There Goes My Baby (5/5)
Title: There Goes My Baby
Author: Fab_fan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters. They belong to ABC/Disney. The songs are Usher's.
Summary: AU FAB short story. Frankie is an aspiring musician. Her girlfriend Bianca supports and loves her, but there are a few issues with their relationship, namely the girls who go after Frankie because she's a singer. When another obstacle presents itself, will they be able to survive?
Note: Song Used - There Goes My Baby
Both women came to an understanding that night. It was an understanding born from almost losing the one they loved more than any other.
Frankie took a break from performing. She called the different clubs and bars, and Devon stepped in for her. She postponed distributing her demo and stopped going to the studio. Bianca disagreed with this. She didn’t want Frankie to give up. She wasn’t, though. She was focusing on something more important - her love. She didn’t want any distractions, anything to take her away. She wanted to work on what she had with Bianca. She could always go back to the demo. She couldn’t lose Bianca. Music meant nothing compared to her.
Bianca welcomed Frankie more into her life. Instead of walking between classes with Maggie, she walked with Frankie. She introduced Frankie to her study group, and the couple had lunch together everyday. Instead of going to the library to work, Bianca went home. She took more of an interest in what Frankie was doing with her music, and critiqued her demo. And, whenever they passed by someone on the street who knew Frankie, she urged Frankie to stop and talk with them, girl or boy.
They talked. They worked on their issues. It took time and there was more than one argument, but they rebuilt. They became stronger, more grounded. They gained unbreakable trust. They took their bond and made it impenetrable.
“To the left.” Bianca ordered.
Frankie grunted and complied.
“A little right.”
She did so.
“Little more.”
“There?”
“Perfect.” Bianca smiled.
Frankie stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. The tall fir stood regally in its holder, the green needles begging for colorful decorations. She walked over to her girlfriend and received a kiss, “Aces.”
“Yeah,” Bianca turned to the couch where boxes of bulbs sat patiently, “Time to decorate.”
Frankie waltzed up behind her and grabbed her waist, “Do we got tinsel?”
Bianca plucked the decoration from the box and held it over her shoulder, “Here, honey.”
“Thanks, baby.” Frankie grabbed it and went up to the tree.
Bianca followed with a handful of red and blue bulbs. The couple proceeded to cover the tree from head to toe with a multitude of ornaments. Afterward, Bianca got into the shower while Frankie went into the closet. They had reservations for dinner in a little bit.
“Hey, baby?” Frankie called out from the closet.
Bianca walked out of the bathroom in a fluffy white towel, steam billowing behind her. “Yes?”
Frankie turned and froze. She took in the sight and smiled appreciatively, “You are gorgeous.”
“Thanks. You’re not too bad yourself.”
Frankie shrugged, “Whatever you say.” She motioned behind her, “Have you seen my black shoes? The ones Ma and Dad got for me last year?”
Bianca frowned and walked back into the bathroom, “Are they in the corner?”
“No, I can’t find them.” Frankie sighed. Oh well, she’d go with the brown pair.
“They’ll show up.” Bianca walked back out.
“Yeah, they will.” Frankie walked over to the bed and sat down. She started to tug her shoes on, but her eyes followed Bianca as the brunette waltzed up to the closet and unhooked a dress from the hanger. She watched the towel drop to the floor, revealing flawless skin and supple curves.
Bianca put the dress on, “Frankie, can you zip me up?”
Frankie silently stood up and walked up behind her. Her hands gently grasped the tiny zipper. She carefully pulled it up. Once she reached the top, her hands smoothed down Bianca’s back and rested on her sides, “You are amazing.”
Bianca turned in her arms, “Smooth.”
“Like silk.” Frankie replied, “Dance with me?”
“We have reservations.” she put her arms around Frankie.
“So?” they swayed back and forth. She began to hum.
Bianca didn’t recognize the tune, “Something new?”
“Maybe.” Frankie traced a thumb up her neck, “I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Their lips met.
They missed dinner that night.
Bianca woke up the next morning tangled in the sheets of their bed. She ran a hand through her rumpled hair and kicked at the twisted cotton. She drowsily peered to her side to see Frankie sitting up against the headboard. A notebook was open in her lap and she was feverishly scribbling with a pen.
Bianca yawned and rolled over, draping an arm over Frankie’s thighs, “Good morning.”
“Mornin’,” Frankie finished the line and set the pen down, “did I wake you?”
Bianca sighed, “New song?”
Frankie shrugged, “Could be.” She closed the notebook, “Waffles?”
Sounded heavenly.
They quickly got dressed and headed to the diner. Christmas was in the air. Carols could be heard from open shop doors and lights hung from different trees and lampposts. The couple walked hand in hand down the sidewalk, both happily humming along to the carols. Frankie twirled Bianca around, and the laughing brunette looped an arm over the blonde’s shoulders.
They were a block away when a voice called out to them, “Frankie Stone!”
The duo stopped and turned toward the voice. A redhead marched up to them, and Bianca blinked rapidly. Was that…
The redhead spoke up, “Hi, Frankie.”
“Hey,” Frankie smiled politely. Did she know her?
The redhead glanced at Bianca before casting a sultry look at Frankie, “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve been busy.” she squeezed Bianca’s hand, “I’m probably not going to be performing for a while.” It was actually nice to take a break. She didn’t know how much time she was spending at the bars until she stopped going.
The redhead chuckled, “That’s not what I meant.”
Frankie bent her head to the side, “I’m not quite sure I know what you mean.”
The redhead reached for Frankie’s arm, but Frankie pulled back, “I know it was a one nighter, but we had fun.”
Frankie’s eyes bulged, “One nighter?”
“You weren’t too bad, cowgirl.” The redhead purred.
“Thanks, but we’ve never been together.”
The redhead glanced at Bianca again, “I see.”
Frankie shook her head, “No, I’m not just saying that.” She leaned into Bianca, “Yeah this is my girlfriend, but I still don’t know you.”
“I saw you.” Bianca entered the conversation. This was the girl. “That night,” she turned to Frankie, “when you found me.”
“This was her?” the girl Bianca thought she slept with?
“Yes, I remember.” they might have grown stronger, but that didn’t mean she forgot. She felt her muscles tighten as she relived the sight of the redhead in her and Frankie’s bed.
“Excuse me,” the redhead spoke up.
Frankie turned to her, “How do I know you?”
She shot her an incredulous look, “I know you weren’t drunk.”
“Humor me?”
A sigh, “I saw you at Jimmy’s. You took me to your place. We had sex. You never called, not that I expected you to.”
“I don’t go to Jimmy’s.”
“You did that night.”
Frankie rubbed her hand on the top of her head, “I haven’t been there in months.”
Bianca noticed the redhead staring at Frankie’s wrist. Her coat sleeve had slid down and revealed the black ink tattooed on her inner wrist. She hadn’t put her wristband on before they left.
“That doesn’t look new.” The redhead pointed at her wrist.
“I got it two years ago.”
“You didn’t have it that night. I would have seen it.” there was a flicker of confusion in her gaze.
“Did you see her other tattoos?” Bianca asked. It was impossible to not see at least one of them.
The redhead answered, “No, she didn’t have any. That skin was as empty as blank canvas. Well, there were a few marks after I left.”
A trickle of dread seeped into her skin, “You’re sure it was Frankie?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. I’m sorry if your girlfriend wasn’t faithful, but this is the woman I slept with.”
“I didn’t sleep with you.” Frankie corrected.
“Honey, I know that face.”
The trickle intensified, “Oh my god.”
“What?” Frankie looked at her.
Bianca couldn’t believe it. It was outlandish, but it made a sick sort of sense, “Do you know Frankie has a twin sister?”
The redhead snorted, “You’re shitting me.”
“No, I’m not.”
“She’s not,” Frankie agreed, “Identical twin sister.”
“So? What, are you offering a two for one?”
Bianca shook her head, her mind spinning, “Maggie doesn’t have any tattoos.”
Frankie blinked. She faced Bianca fully, “You told me that day she told you how she felt.”
“Yeah, she did. She was so angry.” Bianca let the memory replay in her mind, “She said I would regret it. You would betray me.”
Frankie shook her head, “No, Bianca. She wouldn’t do that.”
“I know, I know. But…how else?”
“Yeah, Maggie can be a bitch, but she’s not going to do something like that.”
“Like what? Try to break us up?”
Frankie paused, “She knows where the spare key is.” Just because she didn’t let Maggie bother her didn’t mean she was blind to the fact her sister had some serious dislike for her.
“What are you two talking about?” the redhead broke in.
Frankie and Bianca looked at her. Frankie’s mind followed Bianca’s trail, “My black shoes are missing.”
“So?” the redhead asked.
Bianca grabbed Frankie’s elbow, “We have to go see.”
Frankie nodded, “Ok,” she glanced at the other girl, “Can you come with us?”
“Whatever.” The redhead began to follow them, “Whackos.”
They made it to the apartment in record time. The spare key was missing. Frankie’s shoes were gone. Her purple shirt and black vest the redhead remembered her wearing had disappeared.
Frankie and Bianca couldn’t believe it, but there was no other explanation.
It had been Maggie.
****
Maggie was sitting in the campus café. A steaming mug of tea sat alongside her biology textbook. She stared forlornly at the words, not really taking much in. Her plan hadn’t worked. Bianca didn’t call her. She’d seen her sister with Bianca around campus. She’d heard that her twin had stopped performing.
It sucked.
Reaching for her mug, she froze as a screech boomed across the busy restaurant. Looking up, she saw the redhead she used in her plan crash through the entrance and storm up to her. Maggie looked around, but there was nowhere to run to. She was trapped.
“You lying scumbag of a loser!” the redhead shrieked at Maggie. She waved her hands at the premed student, “You are such a bitch!”
Maggie felt like sinking into a hole as all eyes turned on her.
“You pretended to be your sister so you could sleep with me?” The redhead raged, “You had to be your sister to get someone to like you?”
Maggie’s face burned as laughter broke out. She could hear whispers and the clicking of text messages.
“What kind of person does that? How pathetic can you get?”
Maggie slid as low as she could in her chair. She felt smaller than the letters in her textbook.
“Don’t you ever come near me again. You’re a sick twisted little bitch. You even broke into your sister’s apartment to make it seem real. You had sex in your sister’s bed!”
Maggie didn’t see the slap coming until her head whipped to the side.
“I hope every girl on campus learns what type of person you are! Pretending to be Frankie Stone so you could get some play. What a loser.”
Maggie rubbed at her face as the redhead stalked away still ranting about how Maggie Stone was so pathetic she pretended to be her sister to have sex. She knew everyone in the café had seen the exchange and soon the whole school would know what happened. As if it couldn’t get any worse, she looked up to see Frankie and Bianca standing to the side. They just looked at her.
Then, they shook their heads and left.
“Hey Maggie! You can be my Frankie for the night.” A voice jokingly called out.
Maggie ducked her head and wished she could disappear.
***
“Frankie! Merry Christmas Eve!” Devon shouted as he saw his friend walk into the club. Frankie waved and led Bianca over to him. “Thought you weren’t gonna show.”
“And miss your awesome party?” Frankie gave him a quick hug, “You remember Bianca, right?”
“Your beautiful lady? Of course I do.” Devon pulled her in for a hug.
“Hey Devon.” Bianca greeted him.
“Hey you two have fun tonight, ok?” He shook a finger, “I expect you to be dancing all night.”
“Like I could stop her.” Bianca laughed as she hugged Frankie.
“Don’t listen to her, Dev. She loves my moves.” Frankie winked.
“Alright, alright. Get going. Hang out at my table when you’re free. We can talk.”
“Sure thing.” Frankie nodded. They began to walk away and Frankie asked, “Drinks?”
Bianca nodded, “It’s hot in here.”
“Wait till I get you dancing.” Frankie teased.
They stepped up to the bar. Jake immediately went about getting them a few beers. As they waited, Frankie wrapped her arms around Bianca and cuddled up to her, “Can I unwrap my present tonight?”
Bianca kissed her, “It’s still under the tree.”
“Mmm, can I unwrap you instead?”
“Maybe, if you’re good.”
“How good do you want me?”
“Hey, Frankie.” A girl stepped up beside her.
Frankie looked at her, “Hey.”
“When are you going to sing again? My friends and I miss seeing you.”
Frankie shrugged, “Don’t know. I’m focusing on other things right now.”
“Oh, like what?”
Frankie kissed Bianca, “Like my wonderful girlfriend.”
“Here ya go, Frankie. Hey Bianca.” Jake slid two frothy glasses to her.
“Thanks, Jake.” Frankie grabbed them up as Bianca smiled at the bartender. “See you around.” She grasped Bianca’s hand and the two began to walk away, leaving the girl alone with Jake.
Devon knew how to throw a party. Frankie and Bianca danced all night, and when they were exhausted crashed at Devon’s table. They hung out with the guy and other people from the studio and club. Bianca was quickly introduced to the few who didn’t know her and was soon getting asked by a number of different people to dance. She stuck with Frankie, though. They snuggled up together in the booth, sharing drinks and kisses.
It was nearing one in the morning when Devon jumped on stage. He grabbed a microphone and waved to the crowd, “Yo! Everybody quiet down! As you know, it’s Christmas Eve.” There was a loud cheer. “Yeah, yeah. I know. Now, as everyone who knows me knows, I ask for one thing every year. Last year I asked for something that nearly got me thrown in jail; yeah, you know who you are Ms. Zoe.” The crowd laughed. His request for a lap dance was fulfilled - by someone who wasn’t a girl beneath the skirt. “Anyways, this year all I ask for…is that my friend Frankie come up here and sing a song.”
The crowd went crazy.
Frankie glared at him from the booth and shook her head no.
“Aw, come on. Who here wants to hear lil’ Frankie sing a song?”
The cheering grew louder.
“No.” Frankie mouthed.
“Come on up here, Frankie. You know you want to.”
Bianca nipped at Frankie’s ear, “Go on. You do want to.”
Frankie sighed and ran her hand over Bianca’s thigh, “I want to be here with you.”
“You are.” She pushed at Frankie, “Go sing me a song.”
Frankie reluctantly stood up, “Alright, fine.” She bent down and stole a kiss, “Come to the floor?”
Bianca nodded and watched as Frankie waded through the crowd to the stage. She jumped onto the platform and rolled her eyes at Devon who laughed. He handed her the mic and went over to the DJ booth.
“Hey everybody.” Frankie spoke into the mic. “I don’t know if you remember me. I used to sing here.”
“Come back!” someone shouted, followed by a chorus of agreement.
“Yeah, yeah. I know. Just be nice, alright? I’m a little rusty.” Frankie looked at Devon who nodded. “I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of Christmas songs. I’ve been tweaking a new number, and I’m gonna test it out on you.”
Bianca stood up and began to walk to the dance floor at the base of the stage. She knew Frankie had been working on something new, but she didn’t know it had gotten this far. Guess that was what Frankie was up to when she was waiting for her to finish taking her finals.
Reaching the floor, Bianca heard the track begin to play.
Frankie slid up to the edge of the stage and put the mic to her lips, “There goes my baby. You don't know how good it feels to call you my girl. There goes my baby. Loving everything you do. Ooh girl look at you”
Bianca felt Frankie’s eyes searching the crowd. The minute they found hers, that familiar electric spark shot through her. Frankie rocked over to the side she was on, “Bet you ain't know that I be checking you out when you be putting your heels on. I swear your body's so perfect baby. How you work it baby yeah.” Frankie traced her body with her shimmering eyes. She gave a playful wink.
“I love the way that you be poking it out. Girl, give me something to feel on. So please believe we gonna be twerking it out by the end of the night baby.” Frankie smirked roguishly.
Frankie closed her eyes and held out a hand, “I've been waiting all day to wrap my hands around your waist and kiss your face. Wouldn't trade this feeling for nothing ,not even for a minute.” She opened her eyes and pointed at the floor, “And I'll sit here long as it takes to get you all alone. But as soon as you come walking my way you gon’ hear me say.”
Bianca gasped as Frankie hopped off the stage onto the dance floor. The crowd clapped and whistled while they parted for her. “There goes my baby. You don't know how good it feels to call you my girl.” She slowly moved towards Bianca, her eyes never leaving the brunette’s face, “There goes my baby, loving everything you do, ooh girl look at you.”
Frankie stepped up to her and palmed her cheek, “I get the chills whenever I see your face and you in the place girl. Feel like I'm in a movie baby.” She dropped her hand to Bianca’s and slowly spun her around. Bianca chuckled as her girl shot her an admiring look. “I'm like ooh-wee baby oh.”
Frankie tugged her closer and swayed, “Like waterfalls your hair falls down to your waist. Can I get a taste girl? No need to keep this baby, I ain't ashamed of calling your name girl.”
The crowed hollered at that and Bianca rolled her eyes as a blush tinged her cheeks.
Frankie stepped back and pulled her to the edge of the stage, “I've been waiting all day to wrap my hands around your waist and kiss your face. Wouldn't trade this feeling for nothing, not even for a minute. And I'll sit here long as it takes to get you all alone. But, as soon as you come walking my way you gonna hear me say…”
She hopped back on stage but kept her eyes on Bianca, “There goes my baby. You don't know how good it feels to call you my girl. There goes my baby, loving everything you do, ooh girl look at you.”
Bianca heard the notes change and she saw a spark in Frankie’s eyes. “And girl I feel like it's our first time every time we get together.” Frankie crouched down at the very edge of the stage inches from Bianca, “Baby loving you feels better than everything, anything.” She pressed her hand above her heart, “Put on my heart; you don't need a ring, and I promise our time away won't change my love.”
Bianca blew her girl a kiss as the chorus took over.
“There goes my baby
You don't know how good it feels to call you my girl
There goes my baby
Loving everything you do
Ooh girl look at you”
Bianca moved to the song Frankie was singing to her. Listening to Frankie sing this song about her, about them, she knew they would be ok. She was Frankie’s and Frankie was hers no matter who came along, where they were, or what they were doing.
They were them.
That’s all they needed.
Author: Fab_fan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters. They belong to ABC/Disney. The songs are Usher's.
Summary: AU FAB short story. Frankie is an aspiring musician. Her girlfriend Bianca supports and loves her, but there are a few issues with their relationship, namely the girls who go after Frankie because she's a singer. When another obstacle presents itself, will they be able to survive?
Note: Song Used - There Goes My Baby
Both women came to an understanding that night. It was an understanding born from almost losing the one they loved more than any other.
Frankie took a break from performing. She called the different clubs and bars, and Devon stepped in for her. She postponed distributing her demo and stopped going to the studio. Bianca disagreed with this. She didn’t want Frankie to give up. She wasn’t, though. She was focusing on something more important - her love. She didn’t want any distractions, anything to take her away. She wanted to work on what she had with Bianca. She could always go back to the demo. She couldn’t lose Bianca. Music meant nothing compared to her.
Bianca welcomed Frankie more into her life. Instead of walking between classes with Maggie, she walked with Frankie. She introduced Frankie to her study group, and the couple had lunch together everyday. Instead of going to the library to work, Bianca went home. She took more of an interest in what Frankie was doing with her music, and critiqued her demo. And, whenever they passed by someone on the street who knew Frankie, she urged Frankie to stop and talk with them, girl or boy.
They talked. They worked on their issues. It took time and there was more than one argument, but they rebuilt. They became stronger, more grounded. They gained unbreakable trust. They took their bond and made it impenetrable.
“To the left.” Bianca ordered.
Frankie grunted and complied.
“A little right.”
She did so.
“Little more.”
“There?”
“Perfect.” Bianca smiled.
Frankie stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. The tall fir stood regally in its holder, the green needles begging for colorful decorations. She walked over to her girlfriend and received a kiss, “Aces.”
“Yeah,” Bianca turned to the couch where boxes of bulbs sat patiently, “Time to decorate.”
Frankie waltzed up behind her and grabbed her waist, “Do we got tinsel?”
Bianca plucked the decoration from the box and held it over her shoulder, “Here, honey.”
“Thanks, baby.” Frankie grabbed it and went up to the tree.
Bianca followed with a handful of red and blue bulbs. The couple proceeded to cover the tree from head to toe with a multitude of ornaments. Afterward, Bianca got into the shower while Frankie went into the closet. They had reservations for dinner in a little bit.
“Hey, baby?” Frankie called out from the closet.
Bianca walked out of the bathroom in a fluffy white towel, steam billowing behind her. “Yes?”
Frankie turned and froze. She took in the sight and smiled appreciatively, “You are gorgeous.”
“Thanks. You’re not too bad yourself.”
Frankie shrugged, “Whatever you say.” She motioned behind her, “Have you seen my black shoes? The ones Ma and Dad got for me last year?”
Bianca frowned and walked back into the bathroom, “Are they in the corner?”
“No, I can’t find them.” Frankie sighed. Oh well, she’d go with the brown pair.
“They’ll show up.” Bianca walked back out.
“Yeah, they will.” Frankie walked over to the bed and sat down. She started to tug her shoes on, but her eyes followed Bianca as the brunette waltzed up to the closet and unhooked a dress from the hanger. She watched the towel drop to the floor, revealing flawless skin and supple curves.
Bianca put the dress on, “Frankie, can you zip me up?”
Frankie silently stood up and walked up behind her. Her hands gently grasped the tiny zipper. She carefully pulled it up. Once she reached the top, her hands smoothed down Bianca’s back and rested on her sides, “You are amazing.”
Bianca turned in her arms, “Smooth.”
“Like silk.” Frankie replied, “Dance with me?”
“We have reservations.” she put her arms around Frankie.
“So?” they swayed back and forth. She began to hum.
Bianca didn’t recognize the tune, “Something new?”
“Maybe.” Frankie traced a thumb up her neck, “I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Their lips met.
They missed dinner that night.
Bianca woke up the next morning tangled in the sheets of their bed. She ran a hand through her rumpled hair and kicked at the twisted cotton. She drowsily peered to her side to see Frankie sitting up against the headboard. A notebook was open in her lap and she was feverishly scribbling with a pen.
Bianca yawned and rolled over, draping an arm over Frankie’s thighs, “Good morning.”
“Mornin’,” Frankie finished the line and set the pen down, “did I wake you?”
Bianca sighed, “New song?”
Frankie shrugged, “Could be.” She closed the notebook, “Waffles?”
Sounded heavenly.
They quickly got dressed and headed to the diner. Christmas was in the air. Carols could be heard from open shop doors and lights hung from different trees and lampposts. The couple walked hand in hand down the sidewalk, both happily humming along to the carols. Frankie twirled Bianca around, and the laughing brunette looped an arm over the blonde’s shoulders.
They were a block away when a voice called out to them, “Frankie Stone!”
The duo stopped and turned toward the voice. A redhead marched up to them, and Bianca blinked rapidly. Was that…
The redhead spoke up, “Hi, Frankie.”
“Hey,” Frankie smiled politely. Did she know her?
The redhead glanced at Bianca before casting a sultry look at Frankie, “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve been busy.” she squeezed Bianca’s hand, “I’m probably not going to be performing for a while.” It was actually nice to take a break. She didn’t know how much time she was spending at the bars until she stopped going.
The redhead chuckled, “That’s not what I meant.”
Frankie bent her head to the side, “I’m not quite sure I know what you mean.”
The redhead reached for Frankie’s arm, but Frankie pulled back, “I know it was a one nighter, but we had fun.”
Frankie’s eyes bulged, “One nighter?”
“You weren’t too bad, cowgirl.” The redhead purred.
“Thanks, but we’ve never been together.”
The redhead glanced at Bianca again, “I see.”
Frankie shook her head, “No, I’m not just saying that.” She leaned into Bianca, “Yeah this is my girlfriend, but I still don’t know you.”
“I saw you.” Bianca entered the conversation. This was the girl. “That night,” she turned to Frankie, “when you found me.”
“This was her?” the girl Bianca thought she slept with?
“Yes, I remember.” they might have grown stronger, but that didn’t mean she forgot. She felt her muscles tighten as she relived the sight of the redhead in her and Frankie’s bed.
“Excuse me,” the redhead spoke up.
Frankie turned to her, “How do I know you?”
She shot her an incredulous look, “I know you weren’t drunk.”
“Humor me?”
A sigh, “I saw you at Jimmy’s. You took me to your place. We had sex. You never called, not that I expected you to.”
“I don’t go to Jimmy’s.”
“You did that night.”
Frankie rubbed her hand on the top of her head, “I haven’t been there in months.”
Bianca noticed the redhead staring at Frankie’s wrist. Her coat sleeve had slid down and revealed the black ink tattooed on her inner wrist. She hadn’t put her wristband on before they left.
“That doesn’t look new.” The redhead pointed at her wrist.
“I got it two years ago.”
“You didn’t have it that night. I would have seen it.” there was a flicker of confusion in her gaze.
“Did you see her other tattoos?” Bianca asked. It was impossible to not see at least one of them.
The redhead answered, “No, she didn’t have any. That skin was as empty as blank canvas. Well, there were a few marks after I left.”
A trickle of dread seeped into her skin, “You’re sure it was Frankie?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. I’m sorry if your girlfriend wasn’t faithful, but this is the woman I slept with.”
“I didn’t sleep with you.” Frankie corrected.
“Honey, I know that face.”
The trickle intensified, “Oh my god.”
“What?” Frankie looked at her.
Bianca couldn’t believe it. It was outlandish, but it made a sick sort of sense, “Do you know Frankie has a twin sister?”
The redhead snorted, “You’re shitting me.”
“No, I’m not.”
“She’s not,” Frankie agreed, “Identical twin sister.”
“So? What, are you offering a two for one?”
Bianca shook her head, her mind spinning, “Maggie doesn’t have any tattoos.”
Frankie blinked. She faced Bianca fully, “You told me that day she told you how she felt.”
“Yeah, she did. She was so angry.” Bianca let the memory replay in her mind, “She said I would regret it. You would betray me.”
Frankie shook her head, “No, Bianca. She wouldn’t do that.”
“I know, I know. But…how else?”
“Yeah, Maggie can be a bitch, but she’s not going to do something like that.”
“Like what? Try to break us up?”
Frankie paused, “She knows where the spare key is.” Just because she didn’t let Maggie bother her didn’t mean she was blind to the fact her sister had some serious dislike for her.
“What are you two talking about?” the redhead broke in.
Frankie and Bianca looked at her. Frankie’s mind followed Bianca’s trail, “My black shoes are missing.”
“So?” the redhead asked.
Bianca grabbed Frankie’s elbow, “We have to go see.”
Frankie nodded, “Ok,” she glanced at the other girl, “Can you come with us?”
“Whatever.” The redhead began to follow them, “Whackos.”
They made it to the apartment in record time. The spare key was missing. Frankie’s shoes were gone. Her purple shirt and black vest the redhead remembered her wearing had disappeared.
Frankie and Bianca couldn’t believe it, but there was no other explanation.
It had been Maggie.
****
Maggie was sitting in the campus café. A steaming mug of tea sat alongside her biology textbook. She stared forlornly at the words, not really taking much in. Her plan hadn’t worked. Bianca didn’t call her. She’d seen her sister with Bianca around campus. She’d heard that her twin had stopped performing.
It sucked.
Reaching for her mug, she froze as a screech boomed across the busy restaurant. Looking up, she saw the redhead she used in her plan crash through the entrance and storm up to her. Maggie looked around, but there was nowhere to run to. She was trapped.
“You lying scumbag of a loser!” the redhead shrieked at Maggie. She waved her hands at the premed student, “You are such a bitch!”
Maggie felt like sinking into a hole as all eyes turned on her.
“You pretended to be your sister so you could sleep with me?” The redhead raged, “You had to be your sister to get someone to like you?”
Maggie’s face burned as laughter broke out. She could hear whispers and the clicking of text messages.
“What kind of person does that? How pathetic can you get?”
Maggie slid as low as she could in her chair. She felt smaller than the letters in her textbook.
“Don’t you ever come near me again. You’re a sick twisted little bitch. You even broke into your sister’s apartment to make it seem real. You had sex in your sister’s bed!”
Maggie didn’t see the slap coming until her head whipped to the side.
“I hope every girl on campus learns what type of person you are! Pretending to be Frankie Stone so you could get some play. What a loser.”
Maggie rubbed at her face as the redhead stalked away still ranting about how Maggie Stone was so pathetic she pretended to be her sister to have sex. She knew everyone in the café had seen the exchange and soon the whole school would know what happened. As if it couldn’t get any worse, she looked up to see Frankie and Bianca standing to the side. They just looked at her.
Then, they shook their heads and left.
“Hey Maggie! You can be my Frankie for the night.” A voice jokingly called out.
Maggie ducked her head and wished she could disappear.
***
“Frankie! Merry Christmas Eve!” Devon shouted as he saw his friend walk into the club. Frankie waved and led Bianca over to him. “Thought you weren’t gonna show.”
“And miss your awesome party?” Frankie gave him a quick hug, “You remember Bianca, right?”
“Your beautiful lady? Of course I do.” Devon pulled her in for a hug.
“Hey Devon.” Bianca greeted him.
“Hey you two have fun tonight, ok?” He shook a finger, “I expect you to be dancing all night.”
“Like I could stop her.” Bianca laughed as she hugged Frankie.
“Don’t listen to her, Dev. She loves my moves.” Frankie winked.
“Alright, alright. Get going. Hang out at my table when you’re free. We can talk.”
“Sure thing.” Frankie nodded. They began to walk away and Frankie asked, “Drinks?”
Bianca nodded, “It’s hot in here.”
“Wait till I get you dancing.” Frankie teased.
They stepped up to the bar. Jake immediately went about getting them a few beers. As they waited, Frankie wrapped her arms around Bianca and cuddled up to her, “Can I unwrap my present tonight?”
Bianca kissed her, “It’s still under the tree.”
“Mmm, can I unwrap you instead?”
“Maybe, if you’re good.”
“How good do you want me?”
“Hey, Frankie.” A girl stepped up beside her.
Frankie looked at her, “Hey.”
“When are you going to sing again? My friends and I miss seeing you.”
Frankie shrugged, “Don’t know. I’m focusing on other things right now.”
“Oh, like what?”
Frankie kissed Bianca, “Like my wonderful girlfriend.”
“Here ya go, Frankie. Hey Bianca.” Jake slid two frothy glasses to her.
“Thanks, Jake.” Frankie grabbed them up as Bianca smiled at the bartender. “See you around.” She grasped Bianca’s hand and the two began to walk away, leaving the girl alone with Jake.
Devon knew how to throw a party. Frankie and Bianca danced all night, and when they were exhausted crashed at Devon’s table. They hung out with the guy and other people from the studio and club. Bianca was quickly introduced to the few who didn’t know her and was soon getting asked by a number of different people to dance. She stuck with Frankie, though. They snuggled up together in the booth, sharing drinks and kisses.
It was nearing one in the morning when Devon jumped on stage. He grabbed a microphone and waved to the crowd, “Yo! Everybody quiet down! As you know, it’s Christmas Eve.” There was a loud cheer. “Yeah, yeah. I know. Now, as everyone who knows me knows, I ask for one thing every year. Last year I asked for something that nearly got me thrown in jail; yeah, you know who you are Ms. Zoe.” The crowd laughed. His request for a lap dance was fulfilled - by someone who wasn’t a girl beneath the skirt. “Anyways, this year all I ask for…is that my friend Frankie come up here and sing a song.”
The crowd went crazy.
Frankie glared at him from the booth and shook her head no.
“Aw, come on. Who here wants to hear lil’ Frankie sing a song?”
The cheering grew louder.
“No.” Frankie mouthed.
“Come on up here, Frankie. You know you want to.”
Bianca nipped at Frankie’s ear, “Go on. You do want to.”
Frankie sighed and ran her hand over Bianca’s thigh, “I want to be here with you.”
“You are.” She pushed at Frankie, “Go sing me a song.”
Frankie reluctantly stood up, “Alright, fine.” She bent down and stole a kiss, “Come to the floor?”
Bianca nodded and watched as Frankie waded through the crowd to the stage. She jumped onto the platform and rolled her eyes at Devon who laughed. He handed her the mic and went over to the DJ booth.
“Hey everybody.” Frankie spoke into the mic. “I don’t know if you remember me. I used to sing here.”
“Come back!” someone shouted, followed by a chorus of agreement.
“Yeah, yeah. I know. Just be nice, alright? I’m a little rusty.” Frankie looked at Devon who nodded. “I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of Christmas songs. I’ve been tweaking a new number, and I’m gonna test it out on you.”
Bianca stood up and began to walk to the dance floor at the base of the stage. She knew Frankie had been working on something new, but she didn’t know it had gotten this far. Guess that was what Frankie was up to when she was waiting for her to finish taking her finals.
Reaching the floor, Bianca heard the track begin to play.
Frankie slid up to the edge of the stage and put the mic to her lips, “There goes my baby. You don't know how good it feels to call you my girl. There goes my baby. Loving everything you do. Ooh girl look at you”
Bianca felt Frankie’s eyes searching the crowd. The minute they found hers, that familiar electric spark shot through her. Frankie rocked over to the side she was on, “Bet you ain't know that I be checking you out when you be putting your heels on. I swear your body's so perfect baby. How you work it baby yeah.” Frankie traced her body with her shimmering eyes. She gave a playful wink.
“I love the way that you be poking it out. Girl, give me something to feel on. So please believe we gonna be twerking it out by the end of the night baby.” Frankie smirked roguishly.
Frankie closed her eyes and held out a hand, “I've been waiting all day to wrap my hands around your waist and kiss your face. Wouldn't trade this feeling for nothing ,not even for a minute.” She opened her eyes and pointed at the floor, “And I'll sit here long as it takes to get you all alone. But as soon as you come walking my way you gon’ hear me say.”
Bianca gasped as Frankie hopped off the stage onto the dance floor. The crowd clapped and whistled while they parted for her. “There goes my baby. You don't know how good it feels to call you my girl.” She slowly moved towards Bianca, her eyes never leaving the brunette’s face, “There goes my baby, loving everything you do, ooh girl look at you.”
Frankie stepped up to her and palmed her cheek, “I get the chills whenever I see your face and you in the place girl. Feel like I'm in a movie baby.” She dropped her hand to Bianca’s and slowly spun her around. Bianca chuckled as her girl shot her an admiring look. “I'm like ooh-wee baby oh.”
Frankie tugged her closer and swayed, “Like waterfalls your hair falls down to your waist. Can I get a taste girl? No need to keep this baby, I ain't ashamed of calling your name girl.”
The crowed hollered at that and Bianca rolled her eyes as a blush tinged her cheeks.
Frankie stepped back and pulled her to the edge of the stage, “I've been waiting all day to wrap my hands around your waist and kiss your face. Wouldn't trade this feeling for nothing, not even for a minute. And I'll sit here long as it takes to get you all alone. But, as soon as you come walking my way you gonna hear me say…”
She hopped back on stage but kept her eyes on Bianca, “There goes my baby. You don't know how good it feels to call you my girl. There goes my baby, loving everything you do, ooh girl look at you.”
Bianca heard the notes change and she saw a spark in Frankie’s eyes. “And girl I feel like it's our first time every time we get together.” Frankie crouched down at the very edge of the stage inches from Bianca, “Baby loving you feels better than everything, anything.” She pressed her hand above her heart, “Put on my heart; you don't need a ring, and I promise our time away won't change my love.”
Bianca blew her girl a kiss as the chorus took over.
“There goes my baby
You don't know how good it feels to call you my girl
There goes my baby
Loving everything you do
Ooh girl look at you”
Bianca moved to the song Frankie was singing to her. Listening to Frankie sing this song about her, about them, she knew they would be ok. She was Frankie’s and Frankie was hers no matter who came along, where they were, or what they were doing.
They were them.
That’s all they needed.