When Jake and Frankie got home, Viktor and Viveka were sitting on the couch waiting for them, happy to see them.
"Hey! How was the slumber party?" Viktor cheerfully asked.
"So much fun! We started off the night by listening to music that Jake played for us, and that was an experience in and of itself." Frankie said, grinning.
Flattered, Jake smiled. "We then played Truth or Scare."
"Nice! What else?" Viveka asked.
"We told scary stories, played board games, ate snacks, all that stuff." Frankie said.
"Awesome! We're glad you kids a good time. There's breakfast on the table." Viktor said.
"Oh, good! We're starving!" Jake said with a giggle.
"We made it as soon as you texted us saying you were on your way." Viveka said.
Jake and Frankie rushed to the dining room table and started eating, followed by the Stein parents. After they were done, they put their plates, utensils, and glasses in the sink.
(The next day)
After arriving at school, Jake and Frankie went inside the building and walked down the hallway; Jackson caught up with them soon after.
"Hey, guys!" Jackson greeted.
"Hey, Jackson!" Jake and Frankie greeted back.
"How was Clawdeen's slumber party?" Jackson asked.
"It was super fun. We listened to music, played games, ate snacks, told scary stories, and talked about whatever." Jake said.
"That's good." Jackson said with a smile.
"How was the graveball game the other night, Jackson?" Frankie asked.
"Oh, it was something. Our team fell behind during the last quarter. Heath got so mad that he almost lit Deuce's TV on fire." Jackson said, chuckling.
Jake and Frankie also chuckled.
"Luckily, we were able to catch up and win the game. We won twenty-seven to seventeen." Jackson said.
"Good! Imagine what would've happened if you guys lost." Jake said.
"I don't think Deuce can afford another TV." Frankie said with a giggle.
Jake and Jackson laughed at Frankie's comment. Jackson then grabbed his iCoffin and put on Guns N' Roses' Sweet Child o' Mine, transforming into Holt Hyde in the process.
"I'd love to stick around but I'd much rather be rockin' out to Guns N' Roses! See you later, Jake and Frankie Fine!" Holt said, and ran off.
"See you later, Holt!" Jake and Frankie both said while waving. Then, Jake looked at Frankie and asked her, "Holt calls you 'Frankie Fine'?" with an amused grin.
"Mm-hmm. It's kind of his nickname for me." Frankie responded.
"I see. I assume you shared my music playlist with him since he knows who Guns N' Roses are." Jake said.
"Yep! I shared it with all of our friends, that way, they wouldn't miss out on the best music ever created." Frankie said, smiling.
Jake smiled back. "I've never seen people so enamored with my music. I'm glad you guys love it."
Frankie touched Jake's shoulder endearingly. After that, the two of them approached Draculaura, Clawdeen, Lagoona, Cleo, and Ghoulia and greeted them.
"Jake, you have us obsessed again." Draculaura told him.
"With who?" Jake asked curiously.
"Van Halen. After hearing When It's Love, we decided to check out their entire catalogue." Clawdeen said.
"What'd you think?" Jake asked, getting excited.
"They're one of our favorite bands now!" Lagoona said happily.
"Awesome! What's your favorite album?" Jake asked.
"OU182 because it has When It's Love on it." Frankie said.
"Not to mention we just love the sound and writing." Cleo added.
Ghoulia spoke zombie in agreement.
"I love that album, too. My favorites are a tie between their self-titled and 1984. But all their stuff is great." Jake said.
"As far as rock bands go, they're definitely in our top three." Draculaura said.
"Same for me. Now, do you prefer the David Lee Roth era or the Sammy Hagar era?" Jake asked.
"If we're talking vocals, then we prefer Sammy Hagar, but if we're talking frontmen and showmanship, we prefer David Lee Roth." Frankie said.
"I feel like Sammy's a better singer than David Lee Roth." Lagoona said.
"Oh yeah, no doubt about that! Sammy is definitely a better singer. David's singing isn't the best." Jake said.
"You don't have to sugarcoat it, he's terrible. That guy can't sing worth a fang." Clawdeen remarked.
"That's for sure. He's much better at performing and stage presence." Cleo agreed.
Jake, Frankie, Draculaura, Clawdeen, Lagoona, and Ghoulia agreed to that.
"What's interesting is that Eddie Van Halen is the guitarist and not the lead singer. I thought for sure he'd be the lead singer since the band is named after him, right?" Draculaura asked.
"That doesn't always happen. Sometimes the person who the band is named after isn't always the singer. It happens a lot of the time, but not all the time." Jake said.
"Makes sense. We just figured that he was the lead singer at first since his name's in the band." Lagoona said.
"Like how Jon Bon Jovi is the lead singer of Bon Jovi." Clawdeen said.
"And how Don Dokken is the lead singer of Dokken." Frankie said.
Meanwhile, Clawd, Deuce, and Heath were walking down the hallway having a conversation about Saturday night's graveball game.
"Heath, I think you should take a break from watching graveball games for a while." Deuce told him.
"Why?" Heath asked, confused.
"You almost cost me my TV. And those things aren't cheap." Deuce said.
"Come on, Deuce, I couldn't help it! We almost lost. You, Clawd, and Jackson were pretty upset, too." Heath said.
"Yeah, but we know how to control our anger." Deuce said.
Heath frowned. "That's pretty rich coming from you. You got mad at Clawd that one time because you thought he was stealing Cleo from you. Remember that?"
"Oh, I'm sure he remembers. Turns out it was just a big misunderstanding. Isn't that right, Deuce?" Clawd asked with a sly smirk.
Deuce now looked sheepish. "Yeah, I remember."
"Maybe it's a good thing Gil, Slo Mo, and Manny didn't wanna watch the game with us. They would've been all riled up." Clawd said.
Clawd, Deuce, and Heath went up to Jake, Frankie, Draculaura, Clawdeen, Lagoona, Cleo, and Ghoulia and greeted them.
"Jake, broseph, you have got the best taste in music ever!" Heath told him as he put his arm around him.
"Yeah, listening to it over the weekend was so much fun!" Deuce added.
Jake was flattered. "Well, thanks! I'm glad you guys enjoy it." He chuckled.
"Now we wish we didn't miss out on the music from the fifties to the nineties." Clawd said.
"Hey, it's never too late to discover something you end up loving." Frankie said with a smile.
Soon enough, the bell rang and the gang headed to Dead Languages. Holt ran in and turned back into Jackson as he took his seat.
XXXXXXX
As Jake and Jackson walked to Study Howl together, the two of them talked about the slumber party.
"The first thing we did was listen to music, and the first song that played was Metal Health by Quiet Riot, right? Well, as soon as the song started, uh, the ghouls were really getting into it and they were headbanging and playing air guitar, I was surprised." Jake said.
"Really? That's awesome, man!" Jackson said, grinning happily.
"I know, right? I didn't think they'd be into hard rock and heavy metal, but they were!" Jake said.
"You learn something new every day." Jackson said.
"Right!" Jake said with a laugh.
After Jake and Jackson took their seats, Frankie, Draculaura, Clawdeen, Lagoona, Cleo, Ghoulia, and Operetta came in and sat with them.
"Hey, Operetta, did you listen to my playlist over the weekend?" Jake asked her.
"You bet I did! I was thrown by the amount of variety you have. I mean, you have rock, pop, R-and-B, soul, country, and everything else all in one. Most radio stations only combine, like, one or two genres." Operetta responded.
"I see what you mean. When I was younger, my parents used to say to each other, 'Our son is the only kid that mixes nineties R-and-B with classic country'." Jake said.
Jake's friends laughed, amused by that statement.
"Now that you guys have a taste of what I listen to, who are your favorite artists and bands? I know we've been beating Michael Jackson to death, but I'm curious as to what others you like." Jake said.
Frankie, Draculaura, Clawdeen, Lagoona, Cleo, Ghoulia, Jackson, and Operetta's eyes widened at the thought of answering the question as there were way too many acts to choose from.
"Ooh, that's a tough question, Jake." Frankie said.
"Yeah, there's so many to choose from that it's hard to decide, heh." Draculaura said with a nervous giggle.
"Well, to make it easier, how 'bout we break it down into different categories?" Jake suggested.
"Good idea!" Clawdeen said excitedly.
"Alright. Let's start off with your favorite British Invasion acts." Jake said.
Lagoona went first. "Well, aside from the obvious Beatles and Rolling Stones, there's the Kinks, the Yardbirds, the Who."
"Gerry and the Pacemakers, Peter and Gordon, Herman's Hermits." Cleo said.
Ghoulia spoke zombie to mention the Zombies, the Hollies, and the Animals.
"We can't forget about Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, and Donovan." Jackson said.
"Also, Freddie and the Dreamers, the Dave Clark Five, Chad and Jeremy." Frankie said.
"Petula Clark, The Spencer Davis Group, the Searchers." Operetta said.
"And Elton John, Joe Cocker, and Rod Stewart!" Draculaura finished off.
Jake nodded and smiled. "Awesome! Who are your favorite soul and R-and-B stars?"
"Oh my ghoul, where do we begin? There's Marvin Gaye, there's Aretha Franklin, my girl Toni Braxton!" Clawdeen said happily.
"I'm partial to Ray Charles. I don't know why, I just like his style." Operetta said with a grin.
"Brandy, Monica, Sade, and En Vogue are all great." Cleo said.
"So are the Drifters, the Platters, and Fats Domino." Jackson added.
"Yeah, but we can't leave out Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, and the Stylistics." Lagoona said.
"Not to mention the Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Stevie Wonder." Frankie said.
"James Brown, the O'Jays, and the Spinners deserve a mention." Draculaura said.
Ghoulia spoke zombie to finish it off with the Impressions, TLC, Otis Redding, Al Green, the Isley Brothers, and Gladys Knight.
"And last but not least, the best of the best, let's all say it together." Jake said.
"The Jacksons!" the gang said collectively.
"Michael, Janet, Jermaine, all of 'em." Jake said.
After talking about music for a little while longer, Jake, Frankie, Draculaura, Clawdeen, Lagoona, Cleo, Ghoulia, Jackson, and Operetta did their Dead Languages, Mad Science, and Clawculus homework for the remainder of the period.
(2 blocks later)
When it was time for Dramarama, the gang (and Slo Mo) headed down there and took their seats where Mr. Where was happy to see them.
"Hello, everyone!" Mr. Where greeted.
"Hello, Mr. Where!" the class greeted back.
"How are you all doing this late afternoon?" Mr. Where asked.
"Good!" the class said.
"Glad to hear that! Today, we will be doing scenes that I've randomly printed up on paper. You'll be working with a partner." Mr. Where said.
Draculaura raised her hand.
"Yes, Draculaura?" Mr. Where asked.
"Do we get to choose our partners?" Draculaura asked.
"No, not today. I have the pairings written down on popsicle sticks." Mr. Where replied.
"Oh, okay." Draculaura said.
Mr. Where put his hands together. "Anybody have any other questions, comments, concerns?"
The class shook their heads no in unison.
"Excellent! You may come get your scenes and we'll begin." Mr. Where said.
At that moment, the class went up to the stage and grabbed the papers that had their scenes on them, then set back down and took a good look at them.
"Okay, let's see who's going first." Mr. Where said. He stuck his hand in a can of popsicle sticks and without looking, pulled one out. "Cleo and Clawdeen!"
Clawdeen and Cleo looked at each other. "Ready?" Clawdeen asked. "Yep!" Cleo responded.
Clawdeen and Cleo grabbed their scenes and went up on stage.
"And...begin!" Mr. Where said.
With that being said, Clawdeen and Cleo did their scene. It was 2 roommates arguing over one of them needing to move out but refusing to do so.
"Great job!" Mr. Where said happily. He and the class clapped their hands.
Clawdeen and Cleo smiled and took bows, then went back to their seats where their friends complimented them.
"I think we did good!" Clawdeen whispered.
"Yeah!" Cleo whispered.
Mr. Where reached inside the popsicle can. "Up next, Lagoona and Jake!"
Jake and Lagoona looked at each other, smiled, nodded, and went on stage. Unfortunately, there was a problem: the ending of their scene required them to kiss, which would be awkward for the two of them since Lagoona had a boyfriend.
"I didn't know we'd have to kiss at the end." Jake whispered.
"Me neither. Even if it's just for a scene, it's still weird because I'm dating Gil." Lagoona whispered.
Jake turned to face the audience. "Uh, Mr. Where?"
"What's the matter, Jake? Is their a problem?" Mr. Where asked, concerened.
"Yeah, sort of. Our scene says we have to kiss at the end." Lagoona said worriedly.
"Ah, yes. You two are playing the roles of lovers who have just gotten over a fight, but realize in end still love each other dearly and share a passionate kiss." Mr. Where said.
"But that's gonna be weird for us, sir." Jake said.
Mr. Where tilted his head. "Why?"
"Because I have a boyfriend and I think it would be inappropriate for Jake and I to kiss knowing I'm in a relationship." Lagoona said.
"Guys, it's just a scene. You're just acting. What we do in this class doesn't have any effect on your real life relationships, I promise." Mr. Where reassured, chuckling.
Jake and Lagoona reluctantly nodded. They turned towards each other and took deep breaths.
"And...begin!" Mr. Where said.
That being said, Jake and Lagoona said their lines as they appeared on paper; when the situation called for it, the two leaned in and pressed their lips against each other's. Mr. Where was impressed while Frankie, Draculaura, Clawdeen, Cleo, Ghoulia, Jackson, and Slo Mo were astonished.
"This is so awkward." Jackson whispered to Draculaura.
"I know!" Draculaura whispered.
"What's Gil gonna say when he finds out about this?" Jackson whispered.
"I'm sure he'll understand. This is just for a scene after all." Draculaura whispered.
After Jake and Lagoona finished their scene, they gave nervous smiles and bowed as the audience and Mr. Where clapped.
"Excellent! Great job, you two!" Mr. Where said happily.
Jake and Lagoona went back to their seats and sat down. Both of them were feeling embarrassed and sheepish inside.
"How do you think we did?" Lagoona whispered, looking at Jake.
"I think we did, uh...fine..." Jake whispered, unsure in his tone of voice.
Lagoona thought so also, although she wasn't sure whether Gil was going to take the news lightly and neither was Jake.
For the rest of the period, the rest of the class performed their assigned scenes. Frankie was paired with Jackson, Draculaura was paired with Ghoulia, and Slo Mo was paired with Herbert East.
(1 hour later)
When the bell rang, the students left Dramarama as Mr. Where said bye to them on their way out. In particular, Jake and Lagoona wanted to get out of there as fast as possible.
The gang (minus Jackson) walked out of Monster High and stood in the grass, discussing what just happened in sixth period.
"Well, that was an interesting last period, huh?" Frankie asked with an awkward giggle.
"Yeah, you could say that. I didn't think we'd doing scenes of that level, truthfully." Lagoona said.
"Are you gonna tell Gil about what you and Jake did?" Clawdeen asked.
"I will tomorrow. I don't know how he's gonna take it, though. I guess we'll see." Lagoona replied. She then turned to Jake. "Jake, you should know that I don't have any romantic feelings towards you."
"Likewise." Jake said.
Lagoona nodded. "I'll see you guys later." She walked away swiftly.
Jake, Frankie, Draculaura, Clawdeen, Cleo, Ghoulia, and Slo Mo waved to Lagoona; they then said bye to each other and left.
Jake and Frankie got in the car and drove off, with Frankie being thrown off by how fast Jake started up the engine.
"Are you okay?" Frankie asked, concerned.
"Not really. I kissed Lagoona." Jake said nervously.
"You did, but only for a scene. It was just pretend." Frankie reassured.
"I know, but still! What if Gil gets really upset when he finds out?" Jake asked.
"He won't. He'll know that it was only part of an assignment in Dramarama class, don't worry." Frankie said.
Jake sighed apprehensively. "I hope so."
"You have nothing to worry about, Jake. I promise." Frankie said with a smile.
Jake gave a light smile, a little bit eased of the tension he was feeling.
When they arrived home, Jake and Frankie entered the house.
"Hey, kids!" Viktor and Viveka greeted.
"Hey." Jake and Frankie greeted.
"How was school?" Viktor asked.
"Fine. Sixth period was, um...interesting." Jake replied awkwardly.
"Why interesting?" Viveka asked, curious.
Jake became stiff. "In Dramarama, we-we had to, uh, do scenes with a partner, a-and, uh, me and Lagoona got paired together, and we had to kiss at the end."
Viktor and Viveka were suprised but not upset like Jake was expecting.
"Oh wow, okay! Was it awkward for you guys?" Viktor asked.
"Yeah, very awkward...hey, listen, I'm gonna jump in the shower real quick." Jake said, and ran to the bathroom before anyone else could say anything.
Frankie and her parents looked at each other with confused looks on their faces.
"Was it something we said?" Viveka asked.
"No, Jake's just nervous. Lagoona has a boyfriend, Gil, and her and Jake kissing made things awkward for them. We were all shocked when we watched it." Frankie said.
"I bet. I wonder what happens when Lagoona tells Gil about this." Viktor said.
"I hope he doesn't get mad. It was just for an assignment, nothing more." Frankie said.
"Whatever happens, I wish them the best of luck." Viveka said.
Frankie and Viktor nodded accordingly.
Meanwhile, Jake locked the bathroom door and sat on the lid of the toilet, burying his face in his hands and sighing.
As soon as Lagoona got home, she set her things down and jumped in her hydration tank to cool off. She was just as nervous as Jake, not knowing how her boyfriend was going to react to the news.