When they get there the trio see the beach is deserted with the exception of a lone girl, dressed in cut-off jeans and tank top, sunning herself on a towel.
"Who's that?" Rosa asks as they set up their beach blanket.
"I don't know." Gabriel answers, and then suggests that they go for a swim before it gets dark.
"You go ahead." Bianca says, unable to take her eyes off the strange girl.
Rosa and Gabriel exchange smiles at seeing Bianca's diverted attention.
"Alright." Gabriel says. "Stay out of trouble."
With that, Rosa and Gabriel head off into the water.
Bianca's heart is beating rather quickly as she sits down on the blanket, trying not to be too obvious that she is staring at the unknown girl. Just then, the girl looks over at Bianca, as if feeling the weight of Bianca's stare, and Bianca immediately smiles shyly and looks away.
The girl smiles too, getting up and walks over to where Bianca is sitting.
"Excuse me." The girl says as she kneels down next to Bianca. "You wouldn't happen to have any tanning lotion, would you? I left mine at home."
"Uh, let me check." Bianca stammers, swallowing hard as she searches her bag.
While her back is turned, the girl openly looks Bianca up and down as she removes her sunglasses.
Turning back, Bianca realizes that she is being stared at by the strange girl. Before she can say anything, Bianca's words dry up as she stares into the green eyes of the girl.
"Uh, here you go." Bianca says distractedly after a moment as she hands the girl the tanning lotion.
"Thanks, you're a lifesaver." The girl says, still smiling, and then extends her hand in greeting. "Frankie."
"Bianca." Bianca says in return, not knowing what else to say, as she takes the offered hand.
"You know, your skin is pretty pale." Frankie says suddenly. "With the thinning ozone, you really should have lotion on too. Here." Frankie continues as she moves behind Bianca, squirting lotion into her hand.
"Uh, wait, what are you doing?" Bianca asks suddenly uncomfortable at Frankie's boldness.
"Putting lotion on your back." Frankie says simply as she begins to tug at the back of Bianca's shirt. Bianca pulls away, clearly weirded out. "What? Do you want to burn?"
"No." Bianca answers. "But I just met you-"
"So." Frankie says. "You aren't really going to let that get in the way of proper skin protection, are you?" Frankie presses, a mischievous smile spanning her face.
"Your friends look like they're having fun." Frankie says as she rubs lotion onto Bianca's shoulders.
"Huh?" Bianca asks, her mind clouding at the feel of Frankie’s hands on her shoulders and back, enjoying the feel of Frankie's hands on her bare skin. "Oh, yeah. They're celebrating their first week together. New love and all that."
"Really?" Frankie asks, her hands working slow circles on Bianca's skin. Leaning in to whisper into Bianca's ear, Frankie says, "New love is fun."
"Yeah, it is." Bianca agrees softly, allowing her eyes to close as her mind drifts into the pure pleasure that she is getting from the feel of another woman's hands caressing her.
"My turn." Frankie says suddenly, taking an almost fiendish delight in stopping just as Bianca was getting into it.
"Huh- uh, ok." Bianca says, shaking her head trying to clear it.
What am I doing? I just met this girl. She's probably straight. The last thing I need is to fall another girl I can't have. Bianca thought, the pain of her unrequited love for Laura still fresh.
"So, are you new in town?" Bianca asks, lamely trying to take her mind off how Frankie's touch made her feel.
"Yeah, I'll be starting my senior year at Pine Valley High this fall." Frankie answers as she pulls her tank top off, showing off a very small bikini top and a whole lot of skin. "What about you?"
Bianca's breath catches at the site of Frankie's light golden brown skin.
"Uh, yeah." Bianca manages to say after giving her head a shake, as if clearing cobwebs. "My senior year too."
"Oh yeah?" Frankie asks as she lies on her stomach, waiting for Bianca to rub lotion on her back.
"Yeah. One more year then I'm free." Bianca says as she begins spreading lotion on Frankie’s exposed skin.
"Mmmm, you have soft hands." Frankie says.
"Uh, thanks." Bianca says, giggling softly. "It's a lotion that my mom's company sells."
"Which company is that?" Frankie asks.
"Enchantment."
"Erica Kane's Enchantment?" Frankie asks.
"That's right." Bianca confirms.
"Well." Frankie says with a smile. "Now I know where you get your good looks from."
"Thank you." Bianca says, her face flushing a bright red.
Just then, Rosa and Gabriel return laughing and dripping wet from their swim.
"Oh, Bianca, you should come swim with us, the water is so warm." Rosa says, and then noticing Frankie continues. "Who's your friend?"
"Rosa, Gabriel, this is Frankie." Bianca says introducing her newly returned friends. "Frankie, these are my friends Rosa and Gabriel."
"Hello." Frankie says as she sits up.
"Nice to meet you." Rosa says smiling amiably.
Gabriel merely nods.
After looking at her watch, Frankie puts her tank top back on.
"I have to get going." Frankie says.
"Already?" Bianca asks, unable to keep the disappointment out of her voice.
"Yeah, I have to meet with some friends." Frankie says as she and Bianca get to their feet. "Maybe I'll see you around. Nice meeting you, Rosa, Gabriel."
With that, Frankie grabs her things and leaves.
"You two looked like you were having fun." Rosa says, smiling and giving Bianca a playful nudge.
"Yeah." Bianca says as she sits down with the others on the blanket.
"She seems nice." Rosa says, trying to coerce Bianca into giving details.
"I don't like her." Gabriel says.
"What?" Bianca says in surprise. "Why not?"
"You just meet her and she just starts rubbing lotion on you? What's up with that?" Gabriel replies.
"You don't like anyone, Gabriel." Rosa says.
"I like you and Bianca and my sisters." Gabriel says. "I just don't like this Frankie person."
"Well, it's not like you're going to date her." Rosa says, poking Gabriel in the arm. "Bianca is big girl, she can decide who she dates."
"Whoa, slow down." Bianca says with a laugh. "I just met her, I don't even know her last name, and you've already got me dating her."
"I think you two would look cute together." Rosa says. "Let us know if you two do go on a date. We could double date or something."
"Ok." Bianca says laughing. "Come on, let's go swimming. It's getting dark and I promised my mom that I'd have dinner with her tonight."
Just then Gabriel picks Rosa up and carries her off into the water, with Bianca following close behind.
* * * *
Frankie walks over to where her car is parked and, throwing her stuff inside, pulls out her cell phone. Dialing up a number, she gets into her car.
"Hi, it's me." Frankie says into the phone. "Yeah, I found her. No, she doesn't suspect anything. You didn't say she was cute too. Alright, alright. No, I don't think there will be a problem. Yes, alright, I'll keep you informed."
After hanging up the phone, Frankie starts her car.
"Well, well, Bianca Montgomery. I don't know what you did, but you messed with the wrong person." With that Frankie drove off.
*************
Later on that evening, Bianca arrives at BJ's to have dinner with Erica. After finding a seat at an empty table, Bianca's cell phone rang.
"Hello." She said into her phone. "Oh, hi mom. Oh, no that's alright. No, really, I understand. Ok, I hope everything works out for you. I'll see you later."
"Well, fancy meeting you here." A voice said just then. Looking up, Bianca saw that it was Frankie.
"Hi." Bianca said in surprise.
"Is this seat taken?" Frankie asked as she sat down across from Bianca.
"No."
"Cool. Have you eaten yet?"
"No, I just got here." Bianca answered smiling. "I was supposed to meet my mom for dinner here, but she had some business to take care."
"Good." Frankie said, a smile coming across her own face. "I haven't eaten either, and I hate to eat alone."
Bianca and Frankie sat eating their dinner talking and laughing.
"So, you know who I am, but you never told me about you." Bianca said.
"Not much to tell." Frankie said.
"You can at least tell me your last name."
"Stone. Marie Francis Stone."
"Well, that's a start." Bianca joked.
"Hey, there's supposed to be a full moon tonight." Frankie said. "You wanna go for a walk?"
"Sure." Bianca said. "But only if you agree to tell me more about yourself."
"Well, how about this." Frankie countered as she leaned onto her elbows on the table. "You get to ask me 20 twenty questions, if I get to ask you 20. Deal?"
"Sounds fair to me." Bianca said smiling.
After paying the bill, Frankie and Bianca got up to leave just as Laura and Leo walked into BJ's.
"Hey you guys." Bianca greeted.
"Hey Bianca." Laura greeted in return.
"Hey there Binx." Leo said. "Who's your friend?"
"This is Frankie." Bianca answered. "Frankie, these are my friends Leo and Laura. Frankie is starting PVH in the fall."
"Hi, nice to meet you." Laura said.
"Frankie." Leo said. "Have we met before?"
"No, I don't think so." Frankie said.
"Why don't you come sit with us?" Laura invited. "We were just coming for dinner. We can catch up."
"I think they wanted to be alone." Leo said with a big grin on his face.
"Ok." Laura said. "Give me a call tomorrow?"
"Sure." Bianca said. "You two have fun."
"You too." Leo said.
After Bianca and Frankie leave, Laura and Leo get a table.
"I wonder who that Frankie is." Laura said after they ordered. "She didn't seem too talkative."
"Yeah, well whoever she is she seems familiar." Leo said. "I don't know why, but I keep thinking I've seen her before. Oh well. That's not important right now. Right now, let's just talk about us."
Frankie and Bianca walk through the park, coming to a bench they sit down.
“Wow. The moon is really bright tonight.” Bianca said looking up at it as Frankie looked at her.
“Yeah, but the only problem is that you can’t see the meteor shower.” Frankie said.
“Meteor shower?”
“Yeah, the Perseids. If you look in the northeastern sky on a really dark night.” Frankie said as she pointed up at the night sky. “You can see a meteor shower that seems to come right out of the constellation of Perseus.”
“Wow. How do you know this?” Bianca asked.
“When I was a little kid, I used to lay in the grass at night and stare up at the stars.” Frankie said, leaning back on the bench. “I used to wanna be an astronomer. I read about the Perseid shower. Every year in August, you can see it. It’s really cool.”
“You don’t want to be an astronomer anymore?”
“Nah.” Frankie said. “School feels too much like a prison to me, and I don’t like the idea of being locked up any longer than I have to be. What about you? You have any plans to go to college?”
“Yeah. But I’m not sure what I want to study.” Bianca answered. “Aren’t you going to college?”
“I don’t have any plans to but then… Well, I think I want to enjoy my freedom from school first.” Frankie said. “You have 16 questions left.”
“What?”
“15 now.” Frankie said then laughed.
“That wasn’t fair.” Bianca said lightly swatting Frankie on the knee.
“Life is rarely fair.” Frankie said smiling. “You just gotta play the cards you’re dealt. Some people are tall, some short. Some have blue eyes, some brown and others green. Some people are born straight, or gay or bisexual. I know no one asked me if I wanted to be gay or have green eyes. I was just born that way.”
“I know what you mean.” Bianca said, inwardly smiling at the revelation of Frankie’s orientation. “But that doesn’t let you off the hook, it doesn’t mean you have to be unfair, just because life is.”
Frankie looked at Bianca, smiling, with one eyebrow cocked.
“Oh alright, 16 questions left.” Frankie said.
“Well, that’s a start I guess.” Bianca said.
“Unfortunately, that will have to be it for tonight.” Frankie said, looking at her watch. “I have an early appointment tomorrow. Paperwork and stuff if I’m going to start PV High in the fall.”
“Are you going to make a habit of this?” Bianca asked as she and Frankie rose from their seat on the bench. “You keep running off just when we start talking about you.”
“Well you know what they say.” Frankie said. “Patience is a virtue. Good things come to those who wait. Blah blah blah.”
Bianca laughed again.
“Alright.” Bianca conceded. “But that means that you still have to answer 16 more questions. And there’s no getting out of them.”
“Very well, my fair lady.” Frankie said, taking hold of Bianca’s hand and then kissed it lightly, causing Bianca to blush a bright scarlet. “Until we meet again.”
Bianca stood, smiling, in the brightly moonlit park long after Frankie had gone.
“Until we meet again.” Bianca said, and then turned around and went home.
Laura and Bianca walked through the mall, finally choosing a seat at a table in the food court.
"So you just met her?" Laura asked.
"Yeah, it was weird." Bianca replied. "I met her at the beach when I went out with Rosa and Gabriel. And then I ran into her again at BJ's."
"You should be careful Bianca. You don't know anything about her."
"I know. But she's new in town, so how can anyone know anything about her?" Bianca answered. "Besides, she's really nice and I like being around her. She's a little forward but she hasn't done anything to make me think that she's bad news."
"Alright." Laura said. "I'm just looking out for you. The way you tried to look out for me when I was with Leo. Again, I'm soo sorry for the way I treated you when you tried to tell me what was going on."
"It's alright, Laura." Bianca said, reaching across the table to touch Laura's hand. "I don't know how I would have reacted either if someone told me that the person I loved was lying about their love for me."
"That's no excuse for the things I said. And then the things that my mom said..."
"Don't worry about it, it's over now. I'm just glad you and Leo and I were able to still be friends after this whole mess."
"You are such a good friend." Laura replied. "Well, come one, we'd better get back to school shopping. I'm so excited, I can hardly believe that I'll be starting college."
"I can hardly wait until this year is over. I can't wait until I graduate."
As the two walked away, talking about their plans for the future, Shannon appeared from around the corner.
"That's right LesBianca. Enjoy it while it lasts. I am going to get you back so hard for what you did to me."
Several Weeks Later
Hearing a knock at the front door, Erica answers it to find Frankie standing there.
“Yes?” Erica says.
“I’m here to pick Bianca up.” Frankie answers. “I’m Frankie. Is she ready?
“Please, come in.” Erica says, looking Frankie up and down as she closes the door behind Frankie. “So, where are you two headed off to today?”
“We were going to go see a movie.” Frankie says. “We figured since we’ve been studying so hard, we deserve a reward.”
“Well, I suppose I have you to thank for Bianca’s sudden interest in school.” Erica says, a slightly uncomfortable tone in her voice. “Bianca tells me that you’re new to town. Who’s your mother, I’d like to personally welcome her to town.”
"I'm not here with my parents." Frankie says. "I live at Myrtle's Boardinghouse. My folks aren't exactly the hands on type. Unless I screw up that is."
"Oh, I see. Well, you're lucky. Myrtle is a very good woman." Erica says. "But surely you must have some relatives in town. "
"No. The folks just pay for my room and board while they travel around Europe."
Before Erica can question Frankie further Bianca comes down the stairs.
"Hey Frankie." Bianca says with a huge smile upon seeing her friend.
"Hey Bianca." Frankie greets in return, with a big smile also.
None of which is lost on Erica.
"You ready to go?" Frankie asks.
"Yeah. What movie are we going to see?"
"I don't know. I figured we could decide once we got there."
"Sounds good." Bianca says. "I'll see you later tonight mom."
"You girls have fun at the movie." Erica says.
"It was nice meeting you Ms. Kane." Frankie says and then leaves with Bianca.
After they have gone, Erica immediately goes to the phone.
"Hello, Jack? I need you to do something for me. I need you to check on this new girl that Bianca is friends with."
“Wow, that was such a beautiful movie.” Bianca said as she and Frankie exited the theatre holding hands.
“Yeah.” Frankie said, letting go of Bianca’s hand as a group of people passed by.
“Why did you do that?” Bianca asked as they walked to Frankie’s car.
“Do what?”
“Why did you let go of my hand when those people walked by? Are you ashamed of being seen with me or something?”
“No, it’s just that… Well, I didn’t know if you were comfortable with that.” Frankie said, seeming to be slightly nervous. “I didn’t know if you were out or not. I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“It’s ok, really.” Bianca assured with a laugh. “My coming out wasn’t exactly a private thing. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted even my mom to know. The next thing I know I’m coming out with cameras and the whole town watching.”
“Oh. Well, in that case…” Frankie said, smiling as she once more took Bianca’s hand. “Hey, it’s such a nice night, do you want to walk back?”
“What about your car?” Bianca asked.
“I can come back tomorrow and get it.” Frankie said.
“Well, if you really want to…”
“No, I asked what you wanted.”
Bianca paused, a coy smile on her lips. “Alright. Maybe we’ll see those meteors you were talking about.”
“You remember that?” Frankie asked, genuinely surprised.
“Sure. I like listening to you talk about things.” Bianca said. “Which, by the way, you don’t do nearly enough.”
“I just wasn’t sure if I was boring you or not.” Frankie confessed. “I’ve only been with girls that rarely want to talk.”
“You’ve been with a lot of girls?” Bianca asked as they found a bench and sat down.
“Only if you think two is a lot.” Frankie said. “What really made it so bad was they were so in the closet that they had a problem even being seen in public holding hands with me. Not that I could really blame them, having been in the closet too.”
“You’re parents never knew?” Bianca asked.
“They found out.” Frankie said as she looked away from Bianca.
“What happened?”
“Let’s just say that they weren’t thrilled about it.” Frankie said, and then looked up at the sky. “Hey, look.”
Bianca followed Frankie’s gaze as she pointed up at the night time sky.
“Wow.” Bianca said as she watched three shooting stars zip through the dark sky, one after another. “Are those the meteors you were talking about?”
“Yeah.” Frankie said turning her head to find that Bianca’s face was bare inches from her own.
It was at that moment that Bianca also turned her head. For a long moment, the only sound either of them made as they stared at each other was that of their hearts beating at an accelerated pace. Slowly, searching for any hint of discomfort, Frankie leaned in and kissed Bianca.
Time seemed to stop, the moment stretching into an eternity, but Bianca did not mind. She did not want the moment to ever end. The soft velvet caress of Frankie’s lips caused her stomach to flutter in a way it had not done since she had kissed Sarah last.
Finally, Bianca and Frankie pulled back slowly from each other, unable to take their eyes off each other. They sat in silence, staring at each other as if they had seen in each other the answer to every question they had ever asked.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-” Frankie began, but was immediately cut off by Bianca moving in for another kiss. This time Bianca’s hand went up to rest on Frankie’s shoulder, as she felt Frankie’s arm encircle her waist.
“Eeeeww, how gross!” Bianca and Frankie heard a voice say suddenly, snapping them both out of the waking dream they were sharing.
Looking up, Bianca identified the offending intruders.
“Mindy, Heather, Shannon.” Bianca said with matter-of-fact disgust.
“Get a room.” Mindy said.
“Get a life.” Frankie retorted.
“Really, you two.” Shannon said with her customary disdain. “Can’t you paw each other in private? Nobody wants to see that.”
“What’s the matter Shannon, getting turned on?” Bianca snapped back. “What about you Heather? Mindy?”
The trio said nothing, only letting out gasps of shock
“Come on, Bianca.” Frankie said, glaring at Shannon. “Let’s get out of here. The air just suddenly got oppressive.”
“No, we have just as much right to be here as they do.” Bianca argued. “This is a free country.”
“Why don’t you just take your Laura substitute and leave?” Shannon sneered, throwing Frankie a dirty look.
“Come on, Bianca.” Frankie persisted. “These witches aren’t worth it. Let’s just go.”
Letting out a flustered sigh, Bianca agreed, not wanting the loathsome threesome to ruin an otherwise wonderful evening.
"Look, forget about it." Frankie said as soon as they were out of earshot, trying to soothe Bianca. "They're just jealous of anyone that may be even slightly happier than they are."
"Yeah, you're right. They're not worth it." Bianca said, shaking her head. "I just wish they would leave me alone. What Shannon said about you-"
"Shhhh." Frankie said, silencing Bianca with a finger on her lips. Stepping closer, Frankie wrapped her other arm around Bianca's waist. "Now where were we?"
Wordlessly, Bianca answered by leaning into Frankie, her hands reaching up to run her fingers through Frankie's short hair as they resumed their kiss.
The doorbell rang at the Kane manor and Erica was there to answer it. Opening the door, Erica found Jack on the other side.
“Oh, Jack, come in.”
“Well, good morning to you too Erica.” Jack said in a cheeky tone as he entered the house.
“I’m sorry, good morning.” Erica apologized. “Did you find anything?”
“Well, you didn’t give me much to work with.” Jack said. “I wasn’t able to find anything yet. Erica don’t you think you’re being just a little paranoid?”
“There is no such thing when it comes to Bianca.” Erica said. “We know so very little about this girl Frankie. Jack, I just get the feeling that she isn’t what she seems to be.”
“Alright, Erica.” Jack said supportively. “I will keep my ears and eyes open for anything that might be important. Though, for the record, I’m only doing this for Bianca’s well being- not to give you reason to break the two of them up.”
“Why Jack, I would never-” Erica began, but was cut off by Bianca coming down the stairs.
“Hi Uncle Jack.” Bianca said as she walked over to hug him.
“Good morning Bianca.” Jack said, hugging her back. “How is my lovely niece this morning?”
“Fine, thank you.” Bianca said, then turned to her mother. “Mom, Frankie is coming over to study with me tonight. Would it be alright if she had dinner with us?”
“Sure honey.” Erica said after a momentary pause. “That would be nice. It would be a good chance to get to know your friend better.”
“Great.” Bianca said with a broad smile and then turned back to Jack. “Do you want to come too? I really want you to meet Frankie.”
“Sure sweetie, I wouldn’t miss it.” Jack said with a smile matching Bianca’s. “Do you need a ride to school?
“No, Frankie’s coming to pick me up.” Bianca answered. “Which reminds me, I need to get going or I’m going to be late. I’ll see you later.”
Once Bianca had left, Erica turned her attention back to Jack with a big smile.
“There you have it.” She said.
“Have what?” He asked.
“Your opportunity to gather information about Frankie.” Erica said with a flourish. “Ask and you shall receive.”
Standing next to the lockers at school, Bianca and Frankie are chatting about classes.
“Hey, after we’re done studying, you should stick around.” Bianca said. “My Uncle Jack is coming over and I want him to meet you.”
“Oh, I can’t I have some errands to run.” Frankie said. “I was going to tell you that I can’t study with you tonight either. I’m sorry. Tomorrow Ok.”
“That’s alright.” Bianca said with a little disappointment in her voice. “Where are you going? Maybe I can tag along.”
“It’s nothing.” Frankie said. “You go ahead and have dinner with your family.”
“That’s ok, I can do that some other time. I want to hang out with you tonight.”
“No, you can’t.” Frankie said more firmly. “It’s something I have to do by myself.”
“Oh, ok.” Bianca said quietly.
“I’m sorry. There are just some things I’m not ready to share yet, ok?”
“No, it’s alright. I understand. Keep your secrets.” Bianca said then began to walk away.
“Bianca, wait.”
“For what? So you can give me some vague explanation about why you’re so secretive?” Bianca blurted with obvious hurt in her voice. “Forget it.”
“Aaaw, is there trouble in paradise?” Shannon said as she walked up to them.
“Go away Shannon.” Bianca snapped. “This is none of your business.”
“What’s the matter? Frankie here not mowing your lawn?” Shannon taunted.
“You watch your mouth!” Frankie snapped suddenly.
“What are you going to do about it?” Shannon challenged.
“Wash your filthy mouth out with soap.” Frankie said getting in Shannon’s face. “Something your drunk mother should’ve done a long time ago.”
That was when Shannon slapped Frankie across the face and stormed away.
“Oh my God, are you alright?” Bianca said rushing over to look at the bright red handprint on Frankie’s cheek.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Frankie said, then laughed. “I must’ve hit a nerve.”
“I guess so.” Bianca said letting out a laugh of her own.
“Look, Bianca. About tonight-” Frankie began.
“Forget it.”
“No. I know I shouldn’t keep you in the dark about what I’m doing, but it’s just hard for me to talk about personal stuff.” Frankie said looking Bianca squarely in the eyes. “I’ve just never had anyone who cared enough to listen. I’m not used to it.”
“I understand.” Bianca said. “Come on, let’s go put some cold water on that.”
“Alright. I promise, I’ll come over tomorrow and meet your Uncle Jack.”
“Ok, it’s a date.”
As Jack stood in the foyer of the Kane house, he waited patiently for Erica to get ready. While he waited, he talked with Bianca.
“Well, it’s too bad your friend couldn’t join us.” He said. “Are you sure you don’t want to come?”
“I’m sure.” Bianca said. “I have a lot of studying to do. Since I won’t have Frankie helping me with Calculus, it will take me longer to finish. Don’t worry, I’ll make myself a sandwich later.”
“Well, I’m glad to see that Frankie is having such a positive effect on you.” Jack said. “I love to see you smile, and I’ve noticed you do that more often since you met her.”
“Yeah.” Bianca said as a smile brightened her face and Jack’s.
“Alright, I’m ready.” Erica said as she descended the stairs. “Are you sure you don’t want to come sweetie?”
“I’m sure. You and Uncle Jack have a good time.”
“Well, alright, if you’re sure.” Erica said. “I’ll bring you something home.”
“Ok.” Bianca said then laughed.
After they left, Bianca went into the living room and looked at her homework. Letting out a bored sigh, she shut one of the books and, after grabbing her purse, left the house.
******
Frankie sat on the steps at the boathouse, looking up at the stars. Hearing a noise, Frankie turned her attention from her stargazing to see Shannon emerge from the darkness.
“It’s about time you showed up.” Frankie said as she stood up.
“You’re lucky I don’t get you back for what you said today.” Shannon said. “Besides, you work for me, not the other way around.”
“I thought that’s what this handprint was.” Frankie said, indicating the welt on her face. “Besides, you shouldn’t have said that to Bianca.”
“Speaking of which, how is the seduction going?”
“I don’t know if I can go through with it.” Frankie said. “What did she do to you anyway? From the way you talked about her I thought she’d be some kind of monster, but she’s really a nice girl.”
“Don’t tell me you’re actually falling for your own con.” Shannon said. “What she did isn’t important, what you are going to do is.”
“Shannon, listen-”
“No, you listen.” Shannon said cutting Frankie off. “If you don’t want me to place a call to Uncle Dan and Aunt Rose telling them that Cousin Frankie is in Pine Valley, you will do exactly what I want. Unless you want to go back.”
“No!” Frankie said vehemently. “I’m not going back there. I’ll die before I let them lock me up there again.”
“Well, then, I guess you had better take your relationship with Bianca to the next level.” Shannon said with a malicious tone. “I’m warning you, if you cross me, I will make you very sorry.”
“Alright, you arranged to get the cabin this weekend?” Frankie asked.
“Yeah.” Shannon said as she handed a set of keys to Frankie. “We’re going out of town this weekend, so you don’t have to worry about mom and dad finding you there.”
“Good.”
“Remember, I want pictures. It’s no good without them.”
“Alright, alright. You just better keep your end of it, Shannon.” Frankie said and then, after tucking the keys into her pocket, left.
“Oh, don’t worry about me. You’ll get what’s coming to you.” Shannon said.
Laura stepped out from the shadows just as Shannon left the area around the boathouse.
“What was that all about?” She asked aloud.
******
As Shannon, Mindy and Heather stood in the hallway of school, staring over at the conversing Frankie and Bianca, the trio sniped about the happy pair.
“So when are you going to tell us about your plan to get Bianca back?” Mindy asked.
“Yeah, I bet it’s really good.” Heather concurred.
“All in good time girls.” Shannon said as she continued to stare over at Bianca. “After this weekend, all will be revealed. And I do mean all.”
Upon hearing Shannon’s remark, the three began to giggle conspiratorially
“All of what will be revealed?” Laura asked as she suddenly appeared from around the corner.
“What are you doing here?” Mindy asked. “Didn’t you graduate or something?”
“Yeah, unlike you prom queen rejects, I did.” Laura retorted.
“Whatever.” Shannon said. “Come on. Let’s leave the gay divorcee to fume over yet another relationship she screwed up.”
With that, Shannon and the others left as Laura stared icily after them. Turning around, she saw Bianca and Frankie giggling at their lockers.
As she stood staring, her memory flashed back to the previous night when she had watched as Shannon handed something to Frankie.
Shaking her head, Laura walked over to where Bianca and Frankie stood talking.
“Hey you guys.” Laura greeted.
“Hi Laura.” Bianca greeted, while Frankie merely nodded and smiled. “What are you doing here?”
“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop in and say hi.” Laura answered. “It seems that Shannon is plotting your downfall again.”
Upon hearing Laura’s words, Frankie tensed visibly.
“So what else is new?” Bianca asked then laughed.
Upon hearing Bianca’s dismissal of Shannon, Frankie relaxed. None of which was lost on Laura.
“Yeah.” Laura agreed with a humorless smile and then went on in a lighter tone. “I was wondering if you and Frankie wanted to have dinner over at my place tonight.”
“No, sorry.” Frankie said immediately. “We’re having dinner with Ms. Kane and Mr. Montgomery tonight.”
“Oh, I forgot to tell you.” Bianca said, turning to Frankie. “Mom and Uncle Jack have a business dinner to attend tonight.”
“Oh.” Frankie said, her gaze shifting between Laura and Bianca. “Well, in that case…”
“Ok.” Laura said still smiling. “Is 7 o’clock ok for you?”
“Yeah, sure.” Bianca answered.
“Alright, I’ll see you two then.” Laura said.
“Great.” Frankie said with little enthusiasm.
“See you tonight.” Bianca said and then Laura left.
Once Laura was gone, Bianca turned to look at Frankie.
“Why do I get the feeling that you aren’t looking forward to having dinner with Laura?” Bianca asked.
“Well, I was all prepared to be grilled by your family and now I have to be interrogated by your best friend.” Frankie joked uncomfortably.
“Oh, it’s not going to be that bad.” Bianca laughed swatting Frankie lightly on the shoulder.
“You promise?” Frankie asked with a genuine smile. “I don’t wanna have to bring crib notes.”
“I promise.” Bianca said as she smiled back.
“Alright.” Frankie said just as the bell for class rang. “Come on. Let’s go before we’re late.”
Bianca and Frankie arrived outside Laura’s condo.
“Have you got your story straight?” Bianca asked.
“What?” Frankie asked, her eyes widening.
“I’m kidding.” Bianca said as they walked up to the door. “Why are you so tense?”
“I just don’t like having to watch what I say. I hate feeling like I’m going to be graded on what I say.” Frankie answered.
“Don’t worry so much.” Bianca said as she knocked the door.
Leo answered the door.
“Leo.” Bianca said in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“Is there some law against visiting my ex?” Leo said with his usual charming smile. “Come in.”
“Is Greenlee here?” Bianca asked as she and Frankie entered.
“Are you kidding?” Leo asked as he closed the door. “Her and Laura still want to scratch each other’s eyes out. No, your mother has Greens working tonight. Something about a business dinner.”
“No offense Leo.” Bianca said laughing lightly. “But I still think it’s funny how Greenlee is still putting up with the slave arrangement she signed with my mom.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Leo said with a smile. “I think it’s cute that she’s working so hard. And despite her complaints, she loves what she’s doing.”
“Hey you guys.” Laura said, walking out from the bedroom. “I’m so glad you made it. I have some bad news though.”
“What’s wrong?” Bianca asked with sudden concern. “It’s not your heart, is it?”
“No, no, it’s nothing that bad.” Laura quickly reassured.
“It seems that Laura overestimated her cooking ability.” Leo said with a mischievous smile. “She, uh, put the roast in too early and it’s currently a very large hockey puck.”
“Leo!” Laura said with a laugh. “It’s not that bad. Though, it’s definitely inedible.”
“Oh no.” Bianca said laughing despite herself.
“So, I was thinking we could go out instead.” Laura said. “If that’s alright. My treat.”
“That sounds good.” Bianca said.
“Alright.” Leo said as he opened the door and then held out his arm chivalrously. “Ladies.”
With that, the quartet left for dinner.
“Thanks for giving me a ride home Leo.” Laura said as they approached her door.
“No problem.” Leo said. “Hey, why were you grilling Frankie tonight?”
“What?”
“Oh, don’t feign ignorance.” Leo said. “You kept asking questions and challenging her answers. What gives?”
Laura paused, again remembering the previous night at the boathouse.
“I don’t trust her.” Laura admitted after letting out a sigh.
“Why?”
“Promise you won’t tell Bianca. At least until I know more.” Laura said.
“Okaaay.” Leo said, a look of concern crossing his face.
“I saw Frankie at the boathouse with Shannon last night.”
“That’s hardly a crime Laura.” Leo said rolling his eyes. “I’ve seen Bianca with Shannon too, but I don’t think we’ll see them on a date anytime soon.”
“Leo, they were talking, not trading insults.” Laura argued. “Shannon handed Frankie something and then Frankie said something about keeping her end of a deal.”
“Laura, you have to tell Bianca.” Leo said.
“Tell Bianca what? That I saw her girlfriend and her enemy talking?” Laura asked. “There’s nothing to tell, not until I have more evidence.”
That was when Leo had a sudden thought.
“Oh my god.” Leo said slowly, his eyes widening. “I just remembered where I’ve seen Frankie before.”
“I don’t think Laura likes me.” Frankie said as she walked up to the door of Bianca’s house.
“Why do you say that?” Bianca said with a shocked look on her face.
“Weren’t you paying attention when she was giving me the third degree?”
“She was just curious. She didn’t mean anything by it.” Bianca tried to soothe. “Besides, I was looking forward to your answers, I’m curious too. Can you really blame us?”
“I guess not.” Frankie said with a sigh. “Hey, I know of a good way we can really get to know each other.”
“Oh really?” Bianca asked, raising an eyebrow in intrigue. “How’s that?”
“I just happen to have access to a cabin this weekend.” Frankie said. “Interested in getting answers to the last 16 questions?”
“Oooh, now you’re talking.” Bianca said as she stepped in closer to Frankie. “Any ideas about how I can convince my mom to let me go?”
“Oh, I’m sure we can think of something.” Frankie said suggestively as she leaned in to kiss Bianca. Just as they were about to connect, the porch light suddenly came on and the door opened.
“Mom.” Bianca said in disappointment. “I thought you had a business dinner tonight.”
“I did.” Erica said, as she gave Bianca and Frankie a look that could hardly be mistaken as encouraging. “I wasn’t interrupting, was I?”
“Oh right, like you-“ Bianca began but was cut off by Frankie.
“No, I was just leaving.”
“Frankie-” Bianca began, only to be cut off once more.
“I’ll see you at school tomorrow.” Frankie said and then, before Bianca could object further, she was gone.
"Thank you very much, Mom." Bianca said as she walked into the house.
"Bianca, I was just opening the door to my house." Erica said in an innocent tone.
"Whatever." Bianca said as she began walking up the stairs.
"Where are you going?"
"To bed." Bianca said sullenly. "I have school tomorrow." And with that Bianca went to bed.
Erica was sitting at her desk in the living room when the doorbell rang. Opening the door, she found Leo and Laura on the other side.
“Ms. Kane.” Laura said. “Can we come in?”
Erica stepped aside and then closed the door after them. “What brings you by this late?”
“Is Bianca here?” Leo asked looking around.
“She went to bed. What is this about?” Erica asked, seeing the concerned looks on their faces.
“Well, we’re not sure.” Leo said as he looked over at Laura.
“But we think that Frankie isn’t who she says she is.” Laura blurted.
“Really?” Erica asked as she turned away from them to walk into the living room, buying herself a moment to think. “Why do you think that?”
“I met Frankie a long time ago in Europe.” Leo said as he and Laura followed Erica into the living room. “She was an acquaintance of someone I was trying to get to know better.”
“Go on.” Erica urged as she seated herself in a chair and gestured for them to sit.
“Marie, that’s the name she went by back then, disappeared one day.” Leo continued. “When I asked about it, I was only told that her parents had her sent away because of some ‘behavior problem.’”
“What kind of behavior problem?” Erica asked.
“I don’t know, but, whatever it was, she was sent here to the States for it.” Leo answered. “Look, Erica, we’re not trying to bad mouth Frankie, but if Bianca is in any kind of danger…”
“I understand.” Erica said nonchalantly. “Though, I already knew her parents are in Europe. And Bianca already told me that she goes by her middle name, so this doesn’t really surprise me.”
“There’s something else.” Laura blurted.
“Do tell.” Erica invited.
Laura paused to look up at Leo and then back at Erica. “I saw her the other night talking to Shannon…”
Erica listened as Laura told her what she had seen; all the while Erica listened, she made a mental list of all that she would tell Jack.
Bianca came down the stairs, dressed in her robe. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, she heard Erica calling her name, who then appeared at the top of the stairs.
“What are you doing up, honey?” Erica asked.
“I’m just getting some water.” Bianca answered looking up at her mom as she stopped in the middle of the stairs. “Couldn’t you sleep?”
“No.” Erica said. “Bianca, I’ve been thinking.”
“Uh oh.” Bianca said.
“Honey, I only worry because I love you.”
“I know mom, but I’m fine really.” Bianca tried to assure. “Let’s just forget about tonight. Ok?”
“I can’t do that. You see something happened after you went to bed.” Erica said as she descended the stairs. “Laura and Leo stopped by with some interesting information about your friend, Marie Francis Stone.”
“What do you mean ‘interesting information’?” Bianca asked, puzzled.
“Bianca, how well do you really know Frankie?” Erica asked as she stood looking up at her daughter.
“Mom, what are you talking about?”
“It seems Leo knows Frankie from his days as a gifter.” Erica began as she walked into the living room. “Frankie’s parents sent her back to the States from Europe because of some ‘behavior problems.’”
“So?”
“What do you mean ‘so’?” Erica asked in surprise as she turned to face Bianca.
“I mean, so what.” Bianca reiterated. “Come on, Mom. Do you really think that Frankie’s parents wouldn’t try to cover up the fact that she’s gay? You saw how Sarah’s mom treated her, not to mention that Rain was homeless because her parents couldn’t take it.”
“We are not talking about them, we are talking about Frankie.”
“Oh, right, because you ran Rain out town and you probably made a deal with Sarah’s mom to make her conveniently unavailable.” Bianca sniped, becoming defensive in response to her mother’s tone. “Besides, ‘behavior problems’ could mean anything. In rehab, I met a girl whose mother was disappointed in her for not being a cheerleader.”
“There’s more.” Erica said. “Laura said that she saw Frankie and Shannon talking last night. According to Laura, Shannon and Frankie have some sort of deal. I know I don’t have to tell you about Shannon.”
“That’s it? That’s all the evidence you have?” Bianca asked incredulously, throwing her hands up in frustration. “Oh, well, call out the bloodhounds. We have a real mindbender on our hands.”
“Bianca, this is not funny.” Erica stated, obviously not amused. “You’ve only known this girl for two months, her parents are conveniently in Europe-“
“You’re right Mom, this isn’t funny.” Bianca interrupted in a more serious tone. “You have just been waiting for something like this to turn up, haven’t you? Just waiting for Frankie to trip up somewhere so you could pounce under the excuse of protecting me.”
“You make it sound as though I’m happy about this.” Erica said in genuine shock.
“Aren’t you?” Bianca pressed. “This way, you don’t have to worry about what people will say about Erica Kane’s daughter flaunting her lesbianism.”
“That is not what this is about.” Erica said flatly. “I would be just as suspicious if Frankie were a new boy in town. And, yes, you are the daughter of Erica Kane, everything you do will be under a public microscope. So, until we know more about this girl, I don’t want you to see her.”
“You’re forbidding me from seeing my girlfriend?” Bianca asked, feeling a small amount of vindication as Erica flinched at Bianca’s statement of her relationship with Frankie. “This is ridiculous. I am not going to stop seeing her just because you have a problem.”
“Yes you are.” Erica stated, leaving no room for argument.
“You are so wrong about Frankie. And about me.” Bianca said and then turned on her heel and ran upstairs to her room.
“I hope I am wrong.” Erica said to the empty room as she let out a sigh.
***
Bianca shut her door, leaning her back against it, and fought the frustrated tears that tried to escape her eyes. She was tired of the power struggle; the fighting for her mother’s acceptance was beginning to wear on her.
Suddenly, Bianca turned and locked her door, and then ran to her closet. Bianca pulled out a duffel bag and began packing some things. Zipping the duffel up, and grabbing her purse, Bianca opened her bedroom window and slipped silently into the night.
Frankie was lying in her bed, having fallen asleep doing her homework, when she was awoken by the sound of something hitting her window. Wiping the sleep from her eyes, Frankie went to her window to investigate the sound. That was when she saw someone suddenly appear in her window. Gasping in shock, Frankie jumped back from the window, and then realized that she recognized the face in the window.
“Bianca?” She asked as she went to the window and opened it. “Bianca, it’s the middle of the night, what are you doing here?”
“Can I come in?” Bianca asked simply, her voice soft and fragile.
“Of course.” Frankie said softly upon seeing the pained look on Bianca’s face. Once Bianca was inside, Frankie closed the window and looked over at Bianca. “Are you alright? What happened?”
“My mom and I got into a fight.” Bianca said in a shaky voice, as she looked at Frankie. “I’m sorry to wake you. I just didn’t know where else to go.”
“Whoa, hey, sit down.” Frankie said leading Bianca over to the bed, her concern plainly showing. “You don’t look so well. What did you two fight about anyway?”
“Forget it.” Bianca said unconvincingly. “It was nothing.”
“Ok, now who’s being secretive?” Frankie prodded. “Whatever happened has got you shook, so it can’t be nothing.”
“My mom forbid me from seeing you again.” Bianca said looking at her hands. “She thinks that you’re not who you claim to be.”
“She’s right.” Frankie said, causing Bianca to suddenly look up. “I’m really in the CIA. Sshhh, don’t tell anyone.”
Bianca laughed at that and Frankie followed suit, glad that she was able to ease some of Bianca’s tension.
“I’m serious.” Bianca said as her laughter died away. “She forbid me from seeing you anymore.”
“She actually used the word ‘forbid’?” Frankie asked in gentle mockery.
“Actually, it was more like ‘I don’t want you to see her anymore.’” Bianca answered imitating Erica’s voice. “There is very little room for discussion with her.”
“So, your first impulse was to come here?” Frankie asked.
“Yeah.” Bianca confirmed looking up at Frankie unapologetically. “And to ask you if you wanted to leave for that romantic weekend a day early?”
Frankie stared at Bianca for a long moment in silent shock.
“Say something would you.” Bianca said. “You’re looking at me like I just grew a second head.”
“Actually I was thinking that you must have lost your mind.” Frankie said.
“What?” Bianca asked, confused by Frankie’s reaction.
“Bianca, do you really think your mom will take your disappearance lying down?” Frankie questioned critically. “I know I’d have a fit if you just vanished without a word.”
“Frankie-” Bianca began only to be cut off by Frankie.
“No, Bianca.” Frankie snapped sternly and then softened her tone. “Don’t you realize how lucky you are? I wish my parents cared half as much as your mother cares about you. What about your friends, don’t you think they’d be a little upset if you just up and left one day?”
“My friends.” Bianca laughed. “My friends came over tonight to tell my mom that you and Shannon have some sort of conspiracy going.”
“Bianca, I think you should go home.” Frankie said suddenly.
“What?”
“You should go home.” Frankie repeated. “We can talk about this tomorrow.”
“Wait, now you’re telling me what to do?” Bianca challenged, her face flushing in anger at everyone telling her what she should and should not do.
“Yes I am, and I’m telling you to go home and cool off.” Frankie ordered.
“I can’t believe this.” Bianca said, standing up. “Does everyone think I’m stupid?”
“Bianca, I don’t think you’re stupid.” Frankie answered.
Bianca tried to object, her brow furrowed at Frankie’s tone and words, but Frankie held up a hand, cutting her off.
“I just don’t want us going away because you want to get away from your problems.” Frankie said honestly. “If you go, I want it to be because you want to spend time with me, not avoiding your mom.”
“Frankie, how could you think that?” Bianca asked, obviously insulted. “Of course I want to spend the weekend with you.”
“And I want to spend this weekend with you too.” Frankie said, her tone soft and soothing. “But, I want to spend it with you, not your anger about your mom and friends. I will help you sort this out at school, when you’ve calmed down and had time to be rational.”
“Rational?” Bianca asked incredulously. “How can I be rational when my mother is the complete opposite of rational?”
“You once told me that life may not be fair, but that I didn’t have to be like that.” Frankie said softly.
Bianca paused, looking at Frankie, trying to hide the smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.
“That’s right, use my words against me.” Bianca said, losing her battle and smiling despite herself.
“Bianca.” Frankie drawled, but she knew that she was getting through to Bianca.
“Alright, ok, I understand what you’re saying.” Bianca conceded, her hands up in symbolic surrender. “I’ll try to be better than that, but tomorrow, you’ll see, it won’t be any different. I still want to go up to that cabin with you.”
“Then we will go and forget all about this mess. Alright?” Frankie asked as she stepped closer to Bianca.
“Promise?” Bianca asked as she slid her arms around Frankie’s waist.
Frankie pulled Bianca into an embrace, wrapping her arms around Bianca’s shoulders as Bianca rested her head on Frankie’s chest.
“I promise.” Frankie said, and then kissed the top of Bianca’s head, hoping she could keep that promise.
Frankie paced nervously back and forth in the empty hallway at school. It was still early morning as Frankie paced in front of the lockers, her thoughts racing frantically. Frankie stopped pacing upon seeing Shannon come around the corner.
“This had better be good.” Shannon warned. “I was sleeping.”
“Well, good morning to you too.” Frankie snapped, her nerves frayed enough without Shannon’s instant acidity.
“So help me, Frankie…” Shannon began, her eyes narrowing in warning.
“I think Bianca is starting to figure it out.” Frankie said suddenly. “Her mother and her friends are already putting doubts into her mind. I don’t know if I can pull this off.”
“Well, you had better figure out how to pull this off.” Shannon hissed. “I’m not going to let you ruin my revenge. If you screw this up, I swear I’ll find a way to put you into an even worse place than the one you escaped from.”
Frankie straightened up at that, her eyes growing larger in fear. Unbeknownst to either Frankie or Shannon, Laura, in search of Bianca, stumbled upon the scene. Hoping she had not been seen, Laura tucked herself back behind the corner and listened intently.
“She’s not dumb, Shannon.” Frankie said in a lower voice. “If I push this too fast, Bianca will figure it out and we’ll both lose.”
“Are you sure that you aren’t falling for her?” Shannon asked imperiously, and then took on a flippant tone. “Besides, you’re smart. You’ll just have to be smarter than Lesbianca.”
“Don’t call her that.” Frankie said, her voice taking a hostile tone.
“Figure it out.” Shannon snapped back with equal hostility, causing Frankie to back down once more.
“Alright.” Frankie said, bowing her head, gritting her teeth. “I’m going to need a few things, though.”
Reaching into her pocket, Frankie removed a slip of paper and handed it to Shannon. After unfolding it, Shannon looked it over and then looked up at Frankie.
“You don’t ask for much, do you?” Shannon asked coldly.
“If you want it done, I need that stuff before we leave for the cabin.” Frankie said. “Leave it in my car.”
“You mean my car, don’t you?” Shannon corrected.
“It’s my car now, considering my parents gave you my old one.” Frankie returned.
“That’s right.” Shannon said icily. “But then, I didn’t need to be put in an institution. So, I guess I earned the nicer car.”
With a cruel laugh, Shannon turned on her heel and walked away.
After Shannon had gone, Frankie leaned shakily with her back against the lockers. Looking at her watch, Frankie saw that Bianca would be arriving soon.
“Shannon has a way of doing that.” Frankie heard a voice say. Looking up, Frankie saw that it was Laura.
“I beg your pardon.” Frankie said, trying to buy herself a moment to think by feigning ignorance. Despite her racing fear, wondering how much (if anything) Laura had heard, Frankie opened her locker casually.
“Making people do stupid things.” Laura said matter-of-factly.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Frankie said, furrowing her brow at the obvious challenge being made by Laura.
“Don’t you.” Laura said with a cocked eyebrow.
Before Frankie could answer, Bianca turned up. Frankie’s gut tightened, hoping this gathering would not play out as she was afraid it would.
“Hey, Laura, Frankie.” Bianca said, her smile fading slightly as she perceived the tension between Laura and Frankie. “What’s going on?”
“I was just going to tell Frankie about the time I punched Shannon.” Laura supplied smoothly. “You see, Frankie, Shannon has a nasty habit of making people hate her.”
“So I’ve seen.” Frankie said with a calm indifference she did not feel. “You feeling better this morning Bianca?”
“Much better.” Bianca said as her smile returned.
“Good.” Frankie said as she accepted a warm hug from Bianca and stared warily at Laura. As Bianca and Frankie pulled away from each other, Frankie gave Bianca a genuinely loving smile. “So what has you glowing so radiantly this morning?”
“I have some very good news.” Bianca said, with a fresh burst of blush in her cheeks. “My mom has a business conference this weekend in New York. Isn’t that great, now she won’t even know we’ll be gone.”
“Erica is going away for the weekend?” Laura asked, a note of caution creeping into her voice.
“Yeah, she told me this morning.” Bianca said. “Why?”
“Just wondering.” Laura said simply. “So, where are you two off to this weekend?”
“Frankie, can I talk to Laura alone for a minute?” Bianca asked suddenly.
“Uh, sure, Bianca.” Frankie said as she walked away with an uneasiness she hid just barely.
“Bianca, what’s wrong?” Laura asked in confusion once Frankie was gone.
“Funny you should ask that.” Bianca replied crossing her arms. “Because my problem seems to be my mom, Leo and you.”
“Me?” Laura asked confused. “Bianca, what are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about you and Leo visiting my mom last night.” Bianca replied accusingly..
“Bianca, I only did it-” Laura began, only to be cut off.
“You know what Laura, don’t bother to explain.” Bianca said clearly not wanting to listen. “Laura if you had a problem with Frankie, you should have come to me first.”
“Bianca, she isn’t being completely honest with you.” Laura said.
“So you went to my mother?!” Bianca said, keeping her voice low as she conveyed her anger. “You went behind my back, to my mom. What did you think would happen, Laura? Did you really think that my mom wouldn’t flip out? You know she just waits for this kind of thing.”
“Did you ever think that maybe she was right?” Laura asked hotly. “Bianca, this girl just appeared in town one day, no family or friends, and told you some story that you just took at face value. I went to your mom because I didn’t think you’d believe me, and I was right.”
“Yeah, Laura, you were right. I don’t believe you.” Bianca said coldly. “I can’t believe that you didn’t come to me about it.”
“Bianca, please.” Laura said as she deep breath. “You’re right, I should have gone to you first. I made a mistake, I’m sorry, but you have to know that I did it because I’m worried about you.”
“Are you worried that I’ll do something stupid?” Bianca asked
“Bianca, she escaped from an institution.” Laura blurted, remembering the bit of conversation she had overheard.
“I think you better leave.” Bianca said suddenly. When Laura tried to protest, Bianca cut her off. “Leave or I’m going to say something that I can’t take back.”
“Fine.” Laura said stiffening up. “I tried to warn you.”
Frankie came back after Laura was gone.
“Are you alright?” Frankie asked.
“Yeah.”
“Bianca.”
“I’m fine, I just had to take care of a problem.” Bianca said, then smiled. “You know what, I think we should leave now for the cabin.”
“Why don’t we wait until lunch hour?” Frankie suggested, mindful that she had to give Shannon time to pick up the supplies she needed. “That way we can get some decent food, not the cafeteria stuff, and then get to the cabin just before sunset. The view at sunset is amazing.”
“We can do that if we leave now too.” Bianca argued playfully as she wrapped her arms around Frankie’s waist and laid her head on the girl’s chest.
“Yes, but then I’ll be sure that you still want to go.” Frankie said wrapping her arms around Bianca’s shoulders.
“Alright.” Bianca agreed as she listened to Frankie’s beating heart and smiled. “I’ll humor you and your fragile ego.”
Frankie let out a relieved laugh, though for a different reason than Bianca thought.
“Well, we better get going to class.” Frankie said. “We don’t want to get detention for tardiness on top of cutting.”
“Right.” Bianca said with a small chuckle.
As Bianca retrieved her books from her locker, Frankie tried to summon up the courage to somehow call it off, to tell Bianca the truth. To tell her that she thought she was falling in love with her.
“Ready?” Bianca asked, interrupting Frankie’s inner struggle.
“Yeah.” Frankie said without missing a beat. “Let’s go.”
With that, they went to class, Frankie’s dirty little secret still painfully intact.
Laura entered Erica’s office to find Greenlee placing files on Erica’s desk.
“Greenlee.” Laura said in surprise.
“Laura.” Greenlee said coolly. “What do you want?”
“I came to talk to Erica.” Laura answered as she looked around the office.
“You missed her. She’s in New York on business.” Greenlee answered. “Are you here for Tempo?”
“No. Do you know when she’ll be back?”
“No.” Greenlee said in irritation. “You’ll have to make an appointment.”
“Do you have her number? I need to talk to her about Bianca.”
“Right, like Erica gave me her number in case you two wanted to chat about her daughter.” Greenlee said derisively.
“Look Greenlee, this is important. It’s about Frankie.”
“Isn’t that Bianca’s girlfriend?”
“Yeah, can I have the number or not?”
“Wait a minute.” Greenlee said with an amused smile. “What is so important about Frankie that I should risk getting slapped down by La Kane? What are you jealous?”
As Greenlee laughed at her own joke, Laura blinked in shock.
“Why would you say that?” Laura asked, her voice unsteady.
“Well, you are a narcissist, Laura.” Greenlee answered, clearly enjoying rattling Laura’s cage. “You just can’t stand not being the only person in someone’s life. You did it to Leo and you’re doing it to Bianca. You really do need to get over this selfish thing.”
“Oh, right.” Laura said, still visibly troubled by Greenlee’s choice of words.
“Wait, you thought I meant something else.” Greenlee said, her eyes widening suddenly. Then she let out an amused laugh, while Laura turned and took a couple steps away. “You thought I meant jealous of Bianca’s special friendship? I knew Bianca had a thing for you, but I didn’t think the feeling was that mutual.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Laura lied.
“Yes, you do.” Greenlee badgered as she closed the distance between them. “Let me give you a little advice, Laura. The quickest way to lose someone is by trying to keep them.”
“I don’t need advice from you, Greenlee.”
“Right, because you’re such a fountain of wisdom.” Greenlee sniped.
“What I need is that phone number.” Laura snapped back. “Are you going to give it to me or not?”
“Not.” Greenlee said with a smirk as Laura scowled. “Sorry, you’re just going to have to use someone else to help you break up Frankie and Bianca.”
Greenlee made to leave Erica’s office and then turned around to look at Laura.
“By the way, you might want to leave before security thinks you’re trespassing.” Greenlee said snidely. “I’d hate to see you get arrested…Not.”
With a final laugh, Greenlee left a red faced Laura to fume.
“There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” Laura said hotly to thin air, and then left.
“So, you’re sure she’s going to be gone all weekend?” Frankie asked as she and Bianca walked to their lockers. “You’re sure it’s not a trick to catch you disobeying her?”
“I thought of that, but my mom is more of the super hands on type.” Bianca answered as she opened her locker. “But she’s been having problems with her New York office for a awhile now, so it isn’t a trap. Quit worrying, would you?”
“I can’t help it. I worry because I don’t want to see you get into trouble. Especially if I’m the reason.” Frankie said, wishing she could tell Bianca about the double meaning of her words.
“This is my choice.” Bianca said flatly. “I want to go, and that’s something my mom is going to have to deal with. I would still go, even if my mom weren’t out of town.”
“I just…” Frankie said, her voice trailing off as she stared blankly into her locker.
“Stop worrying.” Bianca ordered. “Look, let’s just focus on how much fun we’re going to have this weekend and forget about all of the garbage here.”
Frankie gave Bianca a genuine smile.
“That’s better.” Bianca said with a smile of her own.
“Aaaww.” A voice said suddenly. “Just like a sappy greeting card.”
Looking toward the voice’s source, Frankie and Bianca saw Shannon standing a few feet away.
“Alright, that’s it!” Frankie snapped as she started toward Shannon.
“Frankie, don’t.” Bianca said, but Frankie waved her off.
“It’s alright Bianca, I’ll handle this.” Frankie replied, grabbing Shannon’s arm and roughly hauled her away.
“Ow, get your hands off me.” Shannon protested as she franticly backed up at Frankie’s direction. Once they were out of earshot of Bianca, Frankie let go of Shannon. “Keep your hands off me.”
“You better have gotten the stuff I asked for.” Frankie snarled. “I worked too hard for you to blow this by making Bianca suspicious with you turning up all the time.”
“The stuff is in the car.” Shannon retorted, rubbing her arm where she had been grabbed. “Besides, I’m making you look good. Now you look all heroic in her eyes, protecting your damsel in distress.”
“You’ve delivered your message.” Frankie hissed. “Now get lost.”
“Don’t you ever put your hands on me again.” Shannon hissed a warning back. “I’ll make you sorry you were ever born.”
“Too late.” Frankie said softly once Shannon was gone. Letting out a deep breath, Frankie ran her hands through her hair and turned back around to look at Bianca. “Hey, do you still want to leave before lunch?”
Frankie and Bianca arrived at the cabin an hour before sunset. Bianca grabbed their bags, while Frankie hauled in their supplies for the weekend.
“So when are you going to tell me what’s in the box?” Bianca asked as she and Frankie entered the dark cabin.
“I told you, when the time is right.” Frankie answered playfully as she turned on the lights.
“It’s beautiful.” Bianca said as she looked around the cabin’s main room. “Ooh, a fireplace.”
Frankie cast a suspicious eye around the room, searching for anything that would tip Bianca off about the owners of the cabin. Still carrying their box of supplies, Frankie walked over to Bianca who was kneeling in front of the fireplace.
“Come on.” Frankie said as she took Bianca’s hand and then kissed it. “There’s something I want to show you.”
Bianca’s heart skipped a beat as Frankie’s lips touched her hand. Standing up, Bianca followed Frankie through a doorway to the left of the fireplace. On the other side of the door was a kitchen; to the right was an island countertop, and to the left was a large sliding glass door that lead out onto a deck overlooking a lake. As Frankie set the box down onto the counter, Bianca was suddenly struck with a wicked idea.
Coming up quickly behind Frankie, Bianca began tickling the other girl’s vulnerable sides. Frankie yipped in surprise and jumped to the side. With Frankie distracted, Bianca went immediately for the box and opened it before Frankie could stop her. Upon seeing the contents of the box, Bianca froze, as did Frankie.
Frankie’s heart rate spiked as Bianca reached into the box and pulled out a video camera and a couple of brand new blank videotapes.
“A little surprise?” Bianca asked, and then caught Frankie off guard once more by smiling. “Is the battery charged?”
“Uh, yeah, I think.” Frankie stammered as Bianca opened one of the tapes, and then recovered quickly.
“You were gonna use this to tape me, weren’t you?” Bianca asked as she inserted a tape and powered the camera on.
“Yeah, you know, for a keepsake.” Frankie said, as her heart rate slowed in immense relief.
“This is Frankie.” Bianca said with the camera to her eye and pointed at Frankie. “Marie Francis-”
“Hey!” Frankie exclaimed playfully at the use of her full name on camera.
“Stone.” Bianca continued. “And she’s brought this camera to memorialize this romantic weekend. Let’s see what else she brought.”
Turning the camera away from Frankie, Bianca pointed the lens at the inside of the box.
“Candles.” Bianca said pulling out the contents of the box. “Sarah McLachlan CD’s, oooh, Fumbling Toward Ecstasy, that’s my favorite.”
“Mine too.” Frankie said. “I just love her voice.”
“And.” Bianca said as she came to the bottom of the box. Pulling a blue tinted tube out of the box, Bianca sniffed it. “Oooh, scented massage oil. Gee, I wonder what that’s for.”
Frankie’s only answer was to stare at Bianca with a guilty smile. Reaching out to gently pull the camera away from Bianca, Frankie stepped in close while putting the camera on the counter.
Bianca and Frankie looked into each other’s eyes; Bianca immediately fell into the rich green waters of Frankie’s eyes, while Frankie got lost in Bianca’s dark brown eyes. Frankie reached forward and gently pulled Bianca closer until their bodies touched. Bianca’s hands immediately went up to rest on Frankie’s upper chest and shoulders. With her other hand, Frankie reached up to stroke an errant lock of Bianca’s hair aside and then leaned forward to kiss her. Bianca kissed her back, her hands buried in Frankie’s hair. Bianca felt Frankie’s hands gently rubbing up and down her back, sending little bolts of pleasure racing through her entire body.
They stayed that way, kissing intensely, for what seemed like forever before they finally parted.
“Now, what was it that you were going to show me?” Bianca said, her voice soft and husky as she traced Frankie’s jaw with the tip of her finger.
Frankie turned her head toward the sliding glass door, and Bianca followed her gaze.
“You see that lake?” Frankie asked, to which Bianca nodded. “There’s a small rowboat tethered to the dock not too far below this deck. I was thinking we could either sit on the deck and watch the sun set, or we could go out on the lake in the boat and watch it from there.”
“What do you want to do?” Bianca asked.
“Personally, I suggest the boat.” Frankie answered. “But it’s up to you.”
“Why the boat?”
“Well, once the sun goes down, we can lie down in the boat and stare up at the stars.” Frankie said, looking back at Bianca. “It feels like your floating in space. We can bring a couple blankets in case it starts to get cold.”
“That’s sounds really cool.” Bianca said and smiled. “We’d better hurry though, the sun is getting pretty low now.”
“Right.” Frankie said distractedly, staring into Bianca’s eyes once more with a huge smile. “Hurry.”
“Yeah.” Bianca said softly and then all words were forgotten as they deeply kissed each other once more.
TBC
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