A/N: Beginning from this chapter and onwards, for the most part there is an episodic format based on a few of the webisodes so that I could incorporate the other ghouls and mansters into this story.
Disclaimer: Monster High and its characters are owned by Garrett Sander and Mattel.
Ch. 3 Fire and Breaking the Ice
Two weeks later, October 2013: Week One
Frankie's POV
Tuesday: Photo Finish, Fright?
While Melody went ahead to grab more books from the school library, I was waiting by the entrance with a medium stack of books I placed on a counter. I heard Cleo and Draculara talking about their makeup, which was something my friends back home talked about if it was not just academics.
"Cleo, it's picture day! You must look your best if you want to be immortalized."
"You look ghoulish enough, you could be voted Scream Queen of Monster High!"
I saw Melody returning back from the library and a cereal bar.
"Hey, sorry! Had to stop by the vending machines to grab a quick bite."
She let me know chewing her granola bar on one hand and holding two books on the other.
"Come on, lets rendezvous back with the ghouls."
"B-be right there!"
I said as I am trying my best balancing these books. Boy these were dusty and not that sturdy.
"Hey guys, um it's senior year. Shouldn't we start hitting the books and prepare for our upcoming scaremester midterms soon?"
Melody reminds them as I haphazardly put the books on the table without dropping a single one.
We then saw Clawdeen run up to us looking like she saw a deer caught in headlights.
"Code Blue! Coach Igor is covering Study Howl today!"
"Study Hall? What is the issue with that?" I asked out of curiosity.
"You don't know!?" She replied back to me, still shocked.
"Oh, newbie here is still learning the ropes, remember? Exchange ghoul?" Melody piped in.
"Oh right, forgot. Anyway he makes you ditch the books and runs laps all period."
"So? Wouldn't it be free period?"
I mean, technically it is gym class.
"All that sweat totally ruins your makeup and fur."
As Clawdeen tugs her fur with her claws?
"And clothes." Draculaura added.
"And bandages. Picture Day duh!" Cleo replied, annoyed.
We heard both the lunchroom doors open and an old man dressed in a red apron, white puff pants with his cane subbing as a right leg. I did not want to ask what happened with his leg in case in this school it is considered ineloquent. He new his whistle at us in close range before speaking
"Listen up, maggots! You won't be hitting the books while I'm here. Instead, you'll be getting ready to-"
Before he could finish his sentence he chokes on his whistle accidentally, yikes!
"Come with me if you wanna live!"
Cleo said as she was the first to bolt out of the lunchroom. Hey, bolt, heehee I made a pun.
"Come on, Fran-!"
Clawdeen turned to me before Melody dragged her hand off then Mr. Igor went after them. I was blankly staring, confused at what the hell did I just witness?
"Uh, what just happened?"
I said thinking out loud with others staring where I am at. Oh no. I can feel my nerves creeping back up again!
"Hey there you are! I've been looking for you mate. Come, let's get our Picture Day photos! I brought Clawdeen's lil' sis, Howleen."
Thank goodness Lagoona found me.
"O-oh, right! Coming!" I ran up and followed the two girls to the Picture Day booth.
Heath's POV
Senior yearbook photos, least we get a rockin' cap and gown this time. Wish the school colours had at least a tiny hint of red, not just for blood but for mine and my hot blood!
Finally, I see my bro Manny shows up after ditching our planned guy hangouts for the past month!
"Hey, Manster. Over here!"
I called him from across the gymnasium.
"H-hey guys!"
We see him jogging but almost tripped on the way. Crap, forgot how unbalanced he could be sometimes. He better make it up to us once the stupid midterms are done with. Hope I'm not failing my Mad Science classes this scaremester. Gotta rely on that senior luck this year with my ghoul Abbey to even graduate.
"U-um excuse me but you gotta wait at the back of the-"
Heard a pipsqueak talk to my boy like he ain't shit. I interrupted him.
"Hey, buddy, psst. I'll cut you a deal. How about I get you a date with one of the hottest ghouls in the senior class."
"Pfft, yeah right skirt chaser. I am actually-"
We shielded our eyes in case Deuce pulled the old 'turned to stone' trick. And boy did he, just like every Picture Day. Classic. Back of the line my ass. Looks like your gonna be waiting at the back, loser.
"Heheh, sorry buddy. It will wear off in a couple hours, usually."
Deuce said and saw one student lending him a random bucket to put over his head, but this time he declined.
Huh? Did he wake up on the wrong side of the coffin?
"I promised Cleo that I be a little more mature during any school event this year."
Damn, she practically got Deuce wrapped around her bandaged hands. Bet those hands are also used for something that's more-
"Hey guys! Check out the red coloured hottie coming into the gymnasium with Clawd's sisters, 12 o' cloooock."
I heard Manny call out as being a minotaur, he can spot anything red from a mile away. For Abbey's sake I have to be good and not get distracted, that little twerp called me a skirt chaser. Oh, he's gonna have it coming once he's off his statue rock.
Deuce tapped my shoulder whispering to me, "Hey bro, isn't that the new exchange student we met last month?"
"What exchange student? Come on man, you know how many students come into this school every scaremester. Im sure its nob-"
As I turned around, I was shocked.
Was that…?
Frankie's POV
I will admit, walking around without my round eyed glasses felt a little weird due to my heterochromia. I got comfortable wearing them back in the UK to distract people from my eyes. It was Howleen's idea for me to take off my glasses for yearbook photos.
"See? You don't need to be walking around like Ghoulia for yearbook photos. Even she doesn't wear glasses for picture day. Just your prep uniform is fashion forward enough."
"Hey guys, let's get in line. Howleen, has your sis Clawdeen texted you back yet?"
"Um, no? Seriously, her and her crew are usually on time for yearbook photos. I'm shocked because my sis is graduating this year while I still have a few years to go." I heard Howleen pout a little.
"Um, I think I have an idea where they are at…"
Before I could finish my sentence I heard Lagoona shout.
"Oooh look! I see Gil. Heyyyy!"
Gil's POV
I will admit, I was not expecting to see Lagoona bringing along others with her. I waved back at her. So her friend must be the new exchange student. Well, I am happy that she is becoming more social this year. Not saying she was never social, she was either always spending time with me, the animals, or the water.
Meanwhile as we are coming up next in line, Deuce and Manny are checking on Heath. He looked like he just saw a hanging skeleton in a closet. Can't blame him, he must have gotten a case of senioritis.
"Alright, next!"
The photographer called us. I decided to volunteer.
"I'll go on ahead guys. See you in a bit."
We were all planning on skipping last period since Study Hall was cancelled for senior yearbook photos.
Deuce's POV
"Hey come on man. Snap out of it, we are coming up next."
Ugh, Cleo is going to have at it with me and us if we get pushed to the back of the line.
Just as me and Manny were about to literally carry him arm in arm to the photo booth, Heath regained his senses. Looks like he got over his senioritis.
"Um-uh-huh?"
Well, at least it's a start. This is Heath we are talking about after all.
"Alright, next!"
"Hey, Manny. You and Heath good?"
I double check just to be sure.
"Oh, yeah! See, he's fine. Right, buddy?"
He said giving him the typical head noogie.
"Ow! Quit it, yes heh!"
"Cool."
Well that's that then. As I was about to walk to the photo booth, I glanced that Cleo and the other ghouls showed up. Well, at least she brought hairspray compared to the rest of her ghoulfriends.
October 2013: Week Two
Frankie's POV
Monday: The Hot Boy?
"So, recently I texted Clawd, and look at what he sent me!"
As I was eating my sandwich I brought from my apartment, the girls are talking about the usual stuff: Boys, hair, makeup, anything that is not the scaremester midterms approaching.
"Sigh, he is the best boyfriend ever."
There she goes, daydreaming as always.
"Yeah, no thanks to me reluctantly approving you and my older brother to date. Least your making this work compared to Heat-" Clawdeen froze up and quickly covered her mouth.
"Draculaura, I am so sorry! It was a slip up." She said, panicking.
"What? Oh, look at the time! I gotta do something before my next class. Smooches, ghoulfriends!"
Draculaura waved at us before leaving the lunchroom.
"Oh, crap. It was a long time ago but we agreed not to bring it up again."
Clawdeen said as she buried her face under the table out of embarrassment.
"Bring what up?"
I asked as I was a bit curious.
"Oh don't worry about it, newbie. It is ancient history".
Melody assured me with a faint smile.
"Oh my rah since the skeleton is out of the bag, let me tell her."
Cleo scooched over and sat across from me. She looked at me with a serious tone.
"Well, Francine. Let me take the liberty of telling you on how she and the Hot Boy began their brief on and off again sophomore fling before her and wolf man came into the picture."
Cleo began to tell me the beginning of the story, ignoring Clawdeen rolling her eyes at her while her head was resting on the table.
No POV
Two years ago…
The school bell rings. Draculaura is by her locker looking nervous.
"Ah, two more minutes, face check. Oh duh, never works. Sometimes being a vampire really sucks."
She says remembering that vampires don't have a reflection, therefore mirrors are useless.
Cleo walks up to Draculaura closing her locker.
"Draculaura, you're pretty pumped for someone without a pulse. Spill to Cleo." She said curious why her fellow fear leader is nervous.
Draculaura replied. "It's just…have you seen the new boy that just transferred? He passes by my locker around every day about now."
Cleo rolls her eyes.
"Oh, wow really? Boring." She whispered that last bit before walking away.
But Draculaura continued with her head still in a daze.
"He is the hottest boy in the whole school."
Cleo turned around and confidently stated "Well, everyone knows my boyfriend, Deuce, is the hottest guy at Monster High."
"O-oh ya of course! Deuce is awesome. For you." Draculaura pointed out.
"But this guy…sigh. Bitable."
She says clasping both her hands together.
"Oh, here he comes!" Said Draculaura as she turned her head spotting her crush.
"Alright, bro gotta jet."
Heath's bald blue friend leaves going to his next class.
"Yeah, dude. See you on the other side!" said Heath.
"Is my makeup alright?"
She asked turning back to Cleo.
Cleo was about to be honest before deciding to tease her more.
"You look fi-like you need some help. Leave it to Cleo! I'm going to make your first meeting really memorable."
She proceeds to take Draculaura's makeup from her locker and put random blotch marks on her face.
"Okay, Knock em' dead." She confidently said with deception on her mind.
"Thanks Cleo, you're the best!" Replied Draculaura.
"And don't you forget it."
Cleo whispered as she pushed Draculaura in the direction Heath was walking.
Before Draculaura could catch her balance she accidentally bumped into her crush.
"Ah!"
"Oof! Whoa, you look horrible!" Heath said, shocked at seeing her face.
"Mmm!"
'Oh no, he doesn't like my face!?' Draculaura thought as she was fighting back tears.
Heath took a quick glance back at where she got pushed toward him, and noticed Cleo, Deuce's girlfriend with a smirk watching them.
'Of course this cutie would not have messed up her face, the Royal Bitch was trying to humiliate her.'
He thought, as he did not really like Cleo that much. Stuck up girls who think they are hot shit were not exactly his ideal type of girl as he sees a bit of himself in those girls even though they are usually a 8 or higher in the looks department. So he did the most gentleman-like approach.
"Well…I like that in a girl."
As the flames rise from Heath, he offers an arm to the petit vampire, offering to escort her to her next class. Draculaura happily takes his arm before walking off.
Draculaura glances back at Cleo and waves back whispering, "Thanks Cleo."
Melody, on her way to her next class, approaches Cleo after witnessing what happened. She recalled Draculaura talking about the new "Hot Boy" that just recently transferred.
"Hey Cleo, I saw what you did. That was pretty nice of you setting Draculaura up with the new Hot Boy."
"Ugh-"
The next bell rings.
Melody says before going, "Oh, gotta jet for class. Later!"
Cleo, still standing, stomps her golden heel in annoyance.
"Me, nice? Yeah right, when shit hits the fan."
Before Frankie could ask Cleo any more details about this "Hot Boy", the bell rings for classes again. She made a mental note to herself to let Draculaura know later in confidence that Cleo told her a part of it.
Frankie's POV
Thursday: Date of the Dead
Me and Ghoulia were at the lunchroom grabbing food till I saw Ghoulia looking over at the jocks table at her crush, SloMo. I smiled at her.
"Ghoulia, he must like you. He invited you to eat lunch with him and his buddies."
I saw Ghoulia's grey cheeks turn red a bit. I wanted to help her.
"Don't be shy, I know that you and SloMo have plenty to uh, moan about? Heehee."
Since getting to know Ghoulia more since comic club, I have been reading up on a couple of zombie translation books so that I can be able to communicate with Ghoulia a bit better.
"Uggggh" (Frankie, will you come with me?) She asked me.
"Okay we will go together. That way you won't be nervous being the only girl. I got your back."
Oooh! I never played the role of a wingman before, this is just like I am in a romantic comedy film where I play the role of the best friend helping the main character get the guy, or man. I saw that both of them were staring at each other while I sat down next to Ghoulia eating my sandwich and drinking my pop. I saw Lagoona's boyfriend Gil give SloMo the nudge.
Me and Gil glanced at each other briefly then back to our matchmaking partners in confusion. And of course Mr. Hothead decides to invade my space. I should have sat with Ghoulia on the other side, damnit!
Whenever I see him after school coming into Robotics Club these last couple of weeks after Robecca convinced the Headmistress to keep the club, he either reads comic books or talks to someone over the phone named Abbey.
"Zombies, huh?"
Clearly he was speaking to me but I did not want to turn my head. Being the good girl I am not wanting to get angry, I continued to play along.
"They just need something to break the ice."
"Well, breaking ice can melt a few hearts."
He turned to me, giving that teasing smirk again as always. Okay, what is his problem with me? It is like there is two sides of him, one being a hothead jerk and the other being a complete pig. Both are a toxic combination of radioactive crap.
I replied with my face growing hot, literally due to his close proximity.
"Uh, don't feel the heat."
I lied, I was feeling the heat. He was a bit too close to my personal bubble. He may have the looks, but a garbage personality! Wait a minute, what did I just describe his looks as?
"If you don't mind, c-could you put that elsewhere?"
I said, staring at his hand which was getting closer to my forearm.
"You know, Four Eyes. You and I could make a good match."
You got to be joking, he just put his hand on my shoulder, with that stupid grin of his! Ah, my heart is racing!
Out of nervousness with my social anxiety, I whispered to Ghoulia that I have to go to the ladies room.
In the ghouls bathroom…
"I know that I am supposed to be there for you, but sometimes that jerkface Heath is just a bit too, well charring for me."
To help calm down my nerves, Ghoulia suggested to me an idea. And oh boy does it involve him getting a little wet. Teehee, oh this is gonna be good.
Back to the Creepateria…
"Thanks for switching seats Heath. The light over there really brings out the red in your eyes."
Really!? I am complimenting his eyes instead of his clothes for god's sake? Stupid Francine, stick to the script!
I saw his hair light up in flames which caused the sprinkler to trigger soaking his body. I was giggling while Ghoulia and SloMo weren't paying attention and making eyes at each other. So that's what the sprinklers are for that Ghoulia told me about when she meant his flames.
I was having too much fun so I ended up showing off my awkward side, picking up and playing with food.
"Heehee hey check it out. I'm gonna get some villagers."
"Hehe, you're funny. I like that."
Then the sprinkler went off and I turned around to laugh more, only to see that he was standing up, and took off his letterman jacket. I stared in shock, I thought his brain cells evaporated with his flames!
"Nice try, Four Eyes, but that trick won't work a second time."
I didn't even see him standing next to me, dripping wet hair and shirt. Ugh, water. Just take off your damn shirt already! After thinking thoughts that should not be here, I quietly got up and quickly left the cafeteria.
Heath's POV
"Heh, knew she'd get a kick out of it."
I said proudly, grinning. Hey, I guess I do make the ladies shiver when drenched against my expense. Ghoulia and SloMo looked at me like they were confused. Pffft, like I care what I did. Four Eyes messed with me so I had to take back my pride at least.
"Urrrrrgh" (Bro, she is…afraid of water. Why did you scare her off?).
So? That's not my problem, I ain't into ice cold water like Abbey is. Fire elementals and cold aren't always the best combo. Especially freezing cold water, damnit!
"What? Oh come on, I was just messing with her like how she messed with me. I can take hot showers but not cold ones. Shit, now I gotta change into spare gym clothes for the rest of the school day before I freeze my balls off."
"Hey Heath. I'll let you borrow a spare set of gym clothes from the manster change rooms by the pool."
Gil offered me. Thank god I still have some bros who are on my side. What she did to me was not cool.
"Yeah, sure. Thanks, Gil."
Me and him walked to the swimming pool.
In the monster change rooms…
"Hey, you know. SloMo and Ghoulia told me it was just a harmless prank."
I scoffed, yeah a harmless prank that could have landed me a trip to the nurse's office or worse, the hospital due to hypo, uh, temperature drops.
"Yeah well, just a little bruise to my still intact ego, what else is new?"
I said as I began changing into dry clothes. Aah, much better.
"Look Heath, I know you have been feeling down these past few months. Is it because Manny is not around as much?"
Well, that was partially true. Surprised he caught on to that.
"Come on! I ain't mad at Manny, he can do what he wants! I mean we still play casketball together, and he brings…Iris over."
Ugh, I hate her. Doesn't help that she's on the school fear leading team cheering at every single, fucking, game. She ain't good for Manny.
"Hey, you know if you need a hand, remember that me, Deuce, and Manny are here. I know since Clawd went off to college, it has been hard on finding an equal replacement to him."
No shit, the dude can bench press over 225. He's huge muscle wise compared to the rest of us.
"Well, guess high school won't last much longer for us." I said putting on a fake smile.
"I agree, I don't know how me and Lagoona can still see each other after graduating. My parents are pretty strict on our relationship."
Oh yeah, forgot him and Fish Girl have been dating a while. Well, unless it's about Abbey, I typically keep the conversations bro friendly on my end.
"Yeah, well at least you two are working it, heh."
Sigh, talking about relationships just makes me feel awkward, as much as Four Eyes.
Wait, what did I just think now?
"Hey, we better get going before classes start. Tell Abbey I said hello when you see her, alright man?"
I responded, "Sure, no prob dude."