15. Melody
Chapter fifteen
Melody
One Year Later
College prep is harder than I thought it would be. I’m still stuck between my two acceptance letters: one for Cornell and one for Columbia. I don’t know where I want to go…
Part of it is because I’ll be leaving everything behind. My mom, Dad, and Kaden. Just thinking of continuing life without my brother by my side makes my chest ache in a way I’m not comfortable talking about. Not even with Kodi.
She’s seated across from me on my bed, her dark pixie cut tucked behind her ears as she uses her top lip to spin the metal ring that dangles from the bottom. She’s supposed to be helping me choose, but her mind is elsewhere.
“You’re eighteen, and you haven’t even had your first kiss,” she mutters, flicking a finger over my brochures and notepad.
I give her a withering look. “You know how Kaden feels about that.”
She groans, resting her head back against her shoulders. “Don’t you think he’s being a little weird? I have a brother, and he’s protective, but he would never stop me from dating.”
Something grips me tightly, making bitterness churn in my gut. I love Kodi, but hearing her call Kaden weird makes me feel defensive. “He isn’t weird. Don’t say that.”
Her expression softens before she takes the books from my lap and moves them aside.
She scoots closer to me, taking my hands in hers.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you, but he can’t hold your hand the whole time.
You’re going to college, Mel. Don’t you want to experience something before you go in without a clue? ”
While I know what my friend said is true, there’s something else that bothers me. I can’t put my finger on it, but I know it would upset Kaden. I don’t like making him mad, but I can’t spend the rest of my life in a bubble.
I sigh. “Okay. Is Stephanie still having her party tonight?”
Kodi’s eyes light up. “You know it. Let’s get you out of these pajamas and into something sexy!”
My nerves ebb slowly as my friend helps me pick out something to wear.
She chooses a black leather skirt and a sheer top for me before grabbing a pair of knee-length boots from her car.
I opt for an undershirt under the top before slipping into the clothes and giving a turn in the mirror of my room.
“You look hot!” Kodi gushes.
“It’s not something I would normally wear…” I trail.
She slaps a hand over my ass, making me yelp. “Exactly! We’re trying to get you sloppy tongue action. Not quilting with the community center senior citizens.”
I purse my lips. “But what about Kaden—”
My friend pinches my mouth between her fingers, giving me a stern glare. “He’s out tonight with his friends doing god only knows what. He won’t have a single clue where you are. Relax and let’s go have fun.”
My heart pounds with uncertainty, but I nod. This is for the best. I deserve to experience everything. Even if the thought of Kaden finding out makes me sick.