The little café was almost empty except for a few people in the corner. The roof and walls were decorated with roses and little hearts. Anna smiled to herself. It was valentine's day. They had been a couple for a few months now. Elizabeth had stayed true to her promise and visited her as often as she could, though her frequency of visits lowered once winter was over. But they had agreed to meet on valentine's day. They never really had a real date until now. Usually, they would go ice skating in the frozen lake (Elizabeth was a pro), or build snowmen in Anna's backyard (her mother more than welcomed her new girlfriend).
For some reason, she had insisted on meeting in a place with as few people as possible. Anna figured she had an aversion to crowds and did not question it. It was a nice place, a bit over the top, but she figured Elizabeth would like it. She seemed rather hesitant at first, but Anna showed her the famous pouty face, which she couldn't possibly refuse.
She clutched her box of chocolates (Elizabeth liked milk chocolates) tighter. Her date was late. Maybe she lost her way? She knew she could have given better directions to her. Elizabeth never really told her where she lived. Anna has pestered her many times about it, but she refused to budge.
'I'll get it out of her someday.' She wondered what could possibly be so bad about where she lived that she was so closed up about it.
The little bell near the door rang, and someone stumbled in carrying a huge bouquet, which was completely shielding their face. Feeling sorry for them, Anna rushed to help.
"Hello, Anna." Elizabeth peeked out from behind the flowers.
"Elizabeth! I thought you weren't coming."
Of course I was!" Elizabeth huffed in indignation. "I brought these for you." She thrust the entire bouquet in Anna's arms, who lost her balance. She laughed and caught her neatly.
Anna shifted through the flowers and found a note.
'Because I love you bunches!' it read. She melted.
"Oh, it's beautiful, Elizabeth. Thank you!"
"Happy Valentine's, Anna." Elizabeth gave her a chaste kiss on the lips. "I am so sorry for being late. I have never been to this part of the town."
"It's alright. Let's sit down, shall we?"
Elizabeth sat down nervously. Anna noticed she kept sneaking glances at everyone. 'She's always so nervous around people' she thought. 'I wonder why?'
Elizabeth had gotten increasingly nervous around crowds ever since the winter season was over. She would clench her teeth and shiver, as if she were in pain. There have been a few occasions where she rushed off quickly without an explanation. She would come up to Anna, stammering an apology with tears in her eyes the very next day, but would never explain why she would do it.
"Relationships are built on trust, Elizabeth. Tell me what's bothering you. I can help you!" Anna would plead, but to no avail. Elizabeth would close off and refused to speak about it. She learned to avoid the topic, but it still bothered her.
"It's a nice place." Elizabeth's voice jolted her out of her thoughts.
Anna grinned. "I am glad you like it! I thought it would be perfect for a first date!"
Soon, they fell into easy conversations, awkward flirting, and warm smiles. The evening went by in a flurry of delicious food, a friendly waitress, and feeding each other chocolates from the box Anna had brought.
After dinner, Elizabeth insisted on walking her back to her home, so they set off, hand in hand. Anna sneaked a glanced at her companion. She couldn't believe she had gotten so lucky! Elizabeth was beautiful, kind and genuinely cared about her. It was everything she wished for and more. They soon reached her front porch.
"Thank you, Anna. I really liked our date." Elizabeth said shyly.
Anna stole a quick glance to check if anyone was around, then pulled her into a deep kiss. Elizabeth moaned and snaked her hands around her hip.
The porch light flickered as the front door opened to reveal Anna's mother. The girls scrambled away from each other, their hair disheveled, blushing madly.
Her mother smirked at the blonde.
"I take it you girls had good time then?" Elizabeth went red and started to stammer, but Anna was quicker.
"Mom! Don't scare her like that. Don't mind her Elizabeth, she's just pretending to be the overprotective parent."
"I-I'll see you later," said a still blushing Elizabeth. She wished them both a goodnight, pulled a hood over her head, and set off. Anna shouted, "I love you!" to her and Elizabeth winked and blew her a kiss.
"She's a nice girl. I am so happy for you Anna. Did she give you those flowers?"
"She did!" Anna exclaimed as she stepped inside. "Look at the note!"
Her mother held up the note and read aloud. "'Because I love you bunches!' Oh my gosh that's so cute!"
Anna heard Kristoff gagging in the background.
"Shut up, Kristoff!" Anna said good naturedly. Not even her brother's antics could ruin her good mood today. She sighed in content and read the note again.
She frowned. That can't be right.
"Mom, I'll be back in a while."
"You are going out again?" But Anna had already grabbed her cloak and bolted out the door.
She ran through alleys and slipped through gardens until she finally reached the town square. She skidded to a halt in front of the 'Royal Proclamations' board. Taking a minute to catch her breath, she looked up at a large parchment stuck on the board. It was an old announcement from the Queen wishing her citizens a happy new year that had yet to be removed. She took out the note from her pocket and held it up beside the parchment. She gasped.
The handwriting was a perfect match.