Episode 58: Scene Three
"You know, Mel, I'm really enjoying this carnival. I mean, when school starts in a couple of weeks, I'm not going to have any time for fun."
"What are you talking about?" Mel stopped walking and looked at Chantal. "We'll have plenty of time to do stuff we like to do."
"I've talked to some girls that are in high school. They said that you have homework every night, the homework can take up to two hours to do, the teachers are strict, and you find yourself being overwhelmed. I know I'll be able to deal with that, but sometimes you just want some time to yourself, you know?"
Mel nodded sympathetically. "You'll find time, Chan. You always do."
Instead of responding, Chantal looked towards the horizon. The sun appeared so grand and awe-inspiring in its large, pulsing state. A small smile appeared on her face.
"Life is good, Mel."
"What?" Mel broke out into a fit of laughter.
Chantal teasingly pushed Mel. "I said life is good. It really is, though. I mean, just walking here on the beach with you is more than I could wish for right now. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is going home."
"Aww, I'm sorry. I really hate to burst your sunset-inspired bubble, but we've gotta turn back so that we can make it back before dark."
"No, let's stay a few minutes longer."
"I have to go get my bag, Chan. Come on, we have a ways to go back, so we can still walk and talk about sunsets."
Chantal shrugged. "It's not the same when you know you're going back to the real world instead of getting away from it. But that's okay, we can go back. Let's just promise that we'll come back here some time. You know, just so we don't die of stress when school starts."
"Whatever you want, darlin'," Mel chuckled.
After walking in silence for some time, the two came upon the picnic table where they had placed their bags. Mel noticed a small piece of paper stuffed into the front pocket of his backpack. He pulled it out and read it.
"What's that?"
Mel jumped nearly a foot off the ground. When he saw Chantal staring at him in confusion and concern, he shook his head. "Just some prank someone was probably just trying to pull."
"Really? Here, let me see it," Chantal reached for the paper.
"No!" Mel snapped, keeping it out of her reach. "Look, it's not important. Let's just forget about it." He stuffed the paper deep down into his pocket and began walking up the hill that led to the back of the dorms.
Chantal studied the suddenly grumpy Mel. To herself she noted, "You're not telling me something, Mel. If the note's not important, then why are you keeping it?"
Stay out of our business, Mel. If you don't obey my warning, you'll get into more trouble than you could ever imagine being in. Leave her alone and you won't get hurt. But if you do...just know that you may not be around long enough to tell The Secret.