Love Story Part 22
Title: Love Story
Author: Fab_fan
Fandom: All My Children
Rating: PG-13, maybe higher later on.
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. I don't own much of anything, really.
Summary: AU Early 1900s. Young Bianca Montgomery dreams of living the adventures she reads about in her books. When her family goes to live with her uncle after the death of her father, Bianca discovers herself a part of the greatest adventure of all. Love.
Life continued has it had been. After her talk with Jack, Bianca went to the store to find Frankie swamped with new shipments of sewing kits and eager housewives. Unable to talk, by the time Frankie was free to converse, one look at the grinning girl had Bianca blushing and chatting about her day. Frankie happily went along with whatever the brunette decided to talk about, and all thought of the topic of feelings was forgotten.
It was not forgotten, however, by the townsfolk. With each rejected suitor, the news of Bianca’s actions reached ears far and wide. Soon various people were gossiping about the Montgomery girl. Why was she turning down some of the most eligible bachelors in the city, and why was she spending all of her time in the Chandler’s store with the Stone girl? Something was off. Jack did his best to shield his niece from any unsavory comments or questions, but Erica heard and was infuriated. It only served to add vigor to her attempts at pairing her daughter with the perfect husband. At the store, Stuart had found himself more than once telling a nosey customer to leave his employee alone.
The girls did not mind much what others said, though. Bianca went about her routine of hiding from her mother’s chosen potential future son-in-laws and spending every waking moment with Frankie. As each day passed, the smile on Bianca’s face grew and grew, and she could be found daydreaming with gleaming eyes. She would sneak out of the house as early as she could and arrive back as late as was deemed proper. One could set their watch by the clacking of horse hooves up and down the street.
It was not meant to last.
One day Bianca skipped down the stairs, her brand new book clutched in her grasp. The Time Machine had arrived from her sister the day before, and she was excited to share the story with Frankie. Perhaps over lunch she could get the shorter girl to read a few chapters to her. Hearing Frankie read was wonderful. The blonde had made so much progress from those first few sentences years ago. Then, they could take a walk after the store closed for the day. The sun appeared in a brilliantly cloudless sky, and a light breeze blew to provide a comfortable coolness amongst the heat.
“Bianca, come here, please.” Erica’s voice called out from the sitting room as Bianca stopped in the foyer to retrieve her hat on the way to the carriage.
Dutifully, Bianca turned and entered the room, briefly wondering how long this would take. She hoped her mother had not snuck in another boy to meet.
There was no boy. Erica and Jack stood in the sitting room. Erica had a triumphant glimmer in her eye as she grinned with an almost smug air. Jack stood at her side, tall and regal. However, an apologetic look graced his features. An atmosphere of foreboding penetrated the otherwise cheerful room.
“Yes, mother?” Bianca walked up to the two. Instinctively, her hold on the book tightened.
Erica waved a hand, “Have a seat, dear. There is some incredible news we wish to share with you.”
“News?” Bianca sat down in the chair in front of them. She placed the book in her lap and rested her palms on top of it.
“Yes, the most wonderful news.” Erica nearly fluttered in place. She gleefully glanced at a somber Jack. “Your Uncle and I have been discussing your future, and it has been decided you should receive the best education money can buy.”
That was good news. She loved learning. Maybe she could obtain more books to add to her collection. There were a few stories by Mr. Mark Twain she had been intrigued by, but as of yet had been unable to get her hands on.
Erica clapped her hands together, “That is why you will finish your schooling in Paris.”
Bianca felt her heart stop. “What?”
“There is an amazing boarding school out there. You will receive the best education, not to mention all of the social and cultural aspects of living in France.” Erica explained. “There will be no more of this small town schooling for you. You will be amongst the elite.”
Bianca’s face fell with each word. This could not be true. Paris? That was so far away. “No,” she shook her head, unable to fully comprehend what her mother was saying, “No.”
“Bianca, dear, it is for the best.” Erica smiled.
Bianca’s eyes darted over to Jack, but the man only offered her a solemn glance. Erica had the final say on the matter, not him. Bianca’s breaths came in faster as the words sunk in. Paris, France. Her mother was sending her to Paris, France. She shook her head more and more, and her hands began to shake. Suddenly, she violently stood up, the chair toppling over at the action.
“Bianca!” Erica scolded.
“No! I am not going. I do not wish to go anywhere.” Bianca held the book to her chest like a shield.
“You are going. This is for the best.”
“The best? How is this for the best?” brown eyes filled with tears. “I want to stay here.”
“Bianca.” Jack’s soft voice soothed.
“No!” Bianca whipped her head around to look at him. The first tear broke away from her eye and traveled down her cheek. “I cannot go. I won’t go.”
“You have already been accepted.” Erica spoke.
“Please, please let me stay. Do not make me go.” Bianca begged.
“It is already done. Your ship leaves from New York in two weeks.”
The air in her body left, and Bianca’s legs wobbled and shook. She gasped for breath, sobs choking the words from her throat. Jack, concerned, reached out a hand to her, but she flinched and stumbled back. Betrayed eyes slipped away as she scrambled from the room, the edges of her dress flapping at her feet.
Jack turned and looked at Erica, who only shrugged, “It is for the best, Jack. Whether you agree or not, this will only help her.”
“Will it?”
“Of course, Jack.” Erica began to walk away, “This will be the best thing to ever happen to her.”
****
“Ain’t no more apricot preserves.”
Frankie was bent over the crate on the counter, shuffling through the jars within. The store was empty save for her and Stuart. The counter was littered with open crates. Jars and cans peeked out from the wooden confines.
Frankie shifted through the messy array of products, a pencil balanced on her ear. Her sleeves were rolled up, and her roughened hands already had a tiny cut from a rather sharp nail that previously held one of the crate lids in position. She hopped back and forth between the crates, her cane set off to the side.
“Mark it.” called back Stuart, poking his head out from behind one of the aisles. He continued to arrange the stacks of matchbooks.
Frankie nodded and plucked the pencil from her ear. The sharp tip brushed against her cheek, drawing a black line across the skin. The blonde quickly made a note on the paper in her pocket and put the pencil back. She absently scrubbed at her cheek, and the line lightened and spread until there was a gray spot on her face.
Returning her attention to the crates, she looked for the next item on the list. She began to whistle lowly as she searched for canned beans. The thought that Bianca was running late entered her mind. Her whistling skipped a note, but she quickly regained her rhythm. Bianca would show up.
The door to the store swung open and smashed into the wall, causing the crates to shake. Frankie peered up and immediately grinned at the sight of long dark hair and an elegant dress. Bianca was there. She opened her mouth to greet the girl when Bianca looked over at her.
A frown instantly took the smile’s place at the sight of wet tears and red eyes. In a second Frankie was bounding around the counter, hobbling as fast as she could. The moment she was on the other side, Bianca was in her arms, face buried in her neck and cries filling the store.
Frankie held the trembling woman tightly, terrified. Hazel orbs wildly roamed the shivering body, looking for any wounds or signs of what had caused this. Her stomach clenched and her chest felt heavy as a wet patch started to form on her shirt from the falling tears. Confusion, worry, fear, they all fought for their place in Frankie’s mind.
“Shh, it’s alright.” Frankie quietly spoke.
Bianca sobbed harder. Her fingers clenched at the back of Frankie’s shirt, twisting the thin material and pulling the young woman closer. Frankie licked her lips, feeling a lump form in her throat. She swallowed thickly against the developing sadness and whispered in Bianca’s ear, “Ain’t no use crying, now. Don’ cry. It’ll be alright, you’ll see. Jus’ don’t cry.”
Bianca cried harder at the sweet voice. It felt like everything was ending, like her world was ending. This was her home, her life. This was where Frankie was.
A gentle hand landed on Frankie’s shoulder, and Stuart wordlessly pointed toward the back of the store. Understanding, Frankie blinked and whispered, “It’ll be alright. I promise.” She slowly began to lead her devastated friend to the back, where the hidden stairs led to her room and away from prying eyes. Bianca followed, keeping both arms wrapped around Frankie and her face burrowed against her warm skin. Stuart disappeared and reappeared a minute later with Frankie’s cane. She took it, her focus solely on Bianca.
It was slow going, but they shuffled to the back. At the bottom of the staircase, Bianca lifted her head, tearful eyes locking with Frankie’s. “Go away. Let’s go away. Take me somewhere, please.”
Frankie frowned, “Where?”
“Anywhere.”
“I will.” Frankie vowed, “I promise I will.”
They staggered up the stairs, Bianca leaning heavily on Frankie. Her cries had left her exhausted, and her body weakened with each sob. Frankie maneuvered them into her small apartment, and she ushered Bianca over to the bed. Bianca tiredly collapsed onto the soft surface.
Frankie sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed her ear, squinting in heartbreaking worry. Fingers clumsy with emotion swiped at the still falling tears, and she opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, not knowing what to say.
“Do…what…are you…” she stuttered, her hazel eyes glistening. She hated to see Bianca cry. It made something inside her feel as sad as she ever had. All she wanted was for Bianca to smile, but she didn’t know how.
“Frankie.” Bianca whimpered. She sat up and strong arms pulled her into an embrace. She tucked her head against Frankie’s shoulder, and her arms hugged Frankie’s waist.
Frankie held her, not able to think of why Bianca would be this upset. She hadn’t seen her like this since they were children and Bianca was still dealing with her father’s death. What could have happened? Had Junior done something? Had something happened at the Montgomery home?
Frankie remained silent, holding Bianca until her cries died down. Bianca nuzzled against the coarse cotton of Frankie’s shirt, and Frankie nervously rubbed her thumb over the formed tear tracks.
Voice shuddering, Bianca spoke, “I am to leave.”
Frankie narrowed her gaze in thought, “To Chicago? Ta see your sister again?”
Bianca shook her head, “No.”
“What do ya mean, then? W-Where ya going?”
Bianca sniffled, “Paris in France.”
Frankie mulled this over, “That…sounds nice. I’ll…uh…miss ya while you’re gone.” It would be horrible, actually. But, she’d get through it. It would be like when the family went to Chicago over Christmas all those times. “When ya get back, I’ll make sure Opal’s got all the ingredients ta make your favorite foods. You know how she likes ta make that stuff after you’ve been gone over Christmas.”
“No,” Bianca swallowed roughly. She sat up, causing Frankie’s arms to fall to her waist. She stared into Frankie’s eyes. Her hand drifted down to clasp Frankie’s. “My mother is sending me there…to stay.”
To stay? Frankie’s face fell, and a dazed expression took over. It was as if she had been hit by a runaway train. Her body numbed, and her brain stopped thinking. She withdrew into herself. Bianca was going away. For good.
“Frankie, I do not want to go.” Bianca squeezed her hand. “I won’t. I will stay here. I do not care what she says.”
Frankie wet her lips, “You gotta go.”
“No, no I don’t.” Bianca tangled their fingers together. “I can stay here.”
“You want to go to Paris.” They had talked about it before. It was one of the many places Bianca dreamed of going to on her grand worldwide adventure.
“Not now.” Bianca leaned into the shocked girl, “Not like this.”
“Well, sometimes that’s the way it is.” Frankie rubbed at her ear. “Ya gotta go.” She tried to force a brave smile on her face, but it was half-hearted and Bianca could see through it, “It’ll be the start of that big adventure ya want. It’ll be swell, you’ll see.”
“No, no it won’t.” Bianca wrapped her free hand in Frankie’s shirt. Brown eyes lit up, “Come with me.”
Frankie turned her head away from the gaze, “Ya know I can’t.”
“Yes, you can. Come with me. You have to be with me on the adventures. You’re supposed to protect me.”
Frankie’s jaw trembled as she fought to stay calm, “I’d get in the way. You’re gonna have loads of fun. ‘sides, I gotta stay here. Stuart needs my help, and he might give me the store if I work hard enough. And…Mr. Chandler wouldn’ like it if I jus’ left.”
Bianca jerked on the shirt until they were pressed together, “Please.”
Frankie’s entire body shook, “This…this is what ya always wanted. You’ll be swell over there. Everyone will like ya.”
“I want you there with me.”
“W-We can write. I’ll get better at it. A-And there’s that book I got ya. Ya can write all about it so you can tell me later.” Frankie closed her eyes, “I can’ go with ya.”
Bianca gasped out a sob at the resigned words.
“W-When do ya g-go?” Frankie flinched at the sound.
“Two weeks.”
Frankie nodded, and opened her eyes. She stared at Bianca with broken eyes. It was so soon.
It was not enough time.
“What if I never see you again?”
“Don’t talk like that.” Frankie mumbled. The idea of never seeing Bianca again scared her worse than anything.
“I don’t want to leave you.”
“It’s only for a little while. You go have fun, and I’ll see ya when ya get back.” Frankie fought to not give into the building grief. It wouldn’t do any good to cry. It would only make Bianca sadder if she saw that, and Frankie did not want that at all.
Bianca sniffled and fiddled with Frankie’s hand, “Who will protect me? Who will read books with me and take walks?” She traced the tiny cut, “Who will help you with your scarf when it gets cold? You still cannot tie it correctly.” She bit her lip and looked out through miserable eyes, “Who will be you?”
Author: Fab_fan
Fandom: All My Children
Rating: PG-13, maybe higher later on.
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. I don't own much of anything, really.
Summary: AU Early 1900s. Young Bianca Montgomery dreams of living the adventures she reads about in her books. When her family goes to live with her uncle after the death of her father, Bianca discovers herself a part of the greatest adventure of all. Love.
Life continued has it had been. After her talk with Jack, Bianca went to the store to find Frankie swamped with new shipments of sewing kits and eager housewives. Unable to talk, by the time Frankie was free to converse, one look at the grinning girl had Bianca blushing and chatting about her day. Frankie happily went along with whatever the brunette decided to talk about, and all thought of the topic of feelings was forgotten.
It was not forgotten, however, by the townsfolk. With each rejected suitor, the news of Bianca’s actions reached ears far and wide. Soon various people were gossiping about the Montgomery girl. Why was she turning down some of the most eligible bachelors in the city, and why was she spending all of her time in the Chandler’s store with the Stone girl? Something was off. Jack did his best to shield his niece from any unsavory comments or questions, but Erica heard and was infuriated. It only served to add vigor to her attempts at pairing her daughter with the perfect husband. At the store, Stuart had found himself more than once telling a nosey customer to leave his employee alone.
The girls did not mind much what others said, though. Bianca went about her routine of hiding from her mother’s chosen potential future son-in-laws and spending every waking moment with Frankie. As each day passed, the smile on Bianca’s face grew and grew, and she could be found daydreaming with gleaming eyes. She would sneak out of the house as early as she could and arrive back as late as was deemed proper. One could set their watch by the clacking of horse hooves up and down the street.
It was not meant to last.
One day Bianca skipped down the stairs, her brand new book clutched in her grasp. The Time Machine had arrived from her sister the day before, and she was excited to share the story with Frankie. Perhaps over lunch she could get the shorter girl to read a few chapters to her. Hearing Frankie read was wonderful. The blonde had made so much progress from those first few sentences years ago. Then, they could take a walk after the store closed for the day. The sun appeared in a brilliantly cloudless sky, and a light breeze blew to provide a comfortable coolness amongst the heat.
“Bianca, come here, please.” Erica’s voice called out from the sitting room as Bianca stopped in the foyer to retrieve her hat on the way to the carriage.
Dutifully, Bianca turned and entered the room, briefly wondering how long this would take. She hoped her mother had not snuck in another boy to meet.
There was no boy. Erica and Jack stood in the sitting room. Erica had a triumphant glimmer in her eye as she grinned with an almost smug air. Jack stood at her side, tall and regal. However, an apologetic look graced his features. An atmosphere of foreboding penetrated the otherwise cheerful room.
“Yes, mother?” Bianca walked up to the two. Instinctively, her hold on the book tightened.
Erica waved a hand, “Have a seat, dear. There is some incredible news we wish to share with you.”
“News?” Bianca sat down in the chair in front of them. She placed the book in her lap and rested her palms on top of it.
“Yes, the most wonderful news.” Erica nearly fluttered in place. She gleefully glanced at a somber Jack. “Your Uncle and I have been discussing your future, and it has been decided you should receive the best education money can buy.”
That was good news. She loved learning. Maybe she could obtain more books to add to her collection. There were a few stories by Mr. Mark Twain she had been intrigued by, but as of yet had been unable to get her hands on.
Erica clapped her hands together, “That is why you will finish your schooling in Paris.”
Bianca felt her heart stop. “What?”
“There is an amazing boarding school out there. You will receive the best education, not to mention all of the social and cultural aspects of living in France.” Erica explained. “There will be no more of this small town schooling for you. You will be amongst the elite.”
Bianca’s face fell with each word. This could not be true. Paris? That was so far away. “No,” she shook her head, unable to fully comprehend what her mother was saying, “No.”
“Bianca, dear, it is for the best.” Erica smiled.
Bianca’s eyes darted over to Jack, but the man only offered her a solemn glance. Erica had the final say on the matter, not him. Bianca’s breaths came in faster as the words sunk in. Paris, France. Her mother was sending her to Paris, France. She shook her head more and more, and her hands began to shake. Suddenly, she violently stood up, the chair toppling over at the action.
“Bianca!” Erica scolded.
“No! I am not going. I do not wish to go anywhere.” Bianca held the book to her chest like a shield.
“You are going. This is for the best.”
“The best? How is this for the best?” brown eyes filled with tears. “I want to stay here.”
“Bianca.” Jack’s soft voice soothed.
“No!” Bianca whipped her head around to look at him. The first tear broke away from her eye and traveled down her cheek. “I cannot go. I won’t go.”
“You have already been accepted.” Erica spoke.
“Please, please let me stay. Do not make me go.” Bianca begged.
“It is already done. Your ship leaves from New York in two weeks.”
The air in her body left, and Bianca’s legs wobbled and shook. She gasped for breath, sobs choking the words from her throat. Jack, concerned, reached out a hand to her, but she flinched and stumbled back. Betrayed eyes slipped away as she scrambled from the room, the edges of her dress flapping at her feet.
Jack turned and looked at Erica, who only shrugged, “It is for the best, Jack. Whether you agree or not, this will only help her.”
“Will it?”
“Of course, Jack.” Erica began to walk away, “This will be the best thing to ever happen to her.”
****
“Ain’t no more apricot preserves.”
Frankie was bent over the crate on the counter, shuffling through the jars within. The store was empty save for her and Stuart. The counter was littered with open crates. Jars and cans peeked out from the wooden confines.
Frankie shifted through the messy array of products, a pencil balanced on her ear. Her sleeves were rolled up, and her roughened hands already had a tiny cut from a rather sharp nail that previously held one of the crate lids in position. She hopped back and forth between the crates, her cane set off to the side.
“Mark it.” called back Stuart, poking his head out from behind one of the aisles. He continued to arrange the stacks of matchbooks.
Frankie nodded and plucked the pencil from her ear. The sharp tip brushed against her cheek, drawing a black line across the skin. The blonde quickly made a note on the paper in her pocket and put the pencil back. She absently scrubbed at her cheek, and the line lightened and spread until there was a gray spot on her face.
Returning her attention to the crates, she looked for the next item on the list. She began to whistle lowly as she searched for canned beans. The thought that Bianca was running late entered her mind. Her whistling skipped a note, but she quickly regained her rhythm. Bianca would show up.
The door to the store swung open and smashed into the wall, causing the crates to shake. Frankie peered up and immediately grinned at the sight of long dark hair and an elegant dress. Bianca was there. She opened her mouth to greet the girl when Bianca looked over at her.
A frown instantly took the smile’s place at the sight of wet tears and red eyes. In a second Frankie was bounding around the counter, hobbling as fast as she could. The moment she was on the other side, Bianca was in her arms, face buried in her neck and cries filling the store.
Frankie held the trembling woman tightly, terrified. Hazel orbs wildly roamed the shivering body, looking for any wounds or signs of what had caused this. Her stomach clenched and her chest felt heavy as a wet patch started to form on her shirt from the falling tears. Confusion, worry, fear, they all fought for their place in Frankie’s mind.
“Shh, it’s alright.” Frankie quietly spoke.
Bianca sobbed harder. Her fingers clenched at the back of Frankie’s shirt, twisting the thin material and pulling the young woman closer. Frankie licked her lips, feeling a lump form in her throat. She swallowed thickly against the developing sadness and whispered in Bianca’s ear, “Ain’t no use crying, now. Don’ cry. It’ll be alright, you’ll see. Jus’ don’t cry.”
Bianca cried harder at the sweet voice. It felt like everything was ending, like her world was ending. This was her home, her life. This was where Frankie was.
A gentle hand landed on Frankie’s shoulder, and Stuart wordlessly pointed toward the back of the store. Understanding, Frankie blinked and whispered, “It’ll be alright. I promise.” She slowly began to lead her devastated friend to the back, where the hidden stairs led to her room and away from prying eyes. Bianca followed, keeping both arms wrapped around Frankie and her face burrowed against her warm skin. Stuart disappeared and reappeared a minute later with Frankie’s cane. She took it, her focus solely on Bianca.
It was slow going, but they shuffled to the back. At the bottom of the staircase, Bianca lifted her head, tearful eyes locking with Frankie’s. “Go away. Let’s go away. Take me somewhere, please.”
Frankie frowned, “Where?”
“Anywhere.”
“I will.” Frankie vowed, “I promise I will.”
They staggered up the stairs, Bianca leaning heavily on Frankie. Her cries had left her exhausted, and her body weakened with each sob. Frankie maneuvered them into her small apartment, and she ushered Bianca over to the bed. Bianca tiredly collapsed onto the soft surface.
Frankie sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed her ear, squinting in heartbreaking worry. Fingers clumsy with emotion swiped at the still falling tears, and she opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, not knowing what to say.
“Do…what…are you…” she stuttered, her hazel eyes glistening. She hated to see Bianca cry. It made something inside her feel as sad as she ever had. All she wanted was for Bianca to smile, but she didn’t know how.
“Frankie.” Bianca whimpered. She sat up and strong arms pulled her into an embrace. She tucked her head against Frankie’s shoulder, and her arms hugged Frankie’s waist.
Frankie held her, not able to think of why Bianca would be this upset. She hadn’t seen her like this since they were children and Bianca was still dealing with her father’s death. What could have happened? Had Junior done something? Had something happened at the Montgomery home?
Frankie remained silent, holding Bianca until her cries died down. Bianca nuzzled against the coarse cotton of Frankie’s shirt, and Frankie nervously rubbed her thumb over the formed tear tracks.
Voice shuddering, Bianca spoke, “I am to leave.”
Frankie narrowed her gaze in thought, “To Chicago? Ta see your sister again?”
Bianca shook her head, “No.”
“What do ya mean, then? W-Where ya going?”
Bianca sniffled, “Paris in France.”
Frankie mulled this over, “That…sounds nice. I’ll…uh…miss ya while you’re gone.” It would be horrible, actually. But, she’d get through it. It would be like when the family went to Chicago over Christmas all those times. “When ya get back, I’ll make sure Opal’s got all the ingredients ta make your favorite foods. You know how she likes ta make that stuff after you’ve been gone over Christmas.”
“No,” Bianca swallowed roughly. She sat up, causing Frankie’s arms to fall to her waist. She stared into Frankie’s eyes. Her hand drifted down to clasp Frankie’s. “My mother is sending me there…to stay.”
To stay? Frankie’s face fell, and a dazed expression took over. It was as if she had been hit by a runaway train. Her body numbed, and her brain stopped thinking. She withdrew into herself. Bianca was going away. For good.
“Frankie, I do not want to go.” Bianca squeezed her hand. “I won’t. I will stay here. I do not care what she says.”
Frankie wet her lips, “You gotta go.”
“No, no I don’t.” Bianca tangled their fingers together. “I can stay here.”
“You want to go to Paris.” They had talked about it before. It was one of the many places Bianca dreamed of going to on her grand worldwide adventure.
“Not now.” Bianca leaned into the shocked girl, “Not like this.”
“Well, sometimes that’s the way it is.” Frankie rubbed at her ear. “Ya gotta go.” She tried to force a brave smile on her face, but it was half-hearted and Bianca could see through it, “It’ll be the start of that big adventure ya want. It’ll be swell, you’ll see.”
“No, no it won’t.” Bianca wrapped her free hand in Frankie’s shirt. Brown eyes lit up, “Come with me.”
Frankie turned her head away from the gaze, “Ya know I can’t.”
“Yes, you can. Come with me. You have to be with me on the adventures. You’re supposed to protect me.”
Frankie’s jaw trembled as she fought to stay calm, “I’d get in the way. You’re gonna have loads of fun. ‘sides, I gotta stay here. Stuart needs my help, and he might give me the store if I work hard enough. And…Mr. Chandler wouldn’ like it if I jus’ left.”
Bianca jerked on the shirt until they were pressed together, “Please.”
Frankie’s entire body shook, “This…this is what ya always wanted. You’ll be swell over there. Everyone will like ya.”
“I want you there with me.”
“W-We can write. I’ll get better at it. A-And there’s that book I got ya. Ya can write all about it so you can tell me later.” Frankie closed her eyes, “I can’ go with ya.”
Bianca gasped out a sob at the resigned words.
“W-When do ya g-go?” Frankie flinched at the sound.
“Two weeks.”
Frankie nodded, and opened her eyes. She stared at Bianca with broken eyes. It was so soon.
It was not enough time.
“What if I never see you again?”
“Don’t talk like that.” Frankie mumbled. The idea of never seeing Bianca again scared her worse than anything.
“I don’t want to leave you.”
“It’s only for a little while. You go have fun, and I’ll see ya when ya get back.” Frankie fought to not give into the building grief. It wouldn’t do any good to cry. It would only make Bianca sadder if she saw that, and Frankie did not want that at all.
Bianca sniffled and fiddled with Frankie’s hand, “Who will protect me? Who will read books with me and take walks?” She traced the tiny cut, “Who will help you with your scarf when it gets cold? You still cannot tie it correctly.” She bit her lip and looked out through miserable eyes, “Who will be you?”