The Quiet After the Storm

Chapter IV: Elsa

Wow. So he’s not only cute, he’s funny! Though I’m not sure if that’s on purpose, or if he’s just a goofball. Either way, though, he is bringing a little lightness in here. Come to think of it, there hasn’t been much lightness in here in a long time. Smiling feels good.

“My name is Elsa. And as far as the bathroom is concerned, I can make frosted ice, too.” I’m still smiling. He looks just a little bit uncomfortable. I’m really liking this a lot.

“Now, if you’ll follow me over here, this is the bedroom.”

“Um, well, I, uh,” he started. I love how well he expresses himself. “I didn’t mean that, for you to, I mean I’d really like to see it – THE HOUSE! – but, uh, you don’t need to show me your bedroom, you know? Though it does look very nice. It’s a very nice bedroom. Of yours.”

Okay, I can’t help myself, I have to laugh at that. He sees me, of course, so he now realizes that he can relax a little. That’s okay with me; I got to have a little fun, but I think it would be better to HE IS JUST SO ADORABLE I CAN’T STAND IT.

I literally shook my head at that. I felt as though I was having one thought while another one just decided to jump in there. But the adorable thought was right. He’s charming, a little goofy, VERY good looking, and the ice doesn’t seem to bother him (at all! Is he really not wearing shoes in here?).

I’m still laughing… I forgot about that. He’s laughing now, too. I guess I’m glad I didn’t drive him away after all. It doesn’t take very long before it dies down, though. Guess I’d better say something.

“So, it looks like you’re pretty comfortable around snow and ice, huh?” I ask. “Did you grow up around here?”

“Not here, but we did have a lot of ice when I was growing up. In fact, one time my sister fell through some ice, and I was able to save her. So I guess I’m pretty good on ice!”

I closed my eyes. Of all the things he could possibly have said…

“Hey, are you okay? I’m sorry if it sounded like I was bragging. I was just really glad that I could be there for her when she needed me, that’s all.”

I… I just… I’m not going to cry. Not here, not now, not in front of him. He didn’t know, and I… How could I have been so stupid? Asking him about his family? I can’t look up yet, I’m still fighting back tears, I don’t want him to see…

I feel a hand – his hand – on my chin. He’s lifting it up so that he can see my face. Very gently. I’m not going to… cry… in front of…