Tyler Mc Intosh

Monsterville #2 Welcome to “Human”ville Natalie Sunshine rushed into the Pizzeria with glee. “EEEEEHHHH! I have GREAT news,” Nat said when she came into the kitchen. “What is it?” Chupianna the Chupacabra asked. “My parents are coming for a visit,” Nat beamed. “That’s horrible! Which in human way means GREAT!” Chupianna said. They both jumped up and down in excitement. “Contain your enthusiasm girls,” Minirva said walking in. “Nat has great news,” Chupianna said. Minirva gave her a confused look. “I meant that in a human way,” Chupianna said. “Oooh,” Minirva said. “My parents are coming to town. Isn’t that great! I can’t wait for them to meet you all,” Nat said. “So, they’re coming to Knip Island?” Minirva questioned. “Yes,” Nat said. “To Monsterville?” Minirva asked. “Yea,” Nat said. “Which is full of monsters,” Minirva said. It suddenly dawned on Nat. “Oh no,” Nat said. “You have to tell them not to come,” Minirva said. “But I can’t tell my parents what to do,” Nat countered. “Then tell them you’re sick,” Chupianna suggested. “They’d come anyway. They have a right to be worried. They haven’t even come to my new house yet,” Nat said. “Are you sure there’s no way to stop them from coming?” Minirva asked. Nat thought about it. “Nope. There going to come sooner or later,” Nat said. “Then what do we do?” Chupianna asked. “Hide,” Minirva suggested. “I have a better idea…Let’s have a city hall meeting immediately. Everyone has to be on board for this one,” Nat said. “Okay,” Minirva said. That night, everyone in town was at City Hall for an emergency meeting. Nat got onstage and stepped up to the podium. “Hi. If you don’t know me, I’m Nat Sunshine. And I’ve brought you all here tonight because we have a dire matter at hand: My parents are coming to town,” Nat said. Instantly, everyone started freaking out. “WHAT!” Brizilla yelled. “Seamus, stop hyperventilating,” Mino the Minotaur said. “I’m not hyperventilating. I just remembered that I need water to breathe,” Seamus the sea monster said. He suddenly fell out of his chair unconscious. “Can someone get him some water,” Nat said. “Does anyone have any questions?” Captain Skelator raised his bony hand. “Why would put us all in danger by letting your parents come here?” the Captain asked gruffly. “Sorry, I was asking monsters with flesh, sooooo…Your question’s not valid,” Nat said. “ARRRRR! Stupid lack of flesh,” Captain Skelator whined. “But don’t worry guys, I have a plan. When my parents come, everyone will dress up and act like humans. Now I know that means significantly altering the town a little. But don’t worry, it’s just for a few days,” Nat reassured. “But I don’t want to dress up like a human,” Hissette the snake monster said. “Do you know how hard it would be to change the town?” Snowden the abominable snowman said. Nat had enough. “MY PARENTS ARE COMING NO MATTER WHAT! YOU WANNA GET CAUGHT OR NOT!?” Nat yelled. Everyone jumped and left the Hall to get to work. “That’s better,” Nat said calmly. For a whole week, the town got ready for Nat’s parents visit. They got human clothing to wear and professional makeup to make themselves look like humans. They even had to change some of the signs in Monsterville so it would seem like a normal, human town. On the day before her parents arrived, Nat checked if everything was in place. “Does everyone have their disguises ready,” Nat asked. “Check,” Minirva said. “What about me?” Cyrano the Cyclops said running up to them. “What’s wrong?” Nat asked. “How do I hide that I have one eye? I can’t just sprout one more,” Cyrano said. “I know, what if you put bandages all over face to cover your eye,” Minirva said. “But then how will I see?” Cyrano asked. “You won’t. You’ll just have to use a walking stick,” Nat said. “Ugh,” Cyrano said walking away. “What about me. I don’t even have legs,” Hissette said. “Then just wear a really long dress,” Nat said. Hissette rolled her eyes as she slithered away. “Sign changes?” Nat asked. “Check,” Minirva said checking it off the list. Nat looked up at the town sign. “Humanville? That’s what you think the town should be called?” Nat asked. “Too little?” Minirva asked. “More like too much. Why would humans call a town “Humanville”?” Nat asked. “Human’s who like to be humans,” Minirva said. “And lastly, does everyone know how to act like humans?” Nat asked. Minirva looked at her clipboard. “That’s not on this list,” Minirva said. “I know it isn’t. But that’s very important. My parents are going to be suspicious if you guys act like monsters,” Nat said. “Don’t worry, we studied a bunch of human movies and shows so we could know how to act like people,” Minirva said. “But that’s not really reality,” Nat said. “Nat, you’re overthinking this. This will go off without a hitch,” Minirva said. Nat took a deep breath. “I guess you’re right,” Nat said. “Oh no, your positiveness is rubbing off on me,” Minirva said. She shivered at the thought. “Humans don’t do that,” Nat said. The day was finally here. Nat stayed at the dock waiting for her parents to come. Finally, she saw a light in the distance. It was Captain Skelator’s ship. Nat waved to the ship from the dock. Once it was docked, Nat’s parents ran up to her. “Sweetie,” Mother said hugging Nat. “I missed you so much,” Nat said. “So, this is where you live now,” Father said. “Yep, the fabulous Knip Island,” Nat said. “I hope the people here are nicer than that Captain,” Mother said. “I’m standing right here,” Captain Skelator said. “You better not remove your hat,” Nat mouthed to the Captain. The Captain was so stubborn he refused to don a disguise. Thankfully, with all the clothes that he wore it was hard to tell that he was a monster. “Okay, let me show you around town,” Nat said. They left the dock and got the wrought iron entrance to the town. “Humanville? What kind of name is that?” Father asked. “I know. The town’s founders weren’t that creative,” Nat said. Then she led them to Minirva’s “wonderful” Pizzeria. Yep, that got a name change too. “This is where I work, Minirva’s Ran…I mean, Wonderful, Pizzeria,” Nat said taking them inside. Nat gasped. The place was almost unrecognizable. Now there was a big jukebox in the room, and the monster (disguised as people) were eating good looking food. Then an even bigger shock came. “Hey sugar,” a woman said coming from the kitchen. Nat narrowed her eyes and realized it was Minirva. She was wearing a dress that looked straight out of a 1950s sitcom. “Care for a cookie?” Minirva asked showing them a tray of cookies. “Don’t mind if I do,” Father said taking one. Mother took one too. “These are so good,” Father said. “Thank you. It’s easy to make bad food, but hard to make good food,” Minirva said. “So true,” Mother said. “Minirva, can I speak to you for a moment?” Nat asked taking her aside. “What’s with the getup?” Nat asked. “I’m dressed like a human sugar,” Minirva said. Nat gave her a look. Minirva shook her head and snapped out of it. “I mean, I’m dressed like a human. What more do you want?” Minirva asked. “I meant modern humans. Not humans from the 1950s,” Nat said. “Well it’s too late now,” Minirva said. Minirva quickly put back on her pretense when they went back to the parents. “Well guys, I still have to work today, so just go over to my house and I’ll see you later,” Nat said. “Oh no sugar. You can have the day off. I know you wanna spend time with your parents,” Minirva said. “That’s so kind,” Mother said. Nat gave a fake smile. “What are you doing,” Nat whispered to Minirva. “You got everyone in Monsterville to pretend to be humans. I’m not gonna let this be a waste if we don’t even get to be seen,” Minirva whispered. “Okay,” Nat replied. Nat looked at her parents. “Let me show you around,” Nat said. “First I wanna show you Necro’s store. He’s a great guy and I can’t wait for you to meet him,” Nat said. “Natalie, why is that woman in a tree?” Mother asked. Nat looked and saw Mittens in a tree. “Can you excuse me,” Nat said walking away. She looked up at Mittens. “What are you doing up there? You’re making my parents suspicious,” Nat said. “When I’m worried, I hide in a tree. And this is a good time to be worried,” Mittens said. “Don’t make me get you down from there,” Nat warned. “You don’t mean?” Mittens asked. Nat grabbed the tree branch. “NATALIE!” Mittens yelled as the branch broke. Her parents ran over to them. “Nat! Are you okay,” Father asked. “I’m fine,” Nat said. Mittens got up and scurried up another tree. “MITTENS!” Nat yelled. “What was that all about?” Mother asked. “Let’s just keep going,” Nat said. Soon they were at Deplorable Clothing, which was now called Marvelous Clothing. Not surprisingly, the store was now stocked in 50s fashion. “Welcome. I’m the owner of this store. Necro Mausoleum,” Necro said. Necro looked convincingly human in his spiffy suit and tie. “What a gentleman,” Mother said. “This is the guy I was talking about,” Nat said. “So, is this your boyfriend?” Father asked. “Oh no, we’re not together,” Necro said. “Not yet at least,” Nat said. “Why don’t you have a look around,” Necro said. “Sure,” Father said. Nat took Necro to the side. “You really put yourself together,” Nat said. “Thanks…Well, I put this outfit together. It was Frankenstein who put “me” together,” Necro said. “You’re so modest,” Nat said in awe. “We get it, you like each other…Big whoop,” Saphira said. Nat whirled around and saw Saphira in a 50s top and skirt. “Don’t talk to Natalie that way,” Mother said. “Who are you, her Mother?” Saphira asked. “Actually yes,” Mother said. “Oh. Well let me introduce myself. I’m Saphira Methuselah. I’m royalty,” Saphira said. “So that gives you the right to condescend people?” Father asked. Saphira gasped. “I’m out of here,” Saphira said leaving the store. “Nat, why don’t you invite your… “friend”, to dinner tonight,” Mother suggested. “I don’t know if that’s a…” but Nat was interrupted. “That’s a great idea,” Necro said. “Then it’s settled,” Father said. “Hey” someone said. “I have to attend to a customer. See you tonight,” Necro said walking away. “Well we still have time before dinner, so what do we do now,” Mother said. “I know. We could visit Crowley’s farm,” Nat said. “A farm?” Father said in disbelief. “How can you have a farm on an island?” Father asked. “It’s a pretty big island,” Nat said as she drove to the farm. “I guess it is,” Mother said. Nat pulled up to the farm and parked the car next to the barn. They found Crowley inside shoveling some hay. “Hey Crowley,” Nat said. “Hey Nat,” Crowley said. “You’ve got a lot of hay in your hair,” Mother said. Nat’s eyes went wide, and she pointed to her hair. Crowley got the message and readjusted his wig. “Can we have a look around?” Father asked. “That’d be swell. I’ll be your guide,” Crowley said. He took them a wide-open field of corn stalks. “Here is where we grow our world-famous corn on the cob,” Crowley said. “Why are there so many crows here. Don’t you have a scarecrow?” Father asked. “The scarecrow was busy today,” Crowley said. The parents gave him a look. Then Crowley took them outside a large building. “We’re about to enter my favorite place on the farm: the slaughter-house. “That’s where they…” but Crowley stopped short when Nat blocked the door. “Okay, that’s the end of the tour. Back to the car. Let’s go back to the car,” Nat said leading them away from the door. “It’s getting late, but thank you for your tour of the farm,” Father said. “Don’t mention it,” Crowley said. Father gave him a nice, firm handshake. Problem is, it was so firm Crowley’s hand came off. “AAAAAHHHHH!” Father screamed. “Don’t worry. That’s just a…prosthetic hand,” Nat said. Father gave a sigh of relief. “Oh good,” Father said giving him back his hand. “My head’s prosthetic too. You wanna see me pull that off?” Crowley asked. “He’s joking. He’s a joker. Get in the car. Let’s get in the car,” Nat said. Her parents obeyed and got inside. “If my parents weren’t here, I’d slap your head right off your body,” Nat whispered to Crowley. “Wouldn’t be the first time,” Crowley said. Then they headed back to Nat’s house. It was night, and Nat, Necro, and Nat’s parents were having dinner at her house. “So Necro, do your parents live here?” Father asked. “Oh, I don’t have parents,” Necro said. “Oh dear,” Mother said. “It’s okay, I had a good parental guardian growing up,” Necro said. “Where do they live now?” Father asked. “Transylvania,” Necro said. Mother almost choked on her water. “It’s a place in Romania. So, what he meant to say is he lives in Romania,” Nat said. “Is it nice in Transylvania?” Mother asked. “Oh yes, it is. But my guardian kept me locked up in his lab most of the time. And whenever I got out people would chase me with torches and pitchforks,” Necro said. Nat pretended to laugh. “He’s just joking. He’s a Joker. This town is full of jokers,” Nat said. “If I didn’t know any better, I would say your guardian was Dr. Frankenstein,” Father laughed. “That would be something,” Necro said. “Enough questions about Necro. He probably wants to ask you questions,” Nat said. “No, not really,” Necro said. “I have one, why haven’t you eaten any of your food?” Mother asked Necro. “I’m…Not hungry,” Necro said. Nat motioned for him to eat a bite. But Necro shook his head. “You know what, it’s getting late. I’ll show Necro to the door,” Nat said getting up. She opened the door for him. “Couldn’t you have eaten at least one bite?” Nat whispered. “But the food looked so good. It would’ve made me sick,” Necro said. “Well, at least you made a good impression,” Nat reassured. Then she closed the door. The next day Nat took her parents to the “human” History Museum. “This island has so many things to do,” Mother said as they walked in. “How could an island be so big?” Father asked. “I really don’t know,” Nat said. “Oooh, look. They offer free tours of the museum,” Mother said pointing to the sign. They walked up to the front desk and Saphira was behind it. “Honey look, it’s that rude girl from the clothing store,” Mother said. “Oh…You again,” Saphira said. “What are you doing here? Do you work here?” Father asked. “She owns the Museum,” Nat said. “So, how can I help you,” Saphira said disinterested. “We wanted a free tour of the Museum,” Father said. “Okay,” Saphira said leaving the desk. “Wait, you’re gonna be our tour guide?” Mother asked. “Yea. I’m the only one who works here,” Saphira said. Then she led them to the first room. “Here we see the history of the stone age. It was called this because everything was made, of stone. Also, humans and dinosaurs lived together peacefully, sometimes even having them as pets,” Saphira said. They saw a display of a cave boy petting his pet dinosaur. “Humans and dinosaurs never lived at the same time,” Mother said. “Who has the Museum here? I do. So…You’re wrong. Okay moving on,” Saphira said. “This room is about the transition of black and white to color. For decades the world was all black and white. But then, in the 1950s, all the other colors came out. We’ve never turned back since,” Saphira said. Father stared at a black and white outfit on display. “I don’t think this is historically accurate,” Father said. “Okay, moving on,” Saphira said. She led them to a four-way intersection of the Museum. “On the left is the history of men raised by gorillas. On the right is the history of puppets who go on adventures with talking insects. And up ahead is the history of people falling down rabbit holes into fantasy worlds. Any questions?” Saphira asked. “So many,” Father said perplexed. “Can I have a word with you?” Nat said taking Saphira to the side. “This is not accurate at all,” Nat scolded. “But that’s what learned from shows and movies,” Saphira said. “That’s not reality. That’s just make believe. Do you know any real human history. Besides the history of Egypt?” Nat asked. Saphira thought about it. “I know. That alien invasion on New York in the 50s where they snatched people’s bodies really happened, right?” Saphira asked. Nat took a deep breathe. “Just tell them that the Museum is closed,” Nat said. “You don’t have to tell me twice,” Saphira said. They went back over to them. “I’m sorry to break it to you, but the Museum is now closed, so get out,” Saphira said. “But we saw barely anything in the Museum,” Mother said. “I know,” Nat said. “However, the Museum gift shop is still open. And we have new merchandise for an important person in human history: Snow White, and her seven little midgets,” Saphira said. “Honey get my credit card,” Mother said to Father. “Really?” Nat mouthed to Saphira. Next, they headed to the “humanville” Opera House. “Why does it say it’s closed?” Father asked. “I don’t know…But they can probably make an exception for us,” Nat said opening the door. Mother and Father walked in, but before Nat walked in someone pulled her away from the door. “Hey,” Nat said. “Nat, what are you doing?” Brizilla asked. “Oh, don’t worry, I’m just showing my parents the Opera House. I know you had a “closed” sign on the door, but you can make an exception, right,” Nat said happily. “Nat, I put that sign there for a reason. The Opera House is infested with Gremlins,” Brizilla said. Nat’s eyes went wide. “Uh-oh,” Nat said. “Get them out of there before they see one. How would you explain that to them?” Brizilla asked. “I’m on it,” Nat said rushing inside. “This place is beautiful,” Mother said. “Guys, we need to get out of here,” Nat said. “Nonsense, you said they could make an exception,” Father said. “Well, I was wrong. Brizilla wants us to leave NOW!” Nat said desperately. “Come down honey. It’s not like we’re in “danger” or anything,” Father said. Mother was busy looking at a poster. “Human, the Musical. Never heard of it,” Mother said. Suddenly, a gremlin burst out of the wall and through the poster. Mother jumped back. “AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!” Mother screamed. Brizilla rushed inside and sacked the Gremlin. And by sacked, I mean she put it in a sack. “What was that thing?” Mother asked. “What thing?” Nat asked. “That thing in the sack,” Mother said. “What sack?” Brizilla said hiding it behind her back. “It was like a green monkey with big ears and pointy teeth,” Father said. “That’s probably what it was,” Nat said. “There’s such a thing as “green monkeys”?” Mother asked. “You know how many endangered animals there are,” Nat said. “This place could be infested with them. You should probably go,” Brizilla said. “Perhaps you’re right,” Mother said as they started to leave. “Oh, and remember that there’s a big sock hop tonight at the park,” Brizilla said. “There is?” Mother and Father asked. “There is?” Nat asked. “Then we should definitely go,” Father said. “Great,” Nat said weakly. Nat hoped the monsters created an accurate portrayal of a human party. She got her answer when they got there a little later. They “still” were acting like it was the 1950s. They were even having a hula hoop contest. “You can do it Chupianna,” Minirva said. Nat looked and was shocked how Chupianna looked. She was in a poodle skirt and a cute sweater. She’ll never see that sight again. “Hey cats,” Chupianna said while she was still swiveling her hips. Nat was speechless. “What a fun party,” Mother said. “The only thing that could make it better would be…” but Father was interrupted. “Have some milkshakes, straight from the Malt Shop,” Hissette said giving them some. “That’s exactly what I wanted,” Father said. “This town is amazing,” Mother said. “Really,” Nat said in disbelief. “Yea. Who doesn’t like the fifties. And the people are so nice,” Mother said. Suddenly, the citizens all started dancing and singing a song. “Another day in Humanville, in Humanville, comes to a close. So, another day in Humanville, in Humanville, we’ll meet again. But for now, all we, can say is…” but their singing was cut short. “We’re leaving,” Mother said. Everyone stopped the musical number as Mother and Father started to leave. “Where are you going?” Nat asked. “Home,” Father said. “But why? You just said you loved this town?” Nat asked. “We were wrong. This town is bizarre. From the inaccurate history museums, the people in trees, and this whole musical number…I can understand why you feel like an outsider here. I wouldn’t want to be them,” Mother said. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay longer?” Nat asked. “Yep. We wanna get far away from this looney bin,” Father said. “Bye honey see you soon,” Mother said as they left. Everyone smiled and waved to them. “Are they gone?” Minirva asked. Nat checked. “The coast is clear,” Nat said. Everyone took a sigh of relief. “Glad that is over,” Chupianna said. “Guys, what were you thinking. Shows and movies aren’t reality. This is not how real humans live,” Nat said. “How were we supposed to know sugar,” Minirva said. Then she gasped. “Oh-no, I’m still talking like a human,” Minirva complained. “I think we learned a valuable lesson,” Necro said. “What’s that?” Nat asked. Necro thought about it. “I just lost it,” Necro said. “But since you kept your secret intact, I can invite my friends to the island next,” Nat beamed. “NO!” Everyone said. “Don’t worry, I’m just joking,” Nat said. Everyone was relieved. “I’ll give you a few months at least,” Nat said. Minirva covered her face in disappointment.