Any excuse to play Bon Iver LOL... but listen to this one:

Melody

The bright, fluorescent lights were an almost blinding contrast to the dark skies outside. Though it was much warmer inside, my body still shook from the cold that made its way through the thick material of my jacket. Aisle of snacks, hair products, makeup, and more were spread throughout the Walgreens I had managed to walk to. However, I was only interested in one aisle.

The aisle that would make me feel like I could do something right. Maybe Margot would shut up for once. Maybe I wouldn't be tempted when I went out. Maybe there would be more modelling jobs and I wouldn't be worried about any competition. Maybe I would feel beautiful.

I stared at the wall of pills and bit my lip in hesitation. There were so many to look at and choose from. I picked one up that looked promising enough.

"May cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, headache, dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, or fatigue. Abuse, dependence, or withdrawal may occur with long-term use," I read under my breath.

Well, let's hope for the best.

I picked up the box of diet pills and began walking to the front, when I saw Serena and Summer walking by the aisle. I spun around quickly, hoping that they wouldn't see me. They were carrying typical drugstore items; candy, movies, and nail polish, probably grabbing last minutes things for a fun sister-bonding night.

I once wished that I could have that experience with Mia. But now, I just hoped she would stay on the opposite side of the house as me. It was sad, but I preferred avoidance to fighting.

"O-M-G! Summer, look Melody's over there!" Serena whispered loudly to her sister. Summer looked over in my direction and her lips curled into a grimace.

"Ugh, what is she doing here?" she sighed. She pasted on a smile, while I pretended to look at pain relief medication. She walked over to me, her twin following her quickly, and I glanced up, feigning surprise to see them in front of me.

"Oh, um hello," I said, hiding the pills in my hand behind me.

"Hey Melody... Why are you here?" Summer asked, her voice riddled with fake concern. "Are you feeling sick?"

"Yeah. We ran out of Tylenol and I have a headache," I lied. Summer and Serena nodded, like they didn't really care in the first place. "Um, are you having a movie night?"

"We are. With Rose. But obviously you're not invited," Summer replied. "Anyways, we have to go get some magazines. Hope we don't see you around."

With that they turned to leave.

"She looked super pale and sickly," Summer said to her sister as they walked towards the magazines.

"Well, duh, she has a headache!" Serena said trying to sound smart.

"You really bought that?" Summer snorted.

"Oh, she was lying? Maybe she's got like diarrhoea..." Serena said. I rolled my eyes at that. Summer laughed but stopped short as she noticed something and gasped.

"Oh, my God!"

"What?" Serena said. "Oh! That's Melody! On a magazine!"

"No kidding genius! Rose is going to flip. We have to bring this to her."

I hid as they rushed to pay for their items and left. While the Scarlett Noir spread was out, not many people had seen it because it was a small magazine. I was so nervous for what this would bring when Rose got her hands on it.

I sighed and left the medicine aisle to see the magazine. While I knew Gavin had a copy for me, I had been so caught up in everything else, I hadn't gotten it from him. I picked up the latest issue of Scarlett Noir to see myself on the cover of the up-and-coming magazine. My jaw fell open in surprise, and I smiled slightly. I was posed there with the other girls Kaylee and Lydia, who were strikingly beautiful.

My smile dimmed slightly but didn't waver as the pills in my hand felt like a secret weapon. I picked up the copy and went to pay for it and for my pills. They would be easier to swallow than whatever the terror twins and their evil leader had in store for me.

***

On Monday morning, Carson pulled up to my driveway. I was already feeling the headache and dry mouth from the pills, but I had a massive water bottle in my bag, to hopefully battle the feeling. I felt tired and cranky, but it seemed to melt away the moment my eyes met Carson's.

"Good morning my love," he said with a smile, and my heart seemed to jump up to my throat and get caught for a moment.

Oh yeah, Carson White loves me.

A wonderful reminder to start the morning.

"Good morning," I said shyly. Carson smiled and kissed me on the forehead as I put my seatbelt on.

"What are we listening to today?" he asked.

"Anything soft," I said quietly.

"Are you okay?" Carson's eyebrows furrowed into a slight frown. "I feel like you aren't quite yourself today."

"I have a slight headache, but I'm fine," I replied. I was downplaying it for sure, but I didn't want him to worry... or ask questions. It felt lovely to have someone notice the little things and care so deeply, but it didn't feel like I was worth it.

"Okay," Carson said squeezing my hand. An indie song played gently from the radio as we drove toward the school. I felt my heart speed up as we pulled up to the parking lot.

"I have something to show you..." I said as we pulled into a spot. "I know you saw some pictures online, but I have them here. If you want to see them, I don't know..."

"Of course, I want to see them!" Carson exclaimed as I reached into my bag and pulled out the newest issue of Scarlett Noir. "You're on the cover?" The excitement in his voice made me smile. "You look so beautiful."

"Oh hush," I said softly. "That's your copy if you want."

"I want it! I'm going to admire at each page, then I'm going to show my family and they are going to freak the hell out," Carson said with a grin. I laughed as he took it from me and stared at it for another moment before putting it on the backseat.

We got out of the car and headed into the school, slowly. I felt my hands shaking as I waited to hear the latest news about me.

Eyes were stuck to me like darts to a board as I walked down the hallway. The only difference was that some of the expressions seemed excited. A girl from one of my first semester math class walked up to me.

"Melody! You're actually a model?" she asked.

"I–"

"That's pretty cool. You look good in that magazine! Way better than Macy's," she said before walking away. Carson and I looked at each other curiously before staring after her.

People were so weird. Everyone in this school thought that they knew me enough to talk about my life. It was so disconcerting.

Emma, Harvey, Noah, and Alani met us at my locker with worried expressions on their faces. I threw my jacket into my locker and got my books out as they spoke.

"So, the good news is, people like your magazine photos," Emma said cautiously.

"And what's the bad?" Carson asked. I straightened out my white tank top and snuggled into my oversized, beige cardigan as if it could protect me from whatever they were going to say.

Alani sighed before finally saying, "People are saying you're pregnant."

"With your agent's baby," Noah added.

***

At lunch, I marched towards the art room, eyes glued to the floor. I hoped that I wouldn't draw attention to myself on the short walk from classroom to classroom. Unfortunately, I was not that lucky.

Rose and her whole crew seemed to be waiting for me in the hallway. Serena and Summer stood behind her and Cora, Jennette, and even Veronica from my art class amongst a few other girls.

"Pregnant at last," Rose said as I attempted to get by them unscathed. However, as she spoke, I sighed at stood my ground.

"These rumours are getting ridiculous and far-fetched," I said, angrily.

"Are they though?" Rose replied.

"Did Serena and I not see you in Walgreen's on Saturday night?" Summer grilled.

"I did, but–"

"And did we not see you in the medicine aisle? Which also has pregnancy tests?" Summer asked.

"I was looking for Tylenol! For a headache!" I snapped.

"Which was an obvious lie," Serena chimed in, as if she wasn't fooled when I said it.

"So, I guess the rumours are confirmed," Cora smirked.

"At least it got you your modeling gig," Rose said stepping towards me. "Just try not to gain any weight if you want another one."

Just like that, she left me standing there in the hallway, biting my lips to keep from crying. I took a few breaths and walked over to my art classroom.

***

After school, Carson and I walked to his car quietly. He knew today was an awful day and knew there was nothing he could really do to change that. We slid into the vehicle and I rested my head against the passenger seat.

"I have a song for you," Carson said plugging his phone into the sound system when we got into the car. "It's called 29 #Strafford APTS, it's by Bon Iver."

"Twenty-nine, hash tag? What?" I giggled.

"Never mind the name, just get ready to enjoy," Carson laughed pressing play. The guitar plucked quietly before a rich male voice filled the car. Piano was quickly added, as was a violin. There was a vintage feel to it, like we were listening to it through the speakers of an old record player or hearing it through a jukebox at a county fair. An intentional crackle in the song, made my heart lurch for some reason. It made me feel happy and sad all at once. Like I was nostalgic for something I didn't know I missed.

We drove quietly. Maybe I was nostalgic for a time where I didn't go to this school... or any school. Maybe I was nostalgic for a time where things were bright and joyful. The song made me think of skipping through fields in vintage dresses, and old photographs. Maybe I was nostalgic for a time I didn't belong to. A time where I didn't exist. Or maybe I just missed playing dress up. I just missed my mother. I was nostalgic for a time where my mother walked the same earth and breathed the same air that I did. I missed a time where I didn't feel this way every day.

____________

Author's Note: Hellooo everyone! I am so sorry that it's taken me so long to post this chapter! As I mentioned last chapter I had surgery done last week Tuesday and surprisingly it's been busy even with the recovery! Thank you to everyone who sent me prayers and good wishes; the surgery went well and I am now able to breathe through my nose much better than ever!

In addition to the surgery I also got a puppy! He's a Chocolate Lab, German Shepard mix and we named him Loki. He's super sweet and filled with so much energy, so learning taking care of him has been a big adjustment!

I also participated in a pageant (all while recovering lol don't ask me how I managed because the answer is Tylenol haha). It was so much fun and I met many wonderful girls. Excitingly, I got a title and made it to nationals! So I will be competing in Miss World Canada! I'll keep you posted on that, but I'm super thrilled about it and ready to see what's in store.

ANYWAYS... onto story matters! I left you at a cliff hanger before didn't I? Haha! Well, the wait is over! And February is really reeking havoc on poor Melody. This is a longer chapter so yay to that at least! What did you all think of this chapter? 

What do you think of the rumours? How mean are Rose and the twins?

How did you like the song?

What do you think might happen next?

Something I want to stress for this chapter is: DO NOT take appetite suppressants, or diet pills, or anything like that without consulting your doctor. Those sort of medications can mess with your body, especially if you don't need to be taking them! And like always, if you're feeling like you want to do/you are doing the type of extreme dieting and exercising that is similar to what Melody is doing, please talk to someone (whether it's a doctor, a friend or family member, a friend on here, me, etc.)! It's important that you are safe and healthy, and sometimes the only way for that to happen is by seeking help! You're all beautiful and worth it! <3

Shoutout's this chapter go to: TallyTal14, KinderCa, blueberrycupcakes17, loveblueberrymuffin, Neish061416, and -my-imagination- for voting and commenting! Of course, thank you all so much for your reading, comments, and voting! It means the world to me!

Melody's outfit: