Frankie

It felt like it's been years, trapped inside this confided room. The days have been getting longer and lonelier. Parker hasn't awoken since being brutally assaulted by my father. Occasionally. my father turned on the lamp in the room, letting us receive some light. I checked on Parker, noticing his chest rising up and down, meaning he must this be alive.  

Right?

At this point, I'm malnutrition since I keep refusing to eat. My father would try to force it down my throat but I would spit it in his face causing more scars on my body. Eventually, he stopped giving me food and would visit to make sure we both we alive. My entire body ached, especially my leg that luckily hasn't gotten affected.  

Why does my father have to be like this? Even my mother, how could she leave us here to suffer? She must have known our father was insane and unreliable. Parker and I didn't do anything wrong to deserve this.

"Ah fuck," My father groaned, opening the door and proceeding to bang Parker's body with it. "When is this dumbass waking up? It's been days!" He rolled his eyes and pushed his body to the corner of the room. 

He flickered the lamp switch on and walked over to me. Suddenly, I felt him untieing the belts around my legs and following up to my arms. There were marks of belt around my wrists and ankles. I rubbed my raw wrists, and struggled to feel any movement in my legs.

"Why are you untieing me?" I asked.

"Drew keeps spamming your phone. I've set up a date with him today and you have to break up with him," He informed, causing my eyes to widen. 

This couldn't have happened in a worse time. The lost of our daughter was still fresh in hearts, we need time to process it before deciding about our relationship. I'm certainly not in the right state of mind to lose someone else. 

"What happens if I refuse to break up with him," I said. 

He turned to me and connected his hand to my cheek leaving me another mark. I whimpered, reaching up to rub my sore cheek. At least it didn't involve the knife this time. I'll take getting slapped over stabbed anyday.

"Unless you want more of that than I suggest you listen to me," he threatened, placing different objects in his pocket from the toolbox settled on the floor. My eyes went against me and started filling up with tears. I held them back not wanting to look weak in front of him. 

"The date is in an hour. We will head out in twenty," He said, uncuffing his button sleeve and moving down to his elbow. He walked out of the room for a moment and came back, hurling a pair of clothes at me.  

"Fra-n-ki-e? Are you okay?" his voice croaked.

My eyes wandered to the corner of the room, noticing Parker trying to lift himself up with the little strength he had. I crawled over since my legs were still numb from the lack of walking. Using my hand to drag myself over towards him. I examined his face, flinch at the sight of dried blood on his lips and nose.

"Why are you asking about me? You haven't woken up in days," I said, brushing his ingrown hair out from his face. 

"Who cares about me," he shooed my hand away. "Frankie, you actually have a chance of a future. You need to get out of here, alive!" 

The last word hit me like a pile of bricks. Never realized I could possibly die in here. My father wouldn't go to the lengths to murder us, right?

"Parker, you have a future too. We both need to escape together and get Dad away from us. Parker you're the only family I need in my life," I said, licking my finger and used the mostuire to wipe away the dried blood.

"Franks if you have the chance to escape don't think twice. Promise me," he said, rising his pinkie finger at me.

"Parker. . ." I hesitated. 

"Please Frankie," he said, shaking his pinkie finger. 

"Okay," I said, interwinding our pinkie fingers while my other hand had to fingers crossed.

I promise not to leave you alone, Parker.

He pulled me into chest, flinching against my arms when I wrapped them around him. The tears no longer were hidden instead they ran down my face, soaking his shirt. How did I spent my younger years sheltered, allowing my brother to suffer these unforgivable circumstances?  

"Frankie why are you crying?" Parker laughed, pulling away from the hug and staring into my eyes.

"No reason," I sniffled, wiping away the tears.

"It's time to go Frankie," my father barged in and glimpsed at his watch.

Fear engulfed my conscience, knocking all other thoughts aside. My heart thobbed in fear as I glanced at my father.

"I told you it's time to go! Goddammit, why don't you listen?" my father raged, barging in the room and latched onto my wrist.

My fingers curled into a fist, nails digging into my palm. Terror tortured my guts, churning my stomach in tense cramps. I crunched my teeth over my lip harder than I ever had. Satly blood filled my mouth.

"Daddy, you're hurting me," I whimpered as he used all his strength to drag my body out of the room. 

"Does it look like I care?" he retorted, pulling my wrist with such intensity it felt like my arm was going to be pulled out from it's socket.

-----

My father texted Drew that I was on the way to meet him before driving away from our house. He informed me of the cover-up story he texted Drew about my disappearance from the hospital. Apparently, I've been living with my aunt named Deborah and she's been helping me through everything. Oh, how I wished that was the truth. 

Now, here I was sitting and waiting awkwardly at Starbucks for Drew to arrive. My body was buried in a pink hoodie, hiding all the bruises and scars from my father. I played with the edges of my sleeve, trying to calm down my heartbeat. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my head causing me to shift my gaze upward.

"Did I scare you?" he asked, leaning down and swiftly pecking my lips. 

"Huh? No, I'm okay," I forced a smile. "I order you a strawberry lemonade since you don't really like coffee," I added trying to seem as normal as possible.

Heres, my chance to save both my brother and me. However, my gut was telling me to continue suffering in silence unless I want others to get hurt too. His hair was perfectly combed to the side; not his usual style. He looked effortlessly perfect along with his red bomber jacket.

"Thank you, Frankie. You know me so well," he smiled, stroking my cheek for a second before removing his hand. He shoved the straw in the drink and took a long sip. "Why are you so quiet?"

"I'm not being quiet," I nervously laughed, playing with the lid on my coffee cup. "It's just been a while since we talked. You know, face to face."

In the car, I applied good amount of foundation and conclear to hide anything unusual. I examined my face in the mirror, touching up the areas that needed it.

"You're usually not this awkward," he said.

"Can you leave it alone. I'm fine okay. How are you doing with everything," I asked, growing frustrated. 

He sighed. "Fine. Well, I've started going to therapy to help cope with the loss. The first appointment was pretty weird but I find it weridly soothing," he explained. 

"That's good, I'm happy you're working through it," I said, trying to sound sincere.

"Frankie, I know it's hard but we have to accept the circumstance and move on with our lives. We can't mourn forever," he said, reaching over for my hand and using his thumb to rub circles. "We will be okay."   

"Well, I'm sorry I can't forget about my daughter in a week," I spat.

"I haven't forgotten her. It's just," he gazed down at my hand, leading me to follow. "Why do you cuts on your hand?"

Shit, the sleeve wasn't as long as I thought. 

I pulled my hand away. "It's from when I raged in the hospital remember. I threw the vase of flowers on the floor," I answered, rubbing my hands together on my lap.

"No, you're lying. I didn't see any marks on you that day," he said. "Are you hurting yourself?"

"No! I'm not I promise," I said, gazing into his concerned eyes. 

"Those marks look fresh and now that I'm paying attention you have a cut on your lip," he added. "Frankie, you can tell me anything okay. I'm here for you."

I rolled my eyes and jolted from the chair, leaving my coffee and Drew there. I tried opening the door but was stopped by his muscular arm. Do I really walk that slow?

"Frankie why are you being like this?" he asked.

"I didn't come here to be interrogated," I snapped, trying to pry the door open.

"Okay than why did you come?"

"I'm breaking up with you," I bitterly spat, turning warm once I realized the scene we were making. 

He stared at me with disbelief and allowed his arm to slide down, giving me a way out. "I'm sorry," I whispered as I walked out the door. My hand rapidly wiped away the tears escaping my eye.

It wasn't supposed to be harsh. But as I sat in the coffee shop, I realized ripping it off like a bandaid was the easiest way to do it. Walking towards the back of shop where my father was waiting.

"Did you break up with him?" he yelled, but ignored him. "Answer me!" He shouted, clenching his fist while his body leaned against the car.

My shoulders slumped and my legs dragged me to the car. My stomach felt ill, regretting the one chance I had to get away from him was gone. The rest of my life will be spent tortured and waiting for a moment he dies so we will be free.

"Hello?" my father yelled, cranking his hand back and laid one on me. I shook my head, rubbing my sore crimson cheek. He pulled my hair back, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Answer me before I slam your face into the ground."

"I d-id it,"I whimpered, feeling my hair strands were being ripped from my scalp. 

"So your father is the one who's hurting you!" he said, making us turn our heads in his direction.

"You told him to follow you! Didn't you!" he yanked my hair harder, his face turning a bright shade of red. If he was cartoon smoke would be coming out from his ears.

"I swear I didn't," I protested.

"Well, I didn't want to restore to this but I guess I have no choice," my father said, shifting his dreadful gaze back at Drew.

Imogen

Rebel forgot his key last night and he kept banging on the door until I answered. The first thing Rebel said he entered was 'my life is fucked up'  and I couldn't help but agree. He dragged himself to his room, slamming the door behind making it apparent that didn't want to be bothered. 

Waking up this morning was drag, from the lack of sleep last night. However, today was the last day before I have to return to Katherine. After, taking a quick shower, I wore comfortable outfit and made my way downstairs.

To my surprise, Emma was over, gawking at my older brother who was currently shirtless. 

"Well, at least you guys aren't making out," I said, walking over to the shoe shelve and settled on my classic combat boots.

"We wouldn't torture you like that," Rebel joked, throwing his shirt over his head.

"So Emma what made you come over and visit?" I asked, reaching for my sweater on the coat rack. 

"Just wanted to visit my amazing boyfriend," she teased, squeezing his left cheek.

"You guys still going strong?" I asked, staring intently in Rebel's eyes. 

Emma interlocked their hands together, laying her head on his neck. "Why wouldn't we be?" she questioned. Rebel swallowed the lump in his throat and sent me the don't say anything look.

"No reason," I said, putting my hands up in defense.

"Well, Okay. I should get going," she said, placing a kiss on his cheek.

"Bye," we both said in unison. 

I waited until the door slammed before attacking my brother with questions. 

"What happened to Katherine? Didn't you say you loved her yesterday? Do boys really change their mind this fast?" I asked, wondering why he's acting like this.

"I do but she made it clear that our relationship has ended and will never happen again. Besides she refuses to talk to me and answer my messages," he said, gathering the mess on the coffee table and walking to the kitchen.

They both are so confusing. Katherine seemed like she was in love with him a few days. I wondered what caused her to change her mind. Of course, everything couldn't be super duper easy right. 

"Anyways, I have to go. I'm going to go say bye to everyone before having to be stuck with Katherine for god knows how long," I said, walking over and giving him a back hug.

He snickered and rubbed my arms. "I'm going to miss you Imi. I'll try to talk Katherine into letting you go."

"How when she won't even talk to you?" I joked, holding back the laughter.

"Shut up!" Rebel groaned, playfully smacking my head, messing up my ponytail.

"Byeee," I said, waving my hand as I exited the front door.

"Love you, Imi," Rebel said before I closed the door.

I reached for my phone, quickly sending Lucas a message.

To Lucas
Can I come over? To say our goodbyes?

It didn't longer than five seconds to receive a message back.

From Lucas
Of course Imi, I'll be waiting! heart emoji 

The heart emoji caused my cheeks to flush warm, making me feel all jitty inside. These simples gestures make my heart grow warm. I started walking on my way to Lucas's house, it wasn't that far and I needed the exercise. 

----

I sent a quick text telling him I was outside and continued walking up the gravel pathway. The gravel crumbed under my feet and I enjoyed the feeling. My hand reached for knocker but didn't have chance to touch since Lucas's bulter opened the door.

"Dammit Maxwell, I wanted to beat you to the door," Lucas groaned, running down the hall and almost tripping over his feet. 

"I'm so sorry, Sir but it's not my fault you're too slow," Maxwell joked, sticking his tongue out at him. He bowed and moved out of the way for Lucas to scoop me into a hug.

I giggled against his broad chest, inhaling his mesmerizing scent from his cologne. "It's only been a few hours but I've missed you like crazy," Lucas cooed, pulling me into a simple kiss and caused butterflies to emerge in my belly. We both smiled into the kiss and pulled away.

"I wished I didn't have to go back," I pouted, still melting in his hold.

"Don't worry, we be back together soon than you think," he assured, tenderly rubbing his thumb on my cheek.

"How should we spend the next hours together," I asked, boring into his gaze.

"Mmmm, pizza and horror movies?" Lucas asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

"What about rom-com?" I asked, biting my lip.

 "Anything for you," he cooed, swiftly placing a kiss on my cheek. "Which pizza place do you wanna call?"

"Definitely Marias," I said as we walked hand and hand down the hall to his glorious living room.  

------------

We were able to watch about two movies before it was time to go. The pizza was savory especially with extra pineapples, onion and olives. Lucas always scrunched his nose everytime I take a bite from the pizza. He still kissed beside the fact my mouth smelled like onions. That's a real boyfriend. I helped him clean the mess before his parent's came home from work.

Lucas wandered to his room while I continued gathering the garage on the coffee table. One of his maids brought over a bag and I dumped all the garage in there. Insisting I be the one to take it outside the maid was so grateful. 

"You know, how it's almost our seventh month anniversary," Lucas said, strolling over towards me and covering my eyes.

"Oh yeah, it completely slipped my mind," I said, awkwardly smiling.

Shit, how I could forget to get him a gift.  

"Well, it's been a crazy seven months and I wanted to get you a small gift," he said, removing his hands from my eyes. "It's nothing crazy so don't feel guilty about not getting me anything."

My lips formed a huge grin at the sight of the moving photo frame in front of me. It was moving collage of his favorite photos of us in silver frame decorated with pink hearts. It was simple gesture but made me the happiest girl in the world. This photo will be kept dear to my heart and I will keep it forever.

"Lucas, how did I get so lucky," I said, placing a quick peck on his cheek. "Take care of it until I come back."

"I will," he said, grabbing onto the garage bag I was holding. "I'll walk you out."

----

I walked half-way to Katherine's house before calling an taxi to help me reach the destination. My feet were extremely exhausted and I still had miles to go. The sun was also starting to set and I didn't want to walk alone in the dark. I payed the kind taxi man and exited the vehicle to the dreadful destination. 

Katherine should be glad I obeyed her and came back. Not like I had much of choice since I didn't want to risk my loved ones especially after what she made Frankie go through. 

I knocked on the door and used my phone while waiting for a reply. The door opened with Katherine standing besides it. 

"Wow, you made it on time with minutes to spare," Katherine smirked, tapping her fingers against the wooden door.

"Yeah, it wasn't planned," I said, stuffing my phone in my pocket and walked in.

"Follow me. I'm currently working on something," she said, slamming the door behind me and dragged me down the hall.

"Alright," I sighed.

She pulled me into a room covered in wooden shelves. The shelves seemed in good condition holding onto the weight of many bottles placed on it. In the middle of the room was interesting machine with test tube holder on the end of it. Several different items were on the table like ingredients to a meal or something.  

"Welcome to the Valentine's potion room. I have just finished working on this," she said, carefully grabbing the cylinder clear bottle filled with lavender liquid. 

"Potions? They exist?" I asked, watching as she tilted the bottle back and forth.

"Yes. This potion effects your emotions. It helps turn them off and makes you feel nothing at all," she explained.

"A potion does all of that," I replied, wandering around the room cluttered with thousands of other potions. 

"I was able to make a few but I wanted to give you this one," she said, handing it to me.

"Why would I need this? I'm fine," I said, furrowing my brows.

"You never know what will happen. You're the chosen one, your life is destined to bring sorrow and I just wanted to give you an option. Sometimes we want to take a break from our emotions when it becomes too much and now you have that," she explained, stuffing the potion into my pocket.

"Thank you?" I said.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to have it as an option. The chances of me using it is low but I could always offer to someone else. I should probably get rid of it before someone accidently consumes it and has to suffer with it. 

"Let's go, I have several things planned for you before I let you go," she smirked, placing the extra potions on the empty shelve. 

"Like what?" I asked, afraid of what she had planned.

"You'll see."

Sorry, for the long wait!! Hopefully the chapter was worth the wait and you enjoyed the chapter. Even tho the Frankie part was a little hard to read.

Would you be afraid to tell Drew if you were Frankie?

How cute was that moment between Imogen and Lucas?

Thank you for leaving a comment, vote and just reading it!!