When Different Worlds Collide

Chapter 32

Hey, guys! I hope you enjoy this part! Happy reading!

Elsa

I stretched my sore arms over my head, exhaling loudly. I know some people might find it funny to think that some people could actually get tired from sitting in a chair and studying, but yes, it can be true in certain situations. Like when you haven't moved from your spot in one of the library seats for the past forty-five minutes and have been taking notes and reading so much information that by now it's inevitably swimming in your head.

After going out for ice cream with Anna and Rapunzel (Merida didn't want to come. She texted that she was too tired to go out), I had proceeded to cut my bliss short and head to the library while my sister and cousin went out and went window shopping. It was a pain sacrificing fun for studying, but hey, no one said getting into a top college wasn't going to be without blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifices.

I heard the library door open and glanced up. Hiccup had just entered and was carrying textbooks of his own. He saw me and waved, almost dropping his books in the process. I stifled a giggle, waving back to him.

"Hey, Elsa," Hiccup said, coming over. He looked questioningly at me, silently asking me if he could sit with me. I smiled and nodded. No matter how many times I told him before, Hiccup always asked permission, even though we were good friends (his mother raised him well).

"Hi, Hiccup," I said, looking at the titles of his books. "Architecture and 3-D design again?"

"Yep," Hiccup sighed, getting out a sheet of notebook paper and a pencil. "As much as I want to be either an architect or graphic designer after college, I want to dump these textbooks into the nearest trash can the next chance I get."

I laughed (though not so loud that others would have to shush me). "It's going to get much worse once finals comes around."

"Don't remind me," Hiccup groaned, opening his book and starting to read. "All that cramming for one test? Just shoot me with a tranquilizer now."

I chuckled and went back to my work, the both of us in contented silence, with the quiet only being broken by the turning of pages and the tapping of our pencils.

"How's Jack?" I whispered to him.

He looked up, staring at me for a few moments before clearing his throat and speaking. "He's all right. I mean, he doesn't talk about it, and I'm pretty sure that he doesn't want to, but it seems like he's moved on."

"And Hans?" I asked. It was a harsh slap to the face by reality that Jack had to deal with him because they were also roommates.

"Still cocky as ever. Thinks he's won some kind of big victory or something. Other than that, he doesn't try to provoke Jack. Jack's been keeping cool and has tried to stay out of his way as much as possible," Hiccup nodded. "I hate to admit it, but I kind of want to see Jack just snap and wring that guy's filthy neck."

"Has he told you about dropping out of the art show?" I said.

Hiccup gave me a quizzical look. "Yeah, actually, he has. He's told me that he'll hold off on telling Ms. Merriweather. He says he doesn't want to disappoint her."

"Yes, but won't he eventually will-"

"I know, that's what I told him," Hiccup said. "He was really adamant though. Kept telling me to trust him or something of the like. Kind of strange, but again, at this point, I don't want to question Jack on his decisions."

I nodded. "Yes, I think that would be best for now.

"The show's in less than a month now," I said, frowning in confusion. "Do you think he's stalling because he's...?"

Hiccup shook his head. "No. Jack's been busy these past few weeks. He's always in the dorm working on homework or running errands for Ms. Merrierweather when he has some free time. I don't think he could have the time to spare between all that to work on another project."

"I suppose you're right," I murmured thoughtfully.

Suddenly, Hiccup's phone vibrated. He glanced at it, looking at the text message before smiling and typing back a reply. He stood up and nodded to me.

"Well, I think I better go now. Merida just texted me asking if I wanted to go out to the local diner," he said.

"You and Merida?" I asked.

Hiccup nodded, a faint blush starting to color his cheeks. "Yeah, we're kind of going out now."

"Really?" I said incredulously. "Since when?"

"Since two hours ago," Hiccup smiled sheepishly.

I laughed. "Well, I'm happy for the both of you. Congratulations."

"Thanks, Els," Hiccup smiled gratefully. He scooped up his textbooks and waved to me before heading out the door. "I'll see you around."

"See you," I waved back, going back to my work, but barely able to concentrate. What Hiccup had said earlier about Jack really intrigued me. I know that I was the one who suggested to Jack to postpone telling Ms. Merriweather about dropping out, but I knew that it was going to be inevitable sometime down the road.

So if Jack is supposedly not entering, then what's holding him back?