Love Thaws: Melting

A New Name

Elsa stared at the passing scenery, bored out of her mind. Her legs ached from not moving so long. And from yesterday's hike. That had really taken a toll on her. The windmills, obscure towns, and skies had long ago lost their luster. Elsa groaned and banged her head on the window. She could talk to Jack. Elsa shook her head at the thought, determined to keep her distance. The car came to a halt as Jack pulled into a junk yard.

"Why are we here?"

"We need to dump this car and get a new one. It'll make us harder to track." Jack stepped out of the car and opened the door for Elsa. Elsa recalled him doing that all the time for her. She wondered what her life we be like if she'd never had powers. Elsa stepped out of the car, following Jack to a different one. It looked used, but in good condition. It was painted white, chipped in some places. Elsa wrinkled her nose at the smell emanating from the dump. She scraped her flip-flops off before stepping into the vehicle. Jack started the car and took off. Every few hours, he'd stop to replace the license plates. Elsa's curiosity grew. He'd obviously planned her escape very well. What was in it for him? They entered another tiny town in the middle of nowhere, so obscure it wasn't worth mentioning.

"Hungry?"

"I'm fine," she replied.

Jack huffed. "Well, what do you want to eat?"

"I'm f-"

"I heard. And I asked what you wanted to eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"Hi, Not-Hungry. I'm Jack."

Elsa rolled her eyes and obstinately crossed her arms.

Jack pulled into the drive thru at McDonald's. "Are you allergic to anything?"

Elsa pursed her lips and remained silent.

"Elsa."

"I said I wasn't hungry."

Jack exhaled slowly, his grip temporarily tightening on the steering wheel. Elsa flinched and held very still. Perhaps she should display a little more gratitude.

"I-I'm not allergic to anything." She winced. She sounded like she was begging.

Jack swallowed. "Anything from the menu you'd like in particular?"

"A smoothie? Please?" she added, shame washing over her at being so dependent.

"Okay, sounds good. I'll get you a burger in case you get hungry later. Kay?"

"Alright."

Jack exhaled again, but this time it was more like a sigh. He ordered smoothies and burgers, handing a pomegranate blueberry smoothie to Elsa. Having nothing better to do, Elsa sipped the smoothie, practically inhaling it. She'd never gotten a brain freeze. Elsa remembered when she and Anna would have chocolate ice cream eating contests. Despite her best efforts, the barest of smiles curved her lips. The car swerved for a moment before Jack righted it. Elsa finished the smoothie quickly. Which was mistake. No, she didn't get brain freeze, but she still had to go to the restroom. Elsa assured herself she could hold it until they stopped at a motel. An hour later, they were still driving. Elsa inhaled and exhaled, distracting herself by looking at the scenery. She crossed her legs tightly.

"You okay?" Jack asked.

"Yeah," she squeaked.

Jack raised an eyebrow, glancing at her in his rear view mirror. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing!" she insisted, her voice still squeaking.

"Elsa Arendelle... What?"

Elsa felt like blushing just at the thought of asking Jack. "When do we get to the motel?"

"We aren't staying in one tonight."

"WHAT?!"

"I said-"

"I heard you," she grumbled.

"Sorry, but I want to avoid staying at motels. The less we're seen-"

"The better," she muttered.

"Why? What's up?"

Elsa squirmed in her seat. "I have to go."

"Go? Go where?"

"I have to go!"

"Oh..." Jack fell silent. "Duh," he muttered to himself. "Sorry about that, Elsa. I'll stop at the next gas station.

The next five minutes were agonizing. Elsa flew out of the car door before it came to a complete stop. She sprinted inside the gas station and into the women's bathroom, slamming a stall shut. Elsa sheepishly walked out of the gas station moments later.

Jack smiled at her. "Better?"

Elsa nodded stoically before slipping into the car. "So, will we get there tonight?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"Where are we staying tonight?"

"The car."

Elsa grew silent and stared out of the window. The minutes seemed to tick by slowly. Eventually, the sun touched the horizon, blossoming into a brilliant tangerine sunset. Elsa watched with awe as the sun eventually disappeared, leaving a dark blue sky with scattered stars in its wake. The moon peered behind a semi-opaque gray cloud. It was full and radiant and perfectly round, bathed in the purest of white light. Elsa remembered the time she and Jack had watched the full moon together. She suddenly felt overcome with nostalgia. She glanced towards Jack. She could only see the back of his head and his broad shoulders. She desperately wanted to trust him, but she just couldn't afford to. Elsa clenched her jaw with determination and watched the moon rise. Jack finally stopped close to midnight. He pulled off the side of the road, venturing behind a copse of trees. He turned around once he had shut the car off.

"Mind if I sleep back there? I'll just lie on the floorboard."

Elsa shook her head and Jack clambered behind the driver's seat, settling on the floorboard. Even in the dim light, Elsa could make out his glistening white hair, bright blue eyes, and brilliant smile.

"Night, Mrs. Frost."

Elsa sat up suddenly. "Frost? That's your middle name."

"You remembered." Jack sounded immensely pleased. "I changed my last name. It's not really necessary, but just in case. It'll make it that much harder." Elsa heard him move as he lied down.

Elsa forgot she had a new name now. Elsa Arendelle Frost. It had a nice ring to it.