Well, today is the day. The day that officially counts three months since my family died. Last month, I couldn't really think about it because I was busy keeping an eye on Alexa. Still, I sat in the apartment crying.

But now, I'm not going to cry in Max's apartment. I'm going to cry in my own.

Ever since I had my YouTube channel and how it's gotten a lot of subscribers and how I got a lot of views and stuff from just my first video, the money has been flowing in.

I got two hundred from last month and three hundred from this month. Plus another hundred from editing videos for the guys.

Natalie wrangled up a lot of money too, from helping Emily and working at a music store. She's giving me half of the money, even though I told her it's hers, and she's going to use the rest for when she starts college at Julliard in the fall.

With our money together, I'm able to rent an apartment, and I'm very proud if that.

I just have to tell Max.

I walked out of my car. I headed up the apartment stairs and through the zigzag of hallways. Finally, I reached their apartment and unlocked the door.

Ross and Tim were watching anime in the couch. I closed the door behind me. Ross turned and saw me.

"Oh, hey Mooffin." he said smiling. I shook my head and smiled.

"Ross, that was one time I said muffin as mooffin, I just had my mouth full." I said laughing.

He shrugged. "Whatever you say, Mooffin." I rolled my eyes and headed to Max's room where I kept my bag.

Max was sitting at his computer looking at something. He saw me come in and smile.

"Hey, how was your day with Natalie?" he said. I smiled.

"Good." I said, trying to avoid telling him.

"Whatcha do?" he said.
"We went shopping."
"Where?"
"Beverly."
"Beverly?" He looked at me curious. "Beverly doesn't have shopping places there. They mainly have apartments."

I avoided eye contact with him. "There's a store right next to Archer."
"That's a liquor store. And you don't seem drunk."
I was shaking. Don't say anything else.

"Melody, what's going on? You're hiding something from me." he said.

I sighed and turned to face him. "Fine. Me and Natalie went looking at apartments." I said.

He stared at me. "You want to move out?" he said. I shook my head.

"No, I just want to be a hassle here for you guys for a long time. Plus, I have a job now and I can do stuff on my own." I said.

He seemed angry. "You would never be a hassle for us. We love you here." he said kind of frustrated.

I looked at the ground and then up at him. "Max, thank you so much, for everything you've done." I smiled and grabbed his hand.

"But, I need to leave..." I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed him. He just stood there and let me hug him.

I let go and pecked his forehead. I smiled and grabbed my bag from the bedside.

I walked out of his room and into the living room. I waved to Ross and Tim before I left.

"Bye, guys." I said quickly. Tim looked at me. "Wait where are you going?" he asked.

I smiled. "Home."

~

I unpacked the last box in my new apartment. I looked up at the bright walls. Paintings and drawings by Jacob were placed all over the room.

I had a bookshelf in the living room full of my favorite books and books of my mom's.

Pictures of my dad in his laboratory with his colleagues sat on a table next to Natalie's first piano with her first song on there as well.

My whole apartment was dedicated to my family. Why? Because I love them so much. And I miss them so much...

Ever since I looked at apartments and started moving in, I haven't really thought about the day.

And now that I sit in my new room, I now remember it.

I laid on my bed and stared at my ceiling. It was a cool, crisp day, the beginning of spring. But it didn't feel like spring.

No, spring is full of new beginnings and thanks for all the beautiful and wonderful thins you have.

I don't have spring. I don't have anything.

Then, the day hits me.

Tears started rushing down my face like a cascade of sadness. My mind was full of flashbacks and remembrance of that horrible fire. The orange, deafening light came through the window and stared at me in satisfaction.

Satisfaction that it won.

And it did. I have no one to love me now. I have no one to love. No one at all.

~

I walked into the offices, my eyes wet and dry from crying all last night. My brand new room is now full of ice cream buckets and tissues.

It looks like a break up scene but it's not that kind of break up scene. No, this was a family break up scene. A break up of hope and loss. A break up I could never cope with.

I passed Max. He smiled at me and then dropped the smile.

"Melody, you look terrible. What's wrong?" he said.

I just shook my head and walked away. I know I acted like a dick but I couldn't talk right now.

I walked into my office and locked the door. I looked at the wall.

No! Please, they're in there! No!

Anger struck and I threw my bag at the wall. I fell to the ground and covered my face.

Jordan broke through the door and saw me on the ground. He sat on the ground and hugged me.

I sobbed and cried in his arms. Tim came in and saw us.

"Oh dear, are you okay Melody?" he asked. I sniffed and stood up with Jordan.

"Yeah, just a little sad note. That's all." I said showing a fake smile.

He stared at me, knowing that was a lie. "Melody, I know you've been really sad lately. We've seen it in your work. If you're going through depression or anything, just ask us for help. Adam's taking counseling for it."

I looked at him surprised. "Adam's depressed?" I said.

He nodded. "It doesn't look like it with his bright attitude but he's hiding it." he said.

I looked at the wall next to me. Jordan had already left to his station.

I looked back at Tim. He left as well.

The guys were all recording. I had just finished editing my latest video. I looked at the time. 6:40

I grabbed my bag and shut off my computers. Before I left, I was supposed to check in with Emily.

I walked over to he editors' stations. "Bye guys." I said. They all waved.

I passed Ross's office. He was looking at something on his computer. I knocked on the window. He looked up at me. I waved and smiled. He waved. Then, I mouthed, I ship it.

He rolled his eyes and looked back at his computer. I laughed and passed Barney's office. He wasn't there. I shrugged and moved on.

I was about to leave when I saw Adam had his recording sign on. I peeked through the window of his office. He was talking to the camera. I thought he was giving an update, but he had a very serious look on his face.

I grabbed the knob of the door and it was unlocked. I pushed it slightly so he wouldn't notice.

I put my ear on the door and listened to him.

I listened to him, his advice and his words of encouragement flowing through my brain. There is only one of you on this world.

I stepped back from the door. Tears fell form my face. But these weren't tears of sadness. These were tears of joy.

~

I sat in my apartment watching T.V. I was about to make dinner. Or just warm up leftovers.

My phone was buzzing and I picked it up. The caller ID read Alesa. Curious, I answered it.

"Hello?" I said.
"Hey!"
"Hey! What's up?"
"Nothin, I heard you moved into an apartment alone and Adam asked if you wanted to come over for dinner."
"Oh, really? That's so nice. Yeah, I'll come over. I don't want to be in my apartment alone."
"Cool! I'll tell Adam. Can't wait to see you there!"
"Me too, bye."
"Bye! Oh, and Ross and Max are coming too."
"What?"
"Bye!" she hung up. I stared at the phone emotionless. Did she just say that Ross and Max are coming as well?