Trials And Tribulations (Frankiana Version)

Chapter 3

The rest of English passed by with relative ease, each student taking it in turns to readexcerpts from Mary Shelley's famous literary work out loud to the rest of the assembled class. Miss Geronimo would select students at random, allowing them to read a few paragraphs before choosing someone else to take over in their stead. Diana could sense Franki's growing unease as each of their classmates was selected but, to Miss Geronimo's credit, she did not call upon the other girl to participate understanding the difficulties that she may have.

Throughout the rest of the period, Franki didn't pick up her copy of 'Frankenstein' once,instead focusing her attention astutely on each of the assorted narrators as they spoke, her head resting securely in her right hand, her elbow planted solidly on her desk. Finally, the bell rang and students began vacating the room en masse, leaving Franki and Diana to speak to Miss Geronimo regarding the excessive use of profanities at the beginning of class.

"Diana," Miss Geronimo started, perching herself on a desk facing the pair of them.

"I won't tolerate language like that in my class from anyone, especially you. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Miss," Diana replied sheepishly. "I'm sorry, it won't happen again."

"I'm surprised it happened at all." Miss Geronimo noted. "I've never heard you curse in class before Diana. I don't mind how you behave outside of my classroom but...."

"Miss Geronimo," Franki spoke up, interrupting the teacher. "It was my fault."

"Franki..." Miss Geronimo started.

"No really," Franki cut her off.

"Diana...she was just trying to.....help...me." Miss Geronimo raised her eyebrow questioningly and Franki turned to Diana for help with her explanation.

"Don't listen to her," Diana said dismissing Franki's words indifferently not wanting her to get in trouble. "We both know it was me and I accept responsibility. From now on I'll be on my best behaviour."

"Diana," Franki protested. "Miss....I star...star....ugh!" Franki slammed her hand against the desk in frustration and gave Diana a pleading look.

"Ok," Miss Geronimo said taking Franki's hand in her own to stop her from repeating the action.

"Take a breath a moment." Franki did as she was instructed, not once removing her eyes from Diana. Diana shifted uncomfortably in her seat, Franki's eyes boring into her so much that she had to avert her gaze. Franki shook her head annoyed, not wanting Diana to take the blame for something that only happened because of her. Diana didn't owe her anything, she shouldn't be thought badly of by Miss Geronimo because she was trying to make her smile.

"I....curs...ed....f...f...fir..." Franki groaned. "First." She managed to force out, turning her attention back to Miss Geronimo who was watching her closely. "Me." Franki looked back at Diana.

"Please," she almost begged. "T..te..."

Miss Geronimo turned to Diana sensing Franki's distress at not being able to express herself.

"Ok fine," Diana relented, her stomach churning at the sight of Franki so desperate to get her point across. "Franki technically started it but, I chose to continue and I shouldn't have."

Franki ran a hand through her hair in relief, flashing both Diana and Miss Geronimo a glimpse of the scar on the left side of her head before a few long dark locks obscured it once more. She rubbed at her left eye before rubbing her temple gently and giving Diana a grateful look.

"She couldn't speak," Diana went on as Miss Geronimo eyed Franki worriedly. "She was frustrated and trying to curse but couldn't so....I cursed for her."