Never There ~ A Jelsa Story~

Twenty Three; Wild

Elsa's POV

I sat down and crossed my legs, as I watched a film. I didn't often get to watch my favourite films, because Jack didn't like them, and when he was at work, I was busy looking after Jewel. At that moment, Michael entered the room, and slid right up to me on the sofa. "Hello, Ellie! Watcha watching?"

I smiled at him. "I don't expect you'll like it..." I said, but I showed him the cover anyway. 

"I love those films! Why did you think I wouldn't?" he asked, and I hesitated. He raised an eyebrow. "Jack? Did he not let you watch them?"

"Well... not that exactly... but he didn't like them. He never actually told me not to watch them, but I never did while he was around."

"Here you can watch whatever you want, whether I like it or not, alright?"

I grinned at him. "Alright."

"So, which one are we watching? The second one?"

"Yep, the one where Tanya has to leave her husband before he realises that she's pregnant, and with Paul's child, the person she had an affair with." I stopped, and looked at Michael. "Do you think that Rapunzel might have Jack's child?" I asked. As soon as I said it, I wished that I could take it back. It sounded so silly now I had said it out loud.

"Maybe, maybe not. But why does it matter? You've got me now, honey."

"What will happen about your girlfriend? What are you going to say to her?"

"Well, I love you much more than I ever loved her, so when she gets home, I'll tell her!" 

"How do you think she'll take it?"

"I don't know. She can be a bit.. angry at times... She should be here soon actually. Lily is usually here at this time." As if by magic, we suddenly heard the door open. Michael took a deep breath and walked towards the front of the house. "Lily, I need to talk to you. It is important."

"What is it? I am busy!" Lily said, impatiently. I decided I didn't like the sound of her.

"Right, if you don't want to be told over a nice cup of tea, I'll tell you now. Now, Lily, remember how we always said our romance would not last forever? Just a nice little summer fling? It's already lasted too long. And it's come to an end."

"I have kids living here! And why now, for heaven's sake? Why out of blue?"

"Because I've met another. Her name is Ellie."

"Ellie. What is it with you and short pretty names? First Kiki, then Lily, then Ellie! Come on!" Lily scowled at Michael.

"Ellie, come here," Michael called me, and I froze. I slowly walked towards the commotion.

"Hi... I'm Elsa... or Ellie..." I told her, and then looked at the girl I was speaking to. 

"You!" Lily gasped, and her mouth fell open. 

"We haven't spoken for a while, have we, Lils?"

"You know each other?" Michael asked, confused.

"Yes. She went on a date with my boyfriend! And she's doing it again!" Lily said.

"I had no idea Flynn had already asked you to be his boyfriend. You spoilt my first date," I replied.

"Ha!" Lily looked at Michael. "Elsa and I were best friends when we were little. Then Flynn asked me to a date, and I was overjoyed. Obviously it didn't last long though. The day after we became a couple, I saw Elsa and Flynn, having the same date as him and I had had. They were about to kiss. Of course I split them apart! After that, none of us wanted to be with him. Elsa left our high school and moved here. Flynn followed you, but all I know then was that he went off with a blonde girl. I think her name was Rachel."

"R-rachel?" I asked again, frowning. This sounded too strange. I knew someone who looked a lot like Flynn did, but I had thought it was a coincidence. And I knew a blonde girl whose name was similar to Rachel. "Could it be Rapunzel?"

She nodded. "Ah, yes. That's right. Why?"

"I know her. I also know a Eugene. Did Flynn change his name, do you know? Or is his real name Eugene?"

Lily shrugged. "I think I remember him mentioning that Flynn was his middle name, but he used it because it was more casual than his given first name. But all of that is beside the point! You are doing this again. You are ruining my relationship!"

I shake my head. "I'm sorry Lils. But can we hear my story now? I didn't know that Flynn, or Eugene, was with you. I wouldn't have gone with him if I knew that! I was upset at you though for ruining my date. I thought that you were just jealous of me, full stop. I was so sorry when the gossip reached me. I moved to a different high school, as you know, and there I met a boy called Jack Frost. We basically fell in love, but we had a few bumpy bits along the way. We had 4 children together, and we got married. But now I have found out that Jack is having an affair with Rapunzel - yes, the one who was Eugene's girlfriend. Seriously, what kind of world am I living in? So... that's how I came to be here. I ran away, and Michael helped me. But now I know that he's with you, I can't be with him. Lily, Michael is all yours. Just let me stay here?"

"What? No! I love you, Ellie!" Michael told me, but I sigh.

"I've already hurt you, Lil. I can't do it again."

To my alarm, I saw tears misting in my old friend's eyes. "No. I love you, Mike, but I can't be with you if you don't love me. Be with him, Ellie, you deserve him. I've been such an idiot over the years, it serves me right. After you and Flynn left, I had nothing. I started dating boys who were famous for setting fires in the park. I became a bully, Ellie. And now it's come back at me." Lily smiled through her tears. "I never really wanted to be with Flynn anyway. I didn't want to become your enemy. I was just angry at Flynn, and I took it out on you. Can we please start again?" She turned to Michael. "Please let me stay here though? It's yours and Ellie's house, I know... but..."

I interrupt her. "Alright, if it's my house, I command you to stay here!"

"Do you mean that, Ellie?" she said, and I nod. The tears spill down her cheeks and I hug her. At times she was a real idiot, it's true, but she was also my best friend. I can't be without her anymore.