Melinda’s Story
Sarah and I spent Friday window shopping at the mall. Sarah’s father dropped us off on his way to work. I was enjoying being able to walk without crutches. It had been a long two months.
Despite spending the entire day visiting nearly every store, we bought very little, although we did splurge on mani-pedis to celebrate my healed ankle.
My mother and Sarah’s father arrived at nearly the same time. I followed Sarah to her car to grab my bags before crossing the parking lot to meet my mother.
As we drove home, my mother asked all the usual questions about school and last night’s sleepover. We were about halfway home when she brought up the schedule for this weekend.
“So, your brother has a state history competition in Hartford this weekend. We’re setting it up tomorrow and he has his oral presentation. On Sunday, we have to be there early for the awards ceremony.”
“Sounds really boring. Do I have to go?” I tried to keep the whine out of my voice.
“Pat invited you over for tomorrow.”
I turned to my mother, who was smirking. “What?”
“He’s arranged some sort of party. I’ve been on the phone with Mrs. Evans and Sarah’s mother all week. Apparently, he wants his costar to meet Sarah’s sister?”
“Oh! They used to go to school together. Crystal and Matt King. Pat said he was going to arrange something. I didn’t think he actually would.”
“Well, he did. Mrs. Tran wasn’t thrilled when she found out Sarah’s boyfriend is spending the weekend, but she said Sarah could go if you were going. Are you okay going there? Or would it be too awkward?”
I shook my head. “Pat and I are okay. We’re not exactly together, but we’re . . . I don’t want to say we’re friends, because it’s not like me and Walter. But . . . it won’t be weird.”
“Will you tell me why you broke up?”
“No.”
“Was he pressuring you?”
“Mom! No! It was nothing like that. We just—my feelings for him were overwhelming me and I needed to step back and examine them.”
My mother looked at me curiously. It made me uncomfortable. This time, I couldn’t quite hide the whine.
“What?”
My mother shook her head as she returned her attention to the highway. “Nothing. I just have to keep reminding myself you’re growing up. Anyway, I was going to ask you something. What was it?”
“Did it have something to do with going to Walter’s house?”
“Oh, yes. Would you like to spend the night? Sarah may or may not be staying as well.”
“That would be so much fun!”
“And you’ll behave yourself? I don’t want to hear you were in Pat’s room again.”
“Mom! I wasn’t! I swear. I was looking for Walter!”
“Kara told me. But want you to stay out of both their bedrooms. Understood?”
“Fine!” I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms as I looked out the window.
That night, I did something I hadn’t done in nearly a month: I called Pat. He answered with a smile.
“Hey. Everything okay?”
“My mom told me about your party.”
Pat looked around before the image on the phone started bouncing. I figured he was changing rooms.
“I haven’t told anyone yet. Are you coming?”
I nodded. “My mom said I could stay over.”
“Sick. I talked to Lily. She might stay over, too.”
Pat’s face brightened so much at the idea, my heart sank a little. “Really?”
Pat nodded, but he didn’t explain as he checked his watch. “NeoGenesis?”
I shook my head. “I’m behind.”
“Me too. Let’s have a marathon tomorrow night. Larry and Sarah can make out in the back of the theater and the rest of us will catch up on the show.”
I giggled. “I’m game.”
Saturday morning, my family had to be in Hartford early. A little before lunch, Sarah’s parents picked me up. I made sure the door was locked behind me, then stowed my bag in the trunk.
I waved to Crystal as I climbed into the car.
Sarah sent me a confused look. “Are you sleeping over again? Why bother going home last night?”
I smiled. “I’m not sleeping at your house.”
Sarah turned to her mother. “Wait! She knows where we’re going? Why can’t I know?”
Sarah’s mother turned around as her father pulled out of the driveway. She looked at Crystal. “How would you like to meet Matt King?”
Crystal started signing frantically. Sarah turned to Melinda. “We’re going to Walter’s house?”
I nodded. “Pat arranged it.”
“And, your parents are letting you sleep over?”
“And your parents are considering it,” Sarah’s mother added.
Sarah’s eyes grew wide. “Really? You’ll let me sleep over?”
“We’ll see.” Mrs. Tran’s tone indicated that the matter was far from decided.
“I don’t see a house,” Mr. Tran said as we pulled into the driveway half an hour later.
I gestured to the call box. “You have to buzz in. The driveway is kind of long. You can sort of see a roof over there.”
Pat was waiting on the front porch as we pulled into the circle. He was beaming his infectious smile. Crystal tumbled out of the car and ran to him, signing frantically. He nodded and Crystal hugged him. As Sarah helped me grab my overnight bag, she translated.
“Crystal asked if she was really gonna get to meet Matt. I think she’s excited. This place doesn’t look that big.”
I shook my head. “Wait till you get inside.”
Pat led everyone into the living room as Sarah’s family looked around. The dual staircases in the two-story foyer had intimidated me on my first visit and I had a feeling Sarah’s family was feeling just as overwhelmed.
Mrs. Evans came into the room, wearing jeans and a sweater. Her red hair was pulled into a ponytail and she looked a far cry from the famous celebrity she really was.
“Hi, I’m Kara. Nice to meet you.” She shook hands with Sarah’s parents.
I gave a small wave. “Hi. Mrs. Evans.”
She hugged me. “Where are your crutches?”
“All gone!”
“Why don’t you go put your bag down? Would you like to sleep down here or in Meghan’s room?”
I could see Pat just behind his mother. Why was he rolling his eyes? He didn’t know how. No, he wasn’t. He was looking at me, then upstairs. I understood immediately.
“Meghan’s room, if that’s okay with you.”
Pat grabbed my bag from me. “You stay with Sarah. I’ll bring it up and tell the guys you’re here.”
“Please, come in.” Mrs. Evans led everyone towards the kitchen, just as Mr. Evans walked in from the other direction.
“Adam, this is Heather and Roger Tran, and their girls Sarah and Crystal.”
Mr. Evans shook hands with the adults. “Nice to meet you all. Where are the boys?”
“Pat went to get the other two.”
Mr. Evans looked at me. “Melinda, good to see you again. Would you like to show these lovely ladies around?”
I smiled. “Sure. Come on.” I walked towards the opposite end of the kitchen, leading my friends down the hall and into the library. Sarah giggled.
“You would bring us here first.”
“Only so Walter’s mom wouldn’t think I was going upstairs.”
Crystal signed something to Melinda, pointing out the glass door. I could guess what Crystal was asking.
“Yeah. They have a pool. Come on. I’ll show you around.”
I led the girls onto the pool deck and pointed to various rooms through the glass doors. Pat found us there a short time later.
“Having fun?”
Crystal signed something, opening her arms wide. I had a feeling she was commenting on the size of the house.
“Have you guys been upstairs yet?” Pat led us back towards the foyer, where Larry and Walter were coming down a staircase. Walter gave us all big hugs.
“Hey! We didn’t know you were coming!”
Sarah smiled. “We didn’t either!”
After Larry hugged everyone, Pat pointed towards the stairs. We had just started up when the intercom buzzed.
“I got it.” Pat went to open the door as the rest of us followed Walter to the playroom.
Walter looked at me as we all settled into the beanbag chairs. “Pat said we’re having a NeoGenesis marathon tonight. I haven’t seen any since we went back to school. Actually . . . I think the last time I watched it was at your house.”
Crystal waved her hand in front of my face. When I turned, she signed slowly. I was surprised I understood.
“TV. Name?”
I slowly spelled the name of the show. This time, Sarah had to interpret Crystal’s response.
“Is that the one with the spaceships and cute doctor?”
I giggled and nodded.
Crystal smiled. “We’re not allowed to watch that at school. But my roommate does anyway.”
Pat entered the room with Lily and Matt just behind him. “Let the party begin. I should have brought name tags. Okay. You all know Lily. This is Matt.” Pat introduced everyone in the room, ending with Crystal.
Crystal signed something to Matt as he sat beside her and the two began signing so fast that even Sarah and Lily seemed confused. Pat looked curiously at Sarah.
Sarah shook her head. “She reminded him they were in kindergarten together, and then I got lost.”
“Me, too.” Lily giggled as she pulled a beanbag chair beside Walter. Pat plopped himself into one beside me.
“So, everyone stopped talking when I came into the room. What were you all saying about me?”
“They were talking about that stupid show you guys watch with Smith.” Larry replied.
“What show?” Lily asked.
I shrugged. “NeoGenesis,”
“Oh! I love that show. Doc is sooo cute.”
I happened to agree, but I would never admit it out loud. I smiled at her. “We’re behind a few episodes. We’re gonna have a marathon tonight to catch up.”
“I hope my mom says I can stay! I would love to watch it with you. I haven’t seen any since . . . Christmas, maybe?”
Walter smiled. “Us either.” While he and Lily discussed some of their favorite scenes, I glanced at Larry and Sarah, who were whispering with their head close together.
I put a hand on Pat’s arm. “Are you okay? You seem a little—Hey, Walter?”
When Walter turned, I asked, “What’s a vocab word to describe a super peppy cheerleader?”
“Like the kind you wanna smack because they’re too excited?” Lily suggested.
“Yeah.”
“Um . . .” Walter considered for a moment. “Effervescent?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
Walter shrugged and resumed his conversation with Lily. I turned back to Pat. He frowned at me.
“You’re trying to tell me I’m effervescent? And I could have helped you with that.”
“Last time you helped me, we had a huge misunderstanding. You don’t seem yourself. You’re more like—” My eyes grew wide. Without another word, I stood up, dragging Pat to the other side of the room. I plopped myself in a chair near the video games, pulling Pat into a neighboring one.
“You’re not yourself. You’re . . . acting. It’s like you’re Patrick McGregor.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. In case you’ve forgotten, I am Patrick McGregor.”
I shook my head with a sigh. “No. You’re Pat Evans. Patrick McGregor doesn’t exist outside Hollywood.” When Pat sent me a confused look, I rested my hand on his. “I don’t get it. Is it because Matt’s here?”
Pat didn’t answer, but looked at my hand on his. I hadn’t meant to cross a line. I tried to remove it, but he covered my hand with his free one.
“It settles me. That brief touch. It seems to settle me.”
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. I guess it’s because Matt’s here, so I feel like I have to be Patrick. But, I also just want everything to go perfectly. Larry and Sarah need to behave so she can stay over. She needs to spend the night so you don’t decide to go home. Walter and Lily need to hit it off.”
“Why? Why does it have to go perfectly?”
“I don’t know.” Pat sighed. “I really don’t know.”
“Is Pat back?”
Pat nodded. I wanted to kiss him, to help him feel more himself. Instead, I sat back.
“Now, let’s talk about Walter. He told me you have relationship rules.”
“Oh! Yeah. When I was yelling at him about Zayne, I had an amazing revelation. I realized there are a bunch of rules for being in a relationship.”
I giggled. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“So, rule one is that you need to make sure you’re ready for a serious relationship. I wasn’t. That’s why everything else didn’t work. Walter had the same problem. Number two is to learn self-control. I didn’t have that down, either. You and I were just kind of doomed from the beginning. Rule three is to know your boundaries. I was saying the words, but I don’t think I really knew what they meant. Number four, that’s probably the most important. You have to keep talking to your partner. I failed that one, too.”
I was crestfallen. Was Pat saying we were over for good? I didn’t want to ask, but I couldn’t help myself.
“So, you’re saying you and I—”
“Need to master all those steps before we can get back together.” He reached over to tuck a hair behind my ear, leaving his hand there for longer than was necessary.
I leaned a little closer, my voice low. “You still haven’t given up?”
Pat shook his head, then jumped to his feet.
“Mom’s giving the tour. I see them in the hall.”
I returned to my circle of friends, kicking Sarah’s foot as I sat. Sarah looked up.
“What?”
“Your parents are getting the tour.”
Larry jumped out of his seat to join Pat near the video games.
Melinda’s Journal
Saturday, January 27
(Author note: I am not sure what this journal entry should be about. Any suggestions? Leave a comment below.)
Pat’s Story
Friday night, I was bored enough to hang out with Larry and Walter in our video game room. Walter was trying to teach Larry how to kill aliens. So far, the aliens were killing Larry.
I was mentally planning for tomorrow’s party when my phone played Mother Ginger from The Nutcracker Suite. Larry looked at me. “What kind of ringtone is that?”
Walter smirked, although his eyes never left the screen. “It’s Melinda.”
Oh man. Now I was gonna have to change my ringtone again. As I answered the call, the perfect song popped into my head.
“Hey. Everything okay?” She hadn’t called me since we broke up.
“My mom told me about your party.”
I glanced at my brother and his friend. They were screaming at the television. I don’t think they had heard Melinda.
Taking the phone to my room, I smiled at her. “I haven’t told anyone yet. Are you coming?”
Melinda nodded. “My mom said I could stay over.”
“Sick. I talked to Lily. She might stay over, too.”
“Really?” Melinda’s face fell a little. Was she still jealous? How could I tell her not to be without flat out saying it? I decided not to say anything. Instead, I checked my watch.
“NeoGenesis?” I missed watching it with her.
Melinda shook her head. “I’m behind.”
“Me too. Let’s have a marathon tomorrow night. Larry and Sarah can make out in the back of the theater and the rest of us will catch up on the show.”
Melinda giggled. “I’m game.”
“You’re gonna wanna get dressed,” I told Larry when he appeared in the kitchen around lunchtime on Saturday. He was wearing flannel pants and a tee shirt, so it’s not like he was naked, but I was pretty sure he wouldn’t want his girlfriend’s mother to see him like that. I knew I wouldn’t.
Larry yawned. “Why?”
“Because the girls will be here in a few minutes.” I smiled as Walter joined us.
Larry sent me a confused look. “What girls?”
“I invited your girlfriend for a playdate. She’s picking up Melinda on the way.”
He nodded. “I see. And why would you do that?”
“So Crystal could meet Matt King. They’ll be here in about an hour. I figured I’d give Sarah’s family a chance to get over the shell-shock of the house before introducing them to other celebrities.”
Walter swore. “You’re serious.” He sounded surprised. I guess he hadn’t believed me.
“Yup. Lily’s coming, too.”
Walter choked on his apple, then called me a vulgar name.
“If you talk like that, the girls won’t be able to sleep over. Then Melinda will be lonely.”
It was Larry’s turn to choke, this time on the glass of juice he had poured. “They’re spending the night?”
“Only if you behave yourselves. Last I heard, both their mothers were still on the fence about the idea.”
Larry repeated Walter’s insult. I hope he didn’t think it was my name. The whole-house intercom signaled someone was at the front gate.
I smiled. “That’s probably Sarah and Melinda.”
Larry and Walter hurried upstairs as I went to answer the front door.
Crystal was the first one out of the car. I’m not sure her father had even put it in park. She flew to me.
“Is it true?” she signed. “Is Matt King really coming here?”
I nodded. “I told him I knew you and he wanted to meet you.”
She gave me an enormous hug as everyone else got out of the car. I opened the door and led them into foyer towards the living room. Mom joined us a moment later.
“Hi, I’m Kara.” She shook hands with Sarah’s parents. “Nice to meet you.”
“Hi, Mrs. Evans,” Melinda said.
Mom hugged Melinda with a smile. “Where are your crutches?”
“All gone!”
“Why don’t you go put your bag down? Would you like to sleep down here or in Meghan’s room?”
Meghan’s room! Meghan’s room! I tried to send her a signal over Mom’s shoulder by pointing upstairs with my eyes.
It must have worked. I saw Melinda glance at me before turning to Mom. “Meghan’s room, if that’s okay with you.”
I quickly interrupted. “You stay with Sarah. I’ll take your bag and tell the guys you’re here.”
I took Melinda’s bag and tried not to run up the stairs. After tossing it on my sister’s bed, I went to my brother’s room, making sure to knock. I really didn’t want to walk in on one of them changing.
“Doofuses! You decent?”
Walter called me that rude name again.
I opened the door. “Is that any way to talk in front of the girls?”
“Are they with you?” Larry was standing in the bathroom door, his hair wet, a towel around his waist.
“No. Just messing with you.”
“You’re in a really good mood.” Walter eyed me suspiciously as Larry retreated into the bathroom, where I hoped he was putting on something more than a towel.
I nodded. “Yeah, I am.” I went in search of the party.
I found the adults in the kitchen. Dad had joined them. Sarah’s parents looked uncomfortable, sitting at the table with their coffee. Mom and Mrs. Tran were trying to have a polite conversation, since they had been talking on the phone all week.
But I could see they needed my help. There had to be something these people had in common. The mothers seemed to be doing alright, even if they were discussing . . . laundry soap? Seriously? I shook my head in disbelief.
“Hey, Dad. You’ll never guess what kind of car Mr. Tran drives.”
That worked. The two became so engrossed in a comparison of cars that they didn’t even notice I left the room as Mom and Mrs. Tran bonded over the fact that their husbands were both obsessed with the topic.
The problem with a big house was that was actually possible to lose someone. Without using the intercom, I wasn’t sure how I was going to find the girls. I seriously considered texting Melinda to ask where she was. Thankfully, as I passed through the living room, I saw them on the other side of the glass. I smiled as I joined them.
“Having fun?”
“It’s so big!” Crystal signed.
“Have you guys been upstairs yet?” I led them to the foyer, where Larry and Walter were coming down the stairs.
There were hugs all around and I gestured we should go upstairs. Before we could, the gate signaled again. Walter took everyone upstairs while I answered the intercom.
Mom joined me as I was opening the door. “Where are your brother and his friends?”
“Upstairs. Hi, Matt!”
I slowly ushered everyone into the house. At least Mom had met the Kings before, so things were a little less awkward. Mom took the parents to the kitchen while I took Lily and Matt upstairs. We found everyone in the video game room, sitting on the beanbag chairs.
I clapped my hands together as I entered. “Let the party begin! I should have brought name tags. Okay. You all know Lily. This is Matt.” I pointed to each person as I spelled their names for Matt, saying them aloud to remind Lily.
I expected Crystal to be speechless, but as soon as I finished the introductions, she signed something to Matt. He sat beside her and the two began signing so quickly, I couldn’t keep up.
I glanced at Sarah with raised eyebrows. She shook her head at me. “She reminded him they were in kindergarten together, and then I got lost.”
“Me, too.” Lily giggled as she chose a seat near Walter. I flopped down near Melinda.
“So, everyone stopped talking when I came into the room. What were you saying about me?”
“They were talking about that stupid show you guys watch with Smith,” Larry explained.
“What show?” Lily asked.
“NeoGenesis,” Melinda said.
“Oh! I love that show. Doc is sooo cute.”
“We’re behind a few episodes. We’re gonna have a marathon tonight to catch up.”
“I hope my mom says I can stay! I would love to watch it with you. I haven’t seen any since . . . Christmas, maybe?”
“Us either.” Walter smiled. While he and Lily discussed some of their favorite scenes, I saw Melinda glance at her roommate. As usual, she and Larry had their heads together. Didn’t I warn him to behave? How was Sarah going to stay over if her mother walked in to that?
I was about to say something when Melinda touched my arm. Electricity surged through my body. Her voice was just barely above a whisper.
“Are you okay? You seem a little–Hey Walter?”
When Walter looked at her, she asked, “What’s a vocab word to describe a super peppy cheerleader?”
“Like the kind you wanna smack because they’re too excited?” Lily suggested.
“Yeah.”
“Um.” Walter considered a moment. “Effervescent?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
Walter shrugged and resumed his conversation with Lily. I was insulted, but I did my best to hide my emotions.
“You’re trying to tell me I’m effervescent? And I could have helped you with that.” Why did she have to interrupt Walter? How was Lily going to get to know him better if Melinda was interrupting to ask for vocabulary words?
“Last time you helped me, we had a huge misunderstanding. You don’t seem yourself. You’re more like–”
She stared at me and her eyes grew wide. I was hoping she’d fill me in on her sudden revelation because I was clueless. Wordlessly, she stood and took my hand, dragging me to the opposite side of the room. She collapsed into a chair and pulled me into the one beside her.
“You’re not yourself. You’re . . . acting. It’s like you’re Patrick McGregor.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. In case you’ve forgotten, I am Patrick McGregor.”
Melinda sighed and shook her head. “No. You’re Pat Evans. Patrick McGregor doesn’t exist outside Hollywood.”
I looked at her as I tried to figure out what she had just said. She placed her hand on mine.
“I don’t get it. Is it because Matt’s here?”
I looked at her hand. She started to move it, but I laid my free hand on hers. “It settles me. That brief touch. It seems to settle me.”
“What’s going on?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess it’s because Matt’s here, so I feel like I have to be Patrick. But, I also just want everything to go perfectly. Larry and Sarah need to behave so she can stay over. She needs to spend the night so you don’t decide to go home. Walter and Lily need to hit it off.”
“Why? Why does it have to go perfectly?”
“I don’t know.” I sighed. She sat there, looking at me expectantly. “I really don’t know.”
“Is Pat back?” Her voice was soft and gentle.
I nodded. I wanted so badly to kiss her. I almost did. But she sat back.
“Now, let’s talk about Walter. He told me you have relationship rules.”
“Oh! Yeah. I had an amazing revelation when I was yelling at him about Zayne. I realized there are a bunch of steps for being in a relationship.”
She giggled. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“So, rule one is that you need to make sure you’re ready for a serious relationship. I wasn’t. That’s why everything else didn’t work. Walter had the same problem. Number two is to learn self-control. I didn’t have that down, either. You and I were just kind of doomed from the beginning. Rule three is to know your boundaries. I was saying the words, but I don’t think I really knew what they meant. Number four, that’s probably the most important. You have to keep talking to your partner. I failed that one, too.”
I thought Melinda would be excited about my revelation, but she looked ready to cry. “So, you’re saying you and I . . . ”
I tucked a hair behind her ear, letting my hand linger. “Need to master all those steps before we can get back together.”
She leaned in close, her voice whisper quiet. “You still haven’t given up?”
I shook my head. I wanted to kiss her, mostly to remind her what we still had together. Before I could, I heard my mother in the hallway. I jumped out of my chair.
“Mom’s giving the tour. I see them in the hall.”
Melinda smiled as she went to separate Sarah and Larry.
Attention Hammerheads
Melinda is always trying to build her vocabulary. What were some words in this episode that were new to you? She will add them to her vocabulary journal.
Hartfield Chronicles 