Chapter 5: Lazy sunny Sunday

Sunday is the day of rest. That´s what was on the plan. Time of lazy dwelling.

Anna would not think of the next day. She would enjoy what was left and then make up another spontaneous plan when time came. After all, she was a big girl and did not need to depend on anybody. If only she could stay perhaps…

Don´t even dare to start dreaming, you silly goose…

With a sigh, Anna plopped down on her towel and put in her earplugs, intending to relax and bath in the delightful summer afternoon. Soon, she dozed off again. What else was there to do on an idle Sunday afternoon. And when she woke to the tickling wind caressing her hair and nose, Anna felt all drowsy. She began to stretch her limbs and wriggle with pleasure to the lovely song that was on. And because some moving would do her good, she started to extend her stretching the way she would do for exercising. It felt nice to do daily routine in a place like this where there was no pressure, no barking teacher or director to push their trainees beyond limit.

The cheerful dancer rose to get ready for another reviving jump into the water. But before, she needed to grab some cookie and a drink. And when Anna turned to head for the parlour, she noticed Kristoff below, tiggering the room with his mobile in hand. was about to sneak back when she heard Kristoff speak.

"Sven! Hey buddy! Okay don´t laugh will you, but I need your help!"

Hey Kristoff! Good to hear you. Tell me, what´s up?

Kristoff sighed, "I think I kind of like her… "

Finally! I thought I would never hear those words from you! Wait a minute. Say, can she hear you?

"No. She´s asleep on deck, I´m downstairs. Look, the reason I call is that I have no idea what I´m supposed to do. You see, there was a misunderstanding in the booking system, and Anna was supposed to be on another boat. Or me. We don´t really know. The thing is, she will leave tomorrow…"

Sven could not help but smile… Hey Kristoff, relax, okay! You sound like the world is going to end tomorrow. Why does she need to leave anyway?

"Well, she must obviously. I mean, why should she want to stay here. I´m a bore and then she intended to get some time off from some heavy worktime and apparently she´s still dealing with some stuff."

What stuff? Another guy?

"I don´t know. And I won´t ask. It´s none of my business and I can´t intrude her life, okay?"

Man, man, man… Kristoff. Why so complicated? Just tell her to stay. You like her. What´s the deal?

"No, I can´t do that. She will think me a stalker!"

Why? Because you like her, does not mean you two have to get married right away… Though…

"Oh Sven, come on. Keep it serious, okay, please? You know I can´t do that. But I could invite her to stay in case there is not suitable solution. What you think?"

Sven knew that his best friend was in troubles when it came to terms of feelings. So, he encouraged Kristoff to do exactly that.

But hey Kristoff, promise me something, right?

"What?"

If you come to your senses, don´t hesitate and grab the chance by the roots… nd for now, cruise back off to the furthest shore and tell her you enjoy her company. If she wants to leave, let her go. If not, appreciate her fresh and happy nature – you could really use a portion of that. And besides that – you deserve some happy days, too, you know! Whatever will happen, trust your heart a bit, buddy! You´re no dumb kid, you´re smart and a gentleman. And after all I get from this girl and your selfie, SHE deserves a good man like you in the first place!"

"You think so, really?"

Sure, she does – if she has not fallen for you already that is!

"No, I mean – you really think that way of me?"

Hey man, you know I would not lie to you, Kristoff – you know that!

"Thanks, buddy!"

Anytime! But hey, please only call me again if there is some GOOD news, okay? Take care my friend – bye!

Anna had stayed, had hidden by crouching behind the wall, but now she rushed and crawled quietly back onto her towel, put her earplugs back in and pretended to sleep. But that intention was completely in vain. Her heart pounded like a hammer in her chest and her ears burned by the heat that rose from downright of her inner being.

He likes you! Okay, just don´t exaggerate – think of what Kristoff had said about thinking realistically – don´t get all head over heels – don´t stretch his nerves to the unbearable extend. But he likes you and wants you to stay! That must be enough – take it as a gift and an offer for true friendship – other than dear Olaf of course, but still…. He likes you!

Anna felt bad for eavesdropping, but was too overwhelmed to rationalise anything… She waited another while, so she could pretend to be wakening and fancying to go for a swim. This might help to take her off for a moment to calm her mind and pulsating heartbeat that nearly drove her close to madness.

And when she dipped into the water, she started swimming like sliding through a sea of clouds…

Kristoff had placed himself comfortably on his bed, trying to calm down.

He had managed. He had truly managed to invite her to stay. She had accepted, though Kristoff was not sure if he had read her expression correctly. Anna had shifted nervously on her seat, the corner of her lips slightly flickering. Was she uncomfortable? But then, she would not stay, would she? Was she happy? Why then suppressing the outburst of gratefulness? The woman was a mystery, but for some reason Anna´s radiation appeared infectious. Kristoff couldn´t help but smile at the thought of having her around those next two weeks. And because curiosity nagged on him, he took out his notebook just to look if he could not find Anna Heart somewhere in the wide world web.

The State Opera House of Arendelle hosted their corps de ballet with photography and name. Mostly place of education and career highlights were listed. He could find her easily amongst the first soloists. Olaf Schneemann (snowman) was there, too. It seemed strange, to look at the professional taken pictures, that showed the artists with glamour and style. Hair in place, perfect make up and a choreographed expression. The girl looking back at him was a stranger. That was of no use. Kristoff opened and put down Anna´s and Olaf´s names.

There they were with some short clips and videos of late. Some classic variations and modern pieces, too. Kristoff had in fact only intended to get a snip bit about what Anna was doing. At the end, he had watched all the posts he could find with her in. There weren´t much, but still. Mostly she danced with Olaf, they were cute in some way. Perhaps because she talked so fondly of her friend. Though Kristoff had no idea about dancing and more of all, HOW they worked this. All those turns, steps, jumps, and lifts. It was crazy. The skinny guy lifted the ballerina in all sorts of ways as if she weighted nothing at all. And how on earth could Anna stand on those tiny spots of her toes, balancing, turning, and skipping... She literally skipped on her toes... Kristoff stared at the graceful figurine o screen, all amazed. He had never ever seen anything the like.

There was one video that was different, though, dating last year. First, Kristoff could not quite define what it was, but he didn´t like this clip really, though he could not tell exactly why. The costumes? The music? To him it sounded and looked all the same anyway, but then he noticed. It was the partner. He was another one, taller and seemingly a bit older than Olaf. Who was that guy?

Hans Westergaard.