Reincarnation
Title: Reincarnation
Author: Fab_fan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Bianca/Frankie
Rating: PGish
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters nor make a profit from this.
Summary: “Do you believe in reincarnation?” Plays off of one of my stories. (hint: it’s one I said I’d never mess with. Clearly I lied. As for which story it is - It begins with an L and ends with a Story.)
“Do you believe in reincarnation?”
Frankie’s brows furrowed at the random question. She glanced up from the gamer magazine she’d swiped from Petey’s room that morning and peered over at the teenager lounging on the bed a few feet away, “What? Like past lives and stuff?”
“Yeah.” Bianca repositioned her back against the headboard, legs stretched out in front of her. Her history textbook laid open in her lap and a pencil balanced in her nimble fingers.
Frankie smirked in amusement, “I knew taking you to see that movie was a bad idea. We totally should have seen the action flick.”
Bianca rolled her eyes but inwardly smiled at the memory of their date the night before, “I’m serious.” They’d gone to some supernatural movie that involved spirits possessing people so they could resolve the issues left unfinished during their lifetime. It was supposed to be filled with romance and drama along with a healthy dose of spookiness. It probably was. She couldn’t be sure. She didn’t exactly see much of it.
“So am I.” Frankie idly flipped to the next page, “We were the only ones in the theater. The entire town went to the action movie.”
A coy eyebrow rose, “Being alone in the theater wasn’t so bad.”
Frankie froze for a moment at the tempting lilt in the brunette’s voice. She swallowed thickly and played it off with a shrug, her cheeks warming, “Not too bad.”
Bianca set the pencil down and pushed her book aside. Taking her time, she crawled across the bed, eyes never leaving their target. She could feel Frankie watching her, soaking in her movements. Her belly clenched tightly as hazel orbs traversed the planes of her face and dipped down to the curves of her chest. On her hands and knees, she shifted slightly, causing the swell of a breast to peek out from the opening in her shirt. Frankie’s eyes widened before quickly darting up to chestnut brown eyes.
Bianca silently giggled at the dazed girl. She looked adorable. Her breath caught at the gleam of desire twisting in the flecks of green and brown. Desire…and adoration. Maybe even…no, she wouldn’t think that. She couldn’t. She knew Frankie cared for her, but to say she felt the same all consuming passion and devotion that Bianca did would only cause trouble. Frankie was more comfortable with their relationship and showing affection. Bianca could feel the changes, could feel the vagabond opening up to her and their bond. But, she wasn’t fully there, and Bianca wasn’t going to lose it all by being too pushy. So, she banished the thought away to the deep recesses of her mind, a little corner where she would return to it once she was alone and in her bedroom. Where she could dream about their future and secretly know that Frankie felt the same about her as she did Frankie.
Frankie tried with all her might to not look away from the other girl’s eyes, and usually it wasn’t difficult to do. The older girl tended to find herself trapped in the swirls of mocha and chocolate. Bianca Montgomery had the most beautiful eyes she ever saw. They revealed so much about the woman they belonged to. All Frankie could do, all she wanted to do, was stare into those eyes and discover everything she could about the person who captured her mind and reached for her soul. It astonished Frankie how open and honest Bianca could be. She truly wore her heart on her sleeve. For most, Frankie would see it as a weakness. Emotions were dangerous. They only caused pain and suffering. But, with Bianca, it was a strength. This woman was strong enough to show the world who she really was. Unafraid. Unencumbered. She looked out at the world and said ‘here I am.’ And when she looked at Frankie…the way her eyes softened and all these emotions that never appeared for anyone else reflected at her, Frankie felt like she was on top of the world. At this very moment, however, Frankie couldn’t concentrate on the gorgeous russet eyes staring at her, holding her in place. With Bianca moving the way she was and the tiny flickers of memory tugging at her mind, teasing her with flashes of kisses in a darkened theater, it was becoming more and more difficult to not fly out of her chair and push Bianca back onto the bed.
Bianca reached the edge of the bed. With aching slowness, she rose to her feet and crossed the short distance to the chair Frankie was sitting in. Her hips swayed hypnotically, and she’d be lying if she said she didn’t put a little extra swish in them.
Not that Frankie minded in the slightest.
The second her body reached Frankie’s, her arms smoothly slid over cotton covered shoulders. The magazine slipped to the ground as she gracefully slid into Frankie’s lap. A heart-melting smile tickled her lips as Frankie’s arms automatically tucked around her waist, wordlessly pulling her closer.
“Hi.” She purred.
“Hi.” Frankie’s mouth formed a soft crooked grin.
Bianca leaned down and pressed their lips together. A shudder went through her at the rush that swept through her veins and converged on her heart.
She felt like she was flying.
Frankie pushed up into her, one of her slightly calloused hands cupping the back of her head as she deepened the kiss. Bianca’s arms tightened, her fingers curving around the back of a sleek neck and tracing the outline of Frankie’s jaw. Their lips broke apart for only a moment before melding back together, hungry with feverish want.
It felt so good.
It felt right.
Bianca tore her mouth from Frankie’s, immediately latching onto the side of her throat. Frankie’s quiet gasp tightened her hold even more. She nipped gently at the unblemished skin, delighting in the subtle taste of amber that danced on her tongue.
“Doll.” Frankie murmured huskily.
It took a minute for the word to register, but when it did, Bianca stopped.
Doll.
Her head jerked back as she sought out Frankie’s face. The hazel eyes were trapped behind closed lashes, keeping her from seeing anything that could give her a sign.
A sign as to why hearing that name caused her chest to tremble with pain.
“Frankie?”
Frankie’s eyes blinked open, hazy with longing, “W-What?”
“What…what did you just say?” her voice shook.
Frankie blinked again, “I didn’t say anything.”
“You…called me doll.”
Frankie frowned in confusion, “Doll? What?” Her hand dropped from the tangled dark locks to Bianca’s hip.
Bianca bit her lip, “You called me doll, Frankie.”
“No, I didn’t.” Frankie frowned harder, “Why would I call you that?” She’d never called Bianca anything close to that. Pet names weren’t really her thing. And Doll was just…who the hell would call anyone doll?
“I swear I heard you say it.” Why did this matter so much?
“Bianca, I didn’t say anything. Why would I ever call you a doll?” Bianca wasn’t a creepy toy. She wasn’t a toy at all, for that matter, or creepy.
Bianca climbed off of Frankie, suddenly needing distance. Her hand came to her chest, pressing against the ache inside. Doll. It sounded so familiar. Which was strange. Frankie never called her anything besides Bianca…except when they first met. Bianca’la. She called her Bianca’la. Nothing close to doll, and that had been only once.
Frankie watched her walk to the other side of the room. The pensive look on her girlfriend’s face made the pit of her stomach churn. She rubbed the side of her face harshly and narrowed her eyes.
Bianca folded her arms over her chest and bent her head. She wracked her brain for a clue as to why this hurt so much. Why that name bothered her.
“Bianca, I swear I didn’t say anything.” Frankie pursed her lips. A tinge of terror gnawed at her. Seeing Bianca react to her like this, move away from her so quickly, it reminded her of when they fought a little while ago. The night she used liquid courage to bring Bianca back and tell her that she really did care about her. That she didn’t want to lose Bianca. That she wanted them to be together because all of this meant something to her. The night she admitted to herself that what was happening between them had nothing at all to do with Vanessa’s stupid plan and everything to do with finally being happy for once in her life. Happy in a way that she never thought possible and which still scared the hell out of her if she thought about it for too long. It was a happiness she wanted to keep, if only for a moment. Steeling herself with a gulp, she clambered to her feet. She started to walk toward Bianca, but her leg had fallen asleep causing her to limp with a muttered curse.
Bianca turned when she felt Frankie move.
Her world came to a screeching halt.
All she could do was watch Frankie limp.
Her mind darted away from reality, her memory careening in with a scream.
She knew this. She remembered this. The image was clear.
Frankie limped, a cane clutched in her hand. Trousers covered her battered leg, held up by suspenders. A dark waistcoat hid the suspenders from sight, blending nicely with the starched white collared shirt.
The haunting image pierced her heart.
The same image she had seen in a dream the first night she met Frankie.
An image she’d seen again the first night they kissed.
Then, just as quickly as it was there, it was gone, evaporating into a wisp of invisible smoke.
“Bianca?” Frankie hesitantly touched her shoulder.
Bianca’s eyelashes fluttered as the world began to rotate once again. “Frankie?”
“Hey, you ok?” the muddled look on Bianca’s face sparked worry in her. “Maybe you should sit down.”
“No, I’m ok.” Bianca shook her head.
“Come on, you look like you just heard your mom likes me or something.” Frankie grasped her elbow and steered her to the bed.
“My mom likes you?” Bianca wasn’t really following the conversation, still baffled by what she’d just seen. It was like a flash. One moment, Frankie, her Frankie, was there, the next she was dressed like it was Halloween or something.
“Yeah Bianca, she secretly adores me. We have tea together and eat cookies while talking about eyeliner while you’re in school.” Frankie deadpanned, trying not to let her worry show. “She always reminds me to stick my pinky out when I lift the cup. I’m so terrible at remembering that.”
“Oh.” That split second vision felt so real. Just like the dreams had felt real when she had them. Bits of words and conversations stuck in her head. Visions of old fashioned cars and horse drawn carriages swerved around her mind. She looked down at her blue jeans and expected to see the skirt of a beaded dress.
“Bianca,” Frankie gently clasped her shoulders, “hey…what’s wrong?”
Bianca’s throat bobbed as she looked at her, “Whistle something for me.”
“What?” she was not expecting that.
“Whistle something.”
“I don’t really whistle.”
Yes, she did. She had to. “Try.”
“What is this?” Frankie let her go, taking a step back.
“I don’t…I don’t know. Please, just whistle something.”
“Like what?”
“A song.”
Frankie eyed her. This was nuts. But, the pleading look in the hypnotic eyes had her pursing her lips and attempting to get out a few notes.
It wasn’t anything spectacular but it wasn’t a complete failure.
Bianca didn’t seem to think so by her slouched shoulders, though.
“Hey, tell me what’s going on.” Frankie stuffed her hands in her back pockets, her own shoulders slouching, “You’re kinda scaring me.”
“Sorry.”
“Just…tell me what’s wrong. What’d I do?”
“You didn’t do anything.”
She somehow didn’t believe her, “Never thought you’d be the one lying.”
“I’m not lying!”
“Coulda fooled me.”
“I’m not!” Bianca got to her feet. “Frankie…” how could she explain this?
Frankie shifted on her feet, not saying a word but not walking away.
Bianca chewed on her bottom lip before asking, “Do you believe in reincarnation?”
Frankie stared at her in disbelief.
“I’m serious.” Bianca inhaled deeply, “I’ve been having these dreams.”
“Dreams.” Frankie’s eyebrow rose.
“Yes, dreams.” Bianca pressed a hand to her forehead, “I don’t know what they mean but…”
“But now you’re acting crazy.” Frankie shook her head and sped over to the desk, grabbing her jacket, “Whatever, Bianca. If you don’t want to…to kiss me or whatever, then just say so. You don’t have to make up some lame story.” She violently pulled her jacket on, “Never thought you’d be the one to do something like that.”
“I’m not!” Bianca rushed over to her, grabbing her hands, “Please.”
Frankie sighed.
“Frankie, please. Just… don’t leave.”
The room went silent.
Frankie stared down at their joined hands.
A minute passed.
Then another.
As the third minute began, the hands in Bianca’s curled into fists.
Frankie chuckled bitterly, a dark wretched sound Bianca had never heard come from the dark blonde’s lips before. A noise that made her skin prickle and her throat close, “I’m not the one who always leaves.”
“What?”
Frankie’s eyes slowly rose to meet Bianca’s.
They were cold as ice.
A wicked smirk darkened Frankie’s face, “Ain’t that right, doll?”
“Frankie?” she released Frankie’s hands and moved back. Something wasn’t right.
Frankie’s eyes flickered to the bed and her smirk grew as her eyes hardened even more, “Need someone to warm your bed for a night?”
“What are you…” Bianca stumbled back. She turned away from Frankie, desperately searching for her coat and purse. Something was really wrong.
A very pronounced limp scuffled behind her and twin hands roughly grabbed her upper arms.
She felt something come over her. Her eyes slammed shut. The world faded away. The edges of what was real blurred. Something shifted inside of her. Her mind twisted like a kaleidoscope. Her belly clenched and her muscles tensed. Every tendon in her body strained.
Her eyes snapped open.
Her body relaxed.
“I thought I told ya to not come back.” whispered intensely in her ear. Apprehension involuntarily wove into the syllables. The hands on Bianca’s arms were firm, but never forceful.
Bianca tilted her head, seeing the dark blonde…Frankie…her once lover out of the corner of her eye, “I could not stay away.” Her voice lowered, “How could I?”
Frankie’s jaw clenched, her face remaining expressionless.
“Opal told me what has happened.” The worry and fear she’d felt ever since she answered the telephone at Cecilia’s griped her once more. The train ride back to Pine Valley was fraught with nerves and anxiousness.
“She don’ know nothing ‘bout this.”
Bianca subtly leaned back into the strong body behind her, “She knows more than you think. She always has.” Opal beseeched her to come home. That Frankie needed her, said her name at her weakest moment. Opal understood her former charge well enough to know what the simple utterance truly meant. There was no need for the cook to even ask, though. Bianca was prepared to buy a train ticket the very second the weight of the situation settled in her mind.
She was prepared to buy the ticket long before now. Her inability to leave Cecilia’s flat for a ship back to France attested to that.
Frankie’s breath was hot against her neck, “Ya need to leave town.”
“If nothing were to have happened, why would I need to leave?”
Frankie didn’t say anything.
Carefully, Bianca turned and cupped Frankie’s face in her hands, “Come with me.”
Frankie’s stony face refused.
Bianca pushed on, “Come with me back to Paris. Be with me.”
“I ain’t one of your Paris floozies who will yap at your heels like a dog ‘cause ya want me to.” Frankie ground out.
“It is over with Adam.” Bianca spoke firmly. Her tone fell as the tip of her finger touched the edge of Frankie’s ear, “I love you.”
Frankie stared at her. A small twitch of her jaw belayed the suppressed emotion.
Bianca swallowed back the tears, “I cannot pretend anymore, Frankie. I simply can’t. I am asking you, please, come with me.” She pressed her forehead to Frankie’s, “It is not safe for you here.” Her hands tenderly touched Frankie’s side, “You were hurt.”
Frankie winced at the pressure against her bandaged wound. A wave of dizziness overtook her brain. Only the affectionate hold of her ex-lover kept her head above water.
“It’s in the newspapers, Frankie. Adam was killed.” Bianca gazed into hazel, “They tried,” she choked, the very idea causing her to shudder, “to kill you.” She forced herself to not imagine the scene Opal refused to describe. The scene that made Tim greet her so sadly and Uncle Jack offer her a glass of brandy when she made it clear she was not leaving town. “They want you dead.” She heard the whispers between Tim and Krystal. How Tim found Frankie bleeding and near death in the stable hiding from the men hunting her. How Opal ordered Jackson to find a doctor to help the injured girl, and how Jackson kept a gun near the door incase someone discovered Frankie’s whereabouts and decided to pay her a visit.
She didn’t know a tear slipped from her eyes until Frankie caught it with her thumb.
Another tear fell, “I am not leaving without you.”
Frankie broke away from her, hobbling to the desk. Leaning her weight against the wood, she faced away from Bianca, “We talked about this.”
Bianca stared at her back. “We can leave on the morning train tomorrow.”
“Damn it, Bianca!” Frankie flattened her palm on the desktop. “I ain’t…”
Her words were cut off as Bianca grasped her, spinning her around and digging her fingers into the fabric of her shirt, “I am not going to let you die. I will not!” She dragged Frankie into her body, their faces centimeters apart. Her voice softened as their breaths mingled, “Why will you not come with me?”
Frankie didn’t say anything. Their eyes locked.
The air stilled.
Then, Frankie slowly closed the gap between them, kissing her ever so gently. Succumbing to the undeniable.
Bianca’s body responded to the touch. Her eyes slid shut as she kissed her back. The feelings she only ever felt with Frankie erupted inside. She was back where only Frankie could take her - amongst the clouds.
She didn’t know they were moving until the backs of her knees hit the corner of the bed. She fell back, taking Frankie with her. When she felt the mattress beneath her, she rolled, pinning Frankie under her. She pressed her mouth harder against Frankie’s, almost desperately.
Her tears continued to fall.
She ended the kiss as a sob built in her chest, crumbling wetly from her lips.
It hurt so much. “We are in love, Frankie. Stop breaking my heart.”
Frankie swallowed roughly, her own eyes shiny with unshed tears. She didn’t speak for a few heartbeats. The first tear broke free, “ ‘s not enough.” She spent years working to be enough, and now it was all slipping away. No matter what she did, she could not have Bianca. She was never meant to.
“It has always been enough! I need you. I need someone I can love.” Bianca wept, “We will leave. Go to Paris or…or anywhere. London. Rome. I do not care. We can get away from all of this.”
Frankie shook her head, “Ain’t tha’ easy.”
“Yes it is. I am not a fool, Frankie.” Her fingers flexed in the bootlegger’s rumpled shirt, “You are not safe here. But, Uncle Jack can help us. We can go far far away where no one will know about any of this.”
“No place tha’ far, doll.” Frankie mumbled sadly.
“Why must you act this way?”
“That’s how it is.”
Bianca grasped Frankie’s chin, “Do not say that.”
“I’m somebody now.”
“You were always somebody.” Bianca cried. “Adam Chandler did not make you.”
The room went silent. Then, “Ya shouldn’ have come back.”
“We are not meant to be apart.”
Frankie smiled sorrowfully, her own disbelieving heartbreak reflecting in her eyes, “Tha’ why you left and never came back? Why ya didn’ write me? Didn’ see ya for ten years, Bianca.”
“I came back.” she palmed the side of Frankie’s face.
The corner of her mouth twisted bitterly, “Ya wanted me after I had what Adam offered.” Pain spilled into her words, “You came back to me cause I got dough, but I never had you. Don’ want a criminal, ain’t that wha’ you said? Don’t wan’ who I am? I’m what you hate.”
“I have always wanted you.” Her voice shook with emotion. “You broke my heart, Frankie. You made me live without you. You did not come with me. You never come with me. You simply let me go. Every time you have let me go. I will not let you do it again. I will not allow you to let me leave. You will not set me free or…or anything else.” An errant tear slid onto her thumb, “I love you. You are my girl.” Her voice barely got past the lump in her throat, “I do not care if you are rich or poor. I have always wanted you. I always will. I am in love with you.” Her hand trembled against Frankie’s face, “You were hurt. These people want to hurt you, Frankie, and I will not sit by while you allow yourself to be killed! You do not have to be this way! Our lives do not have to be this way.”
Frankie swallowed thickly, eyes dropping from Bianca’s.
“I have spent ten years without you. Do not make me spend a lifetime more.”
Before Frankie could respond, a loud thump echoed against the bedroom door. Petey’s voice called out, “Frankie? Are you in there? I can’t find my magazine!”
Bianca jerked back, tumbling off Frankie. A violent shift rattled her mind. A loud roar filled her ears and her vision blurred.
Then, it was gone.
She looked at Frankie to see her staring up at the ceiling. Her puzzled expression mirrored Bianca’s. Bianca glanced around the room baffled. How had they ended up on the bed…together? Hadn’t she just been talking with Frankie and they were both standing?
Petey banged on the door again, “Frankie! Have you seen it? “
Bianca watched Frankie slowly get to her feet and pick up the discarded magazine. She opened the door and handed the magazine to the boy who smiled at her and waved to Bianca.
When the door closed, Frankie glanced at Bianca.
Neither knew what to say.
Next time, they were going to the action movie.