Back

Melanie was curled up in the corner of the room, her back pressed up against the wall, head buried between her knees. It had been a rough day. There had just been a lot going on, and a lot of little things that didn't go her way, and her discomfort being in the environment she was had just all piled up to nearly break her. Her breaths were heavy but slow as she tried less than successfully to calm herself down. She wanted desperately to tear the shirt off her back and feel freed, but she also knew that Jacob would be home any minute. She really didn't feel comfortable letting herself loose with him around. Even if they were dating.

She heard the door open as he arrived and felt a shiver run down her spine. She didn't want him to see her like this. Not in this much pain. Not this weak. She could hear his footsteps getting closer, and she pulled her knees closer to her chest in response. He didn't say a word when he saw her. She heard him grow close and kneel beside her, and then his arms were around her, pulling her close to his chest and simply holding him. The motion hit her hard, and she melted into him, beginning to cry into his shoulder, continuously trying to stop herself and only causing her body to be rocked by her sobs in the process.

She wasn't sure how long it had been when she finally heard his voice. "Is there anything I can do to help?" he whispered quietly into her hair. "Is there anything I can get you? Can I make you some hot chocolate or anything?"

Melanie shook her head, trying to get her breathing under control. "I just want loose," she mumbled between stifled breaths. "I feel so constricted. My back is killing me. I so desperately want out of this shirt, but I just can't..." The words were just spilling out of her mouth, she had lost track of them completely.

Jacob's hands were on her back, gently slipping them under her shirt. "I promise I won't look if you don't want me to."

"W-wait..."

Before she could protest the back of her shirt was lifting, and she could feel the wings unfurling off of her back. They tore the rest of her shirt open as they expanded, beautiful green feathers flying in every direction. She turned herself to face Jacob, caring less about her bare chest than her wings. "W-what is...?" Jacob began to ask.

Melanie was blushing hard. "Y-you weren't ready for this..."