I feel like it's been forever since I updated. Blame school.
"Would you relax? You're going to wear through the carpet if you keep pacing like that," Anna said. Elsa only grunted in response, pausing for a second before continuing her pacing.
"His mom is going to meet my mom and dad. And the main reason for their meeting is because we fell asleep together."
"Well whose fault is that?" Elsa glared at her sister. "Lighten up. I'm sure it's going to be fine. Dad doesn't have his 'super serious' face on and Mom's in a good mood. The only thing you have to worry is you giving Jack a heart attack when he sees you," Anna indicated to red dress Elsa was wearing. "Has dad seen you? He might make you change, considering you are already on thin ice,"
"It's not that bad," Elsa looked her outfit. Her red dress, (which she wore mainly because she was feeling in a festive mood and wanted something to match the occasion, Christmas being only a few days away), was mid length, with a flared out, flowing skirt. The bodice was form fitting and studded with sliver sequence. She was also wearing her favourite snowflake necklace and her hair was up in a loose bun, with a few tendrils hanging down eloquently.
"It's not that bad?" Anna laughed, "With that outfit either Jack or dad is going to flip. Maybe both,"
"I dressed down on purpose. And my dress isn't that much different from yours," She indicated to peach frock Anna had on.
"But my boyfriend isn't the one coming over. Plus I have the added bonus of all of Dad's attention being on you and the guy you almost slept with." Anna ducked under the hairbrush aimed at her head.
"When are you going to drop that?"
"Three to four months, we told this already."
"Anna, Elsa!" Their mother's voice drifted from downstairs. They obediently answered the call heading downstairs.
"Would you help set the table?" She said placing the plates in stacks down.
"Oh, we're getting out the good plates," Anna giggled, "Trying to make a good impression I see,"
"Is it just me or does she seem extra mischievous today?" Elsa asked.
"She's definitely more brash that usual," Their mother agreed.
"I'm just really looking forward to this dinner," Anna smiled as she set out the plates.
"You just want to see the night explode in my face," Elsa snorted.
"Like I said, I'm looking forward to dinner,"
"You're a horrible little sister,"
"Unfortunately I'm the only one you got," Anna stuck her tongue out, "Until you and Jack get married that is. Then I guess Ellie would be like a sister technically."
"Not funny," Elsa glared at her.
"Sure it is,"
"Alright girls that's enough. Get the table set," Their mother mediated.
"Are you going to be like that then the Frosts get here?" Elsa asked when Idun left to finish dinner.
"I would never be so cruel." Anna gasped, mocking hurt, "I mean I'd love to see this night just go south, but you and Jack don't need my help with that,"
"Run," Elsa whispered in a dangerous voice. Anna gulped, disappearing from the room.
"Jack, you look fine," His mother said glancing in his direction for a second before turning her eyes to road again.
"I'm nervous," He admitted.
"Why?" Ellie leaned forward in the space between the front seats. "You have dinner with her family before. If someone should be worried about how they look it's me,"
"You look great El, you always do,"
"Thank you," She smiled.
"You said that just to make me complement you, didn't you?"
"Maybe,"
"You sneaky little…" Jack reached back and pinched her nose playfully. She made a snapping motion at his fingers and he yanked his hand back.
"Are you my sister, or a dog?"
"I'm an ankle bitter,"
"You've been spending too much time with Bunny," Jack chuckled.
"Stop messing you're tie. You're only going to make it crooked."
"Okay, okay," He dropped his hands, "I didn't make it worst did I?"
"No, like I said you look fine."
"The turn is coming up," Jack pointed out the road. His mother nodded and turned. Jack pointed out Elsa's house and the car stopped in front. Ellie gleefully picked up the pie they'd brought and exited the vehicle.
"Let's go meet your girlfriend's parents,"
"You know, I was thinking…" Jack started as he and mom got out of the car.
"I'm listening,"
"The parents don't normally meet each other until like really late in the relationship. Heck sometimes they don't meet until the wedding."
"Then I suppose you and Elsa are lucky," Ellie laughed.
"Lucky isn't the word we'd use," Jack half smiled at her.
"Oh, sure you are. If they become friends now then they won't disagree as much when planning Elsa and yours wedding."
Their mother bit back her laughter. Jack's eye widen, "Don't even joke about that. I'm still technically in trouble for falling asleep with Elsa and you're already planning the wedding?"
"Yes, I want you two to get married," Ellie said, almost innocently. His mom's shoulders started to shake with her laughter.
" I will hurt you," Jack narrowed his eyes at her. She stuck out her tounge.
"Jack, could you not treanten your sister,"
"She's the one planning my wedding,"
"Ellie, let up on the jokes a bit." She smiled a bit, "You can safe them for the next time we get together with Jack's future in-laws,"
Jack started spluttering.
Laughing Ellie ran the rest of way to the door ringing the bell.
"Hi Ellie," Anna was the one to answer the door, she looked up as Jack and his mother stepped up onto the porch. His mom was smiling widely while Jack was making a chocked sound. "Hi, you must be Ms. Frost," Anna smiled extending her hand.
"And you could only be Anna," She took the hand, "Both my children have spoken about you quite a bit. Especially this one," She patted Ellie's head.
"Good things I hope,"
"Oh yes. I do believe Ellie is eagerly waiting the day she can officially call you her sister,"
"Mom!" Jack cried. Ellie and Anna giggled.
"I'm looking forward to that too." Anna winked at Ellie. Jack groaned and covered his face.
"Oh no, they've started already, haven't they?" Elsa had joined the group, noticing Jack's distraught expression.
"Let's just make a break for it now. Any wrath that might happen if they find us could never be worst than having to be the same room with them all."
"Don't be so dramatic Jack," Anna said pulling him inside.
"Yeah," Ellie agreed, "If you can't make through one little dinner how you will ever last through a whole wedding reception."
"Wedding? What?" Elsa exclaimed.
"That's Ellie's chosen topic for torture this evening,"
"What a coincidence, mine too," Anna said to Ellie.
"What did we do to get sisters like you?" Jack asked.
"You must have been really good in a past life to deserve us," Anna smirked.
"Deserve is not the word we're looking for," Jack said.
"Curse sounds more appropriate," Elsa added.
Anna and Ellie stuck their tongues out at the same time. "You love us and you know it,"
"My," Idun entered the hall, "When Anna said Ellie was like the little sister she never had I didn't realise how alike they are,"
"I'm looking at them and can hardly believe it myself. You certainly have wonderful daughters Mrs. Winters,"
"They're only seem wonderful now," Elsa's mother said in a teasing tone, "and please call me Idun,"
"Gwyneth," The moms shook hands.
"We brought desert," Ellie announced happily, holding up the containers in her hands.
"That was thoughtful," Idun said.
"It's the least we could do,"
"Oh, what is it?" Anna leaned forward the inspect the containers.
"Anna!" Her mother and sister reprimanded together. Anna backed away, a sheepish grin playing at her lips.
"Mom and El made apple pie," Jack said.
"And Jack bought ice cream to go with it," Ellie piped up. "Vanilla,"
"Who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend," Elsa poked him in the chest.
"What? I can't buy vanilla,"
"No. Not after the way you talked about it how it should not be a flavour."
"Hey, even I have to admit choco mint isn't the best paired with apple pie. And it is your favourite,"
"You spoil me Mr. Frost,"
"Only for you Princess," He smiled leaning a bit closer.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Anna interrupted.
"Oh come on. I can kiss her at least. If we didn't do anything the other night it's not like we're going to try anything now, with all of you watching."
"Good evening Jack,"
Jack yelped at the sound of Adgar's voice and hid behind Elsa. Anna and Ellie started giggling.
"Adgar," Idun warned, trying and failing to conceal her smile. Gwyneth too was failing miserably to not laugh at her eldest child.
"What?" Adgar asked his wife, almost innocently, "I'm only greeting the lad,"
"Geez, Elsa, your dad is going to give me heart attack one of these days. That or one of our sisters will make me die from embarrassment," Jack murmured in Elsa ear.
"We should have run while we had the chance," Elsa said back quietly.
"What are you two whispering about?" Jack's mom ask, making them both jump.
"Oh, they want to elope," Anna said, almost nonchalant. Jack and Elsa bristled. The three parents' all turned with questioning gazes.
"Don't listen to you her," Elsa clamped a hand over Anna's mouth before she could say anything else.
"But you just sa-" Jack placing his arms around Ellie's mouth before she could say anything else.
"We should probably take the pie to the kitchen," Elsa laughed stiffly.
"That's a good idea," Jack agreed. They dragged their still gagged sisters with them into the other room.
The three parents sighed together. Adgar looked at Jack's mom.
"Adgar Winters," He said extending his hand. Jack's mom smiled and shook hands.
"Gwyneth Frost. I'm glad we decided to do this. Since our children are probably going to be spending a significant amount of time together."
"We couldn't agree more," Adgar said.
"And I must apologise for what happened the other night. I specifically told Jack to sleep in sister's room,"
"Oh, you mustn't fret over that," Idun said waving a hand dismissively, "You weren't at fault. They both admitted to their mistake and I don't think they'll be repeating it any time soon,"
"Most certainly not," Adgar huffed.
While their parents were getting acquainted the kids were in the kitchen, trying to stay out of the dessert.
"Anna, don't even think about it," Elsa warned seeing her sister moving towards the pie with a fork.
"It's not like I'm going to have a big piece," She pouted. Elsa pulled the cutlery from her hands.
"So, if Anna can't have pie what are you doing with this?" Jack pulled the tub of ice cream from behind Elsa's back. She blushed.
"I was only going to put it in the fridge."
"Sure you were," Anna and Jack said at the same time as the boy put the ice cream in the freezer.
Ellie broke out into giggles. Anna nudged the younger girl and whispered something in her ear. Elsa and Jack looked on apprehensively.
"What did you tell her?" Elsa asked Anna.
"Oh…nothing," Anna sang out, rocking on her feet. Elsa and Jack shared a worried look.
"What did she tell you?" Jack asked his sister.
"Oh…nothing," Ellie's tone was a perfect match to Anna's, even mirroring her actions. The little sisters giggled in synchronous. It was so eerily similar that Jack and Elsa felt shivers run down their spines.
"Whatever you two are planning–" Elsa didn't get to finish before Ellie darted forward, running into Jack. They both stumbled back and then Ellie vanished from the room, only her laughter lingering in the air in her wake.
"What was th…" Jack patted his pocket, "My phone. Ellie! Give it back!" He ran after her.
"What are you up to?" Elsa narrowed her eyes at Anna.
"You'll like this," Anna winked. Elsa followed Jack only to almost run into him as he suddenly stopped. They were standing the entrance to the living room. Ellie was standing in front of the Christmas tree, still giggling.
"Ellie. I'm only going to say this once. Give me my phone."
"Okay," She tossed his cell with a shrug. He grabbed for it, fumbling for a few seconds. He quickly checked to see what she did. She didn't have enough time to make a call, but still enough to send a message. He let out a huge sigh when he saw the last text was one the sent to Elsa when they'd left home.
"What was that about?" His head swivelled between Ellie and Anna. They giggled again.
"Look up," Anna giggled. Both Elsa's and Jack's went upwards. There was a sprig of mistletoe hanging above them.
"Really, this is what all your giggling is about?" Elsa asked incredulously. Then her head lifted upwards again, "Since when has that been there?"
"This evening,"
"You planned this," She glared at her sister. Anna shrugged.
"Won't you the one who stopped us from kissing just now?" Jack cocked an eyebrow.
"Yes. But now you have an excuse. You're under the mistletoe."
"You have to kiss, it's a rule," Ellie added.
"I will never get what goes on in your head," Jack said to her. She only giggled walking past the pair.
"We'll just give you two some privacy," Anna wiggled her eyebrows. Elsa made an exasperated sound. Anna and Ellie left with a wave.
"Those two," Elsa rolled her eyes, "We really should look into a boarding school we can send them to." She started walking in the direction of the kitchen only to have Jack catch her wrist. With one swift and fluid movement he had her in his arms below the little green sprig.
"Our sisters can be annoying, no doubt." He smirked, "But what's the sense in wasting a perfectly good opportunity."
"I can't argue with that logic." Elsa laughed. Jack leaned down to meet her lips. The kiss was leisurely, and almost lazy. Jack, slowly, almost painfully so, let his hands trace down Elsa's sides, before coming to rest at her hips. She took a step back, breaking the kiss. But she couldn't go far with the doorway right behind her. She smiled up at Jack.
"Hi," She almost giggled.
"Hey you," Jack brushed his lips against the tip her nose, really making her giggle.
"Don't you two look cosy,"
They jumped a foot in the air at Idun's voice. She smiled, "If you won't mind break your embrace we're ready to start dinner."
Red flushed their faces and they stepped away, pointing looking at the ground. As they walked into the dining room their sister's laughter was the most obvious sound. They glared at them, but neither took notice, too busy laughing into their napkins.
"Glad you could join us," Adgar said as Jack pulled out Elsa's chair for her. "I hope you didn't have to interrupt anything too important.
"Dad, could you not?" Elsa looked away blushing. Jack's face was an unhealthy colour of red as he sat down next to her.
"Dinner looks good, doesn't it?" Jack's mom said, either oblivious to, or purposely ignoring the pair's discomfort.
And dinner, it seemed to Elsa and Jack, was a veiled device to poke fun at them. The ones making the most use of this? Anna and Ellie of course. They got into a playful banter over what Jack and Elsa should name their kids.
"They have to name their first daughter after me," Anna said.
"What about me?"
"Ellie could be her middle name," Anna suggested.
"What if Anna's the middle name, and Ellie could be her first name,"
"Don't you think the parents should have a say in this?" Gwyneth asked the girls, looking over at Jack and Elsa. Or rather looking at their chairs. As the conversion went on the two had slowly slid down further into their seats, hoping they could vanish, or merge with the furniture at the very least.
"We're going to be the aunts," Ellie stated, like it was obvious that the aunts were an all important position.
"Isn't all this a bit premature?" Idun smiled, "After all they aren't even married yet,"
"Oh, we could talk about what colour dresses we'd wear for the wedding," Anna exclaimed.
"Why are you punishing us?" Elsa asked.
"Punishing you?" Anna sounded shocked, "Why sister dearest, we would never. We only want to plan ahead, sp whenever it does happen we'll already know what we have to do," Anna smiled sweetly.
Elsa sat up, "Then I've decided something,"
"And what's that?" Her father asked.
"We're not going to get married,"
Everyone looked at her with a different expression. Her father looked like he'd been hit in back of the head (probably his little girl had just mentioned 'marriage' and his brain went into danger alert mode, unable to process much else). Idun raised an eyebrow while Gwyneth's eyes widened slightly. Ellie looked distraught; like someone just told her Christmas wasn't coming this year. Anna let out a 'Wait, what?'. And Jack's expression…He looked looking like he couldn't decide if he was surprised or upset. His face fell somewhere in the middle, as his jaw dropped in shock, but his eyebrows knitted in worry. There were splashes of confusion and disappointment in his eyes for good measure.
"I'm sorry, what?" Anna said shaking her head.
"All I know is that I don't want a ceremony, with a reception where you two can have speeches." She looked between Anna and Ellie.
"You would deny me the opportunity to be your maid of honour?" Anna pouted.
"Yes," Elsa said flatly.
"Fine then, Ellie you're going to be the main of honour at my wedding,"
"Good luck Ellie, she's going to a complete bridezilla."
"No I won't. But if you're not going to have a ceremony then what? Would you elope for real?"
"Maybe," Elsa shrugged, "Or just go to a courthouse,"
The ladies won't sure who had the more violent reaction to Elsa casual reference to marriage – Adgar, or Jack. They both broke into coughing fits. Anna couldn't help but laugh at the sight, but wisely hide her grin in her sleeve. Elsa on the other hand was mortified at the realization of what she'd said. Her thought process behind her words had been with the sole intention of evading one of those 'embarrass the happy couple' speeches from her sister, but now the full weight of her words hit her and she started wishing she would disappear all over again.
Mercifully her mother suggested dessert not long after this and Elsa jumped at the chance to leave the room. She, Ellie and Anna offered to get it ready. Jack suggested he'd go with them. But his mother, apparently deciding her son hadn't suffered enough for the reason said "I'm sure the girls can handle it."
Jack all but panicked, giving Elsa a 'please don't leave me alone with them' look. She mouthed 'sorry' and went after her sister and Ellie. Jack fell out of his chair trying to stop her.
"Dinner is fun isn't it?" Anna smiled when Elsa entered the kitchen.
"Oh ha-ha," Elsa drawled, "You enjoy me suffering don't you?"
"It can be quiet entertaining, yes,"
Elsa hit her lightly, "Let's get this pie dished out. I don't want to leave Jack with the parents alone for too long."
"Good point. Who knows what kind of psychologically damage could be caused," Anna said making the trio laugh. Anna and Elsa cut and place the pie on plates, while Ellie scooped out the ice cream. They carried the plates back to the dining room.
As they entered, "Oh good, Elsa can help tell this story," Jack said, making Elsa wonder if she should just turn around now. Instead she place a plate in front of Jack and took her seat next him.
"What story is that?" She asked.
"Your dad asked about how we met,"
She looked at her father, "I told you how we met,"
"Yes, but I'd like to hear Jack tell it," Adgar said.
"Well, there isn't much to tell. We ran into each other, after the schools' football match,"
"But that couldn't be just it, could it? I remember when your mother said Jack showed up randomly at our door one evening,"
"Yeah, well that was before we started talking," Elsa said.
"And why'd you start talking?" Idun asked.
"Probably because he went through all the trouble of looking me up in the phonebook."
"What?" The three parents said together.
"Oh…did I not mention that before?" Elsa paled a bit.
"Why'd he have to look you up in the phonebook?"
"I didn't tell him my name after that first meeting," Elsa admitted, sensing she'd just opened a door that she shouldn't have.
"So he didn't know you other than one chance meeting, and he tracked you down?" Adgar said.
"It sounds kind of weird when you put it like that," Jack tried to laugh it off.
"And how would you put it?" Adgar asked. Jack gluped.
"Well…" He started carefully, "I wanted the chance to get her know her better,"
"And why is that?"
Everyone was looking at Jack expectantly, even Elsa.
"I…when I…we first ran into each other that day, we didn't say much but…" Jack looked at Elsa and no one else. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to say what he was about to say if he looked at anyone else. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to say it at all. "But…I just had this feeling that we could be good friends. I met her and knew I wanted to be her friend. Okay, maybe more than friends, but I would have been happy with just friends if that had been the case."
"Aww," Anna fawned. Ellie started laughing again. Their parents seemed a little surprised, but also impressed. Jack, however only had eyes for Elsa. He waited patiently for her reaction. A small flickered across her face and he felt her hand squeeze his gently under the table.
The conversation turned to other topics after that. Anna brought up their Christmas tree.
"Ellie, did you check out the gifts under the tree?" She asked. Ellie should her head. "I think there might be one there for you,"
"Really?" Ellie's eyes lit up. Anna and Elsa nodded.
"Why don't you go see?" Elsa suggested. Ellie looked to her mother who nodded. Ellie ran to the other room and everyone else followed. By the time they caught up Ellie had already located her present. It was a large box, wrapped in red and blue paper with a white ribbon. Ellie tried to open it neatly at first, but halfway through she figured it was talking too long. She ripped the rest of the paper away and lifted the top of the box.
Her scream of excitement made everyone laugh and cringe at the same time.
"Rainbow Dash!" She took the plushie out of the box, hugging it tightly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you,"
"You don't have to thank us." Anna laughed, "Merry Christmas," Ellie got up and ran to hug Anna and then Elsa.
"Can we give them our gifts now, please?" Ellie jumped up and in front her mother.
"Since you already opened yours," She took her car keys out and handed them to the girl. Ellie grabbed Jack and pulled him with her.
"Ms. Frost," Elsa took up a small gift, offering it.
"Elsa, sweetheart, you didn't have to get me anything."
"Well you are going to her mother-in-law someday," Anna teased and Elsa hit her. Laughing Jack's mom took the gift opening it to reveal a perfume. "It's my favourite brand, how'd you know?"
"Lucky guess," Elsa smiled.
"Thank you," She pulled Elsa in for a hug and kiss on the cheek. By this time Jack and Ellie returned carrying four gift bags, one large, one medium and two small.
Jack gave the largest bag to Elsa's mom, and the medium bags to her father. The gifts were a bath set and formal tie, respectively.
"Did you pick this out Jack?" Adgar asked, indicating to the tie.
"Y-yes," Jack answered, apprehensive.
"You have good taste," Adgar smiled. Jack laughed.
"Thank you sir,"
"This is for you," Ellie held up the one of the small gift bag for Anna. She took it eagerly and her squeal of delight rivalled Ellie's when she found a chain with Twilight Sparkle on it.
"Oh my gosh, I love it," She hugged Ellie very tightly.
"Funny, how they both got My Little Pony," Jack laughed.
"They really could be sisters in everything but blood," Elsa laughed too.
Everyone watched smiling as both girls eagerly examined their gifts.
Jack glanced at Elsa, the last gift bag still in his hands. Elsa caught his gaze and guessed what he was thinking. She took a breath and said, "We're going to get some air for a minute," she took up a gift from the pile before looking to her parents. They gave small nods, as did Jack's mom. Elsa slipped her hand into Jack's leading the way to the back of the house. They stepped out on to the back porch, despite the cold winter night, and sat on the porch swing.
"You first," Elsa smiled holding out her gift.
"That should be my line," Jack laughed.
"Just open it," She teased. He took the gift, pulled the paper off unceremoniously. A new jacket tumbled into his lap. Holding it up he saw it was his favourite shade of blue.
"Since you gave me your old one, I figured it was only right,"
"It's great. Better than that. And probably a good thing too, seeing as neither of us was smart enough to grab our own coats when coming out here. He hung the jacket around his shoulders and pulled Elsa closer she could share in its warmth.
"That's not all," She indicated to something else on the box. Jack took up a sweatband. Turning it over he saw it was embroider with snowflakes and 'J'.
"For my winter sports man," Elsa smirked.
"This is amazing. It's perfect. I'm going to wear to every game and event I have from now on," Jack slipped it on his wrist as he said this.
"Okay, your turn," He held out the small gift bag. She took out a small jewlery box and her eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"What is it?"
"Don't know," Jack shrugged. "You'll have to open it and see," Elsa shoved him playfully before returning to the box. She opened the small box and her breath caught in her throat. She looked at Jack for a moment before lifting the charm bracelet. The beads were sliver, a light blue and white. Right now there were three charms, an ice skate, a snowflake, both white with blue sparkles and the third charm was tiny crown sliver and studded with blue gems.
"Jack…" She whispered, blinking quickly to keep back the tears she suddenly felt building.
"I take it you like it," Jack smiled shyly.
"Like it?" She threw her hands around his neck, hugging him, "It's wonderful. It's beautiful," She pulled back to look at him. "It's perfect,"
"No it's not. Nothing can be as perfect as you." Elsa rolled her eyes in mild annoyance at his words, "But I'm glad you like. I must have spent hours trying to figure out the right charms to get. The snowflake and ice skate were obvious, but wanted to get one more and couldn't figure out what would be best. I finally decided on the crown, because, you're my princess,"
"You're so sappy," Elsa pushed him playfully.
"Yeah, But I'm your sap," Jack laughed.
Elsa smiled, "Yes, you are."
She let Jack put on the bracelet for her. He brought her hand up to lips pressing light kisses to each knuckle. They sat together, watching snowflakes drift to earth, creating feather light dances in the air. They stayed like this until the back door opened.
"Jack, it's time to good," It was his mom. Just behind her were Elsa's parents and Anna and Elle.
"There is always the option of Jack spending the night. I know Elsa would love that," Everyone who was older started at Anna with hard, drilling glares. "And I see it's still too soon to make that joke…sooo, I'm just gonna…" Anna hurried away.
Elsa sighed at her sister, then turned to Jack. Before she could say anything Jack kissed her quickly. He pulled away smiling.
"I'll talk to you tomorrow,"
"Yeah," Elsa whispered happily.
The families said good bye at the front door.
"It was a lovely dinner," Jack's mom said.
"We have to do this again," Elsa mother agreed.
"And soon," Adgar smiled.
"Yeah, we wouldn't want the next time both our families get together to be at their rehearsal dinner," Anna laughed.
"I thought we already cleared up were going to the courthouse," Elsa said.
"Well even if you do that then we can still have a dinner together,"
"There is no way to avoid a repeat of tonight, is there?" Jack asked.
The answer was unanimous, "Nope."
With school back for me, that means my upload schedule is probably going to be once a week. I'll try to get chapters up as soon as possible, but I make no promises.
Nardragon~ until the next page.