This is a terribly done chapter. Its so... weird.
But anyway, I'll promise to improve myself.
I can't seem to find the right words to phrase my story.
And I'm trying to rush the story along so that you get some romance.
Sorry girls
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It was only eleven in the morning and Nathaniel was already annoying the crap out of me.
“Oww, I think you managed to bruise me…” Nathaniel groaned, rubbing his stomach in the area where I had accidentally elbowed him. Anxiously, I bent down so that we were at the same eye level.
I had been fishing a stack of books out of my locker when he decided to sneak up behind me, yelling “BOO!” at the top of his lungs. Shrieking in surprise, I swung around, elbowing him in the process and causing him to fall to the floor. The textbooks and dictionary spilled out of my hands and landed precisely on the spot where I had hurt him before. Sitting up moments later, he massaged his stomach, wincing.
“Where? Let me see,” I panicked.
“You know, if you wanted me to rip my shirt off, you could just say so. I would gladly oblige.” Nathaniel grinned slyly.
“I wanted to check if I had injured you. You seem fine though. Pity.” I answered coldly, turning away from him and retrieving my books from the floor.
“Aww, you’re just saying that. You can’t bear to see bruises on perfection.”
“Oh please, you are the very reason why the word ‘imperfection’ exists. A bruise wouldn’t make any difference.”
“How easily you confuse hate with your undying love of me.”
“Your delusions will only make you stupider than you already are, Nathaniel. If you could even be any stupider, that is.”
He bent down and reached for my sketchbook at the moment that I did. I wanted to quickly snatch it from his grasp, but his reflexes were faster. Flipping open the beige coloured notebook, he glanced through the pages with more interest than expected. Thrusting the book out for me to see, I saw the last page artwork that I had drawn for my mother. She was a huge fan of ‘Gone With The Wind’, and I was hoping to give that to her sometime.
“What is this? Your secret girlish fantasies of passion, sketched down on paper?”
I felt a slight colour creep up my cheeks. It was a sketch of Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler in what could have been considered a rather compromising position. It wasn’t explicit, but it would still make me blush to show it to anyone but my mother.
I kept silent, as his intense green eyes pierced mine intently, making me shiver. Then, he broke into a wide smirk.
“Frankly my dear Piano, I’m quite offended. Any girly passions of yours, should include me in it. Not this… this man with a moustache. Why, I didn’t know you were into older men. If I had known, I would have grown a moustache of my own.”
I stared at him with a mixture of fury, mortification, frustration, shock and horror. “T-t-this is not some figment of my girly imaginations,” I spluttered, my irritation heightening as his eyes twinkled with amusement. “And I’m not into older men!”
Grinning, he closed the notebook and returned it to me. I hastily snatched it away, clutching it to my heart. “No moustaches? You could’ve fooled me. So you’re saying that you’re into younger men?” He clicked his tongue, “You sick, sick paedophile.”
“I’m not a paedophile and you couldn’t grow a moustache even if you wanted to! Immature little boys like you can’t grow moustaches.” I snapped.
“Au contraire, mademoiselle. I have already hit puberty, like Nate and Nathan.”
I could not help but cringe and blush. Of course, it was obvious that at fifteen, the triplets were ‘maturing’ physically like most boys their age, but I really did not need a confirmation from any of them, especially Nathaniel. Forcing a straight face, I retorted, “Big deal. “You’re only maturing physically. In your head, you’re still only as bright as a nine-year-old”.
“Maturing physically? Is that a confession I hear, Piano? Have you been blatantly ogling me in the hallways and during class?” He winked and I rolled my eyes in disgust.
“Oh totally,” I replied sarcastically, trying hard not to gag. “I’ve been harbouring a secret, but torrid lust for you.”
Melody, you idiot. Of course, with an ego like his, the size of Jupiter, my words would have little negative effect on him.
He snickered, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. “T’is expected, darling. You cannot help it. I know you simply cannot resist me. Many have tried in vain, only to crash and burn, succumbing to my overpowering charm.”
“Someday, you’re going to fall madly in love with someone, and when she rejects you and your ‘overpowering charm’, I will relish that moment.” I glared, slamming my books down on my table.”
I saw a flicker of unexplained fear pass his face before it rearranged itself to another cocky smile. “Believe me, Piano, even I myself have failed to resist my own charm. Sorry to disappoint you.”
I growled, my hands balling into fists at my sides, “Someday, I will really kill you, Nathaniel Peyton.”
“Now how many times have we already heard you repeat that threat, Keyes? We all know that you really just want to grab me and kiss me. Don’t fight the attraction Melody, just go along with it.”
How I wished he was puny bug which I could agonisingly squish with a pair of cleats.
“The only attraction I feel for you, is a distinct repulsion. I would rather kill myself than be attracted to you.” He grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me to him, laughing. I squealed and pushed him away, picking up my dictionary, I flung it forcefully at his chest, where it bounced off with a ‘thud’.
Clutching his abdomen, either in pain from being hit, or laughing, Nathaniel darted out of our homeroom with me in pursuit.
Damn boys and their athleticism.
When I was finally starting to catch up with him, as he stopped to help a boy pick up his book, Nathaniel raced into the boys’ restroom, his laughter still ringing in my ears.
Incensed, I stood at the door, my voice raised. “Coward! You’ll have to come out for English and I’ll get you then! You’ll be sor-“
Abruptly the door swung open, and Nathan stood there looking quite shocked. My jaw dropped before I firmly clamped it shut. “Melody?”
“H-hi Nathan,”
“Nathaniel picking on you again?” He sighed, flashing me a sweet, apologetic smile and my heart raced.
Warning: Blush alert! Blush alert!
“Here’s the culprit,” Nate interrupted, dragging Nathaniel by the ear, out of the restroom.
Nathan gazed sternly at his brother, “Gracious Nathaniel, are you trying to drive Melody over the edge?”
“Oww oww, no I wasn’t, oww oww oww…”
“Nate, you can let go of Nathaniel’s ear now, before it falls off.”
Automatically, Nate released his grip on his younger brother’s earlobe. “Hey Melody,” He beamed. I was starting to get used to that infrequent, but lovely smile of his.
As if she had suddenly materialised out of the air, Helen appeared, her face clearly eager about something.
“Melody, I’ve been looking for you! I’ve got something to show you during lunch.”
“Oh uhh hi, Helen,” I smiled and she returned it, slinging an arm casually around my shoulders. “What do you want me to see?”
“Nuh-uh, I’m not telling. You’ll have to wait and see. There’s only one more period till lunchtime.”
“Speaking of which, have you done your Poetry research, Helen?” Nathan asked.
“Yes, mom. I finished it on Saturday. Why?”
Nathan glowered at her briefly for that ‘mom’ comment. “Because you went out with Trey on Friday and I was wondering whether you had enough time to complete your work.”
“You don’t give me enough credit, brother.” Helen scoffed, “As much as you doubt it, I am quite a hardworking person. My grades say it all.”
“Yes, a couple of ‘A’s are commendable, but you should try for straight ‘A’s like Melody and I. You too, Nate, Nathaniel.”
“Oh no, another lecture.” Nathaniel groaned, slapping his forehead, “Dude, you know I love you, but you have got to stop dumping lectures on me before I become the first person to actually succeed dying of boredom.”
“Ditto,” Helen agreed, taking her place next to Nathaniel.
“So what type of poetry did you write, Melody?” Nate ignored the others and walked beside me.
“A lyrical poetry about the ocean,” I answered, “But I’m terrible at poetry. I hope no one will laugh at me.”
I felt a warm hand slip into mine, giving me a gentle squeeze. Nate was holding my hand.
Almost instantly, three voices sounded behind us in unison.
“Nate, is there something you want to tell us?” Nathaniel, Helen and Nathan demanded, looking shocked.
“You guys look like you’ve swallowed a toad.” Nate smiled faintly, “Do you find anything objectionable about holding my sister’s hand?”
I became giddy with happiness. Nate had called me his ‘sister’, an acknowledgement of a friendship. A close, sincere, and hopefully, lasting friendship.
“Nate’s right. We’re overthinking things. Silly us,” Helen beamed, catching up with me. “Now come on, before we end up late for English.”
***
“… True beauty lies in that of mind and not body; of depth, not surface.”
Oh God. Nate was TheClosetPoet. That haiku was his.
Quickly, I scooped up the pencil which I had dropped, avoiding eye contact with him. I could feel his stare being directed at me, but I kept my head down, eyes trained on my poetry research.
I mean, there wasn’t anything wrong with that, but I was just… overwhelmed. I knew Nate was one of Mr Reynolds’ star pupils, but I didn’t think he had so much hidden talent. Honestly, I’d read his compositions in class before, but they were nothing compared to what I had read online.
And Nate wouldn’t possibly stoop so low as to plagiarise… would he?
“That was awesome, Nate!” Nathaniel cheered, hi-fiving his brother as he passed by on his way back to his seat.
“Yeah, you should get your works published sometime!” Helen murmured approvingly.
Knocking fists together, Nathan beamed at his brother, “Nicely done, bro. That was very profound,”
The class was abuzz with praise and envy, while I remained silent.
“Hey Melody, what did you think of that?” Nathan asked.
I lifted my head, and mumbled shyly, “It was… brilliant, great job.”
He grinned, “You ought to tell that to Nate, not me.”
I nodded and offered a small smile, but dropped my gaze back to my notebook the moment he turned to Nate.
***
Linking her arms with mine, Helen led me to towards the teacher’s staffroom where our school’s main notice board was. The triplets would join us later, claiming that growing men needed their nutrition, before ambling towards the cafeteria. My head was still swimming with thoughts of what had happened to during English, my traitorous speculations bringing about contrition in me.
Nate wouldn’t plagiarise, Nate couldn’t plagiarise, Nate shouldn’t plagiarise… he couldn’t possibly…
But how was I to be sure?
“Melody? Melody did you hear me?” Helen was prodding my shoulder worriedly.
“Huh-oh, umm, sorry Helen. I was lost in my thoughts,”
She laughed lightly, “Yeah, I could see that. I was asking if Nate really bawled like a baby yesterday.”
I stared at her in amusement, “Nate didn’t bawl like a baby! He was just… letting his anger out.”
“And sadness.” Helen added seriously, “He hasn’t gotten over it. Poor Nate.”
“Yeah… about that Michelle girl, right?”
I could feel Helen’s arm stiffen around mine. “Sadly, yes. But don’t ever mention that name within earshot of him, or Nathan and Nathaniel. They’re still kinda pissed at Michelle too.”
“They don’t look like the kind to hold a grudge.”
“Well, the first week after the ugly break up, Nate was a complete and utter wreck. He wouldn’t even talk to me or Wes and Natalie.”
“What about Nathan and Nathaniel?”
“Those two were precisely the only people who Nate would listen to. They spent hours in Nate’s room, comforting him. That made their ‘bond’ stronger, you know.”
“Nathaniel’s capable of holding a grudge?” I asked dubiously, remembering his ever happy-go-lucky attitude.
“Think about it. Seeing your triplet in such a devastated state, knowing you can’t do much to alleviate the pain, it really tears a person like Nathaniel apart.”
“Oh,”
“Yeah, Nathaniel became a tad depressed because he felt so useless, so powerless to help his brother. He even once pleaded to Michelle to take Nate back.”
I gaped at Helen, “Oh my gosh, he actually did that?”
“Uh-huh. Of course, Nathan was furious at Michelle when she ignored him. But he didn’t do anything except glare viciously at her in the hallways. I took it a step further.”
“Do you have to beat everyone up, Helen?” I sighed.
“Wouldn’t you, in this case?” She countered.
I thought about it for a minute before conceding, “Most likely,”
“So did he tell you everything?”
I pondered this question. He didn’t really tell me everything. “Not exactly. He told me about Michelle and him, but he didn’t go into details what it was that they broke up about.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure Nate will tell you someday. Even if he doesn’t, you’ll figure it out sooner than later.”
“I’m just glad that we’re getting along.”
“You’re not just getting along, dear. Nate hasn’t spoken, smiled or befriended any girl for a long time. He even called you ‘sister’, which might I add, is leading me to believe that there is more to your friendship than meets the eye.”
I blushed and became immensely flustered, waving my hands frantically in denial, “T-there’s nothing else g-going on b-between us! I swear!”
She giggled at my expression, “Chill girl, I was just pulling your leg. Oh, and we’re here!”
A medium sized, bright red platform had been set up in front of the school notice board. Students were crowding around as four students strutted onto the platform, up to the microphone in the centre.
“Hey all you Velentians! I’m Ashley!”
“And I’m Ashlee!”
“And I’m Penelope!”
“Last but definitely not the least, it’s me, Shelby!”
Decked in frilly and glittery pink outfits, Ashlee and Ashley rolled out a huge poster dramatically. On the poster, Shelby was pictured in a slinky red dress, looking like a model for Vera Wang.
“Do you know what day it will be, three weeks from now?” Penelope enthused.
“VALENTINE’S DAY!!!” The crowd chorused.
Subtly pushing Penelope aside, Shelby moved to the microphone. “You got that right! And we’ve got something special planned for all you awesome people out there! As the dance committee, we’ve decided to hold a couple’s and single’s dance, in two separate locations!”
“For the couples, the teachers have agreed to let us use the senior ballroom. You can bring your BFs and GFs, even if they don’t go to Velentia High! The catch is, you have to be dating already.” Ashlee squealed, clapping her hands together.
“We’ve prepared a more romantic atmosphere for you lovebirds to enjoy, and special games for you to play!” Shelby smirked.
“Fret not, all you singles!” Penelope beamed, obviously relishing the attention she was being given. “We’ve got an amazing dance planned out for you too!”
“Yeah! You singles will mingle,” Ashley giggled at her silly rhyme, “And socialise with the opposite sex in secret!”
A handful of people in the crowd looked at her in confusion.
“For the singles, all of you will be wearing identical masks, so that your identity will be hidden. Everyone is to go to the dance alone, leaving yourselves free to mix around.”
“Girls will be wearing red and pink only, while the boys can wear black or even pink or red tuxedoes!”
There was a collective groan from the males in the crowd at the word ‘pink’.
“Also, the teachers will be watching out for the best and most romantic couple towards the end of the dance. You stand to win a prize! Here’s your chance to let some sparks fly, so make the best out of this dance!”
“We also ask that all the singles cooperate with us and don’t reveal your identity till the end of the prom, please! Let’s make this fun and fair for everyone!”
“Oooooh! Trey will be so happy to hear about this!” Helen giggled, clasping her hands together. “And this will be your chance to meet someone, Melody!”
I frowned, “I think I’ll pass on Valentine’s.”
Junior high didn’t bring many pleasant memories of Valentine’s for me. Squealing girls were handing out gifts to the boys, who in turn, handed them flowers and stuff. I, of course, did not give any boy anything, nor did I receive anything in turn. Frankly, I would turn my head away in a mixture of disgust and envy when I saw enamoured lovebirds making out all over the school.
“You’ll pass on what?” Nate asked, appearing all of a sudden with his brothers.
“Valentine’s,” Helen whined, “Nathan, make her go! She has to go!”
Nathan glowered at her, “What do you expect me to do?”
“Why Nathan?” Nate asked.
Nathaniel intervened, “What are you guys talking about?”
“Area fifty-one,” Nate drawled. “And illegal aliens.”
“Oh, really?” Nathaniel perked up.
Nate slapped his forehead, “I’m joking, you idiot.”
“There’s some Valentine’s dance being organised,” Nathan replied.
“Specifically for you boys and Melody here, a single’s dance!” Helen piped in enthusiastically.
“Then you can count me out,” Nate snapped.
“I don’t think any of you have a choice,” Helen snickered, “They’ve gotten the teachers in on this. All the singles have to attend, for socialising as well as charitable purposes.”
“Charitable?” Nathaniel raised an eyebrow.
“All the singles have to hide their identity by wearing a mask, which will be sold at two dollars.” Helen grinned.
“Fine, so I’ll pay two dollars. Two hundred dollars even. But I’m not going and that’s final.” Nate hissed.
“Nathaniel and I are going, so you’re coming along whether you like it or not, brother.” Nathan announced authoritatively.
“You can’t order me around, little brother.”
“A few minutes doesn’t make you much older,” Nathaniel stated.
Helen glanced at me, her eyes asking me to go. I debated internally, but answered against my better judgment, “I’ll go if Nate goes,” I mumbled softly.
“See? If you don’t go, Melody won’t go either!” Helen snapped.
“No one’s holding her back,” Nate argued.
Nathaniel cut in angrily, “Fine, if you won’t go, I’m telling mom and dad!”
Narrowing his eyes at his brother, Nate let out a heavy sigh, letting his shoulder slump, he snarled, “Alright! I’ll go! Are you happy now?!”
“You know we only want the best for you. Its time you let go, Nate.”
“Whatever! I don’t need your help! I’ll deal with my issues on my own!” With that, Nate stormed off, his face like a thundercloud. We watched as students, even senior jocks, made way for him upon seeing the scary expression on his face.
Nathan sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. “I’d better go after him. Nathaniel, you stay here and don’t over think it, kay?”
Taking off after his brother, I was left with Helen and Nathaniel. “I-I’m sorry, you know that I only wanted the best for Nate, right?” Helen looked pleadingly at Nathaniel.
“I know Helen. You always want what’s best for him.” Nathaniel exhaled, rubbing his forehead. “It’s just… I feel so damn worthless. I can’t even help my own brother. God, I’m such horrible brother.”
Memories of the gym period when Nathaniel and I accidentally fell, came flooding back to me. I remembered how he blamed himself for my inconsequential injury, that remorseful look on his face. And the rose he had given me.
“It’s not your fault Nathaniel. Don’t blame yourself for everything bad that happens,” I mumbled softly, not sure if he even heard me.
He took his eyes off the grass and looked at me, not saying a word.
I had expected to see sad green eyes looking back at me, but they were a dull shade of grey, the edges showing the slightest hint of green. There was no mistaking the misery in them.
Now I knew why Helen would have tried to, and probably succeed, beat Michelle up.
Impulsively, I reached out and hugged him, feeling the rapid pace of his heart as well as mine. At first his hands hung limply at his sides, then slowly, they reached up and wrapped around me, holding onto me as if I were the only thing that would keep him from collapsing.
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Ick. That sounded like a twelve-year-old wrote it :/
I hope Melanie finds the one that's right for her.
