Francine Lockhart was viewed by many as the perfect role model. Smart, beautiful, perfect body, and rich. On top of that, the public new her as a princess in their family, treated with love and care.
But nobody knew the girl behind the smiles in the...
Note: This fanfiction does not follow the timeline of the TFIL videos or the videos from the channels from the mentioned YouTubers. In this fanfiction, they already live in that big mansion as roommates.
Dedicated to @Shygirlweirdo25 ! Thanks for the votes!
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Since Sam's keys were with me since he told me that I was driving us back, I didn't need to go back inside to get them. I placed France's arm around my neck and pulled her up, sliding another arm around her waist to support her as she was a bit exhausted from her breakdown. I helped her get into a comfortable position in the backseat before sliding in the driver's seat.
"Colby," she weakly called. "I'm sorry... I didn't want any of you to see me like this but... I just broke down in front you." I shifted my upper body just to look at her tired tear-filled eyes. "I don't know how, but you managed to break down the facade I spent years to build."
"France," I started. "I told you before in the abandoned mall, you can tell me or any of us anything. We're friends, aren't we?" I gave her a gentle smile to prove that I am someone that she can trust. Sadly, it didn't help as she turned to look away with a pained look. I sighed and turned in front to start driving. As per her request, she wanted to leave. She wanted me to take her away and I plan to bring her to one of the calming places I have been to in L.A., Mulholland Drive.
After almost an hour drive up the hill, I parked facing the cliff where the we overlooked the city. Since it was pretty late, there was no one around except us. I turned to the backseat, expecting to see France sleeping, but I saw her blankly stare out of the window in deep thought.
"Want to step out for a bit? The breeze might help." She turned her head towards me and connected her blank aquamarine eyes with mine for a short moment before slowly nodding. I gave her a reassuring smile before I stepped out of the car and helped her out. We both sat on the hood of Sam's car and stared down the city of L.A. in silence.
Despite my silence, deep inside, my mind was swirling with questions. Why was she flirting with those men? Why were they touching her inappropriately? Why was she letting them? Why did she suddenly start crying when I asked her about it? Why won't she open up? Most importantly, who is the real Francine? Was it the one we met in the abandoned mall and the trampoline park? Was it the elegant rich young woman who were flirting with other men? Or was it the girl who looks deeply wounded as she stared down the city of L.A. right beside me?
I really wanted some answers, however, I knew that she has her own secrets to keep and I respect that. I know where to draw the line, especially when we were not very close.
That was why I was surprised when she spoke after minutes of silence between us.
"I never liked the parties my parents threw for me." I turned to her in surprise but her eyes were still on the bustling city below us. "They were always too grand and... formal... for my liking." There was a slight pause on the word 'formal' as if it was not the best word to describe how she feels about the parties thrown for her. She shook her head and sighed. "F*ck it, I'm done."
"What?" She turned to me for a second before looking back down to the city.
"Those parties my parents throw are too grand and fake. All of what you saw in that hall was fake." Her voice trembled as she poured her feelings out. "The smiles, the actions, the words.... Everything about our family is not real."
My heart clenched as another batch of tears started flowing down her cheek but I kept my mouth shut. She was telling me something and I was willing to listen.
"In everyone's eyes, we are the 'perfect family'. Behind closed doors, we are just as imperfect as everyone in this world. Despite knowing that no one could be perfect, they punish me for every single mistake I made. My walk, my words, my hair, my skin, my attitude, my clothes, my eyes... Everything." My brows furrowed at the word 'punish' and it did not sit well with me. "I'm tired of everything, Colby. You don't know how many times I just wanted to end everything."
"France–" She cut me off before I could say anything. She knew I wanted to ask questions.
"But then, I discovered Elton's TFIL channel where him and a bunch of his friends traveled to do some crazy things in their life. I binged on the TFIL videos until I found myself watching every single one of everyone's videos." A small smile made its way to her lips, but that smile was not of happiness. It was one of sadness. "I envied you all, because I knew that when the camera was not recording, you face difficulties in life. Yet, in every single one of your videos, you can still smile and have fun with the others." She turned to me as tears continued spilling down her eyes, ruining her makeup. "Despite the connections I made during our public appearances, I didn't have anyone to help me get through my dark days."
I reached for her gloved hand and when she did not pull away, I squeezed to give her reassurance that I was there. I was willing to listen and help her. She did not have to be alone anymore. I am here for her.
She paused for a bit, probably wondering if she should continue. I would understand if she stopped there. What she told me was enough to help me get to know her better, even just for a little bit.
FINALLY! Sorry for a the late update :/ been busy getting ready for high school graduation... But, hey, I just graduated last April 9!!!! YEY!
I'll probably be busy fixing my requirements since I'm going to college away from my family. Well, not really. I'm going to my dad's and stay there with him in the duration of my college days (my parents are separated).
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