Head Over Heels - 𝖩𝖩 𝖬𝖺𝗒𝖻𝖺𝗇𝗄

19 | 𝕄𝕚𝕕𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕣 ℙ𝕥.1

A/N: Just a quick little note, I've made some changes to Frankie's and Richard's fancast, as the little plot twist I'm adding to the story wouldn't suit the original one's, I've also started an Tiktok account, same username as on here! ♡

｡･ﾟﾟ･･ﾟﾟ･｡Chapter 19 ｡･ﾟﾟ･･ﾟﾟ･｡

Midsummer, an annual tradition started by the Kooks, a day where they dress up in their finest dresses and suits and celebrate at their exclusive club. Meanwhile, the lower classes work hard, serving them food, drinks, and setting up the entire event. For all her wishes, Frankie knew that the two groups would never truly come together as one.

In Frankie's despair, she despised this Midsummer event even more than before. After witnessing JJ's arrest and barely hearing his voice, she felt her heart sink. She couldn't help but worry about his situation. Did his dad really do something to him? Lost in thought, Frankie fixated on the floor, tuning out her mother's words. A dress, zipped up inside a bag, hung before the mirror across from her, mockingly reminding her of the festivities.

"Are you seriously upset over a boy like that? It's ridiculous, Frankie! I won't have you staying here and bringing shame upon our family!" Lilia exclaimed, stopping in her tracks, her gaze fixed on her daughter, who sat hunched over.

Lilia, growing more frustrated, snapped, "Are you even listening to me!?"

Frankie reluctantly lifted her head up, her brown eyes defiantly meeting her mother's gaze. "Yep..." she replied bitterly.

Lilia crossed her arms, scoffing at her daughter's defiant attitude. "Oh, you're really going to give me that look, huh?"

"Yeah, I am giving you that look, because you care more about me looking pretty for this stupid event than anything else!" Frankie stood up, her voice rising with anger. "It's always about you, your reputation, and your selfish desires. That's all you ever care about! No wonder dad left us. He couldn't stand being around you and your egotistical behavior!" Tears streamed down her cheeks as she spoke, her frustration and hurt evident in her voice.

Lilia stared at Frankie, her expression momentarily faltering before hardening into a blank gaze. "Get dressed." She muttered, her tone cold before she turned and walked out of the room. Frankie continued to stare after her, tears streaming down her face. She sniffled, shaking her head in despair. She hastily wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, trying to stifle the sobs that threatened to escape.

Richard entered the room quietly, his voice soft as he addressed Frankie. "Hey there, kiddo..." He closed the door behind him and stepped closer to her. Frankie wiped away her tears with her hands, her gaze shifting up to meet Richard's. She then asked hesitantly, "How much did you hear?"

"All of it," Richard responded gently as he approached her, taking care not to invade her personal space. He looked down at her with concern, his tone sympathetic. "You alright, kiddo? I know you're really worried about JJ, and I get it - i understand."

Frankie cut him off, her voice filled with frustration. "Do you truly understand? Are you just reciting some insincere step-father speech, hoping to convince me to go along?" She shook her head, her glare firmly fixed on him. "You don't seem to understand at all. She wants me to attend this ridiculous event, acting as if JJ's situation doesn't matter. How can I pretend to be okay when I'm worried sick about him?"

Richard paused, contemplating his words before continuing, his tone gentle. "I do understand... when I was around your age, I also deeply cared about someone. Something happened to them, and I was so worried, but they came back to me, safe and sound. That sense of worry and concern is a sign of true love. I've been there, and I've always understood how you feel."