Pizza O'clock

Tara’s eyelids felt like they weighed a hundred pounds as she trudged up the stairs to her apartment. After almost twenty hours of back-to-back shifts at the hospital, she could barely stand, let alone think about preparing a proper meal. Every muscle ached, and her stomach grumbled with the kind of emptiness only a long day of relentless work could bring. All she wanted was a quick bite and then her bed. Just sleep.

She flicked on the kitchen light and trudged to the fridge, expecting to find the usual bare shelves that reflected her chaotic lifestyle. But the moment she opened the door, she froze.

The fridge was brimming. Milk chilled in its container, fresh fruits neatly arranged, rows of yogurts stacked like tiny towers, leftovers from a feast she hadn’t even been invited to yet, and enough snacks to satisfy the cravings of a small army. Her jaw dropped.

“Oh my God…” she breathed, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet apartment.

“Melody!” she called out, astonished, almost laughing in disbelief.

From somewhere upstairs, a voice drifted back. “I’ll be out in a minute. I’m just drying my hair!”

Tara blinked, still staring at the stocked fridge, then muttered under her breath, “You didn’t have to do all this…”

Moments later, Melody appeared in the doorway, her hair perfectly dried and a soft, fluffy robe wrapped snugly around her. She smiled warmly at Tara and said, “I already ordered pizza for us. The delivery guy should be here any minute now.”

Tara’s eyes sparkled. “Oh my God… that’s so thoughtful of you. I really, really, really appreciate it. And you even… you restocked the house?”

Melody laughed, brushing off the praise. “Well, that was the least I can do, especially since you've been the one doing it since I got here.”

“Oh, Melody. Thank you so, so, so much,” Tara gushed, stepping closer. “Wait… where did you get the money from?”

Melody leaned in, feigning drama. “Drumroll, please.”

Tara rolled her eyes playfully, but played along, tapping her hands on the counter as a mock drumroll.

“Logan gave me my check,” Melody announced, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I cashed it… and now I’ve got money sitting pretty in my account. Hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Tara’s eyes widened, and before she could stop herself, she swept Melody into a tight hug. “I’m so happy… so, so happy for you!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling with genuine joy.

Melody laughed, hugging her back. “Thank you, Tara. Really.”

“And before I forget,” Melody said, stepping back just enough to grab something from her room, “I got you something.”

Tara’s curiosity peaked. “Oh? What is it?”

Melody returned moments later, carrying a small jewelry box. Her eyes danced with anticipation as she handed it to Tara.

Tara opened it slowly, her breath catching in her throat. Inside was a delicate, customized gold bracelet, glinting in the soft kitchen light. For a moment, she felt like a child unwrapping a long-awaited gift. Her hands trembled as she lifted Melody off the ground and twirled her around in a tight hug, pressing her lips to Melody’s cheek.

“Oh my God… this is so thoughtful of you! Thank you so much. I love it! I love it! I love it! I’m going to wear this to the Christmas Carol concert. You’re coming, right?”

“I’ll be there,” Melody replied, her eyes softening with affection.

“This… this is the best gift I’ve ever had. Thank you so much,” Tara said, tears glinting in the corners of her eyes.

Melody’s expression grew serious, almost vulnerable. “You’re the most thoughtful person I know. You saved my life, Tara. I was literally depressed. I was at the edge, ready to give up. But you… you gave me a new meaning, even when you didn’t have to. And if I have all this today, it’s because of your kindness.”

Tara’s tears finally spilled over. She reached up to brush them away, whispering, “Oh… you’re always welcome.”

“Brace yourself, girl, because this is just the beginning.”

Tara chuckled through her tears. “That’s the spirit.” They shared a long, comfortable laugh, the kind that only comes from years of friendship, trust, and shared memories.

“So… what are you going to do now?” Tara asked after a moment, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Are you going to reopen your pastry shop in Snowbrook?”

Melody shook her head, thoughtful. “That’s what I wanted but my mom said it wasn’t a good idea. Snowbrook is the past. I can start something small here… maybe rent a place and build slowly.”

“That’s smart,” Tara said approvingly. “You should start as soon as possible.”

“Yes, but first, I need to travel with Logan to see his parents, and then maybe I’ll start reaching out to friends from there,” Melody explained.

“Sounds like the right plan,” Tara said, smiling.

“And guess what?”

“What?” Tara prompted, leaning closer, eager to hear.

“Cynthia just gave birth to a little baby girl!” Melody announced. “My mom called me, and I called Cynthia right after.”

Tara’s eyes lit up. “Oh my God… that’s amazing!”

“And the best part?” She continued with a grin. “They named her… Baby Melody.”

Both women laughed, the sound bubbling up like champagne. Memories of high school, college, and their inseparable friendship filled the air. Brandon, Jamie, all the friends they had been through everything together. And now, here they were, celebrating life, new beginnings, and Christmas miracles.

Finally, Tara yawned, stretching. “I really need to go shower. Calm down. Maybe by the time I’m done, the pizza guy will have arrived.”

“Good idea,” Melody said.

Tara picked up her phone and started walking toward her room but it rang. She glanced at the screen. Dr. Davy.

Without a second thought, she ignored the call. Melody noticed immediately.

“Why are you ignoring it?” she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Tara shook her head, forcing a casual tone. “It’s no one important.”

But inside, Tara couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that it might be more than “no one.”