Survival

Chapter 19

(One Week Later)

Elsa has bundled herself in layers before stepping outside to walk to school.

The cold never bothered her anyway. She would embrace the cold if she could.

But that doesn't mean that her body won't freeze and suffer from hypothermia if she doesn't bundle herself carefully. So as much she enjoys the freezing weather, her body will subject itself to frostbite.

If only she had powers to be immune to freezing temperatures. That'd be awesome.

So, in worn-out leggings, old boots, a light sweater and ripped up jacket, she grabbed her bag. She made it to the door and took a look into the open living room where her father laid unconscious, beer bottles littering the floor.

Elsa looks away and gets the hell out of there.

It hasn't snowed much yet. December has just started. But there is definitely a chill in the wind and air when she breathes.

She loves winter.

Elsa walks to school and she spots Jack waiting in the front. He waves to her and she jogs up to him.

For the past month or so, Elsa has been getting more comfortable with Jack. It's been a long, long time since she's had anyone to keep her company, someone who actually wanted to be her friend. It felt nice to have someone again.

"Hi."

"Hey," he smiles.

They both walk side by side into the warm building. They find a bench to sit on and eat their breakfast. Sometimes Jack brings her a second helping to whatever he eats.

Today, it was a breakfast sandwich.

As they eat in silence, Jack asks her something and her response was to choke on her food unable to believe what he said.

He thumps her back but that only adds to the discomfort as he thumps atop her bruises.

"Stop!" She chokes.

He takes his hand away and it takes her a minute to regain her breath. Jack hands her some juice and she gladly drinks some to clear her airway.

Elsa clears her throat and repeats, "You want to go to the Winter Formal with me?"

"Yes."

"Me?"

Jack chucks and nods his head, "You, Elsa. You don't have to give me an answer right now. Just think about it. It'll be fun. I'll be at your side the whole night, the food is going to be good, and I heard the dance will be better than last year's."

Elsa's heart begins to flutter. A dance. A dance!?

People are going to be looking at her, judging her, ridiculing her.

But somehow, the thought of Jack being with her was enough to calm her down.

She looks at him and nods her head, "I'll think about it."

He gives her a dashing smile and she couldn't help but give one back.