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"Hey Roger," Collins said, taking a seat at the small table, "Got a moment?"
Roger didn't like the tone in Collin's voice, but he sat down across from his friend anyway. "Sure."
"Listen man, Joanne and I were talking…" Collins began.
Roger's heart skipped a beat. It was going to be one of those parent lectures. Ever since Collins had arrived, he'd taken the place of a father figure, so they had their own little family (fun-loving father, stern, but gentle mother and bad-ass kid who just wanted to get the hell out of there). Roger thought he'd escaped those when he left home, but apparently not.
"What now?" Roger asked, rolling his eyes.
"Roger," Collins said sternly, "We're worried about this Mel person being a bad influence. I'd like to meet her if you don't mind-"
"What if I do?" Roger interrupted.
"It's not an option, Roger," Collins continued, "It's an order. I will meet Mel, whether you like it or not! And if I think that she's a negative influence, I'll personally see to it that you never see her again. I don't want you fucking up your life anymore than it has been Roger."
Roger glared at his friend, his eyes narrowed with hatred. Who were they to tell him who he could and could not see? "Fine." He grumbled, roughly pushing back his chair and storming out of the apartment.Break Here
"Hey babe," Mel asked, "What took you so long?"
"Collins. He wants to meet you. My paren- friends really don't seem to like you. Why can't they just leave me alone?"
Mel rolled her eyes. "It's okay Rog," she said, "It'll be okay. You know, I'm a pretty good actress…"
Break Here
There was a knock on the apartment door, but no one rushed to answer it like usual. They were all too busy preparing dinner. Collins was cooking and Roger was setting the table. Joanne was still at work, but would be arriving home any moment now.
Putting down the last plate, Roger ran to open the door. It took him a while to realize who exactly was standing there.
"M-M-Mel?" he asked meekly.
As soon as he spoke the words, Roger knew it was her. It just…wow. Mel's usually wild hair was tamed into a high ponytail, her pink highlights creating almost a halo against the dark shade. Instead of her usual ripped jeans and skimpy top, Mel was now wearing an ankle length prairie skirt and a casual button up shirt. Roger just couldn't believe it was her.
"Wow," Roger said, "You look great Mel. Or should I say Melanie? You look like a goody-goody."
"Oh shut it Roger," she snapped playfully, "This is how much I'm willing to do for you!"
"And for that I'm truly grateful," Roger whispered before Collins walked into the room, glaring at the girl.
"Dinner's ready." He said stoutly as Joanne entered the apartment.
Roger sighed. It was going to be a long evening.