Chapter 1
Dez awoke with a start. He was so excited that Melanie couldn't think of any reasons why they shouldn't date. That meant he still had a chance. But he was still trying to work up the courage to talk to her about going out together. Suddenly his phone started ringing. It was Charlie.
"Hey man what's up" said Dez.
"Oh not too much" Charlie replied. "I have to go to Mel's ballet class today because we are leaving right when her class ends to go to a party thing. Do you want to come?
"Sure why not" Dez replied with a little leap in his heart. He had a feeling if he could talk to Melanie alone he could actually explain how he felt and maybe get somewhere. He couldn't stop starring and admiring her from afar. He knew he had to do it.
"Be at my house by 4:30. Mel's class starts at 5 and we don't want her to be late" replied Charlie in a nicer tone than usual.
"Ok" Dez replied excitedly. This was really his chance to talk to her and to maybe say how he felt. He first needed to talk to Charlie about it. Charlie was a weird person with many different pieces to him. Protecting Mel from guys that weren't worthy of her was one of them and Dez wanted Charlie to know first.
Melanie checked the time. 4:15 pm. It was time to get into her leotard and tights and get her hair up in a bun. She had just put on her tights and leotard when she heard a knock on the door. She went down the hall and peaked around the corner to see Dez, Charlie's best friend walk through the door. They were talking rather quietly so Mel leaned in to hear what they were saying.
"Man I need to talk to you about something important"
"Ok Dez. What's going on" Charlie said. Dez fidgeted and Melanie could tell there was something up
"What's going on?" Charlie repeated.
"I love your sister" Dez spit out
Charlie stared back at him. "You what?" Charlie said raising his voice.
"Look I had to tell you. I've loved your sister ever since we started being friends and I know how much you want to protect her from guys who aren't worthy of her". "I want to ask you if you'd be alright with it" Dez continued.
Charlie stared at Dez for the longest time.
"I guess man but you have to promise not to hurt her cause if you do I'm gonna kick your sorry ass and we won't be friends anymore" Charlie replied. Dez nodded in agreement.
Melanie couldn't believe it. Dez was asking for permission from Charlie if he could ask her out. It was scary but she should have seen the signs. That awkward moment during the fire evacuation when she was taking pictures of the dogs and the conversation with Dez wouldn't leave her mind. She tiptoed back to her room hoping that Dez and Charlie wouldn't know that she heard and saw the whole conversation unfold.