Banks Dynasty – Day 9.3 (Part 1)

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The time spent with Melisa yesterday feels like a pleasant dream that I have to work extra hard to recall, because grief hits me hard and heavy when I wake up the following day. I try and pull myself together as much as I can while preparing a breakfast of ramen noodles. I can’t help but miss the fantastic breakfasts that Pop-pop used to prepare.

I only have one class today, which is fortunate because I barely make it and can’t imagine sitting through another. I send Melisa a text after class. She tells me that she’s in the student center. I go straight there to find her.

Melisa is like the sun when it peeks through the clouds on a dark, gloomy day, letting you know that the dreariness won’t last forever. Hugging her and hearing her voice again feels good.

Kai: I was just about to go downstairs to do some climbing. Want to come try it out?

Melisa: Yeah, sure.

We change in the locker rooms and head over to the climbing treadmills. Mo, the only member of my climbing club, is already there when we arrive. But, as soon as I get on the wall – I know that today is not the day. I’m unable to complete the next level of the endurance climb.

Melisa: Ready to show me the ropes?

Kai: I’m sorry. I’m not feeling up to it today.

I hate to let Mo and Melisa down, but I hope they understand. Mo leaves to work out on the weight machines while Melisa checks a text on her phone. I attempt to make up for my crappy mood and for not walking her to her dorm yesterday.

Kai: Can I walk you back to your dorm?

We walk across campus and stop in front of Tidal Tower.

Kai: I think I’m going to cancel the Climbing Club.

Melisa: Why? You seemed so excited about it yesterday.

Kai: Yeah, but I realize that I might be adding more to my plate than I can handle.

Melisa: Maybe you should give yourself some time to think about it first.

Kai: Maybe, but I’m barely able to manage my classes. I don’t think I want to deal with trying to run a club too.

Melisa: I can understand that.

Kai: I guess I’ll see you later.

Melisa: Want to see my dorm room first?

That’s something that I’m not about to turn down. Melisa leads me inside and up the elevator to her floor.

Melisa: I share a room with my friend, Shania. We went to high school together.

That must be nice.

I enter Melisa’s room. It’s evident to me which side is hers – the one with the pink bedspread. I walk over and take a look at the big picture over her bed. She’s there with her parents and her brother and sister.

Melisa: That’s my mom and dad, my sister Jamelia, we call her Lia, and my brother, Jalin or Jay for short.

Kai: Your dad is white.

Melisa: *chuckles* Really? I never noticed.

Kai: I’m sorry. That sounded really stupid. It’s just – my dad is white too. I don’t have any biracial friends, so it’s cool to meet someone else who’s…um – like me.

Melisa: Yeah, I can understand that. I was teasing.

Kai: So, what’s your nickname? What do they call you?

Melisa: Everyone calls me, Me-Me.

Kai: Me-Me…I like it. *sits down on the bed* I guess my name’s too short for a nickname because I never had one.

Me-Me walks over and sits down next to me.

Melisa: Everyone deserves a nickname. Maybe we can come up with one.

Kai: You’re amazing. You know that?

I’ve caught her off guard. I can see the surprise in her eyes.

Melisa: *Recovers* You are too, Kai.

Kai: No, I mean it. I’ve been nothing but a downer, but you’re like a breath of fresh air. I really like being around you.

Me-Me scoots in closer.

Melisa: You’re not a downer. I like being around you, too.

I put my arm around her and pull her closer.

Kai: I promise I’m not like this all the time.

Melisa: I know, Kai. We all have our moments. One day it’ll be you sitting here comforting me.

I like that. Not the fact that she’d ever need comfort, but the way her words imply a future. I want a future with her. But in this instant, I’m content just to kiss her.