A/N: Here is chapter thirteen, this chapter's main focus is on Abbey.
Disclaimer: Monster High and its characters are owned by Garrett Sander and Mattel.
Ch 13: Boo Year, Boo Smacks
January 2014: Week One
Cleo's POV
Monday: Queen of the Scammed
"My adoring public. Ooh I can barely hear you singing my praises."
Ah, being queen bee of Monster High is music to my ears. I will admit, the winter break was nice for me to get away from Nefera's constant nagging and telling me to do chores for her just so that she would not tell Daddy about that party Clawdeen and the ghouls helped throw for me. Ever since Daddy returned back from Egypt this past weekend, I was finally able to get some much needed me time. I had to put a hand to my ear hearing the students pay attention to me and not that Abbey. As me and my ghouls approached the school entrance, I felt my spotlight fade and my brows furrow slightly seeing Ms. Student Disembodied President. Of course, I expected my welcoming party to be unwelcoming at some point but not this soon.
"Toralei, jealous? Why don't you take a picture, it'll last longer."
I said, closing my eyes, and smiled while holding up the famous De Nile pose.
"Don't mind if I do."
As I heard her speak back to me, I opened my eyes and saw that she pulled out a hot pink camera from her pocket. Of course she 'borrowed' that from the newspaper clubroom. I felt Draculaura's pain for having her club work with the student council on some activities as approval must go through either the President or the Vice President. Which neither being are the lesser of two evils.
Clawdeen walked over to Toralei looking angry. Due so, considering she nearly ruined Lagoona's vacation and her relationship with Gil which had its fair share of complications as is.
"You got some real nerve showing your whiskers around us after what you pulled, hoe."
"Aww, is that any way to talk to the Monster High Student Disembodied President and Fearbook editor?"
Ugh, I wish I could have just wipe that smirk off her face if I didn't have a reputation to hold. Wait a minute, since when is she a Fearbook editor now!?
"Wait a minute, you're the new editor? I thought it was-"
Draculaura, I am so sorry that you have had to work with a stuck up prude like this kitty.
"And I thought you knew, Draculaura. Newspaper club collaborates with the student council for Fearbook."
She now looks at me while I crossed my arms.
"Well, students do read the fearbook."
Melody was not wrong on that.
"Everybody as Student Disembodied President says that I have a significant influence on how everyone sees you, forever."
I saw her now stand up straight after leaning against the gargoyle statue holding the camera in her clawed hands.
"So, how about a quick shot?"
I looked behind the ghouls who are all annoyed and Frankie worried.
"Fine, let's get this over with." I said while gesturing a right bandaged hand out.
I saw Frankie walk up to Toralei.
"Hey Toralei, can I take a picture for you? Since being president and fearbook editor, you must have a lot on your plate."
My eyes blinked for a second. She was helping me…again? After all that I did to her before apologizing to her on pestering who her mystery crush was. Lagoona told me that it was just some guy in our AP Chemistry class pestering her for her lab notes. I swear, even I don't make Ghoulia take all my notes for me. Even a De Nile has to put in a lot of effort herself.
"Why of course. Here, I'll stand by to direct your ghoul friends to where they should stand."
Well Frankie, looks like you are officially part of our group given that the other ghouls like you. Myself and the ghouls went up the steps and stood by the door. Draculaura of course holding her umbrella over her head protecting the sunlight off her.
"Alright, a little to the left!"
I heard Ms. President say. I couldn't tell if she was being genuine or a manipulative bitch. Whatever, I wanted my picture for the Yearbook then go on with my day.
"Hey, Cleo you good?" Melody asked beside me.
"Why I'm-"
As soon as I spoke and heard the camera flash, we felt water splash all over us. Oh my rah! My hair!
Frankie put the camera down and ran up the steps toward us looking concerned. Of course you can never completely trust a werecat like Toralei. I should have warned her about her deception.
"Oh my gosh, are you all okay!?"
She turned her head towards the harlot who soaked me and my ghouls, minus Draculaura where her sun umbrella saved her from freezing.
"That was not funny, you know."
I began to smile, appreciated that she was sticking up for me. My smile faded before Ms. President grabbed the camera and took another picture with Frankie frowning like how she does with Heath around. I can't blame her. Heath may be a jerk but at least he wasn't on Toralei's level.
"Oops, must have been a quick downpour. Heheheh."
I saw my two fear leaders that hung out with Toralei, the werecat twins following her hopped down from the ledge and walked with her shaking their tails at us. I clenched my fists. Oooooh, I should have kicked them out from my fear leading squad too. However, they at least had nothing to do with sabotaging our routine, in fact they did not condone Toralei's behavior. I swear they secretly did not want anything to do with her at this point and were just with her for her status.
"Ugggghah" (At least you weren't in the shot Frankie. The water would not have been good for you.)
Ghoulia, you're right. I recalled with Frankie's electricity she would have shocked us, including Draculaura's umbrella.
"Oh don't worry about me, I'd rather get zapped if I have to take an embarrassing moment with my ghoulfriends."
Melody, as she squeezed water out from her shirt under her black leather jacket, agreed with her.
"Well, at least your honest newbie."
In the halls…
After me and the ghouls split up, I was talking to Deuce about what I just went through. Apparently it wasn't news to him! Okay, I was confused.
"Well, why didn't I know Toralei was now running the Fearbook? I thought Dracualura selec-"
Deuce pulled his iCoffin from his vest pocket, showing me his phone.
"Well, didn't you get the text?"
My eyes widened in shock.
"Text? I'm the one who sends the texts!"
I exclaimed. Of course she would try to one up me for the top popularity spot.
"Well, you're probably just out of the loop since your class schedule coupled with fear leading took up time."
How!? Deuce, honey me and you have the same classes this scaremester!
"Out of the loop? I am the loop."
Slightly annoyed, I began to walk the halls and see Frankie by her locker. I tapped her shoulder.
"Frankie! Have I become socially irrelevant?"
I asked while backing away slightly holding both hands on my hips.
"Oh, sorry. Why am I even asking you?"
"No, of course not Cleo. You're still near the top of the social-."
I felt like my world was crumbling before my very eyes so I walked off to my locker before she could finish her sentence.
"hierarchy."
A few minutes later…
Ghoulia was waiting for me by my locker while I shuffled through something from Daddy's amulet collection that I could use.
"Ugh, I know they're in here somewhere. Aha!"
I sifted through the bag and pulled out an amulet that I needed to fix this mess that Toralei caused me. Of course I'd be dealing with two other ghouls fighting for my spot in the popularity database.
"One of these has the power to see into the future. To keep me on top of all trends."
"Ugggh" (Or actually-)
I smiled before turning my head towards Ghoulia.
"Yes, Ghoulia. Or actually unleash one of the seven Egyptian plagues. What are the odds of that?"
Who cares about what the consequences are of using this for my own personal gain, I had a reputation to uphold as Queen of Monster High.
"Mighty totem, fierce me. Make me queen of the social scene."
As the amulet flashed, me and Ghoulia headr a large group of three eyed frogs coming out of Mr. Hackett's classroom. We both went and peeked around the corner.
"Oi, crikey! What in blimey cricket's is the meaning of this?"
"Sigh, oh well I give up."
Not thinking straight, I threw the amulet on the floor forgetting about the fact that scarabs were released into the halls.
Lagoona's POV
At Lagoona's locker…
Sigh, I didn't even wanna think about Australia other than it was just me hanging out with my mates and now that school was back, so was final exam prep. The last thing I needed was Gil to talk to me again after how he was avoiding me before then trying to make it up to me after Toralei leaked the photo of us to Gil's parents.
"Lagoona, wait, we need to talk about this."
I crossed my arms not looking at him.
"Look Gil I get it. You can't be seen with a saltwater creature outside school activities."
"It's not me, it's my parents. But listen, since Toralei was the one who leaked the picture, we can now-"
I felt him put a hand on my shoulder, but I pushed his hand off to turn around.
"That's just it, you don't even stand up for yourself. Even after what we've been through together these past several months."
I grabbed my books and closed my locker before walking away. I really didn't need to deal with Gil's issues with us and him saying his parents would not let us date outside of school.
"Lagoona let me explain. I talked to my-"
I turned the corner barely making out the last of what he said.
"parents…"
Fighting the tears that formed in my eyes, I heard a ribbit sound. I looked down and saw one of my kin while I wiped a tear.
"What are you doing out here, little fella?"
I saw the froggy hop up to my leg holding me as if he wanted to comfort me as I walked to Biteology.
Gil's POV
After school
I was at the school swimming pool talking to Heath and told him everything that happened with me and Lagoona during the break despite swimming practice not starting up again following the break after school until tomorrow.
"So, after your parents blew up after seeing the picture of you two hugging, did you figure out how to get Lagoona back?"
I wanted to say 'tried' but I needed to talk to someone about it to a bro I trusted, like Heath since he was in a committed relationship with Abbey. He would understand where I'm coming from.
"Well, I called them and explained that there was a misunderstanding. They kind of took it well but at the same time are still stubborn."
We both turned around and heard the door open, it was Lagoona.
"Oh, hey Fish Girl." Heath greeted her.
"Oh, Heath. Surprised to see you here with…Gil."
She turned around to leave, but I took a webbed hand raising my voice slightly to tell her to not leave.
"Lagoona, wait."
I swam towards her where the entrance is. It was now or never!
"Look, when I called them in Australia they said saltwater people weren't as good as freshwater people. They said that they're untrustworthy, uneducated, and have poor hygiene."
"Ouch, that burns."
Heath, you're not helping, bro.
"Hey!"
And now she went from sad to mad. Heath held both his hands up.
"Alright, if you guys need me I'll be over there."
He walked over and sat on the bleachers knowing that this was a personal matter between me and Lagoona. I got out of the pool and walked closer to her, continuing.
"But above all that they were dishonest. I told them they were wrong."
I took her hand into mine.
"Look you're the most decent, honest, amazing monster I know."
There's that same look she gave me that day when we met at the fountain after classes.
"They don't feel the same way, but I've never felt better."
It was true, I genuinely loved her.
"Oh, Gil."
She went in to hug me, I looked down at her and hugged her back.
Heath's POV
Well, seemed like Gil and Fish Girl finally made up. As I was about to get up to let Gil know that I was going to robotics, my iCoffin pings. My ghoul Abbey texted me back since she left for Macchu Picchu. Guess the reception really was crappy there with all that ancient civilization stuff there.
'Heath, saw your texts and photos from Australia sent to Abbey. Sounds like you had nice time.'
I smiled and texted her back.
'Yeah, sorry I couldn't call you with the different timezones and shit between us. Anyways where are you? You didn't sit beside me in class today outside of Biteology. You ain't talking. Been lookin' for you all day.'
'Abbey heading home now, still tired from vacation. See you at school tomorrow.'
Was she okay? Guess she must be exhausted. Well, she said she left school for the day already. I left the pool and began making my way walking up to the attic. Since club activities wouldn't resume till tomorrow, Robecca or Four Eyes won't be there so I may as well do some studying for finals coming up in two weeks. While I'm at it, gonna see if I could text Four Eyes to give me her AP Chemistry lab notes again now that she seems to be feeling the Heathster. Man, she managed to fall for me hook, line, and sinker. What can I say? I'm hot.
But…what was this funny feeling I'm getting inside that's been happening even over the break?
Abbey's POV
Outside school entrance…
Abbey sat behind gargoyle stone statue in corner, cried frozen tears out.
"Sigh, well that settles it. There's nothing I can do to regain my rightful place atop the school social period. Abbey and Toralei have already taken the top…"
Abbey peek out and hear Cleo talking to Ghoulia before they left school and go to parking lot. Abbey not wanting to be on top like mountain for this so called popularity. Abbey wanted friends again, felt lonely at Macchu Picchu. While Abbey loved spending time with cousin Marisol, Abbey did not enjoy spending time there without ghoulfriends. Also, Abbey sad that Heath after one week not call Abbey. Is Heath hiding something from Abbey that Abbey should not know? Is it this 'bro code' he calls it? Abbey not understand.
Abbey could hear footsteps approaching from stairs.
"Hey, Abbey?"
I looked up sniffling and see Frankie looking down at Abbey.
"Are you okay?"
Abbey wiped frozen tears before standing up.
"Frankie. So sorry you see Abbey like this."
She looked at me with look like a worried yak.
"Do you want to talk about it? I promise I won't tell another soul."
I nodded while going around side of steps.
"Let's go walk. You going to apartments?"
"Yeah, since club activities don't start back up until tomorrow I figured I'd use this time to get some rest."
Abbey began to look back at first day to Monster High and America.
"Okay, sound good. Well, where to start?"
I began talking to Frankie as we began walk back to exchange apartments.
September 2012: Monster Exchange Orientation Week
Abbey walked down the hall carrying pink and blue strapped book bag with books after coming from Headmistress' office. Abbey feels students talking yet not walking the walk.
"Dude check out the new ghoul. She European or somethin'?"
Abbey hears something turn to rock. Probably mind playing tricks with Abbey.
"Whoa, hell yeah. She's smokin. Hey, new girl!"
I feel the temperature in hall getting warmer. Ah nyet, just boy running towards Abbey snatching book bag. Hmph, how juvenile. Abbey admits, boy with fire on head straightforward with initiating talking.
"Excuse, but that's Abbey's."
After coming from Bloodgood's office Abbey wanted to go to her first class which is AP junior English according to schedule.
"Well, can I carry your books for ya baby?"
He smiled, clearly misheard Abbey saying name. I frowned, getting annoyed. Just wanted to go to class already.
"My name not is baby. It is Abbey."
I carefully took the book bag from his hands causing him to freeze. Okay, Abbey did not mean to do that. Necklace on Abbey's neck supposed to help control ice power.
"Chorte, Abbey not mean to freeze him."
I see another boy walk over to where Abbey is. Boy has snakes on his head with sunglasses indoors. Huh, must be American trend with wearing the sunglasses indoors. He faced the boy whom I accidentally froze, taking fist and punching him causing him to unfreeze, he was shivering. Perhaps Abbey was a bit too cold to this boy who asked to carry Abbey's books for some reason.
"Hey, sorry about him. He didn't mean anything by it."
"No, Abbey should be sorry. My ice power not controlled yet."
"Ouch. H-hah, cold!"
He responded while he held both hands on his jacket.
"Excuse Abbey or will be late for class."
I said while walking down the hall, I could hear them both talk.
"Think you just got the cold shoulder, bro."
"Hard to get huh? Well, looks like the Heathster's gonna have to break the ice."
Did he just say Heathster? Is that name of him? Abbey not pay attention as she walked.
AP Junior English Class…
As Abbey took a seat with books on desk, orange striped catgirl approached me.
"Hey, excuse me. New girl? Our seat?"
Abbey swore her name not on it.
"I stay." Abbey directly says. Abbey is tired and just wanted class to start.
Catgirl put both arms on her hips and smiled like yak wanting extra meal on plate.
"Hmph, do you know who I am?"
"Catgirl with sandpaper tongue?" Abbey replied.
She like to 'talk the talk' they say. Abbey saw smirk widen on her face.
"Hmm, touche. I like you new girl. Okay, you can have my-"
"Take your seats, class."
Finally, the teacher starts class. Sheesh. Abbey saw catgirl's friends go to back.
"Ms. Stripe, I see you have gotten acquainted with Ms. Bominable. She is an exchange student from Russia, you know."
This Stripe catgirl put clawed hand to her jacket. Like she is proud of being attention seeker right at start of school year. Huh, so this is how American girls act when getting something they want without returning favor. Abbey took mental note.
"Why, yes Mr. Rotter. Just being a team player."
As Stripe was going back to her seat, the teacher who wrote Mr. Rotter on chalkboard stopped her.
"By the way, congratulations on getting to that summer math camp."
Abbey heard class laugh, including one girl sitting across from the room wearing bandages and silk clothing.
"Grrrr"
She clenched hands in two fists before she turned her head to where the girl Abbey described was before sitting back down. Teacher begins the lesson.
"Alright, class. Books open to page one."
As Abbey opened book to read, I heard Stripe behind me shuffling. Abbey not pay attention as needed to focus.
"You messed with the wrong kitty, De Nile."
Sheesh, American girls so far are what they call it? Catty?
"Ugh! Hey."
"Okay, you wanna play? Fine."
As Abbey was focused on reading, a snowball hit Abbey. Now Abbey is annoyed, first got stopped at hallway by boy calling himself Heathster, now Abbey get snowball thrown by this girl Stripe called De Nile.
"You want game? I give you game."
Abbey replied while preparing few snowballs from ice cold power Abbey still maintaining control.
"Bring it, new girl."
As Abbey and De Nile tossed snowballs back and forth between one another until one hit Mr. Rotter at back of the head. Hmph, first day so far? Like constipated yak.
"Ms. De Nile, Ms. Bominable. Principals office, now."
Class was laughing. Abbey glared at De Nile who got up and crossed her bandaged arms. She looked at me like she wanted to choke Abbey.
A few minutes later…
"Ugh, I can't believe this. First week back and me in trouble? Ugh, so not fair."
Abbey heard condescending tone in her voice as she walked with both hands on hips.
"You threw snowball at me first."
Abbey turned around to glare eye level at her.
"Principal will bring hammer down on you."
She gasped before putting bandaged hand to her hair.
"Me? Well how does that explain ice cold water on my hair?"
Abbey don't care at this point.
"Hmph, I understand perfectly. You want war with Abbey?" I asked raising cold eyebrow.
"Um no. More like an apology?"
Abbey saw this De Nile girl put her hand out as if to get what she wanted from me. But Abbey refused.
"You get war with Abbey, instead." I said before walking off to Headmistress office.
Just get this girl hammer down on her so Abbey ccould return to class.
At Bloodgood's office…
At office once we both were inside, Headmistress was putting face makeup on while this horse of hers is holding her up on silver plate like she is a piece of meat waiting to be served to group of hungry yaks.
"We simply cannot have this kind of behavior. Monster High stands for acceptance, honour, understanding, and tolerance. Cleo, as recently elected fear leading captain, you should know this."
So this girl's name was Cleo De Nile. Ah, no wonder name De Nile sound familiar to Abbey. Papa works with them as one of their trade partners for mining materials to make clothes and jewels.
"Headmistress, I do!"
She arrogantly pointed finger to Abbey. Chorte, Abbey have no time for this game.
"But she-"
"To help you learn those qualities, you will spend the entire day, together."
We both turned to glare at each other, both not in agreement to this.
"What!? Over my undead body."
"Not possible." Abbey replied back.
But it was no good. Headmistress put these silver chunky bracelets on our wrists. Abbey's on right, Cleo's on left. Is like back home when in disagreement, must work together to solve problem.
"These magic bracelets will bond you together. You must stay less than three feet apart until 3 o' clock."
Headmistress body then got up from her seat next to her head putting both hands on hips scolding us like children.
"You will spend every second together until then."
At least punishment less severe. Russian boarding school Abbey attended they never cared about students accepting one another. Abbey fit in but wanted to explore other cultures which was why Abbey came to Monster High.
"And I think you'll learn something valuable."
"And if more than three feet apart?"
Abbeys regret asking this as both our bracelets lit up blood red colour.
"H-hey! Watch the wraps." Cleo said with arrogant tone.
This De Nile girl like her family. Full of themselves being rich.
"Then it's a trip to the Study Howl of Eternal Homework. And for you Cleo, a temporary suspension from the fear leading team."
Of course she is cheerleader. Headmistress horse neighed dropping her head on floor beneath us. Abbey saw Cleo pick up her head.
"Oh and fiery demons will descend upon both your homes. But mostly the Study Howl of Eternal homework thing. Okay ladies, off you go."
Back in the halls…
"Alright, being stuck with you is less than ideal. However, I need to keep my place as captain of the fear leading team."
"Abbey does not see why that important."
"Tell me, new girl. Why did you throw a snowball at me? I mean, look at me. I'm a De Nile".
Abbey glanced, seeing Cleo smile, gesturing hand to self.
"I have a clawsome boyfriend on top of a near perfect GPA so I guess I can make some exceptions given that you just arrived here-"
'Huh, this I don't get. This Cleo act so stuck up yet...nice at same time.'
Abbey is confused, perhaps there is another side to Cleo that Abbey not see?
'But why she does these lies to me? Is it how girls in America act like that Stripe catgirl?'
Abbey glared at Cleo, not overthinking things yet not rational at same time. Abbey stopped walking.
"It is you who was instigator."
"Hmph, guess you're not quite open to girl talk yet."
We kept walking again.
"Whatever, you from Russia?"
"Yes, studied at boarding school. But family live in Nepal, around Himalayas."
"Oh, did you go to a co-ed school?"
"I think you would not know."
"Ugh, okay fine. Um, cute earrings. Which brand are they?"
Abbey was already annoyed having to not be in class on first day in new school in America country. I stopped to turn around and glared back at her before walking.
"This small talk is not necessary. People here talk too much about too little. Sometimes, is better to just close the mouth."
"Oh my rah! Tell me about it! I love my ghoul friends but sometimes they do tend to ramble."
'Huh, well perhaps this Cleo is someone Abbey can get along with. We have one common interest, to save one another's breath. Perhaps she can help me navigate American high school life.'
Abbey smiled, I like this Cleo De Nile. She think similar to Abbey except with money. We both stopped to look at clock, next period class is starting.
"We must get to class." Abbey pointed out.
"Why of course. After you…um, name?" Cleo asked me, raising eyebrow while we continued walking.
"Abbey, Abbey Bominable." I replied back to her question.
Perhaps Abbey could tolerate spending day with her. She could help Abbey make friends.
Lunchtime…
"My, I am parched. Do you mind fetching me a beverage from this machine?"
"Da, Abbey get."
Abbey froze drink machine and the cup with iced tea in it before giving to Cleo. She took cup by force and looked at the frozen beverage.
"Um, is this iced tea?"
Abbey nodded while she raised confused eyebrow at the drink. Shto, thought she would like cold drink coming from hot country.
"How long do I have to wait before I can drink this?"
Now Abbey was confused.
'But this is how we drink back home and even in Russia. Sigh I hoped she would love this.'
Abbey was interrupted. Ah, it is that flame boy from this morning. Heathster. He approached us waving hand like happy yak.
"Hey, baby-er, Abbey. Listen, I know we got off on the wrong foot but I didn't introduce myself earlier."
Abbey saw him put right hand on his chest before taking out his left to shake hands with Abbey.
"Burns. He-"
Cleo walked over.
"Excuse me, Heath? You mind warming up this iced tea for me please?"
Abbey saw Cleo place frozen iced tea cup Abbey made on his hand. Huh, so his name is Heath. Abbey presumed when he said Burns meant his family name.
"Uh, sure?"
Abbey saw Burns look at Abbey's drink made for Cleo then at Abbey looking confused before warming up the cup melting the drink then giving it to Cleo.
"Here ya go, Your Highness."
Abbey could not help but smile. Heh, like this sense of humour.
"Thanks." Cleo said before she turned around to drink her tea.
"Listen, Abbey." Burns took Abbey's left hand onto both of his. Abbey felt…warmth.
"Whoa, cold hands, heh."
Then Abbey saw the flames light back up on his head. Huh, he like walking torch.
"But I know how to warm your-"
Cleo turned back around finishing her drink and glared at this boy. Abbey sensed...two yaks not get along?
"Heath do you mind? Me and Abbey are kind of busy at the moment."
Does she not like him? Is he considered bad friend? Abbey saw his flames go out as he stood back up annoyed.
"Okay, sheesh. You're not the only one here tryin' to make the new students feel welcome here. I was one too, ya know?"
Ah, so Burns was also like Abbey. New in school and trying to fit in while coercing females. Now Abbey understood why Cleo not fond of Burns.
"You, Heath." Abbey says.
I saw Burns smirk before he turned back to Abbey.
"Yes, Abbey?"
Least he is harmless to Abbey.
"You think you are hailstone is same as iceberg?"
"Huh?"
As Abbey saw confusion on his face, Abbey heard stomping coming closer. Cleo and Heath turned around to see short red devil student followed by large muscular minotaur creature following in anger like he want devil as kabob snack.
"Ooooh! You better run! Didn't I tell you red makes me crazy!? Roooaah!"
"Oh my rah!" Cleo said while putting hand over her mouth before she tripped over her bandages and landing on floor. Abbey go over to help Cleo.
"Yo Manster! Slow your roll!"
As Burns called out this 'Manster', I am guessing nickname like Heath calling self 'Heathster', the minotaur student stopped. Abbey saw Burns take his flames into both hands standing behind Cleo and Abbey. Abbey's eyes widened in shock. What protective gesture. This Heath Burns interests Abbey, very confident and mean well.
Abbey walked over to this Manster Burns referred to. Now Abbey's turn to protect. Abbey took Manster's pinky with two of Abbey's fingers.
"Rules say no horseplay in hall. This including bull who almost ran over friend."
I refer to Cleo De Nile as friend. Abbey took his pinky, throwing him over Burns and Cleo for him to land against the wall. Abbey not condone this type of yak stampede.
Abbey turned around to see Burns smile while raising eyebrow then Cleo get up brushing dust off her clothes.
"Wow, you saved my bandages. Thank you new girl. Well, I should say Abbey seeing as you've already met…Heath."
Cleo gave Burns this glare again. Why though? He helped us from getting run over and made into crushed snow cone.
"Don't mention. Is time for lunch." Abbey said, smiling.
"I'll introduce you to my ghoul friends."
This Cleo I can see is popular, like girl I knew back in Russian boarding school having group of friends. Abbey followed Cleo to where school cafeteria is located. Couls hear Heath Burns calling out to us.
"Hey, what about me? A thank you would be nice."
Abbey turned around to smile while Cleo tossed empty beverage cup toward his head. Abbey could not help but laugh while hearing his minotaur friend groan as short devil his friend was chasing is poking him.
"Urrgghhh"
"Yo Manster. Need a hand?"
"Dooyyyyyyuuuhhh…"
There was side to Burns that Abbey can see is confident yet welcoming.
At the creepateria…
"Hey ghouls! This is Abbey, the new Russian exchange student. She's in my first period AP English class."
Abbey took a look at Cleo's friends. A human girl like Abbey sees from Russia, a wolf, and short vampire.
"Hey Abbey, nice to meet you. I'm Melody."
"Clawdeen."
"Draculaura!"
"Privet, it is nice to meet you all."
Cleo gestured Abbey to sit down with her friends.
'In Russia, we begin friendships over meal. I will impress them with my keen observational skills. Like Cleo, they are all very pretty. No, too obvious. Let's see…Ah ha.'
Abbey proceed to compliment using straight talk while pointing to each of them.
"Your eyebrows, they're like mountain. You are short, like baby yak. This outfit I think you try much too hard on."
I saw the human like girl, Melody, take out her compact mirror and make face like she saw a dead carcass on side of road.
"Oh god, I need to go use the restroom!"
The human girl run and leave cafeteria. The short vampire Draculaura smiled while eating cake and wolf girl Clawdeen gasped while eating her salad. Did Abbey say something wrong to human girl?
The vampire girl looked up confused while eating dessert. Abbey saw she has sweet tooth.
"Um, is that how she speaks back in Russia?"
"Shes…a work in progress." Cleo added as another girl come over to join us.
She wear glasses and dressed like Christmas candy cane.
"Ugggggh" (Hey guys. Is this the new girl?)
I could feel Cleo laugh but not in a positive laugh while clasping both bandaged hands together. More like a laugh of anxiety like fragile glacier.
"Ahahaha…"
Clawdeen gaw Cleo frown. Why frown at her? She did nothing wrong.
"So, what time do those magic bracelets come off?"
Ah, Abbey not notice bracelets still on. Me and Cleo having much fun together to notice.
"Three." Cleo replied, looked at me nervous.
Wolf girl Clawdeen and short vampire Draculaura get up.
"Well hope you and Ms. Sharp Tongue here straighten things out. Come on Draculaura, let's go check up on Melody."
Both girls get up to leave. Draculaura took her dessert smiling while waving back at us.
"Come on Clawdeen. She meant to compliment your outfit using her dialect."
"Yeah, sure she did. Let's go Drac."
"Ugggggh" (It's okay, Cleo.)
I saw zombie girl put comforting hand on Cleo's shoulder.
"Sigh. All I wanted was for someone like me to bond with and even out the playing field."
Abbey looked down sad. Abbey did not mean to make Melody girl cry.
'I try so hard to make friends here. Perhaps I am not meant to have friends.'
Abbey felt snot welling up in nose.
"H-hey are you crying?"
I heard Cleo ask me while Abbey sheds frozen tears then wiping them away.
"I'm sad now. Why, is surprising?"
"Well, duh! I thought we'd get along great! Like not having a care in the world or feelings and stuff." Cleo said smiling while making hand gesture.
"Well, I do. Excuse me I have to go to restroom."
Feeling embarrassed and vulnerable, Abbey quickly gets up and go to washroom.
"W-wait, hey!"
Abbey forgot bracelets still attached so Cleo had to go with me.
In the washrooms…
As Abbey walked into the restroom with Cleo being pulled close behind, Abbey walked into the stall and closed door. Abbey heard Cleo grab left stall and close it. We heard footsteps walk in and voice which Abbey recognized to be Stripe.
"Did you see the new ghoul and Cleo trapped together? They didn't even realize it was me that threw the first snowball."
Shto? Did Abbey hear she caused this?
"Heh, serves her right for kicking me off the fear leading squad. Now we just have to get the rest of them."
As Abbey and Cleo heard them giggle like proud yaks, one of them almost slipped.
"Careful, Meowlody. That would have been embarrassing. Be grateful that you and Purrsephone are still on the fearleading team."
Abbey heard Cleo clenching her teeth in stall next to mine. Abbey felt anger coming from Cleo. Understandable.
"Ooh, I got it! When Cleo's ghouls go down for the junior team swim meet, we'll come from behind and push them into the pool."
Ah, so they are typical mean girls. Cleo know her?
"Total embarrassment. They'll be sorry they ever messed with me. Let's go, sisters."
As we heard Stripe and her twin cat friends leave washroom, Cleo opened stall door angrily going towards the mirror. Abbey opened the door afterward feeling how upset she was while facing mirror.
"This catgirl. Friend of yours?" Abbey asked Cleo.
"More like ex-friend now enemy."
Cleo turned to Abbey.
"She used to be co-captain of my fear leading squad even before I was elected captain."
Ahhhh, so this why she went after Cleo to try to put her against Abbey.
"How she get kicked out?"
Cleo puts one hand on hip while gesturing with her right explaining to Abbey story.
"By betraying the trust of my team and working behind the scenes with my older sister, Nefera, and stole our routine. It was her way to get back at me for supposedly taking the captain position from her that she was working since freshman year to get after the old captain graduated."
"So she betrayed Cleo's trust?" Abbey concluded.
Cleo saw no more anger in her, but sadness.
"Yes, in a way. Look, I want to apologize for accusing you of throwing the snowball. Should have known it was that bitch, Toralei. So, will you come with me to save my ghoul friends?"
Abbey frowned, now want to help Cleo after she had done a lot for Abbey today.
"No."
Amusing to see shocked look on her face.
"What!? After all I told you?"
"Relax. Abbey have plan to prank catgirl." Abbey said, smirking.
"Okay, spill to Cleo." Cleo replied, matching Abbey's smirk.
At the swim meet…
Abbey and Cleo heard friends talking.
"Hey, check out the new ghoul swimming." Melody said.
"Damn, girl can flip those flippers." Clawdeen added.
Buzzer sound go off, the other exchange student like Abbey but from Australia come up from water.
"Hey, great race ghoul friend!" Draculaura complimented. Hmph, she must be social one like Cleo of her friend group. Very well mannered.
"Hey, thanks mate."
"Cool accent. What's your name?" Melody asked new girl.
"I'm Lagoona, just transferred in from Australia. Anyway, thanks for comin' out to the meet mates. See ya around."
As new girl leaves going to changing room, Abbey saw Stripe and her cat friends around corner preparing to act on their plan.
"Ready?" As Abbey and Cleo heard their cue, Abbey steps on wet floor, freezing it like ice rink. New girl noticed the temperature drop slightly and turned around to see the three cat girls slip and fall to the water. She runs over to scene seeing they get soaked and shivering from cold water. Hmph, that's what they get for hurting Abbey's friend.
"Oh gosh. Are you loves okay?"
"Reowww!"
Stripe hissed at new girl before leaving pool.
"Wow, that was awesome!" Clawdeen looked over to Abbey, smiling.
"Hey Lagoona, wanna come hang with us at the Coffin Bean? We'll wait for you to change and stuff." Melody asked new girl.
"Sure! Sounds like a plan."
Cleo turned to Abbey.
"Hey, so I just wanted to say thank you."
"I know to your friends I seem harsh. But where I'm from back home in Nepal air is very thin. In Russia, language is very direct and cold. We cannot waste our breath with pleasantries. This just our way." Abbey replied.
We heard school bell ring and bracelets both come off our wrists. Guess Abbey's time with Cleo and friends was done.
"Looks like you no longer stuck with me. Will be going now."
As Abbey turned around to go to locker, Cleo stopped Abbey.
"Wait. Me and the ghouls were going to the mall and hang at the Coffin Bean. You wanna come with?"
Abbey turned around smiling.
"This I would like very much. Abbey will stop by locker first. Here's Abbey's number."
"Hey Cleo! We invited Lagoona to come with us to the Coffin Bean and she said yes! We're waiting for her to finish changing." We heard Draculaura point out.
"Well the more the merrier, right Abbey?" Cleo asked.
"Da. More yaks to add to the pack."
We all laugh and make jokes before making plans to meet outside school entrance and go to mall.
As Abbey finished telling story of how Abbey got to Monster High, Abbey felt…good. This small talking actually helps.
"Hey, if you need to talk to someone. I'm here. I'll do anything to look out for friends like you."
Abbey smiled. Proud to call Frankie friend.
"Da. Spasiba, Frankie. Well, we here. Abbey going to her room now."
"Alright, see you tomorrow."
Abbey smiled as I pushed key into door to go inside while Frankie walked back to her room.
Tuesday: Dodgeskull
Lunchtime at the gym, second day back from winter break.
No POV
Upon the second day back from winter break, some of the mansters in the senior class advertised a 'welcome back' dodgeball game yesterday and on the school's social media page. Some of the ghouls came to sit and watch the dodgeball game which is Lagoona, Frankie, Ghoulia, and Scarah. While Clawdeen, Draculaura, Iris, and Cleo are at fearleading practice, Scarah filmed the game for them on her iCoffin.
"You here to watch SloMo and Don play dodgeball?" Lagoona asked Ghoulia.
"Uhhhh huuuhh" (Yup, I want to support him and Don) said Ghoulia, smiling while waving the school's spirit foam finger up in support of the zombies team.
Heath's POV
This was it. Time to show these zombies who the real players were in the senior class! Me and the Manster are picking the teams as per the usual.
"Hmm, you."
Said Manny getting Brocko in as backup.
"Jawke, you're with us bro."
"Yeah!"
Got Brocko and Jawke on our team! Looks like my cousin was gettin' last. If I was team captain, I would not have picked him last due to family ties but it's Manny's call.
"Sigh, I'll take…Jackson."
"Yes! Not last, heh!"
"You are last, normie. No way I'm gonna let a zombie be on my team."
Harsh, but true. Zombies are complete dumbasses when it comes to dodgeball. I glanced at SloMo who he and his bro just groaned. Sorry man, Manster's team came with only the fastest and good lookin'.
Well now. Looks like the girls were stepping down from the bleachers over to where Manny is. Heh, no way those zombies can beat the Dodgesters.
"What do you want?" Asked Manny.
"Why won't you let them play?" Replied Four Eyes holding both hands on her hips. Gotta admit, she's looked... different.
Huh, seems like Four Eyes ditched her old uniform for a tight fitting mesh black top with a red necktie trying to hide her rack. To top it all off, she was wearing an argyle plaid knee length skirt with red basic heels. I couldn't help but check her out, still smirking. I quickly shifted my gaze back at Manny before she could stare back at me with those eyes.
"Zombies are terrible at dodgeball. See?"
He picked up the ball by throwing it, demonstrating that because of their brains, zombies can't react at all to when the ball comes their way.
"Zombies should stick to what they're good at. Attracting flies, and going slowly from place to place. Hahahaha-"
Ghoulia pulled down on Manny's gold hoop ring. Seriously, I kept telling him to just get a smaller one so that he can stop getting pulled down whenever he picked on some of the smarter dorks at this school.
"Grrrrruggh" (How about a wager? Winning team gets to pick sport team during boys Physical Deaducation for the entire semester.)
A bet? Oh this was gonna be too easy. Manny's the dodgeball king at Monster High!
"Heh, you and the zombies versus us!? You're on. Winner gets to be permanent team captain. And that will be meeeeeee!"
"Ugggghh" (Deal, it's on)
Ghoulia, while you're my good friend, you're not making a smart move here. This ain't like reading a book here you know. I crossed my arms, wanting to maintain my pride.
'Heh, they won't even get one person out on our team. They got fuck all of a chance.'
I thought while watching Four Eyes walk off near the bleachers. Damn, she's got a nice butt, heh. Like Abbey's.
"Yeah, Manny! Manny!"
Heard Jawke cheer for the Manster like the bro he is.
"Heh, and I thought you were supposed to be "smart".
Okay, Manster. Gettin' ahead of yourself there, buddy. He called out the boys to get us into a circle.
"Okay, team. Huddle up! Here's the strategy."
I tried to pay attention while separating sport from a woman's ass. Not the time for that, Heathster.
Ghoulia's POV
Lagoona and Frankie pulled me aside on the side of the bleachers.
"It's great that your stickin' up for your blokes, but if they win no zombie will ever be chosen for dodgeball for the rest of the school year." Stated Lagoona.
"What are you going to do?"
Asked Frankie, knowing that Heath was on the opposing team.
G: "Uhhhh." (Hmm, let's see…)
"You zombies stink! Haha, I'm turnin' up the air."
We heard Manny turn on the air vent.
"Full blaaaaast!"
Which got me thinking, Frankie this wiouls start with you after Lagoona opens the vent cover.
"Haaaah." (I got an idea. Frankie, I'm going to need your volts please to spark the electricity attached to the vent)
"You're a genius." Frankie complimented me.
Few minutes later…
The game Zombies vs. The Dodgesters was about to start. Me and the ghouls had our plan set up which I then passed over to Mo and Don.
"Ready to lose? Loooosers!"
On the contrary, it wiould be your team losing, Manny.
"Crash and burn haha!"
As I heard Heath joining in on Manny's intimidation tactics, I put my brain to work while calculating the speed and velocity from where the ball would hit. Looks like Heath was the first target then last is Manny to put it concisely.
"What are you waiting for?"
I glanced back at Mo then Don before gently tossing the ball on the floor. The opposing team laughed at us of course.
"You zombies stink worse than I thought!"
I gave Frankie the signal to conduct electricity to the switch for Lagoona to then take off the air vent duct cover to get our ping pong strategy going.
"Uuuuuuuh!" (Frankie. Volts please!)
"Heehee."
"Huh!?"
The look on Manny's face was priceless. Despite him having a girlfriend, he still had to put on the whole macho tough bull act when he was with his buddies.
"Aaaaaah!"
As the ball smacked Heath right on the cheek, the ball then hit Jawke, Allien, then Manny. Jackson left the gym as soon as the ball hit Heath. As calculated, the ball comes rolling back to our side. I proceeded to pick it up, spinning the ball with my finger as I heard some of the students cheer, including my ghoulfriends.
"Now I see why this is fun!"
As Lagoona walked down the bleachers, Frankie stepped down and walked over to the other side.
"Hey, Frankie. Where are you going mate?"
I did not want to let Lagoona know, but I saw the tension between Frankie and Heath slowly lessen.
Heath's POV
As I was coming around after feeling that ball smacked my cheek like a fucking truck, I saw Four Eyes come over standing before me before she kneltdown and put a finger on my chest. I groaned at the spark.
"Hey…" I said smiling.
"Hey yourself."
Her laughter…it was angelic.
"You look good."
I said that out loud. I could see her face turn red before she walked back to the others.
Few minutes later…
"I can't believe we lost to zombies."
Well, we didn't expect Ghoulia to apply book smarts even to an actual gym.
"They're gonna be picking teams for the rest of high school."
I said as I looked down at the floor, felt bad that I dissed Ghoulia and SloMo's team putting my pride first over my humbleness.
"You're lucky the new ghoul healed your head, geez."
Jawke said as he walked beside me and rubbed his head. Well, she healed my head and gave me this funny feeling in my chest. For once, I ain't mad that I lost.