north star (Jelsa)

Chapter 10

Elsa pov:

Finally completing that excessively long and tedious list, I glanced around and felt as though I had been transported back to my teenage years, before everything changed. I passed by the café where Merida and I used to escape to whenever we were in town. Memories flooded back of skipping piano lessons after school just to spend time with friends and my then-boyfriend.

Reflecting on those times now, a wave of guilt washed over me. I hadn't given much thought to the fact that my parents had invested a significant amount of money in those lessons, which I casually ditched. It dawned on me that not many of my peers stuck around here after high school, unless they happened to marry a local farmer.

As I continued down the main street, I noticed the familiar presence of the original old-fashioned store. What caught me off guard, however, was seeing Jack emerge from the store, holding various types of fabric. A pang of regret washed over me as I recalled our earlier conversation.

Approaching him, I felt the ache in my chest intensify. When I was halfway there, Jack glanced in my direction, but his facial expressions were unreadable, which struck me as odd since I usually could discern his emotions or even thoughts.

Jack suggested that we should probably pick up the kids and head back home. I simply nodded, unsure of what to say to him without it feeling awkward.

   no one Pov:

Once Jack and Elsa fetched their kids from school, the journey back home stretched on endlessly. As they finally pulled into their driveway and unloaded the car, Elsa felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her. She yearned to collapse onto the sofa, surrounded by the day's shopping bags, if only for a fleeting moment. But it seemed Jack and Jackson had already claimed that sanctuary.

Winter breezed past her, disappearing into her room without a word. Elsa watched her daughter go, a mix of weariness and frustration settling in. She desperately wanted to release the emotions bubbling up inside, to let herself succumb to the fatigue and maybe even shed a few tears, but she couldn't bear the thought of Jack witnessing her vulnerability.

With a heavy sigh, Elsa resigned herself to her tiredness. She sank into a nearby chair, resting her head on the table's cool surface. The respite was brief, but as sleep overtook her, it offered a momentary escape from the day's demands.

Jack pov:

After enduring a hectic and stressful day, I eagerly anticipated spending some quality time with my family. As the evening unfolded, I found myself lost in thought until I felt a tug on my sleeve, snapping me back to reality. My son stood beside me, gesturing towards the dining table with a "be quiet" sign. I followed his gaze to find Elsa, peacefully asleep in an awkward but somewhat comfortable position.

"How about you head up to your room and start on your homework while I whip up something for dinner?" I suggested to my son with a smile.

"But I don't want to do homework, it's so boring," Jamie protested, giving me his best puppy-dog eyes.

"Sorry, bud, but homework comes first. And who knows, maybe there'll be a surprise waiting for you after dinner," I replied, gently nudging him towards his room.

Jamie reluctantly complied, tiptoeing past his sleeping mother so as not to disturb her. With a shake of my head, I approached Elsa and carefully lifted her from her makeshift bed. Cradling her in my arms, I carried her bridal-style to the sofa, tucking a blanket around her and placing a tender kiss on her forehead, just like old times.

Once Elsa was settled, I turned my attention to the kitchen, where I spent the next hour cooking a meal that I hoped would please the kids.

Finally done, I knocked on Jamie's door to announce that dinner was ready. He eagerly abandoned his homework and rushed to the dining room. However, when I approached Winter's closed and locked door, I couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. What could she be up to behind that closed door?

I hope you found this chapter enjoyable. Your feedback and comments are welcome!