Adopted By Polly Gray

Chapter 15: Conversations

TW: Talks of suicide, death of an infant

Heading back into the house Starlene felt her heart beating out of her chest. It felt like she was stuck in a swirling vortex and was only getting faster and faster. She had nothing to hold on to, nothing to keep her grounded as she her life came shattering down into a million pieces. She didn't remember walking back into the house as she collected the pieces mentally of the truth thrown in front of her face. Franny and Johnny had sat her back down at the kitchen table. The monarch of the household sent the boys back to enjoying their food before preparing a plate for the young girl.

"You need to eat Starlene. You don't have to eat all of it, just please try to eat some of it." Franny softly spoke as she set the plate down in front of Starlene.

Starlene didn't speak as slowly grabbed the fork next to her and began to eat. Franny sat down across from the young girl. She noticed her husband standing in the doorway. She gestured for Jones to join her but he shook his head. In his mind it was best to let Franny take over. She maybe a tough woman, but she also was very motherly by nature. She was good with people, especially children, so this was a case she could single handedly take on.

"So, Starlene, you wanted to know about me. Would you still like to?" Franny offered a way to take the young girl's mind off of herself for a moment.

Starlene quietly put her fork down and gave a subtle nod.

"Well, my name is Franchesca, but everyone calls me Franny. I'm 30 years old. I was born in New York, and moved out to California when my father and uncle decided to go into the moving pictures business."

"So, your from America? Your accent doesn't sound like it." Starlene was still suspicious of the woman.

Franny laughed, "No, it certainly doesn't. I have what they like to call in show-biz the Mid-Atlantic or Transatlantic accent. It's an accent that appeals to both the upper class of Americans and the British. My father believes it will help actors appeal more to their audiences, especially when sound being added to the pictures becomes a thing."

"So you're an actress?"  Starlene was now more interested in hearing about this woman.

"Indeed, I am. Been in countless pictures since I was young, but I guess that's one of the highlights of your father owning a studio."

Franny relaxed more in her seat when she saw Starlene was starting to warm up to her and began eating again.

"Ever hear of LunarFox Films?" Starlene nodded this time with a little more excitement.

"Well that's my father's studio. He's Richard Fox, my uncle is his partner but also famous director Raymond Fox."

"I never heard of you as an actress though. Franchesca Fox?" Starlene once again had her guard up.

"That's because my parents thought it wouldn't be a good idea for me to be a star in films but also use my real name. It could cause quiet the scandal even though they aren't even in charge of casting completely. So, you might know be better by my stage name, Lillie Grace."

Starlene dropped the fork she was holding. She hadn't seen many moving pictures except a few with Ada every now and then but even if you didn't go to the pictures, everyone knew Lillie Grace. She was the beauty staple in America and was starting to influence the scene over in England as well. But, Lillie Grace was known for her platinum, almost white hair. Franny's hair was dark brown, almost black looking.