*Melody*

Some weeks have passed and I've been enjoying school really well.

I've made lots of friends, especially with Tahlia who I've gotten to know really well.

We even paired up for a slot in the show together and Dad and Alice have been teaching us some moves for the show.

Miss Fleur told me I can add one more slot if I have a good idea for one, but I'll think of one later.

Right now we were at my house doing some homework before practicing our performance a bit.

"Did you find the answer for the 10th question?" I asked, looking at the biology worksheet.

Thankfully, being homeschooled in the orphanage isn't a complete loss. The tutor there is pretty good, and a lot of books kept my mind occupied. So I was actually more academically prepared than expected for going to school, and managed to catch up in Athena Heights. Of course, there are some obstacles, like algebra, but I'm managing.

"Umm," she said, looking over. "I put the parietal lobe.

I looked over as she read it to me. "See? The parietal lobe of the brain has two functions, sensory and perception."

"Oh, okay. Thanks," I said, writing it down.

"You know, don't take this the wrong way, but you're actually pretty caught up for someone who's been home schooled her entire life," she said.

I shrugged with a small smile. "The tutors in the orphanage we're achieving scholars, and since none of the other kids wanted to play for me, the library we had was at my disposal. There were a lot of encyclopedias and history books, so it occupied my mind a lot, even improved my violin playing."

"Oh," she said, then pursed her lips. "If its alright to ask... Did you ever meet your mom?"

I looked up and sighed. "Not really... She abandoned me shortly after birth. My father didn't know anything about me until she found him and told him. He adopted me and soon enough it was confirmed that I'm his daughter."

"That's crazy... I'm sorry your mom did that to you, by the way," Tahlia frowned.

I shrugged. "Its alright. Alice has become a motherly figure for me, and I'm with my dad now. I couldn't be anymore happier."

"I'm glad," Tahlia smiled at me.

We ended up looking at each other for a bit when suddenly a knock at the door made us jump.

"Come in," I called out, and Alice walked in.

"Hey girls. Just wanted to check up on you," She greeted.

"We're okay, Miss Moggs," Tahlia smiled.

"Tahlia, sweetheart, Alice is just fine," Alice smiled as she walked in, a plate of snacks in her hands. "Some snacks I made."

"Thank you," I said as we each took a cracker and dipped it in the cheese spread. There was also some fruits there for us.

"Also, Melody, your father wants to see you in the music room for a moment," she said as I placed the plate on my nightstand.

I nodded and finished my cracker as she left before getting up. "I'll be right back Tahlia," I said.

"Okay," she said as I walked out, going to the music room where my dad was organizing some music sheets.

"You wanted to see me, Father?" I asked.

He looked up and smiled a bit sadly. "Yeah," he sighed. "Come, sit down, Mel."

We took a seat in the arm chairs of the room, and he sighed before looking at me.

"I'll be going on tour in 2 weeks," He said.

I frowned. "Really?" I asked.

He nodded. "I told them I wanted some more time to spend with you and Alice," he said. "But with the new album out in a few weeks, and there's a lot that needs to be done to promote it."

I nodded sadly. "I understand.... but.... My school's show is coming soon... What if you don't make it on time?"

"Not happening," He said, holding my hands. "You can bet that I will be there to see you make me prouder than ever."

I couldn't help but smile and rush up and hug him.

"I'll still miss you, though, Father" I said. 

He smiled and hugged me back tightly. "I'll miss you, too. But I'll call everyday, and video call too."

We pulled back as then his phone rang.

"Sounds like I'm needed again," He sighed with an eye roll, making me laugh.

"Yeah, I should get back to Tahlia. We still have some homework to do," I said, standing up, then leaning over and kissing his cheek as he checked his phone. "See you later."

"See you later, sweetheart," He smiled as I left the room back to my own.

"Everything okay?" she asked as she looked up from her book.

"Yeah," I shrugged. "My dad will be leaving on tour though."

"Ohh... That sucks," she said. "Does that mean he'll miss the show?"

"He said he won't," I said. 

"Won't he get in trouble for missing a show if he has one that day?" she asked.

"I have faith in him," I smiled. "I'm sure he wouldn't miss it."

She smiled. "That's sweet," she smiled as then her phone beeped and she looked over. "Crap. I have to get going."

"You can't stay for dinner?" I frowned.

"Not this time. My dad needs my help with something. He's on his way to pick me up now," he said. "We can rehearse tomorrow during lunch block if you want."

"Okay," I smiled. "We should probably tell my parents."

"Sure. I feel bad, Miss Alice probably made food for me," she said, looking guilty.

"I can pack it for you and bring it tomorrow for lunch," I shrugged.

"Really? Seems like a lot of trouble," she said.

"Nonsense," I shrugged it off. "Better a home cooked meal than having to spend money for one that isn't."

"I guess," she laughed as she gathered her things.

We then went to the kitchen where Alice was finishing her cooking.

"Hey," she greeted. "Tahlia, you have to go?"

"Yeah, Miss Alice. My dad needed my help with something and he's gonna pick me up," she said. "Sorry I can't stay for dinner."

"Oh, that's alright, love. There's always next time," Alice shrugged with a smile.

"I already offered to pack it for her, if its alright," I asked as my father walked in.

"Absolutely. No problems at all," she smiled as then there was a knock at the door.

"Must be my dad," Tahlia said as we walked over to the door and my father opens the door, where Mr. Johnson stood.

I've only met Tahlia's mom since her dad works late.

"Hi Dad!" Tahlia said as she hugged her dad.

"Hey there sweetheart," he smiled as he hugged her, then looked at me. "You must be Tahlia's new friend, Melody."

"Yes, sir," I said. "Its nice to meet you."

"Likewise, young lady," he smiled. "Tahlia has told me so much about you. And you must be her parents."

"Actually, its mostly just me. I'm Melody's father, Jeremy, and this is my girlfriend, Alice," my father greeted as they shook hands.

"Nice to meet you both," Mr. Johnson greeted as he then shook Alice's hand. "Thank you for taking care of Tahlia. Sorry for the sudden pick-up. Tahlia's mother is a nurse, and she had to take an emergency call from the hospital."

"Totally understandable," Alice said. "Tahlia is welcomed whenever she wants."

"Thank you. We should get going, sweetheart," Mr. Johnson said.

"Olay," Tahlia said before turning towards me and we pulled each other into a hug. "See you tomorrow, Melody."

"See you tomorrow, Tahlia," I smiled as I hugged her back, and then we pulled away before following her father away as they bid us farewell  heading to their car and leaving.

"Alright. Dinner is almost ready. Wash up so we can eat you two," Alice smiled.

Once we washed up and sat down to eat together.

"So, Melody, are you excited about your performance?" Father asked.

"Yes," I smiled. "But I'm still wondering what could be my third show. If I can't think of anything, the third slot will go for someone else."

"I'm sure you'll get an idea," Alice encouraged. "If you need any help, you can ask us."

I nodded as I ate my pasta. "Thank you."

Hopefully I do find something.

~~~~~

Hope you're all enjoying the story! Let me know what you all think so far! ♥

🎹 Currently in Sapph's playlist:

Clean Bandit ft. Louisa Johnson "Tears"

https://youtu.be/dc-nyGo0aC8

♡~ sapphire.