In Charlotte's Eyes

ONE: [P] Meeting The Melody

The next morning came. Peni didn't bring up or acknowledge their conversation last night. Peni kept an upbeat energy, which Parker couldn't help but worry that it was forced. It made him feel like an anchor again; the type of anchor that couldn't secure to the floor.

After a few activities, which Parker admittedly enjoyed, the pair agreed to try the indoor skating rink. It was bustling with people, as most places were on the cruise. They did circles around, enjoying the simple fun. At some point, Peni tugged on the side of his wrapper. “Hey, I'm gonna go find a restroom.” She told him.

“Alright.” He acknowledged before she split.

At first, Parker didn't think anything of her departure. But as more time passed, and the more he studied the environment around him, the more he noticed how many groups there were. Couples, families, friend groups; not one single person could he spot that didn't have someone else. That suddenly made him feel bare.

But then that bareness went away when the thought came to him that people may mistaken him and Peni as a couple. He shuddered in disgust at the thought.

He bumped into someone, falling over. His absent-mind has cost him some embarrassment. He was quick to scramble to his feet as he profusely apologized. Then his eyes locked with the person he crashed lightly into.

“O-Oh.” His face flushed, feeling even more embarrassed. “I'm really, really sorry.”

His neighbor stared him back in the face, dusting herself off. She chuckled casually. “No worries.” There was a small, awkward pause. “We just- keep managing to bump into each other, don't we?”

“I'm sorry.” He apologized again. “I swear it's not on purpose.” He recognized that, for an outsider, he acted very strangely around her. Staring at people was rude, and he had been caught doing it multiple times to her. He couldn't help it, though. It was cruel fate.

“Seriously, don't sweat it.” Parker was surprised at how casual and easygoing she was being. “Clearly we're just meant to get to know each other.” She laughed. “I’m Melody.” The two began slowly moving with the crowd.

“Oh.” That was a pretty name. “Uh-, Parker.” He nodded in response.

“Where's the other girl at?” She asked quickly. “The one I keep seeing you with?”

“My sister? Uhh, she's gone to use the bathroom.”

“Oh, that's your sister? Huh.”

Ah. “..Yeah.” He shook his head. “Speaking of.. I probably shouldn't be seen around you when she comes back.”

“Hm?” Melody raised a brow. “Why not?”

“It's.. a long story. Just-..” He smiled forcefully. “I don't mind getting to know you better. But I need to do it at a time when I'm away from her.”

“That's fine with me, Parker.” She grinned back. “How about we exchange numbers and plan a time to meet up later?”

He considered it quickly, then looked down at her and nodded. “..Sure.”

The two quickly exchanged cell numbers. “See you around, Parker.”

“Yeah. Bye, Melody.”

The brioche slice exited the skating rink, per his request. A few more arduous minutes passed before Peni finally came back.

“Hey, sorry for taking so long.”

“No worries.”

“Are you bored now, or do you still want to do this?”