Chapter: 10a
setting: Miller's Falls A few days later.
Alone. Bianca stands on the overlook where days ago, she had lost the woman she loved like no other.
A scraping sound makes her turn.
Greenlee comes into view. She spies Bianca, holding the jacket. "So here you are." Greenlee, dressed all in black, says simply. "We missed you at the funeral."
"They never found a body." Bianca nearly shouts it, and clutches the jacket harder to her. She looks out and down at the water below. "She might have made it."
Gently, carefully, Greenlee takes a couple of steps closer to her, "Sweetie, no one could have survived that fall."
"So if I fell now," Bianca says just as carefully, just as quietly, "I would definitely die?"
Greenlee takes in a breath sharply, her eyes widen. "Don't Bianca. Please."
"Please? Please." Bianca sneers, she turns slightly to face Greenlee more fully,her face twisted with grief and rage. "Listen to you! You didn't know her! None of you loved her! Only I love her! She's the only who loved me.The way I needed to be. For who I am."
"There ease still people who love you Bianca. Please, don't give up on that. Don't give up on life." Greenlee feels woefully at a disadvantage in this. Emotional sympathy is not her strong suit. Or at least it didn't used to be. "I wanted to get to know her better."
"Then you lost out too," Bianca says gruffly.
"But I knew her well enough to know she wouldn't want you to do this." Greenlee states with utter certainty, watching Bianca's tear streaked, grief stricken face intently.
"How dare you pretend to speak for her!"
"She wouldn't want this. But you're right Bianca, I didn't get the chance to know her like I wanted too. I still can, if you stick around. If you stay. You said it yourself, no one knew her like you did. Please," Greenlee holds out her hand, "teach me about my sister. Let me not lose this last chance to know her."
"You don't understand..." Bianca looks so lost, so completely alone and bereft that it tears at Greenlee's heart.
"Leo's my life. If it weren't for Frankie, it might have been him who fell taking that bitch with him. I owe your lover everything Bianca."
"Is that why you're here? Because you owe her?"
"I'm here for you, for her, for me, for all of us. I already lost a sister Bianca, please don't let me lose all I have that's left of her. The best part of her. You."
"This is all I have left of her. " Bianca cries, holding the jacket up to her face, "But already the scent of her is fading, so faint ....soon I'll have nothing left."
"You have family who loves you." Greenlee edges a little closer to the younger woman. "You have Leo who adores you. It would half kill him to lose you. And you have me. I know," she shrugs, self-deprecatingly, "I'm not the deal breaker, but I was Frankie's sister, something I'm proud to say. That I knew her even if only a little. That I could be related to someone that good and decent."
"She was. She was the bravest, most noble person I ever knew." Bianca sobs. "Maybe-"
Bianca takes a step to turn but slips on the rock. For a moment she teeters but hands, strong and sure grab her and pull her back from the edge, again.
Greenlee hugs her fiercely, tears streaming down her own face. Her body shaking form the adrenalin and emotion. "Bianca..."
Bianca holds on to her, the only anchor she has left, sobbing brokenly into Greenlee's shoulder. "I miss her so much! I feel like I could die from this pain. Why can't I die?"
Greenlee rubs her back, holds her tightly as she too weeps, "Because you're her heart. Stronger than anyone could ever imagine. Even you. And we have to make sure her heart lives on.That her love lives."
Bianca continues to cry but it's softer now, quieter.
*******************
The young woman didn't know what city she was in. A few days ago she had walked to an off road diner and cleaned herself up as best she could. She even managed to steal some food. In a futile attempt, she goes through her grubby clothes again, checking the pockets one more time. She pulls out the only thing that was in them, a torn piece of paper, tattered and the ink bled from being wet. The only thing she can make out is one word.
"Stone." She reads out to herself.
"Excuse me?" A pretty blond asks her.
"Nothin'." The woman stuffs the paper back into her pocket.
The blonde peers at her, "Hey, are you okay?"
The woman makes as if the bolt. The blond quickly reassures her. "Chill, it's cool. I've spent some time on the streets myself. Okay, a lot of time. I know the look. You're hungry right? You want me to set you up with some food? I even have a pad to stay at. It's not much, I only have a part time job while trying to get my GED, but if you don't mind a blanket and a couch..."
Warily, the woman scrutinizes her. She notices a glitter ant then realized the blonde has a nose piercing. She seemed sincere. And the thought of sleeping on a soft place that was warm and dry was very appealing, let alone the thought of being fed. "You a religious nut or something?"
The blond laughs, "Hardly. Like I said, I've done my time on the streets. A lot of people helped me along the way. I like to give back when I can."
"Okay, but if you try anything funny, I can take care of myself. Besides, I've got nothing you can steal." The woman lies, feeling the cool metal of the locket under her shirt, against her skin.
The blond laughs again and holds out her hand. "No worries. I'm Rain. What's your name?"
Maybe this Rain chick was okay, The woman thought. But the question of her name raised a painful memory of guns, fear, and the sound of a name she couldn't place. After a moments hesitation she takes the hand and shakes it.
"I"m Maggie Stone."
chapter: 10b
Cote: An alternate take that originally occurred on the TV soap b/t Maggie and Bianca.
setting: 3 months later
Bianca is in her room at Myrtle’s house, trying on clothes. She discards yet another dress into the growing pile of clothes on her bed. A knock on the door barely makes her glance away from the mirror.
"Come in!" she calls out.
Greenlee enters the room. Her eyebrows rise as she surveys the damage. "Did a tornado come through here? You’re usually such a neat freak."
"Funny Greenlee. I’m just trying to pick out the right outfit for my first day at work tomorrow as the head of the youth division."
"I can see how the promotion is a big deal but.." she looks at what Bianca is holding up against herself, scrutinizing the image in the mirror," none of this seems very you."
"What are you saying? That I can’t look professional."
"Not that you can’t look professional, just that it’s very La Kane."
"Oh please Greenlee, I can be feminine." Bianca says with amused exasperation.
Greenlee waves the statement off, "You’re as girly as the next, well, girl. And you have your lesbian chi thing which is very fashionable." Bianca snorts derisively and Greenlee’s lips twitch. "Not that you’re chic can compete with my savoir faire. All I’m saying is that it all looks more like Erica and less like you."
"It is her company." Bianca brushes by her to go through her closet.
Greenlee’s noticed how Bianca has yet to truly make any eye contact with her. She says in a serious, gentle tone. "In the months since Frankie died, you told me that one of the things you loved about her was how she helped you be a stronger person and break away from your mother’s influence. Even I noticed the difference."
"So?" Bianca asks defensively.
Greenlee looks around the room and then pointedly at Bianca.
Bianca bows her head, taking more care than needed to fold some clothes. In a quiet voice she asks, "Are you saying I’m sliding back?"
"Aren’t you?" Greenlee asks not unkindly.
In an even quieter voice, Bianca confesses, "Maybe."
She turns and sits on her bead dejectedly. Greenlee joins her. After a moment, Bianca asks, still not looking at Greenlee, "Why do you care?"
"Because you’re always there to listen to me and you’ve always been honest with me, even when I don’t like it. In the past months since...Frankie died, I feel like I haven’t completely lost her. Not as long as you’re here. Talking about her with you, getting to know her through you,...makes me feel closer to her somehow. Does that make any sense?"
Bianca tucks a stray hair behind her ear. "Yeah, it does." She sighs, "I guess I just miss her you know? It’s still so hard. And you’re right, Frankie would be so cracking up over this fashion frenzy all for my mom. I just need to be me."
"That’s it. Let Erica be Miss Enchantment at work, at home, at play." she smiles at getting Bianca to laugh. "You be you. Play to your strengths, not other people’s expectations."
"Thanks Greens."
Sadness still lingers in Bianca’s face despite her smile. It’s there in her eyes. Greenlee tries another tactic. "You know I’m hungry. What do you say me, you, nachos at SOS?"
"It’s late." Bianca protests but smiles at her friend’s spontaneous antics.
"Oh no Bianca, don’t do this. Don’t get all stuffy before your first day as the head of whatever division. You have to learn to have some fun! Please? If You come I’ll let you have my share of the hot sauce."
"You always let me have your hot sauce anyway."
"Come one Bianca, live a little!"
Bianca wrestles with the idea but caves, acting frustrated even as her face lights up, "You’re impossible! Okay, let me change first into something more me."
"I’ll be waiting but hurry! I’m starved!" Greenlee puts a hand to her chest dramatically.
******************************
Maggie is dreaming. She’s in the dark, a bright light blinds her. In the light is a woman, her back to her. Maggie can make out dark hair, very long. And she hears a voice saying the same words that have haunted her for as long as she can remember, which is all of three months ago.
"You’re my heart."
"Wait, don’t go!" Maggie implores the gentle voice, filled with so much love. If she leaves Maggie will be alone again. "Please don’t go! Tell me who You are? Let me see you’re face at least! Can’t You tell me who I am?"
"You’re my heart."
"MAGGIE!"
Maggie jolts awake at the shout and rough hands shaking her. "What? I’m awake already!" She sits up on the couch. The table lamp is on. Rain is there, looking at her worriedly. "What time is it Rain?"
"The middle of the night. You were yelling out in your sleep again."
Maggie’s shoulders slump, "Sorry. Been a while since the last one. Thought maybe they were gone. Did I say anything that could be a clue?"
Rain, in a shirt and boxers, rubs her friends back sympathetically, "No, just the usual. Don’t go. Don’t leave me alone. Asking someone to tell You who You are...sorry."
"Not your fault that I’m an amnesiac mess." Maggie shrugs self-deprecating. She pulls out the locket and opens it. Inside are two photos, one of her, warped by water damage. The other has only one corner, someone who had dark hair. That’s all. She can’t even tell if it’s a guy or a girl, a parent or a lover.
"Do You remember anything new?" Rain asks, looking at the picture of Maggie in the locket.
"No," Maggie sighs dejectedly. "All I remember is something about guns, and being afraid, and a voice that I can never remember when I wake up. Openly that it belongs to a girl with dark hair. I never see a face. Only ‘You’re my heart.’"
"Hey, don’t give up. It’ll come back to You. And You have been shot. You showed me the scars before. The one on your chest at least is definitely from a bullet. I’ve seen a lot of bullet scars at some of the shelters I used to stay at."
"You’ve been really good to me Rain. You’re a good friend. I wish I could do more for You, to thank You for all you’ve done."
"Forget about it. It’s what friends are for right? Besides, You help out." She gestures to the guitar near the couch, "You’re busking has pulled in enough money to really help out with the bills. Plus you’ve been great company."
"Thanks," Maggie blushes. "It was cool of Skidoo to give me his old guitar and teach me stuff. I don’t know. Maybe I was a musician before."
Rain stands up in their bachelorette and gets them both a glass of water, laughing, "Not with the way You played when You first picked up that thing." she teases affectionately.
Maggie takes the held out glass of water gratefully, "Thanks for the support. I’ll have You know I practised until my fingers were raw."
"And you’re very good, and get better every day. Really, you’re dedication is something else. You practice on hat thing and play it more than eight hours every day. You’re already better than people I know who’ve taken lesson for years." she holds her water up in a toast, "So here’s to Maggie Stone, the musician!"
"To Maggie Stone," Maggie joins her, "the musician!"
After a moment, Rain adds, "I wish I could do more for you than give You a place to hang and bring You news papers every day."
Maggie puts her glass down, "I totally didn’t see the papers from today. Did You get them?"
"Yeah, of course." Rain looks around her then bends over and puts a modest pile of news papers on the coffee table in front of them. "I didn’t get a chance to look through them yet."
Maggie digs into them, she’s quickly discouraged. "Nothing on any missing people matching anything remotely like my description."
"WE haven’t gone through all of them yet." Rain reaches for the next one and then exclaims in surprise, "Bianca?" She picks it up quickly and reads it.
"Bianca who?" Maggie peers curiously over Rain’s shoulder. On the front cover is photo of a girl with dark hair.
"Bianca is a friend of mine. We used to know each other when I hung out in Pine Valley. She’s great. Man, she’s got guts, came out on New Year’s to the entire world pretty much. She’s amazing."
"She certainly looks amazing. You two go out?"
"Nah, we were just friends. Amazing, huh? Something You want to tell me about yourself?"
"What? She’s beautiful! Geez! Besides, how do You know if you’re gay or not?" she said, not really expecting an answer.
"I think it’s different for everyone really." Rain answers seriously. " I knew when I was young. Bianca knew I think mostly when she first met Sarah." The _expression on Maggie’s face stops her, "You okay Mags?"
:"I don’t know," she responds, frowning, just, when You said that, I felt this know in my gut. She shakes her head. Must be indigestion or something. What does the article say about your friend?"
"Well," Rain looks over the picture and article. "She got a hair cut. It used to be past her shoulders. Still, looks cute. Hmm, says here she’s got a promotion as head of youth division at Enchantment, her mom’s company. Wow, they used to not be able to be in the same room together when I was there. Guess a lot has changed." Her eyes continue to scan the article, "Oh no! Damn Binks."
Her friend, clearly upset, concerns Maggie. "What’s wrong Rain?"
"She had a girlfriend a while ago. Sounds like it was serious. A lunatic drug cartel woman had Bianca at gun point. The girlfriend saved her life but both the kidnapper and her girlfriend died."
"Wow, that’s...awful." Maggie is absently rubbing the spot above her heart, as though it hurt there. "Maybe You should go see her."
"I wish I could, but I have an unforgiving job. It took me forever to find a job with no previous references needed. Plus I have some exams coming up towards my GED. The kidnapping happened a while ago-" She chokes on the next word than stands straight up, re-reading the passage. "Maggie..." she breathes.
Alarmed by her friends sudden reaction, Maggie stands up too, "What? What is it?"
"Her girlfriend, the one who died a few months back, her name’s Mary-Francis Stone. She has the same last name as You!"
Maggie shrugs, "So? It’s not that uncommon a last name."
"Uncommon enough. Besides, it was around the time that You showed up with amnesia. What if..."
"What if what?" Maggie crosses her arms.
Rain looks at her excitedly, "Don’t You get it? Trauma can cause amnesia. If You went through a traumatic event then it might have caused You to repress your memories! Don’t You see? She might be your sister!"
"My sister?" Maggie’s stunned.
"Yeah, if your sister had died like that than it would have traumatized You right? You forgot and wandered off. Maybe You were on your way to the city to see her so no one knew You were coming and that’s why there’s no missing report in the local and nearby papers!"
"You think?" Maggie breathed in amazement.
"It’s up to You but it might be worth a shot. This Mary-Francis could have been your sister. What do You think? Does it jar anything loose?"
Maggie considers, "I don’t know, nothing specific. The name certainly doesn’t bring up anything except that it sounds very, I dunno, religious or something. Your friend, she really is nice? You think it’d freak her to meet me after all she’s been through? I mean, what if this Stone isn’t a relative? Maybe she’s not my sister. "
"She could be your cousin. You gotta go Mags, it might be the break you’ve been looking for. Plus, I’ll give You a letter to give to Bianca. That way, she’ll know I still care and You can give her my support and this way you’ll have a legitimate reason to be there."
Maggie catches on to the idea. "Yea, it’s not like anyone would recognize me. I can go there for You, give this Bianca your letter than check things out. Read past articles at the archives, snoop things out."
Maggie smiles. "Pine Valley, here I come!"
Chapter: 10c
last time: 3 months has passed. Bianca's having a hard time moving on at the though of Frankie being dead. Greenlee and B have grown closer because of it. Meanwhile, in a town not far away, Rain encourages her amnesiac friend Maggie Stone to go to Pine Valley and find her past.
setting: 2 weeks later
Erica Kane was driving down the highway late in the evening, fussing with her makeup and her arguing with Jack.
"Jack I told you. I don't want to speak about this again."
"But Erica, the way we feel about each other, can you honestly tell me you and Stamp share that kind of connection. You and me are one of a kind and we belong together. Erica, I love you. I always have. " Jack tells her with gentle sincerity, " and I always will."
"Oh my God!" Erica screams and swerves but not in enough time to avoid the slight figure that she feels impact with her car.
Her and Jack both get out and quickly go to the unmoving figure who lies face down on the road.
"There's some blankets and a first aid kit in the car Jack, can you get them? And call 911." She kneels down to see if the figure is alright.
"I'm on it." Jackson pulls out his cell phone while going back to get the blankets from the car.
Erica touches the prone form gingerly. "My God, the person came out of nowhere. Can you hear me? Hello?" She notices the dark blond hair and petite form. "It's a girl." Something about the profile of the face turned away from her gives her pause. Slowly, she brushes the hair away from the face, and pales at what she sees.
"Frankie?"
Chapter: 10d
last time: 3 months have passed. Bianca's having a hard time moving on at the though of Frankie being dead. Greenlee and B have grown closer because of it. Meanwhile, in a town not far away, Rain encourages her amnesiac friend Maggie Stone to go to Pine Valley and find her past. On her way there, she was hit by a car, none other than Erica Kane with Jackson.
setting: Shortly afterwards, at the hospital...
In a room, David checks the vitals on his very special patient. He regards her in wonder. Tenderly, he takes the young woman's hand in his as he sits by her bedside.
"I know you can't hear my right now Frankie, but you're going to be just fine. Only a slight concussion. What's a slight car accident to a woman strong enough to survive a fall into those rapids three months ago." he smiles shakily, tears in his eyes. "We thought we lost you. I don't know what kept you away all this time but you're here now. I have great news for you when you wake up. We were able to remove that bullet fragment. It moved to a completely innocuous area. You have a couple of new stitches but the scar will barely show. There's so many people who want to see you, Anna, Erica, Bianca...bet you can't wait to see her again huh? She's been so lost without you. Even Greenlee will be glad your back. Don't let her attitude fool you. You're both a lot alike that way, don't want people to know you care about them." He smoothes her hair back. "We all love you so much Frankie. We-I'm so glad to have you back."
Anna slips in. "I finished taking down Erica's statement. Do you know she hit her at the exact spot where they met over a year ago? How is she?" She moves over beside him and looks fondly down on the unconscious woman. She touches her face, than moves her hand to rub David's back.
"She'll be just fine our little miracle worker."
"It is a miracle isn't it? It's been so hard, losing her...to have her appear again it's like magic. I wonder what kept her away though. You don't think your mother had anything to do with it do you?"
"That woman is dead and good riddance." David says heartfelt. "No, I have no idea what's kept her away but when she wake sup she can tell us all about it. Did Erica get a hold of Bianca?"
"Yes, she was over at Greenlee and Leo's. They're all on their way down."
"Good. This will be quite a shock for them."
The woman they're watching over groans softly, and winces as she awakens slowly.
"Hey there, "David leans over, "How are you feeling?"
Still groggy, her hand strays to her chest, suddenly she wakes up more alert. "My locket. Where's my locket? Where am I? What's happened?" She struggles to sit up.
David gets a hold of her. "Calm down Frankie, it's okay. You're safe, You have a mild concussion. Everything's going to be alright."
"Who?" She winces against the bright lights of the hospital room. "Where's my locket? It's all I have left from before. Where is it?" she speaks in increasing volumes, growing more and more agitated.
"Her locket? The one Bianca gave her?" Anna asks.
"Yes, if she had it, it would have been taken off when she went into ER. The nurse at the desk would know."
"I'll go ask her." Anna hurries out the door.
"Frankie," David tries to soothe her with growing concern. "Just calm down, you're safe."
"What are you talking about?' She shrugs his hands off.
Anna comes back into the room. "Is this what you wanted?" She holds up the locket and comes to the bed.
The young woman grabs it and holds it against her chest. "That's mine! What were you doing with it?" She stares at the woman accusingly.
"I got it from the desk where they were keeping it for you." Anna answers, confused. "What's wrong?" She runs her hand through her hair in agitation, pulling her jacket open. The young woman sees the badge and the gun.
"You're a cop."
"The chief of police." Anna glances in concern over a David. "But you know I'm the chief of police Frankie."
"Frankie? Lady, I don't know what you're on but I'm Maggie, Maggie May Stone."
Both David and Anna gape at her.
Chapter: 10e
last time: on her way to Pine Valley, 'Maggie May' Stone was hit by none other than Erica Kane driving by at the exact spot where Erica first 'hit' Frankie with her car over a year go. Maggie is at the hospital and has just woken up. David and Anna, in the room with her, realize she's suffering from more than just a concussion.
setting: Hospital
David and Anna share a glance. David turns back to the girl on the bed. "What did you say your name was?"
"Maggie. Maggie May Stone." She has her arms crossed and is looking very defensive.
"But that's impossible. You're Frankie. You even have her scars. And her locket. "
"Look, I came to this own because I thought this Frankie might be a relative of mine or something. And I don't know what you mean about scars. And this locket is mine." Her hands find it and tighten around it as if the people in front of her might try to take it.
David, quick thinking, gets to his feet. "What you need right now is to rest. I just need to take care of something. I'll be right back. Anna? Can you come with me please?"
Staring at the woman who's like a second daughter to her, Anna rouses herself and drags herself out with David. As soon as the door closes she's asking him "What the Hell is going on David? That is Frankie isn't it?"
"It definitely is." he pauses, thinking, "There was a deep laceration on her scalp, an older one that's scarred but couldn't be more than a few months old. What if she hit her head or the trauma of the fall caused some kind of amnesia?"
"Well, as someone who lost a good chunk of her life to memory loss it's hardly unheard of but are you sure? Can't we get her checked out? Alex is visiting, she's over at Wildwind. I could call her."
"Yes, call your sister. And I'll get a neurologist to do some tests. In the meantime I'll go back in and talk with her."
Anna nods already moving."I'll call her and I'm sure she'll come right down."
Going back inside, David smiles soothingly at Maggie. "Sorry about that. I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions."
"Like who the president is and what year and all that?"
He takes a seat beside her, "Something like that. I also want to check your pupils, do a few more tests just to make sure you're okay."
She shrugs, "Sure, I guess."
He uses his penlight to check her pupil dilation, "So," he says conversationally, "you mentioned coming here to find your past. What did you mean by that?"
She's immediately uncomfortable with the question, "Just, some bad things happened a few months back and certain details are... blurry. I thought when I read about this Stone person she might be family and someone who knew her could fill in the blanks. No big deal."
"I see. You know, I knew Frankie."
She peers at him, "For real?"
"Fro real. She was ," he can't help the tears that come to his eyes at their current gift and predicament, "was my cousin, and like a daughter to me and my wife."
"Hmph, she didn't sound like the type who would be with upstanding types like a doctor and the chief of police."
He frowns at that, "You don't think so?"
"No, but I don't want to say anything bad about someone who's like, close to you and well, died, you know?"
"Actually," he regards her closely, "I would very much like to hear what you have to say. It makes me feel like she's still with us, here in the room in fact."
"I read the news articles. She..didn't sound like a good person. I mean, she was into drugs and some drug ring right? Almost got people killed and all? That doesn't sound like someone you want to hang with."
He almost chuckles at the situation, "I guess put that way it doesn't. But I assure you...Maggie....she was a noble soul, and well loved by many people."
"If you say so."
" As one of those people who love her, I definitely do. Not, if your ready, I'd like to do some tests to check to make sure there's no damage from the car accident. Just CT scans, an MRI,, standard stuff."
"I don't have any insurance or nothin'." she warns him.
He smiles and lies smoothly. "We have a grant for people with no insurance so don't worry about it. Just give me a minute to make sure the tests are lined up for you and then I'll be back to take you to them myself."
"Wow, uhm, thanks. You know, you're alright." She smiles up at him.
His heart squeezes at the sight of that smile. "Thanks Maggie. I'll just be a minute or two."
He walks out and once the door is closed he exhales, "Don't worry Frankie, now that we've found you again, I swear we'll get you back."
Chapter: 10f
last time: 'Maggie' seems to be sufering from amnesia. Anna and David are calling in Alex to help
setting: The hospital. Some time has passed.
Erica is sitting with Jackson. "I don’t understand what’s taking David so long." Erica says agitated.
"I’m sure everything will be fine sweetheart. You need to keep calm especially when Bianca arrives. This will be quite the shock to her." he gently rubs her back. Over her shoulder, he spies David approaching them. "Ah, the man in question."
Erica whirls around and stands up, crossing over to David. "David! What have you heard? What’s going on? She’s going to be okay isn’t she?" Erica puts a hand to her chest in rising anxiety.
"Physically she’s going to be fine." David assures her. "As a matter of fact, we were able to remove the bullet fragment and it seems aside from some slight stiffness, she has full use of both her legs. Other than an old scalp wound which I assume happened when she fell..."he pauses before regaining his composure, "all she has from her run in with your car seems to be a few bruises."
"Thank goodness!" Erica enthuses.
Jackson stands off to the left and just behind Erica, putting a supportive arm around her. "You said physically David. Is there something wrong..otherwise?"
David exhales. "I’m afraid so. Although my preliminary tests show no brain damage or current head trauma, it seems she’s suffering from amnesia."
"Amnesia?" Erica gasps.
"Yes, I’m afraid so." David’s voice is laced with pain, "She doesn’t seem to remember any of us. Not me or Anna...she calls herself Maggie.
Dimitri and Alex are in Pine Valley to visit with Anna. Alex was kind enough to come down and she’s evaluating Frankie as we speak."
"My god," Erica looks to the men in her life, "What will we tell Bianca?"
**********************
Alex sits back in her chair, regarding the young, hostile woman across her desk. "So you’re saying you don’t recall anything, anything at all before the last three months?"
"Yeah, how many times do I have to tell you white coats? Gees!" sullen, Maggie sits back, arms crossed.
Alex arches a brow and takes a photo from a folder. She slides it across the desk. "Do you recognize this picture?"
Maggie huffs and leans forward, she frowns, "That’s a photo of me."
"Yes, it is. Read the back." Alex watches her carefully.
Maggie scowls. "Funny. It says Frankie. That’s not Frankie, that’s me."
"Here," Alex starts putting out photo of photo of the young woman, many are news article and clippings that clearly state the name Frankie or Mary Francis Stone under them. "These are all photos of you. There is no Maggie. You are Frankie Stone."
"You know what?" Maggie stands up, slapping the photos on the desk. "I’ve had enough of you playing games with me. I’m Maggie get it? M-A-G-G-I-E ! You’ve been trying to shrink my head for nearly an hour now, showing me pictures of this person and that person, insisting that chick here " she pulls
out a photo of Greenlee " insisting she’s my half-sister, that your sister’s husband is my cousin and so is my half-sister’s hubby Leon or Leo or whoever. Sounds all a little too coincidental. You can throw all the photos of me you want and call it someone else, I’m still Maggie."
"Is there something wrong with being Frankie?" Alex asks her, leaning forward, tone compassionate.
"Are you kidding?" Maggie’s derisive, " have you read the stuff about her? I have. Every article, every headline. She was a druggie at some point, with a druggie mom and a step-father that tried to rape her. She was a runaway and street kid who worked for a drug cartel who was her sister’s would be murderer, and who helped kill their father! She came to town to con cash out of some sweet innocent girl, lied constantly, was undoubtedly a thief and let’s not forget a murderer! Hardly someone I’d care to meet."
Alex pulls a final photo from her the pile. "This person thought Frankie was well worth meeting, and much more."
Despite herself, Maggie leans over the desk and looks at the picture. Alex notices how her entire expressions softens. "That’s Bianca’ Montgomery right?" Maggie asks, her tone soft, completely devoid of her earlier anger of mere moments ago.
"Yes."
"Can...can I hold it?" she tentatively reaches for the photo.
"Of course," Alex hands it to her.
Maggie sits back down and just stares at the photo. "She’s beautiful isn’t she."
"She’s a very lovely young lady." Alex readily agrees, though she realizes Maggie wasn’t really asking.
"Do you know her?"
"I do." Alex answers.
"Is she as nice as she seems? I mean, forget it, it’s probably stupid."
"Actually, I don’t think it’s stupid at all to be curious about the woman you love. Bianca is one of the most remarkable young people I’ve ever met. I can only imagine from what David and Anna have said that Frankie must have been very special to have won such a heart as hers."
"Wow, I wish..." Maggie can’t tear her eyes from the photo.
"What do you wish?"
Maggie shakes her head and shrugs, "Nothing."
"That wasn’t nothing. It might help if you talk about it." Alex urges her.
"I don’t want to talk about it."
Alex comes around the desk and leans on it’s edge, closer to the young woman. "Why don’t you want to be Frankie?"she asks in the softest, most kind voice.
"Because she deserves better." Maggie mutters, staring lost in the warm eyes of the photo.
**********************
"Oh, mom there you are," a harried Bianca hurries to her mother, Leo and Greenlee in tow. "What was so important? Why are we at the hospital? Are you okay?"
"Oh honey," Erica takes her in her arms and when they break, she holds her close still. "There’s something that’s happened. Something wonderful. A miracle. And you need to hear it. "She looks over at Greenlee and Leo, "All of you need to hear this. But you should know something first-"
A shout and clatter stop Erica from any words she was about to say.
"I told you leave me that hell alone!:" a young woman barges from the nearby room, her back to Erica and the others there as she yells at the person in the room she just exited. "There is no way I’m that lying worthless con artist so just give it up. I want my stuff and I want all of it, my clothes, my bag, my guitar, and then I’m leaving you crazy people!"
She turns around from her tirade and is merely feet away from none other than Bianca. Leo and Greenlee gasp at realizing who is there. Bianca pales. She takes two steps towards her, reaches a hand out to the now wide eyed woman, touches her cheek with shaking fingers, then utters one name before fainting.
"Frankie."
Chapter: 10g
last time: 'Maggie' seems to be suffering from amnesia. Anna and David are called in Alex to help Maggie was adamant that despite all the evidence she wasn't Frankie. She barged out of the office and walked right up to Bianca, who fainted at the sight of her lost love.
setting: The hospital.
Maggie immediately drops with the woman, having caught her in her arms but unable to hold her up. they both sink to the floor. She doesn't know what to do, overwhelmed by the feeling of the woman in her arms.
Crying out her name, Erica moves to go to her daughter but firm hands on her shoulders hold her back. She looks up into Jack's eyes and he shakes his head solemnly at her, silently asking her to wait and see what transpires between the two women.
Leo is beside Greenlee who can only stare at Frankie. "My God, you're alive..."
David moves over to take Bianca from the stunned Frankie but 'Maggie' holds on to her tighter and says harshly, "Don't you touch her!"
David moves back as if burned, eyes widened. Alex approaches him, puts a hand on his shoulder,. "Bianca's just fainted from the shock. Let her be. Maybe this will shake something loose."
Meanwhile, despite the silent tableau around them, Maggie holds Bianca. She's confused, not understanding her overwhelming desire to hold this woman closer and not let her go. She doesn't understand why she yelled at the nice doctor. "Uhm, lady," she gently tries to rouse the dark haired woman in her arms, " you okay? ...You better wake up before everybody freaks. ...B...Bianca?"
Bianca's eyes flutter open, she focuses on Frankie's face and a smile brighter than any sun graces her beautiful face, "Frankie!" She surges up and embraces the other woman in her arms, holds her tightly to her. She begins to weep quietly in joy and relief, "You said you'd never leave me and you didn't! You kept your promise. Oh, Frankie-!" She pulls back just enough to take Frankie's lips in a sweet kiss-
Maggie pulls away, and stands up. "Look, uhm, Bianca Montgomery right? There seems to be a misunderstanding..." her voice shakes. She wants the woman with the dark soulful eyes to kiss her. It scares her.
Greenlee helps Bianca stand up. Maggie peers at the woman half holding Bianca, her eyes narrow. "Who the heck are you?"
Greenlee looks at her, confused, "Your sister. What on earth is the matter with you?" She turns to Bianca, "Hey you okay?"
"I guess." Bianca says in a shocked voice. She's starring at Maggie, puzzled. "Frankie?"
Maggie fidgets, decidedly uncomfortable. "Geez, I guess this must be a shock to you huh? I seem to look a lot like your...girlfriend. But I'm Maggie, Maggie May Stone. I didn't mean to upset you."
Alex is watching all this very closely, noting the complete difference in attitude towards Bianca that Maggie is displaying.
"I don't understand." Bianca says.
"No kidding." Greenlee adds.
"Alex? David?" Erica asks.
Alex steps forward. "Bianca, I know this is a shock to you but Maggie doesn't remember being Frankie."
Maggie huffs, "Hello! Cuz I'm not!"
Everyone looks at her.
"You have amnesia?" Greenlee scoffs, "Unfrikkin' believable! You don't remember that you're Frankie?"
Maggie crosses her arms, "Because I'm not her alright!"
"Uh huh." Greenlee turns around and lifts her shirt part way up revealing a scar on her low back. "Look familiar to you?"
Maggie gawks, "I have a scar just like that!"
Greenlee drops her shirt and turns. She steps closer to Maggie, her _expression softening, "That's because you gave me one of your kidney's. You saved my life. You're my sister." She tells her, eyes suddenly shining.
Maggie stumbles back, "Look, I don't know what scam you guys have going on but there's some kind of mistake. I need to get out of here. I need to go. Where are my things?" she turns to Alex, her desperation growing.
"Actually that's not a bad idea." Alex answers. "Anna, could you please take this young woman to where they put her things, I know the paper work for her to sign out will take a while but if you wouldn't mind sitting with her?" she looks to her sister meaningfully, her message clear.
Anna nods, understanding dawning, "Absolutely, yes, I recall when I was here last how long all that processing took. Come with me," she turns to Maggie, "I'll take you to where your stuff is."
"Alright," Maggie eyes her warily. Before she leaves with Anna she stops and turns back to Bianca. "Hey, uhm, Miss Montgomery? I know the way I look is a shock but can you hang out a while? A friend gave me a letter to give to you."
"I'll wait for you." Bianca tells her, eyes dark with several meanings while she watches her go.
Alex looks at them all. "We have some important things to discuss. And hopefully Anna will be able to stall her long enough for me to explain this to you. From my talks with Anna, each of you, in one form or another, love Frankie and are her family. It may be a bit crowded but if you could all come into David's office, Ill tell you what I can."
****************
Everyone listened, and more than one _expression of shock regarded Alex in return.
"So what you're telling us Alex," Erica puts an arm comfortingly around Bianca, "is that she is indeed Frankie but doesn't want to believe she is?"
"Essentially yes," Alex tells them all compassionately, " we're not dealing merely dealing with a simple case of amnesia. I think the fall compounded by the blow to the head and the trauma of her circumstances have caused Frankie to no longer want to be who she was. She's pushed any sense of herself as Frankie deep down into her subconscious, even to the point where she'll reject anything, or anyone, forcing her to see her as Frankie."
Bianca feels like she's loosing her lover all over again, "Where does that leave us? Are we supposed to just pretend she's someone else? She doesn't even know me." She begins to weep tiredly. Erica holds her while Jack lays a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Greenlee looks to Bianca, touches her arm briefly then turns to Alex, "There has to be some way to get her back."
"There may be," Alex nods, "She doesn't want to remember being Frankie because she considers Frankie to be someone horrible, detestable in her view. We have to convince her to want to be herself again, to want to remember her life before. And I think you," she looks to Bianca, "may be the key."
****************************
Anna helps stall Frankie for as long as she can. She sees her wan _expression, the tightness in the young woman's shoulders, "This can't have been easy for you, seeing everyone's reactions at seeing you."
Maggie shrugs, "I feel bad for them. I mean, they lost someone they cared for, you too right? Oh cool! There's my stuff." She eagerly goes to take the bag, coat and guitar from the nurse.
"Do you have any place to stay?" Anna asks, hoping for an opening.
"Nah, I think it's best I just move on, you know? I think coming here was a mistake."
"Well, if you change your mind. We, that is, David and I, have a spare room at the inn we live at. It's very nice. If you want to you can stay there while you sort things out." She hopes and waits, trusting her instincts that to mention they couldn't let go of Frankie's old room would put the woman off.
Maggie hefts her gear, "Hey, that's real nice of you but I don't do charity, and under the circumstances...I don't know. Maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea."
Anna struggles to contain her disappointment, "Well, should you change your mind," She pulls out a business card, "this has my name and work number as well as my cell. You need anything you call, understand?"
Before the younger woman can say no, she pushes the card into her free hand, "Just keep it, think about. You came al this way, it might be wise for you to stick around. Figure things out."
"Okay." Maggie says finally, knowing she wouldn't be able to keep putting her off.
Anna fishes in her pocket, "There's one more thing I want to give you." She hands it over.
Maggie looks at it. "It's a compass?" Something about it draws her, unthinking, she picks it up, staring at it. "It's nifty looking. But why would you want me to have this? It looks like it's an antique or something."
"It was something a young woman gave to me...to remember someone close to us by." Anna smiles bitter-sweetly. "I think the person who gave this to me would want you to have it."
"I dunno," Maggie considers, "It sounds awfully personal."
Anna turns it over for her, "You see him? That's Saint Christopher. He'll help you find your way."
"My way where?"
"Home, where your heart is." Anna answers.
Maggie looks down at it, sees the arrow pointing away from her and looks in it's direction.
"Bianca." She says to the woman standing there.
"Hi...Maggie," Bianca says to her, "is it okay if we talk?"
Chapter: 10h
last time: Magie doesn't want to remember being Frankie, Bianca sets out to change her mind.
setting: The hospital.
"Sure, we can talk now if you want." Maggie says to the beautiful woman with the dark soulful eyes.
Maggie is taken off guard by the sweet smile directed at her, "Great. Would you like to sit with me over here?" Bianca gestures to some of the waiting room chairs.
"I should get back to David. It was...wonderful, to see you both." Anna sincerely tells them, particularly Maggie, before turning to go.
"Uhm, Anna...I just wanted to say thank, you know, for the offer." Maggie calls out to her.
Anna nods, "Consider it an open invitation please. You have my card. Good night."
Alone with Bianca, Maggie starts to fidget, "Ah yeah, so I wanted to give you something." She puts the compass in her pocket and searches through her bag to finally pull out a letter. She shoves it nervously at Bianca, "Here, this is for you."
Puzzled, Bianca takes it. She opens it and pulls out the letter, "Who is it from?" She quickly scans for a name. "Rain!" she exclaims, "You hooked up with Rain?" She looks excitedly at Maggie.
Maggie shrugs, "Yeah, small world huh? I met her shortly after I lost my memory. She let me stay art her place, hooked me up and all that. She’s a great friend. Were you too close?"
"Oh yea, she was my rock when I first came out." Reading the letter she comments, "It sounds like she’s doing really well. I miss her. Hey, maybe once things settle down here you and I can go back there to visit her?"
"That would be cool," Maggie can’t help but respond to Bianca’s honest, heartfelt happiness. "But to be honest, I wasn’t going to stick around here."
Shocked, Bianca gasps, "You’re not staying.? You have to please." At the please, she instinctively put her hand over Maggie’s, clasping it earnestly.
Maggie couldn’t seem to pull herself away from the warm grip, or tear her eyes from the other woman’s. "The nice doc and his wife offered me a room but I don’t do charity. Besides, with me being mistaken as ...your girlfriend, it doesn’t seem like a good idea to stay."
Bianca leans forward, feeling their connection, "I know that you want to be Maggie because you think Frankie wasn’t a good person but what if you’re wrong? You have the same scars, the same looks, the same DNA. Would it really be so awful if this was a miracle? If you were Frankie come back to me?"
Flustered, unsure, Maggie stammers, "You make it sound like a fairy tale."
"With you, it always felt like magic to me. Destiny."
"Look, Bianca-" Maggie began.
"No, please, listen to me for a minute," Bianca pleads. "I know you don’t want to remember who you were. But I swear to you, I love Frankie. I gave her my heart and she gave me mine. Here," she pulls out the silver heart locket Frankie had given her from under her shirt, "Frankie gave me this."
"No way," Maggie breathes, taking it in her hands and opening it, compelled to. She sees the pictures of Bianca and Frankie. "I have one that looks just like this but it’s gold."
Maggie pulls hers out and shows it to Bianca. Bianca nods, "I gave it to you, to Frankie. My father gave it to me before he passed away. It’s a symbol of love, to have with you for when you need reminding that someone does love you." Bianca considers her, a sad smile gracing her elegant features, "It looks like you forgot, so here it is, and here I am to help remind you that you’re loved."
Maggie stares at her, tears burning her eyes, her heart in her throat, a fist squeezing the real heart in her chest. "You love Frankie, not me. But how can you love someone like her?"
"You fight so hard and argue so much that you can’t be Frankie, can’t you consider for one second what it would mean if you were? Consider that you could be Frankie? Be my lost love? Would that be so terrible?"
"Well of course not, being your girlfriend is hardly a hardship I mean, look at you! You’re successful, smart, caring, and beautiful...but that’s just a bonus." Maggie adds, in her overwhelmed state speaking with her heart.
Bianca’s on heart lightens at her words, hearing the same ones that she once spoke to Frankie. More sure of herself, she squeezes the hand in hers gently, eyes glistening, "So why not stay? Either at David and Anna’s or somewhere else in the city? You don’t have to meet Frankie’s family or friends or anything. All I ask is one night with you. And if you’re not convinced that you’re who everyone already knows you to be. You leave and I won’t stand in your way."
"You mean...Are you saying you’d go out on a date with me?"
Bianca’s smile widens and lightens, "In a New York minute."
"Are you crazy?" Maggie asks almost laughing hysterically, her nerves shot.
"I don’t think so."
"You’re a nut!" Maggie tells her plainly.
"Maybe, but if you go out on a date with me, you might find out I’m your nut." Bianca says grinning. Hoping. Praying.
Maggie shakes her head slowly, "What makes you think I’d agree to a date with a woman anyway?"
Bianca takes a breath, "Because you look at me the way Frankie did."
"And the way you’re looking at me now, is that how you looked at her?" Maggie has to ask. She wants everything that look promises, a heart bigger than the world and all the love she’s ever dreamed of and more.
"Yes." Bianca answers.
"Alright, a date. One. And we’ll maybe settle this for all of us." Maggie says, taking the leap and risking her self.
Bianca impulsively hugs her. "Oh thank you! You’ve made me so happy!"
"You deserve to be." Maggie tells her, her heart feeling like it’s breaking and being remade all at the same time but she doesn’t know why.
Chapter: 10i
last time: Maggie doesn't want to remember being Frankie, until Bianca sets out to change her mind. They've agreed to go out on a date.
setting: Pine Valley Inn suite.
************
Maggie was panicking in her room, pacing and tossing clothes this way and that. "What was I thinking? What am I doing? I must be crazy."
A knock at the door.
She steps over her pile of clothes to answer it. Opening it she says, "Bianca, you’re early I’m not-" she stops, seeing it’s Anna.
"Hi," she says a little out of breath. "What can I do for ya?"
Anna smiles bemused at her, "Actually, I was wondering what I could do for you." She steps in past Maggie and her eyes widen at the sight. "My goodness, what happened here?"
Maggie makes a panicky sound and begins her hair pulling again. "I’m getting ready for my date with Bianca and I don’t know what to wear! ‘Casual’ she said but it’s a date and it’s our first one so I mean what does that mean? Casual! I’m in jeans and a shirt. What’s that!?"
She gestures to herself in disgust. Utterly charmed at the sight, Anna says warmly, "I believe it’s just as she said. Casual. You look fine...Maggie. The dark green shirt looks particularly good on you. It’s a good colour for you." She wants to say how this reminds her of when Frankie was getting ready for a formal evening with Bianca, but she doesn’t dare. Still, it warms her.
"Thanks,:" Maggie says self-consciously. "Do you think...well, will Bianca like it? I mean, casual sure but first date, first impressions you know?"
Anna takes her by the shoulders and contemplates her, "I think I understand." she scrutinizes the girl looking panicked and all wound up before her. And earnest too. Frankie was always so earnest in her own way. "I think I know what might help."
"Really? What?"
Anna takes a ring off her finger. She takes Maggie’s hand and slips it on. "This gold ring with the green gem will go nicely with your shirt and eyes, plus it makes you still casual but adds a bit of glamour. And here," she takes the matching small studs out of her ears, "put these one too."
Maggie hesitates, looking at the ring on her finger and the earrings in her hand, "Are you sure? I mean, they look expensive."
"I’m sure they’re safe with you." Anna assures her, "Go ahead put them on and tell me what you think."
Maggie puts the earrings in and looks in the mirror. Anna stands up behind her and places her hands comfortingly on her shoulders, "Well, what do you think Maggie?"
Maggie marvels at the change a small bit of jewellery made. "You’re right. It’s like casual, but dressy."
"Nothing wrong with having a bit of style." Anna smiles. "This is rather fun, I never got to help my daughter Robin with getting ready for dates. Although I hope she wouldn’t be as nervous as you seem to be."
"I’m okay I guess. Just, she’s so nice, I don’t want to disappoint her."
Careful, Anna gives her a light, quick hug . Letting go before the young woman freaks. "You could never disappoint Bianca. And you’re special too."
Maggie gives her a look, "I bet you say that to all the cousin-in-law look-a-like amnesiacs that you meet."
Anna bursts out laughing. "You really can be outrageous. I think it’s one of the things I’ve always liked about you."
Maggie doesn’t correct her by saying Anna doesn’t know her but Frankie. "You’re awfully nice anyway. Thanks Anna."
"My pleasure," Anna smiles, "now would you like a hand with your makeup while I’m here?"
****************************
Bianca paced in her room at Myrtle’s. "What was I thinking? What am I doing? I must be crazy!"
A knock at the door interrupts her antics. She goes over. "Hello? Greenlee?"
Greenlee breezes in, tossing her purse on the bed and surveying the room strewn with clothes, CDs books of poetry and more. "What do I look like? The Easter Bunny? Yes, Greenlee. Almost your sister in law? So what typhoon landed in your bedroom?"
"I have a date with Frankie tonight so I’m trying to get ready." Bianca says breathlessly in one big rush.
"I see." She arches a brow at the younger woman. "But you mean Maggie don’t you?"
Bianca stops what she’s doing and frowns at Greenlee. "She’s Frankie and you know it."
"I know it and every one and there dog knows it, including the papers." She goes to her purse and takes out a folded up paper. She tosses it at Bianca. "It’s all over the papers, all of them. The paparazzi will be all over you guys."
Bianca looks and sees the photo of Frankie and the headlines about her coming back from the dead. She lets it drop to the bed. "It doesn’t matter. I’m not taking her anywhere too public."
"Where you going? With Maggie."
Bianca exhales and counts to ten. Backwards. In French. "She’s Frankie."
Softening her _expression, she puts a hand on Bianca’s arm, "But she doesn’t want to be. Is it right to force her if she’s happy?"
"But she’s not happy. Not the way she was when we were together. And you’re wrong. I saw it in her eyes when we talked at the hospital. Part of her wants to remember, otherwise why come to Pine Valley at all? And the way she looks at me....." tears shine in Bianca’s eyes.
It undoes even the steeled heart of Greenlee who takes her in her arms for an unprecedented hug. "Hey, it’s alright. I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just...I don’t want you getting hurt. You’ve only started to get back a little of your old self and now her being here but not wanting to remember her life...it worries me. For both of you."
Bianca wipes her eyes with the back of her hand. "I know, I know. But I have to try Greenlee. If it was Leo, wouldn’t you do everything in your power to get him back, to help him remember the love you have, that you share?"
Greenlee sighs, "Yes. Of course. And you know I’ll do what I can to help. So where are you taking my crazy sis anyway?"
That gets a laugh out of Bianca. :"You really are incorrigible."
Greenlee smiles impishly, "And that’s why Leo loves me. So, where are you going?"
"The beach."
"It’s not that crowded but it’s still public, aren’t you worried about reporters hassling you?"
"I guess but it has to be there." Bianca states determinedly. "It has to be there to help her remember us."
Greenlee purses her lips thoughtfully. "I’m sure it will be fine. Here, let me look at you." She turns Bianca to face her and looks on approvingly. Jeans and a white plum coloured shirt. "Casual but dressy. Nice. You look good. Now go off on your Sapphic night of lesbian love."
Bianca throws her an amused look but gasps as she glances at the clock. "Oh my gosh! I meant to leave already!"
"Well then you better go and not keep your girl waiting!" Greenlee ushers her out the door. "Have a great time!" She waves after her.
As soon as Bianca is gone, Greenlee pulls out her phone, "Hi, it’s Greenlee. I need a favour."
Chapter: 10j
Recap and last time: After the assumed fatal drop from Miller’s Falls. Frankie, with amnesia and under the mistaken and quite coincidental name of Maggie has returned to Pine Valley a few short months since her presumed death. Afraid to remember who she might be, she nevertheless feels drawn inexorably to Bianca and has agreed to go out on a date with her. Both young woman are nervous but excited.
setting: Pine Valley Inn.
Last time on Alt AMC’s Dichotomy:
Bianca throws Greenlee an amused look but gasps as she glances at the clock. "Oh my gosh! I meant to leave already!"
"Well then you better go and not keep your girl waiting!" Greenlee ushers her out the door. "Have a great time!" She waves after her.
As soon as Bianca is gone, Greenlee pulls out her phone, "Hi, it’s Greenlee. I need a favour."
Now on today’s alt AMC:
Bianca approached the door to Maggie’s room, wiping her palms on her jeans for the umpteenth time. She takes a deep breath and prepares to knock but a sound stops her. She pauses and leans closer to the door to listen better. The soft music of someone playing guitar filters through the door. In wonder, Bianca nudges the door. It wasn’t locked. She gives it a light push to peek inside the room and there, sitting on her bed, is Maggie. A guitar on her lap and she’s playing it softly with her eyes closed.
Trying to be quiet, Bianca steps inside and closes the door behind her. She watches and listens amazed. Reluctant to break the tableau, she pauses before finally saying, "I never knew you could play guitar."
Maggie jumps, startled. She quickly puts the guitar aside and speaks all jumbled in a rushed manner, all flustered. "Uh, Hi, didn’t see you there. Uh, yeah I don’t know if I could play before, well before I lost my memory you know? But a guy who busked back where I would hang with Rain taught me. It helps me to relax."
"Well, it was really nice. Beautiful. Would you maybe play for me sometime?"
Still blushing, Maggie fidgets with her hair and clothes. "Really? Sure, I guess. I mean, if you want. I can’t sing though. It scared away customers." She added with a gin, trying to find her composure.
Bianca still smiles and offers softly, "I’ll sing for you if you want."
Maggie’s eyebrows rise into her hairline, "You can sing?"
Bianca’s eyes twinkle, "Among other things."
"I bet." Maggie eases into the playful mood with a sense of familiarity that makes her tingle.
"You look great." Bianca tells her honestly.
"So do you, casual yet dressy."
"It was the look your sist- I mean, that Greenlee said I should go for."
"Really? Anna helped me." Maggie admitted, noticing but not mentioning the slip about Greenlee.
Bianca holds her arm out, "So, are you ready to go?"
"Ready." Maggie practically bounces over to her, "Where are you taking me anyway?"
" I was thinking the beach would be nice."
Maggie takes her arm and they go out the door. "Sounds sweet. What else have you got planned?"
"Just be prepared for anything."
****************
"Wow, I really wasn’t prepared for this." Maggie jokes to Bianca in Bianca’s car. "What’s with the traffic getting into the beach? It’s kind of off season."
"I don’t know why there’s so many cars." Bianca peers through the windshield past the cars in front of her and the ones passing them going the opposite direction. "But a lot of them seem to be getting turned back. I think I see some police up ahead. Maybe there was an accident?"
"I hope no one was hurt." Maggie says.
After a few more cars in front of them get turned to go back by the police officer giving traffic directions, Maggie and Bianca are pulled aside by one of the officers.
The young man ducks down to the driver window and asks officiously, "May I please see some identification?"
"Certainly officer." Bianca passes over her driver’s licence, "What seems to be the problem?"
"No problem." He reads the name then smiles suddenly, "You’re Bianca Montgomery? And would that be Ms. Stone beside you?"
Not understanding any of this let alone his suddenly happy attitude, both women look at each other confused then back to him. "I’m Maggie."
"That’s great. You two ladies just drive on through straight to the beach. There’s no trouble at all, just a bit of traffic concerns."
Bianca takes back the driver’s licence handed down to her. "Are you sure everything’s okay?"
He tips his hat to them. "Yes, ma’am. Everything’s perfect. Please enjoy your evening at the beach."
They look at each other again. Maggie shrugs and Bianca rolls her window back up and drives off. The officer eagerly takes his radio and speaks into it, "Chief? It’s Keeling here. The package has arrived. Repeat, the package has arrived and you are green to go."
*******************
Anna, leaning against her car up on the ridge says into the radio, "Thank you officer Keeling. I appreciate you boys doing me this favour. Just make sure the road to the beach is cordoned off and you can go home."
<Roger chief. Our pleasure.>
David hands her a coffee from a thermos. "So they’ll be there soon?"
She takes the coffee with one hand and looks through some binoculars with the other. "Yep, they’re pulling into the parking lot now. We’d better give Greenlee a call so they can clear out in time."
David smoothly pulls out his cell phone and speed dials. "You know, it’s a constant surprise to me how love can change people. I would never have thought Greenlee would ask for help to give Bianca and Frankie the perfect night out."
He speaks in the phone, "Hi Leo? They’re one their way. Anna says they’re pulling into the parking lot now so you and Greenlee only have a few minutes to clear out. Okay. Yes. You too. Bye."
He turns to Anna, who has rested her binoculars on the hood of the car. "They’re good to go I believe is the term."
She grins at him, "Well let’s hope Greenlee and Leo do their part and all goes well for Bianca and Frankie. I just say her call did surprise me. And though I realize this is a derelict use of my powers as the Chief of Police I’d do it again in a second. Especially if it brings some happiness to those two girls."
He smoothes some hair from her face lovingly, "Yeah, I guess it would strike close to home for you. You and Alex were separated for a long time before you were reunited."
She nods once. "Granted though, Greenlee and Frankie never had a chance to be as close yet as Alex and I were but maybe now they’ll have that chance if Frankie decides to stay. And I know what it’s like to not know who you are. All those years with my memory gone. And it was terrifying when it started to come back. I was afraid of losing who I was." She glances up at him. "I didn’t though. Instead I became a whole person. Past and present complete."
"And happy?" he asks, eyes gentle.
"And happy." She smiles, "Let’s go home and leave them to their evening. We have our own happy ending to enjoy."
***************************
Bianca and Maggie stroll along the beach side by side. Maggie looks around.
"This is weird. It’s like, dead. Where is everybody."
"I’m not sure." Bianca frowns thoughtfully. "Either way I’m glad. It makes it private y’know? Like our own private beach."
Maggie smiles at the idea. "Our own private beach huh? I like that. You’re right. This is cool."
A sudden growling noise from the vicinity of Maggie stomach startles them both and causes Maggie to blush. "Sorry, I guess I was kind of nervous before and forgot to eat anything earlier."
Bianca chuckles and puts a hand lightly around her shoulders, That’s alright. Your bottomless stomach is safe. I did plan to feed you after a nice walk. But maybe we should go before you keel over from hunger?"
"Funny." Maggie replies dryly but chuckling.
"I am funny. But seriously, if you’re that hungry we can take a stroll around the beach another time."
"No, I’m kind of liking this ‘strolling’ thing. I can hold out." Something ahead of them catches her eye. She peers then points, "What’s up with that?"
They close in on to where she’s pointing and Bianca spies what she saw. Partially hidden around a large boulder is a blanket spread out, candle holders with lit tapered white candles, a bottle in a bucket of ice and a spread of covered food.
"I guess someone else is here. It looks like someone is having a romantic dinner." Bianca speculated.
Maggie’s dark blonde brows knit together as a card comes to her attention. She picks it up.
"Hey," Bianca says coming over to her, "you shouldn’t pick that up it’s not ours. The people who are having this might come back any second!"
Maggie shakes her head and hands the card over to Bianca. "The people are already here."
Bianca checks out the card. "To Bianca and Our Sister and Cousin Otherwise Known as Maggie. Enjoy the meal and the beach. Love from the Lovebirds."
"I don’t believe this." Bianca looks around at the lush display of food and place settings. "Greenlee and Leo did all this? Greenlee didn’t even know I was going here until she came by earlier."
"They’re not the only two who were in on this. I think Anna was the one who made this beach suddenly private...so David would know about it too." Maggie thought out loud, staring at everything in wonder.
"Wow," Bianca kneels down on the blanket as if her knees might suddenly give way, "They did all this for us..."
"You’re not gonna dissolve on me are ya?" she peers at Bianca worriedly.
"No, no , not at all. It’s just. It was so hard when I thought you were...It was just really unexpected and super nice for them. That’s all."
Maggie fidgets a little then takes a place on the blanket. "Well, I mean, they went to all this trouble. I suppose it would be rude if we didn’t take advantage of it."
Bianca can’t help but grin at Maggie trying to fluff things off like it’s no big deal. It was so Frankie. "Yes, you’re right. It would be positively impolite to not dig into all this amazing smelling foods and the..." she pulls the bottle out of the bucket, " apple cider chilled to perfection. Why it would be down right criminal of us to leave this food and this wonderful setting and not eat and enjoy."
Maggie attempts to appear menacing, "Are you making fun of me?"
"Only a little." Bianca says with a sly affectionate smile.
Maggie lets her instincts take over and she grins while reaching for the ice in the bucket. "Well, you"Re gonna pay for that Bianca’la!"
She pounces on Bianca while the other girl shrieks at the ice being unceremoniously dumped down her shirt. Soon both girls are laughing hysterically as try to tickle each other and get ice down each other’s shirts.
From a vantage point much higher up and away, Greenlee looks away from the view in the binoculars. "Dressy but casual my Armani covered tush. They’re acting like a couple of three year olds." She hands the binoculars back over to Anna with a great display of disgust.
Anna took them, smirking. "You don’t need to act so tough...in your lovely designer dress. You’re happy to see them both happy again."
Greenlee sniffs and makes a show of regarding her nails. "Maybe."
Leo leans in and kisses his sweetie. "Come on Greens, you helped orchestrate this whole shindig with Anna. Me and David were barely more than passive observers. I love that you’re shy about you’re soft and sweet side."
Greenlee can’t help but smile, "I am pretty great aren’t I?"
"You are," Leo kisses the top of her nose.
Anna rolls her eyes. David smiles understandingly at her. "Let’s leave them alone and make ourselves scarce. Who knows? Maybe, with a little romance and Bianca’s company, Frankie might come back to us sooner than we could have hoped."
Chapter 10k
last time: Anna cordoned off the beach while Greenlee and Leo set out a romantic dinner there for Bianca and Maggie on their 'first' date.
setting: The beach.
************
Maggie finished the last of her second piece of pie and then flopped down dramatically on the blanket. "I surrender!"
Bianca, amused, looks down at her, "Surrender? You decimated the fried chicken, conquered the french fry forces of evil and then ate the pie into submission." Bianca waves a fork regally, "I pay homage to the victor."
They look at each other before bursting out laughing.
"This has been so cool." Maggie confesses. "Rain won’t believe it."
"You don’t think so? I think she would. Rain always had an optimistic streak a mile wide despite her background. She really helped me when I needed it."
"Yeah, you were saying before...after I won the tickle fight."
Bianca smirks and arches a brow at her, "Oh, *you* won? Is that ‘rematch’ that I hear? She stretches a finger out towards Maggie in mock menace.
Maggie darts away from the finger, "Okay okay! You won. Happy now?"
"Of course, but I am humble in victory and feel no need to gloat."
Maggie chuckles, "You really are funny."
"Thank you. And thank you for telling me all about Rain. It was good to know she’s doing okay." Bianca pauses, glances away unsure.
Maggie sees the hesitation. "What is it?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to ask you something but I realize it’s none of my business."
Maggie sits up and moves closer to her. "It’s okay. Ask me anything Bianca."
Dark eyes find hers. "Have you...were you seeing anyone during the last three months?"
"You mean dating?"
Bianca fidgets, looks down at her hands, "Yeah. I mean, you don’t remember anything before then right? Maybe you’ve met someone..."
"Not that way. There isn’t anyone Bianca."
Bianca meets her eyes again, "But you agreed on a date with me. How did you know you were gay?"
Maggie frowns thoughtfully, "I never really thought about it. I just saw a picture of yo...a woman in the newspaper and thought ‘She’s the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. And has the kindest eyes. I wish I could get to know her.’ And I just kind of...took it for granted after that. You know, that I was maybe into girls, or at least into this one girl. Plus, I would dream." Now she blushed.
Seriously, Bianca asks, "Dream?"
"Ah, yeah, you know, the usual sappy stuff. A faceless person saying nice things." Clearly uncomfortable, Maggie changes the subject. "What about you? You see anyone after...Frankie died?"
"No, God no. I couldn’t even...I can’t imagine. After you- after she -" Tears rose in her eyes and her throat tightened painfully, Bianca couldn’t continue. The pain of those months still very much with her.
Feeling badly, Maggie seeing Bianca upset, she immediately does what comes naturally, she holds her. ‘ "Hey, I’m sorry. My bad. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories for you. I was an idiot to ask that."
Resting her head against Maggie’s chest, listening to a heart beating as fast as her own, Bianca wraps her arms around the other woman. "They aren’t bad memories...Maggie. No at all. When I was with Frankie it was the happiest time in my life. It was only missing her, the thought that I lost her forever. That’s the thing that hurt."
"I’m sorry." Maggie whispers against Bianca’s hair, the dark head tucked under her chin.
"It’s okay." And it was. Almost. Her lover’s arms were around her. It’s all she’s dreamed, all she’s wanted ever since Frankie fell off that cliff that horrible day. "Being with you, like this, helps. More than it hurts."
"I’m hurting you?" Maggie felt tears sting her eyes at the thought.
Bianca raises her head to stare into a confused, turbulent gaze. "No, you don’t hurt me." She caresses the cheek lovingly, "It just hurts that you can’t remember how much I care for you."
"God, Bianca, why? Why do you care for someone like me? I mean Frankie?" And those first words said with such pained confusion, were so like the same question Frankie asked her all those many months, over a year ago, when they first me, that it nearly undid Bianca.
"Because," she smiled gently recalling roughly how she answered Frankie back then. "You’re fun to be with, and funny, and you say it like it is. You’re honest. And smart. And strong. And you’re beautiful, but that’s just a bonus."
Maggie stares at her. The words reverberate through her, particularly the last ones. And suddenly she wasn’t on a picnic blanket with food and candles but still on the beach, and still looking into those same dark eyes. But they were even closer, skin touching skin, Bianca’s lips warm and soft and the sky filled with stars as they made love.
Gasping, Maggie pulls away. She looks around her disoriented.
Bianca immediately goes to her, "Maggie, are you okay?"
Maggie stares at her, unable to say what she saw. Her and Bianca making love. She must really be losing it. "I think I ate too much. I’m not feeling so good." The fear in her voice made it shake. She didn’t know what was happening.
Bianca blew out the candles. "You look really pale. I’m taking you home."
"Home?"
Worried, Bianca puts an arm around Maggie’s shoulders. "Yeah, to your room at the Pine Valley Inn, remember?
Remember? "Okay, sounds good."
They make they’re way off the beach towards Bianca’s car.
******************
In the hallway, approaching Maggie’s door. "How are you feeling?’ Bianca asks her.
Still dazed, Maggie replies. "Better, I think. The drive helped clear my head."
She unlocks the door. The both stand there. Maggie just inside her room, Bianca just outside.
"Thanks," Maggie utters softly, "for tonight."
"My pleasure. I should really be thanking you."
Dark blonde brows knit, "Thank me?"
Bianca nods, unable to hold herself completely in check. "I promised myself I wouldn’t push things. Wouldn’t ask for more. You’re here, and that’s all that counts. But I have to thank you because you came back to me."
With those rushed words, Bianca leans in, hesitates just before their lips touch. Seeing that Maggie wasn’t pulling away, she presses her lips ever so softly against Maggie’s. Tears escape as she feels lips move tentative with hers. Her whole body, her entire being screamed at her to press forward, to take the woman before her in her arms, but she knew she may have already gone too far. Asked for too much. How many miracles can one soul receive? So she draws away.
"You’re my heart. It doesn’t matter what name you want me to call you. You’re my heart Frankie."
Stunned, Maggie closed the door automatically realizing Bianca had fled. Afraid of her reaction maybe. She didn’t know. All she knows is that her lips still tingle from that kiss. All she hears are those words, the same words from the woman in her dreams.
You’re my heart.
The woman in her dreams was Bianca, had always been Bianca. Could only ever be Bianca. Because they were each others’ hearts. She slid down the door. And Frankie remembers. Remembers everything.
Chapter: 10L
last time: 'Maggie' and Bianca just said goodbye after their first date since Maggie returned to Pine Valley. At the last moment, Bianca kissed her and called her Frankie, then fled.
************
Bianca hurries to her car. She fumbles with the keys. A cold, wet drop hits her face, then another, she turns her tear filled eyes upward to see the rain coming down.
She slaps the hood of her car in frustration. "Great. Why does it always have to rain when everything’s going wrong?"
She gets in and slams the door shut. She doesn’t start the engine. Bianca sits there, hands on the wheel staring at nothing.
"Why? Why do I always have to be such an idiot! Everything was going so perfectly and then I had to push things by kissing her. God! She probably hates me now! I might have driven her away and then I’ll never have her back in my life again."
All the months apart, all the time believing Frankie was dead and lost. All the emotions and shock of having her come back only to find she had no memory of Bianca, of anything. All of it came crashing down on Bianca. The fear overwhelmed her. She couldn’t lose Frankie again, but she may have gone too far and done exactly that.
I've been driving for an hour
Just talking to the rain
Said I've been driving crazy
Cause its keeping you away
So just give me one good reason
Tell me why I should stay
Cause I don’t wanna waste another moment
Saying things we were never meant to say
Maggie had been so adamant about not recalling her past. But she had called Bianca Bianca la. Frankie’s nickname for her. And hope, fragile and timid, bloomed in Bianca’s heart. Seeing the woman off at the door, saying goodbye to her, it was too much for the young woman. She had to kiss her, had to express the love and hope in her heart. But she had seen the look of shock in those lovely eyes. And Bianca had called her Frankie. The thing Maggie was the most against. Maggie who didn’t want to be Frankie. Not at all.
And so Bianca had run.
Now she sits in her car, unable to drive. Not because of the rain, but because of the tears in her eyes.
And I
Take it just a little bit
I..
Hold my breath and count to ten I..
I've been waiting for a chance to let you in
If I just breathe
How do you fill the space in between?
Oh no, everything is alright
Breathe
Everything little piece of me
You'll see
Everything is alright
If I just breathe
A knock on her window startles her. She shakily looks up and there’s Maggie, arms around herself, getting wet in the cold.
Hastily, Bianca rolls the window down. They stare at each other, gazes filled with things unsaid, each with their own fears.
Well it's ours, so overrated
Not saying how you feel
So you end up watching chances fade
And wonder in which way
Maggie’s breathing like she ran a marathon. "Tell me again." She stares at Bianca intently.
Confused, afraid of doing the wrong thing, Bianca swallows nervously, "Tell you what?"
"What you said upstairs. I need to hear you say it again." She opens the door. Waiting. Needing. Longing.
And I...
Give you just a little time
I...
Wonder if you realize
I...
I've been waiting till I see it in your eyes
If I just breathe
How do you fill the space between
Oh no, everything is alright
Breathe,
Every little piece of me
You'll see
Everything is alright
If I just breathe Breathe
Bianca peers up at her, hesitantly she confesses. "You’re my heart."
The older woman smiles, and it’s sunshine in the rain. "The other part."
"Other part?" Bianca echoes, frowning.
"Yeah, you know Bianca la, the part that came after."
So I whisper and I'm,
Hoping you hear me
Do you hear me?
Barely daring to hope, barely daring to breathe, Bianca gets up out of the car. She looks at the woman before her as if she hadn’t seen her before and had always known her all at the same time. A trembling hand rises to touch the face she knows and loves, the soul in those eyes, but she hesitates. She asks, her voice shaking, "Frankie?"
Frankie’s smile amazingly widens and brightens. She takes the hand and presses it to her face, and she’s warm. And real. "Yeah, that part."
Without asking, Frankie steps closer until the length of their bodies are only an imperceptible line from touching. Slowly, gazing into Bianca’s dark eyes, she leans in and kisses her. She kisses her as if with each caress she can impart all her love, all her good intentions, all her hopes, dreams, and soul to the woman now in her arms, in the rain. No longer cold.
If I just breathe
How do you fill the space between
Oh no, everything is alright
Breathe,
Every little piece of me
You'll see
Everything is alright
They part naturally, as if they had kissed a hundred times before. Frankie sees her tears in the rain, know she has her own streaking down her cheeks but she can’t stop smiling. She can’t stop this joy feeling like it might burst her apart any second.
She wipes Bianca’s tears tenderly. "My own princess charming. Waking me with a kiss." Her smile fades as she looks up at the one person she loves with her whole being. "You’ve always been my heart Bianca. Even with my head a mess, part of me always knew that and brought me back to you. I love you Bianca. I love you."
The rain continues forgotten as Bianca weeps in Frankie’s arms, happiness undoing her completely as they both find themselves home at last.
Epilogue
Notes and thank yous: Hey everyone. Here's a last little bow for the story I began over two years ago. A fact which still shocks me. What surprised me even more are the number of you who continued to read the story despite its sporadic postings and length. My gosh the overall length! Can you believe I meant this to be a short one shot story originally? Nevertheless, many of you hung in there all the way and were very supportive as well as giving me greatly appreciated advice that helped, I think, improve the story. To all those who took the time to read my flight of fancy that the soap events from over two years ago drove me to, thank you all.
Synopsis: Here's an overall one. Frankie was never killed in November of so long ago in soapdom. She stayed and toughed it out to be with Bianca. There were many bumps along that road. Drug smugglers, car accidents, kidnappings and more until it finally looked like Frankie was actually killed.. but then! She returned with amnesia thinking her name was Maggie yet was drawn to Bianca. When her memory returned during a date with her true love (Bianca) Frankie was at last reunited with the only person who's ever held her heart. Now, here, is the 'morning' after.
*******************************
David, in growing agitation, knocks on Maggie’s door again. He waits, hands on hips, and still there’s no answer.
Anna comes out in jeans and one of his shirts. "What are you doing David? She may have had a late night and still be sleeping."
"It’s one in the afternoon Anna. What if something’s wrong with Frankie? Maggie. Whoever. There could be some residual head trauma the CAT scans and MRI didn’t pick up. She could be in need of medical attention for all we know." He looks at his wife and takes her by the shoulders as an idea hits him. "That’s it! You can pick the lock!"
She gasps at him. "Even for you David this is a little over the top. I am not about to pick the woman’s door. I’m sure she’s fine." Her _expression softens and she rubs his arm. "I know you love her David. I love Frankie too. But we can’t do anything about her memory and thinking she’s someone named Maggie. We just have to hope things worked out well with her and Bianca last night and try to be patient under the circumstances."
He looks at her, ragged and in need of a shave. He glances down and back up at her sheepish. "Am I being that bad? Tell me I haven’t become completely crazy."
She smiles lovingly at him. "No. You’re not crazy. You miss her. And you don’t want to lose her again. I can understand that all too well. I must say this sentimental side of you is very ...endearing."
He smiles at her and takes her in his arms. "You think so?"
"I do."
They kiss. A sound behind them makes them turn. There in a partially opened doorway stands a dishevelled ‘Maggie’. Peering at them sleepily and rubbing her eyes.
"What’s with all the noise already? Geez, is the place burning down?"
"Uh, no Maggie," David offers, "I was just a little concerned."
"That what? The lady with the cart wouldn’t bring us fresh towels? People are trying to sleep in here."
Anna tilts her head at the attitude. Not that Maggie was being nasty, just a little smart mouthed. Not very like Maggie at all. "Well Maggie, we’re sorry if we woke you. But it is the afternoon. You can understand why we might be a little concerned. Did your evening go well last night?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, it went..." A beaming smile replaces the young woman’s yawn, "amazing."
"Amazing?" David regards her with a smile. "Then you had a nice time with Bianca?"
"Nice? You crack me up. It was ," a sly smile cracks her face, "memorable."
Just then, they all three hear Bianca’s voice from inside Maggie’s apartment. "Hey Frankie? Is everything okay? Who’s at the door?"
Frankie’s smile widens. She yells back over her shoulder. "Aw B, ya let the cat outta the bag. It’s David and Anna."
David and Anna glance at each other and then stare, continue to stare at ..." Frankie?"
Frankie almost hops where she stands. "Hi. Long time no see."
It happens so fast not one of them later could say who initiated it but they ended up in a very heartfelt, tearful in the good way, warm laughing hug.
Frankie hugs them back as tightly as they’re hugging her. "I just got my memory back last night. Don’t break me!" She says laughing.
"I can’t believe it." David draws back a little, tears in his eyes. "Is it really you Frankie? You have all your memories back? How did this happen? Are you okay? Any side effects? Headaches?"
"I think what David is trying to say is that we’re glad you’re back." Anna finishes for him.
"Thanks." Frankie scuffs a bare foot along the hall way carpet. "Good to be back. Look, I did want to drop by after we were up and about. You know, thank you both for everything. For sticking by me even when I wasn’t, I dunno, me. Yunno?"
"I think we do." Anna answers, smoothing Frankie’s hair back for her and holding her face while gazing at her fondly. "We’re just so happy, it’s a miracle. But are you sure everything’s fine? David may be right about latent effects. I do have some experience with memory loss too you may recall now."
"I’m fine honest. Good as new. Bianca ...just jogged my head and suddenly everything snapped into place. Afterwards it was like I never left. I still remember being Maggie but it’s more like a dream and now I’m back where I belong."
"You are definitely back where you belong Frankie. You’re family. I hope you never forget that again." David tells her warmly.
"Thanks David, Anna. Actually, you know there is something you could both do to help me with something."
"Anything." David offers almost laughing he’s so relieved and happy. "What is it you need?"
"I need you to help me arrange something..."
The two lean down to listen attentively to what she whispers to them.
*********************************************
A storm in the second smallest diminutive form whirls into the reserved dinning room at the Pine Valley Inn. Her name is Greenlee Dupres.
"What is going on?" She looks around. "We get this weird invitation by phone to attend a special mystery dinner at the Pine Valley Inn and no one’s here. We have no idea who sent the invitation or arranged any of this. I say we leave!"
Leo staggers in after her, panting, bent over, hands on his knees. "But Greenlee, we just got here." He straightens up and looks around, noticing the elaborate dinner ware and chilled champagne and cider in buckets. He takes a bottle out and checks the label. "Expensive stuff. And weren’t you the one who insisted back at the apartment that we should come find out who arranged all this?"
"I changed my mind." She tells him adroitly.
"Aw, Greens," Leo begins.
He never gets to finish his sentence as a storm rolls in the smallest form known as Erica Kane. She immediately spies Greenlee and Leo and walks right up to them, hands on hips. "I might have known you were up to no good Greenlee. What trouble are you trying to cause now with this mysterious supposed dinner party?"
"Me?" Greenlee rounds on the other woman. "You’re just trying to cover up for whatever scheme you’re up to this time! How dare you accuse me of being up to something. I’m as much in the dark as you."
"She’s right." Jack says upon entering, having heard the end of the confrontation. "I just spoke with the manager and he said that the room here was paid for as well as a very lavish dinner for us and four others. He wouldn’t however, tell me who paid for it."
"I did."
All four turn to see David standing with Anna, a smug _expression on his face.
"David," Erica appraises him, "what is going on here?"
His smirk changes to a smile. He walks over and takes her hand in both of his. "Something wonderful Erica. Trust me." He looks past her at the others, nodding a greeting towards them. "For now I have to ask for your patience. This dinner is in honor of someone close to us all. And there is a request for them to first see you, Greenlee."
"I’m not going anywhere without Leo."
"That’s fine." David says soothingly. "Please just follow the maitre’d and they’ll take you."
They all peer at him curiously, some warily, but Leo and Greenlee follow the man assigned out of the room.
"Anna," Erica approaches the other woman, "Do you know what this is all about?"
Anna and David share a glance, smile at each other lovingly and say nothing.
*********************
Leo and Greenlee follow the man through a hall and to an apartment door. They frown at each other. "This is Fr-Maggie’s room." Leo says.
The man knocks on the door and Bianca answers. Her bright eyes light up even more when she sees who’s there. "Thank you for brining them up." She gives the man a tip and steps outside.
"You can go on ahead in Greenlee. I’ll keep Leo company out here."
Greenlee scowls. "I’m not jumping through another hoop until I know exactly what is going on. Is it...is she okay?" Worry takes over her irritation.
"She’s fine." Bianca quickly reassures her. "And she wants to speak to you. Please."
He’s clueless but trusts Bianca. "Go on ahead Greens. If Binkie’s in on it, it can’t be bad."
She looks from one to the other, huffs, and enters the room.
The lighting’s low in a comfortable way. Immediately, she spies Frankie whom she most reluctantly calls Maggie in her presence, standing there, nervous.
"What’s going on?" Greenlee demands not wasting a second.
"Well, Greenlee, Bianca and I stayed up late talking last night and-"
She holds up a hand imperiously, "Spare me the Sapphic details of your date. What do you want? Why am I here?"
"I wanted to thank you," Frankie steps forward, awkward, desperately uncomfortable in this role of gratitude, of being open. "Bianca told me how you helped her keep it together when she thought she lost me. When she did lose me. I mean, I lost myself. But she needed someone and you were the one who made yourself there for her. And I just, wanted to let you know I owe you. I owe you more than I could ever repay for you helping to keep her safe. And I wanted to say, to tell you, that I’m actually glad that I found out you were my sister. Well, half-sister. I don’t know why you did what you did. You know, helping Bianca and all. But I’m grateful. And I’ll never forget what you’ve done for her. For us."
Greenlee peers at her, taken aback at the words and who spoke them. She takes a tentative step forward, then a second, more sure. "Frankie?"
"Yeah?" Frankie can’t help but grin at the look on Greenlee’s face.
The pirate smile seals it. "It’s you. It’s really you."
Before Greenlee knows what she’s doing she’s hugging Frankie long and hard. Frankie returns the embrace just as fiercely. After a moment, it’s as if Greenlee realizes what she’s doing. She pulls back from the other woman and punches her in the arm. Hard.
"Ow! What’s that for?"
"Don’t you ever, and I mean ever die on me again! You got me ?" She glares menacingly at Frankie.
"Gotcha." Frankie readily agrees watching her warily.
Greenlee immediately straightens. "Good. Does Erica know yet?"
"Nu-uh." Still watching Greenlee warily.
The most evil look crosses Greenlee’s face. "Wonderful. You’re going there now to tell her right?"
"Uh, yeah."
"I’m coming with." Her tone brook no argument.
"We were planning on you coming with us after I broke the news, to join us for supper."
"No, this is part of your atonement for worrying me and everyone else sick for months while you were amnesiac girl."
"Wow, and I share genes with you? Man, I’m scared now." Frankie relaxes a little, realizing Greenlee’s just being Greenlee.
"Little sister, you have no idea." Greenlee smirks and heads out to recap with Leo.
Frankie pauses a moment, a soft smile gracing her face. "Huh, ‘sister’. I could get used to that. I suppose."
She follows them out.
**************************
"Jackson, I swear if you give me one more excuse about why I shouldn’t march out of here right now and demand from the manager to know what’s going on-!" Erica stops in her tirade at the sound of the doors opening.
"Oh, Bianca!" Erica rushes over to her daughter and embraces her. "Are you alright? Were you invited here as well? Oh, hello Maggie. How are you?"
"Everything’s fine Mom." She reassures her mother smiling.
"Actually, I’m the reason you’re all here." Frankie puts in apologetically.
"You are?" Jackson asks surprised.
"It is?" Erica looks to her, sees Leo and a smug Greenlee entering the room. "What’s going on?"
Bianca steps away from Erica and throws Frankie a supportive glance, briefly touching her arm as Frankie passes her to stand in front of Erica.
"I asked for David and Anna to help me throw a dinner party. To thank you. All of you." She looks around at everyone. "For everything you’ve done to help me."
She takes a big breath, nervous, she runs a hand through her hair and rocks on the balls of her feet. Shyly, she looks at Erica through dark lashes. "I already spoke with David and Anna. And Greenlee. Bianca of course. I mean Bianca first. You know..."
Bianca squeezes her arm. "You’re babbling sweetie."
"Ah, yeah, sorry." That she didn’t even notice or remark on the endearment used so publicly made all eyebrows rise in the room. She squares her shoulders and raises her head. "Okay. Look Erica. Thank you for hitting me with you car."
"I beg your pardon?" Erica stares at her wondering if she’s gone mad. Perhaps brain damage from the car accident."
"Thank you, very much, for hitting me with your car. If you hadn’t, I would never, ever have met Bianca. I wouldn’t have come in your lives how I did and I don’t know how I would have fit. Or not. If you hadn’t. If things hadn’t gone down the way they had. And it all started with you, me and your car which by the way, you do drive too fast. You should work on that lead foot. Anyway, thanks."
"Maggie, you-" Erica pauses and continues, "you don’t have to thank me for the accident that brought you back into our lives. I’m just glad, relieved, that you came back to my Bianca. Maybe I should change that to our Bianca?" She had noticed the use of the endearment. She still didn’t understand what was going on.
"You wouldn’t mind. Still? After everything. Me being with Bianca?" Frankie asks her, can’t help but ask her.
"Oh. Oh, Maggie, of course I don’t mind. It’s a miracle that you were brought back to us. Everyone in this room cares about you dearly. If you and Bianca are together, I would be happy for you. For my daughter. For the both of you."
Frankie’s eyes darken with emotion, shining with tears she refuses to allow as the emotions build up in her pent up frame. "So then you understand why I had to thank you for that whole car thing. Because it’s what started it all, all the things that ended up turning from bad to good for me."
"Maggie, you were coming into Pine Valley anyway. There’s really no need to thank me for that. I could have accidentally killed you. I should be asking your forgiveness."
Frankie lets out a breath. "I’m not thanking you for that time. I’m thanking you for the first time you hit me with your car. You remember don’t you? You said I must be some kind of Russian acrobat to have faked getting hit by your car." Frankie stares, continues to stare at her waiting for Erica to get her meaning.
"How could you know about that unless..." The older woman’s eyes widen. She takes tentative step closer to the blonde woman before her, a hand to her chest. "Frankie?"
Frankie bites her lower lip to keep it from trembling. The woman before her has been as much a mother to her in some ways as Anna. And Frankie, now knowing her past, feels as strongly as ever that she doesn’t deserve that kindness but she is grateful for it. Bianca has taught her not to run away from this kindness. From love in all its many forms.
"Yes."
Erica takes her in a hug. She showers Frankie with questions as is Jack. She pulls back taking Frankie’s shoulders in her slender hands. "How?" She finally settles on the one driving question.
"Last night." Frankie answers her. She casts a grateful look toward Bianca as the woman who holds her heart, who is her heart, slides a supportive arm around her. "It just. Happened." There was no need to give Bianca’s mother the details.
"Well this is wonderful news! Oh Jack, did you hear?"
"Indeed I did sweetheart." Jackson comes to her side and gently but firmly clasps Frankie’s upper arm before letting go and taking Erica in his arms. "And I couldn’t be more happy."
"Thanks." Frankie looks down bashfully, overwhelmed and embarrassed.
"It’s me who should thank you." Bianca tells her, turning her around to face her. "You came back to me. I can’t ever tell you how much-" She breaks off, choking on her emotions and remembered pain.
"You don’t have to tell me Bianca." Reassuring Bianca strengthens Frankie. It always has. "I know. I would be lost without you and I was. But I’m not now. We’re not now."
Bianca smiles and it’s like the sun coming out after a storm. "And we never will be again."
"Right." Suddenly aware that there is more than just the two of them in the room, Frankie turns to them all, seeing each of their faces. All of them shine with tears of joy. Some let the tears fall unheeded. She regards them, Anna, David, Jackson, Erica, Greenlee, even Leo, and Bianca. It always started and ended with Bianca for Frankie and it always would.
"Everyone." She tells them, standing a little straighter, a little taller, her hand firmly in Bianca’s. "Grab a glass. I want to make a toast. To the people I love, and the ones brave enough to love me back." She looks at Bianca smiling, seeing the gift, the miracle that is there, that is hers. "To family."
"To family!" They all cheer.
Amidst the cheering, Bianca leans in a kisses her lightly, and Frankie knows that she is finally home.
The End
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