Chexton: Wounded Hearts & Battle Scars

I Still Need You

*Frankie's POV*

[two weeks later February 12th I've been avoiding Paul it's my opening night all of my staff is here it's 7pm and nobody is here. Taylor says:]

"I don't think anyone is coming."

"They'll be here. I'm sure of it."[Twenty minutes later I hear sirens about fifteen Suburbans pull up into the parking lot along with the fire trucks I say:]"Okay guys it's showtime! Come here."

[we all crowd around Frankie she starts crying and says:]

"Oh god I'm so proud of you guys and I know that you're going to do great. Just stay calm and do your best. Rafi please help everything to go smoothly and that we all have a good time."

"To Rafi's."

"Okay."[I go over and open the doors Mom is standing at the front she says:]

"Did you really think that we would ever miss your big opening?"

"No I knew you'd make it. Come here I want you to see something."

"Okay."[Frankie looks at everyone behind me and says:]

"Wow! You guys really showed up for me."

"Erin, Gabby, and your mother practically threatened them if they didn't come. We know how important it is to you."

"Thanks guys. I know it's cold but just give me a few more minutes."[Mom and I go inside my staff is standing there with champagne and uncle Noah Mom says:]

"Noah! What are you doing here? I missed you so much."

"There's no way I'd miss the reopening of this place. It's everything we dreamed of kid. You did a good job."

"How long have you been in town?"

"Two weeks. Thanks for not spilling the beans Frankie."

"You knew? Why didn't you tell me?"

"It's called a surprise for a reason April."

"Seriously Francesca this looks great. Can you let everyone in now?"

"Not quite yet. You two come with me."[we go into the office and over to the wall I take the cover off revealing a painting of what Grandpa Rafael and Rafi would look like now with a plaque underneath it reads: The only thing better than making cake is licking the spoon. Mom laughs and says:]

"I'm so damn proud of you."

"Thank you. I couldn't have done it without you."[we let everyone in I ask Gabby:]"Paul didn't come with you guys?"

"No. He said he wasn't coming."

"He knows how important this is to me. How could he just not show up?"

"Said you've been avoiding him for some reason."

"I'm not avoiding him. This has just taken up a lot of my time."

"Champagne?"

"Thank you. Frankie do you want one?"

"No I'm good."[two hours later I'm talking to my parents and Paul's family when I feel someone take my hand I look up it's Paul he says:]

"I'm so sorry."

"Where the hell were you?"

"I had some business to take care of."

"I'm not doing this here. Excuse me."

"Francesca. I'm sorry."

[I run into the bathroom and throw up three times someone comes in and says:]