Moments in Time: You Had Me At Hello (1/2)
Title: Moments in Time: You Had Me At Hello
Author: Fab_fan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Summary: Four moments in time Bianca and Frankie met.
Note 1: Sorry for the delayed Escape update for those of you reading that (if you’re not - go read it!) but this thing called life popped up and has prevented me from giving it my full focus. I don’t want to write the next part without all of my concentration on giving you the best update possible, so I give you this in penance while I try to get the next part written asap.
Note 2: Even though I have a ton of ideas that have a historical twist (enough to fill a book) you probably want to read something else (say completely canon based) for a change. This, mixed with Escape, should hopefully get me out of the historical funk so my next fic for you will be different. (unless you like this genre. let me know!)
1950’s
This was not a swell night.
Not swell at all.
Bianca shifted uncomfortably, the backs of her thighs sticking painfully to the greenish blue sparkling vinyl covering the car seat. She flinched as an arm landed heavily across her shoulders.
“Enjoying the movie, baby?”
Bianca plastered a fake smile on her face as she turned to Marcus - her date. She nodded, unable to get the lie past her teeth. The movie, some sci fi flick she might have wanted to see had it been with anyone else, was playing across the giant screen a few rows ahead of them. The speaker was hooked up to Marcus’s window, but she couldn’t hear the sounds above her thoughts. Thoughts which included glaring at herself in the bathroom mirror for the next week for talking herself into this stunt.
This was all her fault. She’d wanted to fit in. After moving to Pine Valley, all she’d wanted to do was be like all the other kids at school. Kids who didn’t have a famous mother with a scandalous past. Kids who didn’t have a chauffeur drop them off at school to the glee of the gossip rounds. Kids who...well...didn’t have the types of feelings she did.
Bianca crossed her arms tightly over her chest and mentally scolded herself. She was normal. Just fine. Like everyone else. Just because she’d been having these...feelings...about, well, she wasn’t even going to think it. Because it wasn’t true. She wasn’t strange.
Except for the fact that she kept finding herself staring at the pretty girls’s legs as they walked down the halls and daydreaming about Doris Day instead of Rock Hudson.
Letting out a silent sigh, Bianca brought a hand to her forehead. She pushed back at her long dark brown hair, hooking it behind a delicate ear. She had to stop thinking about things like that. It wasn’t right. That’s why she accepted Marcus’s offer for a date at the drive-in.
A decision she was regretting more and more with each passing moment.
The arm around her shoulders tightened, drawing her in to the quarterback’s side. “Why you so far away, baby?”
Bianca cringed at the suggestiveness dripping from the words. She allowed him to pull her flat up against his side and tried not to frown at how his body didn’t feel right touching hers. When his hand dropped lower down her shoulder, she clenched her teeth so tightly it was a wonder they didn’t crack. This was what everyone else did. She should be happy Marcus was taking her out to the movies. That he wanted her like this. No matter if the other girls said he only wanted her because of her family name, he still wanted her. This was what she was supposed to be doing.
His hand slowly dropped lower and lower, the sweaty palm brushing her chest. Bianca quickly looked around. There was no one watching them, and it was dark enough that even if someone was, they wouldn’t see who was doing what. Just two teenagers getting fresh at the drive-in, nothing new there. She tried to get herself to relax. The way Marcus was acting, it was obvious what was coming.
She still flinched when his hand brushed her breast and he leaned in to kiss her.
“Hey Buddy!” Two quick raps on the car door interrupted Marcus as he attempted to plant a big sloppy kiss on Bianca’s mouth.
Turning his head with a sneer, Marcus glared at the newcomer, “What?”
Bianca peered around him to see her savior - a short dark blonde girl in a black leather jacket with a cigarette perched on one ear. With one look at hazel eyes, Bianca felt her heart flip flop and dance around like it was at a party.
The new girl rolled her eyes and lifted her chin at the steering wheel, “You’re blocking the whole damn place up.” She pointed behind the car at the line forming, “Nobody can get past your ass.”
Marcus blinked, taken aback for a moment by the curse words coming from the woman. Catching himself, he grumbly sat up straight, “Alright, give me a minute.”
The blonde moved as if to leave, but as she shifted, she spotted the most beautiful face she’d ever laid eyes on. So, instead of backing up, she moved forward. Her elbows rested on the open window and she ducked her head inside, “Hey.”
Bianca felt her cheeks warm up, “Hey.”
A lopsided grin beamed like the sun, “Who’re you?”
“Bianca.” Bianca bent around Marcus to fully face the girl, “Bianca Montgomery.”
The blonde tested the name out and gave an appreciative nod, “You got yourself a nice name there.”
“Thanks.” Bianca bit her lip.
“You’re really cute when you blush.”
Bianca blushed harder. Had this girl really said that to her?
The blonde chuckled, “Have I seen ya around before?”
“I go to Pine Valley High.” Bianca offered.
“Nah, ain’t that.” she shook her head. “Wasn’t much for class when I was in school,” her eyes twinkled, “though if you were there, I might have changed my mind.”
Bianca’s smile threatened to take over her face. Happiness like she’d never felt before filled her soul, “Maybe I could change your mind about other things.” Her mouth dropped open a bit as the words registered in her mind. Where did that come from? With the way the other girl’s face lit up, it didn’t matter. She’d do just about anything to see that look pointed at her.
The blonde tilted her head, clearly taken by the brunette, “Oh yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Why don’t we see about that.”
“Don’t believe me?”
The girl breathed out a laugh, “Not saying I do or I don’t.” She winked, “Bet’s on you, though.”
“That’s a good bet.”
“I’m sure it is.”
The loud clearing of a throat broke the conversation up, “Excuse me.”
“What’re ya doin’ with this square?” the new girl flicked her hand at Marcus.
“Hey now...” Marcus began to protest as Bianca giggled.
The girl ignored Marcus, “Well?”
Bianca shrugged as Marcus answered, “We’re on a date.”
Her eyes slid to Marcus, “I’m talking to the lady, bub.” She shot a quick disbelieving look at Bianca, “No kidding?”
Bianca clasped her hand together, “It’s true.”
“That doesn’t sound swell at all.” she seemed to be thinking, “A cute lady like you with a bum like this...” she leaned further into the car, “can I ask ya something?”
Bianca nodded.
“How about you hang with me?” She pointed at the line of cars again, some honking impatiently, “I’m with my cousin Trey and his girl, but they won’t mind one bit if you join up. Probably won’t even notice.” The corners of her lips lifted higher, “Maybe you could start working on changing my mind.” She turned her head and gave a shout to the honking cars to shut up.
“Bianca...” Marcus turned to his date.
Bianca looked at him and then back at the girl, “What’s your name?”
“Frankie Stone.” she answered.
“Frankie Stone,” she liked that name a lot. Just thinking it made her heart skip. “I think I’d like that very much.”
Frankie was glowing as she raced around the front of the car.
“Wait just a minute...what?” Marcus looked flabbergasted.
Bianca smiled as her door swung open. Frankie held it open, “Mi’lady.”
Bianca gave Marcus a glance, “Sorry, Marcus. I’ll see you at school.” Then, she stepped out of the car. Frankie shut the door behind her and gestured toward the line of cars. They began the short walk there, stealing glances at each other the whole way.
1940s
The faint strains of a jumping jive got past the creaks in the sturdy door as Bianca approached it. The nighttime clouds provided her with cover as she looked both ways before jogging across the street behind a chugging along Chrysler. Her heels clacked against the pavement as she hopped up onto the sidewalk and slid to the closed door. Knuckles rapped a quick cadence against the wood, and she let her hand drop as a small peephole flipped open and two eyes peered out, “Yeah?”
Bianca smiled at the man, “Hiya!”
The eyes widened and the door opened, “Nice to see you, Ms. Montgomery.” The man gave her a cordial nod and waved her in.
“Nice to see you too, Jessie.” She gave the dark skinned man a light wave. “How’s your son?”
“Getting as big as ever. Won’t stop growing.” Jessie chuckled. “Thinking he wants to be a sailor now.” His five year old boy was hellbent on joining the war.
Bianca laughed along with him, “I’m sure he’d be a brave sailor.”
“That he would, ma’am.” Jessie agreed. “Bravest five year old on the ship.”
Bianca’s eyes crinkled with her smile as she stepped toward the music, “You’ll have to tell me all about it.”
“Have a good evening, Ms. Montgomery.” Jessie called out, “There’s a few you might like tonight.”
Bianca’s eyebrow rose and she walked into the main room. The bar was dimly lit, dark corners occupied by couples snuggling and doing far more than holding each other. A tiny band sat off to one side, the three pieces playing rollicking tunes. A few couples swung around on the dance floor, giggling and making moon eyes at each other. The tables were half filled with whispering lovers.
Except for the band, all of them were women.
Bianca smiled to herself as her tense muscles began to relax. She’d stumbled upon the little hidden club a year or so ago when she’d been out walking with a gal from her history class at the local college. Bianca never knew one of these types of places existed in Pine Valley. Of course, she’d heard about them in hushed conversations, but she thought they were in big cities like New York or Chicago. Not tiny Pine Valley. But, when the gal offered to take her to a place where they could talk, Bianca followed without a second thought. The girl was long gone now, but Bianca still kept coming back. It was the only place in town where she could be herself without having to worry about the wrong people finding out who she was...and what she liked.
Scanning the joint, brown eyes roamed over face after face. Nothing struck her fancy. Nothing made her heart jump or even brought an intrigued grin to her lips. She caught sight of a few girls she knew and offered them a polite smile as their eyes connected.
Then, she looked at the bar.
Sitting alone, a glass of beer sweating in front of her, was someone she’d never seen before. Short cropped blonde hair was swept up and the lithe body was covered by a rumpled white shirt and khaki trousers. She looked nothing like the primped and coiffed gals around her. Bianca’s feet found a life of their own and made the trek over to the bar. She leaned one hip against the wood and waved a hand at the bartender before turning her gaze to the blonde woman.
Her heart flipped and her belly danced like there were people swinging to the band’s music inside of it.
“Hello.” Bianca greeted the newcomer with a soft smile. She sat down on the stool next to her.
The blonde didn’t look up from her glass, only giving a short noncommittal nod.
Bianca peeked at the bartender, “Glass of red, please Ryan.” She turned back to the blonde, “Haven’t seen you here before.” There was something about her that was different from anyone Bianca’d ever met before. It made the brunette’s skin tingle and her lips want to smile.
“Haven’t been here before.” a shrug and another gulp of the beer.
Bianca chewed on her bottom lip as Ryan brought her drink, “Thank you, Ryan.” Her fingers clasped the glass and she pulled it closer to her. This woman was not paying any attention to her. Any other night and any other person, Bianca would understand that she wasn’t wanted and would move on. But, there was something about this woman that kept her in place. Maybe it was the way she held herself. All alone in a new place, but still as comfortable and confident as could be. Or perhaps it was the hint of fatigue and sadness around the prettiest eyes the young woman had ever seen. Whatever it was, she was glued. “What’s your name?”
The blonde cracked an amused half grin and shook her head, taking a healthy gulp of her drink.
Bianca frowned in confusion, “What?”
“Listen dolly, tonight I ain’t looking for...” the words trailed off as the blonde finally looked at Bianca. Her mouth snapped shut and her throat bobbed with a gulp.
“Not looking for what?” Bianca raised a saucy eyebrow as her fingers fiddled with the neck of her glass.
“For something else.” The blonde cleared her throat, “Frankie...my name is Frankie Stone.”
“Nice to meet you Frankie Stone.” Bianca held out her hand, “I’m Bianca Montgomery.”
The second their hands touched, Bianca felt a spark of electricity jolt through her. With the way Frankie’s eyes widened, she must have felt the same.
Frankie released her hand, quickly bringing her palm back to scrub at her own flushed cheek, “Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too.” Bianca scooted nearer, her head buzzing and her body swooning. She’d never felt like this before. “Are you a student?” She just wanted to be close to this woman.
Frankie chuckled, “No,”
“Oh, well, I am. Here at the college. I’m studying to be a teacher.”
“A teacher? You don’t say.” Frankie curled her hand around her glass, a twinge of admiration tinged her voice, “A college girl - that’s something.”
“What about you? What’s your story?” Bianca sipped her wine, hoping the move would hide her rosy cheeks.
Frankie licked her lips, tilting her head, “Um...planes.”
“Planes?”
“I fly ‘em.” Frankie waved a hand. “For the army.”
“You’re a pilot?” she’d never met a pilot before! She’d seen them on the reels at the movies but never in real life. They all looked so exciting up there on the screen in the theatre.
Frankie shrugged casually, but her face lit up, “Yeah, I fly. Got my wings half a year ago. Been all around the country.”
“That is fascinating.” Bianca’s hand unconsciously landed on Frankie’s elbow that laid across the bar, “What was it like?” Somehow she could picture this woman swooping through the clouds, diving and twisting like an Ace. “It must be so dangerous.”
“It can be.” Frankie’s grin softened, “I’ve flown every kind of plane you can think of.” She rubbed the back of her neck. It’d never been this hard to chat with a girl before. Usually, in places like this, she’d turn on the charm and regale them with made up tales about flying into Germany on a bombing raid or dogfighting some Italian in the skies over Rome. Heroic flights that had to remain hush hush because the government didn’t want folks knowing what she was doing. But, for some reason, her lies weren’t coming out that night. “I deliver new planes. Fly ‘em to the bases. Do some cargo drops, too.”
“That is very brave of you, Frankie.” Bianca caressed her arm. This woman was flying in a war. That sure was something.
“I...I suppose so. Just flying.” she was all tongue tied and her head was muddled with that touch. “Always wanted to fly. Ever since I was a kid. Built all the toy models and read all the nickel and dime books. I like being up there near the stars.” Her face flushed. Why’d she say something like that? Bianca didn’t want to hear about that.
Bianca pictured a younger version of Frankie sitting around building model planes, her tongue sticking out of one side of her mouth in concentration and eyes squinted. It was an adorable sight. “I used to make all my friends play school and pretend I was the teacher. They didn’t like it very much because I tried to actually teach them all from our schoolbooks.”
Frankie ducked her head, her mouth twitching charmingly, “Bet you made a swell teacher.” She shifted, fingers brushing against the inside of Bianca’s arm.
Bianca’s breath caught in her throat. Her smile grew and her eyes became tender, “How long are you in town for?”
She thought for a second, “Few days. Then, I fly out to Texas.” She’d gotten a couple days off but then it’d be a straight six months of flying from then on.
A few days? “Well then, we’ll have to make the most of this.” She waved at Ryan, “Buy you another drink?”
“Sure.”
“Then,” Bianca’s eyes melted Frankie’s heart, “maybe I can get you out on that floor for a dance or two.”
All Frankie could do was grin.