Chapter 03 - Fine. Whatever. Sleep on my couch

Anna had watched Elsa from afar for a week. She just couldn't find the nerve to walk up to her. Not only had she shot down every other potential bully or friend in the school, but Anna would likely be outcast from her social circle for even attempting it.

"Not that my current group of friends are really that great. Life is so complicated as a kid." She took a deep sigh as she tugged a kayak along the jetty. She didn't know why she had volunteered to clean the boathouse. She didn't even participate in any water sports but when her form tutor had said Mr Jefferies had broken his arm she was he only one stupid enough to offer. It wasn't like she had an after school club to go to anymore. All of the other clubs first teams were full and she just didn't want to be around those girls in the netball team after failing.

"Right, one down. One more to go." Anna turned and walked back towards the water's edge.

"Here she is, Miss Goodie Two-Shoes making the rest of us look bad again." A woman in netball uniform marched up to Anna. A small gang of other girls trailed behind her.

"You do realise the rest of the class have to help out next week because you volunteered for this," her tone was scathing as she gestured around to the boathouse. Anna subconsciously took a step back.

"I was just trying to help -"

"- Oh shut up. No one is that selfless. You're a pathetic little brat who is always sucking up to the teachers."

Anna clenched a fist as she kept her emotions at bay. They were all giving her that look of disdain. These were supposed to be her friends.

Am I really so naive? She asked herself, looking away from those judging eyes.

"Wow, Anna Summers has nothing to say?" The brunette's comment was laced with sarcasm. Anna took another step back. The girls advanced.

"Come on Anna. Speak up!" She pushed her back, and Anna bit her lip, fists clenched.

I don't want a confrontation. Please leave me alone. She silently begged. The brunette took hold of Anna's shirt and held her back over the lakes edge.

"No -" Anna cried out as she desperately held onto the jetty with the tips of her toes. She grabbed the girl's arm, doing all she could not to fall backwards.

"Shall I drop her?" She asked the small gaggle of followers who chuckled in response.

Anna glanced at them, only briefly. Not one of them stood up for her. The fear of falling in the water, whilst a very real and immediate threat, was eclipsed by the hurt and betrayal flooding through her at that very moment.

I'm always alone.

Eyes wet with tears, Anna looked the brunette directly and simply uttered one sentence, "Then drop me."

Elsa stood as still as a statue as Anna sobbed on her. Shock made way to guilt.

My parents caused this. No. I caused this. She clenched her fists.

She couldn't argue with Anna in this state. The strong scent of alcohol filled her lungs. Anna had been drinking. Elsa wanted to chastise her but she forced herself to stop and think. They had been apart for four years. Anna was no longer a child, not that she ever was in Elsa's eyes. The woman before her was legally allowed to do what she wanted and Elsa had no right to ask anything of her, even if she felt it was for her own good. Who had she even been drinking with? The thought didn't last long as she tentatively put an arm around Anna and walked her to the couch. She pulled away both in hesitation and haste, afraid her former lover might shatter from the loss of contact but Anna sat straight. Hurt, perhaps even angry, but not broken.

Once in the open plan kitchen, Elsa, back turned to Anna, leaned her hands down on the counter and breathed. Hearing her friend sobbing behind her did nothing for her steely resolve. She had shut Anna out and that was that. Anna was strong. She'd recover and find someone else. A new friend. A new lover. She gripped her fists tight as she thought of things she had long denied. The idea of Anna moving on broke her heart but seeing her friend like this was just as painful.

Finally, after an agonising few minutes Elsa plucked a glass from the cupboard, topped it up with tap water and walked back over to Anna.

"You need to sober up."

Elsa placed the glass down on the coffee table before Anna and deliberately sat across in the arm chair giving the pair some distance.

They both stayed silent for an impossibly long time. Elsa found herself watching Anna intently while she was doing all she could to avoid that icy gaze.

Why are we like this? Elsa sighed inwardly, already knowing the answer as she searched Anna for every small detail of change. Her wild and free hair was a fraction shorter but still controlled within those two braids. Even in the height of winter there were so many of those adorable freckles sprinkled across her nose and cheeks. Her arms too were peppered. She absently wondered if it was only the sun-kissed areas of Anna's body where the freckles multiplied. She shook her head to immediately halt that line of thought. It would lead to dangerous things. Things long denied.

I can't do this. Elsa forced herself to look away.

"You shouldn't have come here. My parents never should have put you in this position."

"Your father is ill. You might never see him again," Anna found both her voice and her confidence the moment Elsa had spoken.

"I know. Mother has informed me. Several times."

"Elsa don't you get it? If you don't go you might never see him again! I know you hate him. I know he has been strict and cold but one day you'll sit back and regret this. You'll wish you had one more chance to say -" Anna's voice cracked and all resolve to continue evaporated under a wave of tears. Elsa was certain her heart broke at the very same moment.

Guilt and shame threatened to drown her. She did the only thing she could think of in her blind panic: coldly deny it all.

"This is different. I won't be going home. I'm sorry your trip here was wasted." Elsa coldly rose to her feet. "I'm taking you back to your hotel."

"I'm not booked into a hotel," Anna said, arms crossed in defiance.

"What?"

"I'm not leaving until you come home. You owe your parents answers. You owe me answers." Anna promptly flopped to her side on the sofa. Elsa stiffened.

"You are behaving like a child." Her voice was sharper than intended.

"You keep treating me like a child!" Anna retorted. It was such a juvenile comeback that Elsa would have been inclined to believe it if she wasn't already certain the girl - no woman opposite her was 19. Elsa held the bridge of her nose in frustration.

"Fine. Whatever. Sleep on my couch." She gave in exasperated. She was past caring. Elsa stood up and stomped straight past Anna. She forced herself not to hesitate or even look her in the eye. One look into those puppy dog eyes would ruin her steely resolve.

Crap. Elsa moaned inwardly after slamming the door to her bedroom shut. She wasn't past caring at all. She was caring too much like always. Conceal. Don't feel. She repeated in her mind as she slid down the door. She didn't need to open her eyes to know it wasn't working.

As the storm assaulted her bedroom she wiped frozen tears from her eyes. It wasn't the first time she'd had a breakdown in her apartment. And these incidents were the sole reason she kept few ornaments or clutter out on show. Her bare and clinical room served its purpose: not to be completely ruined during one of her... incidents. Yes, that's what her father always used to call them. Incidents. Even the word made her shudder. How could her parents request this of her now? How could they send Anna to her knowing full well what it would do? She choked out a bitter sound. Of course they'd send Anna. They know you can't refuse her. The idea of them using Anna like that enraged her. And why, knowing full well what their purpose was did you let Anna into your apartment? Because she'd have slept on the street outside until you'd let her in? Because you really, really wanted to see her despite how much of a monster you are? Dammit Elsa why are you so selfish!? She almost screamed the words.

Elsa's arms fell to the floor in defeat and at that moment she gave up trying to suppress the storm. Sometimes she could control it. Other times it was easier to ride it out like a wave. This was one of those times.

Elsa had been watching the scene unfold for several minutes. She wasn't sure why she paused on her way to the car park, but something about the way the girls ganged up on Anna by the lake made her blood boil. She had been firmly instructed by her father to avoid any confrontations or arguments. It was in fact a condition upon attending this school. And Elsa was about to risk throwing away that small slither of real life and freedom for a girl she barely knew. She was marching forward before her mind could catch up.

"Get your hands off of her," her tone was sharp and unyielding which was supplemented by the most cold and furious face she could make. This was hardly a challenge for Elsa because for reasons she didn't yet understand she was seething with anger.

The girls turned in surprise but it quickly shifted to amusement.

"The Ice Queen herself has come to save you." The brunette turned back to Anna, eyes alight with mirth.

"I swear to god if you drop her -"

"You'll what? Freeze us to death?" One girl piped up, looking very smug that she'd come up with the comment.

If only you knew. Elsa clenched her fist as she felt a storm brewing. For the first time ever in her life Elsa was unafraid of the consequences. She didn't know it yet, but something about the vulnerable and honest redhead made her feel so alive. She'd be damned if she let these bullies get away with harming her.

"Do not test me," Elsa warned, eyes flashing as she strode forward. The girls on the jetty moved away as she neared. The only one who stood her ground was the brunette. They exchanged threatening glances before the brunette's face broke into a self satisfied smile.

"Sorry – not – sorry." At her words she released Anna who tumbled backwards into the rapidly chilling water.

Elsa lost it.

She ran forward and punched the brunette square in the nose. The girl went cleanly to the ground with a thud. Elsa considered kicking her into the lake too but it was cold out now. Really cold. She didn't want to have to be the one to take her to hospital, and as much as the brunette had pissed her off she didn't want the girl to die.

And more importantly, Anna still needed her attention.

"Anna," she let out a breath as she reached down to pull her out. Anna coughed up water as she gasped for air.

"Gods I think I swallowed lake water. Does that mean I'll turn into a frog? Or is that only pond water?"

"I don't think swallowing any water will turn you into a frog," Elsa replied seriously with a frown as she checked Anna over. She barely noticed as the netball squad girls ran away. She phased out their irritating high pitched voices and focused solely on Anna.

Her uniform was soaked through and clung to her small frame. Every bone line and curve was highlighted clear as day. Elsa followed her collarbone, paused momentarily at her chest to check her breathing. When she was certain Anna didn't have water in her lungs she continued down to her hips and finally her legs. She knew she had allowed her eyes to drink up far more than was acceptable but Anna was laying there so patiently, so trustingly.

"So doctor, am I going to die? Or will I turn into a frog?"

Elsa snorted out laughter which in turn caused Anna to laugh. "Elsa Arendelle, the famous Ice Queen of the school snorts!" But as soon as Anna said it she realised it was a mistake because she quickly threw out a hundred apologies. "I am so sorry! You just saved me and here I am making fun out of you. I really am a terrible excuse for a human being. You should have just left them to throw me in. After all I ended up in the lake anyway -" Elsa found the only way she could make Anna stop talking was to press her finger against her lips.

"Hush." It was a command and to her delight Anna obeyed. "You're freezing. I'm taking you home before you catch a cold." Elsa hooked her arms under Anna and in one swift movement heaved her up. Anna let out a gasp of surprise.

"It's okay, I've got you," Elsa reassured her gently.

It took no more than a few minutes to reach the car park. Kai stood by the car on his phone but the moment he saw Elsa he hung up.

"Miss Arendelle. You're late," his tone told her all she needed to know.

"I'm sorry, Kai. I was had some trouble down at the lake and this young lady fell in. I'd like to take her home," Elsa's voice changed to something far more formal.

"Your father is going to be displeased. You are already late for dinner."

"I am aware of that but I can't in good conscious just leave her here," Elsa protested. Kai looked down at Anna who was shivering in Elsa's arms and finally nodded.

"It does seem like exceptional circumstances," he relented.

Elsa wasted no time in placing Anna onto the backseat. She reached over, her hand brushing across Anna's body as she put her seatbelt on. She glanced up, catching Anna's teal eyes, suddenly realising how close their faces were, and Elsa, without conscious thought, took a moment to allow her eyes to wander: how her eyes swirled with flecks of both blue and green, just how unique each freckle was on her flushed cheeks, how pink, how inviting, her parted lips were. Catching herself, Elsa was certain she could feel her cheeks heating. Wordlessly, she took off her blazer covered it over Anna. Anything to break the moment before she made a fool of herself.

What is it about this girl? Elsa took a moment once outside the car to get her thoughts in order. After no more than a half a minute she got in the opposite side and sat back, deliberately gazing straight ahead. She could see from her peripheral vision Anna was examining every little detail like an excited child. She supposed the girl had never been a passenger in such a luxurious car before. She silently approved of Kai turning on the heated seats. It was a feature Elsa strongly disliked but Kai had correctly assumed this trip was for Anna's comfort, not her own.

The journey was not long, but each minute felt like an hour as Elsa sat next to Anna, her unease growing as time passed. It was impossible to talk frankly with her in front of Kai, and she wasn't sure she could have found words even in his absence.

Pulling up on the street Anna had given them, Elsa looked out in surprise at the neighbourhood.

"You live in an apartment building, even out here?" Elsa asked in disbelief.

"Yeah. It kind of sucks, a garden would be amazing but it's big enough for me and my parents. There are a lot of worse places we could be." Anna said bashfully as she reached for the car door.

"So – erm - thanks for everything and I'll see you at school tomorrow -"

"- Wait," Elsa grabbed her arm in an icy cold grip. "I'll take you upstairs. I want to make sure you get home safely." She met Anna's teal gaze and held it. They had a silent tug of war for a minute before Anna relented.

"It's really stuffy. And messy. And my parents are going to freak when they see me soaking wet." Anna talked, and talked, and talked as they left the car, walked through the entrance and up several flights of stairs.

Elsa however took her time to look around and examine everything. This had been her first introduction to council state apartments and, she realised, her first introduction to a typical working family who weren't blessed with a generous inheritance. She needed to keep herself humble although in truth she had no idea how to react. What is normal for these people?

Anna used her key to unlock the door to her flat. Before she had even taken a step inside her mother was upon her, hugging and sobbing over her like she'd shown up after a week, not a mere few hours.

"Oh my baby I was so worried! We tried calling you but your phone went to voicemail. Why are you wet? What happened?" Her mother was fawning over her. Elsa couldn't help but be frozen by the public display of emotion and affection. It was so... unreal.

"Sorry for worrying you, mum. The netball girls pushed me into the lake. I think my phone broke. But Elsa scared them away and brought me home," Anna said, whilst turning to introduce Elsa.

"Mrs Summ -" But Elsa was swiftly cut off as Anna's mother embraced her. Elsa stood stiffly. She lifted her arms an inch, and then lowered them unsure of the protocol when meeting a classmate's mother.

"Thank you so much for bringing my baby back safe and sound. Please come in, have a drink." Anna's mother practically dragged Elsa into the flat.

"Mum, Elsa has someone waiting in the car -"

"- Anna put on some dry clothes before you freeze to death. Your friend will still be here when you're done."

I will?

Anna nodded, holding her hands up in defeat. She mouthed Elsa an 'I'm sorry' before disappearing down the hall.

"Now, Elsa was it? Please take a seat. Do you like tea or coffee?" She waved Elsa into the kitchen.

Elsa, completely at a loss as she watched Anna abandon her, took a seat at a small circular table.

"Coffee, please," She found her voice. The whole experience was overwhelming. All the confidence she had to make sure Anna got home safely had been replaced with anxiety. Conceal. Don't feel. She said inwardly as she focused on the tips of her fingers. The frost always started there before working its way back down to her palms.

"Thank you for sticking up for my little girl. She is such a kind and honest child and because of that people take advantage of her," Mrs Summers explained as she stirred the instant coffee into the hot water. Elsa held back a grimace. When she had requested coffee she had expected proper ground coffee. She had to silently remind herself that not every home was like her own and judging by the size and decor of the apartment she realised that the Summers simply couldn't afford the finer luxuries she was accustomed to.

"She is certainly... energetic," Elsa struggled to find the right word.

"You seem like a nice girl." Mrs Summer's started as she set the two mugs down on the table. Elsa could tell the woman was watching her intently as Elsa picked the cup and sipped. Her expression did not betray her thoughts of the coffee.

"I know it isn't fair of me to ask, but would you look out for Anna at school for me? I really worry about her."

Elsa felt a pang of guilt for being unable to offer the woman the assurances she wanted. Elsa was only just about taking care of herself. How could she take care of someone else too?

"I'm sorry Mrs Summers, but I will not make a promise I cannot keep. I am two years Anna's senior. I don't even know if I'll do my further studies here."

"I understand. A mother has to try though." She gave Elsa one of Anna's warm and bright smiles.

Anna skidded into the kitchen, now in a pair of skinny jeans and a loose sweater, her red hair flying behind her in two messy braids.

"Mum have you really kept Elsa here this long? Her chauffeur is still sitting downstairs. A car like that in this estate will probably be attacked -"

"- This area is dangerous?" Elsa snapped up but her concern was squarely on Anna.

"Well not really. Okay, a little. We've had some knife crime but that's like everywhere these days. I'm sure your chauffeur and car are fine -" Anna assured her and Elsa recognised the beginning of her ramblings. If she had not been so focused on holding her mask in place she would have smiled.

"You need not worry about me. Kai has military level training," Elsa paused as her phone rang. She momentarily froze as she read the caller ID. Shit.

"Excuse me," she politely said before answering the call, turning away from the pair.

"Father," she greeted him formally.

"I am severely disappointed in you. I specifically told you to be home by 18:30 for dinner. You know how important this is. Lady Tremaine and her family are here."

Elsa closed her eyes to hide her shame. "Forgive me, Father, I'll be home shortly."

"I've already told them you are unwell. Kai will escort you straight to you room upon your return. There will be no more of these games, Elsa. You are to come straight home every day, do you understand?"

"I understand, Father," Elsa's voice betrayed no emotion. She tucked the phone back into her pocket. Without as much as a breath she looked up to Anna and her mother. "Thank you for the coffee Mrs Summers but now I have to get home," Elsa said formally, rising to her feet.

"Anytime. It was a pleasure to meet you, Elsa. Anna, go see your friend out." Her mother pushed her daughter towards Elsa. Anna stumbled forward awkwardly.

"Right, this way," she beckoned Elsa to follow.

"Thank you again for your hospitality, and make sure you take a warm bath. I don't want you to catch a cold," Elsa said as she followed Anna to the front door. She hesitated at the threshold, trying to find the right words.

"...I'll see you at school tomorrow. Have a nice evening," Elsa felt stiff as she said the parting words. At that moment she wished more than anything she could express herself better.

She could tell Anna wanted to say something but when the words didn't follow she gave the redhead a simple nod and headed out.

What am I even thinking?

What am I even thinking?

Anna stood breathlessly as she watched Elsa leave. Her heart and mind were racing. Not only had the Ice Queen saved her from the lake, she had personally escorted her home and had coffee with her mother. What in the world was happening? She wished she could have said something before Elsa had left but what was there to say?

"So..." Anna's mother let her sentence hang as Anna numbly walked back into the kitchen. "She was cute."

"Mother, please don't," Anna slumped back into a chair, her head in her hands. "I don't even know how to talk to her. She's so proper. It feels like she's on a pedestal too high for me to reach. Does that sound stupid? It sounds stupid."

"No, it doesn't sound stupid." Anna's mother put her arm around her daughter supportively.

"You overheard her father on the phone too right? He sounded awful. No wonder she's so uptight at school. She has no friends at all. I really want to be her friend." Anna leaned into her mother's embrace.

"Then ask her."

Anna blinked. It was so obvious. All she had to do was walk up to Elsa and talk to her. And Anna's strongest suit was talking.

"You're right." She nodded in a renewed resolve. "I'll ask her tomorrow."

Elsa's head thunked against a chest of drawers. She snapped awake, eyes glaring around the room. It was her bedroom. Good. It was in a mostly okay condition, aside from being a bit damp from the melting snow and ice. Not too bad. She was still fully clothed. Not so good.

She stiffly pulled herself to her feet and kicked her shoes off. The digital display of her bedside clock flashed 03:38. After throwing the majority of her clothes off she threw herself head first onto the bed and landed like a pancake. Ugh damp. And gods her back ached. Why had sleeping in front of the door been such a good idea - and then it hit her. Anna. Anna was still here. Wasn't she? Maybe she had gone home. One peek, that's all she'd need.

Elsa scrambled to her feet and again and lightly tiptoed over to the door. She placed her eye against the keyhole. She could see nothing. She resorted to checking under the door. Lights were still on. Sitting back for a moment, Elsa took a deep breath. She'd need to go back out there. She flexed her hands. Conceal, don't feel. She whispered in her mind as she forced herself to relax. Who was she kidding? She was anything but relaxed. But this was what her father taught her and despite their disagreements she used it every damn time, with varying success. It didn't matter. It wasn't like she had any better options right now.

I could not go out at all... Stop being a chicken Elsa and get out there! The force of her resolve made her burst from the room like it had caught fire. Standing frozen in just her underwear, she looked down to see Anna lying on the sofa exactly where she had left her. Elsa's heart melted at her peaceful face.

Without conscious thought, Elsa took silent steps back into her bedroom and opened her wardrobe to find a blanket. If her duvet hadn't been soaked she'd have grabbed that, but for now the blanket had to suffice. She walked it back to Anna and with care, placed it over her. She even turned the heating up a few degrees, justifying that it would help thaw her bedroom out quicker. It had absolutely nothing to do with the gorgeous redhead splayed out across her couch looking completely adorable as she drooled. Her untamed hair was already poking out at impossible angles. Elsa was close enough now. Close enough to touch those curls. She bit her lip and sat back against the coffee table.

"Anna." The noise was barely audible. "You are too good, too pure, for me." Elsa felt the tears in her eyes again but there was no storm this time. She sat with a fractured heart and watched her closest and most beloved friend in this world sleep.