Angel wings

Chapter nine - Friends and lies

Melanie's POV:

I got sick. That was the worst thing that could happen. In school, people were cold. Many students got sick. That includes me. I managed to hide this from my parents. Mom gets worried for me. This is why I didn't tell her. She has enough to do. The woman doesn't need to take care of me as well. I was fine. Luckily, all this is gone now. I feel better. That is thanks to the medicines I took. They helped me a lot. It would've been better if I hadn't gone out that day. The thing is that I didn't want to stay inside. At least my parents were at work. I waited for them to go out, and I did the same. I went to the coffee shop. I needed to apologize to Jordan. The good news is that we sorted things out. That's why I don't know why he took care of me. Well, I appreciate it. I think we can be friends. The question is if I want that. I should say that the whole story is messy. I have to tell him the truth. The thing is that I don't know how. We understand each other well. I don't want this to change. It's not like I knew that he existed. All of this is thanks to Adriana. She started this mess. Honestly, I haven't seen her soon. She will ask me if I have told him. The answer will be no. I'm not sure if I will do it. I have some time to think about this. The problem is that Jordan keeps asking about this. I don't know why he cares so much. Well, he deserves to know everything. I'm a bit afraid of his reaction. He might not like what he sees. I hope that Jordan won't stop talking to me after this.

The girls wanted us to have another slumber party. This started happening often. It's not like I mind. I like talking with them. Well, I still hide things from them. It's better if they don't know about it. Katy and Chelsea will want to meet Jordan. First of all, we are not dating. Second, I have to show them my tattoos. I don't plan on doing it soon. I should be honest with them. I'm afraid that they won't like me anymore. Maybe I need to stop thinking so much. It won't help me.

I woke up and went to get ready for school. There is a specific reason why winter is not my favorite season. It's cold. At least the school fixed the heating system. I don't want to get sick again. That's why I dressed well. Then I took my backpack and went for breakfast. Why does it always smell so good? Mom wants me to get fat on purpose. I left my stuff and sat at the table. Soon, my dad joined me. The pancakes look so good. I licked my lips, and my dad laughed.

- Someone is hungry.

- You should make her stop cooking so deliciously.

- Why?

- Because I will get fat.

- Not only you, but I won't make the sacrifice.

- I'm glad that someone likes my food. - my mom said

- It's delicious. Where did you learn to cook? - I asked

- At home. Your grandmother taught me everything. I should say both of them.

- To understand that my grandfather can't cook. I mean, both of them.

- Can your dad cook?

- No.

- Then?

- I see. Dad, you need to learn how to cook.

- No, thank you.

- Dad.

- Melanie. Please don't ask for too much, or your allowance will get it.

- What does my money have to do with that?

- A lot.

- I will shut up.

- Good girl.

I ate my breakfast peacefully. After that, I walked to school. The girls were already there. I took what I needed. Later, we went for the first class of the day. I feel like it will be a long one.

On the lunch break, we went to eat. I heard the cheerleaders talking about a party with the guys from the football team. Many students have winter parties. Do I like them? Not really. The doors are always open, and it's cold. I prefer to be in a warmer place. My friends might want to go. I don't mind it.

- Will you go to a party soon? - I asked

- If you ask me, I might do it. - Katy said

- I will come with you. I need to have fun once in my life. - Chelsea said

- When you don't have? - I asked

- When I have homework to do.

- Natalie, are you ok? You don't talk.

- I have nothing to say. I won't go to a party.

- Then what will you do during the winter? Well, except for studying. - Chelsea said

- I don't know. I like walking during the winter. I wish there had been more snow.

- Shut up! This won't happen. - I said

- Why don't you like it? This is not that bad.

- It's cold. I like the warm seasons.

- Only summer.

- No, spring is good to me.

- I don't know what got into your head.

- Who is ready for a slumber party? - Katy asked

- Don't say it that loud. This is only for us. I don't want anyone else. - I said

- Fine.

After the last class, the girls and I walked out. I made them come with me to the coffee shop. They won't come in. The thing is that I wanted to see Jordan today. I don't have his number or social media. For some reason, I keep staring at his tattoo. I can't get it out of my head. I have no idea how long he has had it, but it can be a coincidence. It's the same as mine. I left them outside and walked in. He was cleaning the blender. I can stay here longer, but the girls are waiting for me.

- Hey.

- Oh, hey. What can I make for you?

- The usual.

- You got it. How are you today?

- I'm good, thanks. I see you are in a good mood.

- I am. Not many people came here today.

- The day hasn't ended. - I said and looked at his tattoo

- True. Here you go. You owe me three dollars. Hello. Melanie? Are you here?

- What?

- You zoned out.

- I'm sorry. Three, right?

- Yes.

- Thanks.

- You can stay here if you want.

- Do you see the three girls outside?

- Yes.

- These are my best friends, and they are waiting for me.

- I see. Maybe the next time.

- For sure. I would love to come here again.

- And I would love to make you the usual.

- This is from me. Take the rest as a tip.

- You are the only one who does it regularly.

- Well, you deserve it. I have to go now. See you soon.

- Bye. - he said, and I left

- What took you so long? - Katy asked

- Nothing. I was there for only five minutes. Let's go now.

The girls and I walked home. First, we started with the homework. It wasn't that much, but I wanted to finish it. Then we continued with our lessons. I went to bring snacks. We finished in two hours. That is a world record. Usually, Katy keeps complaining about how she can't remember anything. Then, she gets an A in class. I put my books aside and sat back on the bed. The girls looked at me.

- What?

- Where did you find this coffee shop? - Katy asked

- One of my mom's friends recommended it to her while she was at home. I decided to check it out.

- You don't even drink coffee. - Chelsea said

- True, but they make it different for me.

- How?

- I ask for a tiny bit of coffee.

- Can they do that? - Natalie asked

- They do it for me. I am a VIP customer.

- How did you get that?

- The trick is to leave a tip. Even one dollar is enough for them.

- Interesting. I might try it. - Chelsea said

- It's far away from your house.

- True. I will need a car. Walking is not an option for me.

- I don't mind it. Well, as long as it's not too cold outside.

- The same old problem. - Natalie said

- Don't start. - I said

- Why? Everyone keeps complaining about something.

- You can start, too.

- Yeah, no way. I'm ok with everything.

- Even with Luke?

- I hate this boy so much.

- See?

- No comment.

We talked until dinnertime. My parents left us money to order something. Then, they walked out. I still think they need to do it more often. They spend time together, but it's not enough. I know they are busy, but this shouldn't be an excuse. I mean, it won't be a valid one. The girls wanted pizza, French fries, and milkshakes. I hope the drinks will survive on the way here. We could've gone to the local store and bought milk. Later, we can make it at home. Well, none of them wanted to go out. The food was here after forty minutes. I paid the delivery guy and went into the living room. Natalie helped me with the plates.

- What are we watching? - Katy asked

- I want something with hot boys on it. - Chelsea said

- God, kill me. - Natalie said

- Why don't we watch the good old Disney movies? They were better than the ones they make now. - I said

- Agreed. The movies now are trash. - Katy said

- Ok, which one are we watching? - I asked

- I vote for Lemonade Mouth. - Natalie said

- We need more. After all, we need a background for our conversations. - Chelsea said, and we laughed

- What other movies do you want to watch?

- I want Camp Rock. Both movies. - Katy said

- Why do so many famous people hate their Disney roles? - Chelsea asked

- Because they are famous now. The people are embarrassed. No matter that, this is what brought them fame. Take, for example, Hannah Montana. I loved watching it as a kid. Now, Miley hates this role. - Natalie said

- Yes, but kids watch tv the most. This is their chance to get discovered quickly.

- That is what you think. They want better roles, not to satisfy kids.

- I will never be able to understand them.

- No one said that you have to do it. Once you are famous, you are not the same person anymore. All you think about is fame and money. Nothing else.

- Will we watch something? I don't want to talk about celebrities' lives anymore. I don't care what they do. - I said

- Yes, I'm sorry about that.

- It's ok. I don't mind.

- The food is getting cold. - Katy said

- Because we keep talking. What do you want? I'll serve it. - I said

- One piece of pizza, not more than ten French fries, and a milkshake.

- Who is next?

- I can serve myself. Thank you very much. - Natalie said

- Do you need something else?

- I'm playing the movie, so everyone needs to shut up. - Chelsea said

- Yes, boss.

I wonder why Disney stopped making good movies. Some of the actors left to chase their careers. Some of them make music. Others play in big movies. Around 10 pm, my parents came home. I guess their dinner went well. Mom doesn't glow that often. Well, my dad knows what he is doing. I'm sure he let one of his jokes. They are terrible, but this is why she is laughing.

- Hey, girls. How are you?

- Hey, mom. We are good.

- Where is the dessert?

- What dessert?

- After the main meal, there is always a dessert.

- We didn't order.

- No offense, miss Robinson, but we barely ate that. - Natalie said

- I can make you something.

- You will go to sleep. Tell my dad to tell another joke. I know you love them.

- They are hilarious.

- They are terrible.

- That's what makes them hilarious. - my mom said and laughed

- Go to bed. We'll be fine.

- Fine. Since you don't want me here, I will go.

- We'll see you tomorrow.

- Good night. - she said and left

- Your parents are lovely. - Katy said

- Thanks.

- What is the next movie? - Chelsea asked

- Don't you think it's getting late? We have school tomorrow. - I said

- Yes, I agree. I want a long sleep.

- Fine. We'll leave the movies for the next sleepover.

- That's fine for me.

I went to prepare the guest room for the girls. This time, Chelsea will be with me. Usually, I sleep with Natalie. It's not like this matters. All of us are friends. Also, I have nothing to say to Natalie. I talked with Jordan for five minutes today. I said I wouldn't do it anymore. It was a lie. Something will always make me come back. His tattoo doesn't leave me in peace. I want to know where he got it and when. I can ask for the reason, but this is personal. It's better if I don't know everything in detail. After all, we are only friends. That's what I think. I hope he won't look at me differently when I decide to tell him the truth.