"You're going there again?" Kristoff asked over his cup. "What's that, every day for the past two weeks?"
"Every weekday, today would be the eighth day. And yes I'm going back today, only if this stupid boot would-"
Kristoff leaned over the table to watch Anna wrestling with her boot, tongue sticking out as she rolled around on the ground.
"Shouldn't you be doing other things? Like, oh I don't know, working at the cafe where you get paid actual money?"
Anna stopped to look up at Kristoff. "I told you, he gave me the weekend until this is all done. Relax dad, I know what I'm doing." She tied her laces and jumped to her feet.
"Besides, this could really help my career. That's worth more than serving coffee for tips, isn't it?"
Kristoff rolled his eyes. "Sure, that's why you're doing it."
The redhead glared at him with her hands on her hips. "What?" Kristoff said. "It's great you have a new friend! I'm just saying..."
"What are you saying?" Kristoff's eyes widened as she approached him. "Are you jealous?"
"Uh... no- that's not- why would I even-"
Anna threw her head back and laughed. "I'm just messing with you!" When she looked down Kristoff didn't seem amused. "Oh don't give me that look, you started it!"
Her phone started vibrating in her shirt pocket.
"That's my cue! I'll text you when I get out!" The redhead gave him a quick squeeze before running out the door.
Elsa massaged her temples. "I apologize for not keeping you informed, but it is a personal matter."
"Well this is preposterous! This affects the entire corporation!" Mr. Weselton screeched over the phone. "I demand-"
"What Jeremy, that you be put back in charge?" It was the Vice President, she guessed. "She's done more in the few weeks than you did in three years, even with her... predicament."
"Even still, with your condition, the board would be more than happy to give you a leave, until you..."
"It's alright, I understand what you're saying," the blonde sat up. "My operation is this week, and I will take a leave until my doctors have cleared me. Is that agreeable to everyone?" There were quiet whispers.
"I'll take that as a yes. If that is all, the meeting is adjourned. Thank you," she hung up and slumped back into her chair. Just a few more days...
"More tea, Miss?" Elsa opened her eyes to see Gerda standing beside her desk.
"That'd be great Gerda." The blonde watched her pour carefully before bringing the cup to her mouth.
"Miss Anna will be here soon, I can delay her if you'd like."
"Thank you, but I'm fine. I'll be right out."
Gerda nodded, before walking out of the office.
The blonde took a deep breath. She enjoyed being in Anna's company. For the past week it had been the highlight of her day, something to look forward to no matter how tired she was.
But everything takes a toll...
She didn't want to think it but it was true. Nowadays she was too tired to cry at night, yet too scared to sleep. During the day, she drudged through her tasks, trying to conserve her energy for when the energetic redhead would arrive.
This isn't her problem. Conceal, don't feel.
As the blonde opened her eyes, she exhaled. Admittedly, she felt a bit refreshed. By the time she hit the door she had a grin on her face. Swapping in one mask for another.
Elsa could hear Anna from the corridor, yelling greetings at Kai and Gerda happily. The blonde waited by the staircase as Anna burst through the front doors.
"Good afternoon An-"
"No time, we're already running late come on!" Anna practically dragged Elsa down the hallway, linked at the arms.
"Hey! Wake up!"
Elsa snapped up, rubbing her eyes as she groaned.
"How long was I out?"
"I dunno, you went quiet about thirty minutes ago. But look!" The redhead held a picture in front of the blonde. "I finished it!"
Elsa stretched her arms out as she looked at the photo. "Well done as always, Anna."
"Well done?" Anna gasped. "Why, this is the most fine work you'll ever see! A thank you would be nice," Anna pouted.
Elsa grinned as she got out of the recliner and walked towards the girl. "Okay okay, Anna Hudson, thank you very much for your hard work. I couldn't have picked a better person."
"See was that so hard?" Anna set the picture down.
There was a small silence between them.
Now what? Should I tell her?
Anna was looking outside, running her hand through her hair.
She has no reason to come back, if I'm going to tell her I should tell her now.
"I-" Elsa hesitated when she realized Anna had said the same thing.
"Wait what?"
"Oh, it's nothing important, you go ahead."
The redhead's brows furrowed as she studied the blonde.
"Oh! I almost forgot! I have a surprise for you." Anna smiled as she walked towards the back room. "Wait here!"
Elsa sat patiently, watching as the redhead came out of the room with both hands behind her back. "Anna if this is another prank I swear," she warned. "I told you I don't like pranks."
"No no no it's not a prank silly! Look!" The redhead held out another photo in front of her.
The photo was of Elsa. She was curled up in her recliner, blanket covering her up to her chin. Her blonde hair fell over one shoulder down the blanket.
"You are so adorable sometimes I swear," Anna beamed. She handed the photo to Elsa as they walked towards the fireplace. "I had to take the picture, I've never seen you sleep before. Oh god that came out wrong. Not that I wanted to see you sleep, you know, 'cause that would be really weird and-"
"Thank you, Anna." Elsa interrupted. "It's a beautiful photo." She studied the photograph carefully as she sat down in her recliner silently.
Don't do it.
"Anna... I want to thank you. Thank you for being so positive every day, you're a joy to be around."
She set the photo on the coffee table before continuing. "I-I hope that you and I can be friends, I'd really like that."
Don't.
Elsa began fidgeting with her hands. "I need to tell you something... I-I'm going to be having-"
She looked back up to see the redhead sprawled over the couch, softly snoring. She smiled as she stood up and put the blanket over the sleeping girl.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Elsa got up and walked out the door, careful to shut the door quietly.
Stupid stupid stupid! Elsa quickly climbed the stairs toward her room. What were you thinking? Thank god she was asleep.
She quietly prepared for bed. But she won't tell anyone-
It doesn't matter, it's none of her business. What is telling her going to do for us?
Elsa climbed into bed, staring up at the ceiling.
Conceal, don't feel.
A/N: Next chapter will be up Thursday! Comments/criticisms are always welcome.
Stay tuned!