Trigger warning: Concern about possible self-harm, belsa.

EDIT: Time skip changed from four months to one week.

1 week later

"Anna… please…"

I gasped awake with a sudden start. Looking around I found myself in my room, naked. This wasn't my room. I turned, seeing Belle next to me, sleeping peacefully. There were love marks all over her body, and I realized what we'd done. I rubbed my forehead, looking at her.

Why did she let me do this—why did I let myself do this, I could not understand. I looked at my wrists. Bruised, colored red.

"Anna…" I whispered to myself and leaned myself against the headboard, palms against my face. Relief came crashing down my body.

Good lord, it was only a dream.

Of course, she would not ignore me and watch me crumble down. She kissed him and the way she looked at me was as if I was staring at my own reflection—I shuddered, letting out a shaky sigh.

And I fell apart as if I was allergic to relief. I curled myself in a ball with tears already staining my cheeks. I felt sick, seeing her say my last name coldly, teal eyes blank. It crawled up my back, biting my skin. It was poison. I wept like a little girl, repeating 'I'm sorry' over and over again as if it was never enough. Anna couldn't hear me anyway.

"Elsa…?"

Soft arms wrapped around my shoulders and I flinched as she pulled me into her. Her warmth, god, how amazing.

"Elsa… Elsa, it's okay…" She kissed my forehead, arms wrapped around cozily.

"I'm sorry…" My voice quivered and she kissed my tears away, her voice gentle when she spoke soft sweet nothings to me. This was soothing, alright.

"It's okay, baby girl…" she whispered, cradling me in her arms tenderly, fingers running up and down my back. "It's okay… I love you…"

Biting my finger, I resisted crying and slowly relaxed from her calming fingers on my skin. I hugged her tightly, nails digging into her skin, but she did not care. My eyes closed and I got myself into a comfortable postion near her. "You're okay…" she whispered, the tenderness, softening my tensed body. Her lips were soft as she kissed me from my forehead to my nose.

When she gently pushed me away, she stared at me. Eyes roamed up and down my body in concern. She wrapped her arms around my waist, protectively.

Tears continued to stream down my cheek but, I did not care.

"Elsa, it was only a dream."

I nodded, swallowing gently.

"Do you want to go back to sleep?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

"No." I shook my head, immediately.

"What do you want to do?"

Without answering her, I laid myself down on her, wrapping my arms around her, head against her chest. Her heartbeat was calming, and slow like music. I closed my eyes. "Stay with me," I muttered against her. Sighing, she hugged me tightly, her finger tracing the line of my tattoo.

"You've been dreaming about her a lot lately…" she murmured. I tensed.

"I know."

"It's been a week, Elsa…"

With a small sigh, I kissed the top of her chest. "I know," I whispered, purring and growling, feeling her fingers run through my fringes.

And in those seven days, Anna and I never had a chance to talk or see each other. There were times where I wanted to call her, tell her that I was sorry. My body wouldn't move, my brain telling me not to. I was nothing but a coward.

"You should do something about that," she whispered. With a confused glare, I turned to her.

She smiled. "You do know that even when you're right here with me…" She caressed my cheek and I leaned into her, "I also want you to make it up to her. You know, to fix that relationship you've always wanted with her."

I got off her and laid next to her, letting out an unbelieving chuckle. That's crazy.

I stopped, dark eyes groping at every little part of her. She never flinched, boring her eyes into mine. I pulled her close, fingers running up and down her waist. I pressed a palm on her thigh. Our nose touched and letting out a little smirk, I looked at her lips then to her chocolate colored eyes.

Oh, she was not going to give in easily.

"Why do you care about the relationship between Anna and me, hm?" I breathed, eyes capturing hers.

She let out a wicked smile, sending chills down my spine, while her fingertips were crawling towards my throat. "Because…" She eyed me slowly, "Despite having you with me… I also want to fix this as much as you do, baby girl..." she rasped, seducing me over and over again.

She's not being serious, right?

I smirked. "This is the first time you've been so nice to her."

Belle shrugged, kissing my lips and I sighed into her softness. "No, babe… I just want you to be okay."

My smile faltered, my eyes lightened up finally with nothing but tears of bitter sweetness. She smiled softly, thumb caressing my bottom lip. "I know…" she sighed. "I know… you've longed to be friends with her—best friends, like 15 years ago."

"Belle…" I let go of her, my voice softening. Quickly, she held my hand, kissing the back of it. She made me feel flushed, her eyes captivating mine.

"I know I've been… jealous and hateful towards her, but… Elsa, I can't stand seeing you like this every day—every morning, exhausted from all these dreams. My god, even Olaf can't stand seeing you like this. You should call her… text her… I'm sure she'll answer you."

I closed my eyes, in disbelief. I wanted to get off of her, but she held me tightly against her like I was her life. But was she mine?

"No she won't. I've hurt her so badly—"

"Don't be stupid, Elsa." Of course, she was right. I was being a stupid girl for years now. Most of the time, I was just oblivious, or too stubborn to listen. "Just… give it a chance. At least, try, babe." Her eyes begged for me. I looked down to see her hand squeezing mine tightly.

"… Why are you doing this?" I whispered, voice softening. She laughed softly, eyes sparkling and she cupped my cheeks.

"Isn't that obvious? I love you, Elsa."

Love. Did she really love me? Her smile was gorgeous, sweet, filled with trust. If she really did love me, she wouldn't have come back. She wouldn't have talked to her. I closed my eyes, admitting to myself that she did not mean any harm. I needed her arms around me, comforting me, loving me. I was thankful for her.

"Elsa… I love you and I need to you to talk to her. You're a strong girl, aren't you?" She pinched my cheek, tapping my nose and I let out a small smile.

I'm a mess.

My body felt warm, seeing her grin, feeling her lips pressed on my forehead. I closed my eyes, treasuring the fuzzy feeling and I held her hand. When she pulled away, she looked happy, brown eyes filled with light. "I love you," she mouthed and I leaned in kissing her lips, cradling her in my arms. My heart pounded and, for once, I felt like I was in heaven in her arms.

For once, I felt joy.

"Go talk to her, please."

I stared at her, words unable to get out. I'd never been this speechless. Her smile softened and she kissed my cheek. "Baby, don't cry."

Belle was kind but where was that kindness a week ago?

I backed away to face her and she looked like she was pleading.

What is she thinking?

Blanking into her tenderness of her eyes, I tucked myself under her chin. What a cozy and warm feeling. I grinned, letting a tear fall. Yes, I was happy.

"Okay, thank you, Belle."

She giggled, warming me with her fingers on my back. "Anytime, babe. I'll always love you."

"Miss…?" Opening the door to Elsa's home, I looked around. Of course, she wouldn't be here.

Nevertheless, I was more than glad to see her gone—she would rarely come back home.

Taking a step in, I sighed, smoothing my hair back to the side. It'd been a week since Elsa had last saw Anna—the last time I'd seen her with such a cold, crazy expression when she came home that night. She would not let me touch her, repeated the same words over and over again.

'Don't touch me… I'm sorry… Don't touch me… I'm sorry…'

Closing my eyes, I could see that face she had that night. I sighed, painfully.

This wasn't what I was here for.

I looked at the white door next to the entrance. Elsa forbid me to go in there, but it was time for her to move on. Of course, the door was locked. Searching through my pocket, I quickly found the key and inserted in the little hole.

Elsa had given me the key to this door when she first moved in, but… I never understood why. Maybe she wanted me to force her to move on when she could not. Hopefully, that was the case.

Papers were everywhere on the ground and the walls as I looked around. So this was what Elsa had keeping away from me.

Well, at the very least I had enough knowledge of she'd been doing. It wasn't so surprising, though it was definitely heartbreaking.

I took a step in. Papers crumbled underneath my foot and I looked down. I took one in my hand. I grimaced, seeing the red X's, and notes that were left incomplete and incoherent. My eyes closed and crumbled it up, then shredding it into tiny pieces.

But it was no use. There were hundreds in here. It was my plan to get rid of them today, though.

Once, I saw her writing music. It was still clear in mind, the frantic look in her eyes. She was crying, screaming aloud in the dark. However, she continued. And it went on for years until she'd given up. With a shoulder like that, it was clearly impossible to play anything. She'd produce the greatest music ever, but not like this.

"Miss Snow…"

"Quiet."

"Elsa… please… let's get you to bed…" I took a step forward, but I froze instantly.

She looked at me coldly, tears resting in her pupil, her head resting on top of her piano. Her violin stood next to her, strings broken, hairs from her bow, flowing down to the ground. The piano echoed as she pressed that one note repeatedly.

"He lied to me, didn't he?" she murmured. I frowned, tilting my head. Elsa had given up on everything.

"E-Excuse me?"

She looked at the piano keys, a tear rolling down her pale cheek. It pained me to see her this way. "He… promised me that I would recover." She let out a bitter chuckle and the note continued to echo through the empty room. The moon was full, stars gleaming down on us. Elsa looked like an angel, fallen from the sky, desperate to find her way back to heaven.

"He promised…" Again, it echoed. I took a deep breath.

"Elsa, please—"

She pressed the same note again. "He told me that one day… I would be standing on stage again with a beautiful dress… a violin in my arm… an audience to play to… Maybe… even with her next to me or in that huge audience…" She laughed and her voice cracked. "He lied. I'm not going to recover, am I? It was just… it was all just a dream, wasn't it?"

"N-No—"

"Don't lie to me, Olaf. It's been three years… I know when you are lying." She still hadn't looked at me, but I knew her eyes were empty, her expression void of any emotion. Elsa was numbed. She was a changed person.

For once, I wanted Belle to come help her.

"So tell me, did he lie to me? He told you, the day he died."

"Elsa…"

"DON'T LIE TO ME!" she yelled, a fist slamming on the keys. I stayed silent, watching her with pity until she'd calm down. At this point, I considered getting away from her. "Please, Olaf," she sighed. "Answer me."

He lied, but I never had the strength to tell her. I bowed my head low, staring helplessly at my hands. I admire her grandfather—he'd always taken care of us, like we were brothers and sisters. Taking a deep breath, I said the words to her with my utmost respect.

"I am very sorry, Elsa."

I closed my eyes, dropping the crumbled paper down to the ground.

After about an hour or two, I finally gathered all the music sheets in two separate garbage bags, leaving only a violin trapped in a glass case in the middle of the room. I looked at the white instrument, my heart void of emotion. I felt cold.

Taking a deep breath, I held down my cries and tears. "It's been over 15 years… how are you still here?" I walked towards it, pressing my hand on top of the glass case. I stared at it and it was as if it was staring back at me with the same coldness. "Elsa cherished you so much…" I let out a tiny breath, my eyes tensed and dark with bitterness. "Just be glad I'm not burning you too."

I walked out with the two bags in my hand and a matchbox in another.

"Now where is that metal bin?" Looking around in the kitchen for a while, I finally found it. Rolling up sleeves and pulling my tie off my neck, I sat myself down on a stool.

Taking a handful of paper, I dumped it in the bin. I stared at the matches. I realized my hands where shaking. I clenched them together, bringing them to my lips, breathing against them.

It's for her own good. You love her, don't you?

"Quiet…" I whispered, gritting my teeth. Shakily, I quickly lit up the match and stared at the papers. "It's for her own good, I know."

Without a single hesitation, I threw the match into the bin, watching the papers burn. The smoke alarm rang, but I had no care for it. I continued to watch the papers burn, throwing new ones every few seconds. My heart burned, watching them turn into ashes. Elsa would be heartbroken, I'd imagine—perhaps even more than that. It hurt, but I managed to smile. Soon enough, tears seemed to let themselves go, falling on the papers still in my hand. I hadn't realized it and when I did, I didn't want to actually acknowledge it.

For an hour, I continued to burn papers, letting the alarm ring.

I looked out the window, the lights of LA bursting into my home. The night was beautiful and quiet. It was midnight. Tugging my tie off, I slowly sipped my wine, enjoying the beautiful scenery.

I picked up the note Olaf had left me when I turned to my piano. I scoffed as I read it over, possibly the tenth time, sitting on the leather bench behind the piano keys.

"Dear Miss,

I would love to see you smile again. It has been days since you have last come home and I am terribly worried about your condition. Miss Snow, I would love to see you move on and since you have given me the key to the room I am forbidden to go in, I decided to burn all your music sheets. That is the first step. Please understand, I am trying to help you move on. I have not gotten rid of your violin because I know you treasure it so much. If you would just say the word… I would gladly get rid of it for you.

Sincerely, your PA

PS. I have made dinner for you. Be sure to heat it up (including the soup) before eating… I know you do not always do that. I will know... It took me a little while to get rid of the burnt smell, but if it still lingers, forgive me.

After cleaning the kitchen, I found a small kitchen knife by the window. Though, I can laugh about it now, at how ridiculous it sounds. I must tell you, my heart tensed when I imagined what you might do. I know you must be in a really dark place, but please know that you are stronger than that. There is still light in your life and something… someone, to live and hope for.

Taking another sip of wine, I rolled my eyes. That bastard. If he cared so much, he would've told me how he felt by now.

I sat down behind the piano, setting my wine glass and the letter on top of the white surface. But despite that, I was thankful for him and a speck of anger didn't actually rise within me. My fingers slid across the white keys with a tender touch.

Slowly, I reached for my pocket with my free hand and I gripped onto a small black box.

What a waste.

I stared at it, inspecting every inch and I opened it. There was two diamond rings next to one another. But immediately I closed it, a loud crack echoing through my ears.

Letting out a regretful sigh, I lowered my head until it met with the keys. My lips quirked up and I was laughing out of silliness and idiocy. Anna had always doubted me and my love. How could I not notice that? I was foolish and I played her like a new instrument, tossing her away when she broke, as if she was of no use.

Swallowing, I shut my eyes, bringing a fist to my lips. The feeling of my heart pounding and hurting overwhelmed me. I shook in fear. But I didn't want yet the release of crying, of letting my emotion run free. I stayed calm, though my insides were burning and screaming for help.

It's hot…

I tossed my tie to the nearest corner and I unbuttoned my shirt halfway. The memory of Belle's request suddenly sprang into my mind. The pounding of my heart was back, and I froze when I recalled her words. Yes, I knew that I needed to mend the relationship between Anna and me. But this was just coming from me—not Anna. Would she let me, I wasn't so sure.

I sighed, clasping my hands together. They were cold, shaking violently. It was almost autumn, the weather getting colder by the day. I wondered how she was still with that man, Hans. I hoped he was taking good care of her, like he promised to.

Get yourself together.

Shaking my head from ugly thoughts, I searched my pockets for my phone.

It did not take too long to search for Anna's caller ID. She was beautiful in the picture, hugging me and kissing my cheek. I grinned smoothly and I let my fingers glide on her face as if she was still here.

Clicking on it, I pressed my phone against my ear.

Of course, my body tensed when the first ring came up—

"The number you have dialed has been disconnected or is no longer in service-"

My eyes widened in shock, slowly letting my phone drop to my side. I gazed at the floor. When did she get a new number, I wondered. No, this was not the problem right now.

Taking a deep breath, I told myself not to cry and my hands started shuddering violently. I scrolled down the contacts again, in hopes to find someone that'd talk to me—

"Kristoff Bjorman…" I stared at his name, hesitant to call him. We had not known each other for long, but he was Anna's friend. He was a nice man and I hoped that he'd do me a favor.

Quickly, I tapped his number. There was no turning back now.

Two beeps sounded and I was beginning to think that he was not going to answer me. "Damn it…" I let out, my voice breaking.

"M-Miss Snow?"

I sighed in relief, slowly remaining my composure. "Kristoff."

"M-Miss! What's up?"

"We… we need to talk," I murmured.

He stayed silent and it haunted me, sending chills down my spine. Did he know?

"It's about—"

"This is about Anna, right?"

Was I making it too obvious?

"Yes."

I heard him shifting, a bed creaking and a dog barking loudly. He was yelling at the dog now.

"Sorry about that, Miss. Um… about Anna… So, w-what do you want to talk about?"

Taking a big gulp, I suddenly realized how worry he sounded. I was mortified. I gripped onto the leather for a second before getting up. Looking down to the highways and buildings set me to ease. I tugged the hem of my shirt out of my belt and my reflection met my blue eyes.

Exhaustion was showing through the blackness under my eyes, but I continued to stare at myself. I brushed my palm on my cheek, checking myself out. How hideous.

"Do you have her number?" I brushed through my fringes, little strands falling on my forehead and I turned, leaning against the glass.

He was quiet for a second. I glared at my phone, with a grim stare.

"She got a new number."

"Yes. Now, may I ask why, if you know?" I immediately shut my eyes. How irritating.

"I'm not supposed to tell you… I promised her." He sighed in confliction. "She told me everything—"

"Of course she did," I sighed. "And I'm sorry about what I've done to her."

"You've hurt yourself too, Miss."

This was a bad idea. I pressed my fingers against my forehead. My head was beginning to ache from the stubbornness of this woman that I loved. Whatever, I did this. I deserved it.

"I don't matter, she does. Now, about her number."

"She changed it for a reason."

"Anna doesn't want to speak to me." I whispered, crossing my legs. He did not answer and I feared that that was the case. "Is that right?'

"Yes." He was suddenly softly spoken. Did he pity me—us, perhaps? "She came back to tell me this and I quote, 'I don't want to get hurt anymore'."

Of course, that sounded much like her. Maybe with a little mix of stuttering, that'd be better.

But I stayed calm, no matter if my inner world was crumbling. My focus was on the floor at that moment of quietness. Whatever she had to say about me, she could say it. Hate me, love me, whatever she wanted for herself and from me, it was fine.

I changed the topic. This tense atmosphere was not good.

"Is she in LA?"

"Yes, Miss."

"Just call me Elsa. Let's ease it up a little."

I sensed him grinning with pleasure. "Yes, ma'am, I-I mean, Elsa." Much better.

With a satisfied nod, I continued. I gazed at the floor, blue eyes gleaming darkly. Maybe I should drink a little more.

Closing my eyes, I turned down the thought. Olaf would not want me to drink too much. These few dayswere crucial. He was being extra harsh to me, but what could he do? I almost let out a chuckle.

"Where is she?" I asked, leaning my head against the wall.

"Um… she moved in with someone… packed her things two days ago."

He quickly caught my attention and I gripped on the phone tightly. "Hans."

"Y-Yeah—wait, how did you know about—"

"It doesn't matter at this moment," I let out an exhausted sigh. "That's alright. As long as she is happy, I will be more than happy for her if she wants to stay with another man." What a stupid lie.

The other end was silent and I wondered if he hanged up on me. Regardless, I stayed. The urge to weep was clinging hard to me.

"Um… they ARE together."

Oh, fuck this.

I rounded my fist up and slammed it against the glass wall, gritting my teeth at the pain—it was soothing—I laughed.

"Elsa? I-Is everything alright?"

I took a deep breath and inspected my shaking fist. Good, no blood. Maybe just a little bruise later.

But I was quiet, closing my eyes and slid myself down to the floor.

Why was I lying to myself? What was I going to get out of this? I looked up to the ceiling, empty of any feelings. I'd laid my trust, faith, and all my hope on Hans to take care of Anna. And yet, I was jealous and regretful now? What a joke.

"I… I can give you her number, Elsa. She told me not to do that if you call, but… to be honest… even if Hans is a nice guy, it's just… I think Anna is better suited to be with you." He chuckled nervously and my fingers twitched, eyes slightly sparkling with hope.

"Anna…"

He sighed. "Um… Miss Snow, Anna… I can tell, she really does miss you."

Smiling faintly, I felt my hopes rise little by little. How relieving. And slowly, tears stream down my cheeks, ears bright red. I hadn't noticed until a droplet fell on my hand. Unbelievable. Normally, I'd let myself cry freely, but I held my cries in and I covered my mouth. I wanted to be strong. I sighed, trying to get myself together. For some reason, Hearing that I was still on her mind filled my stomach with butterflies.

Sniffling one last time, I asked him for the number.

"Miss—"

"I know," I interrupted, my tone stern and rough. "I'll be careful, I promise."

Kristoff finally smiled. "Great! Miss…" I listened silently. I'd listen to anybody by now. "She'll give you a hard time, but trust me, once she finishes raging on and on about anything that's been on her mind, you two will be great friends— … and, I hope, maybe more than that."

At that, I could not help but laugh. It wasn't sarcastic or out of disbelief, but… it sounded real—it was real.

Letting myself stand up, my heart felt so much lighter. "Thank you. I… must repay you in the future—"

"Ah, ah. Nope. No repayment. But if you insist… buy me dinner. You know without Anna, it's only just me and instant noodles. Ariel doesn't even cook for me nowadays even if I beg."

What a strange person.

I chuckled, looking down to the floor and I felt that color was returning to my cheeks. "Of course, anytime, Kristoff."

When he hanged up, my heart was pounding, looking at the number he'd given me.

Staring at it, I felt my stomach churning and I imagined her screaming god-awful things at me. I breathed in, looking up at the ceiling. I couldn't see my face, but I knew how sad I must have looked. Closing my eyes, I knew I had to get this over with.

Anna answered.

"Hello?"

Suddenly, I froze. This was her voice, all so sweet and soft. I opened my mouth, closed it, and then opened it again. No sounds were coming out. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

"Anna."

The quietness from the other end was scaring me. I almost let a bitter laugh slip. She did not want to hear my voice and suddenly, I regret calling her.

"Miss Snow."

My fingers twitched, my eyes slowly turning to the ground. Her voice was cold.

"How did you get this number?"

"I asked Kristoff."

She sighed and I could hear her opening and closing a door. Nobody was talking, as if we were scared to start a conversation that neither of us were ready for yet. I started drawing some deep breaths, trying to build up my courage, then finally broke the uneasy silence, clutching my waist for dear life. My body shook, tears unshed, but blurring my sight.

"How…" I swallowed. Get it together. "How have you been? I'm sure he is taking great care of you."

Anna remained silent and I feared that at this point, we were nothing but strangers. Maybe it was what she wanted. Sighing, tears finally flowed freely down my cheeks. Oh, I was tired and if she did not want to speak with me, I would not either. I wiped my tears. "I'm sorry," I mumbled, voice cracking. "I'm sure you don't want to speak to me—"

"I'm hurt, Miss Snow. I feel betrayed."

Nodding, I pursed my lips together. My heart shook and it eventually cracked to the point it was unable to mend back together. "I know." She sighed, but I knew she had to be on the ground, crying.

"Miss Snow, I don't understand you… the way you think."

"I… I know."

She sighed, calmly. "You wanted me as your own—a friend, girlfriend… but Miss Snow, we were never friends to begin with. I was just… I was just a toy for you only to be played with."

Wrapping myself in my arms, I curled myself up. But there was no protection and warmth, no matter how hard I held myself. My brain wanted to whisper no's to her, but I kept myself silent. I deserved this, of course. Without a doubt, if breaking me apart would make her feel better, then so be it.

"You don't love me, do you?"

I started weeping, hands on my head. I needed to get myself together. "I do… I really do, Anna…"

"Then you would not have done that. You would've told me earlier—from the very start. What were you thinking?"

Taking a deep breath, I continued. "I was scared. Scared that you would hate me."

"No, you saved me, Elsa. You sacrificed yourself for me—"

"No!" I shouted, closing my eyes. "No. I… I made you go..."

"I wanted to go, it wasn't your fault," she sighed, sounding tired. "I loved you, Miss Snow. I'd given everything, I was yours and I planned on being yours but this is what I get. A cheating liar."

My eyes widened and I whimpered, clutching my chest like it'd keep all the fragile pieces together. Stop it, please stop it… But I knew, if I'd beg her to stop, she wouldn't. My chest burned, painfully swallowing her words in. There was no escape and I felt small. I was a kicked puppy.

Anna took in a weak breath. "But… that's all in the past. It's been a week and I'm just trying my very best to forget about you and whatever that has happened. I guess… you won't be away for long, are you?" Her tone seemed to cheer up, maybe she was smiling again. I sniffled, wiping my tears, make up staining my rosy cheeks.

Managing a god-awful grin, I replied, "You're not that easy to get rid of either, ba— Anna."

For the first time time, since I've left the apartment, I heard her laugh. I didn't realize how much I missed it. "You're right. So… I assume, you're dating her now?"

"Yes, and I assume he's taking good care of you, correct?"

"I'm being better off with him than I was with you"

Fucking hell. My voice quivered and I grew quiet for a minute, listening to her breathe. "W-What do you want me to say, Anna? I'm sorry? I'm sorry for cheating, I'm sorry for lying, I'm sorry for wishing that you would come back—"

"No, I want to understand what's in that mind of yours."

"You. It has always been you."

She stayed quiet and let out a breath. I stared at my lap emptily, feeling a heavy darkness slowly enveloping me.

"I figured. Well, thank you for thinking about me."

"Anna—"

"I want us to start over, if you'd like."

My body felt crushed under her words. She wanted for us a new beginning, but I could not accept that. Why? I'd hurt her so many times, she deserved to get what she wanted. A new beginning? Sure, of course. My eyes darkened, tears drying up. I did not want a 'start over'. I wanted to love her, to give her everything. In the end, I only took her heart and shattered it.

Nodding, I gave her my reply. "Start over… of course, Anna."

Anna smiled. "That's good. So… since you've called me, I guess I should tell you this too."

I sniffled, tensing up. Oh no. "What is it?"

"So… tomorrow, I'm going back to New York with Hans."

Wait for it. "For how long?"

She chuckled. "I don't know. A year… two years… maybe never. Who knows" This was happening again. The same kind of pain was coming back to me again, the same soul-consuming, gut wretching heartache I had when Belle and I broke off. Oh god, why? I suppressed a scream, a cry, anything to break this agonizing state I was slowly sinking in.

"And you didn't even think about telling me."

"I thought you didn't really need to know."

"Well I do… So you're leaving tomorrow. May I—"

"Miss, no. I um… When I get back to New York, I'll call you every day, I'll text you. It's a new beginning."

And for some reason, I smiled, pleased. I did not want a new beginning, I wanted her. But if a new start would make her happy, I'd happily oblige. She was the girl I loved, after all.

I nodded. "Of course, I'd love that. I'll miss you, Anna."

"Me too, Miss Snow. But don't worry, we'll see each other again." She paused. "I love you."

'I love you', hm? It wasn't that love we'd always had for each other.

"I love you too."

Anna was quiet and I imagined her, crying hard after saying those three meaningful words. I grinned, keeping myself strong. She took a deep breath, whimpering slightly. I pretended not to hear it.

"So… we're friends?"

Nodding, I replied with all my heart. "Yes, we're just… friends."

A/N: Ouch, my heart. Sorry for all the delay. Life is hard and things happened, so I apologize for making you all wait so long. Anyway, it's over a year since I published the first chapter! Congrats to those who have been staying with me for so long.

I'd appreciate it if you wrote a review.

Big thanks to my beta, sedryn, you're awesome!