"I see…" Melanie's voice trailed off.

"And I know it was a mistake," he continued.

"Oh, so I'm just a mistake?" Melanie shrieked. She stood in a rush, knocking over the purple cushioned chair. She worked her way back through the crowded ballroom.

Lucy, who was dancing with Mr. Tumnus, saw Melanie's eyes glistening with tears. "Melanie, come back! He didn't mean it, whatever he did-"

"I think it's too late for that, Lu," Edmund commented quietly from behind his sister. "We should leave her be for awhile."

"But she's our friend," Lucy protested. "And Peter didn't mean whatever stupid thing he did."

"Peter doesn't realize Melanie has feelings for him," Susan said quietly, joining her siblings. "He's only a boy, after all."

"Thanks," Edmund grunted.

"Lucy, you can check on her later. We cannot leave our guests unattended."

TCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCONTCON

Melanie hurried through Cair Paravel, fighting back tears. She just had to get to an empty spot so she could cry.

Hardly noticing where her feet had taken her, she arrived at the tower steps. The same tower she and Peter watched the sunset from everyday. This was what she needed right now. Melanie quickly ran up its stone staircase, finally allowing tears to flow from her jade colored eyes.

It was all over, she realized as she sank down onto the cold floor. She and Peter could only be friends as long as they were in Narnia. Obviously he didn't love her like she'd hoped in her heart of hearts.

She sniffled loudly, still miserable. She'd made a fool of herself, trying to get him jealous and everything. He didn't like her that way.

"Mel?" a familiar voice asked quietly.

"Hello, Lu," Melanie mumbled.

"Peter's only a boy," Lucy informed her, sitting down. "He doesn't know what he's doing."

"He's special to me. No boy was ever nice to me before."

"Yes, but don't let him make you this way. Ignore him, he'll realize his mistake soon enough." The younger girl smiled warmly at Melanie.

"Thanks, Lucy, but I just want him to know now."

"Tell him," Lucy suggested simply. "It's not a bog a deal as you're making it out to be. I know he has feelings for you, but he's afraid to act on them because he doesn't know how you feel."

"I'm going to bed," Melanie grumbled. "Goodnight, Lucy, and thanks for trying. Tell Susan I'm sorry for ruining her party."

I'm soooo sorry for taking so long. Sorry it's short. I'll try to get another chapter up by Monday.

Love,

Queenie