"Do you have any siblings?"

"Huh?" Anna looks up from her tennis shoes at Elsa, who is walking beside her. They had decided on a small walk around the park near Arendelle Charter for their third outing. Their second outing had been a quick bite to eat because Elsa ended up having to run back to work due to an employee having trouble with something, so they didn't get to talk much. Now with no food acting as a buffer, they have no choice but to engage in more conversation than usual.

Unfortunately for the two of them, they've so busy with their jobs—not to mention that Elsa has a child—that their outings have seemed rather spread out and quick.

But, the conversations they've managed to have during these outings have been pleasant, and texting has moved from simply establishing a location and time to actually talking about what's been going on in their days and what they're up to.

"I asked if you have any siblings," Elsa repeats.

"Oh, yeah, I do." Anna tucks her hands in her sweatshirt pockets. "I have a younger sister."

"What's her name?"

"Giselle. She's four years younger than me."

"What does she do for a living?"

"She's a designer." Anna smiles. "She has a small store back home in Andalasia. Oh, here, I have a picture of her." Anna takes out her phone and opens a photo of herself and Giselle.

They pause as Elsa observes the photo. "Awh, she has red hair just like you."

"It runs in the family," Anna says with pride. "Both of my parents are gingers too, but it mostly comes from my mother's side. My dad got his hair from my grandfather."

"Is she single?" Elsa asks.

"I'm not setting you up with my sister," Anna deadpans.

Elsa bursts out laughing. "Oh my god, you know that's not what I meant."

Anna smirks at her. "Sure, Elsa." She puts her phone away and they start walking again. "To answer your question, though, no, she's not single. She has a boyfriend, but lately she's been calling me with doubts."

"That's too bad."

"Yeah, Edward has been her boyfriend since high school so. . . I can only imagine what she's going through. This is the guy who promised to marry her as soon as they graduated high school. Dude has yet to produce a ring after several years."

"She still stays with him?" Elsa is bewildered.

"'It's true love!'" Anna says in a voice that Elsa assumes is supposed to sound like Giselle. "That's the only reason she's sticking around but her doubts have grown and yadda yadda." She rolls her teal eyes up at the cloudy grey sky. "Whatever. How about you? Any siblings?"

"Nope. I'm an only child."

"That must have been lonely."

Elsa shrugs. "I was never really lonely. I didn't know what it was like to have a brother or sister so it didn't register that I was on my own as a kid most of the time. I entertained myself easily. I have cousins and such who are about my age. They live out of town, though. Don't you miss your sister?"

"Terribly. I really hate that I was transferred out here sometimes. Thank goodness for FaceTime and Skype, otherwise I would never see her face. I was thinking of having her and my folks drive up for Christmas or something." Anna stretches her arms above her heads. "But I don't know. I suppose it all depends on circumstances by the time the holidays come up. It's only the beginning of October."

Elsa stares up at the clouds. "And it looks like it's going to be a wet autumn this year."

While Anna has had her fair share parent-teacher conferences over the course of her career, she knows Arendelle Charter has its own versions of the meetings. First is this month's Back to School Night where, unlike the first day of school where the parents got a short introduction to their children's teachers, Anna and her colleagues are dedicated to answering questions about curricula and any projects they have coming up for the students. A more informal Open house occurs in November where the kids join the parents and show off their projects and even meander into other classrooms.

Her first Back to School Night at Arendelle Charter had actually been rather pleasant. But that was before the craziness with Elsa—before she even knew Elsa—and before Buffy Biltmore's kid was in Anna's class. Anna is anxious as she sits at her desk, eyeing the clock over the classroom door. Almost six o'clock.

She takes in a deep breath and stands up. Everything is in place, though she takes the time to make sure her homemade sweets are in the exact same spot she always puts them for events like this.

The next thing she knows, parents start to make their way inside. Anna stands at the front of the class, wringing her hands behind her back but welcoming them with her winning smile.

Back to School Night, overall, gives her intense anxiety. Back at Andalasia Prep, many parents weren't keen on laughing at Anna's jokes and even complained about her bringing in homemade goods for them to enjoy. Anna always chalked it up to the parents being too health-conscious. She can't recall seeing a single parent eating at parent-teacher conferences in Andalasia. The rapport with parents was virtually non-existent, which ended up making her first years as a teacher rather miserable.

When she arrived in Arendelle, she asked Rapunzel if it would be okay to do certain things that her old school frowned upon. She was met with enthusiastic praise and confirmation, letting Anna know that the parents here love stuff like that.

Unfortunately, Buffy Biltmore's child is in her class, which means having those cold, grey eyes staring at her, judging her every move and decision.

Her train of thought is pulled off the tracks as Elsa walks through the door. She's looking rather pretty this evening, her hair back in a bun with bangs that fall gently over her forehead and eyes. She gives Anna a supportive smile and takes her seat where her son usually sits during the day. Kristoff follows soon after, along with Rapunzel and Eugene, and Anna has to remind herself that Rapunzel is one the moms in her class and not just a coworker.

By the time the seats are full, with some parents standing or grabbing a few of Anna's walnut brownies, she shuts the door to avoid the bitter, autumn chill and walks to the front of the classroom.

Adult eyes watch her, and she swallows back a gulp. They will always be far more intimidating than children's eyes. With kids, Anna knows she can be goofy and silly, and they'll love her for it every single time without fail. But parents change with every new class. Different parents with high or low expectations, snooty parents, loud parents, complaining parents, parents who blame the teacher because their little angel could never do anything wrong.

Her teal eyes bounce from expectant adult to expectant adult until they finally land on Elsa, who is patiently waiting with a calm, sincere smile. Anna's shoulders relax. She wonders if Elsa has this effect on other teachers too.

"Good evening, everyone," Anna begins. Mixed greetings ripple across the room. She takes in a deep breath and says, "For those of you who couldn't make the first day orientation, my name is Anna Eldr. I'd like to formally welcome you to Back to School Night." She toys with her fingers and her eyes fall to the floor. "Uh. . ."

Something tells her to look at Elsa, so she does. Elsa nods encouragingly and mouths, "Breathe."

Anna does so, taking in another deep breath. She sets her shoulders back and lifts her chin, trying to work up as much confidence as possible.

"Tonight, we will be going over any questions you have about the syllabus, what I will be covering this year—along with what I have already covered—and will address any concerns you may have in regards to my classroom or your child's learning experience."

With a purse of her lips, Buffy seems to latch onto Anna's last few words, and the redhead almost wishes she hadn't said them.

"S-So, the first order of business: my syllabus. I try to engage my students with fun activities and projects throughout the school year. Something to get their creative juices flowing, and not solely focus on the academics," Anna says, earning a nod of approval from Rapunzel. "For example, next week, we will start on the invention project, where the students will come up with their dream inventions and write a little paper about why they'll be useful to society. I'll also have them draw up their 'blueprints'," she uses air quotes, "and they will later present them to the class later."

She pauses, waiting to see if anyone has questions. When nobody speaks up, Anna continues. "In November, we will start on our class country. It consists of coming up with a name for our country, creating an anthem, making a flag, electing office—"

One of the dad's hands shoots up. Anna doesn't recall him from the first day, so she doesn't quite recognize him. However, he is sitting in Jonathan Finster's desk, so he must be Jonathan's father.

"Yes, Mr. . .?"

"Phil Finster."

Here we go, Anna thinks, nervous for what he has to say.

"I'm concerned about this country project."

Elsa and Kristoff exchange glances. They know this game all too well.

"Oh?" Anna cocks her head to the side and furrows her brows slightly. "What are your concerns?"

"Don't you think electing someone is counterproductive?"

Anna blinks, and Elsa rolls her eyes.

"I'm not. . . I'm sorry, I don't quite understand."

"It'll harm the students' self esteem. If they're not elected to any positions, they'll be losers. That's not a productive classroom, if you ask me."

A couple of parents seem apprehensive to agree. Meanwhile, Buffy nods in the man's direction. Other parents, like Elsa, Kristoff, Rapunzel, and Eugene, look at him like he's crazy.

"Well, sir, this project is about assigning responsibility to students. I know a fourth grade teacher and a third grade teacher on campus who do something similar, but at a higher level. This particular project is just for fun for second grade. They have responsibilities now." She gestures to the door where the kids' names are listed along with a tasks like clean up crew or line leader are beside them. "Their tasks change every week to teach them responsibility. But this project is simply to show that—"

"I don't like it," Phil says bluntly. "Sorry, but I don't want Jonathan participating."

"Sir, I don't know what you want me to do about it," Anna says, her voice getting smaller and smaller. "How about we discuss it at the end?"

"No, I want to discuss it now."

"But—"

"Yes, let's discuss it now," Buffy interjects.

"My god, can we just move on already?" Elsa speaks up, all eyes falling on her. "She'll answer it at the end, Phil, alright? The world doesn't revolve around your child."

Phil looks as though Elsa just slapped him in the face. The blonde turns to Anna and nods. "Please," she says calmly, "continue on."

Anna is shaking, but she takes another deep breath to calm herself. "R-right. . . uh. . . This year is basic math, with symbols that represent greater than or less than, and equal to, along with basic addition and subtraction and beginners multiplication. They have a learning program in the computer lab that helps them understand that math can be fun. We go on Thursday afternoons, mostly. Ah. . ." She continues to discuss her curriculum, including language arts, spelling, social studies, writing, and science. She can still feel Phil staring her down, waiting for the opportunity to pounce and demand that she explain more about the country project.

She keeps looking back at Elsa, who is listening carefully, as though the two of them are simply teacher and parent and nothing more. She also glances at Kristoff, Rapunzel, and Eugene, knowing that they keep sending her nods of support and encouragement as she continues along.

Finally, she says, "Now, are there any more pressing concerns about—"

"Yes, are you going to answer my concern or not?" Phil barks.

Anna's lip trembles but nobody seems to notice. "I can't take your child specifically out of this activity. If you're concerned about Jonathan's self esteem, then removing him from the class's collective effort will not do him/her any good. He'll miss out."

"I don't want my son to feel like a loser."

"Hey, man, my boy doesn't win every soccer game," Kristoff says. "And he doesn't get one of those stupid 'participation' trophies. We're all concerned about self-esteem, but a kid's gotta learn to fail gracefully like we did. We lose all the time, so our children shouldn't expect the world to be handed to them."

"I absolutely agree," Elsa says. "My Olaf's baseball team loses too. But he knows that if he tries, he might just win the next one. That's why they practice so they can get better. It makes the victory so much sweeter. His team once lost the championship and he said 'there's always next year'."

"My children don't lose," Buffy spits in Elsa's direction. "And I don't want them to lose the chance to be the leader of the class."

"All they'll be doing," Anna says loudly, gaining the parents' attention, "is being voted in. The president and vice president will be the line leaders or will be team captains or something of that nature. It's not going to be enacted until the end of November, and it won't even occur that often until next semester, after winter break. They'll do the leading jobs but will also have small responsibilities. It's not about who's bossing whom around, it's about going through the process of picking a leader for a couple of months. It's not as intense as the higher grades."

"I still don't like this idea," Phil says sharply.

"What is your problem!?" Elsa growls. "What do you want her to do? Change her entire plan to ensure that your kid doesn't feel bad? Life doesn't work that way, Phil."

"Why don't you voice your own concerns another time?" Buffy snarls at Elsa.

"I wasn't talking to you, Biltmore."

"Alright, alright!" Kristoff calls for order, Anna too astounded to speak. "Let's not start anything. Look, I don't think any other parents are keen on Miss Eldr changing her schedule."

"I think it sounds fun," Rapunzel pipes up. "My Winnie will love the flag designing."

"And think about it this way," says Marie's mother, Duchess, "if they end up in the other classes that do something similar, then they have a chance to get elected a second or third time."

"Hey, yeah," says a parent near the snacks. "That makes sense."

"And I trust that Miss Eldr will make sure the vote is unbiased and fair," Elsa says, earning several nods in agreement. "Everyone will be involved in the process, no matter what."

"I think I speak for almost everyone when I say that the country project should go on as planned, and nobody is removed or misses out on the fun," Eugene says, glancing around the class, as if he's daring Phil or Buffy to speak up.

When nobody does, they all look to Anna to see if she has anything further to say.

"Th-Thank you, everyone. I appreciate it. Uh, the country project will, of course, go on as planned. Are there any other concerns?"

Duchess raises her hand.

"Yes?"

"Not a concern, but I want to compliment you on the music lesson you gave a couple of weeks ago," Duchess says kindly. "Marie doesn't like thunder, but the song helps her through the storms we've been getting since then."

"Winifred loved it too," Rapunzel says.

"Olaf couldn't stop singing it," Elsa smirks.

"Jonathan did like it…" Phil admits begrudgingly.

"Oh, well, I'm glad I taught it to them," Anna says, cheeks rosy with flattery. "They seemed to enjoy themselves."

"I think you should do more things like that," Elsa encourages.

"Yeah, I remember having a fun teacher like you," another parent comments. "It made me want to come to school everyday. I cried once when I got sick and missed a day."

The other parents laugh, and Anna manages a giggle in spite of her still-squirming insides. "Anyone else?" she asks with a smile.

The room is silent, so she allows them to leave when they want, and urges them to take home some sweets.

"If you have any other questions, I'll be at my desk. Feel free to mingle," she beams.

Just about everyone applauds as she inclines her head politely. She goes to her desk and sinks in the faux leather seat, letting out an exhausted breath as Buffy Biltmore and Phil Finster leave without saying another word to anyone.

Elsa, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Kristoff approach her desk a shortly after Anna is given a moment to relax.

"You okay, Anna?" Rapunzel asks, concern in her eyes.

"Chipper," Anna deadpans.

"You did great," Elsa says. "Last year, Frollo made so many snide remarks about us having idiot kids in a way that wouldn't get him fired. So, compared to him, you're fantastic."

Anna smiles slightly. "Thanks."

"You look like you're about to pass out," Rapunzel notes. "Do you need anything?"

"I need a drink."

Rapunzel laughs. "Well, it is Friday. Get yourself some beer at a liquor store and just chill out on the couch. Or get some vodka."

"Ugh. . . I dunno. Maybe I'll just take some aspirin and knock myself out. I'm starting to get a headache."

"You'll be fine, kid," Eugene says. "Take the weekend to decompress."

"I probably will." Anna sighs and rubs her temple. "Thanks for the support, though."

"Of course, Anna." Elsa checks her watch. "Oh, hey, I should head out. The sitter is probably struggling to put Olaf to bed." She taps her knuckles on Anna's desk. "Shoot me a text. Olaf is hanging out at Punzie's tomorrow, so if you want to do anything in the afternoon, let me know."

Anna blinks. "Okay. . . Sounds good."

Elsa smiles brightly and pulls her coat around her. "Good night, everyone."

"Good night," the other four say.

Elsa heads out to the dark campus, and the parents left at Anna's desk glance at her.

"So. . . you're still hanging with her?" Rapunzel smirks.

"Shut up."

"Thank you for your help tonight, Wendy," Elsa says as she hands the babysitter a twenty for the evening.

"You're very welcome, Ms. Elsa," Wendy beams.

"Did he behave?"

"Oh, yes. We watched a couple of movies and drew a few pictures. He made sure to put them in your office for you to see later." She giggles. "We had fun. Peter told me he's quite the little smarty-pants in Miss Eldr's class, and it certainly shows in his conversations."

Elsa chuckles. "Well, I'm glad he didn't give you too much trouble."

"Not at all. Call me anytime you need me to watch him. And if I'm not available, my friend Alice is. If you need her number, I'll text it to you."

"Thank you, Wendy. Have a good night. And text me when you arrive home, please, so I know you made it home safely."

"I will."

Wendy grabs her coat and heads out, Elsa listening to the sound of her car roaring to life and slowly driving off into the night. A few minutes later, her phone dings with Wendy's message letting her know that she got home in one piece.

Elsa removes her own coat and slips into Olaf's bedroom down the hallway. He's curled up in his little twin bed, cuddling with his polar bear as he snores softly. Elsa bends down and gives her son a kiss on his head.

"Sweet dreams, my little bear. I love you," she coos.

Olaf doesn't stir. Elsa smiles as she heads into the office across from his room to see what he drew for her during her time away from him. She sits down in her comfy leather chair, picking up the papers as she leans back.

As usual, Elsa is the center of his artistic attention. He and his mommy cover most of the pieces of white printer paper, but Elsa can see that he also drew his friends and his favorite animals. On the last picture she comes across, Elsa has to do a double take.

Olaf drew, to Elsa's shock, Anna. Of course, it takes her a second to figure it out; but it is, without a doubt, his teacher. The red hair is unmistakeable, and the fact that the caricature of her is standing in front of a board with "ABC" written on it is also a dead giveaway.

He's attached to Anna, Elsa realizes. He's never been this way with a teacher before. Frollo was obviously never a good teacher, but Olaf liked his kindergarten and preschool teachers very much. But Anna is different for some reason.

Elsa bites her lip and wonders, if she and Anna do take their relationship to a level beyond friendliness, how it would impact Olaf. What would it do to him if they break up before the school year ends?

She sets down the picture and stands up, heading into her bedroom and quietly shutting the door behind her. She sinks onto the ottoman at the end of her bed and glances at the French doors that lead onto the back patio. Her gaze falls to the gentle drizzle outside, and Elsa hears it on the roof too. But the comfort she normally feels when it's raining isn't there.

For so long, it's just been her. She and Olaf have lived on their own, relying only on each other. Elsa doesn't know his donor, and the closest thing he has to a second parent is Kristoff.

Elsa praises the hell out of single mothers like herself and praises those who manage all on their own and don't search for someone, but she desperately craves companionship, despite her trepidation about joining a dating website two months prior. When Anna showed her affection that night, it reminded Elsa of the things she misses about having a partner like companionship, someone to call when she's feeling lonely, someone her age to come home to or spend time with, and all the kissing and cuddling. . . and sex.

Why not take a leap of faith? she thinks, standing again and throwing open the doors to her walk-in closet. She's there. She's available. She's amazing. She's beautiful. I can't get her out of my head.

Elsa puts on her pajamas, tossing her clothes into the hamper. She goes through her nighttime regimen before climbing into bed and huddling beneath the blankets.

She blinks and realizes that she's resting on only one side, something she never does. And something prevents her from moving towards the center of her bed. She keeps waiting for someone to fill the other side. To cuddle with her and warm up the blankets faster.

Elsa turns away from the empty spot and closes her eyes.

This bed is too big for one person.

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