Lost In Purple
Chapter 20: A Halloween Surprise
Melanie's POV
I dream about Johnny that night. I see him sitting next to me under the moonlight with our feet dangling over a cliff edge, and his eyes glow a beautiful dark purple. His hand lays over mine on the dark rock as he smiles, looking out towards the alabaster white, celestial body in the stygian sky. Nothing else really happens, it's just a dream of complete tranquility. A part of me wishes to see something like that forever, but I've come to learn that I can't ever expect things to stay how they are. The dream is unfortunately interrupted when my brainwaves change from Delta waves to Alpha waves. I open my eyes and find myself cuddled up with Johnny, my head underneath his jaw. My forehead rests against his chest which lets me feel his steady heartrate, and low and slow breathing. It's cute to see him sleep so soundly even though this is the first time we've done something like this.
I cautiously turn over to avoid waking him up, and I luckily do it successfully. I see Johnny's tuxedo and purple waistcoat on the ground with my black and purple dress, the sunlight's shining through the windows and drowning them in light. My eyes drift to the rest of the room and study it since I couldn't see it very well last night. Johnny's ginormous bed sits along the left wall with end tables sitting at its sides. There are Victorian lamps that sit on top and an electronic alarm clock on both end tables that reflect pleasant rays of sunlight. A dresser lays along the wall to the left of the bed with a couple of pictures frames of his family members. There's a dark red desk along the back wall with windows that face the eastern side of the campus, and on top top of the desk is a beefy computer with dual monitors and large speakers that lay next to them. There are creepy abstract painting along the walls that are red and yellow, a fancy light fixture on the ceiling with a fan, and a large red and yellow rug on top of the white carpet. There's also a bathroom at the opposite end of the room from where the bed is.
I feel Johnny's arm reach around my waist and pull me closer to him. He puts his forehead against the back of my head and deeply purrs for a couple seconds. I didn't really think he'd be able to purr, but I love it when he does it in response to my existence. The more I try to escape his grasp, the harder it becomes to move, so I take one of his pillows and begin pummeling him with it.
"Let me go John!" I chuckle while aiming for his head.
He growls and groans with each impact of the fluffy white rectangle. He reaches his hand up in the air to try and block every attack, but fails to catch them half the time. I continue raining down an onslaught until he wraps his other arm around me and turns onto his right side, taking me with him to his side of the bed. Wow, he must be freakishly strong to do that with ease.
"Mmmmm, it's Halloween Mel. I wanted to sleep in," he groans while pressing his head against the back of my neck.
"It's almost ten o' clock John!" I laugh.
He instantly lets go of me, puts his hand on the mattress, and pushes himself up within a millisecond to mumble, "Wait really?" With a swift look over to the alarm clock he sees 9:54 AM written on it. "Huh…you really tired me out didn't you," Johnny says with a cocky smile.
I scoff and throw the pillow at his face full force, which does no damage to him. I laugh while attempting to fall out of bed and head to the bathroom for a shower, but Johnny reaches over to grab my wrist and pulls me back into a playful wrestle. A yelp escapes my throat as he traps me in a hug again and pins me down to press his head against my chest. He starts kissing my neck and gently nibbling the tips of my ears which causes me to laugh uncontrollably. I try to kick him off but he's too strong for me.
"John please!" I say unable to breathe.
"Ok, ok," he says carrying me out of bed and placing me on my foot, "We'll continue this later."
I take a few moments to catch my breath before abruptly feeling starved of love again and hug Johnny. He's on his phone looking through his texts and emails when I do that.
"Do you have any plans today?" He asks quietly.
"No, the original plan was to sleep in and we did that," I reply.
Johnny chuckles as he shuts his phone off and throws it behind him. "Good cause I want to spend the day with you."
I turn my head in curiosity. "You do? What will we be doing?"
Johnny stands up, turns towards me, and gives me a smile while heading towards the shower. "That would ruin the surprise now wouldn't it?"
Before he reaches the bathroom, I swiftly sneak underneath his arms and turn on the shower which leaves him surprised. "Fair point. But if you're not going to tell me, I get to shower first," I retort while crossing my arms.
A creepy grin forms across Johnny's face and starts walking into the bathroom. "There's one thing you need to know about me princess," he says while shutting the bathroom door, "I always get what I want."
I watch as Johnny dries himself off with the bathroom door open. We ended up showering together which was something I've never done with someone before, nor did I think we would do. He let me lather him up with shampoo which was really fun to see because of how sudsy the soap became. He did the same to me but his fun was cut short because I'm mostly smooth scales that are easy to clean whereas he's majority fur that's difficult to clean. I think I had more fun in the end since I got to feel every inch of muscle he has. There were also other things that happened but that's something I should keep between the two of us.
I slowly find my bag of clothes along with my handbag on the floor in front of the door when I got out of the shower, so I'm assuming Javier took them and placed them in here last night when we were asleep. I put them on and cleaned up the floor as well. My dress went into the bag my clothes were in and I gently folded his tuxedo and waistcoat onto his bed. I even made his bed since we kind of messed it up last night and this morning. I end up finding his phone and pick it up gently since it's the new EyePhone 13.
"Hey John, I'm putting your phone on your desk," I call out to him.
"Ok, thanks princess," he responds putting his towel on the towel rack.
I sit on his desk chair and take out my phone from my handbag. My normal morning routine ensues and I begin scrolling through social media to see that there are a lot of posts about the Fall Formal last night, and many posts relating to Halloween which makes me feel happy to have a day off to relax and reminisce on what happened last night. I also take a moment to remember some things that happened during Halloween when I was a kid.
"Alright Mel, I'll make us some breakfast downstairs," Johnny says while taking his sweater from his dresser.
"What are you making?" I gasp.
"Hmm, Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast, whatever you want really. I also wouldn't mind having my favorite cook ever in the kitchen with me," he winks.
I blush as he takes my hand and pulls me out of his room to the dimly lit mansion. Many of the candles along the walls are all lit and create an orange glow that makes everything feel cozy. Johnny intertwines his fingers with mine when we walk down the left staircase and turn into the main living room where the fire is calmly crackling. When we enter the kitchen we find Javier and Chip sitting together on the island drinking coffee and I run up behind them draping my arms over both their necks.
"How late were you boys up?" I ask.
Both of them flinch and nearly spill their coffees. "HOOOOLY SHIT, OH MY GOD," Chip says digging his claws into his heart and nearly falling off his chair. I grab his arm and put my head against it apologetically.
"I'm sorry! I didn't think I'd scare you," I comfort.
"Jesuchristo, we didn't even hear either of you," Javier says putting hand to his head and looking at Johnny who's grabbing a griddle from one of the cabinets.
"You'd better be prepared for next semester then, she's gonna be way scarier by then," Johnny mentions with a nasty smile.
"Díos mio... can't wait. Anyways, we were at the banquet hall until around one in the morning," Javier responds with a yawn.
"Yeah, you two look exhausted," I soothe while looking at Chip rest his head on the table with his hands over his eyes, "When did you guys wake up?"
"Like seven o' clock. Our circadian rhythms have kind of screwed us up over the years and inconvenienced us today," Chip replies drowsily.
I remember seeing some blankets stored underneath the coffee table in front of the fireplace, so I go and grab two of them and come back into the kitchen to place them over Javier and Chip.
"Gracias dama de la luna," Javier groans.
"You're welcome, I'm here for you guys," I comfort further. I notice Chip has already fallen asleep on the table and lets out a soft snore.
"Thank god for that," Javier adds while pulling the blanket up and over his eyes.
Johnny walks over to me and asks, "Are pancakes alright?"
I nod and walk over to the griddle with him. I give him a quick kiss on the side of the head which makes him smile big, and fills my heart with happiness. I grab a bowl and add sugar and salt into it while Johnny adds in flour and baking powder. Johnny takes another bowl and adds milk and melted butter, I crack open an egg and watch his whisk it. Before he finishes, I search through the many kitchen cabinets and find the vanilla extract. I put several dollops of it in the whisked mixture and then mix everything together to make some pancake batter. We pour 1/4 cup portions onto the griddle and cook them until golden brown to create a mountain of pancakes for everyone…at least for when they all wake up. I don't know when Javier fell asleep, but his head has retracted into his body as if he were hibernating and his eyes droop slightly downward. He looks cute when he's sleeping if I'm being honest.
Johnny and I take a couple for the each of us and take our plates into the dining room. He sits at the end of the table like last time and I take my seat next to him like last time. He pours an adequate amount of syrup on his pancakes and then takes a bite.
"Grrr… why are you such a good cook?" He mumbles.
"Are they the best pancakes you've ever had or something?" I ask with a smile.
Johnny nods his head and takes another large bite. I don't know why, but I notice that his posture is immaculate when he silently cuts the pancake.
"Good cause I'm still terrified of the day I don't meet your expectations," I jest.
Johnny chuckles. "I'm sure you won't have to worry about that, your best is enough for me."
We smile at each other and inhale the pancakes we made as if we had not eaten in weeks. The pancakes are as soft as clouds and taste sweet, which is exactly how I like them. I make sure to look into the kitchen every few minutes to see how Javier and Chip are doing, and every time I see them they're knocked out cold. I can say I'm happy that Johnny and I didn't stay at the Formal for very long, not just because of Faust or those in other fraternities and sororities, but because I would've been a literal zombie.
Johnny ends up going back for seconds, but I feel full enough to live for another 7 hours. I march over to Javier and Chip, and wake them up to guide them to their rooms so that they can go to bed. They'd better be grateful that we have Halloween off. I walk back down to the kitchen and find Johnny leaning back against the kitchen counter with his phone in his hands and a smile on his face.
"You alright John?" I ask calmly.
"Yeah. Just being truly happy for once," he replies without taking his eyes off his phone.
"You weren't happy before?" I question raising my eyebrow.
"Technically I was. Living the life as the best scarer on campus and everything, but it got infinitely better when you let me dance with you last night," He responds after putting his phone away and giving me a kiss. "Now come with me, I'm taking you somewhere."
"Mmm, that doesn't sound cryptic or anything," I mumble to myself. I follow him to the garage and he opens the passenger door of the Clawvette for me. I happily hop in and wait patiently for him to crawl into the drivers seat to take me on another adventure with him. He turns the car on and rapidly exits the garage.
Johnny's POV
I listen to Melanie hum the various melodies being played on the car radio as we fly down the the busy streets of Monstropolis. She watches each building and each house pass her by with wide eyes as I focus on the empty streets that are drenched in Halloween decorations and happy children running around with large candy bars.
"You doing ok over there?" I ask when we pass by a large house.
"Yeah. I just think these houses are gorgeous. Oh, look that one has a garden in front of it! Look at all those roses!" She answers in amazement.
I chuckle while taking a quick peak at the red roses that line the small walkway up to the front door of the house. I guess I'm going to need to plant roses somewhere if I ever move into a house with her. "Yeah those were well kept weren't they?"
Melanie nods her head and smashes her small nose against the window that leaves a smudge behind. Normally I would be furious if someone dirtied up the window, but I genuinely couldn't care less about leaving her cute nose print on it. Honestly I wouldn't mind having those reminders of her all over the windows of the car.
"Why don't you get roses for the ROR house?" She asks while watching a group of children ride their bikes on a driveway.
"Because they'll be destroyed the moment they bloom. The idiots who go to JOX parties will probably try and eat them or something dumb. I don't know, I just know they won't last due to factors out of my control." I respond.
"Aww," Melanie mumbles.
There's a lengthy silence between us that lasts for a minute. She rolls down the window and rests her head on the door as the wind blows her hair back gently. The sun even creates a slight shine off her horns. God she's so beautiful.
I turn down another road that reveals a large factory out the windshield. "W-what's that?" Melanie asks while pointing at the factory.
"Your surprise," I respond with a smile.
She narrows her eyes and leans forward a little in her seat. She immediately realizes what it is and begins jumping up and down in her seat. "You're taking me to Monsters Inc.?!" She shrieks.
"Yep. Figured it would be fun," I answer vaguely.
"Wait, but what would we do there?" She asks turning her head.
I take one of my index fingers and one of my thumbs, and put them underneath my chin to act like I'm thinking. "Hmmm, Good question. I was thinking of letting you meet some of the scarers my family knows very well."
Melanie gasps and starts kicking her legs in excitement. I thought I almost heard her howl, but maybe I heard wrong. I feel a warmth develop within my heart seeing her get this excited about something, and I wish I could see her like this everyday. I chuckle and keep my eye on her erratic movements to make sure she doesn't fly out of the window accidently. "They're having a Halloween party like they do every year, and I usually go to see my dad. So, maybe you'll get to meet him too. However, he can be very unnerving so it might be best for you to avoid him for now," I mention.
"Whatever happens, I'll be happy!" Melanie squeals.
After another minute, we finally drive up to the entrance gate. I give the security guard my ID and tell him who I am. He nearly has a panic attack when he hears me say that I'm a Worthington and raises the road block in the blink of an eye. I take a parking spot near the entrance gates, since the parking lot is almost currently full, and hike to the factory with Melanie.
"So you can just come here whenever you want?" Melanie asks while hugging me.
"Yeah. I just can't be on the scare floors since I'm not qualified yet," I respond.
Melanie looks up to me and scrunches her face. "What? If anything you're more than qualified!"
"I mean I don't know about you princess, but if I were on the scare floor, I wouldn't want some random monster with no degree working with me," I retort with a smirk.
"That's not what I mean," Melanie scoffs.
"Oh? Then what did you mean?" I ask while wrapping my arm around her hip.
"I'm saying that you might as well be on the scare floor because of how good of a Scarer you are. You do know there are scaring tryouts, and that there are in fact, Scarers with no degrees," She responds.
"Oooooh, so you're praising me. If I had to guess, I'm your favorite Scarer now," I reply vainly.
Melanie gives me an unimpressed expression. "You know I haven't even seen you scare once yet, right?"
"Do you really have to? I mean look at me, I have to be your favorite," I retort.
"Yes I have to. I've seen the Kowalski sisters scare in real time on social media, so they reign supreme!" She says before sticking her tongue out at me while I open the doors for her. I love it when she's gets frustrated with me.
"Don't stick your tongue out at me," I chuckle.
She walks into the building with her arms crossed. "You asked for it."
I follow her and see her admire the blue walls, wide open space, and grand map that catches your eye when looking at the upper walls. "Hmm. I guess I'll just have to change your mind someday, because I wouldn't mind having my favorite freshman be my number one fan."
Melanie ignores my comment and proceeds to observe the building in great detail, trying to take it in as if it's her final visit.
"You alright?" I murmur.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I've just only ever been in Scream Industries and didn't think this place would be so grand," Melanie croaks.
I notice she feels a little intimidated and become a little defensive. I know there's no reason for it, but when she's nervous, I uncontrollably get protective. "Hey, I'm here for you." I say grabbing her hand and holding it tightly. "I know it's nerve wracking, but you won't ever have to worry when you've got someone who's basically grown up in these halls with you."
Melanie smiles and leans against me.
"Come on, I want you to meet a good friend of mine," I add.
We walk side by side towards the front desk to see a young, lean woman doing various paperwork. She has purple skin, one eyeball, and a hair of snakes tied into a ponytail. She raises her head and calls out to us. "Hello! How can I help you two?"
I take out my ID once again and respond with my usual charm. "Good afternoon. We're here to see Mr. Worthington. He said he would let you guys know that I would be a guest at the Halloween Celebration."
"Oh yes. You're his son correct?" She asks while picking up my ID.
"Yes ma'am," I reply.
She starts typing on the computer in front of her. "And, if I may ask, who is this with you?"
"My girlfriend. I hope that doesn't make things complicated." I smile.
The woman shakes her head. "No, just make sure you stay together. However, because of protocol, I do have to give her a visitors pass so let me get that for her now."
Melanie and I watch her rapidly tap on the keyboard and then pull out an elastic bracelet with a rectangular piece of plastic that has the word 'Visitor' on it. She places a chrome sticker on it and then holds it up to a scanner until it beeps.
She hands over the bracelet to Melanie. "Here you are, this is good until we close at four o' clock. Feel free to stay for as long as you like... And by the way, I love your hair."
"Oh…thank you," Melanie blushes.
The woman waves goodbye and returns to her paperwork.
"See, I told you everything would be alright," I whisper as we head towards the left hall.
Melanie puts her head on my shoulder again and smiles. I'm glad to see her feel safe and comfortable around me.
"Y-your willing to call me your girlfriend?" Melanie asks.
"If you'd let me, I'd like to," I reply with a deep growl.
Melanie's grip tightens and she puts her other hand around my bicep. I'm assuming she's fine with it and that couldn't possibly make me feel any overjoyed.
We walk slowly into the left hall where the cafeteria is located, and enter through the archway that exhibits a crowded and thunderous room full of Monstropolis's scariest. I easily spot Earl "The Terror" Thompson, Raj "The Roar" Kapoor, and Carla "Killer Claws" Benitez all sitting at the same table together. Most of the other Scarers are just everyday Scarers, but it's an honor to be among them all. I feel Melanie wrap her arms around mine, so I draw my arm closer to my chest as if we were locking our arms. We make our way through the cafeteria until I see one of my old family friends.
"Hey Mr. Gunderson !" I holler.
A red and rotund monster, that kind of reminds me of Bruiser, turns around and happily opens his arms. His horns wrap around like a spiral, and his bushy eyebrows block out his eyes. His mustache is also full and worthy of an award. Yeah that's Bob Gunderson alright.
"Jonathon! My little buddy! You've finally come to see me after all this time!" He howls.
I let go of Melanie and throw my arms around him. He pulls me into a bear hug and gives me a couple firm pats on the back. He turns towards the Scarers he was talking to and excuses himself. "It's been too long! I think the last time I saw you was before you started college!"
"I know, I've missed you sorely ever since," I reply with a laugh.
He lets out a jolly laugh. For some reason his laugh makes me remember the couple of times he dressed up as Santa Claws for the local elementary schools. "How's school going by the way? You're… what, a sophomore?"
"Whaaaat!? Do I really look that young? I'm a senior!" I retort with another laugh.
Bob puts a hand up to his head and shakes it as if he's disappointed in himself. "Oh my, it's been that long already?"
"Unfortunately," I reply.
"Ugh… I need to take sometime to visit you and your father more. I dearly miss the times when we regularly saw each other," Bob mentions. "Anyways, who's this beautiful young lady with you? Oh! Don't tell me! She's your girlfriend?"
"Yes sir. This is Melanie, we go to MU together. By the way, she's a big fan," I say introducing her.
Bob reaches out his hand and Melanie nervously takes it. He bows respectfully and gives the top of her hand a kiss. "My my, you've got yourself a beautiful one John. Are you by chance a model? A news anchor? Oh! Maybe a cosmetologist?"
"Oh n-no," Melanie says laughing lightly, "I plan on becoming a Scarer one day like you guys."
With a gasp, Bob covers her hand with both of his. "I didn't know I was amongst the next greatest scaring couple since the McCays! Forgive me madam, scaring has become somewhat obsolete for women these days."
"I-it's ok. I still have a long way to go anyways," Melanie quivers.
"Aww, that's a shame. I would've loved to see you two walk into the doors both as rookies. Ah, I remember walking into my first scare floor as scared as a human child, and coming out a new man." Bob reminisces.
"Y-you don't have to scare her Mr. Gunderson," I laugh softly.
"Oh dear! My apologies Miss Melanie, I certainly didn't mean to make you feel that way," Bob spouts.
Melanie expresses her forgiveness and listens to Bob's random stories about when he started out as a Scarer. I unfortunately have heard these all several times in my life since I've known him since I was little. He has us take a seat with him on one of the cafeteria tables and converse for god knows how long. You could say one word to him and he'll somehow come up with a conversation that lasts an hour long.
I watch Melanie as he relays his life story to her. Even though she remains nervous, she listens to every detail that's spit out his mouth, and tries her best to contribute to his rambling. I eventually take the opportunity to stand up and go grab some food for Melanie and I. I snag myself a bunch of varying meats that include steaks, pork chops, and chickens. For Melanie I grab many of the desserts and fruits since I've come to learn that she enjoys them. From cupcakes and macarons, to dragonfruit and mango, I make her a small mountain of foods.
I return to Melanie and give her the plate of goods. She gives me a smile and whispers, "Thank you."
I wink at her and start chowing down on the amazingly catered food. Bob keeps asking Melanie all sorts of questions that regard to her and she happily answers them.
"So Miss Melanie, what kinds of scares are your favorite? I ask because I think I might know the answer." Bob interrogates.
"Um, I've been told I'm really good at paranormal scares," Melanie replies.
Bobs eyebrows raise and he leans back a little in surprise. "Mister Worthington, how on earth did you find this diamond?"
"By sheer luck. Some idiot almost killed her during her first week by knocking her to the ground with a bicycle. I caught her before her head smashed into the pavement," I respond still blatantly angry at that guy.
"Hehehe, Children are crazy these days aren't they?" Bob questions.
"Normally I wouldn't agree with that, but there's definitely some psychos at MU," I reply.
Before Bob can come up with some new topic to talk about, he's interrupted by one of the many Scarers I haven't ever seen before that work at Monsters Incorporated. He stands up from the table and says, "My apologies Jonathon, Miss Melanie, I have to leave you here. I'll be sure to see you sometime in the near future."
"Sounds good," I reply while giving him another bear hug, "I'm just happy to see you still kickin'."
"Hey I'm not that old!" Bob playfully scolds.
"Alright I'll believe you," I smile.
Bob laughs and says his final goodbyes to Melanie and I. I meant it when I said I was happy to see him because I've always admired him. He was technically my second dad, so I have to worry about him when I don't hear from him.
"So tell me, how'd you like him?" I ask Melanie with a raised eyebrow.
"He was soooo cuuuuute! He's like that fun uncle you only see during the holidays," Melanie beams.
"I mean, he technically is for me. He was the one I went to when my dad brought me to work and I couldn't find him," I divulge.
"Awwwww," Melanie squeals while grabbing my arm and then turning her head in confusion. Yeah... I still don't know how I, an 8 year old, was allowed to run aroudn the factory with no supervision.
I smile before I hear my name be roared from the other side of the cafeteria. "JONATHON!"
It's my dad, giving me a frustrated look and pointing down at the ground. He's telling me to go to him. Before I have time to react, I feel a presence come up behind me. Mr. Worthington, you didn't tell me you were coming!"
I turn to see a three headed reptilian monster with light purple scales, sharp teeth, and pointed snouts. The Kowalski sisters. I look to Melanie and see her eyes are wider than binoculars.
"Stay here Mel, I'll be back in a moment," I whisper to her.
I then turn my attention towards the Kowalski Sisters and whisper to them. "My apologies ladies, my dad wants a word with me. However, I would like you to meet Melanie, my girlfriend. She's a die hard fan of yours, so keep her company for me."
The Kowalski Sisters gasp and I hear them excitedly tell Melanie that they didn't know they had fans like her as I run towards my dad. I met the Kowalski Sisters a few years ago and would trust them with my life, so I feel extremely comfortable leaving them with Melanie.
I finally find my way to my dad and feel my confidence drop exponentially. He pulls me out of the cafeteria into the empty hallways so that nobody will hear us. He's always been paralyzingly terrifying and whenever he looks at me in anger or frustration, I feel like my hearts going to explode due to anxiety. He's at least 5 inches taller than me, and significantly stronger than me. His fur is blood red and his horns curve outwards only to point back like a demons'. He has black spikes that also run down his spine and to the top of his tail that's slightly longer than mine, along with two tusks that jut out like pincers and have always been incredibly badass.
"Hey dad…uh…what's wrong?" I ask. I've been to these celebrations before and haven't experienced him be angry with me during them, so this is very unusual.
"Could you please tell me why you were late?" He growls.
"Wh-… I've been late to these celebrations for the past three years, I don't understand what you mean," I retort.
"Don't give me an excuse son. I texted you weeks in advance that your mother would be attending yet you don't show up in time to see her. She was very upset that she didn't get to see you before she went to work!" He bellows.
"I-I'm sorry dad, I can go see her later tonight or call her," I reply trying to deflect his anger.
"It's too late for that! When are you going to understand that you have to be punctual if you're to be a Worthington! While we're at it, why don't I ask you why you're not taking any internships or focusing on personal growth!? How do I know you're going to get a job when your out of college, or even if you'll be financing yourself correctly!?" Dad berates.
"Dad I told you this before, I'll be fine! I've been getting the attention of scaring recruiters since last year!" I growl back.
"That's not enough son! You need to live, breathe, and sleep scaring if you even wish to carry on the Worthington legacy. You cannot be complacent, you cannot be beaten!" Dad lectures with aggressive hand motions.
"Ok, Dad, I can't take you seriously when you say that because many scarers have 'beaten' you over the course of your career," I counter.
"Don't... even go there Jonathon!" Dad says while baring his teeth. He takes a deep breath and then sighs. "You know what, I don't even know why I'm talking about this with you, you never listen to me anyways. The point is, I'm deeply disappointed in you for letting your mother down. She's given up everything for you and your dreams, yet you fail to show her the slightest bit of solicitude!" Dad continues.
"Seriously Dad, I'm sorry! I will make it up to her, you know I will! It's just that I've been caught up in all sorts of drama and I have to sort it out first!" I rebuke.
"I'm going to guess that this drama you speak of is coming from that girl you've been talking to the whole time you've been here? Don't tell me you're dating." Dad snarls.
"So what if that's true?" I respond trying to hold in my fury.
Dad brings his fingers up in between his eyes and growls. He walks back towards the cafeteria and gazes at Melanie as she laughs with the Kowalski Sisters. "You'd better cut ties then, because us mammals don't have relationships with reptiles! I can't believe I have to remind you that after the several talks we've had about carrying on the bloodline! Not only is she a reptile, but she's inferior! Small! Weak! Cowardly!"
I bare my teeth as a feel myself get protective of her again. "You don't even know her Dad!"
"Oh? Is that dissent that I hear? I'll have you know that if you continue seeing that peasant, you'll never step foot in Monsters Incorporated or Fear Company for as long as you live," Dad threatens.
My heart drops and I start to imagine what life would be like without Melanie. I would go back to feeling like nobody knows me, and I would spiral down the path of finding temporary pleasure within relationships again. I thought I finally got the chance to leave all that behind. There's also the fact that my father would keep me from living out my dream all because of some power hungry fantasy he thinks he's living under.
"The next time I see you, I expect to see some respect not only to your mother, but also the family name!" Dad hisses.
He stomps off down the hall and turns down the Scaring Hall, presumably to the buildings offices. I stand there, angrily. The plan was to get a job here at Monsters Inc. after a year or two at Fear Co., but now it seems like things will be different.
I take a couple breaths and head back I to the cafeteria to find Melanie sitting alone at the table. The Kowalski Sisters were probably wanted elsewhere.
"How was meeting your hero?" I ask while feeling my heart rate and blood pressure decrease.
"I love them so much!" Melanie groans while putting her hands to her heart.
I laugh and take a seat next to her while wrapping my arm around her. "Good, I wouldn't want it any other way."
Melanie's POV
We stay at the celebration until it's almost evening. After a while of just sitting in the cafeteria, Johnny took me on a tour of the factory since he knows the factory inside and out. I don't think we were supposed to be doing that though because we had to sneak around corners a lot, and secretly enter places that staff are supposedly only permitted. At first I was skeptical, but it turned out to be pretty fun. I think it was really good practice for scaring as well.
Once we leave the factory, Johnny and I head to the back of the parking lot and get into his Clawvette. As we drive back up to MU, I ask him all sorts of questions about his relationship with Bob Gunderson and his relationships with other scarers. I get really excited when I he starts telling me about his relationship with the Kowalski Sisters. He tells me how he met them a couple years ago, and that they're pretty misunderstood because of their appearances. They get overshadowed by the veterans and they usually have to live with people thinking they're feral and insane since they're three personalities on one body. In other words, people think they're actually one person like the infamous Hydra, and that the constant bickering between the three makes people think they're crazy.
We pull back into Frat Row and park the car in the garage. Johnny opens the garage door for me and we're greeted by Javier and Chip, who look infinitely better than they did this morning, in the kitchen.
"Welcome back amigos," Javier says while washing some dishes.
"Hi, how'd you two sleep?" I ask with a motherly.
"I think we're alright now. We're lucky that it was Halloween this time, because we would have got into so much trouble if it wasn't," Chip answers.
I feel Johnny put his arm around my waist. "Did you two eat at least," he asks with a smile.
"Sí Señor. Did you make your pancakes differently this time?" Javier responds while taking the time to dry some of the plates he has washed.
"Melanie was the mastermind behind those this time, so yes, they were different," Johnny replies while pointing to me.
"Oh…that makes sense," Chip mentions.
Johnny laughs before he starts guiding me further into the house. "If you need anything from us, text me. Don't even bother knocking on my door."
Javier and Chip give Johnny a nod and return to what they were doing. I look to Johnny with a confused expression. "What are we doing now?"
"Just relaxing…with you…without being bothered," Johnny responds with a smile.
We walk up the stairs and go down the left hallway to his room. When we enter he takes off his sweater and then falls onto the bed with me in his arms. He starts purring when I start scratching the back of his head which makes me laugh. I know he said we would continue this later, but I wasn't expecting this now. The rest of the night is spent just like that. We relax in bed with each other and wish we could stay like that forever. I've really come to love this purple beast, and I hope he's come to love me just as much as I do.