The Nobody Chronicals

Chapter 5: Melody's Story

Melody loved acting and performing. It was practically her life. That’s why she was an actress. But she can never commit to acting because of her story. Melody’s story isn’t her fault. Her story wasn’t because of her. When Melody had just finished 8th grade, she was kidnapped by seniors from a small high school nearby. They raped, abused, and emotionally damaged her. By the time the police found her, she was 3 months pregnant. When her mother discovered that her daughter was going to have a baby before she started high school, she was furious. When the baby was born, Melody’s mother left her, only paying her apartment’s rent. Melody didn’t go to school and had her teachers email each lesson to her so she could keep up with her grade. When she finally returned to school, She had to take up multiple jobs to support her and her child. She told no one at school in fear of losing friends when she needed them the most. During lunch, Melody sat across from Skylar, who was looking down. Soon enough, Grace sat down next to her, lunch tray in hand.

    “Hey Melody, Skylar,” Melody waved, but Skylar kept staring into her lunch. “Do you guys have anything planned after school today?” Skylar continued to look at her lunch, most likely unaware of Melody or Grace’s presence.

    “Well, i’m meeting someone.” Melody said. “You have anything, Sky?”

    Skylar snapped her head up as if only just now realizing Melody and grace were sitting across from her. “Oh, well, nothing really.” Grace nodded and started to eat her lunch. The rest of their lunch period was continued in an awkward silence. After school, Melody waited in the west parking lot for the boy who was rumered to be the best babysitter in the city. After a while, he showed up.

    “Hi.” Melody said.

    “Hello. You wanted to see me?”

    “Yeah. My name’s Melody.”

    “James.”

    “I heard you babysat.”

    “Yes, I do.” He said. “Why?”

    “I have a, uh brother I want you to babysit. My mom is away and I can’t take care of him with my job and school.” Melody looked away, ashamed she had to lie.

    “Sure. Can I meet him?”

    “Of course. I’ll, um, send you the address.” They quickly exchanged numbers and, as she promised, sent her address. Melody took the car ride on her way to her apartment building to thinking about one of the biggest decisions she will ever make. Hiring a babysitter would require them to know them to know the whole story. Hiring a babysitter from her school could lower her reputation and she would be bullied and mocked for her situation. If the entire school knew about her child, there was a chance that he could be taken away. She loved her child, no matter what caused him to be here in the past. Melody arrived at her apartment building and took a deep breath. She got out of her car and walked to her apartment. James was already waiting for her. She unlocked the door and small footsteps ran to her. Her child ran around a corner, a smile on her face.

    “Mama!” He yelled. Melody swung Daniel up and into the air, holding him close to her chest.

    “Hi, Daniel. Hope I wasn’t gone to long.” Melody said, a smile on her face.

    “Miss Susie went to the store after I saw your car come home.”Daniel said happily. He looked over Melody’s shoulder and frowned. “Who is that?” Melody turned around and looked at James. He seemed to be staring out into nothing.

“That’s your new babysitter. James.” James snapped back to reality and smiled slightly.

“Hi, Mister James!” Daniel said a big grin on his face.

“Alright, baby. Go play with your toys and I’ll make dinner, alright?” Melody put Daniel down and he ran into a different room. Melody, afraid to look at James started for the kitchen. James grabbed her hand. On contact, the halls of what looked like a mansion appeared. They were red and reeked with death. As fast as it appears, it disappeared, leaving them to the small apartment. “I,” Melody said shocked, “I must be going crazy.”

“If you are, then so am I.” James said quietly. “What was that?”

“I have no idea.” Melody said breathless. “I need to get to work.” Melody went into the kitchen and started to boil water for macaroni and cheese. James followed her. He leaned against a countertop. “So, Daniel’s your son?” There was something almost bitter in his voice. Melody paused, frightened that he might tell the whole school her story.

“The summer between 8th grade and freshman year, I was kidnapped by seniors from a private school. They harassed me, tortured me, and sometimes teased me. I thought I was never going t be saved from that hell. They got bored of me so they threw me out on the street, cold and hungry. A cop found me and took to me straight to a hospital. They found out I was 3 months pregnant. After I had Daniel, my parents left me, agreeing to pay my rent only. That's why I need help here. It’s hard to go to school and have a job and do what I love while taking care of Daniel.” Melody said pouring the box of macaroni into the boiling water. She turned to face James. “So, how much do you charge?” James once again stared off into nothing, not paying anymore attention to Melody. He snapped back and looked at her.

“It wasn’t your fault.”James whispered. Melody looked back at the pot of water. She started to to finish the macaroni and cheese. “You know what?” It’s on the house.”Melody looked at him in surprise.

“What?”

“I’ll do it for free. If I can help out in anyway, that’s how I’m going to do it.”

“You don’t need to because of my sob story, James.” Melody said shocked.

“I’m not.” James said. “I just know a story like yours. I want- no, I need to help you in anyway I can.” Melody’s eyes filled with tears.

“Thank you.” At that moment, Daniel ran in with his Sonic stuffed toy.

“Mr. James, do you wanna play with me?” Daniel had a big smile on his face, ready to play.

“Sure, buddy.” Daniel’s face lit up as he ran into the other room. Melody smiled to herself, happy that James and got along well. Melody finished dinner and went into Daniel’s room.

“3, 2, 5!” Daniel said, trying to count. “Ready or not, here I come!” A tuft of James’ light brown hair stuck out from underneath the bed. Daniel looked in his closet, his toy chest, and under his covers but to no avail. Eventually, James stuck out his mint green eyes out from under the bed, giving him away immediately. “Found you!” Daniel giggled. “You turn!”

“Not so fast, mister!” Melody grabbed him and lifted him into the air. He shrieked with delight. “Dinner than bed. You have daycare in the morning.” Melody sat him down and gave him a bowl of macaroni. She looked at James. “Stay for dinner?” James smiled.

“Sure.” During that meal, Melody finally felt like she wasn’t alone. She felt like everything was going to be alright. When Daniel was asleep, Melody turned to James.

“Thank you so much.”

“It’s my pleasure, Melody.”

“Can you start tomorrow?” James nodded. “Thank you.”

“Goodnight Melody.”

“Goodnight James.” James left the apartment, leaving Melody to watch over the sleeping Daniel