(A/N: So good to be back. Got requests to continue this story. Sorry for the wait. I had to quickly finish The Goddess of Ahtohallan and The Pale Knight. Moving forward, I will be updating this story along with Silent Knight. So, stay tuned.)
CHAPTER TWO: ROYAL RESOLVE
If one is watching a sunrise, another in the world has likely already seen their sunset. Far from New York city, in the land of Norway, is a kingdom that the world couldn't help but forget as time passed and the ways of the world shifted to reflect this. One of such changes was giving up the concept of a monarchy for a democracy so that the voices of the people could be heard. Very few holds onto a monarchy still. There is England for example, and there was also Arendelle.
A once small and humble kingdom that relied on agriculture for food and trading partnerships with distant lands for economic prosperity, was now a great modern European metropolis consisting of tall skyscrapers that reached the clouds. Despite the change, the kingdom still holds onto one traditional detail to remind them of their past, the Arendelle Crocus motif. A major change for the kingdom was becoming independent of any external help. That meant eliminating trading partners and creating more jobs within the kingdom. This decision is the cause for its economic growth.
In the center of this kingdom, there's a vast estate that greatly resembles the Palace of Versailles. It is the home of Arendelle's royal family that now belonged to its sole survivor who laid in her Queen's sized bed in the large royal chambers of its newly crowned Queen, Elsa Oldenburg. It was 1:00pm by the time Elsa retired to bed after finishing a mountain of paper work with the aid of certain officials who aided the young Queen in leading the kingdom and tending to its needs.
Elsa had never been so grateful for her soft blankets and mattress, yet the pain in her heart and tears escaped her eyes. She was alone. This feeling kept peaceful sleep far from her as she tossed and turned. It had plagued her for three years. The room's temperature was even set to her preferred setting which by others who enter refer it as unbearably cold. She took comfort in her cold haven and in the winter season. She sat up in her large mattress in her velvet silk nightgown. It was hopeless. She climbed out of her bed, slipping on snowman slippers and grabbed her flashlight. Around her shoulders, Elsa covered herself with her mother's shawl before leaving her bedroom, navigating the halls of her palace to the one spot she could find some sense of peace and happiness: The Family Portrait.
Elsa's sad blue eyes examined the painting as she shined the light on it. Her father, Agnarr Oldenburg, the former king of Arendelle, stood with his hands behind his back, standing tall and regal in his royal uniform. Elsa looked at the three-year-old version of herself before looking at the dark hair woman in the chair. It was the former Queen, her mother, Iduna holding-
Elsa crumbled to her knees overcome with emotion. She had no family. She was all alone in the world. At the age of eighteen, her parents set sail on the royal yacht for the Southern Isles for a political matter. Her parents and all that were with them on the trip had drown at sea when hurricane Gale suddenly appeared. Elsa laid against the wall under the painting as she wept, desperate for some sort of comfort in the presence of her family, even if it was just a painting. She felt warm, gentle hands caress her shaking shoulders from behind. Elsa calmed slightly as she looked up over her shoulder to see her closest adviser and practically uncle, Lord Peterssen.
The older man looked into her eyes sadly, "I miss them too, Your Majesty." He opened his arms to offer her a much-needed hug. One she quickly took as she continued weeping to unburden herself of the pain that still lingered. "It's been years, Peterssen! Three since I lost Mother and Father! Nearly eighteen since I lost my little-! How long?! When will the pain go away?!"
Lord Peterssen was becoming very worried for Elsa. She was starting to feel cold. He had to quickly do something to calm her. Her intense emotions were a bad omen, one he had to heed. He knew that people suffered under grief differently, but the fact that Elsa was dealing with so much grief even now when others would have moved on and healed some greatly troubled him. Gerda, Elsa's personal maid, had informed that recent episodes of grief were getting worse and even making Elsa sick, yet Elsa refused to sleep when her duties needed to be fulfilled. He admired her devotion to her responsibilities as Queen, but she also had responsibilities to herself. He, Gerda and others knew of her pain and discussed it privately. There was only one solution they could think of: Elsa needed to visit with suitors from their kingdom. She was at the perfect age to be married and have a family. The members of the Council were butting heads with Elsa during meetings on the topic. Lord Peterssen knew it was important to have a king and an heir, but he knew what Elsa needed best right now. Rest.
"Come with me," he encouraged, helping the young woman up to her feet and gently guiding her to the Royal Office which was adjoined with the massive library. The door to one of the guest rooms nearby opened and Lord Peterssen saw Olaf, a small boy pokes his head out with concern on his face, knowing something was wrong with Elsa. "Is Elsa okay?" the boy asked.
Lord Peterssen looked down at the boy smiling and rubbing his wild dark bed hair. "Don't worry, son. She'll be fine. Go back to bed." Olaf obeyed hesitantly and closed the door.
Lord Peterssen loved Elsa as if she were his own daughter and treated her as such, but struggled to learn how to help Elsa move on from the loss of her family. They entered her father's office, which Elsa has refused to use, preferring to do her work on the floor in the library with a box of her favorite chocolate nearby and a steaming mug of hot chocolate, rather than coffee. He guided her to a chair by the large window while he poured them both a glass of red wine to help her relax. To ensure it gave her the help she needed, he added a little something extra to her glass before handing it to her.
"Your father. Your mother. Your little sister. They would all be so proud of the young woman and Queen you have become," he said with a warm smile.
"I could only hope," Elsa sniffled before drinking her glass of red wine. Whenever she felt ill or stressed, Elsa would have a single glass before bed. Lord Peterssen made sure to have plenty handy in the wine cellar since drinking it did help her calm down. Keeping her calm was the unspoken rule within the palace and none who knew why dared to break it. He drank his and waited for his secret mixture to kick in and help Elsa fall to sleep. It was supposed to work fast since it was a potent sleeping drug. He only used this on himself if he ever had trouble sleeping and now Elsa who needed the rest. He was surprised when she smiled at him, "Thank you." She stood and walked over to her father's desk.
He watched her carefully for any signs it was working. He was sure he put in enough. "You're welcome, Queen Elsa. I thank God every night for the heavenly gift of wine," he replied jokingly to avoid looking suspicious to her. She had an incredible gift of reading people. "I hear you have never used your father's desk."
Elsa appeared sad again as she looked down at the desk beside her and grazed it with her fingers. "It doesn't feel right. It's my father's desk. Not mine. I enjoy being in the library. The peaceful atmosphere in there helps me with my work."
"It now belongs to you. Just try and sit in the desk chair and you'll see that it's okay. Go on," he encouraged. Not only was he trying to help her get over feeling insecure about sitting at her father's desk, he also wanted her to be sitting when the drug finally struck, which should be any time now.
Elsa humored him and hesitantly approached the chair before finally sitting in it and facing Lord Peterssen who stood across from her in front of the desk. Lord Peterssen smiled at her, "A fitting desk for a young Queen."
This made Elsa smile before he continued, "Legend has it that your father had many secret stashes of chocolate in this palace. No one except your mother could find them and she would horde the chocolate for herself."
The both of them had a laugh. Elsa replied, "I remember. I was with her when she found it in his desk. She was pregnant with my sister and had an insatiable craving for chocolate. I caught her so she had to share. I believe it was…THIS drawer." She pulled a drawer on her left and her eyes widened when she saw an envelope with her name written on it in her father's handwriting.
"What is it, Queen Elsa?" Lord Peterssen asked.
Elsa pulled out the envelope, "Something from Father." She opened it and saw it was a handwritten letter. Her eyes suddenly became wide and full of tears that streamed down her cheeks as she covered her mouth. "My sister! She's- She's-" The drug suddenly hit her. Lord Peterssen caught her before she could hit her head. He grabbed the letter after placing her down in the chair.
His eyes widened and his aged heart began to beat fast. His eyes could only read the key words from the late King.
I found your sister, Anna.
She's alive!
New York.
Adopted by a baker couple named Tomolly and Johan.
Find her, Elsa.
Bring her back home.
Lord Peterssen could hardly believe it. Princess Anna…is ALIVE! How is this possible?! He looked at the date on the letter. It was when he and Iduna had to sail to the Southern Isles. Agnarr planned ahead and left this to Elsa in case something happened on their journey. Ever since that horrible night around eighteen years ago, Agnarr had become very paranoid, cautious and secretive. So that's what you were working on, boy. You never believed Anna was killed. You were scouring the world for her. You fought to hold onto hope…for Iduna's sake.
He put the letter in his pocket to make sure he didn't lose it and carried her to her bed so she could sleep well. He had preparations to tend to because he knew what Elsa would want to do as soon as she waked up.
Before Elsa knew it, it was morning. She remembered her discovery and rushed out of her room for her office. She panicked as she turned her father's office into a mess, desperately searching for her father's letter. "No! Where is it?!"
A knock was heard on her door. She turned to see Lord Peterssen standing there with a smile, holding the letter in his hand. She rushed to him and hugged him, grateful he had the foresight to protect the important document. She snatched it from his hand, but he held her. "Slow down. There are things to be done before we can look for her. The Council should be notified. You'll need their permission in order to leave after-"
The mere suggestion made Elsa become furious. "No! I'm leaving now! I'm going to find my sister and bring her home! I am the Queen of Arendelle, Lord Peterssen! I do not require the blessing of those old fools! If anyone wants to hold me back, I'd like to see them try!" She marched off. "Have my private jet prepared and two agents of the Royal Guard report to the courtyard immediately!"
"Your Majesty-" Lord Peterssen tried to reason with her, but the cold, merciless scowl she gave him when she looked back at him made him hold his tongue. He merely bowed his head to submit to the command of his Queen.
…
Anna stood at the gate of her high school, hesitant to go in after what she just learned. How can I possibly focus on anything else?! After Mom and Dad shared everything this morning?!
"Anna!" Anna turned and smiled to see her only friend in all her time there. Jack had brown hair. He was her age, and had a lanky build but his smile and outgoing personality always made her feel better. "Hi, Jack."
"Ready for seven hours in Hell?" Jack joked when he joined her side.
Anna's smile faded. "No." She rather be home since there was too much on her mind.
Jack flicked her nose with his finger, getting a rile out of her. "What the HELL was that?!" she yelled. He smiled, "What's up? You act like there's something bothering you."
Anna broke eye contact.
Jack noticed Adam nearby and knew Anna had a crush on him. He smiled and forced her to look in Adam's direction. "Are you perhaps nervous about today? Today is the day, right? When you confess your feelings for your future hubby?"
"Quiet, he'll hear you!" Anna hissed, smacking away his hands.
"So, what if he does? Anna, if you don't do it today, you'll never will. Take a chance," Jack encouraged.
Anna's eyes went to Adam, watching as he entered with some friends. He was so handsome and her heart longed for him. She took a deep breath and marched forward like she was on an important mission, which made Jack smile as he followed at a distance so he could keep an eye on her.
The closer Anna got, the more nervous she became. Adam was tall and had the looks and the bod to be a model or an actor. She began to panic. Oh my Gosh! I'm really going to do this?! She passed him, but froze briefly, taking a deep breath after remembering Jack's last words. She turned to face him. "Adam?"
Anna almost instantly melts into a puddle when he looked her in the eyes and gave her a charming smile. "Hey, Anna. You look great."
Anna blushed intensely. He knows my name! He thinks I look great! She could barely contain the excited squeal that desperately wanted to escape her lips. "Me? Great? Nah! I'm okay, but you're gorgeous." Wait, what? "I didn't mean to say that out loud." Adam just chuckled with amusement as Anna rambled, desperately trying to salvage what dignity she had, but he silenced her by placing a finger on her lips. His touch caused a pleasurable tremor to run down her body to her toes, making them curl. "How about a movie Friday? I'll buy the tickets and you can get the popcorn? Deal?"
Anna became frozen with shock. Adam, the guy she had been crushing HARD on for the past few years, just asked her out. She couldn't reply. She could only stare at him in a blushing daze. He just chuckled before planting a chaste kiss on her freckled cheeks before leaving for first period. If she wasn't done in by his first look at her, his kiss totally done her in. She looked over at Jack's locker down the hall and he gave her a thumbs up. She just giggled to herself. She felt so down that morning after not learning anything meaningful about her real family, but scoring a date with Adam turned her mood around instantly.
She headed for her locker, but someone rammed into her left shoulder rudely, making her turn to see the last person she ever wanted to see. "Watch where you're going, shrimp!"
Anna's eyes narrowed at her. Samantha…the school's hottest blonde. She was the head of the cheerleader squad but also the most terrible bully to Anna. Anna didn't know why Samantha had to target her of all students. Jack joked that Samantha was threatened by how beautiful Anna had gotten. Anna held onto that belief and just shrugged off her comment as she walked away as if unphased. This only made Samantha angrier. Anna was once a push over, but now didn't act phased by her comments.
After her encounter with Adam, there was nothing Samantha could do to bring her down. Not today, Satan. Anna continued to smile as she headed off. Anna tried her best to focus, but all her mind could focus on was Adam. Friday was tomorrow and her mind was becoming anxious as she overthought on how the evening should go to make her date with Adam perfect. Her mind raced with all the possible scenarios and questions she had.
What kind of movies does he like?
How does he like his popcorn?
How should I dress for him? Is he formal on dates or casual?
Should I wait for him to make a move or does he like bold women?
Should I let him kiss me after he takes me home or should I save that for our third date?
All the worrying didn't make the day go by faster but the final bell eventually came. Anna waited up front for her adopted parents since they were going to go straight to the graveyard to visit the tombstone of the mysterious man from her past. Jack met her up front, "Hey, Anna. I thought you always walked home."
Anna looked at him. She hadn't told him about the clue she uncovered. She got closer so only he would hear, "Remember what I shared with you years ago about being adopted?"
Jack's smile disappeared before he nodded, "Yeah."
"I confronted my parents about it," Anna shared.
Jack turned to her more, obviously more interested. "Did they tell you anything about your real family? I remember you saying you were going to ask for your 18th birthday."
"Yes…and no," Anna replied sadly, "There was this man who died when I was a baby. Tomolly and Johan are taking me to his grave. They think he was some kind of guard."
"A guard?" Jack asked. Things were getting more and more interesting.
Anna nodded. "The only clue I have is this." She showed him her hand where she had drawn the same flower symbol she saw that morning. "Tomolly and Johan said it was on his uniform."
"It doesn't look familiar, but I can help research it for you and let you know what I find," Jack offered.
Anna smiled and hugged her friend, "Thanks, Jack."
Jack smiled when he pulled away, "Anything for my BFF." He turned when he heard a familiar voice call his name and saw it was his mother and his little sister was already with her. "See you later, Anna."
Anna waved goodbye as she watched him go to his REAL family and embrace them both. She felt envious. "Must be nice knowing who you really are." She loved her adopted parents a lot, but couldn't shake that nagging feeling that could only cure with answers.
"What's this? Is little Anna getting picked up by MOMMY and DADDY?" Samantha goaded from behind, "You not pass the driver's class? What a shame! To be nearly eighteen and not have your driver's license."
Anna smiled smugly, "We can't all be spoiled brats like you, Samantha." It made Anna feel so good to put the rich girl in her place. The angry look on the bully's face just made Anna even happier.
Anna saw Johan and Tomolly pull up in the van they also used for delivering orders and happily ran to the van to sit in the front seat in between her adopted parents. "You look happy," Tomolly pointed out.
Anna squealed with excitement, "Adam asked me out!" This announcement surprised them both.
"The boy you drool about in your sleep? Who never knew you were alive?" Johan teased, earning a pout and a hit on the shoulder from Anna. "I'm kidding! I'm kidding! Easy! I'm an old, frail man!"
They all laughed as they drove off. Johan continued smiling as Anna and his wife talked about her upcoming date. It was Anna's first date and his wife had a lot of questions to answer for their teenage daughter. They had enough time since the nearest cemetery was some distance away. When they finally arrived, their laughter was replaced with silence. Johan and Tomolly guided Anna to the grave marked, John Doe.
Everything Tomolly and Johan shared with her that morning came back to her as she got down on her knees before the tombstone.
When you were found as a baby, you were held in the arms of a man who wore that same symbol on his uniform. He had apparently stowed away on one of the planes and exited before-
Anna, he died. According to the investigation details we were given, the man sustained multiple fatal gun shots to his chest and body. He held you close as he bled out and succumbed to his wounds.
Anna, whoever he was, we believe he may have been a protector. You were found wrapped protectively in the arms of the man. Investigators believe he was protecting you, so to honor his sacrifice, he was given a heroes' burial with a tombstone at the burial grounds for military personnel and marked it 'John Doe'. He had only had the clothes on his back and a sidearm. No ID to identify him or reveal where he's from. They tried to identify him by his finger prints, face scan or even dental. They found nothing. He's a ghost.
Anna laid rose down at the base of the tombstone. "Thank you, whoever you are. Thank you for keeping me safe. I wish I got to know you. I wish you were here. You were the only person who could help me find my family." Anna teared up. The sense of loneliness becoming strong in her heart. Her adopted parents hugged her before they eventually left.
When returning home, Anna went straight for her room. She didn't have an appetite. Tomolly and Johan just watched her leave and hear her door close. "We need to do something to cheer her up," Tomolly said.
Johan smiled and looked at his wife, "You thinking what I'm thinking?" Tomolly smiled back at him before they split to take care of their chosen tasks.
In Anna's bedroom, she laid crying on her bed. She became more serious when her eyes fell on the drawing of the flower symbol on her hand. Determined, she went to her desk and got on her computer, scouring the internet for anything related to this motif. She used different searches in the search bar to see what would yield the most promising fruit.
Military personnel with flower motif on their uniform? Nothing.
Groups that bear a flower motif? Nothing?! Come on, stupid internet! You're supposed to have all the answers!
For the next thirty minutes, she tried other stuff. None of which showed any promising results. She teared up, feeling her resolve to find answers crumbling. Then she remembered something important in U.S. History, how America's national bird and flower were a bald eagle and a rose. This made Anna light up when an idea came to her. This symbol- It looks like a flower. What if it's a nation's symbol? But what kind of flower is it? Does matter! I'll research EVERY nation's flower. I'll find where I'm from!
Every national flower. A link caught her eye. A list of every nation. I'll make a list and then- Suddenly all the lights went out. "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!"
"Language, young lady," Her adopted father said as he opened her door. "It's just a blackout. The city should have it fixed soon. Why don't you come help your mother make homemade brownies while I pick up that movie you love so much from the store?"
"Wait, what? Brownies? Pizza? Movie?" Did her ears deceive her?
"Your mother and I thought a special family night was in order," Johan said with a smile, "So, you coming? Or do I have to eat your share?"
Anna ran out the door, pass him, "LIKE HELL YOU WILL!"
"LANGUAGE, Anna," Johan called.
"Yeah. Yeah. Whatever," her distant voice called from the other room, making him chuckle as he followed. He looked at her computer. I wonder what she was looking at to make her so upset?
That evening, the three of them made brownies, ate the pizza that was delivered and after the power came on like Johan said, they enjoyed Anna's favorite movie: The Princess Bride. During her favorite moments, Anna would say the lines.
"INCONCEIVABLE!"
Another time, she grabbed a pillow and poised like it was a fencing sword, aiming it at Johan, "'Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.'"
Johan grabbed the pillow and fenced with Anna around the living room with their couch pillows. Tomolly just rolled her eyes and shook her head. She heard a piece of furniture fall over. "CAREFUL, YOU TWO!" She sighed with a smile, "What am I going to do with those two?"
Anna was so happy. The evening couldn't have been any more perfect. That night before bed, she had a long talk with her mother about the date the next day. Tomolly helped her pick her dress, shoes, make up, hair style. According to Anna, Adam was going to come pick her up at seven. So, Anna wanted to make sure she was ready and perfect for her greatest crush. She was so nervous, still struggling to comprehend that this was reality. She was going on a date with Adam.
She met with Jack the next day and mentioned her idea about the flower motif. "Sounds like you're getting close. I tried looking up stuff all night, but couldn't find a thing," Jack shared by her locker. Jack noticed Anna watching Adam at his locker at the end of the hall way. He smiled when he saw this and flicked her nose.
"HEY!" she yelled, grabbing her nose.
Jack just laughed at her reaction before asking, "You nervous about tonight?"
Anna faced him more and nodded nervously, "He passed me a note in one our classes together yesterday. He's picking me up at seven. We're going to go see a movie together and he'll walk me back home. I'm very nervous."
"Should I come and keep an eye on him so he doesn't try anything to make you uncomfortable? I'll bring water balloons," Jack offered with a mischievous smile.
"Absolutely not, Jack! Thanks for your offer, but the theater is down the block from my apartment building. I'll be fine," Anna laughed.
Jack noticed Adam looking at Anna from behind and walking over. Jack just smiled and stayed quiet. With one hand, Adam covered her eyes, making her flinch, but she immediately calmed when Adam whispered in her ear. "Ready for tonight?"
Anna smiled behind his hand, and nodded, making him smile. He whispered in her ear. "I'm glad because I got a surprise for you after the movie. I know you'll REALLY love it." This made her smile fade and warmth rush to her cheeks.
"O-Okay," Anna whimpered.
Adam smiled darkly before leaving.
Jack didn't hear the last part, but Anna's overly adult imagination was instantly swarming her with stuff she had to keep to herself. She just giggled nervously at Jack when she noticed him looking at her with an inquisitive look. "I better get home. Bye, Jack."
"See you Monday, Anna," Jack smiled, watching her leave. He couldn't help but feel worried still, considering the stories he heard. After all, Anna was like family to him and he wasn't going to let anyone hurt her. The thought of tailing Anna during her date was so tempting but he remembered Anna saying not to be there. Despite how he felt, he felt like he had to trust she would be safe and that she could handle herself.
Anna couldn't waste time. She worked fast on her homework before working on getting ready for her date that night. She began with a hot shower to clean her hair and body, which she dried and styled with Tomolly's help. She applied her perfume, which Tomolly showed how to apply it. "Apply it to the pulse points. Your inner wrists, base of your throat, behind your earlobes, in the…cleavage," Tomolly instructed Anna wearily while giving her a warning look Anna knew so well. No funny business. You understand young lady? "Also, behind your knees and inner elbows. Those spots emanate heat which will help the fragrance emanate into the air."
Anna sprayed where instructed and stood before her adopted mother, "How do I look?"
Tomolly smiled with joyful tears at Anna, who wore a beautiful green summer dress and had her auburn hair down in light curls. She cupped her freckled face in her hands and replied, "More beautiful than any angel." The two hugged, before they heard the doorbell ring and Tomolly was forced to pull away. "Don't keep him waiting. Answer the door," Tomolly instructed urgently.
Anna blushed when she opened the door to see Adam all dressed up for her as well, but she could tell she impressed him by seeing his longing eyes examining her new look. He had something behind his back, "These are for you." It was a bouquet of roses. Not her favorite flower but Anna was willing to let it slide since he was such a babe.
Anna was so nervous that the greetings between Adam and her adopted parents went by in a flash and she was being escorted away from her home to the nearby elevator. They were all alone as they descended from the top floor to the lobby, during which, Anna could hardly breath. Her heart was beating hard. She was alone with the guy she liked since freshmen year. "You look great." She was pulled out of her line of thought by Adam's soft angelic voice.
Anna heart fluttered as Adam closer, almost pinning her to the wall of the elevator as his fresh, minty breath bathed her face. "Why didn't I ask you out sooner? I don't think I can wait for end of the end of the date," he whispered with his lips so close to her's.
Anna knew his intent. He wanted to kiss her. Oh, my-!
The opening of the elevator door caused both to stand at attention and leave when some adults stared. "I hate elevators," Adam muttered, making Anna smile. He was going to kiss her. Knowing that she was beautiful enough to invoke such a strong reaction in Adam, caused her confidence to soar even higher, leaving her insecurities far behind.
As they walked, Anna recalled him whispering in her ear about a surprise he had planned. She was suddenly very curious. "The surprise you mentioned. What is it?" She asked eagerly, putting her hands behind her back and twirling around him in her dress.
Adam smirked, "That eager, are we? Perhaps…we should skip the movie and go enjoy your surprise."
His voice was like sweet honey and his words tempted her greatly, but she smiled smugly, "Nah, I'd rather see the movie." She turned away, seeing his face turned to disappointment. Her heart was swelling with confidence. Was this what it felt like to hold all the power over a man? It's Adam too! She was squealing inside as she skipped to the theater entrance just a few feet away, swaying the hem of her dress to tease Adam.
Anna picked the movie, some chick flick, which made Adam make fun of her, but he bought the tickets. She got the popcorn. He kept insisting on the last row. She relented and allowed him this one request. He seemed to become happier after that and Anna allowed him to guide her to the last row.
Anna horded the popcorn. Adam didn't mind her eating it all, but the movie was killing him. Anna was becoming too cocky. He had to regain control. His ego demanded it. His lips curled lightly into a dark smile as he stared at Anna with intent as she ate the last of the popcorn. Her eyes met his before he gently took away the bucket and placed it in the seat on his right.
She began to get nervous again as he began to graze her exposed skin with his hands, causing electricity to surge through her. What is this?! What's he doing?! Her hair was moved and she could feel his lips graze her the area of her neck near her ear, which made her begin to melt. What she was feeling in that moment, it was too much for her. She quickly pushed him away and excused herself urgently, "I have to powder my nose!"
He smiled as she rushed past him out of the room their movie was playing and for the nearest bathroom. He'd think she was running away, but he wasn't worried. Women who were innocent in such matters always seemed to follow the same pattern in his eyes. He smiled smugly, "She'll be back."
Anna was sitting in one of the stalls, resting her face in her hands as she breathed heavily to calm herself. The more she focused on her breathing, the more she accidently focused on WHY she was trying to calm down and that just made her burn up even more. She focused hard to get control of herself. She heard of hugging, holding hands and kissing, but what Adam was doing in there was something beyond that. She blamed herself for being so ignorant. Why couldn't she be a normal teenage girl that was into more girly stuff instead of action-packed movies with guns, blood and sci-fi monsters? The only reason she chose a romance movie instead was to appeal to Adam and show she could be one of the girls that she usually saw him with. Would he even have asked her out if he knew what a real tomboy she could be? Anna couldn't help but try and look nice for him since she first saw him. He brought out the woman in her and she liked it.
"Am I over reacting? It's Adam, Anna, the boy you had a crush on since freshmen orientation," she thought out loud. She recalled meeting Megara during her classes at school.
You shouldn't go out with Adam, Anna. He's not the kind of man you believe he is. He only wants one thing. Once he sees you have nothing to offer him, he'll cast you aside for the next short skirt to walk by. Don't let him hurt you.
Anna recalled hearing rumors of how fast Adam moved with women he dated. Anna just shrugged them off as pathetic attempts to scare others away, the ramblings of jealous ex-girlfriends. However, the urgency in Megara's voice was real or it was REALLY, REALLY good acting. Either way, it got Anna to think and see Adam a bit different. She couldn't help but wonder if Meg was right. The thoughts made her tremble, weary of Adam's intent behind this so-called surprise.
The evening was drawing close to an end. Adam was eager to do something else. Anna was getting a bad feeling. "Thanks for the movie. I had fun, but I should head home," Anna said, "There's something very important I need to finish."
"Why the rush, Anna?" Adam asked after grabbing her hand. She turned to him. He smiled, "The night is still young. We can take a walk. I hear people like Central Park." He smiled when her face lit up slightly. He got her interest.
Anna loved it when her adopted parents took her to Central Park during the Summer. They would spend all day have a cookout, playing games and more. Am I overreacting? Maybe I should give him a chance. She would definitely not go in the dark alone, but since Adam was going to be there with her, she felt calmer. He guided her by the hand down streets until they finally arrived in Central Park.
Anna couldn't help but tremble a little. The atmosphere in the park seemed so terrifying at night. Not how she remembered it. Adam held her close to him and whispered, "You're safe. I won't let anything happen to you."
Anna's instincts were telling her to be weary of Adam. The feeling was getting stronger than before the deeper they walked into the park. She stopped suddenly, which he noticed. "What's wrong?"
Anna looked up at him and began to laugh. Adam looked at her curiously. "What's so funny? I'm afraid I missed the joke."
"I'm such an idiot," Anna said, "I'm sorry, Adam for the way I've been acting. I guess the rumors just got me on edge."
Adam looked a bit shocked, "What rumors?"
Anna smiled, "You liking to move fast with the girls you date."
Adam smirked, "Oh. THAT." He got closer to her. "It's true. I'm not a big fan of waiting and wasting my time if it only leads to a dead end."
Anna became flushed in the face when she asked, "Why did you ask me out?"
Adam smiled and the look in his eyes changed. "I thought it was obvious. After all, I caught the looks you've been giving me all these years."
"I- I don't know what you're talking about," Anna lied as his lips drew close to her's. She could feel his lips curling in an amused smile. "Yes, you do," he whispered back softly before he kissed her with a hungry passion. Anna was so lost in the taste of his lips and the sensations surging through her as he kissed her and held her in his arms while carrying her away.
She felt him laying her on the ground underneath him, "What are we doing?"
"I'm giving you what you've always wanted," he spoke softly before his lips found her's and also graced her neck. Her heart and breathing became quick and heavy as she felt his hands touch her like did in the elevator and the theater room.
Despite how good it felt, Anna freaked when he lifted her dress and began to go for her panties. She quickly grabbed his hand to keep him from removing it, "No! Please- Please, don't."
"Why? This what you've wanted, right?" Adam asked with a hint of frustration in his once soft voice. "Why are you hesitating now?" He was starting to remove her panties.
Is this what she wanted? Once, yes, but now that it was happening, her body was screaming the complete opposite. She was so confused. Why couldn't she just embrace what she always desired? Out of instinct, she punched him in the nose to get free from him and quickly take several feet back from him.
"Anna-" he said in shock, seeing the blood on his hands when he touches his nose.
"I'm sorry. I- I can't do this right now," Anna said before running the way they came and straight for home. When she got to her apartment, she locked herself in her room, ignoring Tomolly and Johan who were startled by her sudden return from her date.
They knew something was wrong. Johan got up to find out what happened, but Tomolly halted him. "Let me." She went to Anna's bedroom and knocked on the door. "Sweetie, can I come in?"
Anna opened the door for her and immediately hugged Tomolly when she entered.
Tomolly could tell by the way her Anna hugged her for comfort that Adam did something to make her scared. She could already deduce from Anna's silence what he did and just held her little baby in her arms as a loving mother would always do. She didn't say a word. That night, Anna had trouble sleeping. She could only process she came to losing her virginity to Adam. The scenario she dreamed was more romantic and magical, yet she got something completely different. She also thought about how she reacted. She felt guilty and that she owed him an explanation. She knew he would be at school early for practice in the fields since he was on the football team. She made a silent decision to confront him about what happened. If I just explain I was scared because we were moving so fast, he'll understand.
Morning came and Tomolly was already up making breakfast. Johan woke up and hugged his wife from behind. "Where's Anna? She still in bed?"
"No," Tomolly replied as she focused on cooking eggs for breakfast. "She left early. She needed to talk to Adam at the football field."
"One of us should have gone with her," Johan thought out loud.
"Our Anna is a mature young woman. She can handle Adam," Tomolly replied, holding his hand.
Anna arrived at the football field next to the school. She could already hear the players and the two coaches all yelling stuff. She scanned the field for one number. Adam's number on the jerseys. It wasn't there. She did notice the cheerleader squad nearby taking a break after practicing one of their routines.
"Can I help you?" the boy sitting on the bench next to the water cooler asked. Anna remembered the boy was the head coach's son.
Anna was nervous. "Is…Adam here? It's important that I speak with him."
The boy thought for a moment. "He went to the bathroom. Over there." He pointed at a brick building that held two bathrooms. This was reserved for people during games or practice. Anna hesitantly walked over. She was very nervous about seeing him again after what happened. She wasn't sure she could go through with it, but she couldn't put it off. The sooner she talked to him, the better off she would be.
She focused on reciting what she would say. Can we talk Adam? About last night? I'm sorry for hitting your nose. You were right. I wanted to, but when it finally happened. I couldn't follow through. We were moving so fast. I just need time to-
Anna froze, her heart dropped when she saw Adam in a heavy make out session with Samantha. Tears swelled in her eyes before she quickly left, going somewhere where she could be alone. There she could cry and cry. She felt her phone vibrate. It was Jack. Obviously calling to ask about her date with Adam. She answered. "Jack?"
Jack could instantly tell something was wrong by the sadness in her voice. "Anna? What's wrong? What happened?"
"Can we meet? I need my best friend," Anna's voice was shaking.
"Where are you?" Jack asked urgently.
Jack and Anna were walking. He was shocked to hear everything from Anna. "I should've been there. Anna, I so sorry I-" He saw she was struggling to hold back her tears. The pain of seeing Adam with Samantha was too much for her to bear. "Hey," Jack said softly, hugging his friend as she cried.
"Megara was right. He went moved on to Samantha since I didn't-" Anna cried into his shoulder.
"Adam is a jerk for what he did, Anna. Don't ever apologize for telling him no. You shouldn't be pressured into something that makes you uncomfortable," Jack said firmly, his brotherly side coming out. Anna nodded. "You want me to walk you home?"
Anna pulled away, "I can't go home like this. I know it bothers Mom and Dad when they see I'm hurting. Can we just…walk until I calm down and I clean my face up? I don't want them to see me like this."
"Of course," Jack nodded and he walked with Anna, his arm still around her to comfort her. Spending time with Jack helped her a lot, but when Monday came around, the sight of Adam just made the pain come back, forcing her to avert her gaze when she saw Samantha smiling smugly at her. The whole day, Anna did her best to avoid Adam and Samantha. Luckily for her, she was following her B-day schedule and didn't have classes with either. She did have lunch with Jack, but she was forced to eat outside since she saw Adam and Samantha.
"Will you be okay?" Jack asked after they sat down at one of the tables outside.
Anna breathed to stay calm, "I just need to avoid them as much as possible. This is the final year. I just need to get through the last few months."
Jack was going to say something, but held his tongue for a moment. "Anna," Jack placed his hand on her's, "You deserve better than Adam. One day, you're going to meet a man who will treat you like the beautiful princess you are and you'll be so happy that you'll forget whatshisface."
Anna smirked. "Thanks, Jack." Her smile faded. "But I don't feel very date worthy."
Jack felt compelled to say something more to cheer his friend up, but Samantha came out. "Well. Well. Look at what we have here. I knew there was something going on between you two."
Anna moved her hand from Jack's, "We're friends."
Samantha scoffed, "That's not what I told Adam. He was already upset after what YOU did, Anna. He was happy to cast you aside for a REAL woman such as myself. You should've been there when we kissed at practice. That kiss…oh, the way he tasted."
Anna shuddered, because she did know about that kiss and how Adam's lips tasted. It just added to her depression. Jack scowled at Samantha, standing up, "Why don't you give it a rest, Samantha, and beat it? Let that cut underneath your nose heal why you're at it."
"Oh, my! Did I touch a nerve, Anna?" Samantha asked as Anna quickly stood and tried to leave with her tray. Anna froze when Samantha next statement gripped her heart tightly. "NO WONDER YOUR REAL PARENTS ABANDONED YOU! THEY ABANDONED YOU JUST LIKE ADAM! HOW COULD ANYONE LOVE YOU?!"
Anna threw her tray of lunch at the blonde, ruining her closes and hair, distracting her before tackling her to the ground and hitting her fiercely. Jack stepped in and kept Samantha's friends from interfering. Samantha needed to be taught a lesson and Anna needed to be the one to deliver it. They were suddenly surrounded by a crowd of students all yelling as they watched the fight. Suddenly four teachers ran in, prying Anna off Samantha and Jack off another student who tried to stop Anna. Both Jack and Anna were escorted to the principal's office after Samantha faked a crying fit about how Anna and Jack just attacked her out of nowhere.
Jack and Anna sat on the bench after a firm lecture from the school principal, Mr. Wagner, waiting for their parents to arrive to pick them up. "Three-day suspension. Could've been worse," Jack joked, making Anna giggle lightly.
"Jack," Jack turned to see his mother and she was not happy. Jack looked back at Anna, "Call me when you get home."
"Okay," Anna said. She couldn't help but giggle more as she watched Jack's mom grip by the ear and pull him out the building to the car. She stopped when she saw Tomolly and Johan enter and look at her with silent faces.
The ride from the school in the family SUV was silent until Johan finally spoke up, "Anna…starting a fight…what were you thinking?"
"She's been bullying me all high school. I GAVE HER WHAT SHE DESERVED," Anna replied back firmly.
"People like her only act that way because they see it bothers you. You should've walked away," Tomolly said.
"I couldn't. Adam tried to force me to have sex with him after the movie. When I turned him down and returned home, I went to talk to him the next morning but found him and Samantha making out at the field. She said my real family and Adam abandoned me because neither loved me," Anna was breaking down in tears, rendering her parents silent and their once upset faces softened.
Johan pulled aside and turned the engine off before turning and taking her hand. "WE love you, Anna. Your mother and I love SO MUCH. What does that spoiled brat know? Nothing either of them said or did will EVER change that. Do you understand, Anna?"
Anna looked at them both with teary eyes and finally nodded. Both her parents smiled. "What's my punishment for getting suspended for three days?"
"Easy. We're going to celebrate you smacking that brat around," Johan chuckled.
Tomolly shot him a look, "Johan, we are NOT encouraging Anna getting into a fight. Violence isn't the answer."
"Oh, come on, dear," Johan replied back, "Are you saying after what Anna just shared that Samantha didn't deserve it?"
Tomolly just sighed and smiled, "No. Samantha no doubt learned a valuable lesson. Let's head home. We'll need to put up a sign we are temporarily closed.
"What?" Anna asked.
"We'll keep the bakery closed for the duration of your suspension. We just got paid for deliveries so we'll be fine," Johan said. "I say we visit Central Park while the weather is nice."
"Excellent idea," Tomolly said.
Anna's sad face became happy. Her parents knew how to lift her spirits up. They drove through a four-way intersection when the light turned green. A semi-truck driver wasn't paying attention to the lights and smashed into Johan's side, causing the SUV to get totaled as it flipped several times before stopping in an upside-down position. All three were knocked out from the collision with bloody scrapes from the glass. The people nearby were shocked by the accident and were calling 911.
In Elsa's private jet, she looked worryingly out her window. Something was wrong. She could feel it.
One of the Royal guards, a man named Halden asked, "Your majesty? What's wrong?"
"How far are we?!" Elsa asked urgently.
"We have two more hours before we reach New York," the other guard, Mattias, said after returning from the cockpit and sitting in another chair.
"We have to hurry," Elsa commanded, "Tell the pilot to fly faster!"
(A/N: Hurry, Elsa.)