Packing Up

[François Laffont]

It was probably a good thing that Elsa tried to chase the pain al this was bringing up for Franck was able to feel it. It was not his pain, he didn’t feel like he was the one hurt right now. But Franck didn’t like to see someone in pain and was able to go to great length to correct that. Right now, the emotions he got from Elsa made him want to stick around even more and cheer her up, in any way possible. He was ready to do a lot. Listen, carry some of the burden for the other, go out, do something to clear their minds off that matter... the only thing Elsa couldn’t ask of him was to do something illegal. And sleep with her. Okay, that was two things. Only two things she couldn’t ask of him. Everything else was pretty much possible.

Except she wouldn’t. It was Elsa Bellefonte after all. He returned the smile she gave him. “And you remember why I agreed,” he pointed out. He never thought he could change things for the better for the school or anything like that. He just wanted to be there for his friends when they asked. Elsa was not a bad person, she was just a little cold. Yes, Franck was the kind of person who’d say the cold-heart bitches were only ‘misunderstood’. “I still think you don’t have to go through this alone. But I won’t force you to let me in either. Just know that if you need somebody, I’m available,” he assured her again, giving her a nod. His smile had not left him the whole time. Neither did the paperweight she gave him. He lifted it up. “And I’m still saving it for you.” He didn’t think she wanted him around anymore so he supposed he’ll have to let her walk away and bring her things back home. She had a good grip n the box, she didn’t need his help. And, like he said, he didn’t want to force his presence if she didn’t wish it. He wanted to help but there were better ways to do so then carry boxes for her.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa nodded slowly as Franck pointed out what he did. The guy really did serve as something of a balance for all the insanity around here. It made Elsa wish him good things, and it also made her glad that he had a few people she knew would work to make sure he got the affection he deserved.

Elsa was not one of them.

She still stuck around long enough to hear him insist that she didn't have to go through this alone. That he said that showed that he didn't understand, not fully. Elsa didn't argue though: she felt like Franck had at least earned the right to be heard, heard and not argued against. Elsa waited though, heard the insistence that he would be ready, that he would keep her things for her.

She nodded as he finished. Nodded and headed for the door, knowing she was leaving a piece of her life behind.

{fin?}