Melody

Mia stood at the bottom of the stairs, tapping her foot with a glare on her face. I was unsure of whether or not I should be happy that it was her instead of Margot. I didn't know what she wanted from me, so I held my breath and gave her a tight-lipped smile, hoping to avoid the inevitable fight I knew was coming.

"My mom is not happy with you at all," Mia stated, skipping the pleasantries. I sighed. "You left before desert... but then again, that might have been more beneficial to us all – you know, with the way you were eating dinner." The breath I sucked in was audible and it made Mia smirk. "I know I said you were eating like a cow, but it was more like a hippo with a vacuum cleaner for a mouth." My eyes narrowed at that.

"Okay, really what's your problem?" I sneered. I usually tried to avoid conflict, but that one stung.

"Not my problem. You were embarrassing the family," Mia exclaimed. I scoffed at that. 'Family' was such an inaccurate word to describe what we were. We were more like a group of strangers living in the same house. "Then you show up looking like a sloppy mess caught in the rain!"

"Are you done yet?" I asked quietly.

Mia raised an eyebrow at me. "That's all you have to say?"

"Guess so." I shrugged, gripping the railing of the stairs. I wasn't sure how much longer I could stand for.

"Well, just wait until my mother gets to you, Didi," Mia warned, narrowing her eyes. I froze as the nickname left her mouth. It wasn't one I had heard since I changed schools and I was really hoping I wouldn't start hearing it now. She left the room and I sighed before turning around and going up the stairs.

***

Monday was a struggle in the morning. I was feeling all the soreness from Saturday. I had managed to take a long bath on Saturday night, and as my head hit the pillow, I was asleep. On Sunday, I didn't get out of bed, unless it was to use the bathroom, which wasn't often because I couldn't muster the energy to go get water. I stretched to get my laptop and watched two entire seasons of America's Next Top Model. That was it; my entire day... spent alone.

Monday was worse because I actually had to get out of bed. I pulled on a pair of dark boyfriend jeans, and an oversized, off-the-shoulder white sweater. My hair was down and straight, as I had blow-dried it after a quick shower. Of course, I didn't leave the house without putting makeup on and then I pulled on a pair of cute white sneakers before grabbing my backpack and leaving the house.

My legs still shook as I walked, but they didn't give out on me and I was thankful, as I had no way else of getting to school. When I finally arrived, I made it to my English class without stopping at my locker.

I hesitated before stepping into the room. I obviously hadn't seen Carson since Saturday evening, but I had thought about it a lot. I tried to forget about the negative parts. I thought about how he carried me closely to his body and his warmth radiated around me. I thought about the concern in his eyes and how I hadn't seen concern like that in so long. I thought about his smirk in the car when he teased me. It made my heart flutter and my cheeks warm.

But as I stood at doorway, I thought about all the negative things. I thought about how sweaty and gross I was, and the way my hair stuck to my face. I thought about how heavy I must have been to carry, and how he had to carry me until we got to his house. I thought about how he watched me throw up and then continue my frenzied run until I collapsed. I also thought about how he saw me freak out and how unattractive I must have been. It made my heart flutter and my cheeks warm, but for a completely different reason... shame, embarrassment, and nervousness.

The only solution I had for dealing with it was to pretend it didn't happen. I sighed and stepped into the classroom, moving until I got to my desk. I sat down and pulled out a sketchbook from my bag. It was small, and I didn't like to use it at school, as it was private, but I needed something to focus on other than my thoughts.

I began sketching what was in my head, my pencil moving swiftly across the page. I felt better as my hand guided the curves and lines the pencil traced against the white paper in front of me.

"Wow, that's really good." I was so focused I jumped at the sudden sound of someone's voice. I glanced up to see Carson leaning over my desk. His dark t-shirt fit him nicely. Quickly, I pulled my thoughts back to the matter at hand.

"Um, thanks." I shut my book as fast as I could. Carson raised an eyebrow and gave me a smile.

"What are you hiding in there?"

"Nothing... they're not that great," I mumbled.

"I'm sure that's not true," Carson said. "Let me see!"

I stared into his eyes for a moment, before giving in and opening the page I was working on. Carson then picked up the sketchbook and turned around.

"Wait! Carson!" I complained, trying to reach over his shoulder. He dodged me easily, with a chuckle, and swatted my hands way. I sighed at sat down, too tired to really protest. I watched as he flipped through the pages. While I was nervous for him to look at my drawings, I was glad these were only drawings of fashion and outfits had designed, not deeply emotional art.

"You did all these?" Carson asked over his shoulder. I mumbled a 'yes' and put my chin in my hands.

Our teacher then walked into the room, asking everyone to sit down. Carson tucked his chair into his desk, taking my sketchbook with him. I was so busy staring at him I almost didn't hear Jeff asking me to move so he could sit in his spot. I shifted out of the way and continued watching Carson. This class we didn't work on the group assignment, which frustrated me to no end, as I wanted to know what Carson was thinking. Did he like them? Did he hate them? I had no way of knowing how he felt about it.

Finally, the bell rang, and I sat waiting for Carson to turn around. Instead, he didn't. He kept looking through my book. "Carson! Can I have my book back? I have a quiz next period! I can't be late!" I pleaded. Carson didn't even look up.

"I'll give it back to you at lunch!" He said slowly standing up. I sighed and picked up my bag. I wouldn't be at lunch.

I never was.

***

I decided to wait outside of the cafeteria for Carson to give me back my book. However, I regretted it, as it was awkward watching everyone pass by me, as it seemed as if they made it a point to look at me. The glances were mostly curious, but a few people, who were more popular, made snide comments about me being a loner.

I watched as Alani walked down the hallway with her small group of friends. Two other girls and a guy laughed and joked with her. I recognized one of the girls, as her spunky red hair stood out. She was in my art class, but I didn't remember her name. She was wearing a black skirt with a loose, flowery top. The other girl had black hair and high cheekbones. She had on a navy-blue shirt and ripped, black skinny jeans. She pushed the boy beside her playfully. He too, had black hair, but the tips of his hair were blue. They looked like a pretty fun bunch of people to be around. Alani smiled as she saw me.

"Are you going in? You can sit with us if you'd like," Alani offered. I returned her smile.

"No, I'm just waiting to get my book back from Carson and then I'm going to the library, but thanks," I explained.

"Well, the offer is always open," Alani told me. Her friends nodded and they all walked into the cafeteria. I was grateful to know that I had a backup plan to spending lunch in the art room.

Finally, Carson walked and down the hallway and came over to me once he saw me waiting. He held my sketchbook in his hand. I reached for it and he let me take it, and we stood there staring at each other for a moment. I felt a bit of relief knowing that I had my book back, but I still wondered what he was thinking.

"Well?" I mumbled. Carson's lips curved up in amusement.

"Well what?" Carson teased. I pursed my lips and looked down.

"I was just wondering what you thought..." I tucked my hair behind my ear. "But um, never mind." I was suddenly nervous. What if he didn't like the designs? It was a possibility and I didn't want to hear it. I started to walk past him, but Carson grabbed my wrist. My heart thudded in my chest and I turned around and stared at him.

"I liked them. A lot. You're really talented," Carson said quietly. A small smile twitched at the corner of my lips, but I suppressed it. This was dangerous. My closest friend couldn't be Carson.

"Thanks," I replied as coolly as possible. Carson chuckled but changed the subject. He dropped my wrist and I felt the absence of warmth.

"So, are you coming to eat?" Carson asked. I sucked in a breath but tried to keep my composure otherwise.

"Maybe later, I'm going to go to do some homework," I replied. It wasn't entirely a lie. Carson nodded, but if he thought I was lying, his face didn't show it all. "I'll see you later, okay?"

I spun around and almost bumped right into Rose. She had been walking towards the cafeteria but stopped behind me. The death glare she was giving me made me swallow hard. I knew she didn't want me talking to Carson, and I certainly wasn't afraid of her, but I was not in the mood for a fight.

"Watch where you're going, idiot!" Rose sneered.

"Sorry!" I told her. She rolled her eyes but then looked over my shoulder.

"Hey Carson," Rose flashed her pearly white teeth at him. I pressed my lips together and walked away from the two of them. It wasn't my business, so why should I stick around?

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Author's Note: Ooooooh! Is that a bit of jealousy I see? Melody... tsk tsk.

Haha anyways! I hope you like this chapter!! It's kind of short but I do have one exam left to finish, so I'm writing on the sly here! There will be plenty to come over the summer and it is good to know that the summer is coming soon. 

I would love to have your feedback on this chapter, so comment and click that vote button!!

Also, I'm thinking of doing a song for the chapter sort of thing, if I can find one that suits it well enough, but I don't know yet... let me know what you think! :)