a/n: sorry for the late update, but here it is! as always, thank you for the support!
It could be worse.
Anna sat right across from him and the silence in the room made her body tremble. She wanted to get out of there, but she knew she couldn't. At all. And the only thing that was between them was his massive desk… and his crossed feet on top of it.
Those green eyes gazed her way so intensely that Anna didn't even dare to look back at them. One glance and it seemed like all of her had been revealed to him.
The smoke that permeated the office from his cigarette tended to be a distraction. But it wasn't much so when her eyes were glued to her lap.
"So…"
Anna twitched, hearing the chair roll back, and he stood up. Hans took a deep inhale of his latest cigarette and crushed the finished blunt down on a little metal ashtray. He smirked at her. And as much as Anna would have loved to avoid eye contact with him, strangely, she seemed drawn to him. Not in a good way either.
"You've agreed to work here. I didn't think you'd apply for this so soon." He chuckled. "I mean, it's only been a week."
Anna's fists clenched together when his presence hugged her from the back. A hand patted her shoulder… and she felt his finger running through her hair. Gods, the girl wanted to throw up so badly. She shouldn't have agreed to this-shouldn't have even listened to what her guts said! But it was already too late.
"I…"
"Remind me again, how old are you?"
"Twenty."
He flinched. "Ooh... Is your birthday close soon?"
"In a month, yes."
He sighed in relief. Now that was quick. "Good, I wouldn't want any trouble. So do tell me about your circumstances. Something seems to be bothering you." Does he care?
Anna was tempted to sock him in the face, but she restrained herself. And she wanted to punch herself too, for even thinking a man like him would care about her. For even coming here in the first place. Fuck! She knew this was a mistake! Get those sleazy hands off me!
His fingers gripped on her shoulder for a bit and let go. "Well." He shrugged. "No need to tell me about your life story now if you don't want to, but sooner or later, you won't have to." Oh. "First off… I'd like to know what made you want to work here. Not a trick question."
Anna raised her eyebrows. "Because I… thought it'd be the best choice to deal with my... circumstances."
He smirked, though Anna tried her best to ignore it. "I see. Don't worry, we don't abuse our staff and we compensate well here. As a matter of fact, we pay them like they're all princesses… and princes." He laughed. "Hey, we don't discriminate." Anna didn't doubt it. But she wasn't going to get her hopes up yet.
She turned her head to look straight into his eyes. "I know that already. I've seen your website."
Hans raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Oh? So I see youhave done your research. Well, that makes my job easier. So… hm, I never got your name." Shit. Anna really didn't want to tell him her name. Where did she hear this thing from… that escorts would usually have a different name to be called by? Though that would be strange, considering Anna wasn't an escort. So telling him her name would do no harm, right?
"It's Anna."
"Anna. Anna what?"
"Just Anna for now."
Hans didn't seem to take offense. "Beautiful name…" His fingers caressed her cheek. Anna could feel her stomach churning. "With a beautiful face. So innocent and pure… like a flower." Her body shivered, and chills went down her spine. "Good. Now, I have a few positions that are currently in need of assistance." Oh lord. Anna didn't like this. "Part-time bartender. You'll need a few days of training for that, and you can make a few hundred a week including tips. Janitor, but I doubt you'd want that anyway. They do tend to stay a lot later than everyone else and it doesn't pay as much. Lastly…" Wait for it.
Hans bent close to her ear, and her skin tingled ever so disgustingly with his fingers skimming through her auburn hair. Gods, did it feel dirty, and Anna felt the need to shower immediately after this. "An escort."
The girl cringed, eyes closed as those words echoed in her ears. Couldn't he just say prostitute?
"Well, if you want, a prostitute. Escort just sounds a lot more… respectful." Anna wanted to smack herself. "And yes, you will need a couple weeks of training, and you're set. Oh and you can potentially make 4 figures a week, instead of three. Here's the catch, though; you're not allowed to be in a relationship. Think long and hard on this. I know you won't disappoint me." She felt a squeeze of his fingers on her shoulder.
Anna didn't know what else to say. The way his eyes look into her soul as if to grapple her and never let go… it scared her. He expected her to choose an escort, and Anna knew, she had no choice but to do it.
Her mom and Andrew had been struggling for a bit, but if this job were to lift some of that struggle… it would be worthwhile. After all, Anna had a loving family. She had to return that love with something.
"I don't have much of a choice, do I?"
Hans shrugged, and in the corner of her eyes, she noticed a smirk. "Honestly, I thought I'd give you a chance and let you be a bartender. But…" Slowly he had his arm wrapped around her shoulders, his breath close to her cheek… and Anna's head swam at the possibility of what he could do to her at this moment.
Perhaps she was just a bit paranoid. But in a situation like this, everyone would be. His fingers tightened on her. "Look at yourself…" Another hand trailed down her lap. Anna shut her eyes at what was about to come. "Look at how beautiful you are… teal eyes… red hair… smooth skin that's tanned just right… and what a beautiful body," he whispered into her ear ever so gently, so creepily. Anna's skin crawled with his words in disgust. "I can tell, you'll make more in a few months than most people do in a year Anna."
The woman trembled at the single thought of what she could do to others and didn't dare to speak a word. His hand brushed against her cheek.
"Though, I do wonder, how will your innocent look and naiveness deceive others around you?" What? He chuckled, tapping a finger on her. "You can easily be my best worker in here. You'll be my little pet." What he said didn't just come out of nowhere.
Before Anna could even respond -though, she knew she didn't have it in her to retort or punch him in the face-his phone rang.
"Whoops. That's my girlfriend, excuse me for a moment." Anna watched as he sat back down across from her, this time the headrest facing her. And finally, Anna had the freedom and bravery to flip him off and roll her eyes at him.
"Yes… No, I wouldn't dare. Yes, I will be home in an hour, I won't be late. Punishment…" A pause. He looked worried. Slowly, he turned to look at Anna for a bit before gazing at the ground. Everything else that he'd said became a whisper. "... you have to go get some rest-I'm sorry, ma'am. Of course… good night, Mistress."
Oh. The only thing she could hear so clearly was Mistress. Anna didn't seem all that surprised, and only found a curious stare from Hans when he turned. "I'm sure you have questions."
Anna wasn't sure what kind of questions he was referring to. "I don't… need to know about your private… whatever life you have."
He laughed. "Oh, I don't doubt it. I mean questions about my offer."
Oh, of course, she had questions. Though she just didn't know how to begin. And as much as she despised… being near someone shady, Anna knew for a fact, he would help her. In some way or form. She shut her eyes. "Well, I… what do I do?"
"Ah, starting from the beginning, I see." Hans began walking around behind her. "Well, first off, we have to lay out some ground rules-just for you and your client, of course, so they won't do anything that you don't like… and you won't do anything they don't like. Contracts will be made for each client that you will be with… you and the other party… or parties," he chuckled, "we'll have to pick a place, day, and time to settle in, and after that… all the 'magic' happens."
Anna couldn't imagine it. Each word that spewed out of his lips made Anna more nervous and hot. Perhaps it was just the atmosphere. Oh, she was only fooling herself.
He continued, "You are allowed to decline a client, of course. Basically, you're the boss here, and if they do something you don't like… you have the right to stop all activities. You see… it is not an easy job… but I don't doubt you'll do well." Anna didn't either. All she should be doing was laying naked and letting everything happen.
"I… do I still have to… you know, 'entertain' the people in here?"
"Of course! Don't you see all our beautiful women sitting by these men?" He ran his fingers through her hair. "But if you're not willing to entertain those people… I can bend some rules." To be honest, no matter how much she denied she didn't want to be one, it was tempting. He was… oddly kind. Oddly sleazy too. But whether for the thrill or the money… she realized she needed both. Anna looked down to her fingers. This was something she needed for herself.
"But do think hard on this, I'll give you a few days. If I don't get an answer soon… you won't have the job." I see.
Anna didn't have much of a choice… wringing her fingers together as she got deep into her thoughts. But if she could delay any of this, she would. She just couldn't.
I have a father… an actual father… why?
She couldn't concentrate on doing her homework, even if she left her 'calming music' playing the whole time she was in her room. It'd been half an hour already, being left alone by her mother and with her own thoughts. The only thing she'd only finished working on was the little reflection paper that she had to do for English Lit. Well, for Meg.
She sighed to herself as she looked at the time. Class wouldn't start in another three hours, so she should be good. But good just couldn't even begin to describe her situation right now. Not with everything that came crashing into her these past few days.
I should take a break. Oh, and only if this week could chill out for a bit too.
Anna got up from her seat and walked to the full-length mirror beside her desk. She stared at herself, fingers reaching to caress her own cheek and gliding down her chin. Anna didn't know how she was feeling, and her deadpan expression just didn't help at all. Her tired teal eyes looked down at the reflection of her own body, covered only with a tank top and shorts.
The room was filled with nothing but her music and the sound of her heart beating. With each second that passed, the more Anna wondered… perhaps, Hans was right about something. Something she couldn't deny was obviously there.
Her skin was dotted with prominent freckles on her cheeks and down her shoulders, her body was thin and as curvy as any celebrity would be, her abdomen toned with tight muscles, her teal eyes shining ever so brightly in the night like a diamond. She was gorgeous. Anna wondered, with these features, did she choose the right thing to do? Does my… father look similar to me?
Gods, as much as she loved how she was now… she couldn't bear looking at herself again. She glanced down to the ground. What does she… what does Elsa see in me? She was asking the wrong question.
No, Anna knew she had the right to ask that. Out of the all women in the club that were just as beautiful-even more beautiful than her, Elsa could've chosen them. But her? For fuck's sake, Anna had even seen her flirting with her co-workers-and even with Anna's! What did she have that Elsa wanted?
It wasn't love. It couldn't have been. If it was there's no doubt they'd be dating now. It'd already been a little over two months. Things had to change.
Oh, well, isn't that ironic? Anna ran her fingers through her loosened copper hair. She had a father. A father that she'd thought was dead, but was actually still alive. A father she still had never met, and she didn't want to. A father that she hated, and she knew exactly why.
But why? A part of her yearned… to see him. Yearned to know how it would feel like to… be loved by a father. How things would've changed. No, this was a ridiculous thought. If he didn't love Martha, what made her think he'd love his own daughter?
"This is crazy…" Anna whispered, fingers rubbing her forehead.
"... what am I going to tell Anna?" The redhead blinked at the voice coming from the other side of her door. Mom? She leaned her ear against the door.
"You just go at it with her, honey."
"Andrew, I haven't seen him for such a long time when I caught him… when I…"
"Hey, hey, hey… it's all in the past alright? Didn't you use to say, forgive and forget?"
"She's my daughter, Andrew! I can't just forget what... I can't forget how he'd used us. I…" Anna frowned. She couldn't hear what her mother was going to say very clearly.
"...She's an adult. She's going to be twenty-two very soon. She has places to go, people to meet, and you can't really stop her anymore. If you're worried…" Even more whispering. Anna tilted her head.
"… I just… I'm scared for her."
"... Nothing to be scared about. You'll be fine. We all will."
Silence. And immediately, Anna sat back down on her chair as soon as she knew someone would knock on her door any moment now. She was shaking, her mind wandering into places that were just filled with unanswered questions. She couldn't even pick one to start off.
It's a mess.
A knock sounded on her door, and it opened slowly. "Sweetheart?"
Alright, calm down. Turning to her mother's voice, Anna let out a small smile. "Hi."
The older woman mirrored her expression back. "Busy?" She sat on her bed, nodding at the god awful amount of paper piled on her desk. Anna had to laugh at herself inwardly. Those weren't work, it was just her making a mess, that is all.
Regardless, Anna nodded. "Yeah, homework, you know?" She rolled her seat around to face her mother. "What's up?"
Martha tilted her head down. "You… do you remember what we were talking about?"
Anna avoided her stare. "Y-Yeah, of course."
"Do you have questions for me?" Oh, a lot of them, yes.
Anna wrung her fingers together. "Well, I… I don't have much to say…" Because there's too much that I want to say.
"I see." Silence. "Honey, if I… if I made you angry, I'm sorry."
The girl shook her head. "N-No, it's… you were just trying to protect me. I get it! It's fine. You don't have to explain anything to me that you don't want to, Mom." Especially when I haven't fully explained myself either.
"Are you sure, Anna? I'm willing to tell you anything that you want to know. I'm just…"
"You don't have to feel guilty about it, Mom." A pause. She couldn't contain her thoughts any longer. "But there is one thing…" Ah, she just couldn't help but pull out one simple question. Perhaps, it would help her get to know her father for a bit.
"What is it?" Oh, her mother sounded too eager for this.
"Does Andrew know? Does he know about… about everything?"
Martha sighed, regretfully. "Oh, of course, he does." She reached for Anna's hands and held them together. "Anna, he was the only person I could talk to-and you weren't even in school yet when we began dating, baby." Anna didn't know what to say. Obviously, inside her heart, it felt like someone had just stabbed her right there. It hurt so much that it was beginning to feel numb. A horrible, buzzing numb. The girl let out a deep breath, her eyebrows furrowed tightly together.
"Do you… Do you ever plan on letting me see him?"
Martha's eyes widened, and at this point, Anna knew, her mother just wouldn't let her do that so easily. "I… I can't let you do that. Even I haven't seen him for… years." Exactly. Why? This was the first time her mother would flat out refuse her without a proper reason. But him being a bastard seemed to be more than enough of a reason. And Anna doubted she would get the same love from her biological father that Andrew had already provided. She was fine without knowing him personally. But at least… No, this wouldn't do. Stop lying to yourself.
Anna shook her head. "Well, can I at least, see a picture of him? Do you have one?"
Silence. Her throat was caught in a lump that was too hard to swallow. Her eyes were covered with thick layers of tears. There was no point in crying now. She'd experienced worst feelings. "Mom. Please. I want to, at least, know what he looks like."
"Anna-"
"I've never had a real father, Mom." Her voice shuddered with hurt. "All this time I really believed that he was dead, until now. I just…" She sighed. "I just want to see what he looks like, and then, I'll be content." Oh, this was sad. And Anna knew, if she was acting like this, she was just too desperate. "I promise." Ah, even, perhaps, making promises she couldn't even keep.
There was this awfully heavy silence between them, and her teal eyes continued to stare at her mother with hope and anticipation. Only to be met with the same tearful eyes-looking way too hurt… too sad. But Anna didn't want to give up.
And finally, Martha gave in. "Alright… I'll grab some of my stuff."
She watched as her mother leaned in to kiss her forehead and left the room. It was that easy-but it couldn't have been easy for Martha. To open up to her about her past so quickly… but Anna was grateful. She let out a shaky breath, leaned back in her chair and stared at the ceiling.
This week… had been too hectic. I think I'm going crazy…
Her phone rang. This would at least take her mind off some things for now. She picked her phone up. Oh. Elsa.
Her heart stopped and she felt a shiver traveling down her spine. She wanted to take back what she'd just said about going crazy. Elsa was calling her, only an hour since they last saw each other... What the hell was she doing, calling her at a time like this? No, Anna wasn't glad she was calling-not even close to being glad.
She'd rather have something else to keep her mind off of her father than to have that… bossy CEO call her. Bossy, was it? Anna wanted to laugh. Bossy wouldn't be the word to describe what she could do in bed.
Uh oh. She shook her head. Anna shouldn't be thinking about that now.
With a sigh, she reluctantly answered the call. "Yes, Miss Arendelle, how may I help you?"
A chuckle from the other end sounded. Anna could already see the smirk spreading across her beautiful face. "Well, Miss Andersen," is she mocking me? , "I was wondering… if you don't have class today, we should have dinner."
Dinner? Anna arched her eyebrow. "Uh… I… No, I actually do have class today." And calling her for dinner? This shouldn't be happening. But she didn't have the strength to even tell her that. Especially when Elsa clearly knew she shouldn't call her for a 'simple' dinner. She turned around to her table and stared blankly at the incoherent words written down in her notebook. What the hell is she up to?
"I see. When does class end?"
"At eight."
"Perfect. We can meet at eight."
She blinked."W-Wait, what?" Fuck, fuck, fuck.
"Is something wrong?" Oh, the woman was denser than the Dead Sea! Now, she was really mad.
"Yes! I didn't agree to this! I do not consent to this! You do not have my permission or my consent!" She was just spewing out everything she could think of. Everything except, 'you shouldn't call me for this'.
Elsa was silent, though. At some point, Anna thought Elsa would've had a good laugh at it, but… "Perhaps, I should've said, I have something to tell you, then you might've agreed. That's alright, we can arrange it again-"
Anna cocked an eyebrow. She had something to say to her? Now that was new. But it was too new-and too many new things were in her mind. Clearing her throat, she set herself to becoming serious again. "You have something to tell me? Can't you just tell me now?"
"I'd thought you want to hear it personally."
Hm. Not that Anna would be opposed to it. Of course, she would do anything to be with Elsa but… now, just wasn't the right time. She glared down at her lap. Nothing that they'd talked about before ever caught her interest-except for her long-lost sister, and the cold love given to Anna. And they weren't anything Elsa would ever want to talk about freely.
"What is this about?"
"You'll see. But… if you really insist… there are things, I've always wanted to tell you."
Anna chuckled. "Don't you think… we've always kept too many things from each other to even begin talking about them?"
Silence. Elsa took a deep breath. "You don't sound very happy at this moment. Tell me, was it last night? I would never hurt you-"
"N-No, not last night… last night was…" Fun? Crazy? Sexy? "Last night was something else, I can tell you that. But no… this is personal matter."
"I see."
"So what is it? You… you can't have me guessing all day."
"Keep asking me, and I will put you in your place on Thursday." Fuck… really... Her mouth quickly shut tight, and she could feel herself getting more heated with those words echoing in her ear. Her fingers ached for a touch, mind scrambling at the thought of those… pleasurable nights. Her face was flushed, but Anna doubted Elsa knew she would react so badly. It was quite obvious. "I-I-"
"No, I'll tell you." Anna could already tell she had this cocky smirk. Elsa loved to joke around too much. She must be having fun. "For the past month, I haven't been quite that honest with you. There are things that I've kept from you, that I wanted to tell you… though, the timing was always bad."
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"That night… I said you shouldn't love me, I want to be as raw and open as I can be with you as you are with me. Would that be okay?"
Ah, now Anna could see why Elsa wanted to see her personally. And there was just one thing Anna had in mind. One thing that she was positive Elsa wanted to tell her.
She bit her lips, a flush embracing the surface of her cheeks. Only three words came into her mind that she knew Elsa would want to say. As much as she was anticipating it, she was terrified. "A-Alright, I'll meet you. Eight thirty, don't be late." She sounds sincere. More than I'd like her to be.
"Oh, I wouldn't even think of it. I'll have my friend come drive you. I'll see you later." And the dial tone sounded before Anna could even say anything else.
Friend? Drive her? Oh no. Elsa Arendelle, you fucking-
The lecture room was quieter than ever, and everyone was in their own little group as they continued to read the short story that the professor had given out. And Anna was too out of focus to even continue reading. She let her head fall against her arm, staring into space.
Blue eyes, copper hair, tall, and athletic, but a bit skinny. So that's what he looks like. He was cute back then, so it was no wonder her mother fell in love with him quickly-and fell out of love just as quick after realizing what… his true desires were. Even Anna wasn't quite sure why her mother's hatred for him had developed.
The face that Martha made as Anna looked at the photo was just… heartbreaking. As if her mother still loved him.
The photo was only out for a bit before her mother decided that it was enough. That was alright, though. It was just a small glimpse. Her heart was content for now. She had a bigger issue to deal with.
She'd been ignoring Meg for a long time now, and vise versa. Yes, they had to deal with each other every week but... it wasn't so bad if they were trying to avoid each other as much as possible. And even more so, when Anna figured out Elsa had cleared her debt.
And Rapunzel was sleeping across from her like always. The redhead rolled her eyes. Her cousin would always stay up late. It was no wonder she would spend this time to take a nap.
Class was going to end soon, so there was no point in reading more. She could always do it at home-shit.
Meg was looking her way from the front of the room.
Anna just couldn't avoid it. Couldn't stand avoiding her gazes anymore. Her teal eyes glared into hers. She had questions, and she needed answers now.
The professor blinked to break their gaze. Anna knew something about her stare just reminded them about the past. She was almost glad, that it'd give her a reaction even if it was a small one. She smirked to herself as she began packing.
"Alright, everyone, you guys can go early today. Finish reading where you left off, and I want an essay by the end of this week at midnight. I'll post the information on the website tonight so look out for that. Goodnight."
Having to wake Rapunzel up was such a hassle, but at least she wouldn't wake up whining. Though many of the students were already whining about the essay anyway. She yawned, stretching out her limbs.
"What's for homework?"
Anna noticed those brown eyes from Meg staring back at her. Goodness. "Um… Finish reading and an essay…" She blinked away. "And probably questions too."
"Ah, I see." Anna quirked an eyebrow up to see her shrugging. She didn't seem as fazed as other students. Well, obviously… as Rapunzel wouldn't ever do her homework anyway. She wondered how she managed to even become a senior like this. "Anyway..." The brunette turned her phone on. "Weselton isn't here today. Said he's 'sick'." She rolled her eyes. "I'll just hang around, do you wanna go anywhere?"
Anna chuckled. Oh, she wished she could go do something with her cousin. They haven't had the time for each other since her job started. The redhead slung her bag over her shoulder. "Actually, I do have somewhere to go." Dinner… Dinner with Elsa. Ah, she wasn't sure what she was feeling about the dinner. And neither did she want to tell Rapunzel about what she was going to do later on.
Her relationship with Elsa… was completely closed off from everyone. "I… um, I have dinner with Mom."
"Ooh, tell Aunty I say hi, will you?"
"Yeah."
"Hm…" Rapunzel looked at the time. "I guess I should just hang out with Eugene then. Drag him to a movie or something."
Oh boy. Anna rolled her eyes. "Oh, you're still dating him."
Rapunzel pouted, crossing her arms. "Oh, you're still judging me. He's a nice guy!" She groaned when Anna scoffed. "You don't know what love is." I really don't. "Ugh, I really hate it when you make that face every time I mention him." The brunette waved her off. Rapunzel had been dating this football player since sophomore year, and it just seemed like their love for each other had grown stronger over the past two years. Not that this would matter to Anna anyway. She knew Eugene was a nice guy. She just loved to fool around with Rapunzel, that's all. Kristoff would get along with him.
"Hey."
Anna blinked. "Y-Yeah?"
"You alright? Do you… wanna go, right now?"
"Um…" The redhead gazed over Rapunzel's shoulder to see Meg leaning against her desk, arms crossed… eyes on her. "Actually, you can go first. I have something to do right now. Gotta ask some questions to Meg."
Rapunzel grimaced and grabbed her arm. "Hey, are sure you're alright? Why do you need to ask her-"
"It's fine, it's nothing."
She gritted her teeth together, whispering, "I thought you broke ties with her-"
"I did!" She immediately shut her mouth. "This is personal, alright? Why don't you go meet with your boyfriend." Rapunzel didn't seem so convinced, glaring at her in silence. Her cousin could get a bit too protective sometimes, but of course, this was her job to be protective when she was the older one. Though… it could get a bit annoying. Like now. She rolled her eyes. "I'm fine. Now, would you just let go of me, so I can go talk to her? Please?"
Sighing, the brunette let her go. "Fine. But can I ask you something first?"
"Rapunzel, she's waiting." Silence. She rubbed the bridge of her nose in exasperation. "Alright, whatever, ask away."
She found her cousin standing close to her, her hand falling down to Anna's. There was just something in her eyes that made her look way too worried. "Are you… falling in love with someone?"
Oh. "W-What… where did you get that idea?" She furrowed her eyebrows, feeling her heart skip a beat and she could feel chills crawling down her spine. Rapunzel couldn't have known. But perhaps… Anna really was just that revealing.
"Just be careful, if you are, alright? I know it's not my place to tell you who you love or don't love, but… after what you told me about Meg… I don't want anything bad happening again. Just… don't fall in love with the wrong person, I mean." She patted her shoulder. "Alright, now, why don't you go talk to her, I've got a boyfriend to meet up with." Winking at Anna, the girl let her go and was out the door before Anna even knew it.
As much as she hated to admit it, Rapunzel was right. Anna didn't know Elsa enough to even begin talking about love but here they were… every night, they would look at each other and nothing other than 'love' and 'desire' would show. This sucks.
The room was empty now, and the only sound she could hear was her own heartbeat and the wooden door closing and echoing. It was just them and the silence. Sighing, she turned to face Meg, walking towards her without missing a beat. Her footsteps echoed through the room.
"I have to ask you something," Anna said once they'd gotten close together.
Meg sighed, her eyes facing the ground. "I know. But first, here." Checks that contained tens of thousands of dollars in her hand were pushed across the desk towards Anna.
She recognized them. Frowning, she glanced up and down between the papers and Meg.
"I gave them to you for a reason, Meg."
Meg's eyes were blank.
Anna chuckled bitterly. "I see… I guess since Elsa met you, it's best that you return that money to me, right? Why did you meet her?"
"I didn't." An immediate answer. Anna would've guessed she'd be evading the question. I guess, sometimes, we just have to be honest with each other… Meg leaned against her desk and eyed those checks. "Westergard introduced me to her when I was there trying to find you. I wanted to talk to you." Her voice was horribly soft. Perhaps… she regretted what she'd done? No, that couldn't be it.
Anna didn't know what to believe. But one thing was for sure -Hans could be quite a sleazy guy. She knew whatever he did, it was because he was after something. But this was understandable. "Right… I… Did you tell her?"
"What?"
"Did you tell her what happened to us-what you did to me… to make me believe that you truly loved me?" That hurt. She stared right into her eyes, her fingers clenching tightly on her laptop. Everything was quiet, and just… looking at her pathetic face was just… it disgusted Anna how impossibly soft and submissive Meg was. Where was that dominance she possessed over her? Where was the woman that had seduced her? Anna almost wished that was back.
What hurt more than anything was that Meg just couldn't seem to answer her. Great.
She stepped closer to her and laid her hand on Meg's. And the brunette hadn't looked at her this way before. So fearful, yet… everything that was in her eyes was filled with secrecy, and they were begging to come out. "Did you tell her…" she whispered, eyes gazing at the lips that had once kissed her-wondering what it'd feel like again to have her own lips on Meg's again. "Did you tell her how you made me believe... we were a thing? What you could do to me… How I've always thought I was yours?" She laced their fingers together, breathing toxic words into her ear like the love she believed they had.
Gods, did she want the woman to love her. The desperation was… comical.
The professor shut her eyes and pulled her hand away. "Don't do this, Anna."
The redhead blinked. She must've gone crazy, to even step this close to her-to even touch her like she was lusting for her touch. But wasn't she, though?
Slowly, and regretfully, Anna pushed herself away from the woman. "I'm sorry-"
"Yes, I did."
Huh? Anna didn't get it, and she must've heard it wrong. She did… what? Tell her? She was nearly in laughter. "What?"
"I told her how I treated you. That I would…" The woman wrung her hands together. "That I would change what I had done and make the right decision if I could. That I played you." The room echoed with silence and confusion. Anna gazed at the woman as if she'd gone crazy. Perhaps, both of them really did go crazy. It was so… uncharacteristic of her to even begin admitting this.
Her fingers ran through her copper hair, and she let her fringes fall over her eyes. "Why?"
It was a dumb question, but she wanted to hear that answer come right out of her lips. Anna wanted badly to know that what Meg had given her… was something she didn't mean to give.
Meg licked her lips. "I want someone better for you-someone that will treat you right. And I know Elsa… as much as I despise her relationship with you… I know she will treat you right."
"What does her treating me right have to do with you and me? You…" Anna chuckled bitterly. "You don't know her."
"Believe me when I tell you this - she isn't as cold hearted as I thought she was. She's kind, Anna."
The girl looked down to her feet., sighing "What did you two talk about?"
"Everything between us. Everything that is about you."
She'll treat me right, she says. When will that time come?
The sky was already getting dark, stars and lampposts already lighting up the streets in the cold. Anna was still on campus, pushing her scarf close to her face. It was almost empty with only a few students sitting on the benches, others rushing to get home. She looked back at her building, and the only thing that filled her mind was what Meg had told her.
She'd already, reluctantly, took those pages of checks back, but that wasn't the problem at all, at the moment.
Elsa… to treat her right? Elsa had always treated her right. Anna just couldn't get enough of what Elsa had done to and for her. Yes, the woman would treat her to dinner, would go to work for her… would care for her in bed. But it was never enough. It just felt too empty. She needed something else. Perhaps, that call was just another empty call-that Anna was just someone the blonde would spend time with every time she was bored of someone else. She chuckled to herself. It's what I thought of Meg too.
Ah, so it was no wonder Anna would be attracted to Elsa. Like always, but she would always deny it, the two women were far too similar to each other. It was questionable. Are they sisters? Funny.
Looking down to the ground, she started walking out from the cleaners and to the streets. She'd almost forgotten she needed to pick up her clothes that had been… dirtied, the other night.
"Come back again!"
Anna smiled and waved at the man who owned the dry cleaner place as she exited. She looked up into the dark sky, the sound of cars racing pass her blared through her ear.
Elsa said she would have a friend pick Anna up by the campus. She looked at the time. 8:53PM. Anna scoffed to herself, knowing that now she was the one that was late, not Elsa. Ah, always making promises I can't keep. You can't change, can you, Anna?
She let out a breath, watching as it disappeared into the cold air.
The evening had grown quite crowded, with people eager to get home from work, and others going out for dinner. She crossed her arms together as she looked from left to right down the street. There wasn't a speck of snow falling to the ground tonight. She kicked her feet on the concrete floor and checked her phone for any messages. None.
Anna pouted. "God… where is she...?"
The bell rang as the door to the dry cleaners opened, a gust of warm air brushing against Anna's face. "Thank you, I'll be back tomorrow. You know how my wife gets-she's very fond of that dress."
"Oh, don't worry about it. You always come here, I'll gladly give you that dress with half the price that it's supposed to be."
"No, that won't do. If anything, I'd rather pay more than what the price says." A man chuckled as he stepped out of the store, prompting Anna to turn to listen and look.
"You're too kind. I think I have the other dress just in case that one doesn't make in time for the party. Would you like to come back in? Though, it'll take a few minutes until I get the dress out," the manager offered.
"Oh no, I'll stay here for a bit, I've been in there for quite a bit. I need some fresh air, I'll come back to have a look later."
"Well, alright. I'll be back in a minute."
Anna tilted her head, eyes gazing at the man with copper hair with a neatly shaved mustache. His scarf covered most of his face, though. She'd never seen him before, as many of the people here were just students. Some of which, she would be vaguely acquainted with. Was he a new professor? Student? But he didn't- Oh.
He was staring at her. Smiling now.
Anna quickly ducked her head away, looking the other way. He's about Mom's age…
"Cold, isn't it?"
The redhead merely smiled meekly, glancing briefly at him. "Y-Yeah, very. I didn't think Nevada would be this cold." She huffed a warm breath against her palms.
He rubbed his hands together, chuckling. His eyes gazed up into the night sky. "Yes, I didn't think so too. I'm not particularly fond of the cold."
Silence. This was quite awkward. She'd walk away but… she still had no idea what she was going to do with Elsa coming to get her-
"My daughter, however, she loves winter…" The man turned to her, eyes observing her up and down. "She's around your age. Though, she graduated from college three years ago. Are you a senior?"
So he had a daughter. So what? Anna wasn't sure why she would be conversing with this man, but something about him just seemed so caring and heartwarming. Though, that could mean something… horrible as she'd rarely have strangers start a conversation with her. Especially with a man twice her age who had a daughter. Now that's real creepy… Anna pushed that thought aside. Where was this friend that was supposed to pick her up anyway?
"Yes, I am going to graduate in a few months or so."
"Congratulations, I hope your mother and father are proud of you for what you've achieved."
"Yeah." Achieved? Anna couldn't contain her laughter, prompting the man to stare at her curiously. What achievement? Achievement of taking a job of becoming a prostitute? Of letting her professor screw her in bed at work? Of telling everyone she knew about her feelings about Meg… the feelings that shouldn't have existed in the first place? Of not knowing who the hell her father was? Ha!
"Is… something wrong?"
Anna shook her head. As much as she wanted to tell him everything, this time, her mouth had to be zipped tight. "No… I…" She was still chuckling. "I'm sure they're proud of me." That came out quite sarcastic. He didn't catch that.
"Oh, I'm sure of it. When my daughter first graduated from… you wouldn't believe it if I told you she went to UC Berkeley."
Anna raised her eyebrows. "Oh." Yes, oh. But she'd believe it. He looked like an intelligent person. The man smiled proudly, but something about it… something about his expression showed a hint of sorrow.
"Well, when she did graduate, I was so proud of her. Her mother even more so. She did all that her mother and I asked of without a complaint." He laughed. "She did kickboxing as a hobby back then. Something that I would never approve of, but… that was what she loved to do. She was so happy…"
"You sound very happy too."
"I am, to be a father of my little girl." He chuckled. "She's not little anymore, I shouldn't say that."
And if only I could be this happy. "She must be a very good kid to you two."
"Oh, she is! She really is. Now, she's the CEO of what my father used to own. But…"
"But?"
"Just recently-no, for a long time now, she's grown independent. She didn't seem happy… always eager to get away from the family-me, especially." He sighed, eyes glancing to the ground. "But I do what any father would do-keeping secrets… wanting to keep her safe even if it ends up with her hating me." So what did he do? It wasn't Anna's place to ask.
Ah, but this was the opposite of her own family. Just looking into his eyes… she knew, how hurt he was. She couldn't do anything to change the relationship between him and his daughter. He was a stranger but… She grabbed his arm. Anna could sympathize with him. "I don't think she hates you. At least… no daughter or son would hate a father who's trying their best to love them."
The smile he had seemed way too broken. "You must have lovely parents."
"Parent. Mom and step dad, but he's more of a best friend than a father."
"I'm sure he's are lovely too."
"Sir, your dress is ready! Would you like to come in?!"
"I'll be right there!"
He patted her hand and slowly pushed his scarf down below his chin-She frowned. Her heart skipped a beat, and the only thing she could see was just the man. What… Eyes widened at the sight before her… the clear sight of the man before her. How could she not notice before? Anna was completely speechless. She glanced down to the man's hand that was reaching for a handshake. Her eyes widened in bewilderment.
"You're a lovely lady, I'm glad I've had this talk with you. This made me feel so much better. "
"Yes… we should…" This can't be happening… it's not him. It's him. It's not him. IT'S NOT. Without realizing, she took his hand and shook. His grip was quite firm.
"Have a good evening, I think I will definitely see you in a couple of days… if you get out around this time."
"Yes..." Again, without even realizing she had said yes. Anna just couldn't believe it. And as he left with a smile, the only thing she could mumble out was, "Papa…"
She shook her head out of that thought. It'd been so many years… there was no way, Anna would recognize him. Besides, his hair seemed a bit… lighter. I'm just dreaming.
"Excuse me, ma'am. Are you Anna Andersen?"
She blinked, too shocked to even answer the voice calling for her. She couldn't even see through the tears, but she was aware enough to actually turn. A tall man with undercuts and his hair parted to one side stood before her. He wore a black fitted suit and a big smile. He was quite handsome with those hazel eyes but… that didn't matter right now. Her thoughts were still with her long lost father.
"Miss?"
Anna gasped as fingers snapped beside her ear. "Y-Yes, that's me." She observed him. "You are…?"
"Olaf. Elsa's friend… um, her assistant. But friend first, before that." He chortled and cleared his throat. "As I was saying, Miss Arendelle sent me to pick you up?" He flicked his wrist to look at the time. "Hm, we are quite late. But no worries, she won't mind."
Oh, Elsa. She'd forgotten why she'd stayed in the campus so late. She looked behind his shoulder to find a black Audi A5 Coupe parked. She'd kept Elsa waiting for too long, but it wasn't her fault. For a moment, Anna's mind spiraled crazily at the thought of what the woman could say to her, and she flushed. "Right… shall we get going?"
He stepped aside, bowing his head slightly. "Of course, after you, Miss."
a/n: so finally anna meets him. things are going to get more complicated