//------------------------------// // Bonus Chapter: The sound of a wintery Chello // Story: Love Degree // by AngelDCS //------------------------------// I drag myself through the cold sidewalks of the main shop district. My head is held low while I take a glance at the people around me, feeling extra self-conscious about my lack of friends. I can't believe she did that! No, she didn't mean to. Derpy is not that kind of girl. How can you be so sure, Melody? Is not the first time a similar thing has taken place. Shut up, shut up... ShutupshutupshutupshutupshutupshutupshutupShutupshutupshutupshutupshutupshutupshutupShutupshutupshutupshutupshutupshutup! My head is spinning around, anger filling my mind with a twister of pure rage while the memories flow in. "Octavia?" "I said shut up, damn it!" I burst, smacking something in front of me. I open my eyes and see a raven, spiky haired guy in front of me. His shoes seemed to be filled with what I could say it was chocolate hot cocoa with marshmallows, vanilla and a big chocolate chip cookie in the center. "Oh… I'm so-so sorry Neon… I-I.." I say, biting my thumb in nervousness. He puts his hands on my shoulders. "Don't sweat it Melody…" He then gives me a cup of the same beverage. "I kinda saw it coming. You can be a bit... Aggressive sometimes. So, I always come prepared." He then takes out a pair of light blue Converse from his backpack. "Done! See? You did me a favor. Now, I can show off my awesome new shoes." He says, posing. I chuckle weakly. "Let me guess… A fan gave them to you today because she is too lazy to deliver the presents like a normal person." I raise an eyebrow and cross my arms around my chest. "Ya got that right." He laughs. I just stand there, silent. "Hey don't be so sad." Then cleans a tear from my left eye I didn't even notice with his thumb. "Let's get some food... That will cheer you up." He puts his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close to him. I nod silently as we go toward a small diner that is near the park. It has some tables outside, but we decide to sit down in an isolated booth. He sits in the chair in front of mine. "Okay, now that we are here… can you tell me why Miss Melody is so sad on a day of love and cheer?" He looks at me, curious and worried. "It’s not big deal... I was just emotional regarding the season. You know how Christmas can be." I say, faking a smile while resting my arm on the table. He looks at me directly in my eyes. I feel my face get red. "I know you are lying, Melody... You might fool everyone acting like you’re indestructible, but I don't buy it. I know you better than that." I smile sadly. "You sure know how to hit a nerve. Who knew that I’m friends with my best friend's platonic crush." He blinks twice, confused. "Who?" "A friend of mine. Her name is Vivianya but prefers to be called Vinyl. She isn't very fond of the name her father gave her. Fan of beats and clubs even if she hasn't been to one in all her life." He smiles. "Well, then you should totally show me who she is." He then goes serious. "But that's not the point here. You have to rely on others more. Tell me why you snapped at me out of nowhere and if you didn't notice, one more block and you would have been killed by walking through traffic." His eyes were full of fright and concern. I remember that his parents died when he was in high school, about four years ago. When he was on tour in the Caribbean he got a call saying his parents were injured badly and well... Three hours later... They died. I'm such an idiot. "Melody, I want you to be happy. We were raised almost like siblings; I want to help you." He said and sat next to me. "Go on. I promise I won't judge you or anything. We are not in the Melody household… You can let it all out." His voice is low and comforting. My heart sinks at how sweet he is. It’s funny how can two kids who hated each other grew up and now are almost like siblings or maybe more family than my own flesh and blood. I don't know how could I live without having him in my life. "W-Well... E-Every time Ditzy and I like a guy, well-" I say with my voice almost cracking, "they fall for the girl who doesn't like them… T-The cycle has been going on for years a-and when I thought I-I c-ould finally get a boy…" Tears start to fall from my eyes like a waterfall. Hot, skin burning tears. "The boy kisses her! I-I loved him so much." I sound like a little girl. I feel defenseless and pathetic. How can I cry about something so cliché while he has bigger problems that I do? Suddenly, two warm arms surround my back and i'm pressed against his chest. "Shhhh… It’s okay, Melody. Let your Winter out. It’s going to be okay." I look shocked. He is willing to hear me out? Then I guess I'll do it. "It’s not fair! I should be the girl he likes! I love him! Derpy doesn't care about him like I do! Is not fair! Why does everyone expect me to be the grown up and just ignore my feelings?! I can't do this by myself!" I say, yelling and crying against his chest. He just stands there and caresses my hair gently. "There there… keep letting it out. String is here." I look at him. "Y-You remember?" "Yeah. That's why I call you Melody. I think it fits you. A strong but relaxing melody, like a mix of spring and fall. You used to call me string because I was an emotional-fragile boy. 'You have to think before acting dumb string!’" He made an emphasis on the phrase. I feel my cheeks red. "That was so lame on my behalf." He laughs. "No you were right. I was too quick for anger. Thanks to me having to take care of you I was able to grow up so-" Then he beams at me. "Thank you, Melody." I stay frozen for some minutes but then I smile back. "No problem… Dumb string." We both laugh at each other for a while. "May I take your order?" A waitress with brown short hair and petite height asked us. "Oh my God..." She then fangirls. "You’re Neon Lights... THE Neon Lights!" She was trying her best to not lose her posture but was losing. He smiles. "Yeah it is I... Neon Lights the third." He then winks at her. After that I just watch as both of them keep talking. I was feeling good. The pain was there, but… It’s nice to have someone to lean on. Maybe, just maybe... This Wintery Cello will one day stop playing sheets of cold, heart-sinking melodies… "So that would be smashed potatoes, fried chicken and for dessert all of the sweet's menu." She writes down and glances at me. "And you?" And play the songs of heartwarming, lovely melodies. "The same as him."