Four months. It had been four months since Max had been diagnosed with brain cancer. It had been four months since Melanie had moved in with us. It had been four months since I had told her that I loved her. It was also in those four months we had all changed; some of us went through mental metamorphosis, like Max, some went through physical metamorphosis, like Melanie, and some went through emotional metamorphosis, like me.

Max went through two and a half months of testing and treatment. Apparently, the tumor wasn't accepting the chemotherapy or radiation they had been giving her. They had told Brenda that she was a lost cause and asked if they could perform an autopsy on Max's brain and find out more about the odd cancer. Brenda had refused, demanding for a new doctor for Max. As much as she yelled and cried and complained, Max went home the same night. The hospital had sent her home with the thought that there was nothing left they could do for her. For two weeks, we took turns sitting by her bedside watching her sleep and get thinner and thinner. Fang almost never left the room, and he wouldn't have at all if he didn't need food. Dr. Tory came by the apartment a few times, telling us the same crap every time. "I'm sorry." "I wish there was something I could do." It was as if Max was already dead. Though, on the last day of those two weeks, he had new news. Apparently, his usual checkup had been different: her heartbeat had gotten stronger, her pallor was returning, and her eyes had finally opened. The brown irises had been hazy and unfocused, but they had been seen for the first time in what had felt like a lifetime. She had been quickly transported to the hospital for further treatment. Within a week, she had woken up. She sat up in the thin hospital mattress and opened her mouth to speak. Fang had grabbed her hand tightly while the rest of the flock and Brenda stared intently at her. She looked down at her hand, fingers intertwined with Fang's with curiosity. Confusion and what was almost like fear echoed around the room. "Who am I?" Apparently, the vicious cancer Max had endured had been eating away at her hippocampus and other crucial areas in the brain dealing with memory. She had forgotten everything. Who we were, who she was. She was completely gone. A few seconds of silence had filled the room after Max spoke, until Fang leaned forward and gingerly kissed her on the lips. She tensed up in shock and was about to recoil when he drew back. Tears were in his eyes, a watery smile fell across his face.

"You're my everything," he answered.

The rest of the summer had been a struggle for all of us. Max, rendered weak from her lack of movement, was forced to stay in a wheelchair. Dr. Tory assured us that it was only temporary, and that she could be back on her feet the moment she physically could. Fang and the rest of us did our best to re-teach everything to Max. Who we were, who she was. Almost two months passed, and she was so close to being the old Max again. Some things she did were still out of the usual, and some things we did were still foreign to her. The multiple specialists who had gotten involved with Max had been completely shocked at her recovery. Of course, we knew just how strong and tenacious Max was, and we were barely surprised. Max had fallen in love with Fang again as Melanie and my relationship began to advance.

Most of Melanie's changes had become apparent under my hands and against my skin. The walking to and from school every day and the strict eating habits that had been enforced on her had taken their toll. Melanie had explained to me that the combination of her mom's genes and her dad's genes had created a less than favorable body. Her Filipino mother had given her the short stature she resented, while her father's side had left a generally large frame. She had called herself fat at a size ten, but all I had known her to be was beautiful. Though, her sudden move into our family had definitely changed her. Those enticing curves and large breasts were still there, but her stomach had flattened and her legs had lessened. Personally, I didn't give a fuck what she looked like, obviously since I only occasionally saw glimpses of her eyes. But I was enthralled at happy it made her. I told her time and time again, that she was gorgeous no matter what, but that had never reassured. Apparently, from what I had been told by Fang and Gazzy, she had been sharing clothes with Nudge, because of the looseness of her old clothes. Nudge was a size eight, though she was into the "hipster" fad, making her clothes at least a size or two bigger than what she needed. All of her clothes hung loosely on her. On Melanie, they were snug and hugged her body perfectly. Max had taken her to buy jeans when even belts wouldn't hold up her pants. Ultimately she was just as beautiful. The only thing that really changed to me was the lift in her self esteem. It wasn't just her body though. Apparently, Melanie had been dying her hair black for years. She had decided when her "terrible hair color" began to show again, to re-dye it black, and bleach the ends. I can recall the strong scent of peroxide coming from the bathroom where she and Nudge had dyed it. I obviously couldn't see the differences. Nearly the entire bottom half of her hair felt slightly coarser, but I didn't mind too much. It seemed to make her very happy. She had also started wearing her glasses again, which did not make her happy. She had run out of contacts and did not want to make a fuss to get new ones. Instead, she wore her glasses that had been enhanced every visit due to her terrible eye sight. Ironic, isn't it? She had had the same frames for a number of years: oversized, squared and bold. They were like the 3D glasses idiots popped the plastic out of, but they actually served her a purpose.

I experienced many changes in those four months. Some of those were obvious, while others were almost non-existent. The greatest change was my sight. I had been told a long time ago that my blindness had been caused by a malfunction in a part of my brain, not physically my eyes. With the limited knowledge I knew about the brain, I came to what seemed to be the most plausible explanation for me being able to see Melanie's eyes: she literally completed me. Yes; cheesy. Due to the emotional strain that had put upon me that day after learning about Max's cancer, being punched by Fang, and succumbing to my feelings toward Melanie, my mind was able to convince itself that I wasn't blind. It didn't happen every time I kissed her, but on days when we went through a lot, I was gifted with the sight of those green eyes. Gentle as summer leaves and intense as raging envy. Being in the dark for so long had made me appreciate so much, and something as major as seeing the love of my life's eyes was so unreal. Melanie was ecstatic when I told her; she had kissed me over and over again. She was disappointed that it wasn't just her that made me see. Needless to say, I hadn't complained.

The flock saw how much I loved her. How could they not? Even I knew that my arms seemed to perpetually be around her, that she barely ever slept in her own bed, that any conversation that she had with any boy outside of the flock boiled my blood. My jealousy had hit me unexpectedly, and although she chided me for it, I knew she was completely fine with it. Arjoo had told me that Melanie had fallen for a boy she had known since the sixth grade, and had liked him for three years. It hadn't bothered me until I had met that douche. I had been on my way to the band room to walk home with Melanie. It had been one month since the first time I had kissed her, and Melanie had dropped maybe one size. She had begun to be more confident with herself, and others had noticed both of these changes. I found Melanie in the doorway of the circular room, hearing her Converse click quietly across the linoleum and the metallic squeaks of the springs on her oboe case. I smiled as I drew nearer to her until a heard a deep voice. "Hey, Mel." I stopped. She paused a second, probably turning to see who it was. I knew instantly, recognizing his voice from the many times he had pestered Melanie with questions about physics homework, a class they shared. I could almost feel the attraction and nervousness dripping from his voice. Melanie did not seem to notice as she answered his questions.

"Oh, hey, Caleb." I hated the way she stopped to let him catch up with her. He obviously didn't see me as they continued the conversation. "Did you need Mr. Smith's homework?" She was innocent and didn't see his true intentions.

"No, I wanted to talk to you about… something else." I felt myself stiffen in anger, but didn't move.

"Sure."

"I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go see a movie with me. Star Wars just came out in 3D and –" He didn't get to finish. I took a few long strides around the corner and stopped directly in front of Melanie. Her breath fanned against my face in surprise before I tangled my hand in her hair and brought her towards me. I felt her melt into the kiss after the initial shock wore off. He had known that Melanie was my girlfriend, and he had still asked her out. I was jealous and furious and continued to kiss her with pure passion and lust. I pulled back, light headed from the kiss, the green eyes I had seen, and the lack of oxygen.

"She's fucking taken." I tightened my arm around her waist and lead her down the hall away from Caleb who stood shocked and angry.

Those four months had changed us. Some changes for better and some for worse.

The distantly familiar scent of the ocean breeze and its soft whistle as it brushed against us met me instantly as I stepped out of the car. Max, Fang, Nudge, Brenda and I had been here once. I had been so young maybe seven years old, it was hard to remember. But I did remember the chilly ocean water, and the serene desertedness of the beach. Max had hurt her arm here by accident. Fang had pushed Brenda aside to come to her rescue. That day came back to me in fragments, knowing the reason for the visit. Max still wasn't completely herself, and we weren't sure she could ever be the same again. We had tried time and time again to introduce her to old things, some sparking her memory, others falling flat. I could feel the hope radiating off of Fang as he walked her towards the sand, beach blanket in hand. I wasn't so sure Max would remember anything about that beach, but I knew Melanie and I always would.

I felt the callused fingers intertwine with mine and a short figure appear beside me. The oversized t-shirt she wore fluttered gently with the wind along with her hair as she stepped closer into my side. "I can barely remember the last time I went to the beach," she said, leaning against me and looking at the water. I smiled.

"That makes two of us." She steadied her hand on my shoulder, stepping on her toes to kiss me on the cheek. I looked down at her, wishing for the millionth time that I could see her. My mental plea to whatever god existed or didn't was denied. I contented myself by wrapping my arms around her waist and kissing her softly.

"Hey! Stop making out over there!" Melanie pulled back with laughter and u followed suit. She pulled on my hand and led me to the sand. She was called away by Nudge quickly and I sat on the sand next to Gazzy. I heard the loud smack of a rubber ball against skin as the girls played around with the volleyball. Melanie had played on her church's team for four years. She had always loved the sport and was the best on her team. When she graduated into high school, she hadn't tried out for the team due to her own insecurities. She had noticed how all of the girls on the team were tall and flaunted disproportionately long legs. After much persuasion on Nudge's and my part, she had agreed to try out for the team when school began again. The two had really gotten into the sport, playing almost every day at the nearby park. I heard Gazzy stand up and jump at the ball before it hit the sand, propelling it towards the water. "Gazzy!" Nudge yelled, chasing after him as Melanie went to retrieve the ball. I walked over to where Fang was laying down towels and opening a bottle of water for Max. His hard work was for naught, as Angel led Max away to build a sand castle with her.

"It's been so long since we've been here, hasn't it?" Fang said as I plopped down beside him. I nodded. We stayed silent for awhile as I reveled in the laughter of the rest if the flock. "Iggy, I heard what you said to Melanie a couple of nights ago. About your blindness." I stiffened. Look what eavesdropping gets you into: awkward conversations. I had been telling Melanie about how hard it really was, living my life. Yes I had gotten used to it, but I always yearned to be less of a burden. Practically everything I did required assistance. I had used enhanced memory and developed senses to omit the need of a dog or white cane, but when I was in new environments, I couldn't deny help. And of course there has always been the selfish side of me that only wants sight to see. "If you want me to . . . describe anything for you, I will." I smiled softly as naughty thoughts racked my brain.

"Describe Melanie." I felt him jump a bit, not expecting me to ask for anything. But I just couldn't pass up an opportunity to get him back for knocking me out four months ago. He cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Oh . . . um. Well," he stuttered a bit as I bit back a smile. I knew that Nudge had forced Melanie to wear a bikini, and the thin materialed, off the shoulder shirt over it probably left nothing for the imagination. "She's wearing a white shirt." I nodded. "And . . . um – a blue two piece underneath." I could hear his skin rubbing against itself as he wrung his hands together.

"What's she doing?" I asked nonchalantly, as if I didn't know how this was killing him.

"She's just playing volleyball with –" He stopped abruptly. I raised an eyebrow at him, dying to know the cause of his distress. "She . . . um. She took her shirt off." Perfect.

"Oh, yeah? How does she look in that bikini?" I couldn't help but smile now. I knew that he wasn't looking at her anymore, he would have probably combusted from awkwardness if he did.

"Very. . . fit."

"Yeah? What about her tits?" he stayed silent for quite some time, and I didn't think he would answer.

"Ample?" I burst out in laughter, falling back onto the towel as I clutched at my sides. He stood up abruptly. "Fuck you, Iggy." I continued my guffaws on the floor. Oh how I loved my family.

The day went on just as well: Fang avoided me good mannerly so he wouldn't have to talk about Melanie's tits, Max sat quietly by his side, Gazzy and Angel dragged Nudge into the water, much to her dismay, and I spent most of the day touching Melanie under the water where no one could see. "Come on, Iggy; let's swim," she had said, tugging on the bottom of my t-shirt and kissing gently up my neck. I didn't know how to swim, and I had never had any inkling to learn, though her tantalizing voice and soft lips were persuading me that I was tall enough to stand. I knew she was right, as I found she usually was. I pulled off my shirt and let her run her hands down the compacted muscles of my chest and stomach. Our hands entwined and she led me to the water. The soft grains of sand sticking to my feet became chilly sea. She continued into the calm waves as if she didn't notice how cold it was and I could do nothing but follow. The water bit at my flesh, but I grew accustomed to the temperature quickly. I wrapped my arms around her waist and dragged her deeper into the water as she giggled. I stepped farther and farther into the water until Melanie's entire torso was submerged. I heard the rest of the flock treading near us, closer to the shore. My head rested comfortably against hers as I let my fingers dance across her torso. The goose bumps that had resided when she grew accustomed to the water returned as I savored the feel of her skin. She leaned back against me and kissed my shoulder. I toyed with the bow in the center of her back that held the bikini top into place. She tensed noticeably as I untied the knot, holding the separate strings so it wouldn't float up around her. She quickly swatted my hands away and tried to retie the bow until I slipped my hands under the absorbent material. She froze instantly as I touched her breasts then melted into my touch. We were quite the inappropriate couple.

She rested her head against my shoulder and wrapped her arms around mine. She was tired from the swimming and running and overdue joy we had all experienced. "I love you Iggy," she whispered into my ear before closing her eyes and letting the exhaustion take over. I kissed the top of her head. As she lay there, still damp hair splayed across our entwined arms, I couldn't help but recall her first night with the flock. How I had held her tight against my chest, and how I had succumbed to the hot tears and silent sobs.

We had all changed in those for months. Max had gotten stronger. Fang was as overprotective as ever. Nudge matured. Angel grew two inches taller. Gazzy had pulled less pranks. I had become more open. But Melanie . . . she was the same orphan, the same musician, the same girl she had always been. And she let us change around her as we all found our own way to fall in with love Melanie Wasurick.

AN: wow. Did I actually finish that or am I dreaming? Ahaha. That just took my forever. :P I'm really really sorry. But, as you can see, this is definitely the longest chapter, and the happiest one at that. :) So I hope you enjoy it! REVIEW. Or die

LOVE,

Melanie 3