Melody's POV:
Wait...what? Did I just say mint?
I opened my eyes quickly only to freeze at my spot completely.
Not because of the place I was or the numerous amount of those beautiful birds.Because I was completely snuggled against Asher. With no exaggerations whatsoever.
He smells like mint.
I mentally slapped my brain so hard it almost popped out of my skull.
He was leaning against a tree while I was leaning against him as one of his arms was wrapped around me. My inner self was begging to forget it and close my eyes and enjoy it till I can. But I couldn't.
I pulled away his arm slowly and stepped out. He stirred in his sleep but didn't wake up. I moved back trying to keep as much distance between us as I can.
I can't help it! I was freaking out.
Why? Well, because I, Melody Pierce, never had ever slept with a boy before. Secondly, it felt so good that it was scaring me of the reality that's soon going to slap me hard.
I know it's definitely not a big thing. It wasn't. But we weren't close. We weren't supposed to be this close.
All I could wish right now was to disappear. To vanish. To just be out of here. Or maybe right now would be the best moment for the ground to open up and...well, swallow me.
I took a deep breath, running my hands through my messed up hair. I straightened out my red sweater taking a deep breath.
To divert my mind off this I started thinking about last night as I sat down on another log near the car.
Tyler had called.
Would he have told mom that he talked to me? Or maybe Alyssa? Did he really mean when he said he cared about me?
No! He said he did care about me. In the past.
Why did he have to say that? Why could he have not said this before? Before I ran away? When I needed him?
I rubbed my hands up and down my arms not because of cold but because of the missing warmth I just had few minutes ago.
I was such a pathetic person.
I was so lost in thoughts until I heard a crunch of leaves from right behind me. I jumped up in fright and turned only to find Asher looking at me confused.
"Do you get scared so easily?" He asked with a hint of tease in his voice.
I couldn't believe how he could act so calm and casual right now. Did he just not know that we slept together? How can he be so calm while I'm freaking out only looking at him?
I, on the other hand, was deep down a nervous wreck. My heart was beating wildly.
Wasn't I just thinking about Tyler? And now him?
I must've gone pale because his face changed into a worried one as he stepped closer.
"Hey-" He started but I quickly interrupted him.
"Shouldn't we get back in the car?" I asked looking anywhere but him.
The thought of getting out of this embarrassing situation was appealing even if it meant going back in that car and look out the window for the rest of the ride. I wasn't complaining of the car though. It's just I hated the uncomfortable silence.
He opened his mouth in confusion then shut it close when I stepped away from him.
I don't know why I was doing this. But it was feeling strange being this close to him. It was like his warmth was enveloping me. I didn't want that. Because such situations are destined to fail.
Or maybe I was hyperventilating. That's one of my talents in such awkward situations.
I felt his stare following me.
"Yeah, you're right." He said going towards the car.
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Orlando.
That's where we had come.I, never in my life, had imagined traveling a beautiful city like Orlando. Not just beautiful, it was beyond any words. I mean, I know there might be more beautiful places like this but this was the first place I'd seen out of New York. And it was beautiful.
Beautiful lakes surrounded the city with tall buildings. It almost looked like a dream. You could almost make out the shimmery line of calm blue water just at the end of those lush green trees.
Asher had told me that we were here because he had some work to do with his studio and stuff. And I wasn't objecting. I mean, I get to look around this city. What more could I ask for?
People in rich business suits entered buildings or roamed around in their cars. I was too awed that I was just looking out the window all the time until the car stopped in front of a really big building.
A guard came out and went over to Asher's side as they both talked about something.
This must be his studio. I couldn't help myself but think about how tall and big that building was.
Now the only thing that was bothering me was, where I was staying? I barely know this place or the people here. I only knew...Asher.
"She'll be staying in the studio." I heard him as if answering my thoughts.
But of course he didn't answer my thoughts. He was just talking to the guard with that black suit who almost looked like a guy from a serial killer movie.
Now, that was my queue to panic. I mean, I could not just do that, right? I am most definitely not going to stay with him and ruin...whatever is left.
"No!" I jumped in.
Both of them looked at me with confusion. I ragged my brain for the exact words as I blurted out as fast as I can. I mean, that guard was staring at me too. I most definitely do not like when strangers like him stare at me.
"I...uh, I'm staying at a hotel." I said looking at no one in particular.
The guard who still looked confused went away when Asher asked him to. Asher looked at me with a serious expression.
"No, you aren't." He said with a raised brow.
He isn't the one to decide that.
"I am, Asher. I am living in a hotel for now. I can't live in your studio." I tried to make some sense into this situation.
Even thinking about it made me nervous all over again, you know, living in his studio.
He looked at me with a curious expression. His eyes were trying to figure out something.
"Fine." He said at last, making it very hard for me to control the relieved sigh to escape from my lips.
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Right now I was laying on a comfortable white bed which was too soft. I cannot even imagine getting out of this right now. Or ever. Until I decide what to do.
The room was extremely big with white walls and a big mirror just in front of the bed.
And yes, this was where I was going to stay for I don't know how long. This is the hotel I'm staying in. After agreeing, Asher had dropped me off to this hotel.
He hadn't been too eager but I had thanked him.
"You can stay at my studio." He tried again for the tenth time.
He was trying to persuade me again and again but I couldn't bring myself to say yes.
How could I?
"I'll be fine." I said with a reassuring smile as we entered the room where I was going to stay.
Believe me when I say this, it was way bigger than my room at home. I loved it the moment I entered it.
I heard him sigh behind me but he didn't press further.
It seemed like I was the only person who was happy right now. Why wouldn't I be? This place was like my dream which I never thought would be true.
"Fine then. I'll leave."
Just like that.
Those were his last words before he turned and left, passing me a last glance.
I know, I should've stopped him. But I didn't.
Why should I? He's finally getting rid of me. How can I stop him?
Who knows if he would even want to stay? And anyways, what would I even say if I stopped him?It's fine, Mel.
So I watched him disappear down the hallway before getting in my senses and closing the white door behind me.
He didn't even say goodbye.
I'm here now. A new start, a new life. Escaped from that shitty one.
I took a deep sigh and laid down on my bed. And that's what I had been doing since, looking at the white ceiling which glowed like a handful of pearls.
It's not like I have much luggage to open except the bag I had with me.
I finally stood up, taking out my clothes and arranging them in the big closet. The money I had right now was enough for staying in this hotel for a week. Maybe.
But I would think about it later.
Right now all I needed was a cold shower.
Making sure the door was locked, I went inside the huge bathroom. White tiled floor with a big bathtub.
I opened the shower and went under it. My head still ached where the big mean guy had pushed me on the tree but I was used to this.
It would fade away.
Pulling myself in a large white bathrobe, I went towards my bed and sat down.
This was the moment where anyone could truly see the real Melody Pierce. Without the concealed scars. This was me.
The one I hated. And was used to.
I looked down at my arm to see a purple bruise almost covering my elbow.
I took a huge sigh, wrapping my arms around my knees.
Who knows what this new start might bring?
Melody's POV:Friends. That what I thought I'd never make. But I guess my life had different plans.I looked at the beautiful antique shop with golden encrusting on it's entrance door.Mom loved antique things. Like vases, door hangings, decorations. The moment I saw this shop, Mom came in my head. But it's not like I can buy anything for her. She's far away from me. She doesn't know where I am. She would never know. What would an antique piece do?I sighed and started walking ahead.I had been looking around the whole neighborhood. I mean, I'm living here. I should look around.I might just have taken two steps when I heard fast footsteps behind me. I turned with a jerk as my gut told me too.And then what? I slammed into someone really bad.I would've fallen right on the ground embarrassing myself in front of these strangers but thankfully, the person caught my arm balancing me on my foot."Oh God! I'm so sorry!" The person in front of me said in a truly apologetic voice.I looked a
Melody's POV:I looked at Amelia's back as I tried to figure out if I was in reality or not. You know, you really need to confirm first."Is it really you? I'm seeing Asher Martinez in front of me." She gushed.I rubbed my eyes off exhaustion as I stood up."Did I come to the wrong room?" I heard his voice most probably trying his best not to laugh on her face."Absolutely not." I heard Amelia's excited voice turning into a defensive one.Seriously?I went over the door looking at Asher."Oh, I didn't. This is the right room." He said with his signature smile as he eyed me.I wasn't sure whether to smile or bang my head on the wall. Instead, I just stuck with a frown.He was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans looking good as always making it hard for me to tear away my stupid gaze. I traveled my gaze away from him before they both find out.I looked at Amelia who was practically jumping up and down in excitement. She looked like she was in heaven as her brown eyes sparkled."I cannot b
Melody's POV:Wow.That's the first word that popped itself in my brain as I entered the studio. Leading from the glass doors was a long hallway that pretty much resembled as a reception.You know the feeling of deep nervousness? Or that feeling when all you want is to crawl in your bed and shut your eyes close?That's what I got when the people eyed me. Well, there weren't many of them but still it was awkward. However they didn't seem to do anything other then stare or do whatever they were doing.On the other hand, Asher wasn't even a bit nervous like I was. Why would he? It's his studio after all.He stopped suddenly in front of another pair of brilliant glass doors. And I, as clumsy as I am, didn't see him stopping and slammed right into him. He thankfully took hold of my shoulders before I would have fallen down and looked at me with a grin."I should probably warn you before we enter, that Bob inside would most definitely not be in a good mood. But who cares?" He said in a rush
Melody's POV:Opening my own art gallery was one of my biggest dreams. But dreams weren't what I believed in. I used to think that it's impossible to think that your dreams can come true. At least if it's about my life.Even though I loved painting, I never imagined that I would ever stand in front of a soon-to-open art gallery.I was standing in front of a beautiful peach painted building which was about to be opened as a new gallery. An art gallery.And why was I here? Getting back from the café where Amelia and I met, I saw a brochure for hiring help for the new art gallery. Of course, I was excited. I mean, I know there will be many people already getting hired for it since it looked like a really rich building but still it was exciting.It doesn't hurt to try, right?The building looked like a really rich one. I'm sure the owner would be rich too.I pushed open the door hearing the melodious bell ring as I entered the building. To my surprise, there wasn't even a single person in
Melody's POV:I rubbed my eyes off sleep as I opened the glass doors of the new art gallery. I was never a morning person but now that I have a job, I need to wake up early which I clearly didn't remember yesterday.Staying awake late night thinking about stuff. And now I was paying for not sleeping early.I looked around the whole place which had been crowded yesterday. So many people had come. It had been a long exciting night. And I'm sure today will be the same."How about this color?" Cameron said from behind me.I turned and looked at the paint bucket and a roller in his hand. He was wearing a green T-shirt which made his eyes look more...vibrant. His hair was in a huge mess like he had just woken up."Not a morning person, I guess?" He asked with a chuckle.I looked away from him and sat down in one of the chairs that were sitting along the nearest wall."Why are you carrying paint bucket with you?" I asked eyeing the other buckets on the floor as he went behind a desk and came
Melody's POV:It's been days since I had talked with Asher. Since he had talked. It's been days since he called.Part of me wanted to call him but part of me kept on thinking what Bob had said. Maybe I was interfering in his life.I sighed and picked up my phone from the table beside my bed.Friends don't ignore each other.Asher's number was the first number in my contact list. Because he had practically forced me to save his number. I pressed the call button and waited for him to pick up. After the third ring he finally picked up."Hey. Are you my phone charger?" He asked.I tried to register what he just asked."What?" I asked slowly."Because I'd die without you." He answered.That kind of took me off guard."Asher, it's too early in the morning and you are doing this? Are you seriously crazy?" I asked, confused.I was expecting him to sound tired as it was only five in the morning. But he sounded as fresh as ever throwing cheesy pickup lines."Did you call to check up on me, ange
Melody's POV:I opened the door and stepped out taking the whole view in. The whole place looked like a valley. In between mountains and lush beautiful trees.I looked up at the big sign decorated with colorful flowers.Welcome toThe land of Beauty.It did look like the land of beauty. I never knew such places existed. It was remarkably beautiful. "Come on." Asher said walking forward.Without any hesitation, I followed him towards the beautiful place. It looked like a town. People roamed from here to there.Suburb designed houses lined the street with bright colors. Mostly the houses were white but their roofs and doors were painted bright colors which made it look more beautiful.We walked for a while until Asher stopped. Then I realized where we were. On a hill top. And everything looked so green and graceful from here.All I wanted to do was lay there and never wake up."Where did you even find such place?" I asked looking at the blue clouds.It was confusing though. Asher, bein
Melody's POV:"Mom, this is Melody." Amelia said introducing me to her mother.Her mother had the same eyes as her. But brown hair. She was just as beautiful as Amelia."Melody. It's nice to meet you, dear." She said with a warm smile.I smiled back noticing that she was busy in some papers."You too." I said politely.She looked like some sort of businesswoman. I knew that because of my mother. Whenever mom used to come back from her trips, she was usually busied with huge stack of papers and phonecalls."So, I get you're new here. Living with your parents?" She asked trying her best to arrange them as quick as possible.You see, I didn't know how to reply to that. Whenever it came to parents.How would it seem when I tell her that no, I'm not living with my parents. I ran away. And even if I would've been living with my parents, they wouldn't be together. Because they're divorced.See? That sounds horrible.I'm sure if I tell her that, she's going to make sure to make her daughter s