Katie's POV
I thought that pretending to be Melissa's girlfriend would be hard, but it's actually been quite easy. A little too easy for my liking. I would catch Chris glaring at me, but I could care less of what that asshole thought. He broke Melissa's heart, and if he thought he had the right to be pissed about something it would be that he let her go. It was his mistake and I didnt really shove it in his face either.
We were having dinner the day before the wedding and Melissa sat beside me. David and his aunt were at the ends of the table. Jeremy, Chyler, Odette, and Floriana sat on Chris' side of the table. Melissa, myself, Patrica, Phil and Taylor (his bride) sat on the other side of the table. I placed myself between Patrica and Melissa so nothing would happen. It also put Chris a tad bit further since he sat in front of his 'fiancee.' Our conversation was light and excited for the soon-to-be newlyweds.
"I cant wait to see the dress!" Chyler squealed.
"I cant wait to drink the booze" Floriana chuckled. Jordan nudged her playfully while the rest of us laugh.
"Honestly, I'm thankful that you all came, and on such short notice!" Taylor smiled. Phil had invited the rest of the cast so that Melissa and I weren't alone at the party. It had David's scent all over it. He must have told his cousin about Melissa and Chris' predicament.
"We should be thanking you for inviting us, even though we know nothing about you" Odette laughed.
Our banter continued throughout dinner and it seemed like things were starting to wind down.
"I'm going to grab some more wine" Melissa announces. I watch her go, missing her already when I notice Chris get up a few moments later. I eye him suspiciously and I catch Darla's eye. She gestures for me to follow and I nod my head in understanding.
I make my way carefully to the kitchen so that I can listen to anything that might be happening between Melissa and Chris. Sure enough I hear their voices. I hide behind a corner and eavesdrop on their conversation.
"Seriously? You drop me for her?" Chris hisses.
"You cheated on me! And it wasnt even some one night stand or dating behind my back. You were engaged! And you still are!" she hisses back.
"Is this your way of getting back at me? Suddenly turning lesbian because I wasnt good enough for you?" he growls.
"You are so full of yourself! You cheated on me. It has nothing to do with being good enough. It has to do with you sleeping around and thinking that everything is fine!" Melissa says exasperated.
I hear what sounds like someone slapping their hands against their leg in frustration.
"I know everything isnt fine! I fucked up, ok!? I know that, but at least I kept straight and didnt turn into some dyke" he spit.
At that moment I saw red and I burst into the kitchen. I placed myself in between them and put on what felt like the best Lena Luthor front I could muster.
"Your time is up Mr. Wood, and you need to leave this kitchen immediately" I say firmly. I cross my arms and straighten my back to show that I wasnt going anywhere.
"You're not in this fucking conversation. I'm talking to Melissa, so you can stop with the stupid act and stop pretending to be her lover."
His words did hit a nerve, but I showed nothing of it. Melissa stepped closer to me and before I could swing at him Darla walked in.
"Young man I suggest that you and your slut get out of my house before I let this young woman beat your ass for me" she says too calmly.
Chris stares at her in disbelief and his jaw hanging. My own jaw was hanging at Darla, but I quickly recovered to see if Chris would fight it. He glares back at me and goes to collect the tramp. I look down at the floor in shame for having brought drama to Darla's family dinner.
"I am so sorry for all of this ma'am. I hadn't meant for it to be this way" I apologize. Darla gives my a small smile and goes to pat my arm.
"I know you mean well Katie. Theres no need to apologize" she says gently.
I nod my head and turn to Melissa. Darla leaves to go back to dinner, and I search for a sign that Melissa is alright.
"Are you ok Mel?" I ask quietly. She gives me a blank stare before looking around mindlessly.
"I dont feel so good" she finally whispers.
"Would you like to go lie down?"
She nods her head slightly, but doesnt move.
"I feel like if I take another step I'll puke" she groans. I beckon her to come to me and she does, painstakingly so. I scoop her up bridal-style and take her to our room.
"Im sorry for right now. I know that wasnt our original plan when we came here, but I couldnt let him talk to you like that" I murmur.
"Its fine. I should actually be thanking you" she sighs. "I thought I knew him so well, but after tonight, I just cant deal with him anymore."
I nod my head and sit next to her on the bed. She lays down and I put the back of my hand softly to her forehead.
"You dont feel hot, so maybe just resting will help you feel better" I attempt to smile. Melissa stared off into space and I start to give her the special rubs. She turns over facing away from me signaling where she wants me to rub. I continue to do so before I'm sure shes asleep. I place a soft kiss to her head and make my way back to everyone.
I find that dinner is now over and everyone has gone to their rooms. Theres no sign of Chris or Patrica. I silently make my way to the kitchen and help Darla wash the dishes. I can feel her watching me, but I continue on in silence.
"What are you to Melissa really?" She finally speaks. I stay stone-still for a second before looking to her.
"Just a friend that wanted to help" I respond softly. I start to wash off a plate and Darla turns off the water.
"So, you and Melissa have been pretending to be dating this whole time?"
I nod and she stays silent for a while.
"You two must be the best damn actors there are because I dont know how you faked the looks in your eyes" she shakes her head.
"There was no look Darla. At least not on Melissa's end"
I dont know why I'm telling her this, but she feels so much like a grandmother that you could tell all of your secrets to. She grabs my attention again and she has her eyes narrowed.
"Honey, if you think that these feelings are one sided then your just as blind as I am. Do you have any idea what prescription glasses I wear? I have two big ass magnifying glasses on my face, but I dont need those to see the chemistry between you two" she says. I shake my head.
"Darla, I appreciate it, but I really dont see that to be true. Melissa and I are good friends, but nothing more. I'm sorry" I sigh.
"My god, then you need some god damn glasses. I thought I was blind, but hell you cant see something that's right in front of your face. If you dont believe me then ask her yourself. Tell her how you feel, and dont give me that crap about ruining friendships. If you were real friends it wouldn't matter" she huffs.
We finish the dishes and go to our bedrooms. When I enter mine and Melissa's, shes still asleep. I look from the bed to the small couch, deciphering which one to take. I decide on the couch a curl up to sleep. It feels weird not having Melissa there beside me, but I didnt want to make it awkward after what happened earlier. Once settled I hear her stir.
"Katie?" I hear her whisper.
"Yes?"
"Where are you? Why aren't you in bed?"
"I wanted to give you some space after what happened earlier. I didnt want to invade" I murmur truthfully. I hear her shift some more and hold my breath.
"As easy as your rubs put me to sleep, I cant stay alseep unless you're with me. Come to bed Katie" she says softly.
I slowly make my way to the bed and lay down away from her.
"Katie, seriously. Hold me. You're too far away."
I wiggle my way over and hesitantly put my arm around her like we usually do. My heart was pounding in my chest. Should I do what Darla suggested? Should I just tell her how I feel? I battle with myself and finally decide to go for it.
"Melissa?" I whisper.
"Hmm?" I move my arm a bit off of her and scoot back just in case.
"I love you."