Before, During and After
Author's note: This one takes place after Jim and Melinda have been dating for awhile. This is how I imagine Andrea and Melinda became close and decided to open the store together.
Melinda was getting ready to go across the city for an antique dealers convention. She wanted to score some items and maybe make a few contacts. She was hoping to start her own store. She had some heirlooms from her grandmother and a few family friends but she would need more items and deals to get her own store started.
As she was heading out the door she noticed a person struggling with some grocery bags. She reached over and grabbed one off of the other girl's arms.
"Hey thanks," the girl said.
Melinda smiled.
"No problem. Where do you live? I'll help you carry these to your door."
" Third floor. I just moved in a few days ago. My name is Andrea Marino," she stated.
" Nice to meet you Andrea. I am Melinda Gordon. I live on the second floor," she stated.
Andrea opened the door and they placed the bags on the counter.
" Thanks for helping me out. I am going through some life changes right out so it's been difficult for me to manage some things right now," she stated.
Melinda smiled.
" No problem. Well I have to get going. It's just that I have to go see some antiques across the city," Melinda stated.
"Wow antiques, well I would like to come along if you don't mind. I need to get some furniture for my place too," she stated.
" Well I was going alone anyway. If you want to go, I wouldn't mind some company," Melinda stated.
For some reason Melinda felt like Andrea would be a great new friend. She was right they talked all the way to the convention and then went out to eat afterwards.
Melinda told her about Jim and Andrea told her about her last dating disaster.
Days passed by and the two girls became great friends. They had started looking around Grandview for a place to lease or buy for their store.
They were sitting in Andrea's apartment watching a movie when suddenly the t.v screen started to fizzle.
Melinda sensed it was ghost related.
" I'll go check it out. It's not really that old of a t.v. I guess I better go over to that guy that sold it to me and threaten to sue him since I am a lawyer," Andrea quipped.
"No need. I think it's something temporary hopefully," Melinda muttered.
"I'll go play with it," Andrea offered.
" No why don't you get some more popcorn and I will play with the t,v," she insisted.
Andrea said ok and went into the kitchen.
" Ok why are you here?," she whispered.
There was a slight crackling noise. Melinda reached over to check the wires, suddenly she was shocked by the nearby wire.
She fell back as Andrea dropped the popcorn bowl.
Melinda came to in the hospital.
She opened her eyes to see Andrea asleep nearby. Suddenly Jim arrived.
" Mel I got here as soon as I could. How are you doing babe?," he said as he leaned over to kiss her forehead.
Andrea woke up and smiled at them.
" Hey Jim, I tried to get the message to you. I am sorry Melinda. I should have told you to leave the stupid t.v alone. We could have always done something else," Andrea cried.
Melinda put a hand on Andrea's shoulder.
" Hey I was the curious one. Don't blame yourself. Jim can you make sure she goes home to get some rest? I'll be fine here for a little while," Melinda insisted.
" Mel I want to talk to your doctor first. Then I'll get Andrea home and then I am staying here to make sure you follow the doctor's orders," Jim assured her.
Melinda smiled.
" Ok Jim. I just want to know when I can leave this place," she muttered.
The doctor said Melinda was lucky and that she needed have follow up until her hand healed. She could go home the next day.
When Jim took Andrea home, he said he needed to tell her something.
" Look Jim I am really sorry that Melinda ended up in the hospital. She's my best friend," she whimpered.
" Andrea don't worry. I am just thinking maybe it's time I propose to her. What do you think?," he inquired.
" That's a great idea. She would be crazy to say no. Do you need my help?," she exclaimed.
" I might but for now please keep this a secret. I need to make some plans and of course I want her to feel better first," Jim replied.
Andrea brightened.
" Don't worry Mr. Clancy your secret is safe with me."
"Thanks Andrea. Be safe and I am going to head back to the hospital to be with Melinda for awhile," he stated before walking away.