AN: Hey there! Now before you sharpen your pitchforks, let me explain the reason for my absence. First I had a mountain of tasks to complete before the exams, which left me no time for writing (plus I kind of had to study for my Biology exam in between tasks). I then had to write the dreaded exams which ended today (Friday), but this chapter might take a while to post seeing as I have wifi problems… I swear, I would've posted an apology chapter if that were possible. My parents took away the laptop during exams and I can't post from my phone. I did post an apology review though! (A little late, but it's there). Just please rest assured that I would NEVER abandon a story, so if I'm not updating it's for a good reason. So who's ready for another chapter? :D I'd like to give a shout out to the following awesome people who reviewed:
Gracialoveme
Estherthelion
Ninja Shadow in the Night
LucyTheBookWorm
And the two Guests.
To the other two guests who thought I left the story: I'm truly sorry about that!
And to g b th...okay..?
I'd just like to say, for those of you who see the Batman-related side of this story...to be honest, I didn't even think of it like that. So please don't expect the plot to play out like it does in Batman. 'Cause trust me, I'm pretty sure it won't. And if there are any parallels, they are unintentional (Not that I don't love Batman or any of the other DC/Marvel characters). Enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 3
I take Mr Micks' advice and head over to a quiet place to do some work. I decide to go to The Blurb, my favourite coffee shop and book store, which is owned by my good friend, Belle. Their coffee is great and it's got free wifi! All the more reason to love it! The loud crackle of lightning draws my attention and tiny drops of rain fall scatter across my windshield. I look up ahead and see a mass of dark grey clouds start to roll in. Great.
Don't get me wrong, I love this kind of weather. It makes me want to snuggle up on the couch with blankets and a cup of warm hot chocolate. The only problem is that I didn't exactly plan my outfit accordingly. This morning's weather report said, and I quote: "Clear skies for New York with temperatures between 30-35 degrees Celsius! So get out your bathing suits, 'cause it's gonna be a hot one!"
Mhm. Yeah, that's why there's a storm brewing outside, right? Damn those weather reporters... And now I'm stuck wearing a short-ish skirt, a thin white blouse, no jacket and no umbrella. If I get my blouse wet, I'll look like I belong at a freaking wet t-shirt contest.
As I near The Blurb, I try to look for a parking space right outside the shop. Being the unfortunate person that I am, there isn't. With a sigh I park just across the street. By this time, the rain has started to grow heavier. It's not exactly pouring, but it's certainly not light anymore. I decide to make a run for it, before it's too late. I clutch my briefcase to my chest, in the hopes of preventing my blouse from getting wet. I jump out of my car, making sure to lock it, and run across the street as fast as my high heels allow me to. I can feel the rain pelting against my face, but luckily I'm wearing waterproof make up. I hop over a few puddles, before entering The Blurb.
A bell chimes as I enter and much needed warmth fills my body. Look, it's not like I get cold easily. I almost never get cold, but being wet whilst the wind is biting at your skin is bound to make you shiver. The enticing smell of cinnamon buns and coffee overwhelms me, making my mouth water in anticipation. I head over to the counter where Belle is working. When she spots me, she greets me with a warm smile.
"Elsa! It's so good to see you again. How are you?" she asks.
She and I were roommates in University, along with Merida DunBroch. Belle was studying English Literature and Business. Aside from being incredibly smart, Belle was also the knockout on campus. None of the guys could resist her fair skin, slim yet curvy figure and her flowing brown locks. She, however, never paid attention to any of them. She was down to earth, loyal, kind and dedicated to her studies. She still is, minus the studies part. Although she no longer studies at the university, she spends her time buried in her books. She's quiet and a bit shy, but all in all, she's a great friend.
Merida is the opposite of Belle. She studied to become a physical trainer. To say she's loud is an understatement. That girl is downright wild. She's fun, eccentric, tough as nails, sometimes a bit offensive, but a loyal friend. She was originally from Scotland, thus having untamed ginger hair. It was bright orange when we first met her, but we convinced her to dye it a few shades darker. She has pale skin, crystal blue eyes and a lean figure. I haven't seen her in quite a while, seeing as we no longer room together.
"Hey Bells! Ugh, don't ask. I got chased away from a crime scene. How are you? How's business?"
"I'm great and business is pretty good too. Especially since the weather's acting up these days. Looks like people are finding comfort in books and good coffee! And wow, chased away from a crime scene, huh? I'm actually surprised that it didn't happen sooner, with you being the persistent journalist that you are." she says with a playful smirk.
"Oh, shut up and let me order my coffee!" I tease.
"Okay, Miss Winters, what will it be this time?"
"Hm...I think I'll have a vanilla hazelnut latte with cream and a raspberry Danish to go."
"Alrighty then, I'll call you when your order's ready!"
"Okay, thanks!"
Normally I'd take something with chocolate, but I'm trying to eat healthier... Okay, so ordering an indulgent latte and raspberry Danish isn't exactly healthy, but the rest of my meals aren't as bad and I go for a run every other morning. I head over to one of the brown leather-covered booths by the window and turn on my laptop. I open up the file containing my draft and research for my latest article about a charity for the homeless.
I see my final version of the article and open it up. I scroll down to the bottom to see how far I am and, much to my surprise, I see that the article is complete. I then proof read the article multiple times, correcting all my spelling mishaps, and insert a couple of photos that I took the day I visited the charity. I decide on one where a young man is giving an old lady a cup of coffee. The look of pure gratefulness in her eyes is what moves me and makes me choose the photo. I change the colouring to black and white, crop the photo a bit and insert it into the article.
"Hey Els! Your order's ready!" I hear Belle call.
I give her a nod and save my work, before shutting my laptop and sliding it into my briefcase. I walk up to the counter where my latte and Danish wait for me. I pay for my treats before moving to a small table to add a spoonful of sugar to my latte. I see that it's still coming down outside, so I'll have to sprint to my car while carrying my latte, Danish and briefcase. I'm almost out the door when someone crashes into me from the front. The force of the impact nearly knocks me over, but somehow I manage to stay upright. My latte, not so much... I hiss in pain as the scalding hot drink comes into contact with my skin. I look down and see the brown liquid seeping through my white blouse. Shit! White. Blouse.
"Oh shit! I'm so sorry, are you okay? Wait- here, let me help you." the person apologises frantically.
I instantly recognise that deep voice and look up to see a head of messy white hair. Standing before me is the Detective from the crime scene, who is now wearing a black leather jacket over his shirt. I long to see his eyes, but they're elsewhere at the moment. He grabs a napkin from a nearby table and tries to clean up the mess on my blouse. This only causes more problems, because first of all, I think he's actually spreading the stain and second of all, he's rubbing my chest in the process. I think he realises this too, because suddenly his eyes go wide and I swear I see him blush. He looks so cute when he blushes...wait what?
He quickly snatches his hand away from my chest and looks away abashedly. He gives an awkward cough. I try to stifle a laugh at his behavior.
"It's fine, really. It's just a blouse..." I say nonchalantly. I look down and my eyes go wide. My ice blue bra is showing through the wet material clinging to my skin. I clutch my briefcase to my chest and hope he didn't notice.
Once I finish speaking, his eyes shoot up to meet mine. His eyes light up in recognition and his lips part in shock.
"You're the journalist from the crime scene." he states.
Something inside me flutters and I feel heat creeping up my cheeks. He remembers me... Then I remember why I was so ticked off in the first place.
"And you're that jerk who chased me away from the crime scene." I retort whilst trying to get rid of my blush.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I guess I was just a bit...stressed out. This case has been going on for quite a while now and we just can't seem to track the guy down. Our boss also hates it when the media gets involved, so we have strict orders to keep you guys away from the crime scene. I'm really sorry if I came off as a bit of an ass back there." he offers with an apologetic smile.
I relax and return the gesture.
"It's fine."
My briefcase slides down a bit, causing my blue bra to peek out over the top of it without me realising. His eyes momentarily flicker downwards before shooting up to meet my eyes again.
"Uh, your br- uhm... uh... thing...is uhm...showing..." he stammers.
I turn bright red and slide the briefcase higher over my chest. He sees my problem and starts to take off his jacket. I raise an eyebrow when he holds it out towards me.
"Take it. It'll uhm...cover up more."
I blush and take the jacket, mumbling my thanks. I zip it up, but not all the way, and revel in his body heat that lingers inside the jacket.
"Come on, let me get you another coffee." he says and gently takes my leather-clad elbow.
"No, you don't have to do that. Really, it's fine! I should really get going n-"
"Go where? We're not done with the witness yet. Besides, it's my fault that your coffee spilled so I might as well make it up to you while we have time."
I look at him sceptically.
"Please?"
I feel the corners of my mouth curve into a smile at this. He almost sounds like a little boy.
"But we're practically strangers, and I don't even know your name."
"Very well, my name's Jack. Jack Frost. See, now we're not strangers anymore!" he says, pulling me to the counter.
I roll my eyes and smile at his childish antics. I see Belle heading towards us and she raises an eyebrow when she sees me once again.
"Good morning, sir! Welcome to The Blurb! What can I get you?"
"Hey, I'd like a black coffee and a..?" he looks to me questioningly.
"Oh! A vanilla hazelnut latte please." I say, sheepishly.
"Okay, I'll call you guys when your order's done!" Belle replies. Once Detective Frost turns away, she mouths the word 'later' to me and gives me a stern look.
We find a booth and sit opposite each other. He sits with his arms folded and is sporting an amused expression. I sit awkwardly with my hands folded in my lap.
"So seeing as you know my name, I think it's only fair if you do me the honour of telling me yours?" he asks.
"Why of course Detective," I say, giving him a playful smirk. "I'm Elsa Winters."
"Nice to meet you Elsa, and please call me Jack."
I smile and nod.
"So listen, I'm really sorry about the whole coffee incident. I'll even replace the blouse, if necessary. You're okay though, right? You didn't get burned too bad?" Jack says, leaning forward and he actually looks concerned.
"No, not at all! I think the only thing that got hurt was my pride." I reply sheepishly. "And don't worry about it. I'm sure I have more of these at home, so it's no big deal."
Just as he opens his mouth to argue, Belle calls out our order. After picking up my untouched Danish and briefcase, I give Jack a victorious smirk and head over to pick up our coffees. He follows me there and we both add sugar to taste. As we walk out of the coffee shop, I realise that it's no longer raining. However, the streets are still wet and the sky is still a gloomy shade of grey.
"Would you like some help?" Jack asks, seeing me struggle to balance everything.
I nod gratefully and he takes hold of my briefcase. Our fingers brush against each other during the hand off, and I let out a small gasp. Luckily, he doesn't seem to notice. He follows me across the street to my car. I set my coffee and Danish down on the roof, and take the briefcase from Jack. After fumbling for my keys, I unlock the door. I throw in my briefcase, grab my treats and set them in the car.
As I turn around to say goodbye to Jack, I end up slipping on the wet pavement (the pumps aren't really helping me either) and I feel myself falling back. I squeeze my eyes shut and brace myself for a collision with the cement, but it never comes. A hand wraps around my waist, holding me steady. I cautiously open my eyes and meet Jack's startlingly blue ones. His eyes search mine and vice versa. We're both breathing heavily, most likely from shock, as we stare into each other's eyes. The sudden honking of a horn breaks us out of the trance. Jack pulls me upright, steadying me on my feet.
"Careful there. We wouldn't want to spill another coffee now, would we?" he says and gives me an amused smile.
I laugh light heartedly and his hand drops from my waist, much to my dismay.
"Well, thanks for the coffee. I'll see you around?" I ask.
"You can count on it." He says, giving me a wink. "Goodbye, Elsa."
"Goodbye, Jack."
We go our separate ways and I climb into my tiny car. I check my phone and see a message from Mr. Micks telling me that I can work from home for the rest of the day, seeing as I've been out and about for the most of it. He also asks me to send the article on the charity by the end of the night. Well, he doesn't have to ask me twice.
As I'm driving home I turn on the radio and start singing along to my favourite song, Let It Go by Demi Lovato. My mother always told me that I had a great singing voice. When I was younger I'd sing all the time, just to see my mother smile. I haven't sung in a while, though. I don't sing as much as I used to before that night. Sometimes I wonder if my mother still smiles at me from above when I sing. The thought brings tears to my eyes and my fingertips turn cold instantly. Luckily, I arrive at my apartment before my emotions get out of hand. I get out of the car and head to my apartment.
Once I shut the door I realise that something is amiss. I move to take off my jacket, when I suddenly do a face-palm. Jack's leather jacket. I sigh and shove my hands into the pockets, but my right hand comes into contact with something pointy. I take it out and see that it's Jack's business card. Was that what his game was? Leave your jacket and number with the girl and hope she calls back? That's actually not half bad. It kind of forces the person in question to make contact with you again.
I take out my phone and dial Jack's number. He answers on the first ring, almost as though he was expecting my call.
"Why hello there, Gretel. I see you've followed the bread crumbs." He says, chuckling.
"Yeah, yeah, real smooth, Frost." I tease and roll my eyes. I walk towards my hidden room and unlock the latch, planning to do some research on this Ariel Waters girl.
"Ouch, back on first name basis are we? I guess I'll have to change that by taking you out for coffee again." I can practically hear him smirking on the other side of the line.
I slide the book case out of the way and enter, before putting the bookcase back in place.
"You'd like that, wouldn't you? And who's to say that I- "
I stop mid-sentence at the sight before me. The blood in my veins turns to ice out of fear and my stomach drops. I faintly hear Jack calling my name in the background, but my attention is elsewhere. The room looks the same as it did this morning, except for one thing.
On my desk is a neat stack of files with a piece of paper resting on top. I shakily take a few steps to the desk and look at the note. The paper is a dark grey and seems to be made of a grainy substance. The ink in which the message is written is pitch black with a familiar golden-yellow sheen that sends shivers down my spine. The message is almost unreadable against the grey of the paper, but somehow I manage to make out the words:
SEE YOU SOON
My heartrate skyrockets. No, no, NO! It can't be him! In a fit of rage and denial, I make a grab for the note to tear it to pieces. As soon as my hand comes into contact with the note, it evaporates into a cloud of black, swirling dust. I back away into the far corner of the room, but the black cloud seems to follow me. I involuntarily inhale the dust and start coughing uncontrollably. I hear Jack frantically calling my name in the distance, meaning that I probably didn't hang up. As I struggle to breathe, I silently pray that Jack is on his way.
Darkness creeps into my vision and the last thing I see before losing consciousness is a watching pair of golden-yellow eyes.
AN: Mwahahaha! Your first major cliffy! *enjoys evil laugh for several more minutes* Well, look on the bright side: Elsa has officially met Jack Frost! And they had a few cute moments together. I'm really sorry about the cliffy (nah), but I've got to do something to keep you all interested. So did you like it? Please let me know JDid you hate it? In that case… please move along, nothing to review here… But I do accept friendly advice :D So I'd love to hear your thoughts surrounding this chapter: your favourite moments (if you have any), thoughts on the end of the chapter, etc…
Until next time!
FUN FACT:
Hamsters can store food half their weight in their cheeks… does that make me a hamster? XD
DDxx