"T-tested?" Anna questioned, not even daring to look at . Instead, she looked straight ahead at the wall, looking like an empty husk of a body without life. "So Doc, you're saying that I could be running on borrowed time as well? Alongside my mother?"
"Unfortunately, yes. But, it is only a small chance that you have it. At most, there is a 15% chance you inherited it." explained, looking through the papers in his clipboard. "I have a good feeling about you though...you've got a fighting personality. That fire within you won't let something like this disease stop you."
"Thanks Doc. I don't feel like a fighter though. So maybe you are wrong." Anna stated, turning her head to look at Pabbie only to see his smile fade into an expression of sorrow.
quickly reclaimed a small smile before speaking again. "Maybe you are wrong Anna. Maybe, what life is telling you to do, is to pick yourself back up and continue to push forward. But what you can't do is go around blaming yourself for everything that happens. Life sucks, you are going to realize that soon. Maybe you already have. But you shouldn't let things get you down like this. I can tell you are better than this. When you were younger you probably got into a bit of trouble. A fight here, rebellious action there. But you always pushed though. Did you not? So why are you letting these small things get to you. All they are, is a bully, or someone trying to stop you. So, why are you letting them? Why are you letting them berate you and beat down on you like you are a defenseless maggot? Use the fight I can tell...I know you have in you to turn the tables of your life. Show the world that you aren't defenseless. Go and live life. In the words of Rocky Balboa; 'It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.'"
Anna stared at , streams of tears staining her cheeks, the freckles that dotted her face now shining brightly in the room's light.. Finally, a small smile formed on Anna's face, her glistening cheeks rising higher than they were.
"T-thanks . I guess I've just got so much to worry about now, that I forget what I have. And, I feel like I can't take it anymore sometimes. But then I remember one of the last things my mother said to me before I left for college, 'Build a life for yourself. Get married. Build a family. But never look back and think you could have done something.' I guess that I never stopped looking back. But I want to try. For my mother." Anna recalled and stated, a few more tears journeying down her cheeks. "So, when do I need to be tested?"
"Well, actually, we could test you today. We have the staff needed and there aren't many patients today. But we could always schedule for another day if you want." answered, his smile now fully grown into its previous state.
"I-I'll get tested today. I need to know." Anna stated, trying to sound strong in her decision but coming off meek and afraid.
Anna turns towards her mother, ready to help her with anything that she needs. As she begins to lift a hand to touch her, Idunna turns and stares at Anna in confusion.
"Who are you?" Idunna asked, worried. "I-I-I don't recall who you are. Are y-you a n-nurse?"
"Mom…" Anna said, tears spilling from her eyes. "Mom, it's me. Anna. Your daughter."
"A-anna? O-oh yes. I remember. She w-was that o-one girl I-I told to build a l-l-life f-for herself. A-and if you are h-her, why ha-aven't you built y-your life?" Idunna questioned, reinforcing the thought into Anna's head.
"Because I...I'm scared!" Anna admitted, her sobs growing louder.
"Scared of what?" Another voice, this one sweeter, kinder, and caring, asked.
"I'm scared of losing you too Elsa." Anna weeped, the idea of losing the ones she loves recurring like a bad dream.
"You will never lose me. I'm right here. By your side." Elsa replied as she knelt down next to the now crouched Anna, and wrapped her arms around her. "You have captured my heart. So I can't go anywhere without you being right there with me."
"Thank you Elsa." Anna said, turning her face towards Elsa's. As they knelt in each other's embrace, their faces began to near one another, their lips mere centimeters apart.
"Dammit!" Anna grumbled as she wiped the tears from her face, awoken by the sound of her alarm clock. After looking around the room for a minute, blinking the sleep from her eyes, Anna finally shut the alarm off. "Couldn't have let me sleep just a bit longer could you have? Nope. You had to go and ruin that dream by waking me up. Ugh, what time is it even? 7:30?! On a Saturday?! What am I doing up this earl...Oh...yeah. I have to go get my results. I'm so not ready for this today. But I have to know."
Reluctantly, Anna removed the blanket from the top of her body and shambled to the bathroom. She finished her shower and walked out, dressed in an electric blue t-shirt that hung tightly to her body and dark jeans that accentuated her hips.
I guess I could ask Punz if she would be willing to go with me. But I don't want to wake her. She has had a long week. She thought to herself, grabbing a snack bar on her way out of the dorm. Leaving the dorm, she spotted a familiar figure sitting at a nearby table, alone. She was unsure of who it was but was determined to attempt to make their day somewhat better, or at least her own. But nearing the table, the face became more distinguishable in the dim light of the sunrise peeking through the windows. It was Elsa. And she wasn't sure what was happening or why Elsa was alone at this table, especially this early in the morning.
"E-elsa?" her timid voice asked, her finger beginning to reach out in order to touch Elsa and see if she was awake. But before the tip of her index finger could get close to breezing the fabric of the blonde's shirt, Elsa turned towards Anna and pulled her into a hug. This shocked Anna to the core. The thought of Elsa hugging her was very appealing but it was a very uncharacteristic motion for the supposed 'Ice Queen'.
"Hey, is everything okay?" Anna asked, hugging the girl of her fantasies back, lightly rubbing her back as a hopeful form of comfort.
"I'm sorry." Elsa stated instantly, pulling out of the hug in order to try and compose herself. "I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry. We hardly know each other. But also, thank you. The other day at lunch was nice, not many people notice me nor care about my presence. But you took notice and cared. So thank you, and sorry once more for the hug."
"It's alright. We all need someone to watch out for us. I mean, you've got your boyfriend. Olaf, right?" Anna replied smiling softly as she spoke with the lithe figure in front of her.
"W-what? Oh….no. Olaf isn't my boyfriend." Elsa's cheeks visibly reddened. "But yeah, I guess we do need someone to watch out for us. In my case, I guess it would help to have more than one person."
"I guess so." Anna agreed, thinking to herself in the process. Olaf isn't her boyfriend. Sweet! That's one step closer to victory. "Say, are you doing anything later today? I don't know many people here and I'd like to know you a bit better. So I figured we could go out and do something together."
"Hmmm…" The blonde thought for a second before looking at Anna with a large smile. "No. I don't have anything planned later. It would be nice to get to know you better I guess. So, did you have anything particular in mind?"
"Heh...not really. I'm really just flying by the seat of my pants right now. Besides, I don't know the campus or town that well. Now I feel kind of stupid for asking if you wanted to do something later. I probably look stupid too. Do I look stupid? You know what? Don't answer that."
Elsa raised her left hand above her mouth to help cover and suppress the small giggles that erupted from her mouth, looking at Anna in admiration as she chuckled.
"It's fine Anna." Elsa soothed, trying to calm the rising nervousness that she could tell the copperhead was starting to adopt. "We don't have to do anything. If you want, I could show you around town."
"Really? Thanks Elsa." Anna cheered, excited that Elsa didn't back down from their plan to get to know each other better later that night. "Oh, what time is it by the way? I have to get going soon. Got errands to run."
The blonde slid her hand into the pocket of her dark grey leggings, pulling out her phone in order to check the time. "It is 8:03. And I understand, life gets busy as you age. So how about we shoot for 2 pm for our little 'get together'?"
"Perfect! 2:00 is great. But I really have to get going. This is very important to me. See you tonight!" Anna exclaimed, giving the beauty of her dreams a small wave before she left the building, entered her car and turned the key in the ignition.
Anna peeled into the parking lot closest to the medical building, and she found herself doubting her rather reckless choice of accepting the test. Bonk! Anna was jolted in her seat, and realized that she hit the curb of the parking space which she barely managed to stay within the lines. Mentally berating herself, she turned off her engine and stepped out of her car, examining the damage. Maybe I should've called Punz to accompany me. I'm a living mess. No worries though, I just have to get through the results then I will get to spend time with Elsa. The damage was superficial, and Anna instinctively reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. I've already put Punz through a lot. Anna stared at Punz's name in her contacts, then turned off her phone and shoved it in her pocket. She obsessively clicked the "Lock" button several times before entering the building.
Now standing at the entrance of the clinic, Anna paused for a brief moment, took a deep breath, and walked through the door. The familiar sight of the empty waiting room brought little comfort to Anna's uncertainty. She made her way to the receptionist. "H-hi. I'm here for my appointment? It's at 8:30 with Dr. Pabbie." With trembling fingers, Anna handed over her student card.
The elderly receptionist smiled warmly at Anna. "Right this way dear. He will be with you shortly." The receptionist eased as she led Anna down the hall to an empty exam room. On instinct, Anna sat down on the padded seat and pulled out her phone as she waited for to arrive. While she sat and scanned through her phone, Anna set a reminder for 2pm and smiled. I can't believe it...I'm actually going to spend time with Elsa. What should I wear? I wonder what she will be wearing. Nothing too flashy, right? Come on Anna. You are better than raunchy fantasies. I mean, you hardly know her! It's fine. Let's just see how tonight goes. It could lead to a very good time in be...STOP! Deep breath. Focus. As Anna mentally fought with herself, entered the room and sat down in the rolling chair across from Anna.
"Good morning Anna." He announced, startling the redhead from her lust induced stupor. "How are you doing today?"
"I-I'm good. I'm a bit nervous and shaky, but good." Anna replied honestly, knowing that she is a terrible liar.
"Of course you are. And that's alright. Fear is a natural response and you have already taken the first steps to getting over your fear. Now then, are you ready for your results? I'd assume you would like to know as soon as possible in order to leave as soon as possible. Am I correct?" Pabbie asked calmly, having asked the same questions more than enough times.
"Yes. I would like to know if I have it or not. I don't think I can stomach sitting here any longer without knowing for sure." She answered, beginning to make small movements to reposition herself in anticipation and worry.
"Alright then. Well, Anna, as far as the tests are concerned, you don't appear to show any signs that you have CJD. So, you are free to go with that burden off your chest. But I would keep in mind to try and get tested every few years or so." assured with a smile. "Now then, before you leave, you will need to sign some papers due to regulation and law. But you should be able to rest easy now."
"Thanks doc. I….I don't know what to say." Anna stated, taken aback by the realization that a large burden had been relieved from her.
"I understand. Please, take all the time you need." Pabbie said, placing his hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner. Not long after, he removed his hand and moved to the computer to begin printing out the documents she needed to sign.
As the printer released the freshly inked pages needed, the realization began to sink into Anna, removing her from her transfixed state. But, Anna never said a word, she only grabbed a pen and signed the papers that handed to her before leaving the exam room.
"Thanks doc." Was the only thing the redhead said to Pabbie before she retired to her car in order to head back to the dorms.
A/N:
RiasSenpaiBae- I thoroughly hope you enjoyed this chapter as it is the first of many stepping stones leading to the budding romance of Elsa and Anna. Also, I am hoping to begin having Anna bloom away from the constant thoughts of her mother and those thoughts holding her back. I know that those thoughts will always be there with her, but even in the hardest of times, you can begin to break away from those thoughts, especially if you find something else to put your mind to. Or shall I say, someone else? Anyways, Someawe and I really appreciate you taking the time to read our story and we hope that you will stick around.
And now, replying to a review we got:
Katiejay- I am glad that you are enjoying this story. And we most certainly will continue writing. Like I said though, Someawe is still going through some life stuff and is very busy which is why most of the writing and responses will be from me, RiasSenpaiBae. And I know I definitely feel the same. I want this story to be told. And as far as Anna and Elsa go, well….you'll just have to wait and see won't you. :) As a side note, I read the first two chapters of your story. It is really good so far. As far as any questions and such I have for the story, look no further than your own comments. Anyways, you keep up the good work as well.