Unforgettable Melody - S01 E15

Story 6 days ago

Unforgettable Melody - S01 E15

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 15

settled, I can fill in the rest of the blanks myself."

"Alright, let me think... let's make your last name Roberts, and you originally come from Houston, Texas. If you can, see if you can develop a sweet little southern drawl; ever so slight, nothing extravagant. Let's say you're twenty-five. At that age, you'll likely need some form of degree or training for whatever we say you do for a living. Is that enough to get you started?"

Melody closed her eyes for a few moments. "That should work perfectly. Leave the rest to me. Is that an official wish?"

Doing his best impression of Patrick Stewart, Mike replied, "Make it so."

Tingle. Flash. "All set hun," she said with a wink.

Her new accent sent chills up his spine. "Ooh, that's sexy..."

By this time, it was nearing 5:20, so the pair decided to start walking towards the pool at the front of the apartment complex. Stepping outside, Melody's face became a symphony of childlike wonder. "Wow... this is incredible! I can feel the breeze, the warmth of the sun... it's better than I ever imagined it would be."

After finishing her unintended reenactment of the opening scene from The Sound of Music, Melody squeezed Mike in a tight embrace. "Thank you.... I really am a lucky, lucky genie."

"Remember, all life has to offer you. Not because I allow it, but because you deserve it. Period." A couple of tender kisses later, they were headed off towards the pool.

As they leisurely walked through the complex, Mike asked, "So, Melody Roberts, tell me all about yourself"

She giggled, responding, "Well, I grew up in Houston, mostly in orphanages. My birth parents abandoned me at the door of a fire station when I was just a baby. I tried to get adopted several times, but the system is really messed up. I also tried to stay away from foster homes, having heard way too many horror stories about them. Thankfully, I developed an artistic streak in middle school and high school, and was able to combine that with a great essay about my childhood to attend the University of Houston on scholarship. I have a bachelor degree in photography, and just moved here at the start of the year to try to start a new life from scratch."

"Photography? Nice, Mike nodded approvingly. "Have you done many jobs?"

"Just a few odd jobs here and there, haven't really hit my stride yet. I did create some web space to house a portfolio with samples of my work. Plenty to convince anyone that my background is legitimate."

"Cool, So, I guess we were attracted to each other online based on our mutual artistic interests?"

"Definitely," Melody responded. "I also really liked the fact that you had such a strong faith in God. Having the upbringing that I did, faith was in seriously short supply, but talking with you about the great things it had brought you in your life convinced me that I ought to check it out."

Her face slowly turned rather serious. "That, by the way, is completely true. It's clear to me how important your faith is in your life. Seeing the incredible person it's made you into, I want to be a part of that too."

Mike was floored. He had no clue where magical beings such as genies stood on religious matters, but he had learned long ago that, if anyone or anything expresses any interest in religion or God whatsoever, you find a way to nurture and encourage that feeling. Otherwise, you run the risk of pushing them completely away from the idea altogether.

He smiled. "Well you're in luck. Tomorrow, we'll go to my church. Oh, and one of my childhood friends is giving the sermon tomorrow, so think you'll enjoy that quite a bit."

She beamed, wrapping her arm in his excitedly. "Sound's wonderful."

As they approached the pool area, the pair could tell that the sound system had been hooked up. Melody's eyes widened, and a huge smile slowly appeared on her face. "What is that?"

"That, my dear girl, is country music."

She paused momentarily, taking it all in. "I love it!"

As they entered the pool area, the party was in full swing, with both the kids and adults enjoying the sounds of Chris Janson's Buy Me a Boat. Tyler and his friends were in the pool, fully engrossed in a game of chicken. As Mike was about to go over and say hi, a squeal came from the area by the grill.

"MR. MIKE!!!"

Sandra's seven-year-old daughter, Sasha, ran up and tackled Mike full force before he even knew what was going on.

"Geez, Sasha! You're gonna turn into some kinda linebacker one day!" It was all Mike could do to keep from falling completely on his back. "How you doin', cutie? Working hard in school?"

Sasha nodded. "Yep! I got a check plus in reading this week.

Oh! And we just had our big tap dancing recital yesterday!"

"That's right, you mother told me that was coming up. I'm really sorry I couldn't make it. I had a big performance of my own yesterday."

"That's ok, I bet we both did great!" As she smiled, it was clear Sasha was missing a few of her teeth.

"Mikel 'Bout time you showed up!" Sandra walked over from the grill area.

"HI Sandra, great party you got going here."

"Thank you, dear. Now, forgive my being nosey, but I need to meet this pretty thing I caught a glimpse of in your apartment," she said in a motherly tone.

Laughing, Mike made the introductions. "Melody, this is my neighbor, Sandra Johnson. Sandra, this is Melody Roberts, my... girlfriend." Mike hesitated momentarily. Even with their bond, the two of then hadn't formally decided on any titles for their relationship yet. However, his concerns were quickly alleviated.

Girlfriend. I love the sound of that, Melody thought in his head.

Sandra extended her hand. "Melody, a pleasure to meet you my dear."

Shaking her hand, Melody replied, "Likewise, Mrs. Johnson."

"Oh, honey please! It's Sandra. Mrs. Johnson just makes me feel old."

Melody giggled. "It shouldn't. How old are you? Thirty-two? Thirty- three?"