The Invisible (Jelsa)

Chapter XXXIV

"What is this, Nevada?" Elsa asked when her nineteen year old daughter pushed the letter across her desk.

"You know exactly what it is, mom." Nevada said, sitting at the chair usually reserved for clients or people here to have one-on-on meetings with her mother.

"We've been through this, you're 19. If you really wanted to go, you're an adult now." Elsa said, dismissing the paper.

"We also both know that I have to be 21 to have a parent's signature and the money to do it. This is the chance of a lifetime, mom!" Nevada protested.

Her mother took the paper between her fingers, feeling the parchment carefully. "I don't know, dear..." She sighed, covering her face in her hands, "The last time someone went out of Arendelle for more than a couple day with the family was-,"

"Eira. I know." Nevada made a face at the mention of her older sister, "But...I'm not gunna go crazy like her, mom. It's just for a month. Then I'm back. Can I go? Next week?"

Elsa started. "Next week? So soon? Even if I said yes, why would you want to go so suddenly, dear." She scrutinized the way that her darkest skinned child squirmed and blushed a little redder than usual, "Nevada?" Her mother's tone made the girl bit her lip.

"Jacob proposed." She said flatly.

"The Jacob we thought was gay?" Elsa started in surprise, stifling a chuckle of surprise, "Your best friend Jacob?"

"Yeah." Nevada huffed. She fished the jewelry from her pocket, and threw it on the table unceremoniously. Elsa picked it up and studied it. It wasn't overly extravagant, but it was perfectly clear that it wasn't inexpensive.

"When did this happen?" Elsa asked. Nevada sucked in her cheeks.

"Today."

"And?" Elsa promoted.

"I don't know what to say." Nevada cringed, "Yes, no? I've never been attracted to him, but he is my best friend like Jack's yours so..." She sighed, "I told him...I needed some time to think about it."

"And you want to disappear for a month. You think that's right?" Elsa said, standing, "Nevada, you can't runaway from your fears."

"By Loki, I can." Nevada said with strength and then winced, "Look...can I say no and then disappear for a month? I don't know...how to face him...after this." She struggled after this, "It changes everything. He tried to kiss me!"

"Do what feels right." Elsa moaned, "But you'd better give him an answer before you leave, you hear young lady?" She lectured. Nevada's eyes lit up.

"So I can go?" She asked, gaping.

"I'm going to send a letter to the director right now." Elsa said, and pulled the note toward her to reply to the man who took groups of people to see the world and experience different cultures for a month at a time. Nevada squealed something about telling Neela, and having to pack her suitcase.

Once, those two had been tied at the hip, like her other set of twins. Izo and Wynter were still just as connected and brotherly, but there had been a natural separation between Neela and Nevada. They had moved into different rooms when it became apparent they wanted different things, and began different apprenticeships.

They still loved each other dearly, but only as sisters, no longer as twins. Perhaps it would happen to the triplets, but perhaps it wouldn't. Elsa was never sure of anything anymore. If anything, Caldwell and Coulton were close, while Colbourne leaned on Azura for comfort, as she had been helping him live with his blindness since he was very young. Elsa did worry that sometimes it was hindering her ability to go out and meet men, not that Colbourne asked her to stay behind, but more like she felt she had to. Elsa didn't want a mistake from their childhood to haunt her forever, she wanted the girl to get out and start a family. It was common now that nearly everyone was settling down with children. Heimdall and Aoife had their first child not long ago, a little girl with curly white hair they had named Sarafinia. She was nearly one now, and according to Heimdall, they weren't sure if they wanted more than three. No matter; Elsa still had many children to give her grandbabies.