Chapter 6:

"As you can see here, you can only find the limit once you get rid of the radical so let's work on anoth- actually we don't have time for that so I'll see you next time." The class was dismissed two minutes before the clock hit 11:05AM. It was going to be a long day, first days usually were.

Elsa wouldn't have another class until one, which gave her enough time to grab lunch and change her clothes. The August heat and having to walk to class prevented her from wearing the pullover she had put on that morning, when the pleasant breeze was cool enough to wear long sleeves.

Her walk back to the dorm had been shorter than expected, which gave her more time to grab lunch. Although she usually disliked when things didn't go according to plan, Elsa did not mind the few extra minutes she had not planned for. She checked her in-boxes as she waited for her food to arrive. She always preferred to eat in the small cafés outside of campus, finding the others usually packed with students and thus too distracting for her calm nature.

One of these days I'll actually have to go out of town for a change.

Although she grew used to vast rural environments as a child, Elsa believed the city was were she belonged. The city complimented well with her need to always keep busy, but it was nice to get away from all the chaos once in a while. Her father owned a country house near the town, far enough to get away from campus and close enough to drive herself. She told herself to revisit that topic later, suddenly interrupted by her food.

Elsa was the type of person who disliked anything out of order. She had a proper way of doing things, almost close to perfection. Her view on life was lingering between realistic and optimistic, striving for things she only knew she was capable of, and so far that had worked.

Since she always focused much of her time on doing everything right, she rarely paid attention to anything else, or anyone else for that matter. There were only a few people, less than a handful according to her sister, who had gotten to know the real Elsa. She never really minded not getting involved with anyone, unless there was something she could gain out of it. The way she did things made her look over confident and arrogant to the rest of the world, who ironically was attracted to her. She never understood why but paid no attention to it after a while and other issues regained her focus. It was the same way with Anna, not that Anna was fond of her after showing her how cold and careless she could be. Ever since she met her at North Aim, she had put up a front. Even though she didn't know Anna would turn out to be her roommate, she didn't see how befriending her would be beneficial. The first opinion she formed of Anna was what a stubborn, clumsy person she was. No matter, there was something about her that attracted people, perhaps her charisma. She was sure Kristoff wanted more than a simple friendship with her, but Anna was too oblivious to find out. Then there was Ygrette, who befriended her immediately and let's not forget about Carlos.

Carlos...

She couldn't lie to herself, Carlos was the only reason she was trying to become someone Anna could trust. She had to become someone who could influence her without telling her the truth. This was the first time she was doing something for the sake of someone else besides herself. Not that Anna deserved it, but what Carlos had done to her was horrible. She could be the most self-centered person, but injustice was something she could not live with. She would not let Carlos get away with doing what he did to her to someone else. How could he live with himself? She remembered how he wouldn't even flinch or second guess himself whenever he threatened her. He had been the perfect friend when they first met, and then the perfect boyfriend when they thought they couldn't live a second without each other. The downside of moving things too fast was not getting to know the other person fully well, and she had regretted that for the three months of their relationship. He had always been attentive and well mannered. He had always been proud of calling her his girlfriend, as if he had achieved the impossible, and perhaps that had been the problem. In the latter months of their relationship, his jealousy had prevented Elsa from being herself, to the point where she forgot who she had become. She lost sense of herself and only did what he asked. He got used to it and whenever she stepped out of line, in his opinion, he grew possessive and treated her as an object instead of a person, respecting no boundaries when it came to abuse.

Elsa was too smart however, to withstand something like that much longer. Even when she hoped he would change and they could salvage their relationship, she made up her mind to get out of that relationship, no matter how reluctant she was. She knew that Anna wouldn't be as strong if she fell for Carlos and loved him as much as she had. She wouldn't see Anna leaving him even after seeing how rough he could get, and that's why she had to be protective of her. She had to fix her own mistakes by helping Anna prevent hers. She had to do it even if in the end Anna ended up hating her because she hated when people got hurt and no one deserved going through what she had gone through with Carlos, not even him.

Not even him and not even Ygrette who had no reaction when she found out. She blamed it all on Elsa, but Elsa knew Ygrette was blinded by anger and blame. Blame which she could never make go away because she was the reason for it, or that was what Ygrette kept telling her every time they got in a fight.

"You're the reason she's dead, you know?" She would tell her with so much anger and reproach.

Elsa - little spoiled Elsa at the age of fifteen - got everything she wanted if she just asked. While on a camp that she had begged to go to for months, she decided that she no longer wanted to be there. She couldn't stand the humidity, the lack of technology and all the rules they were forced to adhere to. She had managed to sneak out and reach a phone, where she called her mother and demanded that she pick her up that instant. Perhaps it was Elsa's way of getting things or perhaps it was her mother's love for her that caused her early death. When the whole family found out about the tragic accident her mother had suffered on the road, Ygrette couldn't help but blame her sister.

Those memories made Elsa shiver. Those were the memories she had to live with, the memories that had shaped her up until this point and maybe forever. Those memories, unfortunately, were also secrets. They belonged to her, if she let them go she would no longer be who she was, and that was one of the few things that scared her. Of course she thought that the influence those events had had on her life were for the better, as if they happened for a reason unknown to her, but that might just be her being optimistic.

She had lost track of time, also completely forgot about her lunch. No longer hungry, she asked for a to-go box and before placing every item meticulously in the box, she realized she would no longer have time to head back to Maple Hall and change into the outfit she'd left on her bed. She was surprised at how easily she has let herself get distracted earlier, maybe she just felt that Carlos was a potent threat that needed to be dealt with.

It's all for Anna.

She kept repeating that to herself in every class, not realizing that she was letting herself become more and more distant and distracted. The first day was finally over and she would finally have time to head back to her dorm. She was certain that as soon as she laid in her bed she would appreciate it like nothing before.

As she walked through the halls, she wondered if Anna would be there. What if she hadn't read the note? Or even worse, what if she read it, decided it was a stupid way of communicating and given up altogether?

Way to be optimistic, Elsa.

She entered the room, expecting to find Anna working on homework or who knows? Doing something Anna-like? It was too quiet and for a moment she thought Anna was out. That thought was dismissed when she heard Anna's light breathing.

Only Anna would need a nap on her first day.

Did she even have that many classes today?

She spotted the turquoise piece of paper Anna had pressed between her arms and her chest. The note!

Was it really that boring?

There was no really knowing what Anna had thought about it, mainly because she wasn't awake. Elsa walked to her side of the room, dropped her bag on the edge of the bed and grabbed a book. She had the habit of becoming too engrossed in her reading. Anna found it fascinating as she stared at Elsa, who was too into the book to realize Anna had woken up.

Not wanting to interrupt, Anna grabbed her phone and texted her, finding the need to communicate with Elsa immediately.

Anna: Late on the reply, let's make it a challenge. How was your first day?

She stared at Elsa until she reached for her phone, not moving her eyes from the book. After finishing the paragraph she was on, Anna thought, Elsa looked at her phone. Her gaze then turned to Anna.

Oh God, those glasses are now staring at me...

She only managed to give her a smile and Elsa began to type into her phone.

Elsa: That's what I like to hear. Classes were okay, can't really complain. How was yours?

Anna: Ugh, can classes ever go right? If it weren't for calculus my day would've been better. I swear my professor is the devil. As you can see, I can complain.

Elsa:You do the rambling thing via text too. I'm taking calculus as well, luckily I didn't sign up for the devil.

Anna could see Elsa's smile as she typed that.

Anna: Oh good! You better be a good tutor ;D

Elsa: Tutor?

Anna: You're good at everything you do, and I suck at math so you'll be the reason I won't fail :)

Elsa: Yes, boss.

Anna: Oh where are my manners? Please and thank you. I'll let you read your book now.

Before Elsa returned to her book, she looked at Anna and have her a devilish smile. The only thing Anna could do was reciprocate before they both returned to their duties.

The week had gone by in a flash. Classes had not been as bad, considering all they did in most of them was go over the syllabus.

Regardless, Anna felt she needed a break. It wouldn't hurt. Besides, she'd start work next week and would be much more busy.

Ygrette had invited her out but she declined when she remembered her date with Carlos, not that she wanted to go. She was simply unable to come up with a polite way to refuse.

The more she tried to think about him, the more she realized she didn't even know him at all. Sure, they had talked but clearly not enough to form an opinion about him. He was good looking, that was a given, but was he really her type? She was no Samantha, that much was for sure. He wasn't daring or spontaneous as far as she could tell. There was nothing about him that called out to her, no attraction. Now that she had become somewhat closer to Elsa, one thought lingered in her mind. Why would Elsa want her to stay away from Carlos? At first she thought it was just jealousy, but now that she knew Elsa wasn't that type of person, she questioned the reason. She would have to ask her sometime in the future. Preferably not the near future though, she didn't want to ruin the relationship she was forming with Elsa. They kept communicating since the first day of class and although they usually just talked about their day, Anna could feel a bond forming. The daily texts were something she'd look forward to. She felt a sense of accomplishment, as if she was succeeding at lowering Elsa's guard.

She shot a quick glance at her phone, seeing a text notification hover over the top part.

Speaking of the devil.

Elsa:So, are you doing anything tonight?

It was Friday and as hard as she had tried to plan something, she had failed. She didn't really want to admit that in reality she had just been too lazy. She replied back with no hesitation.

Anna: Sadly no. It'll be a boring Friday :(

She waited anxiously for Elsa's reply, she didn't even realize how fast her finger nail was hitting her phone's screen.

Elsa: Some of my classmates invited me over to a house party. Want to come?

I totally did not expect that. Did Elsa just invite me out? I must be doing something right.She thought with a smirk on her face.

Anna: I probably won't know anyone there.

Elsa:Since when has that stopped you? Never, I'm sure. And don't worry, I don't know anyone there either. I figured it'd be a way to kill time... and boredom.

Anna: Say no more, count me in. But why would you want me to come?

Anna had hesitated upon typing the latter part of the text message. Was she being too straightforward and over analyzing things, or was Elsa just being spontaneous?

Elsa: Well, you did say chocolates wouldn't make it up, right?

Anna:I see you haven't forgotten then. Good!

Elsa:I wouldn't forget. Meet you back in the dorm room at 8:00? I'll leave work at 6:00 but I have some errands to run.

Anna: When do you not? See you.

Elsa arrived exactly at the time she had told Anna, who was surprised she had actually been prompt. Fortunately, she did manage to get ready.

"Hi," Elsa smiled as she walked into the room. "I see you're ready to go."

"I had too much time on my hands, figured I might as well." Said Anna, half smiling and half sighing.

"Sorry about making you wait, I just have to take a quick shower."

"No worries, I didn't actually expect you to be here this early."

"What can I say? I'm a punctual person."

"Nothing like me." They both had a laugh as Elsa stepped into the bathroom. Anna sat on the edge of her bed as she checked her phone.

Nothing interesting going on, well it is Friday night so everyone must be out.

"Hey Anna?" She heard Elsa scream from across the door.

"Yeah?" She stood up as she could not hear well with the shower running.

"I forgot to grab a towel and I'm already undressed, do you think you could hand me one?"

"Oh yeah, one sec." Elsa left the door ajar, in order to see if Anna would actually be able to find a towel.

"Try that drawer on the left. Yeah that one." Anna pulled out a towel and walked back towards Elsa.

"Who would have thought you'd forget it, huh?"

"Well, I'm not perfect that's for sure." Anna handed her the towel, suddenly noticing the tattoo she'd seen before, it was so detailed. Anna's eyes then ran towards Elsa's shoulders, not taking her eyes off her skin and then her collarbone and her neck... Oh God her neck. She wanted to compliment her and before she could think of something to say she spilled it out. "You're perfect."

Elsa just stood there holding the towel, not realizing Anna had already let go. Anna tried to say something else but only managed to turn red. "I- uh.. Should really shower." Elsa quickly shut the door.

What was that all about? You were staring at her like an animal chasing its pray!

Oh God... Do I... Feel attracted to her? She has a boyfriend for god's sake!

The drive to the party had been silent, neither of the girls were sure of what to say. They felt as if anything that would come out of their mouth would be awkward and only make things worse. They were both grateful that it wasn't far from campus.

"I should have warn you, these people are crazy." Elsa said as they both walked across the front yard.

"I thought you didn't know them."

"I don't, but can't you tell?" Her voice was now louder, the music made it almost impossible for each other to hear.

"Is it too late to leave?"

"I didn't take you for the kind of person to pass out on a party."

"And I can't believe you're encouraging me to stay!" Anna laughed. The tension between the girls no longer there.

"Elsa!" Some random girl shouted from the other end of the room, quickly approaching them. "Here's my favorite classmate." The girl attracted everyone's attention towards the girls. Anna was sure they were only staring at Elsa. She felt something inside of her and she was sure it wasn't jealousy, or maybe it was.

Keep your eyes off her, you pervs!

Everyone at the party was already either tipsy or drunk. Elsa noticed how easy it was for Anna to talk to people, jumping from person to person and group to group. She wasn't even aware that she quickly became the center of attention. People just loved to be around her. Elsa, now sitting on one of the couches, stared at her from afar. She only now noticed her funny face expressions, the way she squint her eyes and the way her cheeks would rise up and made her freckles so visible. Anna then looked at her, smiled and stuck her tongue out to her, shaking her head. Elsa only smiled and waved, feeling conscious about having been caught staring at her.

Anna:I see you staring. Having fun?

Her phone suddenly vibrated.

Elsa: Not as much as you apparently.

Anna: Must be the alcohol. How come I see you with no drinks?

Elsa: I'm driving, remember?

Anna: Oh, how responsible! :p

Elsa: You are drinking too much though, don't think I haven't noticed.

Anna: "you're not my mother."

An unexpected laugh escaped from one end of the room, Anna instantly knew it was Elsa's. This was the first time she had heard her laugh in such a way, no one else's laugh was like hers, they couldn't even come close to comparison. It was just like a lullaby, bringing nostalgia of happiness into her heart. She could have sworn she had heard that laugh a thousand times before, yet it was like opening a gift for the first time. It made Anna rethink all her decisions. How was she able to ever hate Elsa? It was unimaginable, and her laugh... She realized she had been the reason behind her laugh, her and no one else. It was in that moment that she realized she had been falling for Elsa. She had been falling for her and she didn't even know it, in a subtle way she had come to appreciate everything about her, she didn't even care about the way they have behaved towards one another when they met.

Having finally found a way to repair her broken heart, she sunk into a deeper realization. It didn't matter if she had fallen for Elsa, or if she had finally found someone else to make her the least happier. Elsa would never feel the same way. She had to accept that all she could ever have was Elsa's friendship, and that would only be if she'd let her. She drank more to her dismay. She had to find a way to forget about her new found feelings, she had to no matter what.

After half an hour of searching, Elsa finally found Anna.

What a drunken mess.

She had to admit it was her responsibility to get her back home. She was, after all, the person who'd brought her here. Not that she minded, Anna would appreciate it anyway.

Anna was no longer able to walk properly and no longer had a sense of recognition.

This is like history repeating itself, thought Elsa recalling the first time she also had to bring drunk Anna back into their room. Oh but how things had changed from then till now. The term 'best friends' wouldn't be the correct word to describe their relationship.

Not yet anyway.

Elsa believed she could win Anna over easily. So far she was doing a great job at it. At times she wondered how far this would have to go for. She certainly enjoyed Anna's company, but she wasn't sure of what would happened after she could completely remove Carlos out of her life. Uncertainty was one of the other things she hated.

The car's dashboard read 4:37AM when the girls got home. Elsa was forced to wake Anna as she had fallen asleep on the way. She struggled to get her into the building, up the elevator and finally into the dorm.

Anna was getting heavier by the minute, her brain no longer in control of her body. At least she was a few feet away from her bed. Practically dragging her, she stood by Anna's bed, finding it impossible to put her down since Anna was clung on to her on the opposite side.

I really should have thought this through.

She tried to walk around Anna so that she would be next to her bed instead but as soon as she got in front of her, Anna lost balance and pushed her onto the bed, along with herself. By then, Anna was almost completely asleep.

"Psst. Hey, Anna. Wake up."

Anna let out a light snore before she replied. "Huh? Wake?... No."

"C'mon Anna, let me up." She tried to shift her body in order to become free from Anna's grip over her body, but Anna only made it stronger.

"Anna..."

"No." Almost unaware of what she was letting out of her mouth.

"Anna you're drunk and I need to sleep."

"Stay." Elsa could have sworn Anna was doing this on purpose but she could no longer put up a fight. There was no way she was getting out of this one. This was stubborn, drunk Anna at her finest.

Maybe this whole night has been a mistake.

She could feel Anna's warmth every time the redhead made the slightest movement. Had this been anyone else, or any other time, Elsa was certain she would have regretted it. Now that she thought about it, this wasn't actually too bad. Anna had something about her that made it hard for Elsa to pull away regardless of how hard she tried.

Yes, it was true, she initially intended to become Anna's friend to save her from Carlos but the reality was that even though all this time she was trying to win Anna over, Anna was doing the same. Elsa could feel a real friendship starting to form. Anna was crazy, and unpredictable and there was just no way to deny her. Anna was everything Elsa wasn't, and maybe she was everything Elsa needed in her life which had all of the sudden become exciting. She kept thinking about Anna until she fell asleep.

Anna woke up five hours later than usual. Unlike most days, she also felt a huge headache and pain in places she didn't even know pain could be felt. She didn't even bother sitting up, only opening her eyes and looking around the room. She knew it was sometime in the afternoon considering how light the room was. She blinked a few times, attempting to keep her eyes open but it was almost impossible. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Elsa, who seemed like she had also just woken up.

Ugh, why can't I just keep my eyes open.

Wait... Am I still dreaming?

Her gaze followed Elsa as she walked from her bed to the other end of the room until she reached her drawer. She was wearing a long white t-shirt and to Anna's surprise, no pants. The transparency of the shirt and the sunlight coming through the window gave Anna the perfect view of Elsa's figure. Long soft legs and hypnotizing curves. If Anna could wake up to that view every morning she would have no trouble getting up, not even if it was five in the morning. Elsa stretched, giving Anna a more incredible view of her behind.

Stop staring, you creep.

But she couldn't, not even when Elsa took her shirt off and began to dress in front of her, obviously unaware that she was awake. Then, the silence was filled by Anna's phone. She shut her eyes and pretending to be asleep and bothered by the loud ringtone. She finally shifted and sat up.

"Who is calling me at this hour?"

"You do realize it's 1:00, right?"

"Let me rephrase that, who is calling me when I have a hangover?"

Elsa laughed, "Oh Anna, who hasn't called you. Your phone has been ringing all morning, or should I say all day?"

Anna quickly grabbed her phone and looked at her call history and notifications.

"Shit... Carlos."

Elsa's facial expression went cold, again.

AN: Not entirely sure how I feel about this chapter, sort of rushed in the end. Let me know what you think will happen next!