Standard disclaimers apply. I don't own RENT, I think everybody understands that. I also don't own the title to this story; I'm borrowing it from Blessid Union of Souls. It is a song by them that I've recently come to love, only because Denise put it on the mix CD she made for me, without telling me. But I'm glad, because the song rocks. Enjoy this new story from me!

Chapter 1

She sang alto in his choir. She had long brown hair and very beautiful green eyes. She was petite and slender and beautiful.

Her name was Melanie Schwartz. She had just transferred from Westport to Scarsdale, New York a month ago, to finish out her sophomore year. Nobody knew exactly why she had moved. Rumors pieced together many different stories about her that, before her arrival, had already spread like wildfire.

She seemed like the kind of person that would be one hundred percent off-limits, but there was no reasoning behind that rumor, either.

And Roger Davis had a huge crush on her.

"So why don't you just talk to her?" Mark Cohen, Roger's best friend and a freshman, asked him.

"Because," Roger emphasized painfully, "it's harder than you think. She's always surrounded by a completely random gaggle of wannabe girls."

"Maybe," Mark said, "but you could always catch her at lunch or in the library or at a sporting event or something?"

"Yeah, like you?" Roger retorted.

Mark didn't have a retort for that comment. He had met Maureen at a party last year when she was rather drunk. He'd then taken her to his house, afraid she'd hurt herself in her drunken state. Mrs. Cohen had yelled at him for going to the party, especially for bringing Maureen home the way she was; and once she had sobered up, they had talked for a few hours, and he had asked her out in the end. They'd been together ever since. He featured her in many of his short amateur films that he made for his film critique class. Mrs. Cohen didn't know about that; but as far as Mark cared, she didn't need to.

"Hey," he said, blushing, "that hurts."

Roger sighed. "I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean it. I'm just really nervous about this whole Melanie thing. Maybe I shouldn't be, but how the hell do I know? If only I…"

Suddenly, his voice trailed off, as an idea emerged. "Hey, wait— what about the beach party next month?" He looked at Mark. "Do you think I should invite her?"

"Sure, why not?" Mark said, smiling. He patted Roger on the back. "See? If it's meant to be, it'll work out. I think you're reading too much into this. You two could start by simply hanging out."

"I hope so," Roger said nervously.

There was only a few weeks until school let out. Then there was the beach party. Roger knew he had to act fast to get Melanie to go with him, or she might go with someone else.

So when choir dismissed the next day, Roger waited until everyone had left to ask her.

Before he could lose his nerve, he walked up to her and tapped her on the shoulder. When she turned around to see who it was, butterflies immediately rose in his stomach, making him feel slightly sick.

"Hi," she said, "um… do I know you?"

"I, um, I'm Roger Davis," Roger stammered, blushing. He could barely remember his own name, let alone string sentences together in front of her. "We— we're in choir together and… American Literature, too, I think."

"Oh yeah," Melanie said. "You're Mr. Sheppard's infamous tenor. You're singing 'Ride the Chariot' with that big group for Regionals, right?"

Roger blushed. "Yeah, me and my friends are," he said. He was pleased that she'd complimented him and he hadn't even been talking to her for two minutes.

"Are you enjoying it?" she asked, as they walked out of the room to the hallway.

"Oh yeah, it's great fun," Roger said. "The way we see it, it's ninety percent singing, ten percent acting. To act while singing, um, kind of impresses the judge, see. Plus, we goof off a lot, too."

Melanie nodded. "I've thought about doing Regionals, but I think I'd be way too scared in front of the judge."

"That passes with experience," Roger said. "You have your whole junior and senior years left to do competitions and honor choirs and stuff to become comfortable with it. I'm sure you'd be great." The bell went off, signaling they had five minutes left to get to class. "Oh, shit. We'd, uh, better get going. Do you want me to walk you to your next class?"

"Sure," Melanie said, smiling. "It's AP U.S. History."

"Yuck," Roger said immediately, "sounds incredibly boring. Who wants to learn about World War II and stuff all over again?"

Melanie laughed. "It's not quite that simple," she said. "And I actually rather enjoy it, especially world history. I want to travel the world someday."

They came to her classroom and Roger looked at her. "So, uh, I guess I'll see you around?" he asked.

"Yes, because next period's lunch, remember?" Melanie teased him.

"Oh… right," Roger said awkwardly. "I'm in Consumer Math, but I'll meet you outside of the lunch room when the bell rings, OK?"

"OK," Melanie said.

"Oh. And Mel, I've been… dying to do this since you first arrived… Can I… can I kiss you?" Roger asked.

Melanie seemed caught off-guard for a second, but then she smiled. "Sure, Roger," she said, and after a quick check that there were no teachers around, he leaned in. When their lips met, his body felt like it was on fire. When they parted, he had shivers that wouldn't stop. "Well, I'll see you around, Roger."

"Bye, Melanie," Roger said, and she walked into her classroom. Roger turned around and ran to his math class, barely dodging people in the hallway. He ended up making it before the bell rang and as he sat in his desk, he thought about Melanie. Only after he had settled into his desk and gotten out his book and notebook did he realize he'd forgotten to ask her about the beach party. He was still nervous that she might already have a date, but he wouldn't know the answer to that unless he tried.

A couple hours later, Roger met up with Melanie to go to lunch. They walked to the cafeteria together and she followed him with her tray to sit at one of the tables, where Mark, Benny, and Maureen were sitting.

"Hey, guys," Roger said, walking over to them and sitting down.

"Hey, Rog," they replied.

"Who's this, Rog?" Benny asked, looking at him as he sat down.

"This is Melanie Schwartz. She's new here and no one messes with her, got it?" Roger replied, looking at the three of them.

"OK, got it, no one messes with Melanie," Benny said, smiling up at Melanie as she sat down next to Roger. "So where did you move from, Melanie?"

"I moved from Westport," Melanie said.

They all looked at each other, surprised. The only person they knew who lived in Westport was their friend, Alison Grey, who was the richest girl they knew. Although rich, Alison was nice, which is why it was a surprise to them that she had recently started dating Benny, who was sometimes pretty insensitive and tactless. Melanie could only be rich, if she moved from there.

"Why'd you move, Mel?" Maureen asked, immediately friendly.

Suddenly, Melanie's cheerful expression fell. Maureen knew instantly she'd said the wrong thing. But Melanie spoke nevertheless. "My dad left us a few months ago," she said. "He took all our money and everything. The only thing we had left to live on was a good name. Eventually, that wasn't enough, so my mom searched for a job and a good enough one was here. We had to start over."

"I'm sorry, Mel," Maureen said, putting her arm around Melanie. "We'll help you settle into Scarsdale, OK? It isn't as bad as it seems. We go to the lake every weekend when it gets warm, especially in the summer; and after school's out, there's always the beach party."

Roger instantly perked up. "Oh, right, the beach party!" he said. He turned to Melanie. "Mel, I was wondering… about the beach party… If you don't already have one, would you like to go with me as my date?"

Melanie smiled. "Sure," she said. "I'd like that." She looked at Roger. "Thanks."

"No problem, Mel," Roger said, smiling. "We want you to feel welcome here."

Melanie smiled appreciatively. "So is the only attire swim suits and stuff?" she asked.

"Pretty much," Maureen answered. She put her arm around Melanie. "We're glad you're going."

"I'm glad to go," Melanie said. "It's something to do and I'll be with you guys." She wasn't in a state where she could afford to pass up new friends.

The Bohemians made it through their final exams— Roger even did well in British Literature— and the day of the beach party drew near. On the last day of school, after class was dismissed, Roger found himself, as usual, hanging out with the Bohemians and Melanie. Except for when they had different classes, she never left his side.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow at noon, OK?" Roger asked her, as she gave him her address.

"OK," she said, and she leaned up to kiss him.

"Hey, Mel," Roger asked, "can I ask you something?"

Melanie had the impression she knew what was coming, but she played along. "Sure, Roger, what's up?"

"Would you… besides being my date to the beach party… would you like to be my girlfriend?" he asked her.

Melanie smiled. "Sure," she said.

Roger beamed at her and kissed her again. "Great," he said. "Right, then, well, see you tomorrow at noon, OK?"

"OK, Roger," Melanie said, and Roger watched as she ran to the car where her mother was waiting.

The next day, Roger put some extra clothes into a bag and pulled his shorts over his swim trunks. His blood pressure was high due to his apprehension about the party, making him anxious and jumpy. He couldn't wait to see Melanie outside of school, especially in a swim suit. The beach party would be their first date as an official couple and Roger didn't want to mess anything up.

When he drove up to her house, his nerves heightened further. Melanie's house was small, but cute. They had beautiful flowerbeds in front of their porch and the house was a pretty log-brown color.

Roger walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. He heard someone yell something from inside, and then a blonde boy of about 6'2" answered.

"Hi," he said, "you must be Roger." Roger nodded. "Come on in. Melanie will be down in a second."

"Thanks," Roger said, nodding again, and he walked into the house. It was even more beautiful on the inside. There was a fireplace in the living room, a staircase with a cedar banister that led to upstairs, a dining room, a living room, and even what looked like a small game room.

"Wow, your house is great," Roger said, looking around.

"Thanks," said the boy. "I'm Brian, by the way. I'm Melanie's older brother."

"It's nice to meet you," Roger said, though he was now even more nervous than before. "How much older are you?"

"Three years," Brian said. "I just turned 19. I'm attending NYU. I'm going to be a junior."

"Really?" Roger asked. "One of my best friends, Tom Collins, goes there."

Brian nodded. "I've heard of him." Roger chuckled. "He's there for a teaching degree, right?" Roger nodded. "But he keeps getting in trouble for leading protests about… what was it?" Brian searched for the word.

"His theory of actual reality?" Roger suggested.

"That's the one," Brian said, smiling. "He'll be a great teacher, though, if he stays out of trouble. He's a great guy, very enthusiastic and friendly."

"That's Collins for you," Roger said, smiling. "What are you majoring in, Brian?"

"Theatre, with a concentration in stage management," Brian answered. "My girlfriend, Katie Claiborne, is majoring in the same thing, and modeling on the side."

"That's awesome," Roger said, smiling. Then he looked up and saw Melanie descending the stairs. "Wow," he whispered in awe.

Melanie was wearing a long, green, backless sundress over her swim suit, she had sandals on, and her long, brown hair flowed down her back with a touch of curl.

"Hey," Roger said, looking down at her when she walked up to him, "you look beautiful. But… are you really planning on swimming in that?"

"Thanks," Melanie said. She smiled. "No, I'm going to change when we get there. But I want to make a good impression." She held out her hand for him to take, and instead, he brought it up to his lips and kissed it.

"I saw that in an old movie once and always wanted to do it," Roger said, grinning at her. Melanie giggled. "And I think you would make a good impression even in a swim suit, since it is a beach party, after all."

"Where's Mom?" Melanie asked, shooting Roger a look and looking at Brian.

"Mom's in the kitchen," Brian said. "She should be out in a few seconds."

No sooner had he finished his sentence that Mrs. Schwartz came from the kitchen. "Melanie, you look beautiful, honey," she said, smiling at her daughter.

"Thanks, Mom," Melanie said, smiling back at her mother. "Oh, introductions; Mom, this is Roger. He's a new friend I met at school and my date to the beach party today."

"It's great to meet you, Roger," Mrs. Schwartz said, smiling and shaking Roger's hand.

"Likewise, Mrs. Schwartz," Roger said, and he shook her hand. "What time would you like Mel home tonight?"

Mrs. Schwartz smiled and leaned toward Melanie. "Ooh, I like this one, Mel," she said, looking at her daughter. "He's punctual."

Melanie laughed. Roger blushed and smiled. "I try, Mrs. Schwartz," he said.

"Does eleven o'clock sound OK to you two?" Mrs. Schwartz asked.

"Sounds perfect, Mrs. Schwartz," Roger said, smiling.

"OK, good," Mrs. Schwartz said. "Just please call if you go anywhere but the beach party. And no drinking or smoking. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," Roger said. "It's well-chaperoned, so I don't think anyone's going to try anything. If they do, I'll make sure Melanie doesn't get involved."

"Good, thank you," Mrs. Schwartz said, smiling.

Roger shook Brian's hand. "Take care of my little sister, OK?" he asked, looking down at Roger.

"Brian…" Melanie groaned, but Roger talked over her.

"Don't worry, Brian, I won't let anything happen to her under my watch," Roger promised.

Brian nodded, satisfied. He winked at Melanie, who stuck her tongue out at him.

"Bye, Mom," Melanie said, smiling at them before she went outside with Roger.

"Your family seems really nice," Roger said, as they got in the car.

"Yeah, they are," Melanie said. "But things have been tense and tight ever since my dad left. It's been especially hard on Brian; now he feels like he has to be the man of the family. He's gotten really quiet and doesn't open up very easily ever since Dad left."

"I'm sorry, Mel," Roger said. "If there's anything I can do, let me know, OK?"

"OK," Melanie said, and he pulled her close to him. She leaned over the center counsel and rested her head on his shoulder. "Thank you, Roger. You're really sweet."

"I try, Mel," Roger said. "So are you ready to go have fun? I bet the others are waiting for us."

"I sure am," Melanie said, and they left.

Several hours later, they returned to Melanie's house, exhausted from the party. They had spent the day swimming, sailing, playing beach volleyball and soccer, and eating and drinking as much pizza, chips, hot dogs, and pop as they could.

"Uggghhh, can you get a pizza hangover?" Melanie groaned, looking up at Roger.

"Absolutely," Roger said, as he walked into her house with her. "It was the bacon."

"It was the sausage," Melanie said, laughing.

"No, Mel, it was the bacon," Roger said. "Those damn Canadians."

Melanie laughed and collapsed onto the couch with him. Mrs. Schwartz came walking down the stairs and looked at them. "11:02," she said, "right on time, you two. Did you have fun?"

"Way too much," Melanie said, laughing. "I'm enduring a pizza overdose."

Mrs. Schwartz laughed. "Roger," she said, "you can stay until Melanie feels better, but when she does, you go home, got it?"

"Yes, Mrs. Schwartz," Roger said, smiling at her. Mrs. Schwartz went upstairs and Roger turned and looked at Melanie. "Are you going to be OK?"

"I'll live, but I'm not climbing the stairs to sleep tonight," Melanie said, looking up at him.

"Do you have a linen closet or anything?" Roger asked her.

"Yeah, under the stairs," Melanie said. "Why, what are you doing?"

"Getting a blanket for my girl," Roger said, smiling at her. "You stay put."

"That shouldn't be a problem," Melanie groaned, smiling weakly. Roger kissed her on the forehead and went to the closet and got her a quilt. He wrapped it snuggly around her. "Thank you, Roger. You're so good to me."

Roger smiled as he looked down at her. "You sleep, OK?" he said. "I'm gonna go home. I'll see you in the morning, OK?"

"OK. When are you going to pick me up?" Melanie asked.

But before she heard his answer, she was so exhausted, she had already fallen asleep.

Hey, everybody. Wouldn't you know it, not long after I say my goodbyes to fan fiction for a while, my muse starts to bother me again with a character name— female, of course— and I just can't leave it alone at that. I thought up the name Melanie Schwartz (after Stephen Schwartz) a couple weeks ago, and I just knew I wanted to do something with the name. I figured it would be a pre-Rent RogerOC story, and as usual, my guess was right. So far, even though I've only just started writing this story, I do like it a lot. I hope you've enjoyed reading it so far as well. I'll be updating the next chapter shortly. So far, I've got about eight chapters written up. I can't wait to see what you guys think of them.

Please don't forget to review. I love feedback.

Until next time, lots of love,

Renthead07