Melody’s POV
Something was wrong with Neo. I couldn’t tell exactly what it was as I wasn’t a doctor though that was what I hoped to become in the future when I grew up. I still had a couple of years ahead of me before I could claim to be a doctor but I knew when someone wasn’t fine. I didn’t need a license to know that. It was pure instinct.
Neo was a bubbly child but he had seemed awkwardly silent and tense today. I wondered if he knew I was watching him all day. How could I not when he and his brothers suddenly changed their seats to where I was? I could barely concentrate in class because of him while watching him and missed out on some of the explanations. I knew I had to go back home and do an intensive study with my textbooks if I wanted to understand anything.
I was hoping that the bell would ring on time for break, thinking that he would cheer up when he didn’t have to sit cooped up in a chair but now he was asking me to stay in class and not go anywhere.
He had to be kidding. Neo was always the first to jump out of his seat immediately when he heard the sound of the bell. I couldn’t believe he would suggest that we sit out the break time in our room. I should have known something was wrong with him when he remained seated while others trooped out.
“Are you sick?” I asked him, feeling his forehead with my palm and checking his temperature.
He winced at my question and shook his head but didn’t move away from my touch.
He wasn’t hot. He seemed fine.
“I’m fine, Melody.” He said. “I just…” He trailed off and I wondered what he wanted to say.
“I’m going out to the snack store to get something. What would you like me to get for you, if you aren’t able to go?”
“You should give Nathan your money so he can get it for you. I’m sure he is going to get himself something.” He turned to look at Nathan. “Aren’t you going to get something for yourself, brother?”
Nathan nodded. “Oh yes, I’m going.” He turned to me. “What would you like to buy, Melody?”
“You can’t get it for me. You might not know the flavour I want.” I said, shaking my head at the offer. I didn’t like people buying my snacks.
“Tell him.” Neo insisted. “Why don’t we stay here? I don’t understand the Mathematics we learnt today. Can you explain it to me before the break is over?”
“I don’t understand it yet either. I will explain it to you tomorrow after going through my notes.” I said, jumping off to my feet. “I should get going before break is over.” I turned to look at the other two boys. “Are you coming?”
They nodded. “Let’s go.”
Neo sighed and stood up. “Let’s go.”
I frowned. “I thought you weren’t feeling fine and didn’t want to go outside.”
“I’m fine now. Don’t worry about me.” Neo said.
I didn’t believe that. “Are you sure?”
Nick answered for him before he could. “He is fine, Melody. Don’t worry about him.”
I shook my head slightly as we all filed out of the class. Neo was definitely not feeling fine. I didn’t believe he was acting weird without a reason.
Oh no, I was frustrated already with the boys. It had been two days since I noticed Neo acting weird. If I had thought he was acting weird then, he had actually become weird now.
I couldn’t believe he had offered to escort me when I had asked the teacher for permission go for a bathroom break. He had asked permission immediately after me and I thought he was going to ease himself until I noticed him following me. When I had confronted him about it, he had said he would stay outside and watch over the door.
I had snorted at him, wondering why he was being paranoid.
I was relieved when it was finally time to go home. I would be free of the boys. I couldn’t wait to be home and get the peace I needed.
I smiled as I saw Uncle Liam waiting to pick us up.
“Good afternoon, Uncle Liam.” I greeted him.
“How are you doing today, Melody?” He asked, smiling at me.
“Frustrated.” I sighed.
“What happened?” He asked, sounding worried. “Were your classes hectic?”
I shook my head. “Neo and Nathan are being annoying. They follow me everywhere and stick too close.”
“They are just being friendly.” Uncle Liam chuckled at me but he gave the boys a meaningful look at which they blushed at.
I yawned, feeling tired from working on mathematics questions all day and trying my best to avoid the boys as well. “They should stop being friendly. I’m okay with being friendly.”
“You heard her boys. Stick to being friends and not more than that.”
“We heard you, uncle.” Neo sighed. “Are we still going to Melody’s house tonight?”
I groaned. I had forgotten that they still had an appointment with my mum and I was going to see them again.
Uncle Liam caught my groan and chuckled. “I think Melody isn’t happy to be our host tonight.”
“No,” I denied, shaking my head. “I’m happy to play with the boys but they have been monitoring me lately instead of playing with me. I need friends and not hawks.”
They winced at my words. I looked into their eyes as I spoke, hoping that they got the message.