Let Me Be Your Hero

Chapter Nine : Melina

It has been nearly two months since the accident. I had to rest for a long time after my release from the hospital and thus missed the last days of my junior year. I would love to just sit here and tell you how super my summer was. How I rode on that giant ferris wheel at the summer fair before sunset. How I got invited to the most amazing party held in the house of a 'popular' with parents out of town and danced with drunk jocks. And I would certainly be delighted to tell you how awesome the beach was when I went out with all my friends. But alas, I would be lying. I just lingered at home all day.

My parents forbid me from doing anything remotely fun at all as my punishment for the scare I gave them. They felt that I was way too naive and reckless to go anywhere within a two mile radius without an adult. I know that they were only worried about me and are just parenting even though I'm not the favorite of the bunch. 

"Melanie, guess who's coming to town?" Mom asked from the kitchen island as I walked in to get my breakfast.

"Even if I try to guess you'll tell me anyway." I plopped down in the chair next to mom and picked up my fork, stuffing my face with scrambled eggs and bacon. Yum.

"Oh, but you'll love this news." She clapped excitedly. I swear if it wasn't for the pictures in my mom's photo album that says otherwise, I would've assumed she was one of those perky blond cheerleaders in high school.

"Enlighten me please." I got some of the orange juice to wash down the bacon I gobbled down.

"Melina's coming home, isn't that great?" She smiled happily as she continued to eat her fruit salad. What? She's coming back? I almost choked on my juice.

"What do you mean she's coming back?" I stood up from my chair, a sudden uneasiness coming over me.

"She is. Don't you remember that she has been nagging me about coming back since last year? Your father and I talked it out and even though that school she's attending is her ticket into a great University, we still can't bear to force her to do something she doesn't want. She is coming back and is attending school with you. That's our final decision." She gave me a glowering look which I just ignored all throughout her explanation.

"When is she coming?" I sat back down feeling a little less agitated than before, but still displeased nonetheless.

"When the school year starts, so next week." She informed me with her professional tone of voice she only uses with clients.

"Alright. What room is she staying in?" I played with the food on my plate, poking it with the end of my fork, my appetite gone. There are only three rooms in the house, and I don't even know why I asked when I already know her answer.

"Yours." She replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Of course." I muttered sarcastically while slumping back into my chair.

"She's your sister. Don't treat her as if she weren't." She rebuked.

"I'm sorry you can't see past the little angel façade she puts up for you and my father. I, on the other hand have seen just how sour your eldest daughter can be when she doesn't get what she wants." I got up and left.

I hurriedly walked out the kitchen trying to ignore her calling me back as best I could. I picked up my bag that was lying in the floor next to the door and walked out before she could catch up with me. She should be accustomed to me leaving her like this by now.

I dug through the mess in my bag to find my phone under some old receipts and my favorite green apple lip gloss. I dialed Jalissa, and after the fifth ring she picked up. I continued to walk forward absentmindedly.