A\N: Hey guys! I promise this'll be the last time I throw my two cents into the mix for a while. But I really need to just thank someone.

Sedryn, you are flipping awesome man! Thank you so much for commenting, sharing, simply reading. Can't express my gratitude for that.

And a big shout out to everyone else reading! Couldn't keep doing this without you all! - Sara

Sometimes life throws you a bone. It's clean and new and ultimately exciting in a way wonderfully unexpected. In that moment, you make the most of the situation or you forfeit the chance.

Otherwise, life is disastrous in a way that can be altogether overwhelming if allowed to be.

Elsa couldn't decide what was happening to her; it just seemed like nothing was that clean cut and dry anymore.

On one hand, as she stared at the acceptance letter displayed beautifully on her computer screen, it was that bone being tossed. In another, as she listened to the puking noise coming from the bathroom, it was a problem.

Her mother was sick again. Worse than before. High fever and lack of an appetite. She needed her only daughter there by her side right now.

But this job, a mere starting chef at the most glamorous restaurant this town had to offer, was her future. The only one she ever saw herself having.

The hours were the problem. Even working at the cafe extra shifts had given Elsa the time to treat her mother. Up until noon in the mornings and most of the night.

That wouldn't really be an option now. And though the rebellious part of her, the last sliver of something she'd outgrow before even finishing high school, screamed it didn't matter, she was hesitant.

What if her mother got worse still? What if... No, she wouldn't even go there. That was a road of consideration she didn't care to traverse at the given moment.

The blonde's hand clenched beside her mouse. Seconds ticked by.

And then with the click of a button, it was done.

"Here, drink this, " Elsa murmured, pressing a tightly gripped white mug to her mother's lips. The smell of spices wafted up, burning her nose. A family recipe, something said to cure any ailment.

Hopefully it could cure depression.

Her mother's nose wrinkled, dull eyes studying the murky beverage. Hesitantly, she took a sip. And fell back into the pillows coughing.

It never got any smoother, no matter how many times she drank the stuff. You'd think one would grow immune to its bitterness.

Elsa smiled half-heartedly when the woman before her attempted another mouthful though. She was trying, that was all Elsa asked for.

"I have to go out tonight, mom. I'll be back before nine. Do you need anything before i go? "

The truth was, she didn't have to. But the house was making her claustrophobic, her thoughts growing darker and darker. The two just weren't a good combination. She needed to get out of there before she drove herself mad.

After grimacing and sinking down further beneath the sheets, the woman shook her head. She made no attempt at speech. Her throat just wasn't up to the challenge yet.

Elsa nodded to herself and reached over, setting down the cup on the nightstand. She hoped her mother might try drinking more of the liquid throughout the night. "Okay. I love you."

She left without a response. Even without being sick, her mother rarely gave one anyway.

The night air was more forgiving than she deserved. It didn't attack her, nip at her cheeks or nose, blow her coat open. It simply ruffled her hair and washed her in a cool refreshment.

Her thoughts drifted from her mother outward. It wasn't that she wanted to forget reality, or maybe it was. She just wanted things to be clearer. Was that selfish?

Her gut said it was.

She didn't make it far, just a few blocks away from home. And then she stopped.

Right in the middle of the sidewalk on a cool winter night, watching the stars twinkle overhead when the clouds would part. It was quiet out here, just her and her thoughts.

Until a vibration in her pocket nearly made her jump. She fumbled with her jeans back pocket, tugging out the phone she'd had for years.

A single text shone brightly on her screen, words from the one other person her mind was having trouble ignoring.

Hey, how are you? Krist is having a party this weekend. I'd love to see you there! -A

A party? One of the worst social conventions ever to exist, at least to someone more or less antisocial all the way around.

Too many people. Too many regrets. Far too much hassle overall.

But Anna had been the one to invite Elsa. Had specifically requested her presence. That was like some overhead string challenging Elsa to decline.

The thought of seeing Anna with Kristoff was... unpleasant, to say the least. It left a knot in the blonde's stomach too tightly wrung to just get over.

But maybe that was a good thing. Maybe seeing how happy they were together, how perfect they were together, would snap Elsa out of this hazy fondness she held for the younger woman.

Or make her so insanely jealous she did something rash.

Either way, it would lead to getting over her inappropriate crush. Through a low blow or losing the very opportunity to be with Anna in any fashion, even that of a friendship.

Her fingers were moving before she even finished unraveling her thoughts. The second spur of the moment decision she'd made tonight.

Maybe things would be okay.

It only took a second to time. How long to regret?

I'd love to. Text me the address later. Can't wait.