This chapter is coming out later than I hoped, but anyway... ENJOY!

Chapter 4- Aftermath

A week later

Elsa stepped outside the courtroom, her face lit up in a bright smile. The trial had gone exactly as she hoped for. Hans and Gaston had been charged with five years in prison for assault with a weapon and one and half years for attempted rape, while Le Fou was charged with four years of prison for assault and one and half years for attempted rape. Astrid was with her to produce her witness statement as well. Finally, Elsa could move on past this. She still bore the bruises, the stitched cut was days before it could be fully healed and her chest was covered with a plaster to let the cracked rib mend, but she didn't mind now. All she cared about was that the criminals who did this to her were being punished and wouldn't be able to do the same thing they did to her to any other woman. She found peace with the fact that they were going to be behind bars and was hopeful that others guys like them around campus would get the message. She was also thankful that, at least through this incident, Anna could see Hans for who he truly was without any cost of her getting hurt.

Anna and her grandma came towards her, pulling her into a group hug. "I'm so happy for you, El!" Anna squealed, jumping on one spot.

"And we are proud of the way you handled yourself in there," her grandma added, holding her face. "Don't let this stop you from speaking the truth or standing up for yourself. In the end, it's the wrongdoers who end up in jeopardy, even if we end up with a few sacrifices." She smiled through teary eyes. "It's all worth it because you inspired other women and girls to speak against them as well."

Elsa nodded. After people around the school heard about her trial, five girls stepped up to speak against the three with accusations of molesting, blackmailing and abuse at court today. It strengthened the case strongly and increased their sentences.

Merida and Astrid joined their huddle. "We're going to celebrate!" Astrid cheered, putting an arm around Elsa's shoulders. "What do you say? Court room outfits are okay for brunch."

Elsa giggled. "Yeah, brunch sounds good."

...

"Oh my Gosh, I can't believe she's back!"

"I thought she would've left the country by now!"

"Isn't she supposed to be in bed rest?"

"Does she actually think she can do uni after an attack?"

Elsa clutched her books to herself, ignoring the whispers in the hallways as she walked past the other students. It was two days after the trial and she decided to go back to college, despite everyone around her saying not to. She knew things would be different now since she was a victim but when people looked at her the way they did and spoke about her the way they spoke, it hurt. She quietly headed to the café in the main building and waited for her order. Even the barista acted weird around her. She rolled her eyes, wishing she could scream to everyone to mind their own business and be normal. Her check up last night with the doctor showed that her bruises were almost disappearing while her cut still needed attention and more time to heal. A new cast was tied around her chest for her broken rib, which was hurting less than it did the week before, but she still wasn't allowed to carry heavy items, do any sports or be involved in tiring activities. Elsa was looking forward to being on the track again, but it seemed as though she had to wait another month to do so. Another thing she was asked to do was wear loose clothes around her torso, which was why she was dressed in an oversized mauve t-shirt with a pair of black leggings. Missing a week of college was a worry for her but she had help with a few classes which her friends took as well.

Drumming her fingers against the counter, she impatiently watched the barista make her coffee. Handing the mug to her, he gave a sympathetic smile and Elsa wished she could punch it out of his face. Flicking her ponytail away from her shoulder, she settled at a table. She took a sip and looked around, beaming to see Hiccup and Astrid at the entrance, looking into his phone. Elsa didn't believe much in love or relationships, but her views were always changed she saw them. They were best friends who were in love, which made their bond even more special. Anna had told her that they were together since they were juniors in high school but their relationship never wore off or they never grew bored of each other, but their love only strengthened with time which was evident to Elsa whenever she saw them.

Astrid joined her at her table while Hiccup headed to the counter to wait for their order. "Anna told me you were coming, but I didn't believe her," she said, pulling her chair forward.

"I was missing out a lot of work," Elsa began, "and it was frustrating being cooped in the house. I'm okay now, anyway." She leaned forward. "So, I heard Flynn finally asked Rapunzel out."

Astrid grinned as she took a mug of coffee from Hiccup who sat beside her. "And it was about time. The tension between them was (way too much for the rest of us to handle. It's so obvious that they like each other."

"What does Jack think about it?" Elsa blurted, without thinking as it came spilling out of her mouth, surprising her as much as it surprised Astrid and Hiccup.

Hiccup coughed. "He's way past that. In fact, he continuously pushed Flynn to ask her out after he found out that he liked her." He smiled at Elsa. "Why do you ask?"

Elsa blushed. "I knew they dated, so it could be difficult to see your ex with someone else."

Astrid shook her head. "Jack and Rapunzel never actually clicked romantically, you know? It's like they went out under pressure from the people around them who would couple them or teased about their cuteness together." She gestured to herself and Hiccup. "Believe us; we were there. Everyone in school rooted for them to end up together, but Jack was miserable through the entire thing, but he never spoke against it. He never hurt Punzie or treated her bad. It was after a few months of hell for both them that she suggested they break up."

Elsa's eyes widened. "She suggested it? I thought it was mutual."

"I guess you can call it 'mutual', since they were both on the same page," Hiccup pointed out, which Elsa hardly heard as his mouth was full of his muffin.

"What about the other girl?" Elsa pushed herself to ask.

"Jack's first girlfriend?" Astrid asked. "Vanessa? Oh, Jack really liked her. Like from middle school, probably. She led him on for a long time, and we pretty much hated her." Her face scrunched up in disgust. "She used his crush on her to make him do her work, carry her stuff, clean her locker! Eventually when we first stepped in high school, she agreed to go out with him once she realised Jack was becoming an item among the other girls. We told him that she's just using him to become more popular but he was too smitten to understand."

"What happened to them?" Elsa pushed, quite confident of what the answer would be.

"She cheated on him. With three different guys during their one-month relationship. After they broke up, she changed schools a few months later," Astrid said sadly. "Gosh, Jack was devastated. He wouldn't eat and his focus in school went downhill. Eventually, with time, he got over it, but after a lot of healing."

Elsa bit her lip, guilt swallowing her as she had misjudged him. "That's awful."

Hiccup dabbed his mouth with his napkin. "It's so unfortunate because Jack is a super nice guy, but the circumstances that he had to overcome ever since he was a kid is just terrible."

Elsa narrowed her eyes. "Since he was a kid?"

Astrid and Hiccup exchanged glances, as though he had said too much. "Umm yeah, as a-a kid in, umm, high school," Astrid quickly covered, and though it did not convince Elsa, she didn't push any further.

After finishing her coffee, she dragged herself with them to their Psychology class. While Hiccup and Astrid chose to sit behind, Elsa took a seat at the front beside Merida, who greeted her with a light hug. "How are you feeling?"

"So far, so good," said Elsa, placing her books on the table. "Thankfully I have only two classes today."

"If you're too tired or if somethings bothering you, just let me know," Merida offered. Silence grew over the class as Professor Sweet walked in, seating himself at his desk. Elsa glanced around; Jack wasn't still at class.

"Ms Winters, it's good to have you back," Professor Sweet welcomed, attracting the attention of all eyes in the room upon her. She, with a red face, smiled at the professor, who returned it and then began with his class. It took a while for Elsa to catch up but with Merida's aid, she was soon back on track. As she scribbled her notes and listened to the professor with attention, she was more liberated and happy than being locked in bed rest at home. She had a goal in her mind; nothing was going to stop her from it, even a stab in her stomach. Her chest slightly hurt when she wrote, considering she was left-handed, but that didn't stop her. Nine years in boarding school taught her to hide her pain well, both emotionally and physically.

It was about thirty minutes well into the class when a hustle at the doorway made everyone turn their heads. "Sorry, I'm late," Jack panted in a raspy voice.

Professor Sweet crossed his arms. "Mr Frost, do you realise the time? What is your excuse for being this late?"

"Umm, traffic," he quickly stated. The professor shook his head disapprovingly and waved him in. Jack stepped in, and with a quick smile at Elsa, he made his way behind. Elsa fought the urge to turn and look at him again. During the past week, Jack had visited everyday, with food or the homework she missed. He would talk to her, eat with her and they even watched a movie together. In those of days of darkness, he was there to comfort her, trying almost anything to get her mind off of that horrible day. Sometimes she had nightmares about it or worse than what happened, but with the help of some anxiety medicine given by the doctor and the continued comfort provided by her family and her new friends, she was getting over it.

Professor Sweet gave them an exercise to complete while he sat at his computer, preparing some notes. Elsa busily wrote on her book, her eyes narrowed in perfect concentration, when she felt something hit her on her shoulder. A small, crumbled paper ball landed on her desk. She opened it with annoyance. I didn't know you could look this great wearing PJs to college! – J.

She tossed the ball down, not giving Jack the privilege of a turn or a glance. She recomposed herself and took her pen to begin her work again, when another ball of paper hit her head. Gritting her teeth, she opened it. Wow, COLD :(

Elsa rolled her eyes at Jack's old-school attempts to grab her attention, though there was a slight tingling sensation within her. To play along, she held her hand up, showing a thumbs up, still not turning to him. She could hear his snicker along with Hiccup's, causing her to smile to herself.

"Jackson, you were late and now laughing in class as well," Professor Sweet called out, hearing Jack. "Why aren't you doing the work I gave you?"

"I'm already done," Jack said casually. "You can see it if you want."

Professor Sweet was forced to shake his head at Jack's cockiness. "Okay, but please don't disturb the others."

Once everyone was done with the exercise, the Professor continued his lesson until the time came to dismiss the class. Elsa and Merida exited the class together, walking down the crowded hallway. She had fifteen minutes till her next class so she decided to grab some breakfast with her friend.

"ELSA!" Jack called out, hopping along to her side. "Why are you ignoring me?"

She let out a sigh, a slight shiver running down her spine as Jack's hand brushed against hers. "We were in a class and you were distracting me from my work."

"Paper balls? Really, Jack?" Merida said teasingly with a laugh. "It's not the 90's!"

"It thought it was cute!" Astrid chimed in, as she and Hiccup joined them from behind.

"Sweet almost had you, bud," Hiccup stated, holding Jack's shoulder.

"Yeah," Jack said, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "I can't believe he bought what I said! What if he had actually checked if I had completed it?"

Elsa stopped in her tracks. "So, you didn't finish it? You lied?!"

Jack grinned, shrugging her comment off.

"I still can't believe Sweet believed you," Astrid remarked, linking her arm around Hiccup's.

"It's the way you present it," he stated, "with confidence."

"Why were you late, bud?" Hiccup asked and Elsa noticed the playful smirk on Jack's face disappear.

"Umm, like I said, the traffic," he covered, and glanced at his watch. "I'd better get to class. See you, guys." He jogged away and Elsa couldn't help but feel as though he was hiding something.

...

Jack plunged himself into the water, kicking his legs to move forward. It was the end of the day, but Jack didn't want to go home. He felt the cool water brushing past him, sweeping away his worries. He opted to spend the evening at the pool, and even thought practices were over, he stayed longer, the events of the morning preventing him from any desire to return home. He lifted his head above the water, gasping for air.

"I thought I'd find you here," he heard a familiar voice say, making him turn his head in it's direction and he smiled to see Hiccup standing by the pool. He slowly pushed himself to the edge and staggered out. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"I didn't see you after college so I went looking for you," Hiccup said, handing Jack his towel. "You didn't come for lunch either."

Jack removed his goggles and tossed them into his bag. "I knew you'd see through."

"Is everything okay at home?" Hiccup asked, sitting down at the bleachers.

Jack joined him. "I was late in the morning today and my dad didn't like that, of course, and when I tried to explain why I was late, he shoved me and I fell on the coffee table."

Hiccup's eyes grew in shock and disgust. "Dude, that's messed-"

"That's not the part that upset me," Jack quickly added. "When he did it, Mum came in between us as to stop him from doing anything more, and he...," he paused to regain his composure, "he slapped her."

Running his hand through his hair and with shock written over his face, Hiccup shook his head. "You have to report this, bud. This is domestic violence. And this isn't the first time he's hurt you or your mum. "

Jack shrugged. "Dude, I can't do anything about this because he pays for everything and Mum doesn't want Pippa to grow without a father."

"But he isn't acting like a father! You've always been the father figure in Pippa's life," Hiccup asserted. "At least push your mother to get a divorce if she is scared about the finances; he would still have to pay his share of child support."

"My plan is to move out," Jack spoke up, avoiding Hiccup's eyes. "Mum gets into trouble because of me. If I leave, she and Pippa will be okay."

"Jack, they're not safe there without you," Hiccup pressed. "You really need think about this, bud."

"Yeah, I'll think about it," Jack said, drying his hair with a towel. "This has to be between us, okay? You don't go reporting it, either."

"I trust your decisions, but you need to think greatly about this," Hiccup said sternly. "This is abuse! You need to take action. Jack, remember as a kid you would be bruised or have a back eye, but you'd say it was because of a fight and you fell? Jack, your dad was violent even then. You were the happiest when he was deployed somewhere. Now, you're a man. Take things into your hand and talk to your mum and come up with a proper solution."

Jack nodded. "I will."

...

One month later

Elsa winced as she felt the cast pull on her skin when it was being removed steadily by Dr Cooper. The older woman smiled at Elsa's reaction and did a 'ta-da!' when it finally came off, discarding the plaster. "Does that feel better?"

"Much better," Elsa remarked, as she lay on the examining bed. Finally the bound around her chest was removed since her broken rib was now fixed. Days of difficulty in sleeping, taking a wash or doing any menial tasks were over, thanks to its riddance.

"You're scar is going to be there for a while," Dr Cooper said, her hand over the mark of the stitched cut on her stomach, which was just a visible brown line after healing. "You can apply some bio-oil if you want to quicken the process."

"I'm fine," Elsa told her, sitting up straight as the doctor removed her gloves, indicating that the check up was over.

"Maybe you should, El," Anna spoke up from her chair at the doctors desk. Elsa grinned at her sister's insistence. Anna was with her at every check up, whether she was busy or not. Elsa joined her sister while Dr Cooper sat at her leather chair, looking at Elsa's reports. "So, can I start track again? And exercise?"

"I'd advise you to take another week of rest," Dr Cooper replied. "But I think it's fine, as long as you don't over do yourself." She gave her a prescription paper. "I've written some medicine for you for one more week. You'll be perfect by the next week."

The sisters stood up to leave and Elsa gave a hug to the doctor before exiting from the room. They bought the drugs she had prescribed from the drugstore downstairs and then headed to the parking lot to find their car.

"Anna, there's somewhere I need to take you," Elsa spoke up as they settled in their seats, catching her sister by surprise. "Can I enter the address in the GPS?"

Anna nodded and drove along to the instructions of the lady on the GPS, heading in the direction of the place Elsa typed in. They soon found themselves in an upper-middle class neighbourhood, beautiful houses in individual open gardens decorated the view from both sides of the street. "Why are we here?" Anna asked, her eyes scanning the road.

"We're here to see a P.I. who I hope will help me with the case," Elsa said, and Anna brought the car to a shrieking halt.

"What?!"

"P.I.? You know, as in, private investigator," Elsa explained.

Anna threw her hands in the air. "I know that! Elsa, it's dark and why are you doing this now? You( just got your cast removed!"

Elsa frowned. "I thought you wanted to help."

"Elsa, I do, but is this the time?" Anna questioned, placing on hand on Elsa's shoulder.

"I've wasted a month already! By now I would've had enough evidence to reopen the case," Elsa responded frustratingly. "I can't wait. Each day that passes, the criminal who did this to our family walks freely. If you don't want to join me, you can drop me off and leave. I'll take the bus home."

Anna bit her lower lip and pulled Elsa into a hug. "No, I won't leave you. Forget what I said. Let's get this done." She started the car and drove a few more blocks before pulling over at a yellow-bricked detached house, indicated by the GPS. The sisters slid out of the car and stood at the porch while Elsa pressed the bell. The door was opened by a tall, middle-aged woman with dark hair shaped in a bob. She smiled at them welcomingly. "Hi, can I help you?"

"Daphne Garner?" Elsa asked.

"Yeah?"

Elsa's eyes lit up. "Hi, we spoke over the phone. I'm Elsa Winters and this is my sister, Anna."

The woman moved from the doorway. "Oh, yes! Please, come in."

The girls walked into the well-kept house and, after she closed the door, Daphne led them into the living room. "I didn't know you'd come to meet me today. Please sit."

"I couldn't wait anymore," Elsa said, as she and Anna seated themselves on the leather couch. "I hope this isn't a bad time."

Daphne shook her head. "No, it's fine. I just put my two boys to sleep. So, you told me that you want to reopen your parents' case again?"

Elsa nodded. "Yes. I need some evidence to do so, or the DA won't allow the case to be opened."

"You believe your parents' death to be a murder, right? And your reason for motive is very assuring, since you are next in line for your family's company," Daphne stated, looking at her diary in her hand. "Do you have any suspects in mind?"

"My great-grandfather has five male children, so I consider them all as main suspects, since they fought with him when he passed the company to my grandma's first born," she claimed, as she took out a stack of papers from her bag and handed it to Daphne. "These are the copies of everyone's IDs from our family, including my great-uncles'."

"How did you have access to all this!?" Anna hissed into Elsa's ear.

"Relax, I got it from the company's records," Elsa replied.

Daphne looked at the copies with scrutinising eyes. "Elsa, if you believe that your parents were murdered, you do know that you aren't safe as well, right? Especially if anyone comes to know that you are trying to expose them."

Elsa nodded. "Yes, that is why I'm keeping this a secret from my family, even my grandma."

"Good," Daphne said. "I'm going to try to read up more from your parents' case. Can you give me more details about the accident?"

"It happened on the 10th of June, 2008," Elsa spoke up, hiding whatever emotions she was feeling as she recalled the incident. "It was their anniversary and the rental boat was a gift to them from our Aunt Matilda, who actually babysat us that day so Mama and Papa could enjoy the day."

"And who is this Aunt Matilda?" Daphne questioned.

"She is the first daughter of our first great-uncle," Elsa explained. "But she is not a suspect, because she has been nothing but like a mother to us. I found out later that the idea and the arrangements for the boat trip had been made by her husband, Uncle Weselton."

"If he's her husband and not related by blood, what motive would he have to kill your parents? There is no benefit to him, either way," Daphne pointed out.

"Uncle Weselton supported my great-uncles' arguments about the inheritance being passed on to my dad, and he was the one who suggested that I be sent to boarding school," Elsa explained. "He's a very shady person and my belief is that he was used by one or more of my great-uncles to stage this."

"The case report that I read tells me that your father was under influence, which is why they crashed into the rock," Daphne pointed out.

Elsa shook her head, silently smirking to herself at the absurdity of that comment. "My dad never drank. And he especially wouldn't do such a thing with my mum around." She handed her another document. "This shows that fifteen days after my parents death, Uncle Weselton requested and received an advance of $80,000 as 'emergency expenses' from the company, since he used to work there. It was the same time around which the case was being investigated."

"What are you suggesting, Elsa?" Daphne asked, as she read the record she had been given.

"My family is not new to bribes, Mrs. Garner," Elsa stated. "You could say that the money was used to pay off the boat rent or for the damages, but he had already used his card for the rent and apparently the insurance company took care of the damage expenses."

"Detective Daniel and Detective Frederickson from the A.P.D were the ones investigating the case," Daphne informed, looking at the case report. "Frederickson was actually suspended last year for taking a bribe but he got off free from that, thanks to one of the best lawyers in the area." She sighed. "You're making very good points here, Elsa, and you have given me with sufficient proof to get started with this. I'm going to go through some bank records tomorrow to see if there was a bribe involved. If it is, I think that would be enough to reopen the case."

Elsa smiled. "Thank you so much! About your payment, I will-"

"Let's finish this mess and then talk about that," Daphne quickly said and stood up. "You girls better get home. I'll call you if I have anything or if I need any information."

"Thank you, Mrs Garner," Elsa said again, and she walked outside the house with Anna, who was still swallowing the entire thing. "Anna, you okay? You look like you saw a ghost," Elsa whispered, putting an arm around her sister as they strolled to the car.

Anna shook her head, the tears she tried so hard to hold in finally falling down. "I'm not okay! I lost Mama and Papa and you, just because a greedy human being wanted that company!?" she cried out, putting her hands around Elsa's neck. "The more you and the P.I. spoke about it, the more I became convinced that they were murdered!"

"I know it's hard, love," Elsa said as Anna cried into her shoulder, "but we shouldn't give up, okay? We're going to fight for their justice. If we don't do this now, whoever did this will maybe try to harm you and me."

Sniffling her nose, Anna pulled herself slowly from her sister and wiped her face with her sleeve. "You're right." She stepped into the car and Elsa followed suit. "What would they do to Uncle Weselton if they find him guilty of bribing the detective?"

Elsa strapped in her seat belt. "I don't know how long the jail time will be, but he will be in a lot of trouble."

Wiping her eyes again, Anna started the car and drove off into the empty street. "Elsa, you do know that they'll do whatever they can to make you seem like you don't deserve the company?"

"Yeah, and that's why I've been trying so hard in college," Elsa said, looking at the view outside. "Someone actually suggested to Grandma that I go for therapy after the assault."

"So it looks like you have issues on paper when the time for you to take the company comes," Anna completed for her.

"I have to extra careful to not have any black dots since most of the board is made up of our family," Elsa added.

"But according to Pappie, you are legally entitled to the company," Anna argued. "Isn't that enough?"

"They'll use the smallest mistake or excuse to take me out of it, Anna," Elsa declared. "You don't know what money can do to a person."

"After tonight, I think I do."

...

"Your aim is so bad!" Merida teased as Elsa put down the bow she was holding, her eyes scanning the target she hit a few metres away. The arrow she shot was perched on the furthest ring from the bulls eye. Elsa had joined Merida at the University's quad where the archery team were practicing after classes.

"Maybe if I had practiced since I was six like you, then I'd be better at it," Elsa retorted, sitting down on the grass. She took out her phone from her pocket and glanced at the screen. Still no response from the P.I.

"That's why I asked you to join archery," Merida said, sitting beside her. "I can teach you."

"Maybe I should," Elsa murmured, watching the other kids aiming their bows and shooting in a uniformed fashion.

"Gosh, look over there," Merida whispered, nudging her lightly. Elsa turned in the direction she was looking at and almost wished she hadn't. It was Flynn and Rapunzel, sitting together on one of the quad benches as they shared a slice of cake, looking at each other with googly eyes.

"You know, I thought the flirting was bad, but this is worse," Merida commented. "I think I'm going to barf."

Elsa laughed. "Are they aware that there are other people around them?"

"Hey, Rider!" Merida called out. "Do us all a favour and buy two slices instead of one, you cheap good-for-nothing!"

Elsa watched as Rapunzel chuckled and Flynn held out an inappropriate finger in response to Merida, who used an inappropriate word in retort. "Elsa, I'm going to hit the showers and head home. Do you want a ride?"

"Nah, I'm waiting for Anna to be finished with her try-outs for the cheerleading team," Elsa stated. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Her eyes watched Merida until she disappeared from her view, before glancing at her phone again. Nothing yet. Sighing, she crossed her legs and closed her eyes as the cool, evening breeze swept past her. The environment was so peaceful and serene, with no bustle except from the kids from archery who were packing up their gear and the targets. There were other students around but Elsa could hardly hear them over the whispering wind. Inside, she wished life could always be this peaceful, but her mind was aware that it couldn't. She still had a lot on her plate for a girl of nineteen but she didn't let it bother her. Any weakness or defeat couldn't be shown because it could be used against her. As she plucked the grass with her slender fingers, she sighed to herself, allowing herself to enjoy the moment while it lasted.

"Boo!" someone said behind her, causing her to jump. She turned with an annoyed expression, already knowing who it was. "Jack, you idiot!"

Jack laughed and sat beside her. "Your expression was totally worth it. It's good to know that at least (this gets to you."

"It didn't," Elsa murmured, regaining her calm. "What are you doing here?"

"I just finished some research at the library," he said, removing his bag back as he looked at the sky above that was painted in orange from the setting sun's rays. The wind played with his wild hair and his cobalt blue eyes softly glistened, making Elsa's heart leap, as she thought about how mesmerising he looked. "I didn't see you the entire day and Mer told me that you were here," he continued. "Heard you got your cast removed last night."

"Umm, yeah," Elsa said, shifting her glance from him. "Huge relief too."

"Do you feel better?" he asked with concern.

She nodded. "Yeah, of course. I'm just waiting another week before I start track again. Just in case."

"That's smart," he commented. "I'm glad you're okay."

Her cheeks burned as she looked down so he wouldn't notice. "I heard you have a match in one week," she said, trying to change the topic.

His smile disappeared. "Oh, yeah. Before Halloween."

"You don't look too excited," she added. "Who are you playing against? Are they better than your team?"

"Nah, we can wipe them off easily," he expressed. "That's not the reason. It's just we're playing against Wilson Hue Business School, and that's the college-"

"Your ex-girlfriend goes to," Elsa finished for him, and seeing his face etched with shock, she smiled. "Astrid told me about her."

"Oh," was all he managed to say in response.

"You're worried you'll see her at the match?" Elsa asked after a few seconds of silence.

"The match will be here since we're hosting it," Jack said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "And she's a cheerleader, I heard, so she's obviously going to be here."

"Why are you worrying about her if she's in your past?" she questioned, slightly disappointed that this girl bothered Jack so much.

"When I see her or think of her, it's just a reminder of how naive I was and how stupid I was," he said in a low voice. "My friends hated her and she used me but I never saw past her face or her act." He closed his eyes, almost in pain. "It's really difficult when the first person you fall for does something that feels like a stab in your heart."

"Yeah, I suppose," Elsa said, her heart filled with worry for him.

"I'm thinking of pulling myself out of this game, saying I have some other commitment," he conveyed, placing his arms over his knees. "That way, I don't have to go through that whirlwind."

His behaviour reminded her of her own; shutting himself from opportunities to avoid any pain, and she hated that it came from someone as positive and full of life as him. "Jack, you have to play at the match," she asserted, turning her body fully to face him. "If you don't, it'll seem as though she won in some way. She wants to see that you allowed her to hurt you and you, being the star player of the team, not at the match will show her that you did."

"Elsa, you won't understand, I-"

"I do understand," she said, placing her hand on his. "I know exactly what you're going through because I'm going through it as well. You're shutting yourself from something that is important to you or might benefit you in some way in the future because you don't want to face pain. Trust me; every minute I spent in Arendelle at the beginning was like that, but thanks to Anna's insistence and a little courage from my side, I joined the track team, made friends, and even found out that you are a little less annoying than you seem to be." She smiled as he let out a chuckle. "Don't do this to yourself. You need to be at that game."

"You're right; I will," he agreed. "Thank you for that."

Elsa realised that her hand was still on his and she quickly withdrew it. "It's nothing."

"Didn't know you had it in you," he said with a smirk.

"I need our team to win, so did what I had," she said casually.

"You are a softie!" he teased, giving her a small punch on her arm.

She rolled her eyes. "Stop it, Frost." She glanced at the time on her phone. 6:05pm. "What's taking Anna so long?"

"There are a lot of girls in line for the try-outs," Jack pointed out. "Why don't I drop you home? We can grab something to eat on the way."

"Okay, but this is only because I have work to do and I'm hungry," she said and stood up, but she lost her balance, causing her to fall on Jack's lap with a thud. Some students who were passing by looked at their sudden interaction while Flynn whistled loudly as he witnessed the scene from where he was sitting, making Elsa wish her hand was long enough to slap the living daylights out of him. The skin on her arms raised as Jack's breath touched the back of her neck. He put his hands on her waist and hoisted her up with himself, his cheeks as red as hers. "Come on, let's go," he said with a smile, and led her to his car. He opened the door for her and then rushed to his door, seating himself inside. "What kind of music do you listen to?" he asked, driving away from the parking lot.

"I'm not really a music person," she lied for some reason.

Jack shook his head in fake disappointment. "You're unbelievable!" he said. "Okay, let me introduce you to Queen." He scrolled through the entertainment system on his car and selected a play list.

"Bohemian Rhapsody," he told her over the sound of the blaring music. He sang in unison with the track, and, though he wasn't an excellent singer, it pleased Elsa to see him so happy in his own way, driving with one hand while pretending to hold a mike with the other. After doing a sing-along by himself for three more songs, he pulled over by a quaint diner. "Mum used to take me here all the time before Pippa came," he said, leading her into place. He settled himself in a booth and Elsa sat across, looking around. The restaurant was well lit with an open kitchen, which caused noise but the sounds gave a homely feel. There weren't many people around, considering it was too early for dinner. Jack gestured for her to check the menu. "It's just basic stuff; nothing too fancy, but it's all delicious."

"Hi, I'm Chelsea and I'll be your server today," announced a bubbly girl with a notepad in her hand. "Are you ready to order?"

"Yeah, I'll have a cheeseburger with a plate of fries and a root bear float," he answered.

"For your girlfriend?" the girl asked, scribbling down his order.

Elsa blushed as Jack let out a laugh. "She's my friend."

Elsa watched as the waitress twirled with her hair, clearly satisfied with his answer, making her want to barf. "Umm, I'll have the cheeseburger as well and a chocolate milkshake," she said hurriedly, wanting her to leave. With a wink at Jack, Chelsea sashayed back to the counter.

"You can share my fries," Jack told her, folding his arms on the table.

"Thanks, but I think I'll pass," Elsa said, taking out her phone to send a message to Anna. I'll meet you at home. Jack offered me a ride. A mild sound of excited chatter and squeals caught her attention; Chelsea was pointing at Jack from the counter with other waitresses. "It's only five minutes since we've been here and there's already a fan base for you," she remarked, her eyes gesturing towards the group.

Jack gave her a half-smile, leaning in. "Does that bother you?"

Her lids flung open. "What? No! It's frustrating how much attention you get just for your looks."

"Pfft, you're one to talk," Jack said with a smirk. "Everywhere you go, you turn heads. I think almost every single guy from the sophomore year has a crush on you; maybe even some guys from who are already taken."

"That's absolutely disturbing and also not true," she retorted.

"If my fan base is annoying you so much," he began, "I'll let them know you're my date."

"I'm not annoyed, and you don't have to lie," she confirmed.

The waitress returned with a tray of their food and set them on the table, passing a flirtatious smile to Jack, which he pretended to not to notice. "Here's your order!"

Elsa's careful eyes observed as Chelsea slipped a small paper beside Jack's plate, causing her stomach to churn with an unpleasant feeling. Chelsea casually brushed her hand against Jack's as she walked away.

"What does the paper say?" Elsa asked, taking a sip of her milkshake.

"Why? What's it to you?" he leered, opening the paper. "It's her number."

"She's basically throwing herself at you," she commented, with a judgemental huff.

His lips curved. "Why is this bothering you so much? Even I'm ignoring it."

"I want to eat my food in peace, and that can't happen with the waitress drooling over you," she said quickly, taking her burger into her hands.

"Just forget them," he said, munching his fries. "Let loose and focus on yourself."

There was silence between them till they finished their food. Chelsea returned with the bill and watched Jack with yearning eyes as he fished for the exact change from his wallet. Elsa shook her head with disbelief, which caught Jack's eye. He handed Chelsea the cash and the paper she had given. "Hey, I'm flattered, but I was kind of here of a date. I'm sorry."

Elsa's eyebrows shot upwards as she stared at Jack, surprised by what he just said. The waitress' face paled as she stormed away from the table with his money. Jack's glance fell on Elsa's shocked expression. "What's that look for?"

"Why did you lie?" she hissed, following Jack as he stood up.

"It was clearly annoying you, so I took matters into my hands," he whispered back, with a quirky smile. "Hold my hand as we leave."

"What!?"

He gestured to the waitresses at the counter with his head. "We need to make it look believable." Without waiting for a reply from her, he laced his cold fingers around hers and pulled her closer her towards him, their arms against each others. A soft gasp emitted from her lips at the sudden interaction, suddenly short of breath and her heart banging against her chest. He led her outside, the stares of the envying waitresses almost burning through her skull. They seated themselves inside the car and Jack began to chuckle to himself.

"That was not funny," she scolded, folding her arms across her chest.

"Oh, chill out," he simply said, driving from the parking lot into the street.

"If you pull a stunt like that again, it'll be the last thing you ever did," she affirmed.

Jack let out a laugh. "Okay, so where do you want to go next?"

She stared at him with a quizzical look. "What you mean next? Obviously home! That's the sole reason I agreed to come with you in your car."

"Aww, please! We can have fun," he pleaded and his eyes lit up as he remembered something. "There's this place I have to show you!"

"No, Jack, I have to go home," she said, though her heart debated with her mind to spend more time with him.

"Just a few minutes, please," he said with sincerity. She sighed and gave a small nod, smiling to herself as Jack displayed a triumphant gesture with a 'Yes!'. Her vision shifted to the view outside, cheeks slightly burning as she recalled the event at the diner. As much as she didn't want to admit it to herself, her fingers yearned for his again as he moved away from her. Everything about him confused her; but in a good way. His smell, his hair, his deep blue eyes, his care for her, his smile, his touch... it made her experiences things within she never knew could be felt. His fingers around hers relayed over and over in her head, until the memory slowly allowed her to close her tired eyelids, falling into a sleep.

Please don't hate me for making Jelsa such a slow-burn :( I just feel that the more time they have, the stronger their feelings would be and Elsa would be more open to a possibility of them.

I would really appreciate the reviews, you know for motivation :')

Let me know if you think Jack and Elsa's characters are true to their personalities in the movies.

Hope you enjoyed it and if you did, please review!

My writing is just getting bad, I know :( bear with me, children

Till next time. Jelsa all the way!