Forbidden Love [DISCONTINUED]

XII

"Frances, are you sure you don't want to come back to our apartment? It really wouldn't be any trouble. Phillip could make you some tea, we could talk about it-"

"I really just need some time to think, George. But I appreciate the offer." Frances gave George a quick smile before opening his car door, stepping out of it, swiftly shutting the door behind her.

She pulled out her keys as she approached the door of her apartment, glancing behind to see George driving away, and for a second she regretted not taking up George's offer.

She couldn't deny the urge to talk to Philip and George, but the eagerness to be alone overpowered that urge.

Frances stepped into her apartment, rubbing her temples as the door shut behind her. "Goddammit Theodosia," Frances said as she flipped down on her couch, her mind filled with the memory of Theodosia's soft lips on her own.

"I bet she regrets that," Frances chuckled bitterly, biting her lip as tears pricked her eyes. "I doubt she'll ever talk to me again." Frances whipped the tears from her eyes, trying to pull herself together. She jumped as the sound of a knock the door filled her ears.

"Goddammit George," Frances muttered, pulling herself off the couch. She huffed as she opened the door. "I told you I'm fine- Theo?" Frances backed away, her face paling at the sight of Theodosia.

"Heya," Theodosia gave Frances a small bashful smile. "Can we talk?"

"Uh s-sure," Frances stammered, running her hands through her hair as Theo entered the room, looking almost as nervous as Frances. "You can sit if you'd like," Frances gestured to the couch, leaning awkwardly against the counter.

As Theodosia examined Frances' face her expression progressively got more concerned, much to the confusion of Frances.

"Why're you looking at me like that?"

"Have you been crying?" Theodosia asked in a soft tone. "I mean, after you left my house."

"N-No," Frances muttered, staring at the floor.

Theodosia stood up, before walking over to Frances, cupping her face with one hand, rubbing her thumb across Frances' tear-stained cheek.

"W-What're you doing?"

"Yes you have," Theodosia mumbled, the sight of Frances in that state upsetting her. "I've never seen you cry before today."

Frances chuckled, shrugging. "Yeah, you wouldn't expect the worst person on Earth to have feelings," Theodosia's eyebrows furrowed, the comment giving her a mix of sadness and anger.

She couldn't help but feel bad for Frances, their past seemingly turned upside down. She was angry Frances thought that way about herself.

"Franny you are not the worst person on Earth." Frances looked up, a flicker of confusion visible in her eyes.

"You've never called me Franny before..." Theo chuckled lightly, retracting her hand from Frances' face.

"I've never wanted to, but I like it. It's cute, and it suits you." Frances' eyes darted back to the ground, a blush apparent on her face. "Frances, it's kinda hard to change my entire perspective of you, I thought you were a dick for the longest time."

"I am a dick." Frances said blatantly, shrugging.

"No, you're not, at least not really," Theodosia stated, smiling softly. "The Frances Laurens I knew was rude, vulgar, mean, and obnoxious. But you? You're none of those things. You're sweet, kind, and loving. I like the real you a lot better than the Frances you pretended to be."

"I'm sorry for being like that to you." Frances mumbled.

"I know." Theo nodded, taking Frances' hand, making her eyes widen. "Do you think... Do you think we could start over? Give live their wings?"

"You want to?" Frances asked, her face flushing.

Theodosia smiled, nodding. "Yeah, I do."