Chapter 7 Walls
Melissa’s POV
Sunlight through my window pulled me from restless sleep into harsh reality. I groaned, yanking the blanket over my head before giving up. My eyes felt gritty and swollen, my throat dry. Three nights of bad sleep were catching up with me.
I sat up slowly, my chestnut hair falling in messy waves around my shoulders. The oversized t-shirt I’d borrowed from Aria hung off one shoulder as I reached for my phone.
It was just 6:47 AM and I already had seventeen missed texts from Aria.
I scrolled through them, a real smile pulling at my lips for the first time in days.
Aria: Babe, you alive?
Aria: If you’re dead, I’m going to kill you
Aria: Seriously, text me back
Aria: I finished a new piece. It’s angry and beautiful. You’d love it.
Aria: My parents called. They threatened to cut me off again but I told them art is a real career.
Aria: Okay that’s a lie. I cried for an hour then ate a whole pint of ice cream.
Aria: MELISSA ANSWER ME OR I’M SHOWING UP
The last message was from twenty minutes ago.
Aria: Video call in 5 minutes. Final warning.
Right on cue, my phone buzzed with her incoming call.
I answered, propping the phone against a pillow as I sat cross-legged on the bed.
Aria’s face filled the screen,with her purple messy hair and there was paint smudged on her cheek. She wore an old band t-shirt covered in red and black paint. Behind her, I could see her studio with its huge windows and brick walls covered in canvases.
“You look exhausted,” she said, skipping any greeting.
“Good morning to you too.”
“Don’t change the subject. What’s wrong?” Her dark eyes studied me through the screen with that sharp look that made her such a good artist.
“Just tired. This whole living situation is weird.”
“Weird how? Is he being creepy? Because I will drive over there right now and—”
“No, nothing like that. He’s just cold. He barely acts like I exist.” I ran my fingers through my tangled hair. “Which is good, obviously. But it makes everything so tense.”
Aria nodded slowly. “Well, awkward is better than inappropriate. Him being Cold and distant is exactly what you need right now.”
“I know.” I pulled my knees to my chest. “Enough about me. Tell me about the new piece you mentioned.”
Her whole face lit up. She flipped the camera to show me a huge canvas against the far wall. The painting was stunning and violent and beautiful all at once. A woman’s shape broken like glass, reaching toward something just out of frame. The background shimmered with gold leaf, cold and distant and gorgeous.
“It’s called ‘Gilded Cage,’” Aria said, flipping the camera back. “About beautiful prisons.”
“It’s incredible. When’s the show?”
“Next week. My parents will be there looking disappointed as usual.” She rolled her eyes but I saw the hurt underneath. “They still think I should give up this ‘phase’ and join the family business.”
“They’re idiots. You’re literally a genius.”
“Tell them that.” She shrugged, then her face shifted to something more serious. “Speaking of reality, are you ready for school tomorrow?”
My stomach clenched. I’d been trying not to think about it. “I don’t really have a choice.”
“That video from the bar is still everywhere, you know.” Aria’s voice softened. “It’s going to be a whole thing.”
“Great.” I dropped my forehead to my knees. “Maybe I can just never leave this penthouse again.”
“Or,” Aria said firmly, “you hold your head high and remember that Troy is the cheating asshole, not you. Anyone who has a problem can fight me.”
I looked up at the screen, warmth spreading through my chest. “You’d actually fight someone for me, wouldn’t you?”
“I’d commit felonies for you, babe. Fighting is just the start.” She grinned. “Seriously though, I’ll walk you to your classes tomorrow if you want. I’m ready to throw hands if anyone says anything stupid.”
“You’re five-foot-six and weigh maybe a hundred and twenty pounds.” I said, looking at her arms skeptically.
“I’m scrappy. And rich enough to afford good lawyers.” She winked. “Plus, I took that self-defense class last year. I know where all the weak spots are.”
I laughed, a real genuine laugh, feeling lighter than I had in days. “I love you. You know that?”
“Obviously. I’m extremely lovable.” She glanced at something off-screen. “Okay, I have to go. My dealer is coming by to discuss the gallery opening and I’m currently covered in paint and wearing pajamas. But I’ll see you tomorrow morning, yeah? Meet me at the coffee shop near campus at eight.”
“You don’t have to—”
“I know I don’t have to. I want to. That’s what best friends do.” She blew me a kiss. “Now go shower. You have that ‘I’ve been crying’ look and we both know Diana will notice.”
“Love you, babe.”
“Love you too.”
The call ended, leaving me alone with the soft sound of my own breathing. I forced myself to stand and move toward the bathroom. I’d just arranged my clothes when a knock sounded at my door.
“Melissa?” Mom’s voice was bright and cheerful through the door. “Sweetie, are you awake?”
I opened the door to find my mother looking radiant in a cream silk robe, her blonde hair perfectly styled despite the early hour. She practically glowed with happiness.
“Morning, Mom.”
“Good morning, honey.” She reached up to tuck a strand of my messy hair behind my ear. “I wanted to let you know we’re having breakfast together this morning. As a family. Isn’t that nice?”
My heart sank. “Family breakfast?”
“Yes! In twenty minutes, so shower quickly.” She smiled, squeezing my hand. “I ordered food from that amazing French place downtown. Croissants, fresh fruit, those little quiches you love.”
“Sounds good,” I managed.
“I know adjusting has been hard. But this is important to me, sweetie. Having us all together. Can you please try? For me?”
The plea in her voice made it impossible to refuse. “Of course, Mom.”
“Thank you, baby.” She kissed my forehead, then glided away down the hall, humming something soft and happy.
I closed the door and leaned against it for a moment. This would be the first time I’d be having breakfast with both of them. God help me, I murmured.