Melody

• Age Ten •

"Where are we going?" I asked impatiently from the backseat.

"We're going to keep giving you the same answer Mellie," my mom laughed. Her laugh was musical. Like bells and pianos. Maybe that's why my grandmother named her Harmony.

"It's a surprise!" My dad added from the driver's seat. I huffed, making my parents laugh again. I hated surprises and they knew it too, but it didn't stop them from surprising me anyways. Though I hated not knowing what was going on, their surprises were always the best. We pulled up to a large building that I'd never seen before.

I read the letters that were written across it in white. "Mandarin?"

"It's an all you can eat buffet!" My dad explained, parking the car next to a shiny red one. My eyes widened.

"Really?" I asked. My mom nodded with a grin and got out of her side. I pulled off my seat belt and jumped out of my seat. I threw open the door and got out of the car.

When we got inside, the rows of food accompanied by their delicious scents made my eyes light up and my stomach grumble. Pizza, noodles, seafood, chicken nuggets, fries, soups... there was so much to look at! So much to try. I glanced up at my dad who was watching me with a smile on his face.

"Go crazy kiddo," he said, making my mother's musical laughter escape her.

***

"Mellie! Come out and let me see!" My mom called from the hallway. I stood inside her bedroom, in her shiny red heels that were still a little too big for my feet, and in one of her designer dresses that she'd gotten from a fashion show.

"Okay, cue the music! I am making my entrance!" I yelled back. I heard her laugh before a nice beat flowed from our portable speakers. I walked out of her room and slowly down the hallway, imitating the way I'd seen her walk on the runway.

"Strut for me darling!" My mom cheered, making me grin. We did little fashion shows like this every once in a while, since I was old enough to walk.

We always played music and did quick outfit changes, the way she would do it in a real fashion show. Sometimes, we'd take pictures too, like the ones she does for magazines. And when my dad wasn't busy working, he'd take pictures of both of us, and sometimes dress up too.

When I began to do my runway walk, my mom clapped excitedly for me making a wide smile stretch across my face. I posed a couple steps in front of her and strutted back towards her room to change into the next outfit.

"Can Melody do this quick change in under a minute?" It was my dad's voice. He was pretending to be a voice over or a TV announcer. My lips spread into an even wider smile as I rushed to take of the dress without ruining it. Quickly, I yanked on a skirt and a shirt and switched shoes. I straightened everything down and stepped into the hall again. "And she can! Here she comes wearing the latest fall fashions! Brought to you by Dolce and Gabbana!"

"Work it girl!" My mom applauded. I gave them my best Tyra Banks smize and walked down the hallway.

When I got to my pose, my mom grinned at my dad and then pulled me in for a hug. They both started tickling me, which made me squeal with laughter. Their laughs echoed across the house and though I wanted the tickling to stop, I never wanted this moment to end.

***

"Melody! I'm going now honey!" My mom called. I left my room and sprinted down the stairs to see her standing at the door with a suitcase. She hugged my father and gave him a kiss on the lips.

"Yuck," I muttered under my breath. My parents chuckled and motioned for me to come over. I hopped off the last two steps and ran into my mom's outstretched arms. I wrapped my arms all the way around her and squeezed tightly. She smelt like vanilla and sunshine. "Are you sure you have to go?"

"Yes darling! It's New York Fashion Week!" She giggled, unwinding my arms from her waist, so she could bend down to talk to me. It wasn't that far of a bend, because I was pretty tall for my age. "Next year, you can come with me for the whole week! I'll introduce you to everyone and you can sit out front and watch the show. Gary's finally letting his son come out to shows, so you'll be next." My mom said kissing my forehead. We always joked that Gary's son, Gavin, would be my manager one day the way Gary was my mom's. I grinned and nodded enthusiastically. I wanted to be just like her and going to New York Fashion Week would be amazing!

"And you're sure you don't want me to drive you to Gary's house?" My dad offered – probably for the hundredth time. My mom shook her head and stood up straight.

"No, I'll drive honey. You stay home with Melody." She touched his cheek softly and he smiled at her.

I hugged my mom again, now sensing her departure. "Bye Momma, I love you."

"I love you too Mellie."

***

SUPERMODEL IN CAR ACCIDENT

HARMONY WINTERS DEAD IN HIT AND RUN.

February 6, 2009. 11:00pm – Emergency personnel arrive to the scene to find a red Mercedes crushed into a light post at the corner of Sound View Drive and Arch Street.

The body identified in the wreckage was model, Harmony Winters, from Greenwich, Connecticut.

Officials say that the 'car looks to have been nicked from the side, and hit an icy patch making it spin into the post.' Police have no leads on the other car possibly involved at this time.

Winters was loved deeply within the fashion community and they mourn the loss. Her family requests privacy during this difficult time. 

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Author's Note: I really hope you liked this chapter! I feel like I need to keep writing and rewriting it because I'm not too sure how I feel about it yet! But it's about a thousand words, so its not too bad! Aha let me know what you think! :)

Ps. Thank you to @Optimusly and @chaitialatte for all your support and kind comments! <3