The stories that killed their writer

Chapter 31: Two girlfriends

Third person's POV

It had been the same thing all over again. Every morning, Lana and Melody would sit at the dining table to have breakfast. Little would be said. Then they'd each go to work and see each other at dinner.

Melody was wondering why this was happening. Could it be the daily routine everyone at work was talking about? Perhaps, since Lana is finally working a real job, they both fell into this routine. Or maybe it was something else?

Melody was wondering what had changed about Lana. Every day, she'd look at Lana and wondered if she should straight up ask her. But she'd always decide against it. What if it was just her? Maybe Lana didn't change, she simply adapted to her new lifestyle.

"I'll see you tonight." Lana said, opening the front door.

"Lana."

Lana looked at Melody, wearing the same neutral expression on her face.

Melody pointed to her lips, like they'd do in the movies, before Lana got closer and pecked her lips. Lana then left without saying another word.

Melody sighed as she watched her wife walk to the bus stop. Something is wrong. She could feel it, she could see it, she could hear it. Lana was practically screaming that in her face.

But Melody didn't have time to think about it that much longer, she too had to work. She didn't mind though, she loved being busy, she loved the drive she'd get from it. Sometimes she wondered if this is how Lana felt whenever she would write, however being a writer isn't a real job, so it wouldn't matter.

While she was at work, she wouldn't think about Lana. She wouldn't have the time to think about Lana. She had many tasks, she'd get many more tasks, she was simply too busy. But, during the lunch break, all she could think about was Lana.

She'd often sit by herself and think about her wife. What would Lana be doing right now? What would she be eating? Who would be with her? How would her day be up till now? Whenever she stopped to think about those questions, she realized she really does love Lana a lot. Perhaps she didn't always show it, sometimes she regretted that.

Today, Melody went to a snack bar near her workplace. She sometimes would come here to get a sandwich. As she was waiting in line, she'd see a woman pay for her meal. She didn't know why, but she felt like she knew that woman.

When Melody ordered her sandwich and eventually paid for it, she went on the look for a table. Unfortunately, none was available. 

She went outside but bumped into someone on her way out, the same woman from before. Melody frowned at her before she realized she had bumped into her. "Uhm I'm sorry."

The woman looked at Melody then and also seemed to recognize her. "Aren't you Melody?" The woman asked, leaving Melody surprised. "Lana Edwards' wife, right?"

"Uhm, yes," She gulped. "Who are you?" What if this is a fan of Lana's? Suddenly Melody felt uneasy.

The woman extended her hand. "Nice meeting you, I'm Stephanie, her psychologist."

Melody then sighed relieved. "Nice meeting you too." She then shook Stephanie's hand.

"What a coincidence." Stephanie said.

"Yes," Melody nodded. "Indeed."

"By the way, how is Lana?"

Melody frowned. "Uhm, she's ok, I think," She nodded. "She's working a real job now, I'm so proud of her."

"So I heard," Stephanie nodded, she was fully disagreeing with this whole decision Melody had forced upon Lana. "Is Lana happy too?"

Melody looked away for a bit. "I don't know," She then looked at Stephanie. "I'm worried though," She sighed. "She seems... off, I don't know," She looked at Stephanie. "Has she said anything in therapy?"

"Nothing unusual," Stephanie said, keeping a straight face. She knew she knew much more than Melody did. But she also had to keep those things private as that was confidential information. "I think she's doing well, she talks more."

Melody frowned. "Like how?"

Stephanie shrugged. "She's more open to everything."

Melody frowned even more, somehow those answers didn't satisfy her. Those answers were too vague for her. How could a psychologist not know more about their patient? To Melody, this was all very odd.

"So, I wouldn't worry," Stephanie smiled. "Anyway, I've got to go. It was nice meeting you." She then started walking away.

Melody, wanting to know more about therapy, was desperate to keep Stephanie here. She wanted to talk to her some more, and there was only one thing she could think of to do so. "Wait," Melody said, stopping Stephanie. "I'd like to invite you for dinner, tonight maybe?"

Stephanie raised her eyebrows. "I'm not sure..." She paused before adding: "I shouldn't."

"Why not? It would be fun."

Stephanie let out a breathy laugh. "Maybe," She then shook her head. "But I shouldn't. I'm Lana's psychologist, I have to keep a certain barrier."

"Please," Melody said, almost sounding desperate. "I would like to talk to you some more," She said. "And I'm sure Lana would love having you over for dinner too."

Suddenly Stephanie looked up. The mentioning of Lana's name was enough to get to her. "Ok," Stephanie nodded, making Melody smile. "I'll be there, what time?"

"Tonight, around 7?"

"Ok," Stephanie then started walking to the door. She turned around to face Melody one more time to say: "I'll see you then."

Melody nodded, but didn't respond anymore, and smiled while she watched Stephanie leave. She knew it would be a great evening: she could talk to Stephanie some more and Lana would be happy to have a guest over for dinner. Melody couldn't wait for dinner.