Episode Forty-Nine: Scene Two
Francesca shifted her purse higher onto her shoulder. Even though she was walking down the sidewalk with Allan, she couldn't stop thinking about her earlier conversation with Amante. Seeing him walk out the way he did had had a profound impact on Francesca. She'd never thought it would be so hard to say goodbye to someone she hadn't seen in so long.
"Francesca!"
Allan's exclamation jerked Francesca out of her thoughts. Looking at him in a daze, she asked, "What?"
"Have you not heard a word I've been saying? Geez, wake up girl!" Allan laughed and flung his arm over Francesca's shoulder. "So are you going to leave me again like you did last year?"
Francesca's shrugged and looked away from him. She hadn't given much thought to the idea, but she supposed she already had the answer. "Yes, I suppose I will."
"Spain again?" Allan rolled his eyes. "You spend more time across the world than you do in my arms, you know."
Francesca laughed weakly. "No, I'm not going to Spain. This year my parents are sending me to Ireland, I believe."
Allan stopped walking. A quizzical look appeared on his face. "What on earth are you going to do in Ireland?"
Francesca sighed and resumed her slow walking pace. "My father says his distant cousins live there, and he wants me to meet them. If it were up to me, I'd go to Paris or something."
"Why not Spain? I thought you loved it."
"I do, but...it's just complicated. Let's talk about something else."
Allan hugged Francesca closer. "So I guess that means you won't get back until the Miss Midway contest begins, eh?"
"Ugh, don't remind me!" Francesca spat out, her nose crinkling in disgust. "I have been badgered and pestered beyond belief by the girls about how to keep my title. I could care less if I win it or not. You don't do anything!"
"I wouldn't take the attitude you're taking if I were you. Amber's out for blood, and I won't be surprised if she does everything in her power to keep you from winning again."