Melody

On Monday, there were more Halloween decorations up, tomorrow being the day everyone was excited about, though I doubted many people were planning on trick-or-treating at this age. I walked into my English class wearing black jeans, a white sweater that had little cut-outs at the shoulders, and knee-high boots. I sat at my desk quietly, doodling in my sketchbook until people started to file into the classroom. I had come to school with Carson today, but had opted to meet him in class when someone started asking him about something in gym class.

"Jeff, switch places with me," I heard. It was the low hum of Carson's voice. I could imagine Jeff frowning, but didn't want to interrupt by looking up.

"Why?" Jeff asked.

"I want to sit next to my girlfriend if you don't mind... plus you can sit with Lily." Carson sang Lily's name a little, as if he was suggesting Jeff liked her. Which wouldn't be a big surprise after the way the two interacted during our group project.

"That's a good point... Okay fine. But if we get in trouble for switching –"

"We won't."

And just like that, Carson White was sitting next to me causing the entire class to stare at us. I let my wavy brown locks create a curtain between their glances and my face. When Mr. Garcia walked in, he simply popped in the movie version of the book we were watching and dimmed the lights. Everyone settled into their desks, hushed voices of excitement fluttered around the room. Carson shifted his chair closer to mine and leaned over to me.

"Want to have lunch outside today?" he asked.

"Okay," I whispered, feeling giddy with the heat of Carson's body radiating towards me in the dark. Carson rested his hand on his leg, palm turned upwards; an invitation. I smiled and placed my hand on his, lacing my fingers through his, and sat back to watch the movie.

***

Outside at lunch, I sat down at the usual tree and waited for Carson. I rested my chin on my knees and let the cool autumn breeze tousle my hair. It was unusually warm for fall, but by November it would definitely be cold. I closed my eyes for a moment; feeing the most relaxed I'd ever felt at school.

I jumped feeling a body next to mine but smiled when my eyes flew open and I was staring at Carson. He handed me a little container with carrots and cucumbers. There was a little place for dip and even some crackers.

"You really don't have to," I said softly.

"I really want to. It makes me feel better knowing you at least ate lunch," Carson said. I felt my cheeks heat, so I rested my head on his shoulder affectionately.

"Thank you," I mumbled. I opened the container. I could do lunch... especially if it wasn't heavy. I could manage.

***

After math class, Alani and I walked into the hallway and met up with Emma. She bounced over to us excitedly, her floral skirt flouncing with her movement. It was a stark contrast to Alani's black ripped jeans and a dark grey hoodie.

"Okay, so tomorrow is Halloween, so we're having a scary movie marathon at my house," Emma started.

"Yeah, it going to be Cora, Noah and us," Alani added. I smiled politely, unsure if Cora was going to be pissed off by my presence.

"You can invite Carson if you like!" Emma said sensing my hesitation. "And Harvey too... the more the merrier." I bit back a smile at the shy addition.

"You have to come," Alani insisted.

"Please!" Emma begged giving me a wide-eyed look.

"Okay, fine."

***

"Okay, so I know it's last minute, but for Halloween tomorrow, are we supposed to have a second costume from the party, or can we keep the same ones?" I asked Carson on the way to the car. Carson chuckled. "Hey, I'm serious! Is it frowned upon to be 'outfit repeaters'? Because if we go to the mall, I'm sure we ca–"

"Melody I think our tooth fairy and dentist combination will be just fine." Carson said starting up the car.

"You promise? Won't all your friends switch outfits?" I asked as he backed out of the parking spot. We drove to the exit and waited to get onto the main street.

"Rose and her friends might, but most of their costumes are pretty lazy. A leotard and animal ears are really easy to switch up. But your costume is perfect," Carson said turning the steering wheel. Carson slowed down, as we approached a stoplight changing to yellow and I looked down at my hands.

"Are you sure? I don't want anyone to say anything. Also, you only saw it in the night, it could look worse in the day. Besides," It all came out in a rush. I turned my head to look up at him and he was staring right at me. "I'm sure it's no hassle if we have to –"

Carson kissed me quickly on the lips, cutting me off mid-sentence. I stared at him wide eyed, as my cheeks grew hot and my tongue forgot how to form a sentence.

"You will look beautiful, like you do every day."

I looked down, biting back a smile. My brain was battling between feeling happy and rejecting the compliment. I wasn't sure whether to believe it or not.

"Um, d-did you want to come to Emma's house to watch scary movies tomorrow evening?" I asked. It was the best I could manage. The light changed and Carson chuckled as he stepped on the gas. He knew it was the best I could do too.

***

The next morning, Mia sized me up and down the moment I stepped out of my room. The only thing I had done differently than the party was left my hair in its natural waves, instead of curling it, and lightened my makeup. I didn't want to seem like I was going overboard.

"We live in Connecticut, not Florida... why are you showing off your swollen mosquito bites?" Mia smirked.

"What?"

"I mean your dress is so low cut, I can see your concave titties," Mia continued.

"Wow, concave and swollen... two words I didn't think she knew," I muttered walking past her. I heard Mia scoff, but she didn't react. Her brain was probably trying to figure out a response to my insult.

I stepped down the stairs, the clicking of my heels echoing against the walls. I went into the kitchen for a glass of water and as usual, Leslie was there making breakfast.

"Wow, you look stunning!" Leslie exclaimed as she saw me. I shrugged and smiled, fighting the urge to brush it off. Leslie was the only one who was nice to me on a regular basis in this place.

"Thanks." I grabbed a glass out of one of the numerous cabinets and filled it up with water. I gulped it down immediately and placed the glass in the sink.

"I made you a lunch if you want it," Leslie said. "You should also wear a coat or sweater, because it's chilly out." I grabbed the container out of the fridge and thanked her once again, before leaving the kitchen.

***

Leslie was right. It was pretty chilly outside, which is why I was grateful I had grabbed a nice white, off the shoulder sweater that matched the dress perfectly. It covered the plunging neckline that Mia was so quick to make fun of. I had also packed a change of clothes for later when I went to Emma's house with Carson after school.

Mia had planted her behind on the couch in the living room, and smirked when she saw I had a new edition to my outfit but didn't say anything as I left.

Why does Mia always have to go and open up her big mouth? I thought. It was like she lived to torture me or make me feel less than human. As if I needed the extra anxiety before going to school. However, as I stood on the front porch, I took a deep breath and pasted a smile on my lips. I was going to have a good day, no matter what Mia said.

When I slipped into Carson's car, he gave me one of his breathtaking smiles. His scrub cap hid most of his hair, but he still looked handsome like that. He started up the engine and drove off.

"You know, while I am going to miss seeing the rest of this dress, I'm glad you're not freezing today." Carson said, making my cheeks heat up.

"The rest of this dress wasn't school appropriate. I wasn't ready to drop a pencil and give the world a show," I said with a laugh, thinking about how little the show might be according to Mia.

"It would be a wonderful show," Carson said thoughtfully. I slapped his shoulder playfully.

"You're the worst!" I exclaimed giggling.

"For some odd reason, I don't think you believe that," Carson laughed. I stuck my tongue out at him but didn't reply, because he was right. I thought he was quite the opposite. 

__________

Author's Note: Okay, I was missing in action, but here is chapter 41! Hahaha! I hope you liked it! Also, Mia is the worst. That is all. 

PS. I'm working on a new short story called Through the Lens! So check that out when you can! :D It's actually edited so that's cool ahah!