Story 7: "Friendship Kiss"
Summary: Mrs. Cabot knows, and she wants to know the entire story of how Alexandra and Melody got together.
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Alexandra lied sunk in her bed underneath three thick blankets, still recovering from the flu. Outside, further down the property, she heard the joyous countdown towards another new year from the party guests. After the countdown would end, the fireworks would go off, and Josie and the Pussycats would play a mini concert for the crowd. And here she was, sick in bed.
Alexandra rubbed her eyes and turned her head to her large white vanity by her bed. Melody left her "present" there: the enormously sexy underwear that she promised to wear once Alexandra got better. They mocked her in all their sexiness: Too bad, Alexandra. You're missing out on the best time of the year because you encouraged Josie and the others to get petty revenge on your brother. He's not sick – look, he's outside flirting with your girlfriend and her friends.
"Shut up!" Alexandra growled and turned her head back to the window. The countdown ended with a collected cheer as fireworks exploded a distance away. Alexandra could see the ones that went high into the sky, and flashes of colorful light flashed and filled her room. She sighed wearily. "Great. Everyone is outside partying, and I'm in here talking to underwear."
"You can talk to me. I'm not outside."
Alexandra felt her heart stop as her door closed and locked: it was her mother.
Alexandra rolled to look at her mother standing in the dark. When the fireworks flashed, Alexandra could see her wearing a very smug expression on her face. Alexandra couldn't help but think this was the start of one of those terrible female-centered Lifetime Channel murder mysteries. Either it was the daughter who killed the mother, or the mother who killed the daughter to appease a slime-ball of a man.
"Oh…h-hello, Mother-dearest," Alexandra managed to stutter out. She pulled the blankets closer to her chin. "You heard, huh? Pretty sad, right?"
Mrs. Cabot didn't say anything, and most importantly, didn't turn on any lights.
Alexandra felt sweat beading on the sides of her head. "I-I mean, this medicine the doctor gave to me makes me dream the strangest dreams…" She pulled the blankets over her nose as she watched her mother get closer and closer. "…And think…the strangest thoughts…l-l-like…uh…Lifetime TV…"
Mrs. Cabot sat down wordlessly on the side of Alexandra's bed as rock and roll music began to echo outside. She was still watching Alexandra with a strange, smug expression. "So… When did it happen?"
Alexandra blinked. "Uh…w-what do you mean? When I got…sick?"
Alexandra knew that wasn't what she meant, but her mother couldn't possibly know that secret. She just had to stall until she figured out what the older woman was talking about before she blurted anything stupid out.
Mrs. Cabot rolled her eyes and sighed. "No… You and Melody."
Alexandra sat up on her knees and blurted something stupid out. "What?! How did you know we were together?!"
A flash of blue filled the room – Mrs. Cabot was now grinning ear to ear. "I didn't, until now." She laughed when all the color drained out of Alexandra's face. "I had my suspicions, but I wasn't sure…until now."
Alexandra sunk back into her bed, suddenly feeling overwhelmingly feverish. She held her forehead, her long bangs tangled between her fingers. Mrs. Cabot's expression turned from mischievous to sympathetic, touching Alexandra's cheek.
"Your secret is safe with me. I'm not the one to tell everyone – you and Melody have to decide when you two are comfortable to do it yourselves," Mrs. Cabot whispered.
Alexandra looked up at her mother, eyes brimming as the fireworks died down outside. "Thanks, Mom."
Mrs. Cabot nodded. Her expression quickly changed into her previous mischievous one as she flopped down stomach-first onto the bed, kicking her high heels off her feet. "So! Let's hear it!"
"It's…a long story," Alexandra groaned.
"We got all night," Mrs. Cabot countered with a smirk.
Alexandra sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fine."
"Every detail! …Including the juicy bits."
"Mother! Ew!"
"Just kidding! Just kidding!"
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Around two years ago…
Alexandra lounged by the Cabot mansion pool in her pool chair. She wore a green bikini and large, dark sunglasses with red and black rims that made it impossible to see her eyes, even if she stepped out from underneath the umbrella and into the blazing summer sun. Josie, Valerie, and Alexander were in the pool, leaning on the side facing Alexandra, talking to each other about the next show. Melody had gone back inside to use the bathroom and Alan was, sadly, nowhere to be seen. She asked Josie about him as soon as the redhead entered the pool area, but neither she nor Valerie had heard from him.
"Alexandra Sherry Cabot!" a sing-song voice chided behind her.
Alexandra sighed heavily. She had no idea where Melody got the idea that her middle name was "Sherry," but no matter how many times she snapped at the dumb blonde, the new middle name continued being used.
Alexandra didn't turn to look at Melody, so Melody hopped in front of her seat, hands on her hips. The heiress felt her lips twitch: Melody was dressed in a tiny blue bikini with little white stars decorating the material. Her generous bust was now emphasized by Melody's back curving backwards with her stance. Alexandra blinked several times and turned her focus past the blonde.
While everyone else made their jealous comments about Melody, Alexandra found herself appreciating Melody's body. After all, in a way, Melody had the same idea as Alexandra did: if you have it, flaunt it. (Although Alexandra wasn't too sure if Melody realized that she "had it.") Josie refused to wear revealing swimsuits and acted like an embarrassed child if she had to wear one. Valerie didn't mind showing off, but not too much, and refused to show-off any part of her for a man's pleasure. Act like you own your body, not like you're giving it away, Valerie's voice echoed inside her head.
Alexandra rolled her eyes and mumbled, "Prudes."
Melody was chiding Alexandra, though the heiress missed most of it. "…You haven't gone on any of our tours or appearances, so you have to swim with us!"
Alexander grinned. "And don't say you're working on a tan, Alexandra, you're under an umbrella."
Alexandra sighed as dramatically as possible. "Fine…"
Melody seemed way too happy about Alexandra coming for a swim. The heiress wrote it off as Melody being…Melody…and took off her sunglasses to set them on the glass table where the umbrella was attached. Alexandra straightened up as slowly as possible, announcing that this was her choice, and they could never tell her what to do. Melody was already half-way in the air in a cannonball pose, landing with a splash into the pool. Josie, Alexander and Valerie laughed as the splash covered them in water. Alexandra flinched when a few cold splash droplets landed on her feet.
"Pff, a cannonball? Such a low-class way to enter the pool," Alexandra declared, sticking her nose into the air. Melody popped up from underneath the water as Josie and Valerie rolled their eyes. Alexandra strode over to the diving board, carefully stepped on, and continued her bragging. "Now watch how the rich enter their swimming pools."
Alexandra got into a dive position and lurched forward.
"Hey guys! Great news!" Alan practically screamed as flung open the mansion's glass doors leading to the pool area.
Alexandra lost her footing, fell over, slammed her chin on the diving board, and ungracefully flipped backwards into the pool with an enormous splash.
Melody watched, wide-eyed. "Gee! The rich sure have a funny way of jumping into their pools!"
Alexander was in the process of laughing himself to tears. "That dive was called the 'Braggart Sister Getting What She Deserves' dive!"
Josie was only focused on Alan. "Alan M.! Where were you? You didn't answer any of our texts!"
Alan squatted down on the edge of the pool as Josie, Valerie, and Melody swam over to listen. Meanwhile, Alexander realized Alexandra was not coming up and quickly dived into the deep end to retrieve her.
"Remember when Alexander brought us to see that motivational speaker?" Alan asked, his smile widening.
Josie nodded. "Oh yeah!" She lowered her voice and pointed empathetically at each of her friends. "You are the only one who is responsible for your own happiness!"
Alan beamed. "Yeah! He made me realize that I have to take action now while I have the chance!"
Valerie looked wide-eyed at Josie whose entire face flushed red.
"Action?! What kind of action?" Valerie gasped, eyes still focusing excitedly on Josie.
Melody blinked and looked back and forth between her friends, confused.
Alan reached down and took Josie's hands. The red-headed girl made almost silent gasping noises in her throat while Valerie's hand launched up from underneath the water to cover her own mouth.
"Josie…" Alan began, staring deeply into Josie's eyes. "…I'm going to Texas to become a country rock and roll guitarist!"
All the color drained out of Josie's face. Valerie uncovered her mouth and turned to Alan with her mouth still dropped open, eyebrows scrunching down in an "are you kidding me" look. Melody jumped and held her heart, looking with concern at Josie's fallen expression.
Alexander popped out of the water and hauled Alexandra over the edge of the pool to lie face down on the concrete. Alan lifted her out of the pool all the way by her limp arms and then turned back to the others excitedly.
"Well? Isn't this great?! I've learned so much from being your roadie for all these years, and I'm pretty good on the guitar, so now's the best time to try to chase after my dreams!" Alan continued breathlessly.
Alexander was suspiciously unsurprised. "Gee whiz, Alan! I'd say go for it!" Josie's mouth was opening and closing soundlessly. Alexander grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to him. "I'll take care of the girls for you!"
"Are you kidding me?!" Valerie snapped. "Alan! You can't just go to Texas without a plan!"
Alan's face twisted. "But I do have a plan! First, I'm taking a bus to Austin, then I'm going to play at some bars, and I'll name-drop 'Josie and the Pussycats' to get the music producers attentions…"
"Oh, it's just that easy, huh?" Valerie argued back. "Because, ha, you know how easy it was for us."
Alexander was chewing his nails as Valerie spoke. Melody looked back and forth between Alan and Valerie, clutching her hands together and opening her mouth to interject a few times, but the argument continued. She looked at Alexandra who lied on her face, still unmoving besides for her breathing and an occasional gurgle of water coming out of her mouth.
"Alan…" Josie's voice ended the argument and brought silence. "…Is…that what you really want to do?"
Alan's face lit up again. "Yeah! I really want to try, Josie. Please understand." Josie looked down into the water. "We'll still be friends! We just won't see each other for a while."
"Maybe forever!" Alexander interjected loudly. "You know how it is with long distance friendships and fame…"
Valerie turned to Alexander, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. Alexander quickly looked at Alexandra and lifted himself out of the pool to pretend to check on her.
"No, that won't be me, I promise," Alan replied, trying to look into Josie's downcast eyes.
Josie chewed her lip, and then her face turned cold. "I'm sure you'll be very famous, especially after mentioning our band." She looked up at Alan angrily. "Is that all we were to you? A stepping stone?"
"No! Of course not!" Alan replied, his eyebrows furrowing. "We're friends, and shouldn't friends encourage one another?"
Josie didn't say anything and Valerie scowled up at Alan with her arms crossed. Valerie spoke, "Yeah, but good friends should also tell their friends when they're making a big mistake."
Alan stood up, bawling his fists by his side. "I can't believe you two. You're being selfish."
"You're being selfish, trust me," Valerie muttered, looking at Josie from the corners of her eyes.
"No, maybe Alan is right," Melody finally got a word in. "I mean…he's always loved to play his guitar, and he never gets to do it when he's touring with us. So why shouldn't he go to Texas?"
"Melody!" Valerie pleaded, nodding her head sideways at Josie.
Alan slapped his sides. "Thank you, Melody. At least I know I have Alexander and Melody on my side." He looked down at Alexandra. "…And maybe Alexandra too, but I have no idea."
Alexander had Alexandra's hand in his, feeling her pulse. "Trust me, it's probably better that she can't hear us right now. Peace and quiet! And we all get to have a nice talk and Alan gets to say his goodbyes, right Alan?"
"Wait…already?" Josie yelped.
Alan nodded. "I'm leaving tomorrow night. You all will come see me off at the bus stop, right?"
Josie slowly shook her head, eyes large and looking into Alan's. His face sunk and he looked at Valerie's scowl, and then Melody's large, wet eyes. He hung his shoulders and sighed.
"Well…okay," he muttered. "Goodbye, I guess…" He turned and began to walk away. He paused and looked back. "If you change your mind, I'll be at the bus stop on Route 6, tomorrow at 4:30pm."
He sauntered off back into the mansion. Once he was gone, Valerie let out a huge breath, holding her forehead. Josie slowly climbed out of the pool and stood to watch after Alan.
"Josie," Valerie called sternly. Josie turned to her friend helplessly. "Don't go after him. After all these years, he just decided to up and leave us like that? A day before he's leaving? And he's got the nerve to tell us that he's using our fame, our work, to get an easy in into the music business?"
"Some friend, huh?" Alexander scoffed.
Valerie slowly turned to him and reached up to grab the side of the pool. She hauled herself onto the concrete. "You didn't seem surprised at all, Alexander Cabot. You'd think that the news about Alan wanting to move to Texas would make you a little surprised."
Alexander broke out into a sweat. "O-of course I am! I'm just…in shock!"
Josie began to stumble towards the mansion. "I think I need to go home."
Valerie chased after her and looped her arm underneath hers to support her. "Alright, Josie, we'll take you home." She turned her head back to Melody who stood in the pool, shocked. "Melody? Come on, let's go."
Melody nodded blankly and climbed out of the pool. She began to jog after the two girls but stopped and looked down at Alexandra with concern.
"Come on, Melody, Alexandra will be okay," Valerie called.
Melody chewed her lip and then turned to them. "But…Alexandra loves Alan too. And she has no idea he's leaving!"
"I'll tell her, Melody," Alexander reassured. "We have a lot to talk about anyway."
The glint in his eyes made Melody take a large step backwards. He smirked and watched the blonde girl dash away.
Several hours later, Alexandra woke.
"Ugh…" Alexandra groaned.
She opened her eyes to find herself still in her bathing suit except now with a pink fluffy robe around herself. Lifting herself up on her elbows, she also discovered she was sprawled out on one of the couches in the living room. Felicia was seated next to her on an ottoman, holding a bag of ice which Alexandra presumed was for her painful jaw.
"I give your dive a 2," Felicia teased.
Alexandra scoffed, trying to restore some of her dignity. "Some personal servant you are, watching me drown like that."
Felicia grinned. "You're okay now; Alexander saved you."
Felicia nodded to their left and Alexandra turned her head to where Felicia was motioning to. Alexander looked very smug as he sat stretched out in a large comfy chair turned slightly to face her.
"Great," Alexandra sighed. "Now I owe him a favor."
Alexander was now oozing with smugness. "Oh, but my dear sister, you already have repaid me ten-fold." He waved his hand at Felicia. "Felicia, please leave us to chat for a bit."
Felicia stood up, handed Alexandra the ice bag, and left the twins alone in the living room.
Alexandra winced as she pressed the ice bag against her jaw. "And just how did I repay you?"
"By keeping quiet for a few hours," Alexander replied with a grin.
Alexandra rolled her eyes. "Ha. Ha."
Alexander shook his hands and leaned over towards the couch. "No – what I meant was not ruining my brilliant plan! After you knocked yourself out, Alan told everyone that he was moving to Texas to become a star."
Alexandra stared wide-eyed at her brother, trying to process what he just said.
He explained, "Listen – I got Alan a one-on-one talk with the motivational speaker I took the girls and him to a few weeks ago, and paid the man extra to convince Alan he has star quality!" Alexandra stared silently, so Alexander continued, "He'll run off to Texas, leaving me alone with Josie, and when he comes back – and he will, because, ha, have you listened to his guitar playing and crooning? He won't have anyone to turn to except for you! All you have to do is to show him that you're on his side, and he'll be so grateful, that when he comes back and sees me with Josie, he'll remember your support and fall for you!"
Alexandra gawked. The plan sounded pretty good, but, as usual, Alexander's plan was filled with holes.
Alexander sat back, looking very pleased with himself as he put his hands behind his head. "No need to thank me, your genius brother! We'll finally get what we both want!"
Alexandra shook her head and sat up on the couch, slapping her hand down on the armrest. "Are you crazy?! That plan won't work at all! And you're taking away my Alan so you can try to get to Josie!"
Alexander waved her off. "He'll be back within a week, trust me."
Alexandra growled through her teeth, "This is going to backfire in your big, dumb face, Brother-Dearest. You'll break up your precious band too."
Alexander laughed and stood up. "Trust me, it's the perfect plan. You'll just have to live without that big, dumb lummox while I comfort Josie."
He marched off towards the stairs, waving his hands in the air and cheering how much of a genius he was. Alexandra waited until he climbed up the stairs before she rushed off the couch to find Sebastian. She found the cat in the kitchen, attempting to open a cookie jar on the counter.
"Sebastian!" Alexandra yelled.
Sebastian let out a surprised screech and jumped backwards from the cookie jar, feigning his innocence.
"Nevermind that! We got to…" she sighed heavily. "…Do something nice for Josie."
Sebastian turned up his lip and gagged audibly.
Alexandra nodded and held back her own gag response. "I know, but it's for the greater good…for me! Let's go!"
She scooped up the cat into her arms and made a dash for her car keys sitting on a living room table. Alexandra stopped short when she saw Felicia standing next to Melody.
"Why do you always scheme aloud?" Felicia teased. "Melody heard it."
Alexandra felt her face flush, her lips pulling down in an embarrassed frown. Melody looked too sad to notice Alexandra's flushed face. She held one wrist with one hand, her fingers lightly playing with her Hello Kitty charm bracelets that hung loosely in a tangled, colorful mess. Alexandra gulped: Melody was about to cry. She could handle the blonde crying when the others were around, they knew how to comfort her while Alexandra kept her distance in an attempt to keep her cold persona, but when Melody cried to her…Alexandra's mind couldn't function and she could barely hold back her own emotions.
"I'll…leave you two alone," Felicia whispered, turned and walked away.
Alexandra screamed internally.
"Are you really going to stop Alan?" Melody finally spoke, a tear escaping her eye.
Alexandra clenched one fist, letting her manicured nails poke into her skin. "O-of course! Alan is mine! My stupid brother planned this whole thing!"
Melody's sad expression shifted quickly into anger. "Oh, I knew it! I just can't believe him! Poor Josie is crying her ears off!"
[Eyes out,] Alexandra mentally corrected the blonde, but said nothing so she could continue.
Melody's face fell again. "I want Alan to be happy, so I say he should go. But, Josie said she doesn't want to play music ever again. I tried to help, but, Valerie and Josie just got mad at me." More tears fell out of her eyes and with each one Alexandra felt a violent, helpless stab in her heart. "I know you don't like our music very much, but I know you wouldn't want us to split-up…right?"
Alexandra's internal scream turned to internal sobbing. Sebastian's lower lip shook and he looked up at his master expectantly.
"I, uh, well…I don't care either way! I just don't want my brother to win! And I want Alan here!" Alexandra fumed, turning all her confusing emotions into anger. "He'll be happier with me!"
She placed Sebastian on the ground and then walked over to a large purse seated on a chair. Alexandra attempted to dig through it, but the robe was getting in her way. She mumbled angrily, flung it off her body and onto the couch a distance away. Finally, she found her phone and turned just in time to see that Melody was visibly checking her out. Melody straightened up, the usual blank but warm expression on her face. Alexandra shook herself – there was no way Melody, the male-attracting magnet of Midvale, was checking her out, she was just imagining things.
Alexandra found Alan's number and began texting him: I heard you were moving without me, lover. Where are you now? We need to talk.
"He won't answer," Melody said glumly. "He hasn't answered any of us."
Alexandra put her free hand on her hip and sniffed, "Then we'll just have to track him down."
"Maybe Sebastian can sniff him out!" Melody suggested.
Alexandra scoffed, "He's not Scooby Doo, Melody. The only thing my dumb feline can sniff out is a free meal of fish." She ignored Sebastian's indignant yowl and began to walk out of the living room. "I'm going upstairs to change."
After changing into one of her tight, black dresses with a light red jacket, she led Melody and Sebastian to her red sports car parked in the garage. Alexandra climbed in, checking her phone for any texts: nothing.
"I guess we'll check his home first and then-" Alexandra looked up towards Melody. She was crying again. "Melody?"
Melody wiped her eyes as she opened the passenger door. "I'm sorry, I just don't know if it's right to ask Alan to stay. He seemed really happy when he told us." She sniffed as Sebastian leapt past her and climbed into the backseat. "You didn't see it, you were sleeping."
"Yeah, sleeping," Alexandra mumbled, rubbing her offended jaw.
Melody sunk into the seat next to Alexandra. Alexandra tried to come up with anything to say that wasn't sarcastic or hurtful, but the tears pouring out of Melody's shining blue eyes made her brain functions shut down. Then, she heard her entire brain panic when Melody reached over and intertwined her fingers in Alexandra's hand that was resting on the stick shift.
"Look…Melody," Alexandra began. "Things change."
Melody looked up at her, her hand not letting go of Alexandra's. "So you agree with me? That Alan should go?"
"No!" Alexandra yelped automatically. She paused and chewed her lip. "…I mean…not like this! He didn't give us any warning!"
Melody shifted closer to Alexandra. "Maybe he didn't want us to stop him."
Alexandra's heart was now in her throat: the blonde was mere inches away from her face, her pink-glossed lips parted and her eyes half lidded as tears streaked down her rosy cheeks. Did she want to…? Alexandra shook herself out of it: what was wrong with her?! Sure Melody was attractive, and Alexandra looked, but it didn't mean anything. After all, she was crazy about Alan…right?
Alexandra pulled her hand away from Melody's and leaned her body back towards the driver side door. "W-well, too bad!"
She reached for her keys in her jacket pocket, finding herself fumbling and shaking. Melody hadn't retreated from her spot and those lips still hadn't closed.
Alexandra decided to distract herself with anger, "Going to Texas! And he didn't even think about why my brother was so nice to introduce him to that motivational speaker guy!" She turned on the ignition, letting the car roar to life. "Never trust a speaker with big teeth and a smile!"
Melody finally sat back into her seat and buckled her seat belt. "It was fun! Why didn't you come with us?" Alexandra snorted. "You never really come with us anywhere anymore. I miss you."
Alexandra raised an eyebrow and looked over at Melody again. The blonde seemed nervous, looking down at her lap. Alexandra reached up, grabbed her sunglasses dangling from the rear-view mirror, and put the car in reverse. "You miss me? I'm always at the mansion; I don't know what you mean, Melody."
Melody fiddled with the bottom of her shirt. "Oh…you know! Just me being silly!"
Alexandra put on her sunglasses and looked at Melody through the side of her eyes. The blonde giggled, but it seemed like it was forced. The air got heavy with awkwardness, so Alexandra concentrated on backing the car up and turning it to drive down the long, windy driveway.
Melody took in a breath and continued her train of thought. "I mean, you don't come with us very often anymore, and now Alan won't be there. And now maybe the Pussycats won't be there! I just don't know what to do except…" She began inhaling and exhaling loudly. "…Cry!"
Alexandra tried not to groan: she was not use to this…emotional…stuff. Sure, she cried too, but it was over important stuff like…old people…and…animals… She cocked her head with thought: that stuff sounded sillier to cry over than the possible break-up of your band and losing your friends. Maybe she would cry too when Alan left…if he left. Maybe she would cry if Josie and the others split-up too.
She suddenly realized why Melody was so scared.
Alexandra asked through a chewed lip, "Do you…want to hold my hand again?"
Melody looked up with wide eyes, and Alexandra suddenly felt stupid.
"N-nevermi-" Alexandra began shyly, but was cut-off when Melody placed her hand on top of hers again.
Melody was smiling through brimming eyes. "Thank you."
Alexandra was glad she was wearing sunglasses, because she was pretty sure her eyes were bulging out of her head. She quickly turned her head and went back to concentrating on driving, trying to ignore the butterflies that were in her stomach from Melody's warm hand.
"So what have you been doing all alone at the mansion?" Melody asked.
Alexandra shrugged her shoulders as she looked both ways at a stop sign. "I have businesses I'm tied to, I've been going to more parties for them too, and getting my beauty rest inbetween…not that I need any."
Melody giggled. "You don't."
Alexandra grinned. "See, Melody? This is why I like you the most."
"Even more than Alan M.?" Melody asked, looking up at Alexandra with big eyes.
Alexandra paused at that question. Who would she rather hang out with? Melody or Alan? Alan always came at Josie's beckon and demand like a little puppy. He barely gave Alexandra a passing glance.
"Alexandra?" Melody's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Huh? Oh, well…I'd rather hang out with you any day, I guess," Alexandra coughed out, feeling her face burn up at the confession.
She was too afraid to look at Melody after that, even though Melody would never be able to see Alexandra's eyes through her deep, black sunglasses. As soon as they pulled up in Alan's driveway, Alexandra awkwardly opened her door. She turned her head to unbuckle her safety belt, but as soon as she turned her head back around to grab her keys, Melody's face was right infront of hers.
"GAH!" Alexandra yelped, almost falling backwards out the car.
Sebastian snickered loudly in the back. Alexandra almost forgot he was still there.
Melody was smiling again. "I miss being with you. Let's do more of this, okay?"
Alexandra was grabbing her heart, trying to calm herself down. "S-sure, Melody. Whatever you say."
Melody seemed very pleased and she turned to climb out of the car, giving Alexandra a sly backward glance as she slowly rose from her seat, hips jutting backwards towards Alexandra. Alexandra was thankful that her eyes were hidden, because now she was involuntarily staring at Melody's thick butt and wide hips dressed in short, tight, jean shorts.
Once Melody was out of the car, Alexandra repeatedly bumped her forehead against her steering wheel and whispered, "What is wrong with me today?"
Dismissing the very thought that Melody might be flirting with her as being a delusion from being knocked out in the pool, Alexandra climbed out of the car, gathered Sebastian into her arms, and then met Melody at Alan's front door.
"I'll tell the door a knock-knock joke," Melody announced.
"Just knock-knock, you dumb-dumb," Alexandra replied with an exasperated sigh.
"Okay!" Melody cheered.
Melody gave the door a few good raps and then put her hands behind her back, waiting expectantly.
After a few seconds, the door opened to reveal a short, dirty-blonde-haired woman wearing a flower-patterned dress and a red apron over it.
"Oh, hello Melody!" she greeted. She turned and looked at Alexandra with surprise. "Oh! Isn't that Alexandra Cabot?"
Melody nodded. "Yup! We're looking for Alan."
The woman's face sunk. "Oh…he didn't tell you? He said changed his mind – he's leaving today. I said my goodbyes, but, I don't know if or when he actually takes the bus." She looked at Alexandra and Melody's paling faces. "What happened? He was so excited, ran off to tell you girls, and then he returns home looking like he was punched in the gut."
Melody bit her lip and looked at Alexandra. "Um…"
Alexandra politely explained, "Josie and the others are just…a little bit upset…that he announced this move with such short notice. I wasn't awake when it happened, but apparently, they got into some sort of heated exchange."
Alan's mother sighed and stepped back, opening the door wide. "Come on in, girls, I want to show you both something."
Melody stepped inside with Alexandra, Sebastian still in her arms. Alan's mother led them to the living room where she had a photo album out. Alexandra took a seat on the couch and Melody sat down next to her. Alan's mother bent over and picked up the photo album. She squeezed between the two girls on the couch and put the opened album across their laps. Inside the album were pictures of Alan, beginning with pictures of him as a child with a plastic guitar in his hands.
"Alan always had this dream – that he would be a rock n' roll star," Alan's mother explained. She flipped the pages, revealing more pictures of Alan as he grew up. "But he never did anything about it until he saw that your band wanted to hire a roadie."
"More like a pack mule so my dear brother wouldn't have to do the heavy lifting anymore," Alexandra mumbled.
Melody laughed, "I remember! Alexander tried so hard to carry everything by himself and told Alan he didn't need another man in the group. Alan ended up carrying Alex when he hurt his back!"
Alexandra let out an amused snort and watched the page flip again. Her grin dropped when she saw the pictures on the page.
"Hey! That's us!" Melody cheered.
On the page were more recent pictures of the girls were playing various shows while Alan watched on the side with a smile. But with each picture, the smile seemed to fade more and more until it was gone. Melody didn't seem to notice Alan's expressions in the photos, too busy looking at Josie, Valerie and herself.
"He loved you girls, but he was getting a little more depressed with each year. He didn't want to be a roadie his entire life, he wanted to take the lessons he learned from your band and go off on his own," Alan's mother explained with a sad sigh. "His dream from his childhood never died."
Melody's face sunk. "Golly… Why didn't he just say so?"
"You know Alan," Alexandra said. "He wouldn't want to make anyone upset."
Alan's mother nodded. "Yes, that's right. But after he met that inspirational speaker, something changed in him. He had that glow back, that smile back, and he decided to do what's right for him." She looked up at the girls. "You two understand, right? That's why you're here. Don't you two have dreams too?"
Melody touched her finger to her lips. "Gee, I'm already living my dream. What about you, Alexandra?"
Alexandra paled and gulped audibly. She always wanted to be a star, like Alan. She suddenly realized how wrong they were to come over and try to stop him. "W-what, who, me? M-my life is a dream." Sebastian made an unbelieving snort, but Alexandra muffled his face with her arm. "But I understand."
"You do?" Melody asked. "Because I'm not too sure I do."
"It's easy, Melody, Alan's move was a bit unexpected, but it's the best thing he can do for himself right now. And if anything, the guy needs a break," Alexandra explained. "We just need to convince Josie and Val that too."
Alan's mother brightened. "Oh, thank you so much! If I hear anything from Alan, I'll be sure to call you, Melody."
Alexandra got up and Melody followed. "Thank you, Mrs. M."
Alan's mother let them out and Alexandra began walking quickly towards her car. "Well, that's that, I guess. Let's go check out the bus schedule, maybe he hasn't left yet." She stopped when she noticed Melody wasn't following her. Alexandra turned to see the blonde looking off down the street thoughtfully. "Melody?"
Melody smiled when she turned back to Alexandra. "I'm going to talk to Josie and Valerie again. This time, I know what to say."
Alexandra tried not to look too skeptical. "Are you sure? You don't want me to come with you?"
Melody shook her head. "No, we gotta have a band meeting about this."
Alexandra shrugged. "Well, okay. Try not to cry this time, Melody, everything will be okay."
Melody nodded. "I won't, it's a pink-eye promise!"
"Right…pinkie-promise," Alexandra corrected.
Alexandra turned to keep walking towards her car, but stopped when Melody called out, "Alexandra?" Alexandra turned to her. Melody had that shy look on her face again. "Thank you. I hope you get to say goodbye to Alan."
Alexandra nodded and watched Melody hurry away down the street. After the blonde was out of sight, she pulled out her cellphone and tried texting Alan again: Alan, please text me back. I won't stop you, I just want to talk.
She sighed and climbed into her car, letting Sebastian hop out of her arms and into the passenger seat. Her ringtone buzzed. She looked down at her phone: Alan.
Okay, I wanted to talk to you too. Meet me at the bus stop.
The sun was quickly setting as Alexandra lounged on the bus stop bench. She looked down at her watch: Alan was taking his sweet time getting there. Sebastian had opted to stay in the car and she saw him peeking out over the backseat from where her car was parked across the street at a small deli shop. Then, she saw Alan walk up the street, guitar strapped to his back and a small bag in his hands. Alexandra slowly stood up, hearing her blood rush to her ears.
[Okay, Alexandra. You got him. Now think of something to say!] her brain boomed as Alan got closer, waving at Alexandra.
"Going somewhere, Alan-dear?" Alexandra said as coolly as possible. "My, all packed up and ready to go hit the big time."
Alan grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, well…it's something I gotta do."
"I know, Baby," Alexandra continued with a wolfish smile. "You'll do great in Texas."
Alan perked up. "You really think so, Alexandra?"
Alexandra nodded, "Why, of course. If you just a nothing, I wouldn't be interested in you."
Alan quickly changed the subject to the last name Alexandra wanted to hear right now, "Yeah, well, Josie doesn't seem too interested in me anymore."
Alexandra bit back a scream: Josie. Even when she didn't want to talk to him, Alan talked about her. She remembered what her brother said before – this was her chance to make Alan forget about Josie. To show him that Alexandra Cabot was there for him, not Josie McCoy.
Alexandra looked up to the tower of manly muscle before her – he seemed sad as he waited for Alexandra to comment. She had a feeling that even if she did comfort him and tell him what he wanted to hear, he would still return to Josie without a single glance her way. The revelation suddenly hit her hard: all these years chasing Alan for nothing. She should've seen it before.
She sighed heavily, defeated. "Look, Alan, Josie just needs time to process this. Melody is talking with her now, I'm sure she'll come around. You just need to give her time." She looked away towards her car, smiling a little when Sebastian waved a furry paw at her. "Why not wait until tomorrow to leave, like you originally planned?"
Alan shook his head. "You're right. This isn't how I wanted to end this. I just…I thought…I thought…Josie…would understand."
Alexandra put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "She does, Alan, but she's just in shock. She has her own little worlds of rock n' roll and fame, but, you're the center of those worlds."
Alan smiled, eyes watering. "Gee, Alexandra, I don't know what to say."
Alexandra playfully reached up and gave his cheek a few light slaps. "No crying! I've had enough of that today!" She turned and waved him off dismissively, making a show of putting herself in a snobby stance. "Now go and be boring with her before you leave tomorrow."
She turned and found all the breath sucked out of her. Alan was now close, looking down at her with shining blue eyes. He reached down and took both her shoulders in his large hands, leaning over with his lips puckered.
The moment she's always been waiting for – and she was terrified. She jumped backwards, face completely red. "W-w-w-what…?"
Alan straightened up, rubbing his head shyly. "Oh! Sorry! That was…I wanted to…it was a friendship kiss."
The blood rushing in Alexandra's face drained back down into her body. "Oh…right. A…friendship…kiss."
Alan grinned and turned away, beginning to jog down the street. "Thanks, Alexandra! You'll see me off for real tomorrow, right?!"
Alexandra dumbly waved at him. "O-of course. See you tomorrow…"
Alan rushed down the street, barely keeping his guitar strapped onto his back. Alexandra listened to the thumping and the light strumming of bouncing strings of the guitar until Alan was gone. She stumbled to the side, grasping onto a light pole to keep her balance. A friendship kiss. Alexandra slowly tilted her head back and then proceeded to thump it several dozen times against the pole. A passing couple stopped and stared, looking at each other as if they were wondering if they should help her. Alexandra saw their stares and stopped, pushing herself off the pole to stumble back to her car.
"He's such an idiot," she grumbled. "…I'm such an idiot."
The following evening, Josie and Valerie apologized to Alan for what Alexandra thought was the one-hundredth time the next night at the bus stop. She was seated on the bench, further away from the others gathered around Alan. Alexandra sighed to herself and studied her feet. Alexander's spotless leather shoes stepped over next to hers.
"See, Sis? Isn't this a great idea? Alan said you cheered him up, and Melody convinced Josie and Val that he absolutely had to go chase his dreams," Alexander beamed.
Alexandra snorted. "Aren't you forgetting something, Dearest Brother? Josie and Alan are still interested in each other, so you can't win her over…like I can't win Alan over."
Alexander laughed her off. "Nonsense! If anything, now I get to have Josie all to myself without Alan glowering over me! I'll win her over for sure!"
He laughed lightly as he walked back towards the others. Melody turned her head to smile at him, but then her smile faded when she saw Alexandra on the bench. Alexandra felt her head tighten.
[Please don't come over please don't come over I'm invisible…] Alexandra silently pled. Melody came over. [Great.]
Melody sat down next to her, looking over her shoulder at Alexandra. Alexandra refused to meet her eyes, still finding her feet extremely fascinating.
"Are you okay, Alexandra?" Melody asked in a whisper.
"I'm fine," Alexandra growled.
She saw Melody smile and shake her head besides her. After another moment, the blonde asked, "Do you want to hold my hand?"
Normally, this question would cause every emotional defensive wall Alexandra had to rise up and surround her. Alexandra would holler that she did not and call her one of the various names she would call Melody and the others before stalking away. But all her fight was drained thanks to last night. Friendship kiss.
"Sure, Mel," Alexandra said in a small voice.
Melody smiled gently and brushed her hand over Alexandra's, letting her fingers intertwine with the heiress'. Alexandra bit the insides of her cheek, holding back her tears that were welling up in her eyes. Melody seemed to know Alexandra was feeling vulnerable, her fingers squeezing gently and rhythmically.
Alexandra peeked up at the blonde. She was staring at the group with wet eyes, a calm smile on her face. Alexandra decided she should stop acting like a child and thank the girl for her company, but just as she was about to open her mouth, the bus appeared down the street. Melody's hand tensed, but she didn't move from her spot. Alexandra knew Melody was waiting for her, so she rose up, gently slipping her hand out from underneath Melody's.
"Goodbye Alan!" Josie sobbed through tears, hugging his neck.
Alan smiled down at her. "Ah, Josie. This isn't goodbye goodbye – just a break!"
Josie let go of his neck, allowing Valerie to hug him. "B-but I'll still miss you!"
Alexander scooted over to Josie, wrapping a comforting arm around her. "There, there, Josie. You'll still have a man around – me!"
Josie looked up at him blearily, and then began to cry harder. Alexander shushed her and held her to him.
Valerie sighed and shook her head, smirking at Alan. "I'll watch him while you're gone, don't worry." She stepped aside, looking at Melody and Alexandra behind her. "These two want to say their goodbyes."
Alan opened his arms and Melody ran into them, grabbing his neck. Alan sputtered and almost toppled over at Melody's surprising and sheer strength. "Melody! Wow!"
Melody let go and bounced on her heels. "Good luck in Texas! Like they say – everything's bigger and everything stays in Texas!"
Alan grinned painfully, holding back from correcting her. "Sure, Melody. I'll miss you and your…words of wisdom." He looked up at Alexandra who remained glued a few feet away from him. "Alexandra, come here."
Alexandra took baby steps towards Alan, trying not to look into his eyes. [Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry.]
Alan wrapped his arms around her. Alexandra let him kiss her cheek, staring over his shoulder. Tears began to pour down her face: she felt nothing.
"Oh, Alexandra, don't cry…you'll really make me cry!" Josie wailed.
Alan smiled down at Alexandra and winked. "I'll text you all."
Alexandra nodded dumbly and took a wobbly step backwards. Melody was there to take her shoulders, stroking her ponytailed hair soothingly. The bus pulled up and Alan got in. The others gathered to the window he sat next to, waving and cheering their goodbyes and good lucks. Alexander was especially enthusiastic. Alexandra just stood there, letting Melody support her. She didn't love Alan anymore…at least not like she used to. Now what?
The bus pulled away and the others waved and waved until they couldn't see it any longer. Valerie gathered the still crying Josie in her arms, stroking her back as her own tears dropped down her cheeks.
Valerie planted a kiss on the top of Josie's head. "C'mon, everybody. Let's be happy for him!"
Alexander eagerly agreed. "Yeah! Hey, I know, let's go to that diner we passed down the street – my treat!"
Josie inhaled several shaky breaths through her nose and mouth. "Do-do-do they have ice cream?"
Valerie wrapped her arm around one of Josie's shoulders and Alexander the other. "I'm sure they do, Josie. We'll get you a mountain of it."
Alexander nervously laughed, "W-well, maybe not a mountain…"
Valerie turned to see Alexandra still staring at where the bus used to be, Melody looking back and forth between her and Valerie. "Alexandra? Are you coming?"
Alexandra nodded blankly. "Sure…just…give me a moment."
Melody spoke up. "I'll stay with her. We'll meet you all there."
Valerie nodded and began to lead Josie and Alexander away down the street.
"Alexandra?" Melody asked once they were gone. "Do you want to sit down?"
Alexandra shook her head. "No…no I'm fine. Go with them, Mel. I just need a moment."
Melody shook her head. "Nope. I'm staying here with you."
Alexandra sighed, once again defeated. "Suit yourself." They were silent before Alexandra laughed weakly. "He tried to give me a friendship kiss. A friendship kiss, he said, Melody."
Melody nodded. "He told us – he said he tried to give you a kiss on your cheek, but you freaked out. It really surprised him."
Alexandra rolled her wet eyes. "Great. Josie and Valerie will never let me live this down."
Melody frowned. "They better: they got to make-up with Alan and say goodbye because of you."
Alexandra stared at the ground. "What am I going to do now?"
"Oh, that's easy – hang out with us some more!" Melody cheered. "You can carry my drums now."
Alexandra let out a breathy laugh. "Dream on, Blondie."
The streetlight came on over them. Alexandra could see the light dust and air particles rise up and float around them like the light was pulling them upwards. She sighed and sunk back into Melody.
"You could get anyone else, Alexandra," Melody began, her mouth now so close to Alexandra's ear that Alexandra could feel her breath tease her ear. "You just need to open your heart."
Alexandra scoffed. "Please."
Melody smiled, letting her nose run underneath the pieces of hair that covered most of Alexandra's ear. Alexandra froze, feeling her breath violently catch in her throat.
"You know…there's plenty of nice, blonde, male, musicians out there," Melody breathed, her voice sounding unusually husky. "…And females too."
Alexandra understood. She whirled around to see if Melody was just teasing her, but as her face met with Melody's, Melody caught her lips in a deep kiss. Alexandra couldn't breathe, but she didn't want to pull away for air. Melody ran her hands down Alexandra's chest and to her heaving stomach. Alexandra couldn't help but let out a small moan into Melody's mouth.
Melody pulled away, leaving Alexandra gasping for breath. The blonde was looking into her wide eyes through half-lidded blue eyes. "That was not a friendship kiss."
They stood there, staring at each other before Melody finally took a step back. Alexandra watched Melody with visibly shaking knees. Melody smiled almost devilishly and turned to walk down the street to the diner.
"Hold on a second, Melody!" Alexandra boomed, finally recovering.
Melody stopped but didn't turn to face Alexandra. Alexandra marched up behind her, side-stepped, and stood face to face with Melody.
"Okay, Melody, what was that?" Alexandra whispered harshly, her face practically glowing red.
"A kiss," Melody replied simply with a smile.
"Yeah, I know that! Thanks! But…why?" Alexandra replied.
Melody laughed. "Well, it's easy, silly! I wanted to kiss you. I really like you…" Now it was her turn to blush visibly. "I've always had this huge crush on you, but I knew you loved Alan so I never acted out on it." She looked back up at Alexandra. "But when you stopped coming with us, I was really sad, and I just thought…maybe if I flirted with you a little, you would feel good and come with me."
Alexandra stood slack-jawed. Melody, the most desirable woman in all of Midvale, hell, possibly the entire world, wanted Alexandra?
Melody bit her lip, looking nervous. "And truthfully, I was kind of happy that Alan was leaving. He likes Josie, not you, Alexandra, but he likes the attention you give him."
Alexandra scoffed, "I don't think he does, Melody."
Melody nodded empathetically. "Well, either way, he would never give you the attention you need! But I would! I would hug you back when you hung onto me like you do to Alan! I would tell you how pretty and funny you are!"
Alexandra watched with a mix of shock and awe as Melody's eyes welled up with tears. "Y-you would?"
Melody nodded again. "Uh-huh!" She wiped her eyes."Well? Do you want to try it out? We can keep it a secret if you want – this way you won't have to worry about Josie or Valerie trying to break us apart! And if you don't like me, you can go find someone else. We'll always be friends, no matter if you like me the same way I like you or not."
Alexandra suddenly burst into laughter, doubling over. "This is amazing! I can't believe this!"
Melody's face twisted in a mix of confusion and fear. "Why are you laughing?"
Alexandra squatted down and sat on her haunches on the sidewalk, cradling her knees to her chest. "…This is unbelievable." Melody bent down on her knees and put a hand on Alexandra, trying to look into her face but the heiress had it buried between her knees. "…Why do you like me?"
"Does it matter?" Melody asked gently.
Alexandra looked up at Melody. The blonde's blue eyes were sparkling with emotion, a gentle and beautiful smile on her face. She flushed and looked back down at her knees. "I guess not. It's not like I can explain why I like Alan so much. …Besides the fact that he's hot…and nice…" She looked back up at Melody. "…Like you."
Melody grinned, her cheeks turning a pleased pink. "Does that mean you want to go out with me? Because you already promised we'd go on dates together."
Alexandra's eyes went wide with horror. Did she say something to Melody after drinking at one of the Cabots' parties? She panicked. "W-what? When did I promise that?"
"In the car, silly! You said we'd go out more together," Melody explained.
Alexandra sat up. "You thought that meant dating?!"
Melody stood up. "Of course! What else would it mean?"
Alexandra sighed and sat down the rest of the way on the sidewalk. She chewed her lip. "…You…really like me?"
Melody giggled, "Yup!" She smiled down at the nervous heiress. "Don't you like me, Alexandra? Enough to try going on a date or two?"
Alexandra finally coughed out a laugh, shaking her head with a grin. "I'm sure I'll be paying for those dates or two."
Melody laughed and reached down to help Alexandra up. "Gee, how nice of you, Alexandra!"
Alexandra rolled her eyes and lifted herself up with the help of Melody. Melody pulled Alexandra into her arms and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips. Alexandra smiled through the kiss and wrapped her arms around Melody's neck.
She could get use to this kind of attention.
One month later, Alexandra stood quietly on the side of the enormous concert hall stage. The Pussycats and the Archies were playing together infront of a roaring crowd. Alexandra watched Melody play the drums. They were dating, on and off thanks to the many concerts her brother booked that month, but they were still dating. Still, neither of them had said it. Those "three little words" as Josie sang in their most popular song. Alexandra watched the blonde play passionately; sweat running down her forehead and trailing down her chest. She felt her mouth go dry so she licked her lips.
"JO-SIIIIEEEEEEE!"
Alexandra jumped at the familiar voice screaming over Valerie and Reggie's bass solo. On stage, Josie stopped playing her guitar, staring out into the audience with shock. Alexander suddenly raced over next to Alexandra, almost knocking her over as he peered out onto the stage. Alan was crowd-surfing, letting the audience carrying him to the front.
"ALAN!" Josie cried happily into the microphone.
The audience cheered loudly as the other band members stopped the music, watching the scene.
"JOSIE! I'M SORRY! TEXAS SUCKED WITHOUT YOU!" Alan continued as he got closer to the front.
Josie grinned and laughed. "Alan! Welcome home!"
Alexander wailed and dropped to his knees, pounding the ground much like a child in the middle of a temper tantrum would. "No no no NO NO!"
Alexandra grinned down at her brother, but made no comment. She watched him thrash around as Alan was lifted onto the stage and into Josie's welcoming arms. Valerie ran over and hugged his back, jumping up and down excitedly. Alexandra noticed Melody was not there with them.
"You okay?"
Alexandra almost jumped out of her skin at Melody's voice directly beside her. She turned to the concerned-looking blonde. "Why wouldn't I be?" She stopped and looked down at her wailing twin. "Alex, get up! You're making an even bigger fool of yourself than usual!"
"My pllaaaannnn!" Alexander moaned. He literally began dragging himself onto the stage. "Josie! He left you, remember? But I didn't leave!"
Alexandra rolled her eyes as Melody giggled. The heiress turned to the blonde with a smirk. "Aren't you going to say hello, Melody?"
Melody looked at the scene on the stage. The Archies had joined in on the hug, with Betty and Veronica pushing each other out of the way from Archie. "Aren't you?"
Alexandra shrugged. "Let them have their fun. I'll greet him later."
Melody smiled and took Alexandra's hand, squeezing it. Alexandra turned her head to look at Melody.
"I love you," Alexandra found herself saying before she could stop herself. Melody jumped a little and stared at her with large eyes. Alexandra blushed hard. "S-sorry! That was too soon, wasn't it? Oooo…"
Melody put her finger on Alexandra's lips. "Meet me in my dressing room."
Alexandra gawked after Melody. Melody playfully turned, walked seductively towards the backend of the stage, and down where a small ramp led down to the dressing rooms. Alexandra gulped audibly and followed after the blonde. When she got to the dressing room, the door was closed. Alexandra paced up and down the small hall.
"Okay, okay, okay Alexandra… You messed up, but…" Alexandra mumbled to herself.
When she passed the door again, it flew open and Melody's arm shot out and grabbed Alexandra by her collar. The raven haired girl yelped as she was pulled into the room, the door slamming behind her. She found herself pressed against the wall, her lips crushed against Melody's.
Melody finally pulled away enough to say, "I love you more."
That, Alexandra thought as her knees buckled under another kiss, was impossible.
+0+0+0+0+0+
Mrs. Cabot's eyes were huge. "Woah…"
Alexandra was blushing visibly. "Yeah…"
Mrs. Cabot sat up on her elbows. "…And then you two finally did it?"
"MOTHER!" Alexandra wailed.
Mrs. Cabot laughed and dodged a pillow thrown in the direction of her face. "I knew it!"
Alexandra pulled the blankets over her face. "Ugh…ew…now I know where I get it from."
Mrs. Cabot shrugged coolly and sat up, wearing a wicked grin. "We're all a little perverted in this family, Alexandra." She looked down at her daughter, realizing she had teased her a little too much. "I'm sorry, I was joking!" She looked down at the floor with a smile. "I'm really happy for you both, but especially for you. You need someone like Melody in your life."
Alexandra peeked out. "…You promise you won't tell anyone?"
Mrs. Cabot held up one hand and put the other on her heart, much like a Girl Scout would. "I promise." She leaned over and kissed Alexandra's forehead. "Now, get some rest so you can feel better sooner."
Alexandra sighed. "Okay… Thanks, Mom."
Mrs. Cabot nodded and got off the bed, stepping back into her high heels. She crept out of the room and closed the door behind her. The thudding of footsteps running towards her caught her by surprise. She turned to see Melody, still in her Pussycats costume, hurrying down the hall. The blonde stopped when she saw Mrs. Cabot.
"Oh, hi Mrs. Cabot!" Melody cheered. "Is Alexandra still asleep?"
Mrs. Cabot looked at Melody with a smile. The blonde waited for her to answer, and when she received none, she began to shift anxiously on her feet.
"Um… Did I do something wrong?" Melody continued nervously.
Mrs. Cabot walked past Melody, petting her hair as did. "Not at all. Not at all, Melody."
Melody watched after her, confused, but decided to shrug off what just happened and go visit Alexandra.
