The arguing between Paul, Melody, and Lauren didn't last long thanks to the doorbell. Lauren answered the door again. "Is Melody still here?" "Yes, come in." Lauren went and fetched Melody while the visitors stood by the doorway. Melody couldn't say anything, she was lost for words, instead Emily spoke up. "lets sit, all of us." Everyone nodded. While Lauren was placing the tray of tea and water on the little room table Melody asked "why are you here?" "We came to talk, but the guys said you were here... Father.!" "I'm here to apologize." "Apologize for what, the way you were cold toward me a week or so ago? Or acted like I was invisible since I was seven?!" "Both. Emily and I talked a lot this past week." "I bet." "Melody-" "Emily." "But-" "I want to hear what Melody has to say." "Me?!" "Yes you, my daughter." "Since when was I your daughter? Before Wade died all three of us was your treasure, but afterward you didn't speak to me or barely looked at me. To you I was a murderer, I lost a brother and a father that day. Mom was sad but she didn't act like you. She still loved me. After mom died being in that house with you made me feel like I didn't belong as if you wished I was dead instead of Wade." "Honey no-" "I'm not done!" Everyone just sat watching and listening even when Melody started tearing up. "I-I know I moved in with grandma and grandpa, b-but it was so you and mom didn't need see me since I sort of looked like Wade. Mom did come get me but I noticed right away you-you were different when I stepped inside the house. Mom told me to give it some time, although I got the feeling both you and mom couldn't stand me being there so I went back to living with grandma and grandpa. They didn't mind, but I still got that feeling as if I was some burden so I asked a friend's family if I could live with them, at first they were hesitant but aloud me. After Emily got an apartment she let me moved in, it felt weird and awkward at first but it was good. She didn't treat me like an invisible monster. Even when mom died I came to see her but you didn't-didn't even..." "I'm so sorry. It wasn't my intention to do any of that. I was lost, confused, and hurt... You were right I couldn't stand seeing you; you reminded me Wade. It wasn't your fault, it was the driver who was speeding. Wade was my only son, it's hard to bury one of your children especially when they're young. When Emily and that Gary fellow was talking to us I was a little confused and yet at the same time thinking, I also didn't want to hear it but glad I did. These couple weeks I realized I did lose a son and a daughter. I hope it's not to late to try again to be your father." Melody looked at her father then to Emily, back to her father again. "I guess we can try, start again." "That's great! You can move in and-" "Father I'm not moving back. I will visit but I have a home where I belong and though we sometimes argue I like being there. They're my family. I promise I'll visit you often and you can visit me." "I see... Well I'm happy for you, I'll visit and help you whenever you need it." "Thanks d-dad." Mr. Gardner only smiled and then asked "where is your friend, that Gary fellow?" "Gary!" "What's wrong?" "I have to go." "What's wrong Melody?" "Irwin, guys head home. Gary and I'll be there as soon as possible.
Paul explained what happened and Mr. Gardner ran out the door in time, before Melody drove off. "Melody-" "Dad it's alright. Please just wait for me back at their-our house with them." "Here; just in case." Mr. Gardner gave Melody some money and stepped away letting Melody drive off.
"Officer Brown!" "Yes miss. Gardner." "Gary... I came to pick him up, please!" "Miss. Gardner-" "Please!.. I'm sorry I asked for such a silly, stupid request. I can pay... a hundred and twenty dollars for any inconvenience or maybe I can take his place. Just please." "I guess you thought through some things or felt bad." "Indeed. Some things happened, now I'm here to get him." "Are you sure?" "Absolutely." "Okay, wait here." "Wait this won't be on his record?" "As I said before; no." Melody smiled, Officer Brown went and got Gary. Gary was wondering if Paul or the others came to get him but was curious yet mad to see Melody there. Officer Brown gave Gary the chocolates back but they were thrown away. "Miss. Gardner drive safely and call me if you need anything." "Thanks and will do Officer Brown."
"Gary come on, get in the car please." "Why?!" "Don't you want go home or do you plan to walk?" In a moment Gary got in the car as well as Melody. "Gary I-" "You had me arrested, didn't you?" "Yes. I wanted to think without constant disturbance plus I wanted to be alone." "You-" "Let me finish... I was mad at you for what you and Emily did. Seeing my dad that way again made it feel like back then like it just happened yesterday. I know you wanted to help but I don't think you thought about their or my feelings at all." "I guess you're right, I'm sorry. Still you didn't need to have Officer Brown do that you could have just said something." "I did." "Not leave me alone, I mean yeah you finally said something when Tony came, after that I came back to apologize but-" "I just wanted to be left alone. I'm also sorry about earlier. We can have a go if you want but it'll have to be much later." "Why?" "You'll see when we get home." "Home?" "Yeah my stuff is back home."
"Now we have visitors so don't uh over react... Guys we're home!" "Welcome back" said Eric, Ricky, Tony said "welcome home." "Emily, Mr. Gardner... uh-" "Here I didn't the money." "No keep it for anything you want or if you need something for the house." "Um Mr. Gardner I'm sorry about what happened at the hotel." "No, it's fine now. Emily and I talked, we came to find Melody." "So..." "We talked also, it's alright now. Hopefully in time it'll be better." "It'll be great as long as we visit each other, call, and or text." "Uh?." "she's staying here with her family." Mr. Gardner explained to Gary what happened while Melody made lunch. Gary was amazed at what unfolded between Melody and her father, and them as well.
"Father, Emily why don't you stay the night?" "Are you sure Mel?" Asked Emily. "I'm sure." That night the Gardners stayed there.
After breakfast Melody made up lunch containers for her father's and sister's ride home. "Melody you've grown up wonderfully, I think your mother would have been proud. I know I am, I look forward to many visits to come. By the way your cooking is great, just like your mother's." "Thanks dad." Melody was tearing up which was wiped away by her father. "Have a safe drive guys; see you when I can." While hugging Emily Melody said 'bye sis. Remember to keep in contact... You too dad keep in contact.' "Of course." With everything said Melody's father and sister drove while her and the others waved good bye.
Once everyone was back in the house Melody started apologizing to everyone especially Gary. "How about I make steak, mashed potatoes and-" "Why don't we order in?" "Ricky this is my way of showing how sorry I am to you guys, mostly to Gary. I mean putting him through something crazy." Everyone agreed, Gary was the only one who said "whatever. Tomorrow after breakfast is our go." "Your go?" Asked Ricky and Tony. "A promise she made yesterday on our way home. Everything will be good after that." "Ok."
Early the next day Gary left the house for some things such as: chocolates, water, ice, and soup. Gary got back with the stuff right before breakfast was put on the table.
Once everything was eaten and cleaned Gary and Melody made their way to the basement. "Don't you think this should be done in my room? That way you and the others won't have to carry me up." "No here is better." "Gary, Melody this is crazy." "Tony stay upstairs I'll come and get you when it's all over. Now!" "Go it'll be fine." Tony then left. "I'm not going to retaliate so punch or kick me as much as you want." "Cloe your eyes then." Melody closed her eyes, Gary kicked Melody back to the wall and then some amount moments later nothing came "uh-" Gary then tapped Melody's shoulder. "Here." Giving Melody chocolates and a small Ziploc bag of ice. "Sorry... I'm sorry for hurting your feelings, yesterday, the past weeks, and today with that kick." "It's fine, it all worked out. My father and I are starting over, as for today I thought-" "No not intentionally we promised so I figure break that promise a little... Did you really mean what your father said about us being your family?" "Yes. You guys will always be family even when we argue, do something crazy or childish... I know I apologized yesterday still I'm sorry for everything." "I know you're sorry but it was my fault to begin with... we better let the others know." "Yeah, call them down." "Guys we're done so come down." Everyone ran down stairs.
Tony looked at both Melody and Gary, then asked "what's going on? I mean uh-" Gary explained what happened. "Listen guys I'll try to be more open but promise me to leave me alone when I ask especially if I'm mad." The tiger boys agreed, Gary spoke up then "I promise to also consider your and or everyone else's feelings something like this won't happen again... Hopefully." "Same here." "Same?" "did you already forget-police, Officer Brown." "Right."
Everyone laughed, enjoying each other's company. Melody, Paul, Lauren, and the tiger boys enjoyed their day and days to come. Melody stayed at that house with her friends for family. It was like before as if nothing happened.