The case was decided in Boris's favor, and Dr. Laren proudly walked beside him as he entered Elmville High, followed by a battalion of police and reporters.
All eyes were glued to his green face as Boris entered his first classroom.
The teacher cleared her throat. "Class, this is Boris. I'm sure you've all heard much about him."
"Dontcha mean Boris Karloff?" someone muttered. Snickers all around.
"That will be enough," said the teacher sternly. "Boris, have a seat."
Boris sat in a chair at the left front of the classroom. He noticed the girl to his right staring at him, but her large brown eyes seemed to be filled with admiration rather than fear or disgust. She had wavy brown hair, fair skin, and pretty red lips, and Boris thought she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
"Hey, Frankenstein," whispered a boy in the next row. "Can I call you Frankie?" A few students giggled.
Boris tried to ignore them, remembering what Dr. Laren had told him. "Some people will be cruel, Boris. It's only to be expected. People say mean things because they're afraid of those who are different from them. You just show them what a nice boy you really are."
He turned to the boy and smiled, in his awkward, grimacing way. "My name... is... Boris. What's... your... name?"
The boy grimaced back, but not in an attempt to smile. "Man, you're one ugly cat."
Another boy mocked his voice. "My... name... is... Boris..."
Boris stopped smiling and turned away. He felt like crying, but didn't want to show tears in front of the other students.
"Leave him alone," scolded the girl, frowning at the boys. "Don't mind them, Boris, they're just a bunch of cads."
The other boys scowled but said no more.
****
After class, the girl followed Boris to his locker. "Hi, I'm Judy."
Boris looked at her. He felt warmed by her smile. "I'm... Boris."
She chuckled. "I know. Everyone knows who you are."
He smiled shyly.
Judy continued, "Don't you worry, Boris. You're just different, is all, and people need time to adjust. I'm sure everyone will like you once they see what a nice guy you are."
****
Boris and Judy walked home together after school. A boy in white T-shirt and blue jeans, his hair slicked back with grease, approached them. "Hey, Frankenstein," he called.
"Go away, Chip," returned Judy impatiently.
"Hey, Judy... doll... what are you doing hanging out with this monster?"
"He's not a monster!"
"Have you gone nuts? Look at this creep!"
"You're so square, Chip," said Judy as she brushed him aside.
Chip looked on in disbelief as Judy sauntered off with Boris. "Well," he shouted after them, "at least I don't have a square head!"
"Gosh, he is so annoying," said Judy, shaking her head. "I don't know what makes him think he'll ever have another chance with me. He's the real creep, Boris, not you."
****
"Isn't he dreamy?" sighed Judy. She was on the phone with her girlfriend Mary.
"Well, he's... different," replied Mary.
"That's what I like about him. He's not like the other boys."
"That's for sure."
"Now Mary, there's nothing wrong with Boris. He has to be the sweetest guy I've ever met."
"Yes, but..."
"But what?"
"Judy, he's... green."
"Mary Burke," huffed Judy, "I never thought you were superficial."
"Superficial?! Judy, don't you think he's a little... weird?"
"Boris is the kindest, most gentle boy I've ever known. Now tell me what's so weird about that!"
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