ROTBFTD : Broken & Beautiful

8

Elsa pov

The sunset was breathtaking. As we pulled up to the beach, the sky was ablaze with vibrant oranges and purples, casting a warm glow over the rippling waves. I rushed to the changing room, a prickle of unease crawling up my spine. I needed to hide the cut on my arm, a souvenir from my last ice skating mishap. My silver bracelet, with its intricate snowflake design, would have to suffice.

Just as I emerged, I heard Anna's panicked voice from the changing room. 'Elsa, I forgot my bathing suit!' I sighed, inwardly thankful it was a good day for wearing a spare. It wasn't my favorite color, a bright turquoise, but it would have to do.

The beach was calm when I came out. Jack was already grilling, his friends helping him with the setup. A new voice, deep and resonant, cut through the laughter. 'Jack, you haven't changed a bit!' Kristoff, Jack's childhood friend, was here. Jack introduced him to his friends, reminiscing about their shared past. I listened, my gaze drifting towards the shimmering water.

Then I saw her. Fae was standing on the edge of the beach, her hair blowing in the gentle breeze, mesmerized by the sunset. She wasn't wearing her bathing suit.

'Hey, are you not joining us?' I asked, approaching her. Her smile was serene, almost otherworldly.

'I just want to watch the sunset,' she replied, her voice soft.

'But... why aren't you in your bathing suit?' My question, blunt and curious, hung in the air.

Her eyes met mine, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths. 'Because, I wanted to be this way.'

'Anyways,' I said, taking a deep breath, 'I'm Elsa. And that's my sister, Anna.'

She nodded, understanding in her gaze. 'Okay, Elsa.'

I felt a flicker of connection, a spark of curiosity. This wasn't just another beach day. There was something different about Fae, a quiet intensity that resonated with me. I knew, somehow, that this encounter was just the beginning.

The fire buzzed with excited chatter, the smell of roast chicken and mashed potatoes filling the air. I sat across from Fae, a nervous knot twisting in my stomach. 'Then I asked can I ask you something,' I started, hesitantly, 'She said Okay, go on. Are you sure you really become the class president?'

Fae shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. 'I don't know about it, but just give it a try for myself.'

I took a deep breath. 'You know... I'm having a problem. That is... you know Melissa? The girl with blonde hair and wears expensive clothes?'

Fae chuckled, a knowing smile playing on her lips. 'Right. I know about that girl. She was your old bully, wasn't she? Used to cuss you out with her words? And not only that, you said she threatened you to vote for her?'

My face flushed. 'Yeah,' I whispered, a lump forming in my throat. 'And... and my dad... He used to be kind, but now he's turned into a monster. He abuses me and my sister every day. I'm staying at Jack's house now.'

A wave of sympathy washed over Fae's face. 'Oh, you don't have to do that,' she said softly. 'You can vote for me instead.'

I looked at her, bewildered. 'But... I don't know. It might be tricky.'

Fae leaned in close, her voice barely a whisper. 'Let me tell you a way to get out of this.'

She then proceeded to whisper a plan into my ear. My eyes widened, my heart pounding. This was a risky move, but it was the only way to escape the miserable situation I was in. 'Should I?' I asked, my voice shaky.

'Yes, you have to,' Fae said firmly.

Before I could say another word, Anna's voice rang out from the doorway, 'Hey, dinner is ready!'

Fae and I joined the others at the fireplace , but my mind was still racing. Should I do it? The plan, while risky, held the promise of a better future. But was it worth the gamble? The knot in my stomach tightened, leaving me with more questions than answers.