Chapter Text
Francesca sat in the backseat of her mothers car, her girlfriend Michaela sitting beside her. It was a lovely day outside, no clouds in the sky. In the front seat, Violet turned down the radio, taking a quick look back. “Are you excited, girls?” she asked, Francesca immediately turning to Michaela. “Yeah. I can’t wait,” Michaela answered, Francesca nodding. “I think you’ll love it here. We’re going to the beach this evening to watch the sunset. Do you want to come?” Violet asked, turning onto a small lane. “Of course,” Francesca said, looking out the window.
Michaela was also looking out the window, taking everything in. It was a beautiful day, the landscape mostly unharmed by the recent storms. The sun only added to the picture. Mountains surrounded them, seagulls and sheep everywhere. The already small road was growing smaller, a grand house coming into view. It sat on top of a small hill, making it stand out even more. It was a beautiful building, finished with stone. The house was three stories. It was huge. Cars littered the front, people taking suitcases out. Michaela could only stare in awe, Francesca looking at her. “It’s nice, eh?” Francesca said, Michaela turning to face her. “Nice? It’s amazing,” Michaela replied, still slightly shocked.
Violet pulled up in front of the front door, unbuckling her seat belt and getting out of the car. Francesca waited a second, looking at Michaela. “You ready? Once you step out of the car you won’t be alone for a month,” Francesca said, scooting closer. “Yeah,” Michaela replied, opening the car door. She stepped out, the salty air filling her nostrils immediately. Francesca followed her, taking a step out. The girls moved to the back of the car, opening the boot and pulling out their bags.
The girls made their way to the front door, which was wide open, people running in and out of it. Francesca led the way, Michaela taking her time to absorb everything. There were many people she didn’t recognise. She could already hear laughter from inside the house. They reached the door, stepping through. The house was even prettier inside, deep mahogany wood floors and off white walls. Francesca kept walking, leading Michaela to the hallway, a grand staircase sitting in the center. Light pooled in from a skylight, giving the space a heavenly feel. Francesca stopped, turning around.
“I’ll have to leave my bag here. Ben can carry it up later,” Francesca said, pushing her bag aside. “You can leave yours too, if you’d like,” she continued, turning back around. “You're fine. I can carry my bag,” Michaela said, stepping forward. She walked to Francesca's bag, picking it up carefully. She grunted slightly, the bag heavy but manageable. “I can bring it up after mine,” Michaela said, Francesca already waiting on the first step. “Really? Jesus Christ, you're strong,” Francesca said, smiling. Michaela picked her own bag back up, walking to the stairs. Francesca was already at the top, waiting.
Michaela reached the top, turning around straight away and walking back down. She picked up Francesca’s bag, waddling back to the stairs and taking it slow. She went step by step, Francesca cheering her on. “God, you are so much stronger than me. I wouldn’t even make it up the first step,” she said, sitting on the top step. Michaela made it to the top eventually, dropping the suitcase and taking a breath. Francesca wrapped her in a hug immediately, drawing her closer.
“Thanks, Mic,” Francesca said, taking a step back. “But I’ve got bad news. We’re on the third floor. Only the oldest four on this floor,” Francesca said, pulling her suitcase. “The next set isn't as daunting, though. They’re at the end of this hallway,” Francesca said, already walking away. Michaela followed, still catching her breath. They reached the end quickly, Francesca already walking up, her bag waiting for Michaela. “Thanks, Mickie!” she said, taking a seat on the top step. “I didn’t agree yet,” Michaela said, bringing her own bag up.
She made it to the top, dropping her bag. “I don’t think I’m going to bring yours up,” Michaela said, turning around. Francesca stood up, the girls extremely close. “Please,” Francesca said, reaching out. “And what’s in it for me?” Michaela joked, tilting her head. Francesca’s brain froze for a minute, unsure what to do. In the end, she let the proximity take over, leaning in and planting a quick kiss to Michaela’s lips. “That,” Francesca said, smiling. Michaela smiled back, beginning to walk back down the stairs.
She brought Francesca’s suitcase up, huffing with each step. Francesca watched from the top of the stairs, smiling to herself. She really was lucky. Michaela reached the top, setting the bag down and bending over. “What the actual fuck do you have in there,” Michaela said between breaths, hands on her knees. “Everything I’ll need for the next month,” Francesca said, Michaela straightening again. “You’re going to love our room,” Francesca continued, turning around. “Our room?” Michaela said, smiling.
“Em, yeah. I probably should have told you earlier. There’s no spare rooms. And because Mum didn’t know we were dating at the time, she thought this would be perfectly okay. There is an old blow up mattress in my wardrobe if you want it,” Francesca said, turning around. “If it’s cool with you, it’s cool with me,” Michaela said, the girls continuing on their way. Francesca stopped at the end of the hall, a large white door in front of her. She pushed it open, walking in. She left her bag just inside the door, walking to her bed and flopping onto it.
Michaela stood in the doorway, taking everything in. The room was massive, long windows illuminating the pale blue walls. A king bed stood to the left, covered in pale white sheets. A piano sat flush against the opposite wall, the sunlight hitting it perfectly. Michaela’s jaw dropped slightly, finally stepping in. “This is … amazing,” Michaela said, putting her bag down and turning to Francesca, who was now sitting up. “I didn’t know you played piano,” she continued, now standing at the foot of the bed. “Yeah. It’s only a pastime. I used to play a lot, but then I started rugby,” Francesca said, pulling her phone out from her pocket.
“Can you still play,” Michaela asked. “Yeah. I only ever really get to play here. My old piano is in storage somewhere. I’m probably a bit rusty, though,” Francesca said, putting her phone back down. “It’s half four now. We’re heading to the beach in an hour,” Francesca said, standing up. “What do we wear?” Michaela asked. “Em, well we usually get into the sea. So you can wear a swimsuit or bikini or even shorts and t-shirt. It really doesn’t matter. I usually wear a swimsuit and shorts,” Francesca said, pulling her suitcase closer. She unzipped it carefully, beginning to search.
Michaela moved to her own suitcase, pulling it open. Thankfully, her swim wear was packed last, sitting on top. She pulled out a bikini top and a pair of shorts, turning around. “Is this alright?” she asked. “Of course. We’re not going to police your body,” Francesca said, looking back down. “I know, I just wanted to make sure it was, you know, like, appropriate,” Michaela said. “Mickie, if you’re worried about a bikini, don’t be. El and Daph always wear bikini’s,” Francesca said, looking up for a second. Michaela stood up, walking to the door. “Where are you going? My bathroom’s right there,” Francesca said, pointing towards a neat door in the corner of the room, tucked away beside the wardrobe. “I didn’t even notice,” Michaela said, turning around and walking to the bathroom.
Michaela got changed quickly, stepping back into the room with her old clothes tucked under her arm. Francesca looked up, her breath catching for a second. It technically wasn’t anything new. She’d seen Michaela in a sports bra before, but a bikini was slightly more revealing. She must have been staring, because Michaela began to laugh. “Earth to Francesca? You alive in there,” Michaela said, throwing her clothes into her suitcase. “Em, yeah, sorry,” Francesca said, feeling her ears tingle. “Don’t apologize. I’m only messing,” Michaela said, taking a seat in front of her.
Francesca stood up, walking to the bathroom. She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She took slightly longer to get changed, taking her time. When she finished, she carefully folded her discarded clothes, opening the door again. She stepped back into her room, closing the door behind her. Michaela was sitting on her phone, back turned to Francesca, who was quietly glad, feeling rather vulnerable in her swimming togs. She turned to her wardrobe, opening it and beginning to put the clothes away. “You can have that half of the wardrobe,” Francesca said over her shoulder, Michaela putting her phone down.
“Thanks,” Michaela said, dragging her suitcase over. “I’m probably not going to do anything until tomorrow morning. I’m not arsed,” Michaela said, taking a seat beside Francesca. “Fair. I just like having everything organised,” Francesca replied, a good chunk of her clothes already put away. She continued unpacking until she had finished, smiling to herself. “How many people are coming?” Michaela asked, sitting up a bit. “Well, my whole family. So Mum, Ant, Kate, Edmund, Ben, Sophie, Colin, Penelope, Daphne, Simon, El, Hy and Gregory. So not too many new people,” Francesca said, Michaela slightly shocked.
“God, you're so lucky. I only have my sister. No cousins, no grandparents. Well, technically I do, but I didn’t ever bother to try to tell them. They did raise my mother, after all,” Michaela said, sighing slightly. “I’m so sorry,” Francesca said, looking up. “You don’t have to say that every time, you know,” Michaela said softly. “I know. I just don’t really know what else to say and I don’t think either of us want slightly awkward silence,” Francesca said, her voice slightly quiet. The girls continued talking, eventually leaving the room. Michaela had two towels draped around her shoulders, carrying Francesca’s. They eventually made it down to the kitchen, which was already full.
Francesca and Michaela squeezed into a spot beside the sink, surrounded by Bridgertons. There were ten different conversations happening, the noise nearly unbearable. Francesca looked around the room, noticing Daphne making her way towards her. She bumped into Colin on the way, receiving a playful nudge. She rolled her eyes, finally reaching Francesca. “Hey, Frannie,” Daphne said, reaching out. Francesca stepped closer, returning the hug tightly. She felt Daphne’s stomach brush against her own, choosing to ignore it. She took a step back, Daphne smiling widely. “Did you notice anything?” she asked. “No,” Francesca said. Daphne laughed softly. “God, you really are polite. I’m pregnant,” Daphne said, Francesca’s smile widening.
“Congratulations!” Francesca said, stepping in for another hug. “I’m so happy for you,” she continued. “Thanks, Frannie,” Daphne replied, Francesca eventually letting her go. Daphne turned to Michaela, giving her an easy smile. “You must be Michaela,” she said, stepping closer. She opened her arms for a hug again, Michaela returning the gesture carefully. “Frannie had me running up and down the country for your birthday present,” Daphne said, laughing slightly. Michaela turned to Francesca. “I’m so sorry,” Michaela replied, giving Francesca a look. “Ah, I’m only joking. It was actually a bit fun,” Daphne continued, Michaela turning back. “Well, I’ll have to love you and leave you, girls,” Daphne said, receiving goodbyes from the pair. She turned around with one last smile, disappearing into the large crowd of people.
Francesca turned back to Michaela, smiling. “You ready to go to the beach?” she asked. “Yeah,” Michaela replied, Francesca walking to the door. She passed Benedict on the way out, tapping his shoulder. “Me and Michaela are going to head to the beach now,” she said, Benedict nodding. They stepped into the hallway, finally able to breathe. “The beach is only a five minute walk away. You can see it from the gate,” Francesca said, opening the front door. “The roads are quiet enough. We’re the only house for a while. The beach is basically ours,” Francesca continued, Michaela following her out into the driveway.
“The rest will follow us. We might be alone a while though. My family love to talk,” Francesca said. A stray rugby ball caught her attention on the lawn. “Oh. I didn’t think there’d already be balls on the lawn,” she continued, swooping down to pick it up. “It’s Bens. I don’t think he’ll mind,” Francesca said, spinning the ball between her hands. “Speaking of rugby, we’ll know in two days if we got picked for trials,” Michaela said, following Francesca. “I’ve been thinking about it since we went home. I’m a bit nervous. I know I’ll probably get nothing, but still,” Michaela said, looking at her feet.
“Don’t say that. You don’t even know yet,” Francesca said, turning her head. The girls continued talking, eventually reaching the beach. “It’s gorgeous,” Michaela said, stepping onto the sand. “I know. I used to come down here the whole time when I was younger. I’d pull whichever sibling was willing with me, and just stare at the waves for hours,” Francesca said, still fiddling with the ball. “I could see why you’d want to do that,” Michaela said, bending down. “Do you mind if I leave these here?” she asked, receiving a head shake from Francesca.
The girls began passing the ball, talking about everything and anything. The sun was slowly setting, a beautiful golden glow settling over the countryside. “If they don’t hurry up they’re going to miss it,” Francesca said, walking closer. “You look extra beautiful in this light,” Michaela said, Francesca blushing slightly. “You too,” Francesca said, now standing across from her. Michaela gave her a smile, bouncing the ball off her foot. “Wanna go into the water?” Michaela asked, setting the ball down. “Em, okay. But let me acclimate first,” Francesca said, Michaela already running to the water. Francesca smiled to herself, slowly jogging behind her.
By the time Francesca had reached the edge, Michaela was already waist deep, waiting for her. Francesca slowly dipped her foot into the water, a jolt jumping up her leg. “Fuck, it’s freezing,” she exclaimed, Michaela laughing. She slowly made her way towards Michaela, effing and blinding through the shivers. “God, you’re such a potty mouth,” Michaela said with a smile. “Excuse me! I am not half as bad as you,” Francesca bit back, finally reaching Michaela. “It’s not even that cold,” Michaela said, walking even deeper. “I am not going any further. Once my stomach gets cold I become immobile,” Francesca said, folding her arms across her stomach.
The girls stayed in the water for five minutes more, Francesca caving in. They made their way back to their towels, finally hearing voices. The Bridgerton brood were finally here. They descended on the beach with chaos, everyone heading in a different direction. Gregory and Hyacinth raced each other to the water, Edmund trying to follow them. The women stayed together, setting up stools and towels, still talking. And as for the men, they were nowhere to be seen. Francesca picked up her towel, walking towards the group. Michaela followed, her towel draped around her waist.
“Where’s all the lads?” Francesca said, taking a seat. “They decided they’d rather watch some soccer match. Gregory’s going to head back up to them just in time for the second half,” Eloise said, already lying down on her towel. Michaela was now sitting beside Francesca, her towel pulled a little closer. “You two were already in the water?” Violet asked, Michaela nodding. “Well, you lot were talking for ages,” Francesca said, shivering slightly. The group laughed, settling back into the conversation.
After a while, a call came from Hyacinth. “Are you guys coming or what?” she screamed up the beach, the girls laughing. Sophie and Kate stood up immediately, making their way down the beach. Michaela turned to Francesca, who nodded immediately. She stood up, unraveling her towel and placing it across Francesca’s shoulders. She turned around, jogging towards the water. “Fran, dear? Are you coming?” Violet asked. “Nope. I’m too cold,” Francesca said, giving her mum a smile. It was only Daphne and Francesca now, the latter's shivers beginning to ease.
Francesca stared at the floor for a minute, considering. Her towel was even tighter around her, a strong breeze chopping through her. “Are you alright Fran?” Daphne asked, looking down from her chair. “Em, yeah. Just thinking,” Francesca said, still looking down. “Em- I … need to tell you something,” Francesca said, her voice shaking slightly. “Okay,” Daphne replied softly, giving her time. “Well, Michaela isn’t really my friend,” Francesca began, pausing slightly. “Oh no. Did she do something wrong?” Daphne asked, leaning forward slightly.
“Oh, no. That’s not what I meant. At all,” Francesca said, realising how bad that sounded. Daphne didn’t say anything, Francesca’s heart beat quickening. “She’s my girlfriend,” Francesca basically whispered, her hands shaking under her towel. “Oh, Frannie,” Daphne said, reaching down and resting her hand on her shoulder. “You were nervous about that?” she continued softly. Francesca nodded, a single tear slipping down her cheek. “Come here,” Daphne said, opening her arms. Francesca stood up and bent down to hug Daphne, who was sitting on a camping chair. “I love you, Fran. Absolutely nothing will change that,” Daphne whispered into her ear, Francesca not letting go.
Francesca eventually stepped back, smiling slightly. “If I am being completely honest, I may have suspected it when you asked for that vinyl. You had barely even talked to me about your friends back home, so the sudden switch was a bit telling,” Daphne said, smiling. “I’m happy for you, Francesca. Michaela seems lovely,” she continued, Francesca smiling. “She really is,” she replied.