Melody's P.O.V
I sat up and looked at Max. He stared at me like he was surprised at what I said. To be honest, I was surprised by what I said as well.

Why did I say we were just friends? I wanted us to be more than that. I like Max. I've known him for a long time now. We are really close.

So close, that I think I.... love him?

I got nervous and slipped off the floaty and swam back to the dock. I quickly pulled myself up and ran to the patio.

I ran through my bag that I brought outside with me and pulled out my phone. My fingers struggled to tap on Natalie's contact. C'mon stupid anxiety.

The keyboard popped up on our conversation. I typed as fast as I could. I screwed up. I need advice fast!!!

The truth was, what advice was I going to get from Natalie? Yeah, she's super cool and chill and she's pretty social. But sometimes, she's a total idiot. Not academically idiotic but still pretty stupid.

Natalie has never really had a relationship with anyone or even talked to a boy seriously. Other than her early relationship with Ross, she was a lost cause. Natalie had good grades and always stayed on top of everything, super organized, loved anime and YouTube and stuff, but still focused on school.

She had some anxiety issues ever since the accident. She also had some from before then with problems with her other family that took her. But I always supported her. We got through our issues together because we are the closet friends and sisters ever.

But again, back to the problem. Natalie is a total nerd. I'm not lying when I described her. Back in middle school, people knew her and her reputation so they would just scream, "Hey! Idiotic Nerd Alert!"

But she didn't mind. She was a cool nerd/dork. That's why I love her.

I didn't get an immediate response from her. Not anymore, since she's started college again.

But.... even though I don't see her as much because of work, Ross volunteered to spend a week every month to visit her in New York.

Hint hint, Rotalie.

I put my phone back in my bag. Ross tapped on my shoulder. I turned and looked at him.

He smiled at me. "I gotta go catch my flight now." he said. I smiled mischievously.

"Okay, here, give this to Natalie." I said as I handed him a small box and a letter.

He nodded, gave me a hug, then waved to everyone and left.

I sat on my beach chair for an hour and swam for another. It was 8:30.

Adam walked up to me. "It's getting late. Alesa wants to know whatcha gonna do?" he said.

"Is she kicking me out?" I said smiling. He shook his head.

"No, she's just concerned since she has to put Mason to bed soon." he said. I nodded.

I walked to the edge of the dock. Max was sitting there, looking out at the lake. I sighed and sat next to him.

He looked at me. "Hey." he said.
"Hey."

"Um, what- what did you mean by we're friends earlier?" he said. I looked at him nervous.

"Uh..." I said. I sighed. "I don't know. I don't know why I said that."

He looked at the water. "Melody, I- I don't want us to be just friends."

I looked at him, shaking. "W.. What do you mean?" I said.

He stood up and put his hands on his head. "I'm going to be straight forward. I-"

The tension was so intense. My anxiety took over. I couldn't stop shaking.

Suddenly, I pushed him off the dock. He belly flopped on the water. I covered my mouth and gasped.

"Max! I'm so sorry! I was so nervous! I- I didn't know what to say! My nerves just took over! I-" I said. Max grabbed my leg. I slipped and fell into the water. He laughed as I spit out stupid dirty water.

I started splashing him in anger. We laughed together and splashed each other. I tried grabbing the floaty as a weapon but he pulled me towards him. I smiled and swam away.

It was 9:15 now. Super late. I changed back to my clothes and just wanted to take a shower.

I sat on the couch in the house with Alesa. We were watching Scream Queens.

Max came into the living room on the phone.
"Tim.... Okay, fine.... I'll just crash somewhere... Bye." He hung up.

I looked at him. "Who was that?" I asked.

"Tim, he wants me out of the apartment for the night cause he has this girl over." he said.

Alesa and I smirked. "Tim got a girl?" Alesa teased.

Max shook his head and smiled. "I know, unbelievable."

I looked at Max and stood up. "So, you need a place to stay?" I muttered.

He nodded. "Uh, yeah, but I can just stay at Barney and Red's, they'll-" he started.

"You can stay at my place." I said quickly.

Alesa and Max looked at me. Alesa covered her mouth. "Ooooo." she said.

I stared daggers at her. Max scratched his head. "Um, I wouldn't want to disturb you." he said.

I shook my head. "Please, the only thing you would be disturbing is the snobby neighbors next door." I said.

He looked at Alesa then back at me. "Okay, let me just grab my stuff." he said.

"Already did it!" Adam said as he poked his head into the living room and dangled a gym bag.

I face palmed myself and fell on the couch. Max was getting red, but not a blush, anger.

"Adam, I don't care how many people are here, I'm going to kick your ass right here." he said.

Adam dropped the gym bag and ran down the hall. Max grabbed a plastic cup and chased after him. I laughed with Alesa. She looked at me.

"So... You volunteered to take care of your man?" she said slyly. I rolled my eyes.

"Max is my friend, Alesa." I said. She snorted.

"Closest friends I've seen." she said. I rolled my eyes again and smiled.

"Whatever, I'm leaving now. Thanks for everything, Alesa." I said and gave her a hug.

"No problem." she said and gave me a hug back. "Just make sure, Wreck-It Ralph doesn't screw you up okay?"

I nodded and smiled. "I will. Max! Come on, I'm leaving." I yelled.

Adam ran into the room and picked up Bailey from the floor. Max came in after him. He stared at the dog.

"You wouldn't hurt an innocent dog, would you?" Adam said and used Bailey to cover his face. Max rolled his eyes.

"Fine, I wouldn't. But I'm coming back for you sooner or later." he said.

We said bye and walked to my car.