Gorgon Girlfriend: Meleda 2 (special preview)

I’ve found out through stories that Meleda’s mother had obtained her land and house by gambling. She won big time, and I think it’s been hinted she might have done so by cheating. I am unsure, I have heard things from Meleda and the people in Plumstone. But, apparently, the land had once belonged to Mayor Cobble’s family. So I know that a lot of resentment has been built up between him and Meleda’s family. I suppose the pavilion being built was more out of spite than getting confused about property lines. Because if that land had once belonged to Mayor Cobble, then he would know every inch of that land.

I’ve been able to protect Meleda and her home all this time. Although, I am having a hard time coming up with stories on why it is taking so long. Since she is such a beautiful lady, I guess Mayor Cobble and his associates figured I’d have her head lobbed off by the end of the day. They did not expect it to take a month now. But I’ve been able to fend them off with lies about hidden traps all around the property and pavilion as of late. I suppose I’m not making Meleda sound in better, perhaps I should be working towards that instead.

I do like Meleda, though. She’s been so nice all this time, and she’s a really good cook so I’ve been able to eat all sorts of really yummy foods. I hate to admit that I have put on a little more weight, even with all the work I’ve been doing to the house. My fiancée won’t like it at all, but I actually kind of feel good about myself.

I’ve been writing letters home to my fiancée, telling her that this mission is going on longer than expected and it is very dangerous. Sometimes she writes back, but it’s not that often. I’m actually grateful she doesn't, I’d hate to hear about how much she’s worried. She really doesn’t let it on. And she seems to have a new friend around the place, which is nice. I’m glad she has someone around the place to keep her company while I’m away.

I’ve started a garden for Meleda, which is not my strong suit, but I do know something from my sister who works on a farm and all her letters she sends about her pumpkins. I figured a garden would help Meleda in the long run. She’d be able to grow her own produce and wouldn't have to worry about going into town as much. I have also tried reaching out to Meleda’s family. I received a letter from her father, but it was just money, not even a ‘thank you’ or anything. I haven’t heard back from her brother, Nectarios, at all. Maybe he’s busy, although Meleda thinks he’s dead.

I really like it here, though, and, sometimes, when I think about heading home, I get really sad. But I cheer myself up by thinking that Meleda still needs me. I won’t go until Mayor Cobble and the rest of Plumstone give up on wanting to kill Meleda as a monster.

One afternoon as I am finishing some work in the garden, I see Meleda sunning herself outside. She gets cold, so one of her favorite things to do is sit in a really sunny patch. She’s small, but she has really nice legs. And she has scales that look like sugar coated amethyst when caught in sunlight. She really is beautiful, with her gummy worm hair, pretty scales, sweet voice, I like her so much.

“You keep working hard like that, you’re not going to be any good to that thing you have at home,” Meleda says.

“My fiancée?”

“Yeah, that.” She sits up and pulls her legs to her chest. “You plan on giving me all your good years.”

“Not years,” I chuckle. “And I don’t mind it. I’ve always been a hard worker like this.” I pull up my shirt to wipe my face.

“Yes, but paradise isn’t going to last forever,” Meleda sighs. “Let’s face facts, they aren’t going to buy your stories for much longer. They’re going to get fed up and probably burn the place down to get rid of me.”

“I won’t let that happen!” I snap.

Meleda shrugs. “It’ll be fine. I’ll just head home to dad, the jerk,” she grumbles under her breath.

“You could always come back with me,” I offer. I would rather have her with me than have her be somewhere she is unhappy.

Meleda’s smile is all too brief. “I don’t think your fiancée would appreciate you having me there.”

“I think it would be okay. She has her friend staying with her right now.”

Meleda bites her lip and nearly sucks her chin into her mouth. “Your fiancée has a friend with her right now?”