Evenings at Rawley Academy brought little excitement except for the BayWatch bevy of beauties that bounced across the screen each Wednesday night. Scout and Will shared the couch in front of the set and watched hypnotically as another blonde bombshell ran in slow motion toward the waters edge. The door to the Common Room opened and Melanie walked in. She stood in front of the television to gain the attention of the awestruck males. "Where's Hamilton?" She asked.
"Hello to you too. " Will said.
"I just came from his house and his mother said that he was here." Melanie announced.
"Then he probably is." Scout said.
"So...where is he" She said sarcastically looking around the small room.
"I'm sorry. It's not our turn to watch him tonight." Will retorted.
"Is there something I can do for you Melanie." Scout said looking hopeful.
"Hardly." She rolled her eyes at him.
Scout returned his gaze to Yasmine Bleeth whom he now felt he had as much chance with as Melanie Manos.
"Is he seeing someone?" She asked, her tone slightly softening in the hopes of gaining information.
"What?" Will asked although he heard the question clearly.
"I said...is he seeing someone?"
"You sound like the jealous wife." Will responded.
"Yes or no? She said ignoring the comment.
Scout interupted. "Yeah, Hamilton is seeing someone. And, they're very happy."
"Who is she?"
"You know...it's just none of your business." Will said standing up.
"So is he here or not?" She asked finally.
"If he is here...he's probably upstairs with Jake." Scout answered only then seeing the exasperated look on Will's face.
Melanie stomped out past the two boys.
"What a bitch." Will said.
"Yeah...but she does smell nice." Scout said as he sniffed the air.
Hamilton rolled over and pulled Jake up on top of his chest. He twisted his mouth to meet with hers. Jake broke the kiss. She looked down into his baby blues and smiled. Hamilton reached up and ran his fingers through her hair. "Believe me now?" He asked. "Because I can keep showing you...all night if thats what it takes." She allowed his hands to wander underneath the sweatshirt she was wearing.
"I believe you." She smiled. Jake rolled to her side and Hamilton turned to face her in the bed.
"We're not getting much studying done." Jake said.
"I am. I'm studying you." Hamilton answered.
Jake flinched when she heard the previously locked door knob turn roughly. Suddenly there was a heavy banging on Jake's dorm room door. "Hamilton!"
Jake fell onto her back and exhaled. "What's she doing here?" She whispered.
Hamilton shrugged his shoulders.
"What should I do?" Jake whispered lower this time.
"Ignore her...maybe she'll go away." Hamilton responded and turned to kiss Jake again.
The banging continued louder. "Hamilton!"
"She's gonna let everybody on the floor know that you're in my room, with ME!! " Jake said.
She stood up adjusting the shirt she was wearing and went toward the door. Hamilton stood as well. Jake turned back from the door and rushed back toward the bed. She straightend the bed spread and tucked the pillow back underneath. As she passed Hamilton she ran her hands through his tosseled hair and whisped at his bangs. "She'll know." Jake whispered.
"Hamilton!!" Melanie bellowed and she continued to alternate between loudly knocking and annoyingly banging on the door.
Jake opened the door. "Hi Melanie. What's up?"
Melanie pushed past Jake and entered Jake's dorm room.
"Hamilton...Hi.." she said as she approached him. "Your mother said I would probably find you here."
"And you did. What did you want?" He asked.
"I need to talk to you...alone." She winked and turned to finally acknowledge Jake for the first time. "Do you mind..."
"Ah yeah...it's my room." Jake answered.
"Fine...it can wait til later Munchie." Melanie said.
Hamilton sighed. "We...all three of us...have to find a time and a place to work on this English essay. Any suggestions?"
"Wherever you are will be fine with me." Melanie purred. Jake rolled her eyes and leaned back against the door for support.
"Library?" Jake suggested.
"Good" Hamilton agreed. "Tommorrow...four o'clock?"
"Fine with me" Jake answered.
"So...Melanie. Four o'clock tomorrow, at the library. OK?" Hamilton said in her direction. "Good night."
"Are you leaving?" Melanie said with a gleem in her eye.
"No...but you are." Hamilton walked past Melanie and toward Jake and the door. Jake caught his eye and gave him a wry smile. He opened the door. "Good night Melanie. Se ya tomorrow."
Hamilton gave Melanie no choice but to head for the door.
"Goodnight Melanie" Jake called out. Jake was not surprised that Melanie did not respond to her kind words. Instead Jake chuckled as Hamilton pushed the door closed with her still in the threshold...ushering her out.
Hamilton reached out for Jake and folded her into his outstretched arms. "Don't even say it." Jake said.
"Say what?" Hamilton looked confused.
"Don't tell me not to worry."
"All I can do is keep telling you...you're the one who has to believe it." He whispered.
"I do believe it...and you , she just scares me. That's all."
"Yeah well she scares me too." Hamilton laughed. He glanced at the watch on his wrist. " Damn, I should probably get going. It getting late. I actually have to finish the reading," Hamilton held up the Othello paperback.
"We could have read..." Jake said smiling.
"We could have." He whispered into her ear and then turned his face to kiss her again.
"I'll call you." He said as he got up.
"I'm sure you will." She laughed.
******************************
Hamilton cut through the tree lined path with only the moonlight to guide his steps. He had almost reached the gate when he heard the familiar patter of canine feet. "Hey Georgia...hey puppy...?" He spoke to the dog in a slightly higher pitched voice. Hamilton thumped his chest an encourage the Golden Retriever to lift her paws and stand upright on her back legs leaning against him. The dog happily lapped at his face. "Good girl..." He said as he eased her back down to all fours. "And where is Cass...?" He asked the dog almost expecting an answer. The second Retriever hesitated a moment and walked slowly forward. "What do you have...?" He said to the approaching dog. The dog's collar was heavily laden with identification tags as well as a blue bell. The latter was an attempt to give the small animals a fighting chance. Instinctually Cassie had most definitely helped to thin the squirrel population in the area. The dog approached him and whined slightly. "What's up with you?" Hamilton asked the dog. It was then that he saw a shadowy figure a few yards in front of him. He slowed his pace. As the figure came toward him he recognized Melanie. "What are you doing here?" He asked.
"I wanted to return this." She said holding out the shirt she had taken from him to sit on.
Hamilton looked down at the faces of his two beloved dogs. "Some watch dogs you turned out to be.!!" He scolded. "Thanks." He said taking it from her. He continued toward the front gate of his house. "Good night."
"Hamilton...wait." She called to him.
Hamilton hesitated. He exhaled loudly hoping she would hear his frustration.
"Melanie..." He started, "it's late. I really need to get home. I've got homework and stuff...to do. Ok?"
Melanie stepped toward him. "It's so dark out here." She said, ignoring his words. "Maybe you could walk back with me?" She asked.
"You found your way here...you can find your way back." He suggested.
"Please..." She cooed.
"It's late...this..." He held up the shirt, "...could have waited 'til tomorrow."
"I know." She blushed and look down demurely. "Please...I don't like the dark."
Hamilton hung the shirt on the gate. He exhaled looking annoyed. He walked on ahead of her. "Well, come on." Melanie smiled at her success and ran a step or two to catch up. The Golden Retrievers trotted along behind and were grateful for the chance to explore.
Hamilton led her the shortest way he knew. Still, the walk to Rawley girls took about fifteen minutes. "Ok...there you go. See ya tomorrow."
"Want to stay for a bit?" She asked. "We could work on that essay a little."
"No...we have to work with Jake too, remember?" Hamilton said.
"I know...what a drag, huh?" She said approaching Hamilton and laying her hands against his chest. "Two's company...three's...."
Hamilton stepped back allowing her hands to drop. "If I've done anything...to give you the impression that I'm..." Hamilton stopped not to sure how to say what he wanted to say. "I'm sorry, Melanie...but I've got... I mean...I'm sort of...well, involved with someone. Someone else."
"Someone here at Rawley Girls?" She asked.
"Um...not really...she doesn't go to YOUR school."
"Well...if she's not here...then what are you worried about. I CAN keep a secret Munchie...and she'll never have to know about us." She winked as she let her hands encircle his waist.
"There is no...US!" Hamilton said as he forcefully broke her grip. Hamilton walked back through the trees. "Come on girls..." He called out to the dogs.
"Well....there will be...Munchie...there will be." She said softly to herself.
The phone rang in the Fleming home. "Hello." Kate Fleming said.
"Hi Mrs. Fleming, it's Jake, I'm sorry to call so late.
"That's OK Jake, how are you?"
"Fine thanks." Jake remembered to keep her voice low. "Could I speak to Hamilton for a minute...I have a question on the homework assignment?"
"Sure Jake...I'll have him call you as soon as he comes home. Is that all right?"
"He's not home?" Jake questioned.
"Not yet, dear." She said politely. Jake looked at her watch.
"No...that's OK. I'll get someone else to help me. Thanks anyway" Jake hung up the phone.
Jake sat alone at a corner table in the dining hall and munched on a bowl of cereal. She stared out the window, scattered thoughts filling her mind. Scout approached her with a tray in his hand. "This seat taken?" He smiled.
"Morning," She said and continued with her cornflakes.
"Were you up late again…?" He said teasing her.
Jake smiled weakly not wanting to explain. Hamilton entered the dining hall. He scanned the room and his eyes settled on Scout and Jake in the corner. He went to join them.
"Hey" Hamilton said as he pulled up a chair. He helped himself to the apple that sat on Jake's tray.
"Hey" She responded.
Hamilton could sense there was a problem The tension was radiating from her.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"Nothing." She said.
"Jake...come on. What's up? Did Calhoun make a pass at you again?" He chuckled.
"Hey...hey...I resent that." Scout retorted.
"You're looking all upset." Hamilton questioned her.
"You forgot to call last night." She said.
"Well...I'm full. " Scout said as he stood and picked up his tray. "I think I see Will over there somewhere." Scout pretended to look around. He actually had no idea where Will was but, he sensed he did not want to be a part of the upcoming conversation. "Catch you later." Scout stood up and made his exit.
"You're right. I'm sorry. I forgot." He stuttered.
"You forgot?" This seemed odd to Jake.
"Yeah...When I got home last night my folks were already asleep...so I just headed upstairs and crashed." He explained.
"Really." Jake said. She knew he was lying.
"Really. I'm sorry. I should have called." He apologized again.
"You know what. It's no big deal." But it was. Jake stood up and lifted her tray. Hamilton sat alone at the table for another moment. He had a bad feeling. He didn't like to lie to her but he thought it would upset her more if she knew he had walked Melanie home last night. He thought it best to say nothing and see how it went.
Jake left her geometry class later in the day and headed back to the dorm to dump her books and change. She unlocked the door and her foot slid on a small piece of paper that lay on the floor. Jake bent over and picked it up.
Jake,
Change in plans.
The library at 6pm instead.
See you there.
Hamilton.
"Mmmmm" She thought out loud. She threw her backpack on the bed and reached under her sweatshirt and removed her corset. A wave of comfortable relief washed over her. Now that she had a little time to kill she thought she'd go into town and visit Bella.
Hamilton arrived at the library ten minutes before four. Melanie was already seated at a table. She was flipping through a fashion magazine and didn't see him enter. Hamilton considered waiting outside for Jake to arrive so that they could walk in together. But, on second thought Hamilton decided to approach the table and use the time to make Melanie even more aware that he was "taken".
"Hi." He said.
"Hello Hamilton, " She beamed up at him. Hamilton seated himself at the table across from her. "Where's Jack?"
"Jake." He said. "I'm sure he'll be here in a minute."
"Listen..." Melanie whispered as she put her hands on top of his. "I pulled this great essay off the Internet this morning. Why don't we just hand that in as ours and get out of here...do something a little more...entertaining?
Hamilton looked at Melanie. He took his hands out from under hers and stuffed them in his pockets. "Jake would never go for that."
"Who cares what Jack thinks?" She said dismissivley.
"Jake." Hamilton corrected her again.
"Whatever...He's not here. Maybe he's not coming. Come on Hamilton...let's get out of here.
"No" Hamilton said.
Melanie exhaled loudly, relaxing back into the chair and crossing her arms over her chest.
"Oh...you know what? I forgot my book." Melanie suddenly realized.
"So...go get it." Hamilton said.
"Will you come with me?" She asked.
"No" He answered.
Melanie sat and pouted. "Please Hamilton..." Her bottom lip was curled out in front of her.
"This..." Hamilton pointed around him. "is a library. Why don't you get a copy off the shelf to use while we're here?
"Good idea. Come on...it will be quicker if we both look." She said as she stood. Hamilton checked his watch and then looked toward the door. He was surprised Jake hadn't arrived yet. Unlike him, she was never late. Hamilton thought for a moment and then stood up.
"Mmmm. Under "P" for Plays? Or under "O" for Othello?" She asked out loud.
"How about "S" for Shakespeare." He said sarcastically.
"Right." She walked through the long rows of shelved books stacked six high. She had a purpose to her step as if she knew exactly where she was going. She glanced back at Hamilton who was following her lead but at a much slower pace. "I know, how about "B" for Boring?" She giggled. "or "E" for pure evil. I love the way Mr. Finn said that. She repeated the comment stretching out the word "Pure" as she walked backwards in the small row. Hamilton grinned.
"Or "J" for Jealousy." He added smiling mostly to himself as he briefly thought about Jake.
Melanie stopped walking backwards and stood waiting for Hamilton to take the extra step and catch up to her. They were facing each other.
"We're here." She said. Hamilton stretched to look at the books on the higher shelves.
"Man.....there's a lot. Ok...let's get you a copy of Othello and get back to the table.
Jake'll be here any second. Melanie squatted down to view the lower shelves. "Down here" she said. Hamilton squatted beside her. His eyes scanned the book shelf lengthwise...singing the alphabet to himself. There was an empty space where a few copies of Othello would have been.
"Look's like they're out." Melanie said. Melanie lurched backward grabbing out for his arm and knocked Hamilton off balance. He fell forward, accidentally stretching out on top of her.
"Oops" Melanie giggled. "I guess the "ram hath topped the ewe" She said laughing. Hamilton couldn't help laughing too. But, his smile faded quickly as Melanie locked her hands around his neck and pulled his mouth to hers. Hamilton braced his arms and pushed himself backward. He rolled backward onto his knees and stood up...towering over her. He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth as if to wipe her kiss away.
"What are you doing?" He said disgustedly.
Melanie lay sprawled on the floor of the library and extended her hand to him so that he could help her up. Hamilton walked backward a few steps and then turned on his heels. He walked right into Ryder who had been standing at the end of the row viewing the entire scene.
"Hello luv" Ryder said with a smirk.
Hamilton pushed past Ryder and headed for the table where his backpack was. He collected his things and headed for the library door. Ryder took steps toward Melanie. He extended his hand and offered to help her up. Melanie ignored him and grabbed out to the bookshelves for support. She stood. "I was going to call you." Ryder said sincerely.
"Yeah...and I was going to hold my breath" Melanie said as she walked around him leaving him standing alone in the row surrounded by Shakespeare.
Melanie headed back to the table. She picked up her purse and her magazine and walked past the library's large oak desk. She hesitated a moment in front of the Library's book return bin and pulled down the handle on the door. From her purse she extracted three library copies of Othello. She tossed them in and headed out of the library.
"Hello to you too. " Will said.
"I just came from his house and his mother said that he was here." Melanie announced.
"Then he probably is." Scout said.
"So...where is he" She said sarcastically looking around the small room.
"I'm sorry. It's not our turn to watch him tonight." Will retorted.
"Is there something I can do for you Melanie." Scout said looking hopeful.
"Hardly." She rolled her eyes at him.
Scout returned his gaze to Yasmine Bleeth whom he now felt he had as much chance with as Melanie Manos.
"Is he seeing someone?" She asked, her tone slightly softening in the hopes of gaining information.
"What?" Will asked although he heard the question clearly.
"I said...is he seeing someone?"
"You sound like the jealous wife." Will responded.
"Yes or no? She said ignoring the comment.
Scout interupted. "Yeah, Hamilton is seeing someone. And, they're very happy."
"Who is she?"
"You know...it's just none of your business." Will said standing up.
"So is he here or not?" She asked finally.
"If he is here...he's probably upstairs with Jake." Scout answered only then seeing the exasperated look on Will's face.
Melanie stomped out past the two boys.
"What a bitch." Will said.
"Yeah...but she does smell nice." Scout said as he sniffed the air.
Hamilton rolled over and pulled Jake up on top of his chest. He twisted his mouth to meet with hers. Jake broke the kiss. She looked down into his baby blues and smiled. Hamilton reached up and ran his fingers through her hair. "Believe me now?" He asked. "Because I can keep showing you...all night if thats what it takes." She allowed his hands to wander underneath the sweatshirt she was wearing.
"I believe you." She smiled. Jake rolled to her side and Hamilton turned to face her in the bed.
"We're not getting much studying done." Jake said.
"I am. I'm studying you." Hamilton answered.
Jake flinched when she heard the previously locked door knob turn roughly. Suddenly there was a heavy banging on Jake's dorm room door. "Hamilton!"
Jake fell onto her back and exhaled. "What's she doing here?" She whispered.
Hamilton shrugged his shoulders.
"What should I do?" Jake whispered lower this time.
"Ignore her...maybe she'll go away." Hamilton responded and turned to kiss Jake again.
The banging continued louder. "Hamilton!"
"She's gonna let everybody on the floor know that you're in my room, with ME!! " Jake said.
She stood up adjusting the shirt she was wearing and went toward the door. Hamilton stood as well. Jake turned back from the door and rushed back toward the bed. She straightend the bed spread and tucked the pillow back underneath. As she passed Hamilton she ran her hands through his tosseled hair and whisped at his bangs. "She'll know." Jake whispered.
"Hamilton!!" Melanie bellowed and she continued to alternate between loudly knocking and annoyingly banging on the door.
Jake opened the door. "Hi Melanie. What's up?"
Melanie pushed past Jake and entered Jake's dorm room.
"Hamilton...Hi.." she said as she approached him. "Your mother said I would probably find you here."
"And you did. What did you want?" He asked.
"I need to talk to you...alone." She winked and turned to finally acknowledge Jake for the first time. "Do you mind..."
"Ah yeah...it's my room." Jake answered.
"Fine...it can wait til later Munchie." Melanie said.
Hamilton sighed. "We...all three of us...have to find a time and a place to work on this English essay. Any suggestions?"
"Wherever you are will be fine with me." Melanie purred. Jake rolled her eyes and leaned back against the door for support.
"Library?" Jake suggested.
"Good" Hamilton agreed. "Tommorrow...four o'clock?"
"Fine with me" Jake answered.
"So...Melanie. Four o'clock tomorrow, at the library. OK?" Hamilton said in her direction. "Good night."
"Are you leaving?" Melanie said with a gleem in her eye.
"No...but you are." Hamilton walked past Melanie and toward Jake and the door. Jake caught his eye and gave him a wry smile. He opened the door. "Good night Melanie. Se ya tomorrow."
Hamilton gave Melanie no choice but to head for the door.
"Goodnight Melanie" Jake called out. Jake was not surprised that Melanie did not respond to her kind words. Instead Jake chuckled as Hamilton pushed the door closed with her still in the threshold...ushering her out.
Hamilton reached out for Jake and folded her into his outstretched arms. "Don't even say it." Jake said.
"Say what?" Hamilton looked confused.
"Don't tell me not to worry."
"All I can do is keep telling you...you're the one who has to believe it." He whispered.
"I do believe it...and you , she just scares me. That's all."
"Yeah well she scares me too." Hamilton laughed. He glanced at the watch on his wrist. " Damn, I should probably get going. It getting late. I actually have to finish the reading," Hamilton held up the Othello paperback.
"We could have read..." Jake said smiling.
"We could have." He whispered into her ear and then turned his face to kiss her again.
"I'll call you." He said as he got up.
"I'm sure you will." She laughed.
******************************
Hamilton cut through the tree lined path with only the moonlight to guide his steps. He had almost reached the gate when he heard the familiar patter of canine feet. "Hey Georgia...hey puppy...?" He spoke to the dog in a slightly higher pitched voice. Hamilton thumped his chest an encourage the Golden Retriever to lift her paws and stand upright on her back legs leaning against him. The dog happily lapped at his face. "Good girl..." He said as he eased her back down to all fours. "And where is Cass...?" He asked the dog almost expecting an answer. The second Retriever hesitated a moment and walked slowly forward. "What do you have...?" He said to the approaching dog. The dog's collar was heavily laden with identification tags as well as a blue bell. The latter was an attempt to give the small animals a fighting chance. Instinctually Cassie had most definitely helped to thin the squirrel population in the area. The dog approached him and whined slightly. "What's up with you?" Hamilton asked the dog. It was then that he saw a shadowy figure a few yards in front of him. He slowed his pace. As the figure came toward him he recognized Melanie. "What are you doing here?" He asked.
"I wanted to return this." She said holding out the shirt she had taken from him to sit on.
Hamilton looked down at the faces of his two beloved dogs. "Some watch dogs you turned out to be.!!" He scolded. "Thanks." He said taking it from her. He continued toward the front gate of his house. "Good night."
"Hamilton...wait." She called to him.
Hamilton hesitated. He exhaled loudly hoping she would hear his frustration.
"Melanie..." He started, "it's late. I really need to get home. I've got homework and stuff...to do. Ok?"
Melanie stepped toward him. "It's so dark out here." She said, ignoring his words. "Maybe you could walk back with me?" She asked.
"You found your way here...you can find your way back." He suggested.
"Please..." She cooed.
"It's late...this..." He held up the shirt, "...could have waited 'til tomorrow."
"I know." She blushed and look down demurely. "Please...I don't like the dark."
Hamilton hung the shirt on the gate. He exhaled looking annoyed. He walked on ahead of her. "Well, come on." Melanie smiled at her success and ran a step or two to catch up. The Golden Retrievers trotted along behind and were grateful for the chance to explore.
Hamilton led her the shortest way he knew. Still, the walk to Rawley girls took about fifteen minutes. "Ok...there you go. See ya tomorrow."
"Want to stay for a bit?" She asked. "We could work on that essay a little."
"No...we have to work with Jake too, remember?" Hamilton said.
"I know...what a drag, huh?" She said approaching Hamilton and laying her hands against his chest. "Two's company...three's...."
Hamilton stepped back allowing her hands to drop. "If I've done anything...to give you the impression that I'm..." Hamilton stopped not to sure how to say what he wanted to say. "I'm sorry, Melanie...but I've got... I mean...I'm sort of...well, involved with someone. Someone else."
"Someone here at Rawley Girls?" She asked.
"Um...not really...she doesn't go to YOUR school."
"Well...if she's not here...then what are you worried about. I CAN keep a secret Munchie...and she'll never have to know about us." She winked as she let her hands encircle his waist.
"There is no...US!" Hamilton said as he forcefully broke her grip. Hamilton walked back through the trees. "Come on girls..." He called out to the dogs.
"Well....there will be...Munchie...there will be." She said softly to herself.
The phone rang in the Fleming home. "Hello." Kate Fleming said.
"Hi Mrs. Fleming, it's Jake, I'm sorry to call so late.
"That's OK Jake, how are you?"
"Fine thanks." Jake remembered to keep her voice low. "Could I speak to Hamilton for a minute...I have a question on the homework assignment?"
"Sure Jake...I'll have him call you as soon as he comes home. Is that all right?"
"He's not home?" Jake questioned.
"Not yet, dear." She said politely. Jake looked at her watch.
"No...that's OK. I'll get someone else to help me. Thanks anyway" Jake hung up the phone.
Jake sat alone at a corner table in the dining hall and munched on a bowl of cereal. She stared out the window, scattered thoughts filling her mind. Scout approached her with a tray in his hand. "This seat taken?" He smiled.
"Morning," She said and continued with her cornflakes.
"Were you up late again…?" He said teasing her.
Jake smiled weakly not wanting to explain. Hamilton entered the dining hall. He scanned the room and his eyes settled on Scout and Jake in the corner. He went to join them.
"Hey" Hamilton said as he pulled up a chair. He helped himself to the apple that sat on Jake's tray.
"Hey" She responded.
Hamilton could sense there was a problem The tension was radiating from her.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"Nothing." She said.
"Jake...come on. What's up? Did Calhoun make a pass at you again?" He chuckled.
"Hey...hey...I resent that." Scout retorted.
"You're looking all upset." Hamilton questioned her.
"You forgot to call last night." She said.
"Well...I'm full. " Scout said as he stood and picked up his tray. "I think I see Will over there somewhere." Scout pretended to look around. He actually had no idea where Will was but, he sensed he did not want to be a part of the upcoming conversation. "Catch you later." Scout stood up and made his exit.
"You're right. I'm sorry. I forgot." He stuttered.
"You forgot?" This seemed odd to Jake.
"Yeah...When I got home last night my folks were already asleep...so I just headed upstairs and crashed." He explained.
"Really." Jake said. She knew he was lying.
"Really. I'm sorry. I should have called." He apologized again.
"You know what. It's no big deal." But it was. Jake stood up and lifted her tray. Hamilton sat alone at the table for another moment. He had a bad feeling. He didn't like to lie to her but he thought it would upset her more if she knew he had walked Melanie home last night. He thought it best to say nothing and see how it went.
Jake left her geometry class later in the day and headed back to the dorm to dump her books and change. She unlocked the door and her foot slid on a small piece of paper that lay on the floor. Jake bent over and picked it up.
Jake,
Change in plans.
The library at 6pm instead.
See you there.
Hamilton.
"Mmmmm" She thought out loud. She threw her backpack on the bed and reached under her sweatshirt and removed her corset. A wave of comfortable relief washed over her. Now that she had a little time to kill she thought she'd go into town and visit Bella.
Hamilton arrived at the library ten minutes before four. Melanie was already seated at a table. She was flipping through a fashion magazine and didn't see him enter. Hamilton considered waiting outside for Jake to arrive so that they could walk in together. But, on second thought Hamilton decided to approach the table and use the time to make Melanie even more aware that he was "taken".
"Hi." He said.
"Hello Hamilton, " She beamed up at him. Hamilton seated himself at the table across from her. "Where's Jack?"
"Jake." He said. "I'm sure he'll be here in a minute."
"Listen..." Melanie whispered as she put her hands on top of his. "I pulled this great essay off the Internet this morning. Why don't we just hand that in as ours and get out of here...do something a little more...entertaining?
Hamilton looked at Melanie. He took his hands out from under hers and stuffed them in his pockets. "Jake would never go for that."
"Who cares what Jack thinks?" She said dismissivley.
"Jake." Hamilton corrected her again.
"Whatever...He's not here. Maybe he's not coming. Come on Hamilton...let's get out of here.
"No" Hamilton said.
Melanie exhaled loudly, relaxing back into the chair and crossing her arms over her chest.
"Oh...you know what? I forgot my book." Melanie suddenly realized.
"So...go get it." Hamilton said.
"Will you come with me?" She asked.
"No" He answered.
Melanie sat and pouted. "Please Hamilton..." Her bottom lip was curled out in front of her.
"This..." Hamilton pointed around him. "is a library. Why don't you get a copy off the shelf to use while we're here?
"Good idea. Come on...it will be quicker if we both look." She said as she stood. Hamilton checked his watch and then looked toward the door. He was surprised Jake hadn't arrived yet. Unlike him, she was never late. Hamilton thought for a moment and then stood up.
"Mmmm. Under "P" for Plays? Or under "O" for Othello?" She asked out loud.
"How about "S" for Shakespeare." He said sarcastically.
"Right." She walked through the long rows of shelved books stacked six high. She had a purpose to her step as if she knew exactly where she was going. She glanced back at Hamilton who was following her lead but at a much slower pace. "I know, how about "B" for Boring?" She giggled. "or "E" for pure evil. I love the way Mr. Finn said that. She repeated the comment stretching out the word "Pure" as she walked backwards in the small row. Hamilton grinned.
"Or "J" for Jealousy." He added smiling mostly to himself as he briefly thought about Jake.
Melanie stopped walking backwards and stood waiting for Hamilton to take the extra step and catch up to her. They were facing each other.
"We're here." She said. Hamilton stretched to look at the books on the higher shelves.
"Man.....there's a lot. Ok...let's get you a copy of Othello and get back to the table.
Jake'll be here any second. Melanie squatted down to view the lower shelves. "Down here" she said. Hamilton squatted beside her. His eyes scanned the book shelf lengthwise...singing the alphabet to himself. There was an empty space where a few copies of Othello would have been.
"Look's like they're out." Melanie said. Melanie lurched backward grabbing out for his arm and knocked Hamilton off balance. He fell forward, accidentally stretching out on top of her.
"Oops" Melanie giggled. "I guess the "ram hath topped the ewe" She said laughing. Hamilton couldn't help laughing too. But, his smile faded quickly as Melanie locked her hands around his neck and pulled his mouth to hers. Hamilton braced his arms and pushed himself backward. He rolled backward onto his knees and stood up...towering over her. He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth as if to wipe her kiss away.
"What are you doing?" He said disgustedly.
Melanie lay sprawled on the floor of the library and extended her hand to him so that he could help her up. Hamilton walked backward a few steps and then turned on his heels. He walked right into Ryder who had been standing at the end of the row viewing the entire scene.
"Hello luv" Ryder said with a smirk.
Hamilton pushed past Ryder and headed for the table where his backpack was. He collected his things and headed for the library door. Ryder took steps toward Melanie. He extended his hand and offered to help her up. Melanie ignored him and grabbed out to the bookshelves for support. She stood. "I was going to call you." Ryder said sincerely.
"Yeah...and I was going to hold my breath" Melanie said as she walked around him leaving him standing alone in the row surrounded by Shakespeare.
Melanie headed back to the table. She picked up her purse and her magazine and walked past the library's large oak desk. She hesitated a moment in front of the Library's book return bin and pulled down the handle on the door. From her purse she extracted three library copies of Othello. She tossed them in and headed out of the library.