Fell For You

Guru Seth

To: Seth
Pssst, wakey-wakey, sleepyhead. It's Friday! I'm going to school early to help Mrs. Lenderson with her enrollment papers! 🙌😇

I sip my orange juice, waiting for a reply. The kitchen hums around me—the hiss of oil, the scrape of metal on the frying pan, the smell of bacon.

Dad's already dressed for work, tie crooked, briefcase open on the counter. He's a real-estate agent in Seattle. Mom's still in her scrubs; she's heading to the hospital in Forks.

"So," Dad says, sliding into a chair after kissing Mom's cheek, "how's everyone this morning?"

"Pretty good," I answer between sips. "I'm heading in early."

He grins. "Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I see."

"Yessiree," I sing, striking a ridiculous pose.

My phone buzzes.

From: Seth
I'm up, I'm up. Geez, you're such a geek about school. 😂 Be like me and act cool. 😎

I snicker, thumbs already flying.

To: Seth
Dude, if EVERYONE acted like you, we'd have to rename La Push High → Lame Push High. 😂😂 Geddit? If you don't, we can't be besties anymore.

Mom sets down a plate of pancakes and bacon. "So, Melody," she says, "how do you feel about your cousin living with us now that you've had time to think about it?"

I pour syrup, watching it swirl over the pancakes. "I'm fine. I'll try to keep an open mind. Hopefully we'll get along."

Melissa flops into her chair wearing a tiny white top, gray jacket, and black jeans—like she's eight going on eighteen. I push the syrup toward her.

My phone vibrates again; I swipe with my pinky because my fingers are sticky.

From: Seth
Copy. I'm not lame! Besides, between the two of us, if I'm the funny one, then who's the lame one? 😂😝

I snort, cheeks heating—the little laugh I give when he actually gets me.

To: Seth
Haha. Very funny, doofus. You're paying for rendering me speechless.

⸻

Riiinnngg!

The bell saves me. I practically leap out of Biology before Mr. Landon can say reproduction again. It's the first week of school—why must he scar us so soon?

Outside, I spot Seth and the gang—Jacob, Embry, Quil, Leah—waiting by the lockers. Seth notices my face immediately.

"You okay?" he asks, trying not to smile.

Jacob chuckles. "Don't worry, Mel. We all survive Landon's little birds-and-bees sermon."

I groan. "He over-explains. And uses diagrams."

The group bursts out laughing. I pout, which only makes them laugh harder.

⸻

After school, Seth and I walk home together like we've done since forever. Our houses aren't exactly neighbors—fifteen doors apart—but I know every crack in the sidewalk between them.

He's still ranting about his PE nemesis. "Oh, you should've seen Alex's face when Coach Tyler chewed him out."

I grin. "Sweet karma." Then, with mock relief, "And thank goodness Queen Bee Mandy's still out sick."

"What are you gonna do when she comes back?" he asks, curious.

I flash him a mischievous grin. "You'll see."

He arches an eyebrow. "As long as it's not illegal."

My jaw drops. "What do you take me for—a criminal?"

He tilts his head, pretending to think.

I punch his arm lightly. "Unbelievable! Do I look like a criminal?"

"I didn't say that," he protests, smiling.

"Well, you didn't say no either."

He laughs. "Fair. But if you ever stand between Melody Black and her goals, you've got a death wish."

"True dat." I give a dramatic flourish.

We fall into an easy silence, our footsteps crunching softly against the gravel. Then his tone changes—quieter, gentler.

"So... what's really going on?"

I glance at the trees lining the street, pretending to study the leaves. "What do you mean?"

He gives me that look—the one that reads every thought I try to hide. "Come on. I've known you since diapers. You've been spacing out lately. Spill."

I sigh. "Remember my uncle who died? Turns out he had a daughter. Her name's Kristina. She's moving in with us."

He nods slowly. "And that's bothering you?"

I rub my arm. "Not bothering me. It's just... sad. She lost her dad, and now she has to live with strangers. It's gonna be awkward. I don't know how to act around her."

Seth's grin softens into something warmer. "Hey. You don't have to overthink it. Maybe you'll help her heal. Maybe she'll help you, too. You could end up closer than you think."

I glance up at him, caught off-guard by how sincere he sounds. "You know, I should start calling you Guru Seth if you're gonna keep handing out life lessons like fortune cookies."

He chuckles. "About time you appreciated my amazingness." He pauses. "Is that even a word?"

I laugh. "You're such a dork."

He smirks. "Only for you, m'lady."

I roll my eyes—but my heart does that little skip it always does when he says things like that.