𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗜 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧. a true story

⁀➷ 5- REALIZING

-𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐲-

When I woke up, it was bright outside.

Too bright.

I scowled and closed the blinds, and that was when I noticed the time.

School started 3 hours ago, so I'd already missed the bus.

Sighing, I collapsed onto my bed.

Screw school.

I'd already received dozens of messages from my friends, asking where I was and if I was okay.

I ignored these as well and laid there in silence for a few hours.

Then suddenly-

"Mel! Melody! Open up!"

Oh no. What now?

I stayed silent.

"It's me, Tessa!"

Tessa?

I opened the door, mumbling, "Hey, Tess."

"Mel! Why weren't you at school today?"

I looked away and shrugged. "Why aren't you?"

Tessa sighed. "If you don't want to tell me, that's fine. I had to check out because of a dentist appointment."

"Is anyone else home?" I asked her.

Tess shook her head. "Nope. I used the spare key under the mat."

I nodded. "Hey... is it okay if I stay the night at your house? I don't really want to face my family right now."

Tessa smiled sympathetically. "Of course. My parents are out for the entire day today, so they probably won't mind."

I got out some clothes, my pajamas, a small cosmetics bag of makeup, and a few other things. I then shoved it all into a small bag.

"Let's go."

Tessa lived right next door, so just we walked over.

"Oh hey, Melody," Tessa's older brother, Ian said, looking up from his game.

Tessa pointed a finger at him. "Melody's staying the night, so be nice to her, got it?"

Ian laughed and held his hands up in mock surrender. "Understood."

"C'mon, Mel." I followed Tessa upstairs to her room.

"Oh, shoot!" she exclaimed suddenly. "I forgot! I have choir practice today!"

Tessa set her backpack down. "I'll be back in an hour, bye!"

Then, she shut the door behind her and left.

I pulled out my phone and started scrolling through my texts.

A few from Callie, Lexi, Harper, and Tessa... and one from an unknown number?

Unknown Number: Hi, is this Melody?

Melody: Yes, who's this?

Unknown Number: Oh, this is Julian. I was wondering when we could meet for the project? I wanted to talk to you about it today but you weren't at school.

Melody: Oh sorry. I was... busy.

*Contact name changed to "Julian"*

Melody: Maybe we can meet tomorrow?

Julian: Sure. My house or yours?

Melody: Can I come over to your place? I'm kinda trying to avoid my family rn.

Julian: Kk here's the address: 1234 Something St. Are you free at 4:00?

Melody: Yep. Thanks :)

Julian: Np.

I set my phone down and sighed.

Am I really... stupid? Am I an idiot?

A tear rolled down my cheek.

Well obviously. I forget everything everywhere all the time.

I brought my knees to my chest and wrapped my arms around them as a few more tears strolled down my cheeks.

The door creaked. "Melody? Are you okay?" it was Ian's voice, but I didn't look up at him. I continued staring at the floor, embarrassed to be seen crying.

Ian sat down beside me.

"Mel, what's wrong? You can talk to me, you know."

"Stupid." I finally mumbled. "I'm stupid."

"How can you say that? You're-"

I simply shook my head

Ian sighed and I finally met his eyes. "No, you're not. You're smart and talented. Really."

My tears started falling in waterfalls, and my voice was drowned out by a sob. Ian pulled me closer in a warm hug.

I gratefully leaned into him, and he hugged me even tighter.

"It's okay if you don't want to discuss it. But if you ever do, I'm here."

Ian pulled away, taking all the warmth with him and leaving me cold again.

"I'm thinking of pizza for dinner. You in?"

I just nodded.

He disappeared downstairs after giving me a smile. My stomach was immediately filled with fluttery feelings.

I was used to this feeling, since I'd liked so many guys in the past. I was a somewhat hopeless romantic, I couldn't deny that.

And it was in that moment that I realized my feelings for Ian Kai.

not me looking back and realizing how cheesy my whole life is 😭

-Emmie