Melody

As I tried to focus on my homework that night, I found myself thinking about Carson a lot. I knew it probably wasn't smart to do, as I had many other things going on and having Carson as a friend would probably complicate my life much more.

However, I still couldn't help thinking about the way that we sat on the bench after he bought me a small raspberry slushy. He bought himself a vanilla-chocolate swirl ice cream that certainly looked really delicious. We were quiet for a bit before he told me how he never came to the park anymore because he no longer had a dog to walk. But it was different when I came.

And it confused me. It confused me to have this much positive attention on me for so long. I wasn't used to it at all. But it was so nice. And I wanted to keep looking into the burning caramel that was his eyes, because he was captivating and made me forget about everything else.

He made me feel like flowers were growing inside me, rather than thorny vines. I didn't want to admit it, but it was true, and it was dangerous. I couldn't have him sucked into my world, but he was forbidden fruit and I was Eve.

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked into the mirror. I was wearing a tight black checked skirt with a loose white turtleneck sweater that was cropped. My hair was slicked back into a high ponytail and I was wearing black high heels. As I finished putting on dark red lipstick I got a text message.

I'm outside, are you ready?

Gavin LeBlanc; 6:40am

Coming.

Melody Reese; 6:41am

I grabbed my purse and darted down the stairs. A pristine white Mercedes Benz was waiting on the road for me. I opened the door and slid in.

"Good morning Gavin!" I said cheerily as I sat down.

"Good morning Melody," He replied. "Your outfit is lovely, not too much but just enough. They'll love you."

I hoped they would. 'They' were clients looking for models and Gavin was my agent. So, in fact, I was not going to school today because I was hoping to get booked for this job instead.

The drive there was quiet, the low hum of the radio being the soundtrack to the ride. Gavin went over how I should act and smile quickly before he stopped the car. He walked me inside and we signed in. When I looked around, I saw the thirty other girls who probably had much higher chances of getting the job than I did.

I knew I should be used to walking into situations like these, but every time, it felt new and was a blow to my confidence. I shook it off and pasted on a smile as I was called into the room. I was asked to show my runway walk clad in different articles of their clothing. The clients watched me intently, and then it was time to leave. It was always a quick in and out, and I would find out if I had the job in a few days.

"I have a good feeling about this!" Gavin said, smiling as we got into the car.

We pulled out of the parking lot and began heading towards my neighbourhood. We weren't too far, as it was about a twenty-minute drive. However, the twenty minutes left me thinking about how school was slowly becoming an annoying place to be.

"Ugh, do I have to go back to school?" I asked Gavin, making him chuckle in response.

"I already pulled you out for a half day!" He responded. I wrinkled my nose and thought quickly.

"But, its already the weekend," I whined. He laughed and finally agreed dropping me off at my house in the end. While I wasn't necessarily one to run away, I quite liked the idea of staying home and away from the drama at school.

I changed into leggings and a purple crew neck sweater and curled up on the couch for a change to watch television. Luckily no one was home, so I was left in peace. And for once, it was a good day.

***

The rest of the weekend was uneventful, and I found myself walking into English class on Monday morning before I knew it. When I stepped into the classroom, I noticed that Carson was already seated, and his head snapped towards me instantly. I was smiling at him before I could catch myself. Quickly, I bit the inside of my cheek and broke eye contact with him. I looked down at my feet, making sure I didn't trip but I could feel his stare follow me to my seat. I sat down at my desk before looking up at him through my eyelashes.

"Hey," I said casually.

"Hey," Carson replied. "Where were you on Friday?"

The question caught me off guard completely and I stared at him wide-eyed. Someone actually noticed my absence... it was something I never really thought would happen. So, I didn't think of an excuse prior to today.

"Um..." I mumbled, buying myself more time. At my old school, it was unwise to tell people where I had actually gone, especially if I didn't get the job. "I just decided to take the day off and watch TV."

"I thought you didn't watch very much television," Carson quoted. I blushed and looked down at my desk.

"I don't, but it was a Project Runway kind of day!" I defended shyly. Carson chuckled at that.

"Melody Reese, you are so full of mysteries," he commented before turning around. Jeff then sat down next to me with a curious stare. I shrugged and took out my English books.

"This is the last class we are working on these collages, and then they're due tomorrow!" Mr. Garcia called from the front of the classroom. We had been given a few classes to work on it, but we had also worked on other things, which was why it was so dragged out. Lily and Carson turned their chairs around and Jeff went to go get our collage.

We were a little more than halfway done, which meant that we had to get it all finished today, unless we wanted to meet up after school. I for one didn't want to spend any time with anyone. As much as I was starting to get closer to Carson, it wasn't smart, and I certainly didn't want Jeff and Lily knowing my life story. I could make friends, but it would have to be with a bunch of unobservant people, or they would just have to deal with me putting everyone at arm's length.

We worked fairly quietly, focused on getting as much done as possible in the class time we were allotted. That is, until the sound of a fire alarm made everyone jump.

"It's just a drill. Everyone, please leave in an orderly fashion. Last person; close the door behind you," Mr. Garcia said, his voice dripping with irritation. I wrinkled my nose and stood up.

We filed out of the classroom in a group and headed down the hallway. I watched as everyone chatted happily and joked around with their friends. I felt a pang of jealousy in my stomach but quickly shook it off. Things were too complicated. It had to be this way.

***

At lunch, I walked into the art room to continue my usual routine. I stopped however, when I saw a different teacher sitting at Ms. Foster's desk. The board behind her said 'Ms. Lang'. I sighed.

"Can I help you?" The substitute teacher looked up suddenly.

"No, I was looking for Ms. Foster, but I can tell she isn't here today," I said with a forced smile. Ms. Lang smiled and nodded. I turned around then, with my heart hammering in my chest. I wasn't in the mood for the library, so I decided on the cafeteria. My empty stomach grumbled in agreement, but I wasn't too sure I was going to eat very much.

I slowly stepped through the cafeteria doors and walked towards the lunch line. Peaking over people's shoulder's I was able to see that the same old greasy food was being served. The smell made my stomach grumble with glee, but luckily my head was the one controlling my body. I turned away from the line and glanced around the room.

I noticed everyone had very similar seating arrangements to my first day here, but this time there was an empty table in the back corner. I kept my eyes glued to the floor as I quickly walked over to the table, ignoring the odd looks I got for finally stepping foot into the cafeteria, and from the people who weren't over the whole Toilet Girl thing.

I sat down at the table and found myself happy that my hair was down today, as it covered my face. I pulled out my sketchbook and began doodling in the corner of it. I wasn't focused on drawing a new design, but I did like drawing people's facial features.

I found myself glancing up every so often, watching other people eat and converse, and wondering what it would be like if things were different – to have a simpler life.

From an outside perspective, everything in my life looked fine. I have a rich father, and a beautiful stepmother and stepsister. I have a big house, could buy all the cutest clothes I want, and have a housekeeper that cooks amazing food. Anyone taking a glimpse into my life would wonder why I was complaining and what the hell was wrong with me.

But that was it. There was something wrong with me. I had all the clothes I wanted but hated the body that they were for. I was constantly reminded that I was a wilting weed, while Mia was a beautiful and blossoming flower. She fit into my life more than I did. My father barely spoke to me as he was always at work or with Margot and that big house was always too big, as it was always empty. When I could distract myself I was okay, but when I was alone, I was constantly reminded of how I felt emptier than the house I was stuck in.

"Melody!" The sudden sound caused me to jump. "Why are you sitting by yourself?" Alani asked.

I shrugged. "I was just sitting for a little while."

Alani raised an eyebrow. "Well, come sit for a little while, with me." She motioned to her table, but I hesitated. I didn't want to be rude, but it wasn't a good idea. "It's better to have allies in this school," She added. I nodded and stood up, grabbing my things as well. We weaved in and out of the tables, approaching where Alani sat.

"Aw, how cute. Toilet Girl is going to sit with the freaks," Serena sneered as we walked passed the popular table. They all laughed, and I stopped turning to fix them a glare.

That's when I noticed Carson sitting there and my expression faltered, as he turned to Serena. Maybe he was about to defend me. I wouldn't know because I quickly walked away from the table as my cheeks warmed.

It was one thing for the popular crowd to mock me and try to embarrass me, but to do it in front of Carson felt weird and horrible.

Maybe it's because you care about him... a voice in my head suggested. My eyes widened at the thought, as it was unwise to care about him. However, it was getting harder and harder to deny that I did care about Carson White as much as it was something that I wanted to stay away from. Any how I twisted it, Carson White was forbidden fruit, but they do say it tastes twice as sweet.

While it must be true, I hoped I'd be able to resist him as long as I was at this school.

_______________

Author's Note: This chapter sort of wrote itself haha but I hope you like it! Melody is modelling? Hmmmm? What do you think? And her feelings towards Carson? Should she pursue them? I'm hoping to get you another chapter really soon!

Melody's modelling outfit:

Vote and comment what you think!