Love Thaws: Melting

Pain

Elsa was glad for Anna. Really. She noticed how Anna and Kristoff glanced at each other. And how Kristoff would casually tuck a lock of hair behind Anna's ear. And how Anna would tuck in the tag into the back of his shirt. They made a sweet couple. It made her feel lighter to know someone else cared about Anna nearly as much as Elsa did. She cast another tentative glance Jack's way before she continued to push the food around on her plate, using the metal prongs on her fork. She suddenly felt his warm, strong hand on her shoulder. Her heart gave an uncertain flutter as he leaned towards her.

"Aren't you hungry?"

Elsa shrugged and glanced down at her lap. Jack gave her shoulder a quick squeeze before releasing her. She missed his touch instantly. No, Elsa wasn't hungry for food. She delicately dabbed her mouth with the edge of a napkin before scooting the seat back.

"Excuse me, I think I'll go to bed early."

Anna's worried expression joined Jack's. Elsa offered them a tight smile, increasing their concern, before walking to Jack's room. She paused at the doorway. Would Jack still want her in the same room as him? Or had she better sleep with Anna again? On the couch maybe? She sighed. Jack had said he'd missed her the other night. 

She walked into the room. The carpet was soft underneath her bare feet. The room already smelled vaguely like Jack, with hints of peppermint and spice on the air. Elsa inhaled deeply before she made her way to the closet. She opened the closet and lugged her suitcase out. She had over-packed, but what was she supposed to do when she didn't know where they were going? Elsa changed into her tank-top and shorts before crawling into bed.

The room seemed to fit her melancholy mood with its faded pictures and muted light, dimmed by the curtains. She distantly heard the clank of dishes, the clattering of forks, and the constant 'shh' of water pouring from a sink, the sounds muffled by the wooden door Elsa had closed. 

She fingered the quaint floral patterns on the thick comforter. She wasn't tired. But she'd rather just lie there than have to interact with everyone else. Pretend she felt okay, when she didn't. Elsa pursued her lips and turned on her side, staring blankly at the wooden door, her eyes tracing its curving lines. She closed her eyes, suddenly feeling weary. It was as if Jack was holding back from her. As much as she loved Anna, she realized she needed a husband more than she needed a sibling. Didn't Jack want her? Of course he wouldn't. Who in their right mind would?

Elsa sat upright, desperately trying to shake off her despondency. She flung the covers off of herself and sat on the edge of the bed. Her eyes wandered to a wooden vanity in the corner. The mirror reflected every bit of her depression. Her blue eyes seemed washed-out and hollow. Cold. Her hair hung around her face in plain white strands. Her face was utterly blank, deprived of color and life. She watched her reflection's nose wrinkled slightly in disgust. Disgust of herself. She could feel darkness seeping into her. 

Elsa shuddered and stood, making her way to the window and ignoring her reflection. The window offered a view of a long stretch of grass. The clearing ended abruptly with trees. The skies were overcast, a layer of clouds hiding the sun from view. The gray was slowly darkening. Elsa yanked the thick curtains back into place and returned to her bed. She simply remained still, feeling the life drain out of her.

XXXXXXXX

Elsa inhaled sharply, remaining very still. She was coated in suffocating blackness. She hesitantly touched her wrists. No straps. No metal tables. No IVs. Just a dream. Where's Jack? The rest of the bed was empty. She frantically crept out of bed and opened the door, dim light flooding the room. She heard the subdued tones of a conversation.