Chapter 3

Too Close for Comfort

A/N: I had a mistake in the last chapter when I said that it had been fifteen years since Isabelle and Kristoff last saw each other. It was actually supposed to be ten, seeing as how they were seventeen when they dated, and ten years later it would be when they're both twenty-seven. I'll go back and correct that.

As promised, first thing in the morning, Anna, Kristoff, and Isabelle went to the town square to check out the new shop that Anna had heard about. While walking through the village, Anna and Isabelle talked freely about a variety of things, while Kristoff tagged along. In all honesty, he didn't want to be here, but Anna insisted that he come. They left Jon to be looked after by Kai and Gerda. Anna was also hoping of buying something for their son, while they were in town. During their walk, Kristoff didn't say anything, but he made sure to keep an eye on Isabelle. He still wasn't sure why she suddenly reappeared in his life, but he knew it had something to do with their past relationship. Once they reached the shop, Kristoff decided to part ways.

"You two enjoy yourselves," he said. "I'll wait here."

"Are you sure? They seem like they have a lot of nice things inside," Anna tried to persuade.

"I'm fine. I'll wait for you," Kristoff promised.

"Ok. Take care, honey," Anna said.

"See you soon, Kristoff," Isabelle cooed.

The sound of her voice sent a thousand chills down Kristoff's spine. It was so…sensuous. Yes, there was definitely something on her mind, and it involved him. Walking away, Kristoff went down to the pier to wait for Anna and Isabelle, while they were shopping. After twenty minutes, they still hadn't returned. Kristoff went back to the shop to see what was taking them so long. When he entered, he was impressed by the many items that were for sale. There were rugs, shoes, clothes, trinkets, candles, furniture, and more, all for sale! He had to admit it: it was a nice-looking store. As he walked through the shop, looking for Anna, he heard a sound from behind him. By the time he turned around, there was no one there. It must be these old wooden boards, Kristoff thought to himself. Upon turning a corner, he came face to face with Isabelle, who greeted him with a smile and her hands behind her back.

"Hello, Kristoff, I thought you were going to wait for us," she said.

"Um…I was, but I was wondering how things were going, so I thought I'd come see for myself," Kristoff said.

"I see. Well, I found the most gorgeous dress," Isabelle said, revealing what she held behind her back. The dress was yellow, cut very low, and had a very revealing top to it.

"That's nice," Kristoff said.

"I think I'll try it on. I should look lovely in it," Isabelle said, seductively.

Kristoff gulped. He had to get away from her; make up some kind of excuse to go find Anna.

"That's fine…I'll just be going," Kristoff said, nervously.

"Oh, don't you want to see me in it? It's very revealing. You get a good look at my cleavage," Isabelle cooed.

Ok. Now things were going too far. He had to say something.

"Isabelle, I know what you're getting at, and I don't like it. What happened between us, ten years ago is in the past. I'm a happily married man with a child," Kristoff said, firmly.

At hearing this, Isabelle began to unbutton her dress in front of him. Kristoff averted his eyes, refusing to give her the satisfaction of looking at her.

"Come on, don't you want to see them? It's been so long. They've missed your touch," Isabelle said, grabbing Kristoff's hand, and bringing it towards her breasts.

Kristoff angrily jerked his hand away. "Stop it, Isabelle!"

Isabelle giggled, looking seductively at Kristoff. "Come on, Kristoff. Stop being such a tease."

Kristoff was growing angrier by the second. "Alright. You're out of here," he said grabbing her by the arm. As he did so, Anna came from around the corner towards the two.

Upon seeing her, Isabelle instantly whipped up a cover story. "Kristoff, I'm not ready to leave yet! Let go of me!"

"Kristoff, what are you doing?" Anna cried.

Kristoff released his grip on Isabelle, struggling to explain the situation to Anna, but before he could speak, Isabelle beat him to it.

"I'm sorry, Anna, Kristoff was getting impatient waiting for us. He wanted to go home. When I told him that I wanted to try on this dress here, he grabbed my arm, and told me to leave."

Suffice it to say, Anna was shocked at what she heard.

"Kristoff, we're here to shop! Isabelle can stay here as long as she wants. She's already unbuttoned her dress, let her try on some clothes if she wants! There's no need to be so impatient. Not to mention, aggressive."

"Anna, I wasn't acting aggressive," Kristoff tried to explain.

"You grabbed her arm! I don't know what's gotten into you lately, but I suggest that you shape up! I'm going to go pay for this," Anna said, gesturing to her basket of goods.

"Anna, wait!" Kristoff called out, but she had already left.

Kristoff turned back to Isabelle; his eyes blazing with anger. "Leave now," he said, angrily.

"Very well, Kristoff. I'll let you have some alone time. It seems like you could use it," Isabelle said.

Kristoff watched Isabelle walking away, being sure to not take his eyes off of her. He knew that he had to tell Anna the truth. Not just the truth about what had just happened, but the truth about his past relationship with her. No. He couldn't do it. Anna wouldn't take it well, especially at the fact of him talking about a woman he once loved. He remembered how she reacted years ago, when they journeyed to the Enchanted Forest, and how she misinterpreted his words when he tried to propose to her. He said that under different circumstances, where they were at the time, would be a pretty romantic place, but Anna thought he meant with someone else. In light of all this, Kristoff had to find another way to get Isabelle out. A way that would involve not telling Anna about their past together and ridding himself of her for good.