Chapter Text
Franky was running through the park, sun beaming down on her skin as she felt her sweat drip down her arms. Franky stopped near a bench and drank some water as she stretched her muscles. Franky thought the run would help her, however her mind thought Bridget.
Franky sighed as she shouted in frustration. She had it all, a wife and 3 year old daughter Willow but threw it all away. Franky cursed herself, a night out with work colleagues and a very drunk Franky, bumped into Erica Davidson. Franky had taken Erica back to her hotel and spent the night with her. Bridget had arranged to surprise Franky for her birthday in Sydney, as she let herself into her hotel room she allowed Willow to enter first with a bunch of flowers.
Willow entered the room, as she pulled the duvet off Franky she shouted “Happy Birthday Mummy" Franky stirred, as she made out Willow standing in front of her holding bunch of roses.”
As Franky opened her eyes, she felt her waist being pulled and a voice “what time is it".
Willow asked “Why are you in my mummy’s bed?”
Franky sat up as she watched Bridget with tears in her eyes pick up Willow.
Bridget grabbed Willow and left the room immediately, as Franky grabbed her housecoat and ran after her family who stood in the lift. Bridget's face haunted her as the doors closed.
Bridget had messaged Franky to arrange contact with her daughter through her dad. That was 6 weeks ago, Bridget had refused all calls, messages, emails and any contact Franky attempted. Franky had sent flowers, apologising but nothing was ever acknowledged.
Today Willow starred in a dance show, her first competitive dancing, today she felt proud and happy to see her daughter dance her killer moves, she clearly had Bridget’s genes for her dance skills. The same time her heart broke, she would see the women who filled her every thought and a reminder of the family she had thrown away.
Franky couldn't explain to herself how she ended in bed with Erica, she just remember waking up hearing her daughter asking Erica “Why are you in my mummy’s bed?” Franky had tears in her eyes as she decided to continue to run and hope the dread of the day would melt away.
Bridget was packing Willow's dance bag when Willow began crying, “Baby, what’s up? You get to dance and show off all your moves" Bridget smiled as she picked her daughter up.
“I want my rainbow socks, I cant find them. They are my lucky socks" Willow cried as she cuddled into her mums neck.
Bridget smiled as she remember Franky had melt down over her knickers. “Well they cant be far, you had them for your last dance class"
Bridget continued to help Willow look for her socks but had no look. Willow was very upset, so when they arrived at the club she was exhausted and refused to dance.
Franky was stood by the door when Bridget pulled up, her heart skipped a beat she knew this was sink or swim time. Willow ran to Franky who crouched down and picked her up, as she swung her around as Willow screamed in delight. Franky placed her on her hip as she smiled at Bridget, both felt the tension.
“You excited to dance?” Franky asked as she kissed her daughter.
“No" Willow replied with a sad face.
“Hey, what’s with the frown?” Franky asked, as she glanced at Bridget.
“She cant find her lucky rainbow socks, decided she cant dance without them" Bridget spoke as she looked down at Willow, unable to look at Franky.
Franky smiled at Willow as she placed her hand in her pocket and pulled out the pair of rainbow socks, “Do you mean these rock star socks?”
Willow smiled as she hugged Franky, “Mummy your the best”.
“Come on kiddo, lets get these socks on so you can go on stage and dance your socks off" Franky smiled as Bridget kissed Willow on the cheek.
“Good luck baby” Bridget went to turn away as Franky spoke.
“Do you want to take her in?” Franky asked as she Willow sat on the bench.
“No its ok, I need to pay for her class anyway" Bridget nodded as she walked in the hall to the bathroom. She broke down crying, the family she had craved and tried so hard to have felt complete for the first time in 6 weeks. Bridget always ended up being bad mum, as Franky always gave in or had what Willow wanted.
Bridget felt frustrated, if Franky had put her socks back in her bag after she had stayed the night she wouldn’t have had a melt down all morning.
Alan and Tess appeared , when they saw Franky and Willow walking into the hall. Tess ran ahead and grabbed Franky's arm.
“Hey munchkin, how you doing?” Franky asked as she hugged Tess then kissed her dad.
Alan smiled , “You didnt say you had her last night, we could’ve grabbed pizza"
Franky sighed, “Gidge has just dropped her off, she went in to speak to her teacher" Franky looked defeated.
“Give her time, she is hurting right now. You got the little one to think of. Today's her big day so don’t ask her too many questions. Bridget must be feeling bad as it is "
“Will's will always come first, we both know that. Today is her day" Franky smiled as she grabbed both Tess and Willows hand. “Right lets get the show started"
Franky entered the room, scanned it for Bridget.
Bridget was sat on the end as she pointed her out to Tess who naturally ran up to her and sat beside her. Bridget smiled at Tess when Alan appeared.
“Sorry, Tess wanted to see you" Alan spoke.
“Its ok, how are you both doing?” Bridget asked.
“Same crap different day, so how are you?” Alan asked, seeing Bridget flinch at the question, she had lost weight and looked tired. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that was selfish of me"
Bridget shook her head, “Its ok Alan”
Alan muttered, “me and my big mouth"
Bridget touched Alan arm as she smiled, “Honestly its ok, just taking things day by day. Willow is struggling with the change, staying at different houses.”
Franky appeared holding a couple of drinks as she handed them out, her fingers touched Bridget instantly she felt a bolt of lightning. Both locked eyes, full of sadness.
“Thank you" Bridget spoke as Franky nodded.
“No worries, You look” Franky spoke when Bridget stopped her “Like shit, thanks for pleasantries” Bridget smiled.
“You always look beautiful too me” Franky smiled
Franky sat beside her dad, as she looked to the stage to wait for her daughter. She wanted to beg for forgiveness but knew it wasn't the right place.
Everyone enjoyed the show when Franky heard Willow's favourite song play. As she came bouncing out and dancing, Bridget noticed Franky's feet doing the same dance and pictured Willow trying to teach her the moves. But that was something they had done when Willow visited, realised she had missed a moment of her life out. Bridget often thought about what they got up to, Franky would have her every other weekend and Tuesday and Thursdays for tea.
Bridget watched her daughter get a round of applause as Franky stood up and whistled, as Willow blew a kiss at her. “That’s my girl" Franky shouted.
There was a break after the show as the judges decided the results, when Bridget headed off to see Willow. Franky watched them from a distance, Bridget feeling her gaze from across the room.
Everyone took their seats when they announced the winners, in second place with Cant Stop The Feeling is Willow Westfall-Doyle. Both Franky and Bridget smiled, as Willow ran on to the stage proud to collect her medal.
Bridget picked Willow up as she walked outside, found Franky was stood by her car. When she kneeled and hugged Willow.
“Hey, that was amazing. I’m so proud of you.” Franky spoke as she kissed Willow's face.
“Mummy we going for pizza and ice cream” Franky smiled watching how excites her daughter is talking “please come, they have your favourite bubble-gum"
Franky smiled as she spoke, “I erm” Franky wanted more than anything to go celebrate with her family, but knew it was Bridget's weekend to have her she may have plans.
“Please mummy, I miss you" Willow began crying as Franky hugged her and picked her up. “I don’t want to go with mummy I want to go with you"
Bridget spoke tears in her eyes, “Baby”
Franky interrupted Bridget, “Listen Will's I have to go to work, so you go have an amazing time with mummy. Next week we can grab ice cream"
“No, I don’t want too.” Willow cried as Franky rubbed her back.
Bridget spoke, “How about we wait until mummy has finished work, we can invite Tess over for pjs party. If she hasn’t got any plans”
Franky smiled, “I think that’s a cool idea, we have a pjs party with pizza and ice cream"
Willow nodded, “Yeah, I love you mummy"
Franky smiled as she strapped Willow into the car. Franky grabbed Bridget’s hand before she opened the car door. “Thanks, I didnt know what to say"
Bridget smiled, “Nothing I do is good enough at the minute”
Franky sighed, “I’m sorry, I fucked up and made this mess. Can we just talk, try sort this out please for Willow"
Bridget laughed, “I will order pizza for 5, take care Franky".
Bridget drove off as Franky watched her family leave her once again. Bridget had lost weight, looked tired and sad. Franky could see Willow had given her a hard time, she needed to have a talk with her daughter.
Franky arrived with Tess and spun Willow around in the air before putting her down as they both ran into the garden. Bridget was sat watching tv, Franky walked into the kitchen when she noticed a picture on the fridge. Her heart broke instantly, one side had a mum, the other had mum, dad and kid and in the middle of the page a girl with a sad face. Franky picked the picture up and walked over to Willow.
“Hey, I love your picture.” Franky spoke.
“That's you mummy, Tess and Grandad. That’s mummy, and that’s me.”
Franky frowned, as she felt her heart break that little bit more. Franky returned the picture to the fridge when she looked at the sofa. Bridget had left the room, Franky followed her to the bedroom as she stood next to the door.
“can I come in?” Franky asked, she never waited for an answer when she closed the door over.
“Franky not now, not today please.” Bridget spoke as she stood up by the window.
“When is a good time, its been 6 weeks. You wont talk to me, how can I fix our family when you wont talk to me. Our daughter is drawing pictures of two families. I don’t want that Gidge, I want you and us to be the one family"
“You wasn’t thinking of us when you were screwing her" Bridget spoke, “Instead our daughter hates me for chucking her precious mother out.”
Franky walked up to Bridget, “I don’t want Willow to grow up hating either of us, shouting at each other its unfair. I have a lot of explaining to do, I was an idiot. I don’t even know how it happened, I’ve not touched any alcohol since. But please can we talk about this, we have an amazing daughter who deserves the best parents we can be. I can ask dad to mind her for a few hours, you can scream, shout even hit me if that’s what it takes. Please Gidge, we can talk with no ears around.”
Bridget had tears in her eyes when Willow barged in the room, “Mummy can we watch Frozen" Bridget wiped her eyes, “Mummy are you crying"
Bridget smiled tears in her eyes, “That silly onion squirted in my eyes again, mummy was just helping me wash them"
Franky rubbed Bridget's back as she looked at Willow. Franky spoke, “Will's do you and Tess want to go wash your hands pizza should be here soon”
Willow ran out the room as quick as she ran in. Franky grabbed Bridget and hugged her as tears left her own eyes, “I'm so sorry for this pain I've caused, I promise I will make it better. I will spend every day of my life trying to put right the damage I’ve caused.” Franky sighed when she heard the door bell.
They sat eating pizza and listening to stories from Tess, when the door bell rang. Franky stood as she was closest to the door.
“Hi, can I help you?” Franky asked.
“Hi, is Bridget in?” Franky nodded, “yeah we just eating, do you want to come in?” Franky walked in the house, “Gidge a lady for you".
Bridget stood and walked to the hallway when she saw Clare. “Clare, what you doing here?”
Clare smiled, “Sorry, I didnt realise you had company this weekend. I wanted to see if you fancied going for a drink, but I see you are already busy.”
Bridget smiled, “Sorry, erm maybe next weekend. Franky has Willow, so I don’t need to get a babysitter.”
Clare smiled, “That would be great. Ok I will see you next week.”
Bridget smiled, “Why don’t you stay, have a glass of wine the kids are having a pjs party. Franky can entertain them for a while.”
Willow looked up, “Clare" ran over to her and hugged her legs.
Franky looked confused, how did she not know this hot chick who had walked in to her house know her child, and ask her wife out for a drink. Had Bridget moved on? Bridget noticed Franky's mind over working.
“Franky, are you ok to sort the kids?” Bridget asked.
“Yeah sure" Franky smiled, “Sorry, how do you know my daughter? Have we met before?” Franky asked.
Clare smiled, “Franky its nice to meet you, Willow talks a lot about you. I'm her therapist, we talk and draw pictures to release our emotions. I know its a difficult time in the family at the moment”
Franky looked confused, “Gidge you got our daughter a fucking shrink she is 3”
Bridget shook, “Language Franky"
Franky shook her head, “So that’s the picture on the fridge.” Franky had tears in her eyes when she walked out in to the garden. Franky felt defeated she knew she had damaged her daughter for one night she cant even remember.
One hour had passed when Franky heard the door open, Bridget walk towards her “Are you ok?” Bridget asked.
“A shrink, why didnt you tell me. Your the best psychologist I know, our kid doesn’t need a shrink.”
Bridget sighed, “Willow has been aggressive, shouting, angry, having nightmares and wetting the bed. Tell me did our daughter do that before we split? No she never, she asks me all the time who the lady in mummy’s bed. Our daughter found you having sex with another women. She needs to vent her frustration out, Id rather her do it now at 3 that be bitter in the future"
Franky sighed, “We are parents we should make this decision together.”
Bridget laughed, “You don't like shrinks look how you have just reacted!"
Franky nodded and smiled, “True, but a hot beautiful, kind and amazing shrink, pushed and prodded me so much I fell ridiculously in love with a shrink.“
Bridget smiled as Franky brought her hand towards her face, “You are beautiful, everything I have ever wanted and still want. I have been a fool Gidge, I only have myself to blame. Trust me I hate myself and everything I have done to our family, but please any future decisions on our daughter please talk to me”
“Ok” Bridget smiled.
“Can we go out one evening to talk, I could get dad to watch Willow? Try work through this, I don’t want to lose you” Franky asked with tears in her eyes.
“My heart says yes, my head says no. I don't know what will happen with us, but right now we are free. I can't trust you right now, I don't know if I ever will again”
Franky shook her head, “I don't want to be free I want you, our daughter, our home and our life.”
Bridget laughed sarcastically, “We should’ve been there in the back of your mind that night. I shouldn’t be asking myself every night why? Was we not good enough, did we not mean enough, what part of our life didnt you like, was it just a game, faze. You should’ve thought twice before you let it all go. Ask yourself baby, was she worth it?”
Franky shook her head, “If I could tell you why it happened I would, I just don’t have a reason. I had everything I wanted, it wasn’t even like we wasn’t having sex, it was the best it had ever been. I made the biggest mistake of my life.”
“Yeah you did. After everything we have been through its this that breaks us. I loved you Franky, with everything inside of me. My life was incomplete until you came along, the missing piece and you completed me, I never thought someone would love me the way you do. I never thought you would break me the way you did. But its happened, I don’t know if I will ever get over what you did. My heart isn’t broken its shattered into a millions pieces. I am hurting, each day its hurts a little bit more. I don't want animosity between us, we have a daughter and whatever happens we will be in each others lives. So lets put Willow first and what ever is meant to be will be. But to be clear, we are not together” Bridget pulled her wedding ring and engagement ring off her finger and placed them in Franky's hand. “Thank you for the last 6 years, I’ve had the best times with you"
Bridget walked back into the house as Franky fell apart in the garden. Bridget heart broke when she looked at her daughter, who had long brown hair, blue eyes with megawatt smile, temperament like her too. She had all of Bridget's personality, wore her heart on her sleeve. Bridget was grateful she had a mix of them both. Bridget was glad she had used Franky's egg as she carried their first child. They had recently tried for a second child, this time Franky had agreed to carry Bridget's egg which had been more difficult to conceive.
Franky entered the living room and sat with the girls, she remained quiet for most of the night. As the night passed Willow had fallen asleep on Franky who carried her to her bed. Bridget watched Franky stroking their daughters face as she watched her sleep whispering “I’m so sorry I let you down. I promise I will make you and mummy happy again. I love you, so much" Tess headed to bed in the spare room.
Franky was gathering her things together when she grabbed her jacket from the stool in the kitchen, when Bridget appeared behind her. Bridget knew Franky was hurting, she wanted nothing more than to grab her and show her how much she lobed her, but couldn't bring herself to do it. She needed to heal herself if they had any future to save, right now it was the long goodbye or new foundations for their future.
Bridget sighed, “Franky, why don’t you stay? Plus Tess and Will's will ask about you in the morning"
Franky shook her head, “I need some time alone. Would you be able to drop Tess off tomorrow at my dad's?”
Bridget nodded, “Yeah that will be fine". Franky kissed Bridget's forehead as she walked passed her and out the house.
Bridget hadn't seen Franky since. It had been three weeks, no calls, texts, emails she hadn’t heard from Franky. Willow had a parents class, Bridget had informed Franky the time and date but she never showed. Bridget got concerned as Franky always put their daughter first. Willow had been upset she hadn't seen her mum and gave Bridget a hard time. Bridget cursed Franky for letting their daughter down.
Bridget had been missing Franky, she felt guilty since she gave her rings back. She knew deep down she hadn't gave her much of a chance to fix things, however she couldn’t undo the image of Franky and Erica in bed.
Bridget return home from work, Willow had gone to dance class when she found Alan sat on her step.
“Alan, what you doing here? Willow is at dance class, Franky has her tonight.”
“Bridget that's what I'm here for. Franky cant pick her up she has been in an accident, I didnt want to tell you over the phone. She has broken her leg, complaining of stomach pains but generally she said she is ok.” Alan walked closer to Bridget. “I can take Willow for the same days, I know its Franky's weekend if its ok with you.”
Bridget had tears in her eyes and nodded, “Of course your her granddad. Is Franky ok? She not returning any of my messages, she never came to parents evening Willow was very upset.”
Alan sighed, “Honestly, I don't know. She has been looking for a house, working extra hours. Doing everything possible to not be around. Talk to her, only you know how to get her to open up”
Bridget had spent the afternoon thinking none stop of Franky, how would she feel if she had died. Did she really want their last memory walking out her home. She loved Franky still unconditionally, always would however she needed to set Franky free to find whatever she wanted. Bridget felt family life may not be the dream Franky wanted, didnt want to hold her back. They have an amazing daughter together. Bridget headed to the hospital she had to see her. She needed to make sure Franky was safe.
Franky looked awful, she had lost weight, pale she just wasn't her usual self. She had a cut above her eye, her leg was in a cast as she held her stomach.
“Gidge, what you doing here?”
“I had to know if you are ok, we may not be together. It doesn’t mean I don’t care about you? What happened?” Bridget asked as she naturally placed her hand over Franky's.
Franky crouched over in pain, as she held her stomach. Bridget looked concerned, “Let me get a doctor, your in pain baby”
Franky frowned, “Gidge, its ok. I’m due to see one, I got hit by a truck I'm expecting some pain.” Franky smiled “where's Will's?”
Bridget smiled, “She is with your dad, he has taken her for a few days. She doesn’t know your here, I wanted to ask if you want me to bring her in?”
Franky shook her head, “Nah, not here. I should be out tomorrow, they want to keep me in due to banging my head. Maybe it will knock some sense into me.”
Bridget laughed, “We both know that will never happen"
Franky looked at the end of the bed when a doctor appeared, Bridget went to stand and leave but Franky gripped her hand. “Stay".
“Franky, I have checked over your results. We were able to reset your ankle, no pressure on it for at least 6-8 weeks. All scans have came back good, you have no bleeds, I would like to arrange another ultrasound for tomorrow to ensure the baby is ok, we would like to keep you in overnight as precaution.” The doctor smiled at Franky, who sat frowning.
Bridget sat down on the chair, as she looked Franky. “What?”
Franky looked confused, “Baby? I'm not pregnant?”
The doctor nodded his head, “Yes, you are 11 weeks pregnant?”
“I can't be” Franky shook her head.
“Have you had any morning sickness?” Doctor asked.
“No, I’ve had couple afternoons I had a headache and felt nauseous but that’s it. I've had periods, the tests kits said not pregnant.” Franky glanced at Bridget.
“Its not uncommon to have no symptoms. I know this information maybe a shock to you. Is there anyone we can call for you?” The doctor asked.
“No, thanks" Franky spoke as she sighed.
Franky shook her head as Bridget grabbed her hand. Franky rested her head on the pillow as tears formed in her eyes.
“I haven’t slept with anyone if that’s what your thinking” Franky spoke. “You are definitely the mother" Franky smiled
“I thought each round was unsuccessful” Bridget spoke.
“Obviously they got it wrong.” Franky whispered.
Bridget had a big smile on her face, as she placed her hand on Franky's stomach. “were having a baby”.
Franky began to cry as Bridget climbed on the bed and held her in her arms. “Hey, I thought you’d be happy. We have wanted this for so long”
Franky stroked Bridget’s face, “Bringing a baby in to a broken home, wasn’t part of the dream Gidge.”
Bridget kissed Franky on the lips, as she pulled back “I love you, you idiot. When your dad told me you had an accident, I realised I had been an idiot too. I was hurting and took it out on you. We have issues we need to work on, we have a beautiful daughter, who will be thrilled to find out she will be a big sister. I can't promise a future, but I'm willing to try. If you want to try"
Franky nodded her head, “I love you too, so much Gidge. I want my family back and I promise I will never be an idiot again".
Franky grabbed Bridget's face and kissed her passionately.
The following day Franky got released from the hospital. Bridget drove her to their home. Franky entered using her crutches, as she hobbled across to the sofa. Bridget put a pot of coffee on as she watched Franky pick the phone up.
“Hey dad, how's the little munchkin?” Franky asked.
“I’m ok, just a broken ankle, I will be fine.” Franky paused listening to her dad talking, “Ring me when she is back, love you too bye.”
Franky leaned back against the sofa as she winced in pain. Bridget appeared with tablets and glass of water. As she sat next to her. “Do you want to tell anyone your pregnant?” Bridget asked.
“No, not yet. I want us to just enjoy the news and make sure everything is ok. Then we can tell Willow, after that I don’t really care.” Franky reached her hand out and held Bridget’s hand. “Dad is happy to have Will's till Monday, that give us the weekend to have some us time together, that’s if you have no plans.”
Bridget smiled, “I’ve cancelled my plans, you need rest Franky. So I will be making sure you rest. Plus I think 3 nights may be too long for Willow to stay with your dad, I'm sure she will want to come home. Especially when the best mummy ever is not there.” Bridget nudged Franky as she spoke laughing.
Franky turned and stroked Bridget’s face, “we both know your the best mummy ever, I'm the naughty mummy I just cant say no to her and I need too”
Bridget smiled, as she moved closer and touched Franky's stomach “You are an amazing mother, our daughter adores you. She would be traumatised if you ever said no to her. She will be so happy to see you home, that's if you want to move back home.”
Franky nodded, “I want to come home. I’ve missed so much already. The simple things in life, bath time, bedtime stories, not holding her when she cried, morning tantrums, I have even missed Taylor Swift. I never thought Id ever say that.”
Bridget laughed, “If we have a girl, I think we should call her Taylor"
Franky laughed, “Oh no, Will's would be so happy"
Bridget sighed, “I'm sorry, I didn't think clearly when I asked you to leave. I know I damaged our daughter, I hate myself for it.”
Franky put her finger to Bridget's lip, “No, don’t blame yourself. It's my fault, I got drunk and made the biggest mistake of my life. We both done things out of hurt, but we both have a reason to make things work. I thought prison was a dark place, not coming home to you and our family made prison feel like a holiday. I know things wont go back to normal straight away, but I'm 100% committed to us. Waking up without you destroyed me, I only have myself to blame. Every night I see your face, it haunts me knowing the pain I've caused.”
Bridget leaned forward and kissed Franky on the lips. Franky turned a simple kiss into a heated passionate kiss, and naturally pushed Bridget back against the sofa as both their hands wandered over body parts. Franky pulled away and looked down at Bridget “I love you"
Bridget smiled as she pulled Franky towards her “I love you too, welcome home baby"
Franky smiled, "Say it again".