Interlude: Melody's POV

"If Monica comes back, tell her I'm in her room."

I shut the door and collapsed immediately onto Monica's bed. Okay Melody, I told myself, we' ve practiced this. Deep breaths. In and out. In and out. My heart was thundering in my chest. I could feel myself start to sweat.

What on earth was that? Why was Christy so pushy just now? We have a system. I ignore her. She ignores me. We spend the least amount of time together possible, and she never has to find out that I dream about her. That I've snuck into her room to see what perfume she uses.

That ever since the day I met her I could never get her out of my mind.

But I know it's wrong. I know it's a sin. So I have to do everything I can to make her hate me. If your eye causes you to sin, then pluck it out. She'll hate me, I'll move on, find the right guy and forget all about Christy. Up until now the plan was working fine. My sister was none the wiser.

But today she just had to be so pushy. She just had to stay around me, like she was looking right into me. I had to get out. I had to retreat.

Deep breaths, Melody. Deep breaths.

Despite my pounding heart, I managed to compose myself. I sat upright on Monica's bed, still in my uniform. Then I decided that I needed a distraction; Christy's smell was still lingering in my mind. I tried to pray, but I couldn't focus. I kept seeing her.

Seeing nothing else to do, I sent Monica a text:

[So bored. When are you coming back?]

When she didn't reply immediately, I put my phone down and sighed. I looked over to the mirror, seeing myself in the reflection. My hair had gotten quite long now, reaching past my chest. Maybe it was time for a haircut. I wouldn't look good with Christy's hair though.

I shook my head, letting it cover my face and my vision. All my thoughts seemed to go back to her.

My phone buzzed, and I snatched it immediately. It was Monica!

[Probably another hour or so]

[I'm so sorry, I promise we'll do sister night again soon!]

I wasn't sure if I had ever sighed so many times in one day. I need to do something to get Christy out of my head, but what?