Chapter 2: Beyond nightfall

Note: by several comments with request for more… I released the wandering thoughts in my mind onto the typing board…Hope you enjoy this by now WIP… 😊

So, he was a mechanic, working with his dad in the family car repair shop.

Anna had got ready for bed after they had sat long beyond nightfall. Time had passed so swiftly, and Anna was aware, that she had done most of the talking. Wondering, if she had not tyred Mr. Bjorgman, Kristoff, too much, she startled at her mobile´s vibrating buzzing on the nightstand. Jenny had texted, "glad it worked. Enjoy your time!"

Anna gnawed on her lips, thinking of what she should do when Monday came… Of course, she was the one to get off that boat. After all, Kristoff had offered that they would find another solution and then had shared his sandwiches and delicious wine with her. It was more than generous and seemingly he had not disliked her company. But then, he had mentioned more than once that he had been looking forward to some quiet days ahead. Apparently, the past months had been a heap of tremendous work and efforts on the job. Anna understood, he was more the kind of lonely ranger. For sure, her presence must be annoying and nerve taking to the poor man… Anna sighed absentmindedly, subconsciously disappointed. But then, why? She would not know that much about the tall blonde man with almond brown eyes. But then, for some reason, she had felt so comfy, so accepted and respected. Perhaps she was just dreaming again, like she had done so beforehand… Anna shook her head and ran her hands through her hair to clear her mind, when her mobile buzzed again. This time it was Elsa.

Hey little sis, everything alright? You promised to message when arrived and settled!

Oh dear! She had completely forgotten about that! Elsa was the protective one…

So sorry Elsi! Everything fine. It´s beautiful here. You should see this lake and the glittering water pearls at sunset. All a dream! Take care, miss you!

Anna laid her phone back on the nightstand and turned to lay on her side, trying to get some rest. But her mind raced about what she was supposed to do in two days ahead. Well, there was nothing she could handle right now it in advance. She had two days left to appreciate these amazing surroundings and nature´s offering, and some very kind company for the time being…

Then, Anna remembered, what she had always mused about what it would be like to swim in the welcoming waters beneath the night´s stars. Why not make the best of the time she got for now and so, Anna got up and picked her towel and sneaked out of her little cabin to peep around if Kristoff was in room or still outside on deck maybe. He wasn´t outside and no noise was to be heard from behind his closed door.

Anna grinned, stepped out and then down onto the lower platform at the back of the big boat. There, she tossed the towel to the ground near the stair ladder and got rid of her short summer pyjamas. She took a deep breath and dived elegantly headfirst into the waters, just to emerge with a shock surprised shriek, overwhelmed and yet so thrilled by the cool waters engulfing all her skin. With a happy sigh, she continued her swimming, relishing in the freedom she got to do so.

So, she was a dancer, a ballerina to be specific, performing at Arendelle state opera house.

Kristoff would not know anything of this sort of arts, it had never been a topic in his family. But then, the enthusiastic way, that lively girl would chatter of her world, made him listen with interest. He could not explain the phenomena but for some reason her arm-waving and eyes sparkling body language had captured his attention. At some point Kristoff started wondering if it was the wine that had him grinning like an idiot when Anna had explained about her present role, she and her company partner were rehearsing for the upcoming performing season.

That Olaf must be a funny guy, brother-like to her, apparently her confident and steady friend since they had studied dance at the same school years ago. But then, at some point, Anna had become quiet for a moment, before relaunching into her repertoire of tales.

It had seemed to him that there had been a painful incident she didn´t want to touch and Olaf had been there for her, catching her in her despair. That´s how she had explained, and then regained her happy composure.

Kristoff had placed himself comfortably on the bed, intending to read the book, he had brought along. It lay beside him, yet untouched, while he rewound the evening´s pleasant dwelling with Anna.

Strange, he had never thought such a silly coincidence would ever happen to him… His mobile buzzed and a text message from Sven got his attention.

Hey buddy, you´re good? Don´t get lost all alone, just to be brooding all the time just by yourself. Promise, right?!

Kristoff grinned. Should he text Sven, that there was a cute redhaired ballerina sleeping opposite? Better not. His best friend would quit his very job and fly back immediately, just to meet Anna and to make him marry her off still on the boat. He smirked and typed quickly.

Thanks. All good. Take care buddy!

That´s when he heard water splash outside, followed by a high-pitched cry. Kristoff nearly fell out of the bed, startled. Goodness grieves, what was that? He jumped to his feet and flew out and up the steps onto deck to look around. And then, he saw her, or at least the chop of red hair shining in the moon light, gliding silently now in the calm waters.

Okay, that woman was crazy, but sort of adorable crazy. Kristoff shook his head smiling and went around to the back when he noticed some shorts and nightshirt tossed to the ground next to a towel. Why would she get changed outside? Then it dawned on him that there might had been no change at all, than just… Heat rising to his cheeks upon realisation, his eyes widened and there was a strange feeling that hit his chest within a second of time.

Okay, don´t even dare to imagine her that way…! Surely, she must be beautiful! DON`T!

Kristoff turned for decency reasons and returned to his secluded place of loneliness…