Sanctuary
"-they're three who haven’t been given a proper chance at life. That’s what this change will give them."
INSERT EXPLAINATION
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Enter THE NEW DORM WARDERICA'S INFO
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enter DORM THREES LEADERFRANKY'S INFO
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Enter KIMMY AND BOOMSKIM AND BOOMERS INFOS
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Enter TEACHER AND STUDENTSIMONE AND ANNABELLES INFOS
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Enter THE GANGOUATS INFO
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eNTER THE PREFORMERSPPS INFO
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Chapter aLL
UNCHARTED
Francesca Doyle glared at the driver through the rearview mirror before returning her scornful gaze out the window of the government car. A sigh fell from her lips as they turned off the road and started up a long driveway. When the car came to a stop she barely had the time to unbuckle her seat belt before the car door was thrown open and she was pulled into a deep kiss by Kim Chang.
“You’re finally back.” The younger whispered against her lips before pulling back and smiling. “Franky.”
“Kim.” Franky grinned back and laughed as Kim was pulled back and she was engulfed in another hug from Sue Jenkins. “Boomer.” She laughed as the larger teen pulled her from the car before setting her down on her feet and shutting the car door.
“Let’s go.” Franky chuckled before starting off towards their dorm with Kim and Boomer close behind.
“Doyle.” A male called out and Franky stopped, looking back to the officer who had driven her here.
“What?” She asked and he glanced to Boomer and Kim before looking back at her.
“Stay out of trouble, you’re walking on thin ice now.” He responded before getting into the car and driving off.
Franky laughed before throwing her arm around Kim’s neck and kissing her nshoulder.
“Missed you guys.” She said, “Anything changed while I was gone?”
“Nah not really.” Boomer replied and Franky nodded.
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“Your new charges are Sue Jenkins, Kim Chang and Francesca Doyle.” Vira Bennett, Governor of Wentworth campus said as she looked over the documents that her new staff member had given her.
Erica Davidson nodded, before Vira continued.
“We hired you because you have experience working with… Troubled students?” Vira said looking over at Erica for confirmation and the blonde nodded. “Well first thing you should know is that the three of them are without guardians, this is why they remain here despite the trouble they cause.” Vira explained before picking a sheet of paper form the documents before her and handing it to Erica. “Kim Chang, 19 years old, she was a home birth. Her mother and father abandoned her at the house after her mother was rested enough to move. Her parents fled, and we have not been able to find them. She was taken in by her neighbors. However at the age of 13, her mother and father figures died in a drive-by, she was lucky to have not been in the house at the time and she ended up with us. She was completely withdrawn and refused to even try fitting in. 4 years ago, when we took Francesca in, she changed dramatically. Everyone saw a side of her we didn’t know existed. She is a bright student, but she is extremely protective of Francesca. Last year they started a… Physical relationship.” Vira’s explanation was stopped by a shocked gasp from Erica and Vira just nodded before continuing on. “We attempted to separate them, by moving Francesca to another dorm but Kim withdrew again and tried to take her own life, after which we gave in and left them alone.”
Erica nodded before laying the paper in her lap and leaning over to take the second one the governor was holding out to her.
“Sue Jenkins, 23 years old, her parents are the neglective type. From a young age she had to raise herself, this included, finding cloths, food and at times even a roof over her head. She resorted to violence to get the job done and over the years it escalated till she ended up putting someone in hospital, luckily they didn’t press charges. When she arrived last year, she was being brought to the office when some students from another dorm were whispering to each other and watching her. She rounded on them straight away and managed to land a couple of hits when I got to my doorway, I was going to break it up but Francesca came out of nowhere and restrained her.
“Booms, you gotta calm down hitting her won’t take back what she said.” At first I thought Sue was going to hit Francesca but she just lowered her arms and nodded. “There’s a girl.” Francesca whispered, she patted Sue on the shoulder before looking down at the two cowering girls. “You say something like that again and you answer to me.” She snarled at them and they both furiously shook their heads. She nodded approvingly before moving over to Kim who was standing off to the side, she wrapped her arm around Kim’s neck and looked over her shoulder. “See you later Boomer.” She called and Kim chuckled before they walked off. I quickly moved a now calm Sue into my office and she was placed in Kim and Francesca’s dorm. Sue holds a tremendous amount of respect towards Francesca and is extremely loyal. To get anywhere with Kim and Sue, you need to be in Francesca’s good books. That, their last Ward failed at.” Vira finished before looking up at Erica.
“And what of Francesca?” Erica asked, when she noticed she was not being handed another sheet of information.
“We know nothing of her life outside these walls. All we know is that she is 21 years old, when she got here she showed signs of abuse. She is ruthless when it comes to protecting those she cares or those under her protection and she is even more vicious when she feels betrayed.” Vira cleared her throat as she rubbed at a scar that stretched from her wrist to half-way up her forearm. Erica noticed the gesture and leaned forward slightly to get a better look at the jagged mark.
“Did she do that to you?” Erica asked and Vira tucked her arm beneath the desk before nodding.
“She was already very distressed about being moved away from Kim and Sue, when Francesca caught wind that Kim had tried to take her life she was very angry. I do not hold this against her though.” Vira explained and Erica nodded, Vira then stood up and glanced to the door before locking eyes with Erica again. “Speaking of Francesca, she should be getting back any minute from the police station.”
“The police station?” Erica asked confused and Vira nodded.
“One of the girls in dorm 5 injured Kim and well, you can imagine Francesca’s response. I didn’t have a choice but to have her taken in.” Vira explained and Erica nodded before rising from her chair.
“I will be heading to the dorm to meet them then.” She bowed slightly before moving to the door. "Oh and Erica," she called and when Erica looked back at her she continued. "Keep your room door open, the one thing you want is Francesca's trust, to get that you need to trust them in return. Shutting your door, putting a barrier between you and them is a sign of mistrust, she will definitely pick up on it and you need her to trust you if you wish to keep your job." Erica nodded in understanding and left the room, she then headed towards her new living quarters and ‘room mates’.
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“I’m just gunna head out for a smoke, be back later.” Boomer called through the closed door and smirked when she heard a moaned 'Alright' in response, she left the common room and headed out the front.
Franky smirked at Kim's attempt to respond to Boomer as she pulled away from the youngers neck, where she had been kissing and biting lightly at the pale skin. She then kissed Kim lightly on the lips before pulling back and tilting Kim's head up to examine the rough scrape spread over her jawline. She then licked over the wound before returning to Kim's lips and slowly stripping her.
Erica entered the common room of her dorm and looked around with mild interest, seeing the area vacant she started towards her room. He bags had already been taken in upon arrival so she knew which room was hers.
"I wonder where the girls are?" She thought allowed before pushing her door open and walking in. She stopped shock-still at the site that met her. Franky was laying half on top of Kim, one hand tangled in Kim's hair while the other stroked her thigh. Kim had her arms wrapped around Franky's neck and the leg Franky was stroking, bend over Franky's hip.
"Sorry," Erica quickly turned away from the two. "I thought..." Erica stuttered but stopped when Franky spoke.
"Hey," she grinned, patting the bare flesh of Kim's thigh twice before saying. "It's all yours, when were done." she smirked and Kim giggled.
Erica was frozen still, not sure what to do when Franky spoke again. "Well you like to watch do ya?" that broke Erica's frozen stance and she turned ay and went to leave, stopping when she heard Franky once more. "Awe, don't go now." Franky called out and Erica turned against her better judgment. "We're just getting started." Franky locked eyes with her and smirked, she licked two fingers on her left hand before pushing her hand between Kim's legs, making the younger moan in pleasure. Erica turned away from the eyes still locked on her and shut the door, ignoring the laugh she heard on the other side.
Erica took a deep breath and headed into the bathroom where she splashed her face with cold water. When she was calm, she returned to the common room and sat down on the couch looking down at her hands. She was sitting there for about 10 minutes when Boomer re-entered the dorm.
"Who are you?" She asked as she made her way to the kitchen to turn the kettle on.
Erica looked up and smiled lightly.
"I'm Erica Davidson, your new ward. You must be Sue." She stood up and held out her hand in greeting.
Boomer looked down at her hand and took it in a light shake.
"The ward never gets names right the first time, that means you've already met Franky and Kim then." She smiled in the direction to the room said teens were occupying and Erica blushed.
"Ahh, yes briefly." She responded and Boomer laughed.
"They will be out soon." She responded before letting go of Erica's hand. Erica look slightly scared when Boomer's expression darkened.
"And Miss Davidson, my name is Boomer." She asserted and Erica nodded.
"Sorry Boomer, I will be sure to remember that." She promised shakily and almost immediately Boomers expression turned happy again, she returned to the now boiled kettle and proceeded to make herself a Tea.
"Hey Booms, make me one." Franky called through the now open door and Erica turned to see her pulling her singlet down over the last of her stomach, she could just catch a glimpse of the marks marring the pale skin.
"Sure thing, Kim you want one?" Boomer asked without turning around and a petite yes came from the youngest. "What about you Miss Davidson?" Boomer asked looking over at her.
"Umm yes please." She responded and had to hold back a flinch when Franky sat on the arm of the couch a little close for comfort, Kim took a seat on Erica's other side, leaving a more decent amount of space between them.
"So you the new ward?" Franky asked eyeing Erica up and down.
"Yes, you must be Francesca?" She asked a little uncertainly and like Boomer's had, Franky's eyes darkened.
"That may be the name on my file but never call me that." She all but growled and stopped when Kim spoke up.
"Franky, please try this time? We get into a lot of trouble every time our ward changes, and besides she seems nice." Erica looked over at her with a small smile before returning her gaze to Franky who was glaring right at her. Erica held her glare until a smirk took over her face.
"You've got guts, I like that. You'll do for now." She responded before heading over to Boomer and took one of the freshly made teas. She then gave it to Kim, kissed her on the cheek and started for the door, calling over her shoulder. "It’s time I go see that needy governor of ours." She smiled at the laughs that followed her from the room.
Boomer grabbed the two teas and handed one to Erica before sitting down in the chair across from her and Kim. Erica glanced at the younger beside her and noticed the bloodied mark beneath her chin.
"What happened?" She asked curiously and the two teens looked up at the broken silence. Kim regarded her for a second before sipping her tea.
"The girls in dorm 5 have it out for us. Franky does what she can to protect us but yesterday, when Franky wasn't with us they crowded us, I was pushed to the ground before we could do anything but Boomer held them off and we came back to the dorm. When Franky came back and saw what they had done... Well the cops kept her overnight, she returned earlier today." Kim explained and Erica nodded. She took Kim's hand and squeezed it lightly noting how the teen flinched at the contact.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. You three are my responsibility now and I’ll keep you safe." Kim met her eyes with tears in her own and nodded lightly. Boomer watched them in silence and was surprised by Kim's acceptance of Erica's touch and words. Erica let go and stood up, she took her cup to the sink and headed towards her room.
"I guess I'll get my things unpacked." She said and the two teens nodded, when the door was slid half shut Boomer looked at Kim with concern.
"You alright?" She asked and Kim nodded before getting up and heading to her own room. Boomer sighed before retreating aswell.
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When Franky returned to the dorm she was surprised to see the common room empty.
"Booms, Kimmy?" She called out before peeking into Kim's room. She smiled at the site of the teen curled up on the bet with Sydney, the pet fox Franky got her last Christmas.
"She went to sleep not long after you left. I've already fed Sydney." Boomer explained from behind her and Franky nodded before limping over to the couch and gingerly sitting down. She glanced at Erica's door and grinned, the door was ajar.
"How longs the door been open?" She asked, gesturing to the half open door, Boomer followed her gaze and smiled.
"Since she went in there." Franky nodded before turning her eyes from the door to Boomer who was grabbing a cup of water from the kitchen.
Erica had changed the sheets and set up the room with all her stuff, making sure that the door stayed open as she did so. She sat up from her reclined position on the bed at the sound of voices coming from the common room. Interest peaked she listened to what they were saying.
"So what did the Gov want?" Boomer asked resuming the seat she had used earlier, across from Franky.
"Some good and bad news, the fucking bitch." Franky growled and Erica was taken aback by the teens tone.
"What's wrong?" Boomer asked concerned and Franky crossed her arms in anger.
"Well for one, I didn't break that fucker’s hand. Just pulled a muscle or some shit. I should have torn her arm clean off, she dare to fuck with my family." The teen growled and Boomer sighed.
"It's over now, just calm down and tell me what happened with the Gov"
"Nothing, she explained that what I did was wrong and that she hopes it doesn't happen again and blah blah blah." Franky drawled and Boomer laughed.
"Then what's got you so mad?" Erica heart Franky sigh and it was quite for a minute before she heard a gasp and Boomer all but yelling.
"Who the fuck did this to you!" The older teen went to leave when Franky responded.
"Booms, now you gotta calm down." She said softly and Boomer nodded before dropping into her set and looking at Franky expectantly.
Erica was worried about why it had become so quiet when she heard Franky's voice again.
"It's those fuckers in dorm 5. I knew they had it out for me but I didn't know they would go this far." She whispered and Boomer looked really worried.
"What happened?"
"I was in the gym, trying to work off some stress after leaving the governor’s office. They... 6 of them, the beat the shit out of me, of cause the fuckers made sure to only bruise me where my cloths can cover the marks. Then Jacs, that fuckin..." Franky stopped taking a deep breath, and Boomer prompted her to continue.
"What did Jacs do to you Franky?"
"She used the handle of a hairbrush." The normally tough girl whimpered out and she was immediately drawn into a hug. Erica paled at the teens words and went to go out when Franky continued.
"One of the girls trying to hold me still, had a knife in her hand, that’s why I’ve got the cut, stupid bitch couldn't handle the blade and it cut right through my skin." Boomer nodded and pulled back to look Franky in the eyes.
"It’s not your fault. They had no right to go that far, they should have just let you once they finished beating you." She whispered and Franky nodded.
"You know, after I left home, I thought I was finally away from those who would force that on me..." She sobbed lightly and Boomer nodded. Erica lay back down, it wouldn't be right for her to go out there now. She barely knew the girls, she would be intruding. A tear slipped from her cheek as she waited for sleep to come.
"I know... But you’re a strong girl, we just gotta keep this from Kim, I don't think she could handle it." Boomer reassured and Franky nodded. "Now you need to go to sleep, I’ll keep guard. We don't want them sneaking in again like last time. “Boomer smiled and Franky got up, stumbled slightly and made her way to her room. “Good night Franky."
"Night Booms." Franky called back and the dorm lapsed into silence.
Boomer jolted awake from her spot on the lounge, at the sound of clattering in the kitchen. She looked over and saw Erica cooking at the stove. The blonde glanced over when she heard the shuffling and smiled.
"Good to see your up." Erica said with a smile and Boomer looked at her confused. "Go wake Franky and Kim up and freshen up, we have a lot to do today." Boomer nodded and got up. She quietly entered Franky’s room to wake her before heading into Kim’s. Franky quickly limped into the bathroom shutting the door the moment she was inside. Boomer woke Kim before letting Sydney out. The two teens went out into the common room with confusion. Kim turned to Boomer with a questioning look in her eyes.
"Why are we all up so early?" Kim asked Boomer and the elder shrugged.
"Come sit down at the table, breakfast is ready." Erica called out and the two teens looked at her confused by her actions.
"Come on now." She repeated before setting 4 plates full of food down on the table, closely followed by 4 mugs. Boomer and Kim slowly made their way over and after another prompt from Erica they sat down. Erica joined them and the teens just watched her.
"Eat up." Erica smiled and Boomer looked down at her plate before glancing at Kim, who was looking towards the bathroom. They sat in silence, Erica the only one who was eating before Franky emerged from the bathroom. She stretched out and released a deep yawn before noticing everyone at the table.
"What’s going on?" She asked as she limped over to the table, she lightly kissed Kim on the cheek before sitting down on the final seat.
"Franky why are you limping?" Kim asked and both Boomer and Franky noticed Erica's subtle freeze at the words. They shared a look before Franky grinned at Kim.
"Visited the gym after seeing Gov yesterday, went a little too hard on the treadmill, think I broke it." She laughed and Kim chuckled.
"Just keep it easy then, we need you here and not in medical." Kim smiled and Franky nodded before looking down, then meeting Erica's eyes. She could see her confusion at the lie but ignored it.
"What’s the special occasion?" She asked gesturing to the food.
"Nothing... No special occasion." Erica responded, she could hear the mistrust in Franky's voice.
"Then why? Trying to bribe us into liking you?" Franky pushed and Erica sighed.
"Didn't your other ward, do things for you? You are my family now, it’s my responsibility to look after you. I assume providing meals is one of those tasks?"
Franky was taken aback by her words and looked at her for a few more seconds before glancing down at the food. Neither she, nor Kim, nor Boomer could cook so they never had proper meals. She glared for a second, as memories started to surface before she sighed and slowly started eating.
"Thankyou..." She mumbled and Erica smiled, noticing that both Kim and Boomer had also started eating once Franky was ok with it.
"You’re welcome." She smiled and the four ate in silence. Once they were done Erica collected the dishes and took them to the sink. She looked back at the three still seated.
"What are your usual plans for the day?" She asked softly and was met with the troubled teens burning eyes. Surprisingly it was Kim who responded first.
"I generally stay here with Sydney and read or watch TV, I don't really like any of the other students and I only really go out to keep Franky and Boomer company." Erica nodded before asking.
"Who is Sydney?"
"She'll tell you if you don't tell the Governor." Franky cut in before Kim could respond and Erica looked confused but nodded.
"Alright, I won't tell." Franky held her gaze for a minute before looking to Kim who was waiting for approval. Franky nodded and Kim turned in her chair, and softly called out.
"Sydney, come here girl." Erica waited and was surprised to see the orange and white muzzle peeking out from Kim's room.
Franky then whistled through her teeth before grunting. "Come here you little mutt."
The sleek body of the small fox kit soon appeared and Kim picked her up. Erica watch with interest as the kit jumped onto the table and brushed against Kim and Boomers hands before tackling Franky and licking her on the face. Kim laughed lightly at a struggling Franky and pulled Sydney off her and held the kit close in her arms. Deep green eyes then shot to Erica, seeing the fox’s attention on her, she picked up one of the scraps from breakfast and moved back to the table, she sat down and slowly reached out her hands to offer the kit the meat she held. As first Sydney growled, but then she sniffed Erica's hand before taking the meat and happily eating it.
"Does she have everything she needs?" Erica asked as she patted Sydney who was licking at her hand trying to get more food.
"I've provided everything I can for her. Boomer and I take turns sneaking into the store room to get her meat, water and milk is provided by Gov, she just thinks we drink a lot of tea. Sydney sleeps in Kim's room and we've got a hidden exit that she uses when she needs to go outside." Franky explained and Erica nodded, she then pulled back and glanced at Boomer.
"And what do you usually do during the day Boomer?"
"Well I'm usually not an early riser that’s for sure." She laughed and Erica smiled as she waited for Boomer to continue.
"Hum, I generally stick with Franky. Make sure she’s not causing trouble and backing her if there is any. Or staying with Kim when Franky wants to be alone." Erica nodded before turning to look at Franky but before she could say something Franky spoke.
"Booms, take Kim and see if the laundry room is free." She said and Erica could tell it was an order.
"Sure thing." Boomer responded before standing and starting for the door. Kim leaned over and kissed Franky on the collarbone before putting Sydney down and following Boomer out. Sydney quickly retreated into Kim's room. Erica looked at Franky with confusion but waited for the teen to start speaking.
"We need to lay down some ground rules." Franky started and Erica nodded.
"First off, anything that happens within this dorm stays between us, if I catch wind that a single word makes its way to the governor, you’re out, I wont risk the safety of Boomer or Kim by getting myself removed because out stupid ward couldn't keep her mouth shut." Franky growled and Erica nodded, trying to keep a neutral face. "Next, if you wanna be a part of this family, alright but Kim and Boomer come first. If anything happens to them and you could have prevented it... Just they come first. If you decide you want in then you have the same standing as Boomer and Kim in my eyes. I don't care what happens to me, but you'll be safe as long as I can help it." Erica wasn't able to hold back the shocked look at Franky's words, but before she could respond, Franky start again. "If you chose to accept this, along with your responsibility of keeping Boomer and Kim safe, I only ask one thing of you. That you trust me, whatever the Gov has told you about us is probably true but she doesn't even know the half of it. I will admit that I may occasionally do things that you will disapprove of or that may even frighten you, but I will never harm family." Erica nodded and Franky gave her a lopsided grin. "And really Erica, eavesdropping isn't the best way to earn trust." She chuckled and Erica nodded, before smiling.
"I was just reading last night when you came back, sorry. I suppose I just didn't know anything about you or Boomer and Kim and well I thought I might learn something..." Erica whispered and sighed before looking up at Franky with concern. "Are you alright?" She asked softly and Franky looked at her for a moment before looking down.
"I need your help." She whispered and Erica nodded.
"What can I do?" She asked and Franky stood up before limping into the kitchen and ducking under the sink to retrieve the first aid kit. "I can't go to medical. At a time like this, I can't afford to be away from Boomer and Kim for extended periods of time. If they have gone this far with me, god knows that they will do if they catch Kim alone." Franky voiced her concern and limped back to the table, she handed the kit to Erica and waited.
"Come on," Erica said and lead Franky into her room so she would have more space to work, she shut the door behind them. "Take off your shirt and lay down for me." Erica said as she started going through the kit and grabbing things she would need.
Franky winced as she pulled her shirt over her head and gingerly lay down on her stomach. Erica then turned to her and gasped.
"That bad huh?" Franky laughed but winced when Erica's hands brushed over one of the larger bruises on her lower back.
"Well it doesn't do you any justice." Erica stated before she started cleaning the bruised skin before rubbing cream into the skin.
"Nah I suppose not, black and blues not really my color." Erica laughed at her words as she worked and the two lapsed into silence as Erica made her way down Franky's back. When she got to the waistband of Franky's pants she pulled back to allow Franky to turn over, then gestured to the cut on her collarbone.
"I need to clean that up aswell, just give me a second." Erica stated before leaving the room. Franky sighed and removed her Bra before lying back down. When Erica came back in she looked wide-eyed at the wound. Sitting down she gingerly shifted Franky's breast to see the extent of the damage. "You lied to Boomer..." She said as she grabbed the cloth and dunked it in the water she brought, she then softly started to clean the blood away. Removing her Bra had reopened the wound and it was freshly bleeding.
"The fucking bitch actually tried to cut it off. If I had’ve told Boomer there would have been no stopping her." Franky whispered wincing in pain.
"I'm sorry." Erica whispered, once she finished cleaning the wound she checked the extent. "Well you were right about one thing. She didn't know how to handle the knife. The line isn't straight and the depth is jagged but I don't think it will need stitches, just time to heal." Franky nodded at her words and Erica then continued to clean the bruises down Franky's front before lightly massaging cream into them. When she got to the hem of Franky's pants again she stopped.
"Sit up for me, I need to wrap your wound, the less it move's the quicker it will heal." She explained and Franky nodded before struggling to push herself into a sitting position. Erica quickly wrapped Franky's breast, winding the material around her ribs and over her shoulder to ensure it was secure, she then helped Franky lower to the bed again.
"Are you alright for me to continue?" Erica asked softly and Franky nodded before covering her face with her arms as Erica gently pulled her sweats and underwear down. She set the clothes off to the side before standing, she headed over to her desk and pulled a thin sheet from the top draw, she then returned to the bed and positioned the sheet over Franky, so she could still work but so Franky's upper body and the extent of her injuries are hidden. Franky looked at her confused.
"It's incase Boomer comes in, you don't want her seeing the wrap, she will ask why such a little cut needs such protection." Erica explained and Franky nodded. "Now before I do anything I need you to tell me exactly what happened. Franky, did you sugar coat it for Boomer?" Erica enquired and she was stunned to see tears rolling down Franky's cheek.
"Hey... It's ok, you’re safe now." Erica whispered as she wiped the tears away from Franky's eyes. The teen nodded before looking up at Erica.
"It wasn't a brush." Franky whispered before looking away again. "It was the handle of a knife... The blade was still attached..." Franky explained and Erica looked at her in horror before nodding solemnly and moving to check the damage.
"Bend your legs up for me." Erica whispered and Franky shifted her hill flush against her cheeks and opened her legs, wincing at the movement.
"I’m sorry but this might hurt a bit." She whispered and Franky braced for the pain. Erica sucked on her finger to make sure it was moist before tentatively probing Franky's opening, the younger hissed in pain and her hands dug into the bed to stop herself from shifting away. She released a deep pain-filled whine when Erica's finger entered her and Erica went to stop when Franky shook her head.
"Keep going, I’ve dealt through worse pain." She whimpered out and Erica nodded, she twisted her finger softly feeling for any wounds and she sighed in relief when she found none, as she was retracting her finger, she did find a small nick in her opening and Franky yelped in pain when Erica's finger brushed it.
"You are very lucky." Erica whispered. "The blade barely nicked you."
Franky sighed with relief but jolted when there was a knock at the door. Erica pulled the sheet down to cover Franky completely before calling out.
“Come in.”
Boomer opened the door and peeked around. She frowned at the site before gazing at Franky who only nodded, Boomer then smiled before entering and walking past Erica to brush her hand against Franky’s forehead. She then looked back at their ward.
“I’m assuming she asked you to check the extent of the damage. Is she going to be alright, will she need medical?” Boomer asked worriedly and Erica smiled at her worried state.
“Apart from some bruising and the cut she is unharmed, luckily the handle did little damage. I’m just about to use some numbing cream to help with the pain while she heals.” Erica said fishing the small tube from the first aid kit and Boomer nodded hearing that she needed to leave. She turned back to Franky and lightly stroked her hair.
“Jacs won’t get away with this, I promise you.” She whispered before nodding to Erica and leaving the room, shutting the door behind her. Erica watched the closed door for a minute before looking back at Franky when the younger spoke.
“Thank you for not telling her.” Franky whispered and Erica nodded before pulling the sheet back up before opening the tube in her hands.
“I know nothing about how things work here, but I do know that Boomer going on a rampage won’t be good for anyone, least of all herself and It won’t change what’s happened to you.” Erica said, whispering the last part before sighing and squeezing some of the cream onto two fingers. "I'm going to apply some Emla cream, it will numb the pain, but it might feel alittle weird." Erica explained and Franky nodded, the teen bit down on her hand as Erica worked to try and block out the pain and when Erica pulled away she released her hand with sigh of relief. Erica quickly washed her hands in the water she had brought in before repositioning the sheet to cover Franky before smiling at her.
"There you go." Erica said as she packed the medical equipment back into the first aid kit and sat down on the edge of the bed beside Franky.
"Thank you." Franky whispered giving Erica a faint smile.
“The cream should start to numb you in about 15 minutes. Please rest till then.” Erica whispered, resting her hand lightly on Franky’s still raised knee. The younger nodded and Erica retracted her hand before moving to leave. She stopped when she felt a cool hand wrap around her wrist. “Wait.” Franky called and Erica looked back at her with confusion. “Please, stay with me…” The younger whispered looking down and Erica nodded silently before moving around the bed and sitting down on the opposite side to Franky. She shifted into a comfortable position and took Franky’s hand in her own, squeezing it lightly.
“I’m not going anywhere." She whispered and Franky nodded before lightly shifting closer to Erica. She rested her head on Erica's arm and curled her body beneath the sheet. Erica used her free hand to stroke Franky's hair and the two rested in the silence.
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When Erica thought Franky had fallen asleep she shifted Franky down onto the pillows before sliding out of the bed. She gathered Franky's cloths and the cloth she had useto clean the youngers wounds before slipping from the room. Franky who was still awake glanced to the door before staring up at the ceiling. Boomer and Kim were sitting on the lounge watching The teli, Boomer glanced over at Erica with a small smile.
"How is she?"
"She will be fine, she's just sleeping." Erica assured and she heard Kim sigh in relief at the news. Erica moved over to them before glancing to The three teens rooms.
"Have you got any washing?" She asked and both Boomer and Kim nodded before getting up and heading into their rooms.
Erica crossed the common room, to Franky's and was surprised at the rooms clean state, she had expected it to be a mess. She picked up the neat pile of dirty clothes and went to get a basket from the bathroom. She dumped Franky's dirty clothes in the basket before carting it into the living room where both Kim and Boomer added to the load.
"Im going to head to the laundry room and get this done." Erica said picking up the basket and heading for the door.
"Do you want one of us to come?" Kim asked softly and Erica smiled at her.
"Thankyou but I'll be alright, I'll be back soon." Erica responded before leaving the room.
Boomer and Kim watched her go before returning to the couch.
"She really if trying, I do hope Franky allows her to stay." Kim expressed and Boomer nodded.
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Franky sighed, it had been 15 minutes since Erica had left the room, she was really hoping the older woman would return. Franky shifted testing the pain level and was happy to find it was only a dull ache. She slipped out from beneath the sheet and looked down at her feet.
"Shit." She muttered when she realised Erica took her clothes, she got up and walked over to the dresser and fished around for something she could borrow. After dressing she moved to open the door, exiting the room, she left the door wide open and stretched with a yawn before taking in the common room, a frown covering her face when she could only see two of the three other occupants.
"Kim, Boomer." She greeted the two who looked over at her with smiles. Franky scanned the common room again to confirm her first glance before her eyes returned to her family. "Where is Erica?
Ignoring her confusion at Franky using their wards first name, Boomer glanced at the door before looking back at Franky.
"She took the washing to the laundry room about 10 minutes ago." Kim answered and both her and Boomer were startled when Franky growled.
"Whats wrong?" Boomer asked confused by Franky's reaction.
"She's alone, Meg won't let this go without 'welcoming' her." Franky responded putting extra emphasis on 'Welcoming' as she ran for the door. "Kim, you wait here, Boomer move it." Franky ordered before flinging open the door and tearing down the hallway.
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Erica was leaning against the counter reading a magazine as she waited for the washing to finish when the door opened and 4 teens entered. Erica ignored them and was surprised when 2 of the grabbed her arms and pulled them behind her back, she struggled to get from their grip but stopped when a knife was held to her throat. The third girl stayed by the door and the fourth stood before Erica. She then began circling Erica, looking her up and down as she spoke in a low voice.
"So your the Dyke's new ward?" The teen smirked before stopping infront of her again. "She mustn't care much for you to let you leave the safety of your dorm alone, or perhaps she doesn't have the... Energy to come with you." The teen chuckled and Erica's shocked face darkened to a glare.
"Your Jacs." She stated more then asked and the teen mock bowed. "What do you have against Franky and the girls, she doesn't deserve to be treated in such a way." Erica stopped her questions when she was met with laughter.
"She really hasn't explained anything to you has she." Jacs chuckled before clicking her fingers, Erica felt the blade against her throat bite into the skin and blood began to trickle down her neck.
"It was a mistake for you to believe that being a ward means you are safe. Franky can't hold her position much longer, not in the state she is in and with you out of the way, gaining control will be much easier." Jacs hissed and Erica glared back at her, trying to ignore the growing cut that was gaining depth across her neck. "Do it." Jacs ordered and Erica closed her eyes, bracing for the pain. The door to the laundry room was thrown open and Boomer knocked the teen standing guard into the wall, said teen collapsed unconscious and before anyone could move Franky had Jacs' arms pinned behind her back, a blade pressed to her throat.
"Release her right now." Franky ordered to the teens still holding Erica although the knife had been lowered. The teens looked to Jacs who only nodded and they quickly let go of Erica and backed away, Boomer pulled Erica towards the door and stood guard infront of her. "Now unless you two want some action you should fuck off right now." Franky growled her eyes flashing, and the two teens cautiously started towards the door, their full attention still on Franky. "Hurry up!" She shouted and the teens jumped before sprinting from the room.
"How did you know." Jacs asked staring ahead.
"I was expecting it, sorry to spoil your little plan." Franky taunted then she walked Jacs towards the door and slammed her into the wall, face first, still holding her arms behind her back and the knife to her neck.
"Any last words?" Franky whispered harshly and Jacs smirked.
"Hows the pain?" She taunted and Franky growled before spinning Jacs around and slamming her back against the wall, adding pressure to the blade.
"Would you like me to show you?" She snarled and pulled the knife from Jacs' neck and slowly lowered her arm, Jacs immediately started to struggle but both teens stopped when Erica's voice reached them.
"Franky, don't." She cried out.
Franky looked over at Erica who was now standing just in front of Boomer who was holding her back from running over. Erica was surprised by the darkened look in Franky's eyes. "Please." She whispered, she inwardly sighed when the darkness in Franky's eyes receded. Confusion overtook Franky's face before she turned back to Jacs who also wore a look of confusion. Franky's glare returned and she slammed Jacs against the wall again before ramming the butt of the knife into the older teens stomach.
"If i catch you near my ward again, Meg will have to find herself another lead dog." Franky growled before releasing Jacs who collapsed to the ground with her hand to her stomach, groaning in pain.
Franky spat down at her before storming from the room. Erica followed and went to turn with Franky but she was pulled in the other direction by Boomer. She went to protest and follow Franky but Boomer gave her a non-too-light shove in the direction they were already heading.
"Don't bother, she isn't rational right now." Boomer mumbled and Erica looked at her worriedly.
"But now shes on her own again, what if..." Erica was cut off by Boomer.
"Despite what they have done, they wouldn't attack twice in one day, besides Meg failed, she is going to be spending her time calming the girls and tending to Jacs." Boomer explained and although still confused, Erica nodded and allowed Boomer to lead her towards their dorm.
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When they entered both were surprised when Kim pulled Erica into a tight hug.
"Im so sorry, we should never have let you leave alone." She mumbled before pulling back and noticing the cut across Erica's neck. She tentatively brushed the skin around the wound.
"It's ok Boomer and Franky got there just in time. Besides I was stupid to think that being a ward means I'm safe, i just don't understand whats going on. Who is Meg and why is Jacs treating us like this?" Erica asked glancing from a worried Kim to a still slightly angry Boomer.
"Franky will explain everything to you when she returns, I believe she doesn't wish you to be replaced, otherwise she wouldn't have acted to help you." Boomer explained and Erica remembered Franky's words from that morning. 'I don't care what happens to me, but you'll be safe as long as I can help it.'
"Speaking of Franky, where is she?" Kim asked looking over at Boomer.
"Shes pissed..." Boomer said before heading into the kitchen to retrieve the first aid kit.
"Why? You got there in time..." Kim asked and Boomer returned, handing the kit to Kim who was now sitting beside Erica on the lounge.
"Erica stopped Franky from..." Boomer mumbled before trailing off and Kim looked at Erica with shock. "I'm gunna go make sure she is ok. I know i said they wont try anything else today but stay in here, to be on the safe side." Boomer instructed and at Kim's nod she left the dorm. Kim started unpacking the kit to find what she would need and Erica watched her with confusion.
"Why does it sound like a bad thing that I stopped Franky from hurting Jacs?" Erica asked as Kim lightly started to clean her neck.
"It not so much a bad thing that you stopped her, but that she actually listened to you. You would be considered a weakness now." Kim explained and Erica nodded and the two sat in silence as Kim bandaged Erica's neck before packing the kit away and returning it to its spot under the sink, she then returned to the lounge. She looked over at Erica with a thoughtful gaze before speaking.
"She cares about you." Kim said and Erica looked at her with confusion. "Franky, she really cares for you." Kim repeated putting emphasis on 'really' and Erica blushed lightly. "How do you feel about that?"
"Shouldn't i be asking you that, i mean you two are together after all." Erica returned and Kim chuckled.
"When Franky and I first slept together it was out of comfort, she needed to know that anothers touch isn't always painful and i just wanted to be loved... From then on, it was just a way of cheering each other up, even becoming a game to see who could make the other feel better quicker." Kim looked over at Erica when she herd a small muffled chuckle and smiled. "Franky loves me, i know she does... Just not in the way that she loves you." Kim said softly and Erica reached out and grasped her hand squeezing it tightly. "It's ok, I don't love her in that way either, i just don't want to loose her, shes all I have left." Kim whispered and was pulled into a hug.
"She wouldn't leave you or Boomer for anything, she has already threatened me about that." Erica said and Kim pulled back startled by her words. "You may believe she loves me, if she does or doesn't you and Boomer are her upmost priority, she made that very clear." Erica said and Kim nodded her eyes shining at her words. "She wont abandon you, never think that and I promise you, I wont either." Erica smiled and Kim nodded a tear slipping from her eyes.
Erica brushed it away before frowning lightly. "Are you sure?" She asked and Kim knew she was referring to Franky and nodded. "How do you know?"
"She is different around you." Kim stated and Erica looked confused. "Our previous wards have been nothing but a thorn in her side, dobbing us in for any little thing we did wrong, blaming us when we got injured, treating us like the dirt they walked on. Franky didn't give two shits about any of them. Most of the wards were strong enough to evade anything Jacs dished out and Franky never offered to help. Our last ward was killed,she had struck Boomer for something she had done and Franky kicked her out of the dorm, threatening her that if she returned she physically wouldn't be able to walk back out. Jacs and her dormmates jumped her while she was heading to the governors office and she died of her injuries." Kim stopped for a minute and Erica waited patiently for her to continue. "Franky was rude to you at first because she thought you were just another ward to come and go. When you held her glare yesterday, i don't know if you noticed but you didn't look up or down at her, you looked her straight in the eye, as an equal and thats all Franky wants, to be treated as an equal. Your display this morning frightened her, the other wards all treated us like prisoners and like we were nothing, then you pull us into a family setting and expect nothing in return... In her no one does something unless they get something in return... The prospect that you were being kind just to get something really wounded her and she went on the defensive again. Im not sure what happened when Franky sent us away but when Franky came out of your room, she looked around for you before even greeting us, then when we told her you had gone to the laundry room she growled and yelled at us before running from the room. She is an impulsive person but her impulsive actions are always well thought out. We could tell the moment she left that someones blood was going to spill, no matter whose..." Erica frowned and Kim smiled. "She would never hurt you, despite everything the other wards did to us, Franky never laid a hand on them, yelled and kick them out of the dorm at time but she never touched them. She had every right to hit them back when they stuck us, but despite the fact she hated them, she respected the fact that they were just doing their job, so did subtle things to force them to leave and they all eventually gave up, your no different, she respects you and your position, but she respects you more then the others, although your stand on higher ground then us and have the right to treat us like dirt, you don't and its a huge relief to the three of us. Even if Franky didn't feel so strongly for you, I doubt she would let you leave, which may be partially my fault..." Kim said in an apologetic voice and Erica frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"You make me feel safe... The kind of safe that I only feel around Franky and Boomer, the both or them have picked up on that... We would do anything for each other to ensure we stay happy and they would keep you with us as long as they can if it makes me happy. I like you, your a kind person, you look after us and even if your not doing it intentionally you make Franky happy." Kim smiled at her, before shifting so she was lying on the lounge with ehr head in Erica's lap, looking up at her. Erica shifted into a more comfortable position with her feet up on the table and started stroking Kim's black locks. "I just wish we didn't have to stay here. We would be safe, and could live in peace if we could get out of here..." The younger whispered and Erica nodded.
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Franky looked down at the two asleep on the lounge with a smile. It was after dark now and Boomer had headed off to bed when they entered the dark dorm. Franky had set down the washing before going to check on Kim and felt a jolt of fear when Kim wasn't in her room, she then quickly checked Erica's room and her stomach fell, she went to run from the dorm to find them when she heard a chuckle from the lounge. Looking over, she saw Kim nuzzling into Erica's hip in her sleep and the elder chuckled at the touch, also asleep. She lightly picked Kim up and cradled her as she limped her to her room and set her in her bed, she quickly changed Kim's cloths before covering her with the sheet. She then returned to the common room. She leant down and lightly brushed the hair from Erica's face before picking her up and taking her into her room. She lay her on the bed.
"Erica, you need to wake up." Franky whispered into her ear and Erica shifted slightly with a small chuckle. "If you don't wake up I'm going to have to undress you." Franky nipped Erica's ear and was surprised when the elder purred.
"Do what you want," Franky couldn't tell if Erica was awake or asleep now, she spoke so clearly and she sighed. "Fine, I'll be quick." Franky respond before stripping Erica down to her Bra and underwear, she debated just leaving her like that but thought better and slipped her into a black silk nidie before covering her with the blanket. Franky kissed her lightly on the forehead be heading into the common room to sit guard. After midnight was a new day and they were all free game again.
Erica awoke with a start at yelling from the common room.
"Get the fuck out now." It was Franky's voice, why was she so mad?
"Be respectful to you superiors Francesca, I' just here to meet the ward who has collared the wild beast." Another woman said and Erica heard Franky snarl. Why is she so mad and what does this woman want, what did she mean by 'collared the beast'.
"You won’t get anywhere near her as long as i can help it, not I told you to get the fuck out!" Franky yelled and before Erica could hear the woman respond, she heard Boomer's sleepy voice.
"Geez Franky its even earlier the yesterday, why are you yelling?" Silence lapsed on the other side of the door before another growl entered the air, this time from Boomer.
"Meg..." Was all Boomer said and Erica, was confused. This woman had been mentioned many times but she still didn't know who she was.
"Booms, move Kim." Erica heard Franky order and before she knew it her door was opened and Boomer walked in carrying a still asleep Kim. Boomer smiled when she noticed that Erica was and lay Kim down on the unoccupied side of her bed.
"Sorry, this might get messy, want both of you safe." Boomer explained before going to leave, she stopped when she felt a hand on her wrist. "If you’re going to tell us to stop then..." Boomer stopped when Erica spoke.
"I was just going to tell you to be careful." Erica said with a soft smile which Boomer returned, the younger squeezed Erica's hand before leaving the room, she shut the door and stood guard.
“Come on Franky I just wanna meet her, I won’t do anything.” Meg said glaring at Franky who was looking back at Boomer, they both nodded, Franky then looked back at Meg with a smirk.
“How’s your dog? With your leader wounded the pack is confused, it was so easy to single one of them out.” Franky smirked and Meg growled.
“I knew it was you who did that.”
“Hey,” Franky shrugged. “You came after us property, I just returned the favor. Just be thankful that it was a minor and not your lead that got the brunt of my anger.” Franky said nonchantly.
“None of them should have been injured, you don’t care about your wards, you never protect them. What’s changed?” Meg asked and Franky glared before growling lightly.
“She isn’t my ward, she’s my family and you of all people should know not to fuck with my family.” Franky growled advancing on Meg, the ward backed up Untill she hit the wall beside the door, Franky crossed her arms, standing not even a meter form the older woman. “You play a dangerous game you stupid woman. You’re here, alone, on a new day and no one has made a strike yet.” Franky said before grabbing Megs throat and holding her against the wall. “What’s to stop me from striking at you now?”
“You won’t do it, your ward has made you soft, you couldn’t do it to Jacs and you won’t do it to me.” Meg said smugly and at the familiar dark looking in Franky’s eyes her smug demeanor faded.
“And that’s where your wrong. You wanna know why I didn’t do Jacs in? Because the poor woman was already scared. Your fuckers attacked her, she is new here. You know the Gov doesn’t know anything about what goes on outside her office, she hires incompetent staff who think they are going to be running a high school dorm, She was probably traumatized. If I had gone through with it, she probably would have fainted at the sight of all Jacs blood, then I would have had to carry her back here. But you know what?” Franky asked and Meg shook her head, her whole body shaking in fear. “She can’t see your blood, and even if she could and fainted. I don’t have to carry her anywhere.” Franky finished with a smirk. “Now you are going to listen to me and listen good.”
She snarled and Meg nodded. “Answer me!” Franky yelled slapped her across the face. “I will listen to what you have to say.” Meg stuttered out.
“Good.” Franky spat before continuing, “You committed an act of grievous harm two days ago, I committed one yesterday. The code states that we get a five day cool down after such an act, you were not warranted to attack her yesterday and by all rights that gives me the right to attack you now, you break the code, I get one freebie.” Franky punched her in the stomach, before letting her go. Meg fell to her knees holding her stomach. “Now, You’re not going to come near any of us for the rest of the day, you are going to return to your dorm, tend to your fucking charges wounds and honor the fucking code. I don’t want to see hide or hair of your fucking charges for the next three days, and you. The ward pulls the strings, I’m not supposed to see you at all, you never get your hands bloody but approaching us today has started you as a new player in this physical game. Stay the fuck out of my way from now on cause if I see you again, I won’t hesitate to kill you, are we clear.” Franky threatened and Meg coughed, nodding. “Good, now get the fuck out!” Franky yelled and Meg stumbled up and ran from the dorm. Franky sighed before walking over and sinking into the lounge, Boomer turned to open Erica’s door and called out “It’s safe to come out now.” Before heading back to her room.
Erica glanced down at a still sleeping Kim before getting from the bed, she noticed the Nidye she was in and blushed, knowing how she got into it. She quickly threw on some clothes before heading out into the Common Room. Franky was sitting on the lounge with her head in her hands.
“Franky…” Erica tentatively called out and the younger grunted but didn’t look up.
“Are you ok?” Erica asked and Franky sighed before looking over at her, Erica was surprised to see her eyes were bloodshot like she had been crying.
“I’m just so sick of this shit.” Franky whispered and Erica sat down beside her, looking at her with concern. “Living on the street would be better, hell it would probably be safer then living here, but I can’t leave Kim and Boomer, and they wouldn’t last five minutes on the street and none of us have homes any more, not that we really even had any to begin with…” Franky spoke and Erica nodded.
“Listen, I have somewhere I need to go today, off campus so you need not worry. I will be back later on, you should go get some rest with Kim.” Erica nudged Franky’s shoulder lightly and the younger smiled alittle.
“Alright, just be safe and come back.” Franky whispered, she brushed Erica’s cheek with her hand before leaning in and lightly kissing her on the lips. Erica was shocked and froze, when Franky pulled away Erica snapped out of it and was upset by the saddened look in Franky’s eyes. Franky nodded slightly before running into Erica’s room and lightly closing the door. Erica sighed, staring longingly at her bedroom door before she left the dorm and headed out of the building towards the carpark where her car waited.
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She sighed as she started up the car and drove off down the road. As she drove she thought about everything that had happened the past two days. She used to work as a peerworker at a juvenile detention center 4 years ago until she was stabbed during a small riot and sent to hospital. The doctors had explained to her that the damage to her lower abdomen was severe and she had lost the child she was carrying of 2 months and had to have a Hysterectomy. When she had gotten released she became depressed her partner, who she was engaged to took her back to their shared apartment. Upon hearing the news about the loss of their child and the chance of having another Mark left her and with just her living in the apartment with no income because she was still recovering and not able to work, she was forced to give up her apartment and move back in with her parents. It took two months for her to recover fully from the surgery and another two before she was able to return to work, but she turned down the offer to return and was allowed to leave the detention center on a good note. She got a small job working at a local flower store and was saving money her whole stay at her parents. Last week she had been contacted by Vira who had got a recommendation from her old boss and was offered the job of Dorm ward for some troubled teens. She had jumped at the opportunity to get back into the field again and had accepted the job right away. She shook away her musing as she turned into the driveway of the familiar house of her parents. She exited the car and knocked on the door, which flung open and she was pulled into a hug from her mother.
“Erica, It’s good to see you.” She said Erica smiled pulling back and entering the house.
“Mother, its only been 2 days.” She laughed and her mother joined in, she shut the door and the both of them sat down in the loungeroom.
“What brings you here my girl?” Victoria Davidson asked and Erica looked down at her hands.
“I need you to use the money I have saved up to find a house. At least two rooms, more if you can.” Erica explained and her mother nodded before looking at her quizzically.
“May I ask why? Don’t you live in a dorm with your charges?” She asked and Erica nodded.
“Yes, but I want to take them out of there. The girls can benefit more from a stable home and a loving environment, They cant get that and I can’t give it to them there.” Erica said and her mother went to protest when she stopped her. “I have thought this through. I know it may seem like a rash decision but I believe I’m doing the right thing. You said you would support me no matter what. Please support this.” Erica almost begged and her mother reluctantly nodded.
“Alright dear, I will do my best.” Her mother nodded and Erica smiled gratefully.
“Thankyou mother, I have other things to arrange for this, so I need to leave but Thank you again.” Erica pulled her mother into another hug before she was walked to the door and headed back to her car and headed off to her next destination.
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Erica got back to the dorm late and when she entered the common room was dark. She crossed the common room and peaked into Boomer and Kim’s rooms, both teens were fast asleep, when she looked into Franky’s room, the younger wasn’t there. Figuring she must have ducked into the bathroom, Erica headed to her room surprised to see the door shut. She softly opened it and smiled at the sight that met her. The lamp on her bed side table was on and Franky was laying on her bed, fast asleep, the book she had been reading resting on her chest. Erica pulled the book from Franky’s loose grip, turned off the lamp and got under the sheet by Franky’s side. She lay her head on the pillow and watched Franky, entranced by the rested rise and fall of the youngers chest, Erica reached out her arm and laid it across Franky’s stomach lightly, when she got no reaction from the sleeping teen she allowed her arm to rest fully and shifted so her head rested against Franky’s shoulder. She sighed before relaxing completely and allowing sleep to come. Franky who had been resting her eyes while waiting for Erica to return smiled, she shifted slightly to get Erica into a more comfortable position against her, before grabbing the hand across her waist and followed the elder into sleep.
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Erica moaned lightly at the feel of lips on her own and her eyes fluttered open when the lips pulled away. Franky was straddling her waist looking down at her with uncertainly. Erica smiled up at her, she lightly brushed Franky’s cheek with her fingers before pulling the younger down into a proper kiss. Franky smiled into the kiss and licked at Erica’s lips asking for entrance which the elder granted, Franky slipped her tongue inside of Erica’s mouth and explored the wet cavern before rubbing against Erica’s tongue pulling a moan from her. When Franky pulled back the look of uncertainty was back and Erica just gave her a warm smile.
“Erica, I…” Franky went to say something but was stopped by a finger on her lips.
“It’s ok Franky, I know how you feel and I… Want this.” Erica whispered and she rested her palm on the side of Franky’s neck, her thumb brushing lightly across the skin. Franky studied her for a minute before nodding. She leaned down and kissed lightly at Erica’s neck before trailing down and kissing along her collarbone, pulling her shirt collar down so she had more room, her other hand snaked up under Erica’s shirt and lightly brushed against she cool skin of her stomach. Erica moaned, burring her right hand in Franky’s hand, her other hand gripping onto the sheets. When Franky pulled away from Erica’s collar, she grabbed the hem of Erica’s shirt and pulled it over her head tossing it to the floor, her own joining soon after. She then began kissing down the pale skin of Erica’s chest, bypassing her breasts and kissing, nipping and licking at the skin of her stomach. She rose a hand to fondle left breast, lightly pinching at her nipple and squeezing the flesh gently, Franky’s lips found their way back up Erica’s body and to her right breast, she nuzzled into the skin before taking the nipple into her mouth and started sucking, drawing another moan form Erica. She bit down on the nipple causing the elder to yelp slightly before she licked the bite in a soothing manner. She then shifted and paid the same attention to Erica’s other breast, her hand switching to fondle, pinch and squeeze at the breast she just left. When she was finished she trailed back down Erica’s stomach and dipped her tongue into Erica’s belly button a few times before trailing further, lightly brushing over the long horizontal scar just above Erica’s pants, which prevented her from going any lower. She looked up at Erica who had her head resting in the pillows, eyes shut and shallow breathing and smiled. She tugged Erica’s pants leaving off, her underwear and tossed them to join her shirt on the ground before nuzzling lightly into her hip. She noted that Erica was biting her lip and her hands had buried deeper into the sheets and she smiled. She quickly discarded her pants and underwear, before kissing up Erica’s thighs and nuzzling the soft flesh. She pulled away and smiled down at Erica’s blue eyes before pulling her into a deep kiss. Her left hand trailed down Erica’s chest and stomach and stopped once she brushed against the material of Erica’s underwear. She shifted her hand further down and stroked her ring finger along the cloth covering Erica’s privates. The elder moaned into the kiss at the action and Franky smirked using alittle more pressure and Erica’s moan deepened. Franky pulled her hand away and pulled slightly away from Erica, licking her on the lips before fully pulling away.
“Are you alright?” She whispered and Erica nodded with a smile.
Franky smirked before shifting back and pulling Erica’s underwear from her hips, tossing them to join the rest of the discarded cloths on the floor. She lightly rubbed her hand down Erica’s entrance and smiled at how wet she already was.
“You really do want this don’t you.” Franky chuckled as she rubbed Erica’s clit lightly, Erica’s response was a muffled moan and Franky smiled, Erica was biting her hand to prevent making too much noise. Franky smirked before leaning down and licking at Erica’s clit, making Erica moan again. She began licking and sucking whilst stroking Erica’s thighs, the elder started writhing in pleasure and Franky smiled continuing her work. When she could tell that Erica was nearing the edge, she slowed her pace and lightly stroked Erica’s opening to wet her finger before lightly pushing her finger inside. She immediately pulled back when Erica yelped in pain and looked up at her with concern. She shifted so she was straddling Erica’s waist again and lightly stroked her sides.
“Sorry, are you ok?” Franky asked not sure what she had done wrong and Erica nodded slightly before smiling softly up at her.
“It’s… Just been a while.” Erica said and Franky looked confused.
“How long?” Franky prompted and Erica looked off to the side, embarrassed.
“Four years…” She mumbled and she expected Franky to laugh at her but the teen only looked concerned.
“Why?” She asked and Erica looked up at her confused. “Why has it been so long, your beautiful. How could you not have captured anyone’s attention in so long?” Franky worded and Erica sighed.
“I was afraid.” Erica admitted and at Franky’s look of concern, she continued. “I used to be engaged to a man…” Erica started and looked at Franky for a reaction but Franky just smiled reassuringly for her to continue. “I wasn’t in love with him, but we were content to be together… Five years ago I had a job as a peer worker at a juvenile detention center. I was working with two of my charges when a riot broke out, I was stabbed in the lower stomach, I had lost consciousness and was taken to hospital. When I awoke my doctor informed me that I had lost the child I was carrying…” Erica released a small sob and Franky moved to wipe away the tears flowing down her cheeks. “I didn’t even know I was pregnant.” Franky heard her whisper and she shifted off of Erica and pulled the elder woman to rest against her naked chest, she lightly stroked Erica’s blonde locks as she continued. “They also informed me that due to the extent of my Injuries they had to perform a Hysterectomy. I was in hospital for about four days and when I was released, Mark came to pick me up and took me back to our apartment. After telling him what happened and what I was told I fell asleep and when I woke up, he was gone. Both the ring and a note were on the kitchen table and his stuff was gone.” Erica recounted and Franky squeezed her hand in comfort, angered by the cowards actions. “In my state of health, I couldn’t live by myself… It was painful for me to do almost everything so I had to move back in with my mother. It took two months for me to return to full health, I didn’t start dating again until almost seven months later and when we finally slept together it was excruciating, but he didn’t stop and when he was finished I told him to leave. I haven’t been with anyone since.” Erica looked to Franky’s face to see her reaction and she was pulled into a soft kiss.
“I’m sorry that happened to you. I knew a friend who had the same Surgery, the doctor said that afterwards the first couple times you have sex would be alittle painful, but the pain would fade… He should have been more gentle with your or stopped completely. He had no right to force that on you.” Franky said softly and Erica nodded.
“I’ve just been too scared to try again.” Erica whispered and Franky smiled.
“I won’t do anything If you don’t want me to, but I promise you, I will be gentle and make it as painless as possible.” Franky promised, lightly resting her hand on Erica’s cheek in a comforting manner.
“I know you will, I trust you.” Erica responded and took hold of Franky’s hand, she licked at the thin appendages before she moved both their hands downward and released Franky’s when her wet fingers brushed Erica’s opening again.
“Are you sure? We can try again another time.” Franky assured and Erica nodded.
“I want you now.” She whispered and pulled Franky’s down for a kiss. Franky responded whole heartedly and tentatively shifted her fingers across Erica’s opening before slowly slipping one inside. Erica’s bit down on Franky’s lip and her body braced with pain, Franky’s free hand lightly rubbed the skin of Erica’s throat to help calm her and she kept her hand still allowing Erica to adjust. When she felt Erica’s body relax and her lip be released, she gently started to move, thrusting lightly. She moved her lips down Erica’s neck, ignoring the blood she could feel seeping into her mouth form her lip and started to suck on the juncture between neck and collar bone, to distract Erica from the second finger entering her. Erica yelped in pain and Franky left her neck to again return to her lips, Franky bit Erica’s lip before coaxing Erica’s tongue into her mouth and sucking on it. Franky waited a moment before giving a slow shallow thrust and at Erica’s moan she knew she was ok to proceed. Shifting so their naked bodies lay flush against eachother, Franky began to rock against Erica, thrusting slowly, not wanting to cause Erica any pain. Her fingers jolted deeper into Erica when the elder grabbed her cheeks in both hands and grinded up against her.
“Please, more.” Erica moaned out and Franky smiled before picking up speed and thrusting deeper and harder. Moving from Erica’s lips and back to her neck where she bit down before soothing it with her tongue and sucking on the skin. When she felt Erica’s body start to tense she quickened her pace and kissed her deeply to muffle her moan as she came. She continued to shallowly thrust as Erica rode out her climax and lightly kissed her one more time before shifting off her any lying down beside her with a sigh. Erica shifted till she was resting against Franky’s side and lay her head on the youngers shoulder.
“Thankyou Franky.” She whispered, nuzzling into Franky’s neck with a sigh.
“I love you…” Franky whispered back and she smiled when she noticed Erica had fallen back asleep. Franky looked over at the clock on the bedside table and the solid red letters read 4:00am. She lightly kissed Erica on the head and whispered “Good night.” Before pulling the sheet up over them and burying deeper into the mattress, waiting for sleep to come.
Erica stirred at the sound of giggling and rubbed her eyes before opening them and looking around. Franky was sprawled out beside her snoring and Kim and Boomer were standing in the doorway laughing.
“Good morning.” Kim greeted and glanced to Franky.
“You may as well get out of bed now, Franky will be there for a while.” Boomer chuckled and Erica nodded. She went to move when she remembered earlier ons events and she clutched the sheet to her with a blush.
“We’ll see you out here.” Kim said before shooing Boomer back into the Common room and shutting the door behind her. Erica smiled before looking down at Franky, she gently shook her shoulder.
“Franky come on, you gotta get up and have something to eat.” Erica called to her and she couldn’t help but chuckle at the adorable face Franky pulled as she tried to swat away Erica’s hand.
“Sleep now, eat later.” She mumbled, turned over and huffed before she started snoring again.
Erica laughed lightly before slipping from the bed and dressing for the day. She then looked back at Franky one more time before leaving the room. She smiled when she saw Boomer and Kim sitting at the table eating and talking. She walked over and sat down at the third setting and smiled at the toast and coffee.
“Sorry, we’re not really known for our cooking skills.” Kim apologized and Erica chuckled.
“This is more than fine.” She smiled to the both of them before taking a sip of the fresh coffee. “So what did you three do yesterday while I was out?” Erica inquired and Boomer smiled.
“We kicked ass.” She stated proudly and Erica looked at her confused.
“Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow are cooldown days, we don’t have to worry about the girls from dorm five for a couple days.” Kim said happily and Erica nodded.
“And Franky?” She asked and Boomer smirked at the mention of the naked teen in Erica’s bed before she frowned slightly.
“She said she was still in alittle pain from the ‘incident’ at the Gym, she just wanted to rest. When we came back, she was asleep on your bed.” Boomer explained and Erica suddenly remembering what had happened looked concerned. Seeing the look in Erica’s eyes.
“She will be fine, I think she needed ‘that’ to help.” Boomer assured and Erica nodded, looking down at the table.
“So…” Kim prodded her in the arm. “What happened? You two looked pretty cozy in there.” Kim winked and Boomer laughed.
Erica blushed at the implication and took a sip of her coffee.
“When I got back, I went to bed and Franky was asleep in there so took the other side…” Erica said and Boomer nudged her.
“Come on, we know that’s not all.” Boomer prompted and Erica sighed.
“We woke up earlier on, talked alittle about myself then… we had alittle fun.” Erica admitted.
“Ha!” Kim yelped out and looked at Boomer with a triumphant look, she held out her hand and Boomer sighed before fishing afew coins from her pocket and passing them to Kim, Kim counted them and seemed happy with the amount so she pocketed them.
“What?” Erica asked confused and Boomer glared at Kim playfully.
“We had a bet.” She shrugged and Kim giggled.
“Boomer didn’t think that Franky was THAT into you. She certainly lost.” Erica chuckled and the three of them glanced to Erica’s door when they heard Franky.
“Don’t you two have anything better to do then make stupid bets?” She grumbled as she dragged her hand through her hair and steadily walked into the kitchen.
“Booms, what time is it?” She asked as she got a glass of water from the sink.
“It’s about three, you two slept most of the day.” Boomer explained and Franky’s eyes shifted from Boomer to Erica.
“How long you been awake?” She asked softly and Erica smiled.
“About 10 minutes.” Erica responded and Franky nodded before putting the cup down in the sink and letting out a deep sigh.
“Well we got two more days of freedom, what do you guys wanna do?” Franky asked leaning against the bench with a huge grin.
“Franky apart from the Gym or Basketball there isn’t anything to do here, and your still sore from your last trip to the gym so both aren’t options.” Kim explained and Erica spoke up.
“Actually, I was wondering if you two wanted to go off campus for the day? I’ve got some money saved up and I want to get you three some new things.” Erica explained and she smiled at the lights shining in Boomer and Kim’s eyes at the thought of getting off campus for the day. Both nodded eagerly and Erica looked to Franky who just shrugged.
“Sure why not.” She replied nonchalantly but Erica could tell she was excited about leaving aswell.
“Well when you’re ready, we will head out.”
“Well I’m ready.” Kim said brightly and Boomer nodded.
“Me too.”
“I’m as ready as I will ever be for… ‘Shopping’” Franky said like it’s the worst thing that could ever happen to her.
“Then let’s go.” Erica said, standing and heading from the room, her three chargers behind her. She led them out to the car and unlocked it. Boomer and Kim hopped in the back and Franky in the front passenger. Erica was about to get in when she was stopped by Vira.
“Erica.” She called out and Erica turned to see her getting out of her own car. Erica glanced back at her wards before crossing the space to talk to Vira.
“I put your request in this morning and will have an answer by tomorrow. Are you sure this is what you want?” Vira asked and Erica nodded. “I know what happened to you and how much you’ve wanted your own to look after, but they are young adults, and not to mention delinquents.”
“I know well what they are, their three, lost, scared people who haven’t been given a chance at life. That’s what I want to give them.” Erica responded glancing back at the teens in the car who were watching them talk.
“Then I support you fully. Erica this hasn’t happened before…” Vira said referring to her taking the teens to live off campus, she lay her hand on Erica’s shoulder and the blonde could have sworn she heard Franky growl. “But I commend what you are doing and will do what I can to make sure this goes through for you. My father started up Wentworth and I have taken over now that he has passed away, so there shouldn’t be a problem. And just so we are clear, you are still working for us. Just instead of living in a dorm, you will live off campus, so you will be paid your regular salary and alittle extra for your trouble.” Vira winked and Erica chuckled.
“Yes they will be a handful but I believe I am giving them the best chance that I can. In the past few days, I have grown attached to them, they are my family now and I will support them for as long as I can.” Erica explained and Vira nodded.
“If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. You’re a good person Erica and I know you will do these girls well.” Vira patted her cheek before looking over her shoulder and the teens, she smiled at the glare Franky was giving her. “You better get back to them. Have a good day, and I’ll tell you what’s happening tomorrow.” Vira called out as she walked away and Erica called a “Thank you.” Back and turned and headed to the car. She got in the driver’s seat and started the car before leaving the grounds.
“Sorry about that, she just wanted to discuss how my time here has been so far.” Erica said knowing they were curious about the talk and Franky chuckled.
“Must have been soommee report.” She drawled and Erica laughed.
“Actually it’s been pretty dull, well that’s what Vira now thinks.” She said and the three teens laughed.
“So where are we going?” Kim asked and Erica looked at her in the rearview mirror before focusing back on the road.
“Well my car is pretty small, cause that bastard took my baby when he left.” She muttered the last part before, turning a corner and saying. “So we are going to my mother’s house to borrow her car.”
They all made agreeable noises when Boomer spoke up in a semi-serious voice.
“Is she nice to you?” Boomer asked and Erica nodded.
“She has always been there for me, shes all I have.” Erica responded in a low, saddened voice and Kim looked at her concerned.
“Where is your father?” She asked and Erica eyes clouded with unshed tears, she quickly wiped them away before focusing on the road again.
“He died when I was young, I never really knew him.” She whispered, Franky rested her hand on Erica’s knee in a comforting gesture and Erica heard a faint “Sorry” from the back seat before the car fell silent.
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“We are here.” Erica told the three as she turned into her mothers driveway and stopped the car.
She got out closely followed by the three delinquents who were appraising the outside of the house. Erica opened the door and walked in. “Mother are you here?” Erica called out looking around the loungeroom.
“Erica, is that you?” A female voice called out and a huge smile crossed Erica’s face.
A bonde streaked Brunette tackled Erica into a hug and Erica laughed.
“Annabelle, where’s my sister.” Erica asked and studied Franky over Erica’s shoulder.
“She’s in the kitchen… Who is this Erica?” Annabelle asked as she pulled away.
“Annabelle.” An older female voice scolded as another blonde came from the kitchen with a tea towel in hand.
“What Simone, I just wanna know.” She whined back and Simone laughed before pulling Erica into a hug aswell. “It’s good to see you sis.” She said and Erica whispered back. “You too.” When Simone pulled away she held out her hand for Franky to take.
“I’m Simone, Erica’s older sister and this is Annabelle, my partner.” She introduced, Franky looked at the hand distrustfully for a moment before tentatively taking it.
“I’m Franky, one of Erica’s charges…” She said unsure and her gaze went to Erica who was smiling reassuringly.
“Franky, why don’t you go drag Boomer and Kim in and get settled in the loungeroom. We’ll go shopping soon.” Erica said and Franky nodded clearly thankful to get away from the strangers.
Simone and Annabelle followed Erica into the kitchen and the watched as she leaned against the counter looking at them.
“Franky is one of my Charges from Wentworth, along with Boomer and Kim who you will meet in a moment. Mother is helping me secure a home so I can get them out of Wentworth and Into a proper stable life.” Erica explained and Simone nodded before heading over to the table and rummaging through the bag there.
“That’s actually why we are here, As you know recently Annabelle and I have been living at the beach house her father had left her. We have no use for our old house and it’s just sitting there being un-used. It’s about a 5 minute drive in town from the beach house and is in excellent condition.” Simone explained and she pulled out a packet of documents.
“We want you to have it, for you and the girls. I know how much this means to you Erica, and I know we haven’t really been here for you the past few years, but we want to help you. You probably don’t fancy living next to your sister but It’s gotta be better than living with your mum aye?” Annabelle laughed.
“Thank you, both of you.” Erica smiled gratefully and they both smiled back.
“So, are you and Franky a couple?” Annabelle asked and Erica looked startled before nodding her head.
“I believe so.” She answered and Simone laughed.
“You really do take after me don’t you?” She asked and Erica smiled.
“Not really, Franky started this… Wait, I guess I do take after you then, It just didn’t take me as long to give in” Erica joked and Annabelle laughed.
“Whatever.” Simone grouched and then chuckled. “It’s not my fault I had to secure another job, I had to quit teaching to be with her. And I don’t regret a second of it.” Simone pulled Annabelle into a kiss making the younger giggle.
“Come on you two.” Erica shook her head fondly before heading from the kitchen and into the living room. She smiled at the lost look in the three teens eyes. “Boomer, Kim I’d like you to meet my sister and her partner.” She introduced and said teens stood up, looking at the two new people with curiosity.
“Simone, Annabelle these are my other two charges.” Annabelle reached out and shook both their hands with an excited gleam in her eyes.
“Extended family is the best, finally people my own age to hang around with.” Annabelle joked, lightly elbowing Simone in the side.
“We’re not that old.” Erica commented off-handedly and Franky looked up interested.
“Come to think of it, how old are you?” She asked and Erica blushed lightly.
“I’m 29, Simone is 31 and Annabelle is 22.” Erica answered and Franky smirked.
“Shes right, you are pretty old right Kim.” Franky taunted nudging Kim and the youngest laughed.
“How old are you three?” Annabelle asked and Kim smiled.
“I’m 19, Franky’s 21 and Boomer is 23.” Kim explained gesturing to each of them and Simone looked shocked.
“Your 21, you look younger than that.” She said glancing to Erica who shrugged.
“I could say the same about Annabelle. You look no older than 18.” Franky laughed and Annabelle struck a pose.
“Runs in the family.” She winked and they both laughed.
Annabelle sat down with the three of them and they four talked amongst themselves. Erica and Simone sat down on the lounge opposite them.
“Are you sure they are delinquents?” Simone asked and Erica nodded.
“This isn’t how they usually are, they are more relaxed, less tensed for a fight at every corner. This is the environment I want them to live in, that’s why I’m doing this.” Erica explained and Simone nodded.
“I don’t know how they usually are but they seem very happy.” Simone commented and both looked over when Franky pulled Annabelle into a head lock ruffling up her hair.
“You little vixen.” She cried in an appraising voice and they all laughed.
“By the way, where is mother?” Erica asked looking back at Simone.
“She said she wanted to touch up the house for you, you know. Clean it top to bottom, stock the fridge and cupboards. She’s also going furniture shopping. The two small rooms have double beds in them and the master room has a queen sized bed. Other then that all other furniture needed to be gotten. Don’t worry, mother actually has good taste when It comes to dressing a house.” Simone laughed, patting the arm of the couch they were sitting on.
"Both small bedrooms have small washrooms with a shower/in built bath, toilet and sink and the master bathroom has a separate shower and bath aswell as a toilet and a sink. It also has a decent sized back yard of which a large portion is cemented, which Annabelle painted lines and set up Basketball hoops on. So it basically has a basketball court in the backyard.” Simone laughed and Erica smiled.
“The girls would love that.” She looked over at them and then back at Simone. “I was going to take the girls shopping for some new cloths and other stuff they might need. I was going to borrow Mothers car but she’s not here.” Erica trailed off and Simone grinned widely.
“Speaking of cars I’ve got a surprise for you. Come.” Simone dragged Erica from the room and out into the garage. Annabelle saw them and hopped to her feet.
“I so gotta see this.” She stated starting to leave.
“See what?” Franky asked and Annabelle smiled.
“Her reaction, come on.” Annabelle led them towards the garage and the three teens hurried along when they heard a squeal of delight.
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“Ohh my god! Simone, how did you get her back?” Erica shouted jumping on the spot before looking over the car with a fond touch. Annabelle stepped into the garage with Franky beside her, Kim and Boomer looking over their shoulders. Erica had covered the length of the car before she opened the door and got in the driver’s seat.
“The bastard tried to sell her in an open auction. I sent a friend in my place and shuck it out from under him. The bastard will live comfortably with the money I gave him but she’s back where she belongs now. Simone said with a hand on the passenger window seal.
“Fuck.” Erica cursed rubbing the tears from her eyes, she then fondly rubbed her hands on the steering wheel.
“Father left this car to you Erica, that bastard had no right to take it.” Simone said softly and Erica released a small sob, Simone got into the passenger seat and pulled Erica into a comforting hug. Franky, Boomer and Kim moved towards the car, Boomer and Kim circled it while Franky softly brushed across the hood and was startled by Annabelle who was standing beside her. “She told me her father passed away when she was still very young, this car must be at least 20 years old.” She said and Annabelle nodded. “Then how?”
“This car is Erica’s most prized possession, it has never been crashed, scratched or mistreated in anyway. When Marik left her after her accident, he took the car with him. Not only had Erica lost her child, the prospect of having children and her partner but she also lost the only thing she has left of her father… I came across it one day and that bastard was with a younger tramp. When I found out he was going to sell it at an auction, I told Simone. And we got it back.” Annabelle explained and Franky nodded, she knelt down and brushed her fingers across the number plate.
“FYMDE6?” Franky questioned and Annabelle smiled fondly.
“For you, my darling Erica. She was 6 when he passed away.” Franky nodded sadly and both stood up when they heard Simone.
“You girls ready to go shopping? If so then get in.” Both Boomer and Kim got in the back seat and Annabelle tugged Franky towards the house.
“Help me lock up.” She said and Franky nodded.
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After checking all the windows and locking the back door then exited the front and Annabelle locked it behind her. The car was waiting for them on the side of the road so Annabelle ran over and used the metal bar to jolt herself into the back trailer.
“Come on Franky.” She called out and Franky nodded, joining her in the trailer and held on to the car as Erica started off.
“Isn’t this illegal?” Franky asked and Annabelle nodded before standing spread eagle and breathing in the wind.
“Being the daughter of a senator has some perks.” She laughed and Franky nodded.
Annabelle moved to stand beside Franky, leaning her arms on the cars roof.
“Franky, you gotta tell me, do you care for Erica?” Annabelle asked and Franky looked at her confused.
“Of cause I do.” She responded and Annabelle nodded.
“No, I meant in a… Romantic kinda way? Sure you’ve slept together and kissed and what-not but how do you actually feel about her?” Franky looked down at her hands and bit her lip.
“Why are you asking me this?” She asked in a shallow voice and Annabelle looked at her with worry.
“She’s wounded, has been for a long time now. I don’t wanna see her get hurt, she loves you and if you’re not serious about being with her… I don’t know if she could build back from that…” Annabelle sighed and lifted Franky’s chin with a soft finger, forcing the younger to look her in the eyes. “If you’re not in this 100 percent, you gotta tell her now. She told me before she met you that the next person she allows herself to grow close to will be the last… After you, there’s no one else.” Annabelle’s eyes seemed to follow something behind Franky before returning to her. “If you’re just going to tear away from her a year down the track and leave her alone, please just end it now.” Annabelle released Franky’s chin. “Think about that.” She finished before vaulting herself out of the trailer and landing on the footstep of the car, one hand on the doors open window, the other still holding the pole.
“Simone, everyone is meeting up with Bae and Hook, Red is here to grab me. We will be heading into town so we will meet you there.” Annabelle explained before leaning in the window and kissing Simone on the lips.
“Be safe.” Simone responded before Annabelle jumped from the car, landing lightly on the wolfs back. Red howled goodbye before sprinting off of the road and out of site.
Franky sighed as she watched the elder teen go before carefully climbing out of the trailer and into the back seat, Kim shuffled closer to Boomer to allow their third room and both teens went to ask Franky what was going on when she silenced them and looked out the window. Erica could see Franky’s expression through the rearview mirror and frowned, whatever Annabelle had said to Franky had upset her.
Kim and Boomer kept quiet for the ride, respecting Franky’s wishes as Erica and Simone talked quietly in the front seat.
When Erica pulled into the carpark and stopped she looked down at the wheel and sighed.
“Erica?” Simone questioned and the younger sister shook her head before climbing from the car and waiting for her charges and sister to get out of the car. They all then went into the shopping center and the three teens stopped looking back at Erica.
“So, what are we here for?” Boomer asked when she noticed that Franky was still watching the ground, not saying anything.
“I guess… We can start with shoes?” Simone asked looking at Erica questioningly and the ward nodded.
“Just grab anything you like.” She said softly and smiled when Boomer and Kim’s faces lit up and the jumped around in excitement, but she frowned when they stopped and looked over at Franky.
“Booms, look after Kim…” Franky said before she walked off with the four others looking after her.
“is she alright?” Simone asked looking over at Erica who was staring after Franky with saddened eyes.
“I think Annabelle may have told her…” Erica responded sadly before looking over Kim and Boomer who were watching Franky leave with worry.
“Don’t worry, we will meet up with her later, you two just lead us to where you want to shop.” Erica said reassuringly and the two nodded sadly before walking off with the two elders following.
Franky sat down on the steps at the malls entrance staring down at her hands. She wasn’t sure how long it had been since she had walked away from the others but she needed to think about Annabelle’s words and couldn’t do so with Erica so close.
“How do I really feel about her?” She repeated softly and yelped when she was knocked to the ground. She pushed at the being above her and was surprised to find it covered in fur, she struggled when she felt a wet tongue lapping at her face and could faintly hear someone yelling “Red stop!” Franky sighed with relief when the heavy weight was lifted off her and gratefully took the hand that pulled her to her feet.
“Sorry Franky, she can smell me on you.” Annabelle apologized with a laugh as she dusted a confused Franky off.
Franky wiped her face with her hand before turning her eyes from Annabelle to the wolf and teen standing beside her new friend.
“Franky, this is Ruby and her wolf, Red. They are good friends of mine. “Annabelle explained and Ruby held out her hand for Franky to take.
“It’s nice to meet you Franky.” Ruby took Franky’s hand and shook it before looking over her shoulder. “Hurry up guys.” She called out and the three looked over as a male voice complained.
“Awe come on Ruby, you know we can’t all keep up with a wolf.” Balefire complained and Annabelle smirked over at him.
“Wolf or not, you can’t keep up with a couple of girls?” She taunted and Balefire flushed.
“She’s got you there Bae.” A deeper voice laughed and Baelfire glared over his shoulder at Killian. The man stopped by Baelfire’s side and looked over Franky with an appraising eye.
“And who are you love?” He asked making Franky raise an eyebrow at his flirtatious tone.
“She’s my friend and you’re both taken.” Annabelle defended and Killian rose his hand ins mock defense.
“Was just being friendly love, no need to get defensive, Bae’s my only one.” Killian said before wrapping his arms around Baelfire’s waist with a sly grin. Franky smiled at them, and turned her attention back to Ruby when she spoke.
“Where are the girls?” She asked and Killian looked behind himself with a confused look.
“They were right behind us before your wolfeh decided to take off.” He said and Ruby nodded before looking down at Red who was sitting between her and Annabelle, panting and wagging her tail.
“Red, fetch.” She said and Red barked before taking off. The group only had to wait three minutes before Red appeared carrying a blonde and a brunette on her back. When Red reached them, the blonde hopped down and looked behind her with a glare. The brunette stayed on Red’s back, looking at the blonde with a fond smile.
“That will teach her.” The blonde sniped and the brunette chuckled before the two looked over the group stopping on Franky for a second before both turned to Ruby.
“Emma, where is Regina?” She asked as she patted Red on the head before reaching out to take the brunette’s hand in her own.
“Finding out how painful it is to run in hills.” Emma said off-handedly and Annabelle laughed.
“I honestly don’t get how you two work, you seem to hate eachother.” She said and Emma smirked.
“That’s cause she’s a bitch, besides, Henry keeps the peace so it’s a free-for-all when we are out.” Emma laughed and Ruby just shook her head.
“Red, go fetch Regina.” She said and went to help the brunette down but she shook her head.
“I sprained my ankle, that’s why we were taking so long to catch you guys.” The brunette responded and Emma nodded.
“Ahh guys, she looks pretty pissed.” Franky commented as she looked at someone over Emma’s shoulder and the group turned around.
“Emma Swan!” The brunette yelled and Emma smirked.
“There’s my girl, What took you so long babe?” She asked and the Brunette stopped before her before tossing her hills into the bin off to their left.
“You bitch, you owe me a new pair of hills.” Regina yelled and she yelped when Emma pulled her into a hug.
“Sure I do.” Emma said sarcastically before wrapping her arm around Regina’s neck and turning her attention to Annabelle and Franky.
“So Anna, you going to introduce her or are we just going to keep wondering who she is?” Belle asked and Annabelle wrapped her arm around Franky’s waist before looking over her friends.
“Franky, these are my troublemakers. Emma and Regina.” She said gesturing to the blonde and brunette closest to Franky, she then gestured to the two males. “Baelfire and Killian, but we all just call Killian Hook.” Annabelle explained and Franky looked over the two with confusion.
“Why Hook?” She asked and Killian smiled before pulling his left hand from his pocket. Franky looked in awe at the silver hook attached to his wrist. “Woah, what happened?” She asked as she reached out and lightly ran her fingers over the cool metal.
“When we first met Red she was just a wild dog and she had attacked me, Killian protected me and got his hand bitten off in the process. Ruby managed to get Red under control and shes been a faithful companion ever since.” Baelfire said as he patted Red’s head, Red whined lightly before licking at Killian’s hook as if in apology. Franky nodded and Killian retracted his hook back into his pocket and patted Red with his hand.”
“And we are all grateful that she’s tame now, still don’t know how you did it Rubes.” Annabelle laughed before looking back at Franky
“You’ve met Ruby and are pretty acquainted with Red.” Annabelle said with a nudge and a smirk before gesturing to Belle who was still sitting on Red’s back. “And this is the lovely Belle.” Franky looked around the group before smiling brightly.
“It’s nice to meet you all, I’m Franky.” She said and got noises of approval from everyone.
“I promised Simone we would head in and see her, so let’s go.” Annabelle said excitedly before linking arms with Franky and pulling her towards the mall, the others following closely behind.
“So Anna, how did you and Franky meet?” Baelfire asked and Annabelle smiled over her shoulder at him.
“Erica.” Was all she said and Franky could feel the curious eyes on their backs as they walked. Annabelle looked over at Franky and smiled at how her nervousness and mistrustful nature were gone and smiled at the grin on the youngers face.
“So Anna, where are we meeting your teach?” Emma asked and Annabelle chuckled.
“She isn’t my teacher… Anymore…” Annabelle fought back halfheartedly before smiling as she pulled her now ringing phone from her pocket. “Speaking of my gorgeous fiancé.” She said as she answered. “Miss Tillman here.” She greeted before responding to the others words. “I’m sorry, I don’t know a Bradley.” She muffled a chuckle before making kissing noises into the phone. “Yeah, I found her out the front. She’s with me and the guys.” Annabelle responded as she made eye contact with Franky before looking across the mall, her eyes scanned the mall before she nodded. “Alright, we are on our way.” She then hung up her phone and stuffed it in her pocket. “She’s over at the food court.” She called back to her group before squeezing Franky’s arm closer to her body and looking at her with a soft smile. “Kim and Boomer are safe.” She whispered and Franky nodded with a grateful smile.
“What do you girls want to drink, we will worry about food when the others get here.” Simone asked and Kim and Boomer glanced at eachother nervously before turning their attention to Erica who gave them a reassuring smile.
“Anything would fine.” Kim whispered and Simone nodded.
“Erica, come with?” She asked and Erica nodded, she lightly rested her hand on Kim’s shoulder before following Simone up to the counter.
“Whats wrong with Franky?” Kim asked in a hushed voice and Boomer shook her head.
“I don’t know, She was fine when we got in the truck but… Maybe it was something Annabelle said?” Boomer asked and Kim nodded.
“Maybe…” Kim went to say something but stopped when Erica and Simone sat back down at the table and handed them their drinks.
“What…” Erica started to say but stopped when a cry sounded from outside the coffee shop.
“Red Stop!” Belle shouted as she clung to Red’s furry neck.
“Red!” Ruby cried out but it fell on deaf ears. Simone looked up just in time to be tackled to the ground, the wood of the chair she was sitting in dug into her back as Red licked at her face, tail wagging furiously.
“You stupid dog, get off me.” Simone laughed and Red sat down, paws on either side of Simone’s arms, pinning her to the ground.
Kim and Boomer hand backed up and Erica smiled softly down at the three on the floor.
“It’s ok Girls, Red and Belle are friends.” She reassured and Boomer and Kim nodded slightly, still eyeing the wolf and brunette.
“Sorry if she scared you.” Belle said as she released her grip on Red’s neck and lightly grasped her nape, patting her between the ears. “She’s completely harmless.”
“Red, come here.” Ruby growled and Red jumped off of Simone and excitedly ran over to Ruby, Annabelle and Franky. She yipped lightly and Annabelle laughed as she saw Erica helping Simone to her feet.
“Sorry Simone, you know she loves you.” Ruby called out as she brushed past Red and pulled a now upright Simone into a hug. “It’s good to see you sis.” She said and Simone nodded.
“Alright everyone, take a seat.” Erica said as she returned to the table and sat down. Boomer and Kim were looking over the new arrivals cautiously, waiting for Franky to make a move from her spot, still arm linked to Annabelle. Franky tugged Annabelle over to the table and seated her down beside Simone, Boomer and Kim sat beside Annabelle and Franky took their other side beside Erica. The others sat down in the remaining seats, Red sitting down by Ruby’s side, Belle still perched on her back, hugging her neck and smiling. A waiter was at the table right away, she gave a disapproving look to Red before taking the groups orders. When she walked away Simone spoke up. “So, you’ve all met Franky.” She said gesturing to Franky before motioning towards Kim and Boomer. “These two are Franky’s sisters. Boomer and Kim.”
“It’s great to meet you two. I’m Ruby, Annabelle’s sister, this is my girl, Belle and my companion, Red.” She said gesturing to them. “That’s Baelfire, Belle’s brother and his partner, Killian and over there is Emma, Killian’s sister and her partner Regina.” Ruby finished and Franky smiled reassuringly at Boomer and Kim who relaxed slightly. The group ate, making small talk and everyone getting to know Franky, Kim and Boomer better. By the time lunch was over and everyone needed to head off, the girls were smiling and laughing like Erica had never seen before and she couldn’t help but feel happy that she was helping them get better.
“We’ve gotta get going.” Baelfire said getting up from his chair and nudging Killian. “Killian’s appointment is in a couple hours.” He said in a triumphant voice, holding up Killian’s hook.
“I hope everything goes well.” Belle said and Killian smiled.
“It will be weird without the hook and trying to use a fake hand, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.” He said and Emma laughed.
“We’ll come with, gotta go anyway.” She said as she pulled Regina to her feet. “It was nice meeting you three.” She said as she leant across past Erica to shake their hands in turn before she stood. Everyone said their goodbyes to the four and they left.
“Alright, well we need to finish shopping.” Erica started and Ruby smiled over at her.
“And I need to get Belle home and off this ankle of hers.” Ruby got up and hugged everyone at the table before patting her leg. “Come Red, time to go home.” She said and they all said their goodbyes before the three of them left.
“You three ready to finish shopping?” Simone asked, directing her statement at Franky, Boomer and Kim and she noticed the two look to Franky, waiting for her to respond first. Franky was just looking down at her hands, back in her silent mood, she glanced at Erica who was watching her with concern before she sighed and stood up.
“Let’s get this done.” She said, before getting up and heading out of the coffee shop, closely followed by Boomer and Kim. Annabelle looked over at Erica with saddened eyes before getting up to follow the three teens.
“I’m sure it’s nothing.” Simone said, as she reached over and squeezed Erica’s hand lightly before the two of them followed. They shopped in silence and when they were finished, they packed the trailer and piled into the HiLux, Erica driving, Boomer in the passenger seat, Annabelle and Simone in the back seat and Kim and Franky in the trailer. Erica sighed as she looked in the Rearview mirror and saw Franky looking off to the side as Kim talked to her. Boomer noticed where Erica’s gaze fell and smiled reassuringly when Erica glanced over at her.
“It’s going to be ok, just give her a minute.” Boomer said and Erica nodded before focusing back on the road. When they pulled into the driveway Erica parked on the grass and got out of the car.
She headed up to the front door with Annabelle and Simone right behind her. She noticed that Kim, Franky and Boomer were all standing by the HiLux waiting for her to come back.
“Just give me a minute girls, then we will get going.” Erica called out and what sounded like a low whine fell from her throat as Franky turned away from them to stare off down the street. Simone lay her hand on Erica’s lower back and lead her inside, Annabelle trailing close behind.
“What did you say to her?” Erica asked the moment the door had closed behind them, she turned to Annabelle with tear-filled eyes.
“Only what you told me.” Annabelle responded and the blonde shook her head.
“Annabelle, what exactly did you tell her?” Erica re-fraized and Annabelle looked down.
“I told her how you feel about her… What you told me about the next person you choose to be serious with... I asked her how she feels about you and told her not to play with your feelings…” Annabelle said carefully and Erica sighed.
“No wonder why she is acting this way.” Erica whispered as she sat down in the arm chair. “I don’t know how she feels about me. From what I have learned, she’s never had anyone care about her before, until she met Kim and Boomer at Wentworth. and the three of them are like sisters. My feelings for her and her feelings for me are confusing her. I think she wants this, but shes scared about what being with me will mean... I know she was abused as a child, I don’t know to what extent or by who but I caught that she was… Sexually assaulted aswell as physically abused… She started having a physical relationship with Kim to try and help her understand that all touch isn’t bad, painful… she was cold towards me, indifferent, a strong front she puts up for Kim and Boomer, but then she let me in, and I saw her for who she is, a scared child? I'm worried that she is only grasping at the first sign of love thrown her way. What if..." She was cut off by Simone pulling her into a tight hug. The elder then pulled back to look her in the eyes.
"Franky looks at you in a way I haven't seen since I first laid eyes on Annabelle, but I can also see the fear she holds. Shes afraid to get close to you, but she is pushing through that because her feelings are genuine and she wants to be with you. If her feelings sproutedd she from the kindness and love you've shown here then wouldn't she be fawning over Kim, or even Boomer?" Simone pointed out and Erica looked towards the floor with a soft sigh.
"She was so gentle with me, after what Channing did to me I was still so scared, but I wanted to be with her. It hurt and she stopped right away to ensure that I was ok, when I told her what had happened and what was wrong, she was so mad with both Mark and Channing, but under the anger I could still see the desire she had started with, she wrote off her own feelings in favour of just cuddling. I insisted that I was fine and after the initial pain, I've never felt anything like it. She is the only person that I have been with intimately that has considered my own feelings ahead of their own… The whole time was about me, my comfort, making me feel good." Erica explained and Annabelle glanced towards the door with sad eyes.
"She loves you Erica." The brunette said before looking Erica in the eyes. "From what I've seen of her, what you've told me and what she told me in the loungeroom before we went shopping. Franky has trust issues, apart from Kim and Boomer she lets no one in. And I mean No on." Annabelle emphasised before glancing back out the window at the three teens who still waited patiently by Erica's car. "Franky being vulnerable to you while you helped her had nothing to do with her trusting you, that was her will to be well enough to keep protecting Kim and Boomer, but when you went against your own belief, lied to Boomer for her sake, you proved that you are willing to protect them, put them first, just as Franky had asked of you. I think that Franky puts them first, above all else, including her own feelings, even her life. Her distrust of you in the beginning was overruled by her will to protect Kim and Boomer and in doing so she had to trust you, when you didn't betray the trust she had reluctantly given you, she saw that you only mean well." The younger explained and Erica nodded to show she was listening. "Kim and Boomer are Franky's family, they are her sisters, her daughters, her best friends. What ever she needs them to be. Yet she walked away from them today, who did she leave them with?" Annabelle asked looking at Erica with a level gaze.
"Simone and I" Erica responded with a confused look and Annabelle shook her head before poking Erica in the shoulder.
"Wrong, she left them with you."
"What are you trying to say with this?" Erica asked and Annabelle chuckled, shaking her head.
"Franky, someone who wouldn't trust the rock she was standing next to, in just three days has not only taken to a complete stranger, but she trusts you enough to leave her life in your hands, the life of her family in your hands." Annabelle said and Erica's soft expression hardened slightly with confusion. "She left them with you, alone. But your weren't alone were you? You were standing next to a damned near stranger to Franky, she had no clue what Simone might do to Kim and Boomer." She smiled slightly at the offended look that crossed Simone's face before continuing. "Yet knowing you trust Simone, was enough for her Franky to trust Simone aswell."
Annabelle stepped forward and took Erica's hands in her own.
"Erica, it's the same for me. Everything apart from the abuse as a child, is how I felt, how I still feel most of the time. I know what she is going through. If I hadn't had Ruby and Belle to support me, to give me the love and friendships never got from my family, I never would have let Simone in, they are a big part of who I am today, I just want you to promise me one thing Erica." Annabelle spoke in a strange voice and Erica looked at her confused.
"Of cause, anything." She said and Annabelle looked over her shoulder, back out the window.
"If for any reason they drift apart, allow it to be on Franky's terms. If she's angry and not thinking right, don't allow her to make any rash decisions regarding Kim and Boomer, because what ever she says they will do. Even if it's to leave and never come back... If Franky thinks for what ever reason that you would put her before Kim and Boomer she you will loose the trust she has given you regarding them, but if you side completely with them, it would wound her emotionally, either you back up both sides or back off completely. It's a tentative situation Erica, it won't always be this way, she will get better as time goes on." Annabelle said, gesturing to herself as the example. "But it will take time, don't completely act like your approaching a frightened rabbit, it will offend her but just be careful." Erica nodded to the youngers words.
"You've put some thought into this in the few hours you've known her." The elder stated and Annabelle nodded.
"I like her, the three of them and even if things don't work out, I would still like to help her. As you said, they are good people and deserve better. Now go, you've kept them waiting long enough." She said giving Erica a light shove in the doors direction.
"Alright I'll see you two soon."
"No..." Erica heard Franky whisper, she looked at the teen who was focused on something across campus.
"Franky, what's..." Erica started before she jumped when Franky shook her arm.
"Erica stop the car, right now." She said in a frantic voice and Erica hit the breaks, the car had barely stopped moving before Franky as out the passenger side door and sprinting across the carpark. Erica heard her cry 'Chloe' as she went. She quickly parked the car before getting out and ran in the direction Franky had taken off. She checked over her shoulder that turning Kim and Boomer were following. She could see Franky just ahead running over to a car parked out the front of the administrative building, Jackson was standing there, holding a phone to his ear with one hand and holding a struggling girl by the wrists with his other. Before Erica could even think to call out to Franky, the teen had punched Jackson across the jaw before shoving him to the ground and pulling the now released girl into her arms, the girl immediately tucked her face against Franky's collarbone, clutching her shirt with tightened fists, she was shaking slightly. Erica tentatively approached the three, dully noting that Kim and Boomer had stopped a few meters back. Franky didn't even seem to notice her presence, only raising her eyes to glare viciously at Jackson when he got to his feet.
"What the hell Franky." He exclaimed, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.
Both he and Erica looked to Franky startled when the teen growled, Erica could only compare the sound to anything but Red on a bad day.
"How dare you bring her here!" The teen shouted and when Jackson took a step towards her, her growl deepened to a snarl causing Jackson to retract his step. "Where did you find her, you answer me right now or so help me." She left the threat open and went to move towards him after a pause but the girl in her arms whimpered and nuzzled deeper into the collarbone.
Erica noticed Franky's eyes change instantly softening much like they do for Boomer and Kim as the elder looked at the redhead pressed against her.
"Shhh, it's ok. Boomer!" She called out and said teen quickly moved to Franky's side. "Get her to the dorm, and be cautious, Jacs will have a field day if she catches you three alone." Franky said and Boomer nodded. Franky lightly pulled the girl from her arms and nuzzled her cheek before brushing the tears from her eyes. "Go with Boomer and Kim. I promise I'm right behind you, ok." She whispered and the girl nodded before turning to Boomer who nodded to Franky before her and Kim quickly lead her to their dorm. Franky watched them go and when Jackson went to protest Franky moved quickly, her arm pressed against his neck pinning him against the car.
"Franky, don't." Erica went to step in and Franky glared over at her,
"Stay out of this Miss Davidson." She growled and Erica stepped back slightly, a wounded look in her eyes. Franky refocused her stare on the older man who looked confused.
"I won't ask you again. You tell me where you found her." Franky said deathly low and Jackson nodded.
"She was sleeping in an alleyway downtown." He responded and Franky slammed him against the car.
"That's impossible! I made sure she had somewhere to live, I gave her a home, a family. She was happy, how the hell did you find her on the street! Where's the other girl?"
"Other girl? She was alone." Jackson stuttered.
"It's just one lie after another with you screws isn't it? I'll find Beca on my own, but you stay the fuck away from Chloe, if the Gov catches wind that she was ever here, your going to wish you never found her." Franky growled again before releasing him and starting towards their dorm. She looked back over at Erica who had started towards Jackson.
"Are you coming or not?" She asked and Erica looked over at her, the question clear in her eyes. 'Him or me?'
Erica glanced at Jackson who was watching her with confusion on why she was hesitating to help him and he looked shocked when she turned to follow Franky. Franky smiled slightly before calling out.
"Remember Jackson, snitches get what's coming to them. "
The walk was silent and just as they were approaching the dorm Franky froze pushing Erica behind her.
"Franky your girls were rushing pretty quickly, Simo said they had a stranger for company. A hot one at that, what have they given up on you?" Franky had to repress a growl, she had to keep Meg's attention from Erica.
"How do you know I didn't want another lay?" Franky responded cockily. Erica was shocked by the youngers words and almost jumped when she was prodded by Franky's hand which she held behind her back, she was gesturing towards the dorm door and Erica brushed Franky's hand to show she understood.
"Come now Meg, I've got a governor to visit, walk me there. " Franky grinned and Meg laughed lightly before turning around,Franky brushed Erica's arm reassuringly before following the older woman.
Erica took the opportunity to quietly enter the dorm, sighing once the door closed behind her. Kim greeted her with a frown.
"Where's Franky?"
"Meg was waiting by the door, Franky distracted her so I could get in without her seeing me." Kim nodded before looking towards Franky's room. Boomer was sitting on the couch.
"Did she tell you anything about the redhead, she won't talk to us." Boomer asked and Erica shook her head.
"No but I'm sure her name is Chloe." Erica said before heading to Franky's room. "I'll see if she will talk to me."
The two nodded and Erica softly opened the door, slipping into the room and shutting the door behind her.
"Chloe?" She called out and the teen on the bed looked up, her startled eyes focusing on Erica's. She was shocked by the depth of their blue colour. "That's your name, Chloe?" Erica asked and the girl nodded. Erica noticed the young girls eyes flit to the door behind her and return with confusion. "Franky?" Erica questioned at at the girls nod Erica smiled softly.
"She will be back soon, she just had to talk to someone." Erica explained and the girl nodded.
Erica cautiously crossed the room and settled on the edge of the bed noticing the youngers nervous gaze following her every movement.
"Chloe, can you tell me how you know Franky?" She asked softly once she was settled and the girl had relaxed slightly.
The younger shook her head and Erica looked confused before offering a soft smile.
"Is that cause you don't want to tell me, or because you can't?" She questioned and the girl held up two fingers.
Erica frowned slightly before taking a guess.
"Is it your voice?" She asked lightly and the girl nodded with a sad frown.
"You can't speak..." Erica said softly before asking. "Is it permanent?"
Chloe shook her head in response before holding her hand to her throat.
"You've hurt your throat, did Jackson do it or are you not well?" Erica questioned and again Chloe held up two fingers. Erica nodded and the two fell into silence. Erica was looking down at her hands thinking about what had happened and her eyes shifted to Chloe when the younger tapped her arm. Chloe made a gesture with her hands and Erica faintly recognized it as sign language. 'Name?' Erica smiled at her.
"My name is Erica." She said and Chloe smiled before signing something else. 'Nice meet you, what you to Franky?' Erica assumed that her sign language wasn't 100% but got what the younger was asking.
"I am Franky's dorm ward." She responded and Chloe looked throughtful before signing again. 'And others?' Erica nodded before looking towards the door. "The others are Franky's best friend, the asian is Kim and the other is Boomer." Erica explained and Chloe nodded.
"Are you hungry, thirsty, do you need anything?" Erica questioned and Chloe smiled. 'No, just Franky.' She signed, smiling to make up for her lack of Thankyou.
"It's alright, Franky should..." Erica stopped talking when she heard chatter come from the common room. "That should be her now, I'll be right back with her." Erica reassured and Chloe nodded before Erica stood and left the room.
Franky was talking to Kim and Boomer as the younger wiped blood from Franky's brow.
"Franky?" Erica called out and when the teens eyes met her she smiled lightly. "She wants you."
Franky grunted in response before batting Kim's hand away and heading for her room. She lightly brushed her hand on Erica's arm as she passed the elder. Erica followed Franky to the door and leant against the frame as Franky sat on the bed, lightly rubbing Chloe's exposed food.
"Hey Chlo, how are you doing?" She asked softly and Chloe beamed at her before gesturing to her throat with a sad look.
"You can't talk huh?" Franky asked and at Chloe's nod she got up and dug a notepad out of her side desk before handing it and a pen to Chloe.
"First up Chloe, whats wrong with your voice?" Franky asked with concern and Chloe started writing before showing the Brunette her notepad.
'The girls and I have been singing to bring in money for food and such. I got nodes.'
"Nodes, Chloe you know you have issues with your throat, this was bout to happen with you singing. Where's the family I set you up with?"
'They sold the mansion and moved, I wanted to stay with Beca and refused to go, so they left without me.'
"That bitch, I'm so sorry, if i had have picked a better family..." Chloe held up her hand to stop Franky's words and shook her head to convey that it wasn't her fault. "Where is Beca, why aren't you living with her?"
'When I became homeless Beca tried to get her dad to let me stay with them but he said no, She left home so I wouldn't be alone on the streets. Aubrey, Stacy, Cynthia, Beca and I started street singing to pull in money for Beca and I, but when I found out I had nodes, Jesse, Donald and Luke all got jobs to help us with paying for the surgery. Beca was taking me to the hospital when had a coughing fit, she set me down in an alley and ran off to get some water for me, thats when Jackson found me. Beca must be so worried. I need to find her, let her know I'm ok...'
"Do not fret Chloe, I'll find her. But for now, I need to get you to a hospital. Did you or Beca have the money?" Franky asked and Chloe looked down saddened.
'I did, but Jackson took it.'
"Good for nothing screw!" Franky growled before jumping to her feet. she started for the door before looking back at Erica with an indifferent look in her eyes. "Get her down to your car, she needs to go to the hospital."
Was all she said before she left the room, Erica heard her say something to Kim and Boomer before she heard the doors close. Erica looked at Chloe who was now smiling at her brightly.
'She really likes you.' The younger wrote for Erica to see and she smiled lightly.
"So everyone keeps telling me." She laughed before pulling Chloe to her feet and leading her from the room.
"Kim, Boomer, we need to get Chloe down to my car." She said and the two teens nodded, having already gotten up and ready. Kim headed for the door, trailing infront of Erica and Chloe with Boomer trailing behind them, keeping the two guarded between them. They got down to the carpark and piled into the car with no problems. Chloe took the passenger seat and Erica waited outside the car for Franky.
“Your request has been accepted, pack all your stuff but any of the campus equipment must stay here, when you are all set I’ll get Fletcher to come help you move the stuff to your car.” Vira explained and Erica nodded with a smile.
“Thank you so much Governor.” Erica shook her hand and Vira nodded before leaving the room, Erica turned to her family with a smile but she frowned, both Boomer and Kim looked sad and Franky looked pissed, but her eyes held a deep wounded look.
“So you’re leaving.” She stated in a flat tone, and Erica was taken aback by the lack of emotion.
“Yes, but…” Erica started but Franky cut her off.
“But nothing, you promised you would stay.” Franky said assertively.
“Yes I did, but…”
“You lied to me, to us.” Franky pointed gesturing to herself and Boomer and Kim
“No I didn’t, you’ll…”
“Yes you did, you promised you would stay, be there for us! And now you’re leaving and we will be alone again!” Erica was surprised to see tears streaming down Franky’s cheeks. “You betrayed me…” The younger whispered before running from the dorm.
Erica watched her go with pain filled eyes.
“I betrayed you?” She whispered and was surprised when she felt a hand on her arm. She looked to see Kim, who was crying aswell but she just seemed depressed, no anger at all.
“I don’t know why you’re leaving us, but I’ll miss you.” She said sadly and Erica looked at her with a smile.
“I’m not leaving any of you.” Erica said and Kim looked at her confused.
“But your leaving Wentworth.” Boomer said and Erica nodded before looking at them both.
“What Franky wouldn’t let me say is that I’m leaving, but you three are coming with me.” She said and it took a minute for the information to sink in before she was pulled into a tight hug by her two charges.
“I knew you wouldn’t break your promise.” Kim cried out happily.
“I would never betray any of you like that.” Erica said and Boomer pulled back with a frown.
“Franky…” She said and Erica looked down, “I should go make sure she is ok.” Boomer went to leave the room but was stopped when Erica spoke.
“I should go, she should hear it from me.” Erica explained and Boomer nodded. “You girls stay here and start packing your stuff.”
“Good luck and be safe.” Kim said squeezing Erica in one more hug before running to her room. Boomer also hugged her before following Kim.
“I help you, you help me.” The elder laughed and Kim giggled.
Erica smiled at them before leaving the dorm and heading towards the gym.
“You’re finally back.” The younger whispered against her lips before pulling back and smiling. “Franky.”
“Kim.” Franky grinned back and laughed as Kim was pulled back and she was engulfed in another hug from Sue Jenkins. “Boomer.” She laughed as the larger teen pulled her from the car before setting her down on her feet and shutting the car door.
“Let’s go.” Franky chuckled before starting off towards their dorm with Kim and Boomer close behind.
“Doyle.” A male called out and Franky stopped, looking back to the officer who had driven her here.
“What?” She asked and he glanced to Boomer and Kim before looking back at her.
“Stay out of trouble, you’re walking on thin ice now.” He responded before getting into the car and driving off.
Franky laughed before throwing her arm around Kim’s neck and kissing her nshoulder.
“Missed you guys.” She said, “Anything changed while I was gone?”
“Nah not really.” Boomer replied and Franky nodded.
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“Your new charges are Sue Jenkins, Kim Chang and Francesca Doyle.” Vira Bennett, Governor of Wentworth campus said as she looked over the documents that her new staff member had given her.
Erica Davidson nodded, before Vira continued.
“We hired you because you have experience working with… Troubled students?” Vira said looking over at Erica for confirmation and the blonde nodded. “Well first thing you should know is that the three of them are without guardians, this is why they remain here despite the trouble they cause.” Vira explained before picking a sheet of paper form the documents before her and handing it to Erica. “Kim Chang, 19 years old, she was a home birth. Her mother and father abandoned her at the house after her mother was rested enough to move. Her parents fled, and we have not been able to find them. She was taken in by her neighbors. However at the age of 13, her mother and father figures died in a drive-by, she was lucky to have not been in the house at the time and she ended up with us. She was completely withdrawn and refused to even try fitting in. 4 years ago, when we took Francesca in, she changed dramatically. Everyone saw a side of her we didn’t know existed. She is a bright student, but she is extremely protective of Francesca. Last year they started a… Physical relationship.” Vira’s explanation was stopped by a shocked gasp from Erica and Vira just nodded before continuing on. “We attempted to separate them, by moving Francesca to another dorm but Kim withdrew again and tried to take her own life, after which we gave in and left them alone.”
Erica nodded before laying the paper in her lap and leaning over to take the second one the governor was holding out to her.
“Sue Jenkins, 23 years old, her parents are the neglective type. From a young age she had to raise herself, this included, finding cloths, food and at times even a roof over her head. She resorted to violence to get the job done and over the years it escalated till she ended up putting someone in hospital, luckily they didn’t press charges. When she arrived last year, she was being brought to the office when some students from another dorm were whispering to each other and watching her. She rounded on them straight away and managed to land a couple of hits when I got to my doorway, I was going to break it up but Francesca came out of nowhere and restrained her.
“Booms, you gotta calm down hitting her won’t take back what she said.” At first I thought Sue was going to hit Francesca but she just lowered her arms and nodded. “There’s a girl.” Francesca whispered, she patted Sue on the shoulder before looking down at the two cowering girls. “You say something like that again and you answer to me.” She snarled at them and they both furiously shook their heads. She nodded approvingly before moving over to Kim who was standing off to the side, she wrapped her arm around Kim’s neck and looked over her shoulder. “See you later Boomer.” She called and Kim chuckled before they walked off. I quickly moved a now calm Sue into my office and she was placed in Kim and Francesca’s dorm. Sue holds a tremendous amount of respect towards Francesca and is extremely loyal. To get anywhere with Kim and Sue, you need to be in Francesca’s good books. That, their last Ward failed at.” Vira finished before looking up at Erica.
“And what of Francesca?” Erica asked, when she noticed she was not being handed another sheet of information.
“We know nothing of her life outside these walls. All we know is that she is 21 years old, when she got here she showed signs of abuse. She is ruthless when it comes to protecting those she cares or those under her protection and she is even more vicious when she feels betrayed.” Vira cleared her throat as she rubbed at a scar that stretched from her wrist to half-way up her forearm. Erica noticed the gesture and leaned forward slightly to get a better look at the jagged mark.
“Did she do that to you?” Erica asked and Vira tucked her arm beneath the desk before nodding.
“She was already very distressed about being moved away from Kim and Sue, when Francesca caught wind that Kim had tried to take her life she was very angry. I do not hold this against her though.” Vira explained and Erica nodded, Vira then stood up and glanced to the door before locking eyes with Erica again. “Speaking of Francesca, she should be getting back any minute from the police station.”
“The police station?” Erica asked confused and Vira nodded.
“One of the girls in dorm 5 injured Kim and well, you can imagine Francesca’s response. I didn’t have a choice but to have her taken in.” Vira explained and Erica nodded before rising from her chair.
“I will be heading to the dorm to meet them then.” She bowed slightly before moving to the door. "Oh and Erica," she called and when Erica looked back at her she continued. "Keep your room door open, the one thing you want is Francesca's trust, to get that you need to trust them in return. Shutting your door, putting a barrier between you and them is a sign of mistrust, she will definitely pick up on it and you need her to trust you if you wish to keep your job." Erica nodded in understanding and left the room, she then headed towards her new living quarters and ‘room mates’.
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“I’m just gunna head out for a smoke, be back later.” Boomer called through the closed door and smirked when she heard a moaned 'Alright' in response, she left the common room and headed out the front.
Franky smirked at Kim's attempt to respond to Boomer as she pulled away from the youngers neck, where she had been kissing and biting lightly at the pale skin. She then kissed Kim lightly on the lips before pulling back and tilting Kim's head up to examine the rough scrape spread over her jawline. She then licked over the wound before returning to Kim's lips and slowly stripping her.
Erica entered the common room of her dorm and looked around with mild interest, seeing the area vacant she started towards her room. He bags had already been taken in upon arrival so she knew which room was hers.
"I wonder where the girls are?" She thought allowed before pushing her door open and walking in. She stopped shock-still at the site that met her. Franky was laying half on top of Kim, one hand tangled in Kim's hair while the other stroked her thigh. Kim had her arms wrapped around Franky's neck and the leg Franky was stroking, bend over Franky's hip.
"Sorry," Erica quickly turned away from the two. "I thought..." Erica stuttered but stopped when Franky spoke.
"Hey," she grinned, patting the bare flesh of Kim's thigh twice before saying. "It's all yours, when were done." she smirked and Kim giggled.
Erica was frozen still, not sure what to do when Franky spoke again. "Well you like to watch do ya?" that broke Erica's frozen stance and she turned ay and went to leave, stopping when she heard Franky once more. "Awe, don't go now." Franky called out and Erica turned against her better judgment. "We're just getting started." Franky locked eyes with her and smirked, she licked two fingers on her left hand before pushing her hand between Kim's legs, making the younger moan in pleasure. Erica turned away from the eyes still locked on her and shut the door, ignoring the laugh she heard on the other side.
Erica took a deep breath and headed into the bathroom where she splashed her face with cold water. When she was calm, she returned to the common room and sat down on the couch looking down at her hands. She was sitting there for about 10 minutes when Boomer re-entered the dorm.
"Who are you?" She asked as she made her way to the kitchen to turn the kettle on.
Erica looked up and smiled lightly.
"I'm Erica Davidson, your new ward. You must be Sue." She stood up and held out her hand in greeting.
Boomer looked down at her hand and took it in a light shake.
"The ward never gets names right the first time, that means you've already met Franky and Kim then." She smiled in the direction to the room said teens were occupying and Erica blushed.
"Ahh, yes briefly." She responded and Boomer laughed.
"They will be out soon." She responded before letting go of Erica's hand. Erica look slightly scared when Boomer's expression darkened.
"And Miss Davidson, my name is Boomer." She asserted and Erica nodded.
"Sorry Boomer, I will be sure to remember that." She promised shakily and almost immediately Boomers expression turned happy again, she returned to the now boiled kettle and proceeded to make herself a Tea.
"Hey Booms, make me one." Franky called through the now open door and Erica turned to see her pulling her singlet down over the last of her stomach, she could just catch a glimpse of the marks marring the pale skin.
"Sure thing, Kim you want one?" Boomer asked without turning around and a petite yes came from the youngest. "What about you Miss Davidson?" Boomer asked looking over at her.
"Umm yes please." She responded and had to hold back a flinch when Franky sat on the arm of the couch a little close for comfort, Kim took a seat on Erica's other side, leaving a more decent amount of space between them.
"So you the new ward?" Franky asked eyeing Erica up and down.
"Yes, you must be Francesca?" She asked a little uncertainly and like Boomer's had, Franky's eyes darkened.
"That may be the name on my file but never call me that." She all but growled and stopped when Kim spoke up.
"Franky, please try this time? We get into a lot of trouble every time our ward changes, and besides she seems nice." Erica looked over at her with a small smile before returning her gaze to Franky who was glaring right at her. Erica held her glare until a smirk took over her face.
"You've got guts, I like that. You'll do for now." She responded before heading over to Boomer and took one of the freshly made teas. She then gave it to Kim, kissed her on the cheek and started for the door, calling over her shoulder. "It’s time I go see that needy governor of ours." She smiled at the laughs that followed her from the room.
Boomer grabbed the two teas and handed one to Erica before sitting down in the chair across from her and Kim. Erica glanced at the younger beside her and noticed the bloodied mark beneath her chin.
"What happened?" She asked curiously and the two teens looked up at the broken silence. Kim regarded her for a second before sipping her tea.
"The girls in dorm 5 have it out for us. Franky does what she can to protect us but yesterday, when Franky wasn't with us they crowded us, I was pushed to the ground before we could do anything but Boomer held them off and we came back to the dorm. When Franky came back and saw what they had done... Well the cops kept her overnight, she returned earlier today." Kim explained and Erica nodded. She took Kim's hand and squeezed it lightly noting how the teen flinched at the contact.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. You three are my responsibility now and I’ll keep you safe." Kim met her eyes with tears in her own and nodded lightly. Boomer watched them in silence and was surprised by Kim's acceptance of Erica's touch and words. Erica let go and stood up, she took her cup to the sink and headed towards her room.
"I guess I'll get my things unpacked." She said and the two teens nodded, when the door was slid half shut Boomer looked at Kim with concern.
"You alright?" She asked and Kim nodded before getting up and heading to her own room. Boomer sighed before retreating aswell.
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When Franky returned to the dorm she was surprised to see the common room empty.
"Booms, Kimmy?" She called out before peeking into Kim's room. She smiled at the site of the teen curled up on the bet with Sydney, the pet fox Franky got her last Christmas.
"She went to sleep not long after you left. I've already fed Sydney." Boomer explained from behind her and Franky nodded before limping over to the couch and gingerly sitting down. She glanced at Erica's door and grinned, the door was ajar.
"How longs the door been open?" She asked, gesturing to the half open door, Boomer followed her gaze and smiled.
"Since she went in there." Franky nodded before turning her eyes from the door to Boomer who was grabbing a cup of water from the kitchen.
Erica had changed the sheets and set up the room with all her stuff, making sure that the door stayed open as she did so. She sat up from her reclined position on the bed at the sound of voices coming from the common room. Interest peaked she listened to what they were saying.
"So what did the Gov want?" Boomer asked resuming the seat she had used earlier, across from Franky.
"Some good and bad news, the fucking bitch." Franky growled and Erica was taken aback by the teens tone.
"What's wrong?" Boomer asked concerned and Franky crossed her arms in anger.
"Well for one, I didn't break that fucker’s hand. Just pulled a muscle or some shit. I should have torn her arm clean off, she dare to fuck with my family." The teen growled and Boomer sighed.
"It's over now, just calm down and tell me what happened with the Gov"
"Nothing, she explained that what I did was wrong and that she hopes it doesn't happen again and blah blah blah." Franky drawled and Boomer laughed.
"Then what's got you so mad?" Erica heart Franky sigh and it was quite for a minute before she heard a gasp and Boomer all but yelling.
"Who the fuck did this to you!" The older teen went to leave when Franky responded.
"Booms, now you gotta calm down." She said softly and Boomer nodded before dropping into her set and looking at Franky expectantly.
Erica was worried about why it had become so quiet when she heard Franky's voice again.
"It's those fuckers in dorm 5. I knew they had it out for me but I didn't know they would go this far." She whispered and Boomer looked really worried.
"What happened?"
"I was in the gym, trying to work off some stress after leaving the governor’s office. They... 6 of them, the beat the shit out of me, of cause the fuckers made sure to only bruise me where my cloths can cover the marks. Then Jacs, that fuckin..." Franky stopped taking a deep breath, and Boomer prompted her to continue.
"What did Jacs do to you Franky?"
"She used the handle of a hairbrush." The normally tough girl whimpered out and she was immediately drawn into a hug. Erica paled at the teens words and went to go out when Franky continued.
"One of the girls trying to hold me still, had a knife in her hand, that’s why I’ve got the cut, stupid bitch couldn't handle the blade and it cut right through my skin." Boomer nodded and pulled back to look Franky in the eyes.
"It’s not your fault. They had no right to go that far, they should have just let you once they finished beating you." She whispered and Franky nodded.
"You know, after I left home, I thought I was finally away from those who would force that on me..." She sobbed lightly and Boomer nodded. Erica lay back down, it wouldn't be right for her to go out there now. She barely knew the girls, she would be intruding. A tear slipped from her cheek as she waited for sleep to come.
"I know... But you’re a strong girl, we just gotta keep this from Kim, I don't think she could handle it." Boomer reassured and Franky nodded. "Now you need to go to sleep, I’ll keep guard. We don't want them sneaking in again like last time. “Boomer smiled and Franky got up, stumbled slightly and made her way to her room. “Good night Franky."
"Night Booms." Franky called back and the dorm lapsed into silence.
Boomer jolted awake from her spot on the lounge, at the sound of clattering in the kitchen. She looked over and saw Erica cooking at the stove. The blonde glanced over when she heard the shuffling and smiled.
"Good to see your up." Erica said with a smile and Boomer looked at her confused. "Go wake Franky and Kim up and freshen up, we have a lot to do today." Boomer nodded and got up. She quietly entered Franky’s room to wake her before heading into Kim’s. Franky quickly limped into the bathroom shutting the door the moment she was inside. Boomer woke Kim before letting Sydney out. The two teens went out into the common room with confusion. Kim turned to Boomer with a questioning look in her eyes.
"Why are we all up so early?" Kim asked Boomer and the elder shrugged.
"Come sit down at the table, breakfast is ready." Erica called out and the two teens looked at her confused by her actions.
"Come on now." She repeated before setting 4 plates full of food down on the table, closely followed by 4 mugs. Boomer and Kim slowly made their way over and after another prompt from Erica they sat down. Erica joined them and the teens just watched her.
"Eat up." Erica smiled and Boomer looked down at her plate before glancing at Kim, who was looking towards the bathroom. They sat in silence, Erica the only one who was eating before Franky emerged from the bathroom. She stretched out and released a deep yawn before noticing everyone at the table.
"What’s going on?" She asked as she limped over to the table, she lightly kissed Kim on the cheek before sitting down on the final seat.
"Franky why are you limping?" Kim asked and both Boomer and Franky noticed Erica's subtle freeze at the words. They shared a look before Franky grinned at Kim.
"Visited the gym after seeing Gov yesterday, went a little too hard on the treadmill, think I broke it." She laughed and Kim chuckled.
"Just keep it easy then, we need you here and not in medical." Kim smiled and Franky nodded before looking down, then meeting Erica's eyes. She could see her confusion at the lie but ignored it.
"What’s the special occasion?" She asked gesturing to the food.
"Nothing... No special occasion." Erica responded, she could hear the mistrust in Franky's voice.
"Then why? Trying to bribe us into liking you?" Franky pushed and Erica sighed.
"Didn't your other ward, do things for you? You are my family now, it’s my responsibility to look after you. I assume providing meals is one of those tasks?"
Franky was taken aback by her words and looked at her for a few more seconds before glancing down at the food. Neither she, nor Kim, nor Boomer could cook so they never had proper meals. She glared for a second, as memories started to surface before she sighed and slowly started eating.
"Thankyou..." She mumbled and Erica smiled, noticing that both Kim and Boomer had also started eating once Franky was ok with it.
"You’re welcome." She smiled and the four ate in silence. Once they were done Erica collected the dishes and took them to the sink. She looked back at the three still seated.
"What are your usual plans for the day?" She asked softly and was met with the troubled teens burning eyes. Surprisingly it was Kim who responded first.
"I generally stay here with Sydney and read or watch TV, I don't really like any of the other students and I only really go out to keep Franky and Boomer company." Erica nodded before asking.
"Who is Sydney?"
"She'll tell you if you don't tell the Governor." Franky cut in before Kim could respond and Erica looked confused but nodded.
"Alright, I won't tell." Franky held her gaze for a minute before looking to Kim who was waiting for approval. Franky nodded and Kim turned in her chair, and softly called out.
"Sydney, come here girl." Erica waited and was surprised to see the orange and white muzzle peeking out from Kim's room.
Franky then whistled through her teeth before grunting. "Come here you little mutt."
The sleek body of the small fox kit soon appeared and Kim picked her up. Erica watch with interest as the kit jumped onto the table and brushed against Kim and Boomers hands before tackling Franky and licking her on the face. Kim laughed lightly at a struggling Franky and pulled Sydney off her and held the kit close in her arms. Deep green eyes then shot to Erica, seeing the fox’s attention on her, she picked up one of the scraps from breakfast and moved back to the table, she sat down and slowly reached out her hands to offer the kit the meat she held. As first Sydney growled, but then she sniffed Erica's hand before taking the meat and happily eating it.
"Does she have everything she needs?" Erica asked as she patted Sydney who was licking at her hand trying to get more food.
"I've provided everything I can for her. Boomer and I take turns sneaking into the store room to get her meat, water and milk is provided by Gov, she just thinks we drink a lot of tea. Sydney sleeps in Kim's room and we've got a hidden exit that she uses when she needs to go outside." Franky explained and Erica nodded, she then pulled back and glanced at Boomer.
"And what do you usually do during the day Boomer?"
"Well I'm usually not an early riser that’s for sure." She laughed and Erica smiled as she waited for Boomer to continue.
"Hum, I generally stick with Franky. Make sure she’s not causing trouble and backing her if there is any. Or staying with Kim when Franky wants to be alone." Erica nodded before turning to look at Franky but before she could say something Franky spoke.
"Booms, take Kim and see if the laundry room is free." She said and Erica could tell it was an order.
"Sure thing." Boomer responded before standing and starting for the door. Kim leaned over and kissed Franky on the collarbone before putting Sydney down and following Boomer out. Sydney quickly retreated into Kim's room. Erica looked at Franky with confusion but waited for the teen to start speaking.
"We need to lay down some ground rules." Franky started and Erica nodded.
"First off, anything that happens within this dorm stays between us, if I catch wind that a single word makes its way to the governor, you’re out, I wont risk the safety of Boomer or Kim by getting myself removed because out stupid ward couldn't keep her mouth shut." Franky growled and Erica nodded, trying to keep a neutral face. "Next, if you wanna be a part of this family, alright but Kim and Boomer come first. If anything happens to them and you could have prevented it... Just they come first. If you decide you want in then you have the same standing as Boomer and Kim in my eyes. I don't care what happens to me, but you'll be safe as long as I can help it." Erica wasn't able to hold back the shocked look at Franky's words, but before she could respond, Franky start again. "If you chose to accept this, along with your responsibility of keeping Boomer and Kim safe, I only ask one thing of you. That you trust me, whatever the Gov has told you about us is probably true but she doesn't even know the half of it. I will admit that I may occasionally do things that you will disapprove of or that may even frighten you, but I will never harm family." Erica nodded and Franky gave her a lopsided grin. "And really Erica, eavesdropping isn't the best way to earn trust." She chuckled and Erica nodded, before smiling.
"I was just reading last night when you came back, sorry. I suppose I just didn't know anything about you or Boomer and Kim and well I thought I might learn something..." Erica whispered and sighed before looking up at Franky with concern. "Are you alright?" She asked softly and Franky looked at her for a moment before looking down.
"I need your help." She whispered and Erica nodded.
"What can I do?" She asked and Franky stood up before limping into the kitchen and ducking under the sink to retrieve the first aid kit. "I can't go to medical. At a time like this, I can't afford to be away from Boomer and Kim for extended periods of time. If they have gone this far with me, god knows that they will do if they catch Kim alone." Franky voiced her concern and limped back to the table, she handed the kit to Erica and waited.
"Come on," Erica said and lead Franky into her room so she would have more space to work, she shut the door behind them. "Take off your shirt and lay down for me." Erica said as she started going through the kit and grabbing things she would need.
Franky winced as she pulled her shirt over her head and gingerly lay down on her stomach. Erica then turned to her and gasped.
"That bad huh?" Franky laughed but winced when Erica's hands brushed over one of the larger bruises on her lower back.
"Well it doesn't do you any justice." Erica stated before she started cleaning the bruised skin before rubbing cream into the skin.
"Nah I suppose not, black and blues not really my color." Erica laughed at her words as she worked and the two lapsed into silence as Erica made her way down Franky's back. When she got to the waistband of Franky's pants she pulled back to allow Franky to turn over, then gestured to the cut on her collarbone.
"I need to clean that up aswell, just give me a second." Erica stated before leaving the room. Franky sighed and removed her Bra before lying back down. When Erica came back in she looked wide-eyed at the wound. Sitting down she gingerly shifted Franky's breast to see the extent of the damage. "You lied to Boomer..." She said as she grabbed the cloth and dunked it in the water she brought, she then softly started to clean the blood away. Removing her Bra had reopened the wound and it was freshly bleeding.
"The fucking bitch actually tried to cut it off. If I had’ve told Boomer there would have been no stopping her." Franky whispered wincing in pain.
"I'm sorry." Erica whispered, once she finished cleaning the wound she checked the extent. "Well you were right about one thing. She didn't know how to handle the knife. The line isn't straight and the depth is jagged but I don't think it will need stitches, just time to heal." Franky nodded at her words and Erica then continued to clean the bruises down Franky's front before lightly massaging cream into them. When she got to the hem of Franky's pants again she stopped.
"Sit up for me, I need to wrap your wound, the less it move's the quicker it will heal." She explained and Franky nodded before struggling to push herself into a sitting position. Erica quickly wrapped Franky's breast, winding the material around her ribs and over her shoulder to ensure it was secure, she then helped Franky lower to the bed again.
"Are you alright for me to continue?" Erica asked softly and Franky nodded before covering her face with her arms as Erica gently pulled her sweats and underwear down. She set the clothes off to the side before standing, she headed over to her desk and pulled a thin sheet from the top draw, she then returned to the bed and positioned the sheet over Franky, so she could still work but so Franky's upper body and the extent of her injuries are hidden. Franky looked at her confused.
"It's incase Boomer comes in, you don't want her seeing the wrap, she will ask why such a little cut needs such protection." Erica explained and Franky nodded. "Now before I do anything I need you to tell me exactly what happened. Franky, did you sugar coat it for Boomer?" Erica enquired and she was stunned to see tears rolling down Franky's cheek.
"Hey... It's ok, you’re safe now." Erica whispered as she wiped the tears away from Franky's eyes. The teen nodded before looking up at Erica.
"It wasn't a brush." Franky whispered before looking away again. "It was the handle of a knife... The blade was still attached..." Franky explained and Erica looked at her in horror before nodding solemnly and moving to check the damage.
"Bend your legs up for me." Erica whispered and Franky shifted her hill flush against her cheeks and opened her legs, wincing at the movement.
"I’m sorry but this might hurt a bit." She whispered and Franky braced for the pain. Erica sucked on her finger to make sure it was moist before tentatively probing Franky's opening, the younger hissed in pain and her hands dug into the bed to stop herself from shifting away. She released a deep pain-filled whine when Erica's finger entered her and Erica went to stop when Franky shook her head.
"Keep going, I’ve dealt through worse pain." She whimpered out and Erica nodded, she twisted her finger softly feeling for any wounds and she sighed in relief when she found none, as she was retracting her finger, she did find a small nick in her opening and Franky yelped in pain when Erica's finger brushed it.
"You are very lucky." Erica whispered. "The blade barely nicked you."
Franky sighed with relief but jolted when there was a knock at the door. Erica pulled the sheet down to cover Franky completely before calling out.
“Come in.”
Boomer opened the door and peeked around. She frowned at the site before gazing at Franky who only nodded, Boomer then smiled before entering and walking past Erica to brush her hand against Franky’s forehead. She then looked back at their ward.
“I’m assuming she asked you to check the extent of the damage. Is she going to be alright, will she need medical?” Boomer asked worriedly and Erica smiled at her worried state.
“Apart from some bruising and the cut she is unharmed, luckily the handle did little damage. I’m just about to use some numbing cream to help with the pain while she heals.” Erica said fishing the small tube from the first aid kit and Boomer nodded hearing that she needed to leave. She turned back to Franky and lightly stroked her hair.
“Jacs won’t get away with this, I promise you.” She whispered before nodding to Erica and leaving the room, shutting the door behind her. Erica watched the closed door for a minute before looking back at Franky when the younger spoke.
“Thank you for not telling her.” Franky whispered and Erica nodded before pulling the sheet back up before opening the tube in her hands.
“I know nothing about how things work here, but I do know that Boomer going on a rampage won’t be good for anyone, least of all herself and It won’t change what’s happened to you.” Erica said, whispering the last part before sighing and squeezing some of the cream onto two fingers. "I'm going to apply some Emla cream, it will numb the pain, but it might feel alittle weird." Erica explained and Franky nodded, the teen bit down on her hand as Erica worked to try and block out the pain and when Erica pulled away she released her hand with sigh of relief. Erica quickly washed her hands in the water she had brought in before repositioning the sheet to cover Franky before smiling at her.
"There you go." Erica said as she packed the medical equipment back into the first aid kit and sat down on the edge of the bed beside Franky.
"Thank you." Franky whispered giving Erica a faint smile.
“The cream should start to numb you in about 15 minutes. Please rest till then.” Erica whispered, resting her hand lightly on Franky’s still raised knee. The younger nodded and Erica retracted her hand before moving to leave. She stopped when she felt a cool hand wrap around her wrist. “Wait.” Franky called and Erica looked back at her with confusion. “Please, stay with me…” The younger whispered looking down and Erica nodded silently before moving around the bed and sitting down on the opposite side to Franky. She shifted into a comfortable position and took Franky’s hand in her own, squeezing it lightly.
“I’m not going anywhere." She whispered and Franky nodded before lightly shifting closer to Erica. She rested her head on Erica's arm and curled her body beneath the sheet. Erica used her free hand to stroke Franky's hair and the two rested in the silence.
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When Erica thought Franky had fallen asleep she shifted Franky down onto the pillows before sliding out of the bed. She gathered Franky's cloths and the cloth she had useto clean the youngers wounds before slipping from the room. Franky who was still awake glanced to the door before staring up at the ceiling. Boomer and Kim were sitting on the lounge watching The teli, Boomer glanced over at Erica with a small smile.
"How is she?"
"She will be fine, she's just sleeping." Erica assured and she heard Kim sigh in relief at the news. Erica moved over to them before glancing to The three teens rooms.
"Have you got any washing?" She asked and both Boomer and Kim nodded before getting up and heading into their rooms.
Erica crossed the common room, to Franky's and was surprised at the rooms clean state, she had expected it to be a mess. She picked up the neat pile of dirty clothes and went to get a basket from the bathroom. She dumped Franky's dirty clothes in the basket before carting it into the living room where both Kim and Boomer added to the load.
"Im going to head to the laundry room and get this done." Erica said picking up the basket and heading for the door.
"Do you want one of us to come?" Kim asked softly and Erica smiled at her.
"Thankyou but I'll be alright, I'll be back soon." Erica responded before leaving the room.
Boomer and Kim watched her go before returning to the couch.
"She really if trying, I do hope Franky allows her to stay." Kim expressed and Boomer nodded.
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Franky sighed, it had been 15 minutes since Erica had left the room, she was really hoping the older woman would return. Franky shifted testing the pain level and was happy to find it was only a dull ache. She slipped out from beneath the sheet and looked down at her feet.
"Shit." She muttered when she realised Erica took her clothes, she got up and walked over to the dresser and fished around for something she could borrow. After dressing she moved to open the door, exiting the room, she left the door wide open and stretched with a yawn before taking in the common room, a frown covering her face when she could only see two of the three other occupants.
"Kim, Boomer." She greeted the two who looked over at her with smiles. Franky scanned the common room again to confirm her first glance before her eyes returned to her family. "Where is Erica?
Ignoring her confusion at Franky using their wards first name, Boomer glanced at the door before looking back at Franky.
"She took the washing to the laundry room about 10 minutes ago." Kim answered and both her and Boomer were startled when Franky growled.
"Whats wrong?" Boomer asked confused by Franky's reaction.
"She's alone, Meg won't let this go without 'welcoming' her." Franky responded putting extra emphasis on 'Welcoming' as she ran for the door. "Kim, you wait here, Boomer move it." Franky ordered before flinging open the door and tearing down the hallway.
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Erica was leaning against the counter reading a magazine as she waited for the washing to finish when the door opened and 4 teens entered. Erica ignored them and was surprised when 2 of the grabbed her arms and pulled them behind her back, she struggled to get from their grip but stopped when a knife was held to her throat. The third girl stayed by the door and the fourth stood before Erica. She then began circling Erica, looking her up and down as she spoke in a low voice.
"So your the Dyke's new ward?" The teen smirked before stopping infront of her again. "She mustn't care much for you to let you leave the safety of your dorm alone, or perhaps she doesn't have the... Energy to come with you." The teen chuckled and Erica's shocked face darkened to a glare.
"Your Jacs." She stated more then asked and the teen mock bowed. "What do you have against Franky and the girls, she doesn't deserve to be treated in such a way." Erica stopped her questions when she was met with laughter.
"She really hasn't explained anything to you has she." Jacs chuckled before clicking her fingers, Erica felt the blade against her throat bite into the skin and blood began to trickle down her neck.
"It was a mistake for you to believe that being a ward means you are safe. Franky can't hold her position much longer, not in the state she is in and with you out of the way, gaining control will be much easier." Jacs hissed and Erica glared back at her, trying to ignore the growing cut that was gaining depth across her neck. "Do it." Jacs ordered and Erica closed her eyes, bracing for the pain. The door to the laundry room was thrown open and Boomer knocked the teen standing guard into the wall, said teen collapsed unconscious and before anyone could move Franky had Jacs' arms pinned behind her back, a blade pressed to her throat.
"Release her right now." Franky ordered to the teens still holding Erica although the knife had been lowered. The teens looked to Jacs who only nodded and they quickly let go of Erica and backed away, Boomer pulled Erica towards the door and stood guard infront of her. "Now unless you two want some action you should fuck off right now." Franky growled her eyes flashing, and the two teens cautiously started towards the door, their full attention still on Franky. "Hurry up!" She shouted and the teens jumped before sprinting from the room.
"How did you know." Jacs asked staring ahead.
"I was expecting it, sorry to spoil your little plan." Franky taunted then she walked Jacs towards the door and slammed her into the wall, face first, still holding her arms behind her back and the knife to her neck.
"Any last words?" Franky whispered harshly and Jacs smirked.
"Hows the pain?" She taunted and Franky growled before spinning Jacs around and slamming her back against the wall, adding pressure to the blade.
"Would you like me to show you?" She snarled and pulled the knife from Jacs' neck and slowly lowered her arm, Jacs immediately started to struggle but both teens stopped when Erica's voice reached them.
"Franky, don't." She cried out.
Franky looked over at Erica who was now standing just in front of Boomer who was holding her back from running over. Erica was surprised by the darkened look in Franky's eyes. "Please." She whispered, she inwardly sighed when the darkness in Franky's eyes receded. Confusion overtook Franky's face before she turned back to Jacs who also wore a look of confusion. Franky's glare returned and she slammed Jacs against the wall again before ramming the butt of the knife into the older teens stomach.
"If i catch you near my ward again, Meg will have to find herself another lead dog." Franky growled before releasing Jacs who collapsed to the ground with her hand to her stomach, groaning in pain.
Franky spat down at her before storming from the room. Erica followed and went to turn with Franky but she was pulled in the other direction by Boomer. She went to protest and follow Franky but Boomer gave her a non-too-light shove in the direction they were already heading.
"Don't bother, she isn't rational right now." Boomer mumbled and Erica looked at her worriedly.
"But now shes on her own again, what if..." Erica was cut off by Boomer.
"Despite what they have done, they wouldn't attack twice in one day, besides Meg failed, she is going to be spending her time calming the girls and tending to Jacs." Boomer explained and although still confused, Erica nodded and allowed Boomer to lead her towards their dorm.
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When they entered both were surprised when Kim pulled Erica into a tight hug.
"Im so sorry, we should never have let you leave alone." She mumbled before pulling back and noticing the cut across Erica's neck. She tentatively brushed the skin around the wound.
"It's ok Boomer and Franky got there just in time. Besides I was stupid to think that being a ward means I'm safe, i just don't understand whats going on. Who is Meg and why is Jacs treating us like this?" Erica asked glancing from a worried Kim to a still slightly angry Boomer.
"Franky will explain everything to you when she returns, I believe she doesn't wish you to be replaced, otherwise she wouldn't have acted to help you." Boomer explained and Erica remembered Franky's words from that morning. 'I don't care what happens to me, but you'll be safe as long as I can help it.'
"Speaking of Franky, where is she?" Kim asked looking over at Boomer.
"Shes pissed..." Boomer said before heading into the kitchen to retrieve the first aid kit.
"Why? You got there in time..." Kim asked and Boomer returned, handing the kit to Kim who was now sitting beside Erica on the lounge.
"Erica stopped Franky from..." Boomer mumbled before trailing off and Kim looked at Erica with shock. "I'm gunna go make sure she is ok. I know i said they wont try anything else today but stay in here, to be on the safe side." Boomer instructed and at Kim's nod she left the dorm. Kim started unpacking the kit to find what she would need and Erica watched her with confusion.
"Why does it sound like a bad thing that I stopped Franky from hurting Jacs?" Erica asked as Kim lightly started to clean her neck.
"It not so much a bad thing that you stopped her, but that she actually listened to you. You would be considered a weakness now." Kim explained and Erica nodded and the two sat in silence as Kim bandaged Erica's neck before packing the kit away and returning it to its spot under the sink, she then returned to the lounge. She looked over at Erica with a thoughtful gaze before speaking.
"She cares about you." Kim said and Erica looked at her with confusion. "Franky, she really cares for you." Kim repeated putting emphasis on 'really' and Erica blushed lightly. "How do you feel about that?"
"Shouldn't i be asking you that, i mean you two are together after all." Erica returned and Kim chuckled.
"When Franky and I first slept together it was out of comfort, she needed to know that anothers touch isn't always painful and i just wanted to be loved... From then on, it was just a way of cheering each other up, even becoming a game to see who could make the other feel better quicker." Kim looked over at Erica when she herd a small muffled chuckle and smiled. "Franky loves me, i know she does... Just not in the way that she loves you." Kim said softly and Erica reached out and grasped her hand squeezing it tightly. "It's ok, I don't love her in that way either, i just don't want to loose her, shes all I have left." Kim whispered and was pulled into a hug.
"She wouldn't leave you or Boomer for anything, she has already threatened me about that." Erica said and Kim pulled back startled by her words. "You may believe she loves me, if she does or doesn't you and Boomer are her upmost priority, she made that very clear." Erica said and Kim nodded her eyes shining at her words. "She wont abandon you, never think that and I promise you, I wont either." Erica smiled and Kim nodded a tear slipping from her eyes.
Erica brushed it away before frowning lightly. "Are you sure?" She asked and Kim knew she was referring to Franky and nodded. "How do you know?"
"She is different around you." Kim stated and Erica looked confused. "Our previous wards have been nothing but a thorn in her side, dobbing us in for any little thing we did wrong, blaming us when we got injured, treating us like the dirt they walked on. Franky didn't give two shits about any of them. Most of the wards were strong enough to evade anything Jacs dished out and Franky never offered to help. Our last ward was killed,she had struck Boomer for something she had done and Franky kicked her out of the dorm, threatening her that if she returned she physically wouldn't be able to walk back out. Jacs and her dormmates jumped her while she was heading to the governors office and she died of her injuries." Kim stopped for a minute and Erica waited patiently for her to continue. "Franky was rude to you at first because she thought you were just another ward to come and go. When you held her glare yesterday, i don't know if you noticed but you didn't look up or down at her, you looked her straight in the eye, as an equal and thats all Franky wants, to be treated as an equal. Your display this morning frightened her, the other wards all treated us like prisoners and like we were nothing, then you pull us into a family setting and expect nothing in return... In her no one does something unless they get something in return... The prospect that you were being kind just to get something really wounded her and she went on the defensive again. Im not sure what happened when Franky sent us away but when Franky came out of your room, she looked around for you before even greeting us, then when we told her you had gone to the laundry room she growled and yelled at us before running from the room. She is an impulsive person but her impulsive actions are always well thought out. We could tell the moment she left that someones blood was going to spill, no matter whose..." Erica frowned and Kim smiled. "She would never hurt you, despite everything the other wards did to us, Franky never laid a hand on them, yelled and kick them out of the dorm at time but she never touched them. She had every right to hit them back when they stuck us, but despite the fact she hated them, she respected the fact that they were just doing their job, so did subtle things to force them to leave and they all eventually gave up, your no different, she respects you and your position, but she respects you more then the others, although your stand on higher ground then us and have the right to treat us like dirt, you don't and its a huge relief to the three of us. Even if Franky didn't feel so strongly for you, I doubt she would let you leave, which may be partially my fault..." Kim said in an apologetic voice and Erica frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"You make me feel safe... The kind of safe that I only feel around Franky and Boomer, the both or them have picked up on that... We would do anything for each other to ensure we stay happy and they would keep you with us as long as they can if it makes me happy. I like you, your a kind person, you look after us and even if your not doing it intentionally you make Franky happy." Kim smiled at her, before shifting so she was lying on the lounge with ehr head in Erica's lap, looking up at her. Erica shifted into a more comfortable position with her feet up on the table and started stroking Kim's black locks. "I just wish we didn't have to stay here. We would be safe, and could live in peace if we could get out of here..." The younger whispered and Erica nodded.
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Franky looked down at the two asleep on the lounge with a smile. It was after dark now and Boomer had headed off to bed when they entered the dark dorm. Franky had set down the washing before going to check on Kim and felt a jolt of fear when Kim wasn't in her room, she then quickly checked Erica's room and her stomach fell, she went to run from the dorm to find them when she heard a chuckle from the lounge. Looking over, she saw Kim nuzzling into Erica's hip in her sleep and the elder chuckled at the touch, also asleep. She lightly picked Kim up and cradled her as she limped her to her room and set her in her bed, she quickly changed Kim's cloths before covering her with the sheet. She then returned to the common room. She leant down and lightly brushed the hair from Erica's face before picking her up and taking her into her room. She lay her on the bed.
"Erica, you need to wake up." Franky whispered into her ear and Erica shifted slightly with a small chuckle. "If you don't wake up I'm going to have to undress you." Franky nipped Erica's ear and was surprised when the elder purred.
"Do what you want," Franky couldn't tell if Erica was awake or asleep now, she spoke so clearly and she sighed. "Fine, I'll be quick." Franky respond before stripping Erica down to her Bra and underwear, she debated just leaving her like that but thought better and slipped her into a black silk nidie before covering her with the blanket. Franky kissed her lightly on the forehead be heading into the common room to sit guard. After midnight was a new day and they were all free game again.
Erica awoke with a start at yelling from the common room.
"Get the fuck out now." It was Franky's voice, why was she so mad?
"Be respectful to you superiors Francesca, I' just here to meet the ward who has collared the wild beast." Another woman said and Erica heard Franky snarl. Why is she so mad and what does this woman want, what did she mean by 'collared the beast'.
"You won’t get anywhere near her as long as i can help it, not I told you to get the fuck out!" Franky yelled and before Erica could hear the woman respond, she heard Boomer's sleepy voice.
"Geez Franky its even earlier the yesterday, why are you yelling?" Silence lapsed on the other side of the door before another growl entered the air, this time from Boomer.
"Meg..." Was all Boomer said and Erica, was confused. This woman had been mentioned many times but she still didn't know who she was.
"Booms, move Kim." Erica heard Franky order and before she knew it her door was opened and Boomer walked in carrying a still asleep Kim. Boomer smiled when she noticed that Erica was and lay Kim down on the unoccupied side of her bed.
"Sorry, this might get messy, want both of you safe." Boomer explained before going to leave, she stopped when she felt a hand on her wrist. "If you’re going to tell us to stop then..." Boomer stopped when Erica spoke.
"I was just going to tell you to be careful." Erica said with a soft smile which Boomer returned, the younger squeezed Erica's hand before leaving the room, she shut the door and stood guard.
“Come on Franky I just wanna meet her, I won’t do anything.” Meg said glaring at Franky who was looking back at Boomer, they both nodded, Franky then looked back at Meg with a smirk.
“How’s your dog? With your leader wounded the pack is confused, it was so easy to single one of them out.” Franky smirked and Meg growled.
“I knew it was you who did that.”
“Hey,” Franky shrugged. “You came after us property, I just returned the favor. Just be thankful that it was a minor and not your lead that got the brunt of my anger.” Franky said nonchantly.
“None of them should have been injured, you don’t care about your wards, you never protect them. What’s changed?” Meg asked and Franky glared before growling lightly.
“She isn’t my ward, she’s my family and you of all people should know not to fuck with my family.” Franky growled advancing on Meg, the ward backed up Untill she hit the wall beside the door, Franky crossed her arms, standing not even a meter form the older woman. “You play a dangerous game you stupid woman. You’re here, alone, on a new day and no one has made a strike yet.” Franky said before grabbing Megs throat and holding her against the wall. “What’s to stop me from striking at you now?”
“You won’t do it, your ward has made you soft, you couldn’t do it to Jacs and you won’t do it to me.” Meg said smugly and at the familiar dark looking in Franky’s eyes her smug demeanor faded.
“And that’s where your wrong. You wanna know why I didn’t do Jacs in? Because the poor woman was already scared. Your fuckers attacked her, she is new here. You know the Gov doesn’t know anything about what goes on outside her office, she hires incompetent staff who think they are going to be running a high school dorm, She was probably traumatized. If I had gone through with it, she probably would have fainted at the sight of all Jacs blood, then I would have had to carry her back here. But you know what?” Franky asked and Meg shook her head, her whole body shaking in fear. “She can’t see your blood, and even if she could and fainted. I don’t have to carry her anywhere.” Franky finished with a smirk. “Now you are going to listen to me and listen good.”
She snarled and Meg nodded. “Answer me!” Franky yelled slapped her across the face. “I will listen to what you have to say.” Meg stuttered out.
“Good.” Franky spat before continuing, “You committed an act of grievous harm two days ago, I committed one yesterday. The code states that we get a five day cool down after such an act, you were not warranted to attack her yesterday and by all rights that gives me the right to attack you now, you break the code, I get one freebie.” Franky punched her in the stomach, before letting her go. Meg fell to her knees holding her stomach. “Now, You’re not going to come near any of us for the rest of the day, you are going to return to your dorm, tend to your fucking charges wounds and honor the fucking code. I don’t want to see hide or hair of your fucking charges for the next three days, and you. The ward pulls the strings, I’m not supposed to see you at all, you never get your hands bloody but approaching us today has started you as a new player in this physical game. Stay the fuck out of my way from now on cause if I see you again, I won’t hesitate to kill you, are we clear.” Franky threatened and Meg coughed, nodding. “Good, now get the fuck out!” Franky yelled and Meg stumbled up and ran from the dorm. Franky sighed before walking over and sinking into the lounge, Boomer turned to open Erica’s door and called out “It’s safe to come out now.” Before heading back to her room.
Erica glanced down at a still sleeping Kim before getting from the bed, she noticed the Nidye she was in and blushed, knowing how she got into it. She quickly threw on some clothes before heading out into the Common Room. Franky was sitting on the lounge with her head in her hands.
“Franky…” Erica tentatively called out and the younger grunted but didn’t look up.
“Are you ok?” Erica asked and Franky sighed before looking over at her, Erica was surprised to see her eyes were bloodshot like she had been crying.
“I’m just so sick of this shit.” Franky whispered and Erica sat down beside her, looking at her with concern. “Living on the street would be better, hell it would probably be safer then living here, but I can’t leave Kim and Boomer, and they wouldn’t last five minutes on the street and none of us have homes any more, not that we really even had any to begin with…” Franky spoke and Erica nodded.
“Listen, I have somewhere I need to go today, off campus so you need not worry. I will be back later on, you should go get some rest with Kim.” Erica nudged Franky’s shoulder lightly and the younger smiled alittle.
“Alright, just be safe and come back.” Franky whispered, she brushed Erica’s cheek with her hand before leaning in and lightly kissing her on the lips. Erica was shocked and froze, when Franky pulled away Erica snapped out of it and was upset by the saddened look in Franky’s eyes. Franky nodded slightly before running into Erica’s room and lightly closing the door. Erica sighed, staring longingly at her bedroom door before she left the dorm and headed out of the building towards the carpark where her car waited.
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She sighed as she started up the car and drove off down the road. As she drove she thought about everything that had happened the past two days. She used to work as a peerworker at a juvenile detention center 4 years ago until she was stabbed during a small riot and sent to hospital. The doctors had explained to her that the damage to her lower abdomen was severe and she had lost the child she was carrying of 2 months and had to have a Hysterectomy. When she had gotten released she became depressed her partner, who she was engaged to took her back to their shared apartment. Upon hearing the news about the loss of their child and the chance of having another Mark left her and with just her living in the apartment with no income because she was still recovering and not able to work, she was forced to give up her apartment and move back in with her parents. It took two months for her to recover fully from the surgery and another two before she was able to return to work, but she turned down the offer to return and was allowed to leave the detention center on a good note. She got a small job working at a local flower store and was saving money her whole stay at her parents. Last week she had been contacted by Vira who had got a recommendation from her old boss and was offered the job of Dorm ward for some troubled teens. She had jumped at the opportunity to get back into the field again and had accepted the job right away. She shook away her musing as she turned into the driveway of the familiar house of her parents. She exited the car and knocked on the door, which flung open and she was pulled into a hug from her mother.
“Erica, It’s good to see you.” She said Erica smiled pulling back and entering the house.
“Mother, its only been 2 days.” She laughed and her mother joined in, she shut the door and the both of them sat down in the loungeroom.
“What brings you here my girl?” Victoria Davidson asked and Erica looked down at her hands.
“I need you to use the money I have saved up to find a house. At least two rooms, more if you can.” Erica explained and her mother nodded before looking at her quizzically.
“May I ask why? Don’t you live in a dorm with your charges?” She asked and Erica nodded.
“Yes, but I want to take them out of there. The girls can benefit more from a stable home and a loving environment, They cant get that and I can’t give it to them there.” Erica said and her mother went to protest when she stopped her. “I have thought this through. I know it may seem like a rash decision but I believe I’m doing the right thing. You said you would support me no matter what. Please support this.” Erica almost begged and her mother reluctantly nodded.
“Alright dear, I will do my best.” Her mother nodded and Erica smiled gratefully.
“Thankyou mother, I have other things to arrange for this, so I need to leave but Thank you again.” Erica pulled her mother into another hug before she was walked to the door and headed back to her car and headed off to her next destination.
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Erica got back to the dorm late and when she entered the common room was dark. She crossed the common room and peaked into Boomer and Kim’s rooms, both teens were fast asleep, when she looked into Franky’s room, the younger wasn’t there. Figuring she must have ducked into the bathroom, Erica headed to her room surprised to see the door shut. She softly opened it and smiled at the sight that met her. The lamp on her bed side table was on and Franky was laying on her bed, fast asleep, the book she had been reading resting on her chest. Erica pulled the book from Franky’s loose grip, turned off the lamp and got under the sheet by Franky’s side. She lay her head on the pillow and watched Franky, entranced by the rested rise and fall of the youngers chest, Erica reached out her arm and laid it across Franky’s stomach lightly, when she got no reaction from the sleeping teen she allowed her arm to rest fully and shifted so her head rested against Franky’s shoulder. She sighed before relaxing completely and allowing sleep to come. Franky who had been resting her eyes while waiting for Erica to return smiled, she shifted slightly to get Erica into a more comfortable position against her, before grabbing the hand across her waist and followed the elder into sleep.
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Erica moaned lightly at the feel of lips on her own and her eyes fluttered open when the lips pulled away. Franky was straddling her waist looking down at her with uncertainly. Erica smiled up at her, she lightly brushed Franky’s cheek with her fingers before pulling the younger down into a proper kiss. Franky smiled into the kiss and licked at Erica’s lips asking for entrance which the elder granted, Franky slipped her tongue inside of Erica’s mouth and explored the wet cavern before rubbing against Erica’s tongue pulling a moan from her. When Franky pulled back the look of uncertainty was back and Erica just gave her a warm smile.
“Erica, I…” Franky went to say something but was stopped by a finger on her lips.
“It’s ok Franky, I know how you feel and I… Want this.” Erica whispered and she rested her palm on the side of Franky’s neck, her thumb brushing lightly across the skin. Franky studied her for a minute before nodding. She leaned down and kissed lightly at Erica’s neck before trailing down and kissing along her collarbone, pulling her shirt collar down so she had more room, her other hand snaked up under Erica’s shirt and lightly brushed against she cool skin of her stomach. Erica moaned, burring her right hand in Franky’s hand, her other hand gripping onto the sheets. When Franky pulled away from Erica’s collar, she grabbed the hem of Erica’s shirt and pulled it over her head tossing it to the floor, her own joining soon after. She then began kissing down the pale skin of Erica’s chest, bypassing her breasts and kissing, nipping and licking at the skin of her stomach. She rose a hand to fondle left breast, lightly pinching at her nipple and squeezing the flesh gently, Franky’s lips found their way back up Erica’s body and to her right breast, she nuzzled into the skin before taking the nipple into her mouth and started sucking, drawing another moan form Erica. She bit down on the nipple causing the elder to yelp slightly before she licked the bite in a soothing manner. She then shifted and paid the same attention to Erica’s other breast, her hand switching to fondle, pinch and squeeze at the breast she just left. When she was finished she trailed back down Erica’s stomach and dipped her tongue into Erica’s belly button a few times before trailing further, lightly brushing over the long horizontal scar just above Erica’s pants, which prevented her from going any lower. She looked up at Erica who had her head resting in the pillows, eyes shut and shallow breathing and smiled. She tugged Erica’s pants leaving off, her underwear and tossed them to join her shirt on the ground before nuzzling lightly into her hip. She noted that Erica was biting her lip and her hands had buried deeper into the sheets and she smiled. She quickly discarded her pants and underwear, before kissing up Erica’s thighs and nuzzling the soft flesh. She pulled away and smiled down at Erica’s blue eyes before pulling her into a deep kiss. Her left hand trailed down Erica’s chest and stomach and stopped once she brushed against the material of Erica’s underwear. She shifted her hand further down and stroked her ring finger along the cloth covering Erica’s privates. The elder moaned into the kiss at the action and Franky smirked using alittle more pressure and Erica’s moan deepened. Franky pulled her hand away and pulled slightly away from Erica, licking her on the lips before fully pulling away.
“Are you alright?” She whispered and Erica nodded with a smile.
Franky smirked before shifting back and pulling Erica’s underwear from her hips, tossing them to join the rest of the discarded cloths on the floor. She lightly rubbed her hand down Erica’s entrance and smiled at how wet she already was.
“You really do want this don’t you.” Franky chuckled as she rubbed Erica’s clit lightly, Erica’s response was a muffled moan and Franky smiled, Erica was biting her hand to prevent making too much noise. Franky smirked before leaning down and licking at Erica’s clit, making Erica moan again. She began licking and sucking whilst stroking Erica’s thighs, the elder started writhing in pleasure and Franky smiled continuing her work. When she could tell that Erica was nearing the edge, she slowed her pace and lightly stroked Erica’s opening to wet her finger before lightly pushing her finger inside. She immediately pulled back when Erica yelped in pain and looked up at her with concern. She shifted so she was straddling Erica’s waist again and lightly stroked her sides.
“Sorry, are you ok?” Franky asked not sure what she had done wrong and Erica nodded slightly before smiling softly up at her.
“It’s… Just been a while.” Erica said and Franky looked confused.
“How long?” Franky prompted and Erica looked off to the side, embarrassed.
“Four years…” She mumbled and she expected Franky to laugh at her but the teen only looked concerned.
“Why?” She asked and Erica looked up at her confused. “Why has it been so long, your beautiful. How could you not have captured anyone’s attention in so long?” Franky worded and Erica sighed.
“I was afraid.” Erica admitted and at Franky’s look of concern, she continued. “I used to be engaged to a man…” Erica started and looked at Franky for a reaction but Franky just smiled reassuringly for her to continue. “I wasn’t in love with him, but we were content to be together… Five years ago I had a job as a peer worker at a juvenile detention center. I was working with two of my charges when a riot broke out, I was stabbed in the lower stomach, I had lost consciousness and was taken to hospital. When I awoke my doctor informed me that I had lost the child I was carrying…” Erica released a small sob and Franky moved to wipe away the tears flowing down her cheeks. “I didn’t even know I was pregnant.” Franky heard her whisper and she shifted off of Erica and pulled the elder woman to rest against her naked chest, she lightly stroked Erica’s blonde locks as she continued. “They also informed me that due to the extent of my Injuries they had to perform a Hysterectomy. I was in hospital for about four days and when I was released, Mark came to pick me up and took me back to our apartment. After telling him what happened and what I was told I fell asleep and when I woke up, he was gone. Both the ring and a note were on the kitchen table and his stuff was gone.” Erica recounted and Franky squeezed her hand in comfort, angered by the cowards actions. “In my state of health, I couldn’t live by myself… It was painful for me to do almost everything so I had to move back in with my mother. It took two months for me to return to full health, I didn’t start dating again until almost seven months later and when we finally slept together it was excruciating, but he didn’t stop and when he was finished I told him to leave. I haven’t been with anyone since.” Erica looked to Franky’s face to see her reaction and she was pulled into a soft kiss.
“I’m sorry that happened to you. I knew a friend who had the same Surgery, the doctor said that afterwards the first couple times you have sex would be alittle painful, but the pain would fade… He should have been more gentle with your or stopped completely. He had no right to force that on you.” Franky said softly and Erica nodded.
“I’ve just been too scared to try again.” Erica whispered and Franky smiled.
“I won’t do anything If you don’t want me to, but I promise you, I will be gentle and make it as painless as possible.” Franky promised, lightly resting her hand on Erica’s cheek in a comforting manner.
“I know you will, I trust you.” Erica responded and took hold of Franky’s hand, she licked at the thin appendages before she moved both their hands downward and released Franky’s when her wet fingers brushed Erica’s opening again.
“Are you sure? We can try again another time.” Franky assured and Erica nodded.
“I want you now.” She whispered and pulled Franky’s down for a kiss. Franky responded whole heartedly and tentatively shifted her fingers across Erica’s opening before slowly slipping one inside. Erica’s bit down on Franky’s lip and her body braced with pain, Franky’s free hand lightly rubbed the skin of Erica’s throat to help calm her and she kept her hand still allowing Erica to adjust. When she felt Erica’s body relax and her lip be released, she gently started to move, thrusting lightly. She moved her lips down Erica’s neck, ignoring the blood she could feel seeping into her mouth form her lip and started to suck on the juncture between neck and collar bone, to distract Erica from the second finger entering her. Erica yelped in pain and Franky left her neck to again return to her lips, Franky bit Erica’s lip before coaxing Erica’s tongue into her mouth and sucking on it. Franky waited a moment before giving a slow shallow thrust and at Erica’s moan she knew she was ok to proceed. Shifting so their naked bodies lay flush against eachother, Franky began to rock against Erica, thrusting slowly, not wanting to cause Erica any pain. Her fingers jolted deeper into Erica when the elder grabbed her cheeks in both hands and grinded up against her.
“Please, more.” Erica moaned out and Franky smiled before picking up speed and thrusting deeper and harder. Moving from Erica’s lips and back to her neck where she bit down before soothing it with her tongue and sucking on the skin. When she felt Erica’s body start to tense she quickened her pace and kissed her deeply to muffle her moan as she came. She continued to shallowly thrust as Erica rode out her climax and lightly kissed her one more time before shifting off her any lying down beside her with a sigh. Erica shifted till she was resting against Franky’s side and lay her head on the youngers shoulder.
“Thankyou Franky.” She whispered, nuzzling into Franky’s neck with a sigh.
“I love you…” Franky whispered back and she smiled when she noticed Erica had fallen back asleep. Franky looked over at the clock on the bedside table and the solid red letters read 4:00am. She lightly kissed Erica on the head and whispered “Good night.” Before pulling the sheet up over them and burying deeper into the mattress, waiting for sleep to come.
Erica stirred at the sound of giggling and rubbed her eyes before opening them and looking around. Franky was sprawled out beside her snoring and Kim and Boomer were standing in the doorway laughing.
“Good morning.” Kim greeted and glanced to Franky.
“You may as well get out of bed now, Franky will be there for a while.” Boomer chuckled and Erica nodded. She went to move when she remembered earlier ons events and she clutched the sheet to her with a blush.
“We’ll see you out here.” Kim said before shooing Boomer back into the Common room and shutting the door behind her. Erica smiled before looking down at Franky, she gently shook her shoulder.
“Franky come on, you gotta get up and have something to eat.” Erica called to her and she couldn’t help but chuckle at the adorable face Franky pulled as she tried to swat away Erica’s hand.
“Sleep now, eat later.” She mumbled, turned over and huffed before she started snoring again.
Erica laughed lightly before slipping from the bed and dressing for the day. She then looked back at Franky one more time before leaving the room. She smiled when she saw Boomer and Kim sitting at the table eating and talking. She walked over and sat down at the third setting and smiled at the toast and coffee.
“Sorry, we’re not really known for our cooking skills.” Kim apologized and Erica chuckled.
“This is more than fine.” She smiled to the both of them before taking a sip of the fresh coffee. “So what did you three do yesterday while I was out?” Erica inquired and Boomer smiled.
“We kicked ass.” She stated proudly and Erica looked at her confused.
“Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow are cooldown days, we don’t have to worry about the girls from dorm five for a couple days.” Kim said happily and Erica nodded.
“And Franky?” She asked and Boomer smirked at the mention of the naked teen in Erica’s bed before she frowned slightly.
“She said she was still in alittle pain from the ‘incident’ at the Gym, she just wanted to rest. When we came back, she was asleep on your bed.” Boomer explained and Erica suddenly remembering what had happened looked concerned. Seeing the look in Erica’s eyes.
“She will be fine, I think she needed ‘that’ to help.” Boomer assured and Erica nodded, looking down at the table.
“So…” Kim prodded her in the arm. “What happened? You two looked pretty cozy in there.” Kim winked and Boomer laughed.
Erica blushed at the implication and took a sip of her coffee.
“When I got back, I went to bed and Franky was asleep in there so took the other side…” Erica said and Boomer nudged her.
“Come on, we know that’s not all.” Boomer prompted and Erica sighed.
“We woke up earlier on, talked alittle about myself then… we had alittle fun.” Erica admitted.
“Ha!” Kim yelped out and looked at Boomer with a triumphant look, she held out her hand and Boomer sighed before fishing afew coins from her pocket and passing them to Kim, Kim counted them and seemed happy with the amount so she pocketed them.
“What?” Erica asked confused and Boomer glared at Kim playfully.
“We had a bet.” She shrugged and Kim giggled.
“Boomer didn’t think that Franky was THAT into you. She certainly lost.” Erica chuckled and the three of them glanced to Erica’s door when they heard Franky.
“Don’t you two have anything better to do then make stupid bets?” She grumbled as she dragged her hand through her hair and steadily walked into the kitchen.
“Booms, what time is it?” She asked as she got a glass of water from the sink.
“It’s about three, you two slept most of the day.” Boomer explained and Franky’s eyes shifted from Boomer to Erica.
“How long you been awake?” She asked softly and Erica smiled.
“About 10 minutes.” Erica responded and Franky nodded before putting the cup down in the sink and letting out a deep sigh.
“Well we got two more days of freedom, what do you guys wanna do?” Franky asked leaning against the bench with a huge grin.
“Franky apart from the Gym or Basketball there isn’t anything to do here, and your still sore from your last trip to the gym so both aren’t options.” Kim explained and Erica spoke up.
“Actually, I was wondering if you two wanted to go off campus for the day? I’ve got some money saved up and I want to get you three some new things.” Erica explained and she smiled at the lights shining in Boomer and Kim’s eyes at the thought of getting off campus for the day. Both nodded eagerly and Erica looked to Franky who just shrugged.
“Sure why not.” She replied nonchalantly but Erica could tell she was excited about leaving aswell.
“Well when you’re ready, we will head out.”
“Well I’m ready.” Kim said brightly and Boomer nodded.
“Me too.”
“I’m as ready as I will ever be for… ‘Shopping’” Franky said like it’s the worst thing that could ever happen to her.
“Then let’s go.” Erica said, standing and heading from the room, her three chargers behind her. She led them out to the car and unlocked it. Boomer and Kim hopped in the back and Franky in the front passenger. Erica was about to get in when she was stopped by Vira.
“Erica.” She called out and Erica turned to see her getting out of her own car. Erica glanced back at her wards before crossing the space to talk to Vira.
“I put your request in this morning and will have an answer by tomorrow. Are you sure this is what you want?” Vira asked and Erica nodded. “I know what happened to you and how much you’ve wanted your own to look after, but they are young adults, and not to mention delinquents.”
“I know well what they are, their three, lost, scared people who haven’t been given a chance at life. That’s what I want to give them.” Erica responded glancing back at the teens in the car who were watching them talk.
“Then I support you fully. Erica this hasn’t happened before…” Vira said referring to her taking the teens to live off campus, she lay her hand on Erica’s shoulder and the blonde could have sworn she heard Franky growl. “But I commend what you are doing and will do what I can to make sure this goes through for you. My father started up Wentworth and I have taken over now that he has passed away, so there shouldn’t be a problem. And just so we are clear, you are still working for us. Just instead of living in a dorm, you will live off campus, so you will be paid your regular salary and alittle extra for your trouble.” Vira winked and Erica chuckled.
“Yes they will be a handful but I believe I am giving them the best chance that I can. In the past few days, I have grown attached to them, they are my family now and I will support them for as long as I can.” Erica explained and Vira nodded.
“If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. You’re a good person Erica and I know you will do these girls well.” Vira patted her cheek before looking over her shoulder and the teens, she smiled at the glare Franky was giving her. “You better get back to them. Have a good day, and I’ll tell you what’s happening tomorrow.” Vira called out as she walked away and Erica called a “Thank you.” Back and turned and headed to the car. She got in the driver’s seat and started the car before leaving the grounds.
“Sorry about that, she just wanted to discuss how my time here has been so far.” Erica said knowing they were curious about the talk and Franky chuckled.
“Must have been soommee report.” She drawled and Erica laughed.
“Actually it’s been pretty dull, well that’s what Vira now thinks.” She said and the three teens laughed.
“So where are we going?” Kim asked and Erica looked at her in the rearview mirror before focusing back on the road.
“Well my car is pretty small, cause that bastard took my baby when he left.” She muttered the last part before, turning a corner and saying. “So we are going to my mother’s house to borrow her car.”
They all made agreeable noises when Boomer spoke up in a semi-serious voice.
“Is she nice to you?” Boomer asked and Erica nodded.
“She has always been there for me, shes all I have.” Erica responded in a low, saddened voice and Kim looked at her concerned.
“Where is your father?” She asked and Erica eyes clouded with unshed tears, she quickly wiped them away before focusing on the road again.
“He died when I was young, I never really knew him.” She whispered, Franky rested her hand on Erica’s knee in a comforting gesture and Erica heard a faint “Sorry” from the back seat before the car fell silent.
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“We are here.” Erica told the three as she turned into her mothers driveway and stopped the car.
She got out closely followed by the three delinquents who were appraising the outside of the house. Erica opened the door and walked in. “Mother are you here?” Erica called out looking around the loungeroom.
“Erica, is that you?” A female voice called out and a huge smile crossed Erica’s face.
A bonde streaked Brunette tackled Erica into a hug and Erica laughed.
“Annabelle, where’s my sister.” Erica asked and studied Franky over Erica’s shoulder.
“She’s in the kitchen… Who is this Erica?” Annabelle asked as she pulled away.
“Annabelle.” An older female voice scolded as another blonde came from the kitchen with a tea towel in hand.
“What Simone, I just wanna know.” She whined back and Simone laughed before pulling Erica into a hug aswell. “It’s good to see you sis.” She said and Erica whispered back. “You too.” When Simone pulled away she held out her hand for Franky to take.
“I’m Simone, Erica’s older sister and this is Annabelle, my partner.” She introduced, Franky looked at the hand distrustfully for a moment before tentatively taking it.
“I’m Franky, one of Erica’s charges…” She said unsure and her gaze went to Erica who was smiling reassuringly.
“Franky, why don’t you go drag Boomer and Kim in and get settled in the loungeroom. We’ll go shopping soon.” Erica said and Franky nodded clearly thankful to get away from the strangers.
Simone and Annabelle followed Erica into the kitchen and the watched as she leaned against the counter looking at them.
“Franky is one of my Charges from Wentworth, along with Boomer and Kim who you will meet in a moment. Mother is helping me secure a home so I can get them out of Wentworth and Into a proper stable life.” Erica explained and Simone nodded before heading over to the table and rummaging through the bag there.
“That’s actually why we are here, As you know recently Annabelle and I have been living at the beach house her father had left her. We have no use for our old house and it’s just sitting there being un-used. It’s about a 5 minute drive in town from the beach house and is in excellent condition.” Simone explained and she pulled out a packet of documents.
“We want you to have it, for you and the girls. I know how much this means to you Erica, and I know we haven’t really been here for you the past few years, but we want to help you. You probably don’t fancy living next to your sister but It’s gotta be better than living with your mum aye?” Annabelle laughed.
“Thank you, both of you.” Erica smiled gratefully and they both smiled back.
“So, are you and Franky a couple?” Annabelle asked and Erica looked startled before nodding her head.
“I believe so.” She answered and Simone laughed.
“You really do take after me don’t you?” She asked and Erica smiled.
“Not really, Franky started this… Wait, I guess I do take after you then, It just didn’t take me as long to give in” Erica joked and Annabelle laughed.
“Whatever.” Simone grouched and then chuckled. “It’s not my fault I had to secure another job, I had to quit teaching to be with her. And I don’t regret a second of it.” Simone pulled Annabelle into a kiss making the younger giggle.
“Come on you two.” Erica shook her head fondly before heading from the kitchen and into the living room. She smiled at the lost look in the three teens eyes. “Boomer, Kim I’d like you to meet my sister and her partner.” She introduced and said teens stood up, looking at the two new people with curiosity.
“Simone, Annabelle these are my other two charges.” Annabelle reached out and shook both their hands with an excited gleam in her eyes.
“Extended family is the best, finally people my own age to hang around with.” Annabelle joked, lightly elbowing Simone in the side.
“We’re not that old.” Erica commented off-handedly and Franky looked up interested.
“Come to think of it, how old are you?” She asked and Erica blushed lightly.
“I’m 29, Simone is 31 and Annabelle is 22.” Erica answered and Franky smirked.
“Shes right, you are pretty old right Kim.” Franky taunted nudging Kim and the youngest laughed.
“How old are you three?” Annabelle asked and Kim smiled.
“I’m 19, Franky’s 21 and Boomer is 23.” Kim explained gesturing to each of them and Simone looked shocked.
“Your 21, you look younger than that.” She said glancing to Erica who shrugged.
“I could say the same about Annabelle. You look no older than 18.” Franky laughed and Annabelle struck a pose.
“Runs in the family.” She winked and they both laughed.
Annabelle sat down with the three of them and they four talked amongst themselves. Erica and Simone sat down on the lounge opposite them.
“Are you sure they are delinquents?” Simone asked and Erica nodded.
“This isn’t how they usually are, they are more relaxed, less tensed for a fight at every corner. This is the environment I want them to live in, that’s why I’m doing this.” Erica explained and Simone nodded.
“I don’t know how they usually are but they seem very happy.” Simone commented and both looked over when Franky pulled Annabelle into a head lock ruffling up her hair.
“You little vixen.” She cried in an appraising voice and they all laughed.
“By the way, where is mother?” Erica asked looking back at Simone.
“She said she wanted to touch up the house for you, you know. Clean it top to bottom, stock the fridge and cupboards. She’s also going furniture shopping. The two small rooms have double beds in them and the master room has a queen sized bed. Other then that all other furniture needed to be gotten. Don’t worry, mother actually has good taste when It comes to dressing a house.” Simone laughed, patting the arm of the couch they were sitting on.
"Both small bedrooms have small washrooms with a shower/in built bath, toilet and sink and the master bathroom has a separate shower and bath aswell as a toilet and a sink. It also has a decent sized back yard of which a large portion is cemented, which Annabelle painted lines and set up Basketball hoops on. So it basically has a basketball court in the backyard.” Simone laughed and Erica smiled.
“The girls would love that.” She looked over at them and then back at Simone. “I was going to take the girls shopping for some new cloths and other stuff they might need. I was going to borrow Mothers car but she’s not here.” Erica trailed off and Simone grinned widely.
“Speaking of cars I’ve got a surprise for you. Come.” Simone dragged Erica from the room and out into the garage. Annabelle saw them and hopped to her feet.
“I so gotta see this.” She stated starting to leave.
“See what?” Franky asked and Annabelle smiled.
“Her reaction, come on.” Annabelle led them towards the garage and the three teens hurried along when they heard a squeal of delight.
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“Ohh my god! Simone, how did you get her back?” Erica shouted jumping on the spot before looking over the car with a fond touch. Annabelle stepped into the garage with Franky beside her, Kim and Boomer looking over their shoulders. Erica had covered the length of the car before she opened the door and got in the driver’s seat.
“The bastard tried to sell her in an open auction. I sent a friend in my place and shuck it out from under him. The bastard will live comfortably with the money I gave him but she’s back where she belongs now. Simone said with a hand on the passenger window seal.
“Fuck.” Erica cursed rubbing the tears from her eyes, she then fondly rubbed her hands on the steering wheel.
“Father left this car to you Erica, that bastard had no right to take it.” Simone said softly and Erica released a small sob, Simone got into the passenger seat and pulled Erica into a comforting hug. Franky, Boomer and Kim moved towards the car, Boomer and Kim circled it while Franky softly brushed across the hood and was startled by Annabelle who was standing beside her. “She told me her father passed away when she was still very young, this car must be at least 20 years old.” She said and Annabelle nodded. “Then how?”
“This car is Erica’s most prized possession, it has never been crashed, scratched or mistreated in anyway. When Marik left her after her accident, he took the car with him. Not only had Erica lost her child, the prospect of having children and her partner but she also lost the only thing she has left of her father… I came across it one day and that bastard was with a younger tramp. When I found out he was going to sell it at an auction, I told Simone. And we got it back.” Annabelle explained and Franky nodded, she knelt down and brushed her fingers across the number plate.
“FYMDE6?” Franky questioned and Annabelle smiled fondly.
“For you, my darling Erica. She was 6 when he passed away.” Franky nodded sadly and both stood up when they heard Simone.
“You girls ready to go shopping? If so then get in.” Both Boomer and Kim got in the back seat and Annabelle tugged Franky towards the house.
“Help me lock up.” She said and Franky nodded.
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After checking all the windows and locking the back door then exited the front and Annabelle locked it behind her. The car was waiting for them on the side of the road so Annabelle ran over and used the metal bar to jolt herself into the back trailer.
“Come on Franky.” She called out and Franky nodded, joining her in the trailer and held on to the car as Erica started off.
“Isn’t this illegal?” Franky asked and Annabelle nodded before standing spread eagle and breathing in the wind.
“Being the daughter of a senator has some perks.” She laughed and Franky nodded.
Annabelle moved to stand beside Franky, leaning her arms on the cars roof.
“Franky, you gotta tell me, do you care for Erica?” Annabelle asked and Franky looked at her confused.
“Of cause I do.” She responded and Annabelle nodded.
“No, I meant in a… Romantic kinda way? Sure you’ve slept together and kissed and what-not but how do you actually feel about her?” Franky looked down at her hands and bit her lip.
“Why are you asking me this?” She asked in a shallow voice and Annabelle looked at her with worry.
“She’s wounded, has been for a long time now. I don’t wanna see her get hurt, she loves you and if you’re not serious about being with her… I don’t know if she could build back from that…” Annabelle sighed and lifted Franky’s chin with a soft finger, forcing the younger to look her in the eyes. “If you’re not in this 100 percent, you gotta tell her now. She told me before she met you that the next person she allows herself to grow close to will be the last… After you, there’s no one else.” Annabelle’s eyes seemed to follow something behind Franky before returning to her. “If you’re just going to tear away from her a year down the track and leave her alone, please just end it now.” Annabelle released Franky’s chin. “Think about that.” She finished before vaulting herself out of the trailer and landing on the footstep of the car, one hand on the doors open window, the other still holding the pole.
“Simone, everyone is meeting up with Bae and Hook, Red is here to grab me. We will be heading into town so we will meet you there.” Annabelle explained before leaning in the window and kissing Simone on the lips.
“Be safe.” Simone responded before Annabelle jumped from the car, landing lightly on the wolfs back. Red howled goodbye before sprinting off of the road and out of site.
Franky sighed as she watched the elder teen go before carefully climbing out of the trailer and into the back seat, Kim shuffled closer to Boomer to allow their third room and both teens went to ask Franky what was going on when she silenced them and looked out the window. Erica could see Franky’s expression through the rearview mirror and frowned, whatever Annabelle had said to Franky had upset her.
Kim and Boomer kept quiet for the ride, respecting Franky’s wishes as Erica and Simone talked quietly in the front seat.
When Erica pulled into the carpark and stopped she looked down at the wheel and sighed.
“Erica?” Simone questioned and the younger sister shook her head before climbing from the car and waiting for her charges and sister to get out of the car. They all then went into the shopping center and the three teens stopped looking back at Erica.
“So, what are we here for?” Boomer asked when she noticed that Franky was still watching the ground, not saying anything.
“I guess… We can start with shoes?” Simone asked looking at Erica questioningly and the ward nodded.
“Just grab anything you like.” She said softly and smiled when Boomer and Kim’s faces lit up and the jumped around in excitement, but she frowned when they stopped and looked over at Franky.
“Booms, look after Kim…” Franky said before she walked off with the four others looking after her.
“is she alright?” Simone asked looking over at Erica who was staring after Franky with saddened eyes.
“I think Annabelle may have told her…” Erica responded sadly before looking over Kim and Boomer who were watching Franky leave with worry.
“Don’t worry, we will meet up with her later, you two just lead us to where you want to shop.” Erica said reassuringly and the two nodded sadly before walking off with the two elders following.
Franky sat down on the steps at the malls entrance staring down at her hands. She wasn’t sure how long it had been since she had walked away from the others but she needed to think about Annabelle’s words and couldn’t do so with Erica so close.
“How do I really feel about her?” She repeated softly and yelped when she was knocked to the ground. She pushed at the being above her and was surprised to find it covered in fur, she struggled when she felt a wet tongue lapping at her face and could faintly hear someone yelling “Red stop!” Franky sighed with relief when the heavy weight was lifted off her and gratefully took the hand that pulled her to her feet.
“Sorry Franky, she can smell me on you.” Annabelle apologized with a laugh as she dusted a confused Franky off.
Franky wiped her face with her hand before turning her eyes from Annabelle to the wolf and teen standing beside her new friend.
“Franky, this is Ruby and her wolf, Red. They are good friends of mine. “Annabelle explained and Ruby held out her hand for Franky to take.
“It’s nice to meet you Franky.” Ruby took Franky’s hand and shook it before looking over her shoulder. “Hurry up guys.” She called out and the three looked over as a male voice complained.
“Awe come on Ruby, you know we can’t all keep up with a wolf.” Balefire complained and Annabelle smirked over at him.
“Wolf or not, you can’t keep up with a couple of girls?” She taunted and Balefire flushed.
“She’s got you there Bae.” A deeper voice laughed and Baelfire glared over his shoulder at Killian. The man stopped by Baelfire’s side and looked over Franky with an appraising eye.
“And who are you love?” He asked making Franky raise an eyebrow at his flirtatious tone.
“She’s my friend and you’re both taken.” Annabelle defended and Killian rose his hand ins mock defense.
“Was just being friendly love, no need to get defensive, Bae’s my only one.” Killian said before wrapping his arms around Baelfire’s waist with a sly grin. Franky smiled at them, and turned her attention back to Ruby when she spoke.
“Where are the girls?” She asked and Killian looked behind himself with a confused look.
“They were right behind us before your wolfeh decided to take off.” He said and Ruby nodded before looking down at Red who was sitting between her and Annabelle, panting and wagging her tail.
“Red, fetch.” She said and Red barked before taking off. The group only had to wait three minutes before Red appeared carrying a blonde and a brunette on her back. When Red reached them, the blonde hopped down and looked behind her with a glare. The brunette stayed on Red’s back, looking at the blonde with a fond smile.
“That will teach her.” The blonde sniped and the brunette chuckled before the two looked over the group stopping on Franky for a second before both turned to Ruby.
“Emma, where is Regina?” She asked as she patted Red on the head before reaching out to take the brunette’s hand in her own.
“Finding out how painful it is to run in hills.” Emma said off-handedly and Annabelle laughed.
“I honestly don’t get how you two work, you seem to hate eachother.” She said and Emma smirked.
“That’s cause she’s a bitch, besides, Henry keeps the peace so it’s a free-for-all when we are out.” Emma laughed and Ruby just shook her head.
“Red, go fetch Regina.” She said and went to help the brunette down but she shook her head.
“I sprained my ankle, that’s why we were taking so long to catch you guys.” The brunette responded and Emma nodded.
“Ahh guys, she looks pretty pissed.” Franky commented as she looked at someone over Emma’s shoulder and the group turned around.
“Emma Swan!” The brunette yelled and Emma smirked.
“There’s my girl, What took you so long babe?” She asked and the Brunette stopped before her before tossing her hills into the bin off to their left.
“You bitch, you owe me a new pair of hills.” Regina yelled and she yelped when Emma pulled her into a hug.
“Sure I do.” Emma said sarcastically before wrapping her arm around Regina’s neck and turning her attention to Annabelle and Franky.
“So Anna, you going to introduce her or are we just going to keep wondering who she is?” Belle asked and Annabelle wrapped her arm around Franky’s waist before looking over her friends.
“Franky, these are my troublemakers. Emma and Regina.” She said gesturing to the blonde and brunette closest to Franky, she then gestured to the two males. “Baelfire and Killian, but we all just call Killian Hook.” Annabelle explained and Franky looked over the two with confusion.
“Why Hook?” She asked and Killian smiled before pulling his left hand from his pocket. Franky looked in awe at the silver hook attached to his wrist. “Woah, what happened?” She asked as she reached out and lightly ran her fingers over the cool metal.
“When we first met Red she was just a wild dog and she had attacked me, Killian protected me and got his hand bitten off in the process. Ruby managed to get Red under control and shes been a faithful companion ever since.” Baelfire said as he patted Red’s head, Red whined lightly before licking at Killian’s hook as if in apology. Franky nodded and Killian retracted his hook back into his pocket and patted Red with his hand.”
“And we are all grateful that she’s tame now, still don’t know how you did it Rubes.” Annabelle laughed before looking back at Franky
“You’ve met Ruby and are pretty acquainted with Red.” Annabelle said with a nudge and a smirk before gesturing to Belle who was still sitting on Red’s back. “And this is the lovely Belle.” Franky looked around the group before smiling brightly.
“It’s nice to meet you all, I’m Franky.” She said and got noises of approval from everyone.
“I promised Simone we would head in and see her, so let’s go.” Annabelle said excitedly before linking arms with Franky and pulling her towards the mall, the others following closely behind.
“So Anna, how did you and Franky meet?” Baelfire asked and Annabelle smiled over her shoulder at him.
“Erica.” Was all she said and Franky could feel the curious eyes on their backs as they walked. Annabelle looked over at Franky and smiled at how her nervousness and mistrustful nature were gone and smiled at the grin on the youngers face.
“So Anna, where are we meeting your teach?” Emma asked and Annabelle chuckled.
“She isn’t my teacher… Anymore…” Annabelle fought back halfheartedly before smiling as she pulled her now ringing phone from her pocket. “Speaking of my gorgeous fiancé.” She said as she answered. “Miss Tillman here.” She greeted before responding to the others words. “I’m sorry, I don’t know a Bradley.” She muffled a chuckle before making kissing noises into the phone. “Yeah, I found her out the front. She’s with me and the guys.” Annabelle responded as she made eye contact with Franky before looking across the mall, her eyes scanned the mall before she nodded. “Alright, we are on our way.” She then hung up her phone and stuffed it in her pocket. “She’s over at the food court.” She called back to her group before squeezing Franky’s arm closer to her body and looking at her with a soft smile. “Kim and Boomer are safe.” She whispered and Franky nodded with a grateful smile.
“What do you girls want to drink, we will worry about food when the others get here.” Simone asked and Kim and Boomer glanced at eachother nervously before turning their attention to Erica who gave them a reassuring smile.
“Anything would fine.” Kim whispered and Simone nodded.
“Erica, come with?” She asked and Erica nodded, she lightly rested her hand on Kim’s shoulder before following Simone up to the counter.
“Whats wrong with Franky?” Kim asked in a hushed voice and Boomer shook her head.
“I don’t know, She was fine when we got in the truck but… Maybe it was something Annabelle said?” Boomer asked and Kim nodded.
“Maybe…” Kim went to say something but stopped when Erica and Simone sat back down at the table and handed them their drinks.
“What…” Erica started to say but stopped when a cry sounded from outside the coffee shop.
“Red Stop!” Belle shouted as she clung to Red’s furry neck.
“Red!” Ruby cried out but it fell on deaf ears. Simone looked up just in time to be tackled to the ground, the wood of the chair she was sitting in dug into her back as Red licked at her face, tail wagging furiously.
“You stupid dog, get off me.” Simone laughed and Red sat down, paws on either side of Simone’s arms, pinning her to the ground.
Kim and Boomer hand backed up and Erica smiled softly down at the three on the floor.
“It’s ok Girls, Red and Belle are friends.” She reassured and Boomer and Kim nodded slightly, still eyeing the wolf and brunette.
“Sorry if she scared you.” Belle said as she released her grip on Red’s neck and lightly grasped her nape, patting her between the ears. “She’s completely harmless.”
“Red, come here.” Ruby growled and Red jumped off of Simone and excitedly ran over to Ruby, Annabelle and Franky. She yipped lightly and Annabelle laughed as she saw Erica helping Simone to her feet.
“Sorry Simone, you know she loves you.” Ruby called out as she brushed past Red and pulled a now upright Simone into a hug. “It’s good to see you sis.” She said and Simone nodded.
“Alright everyone, take a seat.” Erica said as she returned to the table and sat down. Boomer and Kim were looking over the new arrivals cautiously, waiting for Franky to make a move from her spot, still arm linked to Annabelle. Franky tugged Annabelle over to the table and seated her down beside Simone, Boomer and Kim sat beside Annabelle and Franky took their other side beside Erica. The others sat down in the remaining seats, Red sitting down by Ruby’s side, Belle still perched on her back, hugging her neck and smiling. A waiter was at the table right away, she gave a disapproving look to Red before taking the groups orders. When she walked away Simone spoke up. “So, you’ve all met Franky.” She said gesturing to Franky before motioning towards Kim and Boomer. “These two are Franky’s sisters. Boomer and Kim.”
“It’s great to meet you two. I’m Ruby, Annabelle’s sister, this is my girl, Belle and my companion, Red.” She said gesturing to them. “That’s Baelfire, Belle’s brother and his partner, Killian and over there is Emma, Killian’s sister and her partner Regina.” Ruby finished and Franky smiled reassuringly at Boomer and Kim who relaxed slightly. The group ate, making small talk and everyone getting to know Franky, Kim and Boomer better. By the time lunch was over and everyone needed to head off, the girls were smiling and laughing like Erica had never seen before and she couldn’t help but feel happy that she was helping them get better.
“We’ve gotta get going.” Baelfire said getting up from his chair and nudging Killian. “Killian’s appointment is in a couple hours.” He said in a triumphant voice, holding up Killian’s hook.
“I hope everything goes well.” Belle said and Killian smiled.
“It will be weird without the hook and trying to use a fake hand, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.” He said and Emma laughed.
“We’ll come with, gotta go anyway.” She said as she pulled Regina to her feet. “It was nice meeting you three.” She said as she leant across past Erica to shake their hands in turn before she stood. Everyone said their goodbyes to the four and they left.
“Alright, well we need to finish shopping.” Erica started and Ruby smiled over at her.
“And I need to get Belle home and off this ankle of hers.” Ruby got up and hugged everyone at the table before patting her leg. “Come Red, time to go home.” She said and they all said their goodbyes before the three of them left.
“You three ready to finish shopping?” Simone asked, directing her statement at Franky, Boomer and Kim and she noticed the two look to Franky, waiting for her to respond first. Franky was just looking down at her hands, back in her silent mood, she glanced at Erica who was watching her with concern before she sighed and stood up.
“Let’s get this done.” She said, before getting up and heading out of the coffee shop, closely followed by Boomer and Kim. Annabelle looked over at Erica with saddened eyes before getting up to follow the three teens.
“I’m sure it’s nothing.” Simone said, as she reached over and squeezed Erica’s hand lightly before the two of them followed. They shopped in silence and when they were finished, they packed the trailer and piled into the HiLux, Erica driving, Boomer in the passenger seat, Annabelle and Simone in the back seat and Kim and Franky in the trailer. Erica sighed as she looked in the Rearview mirror and saw Franky looking off to the side as Kim talked to her. Boomer noticed where Erica’s gaze fell and smiled reassuringly when Erica glanced over at her.
“It’s going to be ok, just give her a minute.” Boomer said and Erica nodded before focusing back on the road. When they pulled into the driveway Erica parked on the grass and got out of the car.
She headed up to the front door with Annabelle and Simone right behind her. She noticed that Kim, Franky and Boomer were all standing by the HiLux waiting for her to come back.
“Just give me a minute girls, then we will get going.” Erica called out and what sounded like a low whine fell from her throat as Franky turned away from them to stare off down the street. Simone lay her hand on Erica’s lower back and lead her inside, Annabelle trailing close behind.
“What did you say to her?” Erica asked the moment the door had closed behind them, she turned to Annabelle with tear-filled eyes.
“Only what you told me.” Annabelle responded and the blonde shook her head.
“Annabelle, what exactly did you tell her?” Erica re-fraized and Annabelle looked down.
“I told her how you feel about her… What you told me about the next person you choose to be serious with... I asked her how she feels about you and told her not to play with your feelings…” Annabelle said carefully and Erica sighed.
“No wonder why she is acting this way.” Erica whispered as she sat down in the arm chair. “I don’t know how she feels about me. From what I have learned, she’s never had anyone care about her before, until she met Kim and Boomer at Wentworth. and the three of them are like sisters. My feelings for her and her feelings for me are confusing her. I think she wants this, but shes scared about what being with me will mean... I know she was abused as a child, I don’t know to what extent or by who but I caught that she was… Sexually assaulted aswell as physically abused… She started having a physical relationship with Kim to try and help her understand that all touch isn’t bad, painful… she was cold towards me, indifferent, a strong front she puts up for Kim and Boomer, but then she let me in, and I saw her for who she is, a scared child? I'm worried that she is only grasping at the first sign of love thrown her way. What if..." She was cut off by Simone pulling her into a tight hug. The elder then pulled back to look her in the eyes.
"Franky looks at you in a way I haven't seen since I first laid eyes on Annabelle, but I can also see the fear she holds. Shes afraid to get close to you, but she is pushing through that because her feelings are genuine and she wants to be with you. If her feelings sproutedd she from the kindness and love you've shown here then wouldn't she be fawning over Kim, or even Boomer?" Simone pointed out and Erica looked towards the floor with a soft sigh.
"She was so gentle with me, after what Channing did to me I was still so scared, but I wanted to be with her. It hurt and she stopped right away to ensure that I was ok, when I told her what had happened and what was wrong, she was so mad with both Mark and Channing, but under the anger I could still see the desire she had started with, she wrote off her own feelings in favour of just cuddling. I insisted that I was fine and after the initial pain, I've never felt anything like it. She is the only person that I have been with intimately that has considered my own feelings ahead of their own… The whole time was about me, my comfort, making me feel good." Erica explained and Annabelle glanced towards the door with sad eyes.
"She loves you Erica." The brunette said before looking Erica in the eyes. "From what I've seen of her, what you've told me and what she told me in the loungeroom before we went shopping. Franky has trust issues, apart from Kim and Boomer she lets no one in. And I mean No on." Annabelle emphasised before glancing back out the window at the three teens who still waited patiently by Erica's car. "Franky being vulnerable to you while you helped her had nothing to do with her trusting you, that was her will to be well enough to keep protecting Kim and Boomer, but when you went against your own belief, lied to Boomer for her sake, you proved that you are willing to protect them, put them first, just as Franky had asked of you. I think that Franky puts them first, above all else, including her own feelings, even her life. Her distrust of you in the beginning was overruled by her will to protect Kim and Boomer and in doing so she had to trust you, when you didn't betray the trust she had reluctantly given you, she saw that you only mean well." The younger explained and Erica nodded to show she was listening. "Kim and Boomer are Franky's family, they are her sisters, her daughters, her best friends. What ever she needs them to be. Yet she walked away from them today, who did she leave them with?" Annabelle asked looking at Erica with a level gaze.
"Simone and I" Erica responded with a confused look and Annabelle shook her head before poking Erica in the shoulder.
"Wrong, she left them with you."
"What are you trying to say with this?" Erica asked and Annabelle chuckled, shaking her head.
"Franky, someone who wouldn't trust the rock she was standing next to, in just three days has not only taken to a complete stranger, but she trusts you enough to leave her life in your hands, the life of her family in your hands." Annabelle said and Erica's soft expression hardened slightly with confusion. "She left them with you, alone. But your weren't alone were you? You were standing next to a damned near stranger to Franky, she had no clue what Simone might do to Kim and Boomer." She smiled slightly at the offended look that crossed Simone's face before continuing. "Yet knowing you trust Simone, was enough for her Franky to trust Simone aswell."
Annabelle stepped forward and took Erica's hands in her own.
"Erica, it's the same for me. Everything apart from the abuse as a child, is how I felt, how I still feel most of the time. I know what she is going through. If I hadn't had Ruby and Belle to support me, to give me the love and friendships never got from my family, I never would have let Simone in, they are a big part of who I am today, I just want you to promise me one thing Erica." Annabelle spoke in a strange voice and Erica looked at her confused.
"Of cause, anything." She said and Annabelle looked over her shoulder, back out the window.
"If for any reason they drift apart, allow it to be on Franky's terms. If she's angry and not thinking right, don't allow her to make any rash decisions regarding Kim and Boomer, because what ever she says they will do. Even if it's to leave and never come back... If Franky thinks for what ever reason that you would put her before Kim and Boomer she you will loose the trust she has given you regarding them, but if you side completely with them, it would wound her emotionally, either you back up both sides or back off completely. It's a tentative situation Erica, it won't always be this way, she will get better as time goes on." Annabelle said, gesturing to herself as the example. "But it will take time, don't completely act like your approaching a frightened rabbit, it will offend her but just be careful." Erica nodded to the youngers words.
"You've put some thought into this in the few hours you've known her." The elder stated and Annabelle nodded.
"I like her, the three of them and even if things don't work out, I would still like to help her. As you said, they are good people and deserve better. Now go, you've kept them waiting long enough." She said giving Erica a light shove in the doors direction.
"Alright I'll see you two soon."
"No..." Erica heard Franky whisper, she looked at the teen who was focused on something across campus.
"Franky, what's..." Erica started before she jumped when Franky shook her arm.
"Erica stop the car, right now." She said in a frantic voice and Erica hit the breaks, the car had barely stopped moving before Franky as out the passenger side door and sprinting across the carpark. Erica heard her cry 'Chloe' as she went. She quickly parked the car before getting out and ran in the direction Franky had taken off. She checked over her shoulder that turning Kim and Boomer were following. She could see Franky just ahead running over to a car parked out the front of the administrative building, Jackson was standing there, holding a phone to his ear with one hand and holding a struggling girl by the wrists with his other. Before Erica could even think to call out to Franky, the teen had punched Jackson across the jaw before shoving him to the ground and pulling the now released girl into her arms, the girl immediately tucked her face against Franky's collarbone, clutching her shirt with tightened fists, she was shaking slightly. Erica tentatively approached the three, dully noting that Kim and Boomer had stopped a few meters back. Franky didn't even seem to notice her presence, only raising her eyes to glare viciously at Jackson when he got to his feet.
"What the hell Franky." He exclaimed, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.
Both he and Erica looked to Franky startled when the teen growled, Erica could only compare the sound to anything but Red on a bad day.
"How dare you bring her here!" The teen shouted and when Jackson took a step towards her, her growl deepened to a snarl causing Jackson to retract his step. "Where did you find her, you answer me right now or so help me." She left the threat open and went to move towards him after a pause but the girl in her arms whimpered and nuzzled deeper into the collarbone.
Erica noticed Franky's eyes change instantly softening much like they do for Boomer and Kim as the elder looked at the redhead pressed against her.
"Shhh, it's ok. Boomer!" She called out and said teen quickly moved to Franky's side. "Get her to the dorm, and be cautious, Jacs will have a field day if she catches you three alone." Franky said and Boomer nodded. Franky lightly pulled the girl from her arms and nuzzled her cheek before brushing the tears from her eyes. "Go with Boomer and Kim. I promise I'm right behind you, ok." She whispered and the girl nodded before turning to Boomer who nodded to Franky before her and Kim quickly lead her to their dorm. Franky watched them go and when Jackson went to protest Franky moved quickly, her arm pressed against his neck pinning him against the car.
"Franky, don't." Erica went to step in and Franky glared over at her,
"Stay out of this Miss Davidson." She growled and Erica stepped back slightly, a wounded look in her eyes. Franky refocused her stare on the older man who looked confused.
"I won't ask you again. You tell me where you found her." Franky said deathly low and Jackson nodded.
"She was sleeping in an alleyway downtown." He responded and Franky slammed him against the car.
"That's impossible! I made sure she had somewhere to live, I gave her a home, a family. She was happy, how the hell did you find her on the street! Where's the other girl?"
"Other girl? She was alone." Jackson stuttered.
"It's just one lie after another with you screws isn't it? I'll find Beca on my own, but you stay the fuck away from Chloe, if the Gov catches wind that she was ever here, your going to wish you never found her." Franky growled again before releasing him and starting towards their dorm. She looked back over at Erica who had started towards Jackson.
"Are you coming or not?" She asked and Erica looked over at her, the question clear in her eyes. 'Him or me?'
Erica glanced at Jackson who was watching her with confusion on why she was hesitating to help him and he looked shocked when she turned to follow Franky. Franky smiled slightly before calling out.
"Remember Jackson, snitches get what's coming to them. "
The walk was silent and just as they were approaching the dorm Franky froze pushing Erica behind her.
"Franky your girls were rushing pretty quickly, Simo said they had a stranger for company. A hot one at that, what have they given up on you?" Franky had to repress a growl, she had to keep Meg's attention from Erica.
"How do you know I didn't want another lay?" Franky responded cockily. Erica was shocked by the youngers words and almost jumped when she was prodded by Franky's hand which she held behind her back, she was gesturing towards the dorm door and Erica brushed Franky's hand to show she understood.
"Come now Meg, I've got a governor to visit, walk me there. " Franky grinned and Meg laughed lightly before turning around,Franky brushed Erica's arm reassuringly before following the older woman.
Erica took the opportunity to quietly enter the dorm, sighing once the door closed behind her. Kim greeted her with a frown.
"Where's Franky?"
"Meg was waiting by the door, Franky distracted her so I could get in without her seeing me." Kim nodded before looking towards Franky's room. Boomer was sitting on the couch.
"Did she tell you anything about the redhead, she won't talk to us." Boomer asked and Erica shook her head.
"No but I'm sure her name is Chloe." Erica said before heading to Franky's room. "I'll see if she will talk to me."
The two nodded and Erica softly opened the door, slipping into the room and shutting the door behind her.
"Chloe?" She called out and the teen on the bed looked up, her startled eyes focusing on Erica's. She was shocked by the depth of their blue colour. "That's your name, Chloe?" Erica asked and the girl nodded. Erica noticed the young girls eyes flit to the door behind her and return with confusion. "Franky?" Erica questioned at at the girls nod Erica smiled softly.
"She will be back soon, she just had to talk to someone." Erica explained and the girl nodded.
Erica cautiously crossed the room and settled on the edge of the bed noticing the youngers nervous gaze following her every movement.
"Chloe, can you tell me how you know Franky?" She asked softly once she was settled and the girl had relaxed slightly.
The younger shook her head and Erica looked confused before offering a soft smile.
"Is that cause you don't want to tell me, or because you can't?" She questioned and the girl held up two fingers.
Erica frowned slightly before taking a guess.
"Is it your voice?" She asked lightly and the girl nodded with a sad frown.
"You can't speak..." Erica said softly before asking. "Is it permanent?"
Chloe shook her head in response before holding her hand to her throat.
"You've hurt your throat, did Jackson do it or are you not well?" Erica questioned and again Chloe held up two fingers. Erica nodded and the two fell into silence. Erica was looking down at her hands thinking about what had happened and her eyes shifted to Chloe when the younger tapped her arm. Chloe made a gesture with her hands and Erica faintly recognized it as sign language. 'Name?' Erica smiled at her.
"My name is Erica." She said and Chloe smiled before signing something else. 'Nice meet you, what you to Franky?' Erica assumed that her sign language wasn't 100% but got what the younger was asking.
"I am Franky's dorm ward." She responded and Chloe looked throughtful before signing again. 'And others?' Erica nodded before looking towards the door. "The others are Franky's best friend, the asian is Kim and the other is Boomer." Erica explained and Chloe nodded.
"Are you hungry, thirsty, do you need anything?" Erica questioned and Chloe smiled. 'No, just Franky.' She signed, smiling to make up for her lack of Thankyou.
"It's alright, Franky should..." Erica stopped talking when she heard chatter come from the common room. "That should be her now, I'll be right back with her." Erica reassured and Chloe nodded before Erica stood and left the room.
Franky was talking to Kim and Boomer as the younger wiped blood from Franky's brow.
"Franky?" Erica called out and when the teens eyes met her she smiled lightly. "She wants you."
Franky grunted in response before batting Kim's hand away and heading for her room. She lightly brushed her hand on Erica's arm as she passed the elder. Erica followed Franky to the door and leant against the frame as Franky sat on the bed, lightly rubbing Chloe's exposed food.
"Hey Chlo, how are you doing?" She asked softly and Chloe beamed at her before gesturing to her throat with a sad look.
"You can't talk huh?" Franky asked and at Chloe's nod she got up and dug a notepad out of her side desk before handing it and a pen to Chloe.
"First up Chloe, whats wrong with your voice?" Franky asked with concern and Chloe started writing before showing the Brunette her notepad.
'The girls and I have been singing to bring in money for food and such. I got nodes.'
"Nodes, Chloe you know you have issues with your throat, this was bout to happen with you singing. Where's the family I set you up with?"
'They sold the mansion and moved, I wanted to stay with Beca and refused to go, so they left without me.'
"That bitch, I'm so sorry, if i had have picked a better family..." Chloe held up her hand to stop Franky's words and shook her head to convey that it wasn't her fault. "Where is Beca, why aren't you living with her?"
'When I became homeless Beca tried to get her dad to let me stay with them but he said no, She left home so I wouldn't be alone on the streets. Aubrey, Stacy, Cynthia, Beca and I started street singing to pull in money for Beca and I, but when I found out I had nodes, Jesse, Donald and Luke all got jobs to help us with paying for the surgery. Beca was taking me to the hospital when had a coughing fit, she set me down in an alley and ran off to get some water for me, thats when Jackson found me. Beca must be so worried. I need to find her, let her know I'm ok...'
"Do not fret Chloe, I'll find her. But for now, I need to get you to a hospital. Did you or Beca have the money?" Franky asked and Chloe looked down saddened.
'I did, but Jackson took it.'
"Good for nothing screw!" Franky growled before jumping to her feet. she started for the door before looking back at Erica with an indifferent look in her eyes. "Get her down to your car, she needs to go to the hospital."
Was all she said before she left the room, Erica heard her say something to Kim and Boomer before she heard the doors close. Erica looked at Chloe who was now smiling at her brightly.
'She really likes you.' The younger wrote for Erica to see and she smiled lightly.
"So everyone keeps telling me." She laughed before pulling Chloe to her feet and leading her from the room.
"Kim, Boomer, we need to get Chloe down to my car." She said and the two teens nodded, having already gotten up and ready. Kim headed for the door, trailing infront of Erica and Chloe with Boomer trailing behind them, keeping the two guarded between them. They got down to the carpark and piled into the car with no problems. Chloe took the passenger seat and Erica waited outside the car for Franky.
“Your request has been accepted, pack all your stuff but any of the campus equipment must stay here, when you are all set I’ll get Fletcher to come help you move the stuff to your car.” Vira explained and Erica nodded with a smile.
“Thank you so much Governor.” Erica shook her hand and Vira nodded before leaving the room, Erica turned to her family with a smile but she frowned, both Boomer and Kim looked sad and Franky looked pissed, but her eyes held a deep wounded look.
“So you’re leaving.” She stated in a flat tone, and Erica was taken aback by the lack of emotion.
“Yes, but…” Erica started but Franky cut her off.
“But nothing, you promised you would stay.” Franky said assertively.
“Yes I did, but…”
“You lied to me, to us.” Franky pointed gesturing to herself and Boomer and Kim
“No I didn’t, you’ll…”
“Yes you did, you promised you would stay, be there for us! And now you’re leaving and we will be alone again!” Erica was surprised to see tears streaming down Franky’s cheeks. “You betrayed me…” The younger whispered before running from the dorm.
Erica watched her go with pain filled eyes.
“I betrayed you?” She whispered and was surprised when she felt a hand on her arm. She looked to see Kim, who was crying aswell but she just seemed depressed, no anger at all.
“I don’t know why you’re leaving us, but I’ll miss you.” She said sadly and Erica looked at her with a smile.
“I’m not leaving any of you.” Erica said and Kim looked at her confused.
“But your leaving Wentworth.” Boomer said and Erica nodded before looking at them both.
“What Franky wouldn’t let me say is that I’m leaving, but you three are coming with me.” She said and it took a minute for the information to sink in before she was pulled into a tight hug by her two charges.
“I knew you wouldn’t break your promise.” Kim cried out happily.
“I would never betray any of you like that.” Erica said and Boomer pulled back with a frown.
“Franky…” She said and Erica looked down, “I should go make sure she is ok.” Boomer went to leave the room but was stopped when Erica spoke.
“I should go, she should hear it from me.” Erica explained and Boomer nodded. “You girls stay here and start packing your stuff.”
“Good luck and be safe.” Kim said squeezing Erica in one more hug before running to her room. Boomer also hugged her before following Kim.
“I help you, you help me.” The elder laughed and Kim giggled.
Erica smiled at them before leaving the dorm and heading towards the gym.