"Melissa, you have practice later, right?" Nicole asked.
Melissa nodded. "Yes. Don't you have practice too?"
Nicole shook her head. "They said they're still working on our choreography. That's why your sister Kelly comes home late."
Melissa nodded in understanding.
"Julie and I will just wait for you. It's Friday anyway," Nicole smiled.
Melissa let out a soft laugh. "Thanks, Nicky."
"I'll go ahead. Julie's probably wandering off to find food again," Melissa added before heading off.
As she walked toward the theater, her thoughts spiraled restlessly—still circling around Raymond. Every time she remembered him, her heart clung painfully to the leftover feelings she wished she could throw away.
Don't think about him, Melissa. Focus. You missed a week—they've been so kind; don't waste it.She forced herself to breathe and clear her mind.
Being back in the Theatre Club truly made her happy. She had joined ever since she was little. Her father recognized her talent early—she never inherited her sisters' dancing skills, but music had always been her world.
I'm surrounded by good people. I won't waste that, she told herself.
When she entered the new theater, she gasped.It looked different—bigger, grander, overwhelming.
"It's beautiful…" she whispered.
An arm draped over her shoulders.
"Did I surprise you?" Melody laughed.
"Are we practicing here until the competition?" Melissa asked.
Melody nodded. "We need to get used to a bigger stage so we don't freeze up later. The venue for the performance is huge. Our teachers helped us get this room for practice. The costumes and sets are ready too."
Melissa nodded again. "I'm nervous… It's been so long since I joined theatre."
Melody chuckled softly. "You'll be fine, Melissa. Just borrow a little confidence from your sister." She winked. "Besides, you've been looking forward to this, right?"
Melissa nodded shyly. Melody was one of the best members—soft-spoken, patient, and always radiating warmth.
"Shall we? They're backstage already," Melody said.
Melissa followed her.
"Let's start?" Melody asked the group.
"Yes—so we can finish everything today," someone said.
Melissa took a deep breath. She had been given one of the important roles.I need to focus. I can do this, she assured herself.
****
Raymond watched from afar, hidden in the unlit back corner of the theater.
It wasn't forbidden for students to watch rehearsals, but he chose to stay unseen. Melissa would panic if she noticed him.
From where he sat, he couldn't hear her lines—but his eyes never left her.
If I go any closer, she'll see me.He sighed.
She stepped onto the stage—her turn. He watched every movement, every expression.
He couldn't explain it. At first, he simply admired her beauty. They had met before, when she helped fix hair for a presentation. He still couldn't believe she was Kelly's sister.
She does look like her… but Melissa is softer. Gentler. Kelly always looks like she wants to punch someone.
But Kevin handled Kelly well.
Still… how would Melissa ever say yes if he decided to court her?She's only mine, he almost thought aloud.
He stopped himself.No. Don't think about courting her. Apologize first. She'll never trust you again unless you make things right.
Later, he saw Melissa leaving with her friends, laughing.
Damn it, Raymond, he cursed himself.
"See you tomorrow," her friends waved.
He slipped out quickly and moved to the shadowy side of the library. It was getting dark.
"Melissa, do you have someone to walk home with?" Melody asked.
"My sister isn't done yet. But Nicole and Julie are waiting for me," Melissa replied.
Raymond saw Dave arrive to fetch Melody.
"Melissa's not coming with us?" Dave asked.
"No. She said she's going with Nicole and Julie," Melody answered.
Raymond hid immediately.
Melissa sighed to herself."I'll just go to the restroom. They're not here yet. I'll check my messages."
Raymond followed quietly.
When she emerged and saw him, she froze.
"R–Raymond," she whispered.
"I waited here on purpose," he said. "I need to talk to you."
She stepped back, panic flickering in her eyes. "I don't want to talk to you right now."
She tried to run, but he caught her arm.
"No. We need to talk, Melissa."
"No! Nicole and Julie are waiting for me!" she protested, tugging her hand away.
But he was stronger.
Footsteps echoed nearby—Melissa panicked.
"Shhh—" he whispered, covering her mouth."Forgive me. Just bear with this."
He pulled her into a hidden corner in the old library—far from anyone's sight or hearing.
Her fear hit him like a punch to the chest.
"There's nothing left for us to talk about. Why are you doing this?" Her voice shook as tears gathered.
"I didn't want to force you. But you keep avoiding me. I just want to talk."
"We don't need to talk," she cried. "You want me to talk about my feelings? About the compositions I wrote for you? Fine! It was all true! Everything! My feelings were real!"
Tears streamed down her face.
"I was already exposed to you. I never expected it to happen that way."Her voice cracked."And I'm sorry if I'm just a weird girl. But you didn't have to humiliate me like that… You didn't have to show everyone you didn't like me."
Damn it… I came to apologize, not to break her more, Raymond cursed silently.
"That's why there's nothing left to talk about," Melissa whispered, wiping her tears.
Before she could move away—
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
She struggled, pushing his chest, but he held her hands gently but firmly.
Her eyes widened, cheeks burning as he cupped her face.
"Can you lend me your ear this time?" he begged softly. "Please?"
Her tears fell again. He brushed them away.
"Wipe your tears, Melissa," he whispered.
She slowly calmed and wiped her cheeks. He brushed her hair aside.
"Will you listen to me?" he asked.
She didn't speak—she only gave a tiny nod.
He smiled faintly.
"Don't worry. I'll take you home."
He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek… then her lips.