Mors Ab Alto
Title: Mors Ab Alto
Author: Fabfan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Not my characters
Summary: Slightly AU. Takes place in 2003. What if Maggie arrived in Pine Valley first? What if Frankie never met Vanessa and took a different route in life? A different means of “getting out?”
Note: Previous Part HERE
Bianca flipped the last pancake, the golden circle landing on top of the small stack already inhabiting the plate to her right. She shuffled in front of the stove, turning off the burner and snatching two forks out of the silverware drawer. She peeked over her shoulder. Frankie had sat down on a chair at the table when she first walked into the kitchen and hadn’t moved since. Her eyes were trained on the coffee mug, finger lazily tracing the bottom rim of it. One arm rested along the edge of the table, turning Frankie’s shoulder and seemingly closing her off with an invisible wall from the taller girl. It was so different from last night, when Frankie had one arm tossed over the back of the chair and twinkling eyes highlighting a smirk. The once playful atmosphere that permeated the apartment from the moment they began really talking last night had disappeared. More like it was viciously torn away. The air was slightly uncomfortable now. Awkward. Cold. No one spoke. Bianca more than once caught herself holding her breath, not wanting to disturb the fragile aura. She didn’t know Frankie extremely well. But, this was not the outgoing confident roguish woman who flirted with her the second they were alone together.
She missed that impish grin. Why did Kendall have to show up? Why did she answer the door?
Why was this affecting her so much?
Bianca bit her lip. Frankie was nothing like she ever expected. She didn’t know what to exactly prepare for. Maggie didn’t remember much about her twin sister. They weren’t close. That’s what Maggie kept saying. She knew Frankie had a sweet tooth. That Frankie had this thing about words. Read all the time and would write notes in the margins of books. Frankie didn’t like going to school. Partied. Got in trouble.
That was about it.
She didn’t mention that Frankie had a mischievous playfulness hidden in the depths of her hazel eyes. Whereas Maggie’s tended to reflect friendliness and teasing, a richer hue seemed to shine from Frankie’s orbs. A depth that Bianca couldn’t put into words. There was an air around her. A mysteriousness. One part danger and one part rascal that drew Bianca in.
She never meant to sleep with Frankie last night. It was never her plan to do anything of the sort. It didn’t cross her mind when she wrote the letter, and it sure as heck didn’t cross her mind when she answered the door to find Frankie on the other side. She knew a lot of people were fine with sharing their bed and body with someone they just met. Bianca had never been like that, though. She craved that intimacy only with someone she cared for. Someone she loved. Making love was a way of exploring a bond she shared with another woman. It wasn’t about having fun for a few hours. It was important. Meaningful. Special.
Yet, she couldn’t say last night was all about letting loose. It wasn’t. There was a spark between them. It flared up in an all-consuming flame that Bianca couldn’t fight against even if she wanted to. Yes, they drank a lot of alcohol, but it wasn’t because they were drunk. At least, it wasn’t for her. Frankie acted like it had been. Said it was nothing more than a one-night stand.
She only said that, though, after Kendall showed up.
Bianca frowned. Leave it to Kendall to ruin a perfect morning. How could she do that? Burst in and start spouting off about things that didn’t concern her. Things she knew nothing about. Yes, at one point Bianca thought she might love Maggie. Be in love with her. Wanted a relationship with her. But, that was a long time ago. It had been an infatuation. Nothing came of it. They both moved on. Bianca saw Maggie as her best friend, nothing more. They might have been able to be more once, but Maggie made it clear what her feelings were and Bianca respected that. She let go. Now, Maggie was her best friend. Bianca wrote to Frankie because, even though Maggie and her twin never had been close, they deserved to have the chance to connect. To become a family.
Did Bianca just mess it all up?
Hopefully, she could fix it. Fix everything.
Spinning around, she lightly walked over to the table. She gently set a plate of pancakes down in front of Frankie, followed by a fork. Frankie didn’t flinch. Didn’t move at all. Nothing to acknowledge Bianca. Sighing to herself, Bianca went over to the other chair and sat down.
No one spoke.
Bianca watched Frankie douse her plate with syrup. She couldn’t help but smile at how much the older girl used. Maggie was right about one thing, at least. Her sister did have a sweet tooth. Frankie set the bottle down and picked up her fork, twirling it between her fingers.
The silence was deafening.
She had to fix this. Do something. End the silence. “I can make more if you want.”
Frankie shook her head and cut off a bite, popping it into her mouth.
Bianca poked at her own pancakes, “After we’re done, you can have the shower. There are towels in the cupboard. You can use my shampoo and conditioner.” The quiet was unnerving. She had never been in this situation before. Eating breakfast after a night with a girl she barely knew. The bubbling of insecurity churned in her belly, but she forced herself to ignore it. It was still there, though. The doubt. About herself. About Frankie wanting anything like she wanted. The pressure in her chest, familiar from so many heartaches with Sarah and Lena, began to form. Bianca bit her lip. No. She refused to give in to the fear niggling in the back of her mind.
The fear telling her she did it again. Wanted something from someone who couldn’t or wouldn’t be with her.
Frankie ate another bite.
Pursing her lips, Bianca pushed the stack around, “I can call Maggie. I’m sure she’d like to see you.”
The fork hovered over the plate. “Don’t bother.”
“Why not?”
Frankie hunched further over her plate, “I’m just gonna leave after this.”
“No, you can’t.” She couldn’t leave. Not now, “You came to see Maggie.”
A blink and tiny shake of the head met her exclamation. The words were mumbled, not meant to be heard, but Bianca still caught them, “I don’t know why I came here.”
“Please. Frankie.” Bianca leaned forward, “You can be upset with me. But…give Maggie a chance. You both want to see each other. Meet for a cup of coffee. She’d be really happy to see how good you’re doing. I think she’d be really proud to hear you’re in the Air Force.”
Frankie smirked disbelievingly with a scoff, “We’re not like that.”
“You won’t know what you’re like if you never give it a chance.”
Frankie finally looked at her, “Maggie doesn’t even know I’m here. She didn’t contact me. You did. You might think you’re going to get an edge in with her because of this…”
“That’s not what this is about.” Bianca quickly cut her off. “Frankie, I wrote to you because I thought you two would want to see each other. But, that wasn’t the whole letter. Everything I wrote in there was true. I wanted to meet you, too.”
“You sure did that. You got some hello there.”
Bianca leaned back in her chair, “We need to talk about what happened between us.” It was obvious. They needed to sort this out. Discuss what was clearly forming between them. Because something was forming. Something had already formed.
“We slept together. No big deal.”
“It is a big deal. It is to me.” Bianca never had a one-night stand before. She never got drunk and made love to someone she barely even knew. She only ever had sex with two people - Sarah and Lena. With them, she was in a committed emotional relationship. But, a few hours with Frankie, and Bianca was feeling things she couldn’t describe. Couldn’t fully understand. Being with Frankie, eating plates of pasta and joking about funny stories both knew, Bianca felt comfortable. She was happy. It wasn’t simply because of the wine or the shock at finally meeting Maggie’s twin. It was something else. Something more. She felt safe with Frankie in a way she hadn’t felt in a very long time. Last night, Frankie made her believe she could be herself. Bianca could trust Frankie. After what happened with Sarah and Lena, that was a feeling Bianca rarely ever experienced. She should be questioning it. Wary of it. She thought she could trust Lena, and the woman broke her heart. Kept breaking her heart. Yes, they were working on becoming friends. Bianca wasn’t sure she could ever look at Lena the same way after what she did with Michael Cambias. After lying to her again and again. Yet, after all that, one drunken grin from Frankie and Bianca’s heart became like a bird in flight - light and carefree.
“Because you got to see what you’ve been dreaming about with my sister?” she tried to act unaffected by it, but Bianca could hear the subtle tremor in the words.
“No, because there’s something between us.”
“It’s called alcohol.”
“No, it’s not.” It couldn’t be. Bianca wasn’t the type to sleep with someone just because she was drunk. Bianca rarely had more than a glass or two, wasn’t used to being intoxicated, but that didn’t mean anything. It didn’t matter. Sure, maybe alcohol had an effect, but it wasn’t what made her attracted to Frankie. It wasn’t what made her body tingle at the slightest touch or head spin with a simple kiss. It surely wasn’t why, when she woke up, everything felt right. Opening her eyes to discover Frankie in her arms felt good. No alarms sounded in her head telling her to be careful or that she did something wrong. To freak out because it wasn’t Lena in her bed. Instead, her mind and body were telling her she was exactly where she was supposed to be.
Frankie was stubborn. She was about to see how stubborn a Kane could be. “I know what Kendall said was harsh this morning. But, it isn’t true. I’m not in love with Maggie. What happened last night has nothing to do with her. It was about us. It was about me seeing how interesting you are. You’re like no one I’ve ever met before. I feel like I can trust you. Talk to you. I felt safe with you last night. Waking up with you in my arms was the most comfortable I’ve felt since I can remember.”
Frankie folded her arms across her chest, chin tilted down.
“There is something between us, Frankie. No matter what, you can’t deny that. It’s new and scary, but it’s there.” She inhaled deeply, “I don’t want to push you. I would never force you to be with me or do something you don’t want to do. If you don’t want to see Maggie, that’s your choice. If you never want to hear from me again, fine. But…if you do want to see her or if you do want to…to see what’s between us…what could be between us, then tell me. Please. Let me help you.”
“What makes you think I need help?”
Bianca shrugged, “Because I don’t understand it either, and I’m scared too, but we can work it out together.”
Frankie peered up at her. Bianca nearly gasped at the swirling greens and browns.
“I’m not asking you to move to Pine Valley and become an instant family with Maggie or walk down the aisle with me. All I’m asking is that you be honest with me. Give me and your sister a chance to be a part of your life.”
Frankie rubbed the back of her neck, face troubled. Bianca watched the flicker of thoughts and feelings flash over her features. A deep seriousness settled in the hazel. After a minute, Frankie opened her mouth, “Ok.”
“What?” had she heard right?
Frankie looked to be just as stunned as her at the agreement, but she quickly recovered, making her face neutral, “I don’t want to see Maggie yet. Not right now. I’m not…I can’t now.”
“That’s ok. Whenever you’re ready. You don’t even have to see her. When you want, maybe you could talk on the phone or something.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Frankie stood up, ”I’m going to take a quick shower, then I’ll get out.”
“Get out? Where are you going?” she stood up as well.
Frankie shrugged as she exited the kitchen, heading to her forgotten pack, “That place…Pine Cone or whatever.”
“You don’t have to go anywhere, Frankie.” She followed her, “You can stay here.”
Frankie shot her a look before grabbing her bag. “Not much for stay overs.”
“I mean it. I can take the couch…or you can. Don’t leave because you think you have to.” Frankie ignored her, carrying the bag toward the bathroom. A sudden wave came over Bianca. Hit her directly in the chest and pulled her head under like a tsunami. She didn’t want Frankie to leave. If Frankie left, she might never see her again.
Bianca couldn’t imagine waking up tomorrow and not having Frankie as part of her life.
She should have stopped and thought about it. Wondered why she was so suddenly taken with a woman she knew less than 24 hours. But, one thing about Bianca was she let her heart guide her. She listened to her emotions and let her feelings dictate her life. It was why she always seemed to get her heartbroken. She believed in and wanted love. Romance. Passion. She saw the good in people. Allowed herself to be open and meet affection with arms held out wide.
Frankie made her feel a stirring in her heart. She was going to let that stirring grow, and she was going to welcome the reason for it.
Swiftly walking after Frankie, Bianca’s slim fingers clasped Frankie’s wrist, wrapping securely around it. Frankie paused at the unexpected touch, eyes narrowing in confusion and frustration. Hazel eyes glanced at her, Frankie’s face turning slightly to see what was happening.
The air crackled between them. Unseen lights and flashes sparking around their still bodies.
Breath caught in Bianca’s throat. Her voice came out strong yet a hoarse whisper, “Frankie.”
Frankie gulped silently, walls rising and falling rapidly.
Bianca stepped closer, body humming as the inches melted away.
Frankie swayed, breaking the last invisible barrier between them before realizing and pulling back.
“Stay,” Bianca spoke so softly the word hovered between them like a flower petal on a summer breeze, “with me.”
A slick jaw wobbled as a quiet curse worked its way out.
Then, the air trapped in Bianca’s throat was ripped free as a pair of lips pressed against her own.
Bianca’s eyes shut at the sensations. Hard yet hesitant, Frankie’s mouth fused with hers. Greedily drinking her in and yearning for more. Bianca tasted sweet maple and bitter coffee, the battling sensations clouding her mind and hypnotizing her tongue.
As soon as it began, it ended.
Bianca’s eyes flew open as Frankie stumbled back, cheeks flushed and lips moist. Breathing heavily, she frowned, “Frankie?”
Frankie clenched her jaw, teeth gnashing together painfully. Her hand came up to the back of her neck, tripping over the chain looped around it.
“What?” Bianca stepped toward her.
Frankie shook her head, moving further back. A smirk plastered on her face, but the twinge at the edge revealed its fakeness, “Maybe you should stop while you’re ahead.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I’m more than up for another round,” Frankie’s eyes flickered, “but I don’t stick around for more than one night.”
Bianca frowned harder, “Where is this coming from?”
Frankie shoved her hands in her pockets, “Listen, you seem like a nice girl. We had fun. You got a Stone for a night, and I got a free bed for the evening. Let’s leave it at that.”
No, this wasn’t right. Something happened. Something was off, “It doesn’t have to be for one night.”
“That’s all I do. I’m not my sister. I don’t stick around and write Valentines Day cards or buy candy hearts.”
“I scared you.”
“I came here to say hi to Maggie. That’s it. If you can tell me where she’s at, I’ll drop by for a minute.”
“You’re lying.” Bianca couldn’t explain how she knew, but it was obvious to her.
“I’m not a liar.”
Exhaling, “If you want to see Maggie, I’ll tell you where she lives. I’ll take you over myself.”
“I can find my way.” She turned and moved toward the bathroom.
“What changed? Why are you running away now? Was it because you kissed me again?”
Frankie whirled around so fast, it nearly gave Bianca whiplash, “I’m not running away.”
“What do you call this?” she waved her hands.
“Taking a shower.”
“Why won’t you talk to me?”
“Because we have a long history of being open with each other? Sorry, but I don’t usually have heart to hearts with one nighters.”
“It wasn’t a one night stand,” Bianca growled before taking a step, “What is it you need to have a heart to heart about?”
Frankie’s eyebrow rose, “Nothing, except maybe why you won’t let me clean up. Got a thing for dirty women?”
With a frustrated breath, Bianca gestured to the bathroom, “Go.”
Frankie did.
------
Bianca tidied up the kitchen, putting the plates and mugs in the sink as the sound of running water echoed from the bathroom. Why was Frankie being so stubborn? What was going on? One minute, they were lying in bed together, warm and soft. The next, Frankie was nearly marching out the door, pack in hand. Frankie kissed her then told her their night together meant nothing.
Could she be any more confusing?
Bianca grumbled to herself. Frankie Stone had been in her life less than a day, and yet everything was all discombobulated. Nothing made sense. Up was down. Bianca got drunk and slept with a woman she barely knew, yet she wasn’t worried about it. Wasn’t ashamed or guilty. Wasn’t bothered by it at all. Her, who never judged but didn’t understand how others could partake in such an intimate act with someone they didn’t love, had done it.
Lena.
Lena, who was trying to rebuild a friendship with her. Who Bianca shared a love with. A relationship. Romance. Who, not so long ago, Bianca strongly felt might share a life with. Yet, Lena never once crossed her mind last night. She wasn’t even a blip on the radar when Frankie kissed her, held her.
This was the woman she whispered declarations of love to in the darkest of nights. Who the town knew was linked with Bianca. Lena more than once made it clear she still loved Bianca. Would like nothing more than to resume their relationship. For goodness sakes, Kendall told her to fight for Lena.
And Kendall now thought Bianca slept with Maggie.
This was Maggie’s sister. What would Maggie think? Maggie had her own problems with Henry. They broke up, and it wasn’t clear if Maggie would even take him back. Yet, Bianca goes and sleeps with her twin right after meeting her? Then, there was what Kendall said. Nothing happened between Maggie and her. When they first got to know each other, Bianca was attracted to Maggie. Wanted more. But, Maggie shot her down. Told her she was straight. Bianca was forced to live with it. Push those feelings aside until they weren’t there anymore. Maggie was important to her, like family, but that did not have anything to do with Frankie. Not a thing. Frankie was different from Maggie. Almost an exact opposite in some respects. Frankie’s grin was a bit more crooked and dancing. Her words bordered continually on sarcastic and witty instead of friendly and cheerful. She was more of a flirt than Maggie ever was. Frankie seemed so sure of herself, but Bianca caught glimpses of vulnerability deeply hidden within the smirk and glances. There was a rougher edge to Frankie. A scamp. That was what she was. A cute scamp. A light smile crossed her cheeks as she remembered Frankie’s tussled hair and bleary eyes that morning.
That evaporated quickly.
Bianca palmed her face, elbow resting on the edge of the counter. She rubbed her forehead, fingers sliding through her hair. Lena wanted to be with her, and Frankie was talking as if their night was nothing. Yet, the thought of Frankie invoked more inside of her at this very moment than the idea of her former girlfriend.
The sound of the water shutting off signaled the end of Frankie’s shower. Bianca peeked at the clock. Five minutes. Another difference with Maggie. Her friend could hog a bathroom with the best of them. Erica Kane would be appalled that a woman took less than twenty minutes to rinse and repeat.
Pushing away from the counter, Bianca heard the bathroom door open. She watched Frankie meander out, wet hair tied back and skin freshly scrubbed. She was dressed in a plain grey t-shirt and jeans, Air Force emblazoned in big bold letters across the front. She seemed…different from when the bathroom door shut behind her. A bit more composed, maybe. Not as defensive or affected.
“Have a nice shower?”
Frankie’s brows rose, and a tiny chuckle escaped her lips, “Yeah, sure.”
“My mom got this special showerhead that’s supposed to give a luxurious spa experience.” The tension in her shoulders eased at the laugh.
“They don’t give us luxurious spa showerheads at base, so I don’t have much experience with it, but I’m sure it was the best showerhead I’ve ever had.”
Bianca giggled, which produced a smile from her companion.
Frankie walked up to the couch, depositing her pack on the cushions. She fiddled with the flaps, tucking things further in and straightening the pouches.
Biting her lip, Bianca plunged in, “Do you really have to leave?”
Frankie paused, hand stilling on top of the pack. Then, she gave a small shrug, “You knew I was never staying.”
“You don’t have to be back till Monday.”
“Then what?” Frankie resumed her actions. To Bianca, it looked almost as if she was simply trying to keep her hands busy, “We send each other postcards?”
“No,” Bianca perched at the side of the couch, “we can talk on the phone. Email. I could go down to Florida and visit you. Maggie and I can take road trips. Destination Frankie.” She smiled wider, “It’ll beat the weather here, at any rate.”
Frankie’s fingers fumbled over a strap.
“What do you say? Use that Air Force bravery and try something new? Give us a chance?”
Frankie picked up her pack and slung it over her shoulder, “Why would I do that?”
“Because you like me.”
Frankie laughed, “And they say pilots are cocky.”
“No, I think all Air Force are.” Bianca gave her a look, “But, I like you. And, I think you like me.”
“I like a lot of things.”
“Give me a day.”
“What?”
“You have to be back Monday. You have to leave tomorrow. Give me today. We can get to know each other. Spend time together. I’ll take you to see Maggie. When you leave, if you still want nothing to do with me, fine. But, give me a chance to find out who my best friend’s sister is. Who I shared a bed with.”
“You don’t give up, do you?”
“No.”
Frankie chewed on her bottom lip, a slight quirk to her mouth.
“Come on. One day. What do you have to lose?”
Author: Fabfan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Not my characters
Summary: Slightly AU. Takes place in 2003. What if Maggie arrived in Pine Valley first? What if Frankie never met Vanessa and took a different route in life? A different means of “getting out?”
Note: Previous Part HERE
Bianca flipped the last pancake, the golden circle landing on top of the small stack already inhabiting the plate to her right. She shuffled in front of the stove, turning off the burner and snatching two forks out of the silverware drawer. She peeked over her shoulder. Frankie had sat down on a chair at the table when she first walked into the kitchen and hadn’t moved since. Her eyes were trained on the coffee mug, finger lazily tracing the bottom rim of it. One arm rested along the edge of the table, turning Frankie’s shoulder and seemingly closing her off with an invisible wall from the taller girl. It was so different from last night, when Frankie had one arm tossed over the back of the chair and twinkling eyes highlighting a smirk. The once playful atmosphere that permeated the apartment from the moment they began really talking last night had disappeared. More like it was viciously torn away. The air was slightly uncomfortable now. Awkward. Cold. No one spoke. Bianca more than once caught herself holding her breath, not wanting to disturb the fragile aura. She didn’t know Frankie extremely well. But, this was not the outgoing confident roguish woman who flirted with her the second they were alone together.
She missed that impish grin. Why did Kendall have to show up? Why did she answer the door?
Why was this affecting her so much?
Bianca bit her lip. Frankie was nothing like she ever expected. She didn’t know what to exactly prepare for. Maggie didn’t remember much about her twin sister. They weren’t close. That’s what Maggie kept saying. She knew Frankie had a sweet tooth. That Frankie had this thing about words. Read all the time and would write notes in the margins of books. Frankie didn’t like going to school. Partied. Got in trouble.
That was about it.
She didn’t mention that Frankie had a mischievous playfulness hidden in the depths of her hazel eyes. Whereas Maggie’s tended to reflect friendliness and teasing, a richer hue seemed to shine from Frankie’s orbs. A depth that Bianca couldn’t put into words. There was an air around her. A mysteriousness. One part danger and one part rascal that drew Bianca in.
She never meant to sleep with Frankie last night. It was never her plan to do anything of the sort. It didn’t cross her mind when she wrote the letter, and it sure as heck didn’t cross her mind when she answered the door to find Frankie on the other side. She knew a lot of people were fine with sharing their bed and body with someone they just met. Bianca had never been like that, though. She craved that intimacy only with someone she cared for. Someone she loved. Making love was a way of exploring a bond she shared with another woman. It wasn’t about having fun for a few hours. It was important. Meaningful. Special.
Yet, she couldn’t say last night was all about letting loose. It wasn’t. There was a spark between them. It flared up in an all-consuming flame that Bianca couldn’t fight against even if she wanted to. Yes, they drank a lot of alcohol, but it wasn’t because they were drunk. At least, it wasn’t for her. Frankie acted like it had been. Said it was nothing more than a one-night stand.
She only said that, though, after Kendall showed up.
Bianca frowned. Leave it to Kendall to ruin a perfect morning. How could she do that? Burst in and start spouting off about things that didn’t concern her. Things she knew nothing about. Yes, at one point Bianca thought she might love Maggie. Be in love with her. Wanted a relationship with her. But, that was a long time ago. It had been an infatuation. Nothing came of it. They both moved on. Bianca saw Maggie as her best friend, nothing more. They might have been able to be more once, but Maggie made it clear what her feelings were and Bianca respected that. She let go. Now, Maggie was her best friend. Bianca wrote to Frankie because, even though Maggie and her twin never had been close, they deserved to have the chance to connect. To become a family.
Did Bianca just mess it all up?
Hopefully, she could fix it. Fix everything.
Spinning around, she lightly walked over to the table. She gently set a plate of pancakes down in front of Frankie, followed by a fork. Frankie didn’t flinch. Didn’t move at all. Nothing to acknowledge Bianca. Sighing to herself, Bianca went over to the other chair and sat down.
No one spoke.
Bianca watched Frankie douse her plate with syrup. She couldn’t help but smile at how much the older girl used. Maggie was right about one thing, at least. Her sister did have a sweet tooth. Frankie set the bottle down and picked up her fork, twirling it between her fingers.
The silence was deafening.
She had to fix this. Do something. End the silence. “I can make more if you want.”
Frankie shook her head and cut off a bite, popping it into her mouth.
Bianca poked at her own pancakes, “After we’re done, you can have the shower. There are towels in the cupboard. You can use my shampoo and conditioner.” The quiet was unnerving. She had never been in this situation before. Eating breakfast after a night with a girl she barely knew. The bubbling of insecurity churned in her belly, but she forced herself to ignore it. It was still there, though. The doubt. About herself. About Frankie wanting anything like she wanted. The pressure in her chest, familiar from so many heartaches with Sarah and Lena, began to form. Bianca bit her lip. No. She refused to give in to the fear niggling in the back of her mind.
The fear telling her she did it again. Wanted something from someone who couldn’t or wouldn’t be with her.
Frankie ate another bite.
Pursing her lips, Bianca pushed the stack around, “I can call Maggie. I’m sure she’d like to see you.”
The fork hovered over the plate. “Don’t bother.”
“Why not?”
Frankie hunched further over her plate, “I’m just gonna leave after this.”
“No, you can’t.” She couldn’t leave. Not now, “You came to see Maggie.”
A blink and tiny shake of the head met her exclamation. The words were mumbled, not meant to be heard, but Bianca still caught them, “I don’t know why I came here.”
“Please. Frankie.” Bianca leaned forward, “You can be upset with me. But…give Maggie a chance. You both want to see each other. Meet for a cup of coffee. She’d be really happy to see how good you’re doing. I think she’d be really proud to hear you’re in the Air Force.”
Frankie smirked disbelievingly with a scoff, “We’re not like that.”
“You won’t know what you’re like if you never give it a chance.”
Frankie finally looked at her, “Maggie doesn’t even know I’m here. She didn’t contact me. You did. You might think you’re going to get an edge in with her because of this…”
“That’s not what this is about.” Bianca quickly cut her off. “Frankie, I wrote to you because I thought you two would want to see each other. But, that wasn’t the whole letter. Everything I wrote in there was true. I wanted to meet you, too.”
“You sure did that. You got some hello there.”
Bianca leaned back in her chair, “We need to talk about what happened between us.” It was obvious. They needed to sort this out. Discuss what was clearly forming between them. Because something was forming. Something had already formed.
“We slept together. No big deal.”
“It is a big deal. It is to me.” Bianca never had a one-night stand before. She never got drunk and made love to someone she barely even knew. She only ever had sex with two people - Sarah and Lena. With them, she was in a committed emotional relationship. But, a few hours with Frankie, and Bianca was feeling things she couldn’t describe. Couldn’t fully understand. Being with Frankie, eating plates of pasta and joking about funny stories both knew, Bianca felt comfortable. She was happy. It wasn’t simply because of the wine or the shock at finally meeting Maggie’s twin. It was something else. Something more. She felt safe with Frankie in a way she hadn’t felt in a very long time. Last night, Frankie made her believe she could be herself. Bianca could trust Frankie. After what happened with Sarah and Lena, that was a feeling Bianca rarely ever experienced. She should be questioning it. Wary of it. She thought she could trust Lena, and the woman broke her heart. Kept breaking her heart. Yes, they were working on becoming friends. Bianca wasn’t sure she could ever look at Lena the same way after what she did with Michael Cambias. After lying to her again and again. Yet, after all that, one drunken grin from Frankie and Bianca’s heart became like a bird in flight - light and carefree.
“Because you got to see what you’ve been dreaming about with my sister?” she tried to act unaffected by it, but Bianca could hear the subtle tremor in the words.
“No, because there’s something between us.”
“It’s called alcohol.”
“No, it’s not.” It couldn’t be. Bianca wasn’t the type to sleep with someone just because she was drunk. Bianca rarely had more than a glass or two, wasn’t used to being intoxicated, but that didn’t mean anything. It didn’t matter. Sure, maybe alcohol had an effect, but it wasn’t what made her attracted to Frankie. It wasn’t what made her body tingle at the slightest touch or head spin with a simple kiss. It surely wasn’t why, when she woke up, everything felt right. Opening her eyes to discover Frankie in her arms felt good. No alarms sounded in her head telling her to be careful or that she did something wrong. To freak out because it wasn’t Lena in her bed. Instead, her mind and body were telling her she was exactly where she was supposed to be.
Frankie was stubborn. She was about to see how stubborn a Kane could be. “I know what Kendall said was harsh this morning. But, it isn’t true. I’m not in love with Maggie. What happened last night has nothing to do with her. It was about us. It was about me seeing how interesting you are. You’re like no one I’ve ever met before. I feel like I can trust you. Talk to you. I felt safe with you last night. Waking up with you in my arms was the most comfortable I’ve felt since I can remember.”
Frankie folded her arms across her chest, chin tilted down.
“There is something between us, Frankie. No matter what, you can’t deny that. It’s new and scary, but it’s there.” She inhaled deeply, “I don’t want to push you. I would never force you to be with me or do something you don’t want to do. If you don’t want to see Maggie, that’s your choice. If you never want to hear from me again, fine. But…if you do want to see her or if you do want to…to see what’s between us…what could be between us, then tell me. Please. Let me help you.”
“What makes you think I need help?”
Bianca shrugged, “Because I don’t understand it either, and I’m scared too, but we can work it out together.”
Frankie peered up at her. Bianca nearly gasped at the swirling greens and browns.
“I’m not asking you to move to Pine Valley and become an instant family with Maggie or walk down the aisle with me. All I’m asking is that you be honest with me. Give me and your sister a chance to be a part of your life.”
Frankie rubbed the back of her neck, face troubled. Bianca watched the flicker of thoughts and feelings flash over her features. A deep seriousness settled in the hazel. After a minute, Frankie opened her mouth, “Ok.”
“What?” had she heard right?
Frankie looked to be just as stunned as her at the agreement, but she quickly recovered, making her face neutral, “I don’t want to see Maggie yet. Not right now. I’m not…I can’t now.”
“That’s ok. Whenever you’re ready. You don’t even have to see her. When you want, maybe you could talk on the phone or something.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Frankie stood up, ”I’m going to take a quick shower, then I’ll get out.”
“Get out? Where are you going?” she stood up as well.
Frankie shrugged as she exited the kitchen, heading to her forgotten pack, “That place…Pine Cone or whatever.”
“You don’t have to go anywhere, Frankie.” She followed her, “You can stay here.”
Frankie shot her a look before grabbing her bag. “Not much for stay overs.”
“I mean it. I can take the couch…or you can. Don’t leave because you think you have to.” Frankie ignored her, carrying the bag toward the bathroom. A sudden wave came over Bianca. Hit her directly in the chest and pulled her head under like a tsunami. She didn’t want Frankie to leave. If Frankie left, she might never see her again.
Bianca couldn’t imagine waking up tomorrow and not having Frankie as part of her life.
She should have stopped and thought about it. Wondered why she was so suddenly taken with a woman she knew less than 24 hours. But, one thing about Bianca was she let her heart guide her. She listened to her emotions and let her feelings dictate her life. It was why she always seemed to get her heartbroken. She believed in and wanted love. Romance. Passion. She saw the good in people. Allowed herself to be open and meet affection with arms held out wide.
Frankie made her feel a stirring in her heart. She was going to let that stirring grow, and she was going to welcome the reason for it.
Swiftly walking after Frankie, Bianca’s slim fingers clasped Frankie’s wrist, wrapping securely around it. Frankie paused at the unexpected touch, eyes narrowing in confusion and frustration. Hazel eyes glanced at her, Frankie’s face turning slightly to see what was happening.
The air crackled between them. Unseen lights and flashes sparking around their still bodies.
Breath caught in Bianca’s throat. Her voice came out strong yet a hoarse whisper, “Frankie.”
Frankie gulped silently, walls rising and falling rapidly.
Bianca stepped closer, body humming as the inches melted away.
Frankie swayed, breaking the last invisible barrier between them before realizing and pulling back.
“Stay,” Bianca spoke so softly the word hovered between them like a flower petal on a summer breeze, “with me.”
A slick jaw wobbled as a quiet curse worked its way out.
Then, the air trapped in Bianca’s throat was ripped free as a pair of lips pressed against her own.
Bianca’s eyes shut at the sensations. Hard yet hesitant, Frankie’s mouth fused with hers. Greedily drinking her in and yearning for more. Bianca tasted sweet maple and bitter coffee, the battling sensations clouding her mind and hypnotizing her tongue.
As soon as it began, it ended.
Bianca’s eyes flew open as Frankie stumbled back, cheeks flushed and lips moist. Breathing heavily, she frowned, “Frankie?”
Frankie clenched her jaw, teeth gnashing together painfully. Her hand came up to the back of her neck, tripping over the chain looped around it.
“What?” Bianca stepped toward her.
Frankie shook her head, moving further back. A smirk plastered on her face, but the twinge at the edge revealed its fakeness, “Maybe you should stop while you’re ahead.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I’m more than up for another round,” Frankie’s eyes flickered, “but I don’t stick around for more than one night.”
Bianca frowned harder, “Where is this coming from?”
Frankie shoved her hands in her pockets, “Listen, you seem like a nice girl. We had fun. You got a Stone for a night, and I got a free bed for the evening. Let’s leave it at that.”
No, this wasn’t right. Something happened. Something was off, “It doesn’t have to be for one night.”
“That’s all I do. I’m not my sister. I don’t stick around and write Valentines Day cards or buy candy hearts.”
“I scared you.”
“I came here to say hi to Maggie. That’s it. If you can tell me where she’s at, I’ll drop by for a minute.”
“You’re lying.” Bianca couldn’t explain how she knew, but it was obvious to her.
“I’m not a liar.”
Exhaling, “If you want to see Maggie, I’ll tell you where she lives. I’ll take you over myself.”
“I can find my way.” She turned and moved toward the bathroom.
“What changed? Why are you running away now? Was it because you kissed me again?”
Frankie whirled around so fast, it nearly gave Bianca whiplash, “I’m not running away.”
“What do you call this?” she waved her hands.
“Taking a shower.”
“Why won’t you talk to me?”
“Because we have a long history of being open with each other? Sorry, but I don’t usually have heart to hearts with one nighters.”
“It wasn’t a one night stand,” Bianca growled before taking a step, “What is it you need to have a heart to heart about?”
Frankie’s eyebrow rose, “Nothing, except maybe why you won’t let me clean up. Got a thing for dirty women?”
With a frustrated breath, Bianca gestured to the bathroom, “Go.”
Frankie did.
------
Bianca tidied up the kitchen, putting the plates and mugs in the sink as the sound of running water echoed from the bathroom. Why was Frankie being so stubborn? What was going on? One minute, they were lying in bed together, warm and soft. The next, Frankie was nearly marching out the door, pack in hand. Frankie kissed her then told her their night together meant nothing.
Could she be any more confusing?
Bianca grumbled to herself. Frankie Stone had been in her life less than a day, and yet everything was all discombobulated. Nothing made sense. Up was down. Bianca got drunk and slept with a woman she barely knew, yet she wasn’t worried about it. Wasn’t ashamed or guilty. Wasn’t bothered by it at all. Her, who never judged but didn’t understand how others could partake in such an intimate act with someone they didn’t love, had done it.
Lena.
Lena, who was trying to rebuild a friendship with her. Who Bianca shared a love with. A relationship. Romance. Who, not so long ago, Bianca strongly felt might share a life with. Yet, Lena never once crossed her mind last night. She wasn’t even a blip on the radar when Frankie kissed her, held her.
This was the woman she whispered declarations of love to in the darkest of nights. Who the town knew was linked with Bianca. Lena more than once made it clear she still loved Bianca. Would like nothing more than to resume their relationship. For goodness sakes, Kendall told her to fight for Lena.
And Kendall now thought Bianca slept with Maggie.
This was Maggie’s sister. What would Maggie think? Maggie had her own problems with Henry. They broke up, and it wasn’t clear if Maggie would even take him back. Yet, Bianca goes and sleeps with her twin right after meeting her? Then, there was what Kendall said. Nothing happened between Maggie and her. When they first got to know each other, Bianca was attracted to Maggie. Wanted more. But, Maggie shot her down. Told her she was straight. Bianca was forced to live with it. Push those feelings aside until they weren’t there anymore. Maggie was important to her, like family, but that did not have anything to do with Frankie. Not a thing. Frankie was different from Maggie. Almost an exact opposite in some respects. Frankie’s grin was a bit more crooked and dancing. Her words bordered continually on sarcastic and witty instead of friendly and cheerful. She was more of a flirt than Maggie ever was. Frankie seemed so sure of herself, but Bianca caught glimpses of vulnerability deeply hidden within the smirk and glances. There was a rougher edge to Frankie. A scamp. That was what she was. A cute scamp. A light smile crossed her cheeks as she remembered Frankie’s tussled hair and bleary eyes that morning.
That evaporated quickly.
Bianca palmed her face, elbow resting on the edge of the counter. She rubbed her forehead, fingers sliding through her hair. Lena wanted to be with her, and Frankie was talking as if their night was nothing. Yet, the thought of Frankie invoked more inside of her at this very moment than the idea of her former girlfriend.
The sound of the water shutting off signaled the end of Frankie’s shower. Bianca peeked at the clock. Five minutes. Another difference with Maggie. Her friend could hog a bathroom with the best of them. Erica Kane would be appalled that a woman took less than twenty minutes to rinse and repeat.
Pushing away from the counter, Bianca heard the bathroom door open. She watched Frankie meander out, wet hair tied back and skin freshly scrubbed. She was dressed in a plain grey t-shirt and jeans, Air Force emblazoned in big bold letters across the front. She seemed…different from when the bathroom door shut behind her. A bit more composed, maybe. Not as defensive or affected.
“Have a nice shower?”
Frankie’s brows rose, and a tiny chuckle escaped her lips, “Yeah, sure.”
“My mom got this special showerhead that’s supposed to give a luxurious spa experience.” The tension in her shoulders eased at the laugh.
“They don’t give us luxurious spa showerheads at base, so I don’t have much experience with it, but I’m sure it was the best showerhead I’ve ever had.”
Bianca giggled, which produced a smile from her companion.
Frankie walked up to the couch, depositing her pack on the cushions. She fiddled with the flaps, tucking things further in and straightening the pouches.
Biting her lip, Bianca plunged in, “Do you really have to leave?”
Frankie paused, hand stilling on top of the pack. Then, she gave a small shrug, “You knew I was never staying.”
“You don’t have to be back till Monday.”
“Then what?” Frankie resumed her actions. To Bianca, it looked almost as if she was simply trying to keep her hands busy, “We send each other postcards?”
“No,” Bianca perched at the side of the couch, “we can talk on the phone. Email. I could go down to Florida and visit you. Maggie and I can take road trips. Destination Frankie.” She smiled wider, “It’ll beat the weather here, at any rate.”
Frankie’s fingers fumbled over a strap.
“What do you say? Use that Air Force bravery and try something new? Give us a chance?”
Frankie picked up her pack and slung it over her shoulder, “Why would I do that?”
“Because you like me.”
Frankie laughed, “And they say pilots are cocky.”
“No, I think all Air Force are.” Bianca gave her a look, “But, I like you. And, I think you like me.”
“I like a lot of things.”
“Give me a day.”
“What?”
“You have to be back Monday. You have to leave tomorrow. Give me today. We can get to know each other. Spend time together. I’ll take you to see Maggie. When you leave, if you still want nothing to do with me, fine. But, give me a chance to find out who my best friend’s sister is. Who I shared a bed with.”
“You don’t give up, do you?”
“No.”
Frankie chewed on her bottom lip, a slight quirk to her mouth.
“Come on. One day. What do you have to lose?”