Melanie's POV
Later that night I'm feeling like crap. A text with an apology doesn't feel enough... So I head over to Daniel's house.
On the way I think about what I want to say.
Yes, Daniel plays pranks.
Yes, he's been kind of a bully.
Yes, he doesn't take school as seriously as I do.
But he's not a joke.
There's a lot more to him than that.
I walk up to his front door and ring the bell. When he opens the door he looks panicked.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to apologize." I nervously said.
"I was out of line today." I continue.
A large boy suddenly pulls Daniel into a headlock. Daniel struggles to get away, but it's useless.
"GET OFF ME, TYLER!" He yells, at what I think is his older brother.
"Is this little Dani's girlfriend? Who would ever date you?" Tyler mocks Daniel.
More laughter comes from the living room. I look inside and see a group of guys playing video games. One of them throws a sneaker at Daniel's head. Another makes kissing noises at him.
"You didn't tell us you had a girlfriend! Does she know you used to wet the bed until you were twelve? Especially when we put his hand in a bucket!" Tyler continues to mock Daniel.
Daniel's face turns red.
"I SAID GET OFF ME!"
All the boys start laughing. And I have no choice but to stand here and listen. Finally, Daniel tears himself away and steps into the front porch and slams the door behind him.
"Sorry, my brothers are terrible."
I wring my hands.
"How many do you have?" I ask.
"Seven."
"Do they always treat you like that?"
"Well I'm the youngest." He sighs.
"And the smallest." He adds with a sad laugh.
"So yeah, let's just say it hasn't been a lot of fun growing up."
A few things start to click into place.
"I know what you're thinking. Kid who gets bullied at home... Takes it out on kids at school."
I put my hand on his arm.
"Hey, I told you about my strict parents. It hasn't been a lot of fun for me growing up either. But I think I understand you a lot better now."
Our eyes connect and the air shifts between us. Maybe we do complement each other.
"I'm so sorry for today. I came over hoping we could go to the park. Spend some time with Lizzy together".
He grins and squeezes my hand.
"Let's do it."
