Chapter Twenty-Four: Rapunzel The Great And Talented and Elsa The Understudy

Elsa (P.O.V)

I bit my tongue as I walked past Anna. I was still angry with her. It been about a week since Rapunzel brought her home telling me where she'd been and who she'd been with. I didn't tell on her. She was my sister and there are somethings we keep between ourselfs.

For example, parties in which you never asked to go.  She hadn't told on me for going to the party, Merida had pretty much forced me to go to. The one that resulted in me being married an a whole lot of other problems. Half of which I can't remember.

However, the other reason I wasn't telling was because Dan and Charlotte are not our parents. Although I do respect them for taking care of us. I don't respect them enough to look at them as anything than well who they were.

Two people who couldn't have children of there own so adopted a few that they rarely give a second glance. Once Anna and Olaf were out of there, 'Hold me!' phase we all became more of house pets. The ones that you pet every so often but are usually to busy to spent time with. Now were not literally treated like pets. Close enough though.

She kept her head down looking blankly at her pancakes. Ones she had drowned in chocolate syrup. Quickly I snagged a chocolate muffin off the table. Rapunzel had baked them and dropped them off nearly a hour ago. They were still slightly warm. Taking a bite, I open the refrigerator getting out a carton of milk.

Rapunzel was preparing for the talent show which was tonight. I had promised to attend. Not that I would miss it she was one of my best friends. Merida was attending to. She was supposed to be in it her mother forced her every year.

Merida knew how to play almost as many instruments as Rapunzel. Elinor had squeezed Meridas childhood full of anything Merida found uninteresting. She could play the piccolo. An she wasn't half bad.

Anyway Rapunzel was singing a duet with Eugene. At least thats the plan, he has been extremely distant from what I hear for Punz. I felt bad for her. She loved him so much and I know it hurt her everytime he blow her off or didn't return her calls.

It was completely unlike him, he usually did what he could to make Rapunzel happy. He wasn't a perfect boyfriend no guy was but I wouldn't pick anyone but him to be with Rapunzel.

"I don't see what the big deal is," Anna said suddenly, "It was just a party."

"Yeah, just a party with a bunch of seniors and high school drop outs, such great influences," I said pouring me a glass, "Not to mention you were hanging with Hans a drug dealer!"

I had planned to join the talent show myself but I wasn't confident enough. Looking at Anna I remebered she had planned to be in the talent show, but she decided against it. I wasn't sure why but it had to do with Hans I was sure of it.

"Those are just rumors!" She cried out, "He's just misunderstood, Hans is sweet and kind, not to mention romantic! Besides hes my boyfriend he wouldn't let anyone hurt me."

I nearly did a spit tank with my milk. Swallowing hard I narrowed my eyes, "Boyfriend? HA! I can let the party slide but your not dating Hans!" I exclaimed, "He's just using you hes a player, after he gets in your pants he will dump you, and not the cowardly text message break up! He will ruin you infront of the whole school, just like he did to Cindy!"

"That was a one time thing, besides Hans didn't love Cinderella!" Anna hissed, "He wouldn't hurt me he loves me!"

"When did you become so naive!" I growled, "Your gonna get hurt, and I won't be able to protect your from strike to the heart hes gonna give you!"

Anna clinched her fork her knuckles white. Her face took on the color of Merida's hair. "You don't understand! You've never been in love! You wanna know why? Because your cold and shut people out! You don't know what true love is!"

"Yeah well neither do you!" I shot back.

The knock on the door startled me. I nearly dropped my muffin (that would  have been a disaster). I looked at Anna expecting her to jump up and yell, 'I'll get it!" however that didn't happen. I frowned walking past her and to the door.

I was still heated from the argument.  I had the urge to punch something or someone. My fingers laced around the handle as I took a bit of my chocolate muffin. Jack stood there looking rather impatient. I would have said something if I wasn't chewing. Then again I didn't exactly need to speak, Jack was shooting out words before the door was completely opened.

"Did you forget?!" he demand.

"Fervet Vhut?" I spoke with a full mouth. Crumbs falling onto my t-shirt. I looked down at the blue longsleeve. I would had dusted it off if I didn't have a glass of milk in my hand.

"Your a bridesmaid right?" he says them groans, I nodded giving him a 'duh' look. It was his fathers wedding and Rachael asked me to be one right in front of him, "Come on your late!"

I was confused on what he was talking about but then I remebered. The wedding rehearsal was today. He grabbed me pulling me to his car. I attempted to blance my milk trying to keep if from spilling, "I thought you were supposed to pick me up?" I said, "So I'm not late you are!"

"I told you I couldn't Wednesday, remember? I texted you where it would be and you said you'd, drive yourself," he reminded.

"I did?" I wondered, "Oh...sorry I thought it wasn't until later, I didn't expect it to be this early."

"Its 3 in the afternoon!" he says tapping his watch.

"On a Saturday,"

He rolled his eyes getting in the car. Huffing I walked to the passenger side frowning as I looked at my full hands. Jack leaned across the seats opening the door and pushing it open.

Giving a thankful nodded I slid in putting my cup in the holder before shutting the door. I barley had time to put on my seat belt before Jack spead off. "HEY! NEED FOR SPEED! YOUR GONNA GET A TICKET OR WORSE! US KILLED!" I exclaimed.

He rolled his eyes (again I might add). Glaring at him slightly, I took another bit of my muffin. My finger reached for the radio but he smacked my fingers away. I smacked him back.

"Wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?" I murmured.

"Wouldn't know I didn't sleep in fact I been up since I woke up Friday morning!" He growled.

"Why?" I asked.

He looked at me I could see it now. The dark bags forming under his eyes. The were glassy and tired. I was concerned, he looked horrible. Well he was still adorable I mean he was Jack Frost nothing could ruin his looks. Except for maybe a truck to the face but that was besides the point.

He need to sleep. I should know I had a full twelve hours of sleep last night and I wanted to go to bed. I couldn't imagine how tired he was. I watched a he took a drink of his coffee crinching at the taste.

"I'd rather not talk about it," he spoke softly. He sounded almost sad. Scratch that he sounded devastated. I placed a hand on his shoulder giving a soft squeeze.

"Im here when you need to," I offered. Looking back to the road ahead, "Maybe I should drive, they say driving tired is just as bad as driving drunk."

"I wish I was drunk," Jack groaned, "I have a headache, not to mention I'm going to one of the worsed events ever, it wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't done this a million times before."

"Yes but it won't be that bad, because this time you have me," I smiled.

"I'll work ahead and add this wedding rehearsal to one of the worst, " he smirked.

I released a humorless laugh finishing my muffin and reaching for my milk. Raising it to my lips Jack slams the breaks. I squeak as the milk splashed everywhere. I gasped as it ran down my shirt. My mouth remained wide open as I looked at Jack who was holding back laugh.

"Sorry," Jack says. He really wasn't but I let it slide, I mean he didn't seemed to be having a good day.

I let out a real laugh, "I'll forgive you," I said putting my glass back in the holder, "If you hug me."

"No way Moo moo," he chuckles.

"Did you just call me a cow?!" I gasped joking, "Thats it! MOOOO!"

I hugged his side as we stopped at a red light. He yelped laughing too. For a moment he seemed like happy carefree Jack. Then it went away when his phone began to ring. 'Carry on my wayward son they'll be peace when you are done,' moving away from him, he answered the call.

"Emma tell Rachael were almost there," he says, "No Jamie I am not giving you back your slingshot...yes Sophie Elsa is with me...Emma-Jamie give the phone back I need to talk to Em- Sophie tell them to stop passing the phone around!"

I chuckled wiping away some milk on my forehead. I tuned out the rest of there conversation running my hands through my hair. I hadn't brushed it and I knew I had exterm bed head. Not as bad as Anna's though, lucky me!

Jack hung up about two minutes before we pulled into Enchanted Weddings. A small shop surround buy other small stores. Dresses were sitting in the window. The fluffy white growns of various designs along with colorful bridesmaid dresses and suits.

Jack hopped out the car. I followed soaked in milk, my house slippers scrapping against the pavement. The inside of the shop smelled of cake, and flowers. I smiled Jack had already made it to the counter.

"Pick up for Frost," he says to the women. She was a ginner and wore a pink dress.

She turns her eyes widen in delight as she seen us. An I recognized her, and Jack did too. "I didn't expect to see you here," she says, "You two look...as cute as ever, young love, I have to say you are one of the youngest couple I sold a wedding dress to."

Curiositie rose in me. "Gisele right?" I said, walking to the counter, "this is gonna sound strange but can you tell me what happened the night you sold us the...my wedding dress?"

She let out a light laugh, giving us a confused look, "You mean like before you came or after you left?"

"She means while we were here," Jack says making up a explanation why we were asking her to resight such a event, "Elsa loves hearing memorable events in her life from other people."

He was really a good liar. I wasn't whether I should praise him or be worried. Gisele rasised her eyebrow slightly not completely convinced but shrugged it off. "You came in looking nervous, scared almost...let me guess family doesn't approve?"

"Something like that," Jack replies looking at a cake topper. He studied one frowning.

"Anyway you asked for the cheapest dress and suit I could round up, and I felt bad, I mean its obvious you guys had nothing figured out but you were determined, and Im one who believes love conquers all so I gave you the dress and suit for free, and you left with them," she says with a grin, "The wedding went well I hope."

"Yes," I said a little to quickly, "Thank you by the way, for the dress and stuff, this is a lovely place, do you make the dresses?"

"Your welcome and yes," she says her smile turning slowly into a frown, "Sadly this place won't be here for long, we were robbed actually they same night you were here hours after closing, which was strange I had installed the best security system offered, anyway with that much money lost were almost bankrupt."

I wasn't sure what to say luckily Jack spoke up,"Im sorry to hear that."

Giselle nodded, "Well everything happens for a reason, let me get your stuff."

She walked away towards the back of the store. Jack looked at me, "Rachael asked me to pick up your bridesmaid dress and my tux,  yours had to be order since they were out of your size," He explained.

I nodded, "Wait, I thought you got your tux weeks ago?" I remember him texting me about how surprised he was about the number of suit styles there was. He had then called me to complain about ties.

"I did, lets just say never finger paint with Sophie in your room, not only are most of my clothes splatted with paint but my walls look like a unicorn throw up...did I mention the paint was glittery?" He says, "My father was not to happy."

I chuckled slightly smiling. Gisele returned quickly with the dress and suit. They were wrapped in plastic. Jack took them shoving the dress in my arms. Giving me a slight smirk. His eyes crinkled slightly.

"Change quickly, we already late, besides my father dislikes you, showing up covered in milk not a good idea," he tells me.  I frowned at him admitting his father wasn't fond of me.

I was pretty sure Manny didn't approve but hearing it from Jack hurt. I nodded going to the shops bathroom. I was quick to change. The dress was silver and fell to my knees. It fluffed out shimmering in the light. A blue bow wrapped around my waist. It was a dark blue darker than Jacks sweater.  Speaking of the sweater I missed it at the moment.  It was really comfortable.

The shoes were silver as well, with heels that cut into the back of my ankles. My hair fell around me in tangles. I did not have a hair tie nor a brush so I used my fingers to the best of my ability. My face was covered with small specks of old make up from not removing it the day before and sleeping with it on.

I rubbed it away the best I could before exiting the bathroom. My other clothes in my hands. Jack stood waiting. His suit was the color of my bow, and his tie matched the silver of my dress. "Not to bad, good thing Emma talked Rachael out of pink right?" he says.

I nodded watching as he rubbed his eyes tiredly. A yawn escaped his lips and I yawned as well. It really was contagious. Taking my fingers in his he pulled me to the car. I stumbled slightly my heels making me wobble.

I wasn't used to the sudden height change. It took me some time to get used to heels. Especially when I still hadn't managed to wake up. A smile raised on my cheeks when Jack helped my stay steady. We made it to the car without any disasters. Throwing my clothes in the back with Jacks we began to drive again.

The radio played softly I couldn't make out much more than a hum. I leaned back playing with the fabric of the dress feeling it between my finger tips. Jack kept his eyes blank at the road ahead. He seemed to be deep in thought.

Maybe to deep in though. It looked painful. I debated on whether to distracted him but by the time I thought of something to say we arrived at Jacks house. They were doing rehearsals there. The real wedding would be at church not to far from the place me and Jack had our first date.

I flustered at the memory. We hadn't kissed since then. Not that I wanted to kiss him...Who am I kidding, I kind of did. Not that I would ask Jack to kiss me and I definitely couldn't just kiss him.  I didn't have the guts or bravery to take such a chance.

Jack noticed my blush sadly, "Are you feeling okay? Your not getting sick again right?"

"I'm fine," I said unbuckling my seatbelt stepping out the car. I got chills from the cold wind. The dress was strapless leaving my arms exposed completely. Goose bumps spread across my pale skin.They took a slight pink color. Jack walked quickly to his front door. Mutable cars filled the driveway.

I walked through them stumbling slightly. I fell against black green rim truck signaling the alarm. I screeched and Jack chuckled slightly. The loud noise echoed through the air. Jack opened his front door. I rushed after him. Stepping inside he yelled, "Sorry Bunny, my fault!"

"Jackie I told you if you ever touch my car I would remove your fingers!" A voice with a thick accent yelled. My husband looked at me giving me a 'yikes' look.

 "See what you done I already have a death sentence and we just got here." He was joking but I felt bad. He must have seen because he patted my shoulder and said, "Its okay E.Q, the worse Aster will do to me is glare at me through rehearsal."

He led me into the living room. Which was large, perfect black leather couch with blue throw pillows sat on the wooden floors. A glass coffee table sat in the middle and above a gorgeous fireplace was a flat screen. We stepped in, and all eyes looked at us. Scratch that me. They were curious as to who exactly I was.

I wish I could say I was curious to meet them but I was to nervous and busy concentrating on Jacks hand on my back leading me forward. I could feel his cold hands through the fabric of my dress. A blue creeped up my neck.

A woman with slick dark hair with multicolor streaks approached us. She wore a dress identical to mine except she was carrying a purple and green purse. A humming bird charm hung from the chain on her neck. Behind he was a tall man with ashy hair. His eyes were green, where the women was a violet color. Her smile was bright her teeth the most perfect I had ever seen.

The man she was with seemed quite scruffy. He had a slight shadow from his lack of shaving. An his hair was in a buzz cut. It was a understatement saying he was intimidating. The women jumped at Jack hugging him tight. He groaned opening his mouth. Only to close it immediately when she gasped. "Your teeth as white as ever I'm so proud!"

Jack scratched the back of his head, "Yeah...I flossed!" he said it with sarcastic enthusiasm.

She didn't notices she seemed to happy, "Great I was worried, you didn't show up for you check up, you better not be slacking, healthy teeth are important!"

"Yeah, yeah," He brushes her off. He stepped closer to me. I could smell the mint and coffee on his breath.

"I swear if there is just a tiny scratch on my truck..." The tall man begin. My guess he was this Aster guy or was it Bunny?

"That piece of junk, how can you tell the old scratches from the new? There so many of them!" Jack was obviously joking the truck was perfectly unscratched. It looked like brand new. It couldn't have had that many miles on it.

The tall man frowned glaring hard. Two other men popped up.  A rather short one and a large one. The short on had yellow hair about the same color as Rapunzel. His eyes were a warm gold color. The large one...he looked like a stereotypical Santa. An I think I've seen him before.

"Long time no see, Jackson," The large man said ruffling Jacks hair, "Your have better been behaving!"

Jack frowned at the use of his first name. My guess was he didn't like to be called by it. "Me behave? I've been on the Naughty list since I was born!" He replied. That wasn't hard to believe.

"You do hold the record the twins are catching up though," The man says. I glance behind his watching as the twins stole a bowl of snacks from the table and rushing out the door.

Jack laughed wrapping an arm around me pulling me forward, "Everyone this is-"

"ANGEL!" Sophie voice echoed loudly as she rushed up in her fairy wings wrapping her arms around my leg. I smiled at her the sudden knots in my stomach disappeared. I was happy to see the messy haired blonde. An for that moment my nerves went away.

"Angel? Whos this Elsa have I been told about then? You got a new girlfriend? Did something happen between you and the Elsa girl? Rachael told me you two were very serious?" the woman exclaimed.

She had no idea how serious we were. I mean we were married. Jack broke out into laughter. His face turned tomato red, he was having a hard time breathing. "T-this issss....E-Elsa!" he says.

I nodded, "Sophie is convinced I'm a angel," I explained I held out my hand taking the women's to shake, "Its nice to meet you."

"You too I'm Jacks Aunt Toothiana you can call me Tooth," she says she grabbed the tall mans hand, "This is Aster my husband, My brother North, and our dear friend Sandy."

I smiled, "Its nice to meet you all."

"You teeth there beautiful you could floss more though, you also shouldn't eat so much chocolate candy causes cavities," Tooth says. I shut my mouth the still slightly chuckling Jack took my hand and began to pull me away. Sophie huffed as she was forced to let go of my leg. Shrugging she hopped away.

"We'd love to stay and talk to everyone besides Bunny but we must be going," Jack says earning a glare from Aster. My guess was his Aunts husband wasn't his best friend.

Jack didn't say anything to me as he lead me through more people. He only spoke when introducing me. Most people were Rachael's family. They all had some part in the wedding. Speeches that they had prepared. Rachael wanted them to practice she wanted everything perfect.

By the time we were done I had only remembered a handful of names. It became really hot and crowded. Eventually we had to step outside. Emma and Jamie were playing with Abby there dog. Sophie was playing dolls with a little girl one I didn't recognize.

She had dark hair and purple glasses. Her dress was green with gold and purple splatter like design. She screeched when she seen Jack. Her face lit up like a Christmas tree. She also wore fairy wings. Her body leaped into Jacks arms.

He laughed, "Hey Baby Tooth!" he says. I raised my eyebrow at the strange name. He started to explained, "Elsa meet Hope, she's Aster and Tooth daughter, also know as Baby Tooth because I swear she is an exact copy of my Aunt."

I nodded, "Hey Hope," I said with a smile. She returned it shyly. I found in adorable as she buried her face into Jacks chest. He patted her head laughing slightly.

"Hey do you know where my father is?" Jack asked suddenly serious. Tooth who stuck her fingers in her mouth shook her head.

There wasn't much time to say more for Rachael called us to the other side of the yard. Tables were set up the way they would be at the real wedding. Everyone crowded outside dressed in there suits and dresses with thick jackets over them.

All besides me and Jack who weren't bothered by the cold. We had to practice outside because there wasn't enough room indoors. Manny walked out and Jack was about to go and talk to him. However he didn't get the chance for the silvered haired man began to speak.

"Were gonna skip the reception but we will practice Sophie and Hope being flower girls and the twins delivering the rings, speaking Jackson," Manny says. He stood in his silver suit and blue tie the exact reverse of Jacks.

The white haired boy froze looking at me. The rings...they were still between my mattress and box spring. "The what?" Jack said playing dumb. My fingers began to tremble.

His father narrowed his eyes, "Jackson the rings, remember you were holding them for the wedding."

Aster let out a laugh, "Wait you let him hold the rings, isn't that like his first step in crashing weddings stealing the rings?"

"I didn't...I just...I.." Jack stuttered. I felt so guilty this was all my fault. He looked at me desperately for help.

All eyes were on him. I knew of Jacks past of wrecking his fathers weddings. So did everyone else. They all wore disappointed looks. I wasn't the best liar but I tried anyway. I mean he did take the blame for the car alarm.

"Oh no! Jack I'm so sorry you asked me to hold them at Enchanted Weddings...I set them down to change into the dress I must have left them!" I spoke with such nervousness, fear, and guilt I sound convincing.

I put my face in my hands before looking at Manny. He didn't look very happy. Rachael came forward, "Its okay it was a accident sweetie."

"Me and Elsa could go and see if there still there," Jack said. From his eyes I could tell he wanted the hell out of here.

Manny spoke, "No I'm sure the manager has them you can check after the rehearsal, as of now we need you two to play your part in this have a seat and lets begin."

Jack let out a sigh of relief and gave me a thankful look. I smiled softly and going to take a seat where our place cards were. We luckily got to sit next to each other. Tooth and Aster were a crossed from us. The twins were on the other side of Jack and Sophie and Hope were on my side.

Through all the speech's the twins mimicked everyone. Sophie and Hope talked a lot getting shushed through everything. At some point Jack got bored and began braiding my hair. He also was kind enough to give me the dark blue jacket leaving him in the white undershirt and tie. I guess he was trying to make sure I wouldn't get cold not that it would bother me if I did. Still it was sweat.

While North was giving his speech Jack says, "I'm sorry."

"For what?" I was confused he hadn't done anything wrong. If anything I had done something wrong. I was responsible for returning the rings to him.

"You having to sit through this," he says, "I hate this stuff."

I was gonna asked him why he hated the idea of his father marrying so much. I mean it shouldn't bother him with how many times he's watched his father get a wife. However like many other times today someone spoke before I had a chance.

It was Rachael she wasn't in her wedding dress but she was wearing white, "Jack its your turn to say the speech you prepared."

Jack rolled his eyes focusing back on my braid. The fact the we were so close caused every eye on him to be on me. My face burned badly. Tooth snickered slightly. Of course she'd find my embarrassment adorable.

"I have nothing to say," he replied. His voice was cold. I noticed as time ticked by he had been getting more frustrated. He had tried to speak to his father a couple of times but was usually cut off by another rehearsal thing.

"Jack don't be rude," I whispered lowly. He ignored me. Using a hair tie he got from Emma to tie the braid. It wasn't bad, it was actually pretty good. My guess was he spent a lot of time braiding Emma and Sophie's hair.

"Jack we asked you to prepare something to say, Ryan did," Manny says. This made Jack angry I could tell because he clinched his fist so tight his knuckles turned white. I placed a hand on one trying to calm him.

Ryan stood in a suit identical to Jack. He looked quite smug about the whole even. He had went before North. His speech had been filled with meaningful text (more like a kiss up speech than a congratulations one).  He had used extremely good vocabulary.

It made most of the other speech seem dull and illiterate. I could tell Jack was jealous which might of been part of why he didn't want to give a speech. He stood up facing his father. "Exactly Ryan went, so why exactly do I need to, I mean you already got a handful of bullshit from your new son why need the disappointment to say anything."

The people at the tables went completely quite just a taken back as Jack was. He looked as if he did expect those words to escape his mouth. He looked suddenly paler than usual. Looking at me he said, "Lets go E.Q." 

His voice was barley above a whisper. As he pulled me up from my seat his jacket slipping slightly from my shoulders. "Jackson Overland Frost, I am sick of your big self pity scenes, an if you would start thinking instead of doing stupid things, I wouldn't have anything to be disappointed about, I'm not going to be proud of you went you got get drunk at a party and wreck something or in a fight at school in which you start!"

"I'm not asking you to be proud, in fact I don't care, if you actually acted like a father I might...you see that's why I'm pissed, where were you last night?" Jack demand.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it something came up at the office," Manny voice had a hint of guilt.

"Right, was it so important that you left me in pain all night," he exclaimed, "I had to drive to the hospital with the twins and Sophie, because you where to busy worrying about yourself then your son, your real son."

"Jac-" Manny tried.

"No! you don't get to say anything, your never there when you family...your real family needs you...I need you there, especially when the results came back," His voice got softer with each word. I was confused I didn't know what he was talking about.

"Results?" Manny spoke surprised, "You called me and said you over reacted that it was just a headache."

"I lied, because it obvious that you don't care because if you did you would have been there, but you know that's not important right now what's important is that since mom died you have looked at me like its my fault,  not to mention since she died you been extremely okay with it,  I mean you haven't hesitated to try and replace her a million times!" he snapped.

"No one can replace your mother!"

"Exactly nobody can which is why you marry so much and divorce them so quickly because every single time... every women you try to replace her with can't so you move on and try again, an actually I do have something to say about your marriage to Rachael," He turned to the blonde, "You can't live up to who my mother was...so your just be added to the list of failures."

With that he turned to leave and I followed nobody tried to stop us. They did the right thing letting us go. I was sure Jack would have punched Ryan if we hadn't left. Actually if we hadn't left I would of. The asshole stood in the corner grinning the whole time.  An all I wanted as we got in the car, was to march back to the yard and choke him.

The car was silent for a moment until I finally managed to force my question out, "Why were you at the hospital?" My voice showed my concern, he flinched at it. 

"So," Jack whispered ignoring my question, "How about that talent show."

An all I did was nodded something I'd been doing a lot lately. The whole drive the one question echoed in my mind. My worry didn't fade. It never would.

---

The room was filled with parents and students. I spotted Merida instantly. She had started back at school not to long ago. Nobody knew about the little babies she was carrying which was good. The last thing she need was disapproving looks and awkward questions.

She sat in a row close to the front. Her curls fell in her face covering the almost completely healed scraps on her face. Her casts were covered in paint and sharpie marks. All were from Rapunzel. I saw a bear chasing wisps which was a legend Merida's mother told us as children. It was neatly painted on the cast on Merida's leg. I wasn't surprised to see Hiccup by her, I was surprised to see Astrid by him. I was quick to plop in a seat next to the redhead.

She jumped slightly obviously startled, "Where Rap?" I asked. Jack sat next to me leaning back as far as he could the theater seat.

Merida who was eating Dorito's replied with a mouth full of chips, "She's the third act and Eugene is a no show, she's freaking, he never bails on her, anyway she is tryin' to get ahold of him, she cant sing a duet by herself."

I frowned feeling back, "That terrible speaking of Eugene hes been missing a lot of school, maybe he's sick."

Jack spoke up, "Nope I seen him the other day at the park playing Football with some guys."

Hiccup then piped in, "I seen him yesterday with his twin at the store seemed healthy to me."

This made me mad and worried. He was acting so weird. Rapunzel rushed up she was dressed nice in a purple dress her hair braid covered in flowers. Her eyeshadow was a glittery pink and her eyes were puffy with tears.

"Thank Pascal your here Elsa," She exclaimed through watery eyes, "I need your help, I need someone to take Eugene place, your the only good singer available!"

I froze completely replaying what she had said. After a moment I violently shook my head. "No, no, no, I can't!" I said quickly.

"Yes you can, besides you know the song, you practiced with me all week," the was true I had sung Eugene's part a million times because Rapunzel needed someone to practice with. My stomach clinched lightly at my friends pleading eyes.

"Make Merida do it!" I exclaimed.

"Hell no, there no way I'm gonna waddle up there with these crutches, besides ay don't know the words," Merida said crumbs falling from her mouth. She was slouched in a un lady like manner.

She was dressed in pajamas. Not to mention her fingers and area around her mouth were stained orange. I sighed looking at Rapunzel then Jack who smiled at me, "Have fun E.Q."

I growled getting up causing the blonde to cheer. "Break a leg," Merida said, "Seriously I'm tired of being alone."

I laughed nervously at her. All she did was smile as I was dragged to towards the stage. Me and Jack hadn't changed so I was dressed nicely. Pausing behind the curtains on stage Rapunzel stuck a blue flower in my hair.

"There," She let out a nervous breath. Using her fingers she fanned her teary eyes. She looked heartbroken for a moment before covering it. The long haired  blonde was a good actor. Another one of her many talents.

I couldn't breath. My throat had closed and my face had became red from lack of oxygen and panic.  I'm gonna mess up. Everything seemed to have gotten hot and I began to rain sweat.  Rapunzel gave me a soft smile.

"Thank you Elsa, your gonna do great, I promise," She said. This calmed me, Punz never broke her promises. Fiddling with my fingers I peaked out at the crowd although I could not see them. The bright lights directed on stage made the audience nothing more than a dark shadow.

That made things slightly easier I couldn't see everyone staring at me. An I didn't have to picture them in there underwear. Our names were called to quickly. The rocks in my stomach seemed to pile. I clinched my hands clawing the inner skin to distract myself.

I was shaking like...myself when I'm nervous. Rapunzel spoke, "Hey, I'm Rapunzel and my original partner could not make it so filling in is my good friend Elsa go easy on her this is her first talent show, anyway we will be singing I see the light, so here it goes."

She looked at me as if asking I was ready and I just gave a nervous smile. She took it as a yes and began, "All those days watching from the windows, all those years outside looking in, all that time never even knowing just how blind I've been, Now I'm here, blinking in the starlight Now I'm here, suddenly I see Standing here, it's all so clear I'm where I'm meant to be."

Her voice was beautiful and I was extremely jealous in the moment. She turned to me giving me a small smile as she began again the chorus, "And at last I see the light And it's like the fog has lifted And at last I see the light  And it's like the sky is new And it's warm and real and bright And the world has somehow shifted All at once everything looks different, Now that I see you."

 I opened my mouth a squeak sounded causing a series of laughs in the crowd. I turned away for a moment about to rush off the stage when I locked eyes with my friend. Sighing I turned back nodded casting my eyes down as I sung.

"All those days chasing down a daydream, All those years living in a blur, All that time never truly seeing, Things, the way they were, Now she's here shining in the starlight Now she's here, suddenly I know If she's here it's crystal clear I'm where I'm meant to go."

My voice was soft gradually growing with less shakiness. Me and Rapunzel the sung together, "And at last I see the light,"

"And it's like the fog has lifted," I sang.

"And at last I see the light," Our unison was much stronger the second time around.

 "And it's like the sky is new," Rapunzel hit the notes perfectly.

 We both took a deep breath before finishing, "And it's warm and real and bright, And the world has somehow shifted All at once, everything is different Now that I see you, Now that I see you......."

 We were still completely until the crowd began to clap and all I could think about was how happy I was to survive.

---

Jack was the first to say something when I got back to my seat, "You did great," He said, "Still not as good as my singing."

He was obviously joking because he was a terrible singer and I wasn't the best but I was better than him by a long shot. Getting comfortable in my seat I looked at Rapunzel who sat in the seat next to Jack by the isle. Her eyebrows frowned at her phone.

I opened my mouth to comfort her but she got up and march out. Before I could follow her Merida stopped me. "She needs some alone time," She tells me. I sighed leaning my head on her shoulder stealing a Dorito popping it in my mouth.

"Relationships," I murmured. Jack flicked my ear. I narrowed my eyes at him I was about to do it back to him but he leaned his head on my shoulder. An once again I froze only to relax and begin to play with his hair.

Hiccup suddenly spoke, "You should really stop eating so much Red."

Merida eyes widen, "Ye callin me fat toothpick?"

"No, and I'm not a toothpick!" he said clearly offended.

"Maybe not but ay can sure snap ye like one," she hissed.

Astrid groaned between the two arguing rivals. "Shut up you too!" she tells them.

"I wasn't trying to call you fat I'm just saying its not healthy to eat that much!" He says.

"There just Dorito's," She snapped.

"Your third bag," he points.

"So!"

"There family size!" he exclaimed, "Your such a pain, I'm just trying to help you, why are you such a brat!"

"Well excuse me," Merida hissed, "What Bitch bit ye and made ye her son?" Hiccup glared and Merida looked at Astrid then to me whispering loud enough for Astrid and Hiccup to hear. "Ay bet it was Astrid."

I held back a laugh looking back to Jack who had fallen asleep to the bickering. Sighing I petting his head. Leaning down I picked up the black jacket the one I had been wearing earlier in much had fell to the floor.

Just as I lifted it from the ground a neatly fold paper fell from the pocket. Call me nosey but I prefer curious. Setting the jacket in my lap I unfolded the paper. In blue pen written with a shaky hand was a speech. I read my lips trembled, it was beautiful better than kiss up Ryans.

It brought tears to my eyes but they didn't spill until I read the back. The speech was written on the back of a hospital note. I finally understood now, why Jack was so upset.

Hiro (P.O.V)

The definition of friendship: the emotions or conduct of friends; the state of being friends. Also known as a state of mutual trust and support between allied nations. Now me and Vanellope are not two separate nations. In fact were more like two separate planets.

She'd be the one farthest away from the sun or any other star out there. An I'd be the one closest to it. Where as through hard times I eventually find the light. She hides away from it. Now let me define depression: is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being.

I know what it feels like I went through it with Tadashi when he passed. I went through it when Vanellope tried to kill herself then distanced herself for me.  An the only way to get rid of depression is to look for the good.

To simply do your best to make yourself happy. An I can't do that knowing my best friend is broken and stuck in a room with a therapist that knows absolutely nothing about her.  An instead of Van going to someone who knows her (me for example) she distance herself away from everyone who cares.

It made me want to rip my hair out. Not only was I upset she was avoiding me, but she also didn't tell me what was going on. I knew she had been bullied but she told me it stopped. She seemed happy and well Vanellope I couldn't possibly detect something wrong with her on my own.

She didn't tell me. I was her friend why wouldn't she come to me for help? I told her some of my deepest darkest secrets and she never told me any. She didn't want my help or she didn't trust me, I wasn't sure which was the reason for her secrets. All I know is it hurts.

It made me stomach sick and caused me to slump deeper in the computer chair. I wasn't sure how I was going to confront her. An I wasn't sure if she'd accept my help if I offered.  I wasn't sure I was supposed to help her either.

There completely nothing in my useless empty brain. It was unbelievable! An I felt even more stupid for being in her room waiting for her to return from therapy with absolutely no plan! You graduate high school at a young age and yet you clueless!?

My breath hitched at the sound of the front door opening. I was almost ready to abandon the mission. Come back when I had a plan on how to confront her. I was about to dive out the window. Not really I probably would have carefully climbed out. A fall from that height could lead to bodily injuries!

However Vanellope walked in. Her eyes looked at me surprised as she set down her bag. "Hamada what are you doing here?" she asked almost tired.

"I'm here...because you window was unlocked...which is really dangerous a creep could just climb in when your sleeping-" I said nervous.

She raised a eyebrow. Her hair was pulled back and she wore jeans and her green hoody. "No I mean why are you here?"

"Well first of all you don't have don't have a sign on your window that say, 'Go Away Hiro' so I thought I was welcome," I started joking slightly before going serious, "second your my best friend and...I missed you."

Usually she'd blush at that. She did at a lot of things I said (I have that affect on people) however this time she didn't. And that scared me. Instead she frowned more...didn't think that was possible. Reaching over to her old leaning computer desk she grabbed a piece of paper and wrote with a dying green marker.

She shoved in hard in my chest. I took the slightly crumbled line paper and read it. 'Go Away Hiro' it said. I pressed my lips together. "Theirs your sign," she says softly.

"No!" I said more angrily than sad, "Stop pushing me away I just want to help you!"

"I don't need help!" She replied angry as well.

"Really?! Because this sure looks like it!" I grabbed the medicine off the counter. It was antidepressants and something else to make her calm and go to sleep.

She reached out for them and I held them back. Her eyes narrowed as she jumped forward, "I DON'T NEED YOU HIRO! I don't need you to swoop in and save the day I don't need hero! An even if I did it wouldn't be you. "

"Life is hard Vanellope, its a race, and its even harder to win if your alone, do you really want to cross the finish line before the race even starts, do you really wanna cross it alone?" I yelled over her words which she shot at me.

We both froze taking  in what each other said. She had tears in the corner of her eyes. They were in mine to.  My arm lowered slightly causing Vanellope to jump forward and grab them. The cap popped and the pills rained down scattering across the floor.

Her face was red now, "Go away Hiro Hamada!" she took the empty bottles away from me and got to the floor.

"You almost die and you avoid me for weeks, and now your throwing me out of your life for good?" I exclaimed. My heart was pounding. She stood up again shoving me slightly towards the window.

"Yes," she said. The first time it was quiet and unsure. Then she said it again, harder, and cold, "Yes."

An I slumped looking at her carefully, "I thought I lost you that day," I whispered, "I thought they wouldn't be able to save you, and I was gonna lose you...I cant lose you too...I've lose my parents and my brother...and I just cant lose you Vanellope."

Her green spilled tears, "You-u d-don't unders-s-stand H-Hir-ro," She growled at her stuttering words. She had been getting better, before she pushed me away I barely heard it happened. She put her hands in her hands.

I stepped forward wrapping my arms around her in tight hug. She stiffened, her breath hitched in mid sob. Looking up slightly at me her she made a squeaking noise. Her eyes were widen and unsure.

"W-What a-are yo-ou d-d-doing?" She demanded weakly.

"Baymax said this helps people when there sad," I replied raising my hand and patting her head, "There, there..."

She broken into laughter and relief flood into me. She pulled away her laughs slowly dying away, "Your such a dork," she says punching me slightly. Then she went serious, "Listen you don't need a burden..."

"Your not a burden, maybe a little bit a pain but best friends are supposed to be," I tell her, "Please just give me a chance to understand to help, we can get through anything together."

She looked at me for what seemed like hours. Slowly she nodded and I let out a sigh of relief. I smiled and she returned it. Before we could speak a throat cleared and my eyes moved to the man behind her.

A blush rose on my cheeks, "Ralph...hey...hi," I stuttered.

"Hello Hiro how you get here?" He asked me looking quiet amused.

"Through...through the window," I said sheepish.

"Its great to see you were about to have dinner would you like to stay?" Ralph asked. Vanellope mouthed no to me. Not because she was trying to push me away but to save me from a awkward dinner.

"Actually Aunt Cas is expecting me, so Ill just be going see you...tomorrow Vanellope?" She nodded in response to my question I began to reopen the window before I could climb through Ralph cleared his throat again.

"Maybe you should use the front door from now on," He said to me.

My face turned more red, "Right... I will sir...excuse me," I quickly pushed through Vanellope room and past Ralph hopping out the door quickly jumping back away from him. Ralph was a nice guy but he was intimidating.

Quickly I rushed down the hall and down the stairs and to the front door. I could hear Vanellope shout out, "Thank you my Hiro," It was a slightly pun and a inside joke. Still it made me heart flutter as I forced myself out the house and into the world outside.

There is more than one definition of a friend. The definition of Vanellope von Schweetz...well they was only one of her...

(A/N: Sorry took so long blame it on my Supernatural obsession...I cant stop watching and rewatching shows, listening to fan songs, and there Conventions. Sorry hasn't been much time to do anything else. Anyway hoped you liked. I feel like I rushed this still over 8000 words.

Anyway thanks to all my followers I'm almost at 1000 I cant wait thank you all it means so much!)

Bye(adios)(c yah)

-Skye