Melody

I lay down on a cot in the nicely air-conditioned nurse's office, staring up at the white ceiling. A million thoughts buzzed in my mind though I was much more relaxed than I was earlier.

I couldn't believe that I had fainted at school. It was something I definitely didn't see coming. The dizziness I could handle, but I was not okay with collapsing in the hallway and getting pushed around in a wheelchair. I certainly hoped no one saw me... if they did I could only imagine the rumours.

Another thing I couldn't believe was that Carson was there to catch me. It was as if he was always around when something happened to me. He witnessed me faint and have a panic attack in one day. That had to be too much for one person. I was entirely surprised that he still was so firm on staying with me when the nurse came.

He looked so concerned, and I always had to remind myself that he told me he cared for me. As crazy as it was, maybe he did. The way he cradled me in his arms when we were on the floor or held me close to his chest when he carried me to the wheelchair – as much as I didn't want him to lift me – made me feel wanted for the first time in years. When he brushed the hair out of my face during my panic attack and rubbed my arm slightly, breathing with me, I felt delicate and precious. Maybe that's why I gripped onto him when he scooped me up off the floor. I didn't want to let go.

Even as he sat beside my cot, I looked at his handsome face and wished he weren't so far from me. It was official that I liked him.

A dangerous thing to admit to myself, but it was true.

I knew he wouldn't want me. I was bland, fat, and filled with way too many problems and complications for him to deal with. He was handsome and popular and had much more going for him. As much as I wanted him to stay by my side, I would rather him leave now and spare me the extra pain of him leaving later. My chest clenched uncomfortably at the thought, and I sighed, knowing I was already in too deep.

Oh, God, I thought. I can't believe that I, the loser new girl, like the popular, handsome Carson White.

"What are you thinking about?" Carson asked, moving to sit next to me.

"Oh – I – um, w-why did you stay?" I blurted. It wasn't what I was thinking right then, but I definitely wondered.

"Because I care about you Mellie," he said brushing my cheek softly. I sat up instantaneously.

"Mellie?" I whispered. There were tears in my eyes at the nickname. Carson frowned in confusion at the emotion on my face.

"Yeah. It's pretty and delicate just like you," he replied. I looked down into my lap, and a few tears escaped my eyes. It sounded so right coming out of his mouth.

"I haven't heard that nickname in years," I murmured.

"What do you mean?" Carson asked taking one of my hands in his. I tensed at the sudden contact, but relaxed, as it felt nice.

"My mother used to call me Mellie before she died," I said softly. "But, I – I like when you say it. It feels right, and special." My voice got quieter – if it were even possible – and my cheeks flamed with embarrassment.

Carson squeezed my hand. "I like it too, it suits you." We were quiet again, but he didn't let go of my hand, and I didn't want him to. "Are you still dizzy?"

"A little," I admitted. Carson frowned and shifted to let me lay down again. I did, still holding his hand. Nurse Walker came into the room holding a bottle of orange juice, and salty crackers.

"Eat these as soon as you can." She smiled and handed them to Carson, as I was lying on my side.

"Thank you," I said to her. She smiled and nodded.

"It's a good thing you have your own personal doctor, huh?" She teased. I'm sure my face was crimson, and I instantly let go of Carson's hand and sat up.

"Mhm," I mumbled taking the juice from Carson. Nurse Walker laughed.

"I'll be out at my desk if you need me," she said, exiting the room. I put the juice down beside me and leaned against the cool wall beside the bed.

"You should eat these," Carson told me. I shook my head.

"I don't want them," I resisted.

"Mellie, please. I need you to eat these," Carson insisted. I frowned, though my heart fluttered at the nickname. Though it initially took me by surprise, I really loved hearing him say it. He could probably get me to do almost anything when he used it.

I took the crackers from him and opened the packet. I ate a few quietly, looking around the room.

"Sorry for bothering you all the time with my problems." It tumbled out of my mouth, barely louder than a whisper.

"Don't ever say that! You don't bother me Melody, you interest me, and I care about you. Of course, you worry me sometimes, but that doesn't make you bothersome. It just makes me want to takeaway whatever you're dealing with."

It didn't make sense. Not when it was me he was worrying about. Not when I was Melody Reese. But I didn't want to question it. Maybe if I ignored the absurdity of the fact that he cared about me – even though there was a large possibility of it being only in a platonic way – I could accept it... even if I didn't deserve him in my life.

"Thank you," I murmured. "Thank you for being there for me and staying with me."

"Any time," Carson said.

***

Carson insisted on driving me home, and I knew there was no use in arguing. He skipped his last class to stay with me, and because I refused the wheelchair, he piggybacked me to the car, despite my futile protests. While we left school before the bell rang, I did notice the stares of people inside classrooms, and the few in the hallway.

He put me down steadily on the ground, though my knees shook still, and supported me as I got into his shiny car. When he came around to his side and got in, he turned on the car and the A/C cooled the car down quickly. Carson changed the radio station and indie music filled the air. I smiled as I looked out the window. I didn't say anything however, but I certainly appreciated it.

I appreciated him. 

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Author's Note: Awwwwwwwh! Haha! This chapter makes me smiley!! I hope you enjoyed it! Can you believe Melody's finally admitted to herself  that she likes Carson?! (I can). Haha comment and let me know what you think! And if you really liked it, vote ;)