In the car, the atmosphere was intense.
Quinta had the urge to bail through the window a bunch of times. This dude's presence was freaking scary.
No clue how Jocelyn put up with him, let alone dated him and even thought about marrying him.
It would be a nightmare, for sure.
Melvin was playing it cool as ice, not a word from him, and the atmosphere in the car felt like being trapped in a balloon sucked dry of oxygen. So freaking uncomfortable.
Quinta glanced at her cousin, Jocelyn, who seemed totally unbothered.
When they hit a red light, Melvin’s phone rang.
He answered with a poker face, hooking it up to the car’s Bluetooth.
“Where are you? I’m already stitched up,” a familiar voice came through.
Jocelyn's lips curled up a bit. She knew it! It was no coincidence; he was with Willow getting her stitches removed.
Can't blame them. If anyone’s to blame, it’s her for showing up at that hospital.
“Heading home,” Melvin replied, icy as ever.
“Huh? Why’d you leave? Weren’t you gonna stick with me?” Willow’s voice had that whiny charm.
Jocelyn raised an eyebrow, gazing out the window. Seriously, she would be better off under a car than in this one.
Quinta was holding her breath, feeling super awkward.
“Get home on your own. Bye.”
No chance for a reply, he just hung up.
Green light, and the car took off.
That beast of a car sped up fast, leaving all the other cars in the dust. In no time, they reached the neighborhood where Jocelyn's parents lived.
Jocelyn and Quinta got out. Melvin didn’t, but he called after Jocelyn.
“Ten minutes. I’ll wait,” he said. That non-negotiable tone made Jocelyn frown.
She slammed the door shut without looking back.
Finally away from the car, Quinta took a deep breath, "His vibe is way too intense, nearly choked me out there."
Jocelyn admitted Melvin was intimidating when pissed, but she was ticked off too. Why should she put up with his attitude?
"Maybe you really should talk with him. He didn’t seem all that into Willow; maybe they're just friends," Quinta suggested, "Better clear the air."
Climbing the stairs, Jocelyn muttered, "Don't wanna talk. Just let it go."
Quinta watched her go.
Jocelyn had always been a good girl in the family's eyes, but she had her own mind.
Love is something outsiders can't fully get or feel.
And Quinta had no place telling Jocelyn what to do.
"What if he just waits there?" Quinta was worried, "Would be awkward if your dad spots him."
Jocelyn’s face tensed at that.
Gripping the railing tightly, she finally caved.
"Tell mom I got something on and won't be home tonight."
"Sure." Quinta advised, "Have a proper talk, no matter the outcome, keep it graceful. If you really like him, don't let go easily."
Jocelyn nodded and headed back down the stairs.
She approached the car, which was a rare sight in the neighborhood, and slid into the back seat.
"Come sit in the front," Melvin said, not surprised at her coming back.
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