Chapter 9
"So what are you thinking about for the wedding, for, like, dresses and stuff?" Maureen asked Melanie, a few days later.
"Oh," Melanie said, caught off-guard, "I'm not sure. I haven't really thought about it lately. I've been too busy."
"You haven't?" Maureen asked. She noticed Melanie seemed to want to avoid the subject. "Don't you think you should be, though? I mean, it's the middle of March. You've only got until like, May thirty-first."
"I know, Maureen, I know, OK?" Melanie said irritably, turning away from her. "I've been trying to think about it, but I've just got too much damn stuff going on. Graduation and scholarships and financial aid and college entrance stuff and everything but the wedding has lately been taking a front row seat to it. They're my priorities right now, especially so my mom will quit harassing me about"— she made a quoting gesture with her index and middle fingers— "'not letting the wedding get to my head and blowing everything else off'. Besides, Roger and I have been working really hard on our Regionals duet, since it's only like, two weeks away. And it's at NYU, you know. Even with Collins there, I don't know if I'll be able to handle seeing the last place my brother was before he died, even though it's been a year."
Maureen nodded, even though she knew Melanie was exaggerating. "You can think about it, though," she said. "By the way you sound, I know you'd be happy with something simple, even if it's just your friends witnessing the ceremony in a church or something, with no other guests."
Melanie nodded. "I have been imagining Roger and me getting married on a hilltop," she admitted.
Maureen smiled at the mental image. "See? It's not so hard. All you have to do is decide what color dresses you want. It'll be black tux or not, depending what you and Roger agree on. I know Roger will go through denim withdrawal if you do tuxes." Melanie nodded. "And you don't need invitations or anything, because you really only want us from Scarsdale that you know to come to the wedding, right?"
Melanie nodded. "Yes," she said, "save for three."
"Who?" Maureen asked.
"I want to send Benny and Alison and Collins an invitation," Melanie said, "especially Collins."
Maureen nodded, although she seemed irritated. "OK," she said, "it's up to you. I don't like Alison, but you might. And Collins wouldn't miss it for the world, except you haven't told him yet, have you?"
"I don't remember, honestly," Melanie said. "I'm going to call him after school today."
"OK, that's a good idea," Maureen said. "He'll listen to what you have to say—"
"And you aren't?" Melanie teased, sticking her tongue out at Maureen.
"— and he'll have more advice to offer than I do," Maureen finished, rolling her eyes.
Melanie grinned. "OK, I'll talk to him," she said. "Then I need to talk to my mom and Roger and the others about all this, too. I think I'm going to need help."
Maureen hugged her. "We're here for you, Mel," she said. "You don't have to do this alone."
Melanie smiled and hugged Maureen back. "Thanks, Mo," she said. She went quiet for a moment again, and then she looked at Maureen. "Hey, why isn't Collins a guidance counselor?"
After a moment, Maureen suddenly laughed.
Melanie looked at her, confused. "What?" she asked.
"He hates people; I mean, sometimes…" Maureen said. It was hardly an explanation.
"So why's he becoming a teacher?" Melanie asked.
"So he can fill their heads with his anarchistic theories of actual reality, in hopes they'll become like him," Maureen said. She smiled fondly. "And I salute him all the way."
Melanie nodded and then she was quiet. Maureen noticed this. "Mel, you OK?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she said, not looking at Maureen.
"Mel," Maureen said, something occurring to her, "is Roger forcing you to marry him?"
Melanie didn't answer her.
A little while later, Melanie called Collins. She needed to hear his voice and maybe get some advice from him, too.
"Hey, Baby girl," he said, when he picked up the phone, "how are you doing?"
"I'm tired, Collins, and really lost," Melanie said.
"Are you OK?" Collins asked. "Can I help at all?"
"I'm just really overwhelmed right now about school and the wedding and everything," Melanie began, but Collins interrupted her.
"Wait, what? A wedding? When? Where? Whose?" he asked.
"Yes, a wedding, in Scarsdale, around June first, and… mine," Melanie said quietly.
"Are you kidding? Roger proposed?" Collins asked eagerly.
"Yes, he did, originally a year ago. But he said he wanted to do it right, with a real ring, and now he has," Melanie said. "I thought I'd told you?"
"No, you hadn't," Collins said. "Baby girl, I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks, Collins," Melanie said, smiling weakly. "We've wanted to do this for over a year now."
There was a pause. Then Collins said, "But you're hesitant."
"Yes, I am," Melanie said.
"Why, Baby girl?" Collins asked. "Is your mom or Roger driving you nuts?"
"No," Melanie said, "not really. Roger's been really quiet about it, actually, which surprises me, but I'm thankful at the same time. I think he realizes and respects that school comes first for both of us, and that, once we're graduated, we can do anything we want."
"Yeah, you're right about that," Collins said. "So you said yes?"
"Yes, I said yes," Melanie said.
"What are you lost about, Baby girl?" Collins asked.
"I'm confused because I want to start thinking about the wedding and everything involved with it, but when I do, I get honestly scared," Melanie admitted. "I want to do something simple, but at the same time, I want it to be amazing, you know?"
"I know," Collins said. "Mel, can I confide in you?"
"Of course you can, Collins," Melanie said.
"I just wanted you to know that, if he was still alive, I would have gone to Canada and married your brother," Collins said.
Melanie inhaled a breath of surprise before she suddenly choked up. "R-really?" she asked.
"Yep," Collins said. "I— I just wanted you to know that. I loved him so much. I could imagine myself spending the rest of my life with him."
Melanie wiped away the tears that had appeared in her eyes. "Wow, Collins," she said. "Thank you. Thank you so much… for telling me that. It means more to me than you know."
"Of course, Baby girl," Collins said.
"Mel, why don't you talk to Roger and your mom and see if they have any suggestions, and see what Roger says?" Collins asked.
"OK," Melanie said, "I'll have Roger come over tonight and we can talk over dinner or something."
"OK, that sounds like a great idea, Baby girl," Collins said.
"Well, of course you think it is, it was your idea," Melanie said, laughing.
Collins laughed. "It was, wasn't it?" he teased. "Good luck, Baby girl."
"Thanks, Collins. You helped a lot," Melanie said. "Bye, Collins."
"Bye, Baby girl," Collins said, and then he hung up.
Three weeks later…
Melanie leaned against Roger and fell asleep, after they had loaded the bus to go to Regionals. They were going to the city, but still had gotten up early to leave, since some of their classmates sang as early as 8:30 a.m.
Roger gently shook Melanie awake when the bus stopped at New York University, their destination for their judged performances today. If they starred at Regionals, they would go onto State competition, which was being held at the same place two weeks later.
"Hey, sleepyhead," he said, "time to get up."
Melanie opened her eyes and looked up at him. "Mm, already?" she asked.
Roger nodded. "Yep," he said. "We're here."
Melanie sat up and immediately dove to get her backpack, which had stuff in it she would need today, and then she stood up and walked off the bus with Roger. When she stepped off the bus and realized where they were, she froze.
"Mel, you OK?" Roger asked, looking at her. She had suddenly stopped walking and was shaking badly and pale. "Mel, what's wrong?"
"Roger, do you… do you realize… where we are?" Melanie stammered.
"Yeah, we're at NYU, where we're gonna be singing today," Roger said. "I don't remember, but I think Collins is gonna be a judge, if he has his way."
"Yes, I know that, but…" Melanie's voice trailed off.
"Hey, you two, let's move!" Mr. Shepard called out to them, since they were the last ones in the group. He came over to them. "Are you guys coming?"
"Yes, Mr. Shepard," Roger said, looking at him, slightly annoyed. He knew why Melanie was acting like this. It had been the last place Brian had been seen alive. But there wasn't much he could do to help, except wait until the panic attack was over.
"Melanie, are you going to be OK?" Mr. Shepard asked.
Melanie nodded, but didn't look at him. Mr. Shepard looked at Roger. "Do you have any idea what's wrong?" he asked.
Roger nodded. "She's just overwhelmed," he said. Mr. Shepard looked confused. "Like, a year and a half ago, this is the last place anyone saw her big brother alive before he died in a car crash with another friend of ours. They both attended school here. Collins still does."
Mr. Shepard's eyes widened and he nodded. "Oh," he said, "I didn't know. I'm sorry, Melanie. Come whenever you're ready, OK?"
Melanie nodded. She couldn't say anything.
It was a long couple of minutes before Melanie spoke. "Roger," she said.
Roger looked down at her. "I'm here, Mel," he said. "It's OK. I'm here."
Melanie started walking and he walked right beside her. "Roger, about that," she said, when they reached the building, "I'm sorry. I didn't know I'd react like that."
"It's not your fault," Roger said. "I should have guessed or something."
Melanie nodded. "Can we just go, please?" she asked.
"Sure, baby," Roger said, putting his arm around her waist, and they went over and met up with the group.
"Are you gonna be OK to perform, dear?" Mr. Shepard asked, concerned.
Melanie nodded. "I think so," she said. "I'll live."
Mr. Shepard nodded. "OK; drink lots of water and just chill when you need to, OK?"
"OK," Melanie said, nodding.
When they weren't watching their classmates sing solos or ensembles, Roger and Melanie chilled with Mark, Maureen, and the others in a chosen area on campus. Melanie was feeling better and more comfortable with the New York University campus, now that she'd been here a few hours.
Finally, after lots of boring downtime, lunch, and a nap, 1:15 P.M. came and it was time for Melanie to sing her solo. She was singing "The Black Swan" from the opera, "The Medium".
When the judge gave her a signal she was ready, Melanie introduced her piece and began to sing.
"Hi," she said nervously, "I'm Melanie Schwartz and I'm going to be singing 'The Black Swan', from the opera, 'The Medium', by Menotti."
The sun has fallen and it lies in blood
The moon is weaving bandages of gold
Oh, black swan
Where, oh, where is my lover gone?
Torn and tattered is my bridal gown
And my lamp is lost
And my lamp is lost
Melanie felt herself getting into her character, and her mind seemed to almost numb as a result of the sad song. She knew being so into her character would help, so she sang on.
With silver needles and with silver thread
The stars stitch a shroud for the dying sun
Oh, black swan, where, oh, where has my lover gone?
I had given him a kiss of fire
And a golden ring
And a golden ring
Don't you hear your lover moan?
Eyes of glass and feet of stone
Shells for teeth and weeds for tongue
Deep, deep down in the river's bed
He's looking for the ring
Eyes wide open, never asleep
He's looking for the ring
Looking for the ring
Melanie looked at Roger just before she continued onto the next verse and got shivers down her spine. It was almost uncanny how well they both related to the song in a way.
The spools unravel and the needles break
The sun is buried and the stars weep
Oh, black wave, oh, black wave
Take me away with you
I will share with you my golden hair
And my bridal crown
And my bridal crown
Oh, take me down with you
Take me down to my wandering lover
She looked at Roger and didn't take her eyes off him as she sang the last two phrases and hit the sustained high G effortlessly, warming the note with her vibratto.
With my child unborn
With my child unborn
She came to an end and closed her eyes, almost feeling the pain the mother had felt in losing her child, which was what the song was about. Melanie knew she, in a sense, could relate.
As her director played the last chilling chords and the song ended, Melanie opened her eyes and watched her judge. Her judge was writing something on the judging sheet.
A minute or so later, the judge looked up and smiled at her. She indicated for Melanie to come over and sit in a chair next to her. Melanie did and the judge spoke to her for a few minutes. The judge was very pleased at how well prepared Melanie's solo was.
"I can see how much work you've put into it," she said.
"Thank you," Melanie said, smiling at her. "I've enjoyed working on it."
"Can you tell me what the song is about?" the judge asked.
Melanie nodded. "It's about a woman who, while drunk at a party with her friends and two maids, goes into a trancelike state; while in this trance, she 'communicates' with her dead son. Her other, younger son, who is alive, comes over to her and she suddenly goes berserk, attacking him and blaming him for murdering her older son, when the death really had been a… a tragic accident. But he had been in the other room the entire time and was never even near her when she had this 'conversation' with her dead son. He is obviously distraught at her attacking him, and she sings this as a lullaby to calm him."
Melanie glanced over at Mr. Shepard, still sitting at the piano. He was smiling. She'd obviously gotten it right.
"That's right," the judge said. "Well, Melanie, you know your song's story well, the notes are all there, the intonation and dynamics are wonderful, and your words are clear. Very good, very good."
"Thank you," Melanie said, smiling, and she went to sit next to Roger. She whispered to him, "Can we get out of here and go talk?"
Roger nodded. "Sure," he whispered back. He knew she wanted to go somewhere where she could freak out about her solo and how she felt about it and not get into any trouble.
They walked out of the room and went back to their designated area and sat down. Melanie sighed deeply and finally let out the nervousness she'd been holding in.
"Oh, my God," she said, "I was so nervous! But at the same time, I can't think of anything the judge might have docked me for, can you?" She looked at Roger.
Roger shook his head. "Nope," he said.
"Are you sure? You're not just saying that to make me feel better?" Melanie asked.
"Baby, why would I say that just to make you feel better?" Roger asked, looking down at her. "I'm not like that." He smiled.
Melanie smiled. "You're right," she said. "But oh, my God, I was so nervous!"
"Yeah, I know," Roger said, "but you were great. Can't you tell the judge wanted to adopt you?"
Melanie laughed. "Yes, I could tell," she said. "Well, now we have an hour until our duet, and then our large group is at three, and then eventually, we go home."
Roger nodded and kissed her on the top of her head. "Yep," he said. "I can't wait."
"Me either; especially for our results, once we get back to the bus!" Melanie said enthusiastically. Roger smiled.
Later that day, Melanie and Roger and their classmates were sitting on the bus, waiting anxiously for Mr. Shepard to come back to the bus with the results. Melanie and Roger discussed what they thought they got with their classmates while they waited.
Finally, Mr. Shepard came back. "Results," he called out, and everybody quieted down. He looked at all of them for a long moment, heightening the suspense. Then he said seriously, "There were no threes or 'Fairs'."
The sigh from everyone on the bus was audible. Mr. Stephens smiled and went on with the list. "Receiving two or 'Good'," he said, and he went through the recipients on the list. "Receiving one or 'Excellent'," he said, and he went through the recipients on the list for that score.
Melanie turned and looked at Roger. She hadn't heard their duet or her solo yet. "Do you know what this means?" she hissed at him eagerly.
Roger grinned. "I sure do," he said, and he hugged her close, as Mr. Shepard came to the Stars.
"Receiving Stars," he said, and he went through the list. Finally, he said, "'Papageno' and 'The Black Swan.'"
Melanie cheered and hugged Roger close. Mr. Shepard wasn't finished, however.
"Congratulations to all of you. I think having nine Stars that are going to go onto State competition is great. You all worked hard on your solos, duets, and ensembles. Good job, everybody. Now we can all go home and celebrate."
Melanie rolled her eyes and laughed. She looked at Roger. "Roger, I can't believe we both starred!" she said.
Roger smiled. "Well, you were kick-ass with your solo, baby," he said. "You totally deserve it."
"I think I was even more scared to do our duet," Melanie admitted.
Roger nodded. "Understandable," he said. "It's just a shame we couldn't do our large group. We were so ready for that."
Melanie sighed. "Yeah," she said grimly. Maureen had gotten a Minor in Consumption the previous weekend and hadn't been allowed to perform. Now she wasn't allowed to go to prom, among other things, like not being allowed to participate in the senior one act plays. She had blown her senior year. Melanie and Roger had been angry with her for a few days, but they were over it now. She was going on with life as usual, although they knew she was bummed that she couldn't attend anything or be part of her clubs until she became eligible again, just in time for their senior banquet.
Melanie leaned against Roger and was quiet. She was thinking about the day's events and she was also really tired. She didn't realize she'd fallen asleep until she woke up when they'd arrived home that evening.
Roger and Melanie were the last ones to get off the bus. While their classmates and Mr. Shepard went inside the school to get their things they'd left behind, they walked to Roger's car. They'd taken everything with them on the bus and didn't have to pick anything up.
Once they got on the bus, Roger kissed Melanie. "Congratulations on your Star," he said. He smiled. "You're my star."
Melanie smiled. "Thanks, same to you," she said, looking over at him. He dropped her off at home and only then did she realize she'd forgotten to talk to him about the wedding and her having second thoughts.
After school the next day, Melanie met up with Roger to talk to him, like she'd told Collins she would.
"Hey, baby, what's up?" Roger asked. "You look stressed."
Melanie looked up at him. "I am," she admitted.
"What about?" he asked.
"The wedding and everything to it," Melanie answered. "Oh yeah, and graduation, too."
"Aw, I'm sorry, baby," Roger said. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Not really," Melanie said, "but thanks."
"What's to worry about graduation, though?" Roger asked her. "All we need to do is walk across the stage, get our piece of paper, and run. Then we can go to the lake and get drunk with Collins. He's reserving special stuff for us."
Melanie smiled.
"You are really excited to leave Scarsdale, aren't you?" she asked him.
"Hell yes," Roger said. "It's got the word 'scar' in it for a reason."
Melanie nodded grimly. "I guess you're right," she said. "You're not going to miss it at all?"
"Well, maybe my parents, but that's it. You and I aren't the only ones leaving, either, you know. Maureen and Mark are gonna move in with Collins in the city; Benny, too."
"And you're not?" Melanie asked.
"Why would I choose that over my future bride?" Roger asked her.
Melanie shrugged. "I don't know," she said, "maybe think of all the opportunities you'll miss to spend with them, by being with me so much?"
"Yeah, a lot of drinking, sex, and stupid filming," Roger said. "I think I can handle the withdrawal."
"What withdrawal?" Melanie asked, smiling at him.
"Exactly," Roger said, smiling back at her.
Melanie hugged him. "I think I'll be fine wherever we end up," she said.
"I know you will," Roger said. "Besides, think of it this way; if you think you're going crazy, look at Mo."
Melanie got a mental image in her head. "I get it now," she said. She looked up at him. "I love you, Roger."
"I love you, too, Melanie."
Three and a half months later…
"Benjamin Coffin, the Third," said the principal.
As Benny walked across the stage to receive his diploma, the others booed at him playfully from offstage. He scowled at them as he joined the A's, B's, and some of the C's on the other side.
"Roger Davis."
Roger kissed Melanie happily before going across the stage, amongst many cheers from the audience, to receive his diploma.
"Maureen Johnson."
Maureen squealed in true Maureen-like fashion and hugged Melanie happily before she walked all too quickly across the stage to get her diploma.
Eventually, the principal reached the S's. Melanie was one of the first ones.
"Melanie Schwartz."
Melanie jumped and walked across the stage. She glanced at the audience and saw her mother, crying, next to Collins, and Roger's parents. She blushed, waved quickly at Collins and the others, and received her diploma from the principal. Then she joined her friends in a celebration chant offstage left.
Roger pulled Melanie close to him and whispered, "Only five more days, then we'll be husband and wife for real."
"Yeah, for real," Melanie said quietly, looking up at him wearily.
"Are you happy, Mel?" Roger asked.
"Yes," Melanie answered.
"Good," Roger said. "Now come on, everyone's done and Collins is waiting with our parents."
Melanie nodded and followed him into the audience. When she saw Collins, she beamed and ran over to him. "Collins, you're here!" she squealed.
"Yep, sure am," Collins said, smiling down at her. "Congratulations, Baby girl. Are you happy it's all over?"
"Am I ever!" Melanie said. "I can't wait for Saturday."
Collins smiled. "But hey, you said hi to me before your dear ole mom, so get over there and hug her, too, all right?" he said, smiling at her.
"OK," Melanie said, beaming at him, and she walked over to hug her mother.
"I'm so proud of you, honey," Mrs. Schwartz said, looking down at her daughter.
"Thanks, Mom," Melanie said.
"Brian would have been… so proud, you know," Mrs. Schwartz said, tears forming in her eyes.
"I know, Mom," Melanie said, wiping away her mother's tears. "But he's here, you know. He's watching all of us."
Mrs. Schwartz nodded. "I know," she said.
"I love you, Mom," Melanie said, smiling and hugging her mother.
"I love you, too, sweetie, so much," Mrs. Schwartz said, holding her daughter close.
This is the end of chapter 9. Sorry if it's too long (my Microsoft Word document says it's 15 pages.) But I got inspiration lately and found that I just couldn't stop writing. When I wasn't reading or doing anything else, I was writing. Not even kidding. It was great. But I couldn't force it; it all had to come on its own.
Chapter 10, which, so far, is 10 pages and not finished, will be posted up ASAP. Please be patient with me while waiting for updates. I'm thinking about somehow leading this up to pre RENT, but I don't know what I'd write for that yet. I'm thinking, I promise. :)
The end of the school year, and high school, period, is only 13 school days away from today, and two days after that is graduation. Then I start my summer job training at 8 a.m. the morning after graduation (I'm pretty nervous about it, since I have yet no idea what I'll be doing at the stables I'll be working at) and I go to New York City with my mom from the 29th to June 1st or 2nd. I'm not yet sure when we're going to see Wicked (I'll have to check the tickets), but RENT is May 30th at 8 P.M.! I'm pretty darn excited. :) Then I fly back and start working probably six days a week at the stables, and then I'll be in college. Wow, time sure does fly!
I am THINKING about writing a sequel to this, but I have NO idea at all when I'll have time in the next six months. Maybe this summer, since I will have computer access, but I have no idea what kind of time I'll have. Sorry. No promises.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter (and my long author notes, as usual.) As always, don't forget to review. I love feedback. It keeps me going. Thanks.
Until next time, lots of love,
Renthead07
P.S. Quick note to Rosablasifann08 (and whoever else, I guess): I've now deleted Waiting for You, but I have it backed up in my documents, in case I ever want to use parts of it for a future story. Just wanted to let you know. This means Deviant Beauty does not have a sequel, and probably will not, the way I see it, as much as I hated what I wrote for the original sequel. I'm leaving it up to your guys' imaginations to think of what happens to Roger, Shay, Noah, and Lily after Roger officially adopts Noah. I hope that's OK. :)