My Lovely Frankenstein, Part 4

The other kids talked.

"Did you hear? Judy Parker likes that creepy new kid."

"It's a real shame, isn't it? The prettiest gal in school going for that freak of nature."

"Look, here comes the Bride of Frankenstein now."

****

Boris soon discovered an interest in making art. He would cut shapes out of colored construction paper and paste them onto other sheets to create pictures.

One night he decided to surprise Judy with a gift, a picture he had made just for her. He crept through backyards until he came to the Parkers' house, then peeked in her bedroom window.

Boris opened his eyes wide in amazement, for at that moment Judy was in the middle of undressing. "Wow," he said clumsily.

When Judy saw Boris's green face at her window, she gasped and quickly threw on her robe. She went to the window and opened it. "Boris, you gave me such a fright. What are you doing here?"

He wanted to tell her how beautiful she was, but felt too shy. "I... made you... this," he said, handing her the card.

"For me?" She looked at the picture he had made. It was a pink heart pasted on a black background. In the heart, in crudely drawn letters, was written JUDY. She smiled. "Oh, Boris, it's lovely. Thank you." She leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead.

Boris couldn't remember anything else that happened that night.

****

After a while people got used to Boris, and they even got used to the idea of Judy being his girlfriend. Everyone, that is, except Judy's parents.

"What's wrong with Boris?" she demanded. "He's the nicest boy I've ever met."

"He may be nice, Judy," said her father, "but what kind of job can he get? How is he going to provide for you?"

"There's a circus that's interested. They've even made him an offer."

"Judy, darling," said her father, shaking his head. "The circus is no way to make a living."

"I always thought you would marry a doctor," said her mother, stoically fighting back tears.

"Oh, Mother, Father," sighed Judy. "I love him. Doesn't love count for anything?"

"You're so young, Judy," said Mrs. Parker. "When you get older you'll realize that love isn't everything."

"Well, I don't ever want to grow old then!"

"Judy, honey," said Mr. Parker, "love doesn't put food on the table."

"And besides, Judy," added Mrs. Parker, "he's..."

"He's what?"

"Green."

"Oh, Mother!" Judy stormed out of the room.