Melwood

Chapter 5: Life's Hard

When I got done walking home, I had time to put Chris' clothes into the washer and dryer. I also took off my wedding ring and sat it on my counter with the envelope that the divorce papers came in. I had on a green dress with sime beige heels and my hair straightened. I put on a black belt around my waist that came with the dress. I grabbed my purse and keys and left.

When I got to set, I see Chris standing by himself in the corner. I decide not to engage and to stay away from him. It's going to be pretty hard to do that though. Today, we shoot an episode where a magical man named Mxyzptlk shows up and at the end of the episode, we have a long and deep kiss. We even have to make-out on the couch. I wish that he would have never said I love you.

I walk over to Greg and start to speak to him.

"Hey Greg? Can we shoot the kissing scene tomorrow?"

"No, we have to do it today. Sorry, unless you have a contagious cold, we are already behind on editing the last episode, we need to finish recording this one, now please go get changed."

"Okay." I go to my dressing room where I set my stuff down. I pull out my phone and see a text from Blake.

Blake-

Love you.

I decide to answer.

Me-

Um, okay. If you want, we can hang out tonight? Just as friends. Nothing more.

I put my phone down when someone knocks on my dressing room door. I open it up to see Chris.

"What do you need?"

"Melissa, can we talk?"

"You can, I'll listen."

"That's all I need."

"Come in, I guess." I roll my eyes and he comes inside. I walk over to my suit and start getting undressed.

"Uh, Mel? I'm still here."

"You saw me naked less than two hours ago. Shut up. I guess I am nothing more to you than a toy."

"You are not a toy! I love you Mel! I realize now that you don't have to say it right away, because I love you. And if I really loved you, I would respect your decision, whatever you do. I am sorry I didn't see that before, and I made you walk home by yourself, and I just wish I could be the perfect boyfriend and it kills me that he can and he will always be in your heart and that made me go crazy. I wanted you to love me so that my heart wasn't trampled on and now I realize that you can't force it." He is crying by the time he is done talking.

"Hey, stop crying-" I walk over to him and wipe his tears. "-But, you're right. I can't be forced to love you. Look, you're a great guy and I hope you find the best girl in the world someday-"

"I already have."

"Chris, I can't be with you. Me and Blake are hanging out tonight."

"You and Blake?" He starts crying again. I was done changing by now."

Yes."

"Like a date?"

"No, not at all."

"Okay, well, can we be friends?"

"No."

"Mel, I can't do this! Why not?!"

"Because I am still-"

"In love. Okay, I'll see you in a few minutes, on set. By the way Mel, check who you send your texts to next time."

"What do you mean?"