Love Thaws: Melting

Uncontrollable Emotions

Elsa put the finishing touches on the table. She stood back, observing her work. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, making her heart leap.

"Good job," Jack commended, holding her against his chest.

Elsa quickly slipped out of his grip. "Thank you." She strode to the table and pretended to straighten the centerpiece, trying to ignore Jack's gaze. 

His warm hand on her shoulder made her jump. 

She turned around. "D-do you need something?"

Jack smiled and placed his hands on either side of her. "Why, how kind of you to ask. I do need something."

Elsa swallowed and tried to make herself smaller, vainly trying to avoid brushing against his arms, which were on either side of her. Jack swiftly leaned down and brazenly brushed his lips against hers. 

Elsa felt a something spark within her and jumped. "Excuse me." She quickly ducked under his arms and practically ran to the other end of the table. 

He followed her, his long strides covering more ground. Elsa sucked in a quick breath and ran around the circular table, avoiding Jack. He smiled and ran faster. Elsa quickly matched his pace, though she was getting a little dizzy from running in circles. Suddenly, he stopped and sprinted the other way. Elsa gasped and tried to turn the opposite direction, but found herself in Jack's arms before she could run. She blushed and tried to push against his chest.

Jack tenderly cupped her face, his expression softening, though he still held her firmly. "What's wrong now? I thought we had cleared up the misunderstanding."

Elsa pursed her lips. "We have," she confirmed.

"And?"

"And..." She indecisively bit her lip and looked down at her feet.

"Just tell me what's wrong."

She didn't look at him. "I—" She suddenly clamped her mouth shut, deciding she didn't need to make herself more vulnerable than she already was.

"What Elsa? You what?" Jack prompted.

Elsa had so many feeling swirling inside of her, she wasn't even sure she could make them into words and coherent sentences if she wanted to. She opened her mouth again just as the door opened, saving her from answering. Kristoff stood in the doorway, staring at them blankly. Elsa cleared her throat and stepped back from Jack. Kristoff glanced at them once more before walking towards the table.

"Anna should be here in a second," he murmured as he sat down.

Elsa was only able to nod dumbly as she took her seat, Jack promptly choosing to sit next to her. 

Anna rushed into the dining room. "Sorry I took so long!"

 Her hair was piled in elegant curls, glistening red and gold in the light. She seated herself next to Kristoff. Kristoff gave her an appreciative once-over and smiled, his brown eyes twinkling. Anna returned the smile and grasped his hand. 

She turned towards Jack. "Would you mind—"

"No, not at all." Jack grasped Elsa's hand. He closed his eyes and was silent for a few moments. "Dear Lord... thank you for this time that we've gotten to spend with each other. Thank you for... protecting us and providing for us and blessing us. God, thank you... for bringing Elsa to me. Thank you for the wonderful influence she's had on my life and thank you for giving me the opportunity to spend time with her... Please bless this food and the hands that prepared it. Amen." Elsa heard Anna and Kristoff echo his 'amen.'

She numbly sat in her seat, still grasping Jack's hand. Was Jack really thankful for her? Warmth spread through her body. She released Jack's hand and stared at her lap, trying to sort through her whirling feelings and thoughts. 

Elsa put some mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and a few slices of turkey, doused in gravy, onto her plate. She chewed her food thoughtfully. It always felt like a game of tug-a-war with her feelings. She'd never felt so uncertain about anything in her entire life. She glanced towards Jack. He seemed to like her. None of his actions seemed to contradict that, yet the thought seemed so... abstract. So impossible. 

Elsa stabbed a piece of turkey. She wasn't a little school girl with fluctuating hormones. She was an adult. Elsa decided to handle this the mature and sensible way. She'd protect her herself. Saying someone stole your heart was simply a metaphor. Elsa resolved to control herself once more, her thoughts, her feelings, her emotions. Currently, Jack had the power to absolutely destroy her. No one should have that kind of power, she decided adamantly. She was going to gain control of herself once more. And it would start with her emotions.