Chapter 16

"Hey Hiccup!" a smiling Kristoff approached his friend, who was standing next to his locker and getting his books.

Hiccup looked up and gave Kristoff an exhausted smile.

"I'm sorry about ditching you on Friday. Anna and I…" Kristoff began.

Hiccup held up a hand. "Hey it's cool. Astrid actually stayed over and helped clean everything up."

Kristoff looked surprised. "Really? Like stayed overnight?"

"Yeah, we talked about Vikings and binge watched the second season. It was amazing." Hiccup sighed happily and leaned against his locker. "What about you and Anna?"

Kristoff laughed nervously and ran a hand through his hair. "I actually met her father."

Now Hiccup was the one who looked surprised. "Did he come out with the shotgun?"

"What he has….no no he was descent!" Kristoff quickly shook his head. "Speaking of descent, do you know what happened between Jack and Elsa?"

"Not a clue, Jack looked like crap when he came in this morning. I haven't heard anything from Elsa." Hiccup said.

"She's pissed."

The two boys turned and noticed Anna standing next to Kristoff. The sophomore gave Kristoff a small sweet smile before it quickly disappeared.

Hiccup frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Jack must've done something to make her even more mad at the rest of the world." Anna said, crossing her arms.

Hiccup turned to Kristoff. "We should talk to him. Do you think you can get something out of Elsa?" he asked, turning to Anna.

Anna shrugged. "I can try, but I can't guarantee anything. I'll be lucky if she'll go back to speaking to me after…you know." she shuddered at the memory of the cursed party.

"I'm sure she'll forgive you." Kristoff assured her.

Anna looked up at him with sudden hope. "Do you really think so?"

Kristoff smiled. "Of course."

Hiccup shut his locker and saluted his friends. "Well we'd love to stay and chat but philosophy calls. Are you coming Kris?"

"I'll be right there." Kristoff said. As Hiccup turned to leave, Kristoff looked down at Anna.

The sophomore smiled up at him and held her books close. "So are we still meeting at the library? Cause I got a big test coming up."

"Yeah."

Anna giggled. "Okay, see you later alligator!"

Kristoff winked. "In a while crocodile!"

Passing by them, Pitch gagged. "Urgh break it up you two!"

Anna laughed and hid her blushing cheeks behind her book before she turned and scurried away, her bag thumping along her hip and her steps light and cheerful. Kristoff watched her leave, his own smile stretching from ear to ear.

While Anna and Kristoff went to class, an exhausted Elsa pushed open the door to the English room and stepped in.

She turned to the back row and her lips pressed into a tight frown. Sitting in the back row, Jack lifted his eyes and gave her a weary smile. With a lift of her chin, Elsa continued to her seat and avoided his lingering gaze. As the girl moved to the front row, Naveen turned and gave her a charming smile.

"Hey Elsa! Awesome dancing last weekend!" he commented.

Elsa let out an irritated huff and moved past him. Yet before she could take one step forward, Sinbad blocked her. "Will we be seeing you next Friday Miley?"

Leaning against his chair, Hans gave her a haughty grin when Elsa neared. "Hey Ice Witch what do we owe you for the entertainment?"

For once Elsa chose to ignore his remark. With her head bowed, she merely approached her desk. Once Elsa slumped down, she crossed her arms on her desk and dropped her head into them. All she wanted to do was shrink away from everyone and everything. She was surprised that she even managed to climb out of her bed this morning.

"Ooh looks like someone's still a little hung over." Hans snorted.

The senior then turned to Jack, who avoided his glance just the same. "You must've really tired her out Frost."

"Alright class settle down!" Mr. Aster instructed, marching into the classroom and straight to the podium.

With a short sigh, Elsa lifted her head and took out her notebook. She forced herself not to turn around and glance at Jack, who sat just as quiet.

"Okay not like I care, but how was everyone's weekend? I had to play the Easter Bunny for my niece. If you wanna a word of advice – do not and I mean do not ever let your five year old niece plan her own birthday party. She just had to go with an Easter theme." Mr. Aster mumbled wearily with a rub of his eyes.

"Oh our weekends were great sir. Elsa sure gave us a nice performance." Hans answered with a smile, while Elsa and Jack both rolled their eyes.

Mr. Aster looked just as un-amused "Unless she kicked the crap out of your perfect butt then I don't wanna hear it. Okay so I believe we left on Shakespeare last Friday. So let's go back to it….page 73, sonnet 141. Who wants to read it?"

When no one responded, Mr. Aster turned towards the back and snickered. "Frost, how about you read it?"

Jack groaned. "Do I have to?"

"If you wanna pass this class I suggest you get your ass up off your chair. We're listening." Mr. Aster insisted.

Jack sighed and stood up.

"In faith, I do not love thee with mine eyes.

For they and thee a thousand errors note.

But 'tis my heart loves what they despise,

who in despite of view is pleas'd to dote."

The moment he finished, Jack slumped back into his chair with a relieved breathe, while Mr. Aster nodded in approval.

"Good, now I know that Shakespeare is a dead English fella, but unlike the rest of us, he sure knows his shit. I want all of you to write your own versions of this sonnet. Better yet let's make this your final."

The room was suddenly filled with loud, long "awwwws" of complain. Mr. Aster ignored the chorus and began to skim through his book. As he flipped through the pages, the teacher noticed a pale arm come up into the air.

"Yes Miss. Sassy Pants?" Mr. Aster murmured with a roll of his eyes.

"Do you want this in iambic pentameter?" Elsa asked curiously.

Mr. Aster looked up in surprise. "What?"

"This sonnet. Do you…"

"What you're not gonna start your usual battle on this?" Mr. Aster asked, giving Elsa a long, disbelieved glance.

"No, this assignment actually looks fun." Elsa admitted with a small smile.

Mr. Aster looked stunned and a few students at the front turned to her with the same looks on their faces. Jack sat in complete silence and fumbled with the dog tags around his neck.

Finally, after what appeared to be a long moment, Mr. Aster broke into a sarcastic laugh. "Are you kidding around with me?"

"Why would I? I'm obviously not hung-over." Elsa insisted, giving Hans a stormy look.

Mr. Aster slammed his book shut. "Get out of my class. I can never seem to believe you."

Elsa sighed angrily and grabbed her things. Ignoring the odd looks her classmates were giving her, the girl marched across the room and right out the door. The moment Elsa was out, Mr. Aster looked back at the class.

"Okay, what happened to that girl?"

Hans casted a glance behind him at Jack, who just looked down and began to write down his notes.

"Steady, that's it, just gently pick up the skin." Anna whispered.

The sophomore was sitting with Rapunzel at their lab table and working on the frog that laid in front of them. While Anna still had color in her face, Rapunzel looked like she just saw someone commit a murder.

"Aw look at his poor little face!" Rapunzel whined, throwing her rubber gloves aside and crossing her arms. "I can't do this."

Anna rolled her eyes and picked up the scissors. "It's already dead. Quite being squimish. We need this A."

As Rapunzel turned around to avoid loosing her lunch, Anna felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. Stealing a quick look at the teacher, Anna turned away and pulled out her phone. A confused frown appeared on her face at the message on her screen.

E - At the bathroom. Feel like ditching the dissection?

"Hey Rapunzel, I need to go to the bathroom. Do you think you can carry on until oh I don't know...the end of class? Thanks!" Anna sprung up from her seat and grabbed her bathroom pass.

A few minutes later, Anna pushed the door to the girls' bathroom. The stalls appeared empty yet the girl wanted to be sure. Glancing behind her, Anna dipped down and peeked underneath the row of stalls.

"Elsa?"

"In here." a voice spoke up from the handicapped stall.

Anna pushed her backpack farther up her shoulder and quickly slipped into the stall. She found Elsa sitting in her usual corner, one earphone in her ear and her bag on her lap.

The senior looked up at her sister with a small smile. "Hey."

"Hey, whatcha doing here?" Anna asked as she fumbled with the end tuff of one of her braids.

Elsa patted the spot next to her. "Mr. Aster kicked me out again, wanna sit?"

"Is it clean?" Anna smiled, while Elsa laughed.

"Yeah."

Anna approached her and slumped down next to her sister. They sat still for a few long moments before Anna took the other earphone and slipped it into her ear.

"Wow…no Wicked this time?" Anna looked surprised.

Elsa laughed and leaned her head against Anna's shoulder. The small gesture surprised Anna but she quickly gave in.

"Not this time. Thanks for coming, sometimes you just need the company to feel better."

"I'll always be there for you Elsa." Anna vowed, draping an arm around her sister. "And I'm so sorry about Friday…you were right about Hans. I shouldn't have been so stupid to fall for him just like that."

"I'm sorry too, maybe I did overreact a little." Elsa smiled and leaned in to return her sister's hug.

Anna giggled. "A little?"

Moving away, Elsa reached into her bag and pulled out a piece of chocolate. "Want some?"

"Oh no, I came with something else." Anna said as grabbed her own bag.

Elsa watched Anna open it and reveal its contents. At least a dozen chocolates were inside, from Snickers to Butterfingers and Almond Joys.

"Is that…." Elsa gasped, her eyes growing wide.

"You got it! Let's dig in!" Anna chirped, unwrapping a Twix and biting into it.

Elsa took an Almond Joy and unwrapped it. For the first time in days she actually felt a smile take over her face. Her sister always knew how to turn her frown upside down with chocolate.

"Hey so what happened with Jack on Friday?" Anna asked curiously in between mouthfuls of chocolate.

"I don't want to talk about that." Elsa sighed as she fumbled with opening her candy bar. She still remembered how uncomfortable he looked when he recoiled back from her attempted kiss. Was it something she done? What could've held him back?

"Okay." Anna shrugged.

They sat still for a brief moment before Elsa turned to her sister and gave her a small playful smile. "Hey Anna, do you want to build a snowman?"

Anna's lips curved into a large smile and the two sisters sprung up.

"You're not worried about getting caught?" the sophomore asked as Elsa opened the door to the bathroom and they hurried out.

"Nope, I don't care what they're going to say."

Jack was sitting at one of the tables by the window in the library. While Pitch and his new girlfriend Eris were busy making out, Jack rubbed his head and turned the window.

The window gave a nice view of the school's side lawn, and at the moment the ground was glistening white with fluffy snow. That was not what surprised Jack though. It was the two girls who were laughing and playing in the snow together that caught his eye.

His lips curving into a small smile, Jack leaned back and watched Elsa as she laughed and fell back into the snow. Coming towards her, Anna giggled and suddenly dropped a handful of snow on her sister's face. Elsa squealed and shot up, causing Anna to fall back on her bottom with a surprised cry. A small snowman was standing nearby with a ruler for a nose and peppermint drops for eyes.

As Jack stretched his neck to get a better view, he suddenly noticed Elsa's head turn and her eyes meet his. His smile disappearing, Jack turned away, feeling her gaze pierce him like sharp icicles.

During passing period, Astrid was standing by her locker when Hiccup waltzed over towards her, dressed in a black, vintage Vikings T-shirt.

"Hi Astrid," Hiccup greeted and leaned against her locker door.

Astrid turned to him. "Hey Hiccup, I like your shirt. The History Channel site?"

Hiccup smiled "Sure is."

Astrid returned his smile and grabbed her book. "Looks like you're not the only one."

Throwing her book into her bag, Astrid opened her sweater and sure enough, she wore the exact shirt but in a smaller size.

"Wow." Hiccup's smile widened and he felt his gaze linger on how tight the shirt appeared on Astrid's chest.

Catching his glance, Astrid's eyes rolled down her chest. "Okay I think that's enough for today." she teased before turning away.

As Astrid retrieved her last book, Hiccup opened her locker further and eyed the pinned posters of all the Vikings characters. In addition to the show, there were also some ordinary pictures of Travis Fimmel.

"Nice pictures." he commented.

"Thanks, don't tell the librarian but I actually ripped them out from the latest People magazine." Astrid whispered.

Hiccup pretended to seal his lips. "Your secret's safe with me."

"So what can I do for you Hiccup? Cause I gotta get to class." Astrid said, shutting her locker and throwing her backpack over her shoulders.

"Actually I came here with a small favor." Hiccup said.

"Shoot."

"So I got this friend, you might know him…" Hiccup began as they began walking to class.

Later in the day, Jack and Kristoff were leaning against the railing at the ice rink and watching the girls' hockey team move across the ice.

Whenever Elsa skated by the pair, Jack tried hard to catch her attention with a smile or a wave. Yet the harder Jack tried, the more dirty looks Elsa seemed to give him. No matter how hard Jack tried, no smile could make the frown disappear from her face, which made Jack feel guiltier by the minute.

"So…care to talk about it?" Kristoff finally asked.

Jack shook his head and rubbed a hand across his face. "She's still pissed."

"What did you do to her?"

"I didn't do anything. She wanted to kiss me but then my damned conscience got the way….anyway it doesn't matter. She was drunk." Jack moaned, leaning back against the stands. "Maybe she didn't know what she was doing."

"But everything was working out just fine! Well if you take out the dancing episode." Kristoff said.

Jack gave him an annoyed look. The last thing he wanted was to bring that up. "Why do you care? I thought you were done with Anna."

Kristoff smirked and crossed his arms behind his head. "Not anymore."

Jack's frown disappeared and he grinned. "Really?"

"Yup, we kissed twice - in the car, and after she walked me out."

Jack patted him on the back. "Good for you."

Kristoff smiled. "Thanks, and hey don't worry, it'll work out with you and Elsa."

Jack met the blonde's smile before he turned back to the ice.

"Jerk!" Jack and Kristoff turned, noticing Hiccup wander over towards them while tripping over the bleachers and a scowling couple.

"Sorry! Next time get a room! Or keep it child-friendly!" Hiccup shouted over his shoulder before falling down beside Kristoff. "So I got the scoop on Elsa."

"And?" Jack pressed.

Hiccup gave him a sympathetic glare. "She hates you with a fire of a thousand suns. That's a direct quote. From where again?" he asked, turning to Kristoff.

"The Taming of the Shrew…Shakespeare."

Jack draped an arm over his eyes and groaned. "Thanks for the reference, I needed that."

"Give her the rest of the day to cool off." Kristoff suggested.

The three of them suddenly jumped when the puck struck the clear glass that separated them from the rink. Skating up to the stand, Elsa gave them all a dirty look and snatched up the puck.

Hiccup shivered. "Someday I swear she's gonna strike our balls with that thing."

"Okay so let's give her two," Kristoff corrected.

"Two's good." Hiccup and Jack both nodded in full agreement.

"No! And that's the final answer!" Elsa decided.

Anna's shoulders slumped as she began to follow her sister out of the ice rink and across the parking lot. After Kristoff, Hiccup, and Jack walked out of the building, Anna arrived and watched her sister play for a while.

"Why not?" Anna whined as she tried to catch up with Elsa's quick, expert steps on the ice. She could not understand how Elsa could walk so perfectly on the ice while Anna was practically sliding and slipping like crazed spinning top

"Do you know what's the sole purpose of this Winter Ball?" Elsa asked, not slowing down.

"To have a fun night before the week of finals and Christmas break?" Anna guessed with a sweet smile.

"Wrong, it's just another lame horny ritual where teens like us get together and rub off on each other while fake snow falls allover the place."

"Wrong. It's the biggest dance of the year besides prom." Anna corrected. "Can you please just help me and Punzie spread the word around and hang up a few posters?"

Elsa sighed and leaned against her car door. "Fine. I'll help you put up two stupid posters."

"Thanks Elsie! You're the best!" Anna thanked and threw her arms around her.

Elsa rolled her eyes and opened the door to the car. "I need to going to the bookstore. Are you coming?"

Anna blushed and hid her face behind her books. "Actually Kristoff and I are going to Starbucks to study for my German test. I'm actually passing with a low B."

"Good for you." Elsa smiled and slipped into her car.

Smiling, Anna moved across the parking lot towards Kristoff's car. She didn't see him there yet so she decided to simply wait for him. As she turned and leaned against the car door, Anna noticed Hans making his way towards her and her smile disappeared.

"Hi Anna. You didn't return any of my calls this weekend." Hans admitted.

Anna's face remained blank. "Did I? Sorry about that, I was helping my sister recover from her major hangover." she apologized icily.

"Is this about Hiccup's party? You know I was a little drunk. I can apologize to Calvin for you." Hans offered, moving closer towards her.

"It's Kristoff! And you didn't have to be such a jerk. I bet you didn't even bother looking for me after I walked out the door."

"I did." Hans said with raised hands.

"Oh sure, and what about your little friend? The girl with the big hair?" Anna cursed.

Hans straightened, looking surprised yet Anna could see the familiarity in his eyes. "Ivy?"

"You tell me!"

"Look I'm sorry babe, but you don't have to be such a bitch. She's just an old friend that I came across." the auburn said in a calm voice.

Anna scowled. "Me? A bitch? The last time I checked long-time friends don't get so close and start making out in front of their dates!"

"Look I'll make it up to you. I was actually coming over and wanting to ask you about the Winter Ball." Hans explained.

"You know the rules. I can't go unless Elsa comes along." Anna reminded with a roll of her eyes.

Hans chuckled. "Oh don't worry, your sister's going."

Anna looked up at him with an arched brow. "She is? And you know how?"

"Let's just say I got it under control." Hans winked and turned to walk away. Anna shook her head and could only think about what he meant.

"Something's going on between him and Frost." she whispered to herself as she watched Hans make his way down the lot. He was going the opposite direction from his own ride.

"Hi Anna! Ready to go?" Kristoff's voice called, coming out from the building.

Anna turned and smiled up at her best friend. "Yeah but actually…sorry but can you wait for just minute? I forgot something in the rink. I won't take long I promise."

Kristoff nodded. "Okay, I'll just heat up the car." he smiled and unlocked the car.

Anna returned his smile and turned to walk the same direction Hans went.

When Hans finally tracked down Jack, he caught Jack sitting on the edge of his trunk. Instead of his usual smoke, he was reading a book and listening to his music.

Hans smirked. "I knew I'd find you here."

Jack rolled his eyes and jumped down from his car. "What do you want?"

"To give you this. It should cost you everything from the dress to the limo and down to the damned bouquet."

Jack turned around and noticed Hans holding up a brand new $100 and $50 dollar bills. The guilt kicked Jack in the gut as he looked up at Hans's grin.

"Look." he began, holding up his hands. "I don't know if I can do this anymore."

"Fine, how about $200?" Hans bribed, grabbing his wallet from his coat pocket.

Jack sighed deeply and ran a hand through his hair. Hans caught the reluctance and his grin widened like the Cheshire Cat's. Finally, after what appeared to be a lengthy moment, Jack turned and grabbed the money from Hans' hand. Hans smiled and watched as Jack shoved past him and towards his car door.

"You're starting to get the hang of it Frost!"

Jack gave the auburn a dark glare before opening the car door and slipping in. As Jack turned on his car, Hans turned to walk away when he suddenly bowled right into a frowning Anna.

"Anna! What can I help you with?" Hans asked with a bright smile.

"I noticed that you and Jack are pretty tight nowadays." Anna confessed.

"I'm just helping him see the light in Elsa."

Anna raised a brow and crossed her arms. "Really? Cause from what I know, Jack can pretty much take care of himself."

"Look nothing's going on between me and Jack. I'm just giving him a little advice, since he miserably failed at his last date." Hans said.

Anna sighed and nodded. "Okay, I just don't want to get Elsa mad again."

"Don't worry babe, I have everything under control." Hans winked and moved past Anna towards his own car.

In downtown Burgress, Elsa opened the door to the small bookstore and stepped inside.

At the front counter, one of the students Belle looked up from her magazine and smiled. "Hi Elsa! What can I help you with?"

"I need a few books on how to write poetry and dramas. Do you think you have a few books here?" Elsa asked.

"I'm sure we do, let me go check." Belle moved around the desk and disappeared among the tight shelves.

While Belle was occupied, Elsa began to lazily stroll through the tight aisles and look at the newest editions. She was behind the aisle closest to the door when it she heard the tiny bell ring, signaling a new visitor.

"Hey Ice Queen." Jack greeted.

Elsa sighed and turned around to face him. Behind her, Jack was smiling lazily and leaning against the shelf.

The platinum blonde crossed her arms. "Can I help you?"

"Yeah it looks like I lost my Shakespeare for Dummies book and I thought you might have one I can borrow." Jack revealed.

"Why would I give you any of my books?"

"I just told you." Jack answered simply.

Elsa narrowed her eyes. "You're so…."

"Roguish?" Jack finished with an attempted grin.

"Whatever." Elsa grumbled and turned to walk away.

"Maybe wholesome!" Jack corrected.

"Indecent!" Elsa corrected behind her shoulder.

"Admit it you're not as icy as you think you are." Jack said as he followed her down the aisle.

Elsa rolled her eyes and stopped at the end. "And you're not as bad-ass as you think you are."

"Ooh looks like someone forgot to take her aspirin this morning!" Jack teased.

Elsa froze in place and bit her tongue. "Yeah you're right, I needed it a lot over the past few days. But hey that's what you get when you try to solve your damned problems with a damned bottle of booze!" she snapped.

Jack rolled his eyes in growing annoyance. "Can you just tell me what your problem is?"

"My problem?" Elsa spun around so hard her braid flipped across her face. She reached into her bag and took out her copy of Shakespeare for Dummies.

Stepping forward, she shoved it into Jack's hands. "I'll let you figure that out for yourself."