north star (Jelsa)

One

                                                                                  ( car is a ranger)

In the distance, heat waves shimmered, prompting Elsa to appreciate the presence of air conditioning. It appeared that the temperature had increased by six degrees since they departed the city.Humming along to Reba McEntire on the radio, a smile curved her lips as she spotted Jamie in the rear-view mirror. He was engrossed in a Gameboy, his face contorted in a fierce scowl, which made Elsa giggle at his reaction.

Her smile faltered slightly as she observed the hunched form of her sixteen-year-old daughter, Winter Frost, radiating animosity. Winter wore tiny earphones to drown out the world, including the "mother from hell who had managed to ruin her life." Elsa refocused on the road ahead.

Jamie says, "Mommy."

Elsa replies, "Yes, sweetie?"

Jamie asks, "Do we have anything to eat?"

Elsa reaches into the esky she packed the night before, filled with sandwiches and drinks. She hands Jamie a sandwich.

Jamie complains, "I'm tired of eating sandwiches."

Elsa apologizes, "I'm sorry, sweetie, but it's all we have right now. Can you please just have it for mommy?"

Jamie nods and reluctantly begins eating his sandwich. Elsa then turns to Winter and says, "Winter, please lower your music."

Winter simply turns her music up louder.

Elsa sighs, "I know you miss our old home and your father."

Winter responds, "Yes, I do, Mom. But I'm not like you, Mom, who didn't give Dad a chance to explain what happened."

Elsa defends herself, "I did, but he just walked out on us."

Winter retorts, "More like you."

Elsa counters, "Believe what you want, but we're still moving even if you're not happy about it."

Winter questions, "Why couldn't I stay with Dad?"

Elsa pauses, then comes up with an idea.

"How about we make a deal?" she suggests.

Winter takes off her headphones to listen.

"Okay, I'm listening," Winter agrees.

Elsa proposes, "Let's give this place a chance. If you don't like it, I'll call your father, and you can live with him. You can still visit us."

Winter thinks it over and adds, "If Dad visits for a day, then it's a deal."

"Alright, deal. When do you want your father to come?" Elsa asks.

"Now, so he can help us clean out the house," Winter insists.

"Okay, but only until we settle in, alright?" Elsa concedes.

"Fine," Winter agrees reluctantly.

As they drive into the small town, Jamie spots a school.

"Mommy, please say I'm not going to school this year or for the next few years," Jamie pleads.

Elsa laughs and responds, "Well, you do have to go to school, but if you're not keen, we can go shopping and have a makeover."

"Sorry, Mommy. I know I'll have to go to school soon," Jamie quickly changes his tune.

Elsa smiles, seeing the resemblance to his father in how he tries to avoid things.

Suddenly, the car phone rings.

Elsa checks the screen, which displays "ex-husband."