Elsa Winters
"Elsa Crystal Winters, you have a lot of explaining to do!" Everyone in the cafeteria turned to the sound of the voice, though they already knew who it was. A beautiful girl was standing at the entrance to the cafeteria, her strawberry blonde hair braided into two pigtails. She was wearing a yellow sundress and would have looked friendly if not for the glare on her face.
Elsa's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of her sister Anna Winters. She had been studying in Corona with their cousin Rapunzel since the summer. Originally she had only gone over there for the summer to intern with their aunt who was a fashion designer. However, the girl had enjoyed being there and ended up choosing to stay.
In all honesty, the decision had hurt Elsa. She knew her sister wasn't interested in their parent's company; not to mention, Anna had much more in common with Rapunzel than Elsa. Still, the sisters had always been fairly close, surviving the strict standards placed on them together. Elsa had felt more lonely than she cared to admit since Anna had left. Therefore, it made no sense that Anna was mad at her; Elsa wasn't the one who left.
"Why'd you do, Princess?" Jack whispered to her, placing his hand onto Elsa's thigh. As they agreed, they were eating lunch together further supporting their image as a couple.
A couple. Realization flooded through Elsa, horror following shortly after. She and Anna still texted on a regular basis and she hadn't even mentioned the fact she had gotten a boyfriend. It was fake, of course, so Elsa had genuinely forgotten it was something she needed to announce. "I started dating you," the blonde replied dryly.
Sure enough, Anna was stomping over to them, still glaring. When she finally reached the table she pushed Jack away, sitting beside her sister. "I came here to surprise you and pick up my schedule as I'm starting back here tomorrow."
Elsa immediately felt a smile light up her face. "That's great, Anna! I've mis-"
"Only to find out you have a boyfriend!" Her sister interrupted. "Oh, and it's Jack Frost. Honestly, Elsa, you think I'm the one with bad taste in men."
"Hey!" Jack protested though Anna continued to ignore his presence. Elsa watched as he pouted from behind her and the blonde resisted the urge to laugh.
She gently placed a hand on Anna's shoulder. "I appreciate your concern, Anna." She watched her sister's expression soften slightly. "And I should have told you. I just-" Elsa sighed, cutting herself off. "I'm new to this."
Anna gave her a teasing smile. "You're lucky I'm in such a forgiving mood. Besides, I heard you just started dating him today." The girl giggled slightly. "I hadn't even gotten into the school yet when someone told me; I was literally ambushed in the parking lot."
"Dating Jack does seem to cause a lot of commotion." She narrowed her eyes slightly at the boy over Anna's shoulder as if he was the reason she was in the spotlight. "It'll die down though."
"It'd die down faster if you broke up with him," her sister stated matter of factly. "Being away from you has sucked and I don't want another boy coming between us." Anna stuck out her lower lip, fluttering her eyelashes. Some things never change.
"What boy? Do I have competition?" Jack teased, clearly adamant to get into this conversation. Anna was still refusing to acknowledge him though.
Anna had been referring to her ex-boyfriend Hans. They had broken up right before Anna left for the summer. In fact, Elsa was confident that was a big part of why she had decided to go. Hans was one year older than Elsa and two years older than Anna; thankfully, that meant he had graduated and could officially be out of their lives.
"I'm not going to break up with him," Elsa stated firmly.
Immediately, her sister lost her pout, groaning slightly. "C'mon! I'm all for you dating, honestly, but not him. Last year I had to comfort at least 20 of my friends whose hearts he broke." Anna made a fair point and, honestly, there were very few relationships her sister didn't support; the strawberry blonde was a hopeless romantic. "I know he was your childhood lover or whatever but even then he broke your heart."
Elsa felt her face heating up. Why did everyone seem so focused on the crush she used to have on him? She wished she could explain that this had nothing to do with the past. "This is my first time seeing you in at least 6 months; we can talk about this later," the girl dismissed.
"And we will." Anna stood up suddenly, brushing off her dress. "I have to go though. I don't think I was supposed to go anywhere except the office. I just need my schedule." She gave her sister a guilty smile before turning to Jack. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him for the first time this whole encounter. "My sister will come to her senses soon and dump you." With that said, she left.
Jack stared off in the direction Anna had gone. "I think she likes me," he decided, shrugging slightly. He almost managed to look unconcerned though Elsa noticed the undeniable pain in his eyes. She supposed even someone with Jack's confidence couldn't handle that much hate being directed his way.
"Elsa!" A voice squealed as the blonde left her eighth hour. "Just the girl I was hoping to see."
Elsa resisted her urge to roll her eyes at the girl before her: Layla. She knew the first day dating Jack would be difficult but this was honestly unfair; she had to talk to this girl twice in the same day. Why would Layla even want that? The blonde had a feeling this girl was going to make dating Jack even more difficult.
"Can I help you?" She forced a small smile onto her face as she faced the girl. Maybe, if Elsa was lucky, this girl would apologize for before.
Layla shrugged slightly. "I just wondered what's going on. Jack won't talk to me." A real smile slipped onto Elsa's face before she could stop it, causing Layla's eyes to narrow slightly. "I figured you could tell me what the deal is. I've never seen you guys talking before and now you're 'lovers' or whatever." The girl put quotes around the word, her eyes rolling.
"We met at a party." Elsa smiled, glad she had forced Jack to work with her on a story. "We were childhood friends and got to talking again. Honestly, we've been on each other's radars since we were nine years old. I know you probably think our relationship came out of nowhere but it was a long time coming." Elsa applauded herself for her performance. The words sounded sincere as they left her mouth; the truth was whatever you made people believe.
The blonde swore Layla's green eyes darkened as she spoke, a glare coming onto her face. "Impossible," She shook her head, her fist clenched. "Jack was going to date me; it was supposed to be me!" She groaned and Elsa wouldn't have been surprised if she actually started stomping her foot. "I'm the first girl to ever reject him, the first girl he's really chased. He wants me."
The blonde's eyebrow rose and she forced herself to keep her face as neutral as possible. "So why isn't he dating you then?" Elsa knew why, even if Layla didn't. Jack was being forced into this. In fact, as much as the girl hated to admit it, Layla was right.
"I don't know what you did to him but I'll ruin whatever it is you have." Her green eyes flashed a warning before she turned on her heels and marched away.
"Our first date," Jack whispered to himself as he drummed happily on his steering wheel. He was smiling so widely Elsa almost forgot it wasn't a real date. He was probably more excited about the fact that soon there wouldn't be any more dates.
Elsa gave him a slight nod, though she was fairly certain he was talking more to himself than her. "Where are we going?" He insisted on surprising her despite the fact the blonde wasn't the biggest fan of surprises. She thought back to when Anna had "surprised" her.
"Surprise!" Her sister had smiled guiltily as she pointed to Hans. Frankly, even with Jack's track record, there was no way his surprise was worse than Anna dating Hans.
Jack didn't answer, smirking to himself instead. She was surprised to notice he had turned left at the light they just passed. Maybe Elsa shouldn't have expected him to take her to the local coffee shop but, well, rumor had it that Jack took all his dates there. Perhaps her being a fake date required an exception.
The blonde felt slightly happy about that. Girls only ever got one date, if that, and they all went to the same place. Elsa wasn't going there though; Jack had something else planned. It was a relief that Jack was actually attempting to be a good fake boyfriend.
"Okay, Princess, I need you to put this on." He grabbed a blindfold, handing it to his temporary girlfriend. He looked far too excited at the idea of the blonde not being able to see.
Elsa raised an eyebrow. Right now they were in the downtown area, heading towards the edge of town. In fact, now that the blonde was actively paying attention, they were nearing a hiking trail Elsa had gone to when she was younger. If Jack wasn't, well, Jack, then Elsa would have panicked about possibly being murdered.
Still, being blindfolded while heading away from civilization: no thank you. Elsa felt it was better she kept her eyesight. Maybe if Jack were a real boyfriend she would have humored him. "I don't want it." There was absolutely no way she was putting that on, she decided as she crossed her arms.
Then she turned to Jack and the most insane thing happened. The boy was pouting. The worst part was that it was fairly effective. His bottom lip was stuck out, quivering ever so slightly. His head tilted slightly and he looked at her out of the corner of his eyes. "Please," he begged, his voice soft. He was, well, adorable.
Elsa bit her bottom lip, forcing herself not to smile. Jack shouldn't have looked cute to her, especially when he was really being annoying. Yes, trying to force her to wear a blindfold was annoying, not cute. Still- Elsa lifted the blindfold up to her eyes, tying it behind her head. Even if Jack wasn't her boyfriend, why not humor the boy anyways?
It was strange to surrender power, to let someone else be your eyes. It was even more strange though when this was really tested. The car had stopped and Jack opened her door for her, grabbing the girl's hand.
"It isn't far," he whispered in her ear. Jack's hands slipped down to her waist, guiding her around. He was being gentle with the girl, warning her every time there was an obstacle.
Elsa felt comfortable in his arms. She felt the fresh breeze on her skin and could smell the nature scene that was surely around her. It was calming though, being led through this peaceful scene. At least, it was until she heard the gentle flowing of water.
Jack's hands were on her waist and she stood near a body of water. He wouldn't actually push her in again, would he? Elsa stiffened under his touch, an uneasy feeling overwhelming her.
The boy seemed to sense this, pulling off her blindfold. "I like to come here to think," he began. The scene in front of them was beautiful. It wasn't the part of the lake most went to. It was further down, encased by trees. They were alone here. "And it felt like a good spot to show you. Princess, I'm sorry for ever pushing you into the lake; I was just being a dumb kid."
"It doesn't matter anymore," the blonde replied automatically. It was years ago so it shouldn't matter anymore. Still, a part of Elsa still ached when she thought about it for unexplainable reasons.
Well, reasons she couldn't explain but that Jack could. "It does matter, even if it was years ago and you don't feel anything towards me anymore." He sighed, turning away from the water to look at Elsa. His deep blue eyes stared intensely into hers. "It matters because that was the day I lost you as a friend. Therefore, I want to make amends."
The boy neared the edge of the water, putting his arm across his body. He gave the girl a winning smile. "Okay, push me."
The girl's jaw nearly dropped in shock. "You can't be serious!" Elsa raised a brow, staring at the boy willingly standing at the edge of the lake. The water here was deeper than the lake they had been at when they were kids. In fact, perhaps due to all the rain they had experienced recently, it seemed to be about 5 feet. "This could be dangerous," the girl added.
Jack rolled his eyes playfully. "I've gone swimming here before; I think I'll survive, though your concern is touching." He smirked slightly before growing serious again. "Princess, push me. I know it isn't actually the same but it'll allow for a bit of balance."
He seemed desperate suddenly and Elsa found herself placing her hands on his chest. It wasn't the same, wasn't even close honestly. The blonde had confessed love to him and leaned in for a kiss when she was pushed. Still, it was sweet of him to offer all these years later.
So Elsa did it; she pushed him into the water, a few drops of water hitting her as Jack's body made contact with the water. In a matter of seconds, the boy was completely soaked, a smile on his face. He almost seemed relieved.
"I wasn't sure you'd actually do it." The boy's smile suddenly dropped as he started flapping around in the water. He looked panicked, bobbing in and out of the water. Fear seized Elsa as Jack disappeared under the water.
Did she just kill him? She knew it could be dangerous and she did it anyway and now Jack was facing the consequences of her actions. Without much thought about the matter, Elsa took off Jack's hoodie before throwing herself into the water, desperately trying to find him. "Jack!" She dove under, looking for him. She felt tears coming to her eyes as she searched.
A head popped up out of the water, looking at Elsa in confusion, though the girl had yet to notice. "You tried to save me," he whispered, evident shock in his voice.
The girl whipped her head around so fast she thought she might have broken her neck. Jack was calmly standing; he was tall enough that his head and shoulders were out of the water. "You were faking it!" She swam over, hitting his shoulder with her hand. "What is wrong with you?"
Jack didn't seem to grasp the gravity of the situation, still staring at her in confusion. His head was tilted, his brows furrowed as he thought. Then, without warning, he launched at the girl, pulling her into an awkward hug. "Thank you," he mumbled into the girl's ear. "I- thank you."
Elsa felt her entire body warm considerably, despite the chill of the water surrounding them. Jack Frost was hugging her, his mouth practically touching her ear. She didn't know how to respond; her body was frozen.
"I wasn't thinking," the boy continued, moving away slightly to run a hand through his soaking wet hair. Drops of water were sliding down his face, hitting the water with gentle plops. "I didn't think you'd jump in." A guilty look came onto his face as he looked at Elsa who was standing in the water with her clothes on, just like the boy.
"Of course I'd jump in," the blonde responded automatically. What kind of monster would let a person drown right in front of their eyes? Besides, Jack was her- the girl froze, unsure exactly what Jack was to her.
The white-haired boy was once her friend but that had been long ago. Were they friends again? Jack was obnoxious, yes, but a part of her did like spending time with him. She had also trusted him when she was blindfolded. Horror flooded Elsa; she was letting him in again, wasn't she?
The boy was smiling sheepishly. "I thought you hated me." He shrugged, clearly trying to play off his words like they didn't matter. "I'm sorry for making you wet." A weird look stretched across the boy's face and Elsa found herself wondering where his mind had drifted. "I mean, um, for making you get into the lake," he corrected, though Elsa wasn't sure why.
"I don't hate you," the blonde replied, ignoring the way Jack seemed to be flushed all of a sudden. "And even if I did I still would have tried to help." Elsa would even have tried to save Hans and he was by far her least favorite person.
The boy didn't respond and Elsa figured he still thought she was mad. For some reason, she really wasn't. The water felt rather refreshing, even if it was uncomfortable to be wearing a skirt and t-shirt in the water. It was fall now but the sun was beating down today, making it a perfect day to swim. Besides, the blonde loved the water, even if Jack had given her a bad memory of it.
Therefore, she decided it was only fair she let him see she really wasn't mad. As far as Jack's pranks went, this one wasn't bad; in fact, she should have expected it. "I don't mind being wet." Jack's eyes widened more than Elsa expected, causing her to tilt her head slightly in confusion. "Of course, you always seem to make me wet and-"
The boy practically shoved his hand onto her mouth, cutting her off. He was breathing deeply, his skin a dark shade of red. Elsa supposed hers probably was too though with how hot it was. "I get the idea," the white-haired boy assured her. "Just stop talking. It's even better when you say it." The last sentence was whispered as if the boy wasn't talking to her anymore.
Unsure what he was referring to, Elsa frowned slightly. She simply had meant that this was the second time Jack had tricked her into a lake. The girl decided to let it go. There was no reason to start a fight, especially when she wasn't sure what was going on. "Okay then." She shrugged. "We might as well enjoy the water since we have so much time to kill. I should return late today."
Elsa's parents expected her home by nine and the girl had yet to get home later than that. Surely if the first time she missed her curfew was with Jack that would be a red flag for her parents. The girl was a little bummed not to see Anna until later though.
"I still think it's insane your curfew is nine. I was out later than that my freshman year." He laughed lightly, looking off as if reliving a memory. Elsa knew he had had more fun in high school than she had. "It makes it easy to miss your curfew though."
Elsa didn't respond, peacefully existing in the water. The girl needed to swim more often; it was pure bliss being here. She had assumed this entire experience with Jack would be exhausting but this was refreshing.
The woods were quiet, the only noises being the rustling of the trees and the occasional bird. Elsa's body was being soothed by the water, the coolness clinging onto her burning skin. She never would have jumped in if not for Jack's prank so she supposed she was grateful. She sighed happily, letting her eyes close. She could stay here fore-
The girl's eyes shot open, blinking rapidly to adjust to the water that was just shot at them. Had Jack actually just splashed- Her thoughts were cut off once again as the boy repeated the action, a small smirk on his face.
Okay, fine, they could play this game. Elsa, using as much force as she could muster, began splashing the boy back. She kept repeating the action, ignoring how tired her arms were growing. She couldn't stop, not when Jack hadn't.
Therefore, she decided to use her feet instead, kicking violently to splash him more. However, her legs had no sense of direction apparently, splashing water over both of them.
"That's no fair!" Jack laughed, attempting to shield himself. Elsa found herself laughing along as they both continued ruining the stillness of the water.
The girl should have been upset that they were destroying the paradise she had been enjoying earlier, but she was far from it. Elsa felt happy. It was like the pair was in their own little world and Elsa was finally able to let her guard down. Jack had always let her be herself, after all.
The two continued playing for a couple of hours before dragging themselves out. Their clothes clung to their body and Elsa realized her thin pink t-shirt was practically sheer as it hugged her tightly.
It didn't seem she was the only one who noticed; Jack was staring at her, going as far as licking her lips as his eyes scanned her. She would have been insulted if she wasn't so busy staring at his body too.
Jack Frost had always been attractive, as annoying as it was. It wasn't a secret and that's why it surprised no one that girls seemed to fall at the boy's feet. Of course, physical attractiveness meant very little. Still, that didn't change the fact that Jack looked amazing right now.
The boy suddenly threw off his shirt, muttering something about drying faster. Elsa couldn't draw her eyes away now. She had already been able to tell he was toned but now that his shirt was off; what did he do to get abs like that? And why was someone allowed to look that good? Water droplets were running down his chest, Elsa's eyes following them all the way down.
Her face warming considerably, the blonde forced her eyes upward. However, to her surprise, that was no better. Jack was smiling gently as he looked off at the water. He looked relaxed and the sight made Elsa's heart flutter.
In the safety of her head, the girl admitted she had missed this, missed Jack. After their parents let them call this relationship off, they would be platonic of course. Still, the girl did hope they would remain friends. That's what they were now, right? Jack had said that day so many years ago mattered because it was the day he lost his friend. Surely that meant he wanted to be friends.
Everything seemed to support her theory. Jack was obnoxious but he was friendly enough. After Jack deemed them dry enough to get into his precious Frostbite -Elsa still thought it was adorable he named his car- they got some ice cream and Jack had insisted on paying. Of course, neither had any money problems but the gesture was still appreciated, especially since the girl was used to paying.
Therefore, Elsa was rather happy when she stepped into her house at 9:38. She didn't even say anything to her parents who were staring at her from their place in the living room. She resisted the urge to laugh at how confused her father looked, probably assuming Elsa would have a good reason for being late. Instead, she offered no reason at all.
She headed to her room, wondering whether she should text Jack before going to bed. They weren't a real couple but friends say goodnight too, right? Besides, Jack insisted they needed to become Snapchat best friends to make their relationship convincing. Yes, she'd text him once she got settled for bed.
However, her thoughts were interrupted as she turned on the light. Her office chair was in the middle of the room, slowly spinning around to reveal her smirking sister. Elsa resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her sister's theatrics.
Anna raised a brow. "Do you know what time it is?"