#checkingmeout

It was very cold that January after Anna had gotten out of the hospital from her bout with pneumonia. Anna and Kristoff were running late for work. Blizzard warnings were in effect for the entire state of North Dakota. They'd left in such a hurry, they'd both forgotten to blow out the stove's pilot light and left the fireplace unattended. About 1:00 P.M., a spark from the fireplace had gotten onto the rug by the hearth, smouldering. Soon, the cabin had caught on fire. Sven had seen this and had ran through the screen door leading to the backyard (in their rush, they'd forgotten to shut the doors). He alone had witnessed the entire cabin engulfed in flames. A neighbor (later found out to be Ben Night Horse) had seen the fire blazing out of control and had called the fire department. Soon, they arrived but it was too late. The entire cabin had burned down to the ground.

Arendelle Fire Department chief Nils Sorensen had gone to Arendelle Shop and Save, leaving Sven in his SUV. He went to the service desk. Mary called for him, since he was next in line. "Yes, Fire chief Sorensen," Mary asked. "How may I help you?" Fire chief Sorensen looked at Mary. "Hello," he said. "I'm looking for Kristoffer or Anna Bjorgman. According to one of their neighbors, they work here." Mary looked at Fire chief Sorensen. "They're here. Hang on a moment." Mary left the desk and went over to Kristoff. He was on register, ringing out a large order. "Kris," Mary said. "I'll take over for you. Fire chief Sorensen is looking for you and Anna." "Anna's helping in the bakery department today but I'll go," Kristoff said. He stepped off then Mary kept ringing out his customer. Kristoff went to the service desk, adjusting his low ponytail.

"Yes, Fire chief Sorensen," Kristoff asked. "I'm Kristoffer Bjorgman." "Mr. Bjorgman," Fire chief Sorensen said, a solemn look on his lined face. "Do you own a cabin out on Rural Route 14 and a wolf hybrid dog named Sven?" "I do." Kristoff looked a bit uneasy. "Why?" "Son, I hate to inform you but your cabin was involved in a fire. The entire structure was completely destroyed. Your dog survived by getting out. We'd found him in the prairie. He's in my SUV right now." Kristoff felt all the color drained from his face. "I'll get Sven, then call my insurance adjuster," Kristoff said, following Fire chief Sorensen outside and getting Sven. When he came back after putting Sven into his truck, Anna had come up front since she was done helping in the bakery. She looked worried when she saw the worried expression on her husband's face.

"Kris," Anna asked. "What's wrong?" "It's bad, Anna," Kristoff said. "Let's take a break and talk about it." "Okay." They punched out for their breaks and went to the break room. They sat down at a table, facing each other. He took her hands in his. "Fire chief Sorensen was just here," Kristoff said. "Baby, we're homeless! Our entire cabin had burned down to the ground." Anna looked horrified, tears threatening to fall. "Oh my God! Where's Sven?!" "He's fine. He got out. Apparently, Ben had seen the fire and called the fire department. Fire chief Sorensen brought Sven by. He's in my truck." "How about our personal important papers?" "Remember, I have those in fireproof/waterproof boxes in the storm cellar. They're safe. We'll call the insurance adjuster and figure something out."

Anna began to cry. Kristoff gathered her into his arms, holding her as she cried. Kristoff cried, too, wondering what they were going to do. Klaus came in just then. "Anna, Kristoff," Klaus said. "I'd heard about the fire. I'm truly sorry." He handed them a gift card. "This is from the store. Use it for any groceries you might need. It's $100 but it'll get you started." And accepted the gift card. "Thanks," she said. "Oh, you guys can go home with pay to get yourselves situated." He left. They punched in from break, got their stuff then punched out. They followed each other to their house. Nothing had prepared them for what they saw.

A charred mess with smoking smoulders greeted them, their chimneys and fireplaces still standing. The storm cellar entrance was the only thing that hadn't been burned. A Caution tape string enclosed the entire property. Anna went to the storm cellar, opened the door and went down. She quickly found the two boxes that had their very important papers and jewelry while Kristoff called their insurance man. Anna put the boxes in her truck as Kristoff hung up. "Did you get the boxes," Kristoff asked. "Yeah. Did you call the insurance adjuster," Anna asked. "Yeah. He won't be able to come out until the weather's better." They took pictures with their smartphones just as the blizzard began.

The entire town had heard about the fire. Ben Night Horse had graciously opened his home to both Anna and Kristoff and Sven, too. The church, led by Margie Kraft, had accepted lots of donations of food, clothes and toiletries for Anna and Kristoff. Anna's old landlady had give them a Wal-Mart gift card for things like cell phone chargers, things for Sven and anything they needed. Elsa sent them money by Western Union to their bank. Once the weather broke good and the insurance adjuster came out, they deemed the fire as an accident and issued Kristoff and Anna a check to fix the cabin according to plan. Anna had requested extra to make their bedroom into a master suite by adding a bathroom and adding two more bedrooms along with a kitchen fireplace, which was granted. Once spring came, the cabin was rebuilt and looking better than ever.

To thank everyone for their kindness, Anna and Kristoff threw a housewarming party, giving everyone a gift (a custom that Ben had taught them about). They were blessed to live in a small town like Arendelle, North Dakota, where everyone felt like family. They would never want to live anywhere else.

Here is part 17 of our adventure in Arendelle, North Dakota. Elsa decides to surprise Anna but the surprise is on her. Thanks to @frenzy5150 for helping me over the writer’s block hurdle. Please let me know what you think of the series so far.

PAIRING: Anna and Kristoff RATING: Teen (Modern AU) WORD COUNT: It got away from me

Oh, I’m still having internet issues so I cannot put a “read more” in right now. I apologize for any inconveniences that this may cause.

Memorial Day was in three days. Friday morning, about 11 A.M., found a Jaguar broken down on State Route 18, which was the main artery in Arendelle, North Dakota. Twenty-four year old Elsa Hiassen sat in the driver’s seat, silently cussing her younger sister out for living out in East Bumfuck. It had been a long drive alone from the hustle and bustle of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Picking up her Louis Vuitton purse, she looked at her smartphone. (Great! No service! Just fucking dandy) she thought. She put her phone down and looked at the wrinkled letter. She’d read that letter a lot. This was the first time in forever (three years) that Elsa had even heard from Anna since she’d left after that major blow up they’d had. The letter read:

April 1, 2015

Dear Elsa,

I hope that you’re doing well. I’m doing great actually. I have a job here in a small town here in North Dakota. The town is Arendelle and the store is Arendelle Shop and Save. The town is nice. Friendly people. I’m a cashier. We should talk. I changed my number. It’s 708-555-1234. I hope that you will reach out.

Anna

Elsa put the letter back into the envelope. She’d call but with no service, it’d be hard. Sighing in defeat, Elsa sat there, the day warm and breezy, the sun shining, hoping that someone would come by. (What would possess Anna to leave all of what she’s used to behind? She should’ve worked it out with Hans. Yes, he’s a prick but she’d be financially stable) she thought. (Nothing else to do but hope that I don’t end up on “Forensic Files” or on the 6 o'clock news) she thought. She waited.

Kristoff was tired! Anna had worked earlier this morning. She’d helped Bea in the bakery at the store, making doughnuts. He had to help unload three delivery trucks today. He sat in his pickup, singing along to Black N’ Blue’s “Hold on to 18” as he drove home. Anna had texted him, telling him that she was grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, cutting up homemade French fries and homemade baked beans. He looked forward to their little cookout. He noticed the broken down fancy car with Minnesota plates at the intersection of State Route 18 and Borg Avenue. Mama Cozzi’s Pizzeria was on one corner. A cornfield on one corner (next to the broken down car). The Shell and 7-11 were on the opposite corner of Mama Cozzi’s (these were the only two places open past 6 P.M. in Arendelle). Another cornfield was on the opposite side of the car. He pulled over behind the red Jaguar, killed the engine and got out of the truck. He normally didn’t do this but he wanted to be neighborly. He walked over to the driver’s side and tapped on the window.

Elsa looked. She saw a young man standing outside her car. He was tall, muscular and broad shouldered. He looked like he could be a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings. His hair was long and blond. He had tattoos. He wore black aviator sunglasses, a black tank top, snug fitting Levi’s 501 button fly jeans, a black leather belt and black steel toed work boots. She rolled down the tinted window. He saw a young woman sitting there. She was a little taller than Anna, willowy build, platinum blonde hair in a French braid, wide blue eyes. She wore Coach sunglasses, a navy blue Kate Spade blouse, Liz Claiborne jeans and Jimmy Choo flats. She looked like she came from money. “Yes,” Elsa asked. “You broke down,” Kristoff asked, a little grumpily. “Duh!” He bristled but still maintained politeness. “Do you want me to have a look? Maybe I can fix it.” (What have I got to lose) she thought. (Maybe he might know where I can find Anna). “Yes please.” She popped the hood open. Kristoff opened the hood. The engine was smoking. He went to his truck and got his tool bag. He went back to the Jaguar. He looked at everything but the tools he had weren’t going to work. Elsa had come out from the car and went to Kristoff.

“I’m sorry I got rude,” she said. “I was on my way to meet my sister. Thank you for helping me. I’m Elsa Hiassen.” She held out her left hand. Kristoff stood up. He towered over her. He held out his left hand, taking hers, shaking it. “No problem. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Kristoff Bjorgman,” he said. (Hiassen? Sister? Her eyes and her face look a little like Anna. This could be her older sister) he thought. “Well, what do you think, Mr. Bjorgman?” “Well, Miss Hiassen, I can’t fix it. You need parts that I don’t have.” She looked crestfallen. “Who am I going to call on a Friday before a holiday? I have no service here in this rural area!” “Don’t worry. I know someone.” He pulled out his smartphone and called Walter Ingram. Walter owned Walt’s Garage. Elsa watched Kristoff walk and talk. (I never knew tattooed, muscular, long haired men could be so polite, although he does strike me as a grump) she thought. He hung up and went back to Elsa.

“Walt is coming to pick up your car. He’ll know what to do. Everyone in Arendelle gets their cars and trucks serviced by Walt,” Kristoff said, putting his phone onto its belt holster. “I really do appreciate all the assistance, Mr. Bjorgman,” Elsa said. He picked up his tools and put them back into their tool bag and put it back in the truck. Walt soon came with a flatbed wrecker. Walt was a large built man in his fifties with salt and pepper hair and kind brown eyes. He got out of the truck and went to Elsa and Kristoff. He looked at the car. “I’ll have to order parts. It’ll be Tuesday or Wednesday before I get them and three days to fix it,” Walt said. “What’s wrong with my car,” Elsa asked. “You blew your main drive shaft and your serpentine belt is broken.” “How much?” “We’ll settle up after it’s fixed. Rest assured, I’ll give you a fair deal.” Walt put the car onto the wrecker after Elsa got her things and soon left. “Kristoff?” “Yes?” “Do you know where my sister Anna lives?” “I do.” “Could you take me to her please?” “Yes.” He helped Elsa into his truck, put her suitcase and laptop case in the backseat and got in. He started the truck and they were soon on their way.

The ride to his cabin was quiet, except for the sounds of the radio playing “The Pursuit of Vikings” by Amon Amarth. Kristoff sang along but when he looked and saw the horrified look on Elsa’s face, he shut up and turned off the radio. “Anna likes that sort of music, too. I think it’s too noisy,” Elsa said. “What do you like,” Kristoff asked. “Smooth jazz.” He figured as much. “How do you know Anna?” “We both work at Arendelle Shop and Save as cashiers. I’ve known her for three years.” “Are you friends?” “Best friends.” (She’s my wife and best friend) he added to himself. He knew that she didn’t know. Anna had told Kristoff that she wanted to tell Elsa in person. Anna didn’t know that Elsa was coming to visit. “So, does Anna know you’re here?” “No. I didn’t have the gumption to call her. I wanted to surprise her.” They soon arrived at the cabin. “My, Anna lives way out here.” “Yeah. Peace and quiet.” He stopped the truck, got out, helped Elsa out, got her luggage and they went to the door. He pulled out his keys. “You have a key?!” “Yeah. I live here, too.” “Wait, what?” “I’ll let Anna tell you.” They went inside. Sven barked. Elsa froze. The wolf-dog sniffed her.

“What kind of dog is that,” Elsa asked. “Sven is half wolf and half Alaskan Malamute. He’s friendly,” Kristoff said. Anna came in from outside, a pair of tongs in her left hand. “Hey,” Kristoff said. “I found her on the side of the road. I’m sure you want to see her.” “Elsa?! You’re here,” Anna said. She went to them. She embraced her older sister. “It’s been three years,” Elsa said, embracing her younger sister. Kristoff smiled. “Elsa, I see you’ve met Kristoff,” Anna said, going to him. She embraced her husband, reached up and kissed him. He kissed her back. Elsa looked puzzled. “Anna, are you and Kristoff dating?” “No. Elsa, we’re married.” “Married?! When? Why?” “We’ve been married for nearly two months. We love each other. We were friends first.” Elsa sat down. Anna and Kristoff sat down. Elsa began drilling Kristoff with questions: Where was he from? What’s your family like? How old are you? Religious background? Likes and dislikes? Job experience? You name it, he answered truthfully and honestly. Elsa looked very satisfied.

“Kristoff,” Elsa said. “You’re a good man. I’m glad that Anna loves you and you love her. If you hurt her, you’ll have to answer to me.” “Fair enough,” Kristoff said. “I have one question. How come you haven’t talked in three years?” “It was about my ex-boyfriend Hans. I came to her being help,” Anna said. “She said it was my fault that Hans was controlling and abusive. Because he was so rich, like us, I needed to give him a chance, which I didn’t want or need.” “It was wrong of me,” Elsa said, on the verge of tears. “Anna, I’m sorry I ever doubted you. Please forgive me? I was going to ask you to come home but I’m not now. You have a good man who dotes on you, a nice home, a decent job and the town, although small, looks nice. You have my blessing. Kristoff, welcome to our family.” Anna, Kristoff and Elsa hugged. Sven barked at the back door. Smoke started to waft inside.

“Babe, are you grilling outside,” Kristoff asked. Anna’s eyes widened. “Oh no! The burgers! They’re burning,” Anna said. Luckily, they were salvagable. They ate, talked and bonded as a family. Anna was relieved that Elsa and Kristoff were getting along. By the end of Elsa’s visit, she and Anna were close again and she had a brother/sister bond with Kristoff. It was all good in Arendelle, North Dakota.

Here is part 16 for your reading pleasure. Kristoff spends his birthday babysitting for Kai and Mary’s granddaughter. Let’s see what happens here.

PAIRING: Anna and Kristoff RATING: Teen (just in case) Modern AU WORD COUNT: I went a little overboard here

May 2nd arrived on a beautiful Saturday. Today was Kristoff’s twenty-fourth birthday. Anna, sadly, had to work today. Anna and Kristoff were both up. She decided to fix her birthday boy some breakfast. He let Sven out while she made him a fresh stack of buttermilk pancakes with syrup and butter, sausage links and hashbrowns (his favorite). As she was about to plate their breakfast, there was a knock on the front door. Curious, Anna and Kristoff went to answer to door. When they opened the door, they saw Mary and Kai there with their now six year old granddaughter Phoebe (her birthday was yesterday). They looked desperate and both were dressed for work.

“Hi, Kai, Mary,” Kristoff said. “What brings you here?” “Kris, Anna, we’re in a pickle and we were wondering if you’d help us out,” Mary said, fiddling with her marquis wedding band set. “What’s up,” Anna asked. “Well, it’s our wedding anniversary and we were heading into Fargo to go to our favorite steakhouse after work. The trouble is, with us having custody of Phoebe, we need a sitter. Our normal sitter cancelled on us at the last minute,” Kai said. Kristoff ran a hand through his long, shaggy blond hair, putting it into a low ponytail. He and Anna looked at each other. Anna fidgeted with her long strawberry ponytail. “Well, I’m not doing anything for my birthday since Anna has to close, so I guess I can watch her,” Kristoff said. Kai and Mary looked relieved. “Thank you so much! We owe you big,” Kai said. Mary had Phoebe step in front of her. She squatted down to her level. “Phoebe,” Mary said gently, her hands resting on the girl’s tiny shoulders. “These are Grandma and Grandpa’s friends. This is Mr. Bjorgman but call him Kristoff. This is Mrs. Bjorgman but call her Anna. Please be on your best behavior and we’ll see you in the morning.” “Okay, Grandma,” Phoebe said. “I’ll be good.” Mary hugged Phoebe. Kai hugged Phoebe. Mary dug into her purse. “Here’s where we’ll be and the numbers to Dr. Weselton, Poison Control and her dad Ricky. He’s deployed in Syria right now so he may not answer. Our son is an Army Ranger which is why we have Phoebe.”

Kristoff took the paper. “She’ll be fine. Pick her up in the morning,” Kristoff said. They waved. Mary and Kai soon left. Anna, Kristoff and Phoebe went into the house. Sven sniffed the child. “May I pet your wolf-dog please,” Phoebe asked. She was reed thin with curly light brown hair that reached her waist, tied back into a low ponytail. She had hazel eyes that looked doe eyed. She wore a pink and white polka dot t-shirt and fuchsia capri pants with white and pink sneakers with Disney princesses on them that lit up when she walked. “Yes you may,” Kristoff said. Phoebe petted Sven gently. Sven licked Phoebe. “That tickles!” Anna set Phoebe’s backpack onto the couch. “Have you eaten breakfast,” Anna asked. “Yes, Miss Anna. Grandma fed me.” “Do you have any food allergies we need to know about?” “I can’t eat onions, blueberries or peanuts.” “Okay.” “Go ahead and play with Sven until we’re done with breakfast.” “Okay, Mr. Kristoff.” Phoebe went to play with Sven while Anna and Kristoff went back into the kitchen.

“Babe,” Anna said, cutting into her pancakes. “Do you want me to call off and help you with Phoebe?” “No, sweetheart,” Kristoff said, putting hashbrowns onto his fork. “It’s cool. I got this. I will call you if I need you.” “Okay. I’ll check in.” She got up and cleared the table. He got up and went to the sink. He started to wash their dishes. Anna glanced at the clock on the wall. It said 9:45 a.m. “Shit! I’m gonna be late!” She reached up and kissed his clean shaven right cheek. He turned, bent low and kissed her lips. She kissed him back. “I’ll be home after six.” “Okay. Drive careful and I’ll see you tonight.” Anna grabbed her keys and purse. “I’ll see you later, Phoebe. Mind Mr. Kristoff please.” “Yes, Miss Anna.” Anna soon left. Kristoff came into the living room. “Okay, Phoebe. What would you like to do?” Phoebe got up and went into her backpack. She had a change of clothes, her pajamas, her toothbrush and hairbrush, two coloring books, a story book, a box of crayons, two Barbie dolls with clothes, a stuffed Stitch, four Disney DVDs and a pink dress up box that had cherry Chapstick, some real cotton candy pink nail polish (it smelled like cotton candy, too), a pink feather boa, hair ties, clip on earrings and pink plastic high sandals.

“Let’s play Barbies, Mr. Kristoff.” “Sure.” He sat crosslegged on the floor in front of Phoebe, facing her. She handed him a Barbie doll. It had red hair and freckles. “It looks like Miss Anna.” “You know, she kinda does.” Phoebe giggled, showing off her two missing front teeth. They played, changing their doll’s outfits and having fun. Kristoff tried to make his voice high to be Barbie. “You sound like my dad,” Phoebe said. “Do you like your dad being G.I. Joe,” Kristoff asked. “Yes. Grandpa says that Dad’s a hero.” “He is.” “Grandpa doesn’t like my mom though.” “What happened? If you don’t want to tell me, it’s okay.” “Mom didn’t like Dad being a hero. She went off somewhere with someone else. She threw Dad and me away.” “Your mom was wrong to do that but it’s her loss.” “Grandma says the same thing.” Kristoff looked at Phoebe. (Who could be so cold as to throw their child away for some dick?! What a bitch) he thought. After a while, Phoebe looked at Kristoff. “I’m hungry. When’s lunch,” she asked. “Now, if you want,” Kristoff said. They got up and went into the kitchen.

Kristoff had Phoebe help him. She loved helping in the kitchen. Together, they made grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, cut up carrots with ranch dip and grape juice. After lunch, they baked some chocolate chip cookies for Anna (Phoebe’s idea). As they waited for the cookies to cool and after lunch, Phoebe looked at Kristoff. “I’ve never seen a boy with long hair. Could I brush it and style it? Oh, could I paint your nails, too?” He smiled. “Why not.” “Yay!” Phoebe went to get her dress up box. She sat down at the kitchen table with Kristoff. He put newspaper onto the table. Phoebe kneeled in the chair, reached over and painted Kristoff’s fingernails cotton candy pink. She even painted his toenails. She then brushed his long blond hair after taking out his hair tie. She styled his hair into twin pigtails, tying them with pink bows. He then painted her fingernails and toenails. After their nails dried, she brought her coloring books and crayons to the table.

“Let’s color next.” “Okay.” She handed him a Disney/Pixar Cars coloring book and took a Disney Princess coloring book for herself. She put the box of crayons in the middle for them to share. As they colored pictures of Princess Ariel and Mater, Kristoff had asked Phoebe questions like how did she enjoy kindergarten and which Disney princess was her favorite. Phoebe had asked Kristoff some questions like how did he meet Anna, was she like a princess and how did he get Sven. After a while, Phoebe wanted to watch her movies. She went and put her coloring books, dolls, dress up box and crayons away. She came back with the DVDs. When she came into the kitchen, Kristoff was on the phone with Anna. She’d called to check on them and told Kristoff that she loved him and she was bringing pizza home. He told her great and he loved her. Once he hung up, he looked at the four DVDs: The Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Tangled and Beauty and the Beast. He told her to pick one first. She chose Robin Hood. They took the DVDs to the bedroom. He put it into the DVD player after turning the T.V. on. They sat on the bed and watched the movie.

Anna came home with a double pepperoni cheese stuffed crust pizza from Mama Cozzi’s Pizzeria (Kristoff’s favorite) and a cherry cordial cake that was baked by Bea Malloy, complete with candles. She went into the bedroom. She stood there in the doorway, seeing her big, muscular, tattooed husband with his long blond hair in pigtails and pink nail polish on his finger and toe nails, watching Disney movies with a six year old girl. She took a picture with her phone. He looked up. “Hey, beautiful,” Kristoff said, pausing the movie. He got up and went to his wife. They kissed gently. “You look cute,” Anna said, giggling. “Miss Phoebe decided to glam me up.” “You do look like a glam metal guy but cutesy with the pigtails.” “Let’s go eat.” Phoebe got up and they went to the kitchen. They ate pizza, drank Coke (apple juice for Phoebe) and had fun. They had Kristoff blow out the candles on his cake and they each had a slice (Anna gave Kristoff her cherries). Kristoff took Sven out while Anna gave Phoebe a bath, talking about the fun she had. After that, Phoebe was tucked in on the couch, her Stitch stuffie close. Anna and Kristoff both read her a story; two chapters of “Charlotte’s Web.” Soon, Phoebe fell asleep. They took their showers and went to their bedroom (Anna changing from a tampon to a pad; her period starting two days ago).

While in bed, Anna turned and looked at Kristoff. “Did you have a nice birthday, even though you babysat,” she asked. “Yeah. I like Phoebe. She’s a good kid,” Kristoff said, turning and looking at Anna. There was a look in each other’s eyes that made a promise: yes, we’ll definitely have kids…maybe not right now but they’re a definite plan. “I like her. Mary and Kai are raising their granddaughter right.” “Yeah. You know, you’d make a kick ass mom.” “You’d make a kick ass dad.” They smiled then fell asleep, dreams of the future in their heads, full of little Bjorgman kids: towheaded boys and ginger haired girls.