"Hearts on fire
We're no liars, so we say what we wanna say"

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Florence was about to leave her room as she heard her mother down the hallway. "Florence!", she said and ran halfway to her. "Sorry can't talk. I don't want to be late.", answered the younger girl and ran down the stairs straight to Culhane. "Woah, woah, woah! Slow down Flo or you're going to hurt yourself.", he said laughing and catched the girl. "I just can't be late. Is Fallon always taking so long?", asked Florence. "Oh I'm not driving Fallon today.", answered Culhane. "Who are you driving then?", as Florence asked that opened Culhane the door to let no other than her mother inside, Cristal Carrington also known as Celia Machado to her. "Awesome!", she whispered under her breath.

"Isn't it amazing? I'm finally going to see your school for the first time!", said Cristal excited and looked at her daughter only to see her hooked on her phone. Cristal then snatched it away making Florence to look up at her. "What the hell?", she asked and tried to take the phone back. "You will talk to me!", said Cristal stern. "There's nothing to talk about Cristal.", said Florence and crossed her arms. "I'm just scared of people's reactions today that's all." "I see. If something happens call me okay?", asked Cristal with hope in her eyes. "Whatever.", said Florence and exited the car on her own not wanting to wait for Culhane.

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High school. The pure hell hole in history of every teenager including Florence. She hated this place especially because of the people. At least if you had friends it wasn't so bad. Florence held out an eye for her gang while walking to her locker and of course she found some letters stuck to it. "Very funny!", she whispered. "What's funny?", asked Zoe from behind her. "Damn Zoe!", shouted Florence and put her hand on her heart. "You scared the shit out of me." "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to. Anyway what's so funny?", asked Zoe right after her apology. "Some dumbasses thought it's funny to stick some ass letters to my locker.", rolled Florence her eyes and showed her friend. "Just leave them alone. They're jealous because you're now the stepdaughter of a multi millionaire and they aren't.", tried Zoe to comfort her friend and put her arm around her shoulders.

"She's right flower.", chimed Zack from behind and wrapped his arm around Zoe's arm. "Thanks guys. Where is Ellis?", she asked. "He has math while we have English.", answered Zack and guided his friends towards the classroom. "At least he's good at math.", said Florence making everyone to laugh. As they entered the classroom went everyone silently whispering. "Here we go.", said Florence to her friends and went to her seat. She hoped this day wasn't going too long because she wouldn't keep it together forever.

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Florence Rodriguez tapped her pen on her notebook impatiently. In 2 minutes was lunch time which meant she could escape everyone's stares for a while. Zack noticed his friend's behavior and tapped her shoulder lightly. The girl turned around with a blank expression. Zack smiled at her which made Florence to smile back immediately. God was she happy about having friends! "Okay kids, it's time for lunch!", informed them their teacher. Everyone packed their stuff and made their way towards the cafeteria.

The cafeteria. A place where all the gossip was spread and everyone had a good look at you. Florence was holding her tray while looking for a table. In the corner of her she saw the perfect one. As she was walking towards it, eyes from her classmates and other students were glued to her back making her to feel uncomfortable. Harley Blue then decided that it was funny to put her foot in front. Florence didn't saw it and tripped in front of everyone, spilling her food all over the floor including her outfit. As much as she wanted to run away she had to stand her ground. Zoe rushed to her side and helped her immediately. "Clumsy little millionaire aren't we?", asked Harley sarcastic and got her friends to laugh. Florence only smiled and turned around. "Thanks Harles, I wasn't even going to eat that food. I brought my own lunch that costs more than your hair extensions.", answered Florence confidently and made everyone to laugh. Harley's face turned even redder than it already was.

"What? Nothing to say back? Pathetic.", said Zoe and laughed with her friends. Harley stretched out her hand ready to slap Florence until someone stopped her. "Not in my sight.", answered Culhane as he was holding Harley's hand back. "You forgot your book in the car Miss Rodriguez." "Thanks Culhane!", said Florence with a smile and took the object out of Culhane's hand. "And you blondie, stay away from her. Understood?", asked Culhane as he turned his smile into a glare. Harley nodded scared and gulped loudly. "Good. I'll see you outside Miss.", mentioned the bigger man as he let go of the scared girl and walked outside. "That's what I call a fabulous entry!", joked Ellis and laughed. Florence was glad that Culhane was there in the right moment.

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After school drove Culhane Florence and her friends home. He couldn't stop hearing compliments from the girl's friends and smiled each time they mentioned Harley's face. "We're here.", informed the man. The four kids hugged each other and stayed like that for a little while. "I'll see you tomorrow guys.", whispered Florence in the circle. Tears formed in her eyes at the sight of her apartment building. "You can go. I'm gonna pick you up later for dinner.", said Culhane with a smile. Florence looked at him shocked before bursting out in happiness. "Thank you!", she shouted and opened the door.

"Guys!", heard the three kids Florence to shout. "Let's go to the diner! My shift is starting right now.", mentioned Florence as she checked her phone. "Holy moly yes! We can perform again.", cheered Zack and threw his arm around the shoulders of his friends. They all walked together to the Rodriguez family diner.

The doorbell rang, signaling that someone entered the diner. Esther Rodriguez looked up from her phone and a big smile came across her face. "Abuela! ¡Florencia está aquí!", shouted the older sister to her grandmother. She ran towards her and hugged her tightly. "¡Ven aquí mi florecita!", yelled Roberta in Spanish and walked over to her granddaughters. "Are you staying for the shift?", asked Esther quickly. "Yep! Then I have to go.", informed Florence her family members. "Well then, the stage is yours people!"

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Florence opened the front door to the Carrington mansion and hung up her bag. "You're late.", said Fallon as she sat down, mentioning for Florence to do the same. "Long day.", was all Florence said. The dinner wasn't something fancy for her but it tasted good. Well, not as good as her grandmother's cooking. "Diana is so inspiring.", began her mother. "She's a strong female leader but she's open to collaboration. A great afternoon wouldn't you say, Fallon?" "It's hard to believe it topped your morning. Word on the street is Claudia Blaisdel stopped by for a rant-and-rave session.", mentioned Fallon making her stepsister to look up in shock. "No way!", she whispered with a smile. "Yes way.", whispered Steven to her making her to giggle. "That's none of your concern.", said Blake towards his daughter. "I didn't say I was concerned.", answered Fallon with a smile while she drank from her wine. "Well, everything in moderation especially family bonding. I have work to do.", said the older girl and ruffled Florence's hair while walking away from the table.

"Steven, you're quite. How was your first day at the foundation?", asked his father interested. Steven kept on nudging around his food until Florence hit his arm lightly. "What? Oh, I'm sorry. It went well. Yeah. I have a lot on my mind." "You do not say.", said Florence sarcastic and rolled her eyes while eating. "Like the Saint James Hotel?", asked Sam from across. "I have proposals to review, so, I should get back to it." "Don't leave me!", whispered Florence as she grabbed his arm gently with begging eyes. Steven only gave an apologetic look and walked off. "Does anyone know what's for dessert?", asked Florence and Sam in unison. Both looked at each and bursted out in giggles. "You three kids probably wanna dine alone.", said Sam and took his wine glass, ignoring Florence's look.

Both adults turned their attention to the youngest member on the table. "How old is he again?", asked the girl awkwardly, earning amused looks from both. "I'm sorry. Fallon shouldn't have said anything about Claudia.", apologized Blake for his daughter's action. Florence just sat there and enjoyed the drama with an amusing look on her face. "She didn't say anything I haven't already said to myself. I've been thinking a lot  about this morning.", mentioned Cristal. "Claudia has every right to be upset with me. I lied to her." "She's not well, Cristal. Considering her condition and erratic behavior, I've asked for more security at the office.", informed Blake his wife. Florence felt like air and she kinda liked it.

"It might not be a bad idea for you to take a step back out of the public eye until things settle." "It's hard to take a step back when you're COO of a major company.", said Cristal oblivious. "You should take a step back from that, as well. We'll get PR to rebuild your image and then you can resume your role with less distraction." "So now you're losing faith in me too?", asked Cristal upset. "Of course not. It's just the kind of business we're in, optics are important.", explained her husband calm. "I see. Well, I'm sorry I'm not keeping up appearances for you.", said Cristal and walked out of the room. Blake sighed and turned to his stepdaughter. "I'm sorry you had to witness that." "Don't be! I'm fine with being ignored.", she stated while taking a sip from her water. "How was your day honey?", asked Blake interested and smiled. "I would say it was okay. I was at the diner with my friends and we sang and had fun. My Abuela was also there together with my sister!", said the girl excited. Blake was hooked by every word she said and laughed to himself. Florence was in reality a bubbly and funny little girl. She just needed someone to listen.

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Florence was walking besides Blake and Cristal. She was dragged into an event she didn't even wanted to attend in the first place. "We're late.", stated her mother and turned around. She fixed her daughter's hair quickly and kissed her cheek lightly. The girl brushed over the place and removed the lipstick stain quickly. "They're about to announce the winners. I'll check in with PR. Come on, Flo.", said Cristal and took her daughter's hand in hers. The girl looked at her stepfather with a panicked look. "Help me!", she mouthed. Blake chuckled and turned his eyes to his wife. "You're already a winner in my book." "Are you sure about that?", asked Cristal and walked away with her daughter. The young girl smiled through and introduced herself to everyone before walking away. She sat besides a girl, a little older, and smiled at her.

"Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Diana Davis, editor-in-chief of Atlanta Digest.", began Diana and got everyone to clap. Florence hesitated at first, making the older girl to laugh at her. "What?" "You're a total newbie. It's adorable.", said the older girl. "I'm Nellie Prescott.", introduced Nellie herself. "Florence Rodriguez." "Thank you all for being here today.", continued Diana. "I was forced to come my dear.", whispered Florence so that only Nellie could hear her. The older girl giggled. "It's an honor to bring you our annual Women in Business issue honoring so many remarkable women. Please join me in congratulating all of them on their outstanding achievements in business.", said Diana and made everyone to clap again. "However, at the end of the day, only one woman can be Woman of the Year. And this year that honor goes to someone who has redefined herself in business, a true up-and-comer. Fallon Carrington." "Yeah!", cheered Florence at her sister. "Do you know her?", asked Nellie confused. "Yeah, that's my stepsister.", mentioned Florence. Nellie only smiled and turned away.

"It came true. Well, first, I'd like to congratulate all of the women being honored here today. Honestly, I wish we could all be on the cover together. I mean that. Thank you for this amazing award.", said Fallon. "I had to sacrifice a lot to get where I am. Nothing was ever handed to me. I worked my way from the ground up. I made things happen. I didn't just stumble into a COO job. I created opportunities for myself. You have to be a visionary to succeed in business. That's why I've recently started my own company, Morell Green Energy Corp, which I'm building from the ground up on my own. So, a heartfelt thank you to Diana Davis, to, Atlanta Digest and thank you all.", finished Fallon het speech and earned a round of applause. "I'm gonna go, nice meeting you Nellie!", said Florence and hugged her new friend quickly. "Bye Florence!"

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Florence walked over to her stepsister, giving her a big hug. "I'm so proud of you!", she said and got a smile from Fallon. "Thanks Flo!", exclaimed Fallon. "Carrington, I am so proud of you.", said a young girl and hugged Fallon. "Pepper, I can't believe you made it." "Anything for you. And is this your little sister? Adorbs!", said Pepper and pinched Florence's cheek lightly. "I had a good feeling about your chances." "I'm sure I have no idea about what you're talking about.", smiled Fallon and laughed with her friend. "I'm just glad the award didn't go to that cyber-slut stepmother of yours. I'd hate to see my name associated with hers.", as Pepper finished, glared Florence at her. "Now you know how we feel on daily basis. PS, you and the rest of the world only saw half of that tape." "What?", asked Florence confused and looked at her older stepsister. "If you saw it all, you'd know "cyber-slut" undersells it." "Sounds like we landed our next movie night.", said Pepper making Fallon to laugh. "You're on it." "Bye.", said Pepper and walked away.

"It was you. You leaked the tape to the press.", said Cristal and moved towards Fallon and her daughter. "What are you talking about? As usual you make zero sense." "Only way you could've seen the entire video was if you had it. The tape wasn't leaked to the press. It was poured right into their hands by my darling stepdaughter.", stated Cristal and took Florence aside. "I did you a favor. Now people, including your daughter, will think you failed as COO because of the tape. Not because you're useless at your job." "You're a miserable, pathetic little girl.", growled Cristal with her daughter in hand. Florence tried to save herself from the grip of her mother, but Cristal squeezed her hand even tighter. "Oh. Sour grapes from the woman who didn't get the cover.", said Fallon and stepped forward. "Not at all. In fact, let me be the first to toast Fallon Carrington on her big achievement.", said Cristal with a smile and grabbed a champagne bottle. She shook it and opened it in front of Fallon, spritzing her with champagne all over. Florence held her mouth in surprise and laughed at the situation. "Congratulations.", said Cristal and walked away. "Now that was something.", said the young girl and smiled. Fallon glared at her before turning it into a smirk. "Florence!", yelled Cristal towards her daughter. "You'll be all right?" "Sure. Go to her before she comes back.", mentioned Fallon and shook herself to get champagne out of her dress as much as possible. Florence gave her sister a smile and ran towards her mother, walking besides her.

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Florence was in her pajamas, walking downstairs to get a snack until she heard Fallon opening the door. She stopped and sat down on the staircase. "Now you're staining dresses as well as the family reputation? Your ability to multitask is unparalleled.", said Blake towards his daughter. Florence decided to listen to the conversation since she had nothing to do. "I don't know what your wife told you but we know it's Cristal, not me, who's responsible for the dirty deets." "Excuse me?", asked Blake confused. "I may have leaked the sex tape but I didn't star in one.", said Fallon making Florence to gasp quietly. "It was you? You leaked the tape?", asked Fallon's father shocked. "Cristal didn't--?" "Mention that her stepdaughter was behind something so cruel? No, she didn't. Guess she tried to protect you from the inevitable fallout with me.", stated Blake and looked at his shocked daughter before grabbing her award, smashing it on the floor. Florence jumped out of scare and almost yelled in fear.

"I don't wanna hear it. I have been patient with you through your attacks on Carrington Atlantic but that was business. You made this personal." "If you let me explain--" "She may be a joke to you. But to me, Cristal is my wife, who I love.", interrupted Blake his daughter furiously. "I wanted to show you, you were wrong, that she's not right for the company or you.", explained Fallon quickly. "Your concern is very touching. But did you not think about how this would hurt me too? Or Florence? No, of course you didn't.", said Blake harsh. "For newly crowned visionary you are terribly shortsighted. I've always known that you were tough and determined, but now I see you are heartless too, like your mother.", at this sentence froze Florence. Blake was angry, sure, but he had no rights to say that to his daughter. Never in a million years.

"I won't stand for it, not anymore. I want you out of this house.", finished Blake and left his daughter in the hallway. Florence heard everything and was done. She walked downstairs to Fallon, grabbing her hand tightly. "You're not heartless.", she said and smiled. "In fact, you're full with love and I understand your situation." "Thanks. It means a lot.", said Fallon with a thin smile and hugged Florence tightly. They might have known each other only for a few days, but the connection between them grew stronger. And it began to feel more like sisters.

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I've updated again yay!!!

FLORENCE'S DRESS FOR ATLANTA DIGEST

DEDICATIONS

TaliaLewis7
ella-sarah
LilyMoonlight14