*Rapunzel's POV*
I was in my music class waiting for the final bell to ring. I was going to meet Elsa at the back of the school on the bench. Music class is so boring to me since I already know how to play the piano and guitar. My mother is very strict about me using talents. Whenever I couldn't go out with the boys, she would make me practice an instrument or paint her a picture. "Rapunzel." Miss Sarah stated.

"What?" I asked, leaning my head into my hand. I slightly opened my eyes, sleep threatening to take over my body.

"How many counts does a whole note get?" She questioned. I could feel the class turning and staring at me. I let out a sigh and sat up straighter. If my mother found out I was acting like this, she would give me a huge speech.

"Four." I answered, boredom lacing my response. She nodded her head, proud of my response. The class turned back to the front, watching her write it on the board. When they looked away, I rolled my eyes to look outside.

"Very good," Miss Sarah smiled as the bell rang. We quickly packed up our things and hurried out the door. "Don't forget, your songs are due on Friday! Have a good day!" She yelled as we ran out the door. I quickly packed up my homework into my backpack and looked to find Elsa. I searched the hallway but only found Jack.

"Hey Jack! Have you seen the blonde you ran into this morning?" I asked over the noise in the hallway. People pushed past us, either trying to get out of this school first or trying to get to the locker rooms for practice

"No, why?" Jack replied, cocking his eyebrow. He tilted his head, looking at me like I was crazy. Of course I sounded crazy. I was looking for a random girl.

"No reason." I lied. I hooked my thumbs under my backpack straps, hoping he couldn't see through my lie. I rocked on my heels, looking anywhere but him. People muttered under the breath, upset that we were in the middle of the hallway.

"You're hiding something, Punzie. Now spill." Jack commanded. I couldn't lie to my friends. I let out a sigh and walked towards him. I placed my lips near his big ears, ready to tell him my secret. If others found out what I was doing, they would think I was crazy.

"Fine, I'm going to warn her about Eugene." I whispered. Jack backed up, staring at me like I was insane. Was I? Yes, yes I was. I was going to warn a random girl about my crush never leaving her alone.

"Warn her about what?" Jack questioned, confused. I rolled my eyes and sent him a glare. What would I warn her about? Gee, I don't know. Eugene is only the biggest heartbreaker in the school.

"About how no matter what she does, Eugene won't give up." I groaned. Sometimes Jack was the stupidest kid I knew. He completely missed everything that was completely obvious.

"Alright, but soon you have to tell him how you feel." Jack frowned, worried. I shrugged my shoulders, looking at the floor. That was easier said than done. How do you tell your best friend that you like them?

"Yeah, maybe." I mumbled as Tonya came over. Oh great. This chick again. I swear, it's like I can't catch a break today. I've had to talk with her way too many times for one day.

"Hey Rapunzel! Hey Jack!" Tonya greeted as she kissed Jack on the cheek. His face light up as she sweetly smiled at him. I nearly gagged watching one of my best friends date one of the grossest girls in school.

"Hey Tonya. Well, I've got to go. See you later, Jack." I grumbled as I walked away annoyed. I wanted to get out of there fast. Tonya made me want to rip my hair out, and I love my hair!

"Bye Rapunzel!" They waved. I walked as fast as I could to the bench. I opened the back door and saw that she wasn't here yet. I took a seat on the cold, cement bench and opened my phone. I decided to message the boys and tell them about this afternoon.

P~ Hey, meet at the falls around 4 :)

J~ Can Tonya come along?

K~ Does she have to?

J~ No

K~ Then no.

J~ Fine. Anyone up for swimming ;)

E~ Me and Blondie are in

K~ I guess

P~ See you guys there!

I looked up and saw Elsa walking out the door. "Hey Elsa." I greeted as I shut off my phone. She gave me a small smile then quietly took a seat beside me. I didn't even see her flinch when she hit the cold bench.

"Hey Rapunzel, so what did you want to tell me?" Elsa frowned. Worry was plastered on her face. I can't believe I scared her that bad. Okay. Here we go, just spill it out.

"Okay. No matter what you do, Eugene won't stop until he gets what he wants." I quickly blurted. There. Now it's off my chest and she can't blame me for not warning her.

"I'm sorry..I'm confused." She blinked, trying to comprehend my rapid fire response. I let out a sigh and rolled my eyes. I really need to stop doing that.

"I mean, playing hard to get won't stop him, it just makes him want you more. Now, I suggest just going on a date with him. In about two days, he'll break up with you." I explained. It broke my heart to tell someone to date my crush, but I knew he would never even consider me.

"Date him? I can't even stand sitting next to him!" Elsa exclaimed as she stood up from the bench. She began to pace around me. She ran her fingers through her hair, making me feel stressed.

"Trust me, he'll break up you. He always does." I assured as she began to pick up her pace. She was beginning to make me dizzy as she bit on her perfect fingernails. I watched her blue eyes widen.

"But...but I like someone else." Elsa confessed as she tossed her arms into the air. Her braid was coming undone from her pulling and her walking, well, basically running. I wonder how many calories she's burning?

"Do you mind if I ask who?" I questioned. She looked me over, checking if I was a safe source. I was curious, which always got the best of me, but I doubted that she would actually tell me.

"Only if you tell me yours." Elsa sighed as she fell onto the bench. Oh wow. Okay. She really does trust me. Well, if she can trust me, I can trust her. All I have to do is force the name out of my mouth.

"You have to swear that you will never tell anyone! Not even your parents or your pet or-or-or your best friend!" I exclaimed. I couldn't have anyone know my crush. I know I can trust her, but I have to let her know how serious this is.

"I swear, I swear. Do you promise not to tell anyone?" Elsa fired back, worried. She twisted towards me, our knees almost touching. I nodded my head. I wouldn't tell a soul.

"I promise." I declared as I crossed my heart. I wouldn't let anyone know her secret, even if she told the world mine. I couldn't force myself to do it.

"Okay, on three we will both say their name. One." She started.

"Two." I replied, biting my lower lip.

"Three." We exclaimed.

"Jack!" Elsa frowned, scrunching her face. Yes, I would take you over Tonya any day! Elsa is a thousand times better than her! Haha! Now I can say goodbye to that brat!

"Eugene!" I flinched, hoping she wouldn't judge my crush. I mean, who falls for the school's biggest player? That's like a suicide mission. Wait, make that a suicide mission times two because he's my best friend too!

"Wait. You like Eu-" Elsa started as I covered her mouth. He couldn't hear his name. If the reality hit me that someone else knew, I would probably break down crying.

"Yes! Now keep it down, I can't let anyone know. You can't tell anyone about this, okay? It could ruin my whole reputation." I whispered, worried. If anyone was nearby and heard her, my whole social life would go spinning down the drain.

"Right, we wouldn't want that. But, how could you encourage me to date him when you like him?" She questioned, furrowing her eyebrows. I let out a sigh, deciding how to explain it to her.

"I just..push back my feelings," I smiled, resting my hands on my knees. Elsa gave me a sympathetic smile. "Soo, you like Jackson." I softly laughed. I was really glad that Elsa liked him. Jack needed someone good in his life.

"Hehe..Yeah." Elsa blushed, pushing back her blonde strands. She looked everywhere but my face. I assume it's because now she's embarrassed, so I decided to help make her feel better.

"For the record, I would take you over Tonya in a heartbeat." I chuckled, playing with the ends of my long, blonde hair. I plucked off the split ends, hoping she knew I was serious.

"Really?" Elsa asked, looking back at me.

"Ya...and I'm going to tell you another secret." I giggled, leaning in close. I had to let his out. I don't care if Elsa tells the whole school this. I'm pretty sure everyone in the school already knows anyways.

"What?" She questioned, leaving her ear towards me.

"The boys and I hate Tonya. We don't understand how Jack could like her!" I whispered. She backed up, her jaw as low as the ground. She blinked her eyes, trying to understand what I just told her.

"Seriously? Wow, you guys are good at hiding your feelings." Elsa laughed, placing her hand on her chest. I looked at the time on my phone. 3:45. Crap.

"Well, I should probably get going. I'm meeting the boys at 4." I stated as I stood up. I had to get out of there before it got awkward anyways. I mean, I just told her my crush and that I hate her crush's girlfriend. Things were getting too personal.

"Yeah, I promised Merida that I would help her with her math." Elsa replied, nodding her head.

"Remember our promise," I threatened, pointing at her. Elsa moved her hand over her lips making a zipping sound. I was so happy that I gave Elsa a hug. "See you around." I smiled as I walked to the front of the school.

"See you Punzie!" Elsa chuckled as she walked to other direction. I hopped in my car and drove to the falls. I changed into some short shorts and a t-shirt. I walked over to our secret spot and saw Eugene was sitting on a rock looking at his phone. I walked behind him and whispered in his ear, "Boo!" Eugene screamed as he jumped off the rock. When he saw it was me, he gave a death glare.

"Rapunzel, don't do that!" Eugene whined as he punched my shoulder. I didn't know he was such a baby. I scoffed and flipped my hair behind my shoulder. If he wanted to play that game.

"Eugene, don't hit a girl!" I laughed as I punched him back. He playfully rolled his eyes and crossed his arms across his chest. He knew I was winning. Before he could make a snarky comment back at me, we heard rustling in the bushes.

"You two need to keep it down." Jack stated as he and Krisoff emerged from the bushes. They swatted the leaves, trying to make a path for their bodies. Kristoff trailed behind Jack, annoyed with our decision this time.

"Well, let's get this party started." I devilishly smiled as I rubbed my hands together. I couldn't wait to break some rules. I wanted feel that water against my skin.

"After you Blondie." Eugene smirked as he hip bumped me into the water. I went flying into the water, flailing my arms and legs. I let out a scream as I smacked against the smooth surface. I emerged from the ice cold water.

"Eugene! It's free-freezing!" I panted, rubbing my hands against my arms. My lips were trembling. I could feel myself shivering, but it felt great to break the rules.

"Come on, it's not that bad." Eugene laughed as he got close to the water. He leaned over, looking at me shaking in the water. I knew he was only saying that so he wouldn't sound like a baby.

"Really? Maybe you should join her!" Jack shouted as he pushed Eugene into the water. Eugene flipped over the edge, hitting head first into the water. I covered my body from the splash, trying to keep warm. Eugene came up for air, laughing.

"The water's great!" He cheered, tossing water up at Jack. Suddenly, a shadow dashed across the rocks. Before I knew it, the figure was above me.

"Cannonball!" Kristoff yelled as he jumped into the water. It splashed everything. The rocks had water drops on them. Jack walked away towards the bushes. I thought he was leaving.

"Jack! Where are you going?" I asked as I swam to the edge. I wanted all of us to do this together.

"I'm just grabbing something! I'll be right back!" Jack explained as he disappeared into the bushes. We continued splashing and swimming around when Jack appeared with some floaties.

"It's not a party without floaties!" Jack cheered, holding up them up. We let out a couple of whoops, glad that he was clever enough to think to bring these.

"Toss me the doughnut!" I laughed, raising my hands up to catch it. Jack threw me the doughnut, Eugene the green floaty, Kristoff the tire one, and he kept the blue one for himself. Jack put the floatie around his waist and hopped in. We splashed around for what seemed like minutes, when it was really almost an hour. I grabbed my phone to take a group picture of us and noticed the time. "Oh my god! It's already 4:45!" I exclaimed.

"So?" Kristoff questioned, leaning back into his floatie. He gave himself a little kick, making him float towards me. I hopped out of the water and quickly ran to get my towel. Brr. Why was everywhere I went cold?

"I have to be home by 5:00. Dry! If my mother finds out I went swimming in the falls she would kill me!" I explained as I dried myself off. I wrung out my hair, let it drop onto the cool rocks.

"Just take a quick picture." Jack replied. I swiftly took a group picture of us and quickly ran to my car. I had to get home or she'll never let me go out again.

"Later guys!" I yelled as I waved goodbye. I felt bad for leaving them, since I was having so much fun. But I think they understand. After all, they've met my mother.

"Bye Punzie!" They waved as I ran through the bushes. I got in my car and quickly drove home. I arrived mostly dry at 4:55. I gathered up my courage and walked to my front door. I quietly opened the door and quickly ran up the stairs to my room. I shut my door and began to change. *knock knock*

"Rapunzel, I'm coming in!" My mom exclaimed. No, not yet!

"I'm changing!" I replied, hoping that would hold her off. If she sees the wet clothes on the floor or even the towel, she'll question me. And if she questions me, I'll more than likely get, not only myself, but the guys in trouble too.

"I'm still coming in." Mom fired back as she opened the door. Nothing could stop her either. She never put a lock on my door because if I was doing something that she couldn't see, that meant it was wrong. I quickly shoved my wet clothes under my bed as I sat on my bed with Pascal.

"Hi Mom." I greeted, hoping she couldn't see that I was nervous. I anxiously tapped on my legs, hoping she couldn't see my wet hair that was now tied up in a bun.

"So, how was school?" Mom asked, leaning against my doorway. She had her work clothes on, meaning she had a long day so she wouldn't hang around in my room for too long. I just have to act natural.

"It was fun, I made some new friends." I answered. Mom tilted her head, showing interest. Oh great. Now she'll never leave!

"Really? What were their names?"

"Elsa. Elsa Arendelle. And Ralph."

"Elsa Arendelle? The doctor's daughter?" Mom questioned. I nodded my head, hoping that she believed me and wouldn't come any closer.

"Yeah."

"Is she the older one or the younger one?" She asked, coming to sit by me. Please to suspect anything, please don't suspect anything!

"The older one." I explained, looking down at Pascal. He gave me a squeal and climbed up onto my lap. I gently pet him, hoping she would get the hint.

"Oh, she's the responsible one. I haven't heard anything good about the younger one." Mom fired back. Geez, she must have had a long day at work. Usually she isn't that mean about other people.

"I don't know, I've never meet her." I mumbled.

"Soo, how's Eugene doing this week?" My mother questioned. This week marks the third year since his mother died. She died from cancer a month before his fourteenth birthday.

"Pretty good, I think. I don't know, he doesn't like to talk about it." I frowned, rubbing my hand up and down my arm. I didn't like talking about it either. It made me sad. It almost makes me want to cry every time.

"Well, I feel sorry for him. Tonight, let's make some cookies and bring it over to his house." She offered, sensing my sorrow with her super mom powers. At least she hasn't noticed my wet hair.

"Okay. I think he'll like that." I smiled. Eugene was had a sugar tooth. He would eat anything thing that has a main ingredient of sugar.

"Well, what do you want for dinner?" She asked, changing the subject. I tapped my chin, trying to come up with a good meal. Do you know how hard it is to think of one for two people?

"Steak?" I offered. It was the only thing I could think of. Plus I really wanted her gone so I picked something that took a little while to make.

"Sure. I'll call you down when dinner's ready." Mother replied as she shut my door. My mother may be strict, but she does have a soft spot. Especially for Eugene. When my mother was my age, her mother died in a car crash. My mother has two little sisters and she had to become their mother. Eventually she got married to my father, but he left us for a younger and prettier woman when I was seven. Ever since, my mother has been more strict. But she still makes sure I have fun with my friends. Every night, she asks me about my day and makes sure I'm happy. I know she loves me, even though she always wants to know everything about my life.

I laid down on my bed and played on my phone. I posted the photo of the boys and I and it got lots of likes as usual. I decided to paint a picture of Pascal. "Okay Pascal, hold that pose!" I smiled as I painted him. He rolled his eyes and went back to his pose. I'd been painting for about a half hour when my mother called me downstairs for dinner. "Yum, that smells good mom!" I sighed as I walked down the stairs.

"Thanks! So what kind of cookies do you think Eugene would like? Oatmeal Raisin?" Mother asked. I shook my head. She knows this kid like he's her son. I don't think he's even eaten an oatmeal raisin cookie.

"Mom, you know Eugene hates anything that sounds healthy! How about peanut butter?" I offered. Mom bit her lower lip, thinking it through. If she said no I had no more ideas for her.

Mom nodded her head, liking my idea thankfully. "Ooo! It's secretly healthy and delicious!" She cheered as I set the table. My mom has always been a health freak. We sat down at our usual spots. She talked about one of her clients while I talked about Elsa. My mom is a lawyer, but she only tells me what she's allowed to tell me.

"Did you put the cookies in the oven?" I questioned. I couldn't remember her even turning on the oven let alone putting them in.

"That's what I forgot to do. Be right back," She stated as she ran to the oven. We finished eating our meal. I cleared the table as my mom took the cookies out of the oven. "I'm going to let them cool for a couple minutes, then we can head over there."

"Okay, I'll be in my room." I replied as I walked up the stairs. I saw I had a message from an unknown number. I was really confused. I thought I had everyone?

P~ Hey?
?~ Hi
P~ Who's this?
?~ Elsa              Strange? I don't remember giving her my number?
P~ How did you get my number?
E~ Merida

We continued talking until my mom called me down. "Rapunzel! Are you ready to go?"

"One moment Mother!" I yelled. I quickly grabbed Pascal and ran downstairs. Pascal and Eugene were good 'friends' I guess. Well, not really. But I can't just leave him behind! He's just so cute!

"Here's the cookies. Don't even think about eating them!" She scolded me as she handed me the container. I rolled my eyes as we exited the house. Mom locked the door, eyeing me.

"I won't!" I laughed. Geez, it's like she thinks all I do is eat. It was about a fifteen minute drive to Eugene's house since he lives in the country. We pulled up to his house and didn't see any lights on.

"Do you think his home?" Mom questioned. It didn't look like anyone was home. We didn't see any movement inside and the porch light wasn't even on.

"I don't know." I answered.

"Text him." She commanded. I quickly got out my phone and asked if he was home. We waited about five minutes and still had no answer and my mom's not a very patient person. "Well. I'm going in." she declared as she unbuckled her seat belt. She grabbed the cookies off my lap and opened her door.

"Mom, isn't this breaking and entering?" I questioned. She stopped and looked at me. I could tell she was thinking about it, but then shrugged her shoulders.

"No, we're family." She replied as she stepped out of the car. She shut her door as I opened mine. What was this woman doing? I can't go to jail yet!

"No we aren't!" I exclaimed confused. She doesn't make any sense! She's going to break into their house just so we can give them cookies? Cookies for goodness sakes!

"Family friends, close enough." Mom said as she shrugged her shoulders. I quickly oran after her since she was already halfway up he driveway. She knocked on the door and waited for someone to open it. When no one came, she just opened the door and walked in. We saw beer cans everywhere and dirty kitchen. "Hello?" She called as she walked into the kitchen. We saw Eugene run out of the bedroom to greet us.

"Oh, it's just you guys." Eugene chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked a little tired. I could see glistens of sweat in the top of his forehead. What was he doing with the lights off?

"Hey Eugene. We made you these cookies." Mom smiled, handing him the cookies. He generously took them, opening the container to see what kind they were. He softly smiled, liking what he saw.

"Thanks, sorry this place is a mess." Eugene apologized, embarrassed as he set the treats on the counter. We looked around the place. It was kind of a dump, but I wasn't going to admit it out loud.

"It's no big deal. We'll just clean it up," Mom replied, rolling up her sleeves. "Rapunzel, you go in the living room and pick up all the cans and put them in the recycling. Eugene, you are going to get the vacuum and vacuum the carpet. I'm going to clean the dishes and put them in the cupboard." 

"Yes sir!" Eugene chuckled as he saluted her. We all quickly began doing our jobs. We had been cleaning for an hour and the place looked a thousand times better. We all fell onto the couch, taking a break. We were exhibited to say the least.

"So Eugene, where's your father?" Mom panted, looking at him. Eugene got a worried look on his face. He twiddled his thumbs, debating about telling her where he was.

"He's in his bedroom." Eugene mumbled, not making eye contact with her. Uh oh. Bad mistake, no, terrible mistake. Now she knows something is up.

"What's he doing?" Mom questioned. I silently began yelling at Eugene in my head. He's known this woman basically his whole life and he just made the world's worst mistake with her. He was dead meat.

"He's just...taking a nap." Eugene lied. That was an awful attempt at a lie. Even I knew he was lying. Mom gave him a stern glare. She didn't like when anyone lied of her.

"Eugene Fitzherbert, tell me the truth." She commanded. Dude, he better spill the truth if he wants to live to see tomorrow. She would get it out of him one way or another. He might as well do it the easy way.

"I found him passed out on the couch again." Eugene replied, hanging his head low. Ever since Eugene's mom died, his dad has had a drinking problem. This week is always the worst week. They've never been rich because of his mom's treatment. But every year, it gets harder and harder to pay the bills.

"Oh Eugene. I'm so sorry." Mom frowned leaning over and hugging him. I saw him try to keep the tears in. Watching him cry pulled at my heartstrings. I wanted to cry with him, but we had to stay strong.

"It's okay." Eugene sniffed. I quickly ran over to join in on their group hug. I felt the tears threatening to spill. I had to hug it out with them. It just felt so nice to be with others.

"If you ever need anything, don't haste to text Rapunzel or call me. We will always be here for you. Okay?" Mom stated, rubbing the back of his head. I opened my eyes, looking at his tears flowing out. That was one of the few times I've seen him cry.

"Okay." Eugene croaked, wiping his eyes. God, I just wanted to hug him and love him. He's had such a hard life and ugghh I just ripped my heart out watching him live like this.

"Well, what did you have for dinner?" Mom asked, changing the subject. My mom knew what he was going through so she didn't like to talk it. It just brought back bad memories for everyone.

"Chicken." Eugene smiled. I felt my lips softly smiling, glad that he ate today.

"Okay, so you ate. Did you do your homework?" Mom questioned. Oh god. Really Mom?  No you're asking him about homework when he's grieving? I guess that's just the way she is.

"I just have a little history left." Eugene answered. I knew for a fact he had more than s little bit of history left. He had math and science still. He was a liar, but now he could fake it.

"Okay. Well, Rapunzel and I should be heading home now. Bye Eugene." Mom explained, giving him one last hug. She patted his back, leaning his head onto her shoulder. He was taller than her, but he followed her wishes.

"Good bye." Eugene smiled. I opened my arms, ready for my hug. He knew that I wouldn't leave with my hug. He playfully rolled his eyes and opened his arms.

"Bye Eugene." I grinned giving him a hug. He pulled me in tight, snuggling my face into his soft shirt. He smelt good, giving me a warm feeling inside.

"Bye Blondie." Eugene chuckled. He let me go and we walked out to our car. He stood out in the porch, watching us leave. Mother and I waved out our window as we drove away from his house. We waved until his house was out of sight.

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Hope you enjoyed! I'm making Rapunzel's mom like the strict but loving mom. I hope you understand that. Thanks for reading.