Chapter 11

After getting in the car, Melissa turns on the radio, turning it down to a low volume Ryan turns to her and speaks “Who’s Blake?” Thankful of driving Melissa shrugs gently and says “Just a guy I had one date with.” Pulling up at the traffic lights waiting on them turning green, Ryan speaks again “You seeing him again?”

“Yes” came the reply as Melissa pulled off from the lights grateful it was so early and the coffee shop was around the corner to try and deflect Ryan’s awkward questions.

“Well I hope you know.....” Ryan began before being cut off by Melissa “Yes I know if he hurts me he will have you to answer to. Honestly you’re worse than dad. You act like my OLDER brother.” Melissa emphasised the older, grateful to be pulling into the empty car parking space.

Getting out and locking the car, the Hartford siblings entered the coffee shop, Ryan grabbing a wrought iron table with two chairs while Melissa ordered drinks and food which is paid for after eating, if eaten in-house.

Melissa took the hot chocolate and the Black Cherry coffee over to where her brother was sitting. Placing the large mugs on the table, she grabbed some sugar packets, throwing them onto the table, as she sat down the food arrived.

It was a deep filled BLT, the bacon was just how Ryan liked it, crispy and slightly salted. Nearly salivating at the sandwich in front of him, he grabs the knife and cuts it in half.

Picking up the triangular half Ryan pushed the other half to his sister. “Eat.” He said more of an order than a request.

Raising an eyebrow at him Melissa spoke “Ryan, I’m not hungry right now. I promise I will eat something. So come on tell me.”

Ryan, having finished the first half pulled the other half of the BLT towards him and devoured it in three bites. Melissa was impressed. She’d never seen anyone eat a sandwich that quickly before.

Wiping his hands and mouth and taking a long drink of his chocolate, he placed the mug down and spoke quietly “There’s a girl I’m interested in. I don’t think she notices me though.”

Melissa laughed “Oh Ry, if she doesn’t notice you she’s not worth it. Just carry on being the sweetheart you always are and she will either see you or not. You can’t force attraction.” Ryan fidgeted uncomfortably in his black iron chair.

“Yeah or maybe she needs to get away from the football player she’s dating.” As he finishes his sentence he stands. “Listen sis, don’t tell mum or dad about this will you?” Melissa smiled “Of course I will baby bro, it will take the heat off me.” Flipping her the bird Ryan grinned knowing Melissa would keep the information to herself and walked out of the coffee shop.

Getting up to pay Melissa realised that she had a message that she hadn’t yet read. Thanks to that nosey brat of a brother. Taking her phone and debit card out at the same time. She tapped the screen for contactless payments and tapped the screen of her phone.

Blake - Hey Melissa, are you free on Saturday? I was wondering if you wanted to go Funland Amusement Park. Let me know when you get this message.

Melissa replied -Sure I’d love to go. Message me on Friday with a time. M x

And she walked out into the bright sunshine with a spring in her step.

Ryan was waiting by the car, “Get in I will give you a lift.”

Jumping in and starting the car Melissa said “Where to?”

Ryan mumbled “Chad’s place.” Smiling slightly she drove under direction, before long she pulled into to a big driveway, and there waiting on the porch was Chad. As Ryan got out he bent down and spoke to Melissa quietly so only she heard in the quietness of the car.

“Listen squirt, I know we joke around but I love you. You’re my big sister, you’ve protected and looked after me. You deserve to be happy.” Then slamming the door Ryan walks away.

Slightly stunned at the heartfelt words Ryan had spoken Melissa sat there for what seemed like an age before slipping the Boxster into reverse and pulling off the drive to go home.

Ryan approached Chad “Dude who was that?” He asked with a grin on his face.

Ryan responded “That was my sister. Hands and eyes off.” Before they both went into the house to play video games.