Melody

It was incredible to think that I had just spent a very magical moment kissing Carson White. We both pulled away slowly, comfortably sitting in the quiet, breathing in the autumn air. I looked down at the blankets beneath us, biting back my smile. I didn't want to seem overly happy, though I thought I might just explode. Carson touched my chin, causing me to look up at him again. He opened his mouth to say something, but the chimes of a xylophone rang out, interrupting him.

I sighed apologetically and picked my phone up out of my bag.

"Hello?"

"Melody Reese, where the hell are you?"

At the annoyed tone of Margot's voice, I stood up and walked away from Carson. She sounded intoxicated, which happened about once a month when she went out for cocktails with her friends. She was on the warpath when she came home, and it was the only time she paid close attention to me. Especially if Mia told her I did something wrong.

"I went out for a little."

"Who do you think you are?" Margot snapped.

"Since it's a Friday night, I didn't think anyone would care," I tried to reason. She usually didn't give a damn about me, so I hated that now was the moment she chose to.

"You can't just leave whenever you want! You have things to do at your house. Did you do any homework? Did you exercise? Is your room clean? I'm tired of that fashion junk around! It's madness!"

"It isn't," I whispered.

"Your current success rate begs to differ. Be back in fifteen minutes, or these stupid flowers you left lying around get thrown out." The line went dead and I looked down at the phone bitterly.

Mia could go out at all hours of the night, and stumble in so drunk it was as if she decided to knock back two bottles of pure vodka. But God forbid I'm out at ten o'clock on a Friday night, once. I took a deep breath, collecting myself before turning back to Carson. I wondered if he heard the things Margot was saying to me. It sure felt like she was screaming them.

"Is everything okay?" he asked as I walked towards the blankets again. The look on his face told me he knew the answer to his question, but I shrugged and gave him a tiny smile.

"It's fine. I'm so sorry. I just have to go home now," I replied as I picked up my bag. Carson frowned slightly, but he nodded.

"Okay, I'll drive you."

I wanted to smile at the offer and accept, but instead I shook my head. I couldn't "Thanks, but I'll walk." I didn't want to subject him to the group of people living in my home. What if she said those things about me to Carson? He would know I'm not what he needs or should even want.

"No, let me drive you," Carson insisted, standing up. Carson took both my hands in his and looked into my eyes.

"It's not far, I promise I'll be okay." Carson had a look of resignation on his face, so I give his hands a soft squeeze. "Thank you for a wonderful night."

Carson smiled at that and pressed his lips to mine softly. "Text me when you're home safe."

***

I woke up to the sound my phone vibrating, and I saw a text message from Alani.

We're going out to lunch instead of bowling today.

Noah got an extra shift at work.

Do you want me to pick you up?

Alani Reynolds; 9:45am

The thought of going out to pay for an uncomfortable meal that I'd be forcing myself to eat, made me anxious. I avoided the cafeteria, why would I pay to go to a fancier version of one? I worried about what restaurant we would go to and felt nervous thinking about the calories in each meal that I would have to eat. When I ate, would my friends think I looked gross?

Friends. I moved schools – amongst other reasons – to be invisible, not to make friends. But the idea of friends sounded nice.

And at this point, Margot would be so hung over it would feel like someone was playing whack-a-mole on her head. She probably wouldn't leave her room until dinner. Besides, she'd go back to ignoring me as usual... maybe I could go out for lunch. I could just skip breakfast.

Okay! Thank you!

Melody Reese; 9:55am

I sent her my address as well.

Now the tough part was deciding what to wear. Jeans? Leggings? A sweater? I was suddenly feeling anxious. I knew Alani and Emma were okay with me, but I got the sneaky feeling that Cora and I wouldn't get along even if I tried. And I would try... really hard too. Maybe I could try to be out of myself, no matter how shy I felt.

I pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans and a grey off the shoulder shirt. My brown waves were pulled into a high ponytail then I put make up on and headed to my closet to grab my grey booties. Once they were on my feet, I grabbed my purse and started down the stairs.

I nearly bumped into Mia, in my haste to get out of the house.

"God Melody, you're such a spaz," she snapped.

"Sorry," I sighed. Mia rolled her eyes, but a smirk formed on her lips.

"Going on another 'date'?" she asked, doing air quotation with her fingers, on the word 'date'.

"No, I'm going to lunch with some friends."

Mia's eyebrows seemed to meet her scalp, as she raised them in disbelief. A bit of laughter escaped her lips and she clasped a perfectly manicured hand over her mouth. "Okay, first a date, now friends?"

"I'm not lying!" I protested.

"Yeah okay, like someone actually wanted to go out with you last night. I don't think so. Look at you and look at me. If anyone were to have a boyfriend here, it would be me. And if you're really going to sit around and eat a greasy lunch – because that's probably all your so-called 'friends' can afford, it won't help with the boyfriend situation," Mia concluded. "So, I'm going with, you're telling a lie and running off to the library or mall to buy some nice new clothes. Either way, be home by four, my mom is having her book club friends over for dinner, so you need to get ready and clean your stuff up."

I swallowed hard and brushed passed her before yanking open front door. I stepped outside and slammed the door shut behind me. Mia didn't speak to me very often, but I really hated it when she did.

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Author's Note: Hey friends! I know it's not a long chapter, but I really wanted to upload. I hope this is okay for now! The next chapter is already started and *spoiler* I'm sensing more drama headed Melody's way soon! So it'll get more interesting! 

Melody's outfit:

What do you think about the date? Do you think another will happen soon? What are your thoughts on Mia's speech at the end? What about Margot? Will her book club friends be fun or trouble? Tell me what you think in the comments! I'll reply to all of them! And vote if you liked this chapter! <3