Fitting in

Chapter Ten

Frankie looked over at Layla looking for sarcasm or insincerity but saw none. She remembered making fun of them wearing pants and felt guilty. Unsure what else to do she complemented Layla's outfit. Layla nicely thanked her without any malice. The servants took away the salad dishes and brought her a full plate of a delicious chicken dish. Both Odette and Layla got a small chicken breast and vegetables instead. Her Father than suggested, "So Layla perhaps you can show my daughter the designer shops you frequent. I do prefer females in dresses but what do I know of fashion?"

Layla looked at Odette and said, "Well Odette and I always shop together so we can both take Francesca can't we Odette. Odette gave a triumphant smile and graciously agreed to take her the next day. Her Father nodded as if it had all been settled and resumed eating. The food was good but Frankie was full. They had given get as much food as her brothers but Odette and Layla only the breast and vegetables. Frankie preferred what she had gotten but not so much. Plus she did not want to go shopping with Odette. Layla would be fine but not Odette. Yet she did not want to make her Father angry by refusing.

The familiar anger rose. Odette finished her food and Frankie said, "Since you are done eating Odette can I see you out in the backyard for a minute?" Odette looked surprised but confused got to her feet. Jasper had not taken her outside but he had shown her the door. Odette hesitatingly followed her out onto a covered patio and stopped. There was still too much expensive things to break so frustrated Frankie grabbed her and drug her out to the lawn. Odette was bigger but Frankie was tough. Odette managed to twist her ankle before she ever made it to the grass. She was hopping on one foot looking at her hurt ankle demanding to know what Francesca wanted. Frankie coldly informed her, "I want to kick your ass before we go shopping tomorrow."

Suddenly, still standing on one leg Odette began to scream. Irritated Frankie slapped her mouth hard and told her to shut up. Out of her peripheral vision Frankie saw movement and whirled to see Grayson about to grab her. Frankie managed to knee him but he still grabbed her, turned her and restrained her. Frankie struggled but could not get lose. Grayson asked Odette if she was OK but she was sobbing and holding her ankle. Layla brought her a chair from the patio and Frankie realized her whole family was standing around staring at her. Feeling angry, a dry eyed Frankie announced, still restrained by Grayson, that she did not want to go shopping the next day with Odette. Indeed she had plenty of clothes and had no need of more. If newspaper columnists made fun of her that was her problem and no one else. Grayson suddenly let go of her, causing her to fall to the ground, and went over and picked up Odette who put her hands around her neck. He carried her into the house without a word. Layla followed them and Matteo followed her. Frankie had gotten to her feet and was standing on the lawn waiting to see if someone was going to beat her up.

Her Father instead asked, "So Antonio you are going to handle your sister?" He responded, "Yes sir." Her Father asked, "And what is your plan about the clothes?" Anton coldly looked at his Father and answered, "I already made arrangements for Ursula to help me this weekend. She has plenty of clothes for right now and I think she is dressed far prettier than either Odette or Layla." Her Father gave a small smile and said, "I agree but I am sure Francesca will also look even prettier in designer clothes. Ursula has great taste but are you sure she will have time this weekend?" Anton gave another, "Yes sir" and her Father went inside.

Anton dialed a number and began explaining the situation to the person on the other end. Frankie assumed it was Ursula. She went onto the patio and asked Jasper who Ursula was and was she as big of bitch as Odette. Anton quickly covered up the mouthpiece and moved out onto the lawn to talk privately. Jasper told her that Ursula was Anton's long time girlfriend and assured Frankie that Ursula was nice and Jaxon agreed. Still when Anton got off the phone Frankie reiterated that she did not need more than 3 outfits. Anton gently cupped her face and said, "I will be there as well Frankie and if you really do not like Ursula I will ask her to leave. I think you will like her tho. She is a Dr. and very busy but she is excited to spend all day Saturday with my long lost little sister. Frankie will you please just give Ursula a chance? Feeling guilty Frankie gave in with a nod causing Anton to give her a quick hug. Frankie was not use to so much contact. It both made her uncomfortable and also made her feel wanted.