I got amazing reviews, thank you guys. Bear with me please. I don't speak English, so my mistakes are all mine. Thank you for giving this story a chance.
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The idea of Elsa Frost bought my favorite coffee is completely bizarre. Impossible. I feel like the woman has certain hidden agenda in her mind to make my life more miserable. Although I have to admit that in past months my life has been quiet except that incident with several cheerleader cliques like Rapunzel.
Perhaps the universe has taken her side this time and since this year Elsa Frost's last year… I can be hopeful to have a peaceful year. Right?
"You are awfully early." Merida is yawning halfway of their run track. I have several guesses of what she was doing last night. Studying is not one of them.
"I'm not, you are late." I prefer to keep my encounter with Queen of Arendelle this morning as a secret. Merida is fine but the girl can be nosier than my mother in certain occasion.
"Hmm…" She puts her earphone back on and starts running with rhythm. Running in this kind of weather is rather troublesome since we have to put up with thick fabrics of clothes. Merida though seems never require more than 1 jacket on top of her shirt. Sometimes I can't believe her, seems like she always brings her own spring for run.
"How is the presentation going?" Merida asks after we get into 3rd round. I have been running with a lot of things in my head, my fiery red-head best friend always gets me everytime.
"Nightmare. Eric barely shows up for group discussion, Ariel is there but not participating enough, she is too busy in individual project. Jasmine… well, I have to go around the basic with her, we have been doing that in past 2 weeks, no progress. In this point I have been ready to do all the work by myself but…"
"But?"
"I can't! The presentation holds 30 percents in this subject. I have to do work for four people while we have to input our individual thoughts in certain topic. I cannot read minds, you know. The professor will find out that the assignment was done by 1 person. That leads to 0 percent mark." I sigh, somehow this morning run feels very bleak and sad.
"You cannot fail this subject," Statement from Merida, she knows better about my scholarship requirement. We both are in the same track for enrollment. Luckily for Merida, she is excel in the subjects and no group presentation in class.
"Help me?" I grin, knowing what her answer would be. She and I took different courses as well different study path. It has been hell to keep up with our practice schedule, and in my case, add with part-time job 3 times a week.
"I can buy you coffee." She offers. The off-hand comment reminds me of this morning encounter with certain platinum blond Queen.
I groan. The morning run cannot be more frustrating than this.
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I feel horrible, I'm sure I look horrible too. It is my biggest regret to take Weselton class this semester. The assignment is never ending and the materials are hard to come by. I need to spend half day in library to finish one subject assignment moreover the abundant presentation material for the other class. Today I have skipped morning practice as well lunch time just for finishing the essay.
I have to work in evening too, the night shift can be added as a compilation of my unfortunate life.
When I go to the bathroom and wash my face, I find myself staring into the mirror. I do look terrifying with bloodshot eyes, messy hair, pale face, and cold chapped lips. I look like a zombie.
Taking a glance on my phone I see that Merida has been trying to call me 4 times and 12 unread texts from Coach and my boss.
There is a flushing sound coming from one of stalls behind me, I never notice the other occupant until they take a spot beside me to fix their make-up.
Rapunzel White.
My pale feature becomes paler when I catch the woman's reflection through the mirror. I see a pair of deep brown eyes glaring back at me with anger. I wish I can unsee the trail of tears on Rapunzel's cheeks too.
I clear my throat and look away immediately from the sight. The feeling is similar like when I caught Elsa's tears in welcoming party 2 years ago. I supposedly not witness this. Rapunzel White, the second most famous senior in Arendelle College after Elsa, the flawless cheerleader princess, and the magnificent golden-haired girl is crying inside library's bathroom stall. It is big news and I don't want to take part on any of reasons behind her tears. Not my business at all.
As I turn and walk away to the bathroom exit, I feel a hand grabs at my shoulder and roughly pull me back to my initial spot.
Surprised, I turn myself back only to find Rapunzel is gripping my shoulder tightly so I cannot move away from her.
"Where do you think you're going?" She hisses, her face is frowning and her eyes now simply looking at my direction with loath and anger.
"Uhm… out?" I supply. I have to admit that the woman scares me. It's only both of us inside the bathroom, even though there is someone else, they surely cannot run any interference because most residents in Arendelle college has ridiculous fear of the golden-haired princess in front of her.
Seems like my answer is wrong since 2 seconds after that, Rapunzel slaps me hard on the face.
My head jerks to the side by the impact, my left cheek stings, my ears are ringing. That is very hurt and uncalled for.
I gulp away the rest of my fear and look back at Rapunzel with annoyance, "what the flying fuck you think you're doing!"
She smirks, "you deserve that."
No I don't! I bit my lip to refrain my anger. I can get back to her by punching her barbie face or do a roundhouse kick to knock her teeth off. But I won't. Simply because I don't have time to serve one bitch's anger. I need to go to the shop and I'm already 10 minutes late.
"You are crazy." I roll my eyes and this time I shrug my shoulder hard to get rid of Rapunzel's hand off my shoulder.
It's weird how suddenly the woman has loosened her hold on me. However, when I look up I see her smirk is replaced by total terror and fear. Rapunzel takes step back from me as if she is seeing a ghost and stumble back toward the bathroom wall. Her gaze seems fixed on something behind me.
"No… No, it's not what you think… I didn't… I'm sorry…" Rapunzel mutters broken words and sobbing out of control.
So I turn my head to look what makes the arrogant Rapunzel becomes suddenly so afraid for her life.
Standing behind me is Elsa Frost with the fiercest blue eyes I've ever seen.
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I look back and forth between Elsa and Rapunzel. I have a moment of dread of how the two blondes are going to gang up on me. But Elsa will never do that. Somehow I know, Elsa Frost will never hit another person like primitive Neanderthal. Her game is manipulation and scheme, fighting with punches are beneath her.
So why is Elsa looking at me like she wants to throw in second slap on me?
Or she is seeing at Rapunzel… I totally have no idea.
Why the bathroom suddenly feels very cold?
"Anna…"
I turn toward Elsa. It's always odd of how Elsa calling her name. She has her own way and somehow I always able to hear Elsa's voice clearer out of everyone else.
"Please go, you will be late for your evening shift." Elsa steps aside and clears my path to the door.
I never be thankful enough and I take my way out immediately. I never ask what she is doing in bathroom library since all seniors supposedly still in preparation class at this hour. I never ask why… and how does she know about my evening shift?
As I walk out and close the bathroom door I can hear the door lock slid from inside.
I pretend to not hear that and hurriedly run to the shop.
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In the end I'm 30 minutes late for my shift. When I get there, Kai has been waiting for me, tapping his foot and raising his white eyebrow waiting for excuse.
"I hope this time the reason is a boyfriend." Kai shakes his head, leaving the cashier counter to me. "God knows you need to have fun."
I grimace. Kai is a very good boss, very kind even, like my long lost uncle somewhere but his nosiness for my love life has been unbearable.
"No, I got hold up in bathroom."
Kai's book shop is a small bookstore near the campus ground which is well-known to have most complete collection from classic literature to the newest sport magazine. Sometimes I wonder how the small building can hold so many books. It is a stroke of luck to get a job here, I can read quietly when there is no customer, which means a lot of time.
"Bathroom? Do elaborate. Is that a bruise on your cheek?"
I chuckle awkwardly, "it's nothing."
Reacting to my respond, Kai frowns deeply, "did someone hurt you?"
I have no idea how to tell my boss that actually I was late because of a bitch slap in a bathroom. That notion sounds…
I am saved by the bell from front door. A tiny bell chimes when customer comes, it's classic style and Kai is anything for ancient and antique stuffs.
"Welcome to Kai's bookshop!" I greet cheerfully, too much relief from not having to answer Kai's prying question.
However the feeling is short-lived since my customer turns out to be none other than Elsa Frost.
What's up with my luck today? Oh right, I have none of it at all.
My boss who has no idea about who is Elsa Frost, friendly pulls the girl toward the best seller section. Our eyes briefly meets halfway, I duck my head intentionally to avoid her gaze. A person can only handle too much of Elsa Frost in one day.
I make myself seem busy in cashier counter. I do have boxes of old books that I need to move to storage. That will be a nice maneuver to get away from the Arendelle Queen.
The box is quite heavy as I heave it up from the floor. Mostly it contains the last season fashion magazines and old curriculum books.
As I head down toward the store room, my path is suddenly intervened by a certain platinum blond queen.
"Anna, can we talk?"
Damn that voice!
I startle on my feet, my arms almost drop the heavy box if not Elsa's hands that suddenly support both my body and the box.
Her hands are cold but strangely it's fitting with the weather and the kind of person Elsa Frost is.
"Sorry," She mutters apologetically. Her blue eyes are staring at my reddening cheeks with remorse and disapproval. "for that and this."
"… I think I remember right that it wasn't you who decked my face."
Elsa smiles sheepishly, "let me help with that." She offers and taking the box from my hand. The books supposedly heavy but the delicate Arendelle Queen seems having no problem to lift it up by herself.
"You are a customer. Kai will flip."
"I volunteer. So, that way?" Elsa nods her head toward the stairs down the store room.
I nod and then lead the way down first. "Watch your step."
The store room is dark and dusty, I have been telling Kai to replace the lamp and clean up a bit at least the shelves, even I offer myself to clean the old big room by myself but Kai always refuses. He insists that he likes the smell of old paper and dust. How come I never hear the old man sneezes even once?
"Sorry, it's a bit dusty here. Just put it over here with the others." I open up the door and switch on the dim lamp. It is a paradox sight to have the flawless Arendelle Queen inside a dusty storage room with box of old magazines in her hand. What have I done?
Elsa offers me a smile before she places the box together with the other boxes. The room will be running out of space soon.
Elsa seems observing the room before her hand snatches one of comic books on the shelves.
"It's the fairytale series." Even under dim light of the storage room I can see rare gleam of excitement inside her ice blue eyes. "Can I have this?"
I am momentarily frozen by genuine smile from her but then barely manage a nod, "sure, it's old book you can take it… for free."
"Are you sure? I should've paid, this is included the shop merchandise afterall." The excitement in her eyes gone and I feel suddenly conflicted.
"You paid it already by helping me bring the box here." I shake my head. Am I having casula conversation with the famous Arendelle Queen?
"Oh!." Elsa's smile emerges again, this time a full blown attack on my heart. "Thank you."
What happens? I cannot be fooled by that smile. I have known better!
"Let's go back." I say quietly, again avoiding Elsa's gaze for countless times.
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1 year ago
Getting a slap for being a tell-tale girl is hurt. Merida pats my back encouragingly; she has been making a speech about how she would've kicked the girl's ass who slapped me to next week. Afterall, I am innocent. I have no idea who released the video in campus website.
"oh, hello tell-tale girl. You sure have a way of how to be famous in one night." Their path suddenly crosses with Rapunzel and her group. Ella and Megara, the other girls from the literature and cheerleader club respectively follow closely behind.
"Shut your trap, Punzie and go along." Merida bravely take a stance beside me, knowing what a bully group despite she is from different department.
"Excuse me, who are you?" Rapunzel throws a disdain look before her attention is back on me.
"You should've known better, Summers. After declining Elsa's invitation to her birthday rudely and now spreading controversial video on campus website. You are gutsy."
Wait, what?
"What do you mean? I didn't get any invitation party…" Surely even if I did, I doubt I can come with my crazy schedule.
"Everyone was invited and only 1 junior who didn't show up. It was outrageous since Elsa only invited 1 junior." Ella continues from behind Rapunzel. I knew that she is one of senior from literature club and occasionally seen studying with Elsa in the library.
I frown, "I didn't know it, same as the video, I didn't spread it. So I will appreciate it if you all leave me alone." I try to play nicely. It will not do good if Merida explodes and starting a fight.
Merida is going to throw punches to one of the girls, I barely able to grab her before a voice breaks out the commotion.
"Seniors to preparation class!" One of professors are yelling from the faculty room. It was Professor Ursula who responsible for seniors attendance in preparation class.
As on cue, Rapunzel flocks scurry away from me in no time. I release a breath I have been holding and catch a glance of Elsa coming out from faculty room after Professor Ursula.
My cheek stings and Elsa smiles knowingly at me.
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"I have been trying to apologize." Elsa says firstly when we are back to the shop as I settle myself back to the cashier counter.
"Again, you didn't slap me." I reply tiredly, my hand unconsciously go to touch my bruised cheek. Getting slap seems always to be highlight of my college year.
My eyes widen to find Elsa's hand rests against my red cheek. Her ice blue eyes look… concerned? My eyes are playing trick on me.
"That will swell, you need to ice it." Elsa's cold hands feel good on my burning cheek.
"Your hand is cold." My thoughts blurt out loudly. "It's nice."
What the hell I am saying? Nice?
Elsa smiles, "I know. Here, I meant to give it to you." Elsa produced a can of frozen coffee from her purse. "Put this on our cheek, it will reduce the swelling."
Elsa Frost and her coffee… again.
"Uhm, thanks."
Elsa takes a step back as she slid the coffee can to me. "I need to go. Thanks for the comic book. See you tomorrow, Anna."
I cannot utter a single respond until Elsa is out of the bookshop. The chime of the door echoing through the room, leaving me dumbfounded of what just transpired today.
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Next day comes oddly without a hitch. The flirty Eric even join the group discussion today with insightful yet flirty input. Ariel even put effort in the material and Jasmine has advanced from the topic.
The paper essay goes smoothly and luckily I manage to find empty table in library. Usually after lunch, finding empty desk in library is like shopping in Black Friday. Struggle.
I don't skip lunch and able to come to do both morning and afternoon practice to make up my absent yesterday.
It's like the universe suddenly get in line and throwing their lucky stars on my path.
Oddly in my evening shift week, Kai told me to not come today since he will close the shop for a secret project today.
It means I can have full-night sleep.
But not until I get to the elevator my day takes to strange turn.
Elsa joins me halfway in the elevator as I voluntarily hold up the door.
"Hello, Anna." Elsa greets when the elevator door is closing.
In her years studying in Arendelle, this is my first time to be stuck in elevator with famous Arendelle Queen. From the elevator mirror, I can see Elsa's smile reflects back, it's different kind of smile, this smile makes my stomach feels funny and my brain spins.
"Hello." I offer weakly.
"How's your day?" Elsa asks casually. Although Arendelle Queen is not known for her small talk. She entertains people occasionally but not casually with a junior.
"Great! Awesome." I answer too honestly. Her day is indeed very great and I cannot believe I can get a full day sleep in weekdays.
"Since you are free in the evening, I hope you can get a goodnight rest, then." Elsa now tilts her head to look at my direction. Her hand comes up and touch my cheek in similar manner like yesterday. "Don't get sick, Anna. Winter is coming."
The elevator door opens and Elsa excuses herself politely.
How come she knows I will be free in the evening?
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I would love to hear your thoughts for this chapter. All is not appear to be. That's the hint of the story. See you later :)