Normal POV.

The ride back to their house was uncomfortably quiet for Elsa, Anna was silent since they left Katherine's house, she doesn't look like she wants to talk either. Honestly she still had trouble considering this woman as Anna's birth-mother, it really troubles her to know that her daughter was with her. Though, Elsa discovered a hidden part of Kate today with the loss of her stillborn child and she doesn't want to find excuses for this woman but somehow she can understand why she tried to get Anna back. Perhaps her maternal instinct kicked in right after this tragedy and she wanted to make it up with her firstborn. That must be it. Still, Elsa was still pretty much frustrated after leaving Katherine's place.

" Where are we going? " Anna's voice brought her back from her thoughts but Elsa merely looked at her as she kept her eyes on the road.

" I'm taking you home. "

The girl narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. " I don't want to. "

" Oh but I didn't ask you honey, you are grounded. "

" What? but- "

Elsa clicked her tongue, shaking her head. " You are grounded young lady, I am serious. "

" Don't need to be such a meanie. " Anna mumbled.

As they parked finally park in the driveway of their house, Elsa took a hand off the wheel to brush her fingers through her hair. " Anna. " She spoke quietly while Anna rests her head against the window. When she didn't get an answer, she decided to speak a bit louder this time. " Anna. "

Anna sighed before turning her head to look back at her. " Look I know you're mad but don't you think you are going a bit too far with the grounding? "

" Mad? " Elsa scoffed. " Anna what were you thinking? "

" I mean we were just talking. "

" What were you doing there in the first place? "

" It's not my fault if I met Katherine today! " Anna replied defensively. " I went for a run when I met her, it's not like I did it on purpose! And what's the big deal? It's not like we did anything wrong, we were just talking. I had a little accident and she helped me. "

" What? an accident but- Oh my goodness, you could have called. Do you know how worried your father and I were ? " Elsa continued.

It's only at this moment Anna realized that she was supposed to meet Hans for lunch. " Oh dad... "

" Oh that's right, your dad called me to ask if you were with me and just when I was talking with you on the phone, you lied to me. And you did not only lie to me but you also hung up on me! "

" Well it's not like you never lied to me. " Anna snapped under her breath.

" Excuse me? "

" I said, it's not like you never lied to me! " She yelled, stomping her foot on the pavement of their driveway. " You lied too! "

" Watch your tone. " Elsa warned.

" No! You lied to me about my real mom, which you're not! "

No, she didn't... Elsa gasped, taking the words in like a punch in her stomach.

" Anna! " A voice cut in from behind them and Anna spun around to see her little brother looking back at her with his big brown eyes wide open. You could easily read the shock in his eyes, making her wondering how much he had heard.

" Olaf... " She whispered. " What are you doing here? "

" How could you? " He asked her.

" Go back in the house, this is between mom and I. "

" I just heard you say she wasn't your mom. Why are you being mean, what is wrong with you? "

Anna frowned. " This is not your business. "

" Yes it is, you're are mean to mom and I don't like it. "

" Well I don't like you right now, you're really annoying! " She shot back.

" Enough Anna! " Elsa pinched de bridge of her nose. " Go to your room and take a shower, you're still grounded. "

" Yeah right, cause it's me. "

" And what is that supposed to mean? "

" Sure you'd take his side, you always take his side? "

" That's so not true! " Olaf huffed.

The girl rolled her eyes. " Ah shut up, go watch a cartoon already. "

Elsa narrowed her eyes at her two children and took a deep breath. A fight between the two was not needed. " Anna I know you're angry and it's okay to be, but you don't need to take it out on your brother. You have something against me, not him. "

" Huh you defend him cause he's your real child and not me! "

If Elsa was taken aback by this false statement, Anna seemed to be just as surprised. It really wasn't like her to talk like that, what has gotten into her.

" I don't want to hear more. " The woman finally spoke, sounding defeated and disappointed. " You will go to your room and hopefully after your shower, you will feel better. Go now. "

Hearing the disappointment in Elsa's voice, Anna looked at the ground almost in shame before she wordlessly made her way into the house. Once in there, she ran passed the living room and up to her bedroom, not minding her bruised knee and slammed the door behind. She slided down onto the floor, bringing her legs to her chin and thought about the hurtful look on her mother's face after she had told her that she wasn't her mom. Anna could see it clearly even now and to be honest, she wanted to erase this memory from her head.

Everything was so messed up.

Elsa had called Hans to make an update about what happened with Anna after she found her at katherine's place. He didn't take it really well but he was glad to know that the girl was now at home. They both agreed that Anna will be staying with Elsa that night and probably the next day until the grounding is over, though Hans knew this grounding was more like a way for Elsa to keep an eye on Anna. The girl has been living a rollercoaster of emotions and it wasn't necessarily good for her.

That night, Anna refused to join her family for dinner, not after what happened today. She was too busy pouting in her room, though after Elsa threatened the girl to drag her downstairs by herself, Anna complied... and not so happily. Dinner was quiet once again, with the exception of Olaf who cut in from time to time to tell them about his day. But as soon as she was done with her meal, Anna was back in the cocoon that is her room.

" Mom? "

" Yes. " Elsa proceeded to cover her son with his blanket and sat on the edge of the bed. " What is it sweetie? "

" Anna is mad at me? "

" No honey, I don't think so. "

" But I yelled at her when we were outside. "

Elsa shook her head. " Olaf you must know that your sister is going through a lot of things and she is confused. She needs some time on her own. "

The boy frowned. " I miss her. I don't like when she is like that and I don't like when you are sad. "

" I am not sad Olaf, I'm just... "

" I know you're sad, you think I'm too little to see but I saw you crying last night. You cried a lot and when you cry, I am sad too. "

Elsa smiled but this smile never reached her eyes. Sometimes her little boy can be so ignorant about lots of things but there are times like right now, when he can see right through you to see the show you you're trying so hard to put on. While people think that Olaf is just a kid who doesn't understand much about life and the world, Elsa believes that he is truthfully clever.

" Don't worry snowbug, you don't have to be sad. " She leaned down to kiss him on the forehead. " I'm alright. "

" We're going to be okay right? Anna too? "

" Your sister will be okay, we're all going to be okay. "

From the door, Jack painfully watched the conversation while his wife was putting Olaf to bed, it was affecting all of them. Elsa was trying to appear strong like alwahs but it was obviously in vain since even their son could see right through her. So he decided to visit his stepdaugher to have a small talk with her, hoping he could at least do something to help the situation. So when he got to her room, the door was close and just like he had expected, he got no answer to his knocking.

" Anna it's me, I didn't come to get you out of your room. I promise. " He spoke softly, hoping she wasn't sleeping yet. " I just want to talk, you don't have to say anything. You can just listen. "

Pause...

" Okay. " Here it is, her soft unmistakable voice replied. " Come in. "

When Jack slipped in her room, he found the place completely neat and spotless which was surprising because Anna was always lazy when it comes to cleaning her room. It was new. Looking around, there she found her sitting on the windown chair, staring at the dark sky in a longing way.

" Hey. "

" Hi. " She whispered, glancing briefly at him.

" How are you? " He asked, earning a look from the girl. " Sorry, stupid question. I've heard about the day you had, it was... full of surprises. "

" Yeah. "

" I'm glad you're back. Can I sit with you? "

" Whatever. "

Jack nodded and took a seat next to her on the window chair. He paused a moment to gather his thoughts, wondering how he could make an approach.

" So, you met Katherine today... "

" Yeah and before you ask, she didn't try anything. She didn't kidnap me, it was a pure coincidence that we had met. "

He actually laughed at that. " Okay, that's a good thing. So everything went well? "

" It was okay, I got to know her a bit. Wait- did my lovely mother send you? " She asked suspisciously with a hint of sarcasm when she said the word 'lovely'.

" She didn't send me, she doesn't need to. You know that she coud come in and asked you herself. "

" Hmm... "

" Look I'm not here to judge you okay? I know we are all to blamed for the anger you feel, you deserved the truth and we lied to you. " He sighed, pausing the search for her eyes. " It wasn't the right thing to do. "

The girl didn't reply but she was quietly listening.

" I am deeply sorry Anna and I know for a fact, that your mom regrets it the most. She lied because of this constent fear to lose you, she was scared. You have no idea how happy you make her everytime you look at her with these sparkles in you bright blue eyes, everytime you laugh and smile. She doesn't want to lose that either, she doesn't want to lose all these small things that might not be significant to you but gives a sense to her life... Though now, she thinks she is losing everything at once. "

" She lied... "

" For your love honey. " Jack replied. " She lied because she loved you too much to risk losing you with a thruth that might hurt. And as a parent, you never want to see your children hurt. She regrets her mistake, we all do, but we can't change the past because what is done is done. "

" It hurts. "

" I know honey and hurting her back will not help your case. You could have taken your anger out on all of us since we're all in the same boat but you're directly hurting her and only her. She lied and while that's true, she could have done worse. "

" What do you mean? "

" She could have left you from the day you were brought to her, she could have turned her back and walked away but she didn't. Think about it Anna... she didn't turn her back on you when you needed her the most, will you turn your back on her now? "

" Are you trying to make me feel bad about it? I never asked to be adopted. "

Jack shook his head and took her hands.

" No, don't take it the wrong way. What I'm trying to say is that life is all about the choices we make. Some we regret and some we don't. She lied to you for a reason she thought was good and now she regrets it but if there is one thing she doesn't regret, it was taking you in. You said that you never asked to be adopted, right? "

" Yeah. "

" Yet she did, do you regret it? "

While Jack was expecting an answer from the girl, he sure didn't expect her to break down right in front of him. That literally took him by surprise when she bursted to tears but before he could make a move to comfort the girl, she abruptly stood up and fled the room. Jack was lost but above all, he was worried. Did he offend her? If that's so, it wasn't his intention. Truly.

" What have I done? " He forcefully rubbed his neck and let out a loud sigh. Maybe it wasn't the right thing to do.

Back in the Master bedroom

Elsa had just finished with her well deserved bath after a long and tiring day. She was glad that Olaf finally fell asleep because she was ready to crash at anytime. She was now putting on a night dress to get ready for bed when the door of the room suddently bursted open, earning a small yelp from her. She barely had the time to register what was happening when she felt something crashing into her... or is it someone?

" Anna? " She gasped in shock at the sight of her crying child, holding onto her waist for deal life while weeping as if her life depends on it.

" Mama! " Anna sobbed.

Elsa held her breath for a second, feeling overwhelmed by what she has just been called. She could be happy if Anna wasn't sobbing like there was no tomorrow but right now, she was confused. She still hugged the girl tightly against her, hoping it will help her calm down.

" Honey, what's happening? Why are you crying? "

" I-I'm sorryyyy... I'm s-so sorry! "

" Come on. " Elsa tried to pull away and take the girl to the bed but Anna's sobs only worsened.

" Nooo, don't leave me mom! Don't walk away, please. I said I was sorry, don't leave me! " Anna shook her head furiously, refusing to let go. " You're my mom, no one else can replace you. I'm sorry for the horrible things I've said. "

Yes now Elsa was definitely confused.

" Anna look at me. "

" Don't walk away... " The girl cried helplessly.

Seeing no other way to calm the girl, Elsa slowly walked over to the big bed without letting Anna go and sat down with her back against the headboard before pulling the crying child down with her. Anna still clung to Elsa's waist with her head burried in her mother's neck.

" Hey now, shh I'm here. " Elsa whispered, rocking the girl back and forth and held the back of her head. "I'm not going anywhere. "

" You're lying. "

" Honey what makes you think I will walk away? " She asked, confused. Anna shook her head and kept crying, so Elsa asked one more time. " Anna tell me why you think I am going to leave you? "

" Be-because I said horrible things to... to you. " Anna hiccuped and allowed Elsa to pull away just enough to look at her in the eyes. Anna sniffled and quickly wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

So that's why...

" Oh honey. And you thought I was going to leave you for this reason? " The woman gasped. " Anna this is not happening, even the world can stand in my way and I will never give up on you. "

" But I hurt your feelings and even if I... I didn't mean it, I know it still hurts. "

Elsa hugged the girl tightly and used a hand to wipe her own growing tears. " It's okay baby, I've got you. " She comforted when the girl started crying again.

" I'm so sorry, please forgive me. "

" It's okay Anna, I know you were angry. "

" Can you forgive me? "

" Of course sweetheart, of course I forgive you. Now can you stop crying for me please? "

" You won't leave me? "

Elsa planted a kiss on her temple. " Do you remember what I told you in the garden when you were five? That day you had your first meltdown and you had claimed to your aunt that I didn't want you anymore? "

Anna shook her head against her shoulder. " No. "

" I told you that you will always be my babygirl and that no matter what, I will always want you. "

" I never want to live you mom. "

Elsa let out a soft laugh. " That's what you told me that same day. "

" It's true. " The girl replied.

" I'm happy to hear that. Anna I know we need to talk more about the last events and I promise that I will answer to your questions another day if you want me to. "

" Okay. " Anna said simply.

The room fell silent for once and this time, it wasn't like the uncomfortable silence they had to endure at dinner. Now it was a silence they both enjoyed. Elsa kept rocking the girl while running her hand through her hair.

" I'm sorry for lying to you about your birthmother though. " The woman suddenly broke the silence.

" I know. " Anna mumbled half asleep. " I understand now, it's okay. "

" I love you so much baby. "

" To the moon and back... "

" Yeah. " Elsa smiled. " To the moon and back. "

A few minutes later, Anna was fully asleep in her mother's arms and Elsa was humming a soft tune while starring at the girl's sleeping face. Anna looked serene and her breathing was steady, Elsa felt as if a weight has been lifted from her shoulders. She had troubles sleeping when Anna left the house because she knew her child was going through a lot but now, she could finally sleep peacefully. She had her daughter back and her other son was sleeping in his room, her children were both home and safe. To Elsa, that's all that matters, the rest could wait.

" So this is where she was hiding all this time... " Jack chuckled from the doorway with a smile on his face. " I guess I'll sleep with Olaf. "

" You can sleep with us, you know? " Elsa smiled back.

Her husband joined them on the bed and kissed Anna's cheek before doing the same with her. "That's alright darling, she needs you and I think you do too. "

" Thank you. "

" Don't mention it. I'll go to bed now, I love you. "

" I love you too. "

With another kiss, Jack left mother and daughter. These two need their beauty sleep and of course, lots of hugs.

Anybody would define Katherine's attitude as unresponsible because this is how Elsa considered her before this encounter and while a few people would think that this same unresponsible woman deserves the loss of her child, Elsa can't bring herself to think like that. To be honest, she pities her and when it comes down to it, Anna wouldn't exist if it wasn't for Katherine. It's just sad that she didn't realize the chance she had when she gave birth to Anna, Elsa wouldn't be surprised if this sudden realization left a bitter taste for the woman.

Wow it's been a long time since I updated the last chapter. I moved a lot lately and I spend more time on a boat than anything else. I'm back though and I'm planning to finish all of my stories. Sorry for the wait, really.

So until next time, peace lovely readers.