[Color=pink]Melanie Rose Pourri[/color][hr][I]The Warren, 12:30PM
Interacting with [@Zanavy][/i]
Just as Melanie went to swallow her last fry, she was startled by a sudden, unexpected voice, and started coughing and choking uncontrollably. With watering eyes, she groped for her water then chugged, until she could breath again--just a matter of seconds later.

[Color=pink]"Ahuh,huh.... Really sorry about that..."[/color] Melanie apologized, feeling humiliated as she dabbed at her watery eyes with a napkin. When she looked up, Nolan was partially out of his seat, with claws extended and eyes dilated. Mel's tail stiffened. 

[Color=red]"Are you okay?"[/color] he asked with concern. [Color=pink]"Oh, um, yes. Thank you,"[/color] she answered nervously, wondering if he would have eaten her if she was helpless much longer. But the boy relaxed, retracted his claws and sat back down. His eyes went back to normal, and he actually looked relieved.

[Color=pink]"So uh, the uh, Winter Carnival?"[/color] Mel asked, looking at their visitor. It was a small owl-girl Mel vaguely recognized as a classmate. Mythology or computer class? The owl and lion both seemed to be looking expectantly. 

[Color=pink]"I-I don't know. Maybe. Why do you ask?"[/color] Melanie inquired, smiling nervously. She hated being put on the spot. She didn't even know herself [i]if[/i] she wanted to go. Sure, Kayla wanted to go, but she had other friends now. And crowds were scary. And loud snowmobiles. And dancing. But the food might be good, and the ice sculptures...