Heeeee guys, I am so so sorry that I haven't been uploading for a while. I've been very busy and last week I was on a field trip to Berlin. It was amazing, Berlin is a gorgeous city... Anyways, I didn't have wifi there so I got really grumpy :( But now I have the week off so I hope to write a few more chapters. So to make up for waiting this long, I wrote a big chap for you... It took me a few days to finish but whatever, I've always liked big chapters.
Enjoy this chap !
The last two months had been great for Jack. He and Eugene went skiing very often and afterwards they always hung out at Eugene's place. Sometimes Punzie would come over and she and Jack's best friend would make out and Jack would always make gross sounds at which the young couple would laugh at. But Jack wasn't jealous, he just liked to make fun of his friend, he always liked that.
At school things also went great. History was easy, Science was fun to do, English was ok and Maths... well yeah, it was slowly going better. Jack had been practicing a lot at home, he really wanted to make it to the next grade. His parents were proud of him and he felt great. He often stayed after the maths lessons to chat with Elsa. He secretly called her by her first name but never out loud. He didn't dare, she had to give him permission to do so herself, and until she hadn't done it, he kept calling her Ms. Winters out of respect. He would just ask how she was doing and she would ask him a question back and so on.
Just the last few weeks, she opened up more to him. She told him about her home situation, about her family and about the hobbies she was so passionate about. Jack loved it to hear more stuff about her, she was so interesting that he never grew tired of her. He could listen to her for hours, drown in her eyes and dream of her heavenly voice. Then, when she was finished telling her story, she always asked him about his life. Jack would tell her about his little brother, what he did and how he always tricked him. She would laugh and her eyes would sparkle so bright that it made Jack melt completely. He has had a few great moments alone with her, he got to know her better and appreciated her even more than he already did. His favorite moment happened not so long ago, about two weeks.
They are already talking with each other for hours. Neither of them noticed because they were enjoying themselves in each other's presence. Suddenly, the woman notices the time.
"Oh gosh, it's already past five. I have to go home, sorry Jack." She says while she hastily grabs her things and throws them at random in her bag. She grabs her keys and coat and runs for the door. Jack also grabs his things and walks past her while she puts her coat on.
"Yeah, I should be going too." He says. Too bad, he was really enjoying their conversation together.
Ms. Winters is ready and walks fast to the entrance of the school where her car is parked. The sky is grey and it's raining cats and dogs. Jack sighs and scoffs. "Well, fuck it looks like I have to cycle through the rain."
"I- ehm..." She hestitates. "I could give you a ride. I don't want you to cycle through this kind of weather. We'll leave your bike at school and maybe one of your parents could drive you tomorrow ?" His then teacher proposes.
Jack's face lits up. "Wow, that would be very nice. Thanks, yeah I think my mum can drive me tomorrow. No problem."
"Ok come on then, let's take a sprint." She says and immediately runs towards the car with her long legs. Jack runs after her and laughs out loud. He opens the door and plops on the seat next to the driver's. The car is started and they drive off.
It's only fifteen minutes to reach his home and when they arrive, it already stopped raining. Ms. Winters stops the car and lets him out. Jack's mom comes walking outside to see from whom the car is. When she sees the owner, she smiles. "AAaaaah, Ms. Winters. You brought my son home ?"
"Goodafternoon Mrs. Frost. You may call me Elsa, I'm barely older than Jack. And it was no problem to drop your son here, it was raining so hard when we left and otherwise he had to cycle all the way. So I offered him a lift that he gladly accepted." She answers politely.
Mrs. Frost rubs Elsa's shoulder and smiles warmly to the young teacher. "You're a sweet girl, I'll call you Elsa then. It's a beautiful name, I haven't heard it often."
"Eh well, it's short for Elizabeth. I was named after my grandmother but my mum found Elizabeth sound too old so she always nicknamed me Elsa. And ever since, everybody calls me that but my birth certificate still says Elizabeth."
"Beautiful. A gorgeous name for a gorgeous young woman." The older woman says.
Jack's cheeks turn red. "Muuhhuummm." He scoffs silently, hoping his teacher hadn't heard it.
"He's always been bad around beautiful women, just like his dad." His mother laughs andElsa giggles.
Jack feels embarrassed. "OKAAYYy, I'll be going now. Thanks Elsa- I mean Ms. Winters, for the ride. And see you tomorrow." He says, slapping himself for his head because of the mistake he made.
He still feels stupid whenever he thinks back at that moment. It had been so great but then his mother had to ruin it. Elsa hadn't said a thing about the name thing, Jack guesses that either she hadn't noticed it or she didn't mind. Their next conversations went deeper and Elsa had been very sweet and gentle with him. She made a lot of funny comments and Jack would crack up about them like all the time. It became more easier for him to talk to her, he found out that she can be very talkative when in the right mood. They would laugh a lot and they came to the realization that they had a lot in common. And their age gap didn't make much of a difference. Because four years apart isn't that big, speaking of, he could be her brother like Anna is her sister. And she is only three years younger. Jack sighs, it's a hard thing when you're so madly falling for someone but that someone already has a love... And the hardest thing is to keep it from her because he secretly wants them to be together but in reality, he know that can never be achieved. Right ?
That evening in the restaurant, Elsa plays with her fork and her veggies, she's quite confused. Why isn't John just telling me what's going on ? Why does everybody have to be so mysterious about it ? What secret are they hiding from me ? I am family too, I wanna know too ! Is John up to something ? She peeks through her eyelashes at her boyfriend who seems nervous about something and is playing with his tie.
John is nervous, too nervous for his liking. When shall I ask ? I said after desert but when after desert, right after of do I have to wait a few minutes. She looks tense, does she know ? Did Anna tell her ? No Anna said she wouldn't say a thing, but you know Anna. She always rambles. John watches Anna stuffing her sandwiches down her throat, she doesn't look like she told anything. Hmmm, I don't think Elsa has a clue.
Anna is eating as fast as she can, she wants this to be done with so they can go to the most exciting thing of the evening. John's proposal to her sister ! She watches her sister and her brother in-law-to-be as they are seated next to one another but still don't look each other in the eye. I can't believe tonight is the night ! I just can't believe it, my big sister is going to marry omg... omg, omg, omg. No Anna, stay calm, no hyperventilating for you today. You already had four. I wonder if John's nervous though. I mean he has to, it's a really big thing that he's going to do. I wonder how Kristoff would ask me, would he just say it or would he do it romantically too ? Maybe he would write in down on a sandwich, I do love sandwiches... Sigh, my god when is everybody going to finish ?
Kristoff drinks his beer slowly. When is John going to ask ? I don't have like, forever ya know. He looks kinda nervous, is he nervous ? That big tough guy, nervous to ask a girl to marry him... Funny. How would Anna react if I were asking her ? I think she would be over the moon. Yeah she'll definitely go hyperventilating, not that she hasn't done that already. And she'll probably want everything to be perfect. Frosting on the cake, only clear beverages cause she's going to spill it on her dress, maybe Sven walking down the aisle with Elsa while she holds the rings...Brides, perfectionists.
Mr. Winters is the only one in the family who is not concerned about this whole thing. He sits quietly, eats his food, drinks his wine and watches how everybody else is as tense as a bow. He smiles softly and stifles a giggle. Young people are so adorable to watch, especially when it is about love.
Dinner is finished and the desert menues are on the table. Anna quickly grabs one and reads it as fast as she can. "OH MY GOD, can this get any better ?!" She exclaims excitedly. "THEY HAVE CARROTCAKE ! YAAaaayyy, Imma get me some piece of that !"
Finally after desert it's time. John's heart is pounding in his chest and he hopes Elsa won't hear it. He exchanges looks with his future family in-law and clears his throat. He turn to Elsa, who is playing with her ice cream. "Els ?"
She looks up at him, she frowns, lays her spoon on the table and turns to him. "Yes ?"
Ok, this is it. Come on you can do this. You've been practicing for this for weeks. You know what to say, just let the words flow out of your mouth... Ok, here it comes. John sighs and stands up. He takes her hand off her lap and kisses the top of it. Then he bends down on one knee. Elsa's eyes go wide. Wait, he's not going to...
"Elsa. When we met, you were a shy wallflower. From first sight, I immediately became aware of your beauty and I felt attracted to you. When I got to know you better, I also got to know your true self better. For example, you like it when I sneak up to you from behind and embrace you with my whole body. And we mostly end up cuddling for hours. You like it when I kiss your hand and treat you like a lady. You like the fact that Anna and I are always challenging each other, but you love it when Anna and I are treating each other with respect and dignity. You love also love being taken to the places that mean so much to me. And you secretly loved that time I brought you a serenade asking to court you. Over time, I've seen you grow from a shy wallflower to the most beautiful snow flake there ever is in this world. Every time I spend time with you I feel blessed. I feel utter joy and I feel lucky that we have met. I love you and you know it because I've said it so many times and I will say it many times more. You mean the world to me and I would do anything for you just to keep you safe and happy. I would give my life to save yours. I love you and I am yours forever. Will you be mine ?
So, Elsa Idun Sophia Rosalie Winters... Will you do me the honor to marry me and to stay with me for the rest of your life ?"
Anna screams. "IIEEEEHHHH that was sooooo romantic ! Oh my gooossshhhh Elsa what are you going to say ? You know you have to say yes, cause if ya don't than that would be so... I dunno, HORRIBLE for John. Well and for you, I guess just the both of you... You have to say- hmmmppffff !" A big hand covers her mouth.
"I'm sorry Anna, otherwise you keep rambling." Kristoff says calmly while he tries to ignore the muffled swears of Anna.
"John..." Elsa cries. "Of course I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Yes, yes, yes, yes !" She jumps out of her chair and hugs her boyfriend. He hugs her tightly back, never wanting to let her go. He kisses her full on the lips, the people in the restaurant clap enthusiastically and some of them take pictures.
John and Elsa break apart. From his pocket, he takes out a little red box. He opens it slowly and a stunning ring appears. Elsa gasps. "Wow, that is gorgeous !"
"Here, a queen only deserves the best." John states while he slides the ring on Elsa's left ring finger. It fits perfectly. She brushes the ring, admiring its beauty before she hugs him again.
"You are wonderful, I can't wait until the day I may call you my husband." She kisses him again.
"Hmmmppffff !" Anna manages to pull Kristoff's hand from her mouth. She gives him a glare and then sniffs her nose. "Kris, your hand stinks ! My goodness..." Then she hugs him and screams in his ear. "I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT MY BIG SIS IS GETTING MARRIED, I'm getting so emotional over here !"
The whole family stands up to congratulate the newly engaged couple, even most of the guests are congratulating them. Elsa and John take them happily and shake about fifty hands.
Then, Kristoff's dad appears from out of the kitchen. "AND NOW, CHAMPAGNE FOR EVERYONE !"
Everybody cheers and practically runs up to the bar to collect the champagne glasses. Mr. Bjørgman laughs as he sees Elsa's worried face. "Don't worry, it's on the house." He adds as the waiters are entering the dining area with bottles full of champagne and countless glasses on their trays. John stands proudly next to his fiancé. He wraps his arm around her shoulder and kisses her cheek. She smiles at him and lays her head against his chest.
Yeah, today went great. I did it perfectly, she's perfect... We are perfect. He thinks silently as the guests and the rest of the family are cheering and celebrating the couple's engagement together.
"Hhahahaaa nooooo, come ooohhooonnn Jooohhhnnn !" Elsa laughs as she drags her boyfriend, or soon to be husband, with her. He struggles lightly but then gives up and let her drag him along. She walks down a dark alley and suddenly stops near the garbage containers. John sniffs his nose and makes a face.
"You had decided to stop here ?" He chuckles.
Elsa giggles and puts her finger over his lips. Her body rests heavily against his as his back is pushed against the cold gobble stones of the wall. "Shhhhhhhssshhhh, don't speak... Just let it happen." She speaks slowly and soft, her eyes are moving slowly and she feels a slight dizziness coming up in her head. To steady herself, she places her hands against the wall. "Let's make love in this alleyyyyy..."
John raises his eyebrow. "Elsa." He says soft but serious. "Sweetie, you're drunk. Really, how many glasses of champagne did you have ?"
"Heeee, I'm not drunk... Just not very good with alcohol. I ehm... I think I had three, or maybe four glasses. I don't know, I had fun with Anna and then we drank, we drank a lot ! And I enjoyed myself, I was trying to get used to the fact that we are engaged now... I don't know, the waiter kept coming and pouring in my glass and I didn't mind, it was on the house anyways. And Kristoff's dad is such a cutie, I like his moustache, it's so blonde and big ! He looks like a butcher... No, he looks like a Viking !" Elsa rambles absentmindedly. She wobbles on her legs and giggles for no reason. "Hihihi, I like this alley... This is where we had our first real conversation, remember ?" She suddenly says.
"Wait, is this why you wanted to take another route to our house ? To bring us back in time ?" John gasps. He suddenly realizes why it looked so familiar to him. This was the dark alley where he and Elsa sat when they were waiting for Anna to take Elsa back home. This is the alley where they introduced themselves to each other and where they had their first conversation. This is the alley where it all started, and now they were back. Not as newly met strangers but as fiancees. He smiles as he remembers it all, then his gaze goes back to Elsa's. She watches him with her big eyes and a dorky smile on her face.
"What ?" John asks.
"Nothing, you were just acting really cute when I told you. I thought it wouldn't have such an impact on you, it's just an alley you know..."
"Well, it's the place where our history together begins. I'll never forget this place." He bends forward and plants a kiss on her lips. "You are so clever, even when you're drunk you still manage to find this place and in the middle of the night !"
"I have a photographic memory, remember ? I don't forget things... even when they are bad." Her face goes from happy to sad.
Painful subject... should't have brought it up, not now. John makes a mental note, he wants to be the perfect husband so starting now can't hurt.
"Well, I am happy that you have a photographic memory. That way, you can always tell me which way to go cause I already planned a lot of trips for us." He says as he wraps his arms around her back and lifts her up. She squeals and puts her arms around his neck. They kiss all the way back to their house, never wanting to let each other go.
When they finally lay in bed, Elsa stares into John's eyes for a very long amount of time. John stares back at her, he feels that something's on her mind but she is afraid to ask or tell. "What's wrong..." He asks softly.
She blinks and shakes her head. "Nothing. I'm just... I'm wondering, what do you find so appealing on me ? As far as I know I'm not that special, I'm not very beautiful, I'm not perfect, I'm not a good cook nor housewife. I know too much, which can make me a geek sometimes, I am too pale for my liking and my hair is messed up... And still you want to marry me. It just keeps me thinking, why are you attracted to me ?"
From under the blankets, he takes her hand and holds it tight. "Don't ever think that of yourself, darling. You are gorgeous, inside out. And I don't care if you're too pale or if your hair is messed up in the most beautiful way. I don't care that you don't cook that often because I like cooking for us. I don't care that you know more than I know and that you don't like hot chocolate. And I know that you get car sick when you are in the car for too long and I know that you don't like apples but do love applepie... I don't care. The way I look at you is so different from the way you look at yourself. Let me tell you what I see when I see you: I see a beautiful young lady with amazing hair which only suits you. I see a very smart woman who already teaches Freshmen and Sophomores at the young age of 22. I see a funny girl who's humor is beyond... I mean, you really can be funny. I see a girl who likes her life and who is happy. But I also see someone who feels unconfident with herself and insecure about her body. You don't have to be insecure, you are perfect the way you are. Maybe there are girls who are more beautiful than you are, although I highly doubt that because the Winters sisters are natural beauties, and maybe there are girls who are more tanned than you are but I don't care. You are the way you are, you can't change it. I don't want you to change, I want you to stay who you are. I want you to be the girl I fell in love with, the girl I want to have around me for the rest of my life, the girl who I would die for... Do you understand that ? I love you, no matter what. You have my word." And I hope that you will remember this conversation tomorrow...
"And I love you." Elsa says quietly. He knows how to get to her, secretly, she knows that she is fine, a sweet caring young woman. But sometimes you can get insecure about yourself and you wonder why everyone is staring at you. And if there is one thing Elsa is bad at, that is taking compliments from anyone. Even from her own family, she just can't take them because she feels like they're not meant as they are. She feels like they say it to her to just be nice and to sooth her that she's ok. And John has told her countless times what he thinks of her but it just doesn't reach her somehow. but he doesn't mind, he could tell her all day what a beautiful person she is.
"Elsa, I have a question. Well, it's more like a statement... Now that we're, you know, engaged, we already have your families blessings. But we don't have mine, now I grew up in a traditional family so we have to get both blessings... Sadly, as you already know, the contact with my parents has faded away but now we're getting married it's a whole different story. What I'm trying to say is, we need you to meet my parents to get their blessings for our marriage... I wanted to ask you if you were ok with that." John asks nervously.
"Your parents... I've never met them before. What if they don't like me ?" She replies.
"No, no don't worry about that. They'll love you. It's just that they'll throw a lot of questions at you, about me and other shit. And I have to face them again after such a long time. I'm just nervous about how they will react now that I want to settle down..."
"I'll just answer them whatever they want to know about us. They can't hurt us and if they don't give us their blessings, then... well then fuck them. We're grown up, we can do whatever we want right ?" She soothes her boyfriend as they cuddle under the blankets with each other. "We'll see, we still have time. The wedding is five months away so we have plenty of time. And for now, we'll just focus on something else and let this subject go ok ?"
John nods as he holds her against his body. "Sure, tomorrow's a new day." He whispers in her hair as they both let the darkness overwhelm them.
"So class, are you ready ?" Ms. Winters asks her five students who are seated all together as a group. Today has been a bit of a grey day, even though the fact that she's going to be married soon, she feels like she could lay in bed all day and do nothing. But she can't, she has to be there for her students. She grunts as she rubs her forehead. That stupid headache, maybe I shouldn't have drunken so much yesterday... How did we make it home anyways ? Well, in 55 minutes I'm off...
The students are busy with talking and trying to find the difficult math calculations so they can ask the teacher to explain them again. Jack is not really interested in it, he can do maths, he's only terribly distracted by his super hot teacher. Once that is over, he'll probably get good grades. The problem is, Jack doesn't think that will ever go away, sadly...
Suddenly, the shadow of his super hot teacher is towering over him. He jolts. "Jack, aren't you supposed to ask me questions ? Unless you already know everything, which makes taking this extra class seem perfectly unnecessary..." She says with her always so clear and beautiful voice while her big eyes are staring directly into his. God, everything on her is beautiful. She is the true definition of perfection.
Jack looks back at her and tries to think of an answer. He can't come with one so he mumbles something and immediately starts searching through his textbook. Ms. Winters sighs deeply and walks away. Jack notices it and watches her as she walks away from him. She's been in a bit of a bad mood today. He wonders why that is. Maybe just a headache seeing the fact that she rubs her forehead often.
The rest of the lesson goes great. He asks his questions and gets really good explanations back. As the end of the lesson draws near, he finally gets what they've been doing these past couple of weeks.
Two students, two girls stay behind to talk some more with Ms. Winters. They are joking around with the woman and are laughing at her comments. Jack is getting really jealous. Why can't he be like that when he's with her ? Well, he is getting better but he notices that he still is always acting kinda goofy and dorky while she is being super natural and cool. As Jack is still in deep thoughts, a girl's high pitched squeal calls him back to reality.
"OH MY GOSH, that ring is gorgeous !" A girl with brown hair almost screams.
Ms. Winters blushes. Jack melts, for like the 1000th time. Fuuuckkk that's soooo cute ! "Thank you." She says.
The girl with blonde hair softly brushes her finger over the ring while she admires its beauty. "It is indeed stunning, where did you get it ?"
"Well, I actually didn't get it from anywhere. Ehm, my boyfriend John gave it to me when he proposed to me. It's an engagement ring."
What did she just say ? Is that a freaking engagement ring ? Fuck, she's going to marry him... HOLY SHIT. Jack's world just turned upside down. In a way, he had been expecting this and in a way he had been hoping she would, in some way, end the relationship with John and fall for Jack. But yeah, that was just his imagination, his dream. It was not reality, the reality is that she's going to be fucking married this year !
"OH MY GOD THAT'S SO ROMANTIC, when are you going to be married ?" The blonde screams, again, of course.
"In july. We already started planning everything, it's going to be a very stressful time I think. But luckily I have my sister, so she can help me out sometime." Ms. Winters says while admiring her ring.
"Well, congratulations then !" The blonde and the brunette say and then walk off. "See ya next time Miss and thanks for the lessons !" The girls wave goodbye as they leave the class room giggling over the ring.
And then there is only Jack and his teacher, who is sitting behind her desk, softly humming in herself. He packs his bag and walks up to her desk. Somehow, he expects Ms. Winters to look up but she doesn't.
"Ahum." He clears his throat to draw attention to him. It works, she looks up to find him standing at her desk. She lifts her eyebrows.
"T- thanks for ehm, taking the time to help me- I mean us out. I really lo- no I mean I appreciate it and I finally get it." He stutters. Oh my god, I am so stupid !
The platinum blonde smiles at his sweet words and smiles cutely. "N'aaawww, thank you Jack. That's very kind of you to say that. I'm glad you finally understand it. But I do think you need another couple of lessons before you can exemption, maybe five more and then we'll see."
"Ehm, yeah, we'll have to wait for the next test I think. If my grade will be a C or higher then I won't be needing them." Jack decides. His teacher nods.
"Ok, that's alright with me. And if you get stuck, just tell me ok ?"
"Sure, I'll do that." Jack says as he watches his favorite teacher go back to work. She writes something down on perkament with black ink. Her handwriting is neat and small, it suits her, of course. Her hands are small and frail, the fingers are long and slender with long fingernails at the end. For the first time, Jack notices that she writes with her left hand. Huh, she's a lefty, funny.
"And, ehm, congratulations on your Engagement..." He adds reluctantly but trying to sound truly happy for her. She deserves the best if that's what makes her happy then he has no right to interfere with her happiness.
Ms. Winters sighs and stands up. She walks up to Jack and hugs him tightly. It was so sudden and overwhelming because he really hadn't been expecting it. Her, his teacher, hugging him as if they said their final goodbye. Why did she hug him anyways ?
"Thank you Jack, you're such a sweet young man. You are always interested in me, asking me how I'm doing, having a small conversation with me. Why is that ?" She asks him innocently.
Oops, she did notice... I just blew my cover, well I've always been good at improvising. Jack tries to come over smoothly. "I don't know, I guess that's just me. I always ask everybody how they're doing, I wanna know. I wanna know if they're fine and if not, why. I like to talk with people. I like to talk with you."
She nods in understanding. "Ok, well... I have to say, it's very kind of you and it's a very nice talent to have, to be interested in other people's well being. Keep that, it's a good thing."
"Thanks." Jack says as he sighs. If only she knew... He only asks her and Mr. Anderson how they're doing because those are the people who are the most interesting. Well, he does talk more with Elsa... It's hard to have a crush on your teacher, even if you're already crushing for six months and it can hardly be called crushing anymore. More like madly in love with... And the hardest thing is, she is going to get married within five months, to another guy ! Life is not fair. They say that when life gives you lemons, that you have to make lemonade with it. But how can you make lemonade out of lemons if you don't have water and sugar... With only lemons, your lemonade will be sour and gross. The sugar and water makes it sweet and fresh. But who will give you these two ingredients ? Say the sugar is Elsa and Jack is the water, then who is the lemon ?
Thanks to all those lovely people who review my story every time I update. I don't know when the Jelsa thing will start but we're getting closer... I try to keep it as realistic as possible with a little bit humor but I'm not in a humorous mood lately so please forgive me if the last few chaps are a bit humorless... With Anna it is much more fun anyways :)
Next chap will be: Father knows better