Silent Ride

The ride back to the dorm is just a silent as the one to the station house had been. Unlike the previous trip, however, it isn't a silence born of animosity. For your part, your deep inside your own head, watching the rain splash against the cruiser's windshield and trying to contemplate how tonight's events are going to change your relationship with Melody. Your best friend/roommate hasn't said a single word since stepping outside. Unlike the previous trip, where she made it a point to sit as far away from you as possible, now she's molded her body into yours as if any distance would cause her physical pain. Her hand is clutching yours tightly, and her head is resting on your shoulder, wet hair soaking your shirt. Officer Jones seems to sense the mood and doesn't try to **** any conversation with us. The only sounds in the car are the periodic swishes of the wipers and the intermittent chatter coming from the police radio.

Soon enough you've arrived back at the dorms. It is with no small amount of relief that it appears no one is standing around the entrance. You weren't looking forward to having to explain why a cop car was dropping you and Melody off. Officer Jones steps out into the downpour to open the back door, you get out first and dash for the awning. Under the cover and out of the rain you turn around and see that Melody isn't right behind. Instead she and Jones are talking quietly enough that you cannot hear their words. You do see him hand something to her, and then give her a quick hug. When the hug breaks, she turns and runs towards. As you two go inside and start making your way up the stairs, you cannot but ask what Jones and her were talking about.

"It's a secret." Is all the response you get. But you get it with the first smile you've seen on her face all night, so you're more than willing to let it go, if it means Melody is even a tiny bit back to her normal self.

Once the two of you enter your dorm room, all energy leaves you. Both of you move towards the shared bedroom, get ready for bed, and crash into bed, barely staying awake long enough to wish each other goodnight.

Alas, you don't get to sleep for long.

Shortly after you've fallen asleep, a loud booming crash shakes the room, jostling you awake. "Shit, it's still raining? And now we've got thunder, swell." Checking the time on your bedside table, it's a little after 2am, maybe 30 minutes after you face planted into your pillow. As you roll over and try to fall back to sleep, you hear a whimper coming from the other side of the room. Melody. She's always been afraid of lightening. Throw in all the other events of tonight, she must be freaking out.

"Jack...it's so loud...the storm must be right on top of us." Melody whispers when she sees you looking at her.

"It's okay Melody. There's nothing to be scared of." Unfortunately, your attempts at reassuring your friend are undercut by another bright flash of lightening, followed almost immediately by another loud peel of thunder. This storm isn't clearing out anytime soon. "Melody, come here." You say as you scoot back towards the wall, and lift your blankets up. "It'll be just like that camping trip we took in high school"

You actually expected her to put up some resistance. She's always been very embarrassed about her fear of storms. Much to your surprise though, she quickly dashes across the room and slides under the sheets with you. "Thank you Jack!" She says, quickly planting a kiss on your cheek. "Just being close to you makes me feel so much better."

Your original plan to roll onto your stomach goes out the window when she curls up into your body, forcing you both into the spoon position. With a contented sigh, Melody falls asleep in your arms, not even reacting to the next couple thunder cracks. "Well, I guess we can add this to the list of things we need to talk about." You muse as you drift of to sleep.