Snowflakes Fall and So Did I

~CHAPTER 73~

~Elsa~

*Monday: January 20*

I have been a nervous wreck ever since Astrid texted me this last Saturday, saying that Hiccup relayed the message to his father, and that Stoic said the same thing as Astrid said to me; that it might not be enough. That I should have said something sooner. Luckily, he said he'll still look into it. It's better than nothing, and I know now what to look for and do if I receive any more notes from him. From Mr. Black.

My stomach churns when I think of his name. He made me nervous before, but these nervous butterflies are ten times worse. Before, he was just an intimidating teacher. Now he's a possible predator that saved me from another predator because...because he wants me for some reason. It's so sick and twisted. If my parents knew, I'd be back home in California within hours. But...they're not here anymore.

I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. I don't want to cry before classes start. Not only would I need to redo my makeup, but everyone would know I was crying due to the redness. I'm hoping to finally have a week with no tears, but we'll see how the day goes.

"Elsa? You in here?" Astrid's voice reaches my ears.

I had come to the bathroom by myself, which was only possible because of Flynn and Kristoff keeping their lovely girlfriends occupied. I didn't need to use it, but I did want a moment to myself before I saw Jack. After our talk, I was expecting him to text me at some point, but he never did.

I won't lie, I was a bit upset about it because I had thought our talk was an official restart, but I understand if Jack needs more time to process. I even thought about sending him a text first but I'm so afraid of overwhelming him. As much as I want to reach out to him, I just can't bring myself to do it. It needs to be him.

"Yeah, I'm here." I respond as I unlock the stall door. I did a double take when I saw Hiccup with her. "Um..." I giggled at how uncomfortable he looked. "I don't think you're allowed in here."

He points to Astrid with his thumb. "Someone is clingy—OW! Why are you so violent?"

Astrid had punched his shoulder, very clearly holding back a smirk, but her eyes didn't hide her amusement. "Anyway," she doesn't respond to him, giving me her full attention, "I just wanted to see how you were doing. Better to see in person than ask through text. I didn't see you at the table so I assumed you were here. So how are you?"

"Anxious," I answered her, honestly. "As always."

She nods. "I figured you would be. Principal North and the school board will most likely be questioned about Mr. Black and look over his background again. They will most likely try to reach out after school hours, but I don't know when exactly. You should warn Jack, just to give him a heads up. And your aunt and uncle. They might want to talk with them, but you're also 18; an adult. So they might not."

I don't feel like an adult. The whole situation makes me feel so small.

"What about North?" I ask, feeling guilty that the poor old man had to deal with cops again.

Astrid shakes her head. "Nah, I wouldn't say anything to North. Let him believe that the cops found out the lead on their own. You've done your part, so I think it's best if you just sit back, relax, and let them handle it."

I nod, liking the sound of that. "That sounds amazing, actually."

"Although," Hiccup pipes in, "you probably should expect my dad or Astrid's aunt to contact you too. They'll want to hear from you why you didn't say anything and whatnot. They might try to crack you down to see if you're just fibbing, so just...be prepared."