MELODY'S POV

The scream left my mouth before I could stop it. My body is still stuck halfway between the elevator and the door and when it tries to close on my shoulder do I snap into action. Aiden is trying to calm Zack down while Tara and Layla are staring in awe. Before Zack can get a good hit Jake pivots out of his reach and he stumbles forward. He tries to hit him again and my heart races frantically against my chest.

"What the hell is going on?" I run towards the two of them and pull Jake towards me. He looks over to me with that annoying smirk and grabs Zack's fist, twisting it in the process.

"Relax my love. He is merely letting out some pent up anger." I grasp at his suit jacket feeling helpless and mad. His body is so much bigger than mine... much different compared to Dean's body structure. His was leaner and much more... comforting. At the sound of Zack's cries I let go of Jake's coat and hold myself, watching as he falls to his knees as Jake continues his death grip.

"Now take a deep breath and think what you just did through." Jake says sounding like he's reprimanding a child. I can see Zack struggling under his grip and when he slowly nods his head does Jake let go.

"What happened Jake?" He turns to me with a smile gracing his lips and he kisses me. 

"I will never get tired of doing that." He kisses me again and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me further into his chest. It gets heated very quickly and I moan into his mouth. I'm pretty sure if there weren't a bunch of people in this lobby he would probably lay me on the floor and take me hard. The thought makes my stomach flutter. I pull back from the kiss and stare up at him.

"What happened with you two?" His pupils are dilated and I can feel him rubbing his erection against my stomach, but he smirks and shrugs.

"I can't say I'm entirely sure. I came down here and called my assistant to discuss a few things. Everything went fine and I was getting ready to leave when he stormed into the lobby and started yelling foolishness about me leaving you alone and that Dean is better for you and other crap like that. I told him our relationship was none of his business and that he was relieved of his services months ago. And that's when he started swinging." Jake rolls his shoulders releasing me from his arms. I look down at Zack and wince.

"Is he going to be ok?" He shrugs again and lifts him up by the arm.

"I think my girlfriend just asked if you were ok. It would be respectful if you answered her." Zack shoots a glare in Jake's direction and shrugs him off.

"I'm sorry I freaked you out Mel I was just angry." He reaches out to touch me but I flinch back. Noticing my reaction he frowns and drops his hand. "We'll talk later then." He fixes his clothes and leaves the building. The onlookers get the hint and continue with their routines. It's like watching mice scatter once the cheese is finished. 

"The drama never ends." Tara says walking up to me. I sigh and rest my head on her shoulder.

"I need to get going. Come on Lay, Miranda is probably pissed by now." I turn to see her giving Aiden a quick kiss before she walks up to me. She links her arm in mine and has a bright smile on her face.

"I love that man!" She says squeezing my arm. Her smile becomes contagious as I begin to smile as well, but for my own reasons of course. Now that Aiden has the ring it's only a matter of time before he pops the question. It's such an exciting event when someone gets married. I mean I'm sure Ian is thinking of proposing to Tara too. They've been together long enough and I've never seen her so happy and stable with a man in years. The thought of marriage makes my heart skip a beat.

"Mel I'm off to meet with Ian so I may or may not be over tonight... if you know what I mean." Tara flips her hair over her shoulder and pushes up her breasts. "You have no idea how much I've missed his long, strong... handshakes." She shivers slightly and smiles. "I'll text you kay?" 

"Sure hun have fun with his... handshakes." I wink at her and she walks outside to catch a cab. Layla pulls at my arm and we head out as well.

"Who's Ian? What did she mean by handsha- Oh wait never mind I got that one." She giggles. "But seriously who is Ian?" I smile at her and hail a cab. 

"Ian is her boyfriend." Layla's eyes go wide before she giggles again. 

"She has a boyfriend? Like for more than a month?" I nod. 

"She's head over heels for him and I think he feels the same for her. I can't wait to meet him." I continue to wave down a cab.

"Wow it seems like everyone is coming together. It's like Grease! You and Jake... or Dean are Sandy and Danny... though it would make sense if you stayed with Dean because Danny starts with a D and so does Dean... but whatever. I could be Frenchie and Tara would definitely be Rizzo-"

"Slow down Lay how about we get to work first." A cab finally notices me and pulls in to the curb. I reach out to open the door when a hand covers mine.

"Let me take you to work love." I turn to see Jake smiling down at me. For some reason this annoys me.

"I can get to work on my own Jake. And please let go of my hand I'm late enough as is." I snatch my hand back and open the cab door. "Let's go Lay." She scurries in the car beside me. I try to get in but Jake grabs my arm.

"There's no need for the hostility love I just want to take you to work. Why waste money on this... dirty cab when you can get a free, comfortable and," he strokes my arm, "intimate ride with me." It's not hard to miss the growing bulge in his pants.

"Jake I don't have time for this I need to go." Pulling back I get into the cab and he begins to drive. The majority of the ride is in silence before Layla clears her throat.

"So what was that about?" I shrug and stare out the window.

"I don't know... I just... I got... annoyed by him. Like he was getting under my skin." I rub the spot where he grabbed my arm and sigh. "I really need the time to myself. I can't think straight with him here." Layla sighs as well.

"Yeah well I don't know how you're going to do that with him staying over every night." I bite my lip.

"You're right... you both were so right. He just has a way of... convincing me." The car pulls up to our building and I pay the cab. Getting out of the car the memories of yesterday come crashing at me and I stagger. How could so much have changed so quickly? I was so sure that I wouldn't forgive him and yet I just had sex with him this morning. I gave in to him as if he was... Dean. Thinking of him hurts my heart again. I miss him.

"Mel let's go." Lay is already at the door. 

"Sorry I'm coming." I shake off the memories and follow Lay to the elevator. 

"Are you ok?" I turn towards Layla feeling exhaustion take over.

"I never wanted this. I never wanted any of this. It's too much to handle. Just when everything is going right for me... damn it." She pulls me in for a hug.

"I can't imagine what this must be like for you. In one sense I am totally jealous that you have two gorgeous and adoring men unconditionally in love with you and in another sense I can see what this turmoil is doing to you. I know you love Jake because of what he was to you... but when I see you with Dean... I don't know what to say." I break away from the hug feeling anger rise.

"What the hell are you talking about? First you're all gung ho for me and Dean saying it is the best thing to happen to me and that he is what I need. AND THEN I tell you about Jake and you gain some sort of annoying interest in him. AND THEN YOU HAVE TO AUDACITY TO CALL HIM UP AND TELL HIM WHERE I WAS BECAUSE YOU THOUGHT HE WAS BEST FOR ME! I was happy with Dean! I loved that f*cking man! He was perfect and then Jake just has to show up and everyone thinks he's what's best! DAMN IT! DAMN YOU ALL!" I'm huffing and puffing by the end of my rant and when my vision finally begins to clear from the haze of red I notice that we've already reached our floor and the office is staring at me like I'm insane. Layla stares at me in shock and backs away from me. I groan and turn away from her. I mutter out a quick "Sorry," and head to my desk.

"Well I'm glad you two have finally decided to show up. I've had to deal with The Prince for over an hour now. Get in my office and calm him down." Miranda looks just as stressed as I feel. 

"I'm on it." I rush into her office and close the door grateful for the sanctuary. This is becoming too much. The phone rings and I sigh. "Deluxe Events, Melody speaking.

"MEL! WHAT THE HELL? I'VE BEEN TRYING TO CALL YOU FOR TWO DAYS!" I pull the phone away from my ear and close my eyes.

"I apologize Trevor. Things have been pretty hectic around here." He snorts.

"Hectic? What the f*ck is that supposed to mean? Where have you been?" 

"I've been dealing with Jake and his aggressive advances and trying not to break down in tears every time I think about confronting Dean. I feel terrible and cheap and stupid for having sex with him so quickly. I'm such a slut!" I cry into the phone not caring who hears anymore. 

"Ahh shit. I'm coming right now." The line cuts and I hang up the phone. I'm a mess. 

"Hey Melody was that him?" Miranda walks in and pauses. Obviously my tear-stained face is the first thing she sees. "Are you ok?" Of course that is the first thing she asks.

"I'm-I'm fine... I just need... No. You know what forget it. I am not fine. I feel like I'm being torn in two and I hate this! Everything was fine before... before." 

"Before that gorgeous piece of man stormed into this office demanding you take him back? What exactly happened there anyway?" My eye twitches at the question.

"It's not completely my business to tell." She narrows her eyes.

"That's fine everyone has their secrets." I sigh and sink into her chair.

"I know this sounds crazy but... can I ask you a favour?" She closes the door behind her and sits on her desk. The slit in her skirt rises and her long tanned legs rest on the surface.

"What do you have in mind?" I bite my lip.

"An old fling has asked me to see him in Cali. I was supposed to go with the girls this weekend but... complications have arised and I... I just need to get out of here." She smirks and pulls her hair up in a ponytail.

"And you're asking if you can leave a little earlier?" I nod my head sheepishly.

"I can do anything you want me to and I will work extra hard. I just need to get out of here. I need time to think, time to breathe... time to make a choice." She motions for me to get out of her chair and I stand off to the side. She slides into her chair gracefully and opens her laptop.

"Alright I'll do it... only because you did this company a huge favour by landing The Prince's birthday bash. But this is the first and only time this will happen understand?" Her blue eyes shoot to mine and I nod. "Good. I can get you a flight to leave a little before lunch. You can use the company card to get your clothes and toiletries. I'll book the Cartwright for you. It's a nice hotel in San Francisco, you'll enjoy it. He lives there right?" I nod my head remembering seeing it on his Facebook page. 

"I can't believe you're doing this for me Miranda. It means so much." She flashes me a quick smile.

"Uh huh. Anyways everything is booked. Get your ass in gear so it seems like I'm not favouring you." She shoos me out and I rush to my desk. Looking at the time I see it's almost 9 and I begin a countdown in my head. Only a few more hours until I can get some freedom. I smile to myself and log in to my computer. Immediately I see I have a 3 messages from Jake. The rest of the emails are obviously pertaining to work. I ignore his messages and get to work on calling different companies and securing places for other clients. Time seems to go by quickly but when I look down at the time I see it's only 9:20. Wow. Something flies across my vision and I turn to see Layla blushing.

"Read it." She whispers. I open the note.

Mel I know you're angry but I want to say I'm sorry. I know this can't be easy for you and I know that I'm not the best friend at the moment but... I like both guys. In my opinion I think they are both great for you... maybe that doesn't help. Listen-

I don't get the chance to finish reading the note as Layla takes it from my hands.

"I think it would be better if I finished that in person." She looks up to me with those cool blue eyes and frowns. "I don't know Jake. I don't know the pain you went through and I don't know if you truly love him or not, but when he came here looking so damn debonair and took charge I was kinda... mesmorized. The way he spoke it was all so... I don't know. But when I see you with Dean... I see the love, I see the desire. This guy shows up to your work just to surprise you. He never graded you differently even though he cared about you. I mean he even went to church with you! And he likes it! He respected your body and your wishes and he worships you. To me I can see you two getting married. I can see you having kids and growing old... I just think Jake is a distraction. You may have loved him once but you've grown past that. At least I think you have." She looks down fumbling with the letter.

"I appreciate what you said Lay. It really helps. Thank you." She wraps her arms around me.

"Whatever decision you make I want you to think not only with your heart but with your mind. Following your heart isn't always the right choice because lust has a tendency of clouding what people believe is love. Trust me I know that from experience." I ponder over her words and take her hands.

"I'm leaving for California." She smiles.

"Yeah I know, we leave on Friday." Shaking my head I let go of her hands and bite my lip.

"No I'm leaving today. In a few hours actually...by myself." She pulls back.

"What? What about us?" 

"You guys can come on Friday. I just need the solitude and I know there is no way Jake is going to let me go that easily." Lay's still processing my words. "Listen everything is booked, I just couldn't leave without letting you and Tare know. Ok?" She nods her head slowly. 

"Ok. Just be safe Mel and don't talk to strangers. And be careful. And keep your bags close. And don't trust any who isn't in uniform. AND-" I cover her mouth laughing.

"Yes mom." She smiles under my hand. Removing it slowly I turn back to my desk and continuing working. Layla hasn't moved so presume she still has something to say.

"Have you told Mike yet?" She asks twirling her hair. My eyes widen and I log on to Facebook.

"Crap! I completely forgot to mention it!" Searching frantically for his name I see he his thankfully online and I message him.

Melody Peters: Hey Mike, I forgot to mention that I'm actually coming to Cali... well today. Things are getting hard for me and I need the freedom. If you don't mind... :/

Layla leans over my shoulder waiting for the reply as I hold my breath. Of course it would have been logical to contact the person I was supposed to be visiting in the first place... smart move Mel. We both hear the 'ping' and wait for his message.

Michael Winters: Things are really that bad huh? No problem I can meet you at the airport if you'd like. Heather is rushing around our place to cook something special for you. 

Melody Peters: Thank you so much Mike! Can I get your number so I can text you when the flight lands?

Michael Winters: Sure thing its 760-987-5248 can't wait to see ya!

He signs off and I release my breath. He really is a sweet guy. 

"Well that was easy." I turn towards Lay.

"Yeah well that's only the beginning. I don't know what I'm going to do with Jake... gosh I sound like a mother deciding a punishment for her child. Is it supposed to be like this?" Her sympathetic smile is all I need to see. 

"It will always get much harder before anything is easier. I'm gonna get back to work. Let me know what Tara says." Picking up the phone I dial her number while I continue to work.

"Tara Whitmore." 

"Hey Tare it's me." 

"Oh hey there pussycat. What's up?" 

"I'm leaving for Cali in 3 hours. Alone. Don't yell at me I need the space." There's silence on her end and I bite my lip.

"Alright well don't fool around with anyone while you're there and be ready to tour like crazy when I get there." Laughter bubbles out of me.

"I love you Tara." She laughs as well and I hear a voice in the background.

"Well what did you expect me to do? Tell you to stay? I'm a selfish woman I've learned that, but you do need the solitude. Hold on a sec." The phone shuffles and I wait patiently. "Ok sorry Ian can be such a freak when he wants." In the background I hear a man say "I heard that." 

"I'm glad to know you are happy with him Tare. When do I get to meet him?" She giggles and the phone drops.

"Sorry about that. Um well you can meet him whenever you want really. But I would suggest you wait until you are... settled." I nod my head in agreement.

"Yeah you're right. So I'll see you Friday?"

"Yup! Good luck with telling Mr. Perfect. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to kn-"

"Well the world doesn't revolve around Jake. He's just going to have to suck it up." 

"Wow. Someone's getting a back bone. Call me when you land hun." I hang up the phone and take deep breaths. I don't know why Jake is getting under my skin but I need to get a grip and finish my work. I get a message from Layla and look over to her.

"You ok?" She mouths. I nod my head and focus on my tasks. I can do this. With some mental encouragement I continue with my day. 

And to my luck 11:30 comes just when I need it. Going to Miranda's office I close my eyes and knock. The door swings open and papers are shoved in my face.

"Here's your boarding pass, directions to the hotel and the company credit card. Take care of these things missy. Cameron!" My head turns to see Cameron walking over to me slowly.

"Hey Mel..." I nod and turn back to Miranda.

"I had Cameron run to your place to get your passport. Layla gave him the keys. Now get your butt out of here." She walks back into her office and closes the door, leaving me in a very awkward situation.

"I know you don't want to talk to me but I just want to say I'm so sorry and I don't want to lose our friendship." Exhaling through my mouth my eyes glance down at Cameron's attire and back up to his face. He still looks good; beautiful blue eyes, pearly white smile, impeccably dressed manner... he hasn't really changed that much.

"It's ok Cam. Everything that has been dropped on me... it's fine really. I just wish it wasn't you." His lids lower as he hands me my passport.

"You have no idea how badly I didn't want this to continue. I... You're an amazing person Mel." I smile and take his hand.

"So are you Cam." I look away and then check the time. "You wanna come with me to the airport?" His face lights up immediately.

"Absolutely." He wraps an arm around my shoulder but then pulls back. I turn to him confused but he lets his arm hover over mine. "Sorry I don't really know where we stand." I pull on his arm and rest it onto my shoulder again.

"We're right here." He leans into me and I take his weight. "Actually hold on let me get my stuff." I lift his arm off and run to my desk. My flight leaves at 1:10 so I need to hurry up and get out of here. Picking up my purse I log off my computer and re-organize my desk. Cameron points to his watch and I hurry to Lay giving her a big hug.

"I'll see you Friday hun. Enjoy your freedom while you can." She pinches my side and I kiss her cheek.

"See you." I rush over to Cameron and we head for the elevator. This is it. I am finally going to get some peace and who knows maybe Mike and Heather can help me with my decision. I definitely need the help. I don't know what I'm going to do. Cameron looks over to me and frowns.

"I'm sorry did you say something Cam?" He shakes his head and walks ahead of me. 

"Something is definitely bothering you. Does it have to do with Dean?" He pauses and then his eyes widen. "Oh and I hope you know I have never been, nor will I ever be interested in Dean, or any man for that matter." 

"Don't worry I got your point. And yes it has to do with Dean. I'll tell you everything in the cab." We get outside and onto the busy street. Of course at lunch the cabs would all be busy. Cameron walks to the curb and tries to wave down a cab. Instead of helping him I dig my phone out my purse. 

10 missed calls - Jake

3 missed calls - Dean

7 new messages - Jake, Dean, Tara

13 new voice messages

I sigh and put my phone back into my purse. I don't have the patience to deal with that right now. 

"Hey Mel I've got a cab. Let's get going." I make my way through the crowd and straight into the cab. Sitting down I smell marijuana and frown. Just great this is definitely going to give me a headache.

"Cam can you roll down the window please?" He complies and turns to face me.

"So talk to me... what's going on with you? What with Jake's very abrupt entrance and Dean's disappearance to Paris I know you must be very stressed." I rest my head on his shoulder and allow the words to flow out.

"Dean and I have been together for more than a year now and everything was fine between us. I had no doubts of our relationship, I didn't have to hide him from my parents and I had no fear of the papparzzi following me around like insects. He was- is perfect. But Jake was always in the back of my mind... just sitting there reminding me of what I had left behind." We pull into traffic and I check the time.

"It was different with Jake, he was adventurous and bold and he loved to push me to do things that made me uncomfortable. I loved that about him he made me feel alive. But then he hurt me. He went behind my back and hurt me. Deeply. It was hard to let go... of the pain... of him."

"So I guess you're trying to decide between the two guys then?" I nod and he pets my hair. "Would you like some advice?" I nod again and he sighs. "Alright well from what I know of Jacob he seems like a cut-throat business man who gets what he wants... always. But he also just seems like a guy who missed his ex and wanted to make sure she was happy. Sure he used some... different tactics but he did show he cared... in his own way. Now Dean. Well he's different. I wasn't work for Dean so I could view him man to man and man did this guy love you. Like no joke. I love my girlfriend a lot but just the way he would look at you would make me feel inadequate with my own feelings. It was as if he radiated love for you. And you seemed to feel the same way for him. I remember during your internship you wouldn't realise it but you would inadvertedly talk about him all the time. Somehow you were able to bring him up in your conversations and that was only when he was your teacher. Can you imagine what you sounded like once you two started dating?" He laughs and I sit up.

"Really? I didn't realize I did that." I bite my lip and frown. 

"Yup you had it bad for him. Listen I am not the best with advice but I can say this, when you go to sleep at night who do you want to hold you? When you wake up in the morning who do you want to see? And when you go to events who do you want to be at your side? I'm not talking about marriage or moving in with each other or even meeting the parents, I'm just talking about the basics." We arrive at the airport and Cameron gets out of his side, then opening the door for me. "Think about it Mel." 

"Sure... thanks. You are... very wise." He laughs again and gives me a big hug.

"Us black people gotta stick together don't we?" I laugh with him.

"You got that right." Rubbing my back he pushes me towards the terminal and gets back into the cab. Only when the car is out of sight do I move. Walking into the terminal I search my purse for my passport and boarding ticket and walk to the kiosk. Checking in is simple and I head to my gate with ease. 

"Melody?" I turn towards the familiar voice afraid that it may be Jake. But thankfully it's Trevor... oh no. 

"What are you doing here? I told you I was coming here." He's thrown on a pair of jeans and a tshirt and he looks good.

"I'm so sorry I forgot to call you back. I'm going to California." He takes a step back before he closes his eyes and shakes his head.

"When does your flight leave?" I look for a clock and see its 12:30.

"1:10... why?" He doesn't blink before he whips out his phone.

"What airline are you taking?" I check my boarding pass.

"United and before you ask the flight number is 3452. Why does all this matter?" He looks up to me and smirks.

"It matters because I'm coming with you. You're not getting away from me so easily. I've already come this way, what's a few more miles. By the way why are you going to Cali anyway?" I shrug and continue walking to my gate. 

"Mike is in California... do you remember him?" Trevor keeps stride with me and he nods his head.

"Yeah that's the punk that tried to take you from Jak-"

"As if I belonged to him!" I pause in my step and glare at Trevor.

"Hey hey I didn't mean it anyway. Sorry. Well I guess that means that you two are friends again?" 

"Yeah we are. He invited me and the girls to come down for the weekend to meet his girlfriend and see Colton and Alexa again. It was definitely something I wasn't going to turn down. But then Jake and I happened and then Dean happened and I just... I need the space and solitude." He nods his head and continues to walk.

"Well you're definitely going to get the space... and for the solitude you can have your own room, but I'm not going anywhere." A smile graces my face and I link my arm in his.

"I don't think I could have done this alone anyway... so do you want to be the one who tells Jake?" His muscle tightens under my hand before it relaxes again. 

"I think it would be best if you told him. We aren't on the best of terms right now." I look up to him and frown.

"Why not?" Smiling down at me I get a little lost in his eyes.

"Well because he is a baby of course. He was just mad that I was able to see you and spend more time with you than he could. Let alone the fact that I saw you first." He chuckles at that. 

"SO typical Jake then?" His hearty laugh answers my question. "Alright then. I'll call him after I let Dean know." His eyebrows raise at my statement but he doesn't comment. We get to the gate and sit down. A few women watch Trevor warily before turning to each other and whispering. "I think people are recognizing you." Trev's busy on his phone.

"No big deal. I'm not Jake so it won't be anything... over the top." He winks at me before going back to his phone. Sneaking a glance I can see he is messaging Kacey. I smile at that and get up to give him privacy as he's now put the phone to his ear.

I walk towards the Tim Horton's and dial Dean's number. It rings 4 times before it goes to his voicemail. I dial it again and he answers it on the second ring.

"Hello?" His voice sounds gruff and tired... but still so sexy. My heart races.

"Dean?" My voice sounds so different, almost shy in comparison to how we usually talk. He groans and I hear some shuffling and static before he responds.

"Yes? Who's this?" My heart stops at the harshness in his tone.

"It's Melody..." And then there was silence.

"I''ve called you like 3 times... why answer now?" He sounds... edgy and mad, for obvious reasons of course but it's still hard to hear that it's directed towards me.

"A lot has happened today." I say chewing the inside of my cheek. He huffs in response.

"That's all you have to say?" Tears begin to prick my eyes.

"No that's not all I have to say Dean... just let me-"

"Let you what? What the f*ck is there left to say?" I choke on a sob and run into the nearest bathroom.

"Why are you being like this? You said you understood-"

"Oh come on Melody! Don't be stupid! How exactly do you expect me to feel about my girlfriend... the love of my f*cking life! The woman I was thinking about marrying! How do you think it feels to know that deep down you know she's going to cheat. That no matter how much reassuring she does to tell you she won't, she still does. AND instead of telling me this herself she has her bastard of a man tell me over the phone!" The tears run freely and I hide in a stall.

"I'm sorry. Dean I didn't mean for it to happen I swear-"

"Enough Melody. Shit!" He's never raised his voice to me like that before. He seems so much angrier than I'm used to... it's a little scary. 

"Please don't yell at me Dean I know I was wrong but this is hard for me too." I say quietly but he just scoffs.

"What the hell is so hard huh? I didn't know cheating on me was so hard. Did you even put up a fight? Did you tell him I would get mad? Did you even think about me or was it just that hard?" 

"Don't treat me like that Dean. It's not fair!" I try not to raise my own voice because there are people in the washroom.

"Don't treat you like what Melody? Like the woman who broke my f*cking heart? Don't treat you like the little... ugh! F*ck! I'm so mad! How could you do this to me? How could you do this to yourself? Do you have no self respect?" I gasp at his comment and almost drop the phone.

"Dean..." 

"What? Is it that surprising? Am I shocking you? Am I not allowed to be angry? Was I just supposed to sit back and f*cking accept all of this?"

"N-No... I'm so sorry. You're s-so right. P-Please don't  hate m-"

"I can't hear that right now. I can't. I just want this time to be mad. I want to be mad so I don't have to feel the hurt. Because damn it Melody you were the last person I... I can't. Just stop. I don't want to hear it anymore." Hearing how exhausted he sounds makes me feel worse. It is my fault and I should have done something to stop it but I didn't... I let it happen. I wanted it to happen and in the end it wasn't as great as I thought it would be. God what is wrong with me? I bite down on my lip so no one can hear my sobs.

"Ok..." I say with a cracked voice. He sighs.

"You're not allowed to sound that way baby. You're supposed to sound like a bitch so I don't feel like such a dick." I laugh at that and he does too. "I love you so much Melody. That's why this is so hard to do." My heart tattoos against my chest.

"What's so hard?" I ask my voice sounding meek and pathetic.

"Melody... I'm not coming back. Not for a while anyway. I'm staying in Paris with my brother Damen. It's better this way. For both of us."

"But what about wor-" I try to reason with him but he cuts me off.

"I spoke with the Dean and we've come to terms over my work ethic. Everything's been settled... I just haven't... it's why I was trying to call you." I can't hold back the sobs as they wrack through me. "Please don't cry." 

"I- I can't- I'm so- Please Dean." I try to process a full sentence but I can't think straight. Everything is hurting. My heart is breaking and my body is shaking.

"Melody... I'm sorry. I have to go... Just take care of yourself. I love you." The phone line goes dead and I still keep it pressed to my ear in hopes that he is only joking. But when minutes pass and there is no call back I realize he is serious. Dean is gone. He's gone.

"Mel? Mel it's Trevor. Are you in here? Our flight's boarding now." Shakily I get up from the toilet seat and unlock my stall. Upon seeing my face Trevor rushes into the bathroom and pulls me into his arms.

"What the hell happened?" He's rubbing my back and holding me tight.

"Dean's gone." He stops rubbing and he grips into my shoulders.

"What do you mean he's gone?" I sniff and pull away from his arms to blow my nose. I look myself in the mirror and gasp. The girl in my reflection looks... broken.

"He said he's staying in Paris... he said he's not coming home." The tears gather in my eyes once again and I have to fight to keep them back. He doesn't say anything in response and I appreciate the silence. It's a hauntingly beautiful sound to me right now. It's what I need. When he exhales slowly I know he's about to say something I won't like.

"Have you told Jake anything yet?" My head snaps in his direction. What. The. F*ck.

"Are you serious? Did you not hear what I just said? Dean is gone! I pushed him too far and now he's not coming back! HE'S F*CKING GONE! And you want to ask me about Jake right now?" He backs away slowly and raises his hands as a sign of surrender. I can see him battling with himself but when an emotion flickers in his eyes he lowers his hands into his pockets and nods.

"You're right I apologize. We will talk about this soon but right now we need to get going. The plane has already started boarding." I straighten my back and take a deep breath. Wiping my face with a wet piece of paper towel I reapply my lip gloss and let my hair fall in my face to cover my puffy eyes.

"Ok I'm ready." He opens the door for me and I walk out with my head held high. Some people watch us strangely but I ignore them and continue on my way. But then something hits me and I turn to Trevor feeling shy all of a sudden.

"Trev... Do you mind?" He gives me a small smile and ushers me forward.

"No problem I already texted him." 

"Thanks." We both head towards the stewardess and she takes our information before letting us on the plane. Walking into the corridor to the plae I stop Trevor.

"You never told me how you got on the flight." I tell him with suspicion His eyes brighten, he winks and continues to walk. When we board the plane he walks directly to first class and sits in his seat. I'm about to move to coach when he grabs my hand and motions me to the seat beside him.

"If we're travelling for 5 hours we might as well do it comfortably. Now sit." I comply and sit beside him. He gives me a wary look and takes my hand. "Maybe you should get some rest Mel. You look like you need it." 

I nod and rest my head. "Ok."

The plane takes off a few minutes later and once the stewards are finished with their safety instructions I close my eyes and clear my mind and heart of all the pain. 

For now I have no problems. For now I have no stress. For now I am happy.

For now.