[SB] Frank & Ellen's Mexican Adventure

[Frank "Sunny" Laffont]

So Frank and Ellen were in a Mexican mall.

How did they get there? By now you should just accept that Frank has near magical powers when it comes to getting Ellen to go places and do things with her. She seemed to just sort of wave her arms and Jedi-mind trick Ellen into winding up in the strangest of places doing the strangest of things. In this case, that ended up with the two of them in a slightly dingy Mexican mall, looking very much like the rich tourists that they happened to be. Though the locals seemed to be avoiding them. For some reason.

It might have been the massive sunhat that Frank was wearing. It was a brilliant green color and stuck out a few feet around her. It also might have been less of a sunhat and more of a sombero. Frank certainly called it that. She also might have been wearing a brilliant pink tank-top and a pair of lime green jean shorts.

Maybe.
Possibly.

"So," Frank said, moving toward Ellen, "where do you think we're likely to get an authentic pinata?" she asked. It was worth noting that this was not the first time that Frank had asked. "Oh! And we should totally get some authentic Mexican sandals. And we should eat some authentic Mexican food..." Frank was looking around, her eyes wide, taking in every bit of it.

Ellen Banks
Fate's feelings on the matter

[Ellen Banks]

…Ellen tried, she really did, She tried with all her might to try and avoid getting sucked into Frank Cox’s vortex of insanity, because she knew that’s exactly what she had in mind for this trip; insanity (Did she ever have anything else on her mind?) and Ellen personally wanted nothing to do with Frank Cox and whatever her latest hairbrained scheme was. Because of course, Frank would want to involve Ellen in it Because naturally Frank couldn’t go a day without bothering Ellen no matter how Ellen made it perfectly clear that she wanted nothing to do it, oh how she wished that Frank didn’t feel the need to involve Ellen in everything she, She had a recurring most nights, where Frank didn’t know who she was and she was merely a bystander looking on as Frank forced others to be her friend. It was beautiful, Why couldn’t Ellen live in that peaceful dream world, it seemed so pleasant. You can imagine Ellen’s disappointment when she woke up and she remembered, that SHE was the one who Frank considered one of her Best friends forever and therefore Ellen was the one to suffer.

But on this ship, she made a considerable effort to avoid dear sweet Frank at all cost, really she had no desire to make any effort to be adventurous during her trip, this was a perfect chance for some much needed R&R, so lounging by the pool is what the doctor ordered, but she always made sure that Frank was no where near Ellen and for awhile it worked…

…but you can only prolong the inevitable for so long.

This time there was no forced niceness from Ellen this time, Ellen told her as bluntly as she could that she didn’t want to go and to leave her alone, short but to the point, she knew full well what happened the last time she tried to argue with Frank she had….She didn’t know how she did it but she persuaded Ellen to go costume shopping with her…Somehow. Ellen wasn’t going to give her a chance to work her magic on her again by arguing with Frank. She simply told her no, turned the other way and tried to ignore anything she might say. There, that would nicely put an end to it…

Fast forward, a few minutes and she was walking through the mail with Frank Cox. “Ok, either you’re somehow drugging me or you’ve been lying about your powers, those are literally the only logical reasons why I’m here…” Ellen muttered because it certainly wasn’t because of the mall, which quite frankly looked like a dump, not a place she would want to visit and Ellen was feeling quite self conscious not only because clearly Frank and Ellen had lots of money and were pretty much had a walking target on their heads but…just..just what was Frank wearing? Did she just intentionally try and wear the loudest possible clothes? Honest to God, where does one buy a giant green sun hat? Where does she find these things?!

Ellen had naturally been striding far ahead of Frank as had become her custom when out and about with Frank Cox because heaven forbid anything think they were walking together, so naturally a groan escaped her lips once Frank caught up and she asked the question that she had been asking over and over….”You keep asking me like I’m some kind of expert on the subject. For the last time I have no idea and I honestly couldn’t care less, go get one at home if you want a pinata so bad"
Ellen just nodded over and over again like a bemused mother humoring a child “Yes, yes, and drink Mexican tequila and get the Mexican flag tattooed across your back and do other decisively Mexican things..
She could have been at the pool…

[Frank "Sunny" Laffont]

Frank rolled her eyes. "Ellen, Ellen, Ellen," she said, shaking her head, "you have got to stop questioning things! It's just the will of the universe!" Frank gestured expansively with both hands, making sure to dip her voice lower and attempt to make it sound sort of rumbly at the same time. Frank's gesture collided with her hat, but Frank managed to pull her arms down before it knocked something off.

Instead, she moved closer, seeming to consider hugging Ellen but just stopping short of actually doing it. "We have to get an authentic Mexican pinata!" Frank insisted. She nodded solemnly. "And I don't really like alcohol, remember? Just goes straight through me," Frank gestured and let out a "whoosh" sound effect.

She then paused again, looking back at Ellen and tilting her head. "And hey: maybe if we find one pretty quick, we can then go a donkey show! That sounds like fun, right? And you like horses," Frank leaned down and grinned up at Ellen from below. A hand went up to poke and prod at the edge of Ellen's mouth. "Eh? Eh? Doesn't Ellen want to see the authentic Mexican donkeys? She does, doesn't she?"

Frank bobbed her eyebrows a few times in a manner that was suggestive without being suggestive.

[Ellen Banks]

“Isn’t it funny that the law of the universe just so happen to coincide with exactly what you want to happen?” Ellen noted just how different her interpretation of the ways of the universe was. On the one hand if Frank was really as in tune with the ebb and flow of the universe…well, we were all screwed now weren’t we? But on the other hand the universe was by design fundamentally chaotic and who was a better avatar for all that then Frank Cox?

Ellen tried to brush pass Frank once she ever so clumsily almost knocked her own ridiculous hat down, Ellen couldn’t help but to let her mind wander back to the pool, she could have been longing out by the pool with a nice cold drink resting neatly in her hand but oh no, the rest of her day was going to be spent baby sitting this moron once again. Because really, that was the perfect way to describe the people Frank called friends, (Besides enablers) baby sitters making sure that she didn’t run off into the middle of the street of pick up any random sparkly thing that she found on the street

….Surely she knew this friendship was one sided didn’t she? That clearly Ellen wanted nothing to do with her and she wasn’t interested in being around her. She literally could not have made that any clearer. She might as well have worn that as a big sign around her neck bearing the message “DO NOT WANT” whenever she came in contact with her. Ok, admittedly there was some moments where Frank…Did something to her, manipulated Ellen in some fashion to where she actually got caught up in the mayhem and went along with it. She was tricking her, She must have been! She was pressing a few of Ellen’s buttons to get the designed result. She was messing with her in some way. She must be, that was literally the only reason Ellen hasn’t made Frank take a long walk off a short cliff a long time ago “Why?” Ellen asked simply. “Why exactly is it that it’s so essential that we MUST get a piñata, under what circumstances would I ever say the phrase: “Thank God I managed to buy that authentic Piñata from Mexico?” That seemed like a fair question considering that Ellen wasn’t planning to throw a party for a five year old. She could only imagine the reaction if she turned up at Bank’s manor with a piñata.

With a grimmest Ellen held up her hand “The last conversation in the world I want to have with you is your bladder control..just…just stop” Ellen pleased really not needing to know the ins and out of Frank’s bladder.

Ellen stopped still for a moment frozen as Frank made the grave error of thinking it would be a good idea to jab Ellen’s month, The air was thick with tension as Ellen stood there in total silence her icy glare turned up to it’s highest level. She stood there for a moment longer before gently but firmly gripping Frank’s wrist and slowly twisting it away from her month. Once that was done, Ellen say fit to break her silence “…Never do that again. Ever”

And no she had no idea what a donkey show was but if Frank wanted to go there then it was sure to be a bad idea

[Frank "Sunny" Laffont]

"C'mon, everyone knows that reality is what we make of it," Frank insisted, rolling her eyes. "Like, you're smart: you totally don't need me to explain that to you. Though it is kind of tempting to do that anyway..."

Though Frank was soon distracted by her own big floppy hat and getting everything together and thinking about pinatas and how awesome it was to be exploring Mexico with one of her best friends in the whole world! Sure, Frank had been to Mexico before, though her parents had been kind of strict about keeping her to the resorts, but it was totally different being there with someone she actually knew and wanted to spend time with.

"C'mon, silly," Frank said, grinning as she readjusted her hat, "the pinata is obviously for me. So we can totes break an authentic pinata and stuff. We can totes get you stuff that you want later."

Frank nodded. Then there might have been some prodding or something and Ellen giving Frank an icy stare. "C'mon, Ellen! We're in Mehico!" Frank gestured with her other hand. "Don't you wanna let loose? Let your hair down? Maybe we should start with some Mexican alcohol or something, huh?" Frank bounced her brows, turning and looking around. "That would be fun, right?" She bumped Ellen's hips with her own, giving her a wide smile and bouncing eyebrows. "oh, we could totes ask where they keep the special stuff! I'm sure someone around here knows..."

[Ellen Banks]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I just need to make sure; Is the girl that believes in Santa Claus and tried to bring a camel into the school lecturing me about the finer points of reality?” Ellen asked no doubt noting the intense irony of the entire situation, of Frank Cox the one person on the planet that had a more slender grasp on reality then Frank Cox. She was maybe the one person in the school who was actually reasonable, whose actions had the most logic behind it…and she was being lectured by this lunatic… “You know Frank, having you explain things to me makes me far more confused and gives me migraines. So how about we skip it the explanation this time Hmm?”

There must have been someone. ANYONE that would have been happy to tolerate Frank’s insanity. Didn’t she consider half the school her best friends? Erika? Laffort? Anyone else? You know someone who actually enjoyed her company? This is what boggled Ellen’s mind. She had so many people that liked to do things do her, why single out Ellen who had made it clear that she didn’t want to hang out with Frank in any way.

“I have this theory-“ Ellen muttered almost to herself as she idly checked her nails “That if I ignore you long enough you’ll eventually get bored of me and find another poor soul to pester…like a puppy” That was wishful thinking at it’s finest clearly…

Ellen pursed her lips tilting her head. She was putting Ellen in a awkward situation. On the one hand Frank got more tolerable once she drank…but on the otherhand…she got a little..ditzy under the influence of alcohol. So the choice was clear. Either embarrass herself or deal with Frank totally sober..

She may have bumped against Ellen’s hips but Ellen’s hit remained as stagnant as a rock, staring down at Frank with intense contempt “…I need to drink until I pass out.

[Frank "Sunny" Laffont]

"Yep!" Frank responded, nodding vigorously. "'cuz it's like I said: 'reality is what you make of it!'" Frank added a little sort of salute with a few fingers that somehow managed not to knock over any portion of her rather oversized hat, despite the hat being seemingly in the path of the fingers. Just another one of Frank's little special abilities coming to the forefront, really.

Just like how she just shrugged off Ellen's comments. Frank knew full well that Ellen didn't always appreciate everything she said and did. But she also knew that Ellen kept going along with her (if somewhat unwillingly), and that Ellen would miss her if she actually left her alone. Frank totally understood the friendship: it was one of her special talents. Right up there with talking without stopping, listening to conversations well, judging people, imitating voices, and apparently saluting without disturbing a large hat.

"Oh Ellen, that does sound like fun!" Frank agreed, clapping her hands and nodding. "And I'm super thrilled that you trust me enough to know that you can so get drunk around me and I'll take care of you, that's just..." Frank reached up to wipe away a tear, then dove in, wrapping her arms around Ellen, "I'm so glad we're friends!"

[Ellen Banks]

“…” Ellen stayed mute for a moment, her eyes narrowing at Frank. She had to be honest, a large part of her really wanted to turn on her heel and without a word and just keep on walking until she made it back to the boat and pretend with all her worth that the irritating fly that would no doubt buzz around her head was not there. Then lock herself in her room until she was back in Bellefonte.

But instead Ellen took the mature route and simply continued to stared down Frank…

..Before she abruptly leaned forward and tried to knock her hat off her head. “That hat is ridiculous” Really, that thing was a sin against the fashion industry where did Frank get these things? She looked like a demented cartoon character and really Ellen couldn’t herself anymore.

…Such a stupid hat…

“That, I numb myself until I can’t walk in a straight line anymore? Yes that does sound like fun doesn’t it?” Ellen had to agree, one of those rare moments indeed. But that brief moment was broken by Frank’s reasoning why Ellen was doing what she was doing “Frank, I wouldn’t even trust to look after my pet golden fish let alone my own well being”

Ellen said it before and she’ll say it again; God help Frank’s children

Ellen’s progress was halted momentarily as Frank latched on her like some horrible illness and hugged her so very tight. Ellen just stayed there as rigid and unmoving as possible her eyes wincing so “I’m really, really not glad. What happened to my no touching rule? Stop it, stop hugging me, Right now. I mean it”

[Frank "Sunny" Laffont]

Yay, they agreed! "I wouldn't let me look after goldfish either, not after the thing with the python," said Frank solemnly, nodding her head. This didn't stop her from latching onto Ellen like some sort of strange symbiotic lifeform with a determination to suck all the negativity out of someone and replace it with solid goodness, joy, and maybe some rainbows or something.

Frank gave Ellen another little squeeze at the really really not glad part. "Please, it's okay," she reached up to gently stroke Ellen's face, "I know that you can't keep in touch with your real feelings. Just let the friendship happen!" she gave her friend another squeeze, then looked up at her. "And friendship trumps rules! Everybody knows that. And you're my best friend."

After this there followed some humming, which was generally the warning sign that Frank was about to burst into an impromptu musical number. The swaying probably helped as well. All while still holding Ellen, of course, because apparently Frank was testing her limits in Mexico.

[Ellen Banks]

Well, Frank was allowed to look after a very dangerous snake, so Ellen could only assume that someone has died. Someone has died and now Frank was now implemented in a horrible snake related death. Lovely. Should Ellen consider calling the police? Considering that the school seemed insanely blind to the clear insanity of Frank Cox and she’s gotten away with so MANY things without a comment. She would imagine that everyone would just shake their heads and smile “Oh Frank…” Like always.

Thus confirming that Ellen was the only sane person in the entire academy…

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that Frank” Ellen frowned tilting her head “..But I could always recommended a good lawyer for you to use…” Phil Banks has had worse clients to defend then Frank Cox…

Oh god, just kill her. Kill her now. If there was a hell, it would be more welcome then Frank Cox signature warm anaconda vice of a hug in Mexico city. Was this punishment? This had to be some kind of cruel punishment. Let the friendship happen? Has Frank not noticed that she has been dragging Ellen kicking and screaming into this friendship.

Wait? What?! Oh no, no no no…Please tell her Frank didn’t just call her, her best friend. There was about a entire list of people that would be more then happy to be called that but Ellen was NOT. Ellen openly groaned as Frank continued her sermon on the virtues of friendship “Frank, for the love that’s all that is good and holy please shut up” She practically begged.

Ellen tried to fight against the hug and readjust her position in a way she could escape the (Not uncomfortable she will admit) embrace but it was like trying to escape a strait jacket and she was helpless but to sway with Frank clearly against her will as she grimaced all the way “I swear to God Frank, if you’re about to sing I’m going to scream...”

[Frank "Sunny" Laffont]

Frank just ignored the bit about pretending not to hear, mostly because she was wrapped up in the friendship hug and enjoying the moment. Why wouldn't she? She was on Spring Break in Mexico with one of her best friends in the whole world! They were gonna have adventures that they'd remember for their entire lives!

"Okay, okay," Frank said, pulling away, letting out another giggle as Ellen asked her to shut up. She was tempted to do the locking her lips shut thing, but Frank liked talking too much, especially as she was super excited now. Though she couldn't quite remember what they'd come here to do in the first place. Something involving pinatas maybe?

"But Ellllleeen!" came out of Frank next, along with another pout and some puppy dog eyes. "You know that I can't help it sometimes. Especially when I'm hanging out with you, since you're one of my best of all best friends and I can't wait for us to have more adventures and stuff." Frank clapped her hands for a bit then turned. "Right, so we totally need to find someone who could sell us some stuff for you to drink and maybe we can even find someone to find an authentic pinata. You think that someone would know if I asked?"

Frank was already heading off in a direction, hat bobbing as she moved, pausing only to make sure that Ellen was staying within her general orbit.

[Ellen Banks]

…..She wouldn’t be missed too much if she suddenly vanished would they? That wouldn’t be that unbelievable would it? Ellen can just tell them that on the way back to the ship she saw a plastic bag fluttering in the wind and she followed after it. Ellen never saw her again.

Yes that was believable right? No one would question that story or question if Ellen let a little accident happen…

Because Ellen was in hell, Lectures about friendship…..Oddly constricting and comfortable hugs. Yeah this wasn’t Ellen’s idea of a good time. All she needed now was for Erika to show up with a video camera and film exactly what was happening with them and she wouldn’t be surprised if they were getting weird looks from the locals. She wondered what “I don’t know this person” Was in Spanish?

But wonders of wonders Frank actually paid attention to what she was asking Once she was released she backed away rapidly out of hugging distance rubbing her shoulders as if she was afraid she caught something from the contact.

“First off don’t look at me like that, you look ridiculo- more ridiculous ” Ellen Snapped at Frank once she her eyes turned to “Puppy mode” not willing to soften for even a moment “Adventures? Were literally just going out to buy a silly little trinket..it’s hardly King Arthur looking for the holy grail is it?” Though probably in Frank’s mind that’s exactly what it was....

Once Frank moved forward Ellen remained grounded for a moment before he reluctantly stepped forward making a point to stay behind “Oh, because of course you speak perfect Spanish, I can just imagine you being a hit with the local”

[Frank "Sunny" Laffont]

"Aww, you know you lurv it," Frank insisted at Ellen's protest. She did at least pull back from the other girl, giving her the whole "personal bubble" thing that it seemed that so many people had. Frank was tempted to comment on how she still didn't quite get the concept, but Ellen was already off on something else, and naturally Frank had to follow along in the conversation.

"Anything can be an adventure if you put your mind to it!" Frank said, waving an arm, fist clenched, in a manner that could only be called "overly enthusiastic." She grinned a near manic grin. "Plus, like, I ended up getting kidnapped that one time just for hanging out with Erika and some other people. So who knows? Maybe that would happen again! That would be an adventure, right?'

Though little did Frank know that Ellen's version of hell probably involved being captured by Mexican drug lords and locked in a room with Frank Cox for an extended period of time.

Frank was already moving, dragging along Ellen by sheer force of will. "Well, everyone here totes speaks English," Frank said, nodding, the hat bobbing, "since it's all touristy and junk." Frank was already looking around. "Plus, we just need to find someone who looks like they know stuff. Hey!" she yelled at a guy as they passed by. "You wouldn't happen to know where to get some booze and pinatas, would you?"

Hey, they wouldn't succeed if they didn't try, right?