"Elsie ! What do you want for breakfast ?" A familiar voice shouted from downstairs. "You know what, I'll just make something and then you can choose, ok ?"
The sun rays shone through the window and gently touched her face as if it wanted to tell her to wake up. She frowned, stretched her body and opened her eyelids. A smile crept up her face when she remembered what day it was; it was the day that she and her partner would start working on their choreography for the qualification rounds. She had been looking forward to this day from the day she had injured herself. Today was a new day, a new start and she would make it the best start ever. After having rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, she forced herself to get out of bed and put on some clothes. She went to the bathroom, fixed her hair, washed her face and smiled confidently at the reflexion in the mirror. Then, she headed downstairs where her sister already was preparing breakfast for her, the only family she had left after their parents had died in a plane crash. The girls were left on their own. Now it was just her, Anna and their dog Pepper.
"Good morning Anna." She greeted her younger sister.
The strawberry blonde girl looked up and and smiled. "Hi sis, want some mini pancakes ?"
Elsa shook her head. She had been on a diet ever since she started her whole skating career, a diet that strictly told her to not eat food that could damage her body. Mini pancakes were one of them. Instead, she made herself a banana- peanut butter sandwich and drunk a smoothie that she had prepared the other day. Anna grimaced her face when she saw the color of that smoothie, it had a green-brownish color.
"Ieuw." She stated, still looking at the drink her sister was holding. "I can not understand how you could possibly drink that without gagging." She said flatly while pegging the dog who laid on her lap.
Elsa grinned. "I've been on this diet since I was six, I'm used to it by now." She looked at her sister who was shoving her bacon and eggs sandwich down her throat. "I can not understand how you could possibly eat that ! It's really unhealthy for your body Anna."
The girl chuckled and continued her breakfast. Elsa shook her head, wondering how it was possible that her sister could eat so much and still remained slender. She looked at her own body, she knew she was skinny too, she had to be, it was the most important part of the protocol. Being tall and slender helped her to still look elegant while skating with tremendous speed over the ice. She knew she was starving her body but she had to if she wanted to make it through the qualifications, after the Olympics, she would try to gain some more weight.
"Ok, see you later sis, I have to go." She said while packing her bag. "See you tonight." She waved goodbye and stepped into her car.
"Ah Elsa, there you are." Her blonde muscular partner skater stated when she arrived at the skating rink. He had come a little bit earlier and talked with their coach.
"Hi Kristoff." She greeted him. "I'll be there in a minute, just let me change for a sec." And with that, she was off to the dressing room. When she had dumped her bag on the bench and started to take off her pants, a black haired girl entered the room.
"Good morning Els." She said and also threw her stuff on the bench.
Elsa smiled back while taking off her shirt. "Morning Lauren. You're early."
The girl took her hoodie off. "Yeah I wanted to see you guys train for once so I thought I'd come early this time. Maybe get some tips from you guys and maybe I could get a photo ? My friends don't believe that I skate with you guys almost every day, they want prove." She said insecure.
"Of course you can have one." Elsa answered still not being used to the fact that people would want a picture with her. She knew that most girls of her skating club despised her because of the fame she was getting and because of her talent. But mostly they were jealous because she was good looking, as for her partner. It had been going on for a while, they mocked her and mildly physically hurt her. She hadn't said a word about it to her trainer but somehow, he had gotten word of it and had moved the pair to another indoor ice skating rink where she wouldn't have to deal with the girls anymore. She had been very grateful for the decision he made because the day they arrived at the Westchester Skating Academy had been one of her best days. Dozens of people had followed them making their way in and getting to know the rink and its possibilities. There had been many fans who wanted to take a picture with them, or multiple, and who demanded an autograph from the world famous skating pair. She and Kristoff had been very patient and had stood there signing hundreds of papers with their pictures, books dedicated to their career and had taken dozens of photo's with fans hugging and welcoming them to their skating club. It had been a wild adventure and Elsa felt really loved, even though she didn't know any of these people. Lauren, in particular had stood out of the crowd, the girl had sitting on a bench, waiting patiently for the mass of people to get out and leave the pair be. Then she had come to the pair and had nervously asked if she still could use the skate rink now they were obviously going to train here. Kristoff had laughed and had put his arm around the tiny girl and spoke that as long as she didn't interrupt their sessions, she would be very welcome to skate along. From then on, ever since the day Elsa and Kristoff had arrived at the rink, Lauren had been there too. She had learned a lot from them and they from her.
Elsa put on her trainings clothes and her skates. She tied her hair in a pony tail and left the room. "Meet us after the training." She said. Lauren nodded shyly but was screaming of excitement internally.
The trainer welcomed her with a hug. "Hi darling."
She hugged him back, they knew each other for over a decade now and their relationship had become very close. He was like a second father to her. "Hi Jackson." They broke apart and she went standing next to Kristoff who held her hand. "So, I expect that we will go through the choreography today with Jane ?"
Jackson Snow, the coach nodded excitedly. "Yes we are. Now she'll be arriving at noon so first we'll do a quick warming up session. Let's start with a five minute warm up of backwards crossovers and a few twizzles."
The pair skated away and did their warming up. It was allowed for people to drop by and watch the pair practicing and preparing for the Olympics as long as they were behind the glass. Now, on an early grey morning, a small hand of sixty people were gathered at the benches behind the glass. They whispered excitedly and pointed at the beautiful girl who seemed to fly through the rink. Some young girls giggle over the blonde muscular man as he showed off his skills and stamina.
"They are so good right ?" A chubby blonde woman quietly whispered to her friend next to her.
Her friend nodded. "Yes, I feel quite honoured that they are practicing here, at our rink."
"The lady is real pretty." A man stated while he was staring dreamily at Elsa who started her twizzle.
A little girl whined to her mum. "I wanna meet them ! Can we go see them afterwards ? Please please please ?"
The mum smiled and lifted the girl up so she could get a better view of the pair skating down in the rink. "But then you'll have to wait until noon because then they'll have a break and will accept people to go on the ice for photos."
The little girl nods. "Ok mummie."
After two hours of warming up and practicing on improving skills, Elsa and Kristoff decided to take a break. They finished off their training and headed towards the benches to get their drinks when suddenly a familiar voice started to speak. "I see you guys are already tired ? You know, I've seen you skate and I have to say, Kristoff: you must work on your foot work because it's quite messy." His cocky voice mocked.
Kristoff gave him a glare. "And you should work on your attitude cause you're an asshole."
Elsa rubbed her partner's shoulder. "Don't get him into you." She said softly. She looked at the man who mocked Kristoff. He was a little bit shorter and had auburn hair and a very, very pointy nose. He was still very handsome she had to admit but his handsomeness didn't make up for what he really was; a heartless dick who was only interested in making a career and making fun of his opponents. "Hans, what do you want."
The handsome guy raised his eyebrow. "What do I want ?!" He repeated after her. "Well, I want you and you know that." He said soft enough for Kristoff to not hear it. He skated towards her and circled her like a prey, then he stopped and looked her deep in the eyes.
"It's never going to happen and you know that." She said while pushing his face away.
He raised his hands. "Why must you always act so cold ? I know you like me."
She raised her eyebrow. "Me liking you !? I have one feeling for you and that's far from liking."
The young man moved closer to her and cupped her face with one hand. "Do you really hate me that much ?" He asked softly.
"I loath you ! Go away and out of my life !" She warned him. It somehow hurt him but it quickly replaced with anger.
"Fine !" He shouted. "For you ten other girls !" And he skated away.
"I noticed." She shouted back.
"Bitch." He muttered and cursed.
Elsa thought back at his question. Do I really hate him that much ? ... Well of course, he cheated on my sister and then left her. I have the right to hate him.
She once had found him gorgeous and cute, but that was before he did it. He had been at the skating rink and had seen her perform. He had gone up to her and told her he himself was a figure skater but not as professional as she was. She had told him that it would come, he had to train hard and be passionate about his hobby. He had agreed to come over to her house where he had met the rest of the family. Then he had seen Anna and his heart had been in love the moment they met. After a few days, they were already dating and Anna had seemed happier than ever with this man. But it didn't last long, Hans had showed them his true self and he and Anna were fighting a lot. In the end, he had cheated on her, admitted it when she asked and had walked away; saying that it was over. He had left Anna behind, wondering what she did wrong. When Elsa had found out about what Hans had done to her sister, she had sworn to not ever speak to him again. But reality was that he happened to skate at the same club as she did and so she almost saw him every day, which she despised. Luckily, not short after that incident, Kristoff came in the picture as her partner and he protected her from that bastard. Elsa and Hans were both very good at their sport, they were both passionate about it, they both wanted to win the Olympics and come home with a medal and they were both rivals and couldn't stand the sight of each other.
"Come on Els. Let's get out of here and leave him with his pathetic behaviour." Kristoff said and dragged her along.
"You really mustn't hate him." Kristoff said between bites. He had a sandwich and was eating it quickly because recess was almost over and they had to go back to the rink.
She sighed and crossed her arms in front of her chest while staring at the cars on the road that drove by. "I don't care. He's a terrible human being."
"He... it's not good for you to pour all of your energy into this matter involving him. We're weeks away from the qualifications, we can't use this right now." The blonde explained.
She turned around and met his face. "You're right. I'm sorry."
Kristoff finished his sandwich and moved closer to her. He pulled her in an embrace and kissed her hair. "I know he's a dick but he's on our team, he'll be going with us if we both make it through the qualifications, so, somehow, we have to get along. Let's just ignore him, eventually he'll grow out of it."
"Ok." She muffled while digging her face deep into his chest. She inhaled deeply and smelled his scent, it was familiair and unique, and she loved it. She loved him, he was like a big brother to her. "Come on, let's show him what we got !" She said while jumping up to get back inside to work.
Kristoff chuckled. "That's my girl." He followed and friendly slapped her butt. "Let's kick his ass !"
"Come on Elsa, keep up with Kristoff, you're losing him !" Jackson yelled. He furrowed his eyebrows and walked back to Jane Finch who was one of the choreographers. "Jane, I don't know what's going on today but Elsa is having a hard time. Perhaps you could talk to her ?"
Jane nodded, she stood up from her chair and skated over to the pair. "Elsa, what's going on. Are you feeling ill, are you having pain ? What is it ?" She asked concerned.
The platinum blonde looked at her partner, he shrugged, then she looked back at her choreographer with whom she worked for over six years now. "... N- nothing." She stuttered while looking at the noses of her shoes.
Two cold fingers pushed her chin up, her eyes met Jane's eyes, they looked harsh and stern. "If there's nothing going on then I expect this training to be perfect. Now, gather yourself, we're doing the session one more time and then you're done for the day. Come on, let's go !"
The pair skated away. The twizzles were done perfectly, Jane nodded in approval. Kristoff made speed and dragged Elsa along, she launched herself into the air, landed on her left foot and immediately positioned herself into the Death Spiral. Her body almost touched the ice as Kristoff spun her around. Her heart beat fast in her chest, he pulled her up and they ended their dance with a pancake spin. Elsa breathed heavily and looked dizzily at Jane who nodded and made the gesture that they were done. Kristoff rubbed his partner's back and the two of them skated towards the benches to take off their skates.
Jane came over to the two. She smiled gently. "Well done. Kristoff, I expect you tomorrow to be at the gym at eight. Jackson will meet you there." Kristoff nodded. Then she turned at Elsa. "And I'll meet you here, at nine. Be in time." She said sharply.
The platinum blonde looked over at her partner, who raised his shoulders, and then back at her choreographer. "Jane ? May I ask why we're being separated ? We always train together..."
"Well this time. We have to discuss some things tomorrow. I expect to see you then." And she walked away.
Elsa moved closer to her partner. "Sometimes, she gives me the creeps." She whispered.
He nodded and chuckled. "Well, she's one of the best choreographers in the world today, we're lucky to have her." And he put on his training shoes.
"Don't you even care about the fact that this will be the first time we're being separated ?" Elsa said while crossing her arms in front of her body.
"It's only for one day, Elsa. You'll survive." He assured her, he gave her a kiss and then stood up. "I have to go, see ya in two days."
"Wait ! You have to stay, Lauren wants to take a picture with us !"
"Well I can't, you have to do it alone." He shouted back.
Elsa nodded absentmindedly. "I guess so..."
Lauren arrived minutes late, they talked, took pictures and Elsa even wrote her something. The girl thanked the famous skater with a hug and rode away on her bicycle.
The blonde waved goodbye, still in thoughts over what would happen tomorrow. She was so in thoughts that she didn't realise who was coming over to her until he was standing in front of her, his hands placed on his hips, his smile was cocky.
"I hear that you and Kristoff got split apart and that you'll spend your day at the rink." Hans stated.
She looked up at him, and when she realised who dared to speak to her, she gave him her famous death glare. "What do you care."
He chuckled evilly. "Nothing, it's just that I'll be there too. So I guess we have a training together then." Her eyes grew big. What !? He walked away, swaying his hips to mock her. "See you tomorrow !"
Being totally exhausted from today's events, Elsa came home and slammed the front door shut. Her sister came running at her and hugged her. "Glad you're back. Come on, I made dinner. We'll be having pasta, you are allowed to eat that right ?"
Elsa shook her head and whispered softly. "Sorry Anna, but I'm not that hungry. I'm tired, I'll try to get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a tough day..." She climbed the stairs.
Anna's happy mood changed into hurt and sad. She clenched her wrists. "Your life must be so boring, you don't ever do anything fun anymore ! Don't you wanna spend time with me ?! You're own family ?" The strawberry blonde asked but immediately regretted saying that because obviously, her sister wasn't looking well with her pale face and dark rings under her eyes.
The older girl furrowed her eyebrows and did all her mighty best to contain her straight, regal posture."It's just... It's been a tough day today, that's all." she whispered back.
Anna bowed her head. Fine." She said between gritted teeth. "I tried Elsa, I really did. But if you don't wanna be helped, then fine. Suit it yourself." Then, she calmed down. "I miss having a sister, I miss you Elsa." She whispered and walked off to the kitchen with Pepper following her.
The older girl stopped right at her door. I miss you. Anna had said. Her sister missed her. She winched when realisation sunk in what that meant, then she pushed the doorknob and entered her dark and cold room. It was the only room where she felt like she could escape the world, even if it was for just a second. Here she felt safe, here she could be her true self. She was too tired to even change into night clothes, she collapsed on the bed and slept until the morning came.