Snowflakes Fall and So Did I

by CrazyAnimationChick

The last thing Elsa expected to happen during her Senior year of Homeschooling was to live with her cousin & be sent to a public high school. Not only that but it's in the same town where a local man died years before. Even better, her cousin's friend is also his son. Then there's two weird teachers, drama, love, awkwardness, and...well you'll just have to read to find out.

16. Chapter 16

Elsa's POV

They wouldn't stop holding hands all throughout our last hour. I was working on a worksheet along with a few other students who didn't want to sing, while my sister and cousin sung with everyone else who wanted to. That's the best thing about having Music with Mrs. Robinson. We have the choice whether to sing or not. And while I know I also had the choice to not stare at my sister and her new boyfriend while they sang together, I simply couldn't help myself. My eyes were glued to them.

I know that I gave in again, I'm sure that's what Rapunzel thinks too, but my sister did have a fair point. It would be wrong of me to go against that. Doesn't mean I have to like it though. I'm not jealous in any way, I'm just very protective and cautious (unlike Anna). And I know that with Hans in the picture, life from now on is going to be...different. I have yet to determine if it's a good different or a bad. I'm hoping good despite my dislike for Hans. Maybe with time he'll grow on me.

As of right now, my sister and I are making our way to Mr. Black's classroom for detention. Rapunzel said when she gets home she would inform her parents about what happened this morning, and Anna...well she's more nervous than I thought she would be. She's been awfully quiet since the two of us started our walk to detention. Since she departed from Hans. Oh God, please don't let her become one of those girls...

I lightly nudge her and say, "You ready for this?"

Anna, whose gaze was fixated on the floor, looks up, surprised. "Huh? Oh. Of course I am!" Her lips turn into a smirk as she points to herself. "I don't know if Mama ever told you, but I was born ready."

"Actually, I think you were born prematurely." I was teasing, but I must have sounded and looked serious because Anna's face completely dropped from smug to shocked.

"Oh my god, really?!" She exclaimed and I couldn't help but giggle.

"I was just teasing, Anna." I assure her, mentally scolding myself for the horrible tease I made. Jack would have done better. At least I'm trying though.

Anna, much to my enjoyment, laughs. "Oh. You got me. Nice one."

A brief silence comes between us again, but I ended it before it could drag on for too long. "So...I really am sorry about...everything. From before..." I trail off because there was no need to explain. I wasn't looking at her when I spoke, but after speaking my words I boldly glanced at her.

She was looking at the ground again, but she smiled. "I'm sorry too." She looked at me then, our different shade of blue eyes connecting, and her smile widens. "Not only for our fight, but also for getting us into detention. Although really, that Mr. Black guy was only going to take me until you, Jack, and Kristoff jumped in. Why would he do that? Kristoff, I mean."

I shrug, not entirely sure either. "Maybe he felt guilty like you did." I guessed.

My sister scoffs and rolls her eyes. "Or maybe he didn't want me to have all the attention."

I sigh and shake my head, not believing that to be true. "Well, whatever his reason, promise that you'll try not to pick a fight with him."

"I'll try," she mumbles. "But if he starts anything first, I'm going to finish it. Now that's something I can promise. Oh and also, I was wondering," she suddenly went shy and tucked some hair behind her hair, "Would you, if you want that is, would you mind helping me pick out an outfit for my date on Friday?"

I was going to tell her that she still needed permission, but knowing my aunt she'll gladly agree to their date. I can see her approving Hans too. My uncle though? Not so much. Unfortunately, he doesn't exactly have a say since Aunt Arianna is the one who watches over us more. And whatever my aunt says, it goes. One thing is for sure though, Uncle Frederick is going to have someone spy on them. Whether Anna knows or not. Now that's something I can agree to.

I would gladly spy for him too, but I don't want to risk getting caught and then ruining the still fragile but healing relationship between my sister and I. "Anna, I'd love to," I reply as I forced a smile. I really do want to help her pick out an outfit, I just wish the circumstances were a bit different.

Anna's smile is wide and her eyes sparkle with gratitude and excitement. "Thank you," she says and when her eyes slide past my shoulder she gasps. "Potty break! It's best to go now before detention. I doubt Mr. Grumpy-Pants will let us go once it starts." She rushes over to the bathroom behind me while I merely shook my head at her and lean against the lockers.

Even if I am a bit anxious to get this whole ordeal over with, I don't mind waiting. I need a moment to myself anyway before Mr. Black curses me with his presence again. He was horrible in class today, and by that I mean he would not leave me alone. He kept calling on me to answer his questions and work problems out on the board all throughout class. Luckily for me I studied the chapter and got everyone right. I know for a fact I would have died of embarrassment if I got every answer wrong. Needless to say, but today was the most intense class I have ever had with him. He had it out for me and I don't know why.

If it was about what happened this morning with me coming to my sister's aid then I find him very detestable. How could a teacher do that to a student? It was obvious he had it out for me, but what about Jack? It's not that I want Jack to be where I was, with all eyes staring (although I'm sure he would have loved everyone looking at him as he fooled around), but I'm confused as to why it was only me that Mr. Black put on the spotlight. Jack had also came to Anna's defense right after I did, and yet he remained a student in the classroom who was looking at me instead of being looked at.

It would have been nice not to be alone during that time. It would have been nicer not to have gone through that at all. If I had looked into the crowd of fellow students, which I didn't do because I was unnerved, I probably would have seen many pitiful gazes. I would have looked the same if my role was reversed with someone else's.

The hallways were pretty much empty when Anna and I slowly started our journey to detention, so when I saw movement from the corner of my eye, my thoughts were immediately cut off and my head turns. My eyes land on Kristoff, who gave me a brief wave when I noticed him, and after I returned the gesture I thought that would be it. Instead, he stops once he approaches me. "Hey," he said.

"Um…" I eyed him, suspiciously. Why is he talking to me? I don't mean that in a rude way, just genuinely curious. "Hey." I made sure not to make my reply sound like a confused question, and pushed myself to make conversation. "So...you ready for this?"

Kristoff chuckles. "I feel like I should be asking you that. This is your first detention after all."

I shrug out of habit. "I guess I'm not exactly thrilled about it, but it's just detention. It's not the end of the world. There are other things of higher value to worry about."

"You know, for a Senior, you speak really…" he pauses to think of the right word. "Elegantly."

I lightly chuckle. "I was raised like that. So was Anna, but she's not the heir to our industry so...she lucked out."

"Rapunzel is an heir too though and she doesn't speak as fancy as you," he reasons, and it genuinely surprised me.

"Are we seriously having a conversation about how I speak?" I asked, eyebrows raised in amusement and I couldn't help but laugh. "Because if you don't like how I talk in English I can always speak French or Norwegian for you."

Kristoff grins as he shook his head. "Yep, you and Anna are definitely related. You're both smartasses."

I smile, overwhelmed with a sense of pride for actually conversing with someone I rarely talk to. However, that same person was someone I was a tad snarky with when I first met him. "I'm sorry by the way," I say, confusing him. "For how rude I was to you at the game," I explained. "I didn't like the way you were talking to my sister. I was just coming to her aid. I didn't-"

"Hey, don't fret over it," he interrupts, showing a friendly smile. "I was being a jerk to Anna and you did what any older sibling should have done. Just like how you did this morning. I made the bad first impression first. Not only towards you at the game, but towards your sister too when I first met her. She just...really fucking annoyed me." He grimaced at his words and quickly added: No offense."

I paid no attention to his insult and said, "So...friends?" I extended my hand out for him to shake.

"Friends," he says, gripping my hand, and making me feel accomplished.

My sister and I are, so far, on good terms again, and I also managed to befriend the one person she seems to despise the most. I'm branching out. This is good. Anna might not think so since she doesn't like Kristoff, but just because she doesn't like him, doesn't mean I have to not like him too. Just like how I don't have to like Hans when she does. Compared to Hans, Kristoff is way more real. He's also a bit reserved like me. Honestly, if it wasn't for their disdain for each other I think Anna and Kristoff would make a very cute couple.

"Also," I say, after we let go of each other's hands, "I want to thank you for sticking up for my sister this morning. I doubt she'll give you her thanks, but I'll give you mine. You didn't have to do that. So why did you?" I was asking not only for my sister's curiosity, but also for mine.

"She was going to take all the blame," he answers, not skipping a beat, and for a moment I thought that perhaps Anna was right. That he really didn't want her to have all the attention, but then he says: "I felt guilty for it. After all, it's not like she was arguing with herself. It was my fault. I taunted her, got her riled up, and got us all late. I felt like a dick, but then I felt even worse when she told Mr. Black to take her only. It felt wrong to have her go alone. So...yeah. Here we are."

I thought of his grandfather then, then man who I share a history with, and wondered about the rest of Kristoff's family. Whoever they are, they really did raise him right. "Well, that was very sweet of you, and once again, thank you."

He opens his mouth to speak, but my sister's voice fills the air. "What in Hershey's name is going on here?" We turn our heads and see her standing in front of the bathroom door with her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed down into a glare.

I expected Kristoff's demeanor to change to annoyance, but instead he chuckles softly and says to me, "I guess that's my cue to go. See you in a minute." He looked back over at Anna, nods his head in acknowledgement, and walks off after that, not saying a word to her at all.

Anna watched his every movement and I watched both her and him, anxiously waiting for her to speak, which she does once he's out of sight. "So what was that all about? Was he bothering you? Do I need to get in his face again? Cause I'll do it. You just say the words."

"Anna," I laugh at her fierceness. "No it wasn't-" She gasps, cutting me off.

"Oh my god, are you friends with him now? Oh my god, are you crushing on him?! Elsa, he's so not boyfriend material!"

I blush at her accusation and say, seriously, "Anna, I can assure you that I do not like Kristoff in that way."

Anna squints her eyes and leans forward. "If that's so then why are you blushing?"

"Because your assumption is embarrassing," I say, not skipping a beat at all.

My sister's hard expression turns soft as she laughs. "Okay, I believe you. Plus," she nudges me, teasingly. "You don't look like the kind of girl who would date a guy with a large nose. Now," she hooks her arm through mine, "Let's get this boring detention thing over with."

"With Jack there," I say as we continued walking, "I don't think it'll be boring. I was warned to watch out for some kind of prank he'll pull on Mr. Black."

Anna's eye lit up. "Well then why the heck are we stalling? Let's go!" And just like that, our walking turning into running, much to my dismay.

When we arrived, we were the last ones to make it. Flynn, Eret, Jack, and Kristoff all sat in their seats, silent, and already looking dead inside. Mr. Black was texting on his phone when my sister and I walked through the doors, catching all their attentions, and my teacher did not look pleased.

"You're nearly ten minutes late," he snapped, setting his phone aside and glaring daggers at my sister and I.

"That was my fault," Anna says, bravely, "I had to go to the bathroom."

"Did I ask? Just pick a seat and be quiet! You've already wasted enough time." Mr. Black retorts, pissing me the hell off. I remained silent though, knowing that it would be better for everyone if we didn't anger him anymore. I wouldn't put it past him to give us another hour of detention for talking back to him.

Anna and I do as we're told, and as I go to sit in front of Jack, Mr. Black's words stop me. "No, sit in the empty row away from the boys. I'll not have any hormonal teens sneakily holding hands."

Holding hands? What the hell? Why would Jack and I even do that? I glance at Jack as I go to move to the empty row of seats Mr. Black had pointed out, and he merely shrugs at me with his signature smirk plastered on his face. Once my sister and I were seated, she whispers very lowly behind me, "He literally said we could pick our own seat. Such a liar."

I smirk a little, but said nothing in fear that Mr. Black would hear me.

"Now that you are all here," he says, hands folded behind his back as he stood in front of the board with his eyes drilling into mine. I had to cast my eyes to the board behind him so I wouldn't squirm in my seat at his uncomfortable gaze. "Your time starts now. No doodling, do playing on your phone, no homework time, no sleeping, and absolutely no talking. You are to remain seated and quiet and awake until the end. Do I make myself clear?"

There were no verbal responses, but every did nod, which was enough for Mr. Black. In fact, it seemed to amuse him since his lips curled into a smirk. "Good. Let's begin." He grabs his mug from his desk and takes a drink before sitting down.

The silence was deafening. It was agonizing and I couldn't stand it, which is rather ironic since during classes I wish for people to quiet down so I can focus. But right now, I would give anything for some noise that isn't my thundering heartbeat at the awkwardness. I would give anything for Mr. Black to just start typing away on his computer. Instead, he's reading a coverless book, drinking whatever it is in his mug, and glancing up at us every few minutes.

I would glance at him once in a while too, only because I would get the feeling he was watching me, but I mostly looked at everything that wasn't him even when I did get that feeling. Which made everything even more agonizing. But as the minutes dragged on, I found myself staring more at Jack than anything else in the room. I felt more comfortable looking at him than Mr. Black. Looking at him also distracted me. It made me think of the bucket list and how fun it'll be to finally start it.

I still have yet to look at the list he gave me this morning.

Anyway, if Jack noticed my multiple gazes at him, he paid no attention to them. He was fixated entirely on Mr. Black, as if he was waiting or expecting for him to do something. I could only assume it had something to do with his prank, whatever that may be.

The minutes continued to drag on, feeling as though an hour had already passed when really it couldn't have been more than fifteen or twenty minutes. And just as another minute had passed (I was counting out of boredom) Mr. Black unexpectedly jumps up from his seat and runs out of the room. Jack burst into laughter while the rest of us looked at him and each other in confusion.

"Um what the hell are you laughing at? You're laughing pretty hard over there." Flynn says. The cut on his bottom lip, that's no longer leaking with blood, isn't as bad as I thought it was going to look, but knowing Flynn he probably think it's the most disgusting thing ever.

"More like what the hell just happened to Mr. Black?" says Eret. "What did you do, Jack?"

"He gave us more detention," Kristoff joined in, annoyed. "That's what he did."

"No," Jack argued after his laughing fit, "what I did was an act of kindness for you. You're welcome."

"And what exactly was it?" Anna asked before I could, eyes full of wonder.

Jack grins, mirroring the Cheshire Cat. "Let's just say, I put a little something in his drink that's going to have him shitting in the bathroom for a while."

My sister and Flynn burst into laughter, Eret and Kristoff cracked a smile, and I...well I was left disgusted actually. Not because of his morality, because honestly Mr. Black deserves it, but because that really is disgusting. "That's gross," I confess, shaking my head at Jack's ridiculous prank.

"Well it was either that or Viagra," he says, laughing some more, "and since I knew you and Anna would be present I figured I shouldn't curse your eyes with such a sight. That would be even more gross."

"Well, even if they weren't here I would hope you would have taken my eyesight into consideration," says Flynn, "or at least yours."

Jack shrugs nonchalantly. "Eh I've seen worse, and trust me, you don't want to know."

"No one wanted to know anyway," says Kristoff with the shake of his head.

Without skipping a beat, Eret asked: "So now what?"

"Now," Jack starts as he gets up from his seat and stretches. His shirt rises a little, exposing a little bit of his hips, and I couldn't help but blush and look away. I did not not need to see that. Even more, I do not need to be acting this way too. I shyly glance back at him as his sits down on top of the desk and rests his feet in the seat. He dug into his jean pocket and retrieved his phone. "We can do whatever we want until he comes back, which won't be for a while. And when he does, he'll only be here shortly. Because then-"

"He'll go right back to the stinker!" Anna finishes for him, giggling. "How did you even manage to-"

"Ah, ah, ah," Jack interrupts, waving his index finger back and forth in a playfully scolding manner. "The King of Mischief never reveals his secrets."

"Speaking of secrets," I boldly start, remembering my cousin and her worries. I look at Eret and Flynn, whose eyes were already on me, and say, "If you two don't mind me asking, how did your fight start earlier today? I know it's not my business, but I only ask for my cousin's sake. Rapunzel felt awful about it. She blames herself for it. She thinks she's the cause-"

"Wait, hold on," Flynn interrupts, "she thinks she's the reason why this asshole over here-" he points to Eret, "-snapped and attacked?"

Eret rolls his eyes. "You're making me sound like an animal."

"Well, that's what you sure acted like," Flynn argued then points to his wounded lip. "Look what you did to my lip, dude! It's unkissable now."

"And who the hell have you been kissing lately, hmm?" Asked Jack, mischiefly. "Your pillow?"

Flynn's jaw dropped and he looked betrayed. "What the hell man, you're supposed to be on my side here!"

Once again, Jack shrugs. "I'm not on anyone's side."

Flynn waves him off and turns his attention back to me. "Anyway," he sends Jack a sideways glare, "Tell Blondie that none of what happened was her fault. Okay, well really it kind of is since she snitched on me, but she wasn't the one who started the fight."

"Yeah," Eret took over, looking genuinely sincere. "She did nothing wrong. I attacked first because he pissed me off."

"Okay, but do you know what pisses me off more than that?" Flynn speaks up again. He gestures to Jack, Kristoff, Anna, and I. "Mr. Black giving you guys detention. Getting detention for being late is stupid. Usually, warnings are given first, but he just went straight to it. If I was there this morning I would have given that guy a piece of my mind."

"No, you wouldn't," says Kristoff, stating what was most likely a fact.

"It was only supposed to be me actually," Anna informed before Flynn could reply to Kristoff. "Elsa, Jack, and Kristoff came to my defense though, which I'm grateful for." Her eyes land on Kristoff, indirectly thanking him.

Kristoff must have thought the same because his lips curl into a small, but tight smile and he nods his head once in acknowledgement to her. Anna mirrors his smile, small and tight, awkward actually, like his too, but still a smile nonetheless. Perhaps this is the start of their friendship.

The intercom suddenly comes on before another word could be spoken and all heads look up to where it was located. " Mr. Black's detention kids ," says Principal North, " please report to the library. " He laughs before continuing. " It appears that Mr. Black has caught a stomach bug and will be in the bathroom for awhile. And yes, Jack, I have already told your mother about it. Expect a scolding when you get home. "

"Can I get more detention time instead?" Jack asked, loudly so his grandfather would hear him.

" No." Says his grandfather. " You have five minutes to get to the library. Dasvidaniya."

The intercom clicks off and all at once we get to our feet. As we made our way, Anna and I walked with linked arms that I hoped would become a daily think, and the boys bickered and shoved each other most of the time. Their bickering came to a stop and Anna and I dropped arms when we come across Principal North standing in front of the Library doors, looking firm as ever with his crossed arms.

North opens his mouth, but Jack cut him off before he could even get a word out. "Let me guess, we're going to be shelving books, right? Good. Best we get started then. By the way, you know darn well that my prank was funny." He walks over to his grandfather then, pats his back, and walks inside the library without another word.

Principal North sighs as he rubs his temples. "I swear that boy is something else." He puts his hand back down to its side and gestured to the room with his head. "Get in there and make sure he doesn't do anything. I'm counting on you. Mainly you, Elsa. No pressure."

The others look at me, and were probably amused at my red face. "Um…" I start, unsure of what to say. "Thank you?"

North chuckles before saying, "I would like to speak with you for a moment too please. If you don't mind."

That got my heart racing. What does he need to speak with me for? "No, I don't mind." I look at Anna, who looks just as lost as me and shrugs. She reluctantly follows the other boys into the room and looks back at me just before she passed through the door.

With them all in the room with Jack, it was now just me and Jack's grandfather in the hallway. I know that North is a nice guy, that the tough guy act is all just as I said, an act, but he sure does play it well. "What seems to be the problem, sir?" I asked.

"Well, as you know," he starts, his demeanor becoming less intimidating and more friendly, "when a student gets detention, suspended, or expelled, it goes on their permanent school record. Jack informed me earlier today what had happened this morning that had caused yours and your sister's detention time. I just wanted you to know that I tried to talk with Mr. Black about it, to reason with him, but the blasted man was very insistent. I went ahead and allowed it so he wouldn't think I was putting favoritism out there, but I just wanted to personally let you know that I will not be putting your detention time on your record."

"Wait, what?" I asked, incredulously. "Why? Won't that get you in trouble if someone finds out?"

North smiles. "Why do you think I asked to talk only to you? From what I have seen, your sister is a loud one. I'd appreciate it if you didn't say anything to her or anyone else because I'd like to be there on stage with Jack when he, hopefully, graduates. However, if you do say something to someone I won't really care. And if word does get out and I get fired, I still won't care. My dear, I should already be retired. I'm not trying to get fired, but I won't lie. I want to get fired. I've wanted to leave for years once I hit retirement age, but stayed for Jack's time here. And if I end up getting fired before graduation, then so be it. I will not complain, and I'm sure Jack wouldn't either. One way or another, I'll still find a way to embarrass him on graduation."

I cracked a smile at the thought. "Well," I start, feeling more comfortable with him, "Seeing you both on stage is a sight I'd really like to see, and it'd be easier for you to embarrass him, so I suppose I can keep this a secret." I'm already harbouring one from my sister, what's the harm in another? Especially one that is 100 times not as serious.

North chuckles and gently pats my shoulder. "Alrighty then. Have fun in there, but not too much fun okay? Detention is supposed to be punishment."

I laugh a little and head for the doors. When my hand touched the door handle, North's stop me again. "Oh and Elsa?"

I turn my head back and say, "Yeah?"

"It was Jack's idea for me not to have your detention time be put on yours and your sister's record," he said, his smile wider than before. "He practically begged me. I told him I would on one condition. When you get in there, ask him about it. I'm sure it'll make you laugh." He winks at me then and turns around to walk back to his office, whistling along the way.

I stayed where I was, hand still on the door handle as I watched Principal North walk away. My attention, however, was not on his walking form, but was instead focusing on the words he had said. It was Jack's idea to keep Anna's and mine's school record clean? That...that was sweet of him. Why did he do it though? And what was the condition?

Without another thought, I take a deep breath and open the library doors.

Anna, to my surprise, was helping Kristoff. I would have expected her to work with Jack, but perhaps she's finally going to clear all the negativity between them. I hope so. It's either that or she's just wanting to start a fight again. Flynn and Eret are working together on a cart too, another surprise. After what happened during lunch, I had thought they wouldn't speak to each other for days. But as of right now, they both seem deeply involved in a serious and hushed conversation. Very civil, which is the opposite of what they were a few hours ago.

And finally, the person I was searching for was found in the fantasy section not doing any work at all. Jack was sitting on the floor, knees bent toward his chest while his back leaned against the shelf, and in his hands was my ultimate favorite book.

The Snow Queen.

"That's my favorite," I say, softly so I wouldn't startle him.

Jack looks up at me then and smiles. "Really? I've never read it before. I only started looking at it because the Queen on the cover reminded me of you."

"Ah, so you think I'm cold hearted and evil, huh?" I teased as I go to sit with him on the floor.

Jack chuckles and closes the book when I sat next to him. I made sure to keep space between us and was reminded of when we sat outside at Eret's party just a mere few days ago. Was that really not even a week ago? So much has seemed to change. I mean on this day, seven days ago, I barely spoke a word to Jack, and now here I am, sitting with him on the floor as if it's something I've been doing for years. Things between us have been cleared and I'm still so bugged out that it hadn't have been done sooner.

"You? Cold hearted and evil? Never," Jack says, "I mean, Anna might have thought so, but I don't think she does anymore." He winked at me, his way of telling me that he's teasing, and I smile.

"Let's not talk about her though," he went on, and leaned forward to set the book on top of the cart that was parked directly in front of us. After he sets the book away, he settles back against the shelf, and says, "I do believe we have a bucket list to discuss."

"We do," I say before digging into my pocket to retrieve it. "I haven't looked at it yet since you gave it to me this morning. I wanted to look over it with you whether that be in person or over the phone. Going over it in detention wasn't what I had in mind, but...it still works and I'll take it."

Jack places a hand over his heart and displays a very exaggerated touched face. "Aww, Snowflake, you're so kind."

I roll my eyes. "Perhaps I shouldn't have said that. Now you're ego is fed."

Jack chuckles. "Just shut up and unfold the damn paper. The anticipation is killing me. You're going to love the new ones I added."

"Oh I'm sooooo sure I will," I say, sarcastically. Without another word, I did as he said, and started to read.

Go to fair and do/try everything there. Go to Halloween Party. Drink Corona Beer. Watch classic movies of Jack's choosing. Visit all of Europe. Get a pet. Get license and car. Go to Litwak's arcade. Go to Snuggling Duckling restaurant. Get an acting role in Mrs. Robinson's upcoming play if she has one this year. Write a song. Write a book. Try skating again. Wear a revealing outfit. Go on a date with Jack. Get kissed by Jack. Make Jack your boyfriend. Get married to Jack. Have children with Jack. Grow old with Jack.

"What…" I start, bewildered at the last few, "...the hell is this?" I look at Jack, confused, and the idiot instantly cracks up.

"It's your bucket list," he said, amused, smiling like a bobcat. "That's what it is."

I breathed a laugh and folded the paper back up. "The last few sound like they're part of your bucket list. Also is this your way of proposing?"

"Only if you say yes."

"But my answer is no."

"Then it is not a proposal," Jack said, very matter of factly. He then gets to his feet and extends his hand out for me to take.

I take it without question and get to my feet too with his help. When we were both standing, he heads towards the front of the cart, filled with a ton of books that need to be returned, and says, "You gotta admit, a lot of it looks fun. I'm especially looking forward to the Fair and Halloween. They're during the same week, which is also Fall Break. It's literally the best time of the year."

"Even more so than Christmas?" I ask as I look over the books.

Jack didn't respond right away, but when he does, his response made me feel so bad. "Eh...Christmas hasn't really been the same since my dad died. I don't hate it. I just tolerate it, I guess."

"Oh Jack," I breathed, hating myself. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"

"Bring up Christmas?" Jack, interrupts, chuckling. "I hate to break it to you, but it's approaching soon. I'm going to be seeing it everywhere. My own grandfather is Burgess's very own Santa Clause who I see everyday. He doesn't say sorry. Elsa, it's really okay. I'm okay. Okay? So you gotta promise me right now that you're not going to constantly give me looks of pity throughout the holiday season, alright?"

"Alright."

"Say it."

"I promise I won't give you looks of pity throughout the holiday season."

"Also, speaking of Christmas," he cuts himself off by chuckling again, "you so owe me one."

"Pardon?" That's when it suddenly clicked. He must be talking about the condition North mentioned earlier. "Wait, North said that you did something to ensure that mine and Anna's school records were clear of any detention labels. Is that what you mean by me owing you? Jack, what condition did you agree to?"

The smirk on Jack's face didn't falter as he made his way to me. I tense a little, but stayed where I stood. There's no reason for me to back away as if I'm afraid of him. I'm not. I trust him. The only one I'm actually afraid of is Mr. Black. I wonder if he's still in the bathroom?

Jack and I stood face to face, with only a few inches keeping us apart. I found it hard to look into his eyes, but I also found it difficult to look away. "That," he says, lowly, either so no one could hear in case we were being spied on, or so he could be extra dramatic, "is for me to know and for you to find out later. Now," he whirled around and went back to his spot, "Let's get this over with before I fall asleep. Libraries make me extra sleepy."

And so, we started on our job.

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Anna's POV

I immediately got to work as soon as I walked into the library. The books that needed to be shelved were piled onto three large carts, bottom and top. Flynn and Eret took one to share, which surprised me since they literally got into one major fight earlier today and now they're working together. What's up with that? Boys are weird. Jack took a cart for himself, and the last cart was being shared by Kristoff and I.

He had the cart before I did, and since I knew Elsa would want to pair with Jack since she knows him a tad better than Kristoff, I decided to woman-up and pair myself with him. Plus, I want to know what the heck he was talking to my sister about earlier. However, that's a conversation I need to wait just a little bit longer to begin. I don't want to start bickering with him right now. That's the whole reason why we're here to begin with. I'll start it once we're halfway done with our task.

When I had made it to him, I stood on the other side of the cart, keeping it between us as I picked random books to put away. He had noticed me, I know he did because I had felt his gaze on me, and I saw him through the corner of my eye looking at me. Still, he had said nothing as I helped him. He was probably afraid that if he spoke I would go off. If so, he's very wise to think that. He stayed silent as he did his task, and I did the same for the next minute or so. It was...odd. This was the first time ever where we were remained silent while being in the other's presence.

It almost makes me want to not say anything at all and just relish in the silence between us. Almost. The awkwardness had built up and so did my curiosity, making our silence unbearable for me. "So…" I start, trying to sound friendly so the silence would be no more, "what were you and my sister talking about earlier?" I snuck a glance at him just in time to see him shrug.

"We apologized for our bad first impressions at Friday's game and about you," he answered, seemingly honest, as he put a book on its rightful shelf. He seemed awfully focused, as though he was trying his hardest not to look at me. Perhaps he really is.

"And what about me was said?" I asked as I grabbed another book, trying not to look at him either. I scanned the shelf to find its spot, awaiting his answer, but instead I'm given silence. I look over at him, only to find him gone, and gasp in shock when I noticed him right behind me. I whirl around, my back hitting against the shelf, making it rock a lot, and clutch the book tightly in my hand as I rested it against my chest.

The breath left my body so suddenly that I was unable to ask him what he was doing. "Carrots," he said, taking me even more off guard.

"W-What?" I stammered, feeling very...hot. I may not like Kristoff all that much, but I'm not blind. I'm a girl who knows an attractive male when I see him, and Kristoff, as much as I hate to admit it, is very very attractive. Especially up close. Real close. There's got to be only an inch of space separating us, which is not making me cool down at all. I think I'm sweating actually. Someone must have turned on the heater because there's no way it's myself.

"Behind you," Kristoff went on. He lifted up his right hand, which was holding a carrot recipe cookbook. "It goes on the shelf right beside your head. Just...stay still." He leans forward, stretches out his arm to the side of my head, and puts the book where it belonged.

I look away, feeling the most awkward I have ever been with him, and knew that if I made eye contact it would make my current situation even worse. However, that did not stop the chills that erupted all over my body when the skin of his wrist lightly brushed against my ear. I tilt my head away to further the distance between my head and his arm, but deep within me I knew my nerves liked the feeling that they had just felt.

That is...until my nose detected his body odor. Dear God, he smells so bad. How was I not able to smell him earlier? Doesn't he own deodorant or cologne? Now I definitely can't breathe.

Luckily, he gives me my space back a second later. Any longer and I would have passed out, not directly because of his deadly odor, but because of me suffocating myself so I wouldn't have to smell it. "You could have just asked me to move," I quickly say as I watch him head back to his side of the cart, acting as though he literally did not just invade my personal space.

Kristoff shrugs, unphased, but he seemed a bit...flushed. Maybe the heater is on after all. "You would have probably tripped since you're so clumsy. I did us both a favor."

"I did us both a favor," I mimicked under my breath, very childishly. I went back to my task then, which was a bit difficult since I couldn't focus at all, but I eventually find the spot. I put the book in my hand where it belonged on the shelf and when I go to pick another one from the cart, my eyes land on a very popular (and old) book that I absolutely adore.

"Oh my god," I say as I quickly reach for it. I held it gently in both hands and stare down at the elegant words with hearts and stars in my eyes. "I love this book. I know all of Juliet's parts." I wasn't really trying to converse with Kristoff, I knew he didn't care either, but I just had to voice my opinion. Besides, it's better than silence.

Kristoff, who was at the very end of the aisle with multiple books in his arms, tips his head back and groans loudly "Please tell me that's not Romeo and Juliet."

I gasp, pretending to be shocked when really I wasn't. Of course he wouldn't like the most romantic story of all time. "Is that judgey disgust I hear in your voice?"

"Isn't that all you hear from me?" Kristoff remarked, smirking a little.

My lips curl into a smile. "Touche, but seriously," I twirl the book around so he could see the cover and walk toward him. "How can you not love this classic? Shakespeare would kill you if he could see your disgust for it."

He laughs and continues on with our chore. "What would he kill me with? His words?"

"Hey, don't underestimate the power of words," I warn him, seriously. "They can hurt." I open the book and start flipping through the pages to my favorite part, aware of Kristoff's silence, but not paying too much attention to it. And just as I found my favorite part and was about to read it, Kristoff's voice cuts my concentration off.

"Speaking of words hurting...Did anyone say anything mean to you today?" He asked, sounding genuinely worried. "About your sudden engagement? Like Chloe Bourgeois? She can be a real bitch."

"No one said anything except for you this morning," I reminded him then gestured to our surroundings. "It's why we're here to begin with. And to answer your question, she seemed nice during lunch. I sat with her and the rest of Hans's friends today."

"I know," Kristoff says, nonchalantly, as if him watching me is something he does on the daily. Oh my god...does he? "I saw you with them earlier today. That's why I felt I should ask. Also, if she seemed nice it's probably because Hans forced her too. Then again she does what she wants regardless, so if she was nice it's because she's waiting for you to trust her before she strikes you down. Be careful around her."

I would have said that he can't judge her so harshly, but considering that he knows her more than I do, I let it slide. "I'll keep that noted." I close the book, knowing that if I started reading it I'd become distracted, which would lead Kristoff to do all the work and end up complaining. And not wanting to feel bad for being lazy and hearing him whine, I went back to work.

Unfortunately, it belonged on the very top shelf. "Hey," I say to Kristoff as I kept my eyes on the top shelf, glaring at it for being so freaking high. "Is there a latter or something I can use?"

Something gently bumps into my hip a second later and when I look over I see that it's the cart. "It's attached to the cart where I'm at." Kristoff says and proves it by stepping on the first step, lifting himself up off the ground and towering above me even more. On just the first step!

"Oooohh! My turn!" I go to his side, gently shove him out of the way, which was easy since he moved willingly, and pushed the cart forward a little to where I need it to be. I stepped on the latter, getting to the second step, but pause in putting the book away to say to the blonde below me, "You really should read this book. It's really good."

"I did read it," Kristoff says, answering me right away. "I read it last year when I was a Freshman. Every 9th grader in every English class had to read it. We even watched the movie with Zac Efron's doppelganger." He no longer held any books nor did he bother to get some more from our cart. Instead, he was leaning against the shelf, watching me. Not in a creepy way, but in a more...cautious way. Does he think I'm going to get hurt? Ha, I'm not that clumsy.

I gasped in astonishment. "Oh my god, really?! That's my favorite movie adaptation of it. Ugh I wish I was there for that. I would have had a blast in English."

Kristoff shrugs and gives a meh face. "The majority of us did not feel that way, me especially."

"That's because you know nothing about love," I retort, looking down at him smugly, deliberately getting him riled up again. The book was still in my hands, it's spot on the shelf not even an arm length's away, but I kept hold of it as I talked to Kristoff. I find that it's much easier and way more amusing talking to him when I'm taller. Is this how all tall people see the world? It's beautiful.

Kristoff rolls his eyes. "Is that what you think?"

"Duh! It's what I know. I mean, seriously Kristoff, enlighten me. What do you know about love?"

And once again, he answers me without skipping a beat. "I know more than you."

Weird...Elsa and I had said the same things to each other. I shook the memory of our fight away before guilt could consume me and said, "Look you've got opinions on my life and my relations, but let me tell you what."

"Okay," Kristoff says, giving me a chance, and smirking like Jack does. " Enlighten me." Copycat. I just said that.

I put the book under my armpit and pointed my index finger up towards the ceiling in a philosophical manner. "Love is the one thing that has zero complications and I can trust my gut."

Kristoff quickly interrupts. "Okay, you frighten me."

"Some people know their hearts the minute true love starts," I continue, feeling giddy at my rhymes.

Kristoff points to the book under my armpit and says, "Some people read a lot of books."

"I like books!" I defend. "Some people simply know when true love says 'Hello'-"

"Some folks are taken in by locks of red and princely looks!"

"He does have princely looks, doesn't he? We agree on that one!" I giggle at his defeated look.

"All I'm sayin'," he went on, trying his hardest to really convince me, "is when you go to climb a mountain you don't just jump to the top-"

"If it's true love you can!"

"There's scaling and scrambling," he went on, "and too many steps for counting, and the work doesn't stop-"

"Maybe for you."

"Love's not an easy climb. You have to take your time!"

"We get a whole life, that's the plan."

"That's not a plan. Love's not a thing you get. It's work and tears and sweat."

"So says a sweaty, smelly mountain man! I mean, have you ever kissed a girl? A human girl."

"Uhhhh…."

"I thought so."

"Why am I even having this conversation with you? Just put the book away and get down."

I grin triumphantly and stuck my tongue out at him in victory. I put the book back where it belonged and smiled at the memories it brought me. Growing up without Elsa, one of the many things I had to keep me company was books, especially Shakespeare. I've read every single one of his works. It was hard, I'm pretty sure I interpreted a lot of his writings wrong, but that's what made it so great. It's what made me reread the same stories over and over again. The mystery and elegance of it all.

"Okay," I start as I begin to step down, "So now-whoa!" I misplaced my footing and was heading facefirst towards the ground. Instinctively, I squeezed my eyes tightly shut, expecting impact and pain, but they slowly flutter open in confusion when that never came and when I felt a pair of strong arms wrap themselves around me.

"You okay there?" Kristoff asked, our faces closer than what they were earlier.

My face was flushed when I realized he was holding me bridal style, a position I thought Hans would eventually do first before any other guy and here Kristoff is taking his role. Of all guys, it just had to be the one who gets me riled up the most. I won't lie though, it's rather...nice being in his arms. "Y-Yeah. Your um... catch was quite a save," I say once I found my breath and the words. "Thank you." I suddenly felt a little shy.

"You're welcome." Kristoff said, and to be smug he added: "I told you that you're clumsy. Believe me now?"

"Oh shush," I flick his nose, which startled him, causing me to giggle, and hop out of his arms before my face could get any redder. Someone needs to seriously fix the heater. "Geez, that was like a crazy trust exercise. Anyway," I pick up another book from the cart and hand it to him to distract myself over what just happened. "Let's get this over with, shall we?"

"That's what I've been trying to do."

"Once again, SHUSH!"

"One more thing though," he declared, catching my interest.

"What?" I ask, intrigued.

There was no judgement in his eyes when he said his next three words. Only true, honest worry. "Just...be careful." I open my mouth to speak, but he continued. "And I don't just mean with your reckless clumsiness or with Chloe." I thought he was going to tell me what he meant, even though I already knew, but he doesn't, most likely knowing that I was already well aware, and without another word he went back to work.

I didn't know how to respond because I was too taken aback at his sincerity, so I didn't. I remained silent and continued with my task too, smiling all the while because...wow. He really is nice after all.