Frankie's cheeks hurt from smiling; she couldn't help it. It was totally voltageous to see Grandpa again!
So… why was he acting all funny?
Sparky fidgeted with nearly everything his fingers rested on. He rarely looked her in the eye, and when he did, his expression was tense; always a wrinkle somewhere on his face.
Their discussion of tomorrow's plan of action came to a halt when Holt got up and left.
Frankie leaped to her feet from the chair, and it squealed across the wooden floor. She headed for the door.
"Don't follow after him." Sparky yawned, rooted to his seat at the table.
Her hand loosened on the door latch. "Why not? He doesn't know where he's going and it's completely dark out there."
"He's a fire elemental monster, isn't he?" He muttered, "Shouldn't his flame allow him to see?"
"Holt's only half fire elemental," Frankie said. She peered out one of the small windows; there was nothing to make out past the clusters of trees. Her grip tightened on the latch. "He shouldn't be alone."
Sparky sighed and leaned back in his chair. "If he does not return within the hour, we'll go after him. Does that sound fair?" He raised his hands as if to calm her down. "I am well deep into monster territory that savage animals are far and few between. Rest assured, he'll be safe."
Frankie released the latch. Nerves pricked at her, and she slumped back onto her seat. If Sparky was fine with this, okay. An hour was reasonable. Besides, there was more to discuss! But Grandpa seemed reluctant to talk about helping. Did something happen the past year that was making him act so strange? Every time she thought to ask, an irritated wrinkle appeared by his eyebrow. If her grandfather's outbursts were anything like her father's, maybe it wasn't worth finding out.
Keep things light. "I have a big project due at school." Frankie mentally kicked herself. Talking about a super stressful subject likely wasn't the best idea.
Sparky raised an eyebrow. "Is that right?"
She nodded. "It's due next month. I was supposed to work on it during the summer, but I got..." Overwhelmed. Distraught. Sad. "...distracted."
"I'd say I wish you hadn't held yourself back, but then I would sound like—" Sparky's lips became a straight line, and then he asked, "What is your project about?"
"History."
Sparky huffed out a laugh. "Fortunate you've arrived here then, isn't it?"
Frankie bit her lip. Her words rushed out, "I was asking my parents for help. But they only know things after 18—a certain time."
"Hm." Sparky tapped his chin. "Your parents have lived for a long time, it seems. I wonder why that is. Does the future have technology that does that, or have they been resurrected as monsters? Is it your father or mother that is a monster?"
"My..." Frankie frowned. Didn't he know how he brought her mother and father to life? "Yes." She held her tongue. The less she told Sparky about the future, especially her future, the better. If that was how time travel worked… Better safe than sorry!
He looked past her, fist beneath his chin. "Going to a monster school has me wonder what it'd be like to marry one. I'd be a disgrace to both humanity and monster-kind. Perhaps my child finds the courage to change that."
Frankie pursed her lips. Wonder? What was stopping him? She opened her mouth when a knock at the door startled Sparky upright in his seat.
She rose to her feet. "Are you expecti—"
"Please go into the other room," Sparky hissed, his eyes wide.
Frankie tiptoed to the furthest corner of the living room. The home had two other doors, but with Sparky's attitude maybe it was best to ignore them for now.
He side-stepped at the door. His fidgety fingers clenched the latch, and he took a couple of breaths. He swung the door open.
"Victor!"
A pink and white blur engulfed Sparky. Golden ringlets slipped out of a pink bonnet. A girl?
Frankie pulled back. Whoa. A pretty girl? Here? For Sparky?
"Oh, it's been so long since I last saw you," she exclaimed. Her pale hand rested on his cheek. Could this be... Grandma?
"Elizabeth," Sparky cooed. "I didn't expect you here so soon."
She huffed. "Oh please, Victor. I tire of sending letters. It has been ages since I last saw you. Besides, being in America has such a rebellious feel to it, no?" Elizabeth sashayed past Sparky and sat at the dining table. She smoothed out her dress.
Frankie cringed. It was the similar not-so-chic, high-waisted slim look that the ghouls wore at Monster High, and unavoidably more revealing toward the top. Though it had to be pricier judging by the lace at every end and its soft pink color.
Sparky was monotone, "You know I have to be here, Elizabeth."
She threw her arms in a pout. "Oh, I know. In fact, that is partially why I'm here."
He remained standing, and Elizabeth rose from her seat just as easily as she had sat down. She glided toward the living room.
Frankie huddled deeper into the corner, but her eyes met the stranger's brilliant blue ones.
"Good heavens, Victor." Elizabeth stepped back, her frilly gloved hand shot up to her chest. She looked Frankie up and down. "I never took you one for keeping a lady of the night."
"What?"
Elizabeth started and looked to the opened front door. Holt stood in the doorframe, his black and white tank stained with grass.
She jumped back. "And a male one, too, Victor? And a monster at that?"
Holt shut the door behind him and strode toward her. "What's your problem?"
"Pardon..?"
"This is the second time today." His hands tightened into fists.
Not again. Frankie rushed out of the dark and to Holt's side. Black smudges surrounded his eyes. "Holt, it's okay. I told you they aren't used to fashion like ours."
Elizabeth huffed. "Two monsters? Victor, I know you attend a monster school but honestly."
Holt's expression scrunched together. "What's going on?" he asked. "Who are you?"
Elizabeth pushed a golden lock behind her ear and cleared her throat. "My name is Elizabeth Lavenza. Adopted daughter of the Frankensteins."
"The Frankensteins?" Frankie looked over her shoulder. Sparky shuffled on his feet. "I thought you were an orphan."
His lips thinned. "I am."
"Oh, Victor, not with that again!" Elizabeth pushed past them and looked up at him, pleading. "The Frankensteins brought you in when no one else would, and yet you parade yourself as an orphan; no better than when you left the orphanage."
"Wait." Holt raised his hands. "So you're both adopted by the Frankensteins? Doesn't that make you brother and sister?"
Elizabeth's eyes narrowed. "In a manner of speaking." She turned back to Sparky, unfazed. "Could you explain to me why you have a couple of monsters in your home?"
Sparky looked between the two of them and exhaled through his nose. "Elizabeth, this is Frankie and her friend Holt. They're staying here until I can return them back to their time, two hundred years into the future."
Elizabeth put her hands on her hips. "They're staying here?"
"Wait." Frankie inched toward Sparky. She whispered, "Why did you tell her we're from the future?"
He shrugged. "I trust her."
"And I believe him," Elizabeth said, her chin in the air. She scanned Frankie up and down. "Victor mentioned he traveled to the future himself. And I believe every word." She clutched onto Sparky's arm, and tension evaporated from his shoulders like waves.
Frankie blinked. Maybe this was Grandma. Dad had only ever glossed over her when asked. He hadn't even mentioned her name.
"Are you some sort of genius, too?" Holt walked their way, arms crossed, sending ripples across the room.
Frankie looked at Elizabeth's hand on Sparky, then back at Holt. One touch was all it took. If only it were that easy.
"Of sorts." Sparky gave a small grin.
Elizabeth laughed. "I'm nothing like Victor. He's the true genius."
He grimaced and mumbled under his breath, "If only the Frankensteins could see it the same way..."
She put on a sweet smile and rested her other hand on his arm. "That's actually why I'm here. Come." Elizabeth guided Victor to the loveseat.
Frankie took a step toward them, but she raised her hand.
"I'd like to speak to Victor alone."
She bit her lip. "Any business of Sparky's, er, Victor's is my business, too."
Holt huffed from behind her and strode to the entrance. "Don't worry, I'm just givin' you privacy like ya asked." He shut the door behind him.
Frankie stayed in place.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. Bright, blue eyes; just as bright as a monster's. They sat together on the loveseat, and Frankie sat on the small chair across the coffee table.
"Victor," Elizabeth took Sparky's hands onto her lap, "Judge Frankenstein is very proud of your educational career since attending school in America—"
"Monster school," Sparky cut in. "The school 'father' sent me to. Remember? 'If you want to act like a monster, live with them.'"
Elizabeth's expression crumbled for a split second, but she plastered on a cloying smile. She tucked a nonexistent strand of hair behind her ear. "I remember, Victor. But trust me when I say he's seen beyond that." She squeezed his hands. "Judge Frankenstein wants you to complete your education in Europe. He wants to bring you home."
Sparky's hands left Elizabeth's like they'd been burned. "I want nothing to do with that man. With that family."
Her sweet smile spread in Frankie's direction.
She looked at Sparky, tension hardening his features all over again. Frankie breathed out. She rose from her seat and out the door.
Sparky's voice raised the second the door shut.
Frankie winced. Theory confirmed.
"Is that your grandma?"
She turned to Holt, outlined in the dark. "I don't know." She let out a short laugh. "My dad would, but he never gave me her name."
He grunted, then tilted his head to the inside. "Think it's weird that they're technically brother and sister?"
Through the window, Sparky and Elizabeth had returned to the loveseat, their voices low.
Frankie murmured, "We don't know the whole story."
Holt joined her at the window. "Don't you think that's a little weird? I mean, you know the guy."
Frankie side-stepped. He was too close. She cleared her throat. "When I met him, my dad told me what he knew." Or, some of it. She swallowed. "Sparky didn't know who I was until I..." Died. A hollowness carved its way into her chest. When Holt had asked her about it, she told him she was fine. No biggie. And it wasn't. Until she was alone.
Restless nights.
Darkness engulfing her dreams.
There was nothing like it.
She flinched. Holt's hand was on her shoulder.
"Hey." He gently nudged her, and she faced him. His amber eyes were startling round. "Was it when you died?"
Frankie nodded.
His fingers twitched on her shoulder. "If you wanna talk about it…"
She willed on a smile. "Thanks." She sighed and met his gaze. "I'm sorry about lashing out earlier, Holt. It's this project. It's stressing me out, and I don't have enough time to finish it unless we get out of here soon." Her stomach rolled. Notes, references—everything was in the present. But it was a weight off her shoulders admitting it.
Holt's hand trailed down her arm, and he gave it a quick rub before letting go. He was always more touchy than Jackson with those he was close to. But they weren't close anymore. "I get it, trust me." He let out a self-deprecating laugh. "Bet you had good reason for holding off 'til now."
Frankie stilled, and her brows furrowed. "You don't know?"
Holt chuckled. "I don't know if you noticed, Frankie, but this is the first time we've talked in months."
"No, no." She shook her head. "I mean, Jackson didn't tell you?"
His brows knitted together for a split second, and his eyes widened. "Frankie," his voice was low, "Did something happen? Is something wrong?"
Frankie's chest tightened. Her skin prickled with threatening sparks. She took a breath and faced the ground. "Neighthan broke up with me." Stray tears slid down her cheeks. These feelings felt… silly. It'd be nice if sadness was the main reason, but no. It was frustration that tore at her enough to put off what mattered. Her project. Herself. Three months was enough to make her feel resentful, but not at Neighthan. Herself.
Holt remained quiet for a strangely long time.
When she was sure her cheeks were dry from those few tears, she raised her head.
Holt searched her eyes as if he'd find his answer in them. His eyes shut for a couple of seconds, and he sighed. "Damn. Frankie, I'm sorry. This happened over summer break?" His eyes widened. "He didn't do it on your birthday, did he?"
"No," she said. "It was in May. Toward the end." A pang hit her chest. Nostalgia usually meant happy thoughts, not painful ones. She didn't blame Neighthan, but Holt may not think so. Frankie opened her mouth when Holt's bitter laugh interrupted her.
He shook his head and muttered, "That explains it."
Frankie frowned. "What?"
His teeth gritted together. "Jackson had me miss my birthday party this year. Never said why."
The realization struck her. "Oh. Right. May thirtieth..."
He shrugged. "S'cool. Made up for it when Op and I had a joint party closer to her birthday."
Memories of swaying to a bizarre, yet kinda impressive mix of EDM and country music swirled in Frankie's mind. Operetta had invited her. "Right. Your birthday…" She gasped. "Oh my ghoul, I have to apologize to Jackson. He spent his birthday with me and I only talked about myself!"
"Whoa, wait a second," Holt lifted his hands, "you two ain't dating?"
Frankie raised an eyebrow. This was what he was so frustrated about? "No, we aren't dating. Jackson is one of my best friends, and he really showed it that night."
Holt let out a "hmph", but a faint smile crossed his lips. He cleared his throat. "Anyway, I'm... I'm still sorry. I'm glad Jackie helped you."
"Thanks." She exhaled. It was as if another, unknown weight had lifted off her shoulders. When was the last time Holt spoke to her so genuinely? She paused. Maybe this thing between them could be fixed. "I know we haven't talked really since that party—"
"It's cool." Holt shoved his hands in his pockets. He tapped his foot, and he looked inside. "When's gramps gonna let us back in? It's taking ages."
Frankie's lips thinned, and she followed his gaze. Sparky looked relaxed, and Elizabeth covered her mouth for the daintiest laugh ever. "I think we're good to head back in."
"Sweet." Holt opened the door, and Frankie entered as he shut it behind them.
She crossed her arms. If Holt wanted to ignore the subject for now, fine. But they would talk more at some point. Make up for lost time.
Sparky shot up from the loveseat the second they entered. "Elizabeth," he looked down at her, "please tell them what you told me."
She held her hand out, Sparky took it, and she rose to her feet. "I traveled here to visit Victor after promising the Frankensteins that he would return home to continue his education. Back home, no one but the orphanage and the Frankensteins themselves are aware of his adoption. He needs to return in order to continue the 'family' legacy."
Frankie leaned in. Legacy? Sparky had a whole legacy to live up to? She remembered learning about tradition and legacy on her first birthday. As new as she was to the world, something—legacy—trailed behind her. It was fascinating.
"But I haven't agreed as to when I will leave," Sparky interjected. "Perhaps it's better I complete my education at Monster High first and attend university back... home."
Elizabeth smiled delicately. "Until then..." She looked up at him.
He squeezed her hand. "Elizabeth shall stay with me."
Holt scoffed. "You mean with us."
"You two will sleep in the other room," Elizabeth said as if she hadn't heard him. "Victor can provide two spare cots." She chuckled. "Judge Frankenstein thought that he would have roommates. But I know the solitary sort Victor is."
Holt fidgeted, and he tapped his foot again.
Was he nervous? Maybe he was just uncomfortable from his separation from Jackson. Frankie couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose a part of yourself. She glanced at the stitches on her wrist. Scratch that. Permanently lose a part of yourself. Her heart stilled. Was it permanent? Would they be okay if they weren't part of each other like they should be?
"I don't think that's a good idea," Sparky said to Elizabeth. He looked between Holt and Frankie, then landed on Frankie for a moment. "You alone should have the room."
Holt rolled his eyes. "You gonna pull one of ya cots out here then?"
"Yes," he said, unflinching.
Holt crossed his arms, then shrugged. "Fine by me."
There wasn't much conversation after that. Elizabeth retreated to Sparky's bedroom while he dragged out a cot from the spare room. Elizabeth fished out a spare white chemise and night jacket from her belongings for Frankie, while Sparky handed Holt a white nightshirt.
Holt grimaced and rubbed the cotton between his fingers. "Can't I just sleep in my… What do you guys call 'em? Knickers?"
Sparky scoffed. "Is that a monster or a future habit?"
"It's a normal habit," he shot back.
"No." Sparky walked toward his room, then stopped halfway. He pointed at the kitchen. "There's jerky if you're hungry." The door slammed shut.
Frankie crept to Holt's side. "Don't you own pajamas back home?" she giggled tentatively.
"Well, yeah," he said, the offended look he had a minute ago dissipating. "But," he raised his eyebrows at the nightshirt in his hands, "this ain't looking like a better option."
"Who knows," she nudged him, "could be comfier than you think."
He sighed. "Guess I'll find out."
Frankie rubbed her thumb along the fabric of her chemise. It could pleasantly surprise him. She turned on her heel and stopped in her tracks. She took a breath, then looked over her shoulder.
"Hey, um," she stammered. "Goodnight."
The faintest of grins blossomed across his face before his gaze met the floor. "Yeah, night."
Frankie entered the room and closed the door behind her. Moonlight streamed in from the small window. She undressed and slipped on the chemise and night jacket. The room was bare aside from a cot on the floor and dresser. She glanced at the door. Maybe… maybe she could do it. She could make up for what happened between her and Holt.
Nothing happened. She sighed and made her way to the cot. Nothing. It was the truth and the problem. This Holt thing, her project, being trapped in the past—
The past. That's it. Get them back to the present and reunite Holt and Jackson. Two halves of a whole being split apart couldn't be a good thing, right? How was Holt taking this?
Muffled voices sounded on the other side of the wall.
Frankie's bolts made a small spark. She carefully hurried to the wall and pressed her ear against it.
"Please reconsider," Elizabeth said. "Your best option is to go home. Now. Come back with me."
"I can finish here and return later, and you know it." Sparky grumbled. "Besides, you have Henry."
Elizabeth let out a short laugh. "Henry is a lovesick fool, and I tire of him. We've only ever needed each other, Victor. You'll have everything you need to make a life for yourself back home."
"Elizabeth, please," Sparky's voice was low, "I haven't made my decision. Aside from that, I need to return these monsters back to their time. You know that."
Elizabeth's voice turned into a mumble, and then the two went silent.
Frankie pulled away from the wall, holding her hand to her chest. This had to be what they discussed earlier. A pit formed in her stomach. What if Sparky went back to Europe sooner and her presence prevented that?
She flopped forward onto the cot. Frankie was already zapped out enough as it was; holding Sparky back was just the icing on the cake. She clutched at the blankets. If only Watzit were here. She turned on her side, her heartbeat slowing at the sight of moonlight.
Frankie stared at it until she couldn't anymore.