the swell of her heart; she almost thought she could even smell the homemade anise cookies that Aunt Gerda always insisted on baking. Subconsciously, she leaned herself into the warm body beside her, loving the fact that her favorite rower got to be present for this; where the woman who she loved more than anything got a preview peak into a side of Anna's life never previously witnessed. She definitely was internally squirming in glee.
The computer remained completely in the blonde's grasp, at some point even turning the screen more forward for herself again; the blonde woman more engrossed in the tour than Anna had actually expected. Honestly, Elsa's apartment alone had to be close to 75% the size of the tiny house and easily 150% tidier, so for her to look this entranced was truly a surprise.
"And, last but not least.." The woman's cheery voice snapped up Anna's attention. Looking at the video again, she realized she must have been staring at Elsa's intensely intrigued face for a longer time than she thought. Especially if Aunt Gerda was preparing the grand finale of this… Teal eyes widened; the well-loved sticker covered door in the camera's view and steadily opening. "Here's Anna's room."
"Noooo," she whined instantly, hands scrambling to cover the screen, feeling the sensation of mortification rising inside of her. To her surprise, again, she was met with Elsa actually lightly swatting her hands away in a playful manner.
"Come on, now. Let me see," she said in an amused voice.
The bedroom was already partially lit by the setting sun streaming through the window, standing light flickering to life near her desk as the switch was flipped. The massive (definitely no more than 14..) pile of stuffed animals strewn across the unmade mattress must have been the most immediate eye-catching aspect, if not the heap of unfolded clothes at the edge of the bed. Anna wanted to smack her past self for not cleaning up more during the Winter Break; Gerda was too nice about respecting her space (why couldn't she be like normal parents who go in an tidy up their kids' rooms without permission?!).
The three off-white walls reflecting the one neon green accent-wall would probably have been enough to turn anyone's eyes away, but the many posters clinging to the walls by their last bits of tape subdued the brightness with their own loud brilliance.
She had hung up tons of crew pictures from her school; the personal photos stuck in a messy collage over her bed. Then there were long posters of various types of boats stretching from the ceiling and down. But most embarrassing were probably the many pasted magazine pages, highlighting many famous rowers; her favorite being the pin-up photo of their country's Great Olympic women's Eight, currently outlined with decorative tinsel for added flare.
So, why was it so embarrassing? Well, aside from the whole room looking absolutely childish when comparing to the gorgeously mature apartment she was currently in, it was because she knew that Elsa actually personally knew some of the rowers plastered over the wall. There were definitely some National rowers who Elsa had spoken of taped up there, too; their photo-genic shining faces and glossy interview excerpts having been privy to Anna's daily high school life for years.
And of course, Aunt Gerda didn't just leave it at a simple peak at the room. Oh, no no. They got the whole close up sweep, camera making sure to share every aspect of rowing paraphernalia and representation, large and small. Choosing to sit with her hands covering her steaming face, she heard Elsa making some mild off-handed comments.
"Wow, I think I counted four solo photos of Merida," she then said with a teasing giggle, elbow nudging the stewing young woman.
Anna did look up at that, trying to shrug nonchalantly while emphatically stating, "She was basically my idol 'cuz she's like the most amazing coxswain ever!"
Elsa gave a hum, looking back to the virtual tour. "Her personality's.. a lot. But I guess, for precision steering, she really would be good to look up to."
While Aunt Gerda went on explaining some details about Anna's collections of rowing things, the redhead wondered what Elsa was thinking having seen all of those familiar famous faces decorating her walls.. More so, she was wondering if Elsa was curious to why she hadn't made the cut; being a brilliant enough rower to adorn her fiery Double's partners' childhood room.
Though, Anna really hoped Elsa could infer that had she actually come across any magazine highlighting the incredibly gorgeous athlete back then, like Hell that image would be anywhere less than dead-center at the most visible point of her room, also decorated with tinsel and sparkly stickers. It would have been a shrine to the gorgeous elite athlete-
She swallowed roughly at the enticing yet also mortifying idea, now envisioning Elsa's reaction to seeing something as gaudy as that. Oof.. Actually, thinking about it, now that Elsa really was seeing her untouched bedroom, Anna was wholly grateful that she had no photos of the blonde hanging up. Oh god. Utter humiliation to the max, much?
The turning twinkle of blue eyes caught her with surprise, Elsa smiling at her with an endearing look.
Biting her lip as the least bashful response she could muster, Anna let herself settle in closer to the taller girl's side, happy for the closeness as Aunt Gerda spun about the cottage on the other side of the screen, finally changing the subject away from Anna's embarrassing high school memories and on to the soon upcoming events in the girls' lives.
"I will look into tickets and see what we can still buy," spoke the elder woman after they talked more openly about the grand race, so close yet still just out of their reach. Anna raced to wave her hand, dismissing the act.
"Like I said, we haven't even competed as Hopefuls yet, don't get ahead of yourself!" Anna chided with a slightly serious undertone. Inadvertently, her eyes slid to her partner, not missing how the most subtle of unease began to cloud; totally unperceivable to the untrained eye, but given the topic, Anna was quite aware of it. "Besides, it's like stupid expensive. I'll try to haggle with the coaches if we really do actually make it." She gave a wink, to which her aunt responded with the same and a nod. She also gave a tiny nudge to the girl beside her, glad to see Elsa return to the familial moment with a small smile.
"Alright girls, well I certainly cannot wait to hear more of your coming adventures!" Her whole body wiggled in time with a joyful squeal of excitement. "Now, go have a good rest of your night. It was lovely finally getting to meet you, Elsa. You're just as sweet as Anna described, if not even more so," she added with a slightly cheeky tone.
Anna let out a groan, hand back to its apparent new home over her eyes, feeling her cheeks warm. Ugh Aunt Gerda totally knows what she's doing.. Instead of having a chance to express her embarrassment at her family's words, she caught a side glance at the profile beside her.
The older rower nodded with a large closed-mouth smile, one big enough to standout even to Anna; perhaps the glittering in those ocean eyes intensified the happiness exuding from her features. An adorably shy aura layered above it all. "Y-yes, thank you. Um, it was wonderful to meet you too. Take care."
The laptop was closed a few moments later, the blonde's eyes landing on the closed silver Apple device. The motion in her peripheral brought her attention back.
Anna had turned to face her, knees tucked up under her, cheek resting in her palm as her arm had slung onto the back of the couch. At the semi-surprised look, Anna grinned broadly.
Flush growing over her pale cheeks, Elsa muttered a rough, "What..?" It only made the younger woman's eyes sparkle even brighter.
With a tiny half-shrug and a quick wink, Anna could not help the glee in her voice, nor a little lilting tease. "Aunt Gerda really liked you."
A small breath fell from Elsa's lips; having fallen neutral, the small quirk in their corners was very evident. "You think so?"
There was a large laugh. "Hell yeah! She's very honest.. sometimes overly blunt." Licking her lips and recalling a funny memory, she added, "When she saw Rapunzel's blonde hair for the first time, she told her it looked like a mop and she should immediately dye it back."
Elsa's porcelain hand came to her lips to cover the open mouth laugh at the image. She was nodding as she spoke, "Oh, my. Then I'm very happy to have gotten on her good side!"
The pure happiness that had spread over the older girl's face at that news made Anna's heart flip, only adding to the full sensation she'd experienced watching the interaction unfold for the first time. There was just.. something about seeing the meeting of two parts of her life; most specifically, the first meeting of two of some of the most important women in her life. Not that she was at all afraid of Aunt Gerda not loving Elsa, but there was always a slight anxiousness at the mere unknown.
"Don't be surprised if she invites you to our family get-togethers in the future," Anna warned light-heartedly, mostly because Aunt Gerda already had extended the invite numerous times over the last semester.
The blonde athlete smiled, warm and happy. "I think that.. I'd really look forward to that."
In the comfortable silence to follow, Anna basked the picturesque idea of just how sweet it could be imagining a dinner shared with her most loved ones.
But as she watched her roommate carefully, she began to notice a subtle reveal of slight distress growing on her previously at ease expression. She reached out her hand, fingers gently moving some blonde strands behind the woman's ear, knuckles grazing so subtly over high-cheek bones in the motion. Anna wondered if she made up the warmth she felt against her hand, or if she was just imagining it as she watched a bashful blush darken pale skin.
"Hey. What's on your mind?" she asked after taking a short pause to appreciate her motion's effect on the older girl.
Elsa looked down at her hands, the pretty red still painting her cheeks beneath the deep blue gaze. Even in profile, Anna could tell their intensity. "I tried to talk to my parents the other week, but I still hadn't mentioned.." Her fingers worked awkwardly as she left her thought hanging. Despite the abrupt change from the previously conversation, the subject of the matter was easily implied, and Anna was seeking the continuing information immediately. "They think I'm extending my internship to Full-Time as to wait out my apartment lease. Nothing more."
The younger rower looked at her downturned face in concern. "You mean you still haven't told them about rowing? Any of it?" Of course it was totally rhetorical, but she couldn't help herself, and the blonde gave a shrug anyway.
"I.. haven't, no." Elsa sat back in the cushion. "But I'm going to." Her voice may have quivered in the slightest, but was still resolute in intention. "It's just.. going to be a weighty conversation, especially with the Olympic news. So.. I decided it had to be in person." Her blue eyes turned to the tan girl's face, words becoming more direct. "I called them this morning and told them I'm going home for the weekend."
With a recoiling blink, the smaller woman tilted her head, surprised. "You're… huh? Wait, when were you planning on telling me this?" Her voice rang with incredulousness.
Elsa, with those big innocent eyes, only continued to look at her levelly. "I'm telling you now."
Anna groaned, hand palming her face. "Yeah, no, I mean, it woulda been kinda nice to know that you were even considering this plan at all."
"Really?"
"Yes!" Anna said with her arm flopping to her side. This really should not have been a pitfall in Elsa's social communication abilities, but apparently, she could still surprise the redhead. A deep, centering breath came from her nose as she accepted the innocent omission. Her hand raised in-between them. "Just, I mean, it's only because of everything going on with your parents.. and this whole thing already.. now with the Olympics thrown in.." She trailed off, hoping she wasn't sounding too pushy with her directness. Especially given the past of overhearing Elsa's conversations with her father; at how quick the older woman was to fall into formalities and submit to wherever he led their talks. Of course something like that was a worry to her..!
The blonde, previously bemused by the outburst, seemed to grow understanding. "I apologize for not letting you know earlier. It will not be long, trust me. They just wanted to talk about everything going forward." A rueful lilt to her lip followed. "It has been over 3 years since I've been home anyway."
Anna was quiet, letting the information sink in, understanding everything that Elsa was saying; acknowledging that it somehow was both no big deal and a very important deal all the same. But something wasn't sitting well inside her.
It didn't feel quite right seeing Elsa off, back to a place that she hadn't ventured to in so long; a place she never wanted to go of her own free accord, a place that was the epicenter where all those burdensome expectations stemmed from. From what Anna's watched, what she's heard-
"She's so easily swayed by the interests of others, I won't be surprised if she still gives up on the idea, regardless if you're there or not."
A sharp blink.
An internal grimace and shudder.
Memorable words having been so well ignored and stuffed aside, coming back to perfectly fit to this feeling. Despite a full despise of the description's origin, Anna couldn't help but wonder if this, paired with the rising edge Elsa seemed to be on, was actually what was driving her unease. But, dammit, if any of Hans' words were actually getting to her now, if she gave any second thought to the shit he spewed, applied any weighted consideration to anything.. this might be the most important.
Watching the blonde stand, mentioning getting ready for bed, Anna sat herself up taller, arm tossed over the back of the couch, hand unconsciously grabbing the fabric.
"C-can I go with you?" The quick question felt like a spark as it fell from her mouth. It made the other woman pause with a sharp stop before turning around and looking at the inquisitive and wide teal eyes. She gave a worried smile, sympathy present in lifting brows.
"Anna.. It's a really long drive, a lot of sitting, and then I don't plan on staying long once I get there either.."
Stavanger was nearly an 8 hours' drive away, so yeah. It was a horrendously disgustingly long trip, making her own trip home to Oslo look like a dream (even if the commuter bus rides usually made it impossibly longer). It made sense that she did not want to pose such a travel burden on Anna. There may have been hinted undertones that Anna could better use that otherwise stagnant time to exercise and continue her training. But that was a non-issue.
Resolutely settling into her resolve, Anna let the neutrality wash from her features as she widened her grin, tossing up two fingers to enhance her cheeky expression.
"Then just call me your company on the road trip!" And of course, for added measure under Elsa's uncertain eyes.. "Please? I haven't seen Stavanger since I last went with my dad, so it'd really mean a lot to me."
The older girl immediately eased up on her defenses from the small confession of the redhead's memory. Because how could anyone say no to something holding sentimental value? It surely hadn't been Anna's plan at all.
"Well, how can I say no to that?" Bingo.
Anna grinned, brain beginning to drift toward needing to unpack some clothes fitting for travel only to repack said clothes quickly in the morning. Yet then her more powerful organ chimed in. Yeesh, how long had it been since she and her friends had went for ice cream? Hours now? As if on cue, she could feel her stomach start to quietly rumble.
She stood up in a weak attempt to mask the always embarrassing sound, stretching her arms over her head. She was happy with her decision and undoubtedly a bit amused by the surprise that still stretched on the blonde's face, but it was dinner time. Turning her head, hand resting on Elsa's forearm, she definitively said, "Sit. I'm gonna go make dinner. What do you want me to whip up for our first night as roommates?"
Led by her stomach, she was already in the kitchen space and preparing to wash her hands when Elsa finally voiced a response. "Well, your pancakes were pretty great last time.."
The redhead let out a laugh at the honest response, drying off her hands and turning around. "Breakfast for dinner? Seriously? I am capable of cooking other things too." Her tone remained teasing, although she was somewhat skeptical if Elsa truly believed she was a legit decent cook. She spied the wide blue eyes and bashful shrug from what the girl was looking over the couch back. Blue eyes looked down to fidgeting fingers, voice becoming more trepid, so quiet.
"But.. they were really good.."
A lopsided grin bloomed over Anna's face, already sure that her cheeks were a warm hue that matched the glow in her chest; that little voice so sweet that she wondered if Elsa had been longing for her pancakes for months now. "Okay," she sighed with a relenting laugh. "If her majesty wishes for pancakes, then I shall make your wish come true." The light that sparked in those navy eyes was very obvious; potentially expecting the silly lilt of the girl's tone, but certainly not expecting the line of chivalry. Smug in her success, Anna had already begun reaching for the familiar cabinets filled with largely unused cookware. "However, in the morning? I'm making waffles!"
…
It was obviously going to be a long ride, Anna knew that and expected it. She had taken a number of long bus rides herself to and from Oslo anyway. Yet her butt never forgave her for such travel days. The music of choice was split, with the girls agreeing to switch off playlists every half hour for their own songs to enjoy (even if Anna didn't mind the occasional Classical sonatas or show-tunes, the few Nickelback numbers definitely grated her ears; both had come to laugh at each other's musical gripes).
The road trip was easy and fun, only time having a lull in the atmosphere being when Anna opted taking a brief nap at Elsa's encouragement. Anna figured that the positivity of the trip, all in all, was a good sign that they could tolerate each other for such a long period of time without getting annoyed or bored of conversation. Pretty important for a relationship..
Although, if she were to be asked what her favorite part of the drive had been, she would have immediately answered that having her hand held, so warmly, over the dividing console the entire time was absolute heaven.
By the time they rolled by the town's welcoming sign, Anna continued to scoot around in the passenger seat, this time readjusting herself to sit upright and let her eyes inspect through the windows; eyes landing on the fjord coming into view. The car's driver took notice at the expectant look and chuckled.
"Hold on, we need to pass through this tunnel before you'll see it better."
Not five minutes later, as foretold, the low cityscape came into spectacular view under the mid-afternoon sun's light. The old-town touch was felt almost immediately, and even more so as they drove along the upper highways of the coast. The view over the fjord was gorgeous, entering so smoothly into the large port.
Anna smiled, spotting some vaguely familiar bridges and church towers sprouting from the bay. Just a few features she recalled from her trip here as a child.
"I forgot how pretty this place is.." she said in an excited awe. The older woman took a short moment to turn her eyes toward the view, nodding.
"Definitely a highlight to living out here," she offered softly.
Elsa began to point out various buildings and locations, sharing some information of seasonal happenings and a brief story of her favorite childhood trips to town. A soft, reminiscence played over her features while she described events with fondness.
"That ice cream shop has the best frozen yogurt in Norway," she commented with covert pride while pointing to the small parlor; its storefront crowded with townspeople and tourists. "And see that bookstore over there?" Anna followed Elsa's nodding gaze to a narrow shop with tall windows stacked high with novels. "Growing up, if I wasn't at school or at home, I was there."
Anna snorted a small chuckle, tossing Elsa a grin. "That doesn't surprise me at all." Her face grew thoughtful. "My mom would've loved it if she could've just dropped me off at one. But, alas, it could not be so."
It was Elsa's turn to snort. "It's hard enough for you to sit still with a book as an adult. I can't imagine adding in a child's energy."
Anna nodded a few times in affirmation, folding her arms over her chest as she did. "Plus, it was way more fun to go seafaring with my dad." Her eyes fell to the imagery opening up on the other side of the car. The buildings melted away, leaving a view into the boatyard. She grinned, spotting a familiar docking area a bit further back in the marina; many small sailing ships tied in. "Speaking of, that's where my family docked when we visited."
The blonde took a quick glance out, followed by another. She furrowed her brows. "Really? You can tell?"
With a humming acknowledgment, Anna gave a lopsided smile. "Yeah, it's meant for smaller ships. Plus, see that big ass fish shaped sign? I was like 9, but I remember that thing made me laugh every time I saw it!"
"'The Fat Lutefisk'.." murmured the driver, to which Anna looked at her expectantly. "It's the shop there.." She had a bit of a reminiscent look before a tiny smile peaked through and she shook her head.
Tilting her head at the strange behavior, Anna prodded, "Why? What's so funny, other than it being just a stupid looking sign?"
Lips pursing for a moment before lessening to their relaxed smile, Elsa let out a half laugh-half sigh. "I got into some.. trouble there, once."
Teal eyes widened. "You? What kind of trouble?" Elsa Winters? Getting into any problematic situation in a public place was certainly farthest from her thoughts. But the older woman brushed off the absolute incredulity.
"Nothing ludicrous, mind you," she disclaimed. "I was about 12 and, for the first time ever, being born and raised in this town, I took an interest in the water." She let her body relax into the seat, eyes straight ahead. "My parents dropped me off at the bookstore, and I'd run down to the rocky beach beside the docks and just stay there, avoiding my readings.. but one day, the owner of the Lutefisk shop saw me, presumed I was a lost child, and called the police."
With wide eyes, Anna squeaked a breathy "what!" before devolving into laughter. "No way!"
"Way," she responded with a droll attempt at cool-lingo making Anna roll her teary eyes amidst her aching breaths. "I was grounded for weeks.."
While the woman continued to lament the woe of childhood grounding, Anna found herself trying to imagine what a little Elsa must have been like here; what she looked like running around the town, making her way along the rocky shoreline. Her expressive and curious large eyes, sparkling with the sunlight reflected from the water. Probably a demur smile, allowed to bloom brightly in these escaping moments.
Most interestingly even, she wondered the insane 'what if' of whether she had crossed paths with Elsa in town during the short time she had spent visiting. Now that would have been a stroke of fate for sure! It was basically impossible, more so to ever even know, but the idea still gave her a happy feeling; potentially something to bring them even closer. A fleeting passing resulting in a future love.
Gah! That would be better than any love story she could ever imagine!
Giddy in her pleasant thoughts, Anna watched as the car traveled further up the hills, out of the bustling town, looking at the old fashioned styled homes, similar in size, if not a little bigger than her cottage back home. She turned to Elsa after they'd begun encountering some more switchback like roads, elevation gaining.
"So.. How much farther to your place?"
Right as she asked, Elsa slowed the care approaching yet another turn and bearing slightly to the shoulder before pausing. She leaned over to Anna's side, arm stretching out, finger pointing to the upper corner of the window's glass. She quietly stated, "There."
Following the motion, tracking the location, aqua eyes landed on the only building visible from their spot. Up atop the cliff, massive in size, stood the solid foundation of a building, a house, easily 3 if not 4 times the size of all the previous homes they'd just driven past. Her jaw dropped in time with the car's movement back to the road.
"That?!" she squeaked, trying to maintain her gaze as they pulled away. Elsa gave her a side tilt of her head, brows raised knowingly, but said nothing else. Anna shook her head, shoeing the initial shock away as best as she could. I mean, honestly, I'm more surprised that I actually feel surprised at all. Of course she grew up in a freaking mansion.
A few minutes later, they pulled through a pair of tall metal entry gates and onto the long driveway, fine gravel rolling beneath the wheels as they took the winding road up, reaching the central roundabout over a minute later. At last, right outside of the front steps, the small car parked. Anna wasn't even aware that her jaw had slowly grown slack once again. It was due to the large fountain jutting up in front of the multistory building, for sure. Or maybe the fine cut topiary framing the gardens. Or the home's sleek mix of modern architecture with traditional gothic undertones radiating an ominous and stark mood from simple gray concrete, tall narrow windows, and ornate beveling along the trim.
"Well, here we are," Elsa hummed, voice more downturned than it had been during their earlier story sharing; a dryness present in her otherwise hollow, rueful words. "Home sweet home.."
Damn.
That was the only word repeating through her brain right now, even as the duo lugged their duffle bags out of the car and slowly began the ascension of the white marble stairway.
Anna had known that the Winters heiress had come from wealth.. but, damn, she'd severely underestimated it. Or at least, she'd never even taken the time to consider just how luxurious a life the family led. Like.. freaking damn!
Especially after having just taken a little tour down memory lane, virtually visiting her own quaint abode.. The comparison was striking, and not in a feel-good sort of way at all.
Taking the environment all in, mind occupied in thought, body on auto-pilot while grabbing her over-stuffed bag, Anna hadn't even been paying attention when she reached the top step; the creaking of door hinges the first thing to draw her from the self-consciousness growing inside of her.
She looked up, seeing the glowing face appear from the opening door.
A middle aged woman had answered; her golden brown mass of wavy hair pulled up into a pony-tail below a little white bonnet, with the waves cascading past her shoulders. Honey-brown eyes widened, a bright sparkle in them, twinkling like the gold charm hanging from her beautiful blue necklace chain. It was only the waist-cut apron that easily give away her role.
"Oh, Elsa Dear! It's been so long," the maid exclaimed in probably the gentlest, most diffident but endearing Southern belle style accented voice that Anna had ever heard. The woman wasn't stout, but her petite size rounded out her features a bit. She stepped forward gentle, arms wide, gathering the much taller woman in her arms with a motherly squeeze. "Welcome back home!"
The older rower smiled in a warm manner, hugging the woman back. "Thank you Ms. Cockers."
With a scoff, the short woman stepped back delicately. "Why such formality? My goodness, it hasn't been that long! Where's that wonderfully creative nickname you gave me while you were a child?"
Anna's eyes had been happily bouncing between the two, absorbing the energy that the exuberant maid was exhibiting, but landed on the slightly bashful looking blonde at that. "Of course.. Ms. Lady," Elsa eventually conceded with a little smile beneath the reddening cheeks; hearing the very simple name lighting up the housekeeper's puppy-like eyes.
Watching from beside, Anna felt her heart expanding at the sweet little connection being gifted to her; an insight to someone who had apparently known Elsa for her whole life, from childhood to now.
"And who might this little lady be?" Her warm voice perfectly matched the entire aura emanating from her body and soul. Anna could not help but feel a bit bashful under it.
With heating freckles, she cleared her throat and gave a tiny wave. "Hi, I'm Anna."
The auburn haired woman stepped forward and leaned in for a light hug, catching the smaller girl off-guard with the contact. Her eyes darted to the blonde who was standing, arms folded, and watching with a little smile tugging up in amusement. "It's so lovely to meat you Anna."
Awkwardly returning the embrace, Anna nodded. "Ah, yes! You too."
"She's been my rowing partner this past year," Elsa started when the other women pulled away, letting the flustered student step back into place at Elsa's side. "We're rooming together for the summer now. When I mentioned I was coming home, she wanted to come along and see Stavanger." With those honey glazed eyes blinking curiously between the girls, Elsa chewed her lip and shrugged. "It's like a little 'vaycay.'"
Besides ignoring Elsa's horrendous attempt at modern lingo, Anna was more so trying to ignore the annoying sensation in her stomach at the introduction. She scolded herself for letting the slight sinking feeling for even showing itself; of Elsa not eluding to their relationship as anything more than a roommate or a, ugh, teammate. It wasn't like this was a conversation with their friends. No, this was a whole other part of Elsa's life, and Anna knew she had to let Elsa be the guide for anything pertaining to 'them', if it'll even come up at all.
When Elsa finished her explanation, Anna made to agree with a little nod, grinning and bearing what was probably the first of many such introductions.
The blonde spoke again, quickly, not letting the topic linger too much regarding her unexpected plus one. "Er, has your son been well?" she redirected politely instead. Both girls watched the maid's face light up yet again.
"Oh yes. Remind me, I'll need to show you some photos of that little scamp before you head back to Arendelle," she said in a giddy voice while turning around, preparing to usher the duo inside. "Come along now, girls.."
Tugging her overnight bag up and onto her shoulder, Anna prepared to follow inside; the warm sea breeze blowing in from behind her like a little nudge.
"Ms. Cockers, has our daughter finally managed to find her way back home?"
And the warm air suddenly chilled, thickening like a blanket; salty air becoming stifling from merely hearing the voice; deep, authority bearing, familiar only from past phone conversations overheard at a distance.
Anna looked up, but not nearly as fast as the taller rower at her side; the blonde's neck almost craning up, shoulders pulled taut from their previously lax posture. Anna could feel the change; the strong shoulder brushing flush against hers, arm muscles quivering beneath the long-sleeved blouse.
Two towering figures approached the entryway, stopping just shy of the afternoon light streaming through the wide, open door; shadows cast over them like obsidian blankets, disguising only their identities by face alone.
Anna sucked in a breath, nerves beginning to quiver as she desperately sought for a confident adrenaline rush to give her the strength for what was to come. Whatever it may be.
Here she finally found herself, standing before the prestigious Agdar and Iduna Winters; internationally renowned for their company's superior fortune and outreach, for their astute top performance in the business world, for their stoicism while facing down any form of defamation. Business royals. But, despite all of that notoriety, under the unusually frigid air and glinting sets of incisive eyes emerging from the darkness, she felt like she may as well have been staring down the barrel of a gun.
-End Chapter 35-
A.N. Now this chapter had gotten too long, so after a lot of re-arranging, I decided to make it into 2 shorter ones instead. IDK how to explain 35 & 36 except as being a look into the Winters' family backstory; kind of a How & Why the intensity of Elsa's experiences.
People asking for Elsa's POV, there will be a few more to come in the latter part of the story, just to break for the purpose of certain scenes.
But, if there's anything in particular you'd like to see from Elsa's POV, I'm planning to add a Bonus Features chapter when this story is over one day; this will be up to readers' suggestions (like if you wanted to see a glossed over scene explored more in depth, a different POV for a scene, a past memory occurring before the events of the story, etc.)
As always, thanks for reading!
