"Well?"

Anna looked up to see her mother staring at her expectantly. She was just back from the town square. Three snowstorms had come and gone, and Elizabeth still hadn't shown up. She couldn't understand why she was so upset. She had known her for only a few hours at most. But she felt a connection to the woman she had never felt before. And she knew exactly what that meant.

"She's wasn't there" she said dejectedly. Her mother looked at her in concern.

"Oh Anna, she's probably busy." Somehow that didn't comfort her at all.

She's probably from a rich upper-class family, judging by her clothes and the amount of money she gave us. Why would she want to be friends with a poor girl like her? She was just trying to be nice.

"Yeah, I guess."

"Why don't you go and fetch our rations?"

The Queen had issued everyone supplies to get through the winter. With Kristoff busy working for various traders to earn some extra money, and her mother busy around the house, it was up to Anna to go and collect the supplies. They were being distributed in a small field near the castle. She had been procrastinating for quite a few days.

"Alright."

It was a short walk to the site. Not many people were around. A board was set up, with a note stuck to it. It was written by the Queen detailing the amount of supplies to be handed out, and an encouraging message to get through the winter. Once again, Anna stopped to admire it.

She is so kind and elegant. Just like Elizabeth.

Sighing, she got in line and waited patiently for her turn. It didn't take much time, and soon she set off back home. The goods she was carrying were heavy, and she wished she had brought Kristoff along to help. The route felt much longer this time. She decided to take a shortcut through an alley to the town square, the same one where Elizabeth had found her. It was deserted except for a lone figure walking quite a bit ahead of her. As they got to the end, the figure stopped and looked around. It was only then that Anna noticed the familiar snowflake patterned cloak. She walked faster, afraid that she might slip away. She raised a hand to reach out, but the figure turned around and crashed right into her.

"Elizabeth?"

The roles were reversed. Elizabeth looked up at her. Anna could see that she was crying.

"Oh my god I am so sorry. Did I hurt you? I swear I am so clumsy…"

"Anna?"

Elizabeth slowly got up and wiped her eyes furiously.

"Uhm hi." There was an awkward silence.

"So… what are you doing here?" Anna asked awkwardly.

"I came to see you." Elizabeth looked at her almost pleadingly.

"Oh." More silence.

"Anna, I am sorry I didn't come sooner. I wanted to, but I couldn't find the time." She reached out hesitatingly.

Relief flooded through her. She didn't forget me. She smiled at her companion.

"It's alright. I have been busy for the past few weeks as well, preparing for the winter."

Elizabeth smiled.

"Me too. What are those?" she pointed to the bags she was carrying.

Anna looked at her quizzically.

"They are my rations of course. The queen issued them. Surely you knew?"

"Ah, of course. Here, let me help you with that. They look heavy." She gave her another small smile.

Anna blushed and passed a few bags to her. They set off back home.

"I missed you." Anna blurted out.

Oh no! I can never keep my mouth shut. Now she thinks I am a creep.

Elizabeth gave her a small smile.

"I missed you too, Anna. How have you been these past few weeks?"

So, Anna told her about their preparations for winter and her life back at home.

"I bought new shoes and a cloak with the money you gave us." She lifted her pink cloak and showed off her new boots.

"I am glad Anna. You and your family work hard, and you deserve to have some comfort."

Her cheeks reddened at the compliment.

"You are cute when you blush."

Anna looked at her in surprise. Elizabeth herself seemed rather flustered.

"I-I mean…." she stammered.

"Thank you, Elizabeth." Anna struggled to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.

Soon, they fell into easy conversation. Anna found herself telling Elizabeth about her family, her childhood, and her father's death.

"I am so sorry, Anna."

"It's alright, I hardly remember him. I was very young back then. My mother still misses him though."

She shook her head.

"Enough about me, tell me about your family. What are they like?"

Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably.

"My parents died a few years ago."

"Oh Elizabeth! I shouldn't have brought it up." She hugged her close. Elizabeth stiffened, and Anna let go.

"Let's just keep walking."

A little hurt by her response, Anna didn't say anything and fell into step beside her. They stopped in front of the door.

"I am sorry, Anna. I didn't mean to be rude. I am not very good with people." She looked down dejectedly.

"It's alright Elizabeth. I understand."

Elizabeth gave her another shy smile. Her hands twitched forward. Anna wasted no time, and pulled her into a hug. They broke apart and looked at each other.

She is so beautiful.

"Are we still friends? I know I broke my word. I promise it won't happen again." Elizabeth asked her nervously.

She looked at her and smiled. Their faces were inches apart.

"Of course, I am still your friend. I will always be here."

"Thank you! I promise I won't let you down." More silence. Beautiful blue eyes met her own.

Anna's heart raced as she caught Elizabeth stealing a glance at her lips. They were so close. She waited for her to move, but quickly realized that Elizabeth was just too shy to do it. She leaned forward.

As their lips connected, she swore she could see snowflakes swirling around them, but she closed her eyes and thought no more of it.