A push to move on

“Why didn't you speak to me before putting me on that dating site?” she demands an answer from Kalinin

“We did not want to that is why hurt you,” Kalinin answers.

“…But you need to begin living again.” She proclaims unapologetically.

“Mom doesn't know about the state you are in and I know that you will be alright...it is just a matter of time.” She sounds like she is trying to console Melanie but she is threatening her with this statement.

“It is not as simple as you make it sound,” Melanie complains.

“Well sure, but we just want to get you out of your shell, we can cut it out eventually if that is what you want.” Kalinin is quick to assure.

“I feel like you are trying to rush me into things.” Melanie sobs.

“I thought leaving Alex would help but now I am lost.” she completely breaks down.

“Why can't you just allow me to figure shit out on my own?” Melanie complains again.

“We thought moving you away from all the reminders would help make it easier for you, but we are still so concerned,” Kalinin explains,

“I am fine, Kal” Melanie lies, but Kalinin shakes her head.

“No, Mel…I am your twin sister and I can tell when something is up.” Kalinin continues,

“If you keep behaving in this manner, I will have no choice but to involve Mom.” Kalinin forces Melanie.

“Mom never even acknowledged my engagement to Alex and I am sure that She will say that she knows it would never last if she finds out I ended with him.” Melanie protests

“I know, and that is why we put you on heartily. me.” Kalinin argues.

“But If you don't explore the dating site, I will be left with no choice but to tell Mom and get her involved,” Kalinin says, waving her phone in front of Melanie emphasizing her point.

“Is this a joke?” Melanie asks, bewildered.

"Of course not, " comes Kalinin's despair-laden reply.

“I admit that I have not been moving on easily, but you and your husband are abusing the ‘get over it’ phrase like it's like turning off a light switch…” Melanie argues.

“Do you think it is that simple for me to build my life outside of the man that I built a life with for a total of five years and me and this man were supposed to marry in the next few months” Melanie screams.

“I am reminded of Alex in everything I do and I cannot let go,” Melanie‘s voice calms down and explains with a trembling voice.

“I understand that it is a bitter pill to swallow sis”, offers Kalinin as she pauses.

“But you can't allow the past to consume you…You must keep walking and Martins and I want to help you get over him, but it's been two weeks and you're still stuck.”Kalinin lets out, frustrated.

“If only it were that simple, Kalinin…” Melanie says, her voice weighed down.

“I feel grounded in my history, so I am taking some time before I start dating, so why couldn't you mention the dating site to me instead of going behind my back to sign me up?” Melanie asks as her eyes well up with tears again and her voice pressing she says.

“We did not wish to cause you hurt.” Kalinin clarifies.

“What if I don't want to date? Shouldn't I be looking after myself for a while?” After they embrace for a few minutes, Melanie whispers.

“Sure, but Martins and I want to encourage you to put yourself out there” she tries to convince her.

“If you don´t like it, we can just stop It, but we should at least try.” she urges her.

“You are forcing me into this,” Melanie weeps from the bottom of her heart.

“I was sure that ending my relationship with Alex was the right thing to do, but now I feel lost. I fear that I can never love again.” Melanie breaks down but Kalinin lightly pets her, telling her that she will be fine.

"Give me a chance, to have some time to figure my life out…Please,” pleads.

“Martins and I have given you two weeks since the breakup, hoping you’d find the will to live again and that was one of the reasons why we suggested that you should come to Orion for a change of scenery, but you look way worse than we imagined and we’re worried about your mental state,” Kalinin explains.

“There’s no reason to worry about me, Kal... I’m fine,” Melanie insists.

“No, you’re not,” Kalinin counters firmly.

“But I am,” Melanie argues.

“I’m your twin sister, and I know when you’re not okay,” Kalinin emphasizes.

“Martins and I are doctors, and we see patients every day. We can’t leave you alone at home.” she tries to reason with her sister.

“If things don’t change, I will really involve Mom and that is not a threat” she warns, making Melanie shift uncomfortably in her seat.

“You know Mom never supported my relationship with Alex,” Melanie says, hoping Kalinin will understand.

“If she finds out that I broke up with him, she’ll just say she told me so and that is the last thing I want to hear right now,” Melanie says firmly.

“I expected you to say that, and that is why Martins and I signed you up on heartily.me” Kalinin replies.

“If you refuse to explore the site, I’ll have no choice but to really involve Mom.” Kalinin flashes her phone in front of Melanie, whose face pales.

“Here are the login details.” Standing up from the bed, Kalinin’s expression softens but remains firm.

“You have five minutes to decide if you’re going to take this chance. If I don’t see you logged in, I’ll tell Mom you’re struggling after the breakup.” she corners Melanie

“You know she’ll believe me, especially since you haven’t been here in four years.” Kalinin’s voice lowers,

“If you don’t fill in your profile in five minutes, I’ll assume you’re not ready to move on, and I know that’s not true. You just need a little push.” Kalinin says and with that, she leaves the room, the door clicking shut behind her, punctuating the ultimatum.

Alone with the login details and a ticking clock, Melanie feels her heart race as conflict surges within her.