Survival

Chapter 10

The Big Four have taken their seats in the cafeteria after gathering their lunch.

"I have bologna," Rapunzel says.

"Tuna," Merida replies.

Without another word they switch sandwiches and devour them. Meanwhile, Jack and Hiccup watch as they gorge on their food.

"Take a little mercy on your food," Hiccup says in astonishment. He can swear that these girls eat more than he and Jack together.

"We're hungry," Merida says, or tries to with a mouthful.

"Say it, don't spray it," Jack grumbles as he wipes bread crumbs from his shirt.

Meanwhile, Rapunzel is just laughing at them. She swallows her food and was about to say something when she spots something at the back of the cafeteria.

The rest follow where her eyes drifted. To Elsa.

She's by herself....as always. She doesn't even eat lunch. She sits there and does whatever work she has. No one really likes her. Elsa is....odd. Always wearing a long sleeve despite the weather. Never talks until forced to. Stutters with every word. A total freak.

"Hey, guys, who am I?" Merida clears her throat and mocks, "I...I....I d-don't like to.....talk, and when I-I do...I s-stutter."

Everyone laughs, even a few people seated close by.

The four of them turn their attention back to the girl in questioning.

Rapunzel whispers, as if Elsa can hear across the room, "Why is she the way she is?"

"Why don't you go ask her?" Jack whispers back sarcastically. Rapunzel just rolls her green eyes.

"No, seriously. Why is she so....dull?"

Hiccup interrupts with, "Maybe if we got to know her...." His voice cuts off when everyone looks at him incredulously.

"What?" He protests. "The whole school is always against her when they don't even know her. What if we–"

Hiccup is interrupted when Merida blurts out, "I got an idea. Thanks, Hiccup." He looks at her disapprovingly.

Merida continues, almost excitedly, "What if we pretend to befriend her. Have her share her secrets, wishes, and whatever. And when she's done we rub it in her face that it was just a prank? What do you think?"

"That'd actually be interesting. When you think about it, no one knows anything about her. I have a feeling she is hiding some sort of secret. I'm in!" Rapunzel exclaims. "But how are we going to befriend her. It has to be one of us. If we all try it will look too suspicious."

As one they look at Jack.

"You can't be serious," he says incredulously. "One of you girls do it. Befriend her."

"We can't. She won't trust us. It makes better sense if you do it. If a guy does it. So, pretend to like her. Get her to open up. It'll be easier since you're...kind of handsome," Merida chokes out the last sentence.

"Handsome, huh?" Jack cockily repeats.

"Yeah, right," scoffs Merida. "Not for us. But it may work for Elsa. You'd be surprised what girls are willing to do or say for handsome guys. Last I checked, Elsa is a teenage girl. She may not look like it, but I'm sure she'll appreciate someone, especially a guy, to pay her some attention."

Jack actually thinks about it. If he goes through it, he would have to pretend that he likes her. Just the thought of doing it makes him wants to lose his lunch.

"I don't know..."

"Come on!" Rapunzel encourages.

"I–"

"How about a prank and a deal. If you can get Elsa to go with you to Winter Formal next month I'll give you $50."

Well that's something to consider. Jack can always use some money.

How hard can it be?

He looks at everyone and chuckles, "Deal." And he shakes Rapunzel's hand.

Everyone failed to notice how quiet Hiccup was as they talked about the plan.

Out of nowhere, someone jumps into their conversation.

"Luke? Can we help you?" Rapunzel sighed.

He looks at her in his usual half smile. Despite the good looks he possesses, both Merida and Rapunzel know how notorious Luke is when it comes to girls.

"I heard you want to play a prank on Elsa. I want in."

"Why?"

Luke shrugs. "Same reason you guys are doing it."

"I don't think–" But Jack cuts Rapunzel off.

"Sure."

Luke grins at them. "Alright. Whatever you decide let me know. We'll keep in touch." And then he leaves them alone.

The second Luke is out range, Rapunzel hisses, "Why did you tell Luke yes?"

Jack waves her off. "He wants in on the fun. What's the harm? Plus, I'm sure he can help in some way."

Merida cuts in, "But Rapunzel and I don't like him!"

"Is it because he sleeps with a lot of girls. I'm sure if it was the opposite you wouldn't care because of feminism or whatever you want to call it. Well, now you're being hypocritical."

"Shut up, Jack" Merida mutters under He breath as she eats the rest of her food.

As they continued discussing their plans, Hiccup was the only one to look unconvinced.