On strange trails

Chapter 12: Farewell

To Frank, ironically, it was an alien feeling. Nobody has ever told him how much he means to them. Nobody has ever understood him and his feelings. Nobody has ever told him they're there for him, and that they love him. This was the first time. And he's not willing to let it go. He wrapped his arms around Cora's waist, and she placed her legs around his.

Sadly the kiss was broken by noises outside. "I think we should join the others again or they'll get suspicious", Cora said and giggled. "I don't mind", Frank said and kissed her again. Cora laughed a bit into the kiss and Frank had to laugh too. "You're right we should go", he then said and the left the room giggling.

"There you are!", Magenta said as she saw them walking down the stairs. "Yeah I found Frank", Cora said and smiled. "Ah yes I see you 'found' him", Magenta said and smirked as she noticed Frank's slightly smeared lipstick.

Suddenly the three of them heard laughing coming out of the room where the throne was standing in. Magenta already knew what was going on but she didn't want to tell them. So they went over just to see Brad trying to walk in heels and Janet standing on the other side of the room, laughing hysterically. To be honest it really was a funny sight. He was constantly falling over his own feet.

"Wow Brad you are a natural", Cora said trying to hold back her own laugh. "I know right", he said and laughed too. "Oh I can't look at this!", Frank said and hurried over to Brad. "Watch Brad.", Frank said and lead him. Still Brad was falling over. "Balance, Brad, Balance. And stop looking down on your feet! They won't disappear."

Cora was laying on the floor, laughing her soul out together with Janet. Also Magenta was laughing a bit. "Such a dork", she said and sat down next to Cora, who almost wasn't able to breathe anymore. "Oh Brad you're hopeless!", Frank said and tried to hold back his own laugh. "I know but I'm trying", he said. "Oh dammit, I'm giving up!", Brad meant and took off the heels.

"Oh Brad I- I cant-", Janet laughed. "Most hilarious thing I've ever seen. Well after Frank chasing Rocky of course", Cora said wiping away her tears. Frank glanced at her with a playful angry stare.

It was nice hearing the castle filled with laughter again. Cora couldn't stand the silence that morning. It reminded her of the cold world she was born into. If there was one thing that Cora hated more than silence, it was her parents. God how she hated them. But she wouldn't ever have to go back there. Or would she?

"Well we actually wanted to say goodbye to you guys.", Janet said. Frank nodded and they went to the front door and left the castle. Their car was already standing at the entrance. "Goodbye guys. Thank you for fixing our tyre and for letting us stay for the night. Anything else stays here.", Brad said and nodded at them. "Thank you for everything.", Janet said and hugged Magenta and Cora. She also went over to Frank and hugged him which caught him off guard but he smiled anyways.

"Don't you want to join us Cora? We could bring you home. It wouldn't be any problem!", Janet suggested. Cora was surprised. Her gaze went straight to Frank, who was looking scared. Of course he was scared for Cora to really take the offer. He had just found love and now he should lose it again?

"Thank you very much but I have no reason to go back.", Cora said and smiled at Frank. She had never seen him more relieved than in this moment. "Well goodbye then.", Janet said and followed her fiancé to the car. They waved at them for one last time until the car became a little spot on the horizon.

"Then it's just the three of us I guess.", Magenta said and smiled at Cora and Frank. Clearly she was still sad because of Columbia but she didn't want them to see it. Unfortunately for her, Cora was a perfect emotion detective. She hugged Magenta and whispered in her ear. "It'll get better soon. I promise". A little tear dropped down Magenta's cheek and she nodded. "Shall we go back inside again, ladies?", Frank said and reached out his arm to Cora.

They went inside again and Frank went to get some things out of the Lab. It was already afternoon and the sun was slightly leaving the sky.  Cora and Magenta sat on the stairs of the castle, looking out of the big window on the front right. "So I guess that's it then. You're staying here. Do you really want this? I mean you're young and you should see the world.", Magenta said.

"First of all Magenta I'm what? Five years younger than you? So it's not like I'm wasting my life. And who says I can't see the world? I'm gonna see it with you guys. Second of all yes I really want it.", Cora explained and looked at her friend. Magenta smiled at her. "You know Frank really likes you. I haven't seen him that happy in years. Or well. Actually never."
Cora looked at her.

"He deserves love. And I'm here to give it to him." "And he'll give it back to you. Frank is a passionate transylvanian being and he is most definitely is passionate about you. I have to admit that I never thought he could love in general. I guess I was wrong.", Magenta said and laid her head back.

"Cora, darling, would you please come upstairs? I have something for you.", Frank called. "Coming!", Cora said and went upstairs. Magenta stayed there, looking at the sun. When Cora entered Frank's room, he was standing in front of his closet, holding some clothes in his hands. "Please try these on for me, would you?", he said and made some puppy eyes. Cora nodded and took off her shirt.

As she changed her clothes it didn't bother her that Frank was watching. Not anymore. She had changed.
When she was done Frank looked at her admiring. "Beautiful.", he said just above a whisper. He lead her to the mirror and made her look at herself. She was wearing a full set of lingerie in only red and black. She smiled at the sight of her wearing this. She thought it looked really nice.

"Welcome to Transylvania, Cora"

- And the end. Thank you all so much for the support! I hope you enjoyed the story!🤧 Also a huge thank you to my dear friend Damian (insta: @rosetintedbats ) for writing the beautiful start!