A Second Chance • A.F. {#wattys2018}

Chapter 3

Melody

I threw on my work clothes, some skinny black jeans and a black button up top and my badge, grabbed my coat and bag and headed off for yet another night at the revolution.

Although I grew to love the place I sometimes wish I had enough courage to leave the place, but I need the money to keep me on my feet.

I trudged into the same old place, feeling slightly down from my episode the other night but I know Kyle and Luke would be in soon to keep me company, they always managed to convince my boss to let me leave half an hour earlier when they wanted me to join them on their night out and I always agreed.

Tonight people were extra rowdy, probably because it was our famous karaoke night. Everyone enjoyed it, everyone got drunk then sung their precious little hearts out until their voice had gone.

I stood in my usual spot behind the bar wiping down the surfaces laughing at Luke and Kyle slow dancing around the bar whilst a woman sung that song from titanic.

I turned towards the door just as 5 lads were walking in and although I couldn't distinguish features of them all, there was one person who I knew all too well.

They all stood near the bar and I watched his nose crinkle as one of the others made him laugh, but right now I wasn't laughing, I was angry, shocked but most of all I was heartbroken.

Kyle must've saw him walk into the bar because next thing I knew Kyle had dragged Luke to my side and tried to help me calm down, but nothing would calm me down, not after I saw his face.

The group of boys sat at the other end of the bar with Andy and some other guy facing the drunk singers and laughing.

The black haired boy of the 5 called me over, I'm assuming for a drink, so I steadied myself and stood infront of him with a fake smile on my face, he gave me his order and I placed the drinks infront of each of the boys, but before I left them I pushed the words that seemed to be stuck in my throat.

"Well if it isn't Andy Fowler" his head spun around and the boys watched.

Andy

"Well if it isn't Andy Fowler" my head spun around and I could feel the boys eyes glaring into me, waiting for a reaction.

She was stood there, after 3 years she didn't look any different, same facial features, same scar under her eye and same sweet voice.

My throat went dry and suddenly I was lost for words, I could see the anger and heartbreak in her eyes and it caused me pain knowing I caused that look.

The boys were still staring, expecting me to answer but I never did "Hey I'm Rye, one of Andy's friends" Rye put a sweet smile on his face, one that could get him out of any trouble he landed himself in, but I knew Melody and I knew she wouldn't be sweet back.

"Yeah no offence but I don't really care" she walked out of the bar and past us all, leaving through the doors, I could seen Luke shaking his head from the other side of the bar. I decided to ignore him and walk out of the door after Melody.

I ran out of the door and saw her storming down the street "Melody!!" I shouted her but she carried on.

She's still as stubborn as ever.

We had barely left the street when I caught up to her and grabbed her wrist, which seemed thinner from how it was 3 years ago.

She turned to face me and I loosened my grip on her wrist but didn't fully let go, by now the boys, including Luke and Kyle, had joined us outside bar.

"Andy I swear if you don't let go of me I will scream" she scrunched her face and looked away from me.

"Mel, let me talk, explain myself, please" I was desperate for a chance to change things with her but I'm guessing she didn't feel the same because she yanked her hand from my grip.

"You don't deserve the chance Andy !! You left. 3 years of no calls, texts, updates, nothing. Just the words you left me with the night you walked out of the bar" I was shocked at everything that came out, shocked at myself for leaving her with no explanation but the damage had been done. She turned her back to me and continued on her way home.

I headed back towards the bar and pushed my way inside leaving the boys stood there, confused at the scene that just unfolded infront of their eyes.

Luke was the first to join me inside the bar, he sat next to me, ordered his drink and just sat there in silence.

"If you're going to say anything, then say it or fuck off" he laughed, took a mouthful and turned to me "you broke her fovvs" I sighed "you think I didn't realise that" I knew that I hurt her, but it was better to cut her off all together than to tell her I was moving to Slough.

"No Andy, I don't think you realise the state she was in after you left, she was 17, still naive, still hopeful. Kyle and I would come into the bar to see her and every time you could see her face drop because you weren't with us" I hung my head as I prepared to talk but was soon interrupted by the rest of the boys walking into the bar.

"Why have you never told us about her Andy?" My stomach knotted as Mikey asked the question.

"I didn't think it was important okay?" I looked at them and noticed that Rye wasn't with us.

"Where's Rye?" My eyebrows furrowed and I finished my drink.

"He uh, he went to see if your friend was alright" Brook swallowed hard, afraid of how I would act.

"Lets go get smashed boys, I need it right now" they all hollered as we left the bar and I turned to face Kyle and Luke.

"Well are you guys coming. You need to update me on Mel" they glanced at each other and joined the lads and I on our night.

If Rye thinks he has a chance with Melody, he can think again...