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Melvin never really went to many public events, he either never was invited or he felt like it would've been pointless to go. He didn't enjoy parties all too much. The flashing lights, loud chattering, and crowded spaces seemed like a sensory nightmare.
He was in his room, tinkering with his latest invention when he heard the door to his room open. It spooked him a little, so as a result he almost dropped the invention. He quickly turned around to be met with the faces of his parents.
"Hello, Mother, Father." Melvin greeted them accordingly, setting the device down on his desk. His father started first, clearing his throat, "Melvin, since we have the day off today, we thought that we should do something a little different. We have decided to go to a public event in relation to today's holiday." Cindy quickly cut in, explaining a little faster than Gaylord, "Ah- We have decided to go to a Fourth of July party in hopes you'll meet a soon-to-be friend there, hmhm.." she finished explaining.
Melvin studied their faces a little, wondering why they thought he needed this. "I'll be fine without going." Melvin spoke calmly, turning his head away. His father shook his head, "You're going whether you like it or not." Melvin quickly looked back up, "I have to go??" Both Cindy and Gaylord nodded their heads. Melvin sighed before starting off again, "When do we leave?" "In thirty minutes." Cindy stated.
~
Gaylord was behind the wheel, driving to where the Fourth of July party was at while Cindy was in the passenger seat and Melvin was on the left back seat. He always sat next to one of the car's windows, he got car sick a lot and had to throw up sometimes because of it. He had took a dramamine before the car ride just incase anyway.
"So... Where are we going for this?" Melvin questioned, a little curious as to where his father was driving. "To the Peets' farm." Gaylord responded. 'So Stanley's place? I don't think I've been there. I haven't been to many other people's places in general, actually.' Melvin thought, but his thoughts were quickly disturbed by the screech of tires stopping. They're there already.
Cindy got out first, walking to the back seat door of the car to open the door for her son, letting Melvin unbuckle and get out. By the time Melvin was out of the car, so was Gaylord. Without saying anything, Melvin's father was already walking towards the Peets' residence. Mud and dirt covered the pathway as he walked through, Cindy and Melvin right behind him. Disgust was evident on all of their faces, walking through mud on a farm where manure probably was also wasn't the best thing to think about. Or walk through.
They soon made their way, though. A small crowd of people already here. Everyone stood on what was probably one of only not muddy places, which was right outside the house of Stanley and his parents. There was an assortment of fireworks, from sparklers, to the massive fireworks that were probably illegal in Piqua. Melvin found it threatening to look at, already thinking of excuses just to leave.
He looked for his father, who was already lost in the crowd, then he began to look for his mother, who was conveniently right behind him. "Are those even safe? I don't think we should be here." he already began, not wanting to be here. Cindy looked down and him and waved her hand dismissively, "It will be fine, why don't you go talk to some of the other kids here? Maybe it'll distract you, hmnh.."
"But don't I have a bed time, obviously these will be have to lit up during night. And I go to bed at eight!"
"Today is an exception."
"But what if it ruins my sleep schedule?"
"I'm sure it won't."
"But, Mother, what if-"
"Will you stop already?"
Melvin backed off, knowing she won't be reasoned with. Maybe if he talked to his dad instead, he'll listen? No, that won't work, he's more strict than his mother. Melvin let out an indignant huff and walked off, deciding to got sit on the steps of the Peets' porch.
~
It was around 9, the sun was all the way down and the stars were starting to show up. Some of the adults were pulling fireworks out, grabbing lighters, handing kids sparklers, and some were even drinking beer?.. He thought that wasn't safe at all given the fact that fireworks were about to be lit and that children were around. He was going to find one of Stanley's parents to see if that was even allowed but a high pitched whistle stopped him in his tracks, and then... BOOM.
Melvin immediately covered his ears and looked up, first firework was lit. It was incredibly loud, it hurt his ears and just staring at the lights in the sky was an eye sore. He looked around, trying to find his parents, or just any adult he trusted at the moment. Nothing, couldn't find his parents and he didn't trust most of the adults here.
Another whistle, longer than the last one, and then an even louder boom. Melvin clenched his teeth, squeezing his eyes shut as the second firework went off. He kept his hands over his ears as he tried to calm down even a little. He sat back down as he tried to focus on one specific thing, trying to take his focus off the loud noises.
It felt like it was excruciatingly loud as he tried to look for his mother or father in the crowd. He spotted the white lab coat of his mother, jackpot. He quickly got up, almost running towards her. He wasn't all too athletic, so he was panting by the time he went up to her. "Mother, can we please leave now!?" Melvin shouted, frustrated. Cindy looked down at him, feeling a little disrespected by the fact she got yelled at by her son. But in all honesty, she was a little used to it by now. Her annoyance dissolved almost immediately, seeing the frustration on Melvin's face.
Another loud boom of the fireworks and Melvin squeezed his eyes shut again, he looked like he might just cry. Cindy looked around for a moment before picking up her kid, carrying him with one arm. One of his ears was pressed against her chest while the other was still covered with his hand. She placed his hand over his, covering his ear as well. "You- hm.. You wanna go sit in the car?" Melvin's mother suggested worried, yet calmly. "Just take me there already! The fireworks are too loud!" he shouted back in response, obviously stressed out. She began walking, carrying Melvin in her arms, not too worried by the fact he was shouting at her but more worried that he was overstimulated.
She opened the car's passenger door, sat down, and continued to hold Melvin, who was which ever so quietly weeping. "It'll be over soon, I know it's loud..." Cindy gently spoke, rubbing his back. He huffed in response. "I should've listened to you earlier, I- I am dearly sorry, sweetheart." She continued.
The fireworks were still going, but they weren't as loud as before, the car muffling the noise out quite a bit. But it was still upsetting for Melvin, who was now clinging to his mother. She gently stroked his hair as a response. After a while of this, Melvin fell asleep in Cindy's arms.
~
"Where were you two?!" Gaylord got into the driver's seat, an hour later. "Melvin didnt like the loud noises so I decided to sit in the car with him, hnm.." Cindy explained. Gaylord groaned a little before speaking again, "We should've gotten him earplugs or something..." "Agreed."