Fighting For Us - Book 4

Watch What You Say

"So she was rude to you too? That is very unlike her. I don't think I have ever seen her even look at Tess wrong much less you." Lena said as she had just gotten back from getting her hair done which Stef treated her to along with a manicure and pedicure. The cop was insistent on spoiling this woman as much as she could considering she never got the chance to before now, as she was getting dressed for work.

"Oh she was rude. Extremely, to the point I almost went through the phone and smacked the shit out of her. And she deserves it. Believe me."

"Oh goodness. You think maybe she's depressed or just not feeling well? That's very out of character for Stefanie. I mean, you know that."

"Sure I do, Len but let's just say she basically told me to fuck off. Maybe not in those words but essentially that's what she meant." Stef said putting her gun belt on and feeling more frustrated than she did earlier about the phone call with Stefanie. "And Tess said she may have some boyfriend that I need to go get on a plane and meet face to face."

"Lord. How long has she been seeing this boy?"

"She's hiding it. Claims they are just friends. Yet becomes defensive and rude every time Tess questions her. She's been grounded and Tess said Jerry spoils the shit out of her."

"Well that part I'm not surprised about. That's guilt."

"Course it is." She said unlocking her gun and placing it in the holster on her side.

"Maybe Callie knows."

"MM even if she does ,she won't rat her out baby. They are teenagers so I don't expect them to...to give us any information. Anyhow I invited them for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I mean I'm asking you if that's ok."

"Oh that's fine. It would be nice to see them."

"Yes. I mean assuming you are still here." Letting out an awkward laugh Lena tilts her head in confusion and grabs the woman's hand pulling her closer to her.

"Stef? Why wouldn't I be here. MM?"

"I don't know baby. I mean if the kids don't adjust or hate it, or you want to go back home. I'd completely understand. I'd be...be sad, but I'd just....I'd get it."

"Stef, I'm not leaving. I..." Lena began as the two were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Yes? Come in." Lena called out as Frankie walked in fully dressed.

"Hey baby. You ready to go?" The blonde smiled as Frankie stood there looking rather awkward at both women.

"Yes."

"Everything ok?" Lena frowned as the girl walked closer to them.

"Um yeah. I just wanted to um, tell you both that I love you."

"Yeah? Come here please." Stef smiled as Frankie walked up to her hugging her like always. "And we love you too, my love."

"We do Frankie. Very much."

"I'm sorry for how I was. I apologize to you both." She said looking between both women as Lena held her hand out for the girl to take.

"Baby, both Stef and I have forgiven you many, many moons ago. We know it was a hard time, and we know we misunderstood you. I apologize myself for constantly yelling at you. I'm sorry baby."

"It's ok Mama. You tried. I was a pain in the ass...I mean a pain in the butt and I'm really trying to be better. Sometimes I forget."

"You are young honey. And you are outspoken, and fiesty and we love you for it. You are learning too and maturing everyday which we both love to watch as well. We know you are trying and you are doing very well."

"You are baby." Stef said taking a seat beside Lena as she grabbed Frankie's other hand. "You will go far in life princess."

"I hope I'm a bad ass." She blurted out as Lena laughed along with Stef.

"Go finish getting ready before I pop your behind for using that language." Stef said in a joking manner as Frankie giggled, hugging them both.

"Ok officer!" Laughing she ran out of the room but quickly turned around in the doorway. "Oh Mama Dukes, can we get pizza? PLEEEASSSE????"

"Maybe. Depends on how good you are."

"I'll be amazing. Starting now!" Frankie hollered as she ran out of the room, and Lena turned to the blonde and grabbed her hand.

"I don't think she would ever want to leave you. And I can't blame her."

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A few hours ago

That morning right after Stef hung up with Tess and headed into the shower it was Frankie who had in fact heard everything. She had and she was beyond furious to the point she wanted to get on a plane and tell Stefanie off. She knew she should be the last person to talk, but Frankie had changed and she would never talk to Stef in the way she use to. Ever. But that meant no one else could either and the fact that Stefanie did, did not fly well in her book.

With Callie off at Mike's for a few days the girl waited for Stef to head into the shower knowing she didn't have too much time. Plus she wasn't sure when Lena would return from getting her hair and nails done. Risking it, she headed out of her room and quickly dialed the number hearing it ring as her heart pounded loudly in her ears. She would fake it and pretend she needed to ask Stefanie something in case Tess answered as she quickly took a puff of Stef's cigarette the woman left burning in the ashtray and quickly putting it back. Her nerves were shot, and she had heard that smoking helped. Somehow, she didn't feel any better as Tess answered.

"Hello?"

"Oh hi Aunt Tess, this is Frankie."

"Hi honey! How are you over there in the big NY. I hear you are a real New Yorker now huh?"

"Big time!"

"Well that is very neat. You doing well?"

"I am thanks. Hey Auntie I was wondering if I could talk to Stefanie. I really need her advice on something. It's pretty important." She said still hearing the shower running and hoping Stef was washing her hair as the blonde usually took quick showers.

"Um sure honey let me see if she's around, ok?

"Ok thanks!" The girl bit her fingernails as she heard Tess in the background arguing with Stefanie. With what seemed like forever the girl finally got on the phone.

"Hey Frankie."

"Hi Stefanie."

"So what's so important? I'm getting ready to go out." Stefanie sounded odd which did not set well with Frankie.

"Oh well I have something to tell you. So make sure you listen and listen good. Don't you ever talk to Stef that way again in life. I heard you, I heard everything you said to her and if you are ever rude like that to her again, I'll come to California myself and beat your ass hard! So hard you won't know what hit you! You hear me?"

"WHOA! You better watch yourself, little girl! First of all, it's none of your damn business and secondly, look who's talking! The queen of disrespect and for years! So don't go acting like Jehovah Jira coming to Stef's aid!"

"Hey! I know what I did and I know how I as and I apologized, so get it right! And stop comparing me to some god! You don't go to church! And you better watch it! I swear it!"

"Blow off, Frankie! Fuck you!" Stefanie shouted.

"No! How about you FUCK OFF! Don't call again! And leave my mother alone cuz if you don't know how to speak to her right, it's a waist of your damn breath$ She is having a hard time and the last thing she needs is your nasty ass attitude, heifer!"

"Screw you,Frankie! We are done!"

"Like I've never heard that one before! Fine! Bye little bitch! Go have fun blowing off your cute ass boyfriend. Maybe rinse your mouth out after!!!!" And with that Frankie slammed down the phone as she tried to catch her breath, and grabbed her stomach. The room began to spin and she gripped the table as she steadied herself for a moment before running back to her room. "Shit," she crumpled on her bed as she tried to keep the tears from falling just as Stef had just turned the water off having not a clue what just happened.