#collaborated project

The meeting was about to come to an end, and I was glad because the week had been a crazy one, but still good with the progress we had all achieved on the new seasonal work. I was so proud of my team and thinking of the friendships that have developed ever since that weird time two years ago... I sometimes could hardly believe it was all true.

The ominous treaty was still neatly packed in the regulation’s folder and of course, Yelena had an eye on us all, but then I wondered if it was merely a fictive action by now.

A smile crossed my face when I watched our manager listening to Honeymaren´s explanations to her project, when Yelena absentmindedly caressed Sven´s head. The dog had become a constant part of the team, coming into the office with us, and either staying with Anna or me, or then sometimes wondering the rooms and napping at anybody´s feet.

But when we held meetings, for some undefinable reason, Sven would sit at Yelena´s side, laying his head on her thigh, and snooze delightfully, getting a soft caress throughout the time. It was adorable, but we held our gazes to ourselves and would not expose Yelena´s soft side.

About an hour later, I sat back in my office, sorting my pending work for the next week and clearing my desk. Sven had trotted along with Olaf and was now coming to me and nuzzling against my leg.

“Yes, buddy, I know. We´ll be going in a jiffy. Surely they´ll be here any minute.”

And once spoken the words, I could hear the thrilling sound of a toddler´s squeal and Sven jumped up and ran out the room in a frenzy towards his little friend.

I followed behind and leaned against the door frame, watching the scene in wonder, which never failed to capture my soul.

Sven had run up and now bounced around the little girl with platinum blond hair and ice-blue eyes, her cute braid bouncing around her shoulders as she hopped along with her “Ven” on her chubby little legs and clapping her cute hands in pure joy.

And when she spotted me and turned to chubbily ran towards me with her outstretched little arms, that was the moment my heart always skipped a beat. I crouched down and caught her frenzy run.

“Papa!” She squeaked and stumbled into my hold.

I scooped her up in the air and swung her around, making her lovely face lit up even the more and then she resembled her mother so much which was the greatest gift of all. I loved that little princess to the moon and back.

“Hey Elsa! Coming to pick me up? I´m glad!”

“Mammy there!” She released her tight grip around my neck and then pointed to Honeymaren´s door.

“Let´s go to Mammy, right?”

Elsa nodded earnestly and then clubbed my neck again, which was tough. Well, she was a little feisty pants, just like her Mammy…

Anna was standing with Honeymaren, and they were bent over the latest work the colleague had been putting a lot of effort in. Anna pointed at the sketches and commented excitingly about her friend´s idea.

“Oh, Maren, that´s great! Seriously, the story is just popping up in my mind. Let´s see, maybe I can snatch away some time over the weekend to scribble it down.”

I shook my head and turned to Elsa who watched me with big eyes. And we exchanged a conspirative glance. Well, I did, but I assumed that Elsa didn´t understand my meaning.

“None of that you will do!” I commanded.

The ladies turned, and Anna stepped closer with a grin on her face.

“And who says that?”

“Your boss.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Hey, look who´s there?” Olaf had heard us and was coming to say hello to his little girlfriend.

“Oaaf!” Elsa waved her little hand and wriggled in my arms, so I let her down and she hoped off to fetch a warm hug by Olaf, who had got down on his knees.

“Hey, my little snow-queen, may I have a hug?”

The toddler giggled and put her tiny hands to his face and pinched Olaf´s cheeks. He smiled warmly and kissed her little fingers.

We said our goodbyes, called for Sven and then left for the one place we cherished starting nearly each weekend lately. The beach.

Elsa was having her fun, running along the sandbank, with Sven paying her company like a life dog watching over her. I savoured those moments, of restful peace, my delicate wife holding to my hand and from time to time we´d teased each other about any silly thing we could think of.

We had sat down in the still warm autumn sun, huddled together against the fresh winds that had started blowing up lately.

“Kristoff?”

“Hm.”

“There´s something I need to tell you.”

“What´s that?”

I turned to look at her because the tone of her voice revealed a certain mystery that raised my curiosity. But she couldn´t say that much for Sven running up and bouncing against our backs and yelping wildly. All we could do was to struggle up to our feet swiftly.

“Hey buddy, what´s up? Something wrong?”

Anna and I exchanged a startled look.

“Elsa?!”

And we tried to run after Sven, but he was so much faster, and the wet sand made it difficult to catch up. Breathlessly we followed behind and stopped short upon spotting our little daughter. The scene before us made us clutch each other´s arms, and we exchanged a short glance.

Have we not seen this before somewhere?

Elsa kneeled in the sand, bent over a basket with eyes wide.

We stepped closer and peeped over our little girl´s shoulder and looked into two pairs of big pleading eyes.

Kittens!

I reached for Anna´s hand, and we looked at each other with mouth agape. How could that be?

“Seriously Anna, this beach starts to have its cases with us….”

“Oh, Kristoff, we can´t leave them here…”

“No. Of course not, I´m afraid.”

And I crouched down and picked up the basket, while Anna took Elsa´s hand and Sven happily skipped along with us.

***

Back at home and late evening, child, kittens, and dog were nestled in their beds…

We sat on the sofa, and I shook my head marvelling.

“What´s next, Anna?”

“What you mean?” She chuckled, and snuggled against my side, curled up like a ball.

“Is there anything that can still surprise me today? Our family seems to expand by miracles, doesn´t it?”

“Yes, it does.”

“And you are not wondering about that?”

“No. It´s awesome and you know, I think you do a great job.”

“Thank you, same.”

“Kristoff?”

“Yes.”

“There is still something I need to tell you.”

“Ah yes. What´s that sweetheart?”

And Anna took my hand and placed it on her belly. Wait, her belly…?!

“Wait, what?”

“Remember that one night, when Cecilia was babysitting, and we were down at the sandbanks?”

How could I forget…

Anna smiled at me mischievously.

I didn't like a bit what the mischievous tone of her voice seemed to imply.

“Sam! No, I was just washing the dishes.”

Anna continued drying as if she hadn't heard anything, but it didn't go unnoticed how she slowed down as put all her senses into learning about the ongoing conversation. Inevitably, a silly grin crossed my face.

“What’s up? Is it a work issue?”

“Kinda. I'd like to have a little chat with you this afternoon. It's okay with you at four in my office?”

“I guess I can make an opening, yeah. Why? It is something serious?”

“I'll only say one thing: I've spoken with Cecilia.”

“What?! Why?!”

“You know she adores me as much as I adore her.”

“Hey, Sam…”

“Nope. I have no time right now. We'll talk later. Ciaooooo.”

‘Cecilia, I’m gonna kill you.’

“Everything okay?” Anna asked turning to me when she heard me drop the phone on the table with perhaps a little less care than recommended.

“I dunno. Sam’s talked to Cecilia and wants to talk to me this afternoon.”

Anna's face paled slightly.

“But… did you get to talk to her about whether all this is…?”

“Not yet.”

“I see…”

“Sorry. I don't know if I haven’t put you in trouble”.

“No! Nor in the least. If I have problems I will have looked for them myself. If I hadn't accepted, you wouldn't be here.”

“I'll try to make sure none of this affects you, okay?”

“Hey, whatever the consequences are, they'll be up to both of us.”

No matter how noble her words were, I wasn’t willing to risk her job for lodging. I preferred to sleep on the beach. But... if it was just a lodging matter… why did the idea of leaving make me feel a knot in my stomach? Anyway, there was no use thinking about it anymore. In the afternoon, I would discover the truth.

Somewhat uneasy about what was to come, I hurried to get ready for the meeting and arrived a little early. A time that, of course, I had to spend waiting at her door because Samantha is never free.

“Hey, boss. You don't look well,” Olaf said friendly clapping on my back with a smile that made me tense even more. “Were you sleep-deprived last night?”

‘I knew it. Maybe his lips are sealed, but, in the meantime, he is going to make sure to torture us as much as he can.’

“Do not worry, Olaf. I had an excellent night.”

Maybe I didn't choose the best words.

“I bet you did.”

A brief laugh later, Olaf continued on his way and Samantha's door opened to let out a woman who smiled politely at me and gave way.

“Hey, Sam. What is this all about?”

“Easy, blondie. Take a seat.”

I took a deep breath and sat down as I was told.

“I'm sorry. I didn't intend to speak to you like that.”

“So… are you in love?”

“What?”

“The redhead. Anna, right? Your sister has seen it quite clearly; she says that you have a huge crush on her; that you are her puppy.”

“Puppy?”

“Yeah, I don't know what correspondence to a story she wrote for the magazine.”

“Oh… so that was it.”

“So, you admit it?”

“I'm not in love, okay? She just… seems to me a very capable and intelligent woman, funny, attentive, sweet, weird to an unimaginable point, cheerful, optimistic… And gorgeous.”

“Wow… It is more serious than I thought.”

“It is not serious. It is nothing. There is nothing between us. She is only allowing me to live in her apartment while I find something else.”

“Are you looking for something else?”

“Uh… well… I've been really busy lately, you know.”

“Sure…”

So that's how things were, huh?

“Well,” she said taking a sip of the coffee that always kept her ongoing the whole day. “I suppose it is my duty to inform you that company policy does not prohibit extra-work relationships between colleagues of the same rank, buuuut…”

“But I am her superior.”

“Exactly. A relationship between superior and subordinate could lead to special treatment that cannot be consented to.”

“But I wouldn’t…!”

“I know. I know you. You are a great professional and you wouldn't get carried away that way. However, the rules are what they are.”

“Got it.”

“What are you gonna do?”

“Obviously, leave her house and get away from her. I'm not willing to make her lose her job: she loves it.”

“That's just what I wanted to hear.”

“Oh, yeah? Good for you.”

“Knowing that… I have no choice but to tell you that I really enjoyed talking with your little sister about the hot bricklayer that you have as a roommate. Too bad he's not a sweet young lady instead, don't you think?”

“Sam?”

“I can turn a blind eye, but be very careful with Yelena. She wouldn't let a beautiful love story jeopardize her magazine.”

“Sam, I…”

“And, now, get out of here! Don't you see I'm busy?”

“You are the best friend ever.”

I gave Samantha a quick hug and turned to the door, ready to leave her with her busy schedule.

“You know she likes you, don't you?”

“At least, I think she doesn't dislike me.”

“I knew it… You’ve always been sooo slow… Cecilia told me the face she had when she saw her and how she left hurt. You didn't even notice, did you? Little angel...”

“She… You think so?”

“Get out of my sight at once, moron!”

I dodged the paper ball that Sam threw straight at my face and left her office with a strange feeling of vulnerability and determination mixed within me.

By the time I got home that afternoon, Anna was on the couch in a huge hoodie, eating popcorn, and watching Wall-E. Hearing me come in, she paused the movie, looked at me with an uncertain smile, and patted the sofa inviting me to sit next to her. I obeyed and gave her a resigned smile.

“So I really am your pet, aren't I?”

“What? What was that?”

“It was nothing. I've already talked to Sam.”

“And?”

“As you well supposed, any extra-work relationship is prohibited between employees of different ranks.”

The popcorn that was waiting in her hand to be eaten, fell on the couch accompanied by a tear.

“Anna?”

“Oh, God! I’m so sorry! Don't worry about me! It's just that I got sensitive with the movie, you know?”

I nodded not wanting to uncover her poor lie.

“And… what do you plan to do, then?” she asked fixing those huge beautiful blue eyes into mine.

“Well…”

I stared into that look without quite believing what I was about to say.

I have sat in complete numbness, not able to comprehend what Yelena was saying. Could she be that heartless? And I decided to give Sam an immediate call once we were out of that dreadful office. I would surely not risk Anna losing her job, she was such a fine columnist and she didn´t deserve such a treatment.

Finally able to turn my face to take a glance at Anna, shock overcame me by her appearance. She had gone paler than Lydia personally, and I could tell, that tears were forming in her eyes, though she had lowered her face in shame. I would recognise that look of agony any time by sensing her inner turmoil while she sat right next to my side.

And before I could reach out or say anything, Anna´s head snaped up and she asked Yelena to be dismissed so she could overthink all that we were told. Yelena nodded conformingly, because she wanted to talk to me alone for a second, anyway.

Anna got up and glanced at me for a second with a shy smile and turned for the door. All I wanted to do now is to run after her, for one to be at her side and then I hated to face another discussion with Yelena. But that was out of reach, when Yelena stopped Anna for a moment to address her more calmly.

“Anna. If you need to, you can leave earlier to get some thoughts together, alright? Latest by tomorrow, I see you back strictly working with no fuss.”

On that, Anna nodded silently and left. I looked after her with that dreadful feeling of having let her down. I really should be looking after her, but not here, not where everybody was around. We never did that, and I will certainly not start this now…

Then, Yelena’s voice pulled me out of my inner turmoil, it was agonising.

“You know why I want to talk to you alone for a moment?”

“No.”

“As a team leader you have responsibility, more than a simple worker does.”

“Excuse me! You refer to Anna as a low worker?” I hated that thought. She was brilliant at her job.

“No, Kristoff. That´s not what I meant. I love Anna´s creative style and I´d miss it. But she´s does not head of the team and that puts her less in weight when it comes to the role of model function.”

“But Yelena, you don´t understand. I sit in the same boat with Anna, and I don´t intend to leave it without her. My position doesn´t count for that matter. Yes, we have been into a relationship without telling anybody. And that because it was not allowed, so yes, we have wronged the company. But never ever, have I treated Anna preferably above anybody else. She´s always paid me the respect as a team leader and we certainly have harmed nobody, or did we?”

“You have harmed our all trust, Kristoff. Look, I don´t want to be the bad one in this. But since I have taken notice on that photo, I can´t look away, can I?”

“No, of course not.”

I sighed because I didn´t want to discuss this with Yelena any further. Yes, she was my superior, but she didn´t have the last word in this, I was sure. And now, all I wanted to race after Anna to make sure she was okay! Everything else could wait…

“Would you please allow me to go and see how she´s doing?”

“Have you not understood yet, Kristoff? You´re at work here, your girlfriend is working here, too. But this is professional time, no private time, alright?!”

Her tone had become somewhat shrill and I didn´t like it.

“Alright, so then, am I allowed to take some overwork hours to go home a bit earlier, too?”

“Very well, and then call her from there, that´s fine for me.”

She looked at me for an instant, narrowed her eyes and then leaned forward pointing her index finger at me.

“Don´t tell me you´re even living together, aren´t you?”

“I don´t think private addresses are an issue here, are they?”

“No. Lucky you.”

“What? Would you come and pack my suitcase personally if it were so?”

“Don´t you get nasty, young man!”

“Sorry!”

“Hm. I see you´re upset now. Fair enough. But I´m, too, you know. I hate thinking you leave.”

“In case Anna can stay, I will, yes.”

“That´s not decided yet.”

“May I go?”

“To your office, yes.”

I just got up, left the room and was on my way to my office, when my mobile buzzed and vibrated in my pocket, and when I looked at the screen, I saw it was Anna calling. Relieved to see her photo and name, I hurried into my room and answered the call with my most caring voice I could accomplish.

“Hey sweetheart! How are you and where are you?”

Her voice was low and somewhat nervous.

“I´m sorry, I know I shouldn´t be calling you. Are you alone?”

“Yes, I am. Don´t worry. Where are you?”

“In the broom closet…”

“Hm. Is it big enough for me to join you in there?” I tried to sound funny, maybe some sarcasm would help ease this terrible tension?...

“Don´t you dare… But then, we could meet in the elevator? No! If Yelena sees us...”

“Yeah, too scary... Hey Anna, I will leave earlier, too. We´ll sort this out, I promise!

Now, I heard her suppressing some sobbing. Oh God, I hated that heart-tearing sound!

“Anna, please, say something that makes me know you´re somewhat alright!”

She sniffed and then chuckled; my heart leaped on that awesome echo …

“I wish you were here and we´d be making out like they do in the movies… Cheesy, right?”

“No, sweetheart! Why don´t we imagine the moment and then I´ll make it up to you for real tonight!”

“Sounds awesome…”

“Anna, when will you leave?”

“Around 2 o´clock.”

“Alright, I´ll be going at 2:30 alright?”

“Kristoff?”

“Yes.”

“Shall we take a walk along the beach… later in the dark?”

“I love that idea. I´m sure this the place where we find a solution.”

“I was hoping for you´d say that.”

“This is where it all started.”

“And you don´t think it will end there, then?”

Again, some sobs… No!

“No Anna! I´d rather think it to be a new beginning!”

“Can´t wait!”

When I pushed the red button to finish our talk, I turned to my desk and reached for the receiver and dialled another internal number.

“Hi Sam, Kristoff here…”

“Goodness Kristoff, what have you two done….?!”

So, Yelena had reported to Sam already, and the head of human resources was not amused to be trapped in between the two parties.

“I´m sorry, Sam! That´s not what we´ve intended, seriously.”

“No, of course not. But this is tricky now.”

“I know. Hey, I don´t want you to get into trouble. You haven´t known anything and Anna and I will think of a solution.”

“And how do you think that shall work? You´ve got two options, either you or she will have to quit. What else can you propose?”

“I don´t know really… But hey Sam, there must be a way. I mean, come on, Anna is a great columnist and even Yelena states that she´d hate missing Anna on the team and apparently, she likes my way of team leading. Is there seriously no way of this without getting all split off? A change of department maybe?”

“Still in the company, then... But say, Kristoff, has nobody in your team gotten any sort of suspicious about the two of you? Because I can´t imagine that – apart of your professional working habit – there had been no revealing signs of your relationship?”

And Anna´s super-hot hickey popped of before my inner eye… I flinched for a second…

“Well, maybe… And then, Anna had stated that Honeymaren had hinted her suspicion but she wouldn´t tell anyone. And Olaf has seen us together on our way to work one of the first mornings. After that we have taken more care…”

“Olaf?!”

Sam burst into a sarcastic laugh.

“Which means, you have pretty much screwed it up, Bjorgman. But I can´t blame you. Anna is truly a nice girl and I totally see you two together. I hate the thought myself of you two getting into this trial. Okay, let me think of something, too, alright?”

“Thank you, Sam! Seriously, I owe you something!”

“Don’t bother yourself… Just keep in mind that I love invitations, too, you know.”

“What you mean?”

“Well, since I was hindered to Cecilia´s birthday party, I´d love to witness you two kissing on some other occasion maybe? But no need to rush for my sake!”

She laughed heartily and wished me a good day and hung up the phone.

And I sat dumb folded staring at the receiver… what was that about?...

----

We had sat on the sofa for a long time, just hugging. Neither of us really knew where to start. Maybe we were both scared of facing the fact that there was little we could do right now, but to wait for a good clue to come along.

I told Anna about my phone call with Sam, and she agreed that we didn´t want to get Sam into trouble, since she´d been such a terrific support with the “Hans´s thing”.

Luckily the sun was going down early this time of the year and we put on our coats and shawls and headed down the road to the beach. The fresh wind helped clearing our heads at least a bit and the salty breeze trickled at our faces. We snuggled together, waddling through the wet sand in our walking boots.

“Oh dear,” Anna stated, “I hate the thought of finding you lying in this cold sandbank now. You must be so cold these nights!”

“I wouldn´t mind!”

“Why!”

“Because I love the thought of getting warmed by you once we´re home!”

“But I hadn´t done that on the first night.” She squeezed my coat side.

“Yes, you did, without knowing!”

“And you surprised me with this delicate chocolate croissants. I think you made me fall for you right then!”

I couldn´t help but turn to take her face in my hands and press my lips on hers, smacking away the salty taste from her.

“I love you, Anna.”

“I love you, too, Kristoff.”

She looked at me with concern in her eyes and then, she let it out.

“Kristoff, please… I don´t want to ruin your career!” She clung to my collar and pierced me like to convince me of her meaning her words.

“Please Anna, don´t say that. I don´t want you to get hurt in this. Seriously, I´m thinking about on what a career is based? But I can´t find a conclusion in which you must pay for it. Anna, I´d rather go filling up shelfs at the supermarket than follow a career on your loss. I love you and I want us to stay together. That´s what counts to me.”

She looked at me with big eyes, then laid a chilly palm on my cheek, and I leaned my head into her delicate but strong hand.

“But Kristoff, what if you wake up one day and regret this decision?”

“For staying at your side?”

She nodded shyly, but it was enough for me, to lower even deeper down to her and whisper to fully gazing at her eyes.

And now, I found myself resting in his arms, snuggled up at his chest, and had he just asked me to stay with him tonight?

“Yes!”

And Kristoff gave me this look that made my heart melt away like ice cream in the sun.

Of course, I will! How could I deny his wish and then… oh no!

A ghastly memory popped up before my inner eyes.

“Kristoff, I…”

Oh, oh… how should I put those words….?

“What is it, Anna? Are you afraid or is this too early for us…?”

“No, no! It´s not that… Oh, I want to be with you! It´s just…”

I bit my lower lip and wondered if I should just shut up and hope the nasty picture to go away upon throwing myself into those wonderful arms.

“Anna! You know you can tell me. After all that had happened today… And you just said that you trusted me. I need to know what´s worrying you.”

“I´m not worried. Well, maybe I´m a bit, but it´s not your fault. It´s the fault of that you know, the one who´s name shall not be mentioned…”

“Wait, what? What have I missed? Has he touched you? Has he done anything to you that has gone beyond my attention?”

There it was again, that horrified look and rage raising in Kristoff´s eyes upon thinking of Hans maybe having touched me more than just shaking hands. It made me sigh with utter gratitude to be protected by my wonderful blonde hero! I reassuringly put a finger to his lips to sooth his outburst.

“No, Kristoff, none of that sort. Well, it´s only… hm… you said I was a good actress, right? But to be honest, I felt downright terrible. Like I said before, it felt like I was cheating on you. And then, I was so close to his… I knew that Sam and you were on guard and that within a second the bird would leave the cage, but still… that sight… yack!”

I buried my face in my hands, shaking my head feverishly like trying to shake the slimy picture off…. And then, I felt those strong hands, taking mine off my face, and I faced those loving eyes, which threatened to cry any moment.

“Anna, I´m so sorry! I haven´t realized that, and I curse myself for not thinking of that before…!”

“No! Don´t! It was worth the result, you know!”

“Say, is there anything I can do to make you forget about that?”

My heart melted upon that offer, and I nodded slowly, and I tried to give him the most sparkling glance of my whole being.

“That´s what I wanted to ask you…”

“What? Tell me, please!”

“You asked me to stay with you?”

“Hm, yes please.”

“And I ask you to make me forget about today. So, it had never happened. I wish we skipped from that party right back to our home, and out of sheer contentment we landed in your room. No guilt, no fear, because somebody could see us. This is our home, our private refugium, and we are free to do whatever we like, unless we don´t break any stupid rules and if we behave at work! Right?!”

Kristoff didn´t respond with words, only to lean in closer to me, kissing me with warm lips and running a hand through my hair. And then, he scooped me up with such an ease, and all I could do was close my eyes, fling my arms around his neck, when he carried me to his room.

There was no hectic, no pressure and certainly nothing dirty the whole time that we were curled up in his bed, just lavishing in the freedom we got to do so and holding each other. After a while, Kristoff sat up and pulled me with him, just to reach for the hem of my pullover and gently asking.

“May I?”

And upon my nodding, he pulled off my hoodie and smiling at me when I sat there before him in my grey bra.

My grey, cotton bra!

The most disastrous piece I possessed in my drawer of dessous, which I had completely forgotten about… Oh no! How embarrassing that was! If ever, I certainly didn´t want Kristoff to see me in THAT one! I looked at him in horror which made him crook his head, and I jolted up my hands to cover my grey cotton covered breasts.

“I´m so sorry. Can I change into something more… suitable?!”

He seemed to understand and smirked, licked his lips and bent down to kiss me.

“Hey feisty pants! Don´t you know you´re the most beautiful girl in the world, no matter what you wear?”

That was it then, and I simply started to tear at his t-shirt, clearly less patient than he was, which made him grin. And then I got frustrated because I had difficulties pulling up the fabric all over this muscular body, yanking the shirt up with more force just to make us triple backwards onto the mattress with Kristoff landing on me like in the storeroom back at the party.

There it was again, this amazing feeling of him lying on me and I could have stayed like that the whole night, not caring of suffocating along the hours of more than twice my weight pressing my lungs. I loved him being so close and flung my arms around his neck, because here I was, allowed to do it. And I surely sensed his thrill in return when he traced his fingers along my jawline.

The shirt was still on his body… I cursed silently for my awkwardness and started fiddling with the material around his neck.

“That´s not fair.”

“What´s that?” He smiled and pecked a kiss to my nose.

“I´m practically bare and you´re still covered.”

“Due to your inpatient manner.” He grinned.

I wrinkled my nose.

“But I want to see you and knowing that you surely look like a great Viking warrior makes me edgy.”

“Wait, what?”

“Come, on, you´ve yanked up the one who´s name shall not be mentioned like he weighted practically nothing, and then you were the one who asked me to be with you and now, you´re playing with me?”

Playfully, I pulled at his shirt again with glinting eyes.

Kristoff turned more serious than I had wanted him to become, and he braced his weight on one arm just to pull off the fabric with one strong pull. And what I saw made me gasp.

My Viking!

Anna, stop that drooling and say something sensible!

“I´m at a loss… So, what now?”

“Let´s make sure we forget about today?”

“But only up to the moment you asked me to stay with you!”

Kristoff gave me a look that made my core explode with love for him.

“Anna?”

“Yes?”

“About tonight?”

“Yes?”

“Will you stay with me?”

“Yes!”

------

About fifteen minutes later, I entered my office room and thought of passing Kristoff´s office in a jiffy just to make sure everything was alright. Just when I was standing in front of his door, I could tell he was on the phone. Through the door window, I could see him gesturing and laughing about something. Well, this was certainly a bad moment, and so, I turned on my heels and hurried back to my office corner.

I was staring at my screen, in thought about Elsa´s next encounter on the beach, when Honeymaren stepped up, asking if I had any further ideas about the girl´s adventures.

“Yes,” I said, “well, I was thinking of her finding a basket with little kittens. What you think, is there something you can provide me with?”

Honeymaren liked the idea and said that she had recently seen a seal spilled onto the sandbank. Maybe that might be an option, too? Yes, it would. Like that, I had a vision helping me to find the words to another chapter.

When Honeymaren left, I turned my attention back to the screen, and noticed an email entering my mailbox. An interna, maybe someone asking for the next chapter already, or then maybe some other project running?

It turned out that Kristoff had written me an email, this was a less suspectable method to communicate, I guessed…

“Hi Anna, hope you got all that you needed this morning? Question, what´s the rule about guests? So, to make sure with you, can I bring someone round? You would not believe, who had called me before. Surprise, that´s what I´d call it.

Kristoff”

How correct he is to ask… Uhm… Nobody should be seeing this rather personal message.

I must answer quickly, and then delete this message immediately and then delete the trash folder and then delete the deleted trash folder!

Wait, what am I babbling…???

But then, of course, he was allowed to bring an old friend, or whoever chap he wanted to invite. Apparently, nobody from work, obviously. Haha.

Should I ask who he´s bringing? But that was of no business to me, or was it since it was my appartement? But I didn´t possess him, so… No, it would be rude to interfere with his private life!

“Hi boss, yes of course, sure, no problem. Looks like it´s my turn for cooking. Any wishes? Anna”

The answer came in a second.

“No haste and bothers, please. Surprise us, feisty pants! K.”

Excuse me? What was that?

But then, for some reason I liked the way we got along together, like good friends, and that was nice.

Oh, the morning coffee called, and I had to seek out the bathroom, and while I attended my business, I was unceremoniously reminded of last night… Still feeling embarrassingly shocked I wondered if that incident had broken some sort of “polite distance”? But then, why had it to be THAT way? I covered my face in shame, though I was alone… Better get back to work, that´s at least mind distracting.

I attentively watched out to avoid going to the cafeteria at the same time as Kristoff, by peeking around the corner every now and then, well actually every other second. So, when I snatched a sight of him coming back from lunch, I counted down from ten and left my place.

And when I was about to grab my sandwich, Olaf crossed my way, mischievously grinning and giving me a friendly clap on my back, winking with delight.

“Hey Anna, need a lift home or do you have company?”

I choked on my bite and stumbled against the next chair.

***

After writing two chapters, going through another prep talk with Honeymaren, and absolving some proof reading for another colleague, I hurried out of the building and down the street, like on the run.

I rushed to Pizza Planet to get us three crusty and extra cheesy toped delicacies, all too curious who Kristoff had brought home.

When I entered the flat, balancing the boxes carefully on my left arm, I heard voices in the living room, and the blood froze in my veins.

A woman!

I turned the corner and stood in the doorway, staring at the slender blonde model type with big green eyes and a figure like Naomi Campbell, long legs, and her hair a gush of waving gold. I was close to tears… Such a beauty!

Come on Anna, don´t stare at the fairy goddess like a plump cow…

She had gotten up upon my entry and now approached me with an elegant smile.

“Hi, you must be Anna. I´m so pleased to meet you. I´m Cecilia Bjorgman.”

Kristoff stood next to her and held an arm around her shoulder with a smile.

Bjorgman! I needed a hole, a big hole this time to hide in deeper than deep. But there was none, and all my reasonable senses left me…

Next thing I remember is that I had put the pizzas on the table, just to turn on the spot and leaving the house in a flight. Now, I was slurping down to the beach side, where the salty moisture winds hid my tears.

Why was I crying at all! That blonde giant was a grown man, and he was free to do with his life whatever he wanted. For example, to sleep on the beach, fully clothed.... I stopped short upon the thought that hit my mind with a blow.

Hadn´t he said the day before that he was a single man? Would Kristoff lie in such a despiteful manner? I sincerely couldn´t believe that. But what if she was his wife, and they were having an argument and he needed to flee the house, ending up sleeping at the beach! And now she had called, begging him to come back, and they had sorted things out and he will be going with her.

Okay Anna, you´re just freaking out… He wouldn´t do that sort of thing, neither leaving his wife – if she was –, nor lying so ghastly.

Wait, what? If she was…

What if she wasn´t his wife, but something else, a sister, a cousin…?

Anna, you´re such a hysteric goose…

But what now? I couldn´t just show up and say, ´hi, sorry for being a lunatic… So, you are…? ´

No, I couldn´t do that, or could I? Well, I could hardly stand in the gushing waters till sunrise…

But then, I could sleep on the sandbank…

At the end, I surrendered to the yearning of my cozy bed, and walked home.

It was dark when I opened the door, but there was a dim light in the living room. Were they still there or had they maybe disappeared into the bedroom?

Oh no, please! Stop it, Anna!

To my surprise, Kristoff sat in the sofa chair, alone, a book on his lap.

“Hello Anna. Are you alright?”

“Yeah. Sorry for the hasty leave.” I pointed to the door with my thumb showing over my shoulder. “Just needed some fresh air, was a long and busy day in the office.”

“Hmpf.”

“Where´s your… guest? Cecilia, right?”

“Yes. Oh, she´s left already and asked me to greet you from her. She was a bit disappointed that you hadn´t stayed for dinner. Oh, and thanks for those delicious pizzas. By the way, yours is in the oven to keep warm.”

“Thank you. I´m not that hungry. Wait, why has she left already?”

“She had to go. Cecilia was just passing town, will be sleeping in the hotel to head on her journey westbound tomorrow.”

Completely baffled, I must have looked ludicrous, because Kristoff´s firstly grin turned into a broad something of a smile and then he chuckled heartily.

“Say, Anna, has Cecilia shocked you that much so you had to flee the room that way? She is quite nice actually, once you get to know her better, seriously.”

“Sure.”

“Yes she is, and a cool sister.”

Sister!!!

Kristoff tilted his head with a friendly smirk.

“She´s going to celebrate her 25thbirthday next month with a mid-autumn garden party at our parent´s home. She asked me to bring you along, only if you liked, of course. Want to come?”

Suddenly, I felt just very hungry…

He was dead; I had no doubt. The next morning, I was going to have an important business meeting that had my nerves on edge. I wanted to clear my mind and try to think clearly. That meeting did not have to be a problem: I had perfect control of my work and could cope with it without problems. However, that knot that wouldn't let me eat even chocolate, didn't want to leave my stomach.

‘ “A pleasant walk will put everything in place.” “Sure that the calm of the night and the open-air make me good.” Stupid Anna! You should have had a linden blossom tea and stayed in your house, where there are no dead people on the ground!’

I took a decisive breath and crouched down at the side of that guy. His body was almost completely covered in sand, he lay face down with his head cocked and, what was probably his suitcase, remained barely a meter from the corpse guarding his body like a faithful dog.

Despite the exaggerated trembling of my hands (and my everything) that shook me, I managed to turn on the flashlight of the mobile and aim at his head. Silky blonde hair partially covered a face with robust but smooth features. He was a big man, over five foot nine at least. The still visible part of his clothes emerging from the sand was plain and looked comfortable. He would surely be a tourist prepared for a few hectic days. Surely, he couldn't imagine how quickly he was going to stop moving forever.

‘I should call the police.’

I started dialing the emergency number, but stopped short when an absurd thought crossed my mind.

‘They are going to charge you! What if they think it was you? What if you can't prove otherwise? “No, Mr. Officer, I didn't kill him. I was only walking on the beach at two in the morning although tomorrow I have to get up early in the morning because I like to see the sea.” It's pitch black here! I can't see a damn thing! They won't buy it!’

I put the phone down for a moment on the sand in surprise at my own nonsense and shook my head.

‘Anna, a man has died and you, you're only caring about yourself? Call at once!’

I picked up the phone again and unlocked the screen.

‘Wait! A dog! I need a dog! That way, I will have a credible excuse for being out at this time. “The poor Marshmallow felt the urgent call of nature, you know.” But… where do I get a dog?’

Immersed in the most ridiculous despair, I knelt beside an increasingly cold corpse, searching for dog shelters to find the perfect cover for a crime I had not committed.

‘Anna! What are you doing?! If they investigate you, the first thing they will find is that you just adopted the dog! Straight to the clink! For your own sake, think!’

I took a deep breath and, exhausted, I lay down on the ground right next to that poor man who, at that rate, would end up being eaten by seagulls at dawn before I could make up my mind to call the police.

‘What if I just go away and pretend I haven't seen anything? Wait! There could be cameras! Although… this is the beach, where were they going to put them? Drones! Sure there are drones!’

And there I was. At a quarter past two in the morning, lying next to a deceased looking for drones in the sky.

‘Enough! This ends here. I'm going to call now! Come what may!’

I turned to the man and involuntarily noticed his features.

“You're not bad at all, you know? Well, I mean, before… Well, too bad we won't get a chance to meet.”

Without much thinking for the first time all night, I reached up to him and stroked his hair. By the time I realized that I was leaving my fingerprints on his body, it was too late to regret it. His hair was really soft and cozy, and his body gave off an overwhelming warmth.

“Wait, why are you hot?!”

“And, who are you and why are you touching me?!”

This man, who, apparently, was not as dead as I thought, raised himself upon his right elbow and stared at me with his incredibly beautiful brown eyes. Anyone would have apologized in shame and gone their way, but that was not me.

“Zombie!”

I punched him on the cheek and then fell on my bottom.

“Ow!! What's wrong with you?! That hurts!”

“It hurts?”

“Of course it hurts! You know the punch you've hit me?!”

“You are alive!!”

I threw myself into his arms elated. I couldn't contain the joy inside me.

“What are you talking about?!”

“I thought you were dead! I'm so glad you're not!!”

I let go of his neck without still stopping to think about what I had done.

“I don't have to deal with a corpse!”

“Is that what makes you happy?! Very thoughtful.”

“Oh, come on, it's your fault! What are you doing lying in the middle of the sand at this time of night?”

“Well, sleep until a moment ago.”

“On the beach? Are you crazy? It's cold!”

“I'm used to the cold. And now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta get up early tomorrow.”

He leaned back and turned with his back to me ready to fight for his precious sleep while rubbing the area of the blow.

“Get up early? You have a job here?”

“Do you really care?”

“I’m curious.”

“If I explain it to you, will you let me sleep?”

“I do not promise anything, I'm very excited. But give it a shot.”

He grunted slightly and sat down with a sigh, dropping the sand that covered his torso onto his legs.

‘Well, besides being big, he's kinda hunky…’

“A friend got me an interview at his gig this morning and this afternoon they told me that I should start tomorrow. You can imagine how the accommodations were in an area as touristy as this one. There were no places left even in the campgrounds.”

“So, you've decided to sleep on the beach?”

“What else could I do? I couldn't show up on the first day of work without having slept.”

“You can come to my place.”

“Excuse me?”

His incredulous face was priceless.

“Come with me until you find accommodation, or rental, or what you need. I have extra rooms and it's close to here.”

“Hey, I appreciate it, but it doesn't seem like the right thing to do. You have no reason to trust me, and I have no reason to trust a stranger who strokes the head of any dead-man she finds.”

“I was comforting you!”

“I couldn't sense it, I was dead!”

“You weren’t!”

“But you didn’t know that!”

“I didn't know what to do! I was freaking out, okay?”

He huffed again and glanced at his watch in frustration.

“If I go with you, you'll let me sleep?”

“I will be as silent as a grave…” I replied, holding back a laugh.

“Okay, I'm going to anywhere else…”

“It was a joke, it was a joke! I couldn't miss the chance.”

He frowned untrusting.

“I promise you. A night without stiffs. Just a restful sleep and no sand in your lower parts.”

“If I don't accept, you're not going to let me sleep, are you?”

“I just wanna help.”

“Alright, you win: I follow you.”

He got up clunkily and carried his suitcase as if it were full of feathers.

“Great Come on this way!”

Was I crazy?! Why on Earth did I invite him?! It wasn't until he had settled in the front room and I got into mine that I realized what I had just done. What if he was a murderer? What if he thought I was stalking him? What if he leaves and I never am able to see him again? And, really, what did that matter to me?

It was already breaking dawn when, at last, my eyelids weighed more than my fears and Morpheus took me in his arms.

The next morning, I woke up lazily, stretched my body as much as possible until I heard some indeterminate vertebra creak, and woke up with my cool snowman-shaped alarm clock in hand.

“Twenty past ten… I'm going to take a shower and… Wait, ten?!”

How risky was it to be at least two hours and a half late for work?

‘The meeting!’

I got into the first thing I saw in the chair that was holding half the clothes I owned in a perfect ball, made myself a completely messy bun without even trying to untangle the snarl of hair that covered my head, and I shot out into the corridor. As soon as I opened the door, I came face to face with the door of that guy whom I had almost forced to sleep at home without even telling him my name or asking his. And there, glued to the wood with a piece of tape, was a bag full of chocolate-filled croissants and with a note inside.

It was probably not the time to spending time with that, but what could happen? That I do not arrive on time? A little late to worry about that.

I took a good bite out of one of those delicious croissants and opened the note.

“For the strange woman in the front door.

I'm sorry how grumpy I was last night; those are not my hours and I didn't have the best awakening I could. Thank you very much for allowing me to spend the night at your house and get out of it alive. It was much better than sleeping on the beach.

I left you a little snack because it looks like you're going to be late for work and I don't think you have time to make breakfast. You shouldn't work on an empty stomach, you know?

Thanks, again. Kristoff.”

‘So Kristoff, huh?’

I peeked into his room and checked somewhat disappointed that the sheets were removed and that his suitcase was no longer there.

“Bye, Kristoff.”

Suddenly, I returned to the world of those who need a salary to eat and ran to work.

When, another ten minutes later, I got there, Yelena was waiting for me in front of the door with an unfriendly face. But it wasn't her expression that left me half dead on the spot.

“So you have deigned to come,” she grumbled. “This is Kristoff, the new section manager.”

Beside her, grimacing with amusement and a bruised cheek, Kristoff said only six words to me.

“You have chocolate on your cheek.”

Chapter 2 will be posted tomorrow!

I was on my way home and all edgy because Anna was still back at the storeroom while Hans was interviewing her. My heart clenched upon imagining her being alone with this man, knowing just too well what he was implicating. But at least, hopefully, she´d let me explain to her. In the meanwhile, I pulled out my mobile and called the one and only person who could be of trustworthy help now.

I had washed off all the corpse miming material from my body and face and taken a shower to clear my mind and skin from this nightmare of an evening. How suitable for Halloween.

I then changed into my jogging pants and t-shirt when I heard the flat door opening and close again.

Anna!

I hurried out to meet her, just to stop short upon seeing her face, that looked paler than before, and tears had clearly trailed their many lines down her cheeks. And when she looked up to me, she just shook her head and passed by me to get to the bathroom. Of course, she must be disturbed, and surely, he had done a proper job to make her believe his nasty story. So, I waited for her to come out.

I sat on the couch, clearly hearing her cry behind the closed and obvious locked door. This stirred on my heart and I couldn´t help but to get up and over to knock on the door.

“Anna! Please, let me explain. Whatever Hans has told you, none of this is true. I swear to God, please, open that door and talk to me!”

Finally, she opened, all make up removed, her hair falling loosely over her shoulders, her cute sunflower nightgown reaching to her ankles.

From Lydia to Cinderella. Betrayed and left alone in a world full of lies.

But I had never lied to her, and I wanted to be the prince to put on that true shoe for her!

She stepped a bit closer, wrapping her arms around her body, looking down, and asking quietly.

“I know it must be all a lie, but you´ve never mentioned anything of the sort before?”

Well of course, she had a right to be disappointed… but goodness, that was no story to blurt out first thing, was it?!

“I know, but Anna, this is nothing that I´m very proud of telling out loud, you know.”

She looked at me now with an understanding nod. And I tried one more time.

“Please, tell me what he had told you because I can explain and proof the opposite. I promise, I would never lie to you. I love you!”

“I know, it sounded all so crazy, and first it got me all confused. And then, oh Kristoff, I feel terrible because I messed it up!”

“Anna, I can proof to you... But wait, what?! Why have you messed it up? Come on, let´s sit down, yes?!”

I reached to take her hand and was so happy when she didn´t object and I led her to the couch, all the while holding her hand.

“Please, Anna, tell me what happened.”

She did. And it was just as ugly as I had feared.

“He said that you had worked together in early years and that you had an affair with a younger girl and got her pregnant, just to leave her on her own in her dreadful state.”

She stared at me with pleading eyes and a slight nod of her head, like she was standing by me. And that made my heart race with hope. I nearly cried myself when she squeezed my hand then looked up to me with a faint smile, indicating her trust in me!

I sighed with relief, giving her a reassuring smile.

“Of course, this is all not true. And I can tell you exactly what had happened. But one thing you must know right away. I never cheated on anyone, I have never ever played around with a girl, nor the least got anybody pregnant. Seriously!”

She shrugged, ashamed and bewildered at the same time.

“Oh Kristoff, first, it sounded all so weird and at the same time, he seemed so convincing. But still, some voice within me called out the entire time ´don´t believe him! ´ I´m so sorry. But I didn´t know how to counteract.”

“That´s all right, sweetheart. I understand. You want to know how I can proof you that this is all wrong?”

She nodded feverishly and her fingers started playing with my hand. That was nearly killing me, her touches made me all wriggly.

“I will. But please, Anna, what else had he said? Had Hans threatened you in any way? Because I don´t want you to get into trouble. If there will be trouble, and I fear we won´t be able to hide our relationship any longer, I want you to be safe!”

The look I got was heart breaking, when Anna then lowered her face, almost whispering.

“He had offered me a deal, if I want to keep my job, and at the same time, you will not be accused neither, in case I agree. But if I didn´t, you´ll be in severe trouble.”

“He was blackmailing you?! Suits this jerk well. Whatever it is, don´t tell me you agreed, right?”

She didn´t continue and I wondered, what made her go so silent. I squeezed her hand, and crooking my head, I tried to encourage my girl to speak out. Anna sighed and then looked at me with a nervous glare.

“Mr. Westergaard said, that it was all up to me to get us out of the mess.”

“How?” I didn´t trust that man, so what would this mean?

“If I spent a night with him, he´d leave without another word, and we´ll get away unnoticed.”

I stared at her with shock, rage storming up from my guts up to my throat!

No, please, that couldn´t be!

“What?! No, Anna, he didn´t do that! Don´t say he made you such an indecent proposal?!”

“Yes, he did.” She nodded seriously.

“What… How did you… Please, Anna… What did you say…?” I feared her answer.

“Nothing.”

“What you mean, nothing?”

“I didn´t say anything.”

“So, he´s giving you time to overthink?” Hope was rising.

“No.”

“So, what then?”

She sighed and shrugged.

“I slammed my fist into his face, and left, just to hear him swear beneath his bleeding nose that he´ll make sure that we both get fired. See, I messed it all up… Kristoff, I´m so sorry! I couldn´t help it. I felt so disgusted, so ashamed and for some reason stripped naked by this man´s glare and slimy words. I didn´t care about the cost I´d have to pay for this action, but unfortunately, I didn´t think of what this meant for you. But I couldn´t accept this proposal, no?”

No! Of course NOT!

My heart raced in a frenzy, and I nearly shook with anger, exorbitant rage and then… all overpowering love and pride for my lady who had stood so brave and fought like a lioness against the evil plot!

And I reached out to pull her close and put my kisses to her hair, her temple, her forehead and then, cupped her chin to press my lips to hers. She fell into me pressing her slender body against me, relief clearly streaming through her. And when we parted, I looked deep and all fondly into her blue eyes.

“You´re so brave and simply amazing, and so right about knocking that swine down! Anna, whatever happens, you´re not alone in this. And, yes, we got caught, and we´ll have to deal with that fact. But I´m sure there will be a fair solution if I can explain and accept the responsibility. But then,” I put a finger to her lips when Anna frowned and exaggeratedly wanted to intervene, “will you let me explain now my proofing fact of how dumb Hans Westergaard is?”

Now, she smiled and blinked with excitement.

And I told her of earlier years when Hans and I were working together at our first jobs right after leaving University.

“After a while I was promoted and was Hans's supervisor. This made him angry, and he tried everything to play me off. At first, I thought it would go away with time, but that was not the case. Hans told all kinds of crazy stories about me and one of the trainee girls in our department. I didn´t take it all that seriously and nobody really believed it either. Once, our team had to go to a training course lasting several days. We were accommodated in a hotel and when I came to my room in the evening, the girl in question was lying in my bed. I didn´t know how she got there. To make matters worse, she wasn´t wearing much more than her underwear. I wanted to throw her out and when I dragged her out of bed, she screamed and who do you think came rushing into the room? Hans had been waiting for that and he had two other colleagues with him, his witnesses. There was an internal procedure and I had to leave the company. That was five years ago. The girl later admitted that Hans had offered her money to play the game. She also revealed the pregnancy as a lie. I was to return to the company and Hans had to leave. But I didn´t want to go back anymore. Now he seems to be continuing his seek of revenge.”

Anna´s chest heaved and lowered exorbitantly upon my story, and I could tell that she was thinking of breaking Hans´ other jaw-side if possible… The thought made me swell with pride.

“But Kristoff, how will this help? I mean, nobody will believe you this story, when he is the Labor Inspector.”

“Yes, they will.”

“Why?”

“Because Hans is dumb, and he is a coward, simply enjoying playing his hidden cards. But what he doesn´t know is that I play full house!”

“I don´t understand.”

“He´ll step into his own trap.”

“What?”

“The girl back then, Lisa, was – well is – the cousin of a friend of mine, who had been working at the same company back then, too, and ever since we kept sort of a friendship. She had detested so much what had happened and never doubted my innocence.”

“Wait, what?!”

Now, Anna pulled back and fired a look at me that could just as well be a killing gun, but I chuckled and shook my head reassuring her that there was no false in it.

“Don´t worry, she´s a friend, believe me, and guess what, today, we work together again. You see, back then, her cousin Lisa had been just a victim by Hans´s cruelness, too. She was too young to realise the consequences, and she had been in big financial troubles.”

Anna´s eyes widened to the upmost and I feared that they were falling out any time. I couldn´t restrain a grin and when Anna gasped upon suspicion dawning on her, I laughed out and pecked a kiss to her lips, just to lean my forehead to hers.

“I can´t wait to see that jerk´s face tomorrow when he meets our Human Resource management leader.”

“Sam!”