I'm back with chapter two! Thanks for all of the support! It really means a lot! This story still needs a cover image, so if you have any ideas as to where I could find one, I'd love to know! I couldn't be happier with the feedback this story has gotten! Stay awesome you guys! I love to hear what you have to say!

~Symphonia

I flipped through my sketchbook, looking at all of the drawings I had started in the last week. There had to be over thirty. I had drawn rolling hills and wide oceans and fireflies that lit up the night sky. I longed to see those things, but this was Marble Canyon. We didn't have an ocean or hills. We had fireflies, but they rarely came out. The more I looked at my drawings, the more I wanted to leave Arizona. There was a whole world outside of the canyon that I had never known. I knew the chances of Aunt Gothel and I leaving were slim though, she was perfectly happy here.

I decided it would be best to put my sketches away. I returned to my window. I had almost forgotten how eager I was to meet the new family that moved in next door! I ran downstairs.

"Aunt Gothel!" I called. Aunt Gothel came running to the landing where I stood. She put her hands on my shoulders, her eyes searching me worriedly.

"What is it Rapunzel? Are you hurt? What's wrong?" She fired questions at me. I laughed and pushed her hands away.

"I'm fine! I was just wondering if I could go outside to meet the new family!" I smiled big. Aunt Gothel breathed a sigh of relief, a hand over her heart.

"Rapunzel, don't scare me like that!" She took a few deep breaths. "You may go, why don't you take some of the cookies I made yesterday. You're a good artist, make them a card!" Aunt Gothel gave me a push towards the stairs. I gave her a nod.

I found a strong sheet of paper that would be perfect for making a card. In purple marker I wrote, "Welcome to the Neighborhood" in calligraphy. I decorated it with pink flowers and green vines, much like the ones that climbed up my house. I peeked out my window again, to see what else I could draw. My room had the best view in the house, being on the top floor. I looked down at the ground. There was nothing there but rocks. I didn't think the new family would be all that impressed if I drew rocks. I decided to look up instead. A puffy white cloud caught my eye. I created a border of clouds. I held the card up to Pascal's cage.

"Do you like it?" Pascal cocked his head to the side. I giggled, taking that as a yes. I lay on my stomach on the floor, a pen in hand, staring at the card's blank inside.

"Welcome to Marble Canyon!" I read aloud as I wrote. "We hope you feel right at home in our neighborhood and we look foreword to making your further acquaintance." I couldn't think of anything else to say. "Signed, Rapunzel and Gothel Corona." I signed my name in fancy lettering. "Does that sound alright?" I asked Pascal. I hoisted myself up and approached his cage. I let him crawl up onto my arm. His tiny claws tickled me as he climbed onto my shoulder. I returned to my spot on the floor, Pascal in my shoulder. I figured he deserved some time out of his cage.

I continued decorating the inside of the card with the same clouds and flowers and vines that I had doodled on the front. The card was simple yet elegant in the end.

"Done!" I announced. I returned Pascal to his cage and walked downstairs. Aunt Gothel had put some of her famous sugar cookies in a decorative box tied with a nice bow. I slid my card under the bow and grabbed the box. Aunt Gothel was reading in the living room.

"I'm going over now!" I informed her. She gave me a nod.

"Be careful!" She warned. I gave her a nod.

"I will! I promise." I replied. I slipped on my sandals and walked outside into the hot summer air. It felt like there was a magnifying glass over Marble Canyon, directing all of the sun's light into our little circle. I glanced over at Hiccup's house. A thought struck me. I placed the cookies on the front steps and slid the card out from under the bow. Grabbing my pen, I signed for Hiccup and Stoic Haddock. I figured I might as well share our welcome gift to the new family with the Haddocks.

I smoothed out my purple sundress and picked up the gift. Taking a deep breath, I started towards the house that highly resembled a castle. I had seen a bulky man with greying red hair hang a flag with some sort of family crest on it over their door the day before when they had first moved in. Moving trucks had come in waves. There were none there then so I decided it was probably the best time to visit.

I rang the doorbell and stood on the front steps, practicing my smile and clearing my throat so my voice would sound smooth when I said hello. A woman with warm brown eyes and long brown hair opened the door. I put on the first smile I could summon which happened to be a bit awkward.

"Hello, dear!" She beamed, pushing a strand of hair that had gone silver behind her ear. "Can I help you?" Suddenly I needed to clear my throat again. I tried to speak over the urge.

"Hi!" I couldn't do it. I broke into a coughing fit. The woman put a hand on my shoulder.

"Are you alright?" She asked. "Do you need some water?"

"Me? No! I'm fine! Uh…I'm Rapunzel Corona! I live next door with my Aunt Gothel! I wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood on behalf of the Coronas and the Haddocks." I pointed at Hiccup's house. "Stoic and his son Hiccup live in the green house right next to yours!" I looked down at the box in my hand. "So uh…here!" I smiled and held out the box.

"Oh how sweet! I'm Elinor Dunbroch! I'm pleased to meet you, Rapunzel!" She held out a hand for me to shake. I summoned my best grin and gave her hand a firm shake. Elinor looked down at the box.

"May I open it?" She asked. I nodded.

"Of course!" Elinor placed the box at her feet and opened the card.

"What a lovely card! How thoughtful!" She complimented.

"I made it myself!" I said. I instantly regretted saying that. I didn't want Elinor to think I was a bragger. I hated braggers. They were so hard to get along with. Everything was about them. I certainly didn't want others to think I was a bragger. I wasn't one! I had to think of a cover-up fast. "Aunt Gothel helped me fold it." Now I just sounded stupid. Elinor gave a low chuckle.

"It seems we have an artist for a neighbor!" My cheeks must've turned red. I wasn't the best at taking compliments. Elinor opened the box, an elegant smile playing on her lips.

"Sugar cookies! My favorite! Did you bake these? Are you a master chef too?" Elinor joked. I shrugged.

"I cracked the eggs." I laughed.

"Well thank you! What a generous gift! Why don't you come inside and have a cookie! I just made some lemonade!" I hesitated a moment. Mother Gothel wouldn't be too pleased if she found out I had gone into a stranger's house. But Elinor wasn't a stranger anymore. She seemed nice…

"Okay! I wouldn't want to impose…" My voice trailed off.

"Nonsense! The rest of the family will be so excited to meet you!" Elinor welcomed me inside. All of the furniture was still wrapped in plastic and boxes were everywhere. Elinor lead me to the kitchen and sat me down at the table. She began pouring me a glass of lemonade and setting the cookies out on a plate.

"You'll have to ignore all of the boxes, we have some unpacking to do." Elinor laughed, setting the lemonade out in front of me.

"Thank you!" I said taking a sip. The lemonade was delicious, sugary and tart.

"No problem!" Elinor returned to the counter, pouring herself a glass. "How old are you, Rapunzel?" She asked. I swallowed a mouthful of lemonade.

"Sixteen."

"My daughter is sixteen too! I can see you two being good friends!" Elinor's words made my stomach do an excited flip. I'd never had a best friend that was a girl. All I had was Hiccup. I couldn't wait to have a friend who understood what it was like to be a girl!

"Speaking of which…" Elinor took a sip of her drink. "Where is everyone? Hold on, I'll call them. FERGUS! HUBERT! HAMISH! HARRIS! MERIDA!" Elinor shouted. I jumped. Only a moment ago her voice had been quiet and calm. I was shocked to see she was even capable of shouting. Three small boys with bright red hair and big blue eyes ran in the room.

"Cookies!" They all shouted in delight at the same time. They all went to dive for a treat but Elinor stopped them, pulling the plate away.

"Now boys, these cookies are from our new neighbors Gothel and Rapunzel." She gestured over to me. I waved to the three boys, obviously triplets. I couldn't tell them apart. Elinor handed them each a cookie. "What do you say to Rapunzel?"

"Thank you!" The boys cheered, their mouths full.

"Don't mention it!" I waved it off. Elinor scooped one of the boys up in her arms. She bounced him on her lap.

"Rapunzel these are my sons Hubert, Hamish," She tousled the hair of the one sitting on her lap. "And Harris." I waved to the three boys, smiling as the bulky man I had seen the day before entered the room.

"What is it, Elinor?" He asked. He had the same Scottish accent as the rest of the family. The accent made the little boys even cuter. Elinor made it sound elegant.

"Fergus, this is Rapunzel Corona, one of our neighbors. She's brought us some treats!" Fergus smiled at me.

"It's nice to meet you Miss Corona!" He shook my hand firmly.

"It's nice to meet you too Mr. Dunbroch!" I smiled at him. He shook his head.

"Call me Fergus!" Fergus patted my shoulder.

"Where is Merida?" Elinor frowned. Fergus shrugged. "MERIDA?" Elinor waited for a response but didn't get one. She gave an exasperated sigh. "I'll go fetch her myself." I heard stern voices in the hall before Elinor returned with a girl my age following her. The girl had the curliest red hair I had ever seen. Coils sprung out in all directions. She had the same big blue eyes as her brothers. She also didn't look too happy. She snatched a cookie and looked me over. Elinor cleared her throat.

"Merida, this is our new neighbor, Rapunzel Corona. She brought us these cookies." Merida nodded, not responding to the smile and wave I had thrown her.

"Merida, what do you say?" Her father said in a hushed voice.

"Thanks." Merida said, rolling her eyes at her father. I could feel my smile fading.

"Merida, Rapunzel is the same age as you!" Elinor smiled at her daughter. Merida held her stone cold glare. "I have an idea! Why don't you show Rapunzel your room! You tow can talk and get to know one another!" Merida gave her mother an 'are you serious?' look. Her mother retaliated with a 'yes, now do it or you're grounded' look. Merida sighed.

"Come on." She started for her room. I jumped to my feet and followed her. I cleared my throat to make sure she had my attention.

"I uh…I hope you like the cookies! My Aunt Gothel made them. She uses this special recipe that her grandmother gave her, which would be my great grandmother I guess. I'm normally pretty good at baking but for some reason this cookie recipe gets me every time! I've only made a total mess of the kitchen once." I paused my nervous babbling to throw in a small laugh. "Do you like baking? It's okay if you don't! I was just curious, you know? Baking can actually be really fun as long as you know what you're doing. Otherwise you'll make a big mess." I wasn't even sure what I was talking about anymore. We had reached Merida's room. It was lovely with yellow walls and a big window. "Like I said earlier I've only done that once-" Merida cut me off, closing to door to her room and scowling at me.

"I'm not really into baking." Her voice was sharp. I could tell she wanted to say something along the lines of 'Do you ever shut up?!'. Her expression softened. She wasn't scowling anymore, but she wasn't smiling either. She sighed. "The cookies were very good, thanks for bringing them." I shrugged, unsure of how to be feeling. Merida went and sat in her wide windowsill, gazing outside.

"So…" I broke the silence, awkwardly standing by the door. "How do you like Marble canyon so far?" Merida shrugged, still gazing out her window.

"It's alright." Her Scottish accent was so charming. "I guess." She didn't sound sure at all. I could read between the lines, Merida was not a fan of Marble Canyon. Maybe talking about the move wasn't the best idea. I had to think of something else to say. I was determined to make a good first impression.

"Your hair is really pretty." I complimented. Merida froze. My words hung in midair for a moment. She turned to face me, looking confused.

"You're joking." She laughed. "…Really?" She looked so shocked by my compliment. I nod.

"Of course! It's so unique! It's really pretty!" Merida's expression softened yet again. Was she smiling? I couldn't tell. There was a short moment of silence before Merida cleared her throat.

"You're hair is really pretty too. How'd you grow it out so long?" She asked suddenly.

"Thank you! It grows really fast I guess." I shrugged. I was internally smiling. I had gotten Merida to break out of her harsh shell. At this rate, we'd be friends in no time! I spent the next few silent minutes thinking of what to say next, how to earn her friendship in one line.

A flash of white outside Merida's window distracted me. I ran to her window to see the boy with the white hair across the street. My sudden movement had caused Merida to jump.

"Sorry…" I apologized, not taking my eyes off the boy. "Do you know him?" I pointed the boy out to Merida. "I've never seen him here before…" Merida shook her head. Her eyes widened.

"His hair!" She gasped.

"I know right?" I replied. I turned to Merida. "Let's go talk to him!"

"Are you sure?" Merida looked unsure. "He looks a little…sketchy…"

"It can't hurt to say hello." I countered. Merida stood, smoothing out her teal shirt and brown pants. We walked out into the kitchen.

"Mom, Rapunzel and I are going outside." Merida announced. Elinor looked up at her.

"Okay, be careful! Oh and-" Elinor gestured for Merida to come closer. Merida rolled her eyes and stepped forward. Elinor turned her around and pulled her fiery curls into a ponytail with a hair tie she had around her wrist. Merida stepped back.

"There!" Elinor smiled at her handiwork. Merida winced and pulled at the hair tie, loosening the ponytail.

"Mom! You made it too tight!" She whined. Elinor shook her head., turning Merida around and tightening the ponytail again.

"Nonsense! You look lovely!" Merida rolled her eyes again and began leading me to the door.

"Bye Mom." She called, throwing open the door. The dry air washed over me as it mingled with the scent of sand. The white haired boy across the street was playing basketball, trying to see how many times he could get the ball in the net in a row. Merida and I walked towards him slowly, Merida leading the way. We stopped right beside the hoop.

"Hi!" Smiled and waved at the boy. We had his attention.

"What?" He asked, taking one more shot at the hoop. I opened my mouth to repeat myself but was cut off. The ball bounced off the headboard and came rocketing towards me, slamming into my forehead. I let out a small scream and fell over backwards. I could already feel a bruise forming where the ball had hit me. Tears rushed to my eyes; that had hurt a lot.

"Rapunzel!" Merida shouted. I sat myself up, a hand on my head.

"Ow…"I groaned. I blinked my eyes repeatedly, trying to get the tears to dry up. It seemed like everything else dried instantly in the heat. Merida looked at me worriedly. Both her and the boy were on their knees on either side of me.

"Rapunzel are you okay?" She asked. I nodded, my hand still on my head. The boy gently pushed my hand off my head. His hands were freezing! How was that even possible?

Let me see…" He spoke softly. "Oh, that's going to bruise…I'm so sorry! I didn't-" Merida cut the boy off.

"Yeah you're sorry!" She shouted, scowling at him. They both stood up.

"I didn't mean to-" Merida cut him off a second time.

"You could have seriously hurt her! You're lucky it's just a bruise!" Merida continued shouting. The boy looked…scared almost.

"It was an accident I-"

"Come on Rapunzel, Let's go!" Merida stomped a foot, about to leave.

"Wait!" I shouted, dizzily scrambling to my feet. "It was an accident! I'm fine." Merida was still scowling at the boy.

"Yeah! Calm down, Red!" The boy laughed. Merida's cheeks gained a hint of red.

"It's Merida." She spat. "And you are?" The boy held out a hand for her to shake.

"Jack Frost." Merida didn't uncross her arms, refusing to shake Jack's hand. Jack exhaled loudly. "Here, let me make it up to you two. There's this diner down the street and I hear they have really good ice cream. I'll buy you each one." Jack's offer was really tempting. It was a good day for an ice cream, but Aunt Gothel would never let me go to the diner with a boy. What she didn't know wouldn't kill her though. I could tell her I was working in the garden or something…

"I'm in!" I answered before Merida could say no. Jack smiled triumphantly at her. I gave her a pleading look.

"Fine." She sighed.

"Let me just tell my mother I'm going out." I explained. Jack and Merida nodded. I sprinted across the street to my house. I found aunt Gothel asleep on the couch. She was snoring away. Maybe I didn't need to lie to her…

"Aunt Gothel?" I whispered. She didn't move in the slightest. "May I go to the diner with my friends? Say nothing if it's okay…" Aunt Gothel was silent. I beamed at her. "Thank you!" I whispered and ran back to Jack and Merida.

"Let's go!" I bounced up and down excitedly. Jack nodded and lead the way. I walked beside him as we walked.

"So, Jack, where are you from, I've never seen you in the neighborhood before?" I asked, desperate to know.

"My sister and I are staying with my grandmother for the summer. We're from Boston all the way in Massachusetts." Jack replied. I nodded.

"And your hair!" Jack answered right away, looking almost irritated.

"I dyed it." His answer was short. I didn't mean to offend him. I was only curious.

"It's cool!" I complimented. Jack's expression softened much like Merida's had.

"Thank you!" He smiled at me. Merida clucked her tongue behind me. We walked to the diner, me carrying simple conversations with Jack and Merida separately. Merida and I sat at a table, while Jack got our ice creams. Suddenly I felt a tug on my hair. It was stuck to the Velcro on a boy's jacket.

"Stay still!" He warned me, trying to free my braid. He finally succeeded, sighing loudly.

"Thanks!" I sighed, looking up at the tall boy who had brown hair and eyes and a thin beard. He faltered for words for a moment.

"Sorry about that! I-" He cleared his throat. "I'm Flynn. And you are?" I smiled at him and held out a hand for him to sake.

"I'm Rapunzel."