Survival

Chapter 18

It's been a while since Thanksgiving break. Students have just gotten back to their routine after getting the feel of school again.

Well, except Merida.

She overslept (thanks to her three little brothers) and is now running through the halls trying to make it to class. But first, to her locker.

She catches her breath and unlocks her locker. As she takes out her books, something in the corner of her eye catches her attention.

She looks and sees none other than Elsa. She appears to be walking...or limping in the other direction of another hallway.

Merida for some reason can't look away. As Elsa limps away Merida can't help but follow her.

She closes her locker and was about to walk up to her when she hears laughter. Following Elsa was a group of laughing teens.

"Where're you going, Elsa?"

"C'mon! We're sorry for tripping you! But you should've watched where you were walking."

They catch up to her and one of the boys grabs Elsa's shoulders and turns her around.
"Hey! We're talking to you!"

The sound of Elsa's slap echoed throughout the hall. Merida was just as surprised as they were. From where she was standing she was able to see the red handprint on the guy's face. A really nasty handprint.

For a bit, no one moves. Elsa just stands there, looking more frightened than she did before. Her big, blue eyes wide at what she just did.

Merida wondered how was it that they haven't noticed her. But she took that chance to hide behind a column and watch the scene unfold.

Elsa stands her ground on shaking legs, her breathing turning more labored.

The girls in the group stare at her in shock and disgust.

The girl with blonde hair ask, "Phillip, are you alright-"

But the sound of another slap echoes through the halls.

Merida jumps from the sudden—even harsher—sound of another slap, followed by a yelp.

Elsa is now sprawled on the floor, cupping her face as she bursts out crying.

"Stupid bitch. Next time, I'll punch you. So hard I'll dislocate your jaw," Phillip growls.

One of she girls covers her mouth in shock. "Phillip? Why did-"

"She deserved it, Aurora. Now let's leave before a teacher walks by!" The girl, with white hair, complains.

"But Ursula-"

"Do you want to get in trouble?" Ursula asks.

Aurora shakes her head.

"Then let's go. Leave her here." Phillip glares at Elsa who is still crying on the floor, and they all leave.

Merida quickly recovers and was about to leave too when Elsa starts to get up. Merida winces when she sees the left side of Elsa's face is bright red from the hit. There's even a trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth.

Elsa gets up and dashes out, all while still crying and cupping her cheek.

Merida didn't know what to do. She was just there, rooted in place.

She had the urge to follow Elsa but hesitates. Merida is already late as it is. But after what just happened, Merida wanted to check on Elsa.

After internally debating with herself she reachers the conclusion to follow Elsa.

Merida runs in the direction she saw her last. She tries her best to find her, but nothing. Merida must have waited too long.

After minutes of searching, she gives up. She breathes a heavy sigh and walks to her classroom.