Melody

When lunchtime finally rolled around, my heart was in my stomach. Today was the first day I was willingly spending my break outside of the art room. And after a showdown with Alcott High's Regina George, it was pretty crazy to think I was spending it with Carson.

Maybe I did lack self-preservation...

Shrugging off the thought, I marched through the backdoors of the school, and headed for the trees behind the bleachers. Upon reaching the trees, I could see Carson wasn't there yet, which left me to choose a spot. After glancing around, I settled on where he found me crying last time – a nice shaded spot, hidden away from the school. I sat down and crossed my legs then looked around.

Did he mean these trees? Am I in the right place? What if he didn't mean here and he's sitting by himself somewhere else wondering if I'm going to come?

I look around again before another thought – a worse one – creeps into my mind.

What if he was joking this whole time? What if he really doesn't like me, or doesn't even want me to be his friend, and is laughing at me right now? What if –

"Mellie!"

Cue my surprised scream. It wasn't loud, but I think if Carson was sleepy, he couldn't be now. "Sorry I startled you," he laughed, sitting down in front of me. My face heated up and I made a face at him, which only made him laugh harder.

"Well, glad to know my shriek of terror didn't deafen you," I retorted narrowing my eyes. Carson grinned, and his laughter continued.

"You're so cute," he said poking my nose. If my face was red before, it had to be scarlet by now. Carson just called me cute! I didn't think I was cute, but I'm glad he did.

Wait... did he mean little sibling cute or girlfriend material cute?

I blinked away the thought.

"Thank you, you are too," I said. "Wait... I mean not like cute! Handsome like – wait I mean –"

Oh God.

"Ooh, Melody thinks I'm handsome!" Carson teased, holding a hand over his heart.

"I didn't say that, I was looking for a manly alternative to 'cute'!" I objected. Carson grinned at me making me pout slightly.

"Melody thinks I'm handsome! Melody thinks I'm handsome! Melody thinks –" Carson sang until I leaned forward and placed my hand over his mouth. His lips were soft under my palm and it made me wonder what they'd feel like on my lips. I quickly pulled my hands away, as if Carson could hear the thought through my fingers. Carson gave me a wide-eyed look and I stared down at my lap, unsure. It felt like there was an electric current running between us... unless it was my imagination. I really hoped it wasn't and that Carson felt it too.

"Um, you have gym class next, right?" I asked. It was a very lame way to switch the topic, and I'm sure Carson noticed, but he didn't say anything to indicate it.

"Yeah, I do. Which reminds me, I should eat now so I don't feel sick in class," Carson said. I pulled my knees up to my chest and watched as he took a little lunch bag out of his backpack. It brought a smile to my face knowing that he had one. "What?"

"Nothing," I murmured, resting my chin on my knees. I watched Carson as he unzipped the bag without meeting my eyes.

"So, I brought two sandwiches and some veggies and fruit... in case you didn't bring anything or like your lunch or something like that," Carson told me while staring down at the food he was pulling out. He seemed almost nervous as he spoke without looking at me.

"You didn't have to," I whispered shyly. There were very mixed emotions going on inside me right now. I was so taken aback by Carson's unending sweetness and kind gestures. Not that I should be; this boy was full of surprises from the moment we met. I was also happy – no ecstatic that he thought so much about me. But of course, with a mix of emotions, came negative ones too. I was nervous and anxious to eat in front of him. I knew Carson wasn't going to judge me, and considering he'd just taken a sandwich out to eat himself, he definitely wouldn't be. But I hated eating in front of people.

"I wanted to," Carson smiled.

Slowly, I picked up a carrot stick and dipped it into the dressing before placing it into my mouth. I put a hand over my mouth, self-consciously, to cover my chewing. It was so obvious I was over-thinking the concept of eating a carrot, but I was anxious about it. Carson unwrapped a turkey sandwich and took a massive bite out of it. He chewed and swallowed in a matter of seconds, making my delicate carrot eating process look rather pathetic.

When I swallowed and watched Carson eat more, he laughed and said, "I packed them for you, have more." I nodded and repeated the self-conscious carrot eating process. "You know, I really had fun at your house, during the party."

"I did too," I smiled. "I never guessed you would be as passionate about Project Runway as you were," I teased. Carson chuckled.

"It was actually a really good show!" Carson defended before biting into his sandwich.

"I know!" I laughed. "But next time, you have to show me one of your favourite movies." My eyes widened when I realized what I just said.

"Did the one and only Melody Reese just ask me out?" Carson grinned. I wasn't asking but hanging out again would be nice. My cheeks heated immediately, and my heart began beating faster than Usain Bolt in a 100-meter race.

"I-I – I mean if – if you –" English please comeback.

"Because I totally accept," Carson said, saving me from my malfunction.

"What?" It was shock that spoke, not me. Carson laughed at my response.

"We can watch a movie at my house if you'd like," Carson suggested. I nodded slowly, wondering if this was actually happening. "When are you free?" Carson asked, making me realize I should be contributing to the conversation.

"Anytime. We can do next Friday if you want?" I suggested. Margot was going out that night. "I'll be able to stay out later I think." Not that anyone at home would really care where I was...

"Next Friday sounds perfect," Carson confirmed. He finished his sandwich, while I reached for a fifth carrot. We chewed quietly, for a few moments. The soft breeze rustling the turning leaves in the trees and the distant chatter of students filled the comfortable silence between us.

"I really like this," I said quietly.

"Good, because I like you... a lot," Carson told me with a shy smile.

Wait whaaaaaat?

"Really?" Oops. Did I say that out loud? Carson laughed but it sounded a little nervous.

"Yes, Mellie I like you... a lot." Carson said seriously. I had to be dreaming.

"Seriously?" Jesus Melody, can you say anything else?

Carson took my hand and held it tightly. "I really like you, and I'm sure about it."

"I like you too. A lot," I replied.

"Oh, thank God – you were making me nervous there," Carson said with a sigh of relief. "And I know you weren't really asking me out, but I do want to go out with you, so I'm glad you're willing to go."

"I'm more than willing to go anywhere you are," I told him. My cheeks were hot, and I hoped it wasn't too bold a statement. Carson gave me a smile that could have set the trees ablaze. Then I passed out.

Just kidding.

I smiled back, but there definitely wasn't any oxygen reaching my lungs at the moment. I couldn't wrap my head around it. Carson White liked me, and we were going on a date next Friday.

All I had to do was survive the next two weeks.

___________

Author's Note: FAAAAVOURITE CHAPTER SO FAR. Hehe these two are basically on Cloud Nine; am I right? Hehe let me know what you think of their lunch date in the comments! And if you really loved this chapter vote vote vote (and even tell your friends hehe)!

Ps. What do you think might happen this week?