Hello dear readers! I am very sorry for this super long wait, I am trash. I was dealing with some big changes and just never got around to writing. I want to apologize to all of you, and to my partner for the wait.

Chapter Twenty Two: Past is in the Past/A New Beginning (Part 2)

I crack my eyes open to sunlight streaming through the curtains in our bedroom. I stretch and roll over with a lazy smile on my face, leaning in to smell Anna's pillow. It's a day off for me luckily, but there is one thing I know I have to do, something I want to do.

I clamber my way out of bed with my phone in hand to the kitchen. There's the note Anna left me, with the time she will take her break and a mention of see you later. I take a shaky breath.

Heading into the bathroom for a shower, I remember our conversation last night before things got heated. They were here in town, working with my Anna. The brothers I thought I had lost forever were here. Alive and well… I take a deep steadying breath before turning on the water to wash myself off.

As excited as I am to see them after so long, I can't stop the fear rising in me as well. I mean, would they remember me? Will I have an attack? What's going to happen to us once we reunite? My hands are shaking as I try to rinse the shampoo out of my hair. I end up leaning my forehead against the cool tile, the soothing feeling it allows is good enough for now.

Finishing up my shower I rush out to get dressed, taking my time to pick out something comfortable. I know I will need every bit of reassurance I need, and I put on my favorite blue coat. I remember the first date Anna and I went on, and how she looked wrapped up in the same coat. One thought of her smiling face has me calmed enough to start heading over to her work. Before I leave our apartment though, I pick up a picture frame that shows the two of us hand-in-hand in a park and give it a soft kiss. It's time.

The sign of the building looms over me as I pause outside of the doors. The Mud House, a fitting name for their business. From what I remember of Olaf and Marshall, they always did love to play outside. They always seemed to drag me along and after we tired ourselves out from playing tag and soccer, we'd go inside covered in mud and our Mom… their Mom, would sigh and roll her eyes with a smile on her face while guiding us to take baths and get cleaned up.

I move aside to collect myself, and a few strangers graciously move around me to go inside the shop without shooting me curious glances. This small favor is helping me keep my anxiety manageable.

'I can do this, I know I can. Anna knows you can. She'll be right there with you…'

I push the door open and slowly walk inside, waiting until the more recent customers are helped and the counter is clear. My legs want to shake and my hands clench and unclench with the nervous tension coursing through me. I look at my watch, I'm right on time for Anna's break.

I hear the sweet laughter of my Anna drift through the room and a smile works onto my face. I can do this.

I walk up to the counter and a tall broad man comes over to take my order. His brow furrows for a moment as he looks at me. My eyes glance at his nametag, sure enough it says Marshall. I look back at his face and a small smile appears on mine. He starts to smile back.

"Hello and welcome to the Mud House. What can I get for you today?" My goodness how much he's changed, how much he's grown. He's at least a whole head taller than me now, but he has those same gentle eyes. I was always at least an inch taller than him, and we'd both tower over little Olaf. But now…

"Hello Marshall. I… I'll have a hot chocolate." Saying his name feels foreign and familiar all at once.

He pauses from writing the order on an empty cup and looks up intently, his face near unreadable. "Your name, miss?"

"E-Elsa." A huge smile breaks out onto his face, lighting his eyes up. Some things never change.

I feel my eyes start to tear up and his have taken on a watery look as well. He sets the cup down and leans in to whisper to me, "It's good to see you again, sis." I grab his hand and let the tears fall down my face. He reaches across the counter to pull me into a gentle hug.

I hear a shocked gasp over to my right and crane my head to see Anna, smile shining bright and hands clasped together in joy. Next to her I see another man, with those same eyes looking at me and Marshall. His head barely makes it past Anna's shoulder, but his short stature doesn't stop him from racing around the counter to stop at my side.

Marshall has pulled back and his hands squeeze my shoulders before Olaf grips my arms while staring at me in disbelief. "Elsa?" I nod and he pulls me down into a crushing hug. I feel tears on my shoulder and hold him tighter, more tears flowing down my face as well. I look up to see Marshall watching us, Anna next to him rubbing his shoulder. The pride and joy I see in her eyes has to be the best thing right next to having my brothers back.

As we pull away both Olaf and I wipe our tears away while chuckling together. It truly feels like almost nothing has changed between us, just a bit of growing up for each of us.

Since there are currently no customers waiting to order, just some sitting at tables with books in the corner, we move to a table close to the counter. Anna scoots over next to me and holds my hand in her lap. I lean against her and she gives me a peck on the cheek.

"Well Olaf, to answer your question… this is my secret." He chuckles and Marshall and I share a mildly confused glance. A comfortable air surrounds us as we take some time to talk a bit and get a quick catch up on each other's lives.

After little while and a handful of customers coming in for their coffee fix, Anna and I leave together hand-in-hand. We made the promise to finding a time to get together to fully catch up with my brothers.

"Elsa, I am so proud of you." I blush and stop her to give her a soft loving kiss.

"I couldn't have done this without you Anna. I love you so much." She whispers her love back to me and we head back to our home to celebrate this success on our own.