Forgetful Mind
Title: Forgetful Mind
Author: Fabfan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Bianca/Frankie
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters
Summary: Can love truly be forgotten? Takes place around 2003.
Note: Previous Part can be found here
Bianca stared at herself in the mirror. The harsh lights of the hotel room bathroom reflected off the glass. She bit her lip nervously, touching her hair. Her bob length locks had been brushed smooth and pinned up to fully reveal her long sleek neck. She’d changed into a simple black dress her mother insisted she bring in case she decided to attend a fancy cocktail soiree while in the city. Bianca smoothed her hands down the front, the material ending just above her knees. She wasn’t going to a soiree, had even rolled her eyes at her mother’s advice, but she could kiss her mother now with how happy she was that she’d given a useful suggestion Bianca listened to. It was the only thing she’d brought besides her business attire and a relaxing casual pair of jeans and shirt. She needed to dress in better than comfy jeans for dinner with Frankie and her uncle.
Frankie.
She bit her lip as nerves attacked her. Her stomach clenched tightly while thousands of butterflies took flight inside. She was going to have dinner with Frankie. She was going to see her again. It was that thought, and that thought alone, that stopped Bianca from grabbing her when the shorter girl left her in the park. It took so much strength to not hold her close and to let her walk away. Knowing they would see each other again was a small relief that Bianca clung to.
Breathing out loudly, Bianca turned to the side, watching herself in the mirror. Would Frankie like this? Frankie never really saw her in a dress like this. Bianca had only dressed up a handful of times when they were together. Leo’s wedding came to mind first. Bianca smirked. Frankie’s jaw dropped when they first saw each other that day. The charmer had tried to play it off, but Bianca saw it. The appreciation. The desire. Frankie liked what she saw. Bianca wished she had gotten to dress up more for Frankie. Got to see her reaction again and again. Instead of wearing plain old sweatshirts and tops to go get nachos or burgers, she should have taken Frankie to nice places. Treated her.
Frankie didn’t want to go to fancy places, though. Frankie was happy going to BJs or sitting in her room eating pizza and talking. It didn’t have to be anything extravagant, because simply being with each other was special enough. Besides, they didn’t want to get caught by the paparazzi and end up in the Exposer. What they had between them was new and fragile. It was meant to be nourished and allowed to grow before the entire world could get a sniping look at it. Then again, many people took their shots at the couple anyway. And Frankie, Frankie was so unsure at times. She could be confident as hell, but then she could be shy about them being together. Bianca wondered at the time if Frankie simply was ashamed to be with her. Had even asked her that. Frankie wasn’t ashamed of her, though. Bianca didn’t know how unused to love Frankie was. Or that Frankie was falling in love with her when she was meant to be conning her. Her girl did love her. That was the problem. Frankie loved her and wasn’t supposed to, didn’t feel she knew how to. It was that love that made Vanessa…Bianca closed her eyes. No, she was not going to think about Vanessa Cortlandt. Things were different now. Frankie wasn’t gone. She was back, and Bianca had a second chance with her. There was no con, no secret plan to take advantage of someone. It was only her and the woman she loved. A woman who had amnesia. But, that was ok. Bianca would help her remember. They were in love. Their story together would work out.
Bianca opened her eyes and pushed the dim thoughts away, instead willing herself to focus on the upcoming dinner. She wondered what Frankie would wear. Would she be dressed as she had been for their meeting? Frankie wasn’t big on changing outfits, and she hated to dress up. But, it wasn’t like she had a lot of clothes to begin with. Living out of a knapsack was like that. Only a few articles of clothing at most were what she could travel with.
But, Frankie didn’t live out of a knapsack anymore.
And, she didn’t think she was Bianca’s Frankie.
Bianca’s hand dropped to her side sadly. It hurt. It hurt more than words could say. To hear Frankie say she didn’t know her, didn’t love her, was horrible. It was like a nightmare Bianca had so long ago. This was different, though. Frankie didn’t know. She couldn’t remember. That’s why she was being like this. If only she’d let Bianca help her. Bianca was sure she could get Frankie to remember their time together. Remember them.
She shook her head gently. And what a great job she’d done at that so far. Yelling at Frankie, collapsing into her arms crying like some crazy stalker. No wonder Frankie thought she was a nut. And that kiss. Bianca’s hand pressed to her forehead. She never should have kissed her. It was too much. Frankie was skittish at times when they were together, of course she wouldn’t react well to Bianca basically attacking her lips like that.
A small smile tugged at her mouth. It was a fantastic kiss, though. She’d forgotten how it felt to kiss someone she truly loved. It was like the world felt right. She’d felt that again. Felt how amazing it was. Frankie had to have felt it too. She kissed her back! Frankie kissed her back. If she felt nothing, if there was nothing between them, then why did she kiss her back? Why was she so affected by it? And by the little nickname Bianca called her?
It was just like Frankie to pull away when they got so close.
But, Frankie was starting to believe her. Bianca knew it. In the park, Frankie was listening to her, even if it was only a little bit. Contemplating the idea that they were a couple before. It wasn’t anything outright. Frankie definitely didn’t say she believed her. Bianca could see it, though. In her eyes. Hear it in the way she spoke at times. While they sat on that bench and talked, Bianca was certain Frankie was thinking about it.
Then, Bianca had to go and kiss her.
Frankie clammed up after that. Left her standing there alone. This kiss affected Frankie, even if she didn’t say it did. Bianca knew the signs. Just like she knew Frankie’s tendency to cut out when emotions got too much. Frankie was getting better at staying the longer they were together, however, and she always came back no matter what happened.
Bianca sighed. She needed to get a grip. She couldn’t be thinking like this. She couldn’t be thinking about her Frankie, because if she did, the minute she saw her girl again she’d take her in her arms and kiss her.
That wouldn’t help matters.
It certainly wouldn’t help in getting Frankie to trust her.
Bianca stared at herself. She had to take things slow. Get Frankie to trust her. Get her to fall in love with her again. Gosh, this was just like before. It was like they were starting all over again. Bianca found someone she liked and had to get them see how good they were together. She had to be careful. See how much Frankie knew and gently help her remember the rest. She couldn’t chase her away.
So, Bianca would try to play it cool. Keep it friendly. No kissing, no matter how good it felt. She’d get Frankie to open up to her and begin to trust her. They would work together to piece back the puzzle. It would be ok. Frankie would remember who she was and their love for each other.
It would be good.
----------
Bianca stepped out of the cab, smiling at the man holding the door open for her. She walked into the building, murmuring her thanks to the doorman. Once inside, her eyes immediately scanned the lobby. Her gaze tripped over each face.
Frankie wasn’t there.
She knew she was on time. She’d made sure to time it perfectly. Where could Frankie be? She was coming, wasn’t she?
A surge of panic hit her chest.
What if Frankie lied? What if she didn’t come? Sent her on some wild goose chase to get rid of her? No, Frankie wouldn’t do that. She wouldn’t. Frankie might not fully believe her, but she wouldn’t lie to her like that. Not over something this important.
“Ms. Montgomery?” a cheerfully inquisitive voice with a subtle French accent asked from behind her.
Bianca turned around to see a rather average sized man smiling at her. His jet black hair was neatly trimmed and thinning slightly around the temples. His smile was warm and his brown eyes sparkled with intelligence. He was dressed in a crisp pressed suit, the black tailored to his frame.
“Yes?” she forced out a small smile.
“My name is Gregoire Alaine.” He held out his hand.
“Oh! Mr. Alaine.” This was the man who took Frankie in!
“A pleasure to meet you, my dear. I apologize for missing our meeting earlier. No matter what my wife says, the taxis in Paris are far better than the ones in New York.” He softly shook her hand.
“It was ok.” Bianca snuck a peek over his shoulder. Where was Frankie? “Your niece was a nice surprise.”
“That she is.” He chuckled. “I am happy you were able to discuss some business with her. I will, of course, be contacting your mother within the week to find out a few more details.”
“Where…will she be coming?” Bianca cringed inside at how desperate the question sounded. His words bounced around in her head. Her and Frankie didn’t discuss business at all. They were too busy telling the other they were wrong. Frankie hadn’t told him about what happened earlier. He didn’t know she knew Frankie. Why did Frankie keep it private? Because she thought Bianca was crazy, or because she might believe her?
The quartet milling beside them shuffled away, and Alaine winked at Bianca, “Speak of the devil.”
Bianca’s breath caught in her throat. Frankie strolled up to them, still dressed as she had been from earlier. Her shirt was a bit more rumpled and her cheeks were slightly flushed as if she had been walking a long time. Frankie was known to roam when she needed to think. She’d done so after their first failed meeting with Erica and Opal at SOS. Had Frankie been roaming the city thinking about her? Warmth imbued Bianca at the idea Frankie spent the rest of the day with them on her mind. A tender joyful smile spread across Bianca’s face. Frankie still looked so beautiful to her. The younger girl’s body reacted at the sight; heart picking up speed and nerve ends tingling. She refused to show how excited Frankie made her, though. Take it slow. Don’t scare her away. Let her come to you. Be patient.
Frankie glanced briefly at Bianca before turning her head toward the man, “Are we ready?”
“My niece, always the epitome of delicate manners.” Alaine joked, tilting his head toward Bianca.
Bianca watched Frankie silently sigh, “Hello, Bianca.”
“Hi, Frankie. How are you?” she worked to keep her voice pleasant and easy. Forced down the huge grin threatening to take over her face.
“Good.” Frankie swiftly stepped around her uncle, an almost awkward coldness to her movement, “I’ll check in with the host.”
Bianca watched her step up to the suited man with the nametag. Alaine cleared his throat and gestured, “Shall we?”
Bianca nodded and began to walk, Alaine right behind her. When they reached Frankie, the host was already walking toward the dining room, menus in hand. The trio followed him in. Bianca took in the room as they walked through. It was elegant, with people sipping on champagne and chatting quietly over gorgeous plates of food. A quick conversation with the concierge earlier revealed this was one of the best French restaurants in the city. Four stars and always busy. Not necessarily the type of place she usually went to with Frankie, but then again, this was not a date. When they reached the table, the man pulled out one of the cushioned chairs. Frankie ignored him and took her own seat, leaving Bianca to take the offered chair. She sat down, smiling her thanks as the man handed her the menu. When he walked away, Alaine quickly waved down a server.
“A bottle of the Meursault, please.” He ordered before peering at Bianca, “Forgive me, but I have not succumbed to believing the United States has achieved as good of wine as France.”
Bianca nodded. She didn’t know all that much about the subject, to be honest. While she was a college student, she didn’t exactly drink all that much. Not to mention she wasn’t even old enough to. After the incident with the champagne during Frankie and Maggie’s birthday the first year, she’d only had a few sips here and there. Her chest squeezed as she recalled the birthday, and her eyes ticked over to Frankie. The girl was studying the menu, seemingly not paying attention to the other two. Bianca wordlessly wished she would say something.
“Well, shall we see what the menu has to offer?” Alaine held up his menu.
“Yes. Of course.” Bianca picked hers up as well. She quickly looked over the offerings, but didn’t really read them. Instead, her mind went back to Frankie. She was so close, but she felt so far away. Bianca wanted to feel those hazel orbs looking at her. Wanted Frankie to talk to her. Touch her hand. Anything. Acknowledge she was there.
She was acting as if they hadn’t even seen each other earlier.
Or like she needed to keep her distance.
Bianca swallowed thickly. It would be like Frankie to pull away when things got scary. The vagabond had been getting better at it as their time together grew, but she still would hold herself back. Bianca worked so hard to get Frankie to see she could be with her completely. Trust her. Open up to her. Maybe if Frankie had trusted her…no, she was not going to think like that. She’d done that enough times after Frankie’s death; she couldn’t do it any longer. Frankie was sitting beside her alive.
And ignoring her.
Had she scared Frankie away already? Did she already ruin her chance before it’d truly begun?
“Ms. Montgomery,” Alaine set his menu aside.
“Bianca, please.”
“You must call me Greg, then. Everyone does. Even my silent niece.”
Frankie’s eyes ticked up with a scowl at her uncle.
Bianca smiled at Greg, “Thank you for inviting me to dinner, Greg.”
“Thank you for joining us. Have you been here before?”
She shook her head no.
“Ah, splendid. This is one of my favorite restaurants in New York. I enjoy bringing new people here as much as I can.” He laughed, “I remember the first time I came here with my wife. We had such a wonderful time. The food was excellent, the wine wonderful.” His eyes danced as he spoke of his family.
Bianca noticed, and it touched her heart. It was clear this man cared for his wife, “Will she be coming, too?”
“Lucie? No, she is stuck in Paris. Work. Busy with making the whole of France dress better than anywhere else.”
“What does she do?”
“She works for a lovely boutique. She dresses the elite of Paris.” The man’s smile grew as the bottle of wine arrived. He nodded his approval after tasting it, and the server walked around, pouring all three of them a glass. “Have a taste, Bianca.”
Bianca carefully picked up the glass. She peeked at Frankie to see the other girl watching her out of the corner of her eye. Blushing, Bianca boldly raised the glass to her lips and took a hearty swallow. The white wine smoothly went down her throat, soothing her, encouraging her. It was delicious.
“Wonderful, no?” Greg took his own sip.
“What do you think, Frankie?” Bianca asked.
Frankie traced the edge of the bottom of her glass, her finger stilling as Bianca addressed her, “It’s fine.”
Bianca sighed. It was obvious. Frankie was giving her the cold shoulder.
“That’s all you have to say?” Greg clicked his tongue. “You’ve been spending too much time with your schoolmates.” He turned to Bianca, “My wife and I have been teaching her an appreciation for wine, but ever since she’s gone off to school, she’s been finding an unfounded infatuation for cocktails and beer.”
So that’s where Frankie’s new penchant for liquor came from, “Where do you go to school?”
Frankie’s eyes remained on her glass, “King’s College. London.”
“Oh wow! That’s wonderful, Frankie!” happiness filled her. She always knew Frankie was smart and would make something of herself. “I’m so proud of you.” She beamed. This was awesome. No one else had believed in Frankie, but Bianca always did.
Frankie shifted awkwardly in her seat, the tips of her ears turning a light shade of pink, “Thanks.”
“What are you studying? Shakespeare?”
“English Language and Literature.”
“That sounds really cool.” It sounded like something Frankie would like. Frankie liked words. She liked poetry. And studying in England! That was perfect for Shakespeare.
And also really far away.
Frankie lived in London?
A cold chill swept down her body. Frankie lived an entire ocean away from her. She had a life there, and while hearing that made Bianca’s breath hitch, she also couldn’t help but feel happy for Frankie. Her head filled with questions. Did Frankie like her classes? What did she do for fun? What were her friends like?
Frankie nodded. She pressed her lips together, not saying anything else.
“Her family is very proud of her,” Greg jumped in before the lull could settle. “That’s her aunt’s alma mater. She was extremely pleased when Frankie was accepted.”
“Do you live in London all the time?” Bianca watched her old girlfriend.
Frankie unconsciously touched her necklace, playing with the chain. The familiar act sent a shot of pain and love through Bianca. How many times had she watched her Frankie fiddle with a necklace? “Only for school. I go home when classes aren’t in session.”
“Where’s that?”
“Paris.” Frankie took a sip of her wine.
“Paris? Really? That must be so cool.” Bianca could sense Frankie was uncomfortable. She wanted to help her relax. She simply wanted Frankie to talk to her. “I’ve always wanted to go there. Where do you live in Paris?”
“Le Marais.” Frankie replied.
“Do you like it there?”
“It’s where my family lives.” Her answer came out a bit coldly.
Bianca flinched slightly at the tone, but shook it off. Patience.
“Frankie.” Greg spoke up softly.
Bianca shot Frankie a grin. Frankie was just reacting. It was fine. Familiar. “I study business at Pine Valley University. I’m helping my mom with Enchantment, too. Like how you’re helping your family with your investments. I wouldn’t mind going to school in London or Paris, though. I think that would be fun.”
She watched Frankie’s face closely. There was no recognition when she mentioned Pine Valley. Not even a flicker. Her heart sank a little, but she didn’t let it deter her. She had to keep telling herself that Frankie didn’t remember. She would, though.
Gosh, it felt so good just to talk to her. Even if Frankie’s replies were short and slightly different from what Bianca expected. She’d missed this. Missed Frankie.
“It can be.” Frankie spoke as the server returned to take their food orders.
Before Bianca could even worry about not having read the menu, Greg ordered a list of dishes. Taking the opportunity, Bianca leaned toward Frankie, “Frankie?”
Frankie didn’t say anything. She didn’t even look at her. Her eyes were firmly rooted on the glass.
“Please.” She whispered softly, “I’m sorry about earlier. Can we talk?”
Frankie didn’t speak. But Bianca saw the way the tendons in her neck flexed and her fingertips slipped across the base of the glass. Frankie wasn’t immune to what was happening. She was fighting to keep up a cold front, but it was cracking. Bianca pursed her lips. Frankie used to be able to conjure up impenetrable walls that Bianca could only scale over at the beginning with brash actions. As they grew closer, she no longer had to climb mountains. Frankie opened up to her when it was only them, quiet and intimate. It was strange. The barrier Frankie was projecting right now was weak, weaker than any she’d ever held up before when they were together in Pine Valley. It was like Frankie was struggling to close herself off completely. Like she couldn’t.
Bianca prayed it was because she knew deep down Bianca was someone she could trust. That Bianca loved her.
A sickening feeling, though, slowly ate at that hope and pointed out how the tough street kid wasn’t so tough anymore. The street-borne element had roughly vanished.
The server walked away, and Greg faced the women, “You should visit Paris, Bianca. It is a great city. You would enjoy it.”
“I’m sure I would.” She took a deep breath and plunged forward. If these walls were crumbling, she was going to vault over them as they fell, “Maybe Frankie could give me a tour when I’m there.” She faced Frankie, “I think you could show me a good time.”
Frankie’s eyes snapped up to hers. Bianca met the startled stare unflinchingly.
“What do you think, Frankie? Can you show a girl around Paris?” she forged on. Sometimes patience was the answer with Frankie, and sometimes it wasn’t. All patience was getting her was silence. Maybe a little nudge would help. Something had to.
Frankie sat up a bit straighter in her seat, not blind to the challenging undercurrent. “That depends. Paris is more than people think it is. Different. Some can’t accept Paris for what it is, wishing instead it were what they thought it was.”
Her girl always accepted a challenge, and she certainly could still fight back, “Paris might just be what I believe it is. We’ll never know until we look.”
“And what is it you think you’ll see?”
“Love.” She held Frankie’s gaze.
Hazel and brown collided and intertwined.
The air crackled with stunning electricity yet was as still as the crisp surface of an untouched pond.
Bianca felt anticipation scorch her soul. Determination and confidence in the truth of her feelings and beliefs surged in her veins.
Frankie leaned away from her, severing the connection. “A mistake. The city of love is nothing more than a city.” She picked up her wine and moved her attention to the surrounding patrons.
A lump formed in Bianca’s throat. A choking lump that brought the sting of tears to the edges of her eyes. “Excuse me.” She quickly stood up, briskly walking away from the table. She sniffed and blinked furiously. She wasn’t going to cry. There was no reason to cry. She’d pushed and Frankie pushed back. It hurt. It hurt so much. What was wrong with her? She knew she shouldn’t push Frankie. Not so soon after kissing her. She had to take it slow. But, how could she take it slow when her former lover was right there, alive and well? When she was so close that Bianca could touch her, hold her, embrace her. Frankie sometimes needed a push when they were together. A nudge to show her that it was ok to be in love. This Frankie brushed her off like an annoying stranger, though.
She stalked to the edge of the dining room, facing away and fighting to compose herself. She must look like a fool. Running off because of some stupid comment. Didn’t Frankie understand what her words meant? Of course she did. That’s why she said them. She didn’t believe Bianca. Didn’t believe that she was Bianca’s love. That they’d been together. Frankie was refusing to even listen to her! And her life…it sounded so perfect for Frankie. London and Paris. Studying at a prestigious school. Living with a family that clearly cared for her. Her girl was doing great. It made Bianca’s heart feel like it could burst with happiness knowing that Frankie was finally making it. She wasn’t stuck in the streets anymore.
Bianca would give anything to be a part of it.
She still loved Frankie. Never stopped. Not when she had a crush on Maggie. The crush her mom pointed out was most likely Bianca trying to transfer her feelings to Frankie’s look-a-like. Not during her fling with Lena. Lena. The Polish woman was intelligent, sophisticated, worldly. She made Bianca feel like an adult. She flirted and kissed her. Bianca liked it.
But Lena wasn’t Frankie.
Her heart knew it. Her body knew it.
Love didn’t end. It didn’t stop.
How could it when her love was steps away?
But her love didn’t know. Frankie had amnesia. She didn’t remember anything. All she knew was her life with the Alaines. A happy life without Pine Valley or Bianca. As far as Frankie knew, all Bianca said could be lies and stories. She had no reason to trust Bianca. To Frankie, they’d only met that afternoon.
But, Frankie had to have a clue. Some sense that she knew Bianca. Her Frankie wasn’t totally gone. She still fiddled with her necklace when nervous or thinking. She still didn’t back down. She also was sitting in an expensive high class restaurant with a man she saw as her uncle wearing designer clothing and sipping French wine.
Bianca still loved her.
It was dormant for so long after that terrible autumn day. Slowly, Bianca pushed the emotions down until she could go through the days without missing the vagabond so much it physically ached. For months afterward, Bianca hurt. Even when the ache subsided, the phantom memories remained. She didn’t stop loving Frankie. How could she? Not after all they shared. Not with how intense the love in her heart continued to be. She tried to start something with Maggie. Told herself she was falling for her and that it had nothing to do with wanting Frankie back. Tried to lose herself in Lena. Bianca was a fun young college co-ed. She could flirt with women and go out on dates. There was nothing holding her back. Nothing at all. Except the emotions that existed down where she’d pushed them. And, Frankie loved her back. Told her so. She could still hear the confession in her mind. It was the last time they talked before Frankie was shot. What they had meant the world to Frankie. It was everything to her. Frankie never knew how good love could be until Bianca. The older girl told her so. In the letter she wrote right before she died. All Frankie wanted was to be with Bianca.
All either wanted was to be together.
Bianca took a fortifying breath. She had to remain strong. It wasn’t easy winning Frankie over the first time, it wasn’t going to be easy the second time. It would take work. But, it was worth it.
Wiping under her eyes for any stray wetness, she spun and made her way back to the table. As she approached, she saw Greg leaned toward Frankie, a mixture of disappointment and care on his face.
“Frankie, we didn’t teach you to act so woefully towards someone. Bianca is a nice girl.” He sighed, “I know you get shy around other girls but…”
“I’m not shy.” Frankie rubbed the back of her neck, “I just haven’t found anyone interesting.”
“None of the girls who ask about you are interesting, ma petite?”
Frankie shrugged, “Not enough for Jean Georges.”
He patted her shoulder, “You know your aunt would love it if you finally brought someone home for her to take shopping. Until then, remember, this is only a business dinner, though Bianca has been very friendly to you.”
Frankie smirked contemplatively, “Yeah.”
Bianca pretended like she’d just arrived when Greg looked up, “Ah, Bianca. Is everything alright?”
“Yes, sorry.” She sat down, “I needed to use the restroom.” She glanced at Frankie. Frankie didn’t have a girlfriend? She knew Frankie could be shy. It was endearingly cute when the boldness melted away to reveal the romantic girl underneath who stumbled over her words and trembled as Bianca undressed her.
Frankie wasn’t dating anyone. Bianca frowned. It sounded like she hadn’t seen anyone seriously at all. That should make Bianca happy. Ecstatic. But something tickled the corner of her brain.
“So…so you know some stuff about me. So what? You probably got it from an ex-girlfriend.”
Bianca gasped.
“Bianca?” Greg tilted his head.
She ignored him. Frankie lied. Frankie didn’t have an ex-girlfriend. Why would she say that, then?
Was she lying about other things?
“Bianca.” Frankie’s voice broke through her thoughts.
Bianca blinked. Frankie was staring at her, hand resting on the table half way toward her.
Did Frankie really not remember anything? Or was it all a lie?
“You do not look well.” Greg spoke gently. “Are you alright?”
Bianca shook her head. No, she wasn’t alright. Frankie lied to her. After Bianca broke down in her arms, pleading with her to believe that they were in love, asking Frankie to remember, Frankie lied to her.
Frankie was always lying to her.
“I don’t feel well. I’m sorry. I…I need to go.” Bianca stood up shakily.
“Of course.” Greg stood, “I am sorry you do not feel well.”
Bianca took a staggered step away from the table. How could Frankie lie to her? How could this be happening again? Was everything a lie?
“Careful.” Greg lightly grasped her arm, steadying her. “Frankie, escort her home.”
“No…” Bianca began, but he cut her off.
“You are not well. Frankie will make sure you get home ok.”
Frankie stepped up beside Bianca, “Come on.” She cautiously placed her hand on Bianca’s back, leading her toward the exit. Bianca looked at her, confusion and disgust rolling in her belly even while her body sparked at the touch. Frankie kept lying to her. Lie after lie after lie. Why did every girl she date lie to her?
Why was the girl she loved more than anything lying to her? Still?
Did she actually remember their time together? Was her acting that good? That she’d make Bianca believe in amnesia. Was she playing the Alaines? Bianca’s heart cried out that it wasn’t true. Frankie wasn’t lying. She wasn’t conning anyone.
But the truth was right there. Smacking her in the face with its hard reality.
They stepped outside, and were quickly ushered into a waiting cab.
“Where are you staying?” Frankie asked.
“Westin, Times Square.” Bianca mumbled.
Frankie relayed the location to the driver and sat back, putting a bit of distance between herself and Bianca as the car swerved into traffic. The air was tense, neither saying a word. Bianca didn’t know what to think. What to say.
What to do.
Within what seemed like minutes, the car stopped and a uniformed valet opened the door. Bianca slowly slid out of the car, mind hazy toward her actions. She needed to get to her room. Needed to think about this, understand.
Needed the pain to stop.
Stepping through the lobby and to the bank of elevators, she felt a presence behind her. In the shiny metal of the doors, she saw her follower’s reflection.
Frankie was behind her.
The elevator doors opened, and Bianca entered. Frankie wordlessly followed, not looking at her as Bianca blindly punched the button for her floor. No one spoke as the elevator rose or when the doors opened. Frankie followed Bianca down the hall and to the numbered door. Bianca fumbled with the keycard, nearly dropping it before unlocking the door and opening it. She flicked on the lights and tripped inside, tossing her purse and the key onto the bed.
Turning to face Frankie, she sucked in a lungful of air. Frankie was staring at her, the thin emotional walls doing nothing to hide her thoughts. Bianca could sense them, see them. Frankie was either failing at hiding them or not even trying. Bianca wasn’t sure which was right. All she knew was that Frankie was fighting for words. She moved toward the older woman, one measured step, then another. Frankie was there, in her room, and she wanted to shake her. Make her confess to what was real and what was fake. Throw her on the bed and kiss her until the ache receded and all she felt was love. Pure all-consuming love. She wanted to hold Frankie and whisper how much her heart yearned for her.
She wanted Frankie to take her in her arms and end all this confusion.
She wanted Frankie to love her.
Jaw firmly locked, Frankie’s voice echoed clearly in the hotel room, “This con has gone on long enough.”
Bianca’s eyes widened and her heart plummeted. Pain roared in her chest, knocking her back a step with its cruel vicious force.
Con.
It was all a con.
No. God no. Please. It wasn’t. It couldn’t be.
She wanted to scream. Cry. Beg Frankie to say it was a joke.
Her hands shook. She felt like she couldn’t breathe. Frankie was sent to Pine Valley to con her. She’d done it. She made Bianca love her. Bianca still loved her. It was all an evil plan. A con. A game. Everything. No, it couldn’t be. Not everything. Frankie loved her. Frankie wasn’t faking that. Bianca would have known. They laid in each other’s arms! Frankie opened up to her and let her in! Frankie told her things no one else knew, not even her twin sister Maggie.
Frankie crossed her arms, defiance flowing off her, “Whatever your game is, it’s done. No more stories or acting like you’re ill for sympathy. I’ve had enough of it. Stop playing my uncle, and stop trying to get me to buy into your ruse.”
What?
Bianca laughed hollowly, “A game?”
Frankie nodded, “Whatever business Alaine Investments has with Enchantment, you’re not a part of it. Stay away. Don’t come anywhere near my family or our business. I’ll make sure you don’t.”
Bianca wanted to cry, “Gosh, I could hate you sometimes.”
Frankie tightened her folded arms.
“You…you think I’m the one pulling a con?” Bianca half laughed half sobbed. Frankie, the ultimate con artist, was accusing her of conning. She felt like she was having a breakdown, being pulled every which way until her mind exploded. Her entire frame shook with emotion. Confusion. Sadness. Grief. Anger. Hope. Love. “You’re the one lying.”
“I’m lying?”
“Yes. You’re lying, Frankie.”
Frankie scoffed mockingly, “Of course. I can’t get anything past you. You always know when I’m lying, don’t you? You must know. Since we had such a stunningly memorable relationship. Being in love and all. Yes, how could you not know, since we dated?”
Bianca waved a shaking hand at her, “You’re lying to me. You know I’m telling the truth.” Her eyes rose to the ceiling, “You are so stubborn and frustrating.” It hurt to hear Frankie jeering their relationship. Why couldn’t Frankie give in for once without a fight?
“I know you’re trying to feed me some story because I can’t remember everything. It’s not going to work. Not even throwing yourself at me will.”
“I could never talk to you when you got like this.”
“Like what?”
“When you tried to deflect and hurt me to cover up how you actually feel.” Bianca stormed up to her, “I know you, and you know me. We were together. I’m not lying. It’s not a game. I know I shouldn’t have kissed you. It was too soon. I hadn’t seen you in so long…and I wanted you. I’m sorry about that, but don’t act like you didn’t kiss me back or that you didn’t feel anything because you did feel something, Frankie. You felt it.” She glared at her, “And you’ve been lying to me.”
Frankie unfolded her arms, “I’m not the one telling stories.”
“What about all those ex-girlfriends I’m supposed to be getting information from?”
Frankie froze. A shade of color teased her cheeks and ears.
“So shy you can’t even talk to a girl, yet you act like you’ve been with so many girls one of them would randomly tell me all about you.” She was angry. She was upset. Yet, part of her hated saying this to Frankie’s face. Hated calling her out on something so personal. It was obvious Frankie felt humiliated.
“You don’t know...” Frankie cut herself off with a slight growl. She stepped back, clearing her throat, “Just stay away from my family.”
“Run! Run away!” Bianca called out “That’s what you always do when it gets too much. You never stay and talk with me. Never let me help you, understand you.”
“There’s nothing to help or understand!” Frankie shot back.
“Fine. You want to leave? Then go. But, I love you. I love you, Frankie. I love you so much sometimes I can’t even believe it.” Tears coated her cheeks, “When I thought I lost you, I wanted to tell you that. I wanted to tell you how much I love you. I wanted you to always know that there was someone out there who gave a damn about you. So, I’m telling you now. I love you.”
“I’m not her! I’m not who you want me to be.” Frankie stabbed her finger at her.
“Yes, you are.”
“How do you know? Do you have any proof? Evidence?”
Bianca clenched her jaw. No, she didn’t. She didn’t have a photo of Frankie she could carry around with her. That’s what Frankie wanted. “I can tell you things no one else knows.”
Frankie looked like a shark that smelt blood, “You don’t have any actual evidence, though. Nothing substantial. Show me a picture of us together. Oh wait…I have a supposed twin sister. Might be her. Or might be my second cousin, bet that person looks like me too. How about video? Nothing? No proof at all that I’m this person you think I am.” She turned and went to the door, “Stay away from me and my family.”
Bianca couldn’t let her leave. Dread tore at her. If Frankie left now, she might never see her again, “I have a letter.”
Frankie paused, hand on the knob.
“You wrote me a letter. You told me you loved me.” Just thinking about it made her want to cry again.
“And you have this letter?”
“Not with me. I can get it.”
Frankie shook her head, “I’m not falling for that.”
“It’s not a trick.”
“This whole day has been a trick.”
Growing desperate, Bianca walked up to her. She tenderly touched the back of Frankie’s shoulder, “Can you tell me everything has been a trick? You haven’t been curious?” Her voice softened, “That you really feel nothing at all? Even when we kissed? When our hands touched?” She felt Frankie’s turmoil beneath her palm. “I’m confused, Frankie. I don’t know what’s happening or why. All I know is you. I’m not joking or lying. I would never do that to you. I…I don’t want to push you. I won’t force you. I just want to spend time with you. Please, don’t disappear.”
Bianca held her breath.
Please, don’t disappear.
Taut muscles twitched against her hand. Without thinking, Bianca pressed the pad of her thumb into the shoulder blade, massaging the tenseness. She listened to Frankie’s even breathing. Could picture her face, eyebrows slanting together and eyes narrowed in thought. It was the face Frankie always made when she was concentrating. What was Frankie thinking? Was she going to leave? God, she couldn’t leave. Not like this.
“Only my aunt and uncle know about the windows.”
Huh? “What?” What was she talking about?
Frankie slowly turned around, Bianca’s hand dropping from her shoulder. The marble fingertips hovered near Frankie’s wrist, wanting to touch but afraid of going too far. It felt like she was standing on the edge of a cliff. One wrong move and it would all come tumbling down.
“That I can’t sleep unless the windows are open. Only my aunt and uncle know I do that.” The thin invisible barriers were up, but were see through to Bianca. Frankie’s hands restlessly dove into her pockets, eyes darting away from Bianca’s.
Air rushed out of Bianca’s lungs. Frankie had to sleep with the windows open, or else she felt cooped up. It was because she was so used to sleeping outside. Did this mean that Frankie believed her? “Frankie?”
Frankie hesitantly let her eyes wander back to Bianca’s. Bianca bit back a gasp at the chaotic hazel, “I don’t know you, but I don’t know how you would know about that.”
Bianca curled her fingers around Frankie’s wrist, “I can explain so much, Frankie, if you’d let me.”
The room grew silent.
No one spoke.
Bianca held her breath, wanting to pray for Frankie to give in but afraid that if she did so, she might miss the answer to her request.
“We missed dinner.”
The air came rushing out of her, “I can order room service.”
Frankie flexed her jaw, “This doesn’t mean I believe you.”
“That’s ok,” Bianca smiled in relief, “I just want to talk.” All she wanted was that chance.
Frankie nodded, “Let’s see what they have.”
Author: Fabfan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Bianca/Frankie
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters
Summary: Can love truly be forgotten? Takes place around 2003.
Note: Previous Part can be found here
Bianca stared at herself in the mirror. The harsh lights of the hotel room bathroom reflected off the glass. She bit her lip nervously, touching her hair. Her bob length locks had been brushed smooth and pinned up to fully reveal her long sleek neck. She’d changed into a simple black dress her mother insisted she bring in case she decided to attend a fancy cocktail soiree while in the city. Bianca smoothed her hands down the front, the material ending just above her knees. She wasn’t going to a soiree, had even rolled her eyes at her mother’s advice, but she could kiss her mother now with how happy she was that she’d given a useful suggestion Bianca listened to. It was the only thing she’d brought besides her business attire and a relaxing casual pair of jeans and shirt. She needed to dress in better than comfy jeans for dinner with Frankie and her uncle.
Frankie.
She bit her lip as nerves attacked her. Her stomach clenched tightly while thousands of butterflies took flight inside. She was going to have dinner with Frankie. She was going to see her again. It was that thought, and that thought alone, that stopped Bianca from grabbing her when the shorter girl left her in the park. It took so much strength to not hold her close and to let her walk away. Knowing they would see each other again was a small relief that Bianca clung to.
Breathing out loudly, Bianca turned to the side, watching herself in the mirror. Would Frankie like this? Frankie never really saw her in a dress like this. Bianca had only dressed up a handful of times when they were together. Leo’s wedding came to mind first. Bianca smirked. Frankie’s jaw dropped when they first saw each other that day. The charmer had tried to play it off, but Bianca saw it. The appreciation. The desire. Frankie liked what she saw. Bianca wished she had gotten to dress up more for Frankie. Got to see her reaction again and again. Instead of wearing plain old sweatshirts and tops to go get nachos or burgers, she should have taken Frankie to nice places. Treated her.
Frankie didn’t want to go to fancy places, though. Frankie was happy going to BJs or sitting in her room eating pizza and talking. It didn’t have to be anything extravagant, because simply being with each other was special enough. Besides, they didn’t want to get caught by the paparazzi and end up in the Exposer. What they had between them was new and fragile. It was meant to be nourished and allowed to grow before the entire world could get a sniping look at it. Then again, many people took their shots at the couple anyway. And Frankie, Frankie was so unsure at times. She could be confident as hell, but then she could be shy about them being together. Bianca wondered at the time if Frankie simply was ashamed to be with her. Had even asked her that. Frankie wasn’t ashamed of her, though. Bianca didn’t know how unused to love Frankie was. Or that Frankie was falling in love with her when she was meant to be conning her. Her girl did love her. That was the problem. Frankie loved her and wasn’t supposed to, didn’t feel she knew how to. It was that love that made Vanessa…Bianca closed her eyes. No, she was not going to think about Vanessa Cortlandt. Things were different now. Frankie wasn’t gone. She was back, and Bianca had a second chance with her. There was no con, no secret plan to take advantage of someone. It was only her and the woman she loved. A woman who had amnesia. But, that was ok. Bianca would help her remember. They were in love. Their story together would work out.
Bianca opened her eyes and pushed the dim thoughts away, instead willing herself to focus on the upcoming dinner. She wondered what Frankie would wear. Would she be dressed as she had been for their meeting? Frankie wasn’t big on changing outfits, and she hated to dress up. But, it wasn’t like she had a lot of clothes to begin with. Living out of a knapsack was like that. Only a few articles of clothing at most were what she could travel with.
But, Frankie didn’t live out of a knapsack anymore.
And, she didn’t think she was Bianca’s Frankie.
Bianca’s hand dropped to her side sadly. It hurt. It hurt more than words could say. To hear Frankie say she didn’t know her, didn’t love her, was horrible. It was like a nightmare Bianca had so long ago. This was different, though. Frankie didn’t know. She couldn’t remember. That’s why she was being like this. If only she’d let Bianca help her. Bianca was sure she could get Frankie to remember their time together. Remember them.
She shook her head gently. And what a great job she’d done at that so far. Yelling at Frankie, collapsing into her arms crying like some crazy stalker. No wonder Frankie thought she was a nut. And that kiss. Bianca’s hand pressed to her forehead. She never should have kissed her. It was too much. Frankie was skittish at times when they were together, of course she wouldn’t react well to Bianca basically attacking her lips like that.
A small smile tugged at her mouth. It was a fantastic kiss, though. She’d forgotten how it felt to kiss someone she truly loved. It was like the world felt right. She’d felt that again. Felt how amazing it was. Frankie had to have felt it too. She kissed her back! Frankie kissed her back. If she felt nothing, if there was nothing between them, then why did she kiss her back? Why was she so affected by it? And by the little nickname Bianca called her?
It was just like Frankie to pull away when they got so close.
But, Frankie was starting to believe her. Bianca knew it. In the park, Frankie was listening to her, even if it was only a little bit. Contemplating the idea that they were a couple before. It wasn’t anything outright. Frankie definitely didn’t say she believed her. Bianca could see it, though. In her eyes. Hear it in the way she spoke at times. While they sat on that bench and talked, Bianca was certain Frankie was thinking about it.
Then, Bianca had to go and kiss her.
Frankie clammed up after that. Left her standing there alone. This kiss affected Frankie, even if she didn’t say it did. Bianca knew the signs. Just like she knew Frankie’s tendency to cut out when emotions got too much. Frankie was getting better at staying the longer they were together, however, and she always came back no matter what happened.
Bianca sighed. She needed to get a grip. She couldn’t be thinking like this. She couldn’t be thinking about her Frankie, because if she did, the minute she saw her girl again she’d take her in her arms and kiss her.
That wouldn’t help matters.
It certainly wouldn’t help in getting Frankie to trust her.
Bianca stared at herself. She had to take things slow. Get Frankie to trust her. Get her to fall in love with her again. Gosh, this was just like before. It was like they were starting all over again. Bianca found someone she liked and had to get them see how good they were together. She had to be careful. See how much Frankie knew and gently help her remember the rest. She couldn’t chase her away.
So, Bianca would try to play it cool. Keep it friendly. No kissing, no matter how good it felt. She’d get Frankie to open up to her and begin to trust her. They would work together to piece back the puzzle. It would be ok. Frankie would remember who she was and their love for each other.
It would be good.
----------
Bianca stepped out of the cab, smiling at the man holding the door open for her. She walked into the building, murmuring her thanks to the doorman. Once inside, her eyes immediately scanned the lobby. Her gaze tripped over each face.
Frankie wasn’t there.
She knew she was on time. She’d made sure to time it perfectly. Where could Frankie be? She was coming, wasn’t she?
A surge of panic hit her chest.
What if Frankie lied? What if she didn’t come? Sent her on some wild goose chase to get rid of her? No, Frankie wouldn’t do that. She wouldn’t. Frankie might not fully believe her, but she wouldn’t lie to her like that. Not over something this important.
“Ms. Montgomery?” a cheerfully inquisitive voice with a subtle French accent asked from behind her.
Bianca turned around to see a rather average sized man smiling at her. His jet black hair was neatly trimmed and thinning slightly around the temples. His smile was warm and his brown eyes sparkled with intelligence. He was dressed in a crisp pressed suit, the black tailored to his frame.
“Yes?” she forced out a small smile.
“My name is Gregoire Alaine.” He held out his hand.
“Oh! Mr. Alaine.” This was the man who took Frankie in!
“A pleasure to meet you, my dear. I apologize for missing our meeting earlier. No matter what my wife says, the taxis in Paris are far better than the ones in New York.” He softly shook her hand.
“It was ok.” Bianca snuck a peek over his shoulder. Where was Frankie? “Your niece was a nice surprise.”
“That she is.” He chuckled. “I am happy you were able to discuss some business with her. I will, of course, be contacting your mother within the week to find out a few more details.”
“Where…will she be coming?” Bianca cringed inside at how desperate the question sounded. His words bounced around in her head. Her and Frankie didn’t discuss business at all. They were too busy telling the other they were wrong. Frankie hadn’t told him about what happened earlier. He didn’t know she knew Frankie. Why did Frankie keep it private? Because she thought Bianca was crazy, or because she might believe her?
The quartet milling beside them shuffled away, and Alaine winked at Bianca, “Speak of the devil.”
Bianca’s breath caught in her throat. Frankie strolled up to them, still dressed as she had been from earlier. Her shirt was a bit more rumpled and her cheeks were slightly flushed as if she had been walking a long time. Frankie was known to roam when she needed to think. She’d done so after their first failed meeting with Erica and Opal at SOS. Had Frankie been roaming the city thinking about her? Warmth imbued Bianca at the idea Frankie spent the rest of the day with them on her mind. A tender joyful smile spread across Bianca’s face. Frankie still looked so beautiful to her. The younger girl’s body reacted at the sight; heart picking up speed and nerve ends tingling. She refused to show how excited Frankie made her, though. Take it slow. Don’t scare her away. Let her come to you. Be patient.
Frankie glanced briefly at Bianca before turning her head toward the man, “Are we ready?”
“My niece, always the epitome of delicate manners.” Alaine joked, tilting his head toward Bianca.
Bianca watched Frankie silently sigh, “Hello, Bianca.”
“Hi, Frankie. How are you?” she worked to keep her voice pleasant and easy. Forced down the huge grin threatening to take over her face.
“Good.” Frankie swiftly stepped around her uncle, an almost awkward coldness to her movement, “I’ll check in with the host.”
Bianca watched her step up to the suited man with the nametag. Alaine cleared his throat and gestured, “Shall we?”
Bianca nodded and began to walk, Alaine right behind her. When they reached Frankie, the host was already walking toward the dining room, menus in hand. The trio followed him in. Bianca took in the room as they walked through. It was elegant, with people sipping on champagne and chatting quietly over gorgeous plates of food. A quick conversation with the concierge earlier revealed this was one of the best French restaurants in the city. Four stars and always busy. Not necessarily the type of place she usually went to with Frankie, but then again, this was not a date. When they reached the table, the man pulled out one of the cushioned chairs. Frankie ignored him and took her own seat, leaving Bianca to take the offered chair. She sat down, smiling her thanks as the man handed her the menu. When he walked away, Alaine quickly waved down a server.
“A bottle of the Meursault, please.” He ordered before peering at Bianca, “Forgive me, but I have not succumbed to believing the United States has achieved as good of wine as France.”
Bianca nodded. She didn’t know all that much about the subject, to be honest. While she was a college student, she didn’t exactly drink all that much. Not to mention she wasn’t even old enough to. After the incident with the champagne during Frankie and Maggie’s birthday the first year, she’d only had a few sips here and there. Her chest squeezed as she recalled the birthday, and her eyes ticked over to Frankie. The girl was studying the menu, seemingly not paying attention to the other two. Bianca wordlessly wished she would say something.
“Well, shall we see what the menu has to offer?” Alaine held up his menu.
“Yes. Of course.” Bianca picked hers up as well. She quickly looked over the offerings, but didn’t really read them. Instead, her mind went back to Frankie. She was so close, but she felt so far away. Bianca wanted to feel those hazel orbs looking at her. Wanted Frankie to talk to her. Touch her hand. Anything. Acknowledge she was there.
She was acting as if they hadn’t even seen each other earlier.
Or like she needed to keep her distance.
Bianca swallowed thickly. It would be like Frankie to pull away when things got scary. The vagabond had been getting better at it as their time together grew, but she still would hold herself back. Bianca worked so hard to get Frankie to see she could be with her completely. Trust her. Open up to her. Maybe if Frankie had trusted her…no, she was not going to think like that. She’d done that enough times after Frankie’s death; she couldn’t do it any longer. Frankie was sitting beside her alive.
And ignoring her.
Had she scared Frankie away already? Did she already ruin her chance before it’d truly begun?
“Ms. Montgomery,” Alaine set his menu aside.
“Bianca, please.”
“You must call me Greg, then. Everyone does. Even my silent niece.”
Frankie’s eyes ticked up with a scowl at her uncle.
Bianca smiled at Greg, “Thank you for inviting me to dinner, Greg.”
“Thank you for joining us. Have you been here before?”
She shook her head no.
“Ah, splendid. This is one of my favorite restaurants in New York. I enjoy bringing new people here as much as I can.” He laughed, “I remember the first time I came here with my wife. We had such a wonderful time. The food was excellent, the wine wonderful.” His eyes danced as he spoke of his family.
Bianca noticed, and it touched her heart. It was clear this man cared for his wife, “Will she be coming, too?”
“Lucie? No, she is stuck in Paris. Work. Busy with making the whole of France dress better than anywhere else.”
“What does she do?”
“She works for a lovely boutique. She dresses the elite of Paris.” The man’s smile grew as the bottle of wine arrived. He nodded his approval after tasting it, and the server walked around, pouring all three of them a glass. “Have a taste, Bianca.”
Bianca carefully picked up the glass. She peeked at Frankie to see the other girl watching her out of the corner of her eye. Blushing, Bianca boldly raised the glass to her lips and took a hearty swallow. The white wine smoothly went down her throat, soothing her, encouraging her. It was delicious.
“Wonderful, no?” Greg took his own sip.
“What do you think, Frankie?” Bianca asked.
Frankie traced the edge of the bottom of her glass, her finger stilling as Bianca addressed her, “It’s fine.”
Bianca sighed. It was obvious. Frankie was giving her the cold shoulder.
“That’s all you have to say?” Greg clicked his tongue. “You’ve been spending too much time with your schoolmates.” He turned to Bianca, “My wife and I have been teaching her an appreciation for wine, but ever since she’s gone off to school, she’s been finding an unfounded infatuation for cocktails and beer.”
So that’s where Frankie’s new penchant for liquor came from, “Where do you go to school?”
Frankie’s eyes remained on her glass, “King’s College. London.”
“Oh wow! That’s wonderful, Frankie!” happiness filled her. She always knew Frankie was smart and would make something of herself. “I’m so proud of you.” She beamed. This was awesome. No one else had believed in Frankie, but Bianca always did.
Frankie shifted awkwardly in her seat, the tips of her ears turning a light shade of pink, “Thanks.”
“What are you studying? Shakespeare?”
“English Language and Literature.”
“That sounds really cool.” It sounded like something Frankie would like. Frankie liked words. She liked poetry. And studying in England! That was perfect for Shakespeare.
And also really far away.
Frankie lived in London?
A cold chill swept down her body. Frankie lived an entire ocean away from her. She had a life there, and while hearing that made Bianca’s breath hitch, she also couldn’t help but feel happy for Frankie. Her head filled with questions. Did Frankie like her classes? What did she do for fun? What were her friends like?
Frankie nodded. She pressed her lips together, not saying anything else.
“Her family is very proud of her,” Greg jumped in before the lull could settle. “That’s her aunt’s alma mater. She was extremely pleased when Frankie was accepted.”
“Do you live in London all the time?” Bianca watched her old girlfriend.
Frankie unconsciously touched her necklace, playing with the chain. The familiar act sent a shot of pain and love through Bianca. How many times had she watched her Frankie fiddle with a necklace? “Only for school. I go home when classes aren’t in session.”
“Where’s that?”
“Paris.” Frankie took a sip of her wine.
“Paris? Really? That must be so cool.” Bianca could sense Frankie was uncomfortable. She wanted to help her relax. She simply wanted Frankie to talk to her. “I’ve always wanted to go there. Where do you live in Paris?”
“Le Marais.” Frankie replied.
“Do you like it there?”
“It’s where my family lives.” Her answer came out a bit coldly.
Bianca flinched slightly at the tone, but shook it off. Patience.
“Frankie.” Greg spoke up softly.
Bianca shot Frankie a grin. Frankie was just reacting. It was fine. Familiar. “I study business at Pine Valley University. I’m helping my mom with Enchantment, too. Like how you’re helping your family with your investments. I wouldn’t mind going to school in London or Paris, though. I think that would be fun.”
She watched Frankie’s face closely. There was no recognition when she mentioned Pine Valley. Not even a flicker. Her heart sank a little, but she didn’t let it deter her. She had to keep telling herself that Frankie didn’t remember. She would, though.
Gosh, it felt so good just to talk to her. Even if Frankie’s replies were short and slightly different from what Bianca expected. She’d missed this. Missed Frankie.
“It can be.” Frankie spoke as the server returned to take their food orders.
Before Bianca could even worry about not having read the menu, Greg ordered a list of dishes. Taking the opportunity, Bianca leaned toward Frankie, “Frankie?”
Frankie didn’t say anything. She didn’t even look at her. Her eyes were firmly rooted on the glass.
“Please.” She whispered softly, “I’m sorry about earlier. Can we talk?”
Frankie didn’t speak. But Bianca saw the way the tendons in her neck flexed and her fingertips slipped across the base of the glass. Frankie wasn’t immune to what was happening. She was fighting to keep up a cold front, but it was cracking. Bianca pursed her lips. Frankie used to be able to conjure up impenetrable walls that Bianca could only scale over at the beginning with brash actions. As they grew closer, she no longer had to climb mountains. Frankie opened up to her when it was only them, quiet and intimate. It was strange. The barrier Frankie was projecting right now was weak, weaker than any she’d ever held up before when they were together in Pine Valley. It was like Frankie was struggling to close herself off completely. Like she couldn’t.
Bianca prayed it was because she knew deep down Bianca was someone she could trust. That Bianca loved her.
A sickening feeling, though, slowly ate at that hope and pointed out how the tough street kid wasn’t so tough anymore. The street-borne element had roughly vanished.
The server walked away, and Greg faced the women, “You should visit Paris, Bianca. It is a great city. You would enjoy it.”
“I’m sure I would.” She took a deep breath and plunged forward. If these walls were crumbling, she was going to vault over them as they fell, “Maybe Frankie could give me a tour when I’m there.” She faced Frankie, “I think you could show me a good time.”
Frankie’s eyes snapped up to hers. Bianca met the startled stare unflinchingly.
“What do you think, Frankie? Can you show a girl around Paris?” she forged on. Sometimes patience was the answer with Frankie, and sometimes it wasn’t. All patience was getting her was silence. Maybe a little nudge would help. Something had to.
Frankie sat up a bit straighter in her seat, not blind to the challenging undercurrent. “That depends. Paris is more than people think it is. Different. Some can’t accept Paris for what it is, wishing instead it were what they thought it was.”
Her girl always accepted a challenge, and she certainly could still fight back, “Paris might just be what I believe it is. We’ll never know until we look.”
“And what is it you think you’ll see?”
“Love.” She held Frankie’s gaze.
Hazel and brown collided and intertwined.
The air crackled with stunning electricity yet was as still as the crisp surface of an untouched pond.
Bianca felt anticipation scorch her soul. Determination and confidence in the truth of her feelings and beliefs surged in her veins.
Frankie leaned away from her, severing the connection. “A mistake. The city of love is nothing more than a city.” She picked up her wine and moved her attention to the surrounding patrons.
A lump formed in Bianca’s throat. A choking lump that brought the sting of tears to the edges of her eyes. “Excuse me.” She quickly stood up, briskly walking away from the table. She sniffed and blinked furiously. She wasn’t going to cry. There was no reason to cry. She’d pushed and Frankie pushed back. It hurt. It hurt so much. What was wrong with her? She knew she shouldn’t push Frankie. Not so soon after kissing her. She had to take it slow. But, how could she take it slow when her former lover was right there, alive and well? When she was so close that Bianca could touch her, hold her, embrace her. Frankie sometimes needed a push when they were together. A nudge to show her that it was ok to be in love. This Frankie brushed her off like an annoying stranger, though.
She stalked to the edge of the dining room, facing away and fighting to compose herself. She must look like a fool. Running off because of some stupid comment. Didn’t Frankie understand what her words meant? Of course she did. That’s why she said them. She didn’t believe Bianca. Didn’t believe that she was Bianca’s love. That they’d been together. Frankie was refusing to even listen to her! And her life…it sounded so perfect for Frankie. London and Paris. Studying at a prestigious school. Living with a family that clearly cared for her. Her girl was doing great. It made Bianca’s heart feel like it could burst with happiness knowing that Frankie was finally making it. She wasn’t stuck in the streets anymore.
Bianca would give anything to be a part of it.
She still loved Frankie. Never stopped. Not when she had a crush on Maggie. The crush her mom pointed out was most likely Bianca trying to transfer her feelings to Frankie’s look-a-like. Not during her fling with Lena. Lena. The Polish woman was intelligent, sophisticated, worldly. She made Bianca feel like an adult. She flirted and kissed her. Bianca liked it.
But Lena wasn’t Frankie.
Her heart knew it. Her body knew it.
Love didn’t end. It didn’t stop.
How could it when her love was steps away?
But her love didn’t know. Frankie had amnesia. She didn’t remember anything. All she knew was her life with the Alaines. A happy life without Pine Valley or Bianca. As far as Frankie knew, all Bianca said could be lies and stories. She had no reason to trust Bianca. To Frankie, they’d only met that afternoon.
But, Frankie had to have a clue. Some sense that she knew Bianca. Her Frankie wasn’t totally gone. She still fiddled with her necklace when nervous or thinking. She still didn’t back down. She also was sitting in an expensive high class restaurant with a man she saw as her uncle wearing designer clothing and sipping French wine.
Bianca still loved her.
It was dormant for so long after that terrible autumn day. Slowly, Bianca pushed the emotions down until she could go through the days without missing the vagabond so much it physically ached. For months afterward, Bianca hurt. Even when the ache subsided, the phantom memories remained. She didn’t stop loving Frankie. How could she? Not after all they shared. Not with how intense the love in her heart continued to be. She tried to start something with Maggie. Told herself she was falling for her and that it had nothing to do with wanting Frankie back. Tried to lose herself in Lena. Bianca was a fun young college co-ed. She could flirt with women and go out on dates. There was nothing holding her back. Nothing at all. Except the emotions that existed down where she’d pushed them. And, Frankie loved her back. Told her so. She could still hear the confession in her mind. It was the last time they talked before Frankie was shot. What they had meant the world to Frankie. It was everything to her. Frankie never knew how good love could be until Bianca. The older girl told her so. In the letter she wrote right before she died. All Frankie wanted was to be with Bianca.
All either wanted was to be together.
Bianca took a fortifying breath. She had to remain strong. It wasn’t easy winning Frankie over the first time, it wasn’t going to be easy the second time. It would take work. But, it was worth it.
Wiping under her eyes for any stray wetness, she spun and made her way back to the table. As she approached, she saw Greg leaned toward Frankie, a mixture of disappointment and care on his face.
“Frankie, we didn’t teach you to act so woefully towards someone. Bianca is a nice girl.” He sighed, “I know you get shy around other girls but…”
“I’m not shy.” Frankie rubbed the back of her neck, “I just haven’t found anyone interesting.”
“None of the girls who ask about you are interesting, ma petite?”
Frankie shrugged, “Not enough for Jean Georges.”
He patted her shoulder, “You know your aunt would love it if you finally brought someone home for her to take shopping. Until then, remember, this is only a business dinner, though Bianca has been very friendly to you.”
Frankie smirked contemplatively, “Yeah.”
Bianca pretended like she’d just arrived when Greg looked up, “Ah, Bianca. Is everything alright?”
“Yes, sorry.” She sat down, “I needed to use the restroom.” She glanced at Frankie. Frankie didn’t have a girlfriend? She knew Frankie could be shy. It was endearingly cute when the boldness melted away to reveal the romantic girl underneath who stumbled over her words and trembled as Bianca undressed her.
Frankie wasn’t dating anyone. Bianca frowned. It sounded like she hadn’t seen anyone seriously at all. That should make Bianca happy. Ecstatic. But something tickled the corner of her brain.
“So…so you know some stuff about me. So what? You probably got it from an ex-girlfriend.”
Bianca gasped.
“Bianca?” Greg tilted his head.
She ignored him. Frankie lied. Frankie didn’t have an ex-girlfriend. Why would she say that, then?
Was she lying about other things?
“Bianca.” Frankie’s voice broke through her thoughts.
Bianca blinked. Frankie was staring at her, hand resting on the table half way toward her.
Did Frankie really not remember anything? Or was it all a lie?
“You do not look well.” Greg spoke gently. “Are you alright?”
Bianca shook her head. No, she wasn’t alright. Frankie lied to her. After Bianca broke down in her arms, pleading with her to believe that they were in love, asking Frankie to remember, Frankie lied to her.
Frankie was always lying to her.
“I don’t feel well. I’m sorry. I…I need to go.” Bianca stood up shakily.
“Of course.” Greg stood, “I am sorry you do not feel well.”
Bianca took a staggered step away from the table. How could Frankie lie to her? How could this be happening again? Was everything a lie?
“Careful.” Greg lightly grasped her arm, steadying her. “Frankie, escort her home.”
“No…” Bianca began, but he cut her off.
“You are not well. Frankie will make sure you get home ok.”
Frankie stepped up beside Bianca, “Come on.” She cautiously placed her hand on Bianca’s back, leading her toward the exit. Bianca looked at her, confusion and disgust rolling in her belly even while her body sparked at the touch. Frankie kept lying to her. Lie after lie after lie. Why did every girl she date lie to her?
Why was the girl she loved more than anything lying to her? Still?
Did she actually remember their time together? Was her acting that good? That she’d make Bianca believe in amnesia. Was she playing the Alaines? Bianca’s heart cried out that it wasn’t true. Frankie wasn’t lying. She wasn’t conning anyone.
But the truth was right there. Smacking her in the face with its hard reality.
They stepped outside, and were quickly ushered into a waiting cab.
“Where are you staying?” Frankie asked.
“Westin, Times Square.” Bianca mumbled.
Frankie relayed the location to the driver and sat back, putting a bit of distance between herself and Bianca as the car swerved into traffic. The air was tense, neither saying a word. Bianca didn’t know what to think. What to say.
What to do.
Within what seemed like minutes, the car stopped and a uniformed valet opened the door. Bianca slowly slid out of the car, mind hazy toward her actions. She needed to get to her room. Needed to think about this, understand.
Needed the pain to stop.
Stepping through the lobby and to the bank of elevators, she felt a presence behind her. In the shiny metal of the doors, she saw her follower’s reflection.
Frankie was behind her.
The elevator doors opened, and Bianca entered. Frankie wordlessly followed, not looking at her as Bianca blindly punched the button for her floor. No one spoke as the elevator rose or when the doors opened. Frankie followed Bianca down the hall and to the numbered door. Bianca fumbled with the keycard, nearly dropping it before unlocking the door and opening it. She flicked on the lights and tripped inside, tossing her purse and the key onto the bed.
Turning to face Frankie, she sucked in a lungful of air. Frankie was staring at her, the thin emotional walls doing nothing to hide her thoughts. Bianca could sense them, see them. Frankie was either failing at hiding them or not even trying. Bianca wasn’t sure which was right. All she knew was that Frankie was fighting for words. She moved toward the older woman, one measured step, then another. Frankie was there, in her room, and she wanted to shake her. Make her confess to what was real and what was fake. Throw her on the bed and kiss her until the ache receded and all she felt was love. Pure all-consuming love. She wanted to hold Frankie and whisper how much her heart yearned for her.
She wanted Frankie to take her in her arms and end all this confusion.
She wanted Frankie to love her.
Jaw firmly locked, Frankie’s voice echoed clearly in the hotel room, “This con has gone on long enough.”
Bianca’s eyes widened and her heart plummeted. Pain roared in her chest, knocking her back a step with its cruel vicious force.
Con.
It was all a con.
No. God no. Please. It wasn’t. It couldn’t be.
She wanted to scream. Cry. Beg Frankie to say it was a joke.
Her hands shook. She felt like she couldn’t breathe. Frankie was sent to Pine Valley to con her. She’d done it. She made Bianca love her. Bianca still loved her. It was all an evil plan. A con. A game. Everything. No, it couldn’t be. Not everything. Frankie loved her. Frankie wasn’t faking that. Bianca would have known. They laid in each other’s arms! Frankie opened up to her and let her in! Frankie told her things no one else knew, not even her twin sister Maggie.
Frankie crossed her arms, defiance flowing off her, “Whatever your game is, it’s done. No more stories or acting like you’re ill for sympathy. I’ve had enough of it. Stop playing my uncle, and stop trying to get me to buy into your ruse.”
What?
Bianca laughed hollowly, “A game?”
Frankie nodded, “Whatever business Alaine Investments has with Enchantment, you’re not a part of it. Stay away. Don’t come anywhere near my family or our business. I’ll make sure you don’t.”
Bianca wanted to cry, “Gosh, I could hate you sometimes.”
Frankie tightened her folded arms.
“You…you think I’m the one pulling a con?” Bianca half laughed half sobbed. Frankie, the ultimate con artist, was accusing her of conning. She felt like she was having a breakdown, being pulled every which way until her mind exploded. Her entire frame shook with emotion. Confusion. Sadness. Grief. Anger. Hope. Love. “You’re the one lying.”
“I’m lying?”
“Yes. You’re lying, Frankie.”
Frankie scoffed mockingly, “Of course. I can’t get anything past you. You always know when I’m lying, don’t you? You must know. Since we had such a stunningly memorable relationship. Being in love and all. Yes, how could you not know, since we dated?”
Bianca waved a shaking hand at her, “You’re lying to me. You know I’m telling the truth.” Her eyes rose to the ceiling, “You are so stubborn and frustrating.” It hurt to hear Frankie jeering their relationship. Why couldn’t Frankie give in for once without a fight?
“I know you’re trying to feed me some story because I can’t remember everything. It’s not going to work. Not even throwing yourself at me will.”
“I could never talk to you when you got like this.”
“Like what?”
“When you tried to deflect and hurt me to cover up how you actually feel.” Bianca stormed up to her, “I know you, and you know me. We were together. I’m not lying. It’s not a game. I know I shouldn’t have kissed you. It was too soon. I hadn’t seen you in so long…and I wanted you. I’m sorry about that, but don’t act like you didn’t kiss me back or that you didn’t feel anything because you did feel something, Frankie. You felt it.” She glared at her, “And you’ve been lying to me.”
Frankie unfolded her arms, “I’m not the one telling stories.”
“What about all those ex-girlfriends I’m supposed to be getting information from?”
Frankie froze. A shade of color teased her cheeks and ears.
“So shy you can’t even talk to a girl, yet you act like you’ve been with so many girls one of them would randomly tell me all about you.” She was angry. She was upset. Yet, part of her hated saying this to Frankie’s face. Hated calling her out on something so personal. It was obvious Frankie felt humiliated.
“You don’t know...” Frankie cut herself off with a slight growl. She stepped back, clearing her throat, “Just stay away from my family.”
“Run! Run away!” Bianca called out “That’s what you always do when it gets too much. You never stay and talk with me. Never let me help you, understand you.”
“There’s nothing to help or understand!” Frankie shot back.
“Fine. You want to leave? Then go. But, I love you. I love you, Frankie. I love you so much sometimes I can’t even believe it.” Tears coated her cheeks, “When I thought I lost you, I wanted to tell you that. I wanted to tell you how much I love you. I wanted you to always know that there was someone out there who gave a damn about you. So, I’m telling you now. I love you.”
“I’m not her! I’m not who you want me to be.” Frankie stabbed her finger at her.
“Yes, you are.”
“How do you know? Do you have any proof? Evidence?”
Bianca clenched her jaw. No, she didn’t. She didn’t have a photo of Frankie she could carry around with her. That’s what Frankie wanted. “I can tell you things no one else knows.”
Frankie looked like a shark that smelt blood, “You don’t have any actual evidence, though. Nothing substantial. Show me a picture of us together. Oh wait…I have a supposed twin sister. Might be her. Or might be my second cousin, bet that person looks like me too. How about video? Nothing? No proof at all that I’m this person you think I am.” She turned and went to the door, “Stay away from me and my family.”
Bianca couldn’t let her leave. Dread tore at her. If Frankie left now, she might never see her again, “I have a letter.”
Frankie paused, hand on the knob.
“You wrote me a letter. You told me you loved me.” Just thinking about it made her want to cry again.
“And you have this letter?”
“Not with me. I can get it.”
Frankie shook her head, “I’m not falling for that.”
“It’s not a trick.”
“This whole day has been a trick.”
Growing desperate, Bianca walked up to her. She tenderly touched the back of Frankie’s shoulder, “Can you tell me everything has been a trick? You haven’t been curious?” Her voice softened, “That you really feel nothing at all? Even when we kissed? When our hands touched?” She felt Frankie’s turmoil beneath her palm. “I’m confused, Frankie. I don’t know what’s happening or why. All I know is you. I’m not joking or lying. I would never do that to you. I…I don’t want to push you. I won’t force you. I just want to spend time with you. Please, don’t disappear.”
Bianca held her breath.
Please, don’t disappear.
Taut muscles twitched against her hand. Without thinking, Bianca pressed the pad of her thumb into the shoulder blade, massaging the tenseness. She listened to Frankie’s even breathing. Could picture her face, eyebrows slanting together and eyes narrowed in thought. It was the face Frankie always made when she was concentrating. What was Frankie thinking? Was she going to leave? God, she couldn’t leave. Not like this.
“Only my aunt and uncle know about the windows.”
Huh? “What?” What was she talking about?
Frankie slowly turned around, Bianca’s hand dropping from her shoulder. The marble fingertips hovered near Frankie’s wrist, wanting to touch but afraid of going too far. It felt like she was standing on the edge of a cliff. One wrong move and it would all come tumbling down.
“That I can’t sleep unless the windows are open. Only my aunt and uncle know I do that.” The thin invisible barriers were up, but were see through to Bianca. Frankie’s hands restlessly dove into her pockets, eyes darting away from Bianca’s.
Air rushed out of Bianca’s lungs. Frankie had to sleep with the windows open, or else she felt cooped up. It was because she was so used to sleeping outside. Did this mean that Frankie believed her? “Frankie?”
Frankie hesitantly let her eyes wander back to Bianca’s. Bianca bit back a gasp at the chaotic hazel, “I don’t know you, but I don’t know how you would know about that.”
Bianca curled her fingers around Frankie’s wrist, “I can explain so much, Frankie, if you’d let me.”
The room grew silent.
No one spoke.
Bianca held her breath, wanting to pray for Frankie to give in but afraid that if she did so, she might miss the answer to her request.
“We missed dinner.”
The air came rushing out of her, “I can order room service.”
Frankie flexed her jaw, “This doesn’t mean I believe you.”
“That’s ok,” Bianca smiled in relief, “I just want to talk.” All she wanted was that chance.
Frankie nodded, “Let’s see what they have.”