Chapter 10: No Luck
I don't think I'll ever get used to the stairs. They go on longer than you'd think. It's been two months since I first came here, and I already notice Melina's getting worse. Her father won't let her leave her bedroom, and he spends every waking moment by her side. I sent him to bed a few minutes ago because he looked worse than me after Claire died. I'm bringing up my sick friend a bowl of clam chowder, since anything solid will make it worst.
Once I reach her door, I open it immediately with Melina curled up in her circular bed facing her opened balcony. She shifts towards me as I walk toward the end of her bed. "Hey there, how're you feeling?" I ask gently. She smiles weakly eyeing the creamy liquid. "I see you made chowder," she pauses, looking at the ceiling, "Father used to make me that everyday. I'm just sad I might not have it again." She murmurs. I stare at her in shock and set the tray on her nightstand.
"What makes you think you won't have it again?" I wait for an answer while Melina begins to eat. She takes a couple spoonfuls of the mushy soup then pauses. "Teresa, do you really this is going to end with me living? This sickness has no cure I'm aware of and...I accept that." I feel grief start to take over, but it's not as bad as when my sister had passed on. I guess it doesn't hurt that bad because I've felt it before.
"I-I understand, Melina. I just hope you'll be alright after this." We both hug in silence with the resting girl clearing her throat every once in a while. "The only thing I worry about is how my father will react once I'm gone. The only thing really keeping him going is me. I'm pretty much the reason he started composing. Please Teresa, keep an eye on him for me. Make sure he doesn't do anything he'll regret." She pleads.
I place my hand over hers and reply, "Melina, you know you can trust me. I'm sure, though, that Janiss will take a while to recover." She looks down guiltily, "I guess I didn't think about that, but I'm sure she'll be fine. I know it will be hard for her, but Janiss can do so much more." I nod solemnly in agreement. I stand up from crouching and slowly close the door as I leave her room. I race to my room and flop onto the bed. I know there's nothing I can do, but some part of me nags, Teresa, what are you doing? You can't just sit there while your friend is slowly slipping away!
"Oh Melina, you know I can't control your father. I'll do my best though."
Rapid knocks come from the front door and I race to open it. Janiss stands anxiously fiddling with her hair. "Oh Teresa hi I um" she stammers in nervousness. I usher her inside and we climb up the stairs as quick as we can. "I started packing when you first called me. Do you know how she's doing?" The red-headed teen stares at me expectantly for a response. "I've mostly been waiting for you. Mr. Whistler has stayed with her for a while." I exhaustingly say. We reach the top of the long staircase, walking quietly towards the only closed door through the hall.
Melina is lying in her bed with a steaming cup by her side. Her father looks up from his continuous stare at his daughter. He raises his hand weakly and folds his arms. Janiss leaps to her friend at the side of her bed. "How are you feeling, Melina?" her voice starts to break as she speaks. The blonde girl blinks slowly. "There isn't much pain, just so you know. It feels like I'm going to sleep." She whispers.
I crouch next to Janiss and put an arm around her shoulder. "Do you need anything?" I inquire to Melina. She opens her endtable drawer, "Just my friend's attention." She then pulls out a shiny bracelet with silver chain and purple gemstones lined in a pattern. Her necklace with somewhat of the same design is in her hand, then she hands the bracelet to me and the necklace to Janiss. "I had my father make a bracelet from the same stone he used for my necklace. Now you can have something to remember me by." She says softly.
We both take her hand, Janiss trying to hide her sniffling. Melina smiles towards us as her eyes start to close. "MELINA!" Janiss calls out in shock and I tighten my grip on Melina's hand. Once her eyes have shut completely, Janiss bursts into tears. I pull her into a comforting hug and I let her cry into my shirt. I watch Mr. Whistler leave silently out of the room, closing the door softly. I hold her tighter and wonder how Melina's father will ever be the same.
Whew, that took a while! Just so you know, Melina is one of my favorite side characters in the Professor Layton series. She seems so sweet and nice to know. (R.I.P. Melina) I also have an idea for a little extra for the story. After each chapter, I and the Professor Layton cast will answer any questions u have (nothing too personal) I'll try to fit in as much as I can, leave ur questions in the review section for me. Thanks 4 reading and keep those eyes on the screen!