Mel

“Chimps..chimps..” I muttered as I scanned page two of the Isaac Newton High School Weekly Paper.

After the near-death experience last week because of the article by Cathy Jones (the one about the chimpanzees, remember?), I wasn’t going to take any chances. I’d stayed back every day after school last week so that there were no errors in this week’s edition. I ran my finger down page two and turned to page three. “Hmm, Shrinking Chimp Numbers” I read the title. Not Stinking Chimps. Okay. I sighed and got up.

It was a Saturday and only those who were involved with the school paper were here. We’d sorted things out over the last three hours and we were about to leave. Bridget usually dropped me home on such occasions, but today she was ditching me for an appointment at a salon. I'd have to ask Ryan or Kevin. Not Andy.

“Bye, Mel! See ya on Monday.” Bridget waved and walked out of the auditorium with a sheaf of papers in her arms, leaving me alone. I smiled at her and started clearing the room.

I was exhausted by the time I finished. I headed to the washroom and splashed water across my face. I thought longingly of my comfortable bed. Ahh..what bliss!

I walked through the empty hallways and into the grounds before I realized I forgot my bag in the auditorium. I could have remembered on the way to the washroom. I could have remembered while I was in the washroom. I could have remembered on the way out of the washroom. I could have remembered in the hallway. But I had to remember when I’m out in the grounds. Now I have to walk ALL the way back again. Stupid brain.

I made my way back again and passed a couple of guys coming out of detention. Why they get themselves into detention when they could be snoozing in bed till noon, I will never understand. Look what it got them- school on a Saturday! Completely brainless. All of them.

Shaking my head, I flung the door of the auditorium open to see Andy- with a girl. Need I say more? The two didn’t even notice I was ten feet away until I yelled.

“OI! This is an auditorium for godssake!” I was disgusted. The girl atleast tried to look embarrassed, while the great Andy Cleese looked slightly irritated. She whispered something to him. "Later, babe." he smirked and she left. I glared at him.

Sometimes I have this inner conflict when I see Andy with a girl. One part of me says he's the world's biggest jerk to go out with a new girl every two weeks. He's a skunk who just wants to have fun. The other part argues that it's the girls he goes out with who ask for it, and he wouldn't be the jerk he was if all the girls didn't chase him. Or maybe he would. So when I see him with a girl and if I felt it was his fault, I'd go ahead and yell at him. And Andy? Andy would get so mad that he'd curse and swear at anyone in sight for the next three days.

Before you get me wrong, it's not that I really hate Andy(except for all the times that he's a nuisance, which is actually ALWAYS, but you get the point). I just disapprove of...a lot of things he does. We do have decent conversation sometimes. Okay, scratch that. We share good memories together. Nope, scratch that too. We enjoy each other's company. Yeah, right. Okay, as soon as I figure out why I don't really hate him, I'll let you know.

“What? The room was empty until you decided to come along," he muttered. I got my bag and walked out. “What are you doing here anyway?” he asked, following me out. “Got detention for being a shithead?”

“Oh, you crack me up, Cleese,” I mumbled and then sighed. No yelling today. “Had stuff to do for the school paper. And you?”

“The usual. Detention.” He stretched his arms over his head.

“I thought you finished detention yesterday?” I pulled a pack of gum out of my pocket and opened my mouth to pop it in, but Andy snatched it lazily and popped it into his own. I shook my head and took another one. Mmm..I like cinnamint!

Usually I'd yell something along the lines of 'That's MINE, you gum-snatcher!!' and then he'd start yelling and this would go on till whoever was around butted in. But I'd been working for more than three hours at school on a Saturday, and I'd had a hard week. I decided to let it go. Wasn't I sweet? Also, Andy was my ride so pissing him off now wasn't really a good idea.

“That was because I was four hours late for school last week. This is because I was late for Focker's class yesterday 'cause I was knocking sense into Michael Lake. Of course I knocked a bit more than sense.” He winked.

"What? His teeth?" I shook my head.

"Yup. Three of them." He said coolly, with hands in his pockets.

“But why?”

“Don’t you think a practical approach helps in better understanding?”

“Why were you trying to talk sense to Michael Lake? Not why you beat him up, you idiot.” I said, irritated. “Parking lot is this way,” I pointed left. “not that.” I never had to ask him to drop me home.

“Burger and coffee this way,” he pointed straight ahead. “not that.” I sighed and followed him. Andy was not the sort of person to change his mind when it came to food, so there was no point arguing. Plus, I was hungry.

We entered the cafe and bumped into a couple of guys. "Andy! 'Sup?" They hollered and there were high-fives and the complicated guy handshake thingys all around. "Hey there, Blake. Need a ride?" One of the guys on the football team winked. "Bugger off, Carter." I snapped. Carter shut up while the rest of the guys grinned. "Why weren't you at practice, dude?" Asked another blond-haired guy. "Detention.” Andy yawned. “Focker screwed our asses off.” The guys laughed and strolled out, we placed an order and carried the food to a nearby table.

"So what happened?" I continued.

“Lake was flirting with Rach at lunch.” he said. (read: Michael Lake looked at Rach during lunch) He looked so serious that I rolled my eyes.

“He was, I swear! He wouldn’t take his eyes off her and he almost tried to ask her out!” (read: Poor guy made eye contact with Rach for two seconds, smiled and said 'hey')

“Andy, you are so ... so…” I gave up. “What about when you’re flirting with all those girls, eh?”

“They ask for it.” he said simply.(read: They ask for it) A waitress blushed and smiled at him as she passed our table and he gave her one of his famous smiles. She ran away giggling, all the way to the washrooms. See?

“What about you, Blake? No boyfriend?” he smirked. Looks like we’re destined to have a heart-to-heart conversation today. Grrreatt.

“I don’t need a boyfriend. Period.”

“You do, Blake. You do.” he chuckled. (read: I can’t wait to see the jackass who’d fall for you)

“No I don’t. I could just…do other stuff instead.” (read: I could convert my home into a sanctuary for homeless cats and dogs and birds with broken wings). I sipped my Sprite. Hmm..I should probably tell Mom and Dad first. Their room could have the birds. The cats and ofcourse Ginger would have to be upstairs with me. That leaves the hall and kitch-

"Yeah? Like converting your home into a sanctuary for homeless cats and dogs and birds with broken wings?" He said, taking a bite into his burger.

I spluttered and choked on my Sprite for two whole minutes.

"Hey...you okay?" Andy had leant forwards and was looking concernedly. He handed me some tissue. I nodded and wiped my mouth on my sleeve. He shook his head and got up. I followed him out of the coffee shop and into the parking lot, still shocked. How could he have read my mind? Did he know me that well? The thought about the sanctuary, like all my other thoughts, had been completely random. There must be a completely reasonable explanation!

"Have you been to mind reading classes lately?" I demanded.

"I've been around you long enough to know the crazy thoughts that go on in your head." he snorted and got into the car.

"Hey! The idea of a sanctuary for homeless cats and dogs and birds with broken wings isn't crazy! It's completely-"

"Mel," he said and I looked up "Shut up and get in."

"Why should I listen to you anyway?" I was still mad at him for calling the idea crazy.

"Because I gotta go to Ryan's place after dropping you home and you're getting me late, you idiot!"

I shook my head. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He couldn't go back leaving me here. I didn't have a ride. Rach would kill him if he did, not to mention Ryan, Kevin, and Ginger too. Muahaha! I was so enjoying this! He tried again. "Okay, think about this...I'm late because of you so I drive fast to get there on time, crossing speed limits and jumping signals. That means I could get a ticket or go to prison or worse, get my handsome face or my hot body disfigured in a gruesome accident. Now tell me..would you want that on your conscience?"

"Maybe.." I tried not to smile.

"You know the engine's running and my car's emitting dangerous gases that could pollute the atmosph-"

That did the trick. "Okay! Let's go." I said and got into the car and Andy smirked. Hmm..guess he did know me a little.

We drove on for about three minutes in Nickleback’s solace.

We used to listen to the radio
And sing along with every song we’d know
We said someday we’d find out how it feels
To sing to more than just the steering wheel

But it was Andy and me after all, and one of us just had to start conversation. And by conversation, I mean arguing/snapping/abusing. This time it was him.

"You are so dopey, Blake! Why would you voluntarily want to come to school on a Saturday for some dumb paper that nobody reads?"

"Atleast I don't sit in Focker's detention for three hours every week 'cuz I have a temper that I can't control!" I flared up. What did he know?

"If only I hadn't promised Rach that I'd never hit you.." He shook his head, pitying himself.

"Says the guy who refused to eat till he had his own Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lunch box..." I sneered. This was the advantage of growing up with someone you hate. You automatically knew everything about them. You knew all the silly little episodes from when they were young, especially the embarrassing ones! They could be so useful later on.

"Says the pea-brain who thought Captain Planet was real.." Or not. I never said he didn't know stuff about me, did I? "Shithead." he smirked.

"Dunderhead!"

"Dipstick!"

"DUNG-BRAIN!"

"DINGBAT!!”

Andy braked at the signal. We shut up instantly when we saw an old couple in the car next to ours staring at us. "Don't those two remind you of us, Jake?" The lady smiled at her husband fondly. "Yes, yes. How we used to bicker! Now you two can't stop fighting but soon you'll know she's the one, boy!" he chuckled, wagging a finger at Andy. Andy gave them a pained smile and their car sped off. I looked at him. His jaw was clenched but he kept muttering under his breath. He couldn't believe that an old man had just wagged a finger at him...at Andy Cleese. Color was creeping up his face.

"Are you blushing, Andy?" I cocked my head and smiled. Andy was uncomfortable when he had to deal with crying babies and old people he didn't know, and he'd always end up getting embarassed. I always thought it was entertaining, to see the school's most arrogant guy get flustered over rug-rats or gray-haired kind little things.

"Like hell I am.." he snarled, but I could swear his face turned a darker shade of red.

"You are so blushing, Andy Cleese!"

"Am not!"

"Yes, you are!"

"NOT!!"

I covered my mouth and tried to look away. Andy glared but it only made me laugh harder. And then I saw it. His jaw relaxed and the annoyance in his eyes was slowly replaced by amusement. The corners of his mouth curved into a tiny smile and we were both laughing!

Saturday night. The guys were out partying. Rach was out on her Cheerleading girls night. And I was sitting in front of my computer, with Ginger snoozing on my lap. I clicked Inbox and scanned my mail. The usual pointless offers, three new articles for the school paper and Facebook notifications. Yawn. Wait.

“Mail from Sarah?” I looked at the subject. 'READ THIS NOW!!' Shaking my head, I opened it. Must be a sappy love story about a dying girl and a vampire that would make me unlucky for seven years and turn me into a bat unless I forwarded it to seven hundred people. I was close-

Mel! I got this first hand from an uncle who's one of the producers..omg! This is so exciting!! This is the actual announcement.. so make sure it gets printed in this week's edition!

MTV BREAKTHROUGH CHALLENGE 2009

Dear, everybody who’s got it in them.

How about we give you the BIGGEST platform?
Need more? How about your own a music video?
More? How about a chance to play LIVE at the MTV Music Awards 2009?
All you need is a band. And get ready to ROCK ON!!

Rules for contesting bands-

band must comprise 3-8 members.
the members of the band must be 18 years or above.
bands must send in their tapes. Only those selected will audition.
must perform with live instruments.

Check out our website for more details.

“Wow..” I whispered. “Isn't this awesome, Ginger?” She purred softly and found a cosier spot on my bed. Sure, we only just formed Trance, we didn't even practice yet. Still, I knew we could be good. It would be great if we could get to audition! I looked at my watch. 1:07. Sigh..I'd have to wait till tomorrow to tell the others.

I went through the mail again. “Make sure it gets printed in this week's edition” I read. “So I have to get to school by seven on a Sunday. Awesome.” Ginger opened one eye to look at me and stretched lazily as if to tell me that was how Sunday mornings were meant to be spent. “I know.” I scratched behind her ear.

I heard a honk and the sound of a car arriving next door. Andy. I jumped across the bed and leaned over at the window. Most of the time Ryan would come along with him, but today he was alone. That meant he was not too drunk to get home in one piece. He parked the car and I winced as he slammed the door loudly. “It's past one. When will that boy learn?” I muttered and plopped on my bed.

Two minutes later the light in Andy's room was switched on. “Honey, I'm home!” he shouted through his open window. That was how our conversation started every Saturday night. I rushed to the window. “Will you keep it down?” I hissed. “People are usually asleep at this time you know.”

“Ahh..but not you, Blake.” he grinned. “You were worrying about me, weren't you?”

“I was up because I was working on something.” I glared.

“As in how to hook up with your irresistibly hot neighbour? You don't need to work on that, Blake. All you need is to ask me and I'll-”

“I'd rather turn into a rotten banana.”

“Pity. And since you asked, the party was cool. Loads of beer and hot g-”

“Got drunk, huh? Killed any innocent people on their way home because of your drunken driving?” I snapped.

“Nah, not today. Everyone's home safe and sound. Now you can go to sleep.”

I turned back to my room. “Blake.” he called softly. I wanted to tell him about the MTV Breakthrough Challenge so much but I stopped. I looked at him with raised eyebrows. “ I almost forgot.” he smiled. “You look so hot in those pyjamas with flying pigs and that Dexter's Laboratory t-shirt.”

I looked down at my nightclothes, and glared at him. “Eat pigeon poop, Cleese.”

“I swear I'm going to hunt Bridget Rivers down and kill her with a chopstick.” I muttered to myself, as I paced up and down the school corridors. I had got to school on a Sunday by seven. All she had to do, as co-editor of the Isaac Newton High School Weekly Paper, was to turn up in her car and drop me home. Was that too much to ask? Apparently. That's Bridget ditching me the second day in a row.

I flipped a page of the school paper lying beside me. It was the special section.

Poll of the Week!

Last week's question: What's the quote that'd be on your t-shirt?

Keep talking, I yawn when I'm interested: 86
I'm a shopaholic and I'm proud of it:4
It's music, not noise:8
Yeah, I'm a bitch, just not yours!:2

Keep polling guys!

Overheard

Here's our most popular column! People overheard in school corridors, buses, cafeteria and just about everywhere by our faithful contributers..err..eavesdroppers!

Guy- I don't know what happened. I was talking to my roommate, and the next thing I know? I'm sitting on the couch in front of the tv eating peanut butter with a spoon. I don't know how I got there.
Girl-Wow..do you do that a lot?
Guy-What, black out?
Girl-No, eat peanut butter like that.
Guy-Oh, um..yeah, I guess so.

Teen girl-Do you ever feel like you're not enough? Like the more you try, the worse-off you are?
Teen guy-Totally. It's like, every game of solitaire I play, the lower score I get.

Teen getting out of class- If I spoke France fluently, I'd be there right now!

Guy on cell-So he said, 'If you imagine yourself as a hot dog, would you eat yourself?'

Jock-Isn't England a state of the US, like Colorado?

Fashion Girl-How do you start a zoo? Do you buy the animals first or the place to put them?

Youth 1-Man, I'm just joking.
Youth 2-Yeah, but every joke has some truth in it.
Youth 1-Where'd you hear that? Who said it?
Youth 2-I don't know..Confucius.
Youth 1-Confucius didn't say that! Confucius didn't make jokes! He was a serious dude!

Second grader-Earth is the greatest planet in the whole world!

Preppy guy 1-I hate geese shit on fields.
Preppy guy 2-It's not so bad. It's a good lubricant for when you slide-tackle people. You know, you just keep sliding...
Preppy guy 3-Dude, I can't remember the last time I jerked off using geese shit. It can't be that good a lubricant!

Little girl-Daddy! Why can't I try? Why can't I ride it?
Dad, on mini-bike-Because I'm God, and God says so.

Female tourist-I don't get it. It isn't a square, it's like...triangular. Why is it times SQUARE?
Male tourist-No, no, they just call it that because...well..it's like..a square...a square of people. I don't know, it has something to do with algebra.

I closed the paper and sighed.

I've been waiting for over an hour. There's no one else in school..except the guy who's in charge of the printing and two guards who went out for coffee. So here I was with nothing but Mission SATMAP- Somebody, ANYBODY, Take Me Away Please!

Plan of action one- Take the local bus.
Why it sucks- Our houses are in a locality which is kind of cut-off from the main roads. It's a nice place, really. It's like living in a suburb within the city. But the buses never take that route.

Plan of action two- Wait till Bridget turns up.
Why it sucks- I can't wait any more! I wanna go home!!

Plan of action three- Call Rach or one of the guys.
Why it sucks- I forgot my cell phone at home. Grrrrr.

Plan of action four-Use the public phone near the school grounds.
Why it sucks- It doesn't!

“The public phones, dammit! Why didn't I think of them earlier?” I ran down the corridor. Yes! There they were. The two most beautiful phones I ever laid my eyes on. I picked up the handset, breathless. Nothing. 'Out of order' read a tiny slip of paper.

“Why?” I looked up at the skies. “Is this my punishment for using up too many disposable nappies as a rug-rat? 'Cause you know..IT'S NOT MY FAULT!” I plopped down on a bench. How the hell was I supposed to get home? Even if the guards came back, I couldn't ask them for help. They were lunatics! They'd probably eat me for lunch with pickle. If someone miraculously turns up now I swear I could kiss them and-

“Blake.”

I froze. I recognised that voice. I turned around, slowly.

“ANDY!!” I had no idea why he was here but I was so relieved to see him! Without thinking, I ran towards him, jumped (I'm tiny compared to him) and wrapped my arms around his neck. He caught me but then lost his balance and we were both on the ground.

“What the-” he winced, as I landed straight on top of him. He looked at my face inches away from his and opened his mouth to say something but closed it again.

Andy had always been a really easy person to read 'cuz he couldn't really hide his emotions. Anger, mischief, aggression, laughter, everything always came out when it came to him. But right then, I saw something in his face, in his eyes that I couldn't figure out. Something I hadn't seen before. Like he'd just realised something. And it intrigued me.

“Oops?” I offered and got off him. “When did you get here?”

He got up. “Just before the disposable nappies.” he frowned. Wait, that's it? Andy actually let go of a chance to embarrass me? Wow, this has got to be a first. “Did you hit your head when you fell just now?” I asked, looking at him sharply.

“No...I just..fine..yeah.” He scratched his head, looking confused. I was right. Concussion.

“MEL!”

“Kevin?” I looked around, amazed. “What are you guys doing here?”

“My car was at the garage and I wanted to check if it was ready. But to get my car from the garage I needed another car. So I thought of someone who has a car and who I'd love to disturb on a Sunday morning. And that someone was Andy. So we went to the garage but my car wasn't ready. We were on our way back but I was bored. Then I remembered that I left my comic book in school on Friday and I wanted to get it back. Andy said he'd buy me a new one but I wanted my comic book because you know my comic book is like MY comic book. He didn't listen so I said I'd sing “ I’m a Barbie Girl” loudly if he didn't drive us to school. So we came here and I went inside to look for my comic book. And I found it!” he finished, waving it in the air.

Yep. That’s Kevin.

I laughed and we walked to Andy's car. Kevin was telling me the story of one of his comic book heroes. “...and so Nano flies across the Atlantic to stop Zwansko from creating these huge purple paper clips that would gobble up all the humans on Earth and...hey where's Andy?” he asked, looking around. Andy was standing right where we left him, lost in thought.

“Dude!” Kevin called out but he was still frowning. “Yo, Andy!” He clapped his hands and Andy looked up, confused. “CAR (He pointed at Andy’s black Range Rover).. you DRIVE (He pointed at Andy then pretended he was steering the wheel)... we go HOME (He rested his chin on his palm and snored).” Kevin explained, saying each word very slowly. Andy muttered something and started walking across the empty parking lot towards us.

“Seriously, what's wrong with him?” I was worried. Most of the times concussions were severe. “We kinda hit the ground a while ago. Do you think I did this to him?” I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, nervous.

“Nah. Not unless you kissed him.” Kevin reassured. “You didn't, did you?” I shook my head, confused. “So what did you mean by 'we' hit the ground?” he asked, looking at Andy who was still halfway across.

“Well, I was alone and I had no way to go home. So when I saw Andy I ran and hugged him and he-”

“Wait. You hugged him?” he asked, suspicious. I nodded. “So that's what it is.” he smiled to himself.

“What is it?” I asked urgently. “You think I might have held on too tight? Oh my God! I strangled Andy!!” I was freaking out.

“Calm down, Mel. You didn't strangle him.” Kevin laughed. “I always thought it would take something a little bigger than a hug to knock the big man down!” Kevin looked at me with a twinkle in his eye.

Huh? What was that supposed to mean?

Andy drove on for twenty five minutes without saying a word.

Kevin was reading his comic book and chuckling to himself. And I kept looking at Andy every five seconds, scared he might black out

So maybe I’ve got a lot to learn
Or maybe I’m just hanging on my words
Or maybe it’s not a big concern
But if I raised my hand
Would I understand why I’m better with you?

So maybe there’s not a lot to say
Or maybe I’m wrong doing things my way
Or maybe things will be okay
If I get it together
And do something clever
But make it better with you

So let me say it all again…

So maybe there’s not a lot to do
Or maybe I’m just making myself confused
Or maybe I’ve got nothing to lose
But if I get out of line,
Just tell me you’re mine,
And how I’m better with you

We reached Ryan's place. Andy walked slowly into the shed and I followed. He went to the refrigerator, took a swig of water and plopped down on a chair.

I guess he was okay. I opened my bag and a piece of paper fell out. It was the copy of The Breakthrough Challenge that I had made. I was supposed to tell them all about it! But Ryan and Rach weren't here yet. Andy was staring at a bug on the carpet. Kevin was still reading his book. I sighed and sat down in the seat next to Andy's.

Rach walked in after a while, wearing a guy's shirt over her dress and Andy glared until he saw Ryan come in behind her. There was something in Rach's face..and in her eyes..much like the look I'd seen in Andy's eyes a while ago. Hmm..I definitely had to ask some questions. But I had to tell them the big news first!!

Everyone settled. I held up the copy and read it out. Kevin and Ryan looked excited and I smiled. Andy and Rach were staring into space.

“Andy?” Kevin waved his hand in front of his face. Nothing. I tapped him on the shoulder and he jumped. “What?” he asked, looking around. Ryan smirked.

“Rach..so what do you think?” I peered at her face.

“Huh? Did I miss something?” Yep..interrogation was on later! Ryan felt her forehead and I saw Rach turn a thousand shades of red in two seconds.

“Hulloh? Guys??” I clapped my hands, hoping to get their attention. Andy scratched his head and Rach looked up, fidgeting with her bangs, confused. Seriously, what was up with these two? Was I missing something??

A/N(beyondthat): hey guys, I'm really sorry for the long wait! First came exams and then I guess I was too busy being lazy. Anyway..did you like it?? paranoid

THANK YOU100000 to all of you who've been reading, especially:

funky-gg
claireponcherrii
Mamtha Reddy
prukalpa

You guys have been a real inspiration! :D

Special thank you to and Mamtha Reddy for motivating me and threatening to kick my ass if I didn't finish writing soon! Love ya guys!

Please keep reading and don't forget to review!

angeicdust: Oh , and yeah. The music in this chapter guys. ( In order of appearence. )

- Photograph- Nickelback
- Better With You- Five Times August

and beyondthat