Disclaimer: I do not own Speak or Remember me. All rights for the names of the characters and some situations belong to their respected owners.

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CHAPTER TWO: STAND MY OWN GROUND

"Don't hold me up now,

I can stand my own ground,

I don't need your help now,

You won't let me down"

Rise Against - "Prayer Of The Refugee"

Melinda's P.O.V

When I got home my parents were waiting for me in the dinning room, but it looked more like an interrogation was about to take place instead of dinner. I wondered who jumped the gun this time. My mom looked furious and my dad, well he just looked like he was going along with whatever my mom's plan of action was as always. I didn't get the chance to sit down or even breathe before my mom got into it.

"Where have you been?" my mom asked.

"Where do you think I've been, I've been at school," I replied, regretting the sarcastic remark right away because I could literally see my mother's eyes harden with anger and annoyance.

"Did a teacher of yours want you to stay later?" My dad supplied, trying to give me the easy way out. I looked at him with such gratitude. I definitely didn't want to tell my mom that I was late because I was talking to the most handsome man I'd ever seen, but the truth of the matter was I'd have to tell them before our date the next night.

"Um, yes. The teacher asked me and one other student to stay a little later. I'm so sorry," I said, trying to put on my best sad puppy dog face. As pitiful as it was, it worked like a charm. The hardness in my mother's eyes began to soften but not as much as I hoped.

"Well, that's a reasonable explanation. Just next time let us know, we were worried about you," Dad said, ignoring the look my mom gave him.

"I know you guys worry, but I'm not a child anymore." I could see that comment hit a nerve because my mom looked like she was about to literally bite my head off.

"As long as you're living under our roof, a child is exactly what you are. I'm sick this 'I'm 18 now and I'm all grown up' crap. You wouldn't have been able to survive on your own and you know it." The harshness of her words caught me by surprise. It hurt to know that she didn't believe in me. I could feel the tears starting to sting my eyes as I tried to keep myself under control. Put on your best poker face Melinda, I told myself, because once she sees you crying, she'll use it to prove you're just a child.

My father must have sensed my distress because without skipping a beat he took my mom by the arm while saying, "Melinda, why don't you go on up to your room to clean up and study before dinner. I'm sure you have tons of homework to do," which was usually code for 'go upstairs so I can talk to your mom and calm her down'. Without another word or glance at my mother, I took my messenger bag and ran upstairs.

Once in my room, I noticed that there was a folded piece of paper sticking out of one of my books. I didn't remember using anything other than my bookmark. That's when I realized that it was the same book Tyler had handed back to me today. I quickly took the piece of paper out and tossed the book on my bed. I unfolded it to find a note..

Dearest Melinda,

"O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!

It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night

Like a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear;

Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!

So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows

As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows."

I figured you would have probably stood me up when I asked you to get a bite to eat with me after class, and I knew I'd also forget to give you my cell phone number. So this is to make up for that. My number is 306-5690. Don't be shy, feel free to text me anytime you wish. I'll see you tomorrow my fairest maid.

Yours,

Tyler

How romantic! I couldn't help but smile. He was one busy boy in class today. He wrote what Romeo says when he first sees Juliet. How did he know that Romeo and Juliet is one of my favorite love stories of all time? I quickly pulled out my cell phone and texted Tyler.

"Hey Romeo, Thanks for the note. It was sweet. I'll see you tomorrow in class. and btw I didn't stand you up, I just had something important to do at home."

I hit the send button and hoped I'd hear back from him soon. "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" I said softly to myself as I lay there daydreaming of my Romeo.