And....Action!
Title: And...Action!
Author: Fab_fan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Bianca/Frankie
Rating: PGish
Disclaimer: Not my characters, sadly enough.
Summary: Miranda has to complete an assignment for school. Takes place after Five Years Later.
Note: Of course there was going to be more. Writing for this series is addicting to me. Once I started up again, I couldn't stop. Let me know if I need to take up a twelve step program and get on to a different story so you can read something you like.
First Part Found Here
Bianca sat behind the desk in her home office, sunshine pouring in from the large picture window on the far wall. The view of bustling Paris glimmered in the warm yellowish light. The office was cozy, only the elegant wooden desk, humming laptop, and stacks of folders denoting that it was, in fact, used for work. Otherwise, it looked much like any other room to be found in a cherished home. Picture frames dotted the top of the desk, some photos visible to the camera others facing the woman searching through a drawer while chewing thoughtfully on her bottom lip. One of Miranda’s sketches, the sun rising over the Seine, hung on the wall behind Bianca, and a forgotten pair of heels rested lazily off to the side. A box was pushed against the wall, it’s open flaps revealing old school projects.
“Mom?” Miranda called out easily, jiggling the camera slightly in her hands.
“Yes, honey?” Bianca found what she was looking for. The pen slid effortlessly into her grasp as she closed the drawer and straightened in her chair. She blinked, a small o forming with her lips at the sight of the camera before a loving smile took its place.
“Can I get an interview for this thing?”
“Your project?” Bianca nodded, “Of course. Give me a second to finish this, and I’m all yours.”
The view bobbled as Miranda shuffled over. On screen, Bianca reread whatever she had typed earlier on the laptop and underlined a few sentences on a piece of paper in front of her. She was dressed in one of the elegant yet understated tops she usually wore to work, her hair down and curled slightly around her face. The gold of her rings shimmered on her left hand when her fingers quickly hit a few buttons on the keyboard. “Ok, done.” She closed the laptop and pushed it off to the side of the desk.
“Cool.” Miranda focused the camera on her mother, “I was going to ask you some questions. I have to get stuff about our family and everything.”
“Whatever you want, Miranda. Let’s hear them.” Bianca waved her hand encouragingly.
“Sure. Um…” the sound of rustling paper, “Tell us about your childhood.”
“Oh boy.” Bianca chuckled gently. “Well, I was raised by my parents - Travis Montgomery and Erica Kane. When they divorced, I lived with my dad until I was about sixteen. He suffered a stroke,” sadness entered her eyes, “and passed away. I lived with my mother after that.”
“How was it living with her?”
Bianca shook her head, eyes lighting up with mirth, “Interesting. That would be the best way to describe it.” Her hands clasped on the desk, “We had our moments. We had our issues. But, we love each other. We worked through them, and we are very close.”
“What sort of issues?”
“Oh, there were many. It wasn’t easy being the daughter of a famous celebrity.” Bianca glanced past the camera, “I’ve done my best to keep you and your sister away from that. I was somewhat shy when I was younger. I didn’t like the spotlight at all. I still don’t. The tabloids were always wanting a picture or a story to write.”
“Did Auntie Kendall do something? Because I totally saw her kick a paparazzo once.”
“No,” Bianca chuckled, “your aunt and I weren’t close for a few years. Not until you came around.”
“Oh,”
“You helped bring us together. Bridge the gap that was between us.”
“I’m like a diplomat. Baby me could end wars.”
“Something like that,” a light chuckle accompanied the sentence. Then, her face turned reflective, “You were a gift, Miranda.” Bianca looked at her, “I’ve always loved you. You and your sister are the greatest most cherished gifts. I still remember the first time I held you in my arms. It was a miracle. You’re my miracle.”
There was a pause, “I love you, too, mom.”
“That doesn’t mean you’re getting out of trouble, young lady.” Bianca said sternly. “You’re still grounded from going out.”
“But mom,”
“Save it, Mimo. You snuck out without telling me or Frankie where you were going. You weren’t home till two in the morning! We were ready to send out someone to find you. You can’t do that, honey.” There was a flash of remembrance and fear, “You know better than that.”
“I…I’m sorry, mom.”
“I know you are. Frankie does too.”
“She was really mad. I’ve never seen her that mad.” Miranda snorted, “She said I’m just a kid. I’m not a little kid anymore.”
“Can you blame her? Miranda, you have to understand where we’re coming from. For all we knew, you disappeared. You could have been hurt. And, whether you like it or not, you are still a teenager. You’ll always be our child.”
Miranda sniffed.
“Don’t worry,” Bianca winked, “she won’t be mad for long. That girl could never stay mad at you or your sister. I always had to be the bad parent when you were younger because she couldn’t even raise her voice to you two.” A melodic laugh, “I sent her to the store to pick up some milk and juice. I wouldn’t be surprised if she returned with a tub of your favorite ice cream or a box of chocolate croissants.” Her focus went back to the camera, “I’m sure you didn’t come here to learn about Frankie’s shopping traits, though.”
“No…um…we should get back to the questions. Mr. Jamison was really anal about what he wants.”
“Miranda.”
“He was,” she grumbled quietly. “So, Frankie. You two are married.”
“Yes, we are.”
“Do you like being married to her?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m as in love with her now as the day I met her.”
“Did you always think you were going to marry Frankie?”
“Think?” Bianca bit her lip, “I wanted to. Even when we were young and it was ludicrous to think about things such as marriage, I could see spending my life with her. But, she went away for a while, and I didn’t think she would ever come back.” A blinding grin, “But, she did.”
“Do you like working with her at Cambias?”
“It makes every day an adventure. Poor Marie has to put up with Frankie popping in and out whenever she wants.”
A deep breath, slight tremble in the voice “Did you two ever want…ever want your own baby?”
Bianca frowned, “Our own baby? Miranda, you and Gabby are our babies. We love you both so much.”
“Yeah, I know you love us. But…Frankie wasn’t around when we were born. I didn’t even meet her till I was six or something.”
“Miranda, sweetie,” Bianca leaned forward, “you should really talk to Frankie about this, but I swear to you, Frankie never thought of you or your sister as anything other than hers. You two mean so much to her. You’re perfect in her eyes. We didn’t need to have another child so that we could say that one was Frankie and I’s. We already have two beautiful healthy girls. Frankie adores you. How long has this been on your mind?”
“I don’t know. It’s not a big deal. It’s just…when Claire’s parents divorced, her mom and stepdad had a kid together.”
“We’re not Claire’s mom and stepfather. There are a lot of reasons why couples have children. With the way Frankie acts, sometimes I feel like I have three kids in this apartment. We don’t need anymore.”
“But, do you wish you had a baby with Frankie? Like you did with Reese?”
Bianca took a moment before answering, “Frankie is a great parent. She doesn’t believe it half the time, but she is really wonderful. Would I have loved for her to be there when you or your sister was born? Of course. I would have loved for her to be there the whole time. But, that doesn’t mean she wasn’t there when it was important.” She picked up a picture frame and held it up. The four of them were camped out in front of a Christmas tree. Miranda was young, Gabby no more than a toddler, “She was there to help put together the bike you got that year. She watched the Spongebob Christmas episode at least five times with you and your sister. I caught you two making snowballs out on the balcony.”
“I remember.”
“That’s what’s important, honey. Not if she was there when the doctor told me I was having a baby. Not sitting around deciding if having another child was what we needed. Yes, those things are important. But, being here day after day. That makes you her children. You two loving her every day and her loving you back. Being there. I love your sister, and I have never regretted having her. I can’t. But, Frankie’s not like Reese was. Reese…needed to have another child. Frankie didn’t. You two were more than enough. As far as I’m concerned, Frankie is your mother, and you are her girls.”
“Yeah, she is.” A sniffle.
“If you weren’t, she wouldn’t be as upset as she was when you finally came home at the crack of dawn.” A pointed look.
She cleared her throat, “I know we’ve talked about…my father…and I really don’t want to talk about that on this thing, but,”
“I love you. I always have and always will. Nothing can change that.”
“Ok. Cool.”
Bianca nodded, “And I love Gabrielle, even after what happened with Reese.”
“What’s your favorite family memory?”
“Oh wow,” Bianca tilted her head, “there’s so many. I don’t know if I can pick only one.”
“Come on.”
“There was our wedding. Seeing you and Gabby in your dresses. You both looked so gorgeous.” She smirked, “And Frankie wasn’t too bad, either.”
“Mom!”
“What? I meant how she looked, Mimo. Smashing that cake into her face was fun.” She hummed to herself, “Our first family vacation together. When we went to Les Sables d'Olonne. You and Gabby had so much fun in the ocean. All of the holidays we’ve spent together.” She shrugged, “I can’t pick one. There’s too many.”
“No contest. It’s when we tried to teach your mom how to throw a snowball. Her aim had the squirrels ducking for cover.” Frankie’s voice floated in. “She’d probably miss a wall if it was a foot away from her.”
“My aim was good enough to get you.” Bianca pointed at her.
The camera swung around to show Frankie standing in the doorframe, one shoulder leaning against it as her brown leather jacket covered casually crossed arms. “You cheated.”
“I cheated?”
“Used your feminine wiles against me.”
“I believe you mean you were too caught up in staring at me goofily like a, how is it Miranda, like a movie to even do anything.”
“I don’t stare goofily.”
“Oh man, you totally do.” Miranda interjected. “And you still get all red whenever mom dresses up. Sunburn red.”
“Kid, you’re supposed to be backing me up here. We’re a team.” Frankie groused playfully.
“Sorry, maman. It’s true. ”
“Even your daughters see it.” Bianca chimed in.
“I see how it is. I go out and spend my hard earned cash on snacks for you all, battle my way through Paris traffic, to get ganged up on.” She squinted, “This calls for backup.”
Bianca strolled over to her, wrapping an arm around her waist as her other hand trailed along the edge of the unzipped jacket, “What’re you going to do?”
“There’s still one person on my side.” Frankie turned her head, arms uncrossing unconsciously as she returned the embrace, “Squirt! I need help here!”
Footsteps trotted down the hallway and Gabby appeared, “Did Mimo get in trouble again?”
“Hey!”
“Be nice to your sister, Gabby.” Bianca spoke.
Gabby spotted the camera and slid back, half hiding behind Frankie, “Isn’t that thing done, yet?”
“Still waiting for your big finale, Gabs. I’m thinking fireworks and fountains. And an orchestra with ballet dancers.” Miranda teased.
“Speaking of fireworks,” Frankie gazed at Bianca, “don’t I get a hello kiss?”
“No kissing while we’re around.” Gabby reminded them, “You promised.”
“Yeah, it scars us for life. Think of poor Isabel. We’d be visiting her forever.” Miranda added.
“We did agree.” Bianca tugged the front of Frankie’s jacket. Frankie followed after her as they stepped out of frame, “Let me help you put the groceries away, baby.”
Gabby gave one look to the camera and waltzed away.
The camera clicked off.
-------------
The camera turned on, the view blurry for a second before it adjusted. The back of Gabby’s head appeared, hair neatly pulled back into a swishing ponytail, weaving as she walked along the hallway.
“Hey Gabs, where you going?” Miranda asked.
“School.” Gabby didn’t turn around.
“Excited for another day of boring biology and math?”
Gabby sighed, “What part of I don’t want to be in your film isn’t understandable? Should I say it in French?”
“You’re my sister. You have to be in it. Now, talk to me.”
Gabby peeked over her shoulder, “I’ll talk to you when you tell our parents about Felix.”
“I’m going to!”
“When? You snuck out to see Felix and nearly gave them a panic attack. I heard maman on the phone with her security team. She even called Jones. Mom was worried sick. Maggie and Ally went out looking for you. You know how they get about stuff like that.”
“I said I was sorry.”
“Mom says you’re just like maman was. Running off and getting into trouble then charming your way out of it.” Her tone changed, “They won’t judge you if you tell them about him. Felix isn’t a bad guy, and they love you no matter what. They liked Felix when they met him. Mom and maman will be understanding about anything…except you sneaking out.”
“I didn’t think they’d notice. And, I was going to tell them, but then it wasn’t a good time. Let’s talk about something else, ok?”
A sigh, “Are we meeting Felix?”
“Yep,” her voice brightened, “he’s going to be down at the corner. He said he’d bring us coffee.”
“Are we going for a bike ride after school still?”
“Of course. When have we ever missed a weekly bike ride? Maggie said if we ride by the park near her place, her and Ally would have snacks we could eat.”
“Great.” A second, “Did you notice something with maman?”
“Like what?”
“She seemed weird this morning.”
“Because she was quiet like you are all the time?”
“I’m not quiet.”
“Not with me. Anyone else you are. With me, you can’t stop talking. Wonder why?” was the cheeky response.
“Because you need someone to tell you when you’re being dumb.”
The camera stopped moving as they reached the elevator, “Damn, I forgot my math book.”
“Case in point. You should go get it.”
“I’ll be right back. Wait for me.” The camera spun around and jerked violently as its holder ran down the hallway. It suddenly stopped in front of a door, and it tilted down as Miranda’s hand dove into her pocket and extracted a key. She shoved the key into the lock and twisted, pushing open the door. She crept along, shutting the door behind her quietly and speedily moving toward her room. Movement and voices caught her attention, though, as she passed the opening to the kitchen. The camera peered inside as she huddled near.
Bianca closed the flaps of the cereal box, “Do you want to tell me what that phone call was about yesterday?”
Frankie continued to scroll through the emails on her cellphone, “Nothing to tell.”
“That’s why you were acting differently? Because of nothing?” she slid the box next to the toaster.
Frankie closed her emails and slid the phone into the pocket of her suit jacket. “Seemed like a normal day to me. Ate breakfast, went to work, ate dinner. Spent time with the kids. Fell asleep with you in my arms.” She shrugged and stood up, “I’m going to be late tonight. I got that meeting with IT.”
Bianca turned, hands griping the edge of the counter, “You couldn’t look at me yesterday. You still can’t.”
“Bianca,”
“Look at me, Frankie.”
Frankie lifted her eyes, defiant, “What?”
Bianca stared at her for a minute. Searching. She pursed her lips and pushed away from the counter, arms crossing smoothly, “I won’t force you to tell me. But, I know something happened. We’ve been together long enough to not keep secrets from each other.” She pressed her palm to her forehead, “When I tried to touch you last night, you turned your back to me.”
“I was tired.” Frankie jammed her hands into her pockets, “I want you, but falling asleep in the middle of making love to you isn’t on my top ten list of things to do.”
“You’re lying.”
Frankie smirked, “You’re right. I could never fall asleep making love to you. I might pass out during a staff meeting, though. I can’t do that. Those bozos would draw a mustache on my face. Besides, my boss doesn’t like it when I’m inefficient. I might even get called into her office.”
“Stop,” Bianca thread her fingers through her hair, “I’m serious, Frankie. After that phone call, it’s like you weren’t here. Miranda had to ask you three times if you two were still going to the art show this weekend with Maggie.”
“Caffeine hadn’t kicked in, yet.”
“Fine, don’t tell me.” Bianca sighed. “I have to go anyway. There’s a board meeting before lunch.”
“Bianca,”
“I’ll see you when you get home. If you get home too late, try not to wake me. Gabby is getting her grade back on her poetry paper today, and she’ll want to show you, but she can do it in the morning. Or whenever your caffeine kicks in.” She moved to leave.
“Luke is retiring.”
Bianca froze.
Frankie rubbed the back of her neck with one hand, the other digging in her pocket and pulling out a pack of gum. “He called to tell me.” She easily freed a stick and popped it in her mouth.
“Sweetheart,” Bianca breathed out, “if you want, I can have the jet take you to DC so you can see him. We can fly out there this weekend. I’ll have Marie book a hotel room first thing when I get in.” Her tone turned tender, “Whatever you need.”
Frankie shook her head, “Yeah, I thought he’d stay a few more years, but it’s not…” she clenched her fist around the package, “they’re starting the search for his replacement.”
“I’m sure he won’t let anyone take his place that can’t handle it. Is Jones looking into applying?”
“My name came up.”
Bianca’s face dropped.
Frankie twirled the package in her hands restlessly; “I worked with him for a long time. I built a big file.”
“Did he…”
“No,” Frankie slid the packet back in her pocket, “he wouldn’t. But, he won’t tell them I’m not qualified either.”
Bianca exhaled heavily, “They want you back.”
“I was good at my job. I closed a lot of cases. I’ve worked with people who are willing to put in a good word for me.” She lifted her shoulder, “The Carrington case was big. Left a mark.”
Bianca’s voice rose slightly, “Carrington? Carrington! He almost killed you!” She gestured, “He left a mark, Frankie. I see it every damn day.”
“They want Goldstein.”
“Oh god,” Bianca shook her head, “I thought we were past that. We’ve moved on, Frankie. You told me you didn’t need to go after him anymore. That you wouldn’t.”
“They tried to hurt you and the kids.”
“You almost died.”
Frankie leaned back against the table, “I know Goldstein. I can catch them.” Earnest gaze, “He’s stayed away, but I don’t know how long that will last. They wanted Cambias once, they’ll try for it again. If it looks like there’s a weakness. If…when one of the kids takes over and they think they can rough them up…”
“No,” Bianca walked up to her, “we talked about this. The girls will be fine. It’s over. You’ve made sure of it. We both have. Miranda and Gabrielle will always be protected and safe.” Her hand shakily pressed against Frankie’s chest, “You haven’t been feeling well.”
“I won’t be out on the street. I’ll be planning. Coordinating.”
“I know you, Frankie. You wouldn’t stay behind a desk.” Her fingers curled into the fabric of Frankie’s shirt, “You’d be out there guns blazing. You’ve always been that way.”
Frankie glanced down at the hand, “I haven’t said yes. It’s not like I have anything to say yes to. Half the bureau hated me. Most of them are the people who decide to hire. This is all preliminary. There’s a list of people.”
Bianca scoffed wetly, “They’ll offer it to you. Michaels would want you to take over. Like you said, you were good at it. The best. He trained you to take his place.”
“They haven’t. Even if they did, I have a job.”
Bianca released her hold. Her hand went to her eyes, and she swiped beneath them at the forming tears, “You want it.”
“Bianca…”
“Be honest. Do you want to go back?”
“I like my job with Cambias.” Frankie swallowed thickly, “I like seeing you everyday. Being able to walk to your office whenever I want.”
Bianca smiled sadly, “You also loved your job. You never said anything about ever going back, so I never thought about this happening.” She stepped back from Frankie, “I told myself I’d never ask you to quit. But, you kept getting hurt, and I asked you to stay with me. With the girls.”
“I wanted to stay.” Her voice implored, “I want to stay. You three mean so damn much to me.”
Bianca sucked in a shuddering breath, “Do you regret quitting?”
Frankie stared at her incredulously.
“Do you?” Bianca repeated unsteadily.
She pointed toward the front door, “I quit because our kid asked me to. Because I kept having to leave you. Quitting let me have this family.” Her voice shook, “I never had a family before you three. I didn’t think I ever would. Don’t ask me if I regret being able to watch Miranda and Gabby grow up. Don’t act like I gave up something to be able to wake up to your face every day.”
“But, you did.” Bianca spoke softly. “You gave up your job. The life you had.” Her toned dropped to a whisper, “Would you have walked away if you weren’t sick?”
Frankie scrubbed at her face.
“The doctors told you to find a different career. You never mentioned stopping until they did. I don’t even think you wanted to stop when they told you to.” A breath, “You aren’t healthy.” Bianca bit her lip, “David told you to keep your stress down the last time you saw him. Maggie said it, too. Frankie, you have to take higher doses of your prescription. And you want to go back to the job that nearly took you away from me forever? Do you remember how much that job cost us?”
“It let me keep you safe.”
“It got you shot! Frankie, I almost had to say goodbye to you. I will never forget what Carrington did to you in that room.”
“And the Goldsteins were the ones who sent him after you! I won’t forget that. The Goldsteins targeted you and Miranda. They ordered a gun pointed at your head. They sent contracts out to gun down Miranda when she was at fucking piano practice! If I hadn’t been there…if Jones arrived a half minute later than he did…” Frankie rubbed at her eyes as she fought to rein in her emotion, her words breaking off. Her jaw clenched firmly, “I haven’t even said yes.”
“Then, look me in the eye and tell me you wouldn’t say yes if they offered it to you right now. If Michaels called you this minute and told you the job is yours if you want it.”
The silence was deafening.
“Damn you, Frankie.” Bianca looked up at the ceiling and blinked back the sadness. She lowered her gaze to Frankie’s, “What about the kids? Have you thought about them? We’d have to tell our daughters you’re going back to a job that put you in a hospital. What are they supposed to think?”
“That I’m doing what’s best for them. I’m always going to do what’s best for you guys. What keeps you safe.”
“You being here is what’s best. My god Frankie, you know this. You know how important you are in their lives. In my life.” Her lip quivered, “You promised me when we got married you would stay. You stood there and promised.”
Frankie tilted her head so her gaze landed on the table, chewing roughly on her gum. Her hand skimmed over the top of her head, scratching at her scalp before falling listlessly to her side. It then came up to her chest, rubbing unconsciously directly above her heart.
An ivory hand captured the anxious palm, “Frankie?”
“I’m not leaving you. I could never…”
“No, you’re just going away for a little while.” A sad chuckle, “How many times have you walked away saying it’s what was best for me? I thought you finally stopped. After all these years, I thought you finally understood I don’t need you to walk away or protect me. I need you to love me. That’s it. Be with me. Be with our family.” Her voice slipped to a whisper, “I love you. Don’t make this like it was back then.”
“I’d never forgive myself if something happened to one of you and I could have stopped it.” Frankie admitted.
The room went silent.
Neither flinched when Frankie’s pocket began to buzz loudly. After a few muted rings, Frankie reached in with her free hand and plucked the cellphone out. With an unreadable look, she read the caller id. Bianca watched her as the phone continued to buzz in her hand.
A tense second passed.
She hit a button and pressed the phone to her ear, “Stone…yeah, Jones.”
Bianca inhaled sharply and pursed her lips. Her hand fell from Frankie’s and she turned away, not seeing the flash in her wife’s brown eyes. She moved toward the door but stopped short of leaving. After a strained moment, she turned around, Frankie eying her as the older woman listened to the speaker on the other end of the line.
Bianca’s hand slowly lifted, stretching out to her lover.
Lips pressing together in a thin line, Frankie closed the distance between them and took her hand. Their fingers automatically entwined as Bianca guided the shorter woman out of frame. The sound of shuffling and the opening and closing of the front door echoed after them.
The camera slowly lowered, the kitchen fading from view until only the floor stared back at it.
Author: Fab_fan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Bianca/Frankie
Rating: PGish
Disclaimer: Not my characters, sadly enough.
Summary: Miranda has to complete an assignment for school. Takes place after Five Years Later.
Note: Of course there was going to be more. Writing for this series is addicting to me. Once I started up again, I couldn't stop. Let me know if I need to take up a twelve step program and get on to a different story so you can read something you like.
First Part Found Here
Bianca sat behind the desk in her home office, sunshine pouring in from the large picture window on the far wall. The view of bustling Paris glimmered in the warm yellowish light. The office was cozy, only the elegant wooden desk, humming laptop, and stacks of folders denoting that it was, in fact, used for work. Otherwise, it looked much like any other room to be found in a cherished home. Picture frames dotted the top of the desk, some photos visible to the camera others facing the woman searching through a drawer while chewing thoughtfully on her bottom lip. One of Miranda’s sketches, the sun rising over the Seine, hung on the wall behind Bianca, and a forgotten pair of heels rested lazily off to the side. A box was pushed against the wall, it’s open flaps revealing old school projects.
“Mom?” Miranda called out easily, jiggling the camera slightly in her hands.
“Yes, honey?” Bianca found what she was looking for. The pen slid effortlessly into her grasp as she closed the drawer and straightened in her chair. She blinked, a small o forming with her lips at the sight of the camera before a loving smile took its place.
“Can I get an interview for this thing?”
“Your project?” Bianca nodded, “Of course. Give me a second to finish this, and I’m all yours.”
The view bobbled as Miranda shuffled over. On screen, Bianca reread whatever she had typed earlier on the laptop and underlined a few sentences on a piece of paper in front of her. She was dressed in one of the elegant yet understated tops she usually wore to work, her hair down and curled slightly around her face. The gold of her rings shimmered on her left hand when her fingers quickly hit a few buttons on the keyboard. “Ok, done.” She closed the laptop and pushed it off to the side of the desk.
“Cool.” Miranda focused the camera on her mother, “I was going to ask you some questions. I have to get stuff about our family and everything.”
“Whatever you want, Miranda. Let’s hear them.” Bianca waved her hand encouragingly.
“Sure. Um…” the sound of rustling paper, “Tell us about your childhood.”
“Oh boy.” Bianca chuckled gently. “Well, I was raised by my parents - Travis Montgomery and Erica Kane. When they divorced, I lived with my dad until I was about sixteen. He suffered a stroke,” sadness entered her eyes, “and passed away. I lived with my mother after that.”
“How was it living with her?”
Bianca shook her head, eyes lighting up with mirth, “Interesting. That would be the best way to describe it.” Her hands clasped on the desk, “We had our moments. We had our issues. But, we love each other. We worked through them, and we are very close.”
“What sort of issues?”
“Oh, there were many. It wasn’t easy being the daughter of a famous celebrity.” Bianca glanced past the camera, “I’ve done my best to keep you and your sister away from that. I was somewhat shy when I was younger. I didn’t like the spotlight at all. I still don’t. The tabloids were always wanting a picture or a story to write.”
“Did Auntie Kendall do something? Because I totally saw her kick a paparazzo once.”
“No,” Bianca chuckled, “your aunt and I weren’t close for a few years. Not until you came around.”
“Oh,”
“You helped bring us together. Bridge the gap that was between us.”
“I’m like a diplomat. Baby me could end wars.”
“Something like that,” a light chuckle accompanied the sentence. Then, her face turned reflective, “You were a gift, Miranda.” Bianca looked at her, “I’ve always loved you. You and your sister are the greatest most cherished gifts. I still remember the first time I held you in my arms. It was a miracle. You’re my miracle.”
There was a pause, “I love you, too, mom.”
“That doesn’t mean you’re getting out of trouble, young lady.” Bianca said sternly. “You’re still grounded from going out.”
“But mom,”
“Save it, Mimo. You snuck out without telling me or Frankie where you were going. You weren’t home till two in the morning! We were ready to send out someone to find you. You can’t do that, honey.” There was a flash of remembrance and fear, “You know better than that.”
“I…I’m sorry, mom.”
“I know you are. Frankie does too.”
“She was really mad. I’ve never seen her that mad.” Miranda snorted, “She said I’m just a kid. I’m not a little kid anymore.”
“Can you blame her? Miranda, you have to understand where we’re coming from. For all we knew, you disappeared. You could have been hurt. And, whether you like it or not, you are still a teenager. You’ll always be our child.”
Miranda sniffed.
“Don’t worry,” Bianca winked, “she won’t be mad for long. That girl could never stay mad at you or your sister. I always had to be the bad parent when you were younger because she couldn’t even raise her voice to you two.” A melodic laugh, “I sent her to the store to pick up some milk and juice. I wouldn’t be surprised if she returned with a tub of your favorite ice cream or a box of chocolate croissants.” Her focus went back to the camera, “I’m sure you didn’t come here to learn about Frankie’s shopping traits, though.”
“No…um…we should get back to the questions. Mr. Jamison was really anal about what he wants.”
“Miranda.”
“He was,” she grumbled quietly. “So, Frankie. You two are married.”
“Yes, we are.”
“Do you like being married to her?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m as in love with her now as the day I met her.”
“Did you always think you were going to marry Frankie?”
“Think?” Bianca bit her lip, “I wanted to. Even when we were young and it was ludicrous to think about things such as marriage, I could see spending my life with her. But, she went away for a while, and I didn’t think she would ever come back.” A blinding grin, “But, she did.”
“Do you like working with her at Cambias?”
“It makes every day an adventure. Poor Marie has to put up with Frankie popping in and out whenever she wants.”
A deep breath, slight tremble in the voice “Did you two ever want…ever want your own baby?”
Bianca frowned, “Our own baby? Miranda, you and Gabby are our babies. We love you both so much.”
“Yeah, I know you love us. But…Frankie wasn’t around when we were born. I didn’t even meet her till I was six or something.”
“Miranda, sweetie,” Bianca leaned forward, “you should really talk to Frankie about this, but I swear to you, Frankie never thought of you or your sister as anything other than hers. You two mean so much to her. You’re perfect in her eyes. We didn’t need to have another child so that we could say that one was Frankie and I’s. We already have two beautiful healthy girls. Frankie adores you. How long has this been on your mind?”
“I don’t know. It’s not a big deal. It’s just…when Claire’s parents divorced, her mom and stepdad had a kid together.”
“We’re not Claire’s mom and stepfather. There are a lot of reasons why couples have children. With the way Frankie acts, sometimes I feel like I have three kids in this apartment. We don’t need anymore.”
“But, do you wish you had a baby with Frankie? Like you did with Reese?”
Bianca took a moment before answering, “Frankie is a great parent. She doesn’t believe it half the time, but she is really wonderful. Would I have loved for her to be there when you or your sister was born? Of course. I would have loved for her to be there the whole time. But, that doesn’t mean she wasn’t there when it was important.” She picked up a picture frame and held it up. The four of them were camped out in front of a Christmas tree. Miranda was young, Gabby no more than a toddler, “She was there to help put together the bike you got that year. She watched the Spongebob Christmas episode at least five times with you and your sister. I caught you two making snowballs out on the balcony.”
“I remember.”
“That’s what’s important, honey. Not if she was there when the doctor told me I was having a baby. Not sitting around deciding if having another child was what we needed. Yes, those things are important. But, being here day after day. That makes you her children. You two loving her every day and her loving you back. Being there. I love your sister, and I have never regretted having her. I can’t. But, Frankie’s not like Reese was. Reese…needed to have another child. Frankie didn’t. You two were more than enough. As far as I’m concerned, Frankie is your mother, and you are her girls.”
“Yeah, she is.” A sniffle.
“If you weren’t, she wouldn’t be as upset as she was when you finally came home at the crack of dawn.” A pointed look.
She cleared her throat, “I know we’ve talked about…my father…and I really don’t want to talk about that on this thing, but,”
“I love you. I always have and always will. Nothing can change that.”
“Ok. Cool.”
Bianca nodded, “And I love Gabrielle, even after what happened with Reese.”
“What’s your favorite family memory?”
“Oh wow,” Bianca tilted her head, “there’s so many. I don’t know if I can pick only one.”
“Come on.”
“There was our wedding. Seeing you and Gabby in your dresses. You both looked so gorgeous.” She smirked, “And Frankie wasn’t too bad, either.”
“Mom!”
“What? I meant how she looked, Mimo. Smashing that cake into her face was fun.” She hummed to herself, “Our first family vacation together. When we went to Les Sables d'Olonne. You and Gabby had so much fun in the ocean. All of the holidays we’ve spent together.” She shrugged, “I can’t pick one. There’s too many.”
“No contest. It’s when we tried to teach your mom how to throw a snowball. Her aim had the squirrels ducking for cover.” Frankie’s voice floated in. “She’d probably miss a wall if it was a foot away from her.”
“My aim was good enough to get you.” Bianca pointed at her.
The camera swung around to show Frankie standing in the doorframe, one shoulder leaning against it as her brown leather jacket covered casually crossed arms. “You cheated.”
“I cheated?”
“Used your feminine wiles against me.”
“I believe you mean you were too caught up in staring at me goofily like a, how is it Miranda, like a movie to even do anything.”
“I don’t stare goofily.”
“Oh man, you totally do.” Miranda interjected. “And you still get all red whenever mom dresses up. Sunburn red.”
“Kid, you’re supposed to be backing me up here. We’re a team.” Frankie groused playfully.
“Sorry, maman. It’s true. ”
“Even your daughters see it.” Bianca chimed in.
“I see how it is. I go out and spend my hard earned cash on snacks for you all, battle my way through Paris traffic, to get ganged up on.” She squinted, “This calls for backup.”
Bianca strolled over to her, wrapping an arm around her waist as her other hand trailed along the edge of the unzipped jacket, “What’re you going to do?”
“There’s still one person on my side.” Frankie turned her head, arms uncrossing unconsciously as she returned the embrace, “Squirt! I need help here!”
Footsteps trotted down the hallway and Gabby appeared, “Did Mimo get in trouble again?”
“Hey!”
“Be nice to your sister, Gabby.” Bianca spoke.
Gabby spotted the camera and slid back, half hiding behind Frankie, “Isn’t that thing done, yet?”
“Still waiting for your big finale, Gabs. I’m thinking fireworks and fountains. And an orchestra with ballet dancers.” Miranda teased.
“Speaking of fireworks,” Frankie gazed at Bianca, “don’t I get a hello kiss?”
“No kissing while we’re around.” Gabby reminded them, “You promised.”
“Yeah, it scars us for life. Think of poor Isabel. We’d be visiting her forever.” Miranda added.
“We did agree.” Bianca tugged the front of Frankie’s jacket. Frankie followed after her as they stepped out of frame, “Let me help you put the groceries away, baby.”
Gabby gave one look to the camera and waltzed away.
The camera clicked off.
-------------
The camera turned on, the view blurry for a second before it adjusted. The back of Gabby’s head appeared, hair neatly pulled back into a swishing ponytail, weaving as she walked along the hallway.
“Hey Gabs, where you going?” Miranda asked.
“School.” Gabby didn’t turn around.
“Excited for another day of boring biology and math?”
Gabby sighed, “What part of I don’t want to be in your film isn’t understandable? Should I say it in French?”
“You’re my sister. You have to be in it. Now, talk to me.”
Gabby peeked over her shoulder, “I’ll talk to you when you tell our parents about Felix.”
“I’m going to!”
“When? You snuck out to see Felix and nearly gave them a panic attack. I heard maman on the phone with her security team. She even called Jones. Mom was worried sick. Maggie and Ally went out looking for you. You know how they get about stuff like that.”
“I said I was sorry.”
“Mom says you’re just like maman was. Running off and getting into trouble then charming your way out of it.” Her tone changed, “They won’t judge you if you tell them about him. Felix isn’t a bad guy, and they love you no matter what. They liked Felix when they met him. Mom and maman will be understanding about anything…except you sneaking out.”
“I didn’t think they’d notice. And, I was going to tell them, but then it wasn’t a good time. Let’s talk about something else, ok?”
A sigh, “Are we meeting Felix?”
“Yep,” her voice brightened, “he’s going to be down at the corner. He said he’d bring us coffee.”
“Are we going for a bike ride after school still?”
“Of course. When have we ever missed a weekly bike ride? Maggie said if we ride by the park near her place, her and Ally would have snacks we could eat.”
“Great.” A second, “Did you notice something with maman?”
“Like what?”
“She seemed weird this morning.”
“Because she was quiet like you are all the time?”
“I’m not quiet.”
“Not with me. Anyone else you are. With me, you can’t stop talking. Wonder why?” was the cheeky response.
“Because you need someone to tell you when you’re being dumb.”
The camera stopped moving as they reached the elevator, “Damn, I forgot my math book.”
“Case in point. You should go get it.”
“I’ll be right back. Wait for me.” The camera spun around and jerked violently as its holder ran down the hallway. It suddenly stopped in front of a door, and it tilted down as Miranda’s hand dove into her pocket and extracted a key. She shoved the key into the lock and twisted, pushing open the door. She crept along, shutting the door behind her quietly and speedily moving toward her room. Movement and voices caught her attention, though, as she passed the opening to the kitchen. The camera peered inside as she huddled near.
Bianca closed the flaps of the cereal box, “Do you want to tell me what that phone call was about yesterday?”
Frankie continued to scroll through the emails on her cellphone, “Nothing to tell.”
“That’s why you were acting differently? Because of nothing?” she slid the box next to the toaster.
Frankie closed her emails and slid the phone into the pocket of her suit jacket. “Seemed like a normal day to me. Ate breakfast, went to work, ate dinner. Spent time with the kids. Fell asleep with you in my arms.” She shrugged and stood up, “I’m going to be late tonight. I got that meeting with IT.”
Bianca turned, hands griping the edge of the counter, “You couldn’t look at me yesterday. You still can’t.”
“Bianca,”
“Look at me, Frankie.”
Frankie lifted her eyes, defiant, “What?”
Bianca stared at her for a minute. Searching. She pursed her lips and pushed away from the counter, arms crossing smoothly, “I won’t force you to tell me. But, I know something happened. We’ve been together long enough to not keep secrets from each other.” She pressed her palm to her forehead, “When I tried to touch you last night, you turned your back to me.”
“I was tired.” Frankie jammed her hands into her pockets, “I want you, but falling asleep in the middle of making love to you isn’t on my top ten list of things to do.”
“You’re lying.”
Frankie smirked, “You’re right. I could never fall asleep making love to you. I might pass out during a staff meeting, though. I can’t do that. Those bozos would draw a mustache on my face. Besides, my boss doesn’t like it when I’m inefficient. I might even get called into her office.”
“Stop,” Bianca thread her fingers through her hair, “I’m serious, Frankie. After that phone call, it’s like you weren’t here. Miranda had to ask you three times if you two were still going to the art show this weekend with Maggie.”
“Caffeine hadn’t kicked in, yet.”
“Fine, don’t tell me.” Bianca sighed. “I have to go anyway. There’s a board meeting before lunch.”
“Bianca,”
“I’ll see you when you get home. If you get home too late, try not to wake me. Gabby is getting her grade back on her poetry paper today, and she’ll want to show you, but she can do it in the morning. Or whenever your caffeine kicks in.” She moved to leave.
“Luke is retiring.”
Bianca froze.
Frankie rubbed the back of her neck with one hand, the other digging in her pocket and pulling out a pack of gum. “He called to tell me.” She easily freed a stick and popped it in her mouth.
“Sweetheart,” Bianca breathed out, “if you want, I can have the jet take you to DC so you can see him. We can fly out there this weekend. I’ll have Marie book a hotel room first thing when I get in.” Her tone turned tender, “Whatever you need.”
Frankie shook her head, “Yeah, I thought he’d stay a few more years, but it’s not…” she clenched her fist around the package, “they’re starting the search for his replacement.”
“I’m sure he won’t let anyone take his place that can’t handle it. Is Jones looking into applying?”
“My name came up.”
Bianca’s face dropped.
Frankie twirled the package in her hands restlessly; “I worked with him for a long time. I built a big file.”
“Did he…”
“No,” Frankie slid the packet back in her pocket, “he wouldn’t. But, he won’t tell them I’m not qualified either.”
Bianca exhaled heavily, “They want you back.”
“I was good at my job. I closed a lot of cases. I’ve worked with people who are willing to put in a good word for me.” She lifted her shoulder, “The Carrington case was big. Left a mark.”
Bianca’s voice rose slightly, “Carrington? Carrington! He almost killed you!” She gestured, “He left a mark, Frankie. I see it every damn day.”
“They want Goldstein.”
“Oh god,” Bianca shook her head, “I thought we were past that. We’ve moved on, Frankie. You told me you didn’t need to go after him anymore. That you wouldn’t.”
“They tried to hurt you and the kids.”
“You almost died.”
Frankie leaned back against the table, “I know Goldstein. I can catch them.” Earnest gaze, “He’s stayed away, but I don’t know how long that will last. They wanted Cambias once, they’ll try for it again. If it looks like there’s a weakness. If…when one of the kids takes over and they think they can rough them up…”
“No,” Bianca walked up to her, “we talked about this. The girls will be fine. It’s over. You’ve made sure of it. We both have. Miranda and Gabrielle will always be protected and safe.” Her hand shakily pressed against Frankie’s chest, “You haven’t been feeling well.”
“I won’t be out on the street. I’ll be planning. Coordinating.”
“I know you, Frankie. You wouldn’t stay behind a desk.” Her fingers curled into the fabric of Frankie’s shirt, “You’d be out there guns blazing. You’ve always been that way.”
Frankie glanced down at the hand, “I haven’t said yes. It’s not like I have anything to say yes to. Half the bureau hated me. Most of them are the people who decide to hire. This is all preliminary. There’s a list of people.”
Bianca scoffed wetly, “They’ll offer it to you. Michaels would want you to take over. Like you said, you were good at it. The best. He trained you to take his place.”
“They haven’t. Even if they did, I have a job.”
Bianca released her hold. Her hand went to her eyes, and she swiped beneath them at the forming tears, “You want it.”
“Bianca…”
“Be honest. Do you want to go back?”
“I like my job with Cambias.” Frankie swallowed thickly, “I like seeing you everyday. Being able to walk to your office whenever I want.”
Bianca smiled sadly, “You also loved your job. You never said anything about ever going back, so I never thought about this happening.” She stepped back from Frankie, “I told myself I’d never ask you to quit. But, you kept getting hurt, and I asked you to stay with me. With the girls.”
“I wanted to stay.” Her voice implored, “I want to stay. You three mean so damn much to me.”
Bianca sucked in a shuddering breath, “Do you regret quitting?”
Frankie stared at her incredulously.
“Do you?” Bianca repeated unsteadily.
She pointed toward the front door, “I quit because our kid asked me to. Because I kept having to leave you. Quitting let me have this family.” Her voice shook, “I never had a family before you three. I didn’t think I ever would. Don’t ask me if I regret being able to watch Miranda and Gabby grow up. Don’t act like I gave up something to be able to wake up to your face every day.”
“But, you did.” Bianca spoke softly. “You gave up your job. The life you had.” Her toned dropped to a whisper, “Would you have walked away if you weren’t sick?”
Frankie scrubbed at her face.
“The doctors told you to find a different career. You never mentioned stopping until they did. I don’t even think you wanted to stop when they told you to.” A breath, “You aren’t healthy.” Bianca bit her lip, “David told you to keep your stress down the last time you saw him. Maggie said it, too. Frankie, you have to take higher doses of your prescription. And you want to go back to the job that nearly took you away from me forever? Do you remember how much that job cost us?”
“It let me keep you safe.”
“It got you shot! Frankie, I almost had to say goodbye to you. I will never forget what Carrington did to you in that room.”
“And the Goldsteins were the ones who sent him after you! I won’t forget that. The Goldsteins targeted you and Miranda. They ordered a gun pointed at your head. They sent contracts out to gun down Miranda when she was at fucking piano practice! If I hadn’t been there…if Jones arrived a half minute later than he did…” Frankie rubbed at her eyes as she fought to rein in her emotion, her words breaking off. Her jaw clenched firmly, “I haven’t even said yes.”
“Then, look me in the eye and tell me you wouldn’t say yes if they offered it to you right now. If Michaels called you this minute and told you the job is yours if you want it.”
The silence was deafening.
“Damn you, Frankie.” Bianca looked up at the ceiling and blinked back the sadness. She lowered her gaze to Frankie’s, “What about the kids? Have you thought about them? We’d have to tell our daughters you’re going back to a job that put you in a hospital. What are they supposed to think?”
“That I’m doing what’s best for them. I’m always going to do what’s best for you guys. What keeps you safe.”
“You being here is what’s best. My god Frankie, you know this. You know how important you are in their lives. In my life.” Her lip quivered, “You promised me when we got married you would stay. You stood there and promised.”
Frankie tilted her head so her gaze landed on the table, chewing roughly on her gum. Her hand skimmed over the top of her head, scratching at her scalp before falling listlessly to her side. It then came up to her chest, rubbing unconsciously directly above her heart.
An ivory hand captured the anxious palm, “Frankie?”
“I’m not leaving you. I could never…”
“No, you’re just going away for a little while.” A sad chuckle, “How many times have you walked away saying it’s what was best for me? I thought you finally stopped. After all these years, I thought you finally understood I don’t need you to walk away or protect me. I need you to love me. That’s it. Be with me. Be with our family.” Her voice slipped to a whisper, “I love you. Don’t make this like it was back then.”
“I’d never forgive myself if something happened to one of you and I could have stopped it.” Frankie admitted.
The room went silent.
Neither flinched when Frankie’s pocket began to buzz loudly. After a few muted rings, Frankie reached in with her free hand and plucked the cellphone out. With an unreadable look, she read the caller id. Bianca watched her as the phone continued to buzz in her hand.
A tense second passed.
She hit a button and pressed the phone to her ear, “Stone…yeah, Jones.”
Bianca inhaled sharply and pursed her lips. Her hand fell from Frankie’s and she turned away, not seeing the flash in her wife’s brown eyes. She moved toward the door but stopped short of leaving. After a strained moment, she turned around, Frankie eying her as the older woman listened to the speaker on the other end of the line.
Bianca’s hand slowly lifted, stretching out to her lover.
Lips pressing together in a thin line, Frankie closed the distance between them and took her hand. Their fingers automatically entwined as Bianca guided the shorter woman out of frame. The sound of shuffling and the opening and closing of the front door echoed after them.
The camera slowly lowered, the kitchen fading from view until only the floor stared back at it.