Catch my eye 3: intruder
I've never written in Elsa's point of view and I apologize for the possible awfulness of this...
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It was mid-afternoon as I heard a shout down the hallway and the clattering of shoes.
"No, no like this!"
Anna shouted. To whom I didn't know but it was the happiest I had heard her in a long time. There was another giggle, clearly not my sister's as it lacked the clear ringing of bell-chimes that hers possessed.
Another girl? So she had made a friend. As much as I knew of my sister it would be hard to deny her any friendship, that I was certain. I dare not peak out of my door, although the urge to do so was quite insistent.
The sound of their shouting died down and I slumped against the door. If only I could bring myself to leave my self-inflicted prison. Perhaps then I could laugh like them, maybe Anna could be the one making me smile.
I shook my head before more melancholy thoughts could fill my mind. Maybe, just maybe...
My door, thankfully, opened without a sound. I carefully tiptoed down the hall and followed the floating laughter and confident sound of my sister's voice.
"... And then I would slide down the banisters and land on my bottom."
I heard that unfamiliar giggle again as I neared the library. The other woman spoke gently, almost lovingly.
"You were quite a handful as a child." "You know it! So, what did you want to read? I always loved stories about knights and dragons, damsels in distress."
Anna growled and I heard the woman giggle. She growled? What on earth.
I neared the library and decided enough of the eavesdropping, a visual would sate my insistent curiously in full. I peered around the doorframe and saw what I wish my eyes had not seen.
Anna was in the brunette woman's lap, a book in her hands. "Shall I read it to you, Linn?"
The woman- apparently named Linn- nodded and blushed.
My sister touched a finger to her friend's nose affectionately and they leaned together and kissed. They kissed in a way that was clearly more then a friendly peck.
I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my lips, nor could I flee fast enough.
Anna turned quickly, glancing at the doorway. "Elsa?"
We both froze, a bright blush coloring my sister's cheeks. I turned to flee and heard her shout down the hall after me.
"Elsa please, wait!"
But I wouldn't wait. I ran as fast as my feet could carry me back to my room and hurriedly slammed the door shut behind me. I locked the door and forced my breathing to slow so I could listen to the world outside my room. No footsteps followed and I sank to the floor, head swimming with what I had just seen.
XxXxXxXxXx
Hours later, once the sun had set, I heard a sharp knock on the door. Firelight filled the room as I had been relaxing, snug and reading before the offending knock. If I pretended not to hear, didn't respond, I knew eventually she would go away. After all it could only be one person this late at night.
"Elsa? I know you're in there, please..."
She couldn't actually expect me to open the door not after years of ignoring her persistent knocks.
"Elsa, we need to talk about this. I swear I'll leave you alone again after we talk but just this once I need you to let me in."
The pleading was getting to me if I was being completely honest with myself. I wasn't sure if I could stand listening to Anna cry again, not tonight. I sighed, my hand trembled as I went to turn the knob.
Anna startled, her hand in mid air, going to knock.
"Hi..." She breathed, staying completely still as if she was waiting for me to scurry away like a frightened animal.
I gestured for her to enter and tried to keep myself calm as she shut the door behind her. Anna cleared her throat and I forced myself to focus and not panic. She absently toyed with her braid.
"Thank you." She sat on my bed, clearly not comfortable.
"You're welcome." It's not as if I knew what to say. After all, she was the one who had wanted to talk. It had been years since we had been in the same room together, what had she expected? A warm sisterly reunion? I wanted her to speak her peace and leave so I wouldn't have to worry about her well-being any more than usual.
"Well?" I hadn't meant to sound harsh but she looked taken aback.
"Well, the uh that woman and I. I know you saw us together."
I had never figured Anna as one to be shy or nervous. Perhaps I just brought that out in her, maybe she sensed the awful curse that plagued me, but no, she couldn't have any idea.
I nodded. "You kissed."
She licked her lips nervously before continuing. "We did. She and I... Linette. Her name is Linette. I'm... Elsa we're courting. Please don't tell anyone." Her nervous teal eyes met mine and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Who am I going to tell? It's not as if I'm frequently around other people."
Her mouth turned down. Her brow furrowed. "Right. I guess you're right. I'm sorry."
Was she apologizing to me for my self-inflicted isolation or for kissing that woman?
"Do you love her?" I had no idea where my curiosity had come from, missing contacting with the outside world or possibly missing contact with the one person I cared for most.
Anna glanced at me, her cheeks coloring. "I may." She shook her head. "No, I do. I believe I do."
I nodded and glanced toward the door. Clearly years of isolation had suppressed any useful sisterly knowledge I had once possessed. We were at an awkward impasse. I didn't want to throw her out, but clearly she didn't want to leave either.
"Are you... Are you okay with this? I have your approval?" Anna's voice was quiet, timid.
I met her gaze and shrugged. "What power do I have to stop you? If I didn't approve would it matter?"
It didn't matter if it was my magic or my words, clearly I could do nothing but harm my sister. She looked crestfallen and headed for the door. I assumed she'd had enough of my detached responses.
"I suppose not. I was just hoping that you would at least care."
Of course I cared. That was exactly the problem. I cared too much.
"Goodnight Elsa."
Anna left, broken hearted and I was alone again. Only now the isolation felt much emptier.