Plaid and Ruffles

Another unexplainable: my boss. She confuses me. For instance, why is she suddenly encouraging me to buy vintage clothes and hang out with her weirdo son? (Although I think I have an idea now.) I mean, come on! I just went shopping three days ago!

Franchesca Diaries

Blech. I hate it. I’d rather watch Rico and my dad have a shirtless disco-dancing competition.

Ugh, wait. I can’t believe I just said that. Please pass the brain bleach!

I guess shopping isn’t so bad if I don’t take it too seriously.

Franchesca Diaries

And I found some vintage stuff. At least, it looks vintage. I don’t think it’s the real deal. It’s more…retro. But hey, retro is the new vintage! (according to the saleslady)

After my romp in the land of questionable fashion, I did some shopping for Rico and Weezy. We just never stop having birthdays in my house, do we? Well, Weezy’s gift is belated. But she’s going to love it!

Franchesca Diaries

One trip to the toy shop was all it took. For both gifts. Mwahah. (I am smiling evilly as I type this. Just thought you should know.)

Back at home, I had just enough time to slip into my latest pseudo-vintage ensemble (with my new swimsuit on underneath) and head for work.

I entered the palatial Gallego villa through the business door, as I usually do, but I couldn’t find anyone in the offices. It gave me a funny sense of foreboding. Had Dad’s aliens finally landed and kidnapped my boss?

Franchesca Diaries

Why, no, you silly Fran! Aliens don’t exist. And your dad is a figment of your imagination.

Oh, how I wish.

I wandered into the residential area of the house and found Ms. Ambassador in the foyer flirting it up with Mr. David Alphonse-Froufrou-whatever-his-name-is.

Franchesca Diaries

Sigh. Why am I always stumbling into their private moments? Oh yeah, it’s because they’re ALWAYS HAVING PRIVATE MOMENTS. Good gravy. Couldn’t they sneak off into some room with a locked door, designed specifically to keep blundering employees like myself OUT? Watching them lovey-dove all over each other gives me the ickies.

“Oh, good afternoon, Franchesca,” Ms. Ambassador said, breaking away from Mr. Froufrou, who smirked scowlingly at me and left the room.

Ms. Ambassador looked me up and down (checking out my new outfit and not my stately physique, I assume) and beamed approvingly. “Lovely,” she said. “David and I are attending a charity event in the City tonight, so your only duty is to keep my son company. You brought a swimsuit, I hope?”

Franchesca Diaries

Um…what? My only duty is to entertain Thatcher? And get paid for it? Look, lady — I’m an ambassador’s intern, not a babysitter! Nor am I some woman of the evening, or whatever those are called. Sigh. Although, I really DO want to go swimming, and Thatcher’s a nice guy…so I guess it’s OK. Just give me some real duties one of these days, all right?

“Yes,” was all I could utter in response.

“Wonderful. Enjoy yourself!” Ms. Ambassador sped off after David in a cloud of perfume and elegance, leaving me to flounder about for a few seconds before heading to the bathroom to disrobe.

I hadn’t worn a swimsuit since I was a little kid, so I hoped I didn’t look too silly. I felt like I was in my undies, except that my undies cover up more skin than my suit does. Go figure!

Feeling very self-conscious, I moseyed outside to find the boy.

(continued on Page 3)

24 thoughts on “Plaid and Ruffles

  1. Fran returns, and she’s as sassy as ever! I loved her commentary, it’s always so whacky and funny. Awesome job, Jen. I really loved the shots, too!

  2. I don’t think I read this blog in the past, but glad i’m reading it now. I really like Fran. You’re really good with this writing style, very entertaining, and of course keeps a person wanting more. ;)

    Thatcher just hasn’t a clue. I wonder if Alicia only wants to be his girlfriend, since Thatcher doesn’t seem to be paying her nearly as much attention as he was paying to Fran. Looking forward to the next entry ;)

  3. Franchesca!! How I’ve MISSED you! *tackle-huggles* I guess I’ve missed you, too, jenba. ;O)) Hehe. SO … what got you posting again? I must know?! :O)

    I wonder how sassy she’s gonna be as an adult. Teehee!!! And what IS Ms. Ambassador up to I wonder? :O)

  4. That was so great ! I discovered your old-Fran the other days, and I am so happy that you continue with her. She’s such a funny character. I wondered, will she go to university or will she became an adult instantly ? And I hope we’ll have news about Wheezy whom I love so much ! Bravo !

  5. I’m so glad that Fran is back! I hope her boss isn’t trying to brake Thatcher up with Alicia using poor Fran…And yes Fran as an adult would be quite interesting..:D

  6. Horray for the return of Fran!!

    I don’t like Alicia. Fran hasn’t done anything, so she shouldn’t be so nasty to her. But, I guess a girl can’t help it when the green-eyed monster takes over. Fran is made of awesome!

  7. A new Fran story! I needed to do some remembering, but I know who everyone is again! Thatcher is adorable, and I love Fran’s little outfits.

  8. Yeah! Fran is back! I love her swimsuit and believe it she look nice in her new outfits! Alicia and Thatcher? Not so matchy!

  9. I didn’t know Fran before, but I love her now. She has a great inner commentary and her vintage…I mean, retro…style is adorable.

  10. Ah, dads are, beyond a doubt, the strangest beings on the planet, aren’t they? Still, Fran’s seems kinda normal compared to mine! Welcome back Jen and Franchesca!

  11. Yes!

    Fran is back, and with a splash! :D

    Can’t wait for more, she always seems to get in sticky situations!

  12. Jen!
    This is Mieko.
    From a loong time ago.
    I missed your stories, I’ve been reading the old ones for something to do/inspiration.
    I actually started my own blog – though it’s not the most unique thing in the world.
    But I do like Fran’s stories. :P

  13. Yikes – I never read Franchesca back on your old blog (what a shame ;) – but since you now updated it here, I just went back to Mt Geneva and spent 2 hours yesterday reading it from scratch ;).
    And I liiiiike it! Fran ist definitely cool (and *whoot*, I’d fall for Joel too) and I’m extremely excited to see what will happen next!
    SO good work, as always!

  14. Welcome back Jen! I’m so glad to see you back to simming and writing your fabulous stories. The pictures look great as always, and I love the Fran stories! Can’t wait for more.

  15. YAY! I love Fran. She’s probably my favorite of all your stories.
    The concept, commentary, visuals, and characters are so unique! I can’t wait for your next post. :D

  16. Wow! You’re writing again! HOORAY! There must be something going around… or it must just be that time again… I’ve been bitten by the writing bug as well. It’s so great to see Fran, and even better to read your witty stories that inspire me so.