Daddy Dearest

Chapter Eighty

MELODY

The shrill sound of my alarm clock cut through the morning silence, and I reluctantly opened my eyes. Sometimes, I wished I could just sleep through the day and avoid the world altogether. But there was no escaping reality, so I swung my legs off the bed and shuffled to the bathroom. As I brushed my teeth, I stared at my reflection - a girl with black hair, brown eyes, and an ever-present air of sarcasm that seemed to follow me wherever I went. Melody Plum, the "good girl" who had it all figured out - or so everyone thought.

I sighed, turning my thoughts to the day ahead. My life consisted of attending Sacred Heart, studying late into the night, and caring for Nancy, who was still recovering from her near-death experience with Kenmore Harris. She was undergoing physical therapy, but progress was slow, and she needed help with even the most basic tasks. That's where I came in.

"Morning, Nancy," I greeted her as I entered the kitchen, trying to put on a brave face despite the heartache I felt deep inside.

"Good morning, Melody," she replied, attempting to lift her coffee cup with her good hand. "How did you sleep?"

"Fine," I lied, not wanting to burden her with my own problems.

As we ate breakfast, I couldn't help but think about Alex and Ben. My heart ached every time their names crossed my mind, but I forced myself to focus on other things - like the fact that I'd be moving to England over the summer to attend Cambridge. It would be a fresh start, away from the suffocating expectations of everyone around me.

"Are you excited about living with Aunt Sylvia?" I asked Nancy, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Of course! Grantchester is such a quaint little village, and I can't wait to explore it with you," Nancy replied, her eyes lighting up at the prospect of our upcoming adventure.

My daily routine continued much in the same way - school, studying, and taking care of Nancy. It was a monotonous existence, but I had little choice in the matter. I tried to distract myself from the heartbreak by reading salacious novels and binge-watching TV shows, but it provided only temporary relief. The pain always returned, like an unwanted guest who refused to leave.

"Hey, Melody," Nancy called out one evening as I prepared dinner. "I just wanted to say thank you for everything you've been doing for me. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Of course, Nancy," I responded, trying to hide the lump in my throat. "You're family, and that's what we do."

As I chopped vegetables, I couldn't help but feel a pang of worry about Madi, my half-sister. While I was preoccupied with heartbreak and responsibility, she was just a kid who needed love and attention. I vowed to make more time for her, even if it meant sacrificing some of my precious study hours.

"Melody," Nancy said softly, noticing the concern etched on my face. "It's okay to take a break sometimes. You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders."

"I know," I mumbled, my eyes watering. "But sometimes it feels like I have no choice."

***

My days were a blur of schoolwork, physical therapy appointments with Nancy, and sorting through the endless piles of stuff accumulated over the years in preparation for our move to England. Uncle Lucien and Janice would often drop by to help out or keep us company, their presence filling the house with laughter and warmth.

"Melody, darling," Janice cooed one day, rifling through my wardrobe. "You simply must get rid of these hideous sweaters. They'll never do in Cambridge."

"Janice, they're just clothes," I sighed, rolling my eyes at her dramatic flair. But deep down, I knew she had a point. The move was fast approaching, and I needed to let go of parts of my old life in order to embrace the new one.