Anna tries to get her cousin out of her perpetual funk. She forces Astrid to leave the house and head for the mall. She knows that her tough cousin is actually fond of shopping. Anna's mom gives her more cash than usual to spend as a treat for the girls. Astrid usually spends on weapons and collectibles related to martial arts, but today, her girlier fashionable side won.
Anna, on the other hand, is more like a typical teenage girl. She loves shopping for makeup and clothes and is happy to have finally found some common ground with her sulky cousin. But first, Anna heads to the sports store to get a new arm guard for archery practice. Anna is part of the varsity team. Unsurprisingly, so is Rapunzel. While in the store, Anna asks Astrid if she'd like to add something to her archery collection.
"No, it's all right," Astrid tells her, while inspecting an interesting looking bow. "I'm sorry. I know I haven't made things easier for you guys. I should be grateful for all you're doing for me. I'm trying to be better. I think drawing some of my attention away from my hobbies will help me come to terms with things better. Shopping might just be the thing I need right now."
"I couldn't have said it better!" Anna jumps excitedly, pulling her cousin towards one of her favorite clothing stores. "Come, on Astrid!"
They spend the next couple of hours trying on different outfits. Anna's style is more girly and preppy. She goes for sweaters and short skirts. Astrid notes how pastel-filled Anna's closet already is as she looks at the bright, sweet colors and florals that Anna stocks up on in every store they enter. Astrid, on the other hand, has an edgier style. She prefers grungier pieces and mixing form-fitting pants and tanks with shredded or loose layers. Anna suggests that her cousin try other shades unless she wants other people to be convinced that she's some vampire wannabe.
"Hey, you;ve got your style; I've got mine," she shrugs as she picks up an interesting pair of dark red and black plaid shorts. "You're spring. I'm fall."
"All right, fine," Anna concedes. "You've got a point. Anyway, looks like we've bought enough clothes, shoes, and makeup to last us throughout the year. I think we should call it a day. If we buy any more things, I'm not going to survive going home with all our shopping bags."
"Oh, don't be such a sissy," Astrid teases her. Suddenly, her tummy grumbles at the same time that Anna's does which causes the girls to laugh at their bodies' shared complaint. "Fine, I say we grab a snack to energize us, so we can rest before heading home with all our loot."
"Sounds like a plan!"
The two make their way to a café and order drinks and some snacks. After finding a table for them to be able to enjoy their much needed refreshments, Anna's eye is caught by a familiar form by the counter. The well-built blond has just finished ordering a cup of coffee and turns around.
"Kristoff!" Anna blurts out before thinking. Her hand, seemingly with a mind of its own, shoots up in the air with an accompanying wave. She mentally smacks herself for acting so eager.
Kristoff smiles when he sees his schoolmates and makes his way to their table.
"Hey, Anna!" he greets her. "Didn't think I'd run into you today. I'm going to take a wild guess and say you guys went shopping."
They share a laugh as the three survey the table surrounded by quite a number of shopping bags.
"How did you know?" Astrid asks in mock amazement.
"I have the astuteness of Sherlock Holmes and House combined," Kristoff says in mock pride. "Hi, I'm Kristoff. I don't think we've met."
"I'm Astrid, Anna's cousin. I'm not Sherlock, but I'm going to assume you haven't been shopping."
"Yeah, so are you running errands or something?" Anna asks.
"Not really," he replies. "I'm just waiting for my sister, who is also shopping, so we can go home. Ah, the burden of being the best big brother."
"Well, don't you deserve a medal for your sacrifice," Anna teases him.
"Hey," he retorts. "You try waiting for 3 hours then tell me how you like it."
"I'm just teasing. Do you want to sit down? You can kill time waiting with us," Anna suggests hopefully.
"Okay, thanks," Kristoff pulls up a chair and turns to Astrid. "I'm sure you've been asked this a lot, being new and all, but how do you like it here so far?"
"It's all right I guess," Astrid half lies. "I just don't think I've found my niche yet."
"Astrid actually likes anything martial arts-related," Anna volunteers.
"Huh, fighting skills must run in your blood then," Kristoff notes. "Anna here is one of the best archers in school."
"Not as good as others though," Anna says, trying to hide the blush creeping on to her cheeks. "Not like Rapunzel."
"Naw," Kristoff shakes his head. "I'm dating Rapunzel, so I'm not biased. You're just as good if not better than her. Why don't you try out for the kung fu club, Astrid? I think that's the only martial arts club we have in school, and they're pretty good. You'll meet an interesting mix of people there too, especially Jack Frost."
Anna scrunches her nose at the mention of the resident bad boy's name. She doesn't like the idea of her cousin befriending someone like Jack Frost. Kristoff, noticing Anna's reaction, laughs.
"Why?" Astrid asks confusedly. "What's with that guy?"
Just then, Kristoff's phone beeps, and he quickly reads the text message he received.
"Sorry, guys," he says, standing up. "My sister texted. But yeah, Astrid, Jack Frost's an okay guy. He just has a questionable reputation. Ask your cousin. Or you can find out for yourself when you try out for the kung fu team. You'll get to meet their MVP and most probable next captain, and then you can judge for yourself. Anyway, I gotta find my sister. Thanks for letting me sit!"
The girls wave goodbye as he leaves the café. When Anna turns back to face her cousin, she is greeted by a sly smile and raised eyebrows.
"What?" Anna asks, surprised.
"Oh, Anna, that's so cute," Astrid teases. "Could you be any more obvious? If he weren't a guy, I'm sure Kristoff would totally vibe that you're crushing on him."
"He doesn't notice," Anna sighs, a little sadly yet relieved at the same time. "He's completely smitten with Rapunzel. Besides, he's just really the type of guy who doesn't know that girls like him and that guys admire him. I guess it makes sense that he would go for someone as perfect as Rapunzel. A girl like me wouldn't stand a chance."
"Don't discount yourself so much. You don't see yourself, so you don't know. You're practically perfect too, you know."
"Aww, thanks for trying to make me feel better," Anna says dismissively, finishing up the last of her milk tea. "Let's go home."
They get up from their seats, take their purchases, and head home.