CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

Warning: Minor sexual reference

Francine was in her room doing pushups and crunches to get her blood pumping. She was given a huge assignment to do by the end of the week, but she also had an update from the school. They weren't pleased with Coach Peter's reaction to their conversation. Francine would be in the other history class starting the next day, and she was to have no contact with him other than unavoidable hallway encounters.

But Francine needed to use her athleticism. She needed to try out for the track team. She needed to be successful, to prove to the bitches of Elwood City High that looks weren't everything.

She was on her fiftieth crunch when her door flew open. Her mother appeared. She was still unhappy about their trip to the store; because Francine had already worn a few of the items, they refused to take them back. She owed her mother over forty dollars, and she was to work for every penny.

"This is a job application for the mall. They have a system there where your application goes to every manager in the complex. You could end up anywhere, but at least you'll be making money. Your first paycheck, if you get hired, goes straight to me. When you pay me back the money you still owe, you won't be grounded anymore. Does all of this sound clear to you?" her mother asked sternly, tossing the application down to her sweating daughter.

"Crystal," Francine replied, beginning her crunches again. "What did you decide about the track team?" Francine asked. So far she hadn't asked them. They would be her deciding factor. The school couldn't necessarily turn down parental permission, though they didn't know anything about Coach Peters to object, at least for that reason.

"Your father and I will discuss it when he gets home. He's dealing with a flooded compactor right now, but he should be home soon. Oh, your sister is visiting this weekend so you need to clean the house tomorrow after school," her mother said sternly, turning away.

"Wait, Mom," Francine called to her. "Is she bringing that guy with her?" Francine asked once her mother turned around. She nodded; of course Catherine was bringing the love of her life. "Do you mind if Catherine doesn't sleep in my room?"

"That's the rules around here, Francine. I can't have them mingling in the night," her mother said sternly, her face growing red again. It was about to get even redder, Francine thought.

"Well, that's why I—"

"DID THEY HAVE SEX?!" her mother shrieked. Francine nodded slowly. "Ugh, that daughter of mine! I told her and told her and told her some more—" she ranted, disappearing into the living room. A few seconds later, the explosion was reaching across to Catherine long distance over the phone.

Francine heard the computer beep. Catherine had sent her a quick message informing her how dead she was. Francine merely smiled. It was nice not to be the center of attention anymore, at least the center of the wrong kind of attention. She went back to her workout, thinking about this new history class. She'd have it with a few of her old classmates, but she'd be away from the girls she didn't like.

"That's gotta be a plus," Francine muttered, beginning more pushups. "They target Muffy more than me, but that's good too," she murmured, her hands tingling as her mother stomped across the living room floor. She felt the front door close as well, then the explosive yelling began again, this time from both her parents screaming into the phone.

Francine smiled. She knew she was off the hook now, and she wouldn't have to hear her stupid sister fake another orgasm…at least that's what Francine thought it sounded like. She eyed the adult magazine Catherine showed her, detailing relationship builders like oral and other inappropriate things. Francine was disgusted at first, but her mind instantly went to Coach Peters. She was scared of him, yes, but she wondered if those sorts of things pleased him. What if she learned the tips? Could that please him?

Francine's thoughts turned into daydreams as she lay on her stomach on the floor. Yes, she didn't want him following her around, but that didn't mean she didn't want him around. She'd learn for the future, just in case.

She began doing jumping jacks as the phone call ended and her parents started yelling at each other. Francine was almost guilty for the bombshell, but her mind was too clouded. Dreams of kissing Coach Peters were in her mind. They overtook her, lulling her into peace.

A/N: Catherine Frensky, you are in so much trouble now, but we can assume that Francine is really to blame. We'll see if her "dodge the bullet" technique gives her good results in a later chapter. Next up, we'll see how the Read family is doing as they recover from their traumatic past few days. A few chaotic moments in the Read household can be seen in Chapter Fifty-Seven.

My hiatus is officially over. I have mixed emotions about this return to life outside of my bedroom, but I am happy to have my internet access back. Expect a few chapters a day on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the next few months, give or take a few days since I am busy and all that usual stuff. I will try to start the forum for Sophomore Sorrows very soon, so keep an eye out for it. Also, if you have any questions about your favorite characters or any suggestions or anything else, feel free to review or PM me.

Thank you to everyone for loving this piece. It's loyal fans like you that make this piece worth writing, and I can't wait to take the rest of this journey with you. Bye for now and enjoy!