Collide ♔ Tom Kaulitz

c h a p t e r ♔ n i n e

The ride to school with my mother was silent, no different than it usually was. I wish to know what my mother was like when she was my age. Was she full of life and laughter? Or was she sullen and quiet as she is now? I want to know if she has always been like this or if my father has made her life so miserable she pretends she is elsewhere just to escape.

Third period i finally get to see Gemma and Vivi. The anticipation had been building in me all day as i wondered what i would get to do tonight. I can't remember the last time my father let me attend anything other than church or public appearances with the rest of the Russos.

I spied Gemma as she walked through the classroom door, "TELL ME EVERYTHING!" i yell. Our teacher shushes me from her desk, pointing towards the board that has our work written on the front. I roll my eyes and look back to Gem.

"There's a party tonight at Arabella's house. All of west side will be there!!" she exclaims, grabbing ahold of my hands and shaking them.

A party? i had never been to party. i wondered if my father really knew what i was to be attending. Surely not, he would have never let me go.

"I told my dad it was a dinner. He believed me and told your dad that's what it was!!" She exclaims, proud of herself for having tricked a Don.

i hate to admit it, but i feel guilt creeping over me. As much as i detest my parents and as much as i hate their rules. I've never exactly lied to my father like this before. The closest thing i had ever done to this was sneaking out to save my brother. Well... and one other thing.

"Don't go there Fran, you deserve to have a fun night out!" Vivi caresses the side of my arm, giving me a reassuring smile as she reads my mind.

i nod. Shes right. I want one night to just have fun and forget about my parents, my duties as a Don's daughter, and even my endless thoughts of Tom Kaulitz.

"We're going shopping after school, i need a new dress for tonight!" Vivienne squeals loudly, catching the attention of other students around us.

***

"Here try this on." Gemma hands me a short silky black dress.

"uhm... what about maybe this one?" I ask, picking up a knee length light pink dress.

"Oh, branch out a little Fran!!" She begs, thrusting the black dress in my direction.

My fingers run over the hem of the black silk. Tonight was about freedom, something i never get. Why not try something new? I honestly don't think i had ever worn black, besides for a funeral.

"Okay fine." I take the dress and head for the dressing room.

Slipping on the dress, i felt as if i became someone new. I smiled in the mirror, feeling silly for thinking something so juvenile. It's just a dress, Francesca.

I emerge from the dressing room, wishing i could just turn around and swing the curtain shut. But my friends have already spied me. Standing next to the display of heels, Vivi squeals with excitement as she lays eyes on me in the dress.

"Oh my god. You are stunning Franny!" She exclaims, running up to me. Gemma follows right behind her cooing at how great i look in the dress.

My eyes catch a glimpse of Tony as he appears with a cup of coffee. Our eyes meet for a brief moment, before his travel down to the dress. He grabs the collar of his shirt, adjusting it before looking away.

"Should i get it?" I try to break my attention away from Tony.

"Oh my god yes, your body is AMAZING!! I wish i could slip you out of that dress myself!" Vivi jokes as she winks at me.

Antonio coughs from across the room. Gemma and Vivi share a quick glance. "We're going to go look at shoes." Gemma's eyes point to Tony then aggressively back to me. I roll my eyes, my father was right Gemma really is nothing but trouble.

After my friends leave, i turn to walk back to the dressing room.

"Do you think your father would approve of that dress?" Tony says, stopping me dead in my tracks.

"Do you think my father would approve of you eye fucking me in this dress?" I turn on my tippy toes to face him.

Tony's cheeks blush bright red as he looks away from the dressing room and clears his throat.

"What's the matter Tony? Cat got your tongue?" I slide the curtain of the dressing room shut.