My head was buzzing. I couldn't believe I was hanging out with people I met by myself! Without meeting them through Lyrical or Bonnie! Thinking that, I felt pathetic.

 "You should try the candy cane hot chocolate, it's really good." Chase said to me. I was smiling so long my cheeks began to hurt. "I'll have that-"

"I want a muffin." Melody said her eyes beaming.

"Didn't you just get your allowance?" Chase said to Melody dully.

"I'm saving up for something! Please?"

Melody pouted out her lips and Chase gave her a muffin. After that we sat at a bench and drank; It was so fun! Chase was dressed cool. He had on Nike's sneakers and had on a cap with the litters 'VIP' and his shirt was plain black and he had on dark blue jeans. Melody was wearing an orange knit dress with black leggings. I was wearing a dark red dress with Lyrical's leather jacket that was huge on me. ( Over-sized clothing make you look tiny if done right.) And black and white high- tops. I just sat there and didn't say anything.

"How long have to been going here?" Melody asked me, while giving me a piece of her muffin.

"Not that long." My face felt wet and warm.

"Really? So your in the same class as Virginia?"

I blushed." I don't really talk to the people in my class...so I wouldn't know."

Chase and Melody stared at me.

"Wow! Your more shy than I thought you were!" Chase said.

I cringed. He noticed I'm shy?!

"So, your 16?"

Chase asked. "No, I'll be 16 on December 31." I cringed again.

"Cool. My birthday is January first." Chase said.

"Oh!" I exclaimed. "Your turning 16,too?!"

Chase laughed. "17 actually."

I blushed. "Wow...so your older than me." Melody giggled.

"Does that surprise you because he acts so young?"

"No! I just thought...-"

"Oh no!" Melody screamed suddenly."I think I left my purse in there. Excuse me guys."

Melody ran back in frantically. "Are you popular?" I asked him. Chase grinned.

"I guess so. I dunno, I almost know everyone in our school, so I guess you could say that."

I frowned, because I have no chance of being the slightest bit popular.

"I like talking to people," Chase said, his smile getting weaker.

"Everyone always invites me to parties, to study with them, or to just to hang-out, but..." Chase drifted off." Can I tell you something?" I nodded my head. "My grades aren't the best. Last year being in 10th grade, was really busy for me. I don't know what it is about being 16, but your suddenly invited to lots of parties and suddenly your calendar is filled with plans and your constantly being called. I didn't have time to actually study. I've always wanted to go to a good culinary school, but it seems impossible lately." Chase looked up into the sky. "But, maybe being with you guys after school will keep me more focused on my career." I tried to think of something to say with out pouring my heart out. An awkward silence began to develop so I had to say something.

"That sounds so glamorous to me..." I said looking down. "Going to parties all the time, having everyone know your name, but I'm so scared of that."

Chase's face got serious. "Scared of what?" He asked.

"Of just talking to people," I said my voice beginning to break. "I can't talk to people. I get too scared. I start to shake and my words break and I trip. Sometimes I wish I could just, be at a party or hang with you guys with out me being there. But that's not possible." I said. My eyes felt wet but tears didn't fall yet.

"Your scared right, now?" Melody asked me.

I jumped.

She was standing in front of me. I nodded my head.

"My hands are shaking... I want to but..."

I stopped talking. Why did I do that?

"What did you say to her?!" Melody yelled at Chase. "I don't know what I said..." Chase said quietly.

"What were you guys talking while I was gone?" She asked irritated.

"Nothing..." he replied.

Suddenly I felt a hand on my head.

"Don't worry." I looked up and Melody pat my head. "Let's go. We gotta go home anyways." Chase stood up from the bench. They walked ahead but I just sat there. "Come on, Bernadette." Chase said gently.

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They walked me home and they live like, 6 houses away! No wonder I always saw Chase coming home the same way as me. As I walked to my door mat I felt a burst of courage.

"Melody!" I turned away from my do r and faced her.

"Huh?"

"Can I have your number?" It got so quiet, I could hear my heart beat.

"Um... I don't have a cell phone number, but I can give you my house number."

Melody takes a pen and a super small piece of paper out her purse and puts her number on it.

"Here." 

My face felt hot. 

"I'll call you later." Melody walks in front of Chase as they leave. Instead of waving his hand, Chase waved a peace sign. How adorable! I open my door, walked in, and practically cried. How on earth was I going to talk to Melody? I had gotten way over my head!