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The Party
Melinda and her friends attend a high school party the summer before their freshman year. At this party, Melinda meets Andy Evans, an older boy well into high school. Taking advantage of Melinda being under the influence, Andy takes her to the forest and assaults her. In a bout of panic, Melinda calls the cops and busts the party. -
Withdrawal
Because of her inability and doubt to speak up, Melinda separates herself from her life because of the assault. She disconnects from her friends, her parents, and spirals into an isolating depression. -
First day of school
Melinda sees all of the girls she was friends with. Unfortunately, all of them are ignoring her because she called the cops at the party they went to. Rachel is especially displeased with her, and she turns to mouth"I hate you," to Melinda. However, Melinda does meet Heather, who is unrelentingly friendly. -
Mr. Freeman/Art
From day one, Melinda knows that she likes this class, and halfway respects the teacher, Mr. Freeman (which is a considerable amount considering her other teachers). She has it with her old friend, Ivy, who she doesn't talk to anymore; however, Ivy is kind and doesn't antagonise Melinda.
MELINDA'S THEME FOR THE YEAR: Tree -
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Freshman year
Melinda's freshman year of highschool. -
Safe Haven
Melinda finds an abandoned janitor's closet while wandering the halls. From here on out, this is her safe space, and she instantly plans to decorate it and make it hers. She will nap, draw, and think in this closet. -
First Report Card
Melinda comes home with her first report card of the year, and her parents are the farthest from impressed. Because of her depression, Melinda has lost the motivation for school and friends. -
Thanksgiving
Her mom's busy with work (a declining clothing store), and her father doesn't cook. Needless to say, Melinda's holiday is terrible, but she is able to confiscate the turkey bones from her mom's failed attempt at cooking (this will prove to be a cool sculpture). -
Start of a bad habit
After another poor report card comes home, Melinda (completely disillusioned with school at this point) decides to take the bus to town and skip school. This will become the first of many skipping school adventures. -
Christmas
Though this holiday is barely better than the last, Melinda's parents gave her a sketchbook and charcoals to draw with. Melinda thinks this is thoughtful, and gives her hope that her parents still care about her and pay her attention. -
ISS (NEVER again)
After being caught skipping school, Melinda gets sent to In-School Suspension. Unfortunately for her, Andy Evans is in there with her. She decides right then that she wouldn't skip anymore just so that she can avoid him. -
Friendless (again)
Blaming Melinda's depression, Heather explains to Melinda that they can't be friends anymore, and that is no wonder she doesn't have any friends. She says that once Melinda cheers back up, they can be friends (to which she is unconvinced). -
Andy&Rachel/Rachelle
Surprise, Andy Evans and Rachel are dating. Melinda worries for Rachel, but since Rachel hates her, she avoids warning her about Andy. -
Warn your ex-best friend about a rapist challenge (FAILED)
With all of her courage, Melinda finally tries to reach out to Rachel and warn her about how dangerous Andy is. Rachel is shocked, and almost instantly disbelieving. She freaks out on Melinda and accuses her of being jealous of their relationship. -
Bathroom Stall Confessionals
With her rekindled friend, Ivy, Melinda believes it's time to start speaking out against Andy, so she starts to write on a bathroom stall. After she writes "Guys to stay away from -- Andy Evans", her message starts to get responses from other girls agreeing with her. With her new message on the bathroom wall, Melinda finally confides in Ivy and tells her what happened in June. -
Break through
Because of her luck with the bathroom wall and Ivy, Melinda decides that it is time to leave her closet behind. While she is cleaning out all of her things, Andy corners her in the closet and presumably tries to assault her again. To get him away, she manages to break a mirror and scream threats at Andy. Thankfully people hear this commotion and come to see what's happening. -
Healing
Everyone finally knows about Andy Evans, and Melinda begins to take steps towards happiness again. -
One step at a time
It's the last day of school, and Melinda needs a ride home after staying late for art class. Thankfully, Mr. Freeman offers to take Melinda home. During the car ride, Melinda reveals to Mr. Freeman what happened because of her growing respect for him. He is extremely understanding, and Melinda thinks that this summer will be better than the last. -
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