Penthouse - Lamelo Ball Story

Chapter Six

Ivy ~

I angrily texted Melo. My emotions changed quickly because all I could think about was the "no" he said when Gelo asked about us.

Ivy: why the hell did you leave a hickey on my neck?

I stood there in anger waiting for Melo to respond.

LaMelo: Do you not like it?
seen

My cheeks flushed with heat as I experienced a surge of anger. I decided to leave him on read and couldn't shake off the thoughts that consumed me for the rest of the day. As I sat on the couch, I found myself lost in thought about the photo booth and his inexplicable "no" that lingered in my mind. It was then that I remembered the message from the boy I met at the mall, Jayden. Despite finding him cute, I initially didnt respond . However, driven by spite and frustration, I finally decided to text him back today.

It's still pretty early in the morning, so I don't expect an instant response. I go over to the bathroom mirror and cover up the bruise left on my neck. I make sure to pile the concealer on because I can't risk my mom finding out and asking me questions. I head to the kitchen to prepare a simple and satisfying breakfast for myself. I decide to make a couple of slices of toast, to bring some to Heavenly as well. I reach over to the fruit bowl on the table and pick a ripe banana to go with my meal.

I quickly made my way back to our side of the penthouse, hoping to avoid running into anyone from last night. I was determined to push those memories out of my mind, especially when it came to seeing Melo. Nervously, I knocked on my mom's bedroom door, but didn't hear any response, so I cautiously let myself in. Both my mom and Heavenly were still sound asleep, so I quietly set the toast on the table and slipped out. It was probably for the best that they weren't awake, as I feared my nervousness would give away that something was wrong.

As I returned to my room, I stretched out on my bed. I have too many thoughts and emotions swirling around in my head for me to handle. So I Facetime Cheryl and I started telling her everything that happened.

"Girl, OMG, what happened after his brother caught you in the photo booth?" I let out a deep sigh. The embarrassment from last night flows right back into my head.

"Well, we basically did a walk of shame to the limo. It was so bad. After, he asked us if we were a couple, and Melo said no so quick. It felt like he was almost disgusted by the suggestion." Cheryl did her best to comfort me, and it worked a little bit.

After I got off the phone with her, I received an Instagram notification from Jayden. Just as I felt a little relief from ranting to Cheryl, I realized I put myself in another situation to deal with. I try not to get too overwhelmed and just force myself to see what he said. To my surprise, we actually ended up having a decent conversation. We texted back and forth for a little while, but he told me he had to go to basketball practice and that he would text me when he got out.

I basically spent the rest of the day lounging in my room and wishing I could stay in bed forever. Later, I received a text from Melo.

Lamelo: I talked to Gelo. He said he wouldn't tell anybody if you're worried...
seen

I just ignored him and left him on seen again. I'm just so offended by what happened last night. I just need time to myself to figure out how I feel.

Monday

Over the weekend, I made a conscious effort to avoid Melo. Our paths only crossed by coincidence in the kitchen as I had been avoiding the living room to watch TV. It was evident that he wanted to address the growing distance between us over the past few days, but I found myself at a loss for words. Instead of confronting the issue, I hastily left the kitchen before he could say anything. It's disappointing how just as I began to lower my guard around him, he immediately made me to put it back up.

It's the end of the school day, and I asked Cheryl if she wants to hang out at my place. Mainly because I can't stand being trapped in my room with nothing to do, and I can't even walk around the penthouse without feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable. We walk out of the school building and try to navigate our way to the student parking lot through the sea of kids. We finally get to her car, and I put in the directions to the penthouse.

"Have you and Melo talked since it all happened?" She asked me with a curious look on her face.

"He's been trying to text me, but I've been ignoring him. I just don't feel like there's anything to say. It's been my plan to avoid him since I got here, so I think I'll just go back to that." I sighed and looked out the window of the car, watching the trees as we passed by them.

"Well, what about Jayden? You mentioned texting him, and I saw you smiling at your phone in class today," She laughs.

"Honestly, he's really cute, and when we're texting, it's never boring. It feels like we never run out of things to talk about, but I don't know. I just feel like I shouldn't be entertaining boys right now. It never goes well."

"Well, I think if the vibe is right, you should talk to him. You never know. And I mean, it's going well so far, right? You should just see where it goes." She gives me an encouraging smile.

As we finally reached the penthouse, a sense of dread washed over me. We got our bookbags and made our way through the elegantly decorated lobby of the building. With each step, my anticipation grew as we approached the elevator to the penthouse. All I can think about is avoiding running into Melo, but just my luck, he's already home in the living room watching basketball.

We made eye contact as I walked in, and for some reason, I just felt a tinge of sadness. I tried to ignore it and keep a straight face because I didn't want to show how much he was affecting me.

I led Cheryl to my room, and we put our stuff down. We ended up starting a new show together, talking and laughing. It's been about two hours, and we haven't taken a break from the show yet.

"I'm going to the bathroom real quick. If you want any snacks or something to drink, there are snacks on the counter and water in the fridge. You can help yourself. Usually, the boys are all in their room doing their own thing around this time." I pause the show and head to the bathroom.

Lately, I've been finding it hard to concentrate on anything. I catch myself zoning out frequently, and it's starting to worry me. When I feel myself drifting off, I try to bring myself back to reality by splashing my face with cold water. This behavior isn't typical for me. when I get back to my room, Cheryl was nowhere to be found. Feeling a bit hungry myself, I head to the kitchen to get her. I usually prepare a snack for both myself and Heavenly after school; however, today I lost track of time.

I walked out of my room and made my way to the kitchen. I stopped in my tracks when I saw Cheryl and Melo sitting on the couch, their faces just inches apart. I couldn't even comprehend what I had just seen.

"What the fuck are you doing?" I seethe. "You know what, just get out."

Cheryl gets up and I don't see an ounce of remorse on her face. The girl I was just hanging out with in my room, the only friend I've made since I moved here, was just about to kiss the boy she knows I have something with. My whole body starts to shake with anger, and I feel like my legs are about to give out.

She walks past me to my room, and I watch as she takes her stuff and gets on the elevator. The only thing I want to do right now is crawl into my bed and never leave. Melo tries to say something to me, but I don't even hear it. I just turn around and start to walk to my room.

~

Vote and Comment :)