Once again my BFF and I would like to thank those of you who took the time to review, follow, and/or favorite this story. I apologize for taking so long to update, but I wanted to finish my Avatar the Last Airbender Zuko/Mai story and my school work was starting to pile up, (It will totally be worth it in 2 more years when I graduate and become a pharmacist!) A big thank you also goes out to those of you who do not mind that we are not following the web series exactly, we drew inspiration from Holt and Jackson's diaries that came with the dolls, he does not transform into Holt every time he hears music, at first the transformation happened at sunrise and lasted until sunset, then the trigger became music, specifically with a 4/4 time signature played in excess of 90 decibels. We tweaked it slightly to fit our music preferences. We envisioned Jackson as a fan of punk/alternative rock and Holt into heavier, darker rock….just our personal preference (the pierced eyebrow and tattoo had an impact on our decision as well). We wanted music to be the link that helps Jackson and Holt settle their differences for the sake of the girl they fall for. Once again this story does not follow the web series exactly, it is our totally made up version! Please excuse the atrocious grammar, I cringe at some of the earlier typos, guess I am much more frazzled than I let on. Please be gentle with reviews, this chapter may be a bit boring, but we wanted to develop a relationship between Jackson and Frankie's parents. Thanks again. *disclaimer* we do not own the rights to any of the characters or music used
Frankie sat down at her vanity; she applied her favorite perfume to her décolleté and puckered her lips to apply her favorite shade of lip gloss. As she stopped to admire her reflection she heard the doorbell chime. Oh my ghoul, he's here she thought to herself. She jumped to her feet and tore open the drawers of her bureau "Mom, can you get the door?" she called shrilly, as she frantically rummaged through her clothing. She ripped multiple outfits from their hangers and tossed them on the floor. One by one she held them up to her body in front of her full length mirror, tossing aside several before making her choice. She quickly pulled off her jeans and t-shirt and slipped into the outfit she selected. Mrs. Stein suddenly appeared in the doorway, "of course dear" she replied "but you knew he was on his way, what was wrong with what you had on before?" Frankie furrowed her brow in slight annoyance, "I just got off of the phone with Cleo, and she advised me against wearing jeans on a first date." Mrs. Stein smiled warmly as she watched her daughter continue to look herself over in front of the mirror, "well you look lovely darling" she said as she backed out of the room, "just relax, there is no need to be nervous." Frankie let out an exasperated sigh, of course I'm nervous, she thought bitterly. This will be my first date!
Jackson waited patiently on the doorstep; part of him was contemplating making a run for it, but he quickly pushed the thought away. He wasn't going to wimp out; doing so would only give Holt the satisfaction of never letting him live it down, and Heath an excuse to tease him mercilessly. He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard the delicate click of a woman's heels approaching the door; he took a deep breath and braced himself as it slowly opened. Mrs. Stein stood framed in the lighted doorway, "Jackson, I presume" she said kindly as she held out her hand for him to shake. Jackson cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses nervously, "Yes ma'am" he replied politely, taking her hand in his, "it is a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Stein". He studied the lovely woman who stood before him; she wore a black pencil skirt with a loose fitting mauve cardigan sweater and black kitten heels. Her raven hair, streaked with white, was pulled back into a tight bun. "Please come in" she said pleasantly as she stepped aside to allow him entry. He stepped into the foyer and she shut the door behind him, the entrance was warm and inviting. She shuffled past him, and led the way to the formal living room, all was silent except for the soft clicking of her heels against the marble floor as he followed her through the dimly lit hallway. She stopped outside a set of mahogany double doors and knocked softly, "Vicktor, we have a guest" she announced before turning the brass knob and entering. Jackson could almost hear his heart pounding in his chest as he followed her into the room. Sitting in a tufted leather armchair was Mr. Stein; he looked absolutely dapper wearing a grey smoking-jacket and matching slacks. A roaring fire crackled in the massive stone fireplace behind him casting an eerie glow across his face. "You must be Jackson" he said as he stood up to properly greet his guest, Jackson shook hands with him, "yes sir" he replied, "Jackson Jekyll, it is a pleasure to meet you." Mr. Stein looked him up and down with a critical eye, before nodding in satisfaction. "I hear you are quite the star pupil" he said as he returned to his chair and motioned for Jackson to join him. Jackson fidgeted nervously, trying in vain to conceal it, as he took a seat on the plush leather sofa directly across from him. "y-yes sir," he stammered nervously "I always push myself to go above and beyond when it comes to my studies, I work very hard to attain high grades, especially with college rapidly approaching." Mr. Stein nodded in approval, "my father would not accept anything less" Jackson continued as he shifted uncomfortably, staring down at his sneakers in modesty. "As it should be" Mr. Stein replied firmly, Mrs. Stein sat down gracefully beside him and crossed her long legs "well it seems like you have a lot going for you young man" she said pleasantly, "I agree" Mr. Stein chimed in "not like that boy who was here last week, what was his name? ….Henry? …..Harvey?" "I think you mean Heath darling" Mrs. Stein interrupted. Jackson bit his lip attempting to stifle his laughter, "Ah yes, thank you Viveka," Mr. Stein continued, "That boy was far too immature for me to approve of him dating my daughter." "To be fair dearest," Mrs. Stein broke in, "he was just her lab partner and they were working together on an assignment." Mr. Stein's eyebrows knitted together from frustration, "well nevertheless, he is not the kind of boy I want running around with my daughter." "Of course dear" Mrs. Stein replied sarcastically, wrapping her cardigan tightly around her frame, she turned to Jackson "my daughter speaks quite fondly of you, and now I can see why" she said smiling warmly. A faint scarlet flush crept across Jackson's cheeks, Mr. Stein chuckled, "Viveka, you embarrassed the boy" he said as he stood up and walked over to his wife. He took her by the hand and gently helped her up off the sofa, "let's go and see what's keeping Frankie" he suggested, "Jackson, won't you join us?" Jackson rose to his feet and followed closely behind Mr. Stein as he led the way through the house, into the parlor. He stopped at the foot of the grand butterfly staircase "darling, are you going to keep this nice young man waiting all night?" he called out.
Frankie suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs and slowly descended, gripping tightly to the mahogany banister to keep herself from tripping. Jackson watched her intently as she made her way downstairs, she wore a form fitting blue argyle sweater with a sleek grey miniskirt worn over metallic leggings and spiked stiletto heels. Her long hair was swept up into a high ponytail, a skull shaped barrette held back her bangs, accentuating her stunning cheekbones. "Be still my heart" he whispered, keeping his voice so low it was almost inaudible, he was mentally kicking himself for choosing to dress so casually. She smiled sweetly at him as she reached the foot of the stairs, he was completely awe struck as he admired her beauty. "Sorry I kept you waiting" she apologized as she walked up beside him. Jackson shook his head gently, "no need for an apology," he insisted "it was well worth the wait….you look amazing." Frankie blushed softly, as she shifted her eyes to her father, "I hope you didn't give him a hard time dad". Mr. Stein draped his arm around his wife's slender shoulders, "my dear, you know I would never do that" he taunted as he glanced at his watch, "well it's Friday night, why don't you kids get out of here and go have some fun" he suggested. "Wait" Mrs. Stein interrupted, "let me get a picture of you two before you go, you just look so cute together!" "Mom that is not cool" Frankie groaned as her mother left the room to get her camera. She apologized once again to Jackson, "don't apologize, it's actually kind of flattering" he said shyly. "Okay you two," Mrs. Stein said cheerily as she reentered the room, "stand together in front of the staircase". She snapped several pictures before returning to her husband's side, "can we go now?" Frankie pleaded, pursing her lips into an exaggerated pout. Mr. Stein chuckled "go ahead and get out of here" he replied playfully. Frankie bid farewell to her parents, "It was nice meeting you both" Jackson added before Frankie grabbed him by the arm and led him towards the front entrance.
"Well I say he's a keeper" Mrs. Stein declared as she watched them walk out of the room. Mr. Stein took his wife in his arms, "I agree, that boy has a bright future ahead of him, but there is something about him…..I just can't put my finger on it." "Oh Vicktor, when will you realize that your suspicious outlook on life is unhealthy for you" she teased. He shook his head "I guess you're right my love, but I just can't shake the feeling that there is more to him than meets the eye."