The Mysterious Rattle 13

Original Idea: Sophiie93

Copy Editor: Leena (@myLifeIsARPG)

Time passed and conversation James had with Tom stuck in his mind. He had good points. What was Melany going to do? Where was she going to go? She couldn’t live with him forever.

But confronting her about it was one of the hardest things he ever had to do. She looked so happy and upbeat all the time, and he knew this was going to open up old wounds. He felt guilty.

Still, it was the right thing to do, so one night over dinner he spent the meal silent, trying to collect his thoughts. Of course Melany noticed.

“James?” “Are you OK” she asked one head at a time.

James narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath, clenching his fists and summoning up whatever ounce of courage he had left in him. “Mel… I need to ask you something.”

“Sure!” “I’m all ears”

“I just want… er….” He took another deep breath. “I want to talk about your future.”

“What do you mean?” Melany said, her usual smiles disappearing under the weight of the question.

“You’ve been alone for many years and I was happy to help you get out of that rotting house but, what next? Do you have a job you want to get? Do you want to go to school? What sort of place do you want to end up living in? There’s lots of apartments available this time of year.”

“Are… you saying you need me to go?”

“NO!” James shouted, causing Melany to jerk like a frightened animal. He sighed and collected himself. “No, that’s not what I mean at all.”

“Then what do you mean?” Melany said bringing her hands folded to her chest as if she was trying to keep her heart from escaping. “Why even ask me that?”

“Look, Melany…” James said exasperated. “I want you to be happy. I don’t want you to end up homeless again, and I certainly don’t want you to feel like you have to leave. I enjoy having you around. I enjoy spending time with you. But, you’re an adult and there are things adults have to do, and that includes planning for the future, being independent...”

“I…. I see” Melany said with a shaky tone. She tried to hide a tear falling from one of her eyes by rubbing them casually.

James hung his head. “It doesn’t have to be this heavy Mel. I just want to talk about what’s next, you know? Like, OK you haven’t been in school since you were thirteen… right?”

“No…” she said with a frown. “I couldn’t go to school looking like this.”

James could tell that dredging up these memories was painful for me. He tried to get right to the point. “So then, why don’t we put you in some adult courses? It can help you catch up.”

“Courses for adults…” Melany said. “Makes me sound so old…”

“Hey, remember when you got angry at me for thinking you were too young?” James said with a snark.

“OK, OK…” Melany acquiesced. “I’ll go.” Melany was smiling again. James was relieved. At least the tension was broken.

“I know a school we can look into. It’s on my way to work. I’ll stop by and register you, if you want. The classes will probably be at night.”

Melany nodded, gathering up her plates and walking alongside James to the kitchen. “Do you think… I’ll fit in?”

“Fit in?” James said rinsing some plates in the sink. “Well, you’ll probably attract some attention. There aren’t many mutants in this town. But honestly, I think you’ll be fine. You’re stronger than you think.”

Melany made a goofy flexing motion with a giggle. James laughed back and shook some of the water from his fingertips off in her direction. To fight back, she did the same, with all six of her hands!

“Are you sure you want to play this game?” Melany asked with a smile.

“I’m so sorry! Mercy please!” James said in an overdramatic voice. They finished washing the dishes together and retired to the living room. James pulled out his laptop and began pulling up the website of the school he was thinking of registering Melany in.

“What are you doing?” she asked curiously.

“Just getting some details before I visit the school tomorrow. I’m trying to figure out what I’ll need to sign you up. It’s pretty simple, name, birthday, stuff like that… actually come to think of it, I still don’t know your full name.”

Melany’s face went a little pale.

“Sorry!” James said defensively. “I don’t mean to bring up bad memories I just, need it for the paperwork.”

“… Blair…” Melany said softly.

“What?” James asked.

“Melanie Marie Blair…” she said. “… that’s… my full name.” She sank back into the couch as if all the energy left her body.

“Oh… uh… thanks” James said awkwardly, typing a few things in and closing his laptop. “I’ll sign you up tomorrow.”

Melany frowned uncomfortably, both heads visibly sad.

“And, I promise I won’t use your full name unless I have to.”

This time it was Melany who was taking the deep breath. “Thank you…” one head said. “Goodnight…” said the other.

James went into his room leaving Melany to herself. If planning a future meant facing her past… then it was going to be a difficult time ahead.