Chapter 8:

A familiar ring filled the air. What was playing on the radio became interrupted by Elsa's phone over her car's speaker system.

"This is Elsa." She couldn't sound anymore formal if she tried, she did it unconsciously.

"Elsa?" She distinguished light sobs, she looked at the caller I.D. and wondered if someone had gotten hold of Anna's phone because the person on the other end sounded completely different.

"Hello? Anna?"

Anna didn't say a word, unable to speak but Elsa felt her pain. "Anna, where are you?"

"I'm not," another sob. "I'm- can you please pick me up?"

"I'm coming over, where are you, Anna?" Anna told her the location as best she could between whimpers and sobs.

Elsa spotted Anna before she even parked. She saw an innocent girl sitting on the sidewalk, her arms crossed over her knees which were folder against her chest. Anna didn't see her, her head was down, trying to hide her tears. She had never looked so vulnerable to Elsa before. To her it had always been crazy, happy Anna so seeing her like this, all of the sudden, changed something in her. Perhaps her perception of Anna or her being, she didn't know.

Not bothering to shut her door, she got off the car and took long strides towards Anna, kneeling before her and placing her palm on the redhead's back.

"Anna, what's going on? You're worrying me."

Anna shifted, all the emotions coming back to her. How would she explain all of this to Elsa?

"Look, it's okay if you don't want to talk about it but you can't stay here. At least get in the car." Anna stood up slowly. She wanted to hug Elsa desperately. She needed to show her how grateful she was but her current state made it impossible, she just wanted to be finished and forget about the situation so she did as Elsa said.

She got into the passenger's seat as Elsa held the door for her. She noticed how she stared at her, carefully analyzing her every feature and expression, she was obviously worried. The least she could do was give her an explanation.

"I'm sorry for putting you through this." She said as she finally calmed down, avoiding Elsa's gaze on her. The blonde was now sitting next to her with both hands on the wheel but had not yet turned on the ignition. She couldn't bring herself to look at her. Elsa finally spoke. "I honestly don't mind. I just want to make sure you're okay."

"I'm better. Just, you know? Relationship issues, or former relationship issues, I should say."

"I understand, you really don't have to explain yourself to me." Anna knew it wasn't because she didn't care but rather because she didn't want Anna to feel uncomfortable.

"Thanks for coming. It really does mean a lot. I wasn't okay, something happened to me, I-"

"Anna, calm down." Elsa said as she noticed Anna's panic.

Anna listened, she breathed in and out. "Are you okay to go home or do you need somewhere else to go?" She asked reassuringly.

"Home is fine. Thanks."

The drive back was filled with silence, this time it wasn't that eerie silence they both had experienced before in their drives. There was a sense of mutual understanding between the two.

"Have you had anything to eat?"

"No, I don't even know what time it is."

"Well it's getting late and you should eat something. Does pizza sound good?" That was the first time that day that Anna had given her a genuine smile. She really was appreciative of Elsa.

"For some reason I took you as more of a sushi person." Anna said, half laughing and half sobbing in the end.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm all for sushi but you can never go wrong with pizza." Elsa took her eyes off the road to give Anna a quick look and grin.

"Pizza it is then."

"Look at us, having pizza in our dorm room on a Saturday night." Anna said before she took a bite of her slice.

"Well, it has been a long week hasn't it? We did stay up till late last night."

"You mean till very early this morning?" Anna chuckled.

Elsa laughed, "Yeah, let's not make a habit of that."

"I wouldn't mind."

"Says the girl who wakes up past noon."

"I honestly don't see how you do it. How do you get up so early every morning?"

"I guess I'm just used to it."

"But aren't there days you wish you could just sleep in?"

"All the time."

"Why don't you?"

"The way I see it is, life is all about habits. If I break the habit of waking up early then I'm more likely to break all the other habits and then my life will be a mess."

"Control freak much? I'm joking, I'm joking." They both shared a laugh but Elsa's expression turned serious again.

"So, Anna... Are you okay?" Anna stared at her but unlike before, she was smiling.

"Yeah, I mean, I'll be fine eventually."

"How did you end up there though?"

"I have no idea, I just went for a walk and got caught up in my thoughts. I didn't even realize I was there. I didn't even considered knocking on her door. I don't think I wanted to but she answered before I had time to decide." Anna explained, recalling the events and almost running out of breath.

"She?"

"My ex."

"Ah, I see. Did she hurt you, Anna?"

"No, she wouldn't. Not physically, at least. She just doesn't want me anymore."

Neither of them said anything, they remained silent as they processed the events.

"Then I'm going to help you move on." If Anna wasn't paying attention before, she was now.

"Trust me, Ygrette already tried that and it didn't work."

Elsa hid her annoyance at the mention of her sister's name and smiled instead. "Well, it's a good thing Ygrette is not me." She approached Anna's bed, sitting next to her and then scooting in. "You'll be fine, don't worry." She pulled an arm over Anna's back. The redhead nuzzled into Elsa's chest, taking refuge in someone she didn't think she could. Elsa's chin rested on Anna's hair, both perfectly capable of capturing each other's scents. For Anna, it was a scent she would not be able to let go.

"Thanks, Els. But tell me, how are you going to help me move on exactly?"

"I can't tell you that, but you have to promise you'll do whatever I say."

How can I even say no?

Anna let go of the embrace so she could look at Elsa. "Okay."

Elsa changed the subject, out of curiosity. "So what was my sister's master plan to help you? Something crazy, I bet."

Anna wanted to be held by Elsa again, she regretted having let go but now it was too late so she only sat up. "Well, it doesn't get any crazier than Carlos, does it?"

Elsa remained quiet for a few seconds. "Do you.. Do you like him?"

"Not one bit, there's absolutely no chemistry between us. I just feel bad for him, you know? I don't want to be mean." Elsa's heart lightened at Anna's admission. She felt worry leave her body immediately.

"What are you smiling about?" Anna interrupted.

"Oh, nothing." Elsa laughed nervously.

"One day you'll have to tell me about Carlos, and about you boyfriend."

Elsa was too happy to let that comment worry her. "Yes, one day but not today."

"Fine," she let out a groan. "You should get some sleep. I bet you barely slept last night."

"You're right. Have to wake up early again." She gave Anna a thumbs up and smiled. She got up and walked towards her side of the room.

"Els?" The blonde turned her head. "Thanks for today. You don't understand how grateful I am."

"Oh this is nothing. Wait for tomorrow. In fact, I suggest you get some sleep."

Anna gasped and Elsa laughed at her expression, giving her a wink and getting into bed.

Anna felt hot sweat run from almost every inch of her body. She stopped with her hands on her knees, looking for a water fountain. "I can't believe you're making me do this." She panted.

"And I can't believe I was actually able to get you up before seven." Elsa was running ahead of her, but stopped as soon as she noticed Anna behind.

"I hope you're not trying to get me into these habits of yours."

"Why not?"

"Look at me, I'm dying over here."

"That's only because you need to do it more often." Anna rolled her eyes.

"Did you just roll your eyes at me?" Elsa asked amused.

"Maybe..."

"Fine then, we're doing three more laps."

"Really Elsa? Really? It's Sunday morning, we should be in bed."

Elsa only smiled and kept running, motioning for Anna to follow.

Well, damn. She needs to wear tight pants more often.

Half an hour later they were back in the dorm room.

"Oh, man. I feel like I won't be able to move for days."

"Believe me, you'll be moving again tomorrow."

"Are you trying to kill me or something?"

"On the contrary. You need to shift your energy towards new things."

"Whatever you say. Mind if I hop in the shower first? I'm really hot, I know you're hot too," Anna smiled nervously after processing what she had just said. "I mean, yea I'm sure you want to go into the shower as well but I honestly can't handle it. You're probably already used to it but me. Look at me, I'm a mess so-"

"Anna," Elsa interrupted her. "You're wasting time." She shook her head and laughed.

"Right." She turned and ran into the shower.

By the time Elsa got out of the shower, Anna was already lying in bed. She had a book over her face and her hands crossed over her abdomen.

"You better not be asleep."

"I'm reading, can't you see?"

"You must be the only person who reads with a book that close to your face." Anna put the book down, sighed and finally stood up.

"Ugh, I'm beat. I could stay in bed all day. I don't know how you do it. I bet you also have a million things planned for today."

"You couldn't be more right. What about you though? Doing anything special?"

"I'd love to stay in bed but I mean it's Sunday. I should probably go out."

"You're welcome to join me if you'd like." Anna would have loved to say yes but she didn't want to impose Elsa with her presence.

"I think I'll pass on this one. I've got to get ready for work and what not."

"I can't tell if you're actually being proactive or if you're scared of what I might have you do."

"Or maybe a little bit of both."

"Fine, have it your way."

Anna had indeed planned to get ready for work but she had no idea how to even begin.

Maybe there are things you can't really prepare for.

That's all she needed to convince herself.

If only I was more like Elsa. She really does have her life together.

She spent half of the day on the computer. She desperately needed to catch up on shows and keep her social networks updated; not knowing when would be the next time she'd have time for that again. The latter half of the day, she spent with Kristoff and Ygrette. She only agreed to hang out once she confirmed Carlos wouldn't be there.

"Did Elsa put you up to this?" Ygrette demanded.

"What's up with you and Carlos going after her? Is there something I should know?"

"Nothing important."

"Well now I'm intrigued."

"As am I." Said Kristoff after chugging down his drink.

"No but seriously, did Elsa ask you not to see him?"

"She did no such thing. She did seem uncomfortable with the topic but it was my decision alone. I don't see myself dating him." Anna noticed Kristoff staring at her with a smirk on his face and quickly remembered that he knew she had a crush on Elsa.

"You haven't even given him a chance. I thought you'd be more daring than that." Ygrette had her attention again.

"I gave him a chance alright."

"Really? Cause I heard you stood him up."

"Ugh, he told you?"

"He seemed pretty upset."

"I take it you two are close, huh?" Kristoff who hadn't bother saying much, was now staring at Ygrette. Anna made a note to watch her words, she didn't want to involve him much less hurt him.

"We've know each other for a while, yes."

"Well enough about Carlos. I've made it clear nothing will be happening between us."

"You're missing out. Now excuse me, I've been holding it for a while." They all laughed and Anna turned her attention towards Kristoff as Ygrette walked away.

"You haven't told her anything yet, have you?"

Kristoff was thoughtful for a while. "About what?"

Anna's cheeks turned red. "You know? About Elsa."

"Oh! No, don't worry. Your secret's safe with me."

"Good. Don't you dare tell her."

"I won't, you have my word."

"How are thing between you two anyway?"

"Amazing! I swear I can't keep myself away from her for long. She's like a magnet."

"I guess that's the thing about the Arendelle sisters, you can't really stay away from them."

"Well you couldn't even if you tried, you live with her."

"I don't mind one bit."

"Things got better?"

"Things might change, especially with the boyfriend situation."

"Well, well, well. Who would have thought? If you were waiting for a sign this is surely it."

"I don't know Kristoff, I'm terribly confused. I have no idea what I want."

"Give it time."

"I guess you're right."

"Isn't he always?" Ygrette said as she approached Kristoff from the back, planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Consider yourself lucky." Anna said as she raised her glass.

"Oh, believe me I do. As should you." Ygrette answered a little too enthusiastic.

"Why is that?"

"Look at who just got here." Anna wasn't sure if fury was the correct word to describe what she was suddenly feeling. Had Ygrette done this? What was she really up to?

"Ygrette... What have you done?"

"Wow, wow, what makes you think I did anything?"

"Well surely this can't be a coincidence." She was officially annoyed.

"It's a small campus, Anna."

"Hello, ladies. How's it going Kristoff?"

Ygrette and Kristoff greeted Carlos and invited him to sit while Anna just politely smiled without saying a word.

Really? He has to sit next to me?

Anna would be forced to endure Carlos' stares for the rest of the evening. She could have sworn he kept scooting in towards her. She shot a look towards Kristoff, who immediately understood her situation.

"So Carlos, how've you been man?"

"Not bad, not bad. Been a bit busy with this new thing I'm working on." Anna was glad that the guys were talking about anything that didn't involve her. That gave her the opportunity to find a way to get out of this one.

Anna: heeeelp.

She hoped Elsa would respond to her text as soon as she saw it.

Elsa: What's wrong?

Anna: I've been ambushed.

Elsa: Serves you right, so much for "being proactive."

Anna smiled at her remark. God she can be so bossy.

She noticed Ygrette staring at her.

Crap, she knows I'm up to something.

Anna: I can never say no to Kristoff. I think Ygrette invited Carlos and now I can't leave.

Anna waited impatiently for Elsa's reply, checking her phone every now and then. Instead she received a call.

Why is she calling me?

"Hello?" Anna answered, a bit nervous.

"Just follow my lead, okay?"

Anna wasn't clear of what that lead was but she tried to follow along. "Oh, hey!"

"Okay just pretend you're listening and following along and repeat what I say, except this," Anna smiled, curious as to what Elsa could be up to. "Repeat after me: Yeah, I had a great time last night as well."

Anna said it, word for word while Elsa continued. "No, no. I'm not interested in anyone right now. Of course I would love to go out again."

Shit, I see where this is going. Good one, Elsa.

The entire table had stopped talking, with the exception of her.

"That was totally hot, though. I mean your physique certainly helps, I'm sure."

She was sure she was completely red by now. She looked at the faces of the people around her; they were all looking at her. She smiled innocently and she was sure that was 100% anger on Ygrette's face and 100% jealousy on Carlos'. Kristoff couldn't be more entertained, he was clearly enjoying the show.

Anna continued mimicking Elsa's words. "Aww, thanks. Yeah, yeah I'm looking forward to seeing you too." She took a break in order to listen and capture Elsa's next words. "I'm sure you'll be glad to know I like going all night long."

Wait, what did I just say?

She wanted to demand an explanation from Elsa then and there but she knew that would ruin the whole act. Elsa had already hanged up so she was forced to answer questions now. She could tell Kristoff was trying really hard to suppress a laugh, luckily the other two didn't notice since they were too busy staring at her. Carlos had now created distance between the two. Thank the gods.

"Well that was awkward, sorry guys."

"What was that all about?" Kristoff asked.

Anna couldn't come up with an elaborate story so she improvised on Elsa's. "Someone I went on a date with last night."

"I thought you felt like shit yesterday." Carlos was clearly angry now.

"I did, but I figured I'd go have dinner then things happened, you know?"

"Yeah, well we don't want to know what sort of things happened so that'll be the end of that." Ygrette had never been so cold before, it was just as if her and her sister had switched roles.

Now would be the perfect time to excuse herself, she thought.

"Alright guys, it's getting late and I have things to do for tomorrow so I'll take my leave." She left her seat, gathered her things and gave a small wave.

"Yeah, Anna. Sure you have things to do but we all know you're going to go see a certain someone." Anna wondered if Kristoff actually knew it had been Elsa.

"Oh Kristoff, I'll see you later."

"That was so embarrassing!" She said immediately after shutting the door behind her.

"But it worked?" Elsa was sitting on her chair and had turned as Anna came in.

"Well if interrogation was what you were going for, I think it did but I managed to avoid it."

"Trust me, Carlos won't even try to contact you anymore."

"Was the end necessary though?" Elsa could read the embarrassment on Anna's face.

"Only to make it more believable."

"Well now they probably think I'm some kind of sex addict!" Anna had been pacing around the room, talking to herself mostly.

"Well, are you?"

Anna stopped, not knowing how to respond or what the appropriate response would even be. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. I mean, I've never actually gone all night. I'm sure it'd be great but not everyone can do it, you know? Plus would that even make you an addict? There are too many factors involved for me to determine. Can people actually do that? Is it possible? What if-"

Elsa was giggling. "Anna, you're rambling again... About sex."

"Oh God!" She jumped into her bed and covered her face with one of the pillow shams.

"It's not that funny," her laugh betrayed her. "Imagine if it had been you in that situation."

"The thing is, I always take control of the situation, Anna."

"Well, you better teach me that habit too."

"I take it you'll continue to do as I say then?"

"Do I have another option?"

"Not really."

"And here I thought I was the stubborn one."

"Let's just say you're not the only one who gets what she wants."

What a turn on.

"And what is it exactly that you want?" She didn't know what sort of answer to expect.

Else opened her mouth but no words came out so she smiled. "I just want to help you, that's all."

Anna hoped her answer would have been different, although she didn't know in what way. "You won't believe how angry your sister was when I was on the phone with you." She changed the subject.

"I don't understand how you ended up in that situation, with Carlos and Ygrette" Elsa now had a serious expression on her face.

"Neither do I. I mean, initially it was planned that Kristoff, Ygrette and myself would go out and suddenly the Carlos topic came up and I told her that I didn't want anything to do with him, you know? To leave the topic alone and to leave me alone. Next thing you know, Carlos shows up."

"It wouldn't surprise me if she put him up to it." Elsa was thoughtful.

"I didn't take her for that kind of person, especially after I made myself clear."

"Look Anna, I'm not trying to imply anything but maybe it's best if you keep your distance from her. Even though it might be difficult because of Kristoff-" Anna didn't let her finish.

"Yeah, I think I'm starting to see the kind of person that she is. Not that she's a bad person, but I can't really read her intentions. I just hope that this doesn't hurt Kristoff."

"She's not the one to break hearts so you can rest easy."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"How come you two don't get along? You and Ygrette, I mean." That question took Elsa by surprise.

She couldn't even think of a way to begin answering that question. "Things happened between us, I guess our relationship has always been a little tense and it just worsened during the years. It's not the typical 'sister relationship,' I know but it is what it is."

"Oh." Anna didn't want to press on the issue, maybe Elsa didn't want to tell her or anyone else for that matter. Her assumption was made evident by Elsa's unpleasant expression.

"Maybe one day you'll hear about it." The blonde continued after noticing Anna's dissatisfaction with her response.

"No, no. You don't have to, I understand there are things that need to be kept as they are."

"Thank you, I'm glad you understand. I do hope my relationship with my sister won't affect things between you and I."

Aww, she doesn't want that to affect us, whatever that means.

"Well, good night Anna."

"Night, Els."

AN: Okay so there are several things I need to point out.

1- I've updated Chapter 7 after one of you pointed out some mistakes, thanks!

2- As I was reading the reviews, I noticed one of you made a comment about Anna leading Carlos on, having a crush on Elsa yet still wanting to be with Samantha. I feel like I need to elaborate on this without ruining the story too much. So it sort of runs parallel with the movie, Anna is desperate for love but she's not sure who's love. Does that make sense?

3- Do you guys prefer shorter chapters every day or longer chapters every other day? Let me know, please :D

I think that's it, hopefully I'm not forgetting anything.

Oh yeah, I think I should mention this chapter was a little more fun to write. Caught myself smiling here and there. I hope you like it!