Hi there guys! I'M SOOOOOOO SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING IN A MILLENIUM!

But… what do you say about some REAL high school drama today, huh? To make up for the wait (:

Enjoy!

Chapter 11: Unknown

Two weeks.

For two weeks they've been weird. Or, distracted. Seriously distracted. Lately they're only hanging out with each other, always discussing some sort of language, it seems. And sometimes, their body language takes over, and their hands move in unfamiliar ways.

What the heck is going on?!

I've got to find out, and if I have to…

Eliminate it.

Elsa

Jack had to go to practice this afternoon, which saddens me a bit. School has been taking over the past week, and we've not really seen each other much. Of course, we've had lunches together, and we've skyped and texted every day and most of the night.

But we haven't hung out all week. And today is my only day off in my schedule, so of course Jack has to practice.

I close my locker with a sigh, gazing at my phone. Jack has sent a message it seems.

Hi Snowflake. Sry I have to practice today, but I was wondering if you'd catch a movie Saturday night? Closed captioned ofc 3

I smile at the message, blushing by the written nickname. He'd started calling me stuff like that, since he by 'accident' found them on a signing website. Another one he likes to call me is 'Snow'. It's a bit shorter, and therefore easier to sign than 'Snowflake', so I guess I have two nicknames whenever I'm around him. Personally I like 'Snowflake' the best. My fingers brush lightly over the screen, before I answer.

Hmm, let me check my calendar, ok? I'll tell u as quick as I can 3

An idea pops into my head, but I choose not to tell jack about it. I want to surprise him.

Jack

Why, of all days, do I have to practice today? I now Elsa's schedule by now, even a bit of her homework schedule, and from I remember, this is her only day off! Hans sometimes…

Of course, I could always ditch it and just go with her to her place. But then again… I really don't want to get kicked off the team. But to get the chance to hang out with Elsa…

My devil and angel on each shoulder discusses it for a while, while I change to ice hockey wear. A text message pops in, shutting up my conscience for a few moments.

Hmm, let me check my calendar, ok? I'll tell u as quick as I can 3

I smile at the screen before locking it and place it in my sweatshirt pocket.

I really hope she'll be able to make it.

Practice seemed to disappear in a blur. I remember sliding around in tactic formations, obliging both coach's and Hans' commands. But it all just… vanished. I couldn't get the hopes of Elsa accepting this weekend out of my head!

The screeching sound of Coach's whistle travels across the ice, alerting every player to stop skating, and get their buts towards the exit for the day.

"Now remember, guys! Practice every Tuesday and Thursday now! DON'T be late!" Hans shouts, but nobody really seems to listen.

I myself am heading towards the exit, happily chatting with Hiccup, trying to remember a few signs that Elsa taught me. Speaking of...

"Hey Jack. Don't look, but… look." Hiccup nudges his head towards the seats on both their right sides, and a young platinum blonde head is clearly visible from the fourth row. Hiccup snickers at my smile and blush, and pushes me towards her.

"Go get her!" I slide gently over to her, hearing whistles from the other guys behind me. I'm glad they don't recognize her. It would have been ugly.

"Way to go, Jackson!" "Got a little lady-friend there, frosty?" I roll my eyes, ignoring their mocking, locking my gaze with Elsa.

"Hey there, beautiful." I sign, leaning in over the edge of the rink.

"What's up, handsome." She signs, stepping down towards me. I take her hand in mine, pulling her slightly over the railing between us.

"Nothing much, just finished practice. To what do I owe this wonderful surprise visit?"

"You could take me out to watch a movie Saturday night. Closed captioned, of course." She signs while giggling at the last remark.

"Hey, Frost! Hans wants to see you!" Bunny shouts, making me instantly turn my head around.

"I'd love to. Look, can I pick you up in… ten minutes? By the corner of the hall way? Then we can go to my place and chill for a bit. I need that after practice." I sign, while taking a few slides backwards. She stands up from the railing, crossing her arms.

"Sure. I'll just meet you out there." She signs, before going for the audience exit.

I skate back across the ice, seeing Hans standing by the player's bench, taking off his skates.

"You wanted to see me, Hans?" His head snaps up, hearing my presence.

"Ahh, Jackson! Yes, as a matter of fact. I saw that you've gotten yourself quite a close friend over there. Elsa's her name, right?" I lean my back against the railing, crossing my arms loosely.

"Yeah."

"She's amazing I presume? You're still blushing a bit." I look away, trying to cool down.

"Hans, are you avoiding your own topic? Was there some tactical matter you wanted to discuss, or did you pull me over to talk about Elsa?"

"Oh don't worry, Jack. We're good. I'd just be careful around that DeafGirl of yours. She's quite… fragile I hear." And with that he left me at the railing, frozen.

Once Hans has left the rink, I finally manage to blurt out

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"

Elsa

The school is oddly silent, no pun intended. Only a few students wander the hall at this hour, it's almost weird. I stand by the corner between the lockers and student entrance to the gym, waiting rather impatiently. I look at my watch once more, for the fifth time in a matter of minutes.

"8 minutes… no, 9 minutes… Come on Jack…" I look up again, first down one hall, then the other. A bunch of guys exit from the gym, all looking like they chat and laugh. I straighten my back as well as my blouse, and run a quick hand through my hair.

The bunch of boys nears in on me, probably just passing through. None of them seems to notice me, for which I'm glad. That is, until one ordinary looking guy fastens his gaze upon me, and freezes. The other guys follow suit, all looking funny at me. I automatically step back a bit. I look down, running a few nervous fingers through some strands of my hair, as to hide a bit. One of the front guys takes a step towards me, not saying a word.

It's odd how scary silence can be. To see continuous motion from 10 or so approaching guys, all nearing in on you, without knowing whether they whisper your name, laugh at you or simply just stares you down. This is one of the scariest moments in my life, all alone, nowhere to go… trapped in the school hallway, without any way out.

Jack… is all I can think, before I shut my eyes, waiting for a blow or a push.

But the light around me lightens as the guys are ripped back, as if pulled away by something. I dare open one eye, only to meet the reassuring frame of Jack, as he seems to yell at his Hockey comrades. They all disappear within a few minutes, giving me burning glares.

A few minutes before – Jack

I lock my closet rather quickly, without noticing it, and almost trip over my feet on the way out. I can hear silent mumbles on the hall way, but I can't comprehend what's being said. It sounds aggressive, but again, it's so subtle, I can't make out the exact words.

As I finally come out on the hall way I see the guys in a big group in the hall way corner.

"Freak… Dare you…"

"Can't believe… He's never… you…"

"If you EVER… I'll personally…"

"DeafGirl… Jack knows better than…"

"Freak!"

"DeafGirl!"

"ENOUGH!" I storm over to them, ripping them apart, only to reveal a tiny, shaking Elsa, hidden tears behind her bangs and broken frame hidden behind her crossed arms. The heat rises close to a boiling temperature, and I turn around, facing the guys.

"What the hell is wrong with you?! Leave her be, idiots!" They stumble a bit back, staring coldly at me.

"You're deluded, dude."

"I don't believe you…"

"Freak…"

I clench my fists, fighting back the urge to punch them in the face. Hard. Behind me, Elsa's slightly moving.

"Elsa…" I step slightly closer, reaching out for her hand, firmly placed on her upper arm.

"Elsa… it's me." I know she cannot hear me, but it helps me to know I'm reassuring her. I gently lay my fingertips on her hand, stroking her lovingly. She doesn't flinch, but freezes for a second. I stop, only to meet her cerulean blue eyes. They're strong, but a bit shattered. Slightly defeated by those muttonheads (Curse Hiccup and his Viking expressions…).

"Elsa, you alright?" I sign, never leaving her gaze. She takes a deep breath, straightening herself.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She signs back, not wanting to use her voice on school grounds, though only I'm present. I take both her hands and heave her closer to me, before turning us both towards the school exit.

"Come on. Let's get out of here." I sign, opening the door for her, leaving a bad day shut behind.

For the rest of today, things can only go better.

That's a wrap on the eleventh chapie! I know a millennium passes from each update, but I'm going through my second to last year of high school right now… it's stressful! I'm writing when I have time, inspiration and a want. Never must writing become a burden.

So there might a month between updates, there might a few days. Please bear with me, for I actually really like this story, and these versions of the characters (:

Till next time,

See ya!