A Second Chance

[Guest]

Mel looked up at Daniel, looking sheepish and confused, "I really didn't mean to hear anything. I didn't know you were on the phone." She took another small sip of coffee and paused, sighing, "But I did hear something about Lance and you having him tailed. What's going on Daniel? I don't like to pry, but after the outburst between you two the other day, I can't help but wonder."

Her green eyes pleaded with him, looking a little guilty and a lot worried, "Just tell me and maybe we can all put it behind us. I don't want you two to hate each other, for whatever reason."

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel avoided Melissa's gaze as she spoke and even as she finished he didn't raise his eyes, only glared at his own reflection in the cup of coffee he was holding in his hands. Should he explain it all now or withhold this tragic knowledge for a while longer. Dan sighed and put his cup on the table, tapping his fingers on the ceramic wall.

"I don't think I will be able to put this behind me at all. And nothing will change my feelings for Lance, Mel. It's not like I'm acting the way I'm acting without a reason. Look, I'm sure Mike told you about our big plan to start a family business once I returned from the army, right? Well, we've been saving money for that purpose and had quite a hefty sum in a bank but then Michael suddenly dies and the money disappears. A few days later Lance buys himself a car. I hired a PI to sort all this out in hope he would be able to tell me if it is all linked to one another or just one big mess of a coincidence..." Danny trailed off, leaving the implication unspoken.

 

[Guest]

Mel sat there stunned a moment, then leaned forward in her chair. "You think that Lance took the money? But why would he do something so stupid?" She asked him, not wanting to believe that Lance would do such a stupid and selfish thing.

Her mind swirled at the possibility. "Oh Daniel, I'm so sorry...I know that it meant a lot to you and Michael. Lance also seemed serious...I really am sorry." She said and reached over to touch his hand gently, not knowing what else to say...

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Dan felt Melissa's fingers play along his skin, touching him lightly and reassuring him. He didn't withdraw his hand even though he wanted, her touch was so nice and soothing. He sighed and gulped some tea.

"Sorry I didn't mention this earlier, I just didn't want to worry you with vague assumptions. It's not like I'm sure of any of these but I know Lance and I know that he would be capable of doing something so selfish... Please, don't think about this. It's enough that I am having this on my head... Come on, let's eat! I haven't got up early today for nothing!"

 

[Guest]

Mel smiled softly, "Well, I can't help but worry, but I'll try and not let it bother me too much." Then when he mentioned food, she wrinkled up her nose and patted her belly.

"You can eat...I'm happy with my coffee this morning and later I'll pig out at our little chinese place." She said jokingly and got up to refill her cup of coffee. The words "Our little chinese place" rang in her mind a moment, clear as crystal and somehow made her heart flutter and stomach dip.

Preoccupied with her thoughts, she turned only to almost collide with Daniel who was preparing toast for his breakfast. "Oh! Sorry." She stood facing him for an awkward moment and smiled a bit shyly. Suddenly unable to think of anything else, she said, "Thank you...for everything. You've really been helping and I appreciate it, Daniel."

With that, on impulse, she reached up and went to kiss his cheek, but as he turned his head by surprise, the soft kiss landed on the corner of his mouth. Mel froze a second, her eyes staring right into his and slowly pulled back...

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

The toast and knife in his hands forgotten Daniel stood there and with big eyes watched as Melissa pulled away from him and looked him in the eyes. He was shocked, bewildered, scared and his mind was in such turmoil that he wasn't exactly sure what just happened. He thought Mel had just kissed him but the idea was so outrageout to him and it happened so fast that he might have as well stabbed her with the knife he was holding. Yet he could feel her soft lips on the corner of his mouth and the warmth she left there.

For a few seconds Danny struggled to regain his voice. Why had she done that? he wondered. She was thanking him and then she leaned in to... kiss him on the cheek... and he turned and... Oh gosh! He blushed furiously.

"Um, I mean..." Dan stammered. "It-it's alright... you're welcome, Mel. You've been very supportive too."

 

[Guest]

She blushed and stepped away, knowing full well he was just as shocked, if not more so than herself. "Thanx..." She murmured softly, "I um...I'm going to go freshen up a bit." She said, feeling suddenly lame, but she needed space all of a sudden. She didn't know how to react or feel. All she knew was her mind was spinning from one little innocent kiss and she wanted more.

Stepping away and out, she made her exit and rushed to the bathroom where she splashed some cool water on her hot cheeks and then touched up her makeup.

Collecting herself, she then went to her room to find her purse and a book just in case the game got boring. Which she doubted...she was going to enjoy watching Daniel run around.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

As Mel left Daniel fixed himself a plate of toasts and another cup of coffee and taking his smokes with him he left to the porch to calm himself down and try to think straight. That one innocent kiss made a bigger mess in his head that this whole story of living with Melissa and helping her. He sat on the stairs and alternated eating, drinking and smoking and noticed that his cheeks were still burning him and his hands shook a little. He pulled long on his cigarette hoping it would sotr his thoughts and feelings at least a little bit. His time spent here was a streak of peace interrupted by sudden outbursts of confusing emotions.

Dan sighed for the umpteenth time and killed the cigarette as he was finishing his coffee. It wasn't entirely unpleasant, to the contrary, he enjoyed living here with Mel, their conversations and the time they had been spending together but this... this was something completely different. That kiss awoke in him something he dreaded to admit. Pushing that crazy thought into the back of his head, Danny got up and returned inside.

 

[Guest]

Mel noticed Daniel's return to the house. He avoided her gaze and ducked into the kitchen to rinse off his things and mumbled something about needing to rest up before the game.

She nodded as he left, sure that he hadn't even noticed and plopped down to watch some TV. With a heavy sigh, she curled her legs under her and began to flip through the channel...hoping to find something to pass the time before lunch.

For the rest of the morning, she didn't hear anything for Daniel until around 11am, he returned, still looking a little lost and confused, but managed to force a smile on for her. "Hey." She said, feeling a bit sleepy and a lot bored, "Wanna head out for lunch and then go to the game?"

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Back inside his room Daniel threw himself on the bed and hauled his travelling bag up. He rummaged inside and found a set of clothes that would be suitable for such a light, friendly match, tried them on and put his regular clothes back on. All this time he tried hard to think of everything but Melissa and the mess she were making inside his heart and head.

Lying down on the bed he snatched a random book from the shelf and started paging through it but somehow couldn't concentrate enough to read the text. His mind constantly drifting back to their accidental kiss in the kitchen. Daniel licked his lips, recalling the softness of her lips on his and the cloud of her perfume that enveloped him. He was in such a turmoil that he put the book away and started pacing back and forth only to sit down after a while and page through an illustrated magazine.

Finally he cursed, packed a small backpack with his clothes and left the room. He found Mel in the living room, watching something boring on TV and he gladly welcomed the invitation to go out for lunch. They would still have some time to do some small shopping before the game.

"Yeah, alright. We can go... But... you drive today. Alright?"

 

[Guest]

She smiled and nodded, standing up and smoothing down her skirt after clicking off the TV. "Yeah - whatever you want. I'm starving...lets go." She said lightly and grabbed her purse and the keys off the kitchen counter.

Together the exited the house, Daniel still being a gentleman by opening her door and letting her slide into the car. Inside, she leaned over and unlocked his side, then adjusted her seatbelt and started the car as he slipped inside and shut the door.

"Remember, no burning your tongue this time." She said, trying to make him smile. He looked a little stressed and tense...

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel smiled lightly at Melissa's comment which reminded his what a grave mistake he'd done by ordering the spicy dish the other day. He decided to go for something light and mild today, no hot chickens or anything that might turn his mounth inside out. He had to feel good for the game and for that the meal mustn't be making a revoultion inside him. His mind wandered but all the time was inevitably drawn to Mel and he caught himself watching her drive from time to time. She looked so nice today he noticed that he was smiling.

Quite soon they reached the restaurant and Danny led Melissa inside and they were greeted by the same woman as the other day. She led them to the same table with a smile and chatting merrily with Melissa. When she looked at Dan she smiled a little wider. "No spicy meal for you today, Daniel. You looked on fire the last time."

"I know," he replied, smiling a bit and glancing at Mel. "Not ever!"

 

[Guest]

Mel giggled and grinned at Daniel and together they ordered their meals. They talked lightly, getting again more comfortable in each other's presence after that little shock in the kitchen. Mel chattered about a few people that would more than likely be at the game and she warned him off of Karen.

"I'm telling you Daniel, she used to be all over Michael too and he was married to me at the time. Any man that strikes her fancy, she goes after, so watch you." Mel said, grinning at him with a wink, but inside imagined punching Karen right square on her perfect little nose and pulling out her lovely blond hair. She had almost done such a thing with Michael, but then she had due cause. Daniel wasn't hers, so it surprised that she felt so strongly.

The food came and they ate lightly, sipping on sodas and catching each other eyes from time to time. Mel blushed a few times and let out a nervous giggle. "So...all set for the game?"

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Eating, Daniel thought what Mel told him about Karen. Sure she was an attractive woman but there was something pushy about her that Daniel found disturbing. She was good enough to ogle but nothing besides that, and there was quite a sight to ogle too. Her personality however didn't suit Daniel at all, she was overwhelmingly talkative and wouldn't listen at all. And he wasn't interested in a quick bang. Karen lacked all those appealing aspects of femininity that Melissa had.

"She's not my type," Dan muttered putting food in his mouth to stop himself from adding something else and embarrassing himself even more after the morning's accident in the kitchen.

"So...all set for the game?" Mel asked to break the sudden silence.

Daniel flashed a smile. "Yeah, I guess! I'll need a warm-up before the game anyway so I decided to shorten my morning exercise. I will get enough of that today. And tomorrow... ugh... I won't be able to move. I bet you're gonna have to drag me back into the car today," he joked and smiled warmly, grateful that he could shre this lunch with Mel and thankful that she agreed to go with him. He'd have at least one sympathetic spirit in the audience.

 

[Guest]

Mel wasn't surprised when Daniel muttered that Karen wasn't his type. Michael had done the same...although Lance she suspected would have enjoy her for a moment or two. She frowned wondering why she had even thought of that, but quickly pushed the thought away.

With both their meals finished, Mel and Daniel exited the small restaurant after paying and headed out to the church. Most of the activities were thrown there as it had plenty of land out back to set up events.

As Mel pulled into the parking long, people were already totting folding chairs, packs of soft drinks and trays of food out back. All of them were smiling and talking. "Well, here we go then...time for you to get your butt kicked." She joked and slanted him a grin and wink before getting out of the car.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

"We'll see about that," Dan replied with a proud expression and proceeded to the field to change his clothes and see what's what and with whom he'll be playing. Just as he had suspected, he was assigned to strengthen the team of 'sons'. They were boys whose age ranged from 15 to 20 so at least a few seemed capable enough to stand up to the challenge.

Daniel decided to do a warm-up and did a few rounds circling the field and checking it for uneven, dangerous places. Then he practiced some evasions and sprints and spent some time training throws and passes. His team seemed sporty enough although some of the younger players wouldn't be able to endure the whole match. Their opponents on the other hand weren't as tough as Danny suspected. 'Daddies' were usually over 30 and reaching 40, with protruding bellies which suggested weak stamina. Oh well... They arranged their initial strategies and everyone went their way to wait for the beginning.

Dan looked around to see where Melissa might have gone and saw her wave to him. He trotted in her direction, passing Karen on his way who tried to grab his shoulder and muttered something when he managed to escape her but then she laughed.

"Phew... that was close!" he said to Mel who was handing him a bottle of water. "Well, I hope you'll be cheering for me, hmm?"

 

[Guest]

Mel watched with amusement as Daniel escaped the 'clutches' of Karen. She didn't seem to want to give up though. Laughing it off and preparing herself for round two. "I don't think it's over quite yet...Karen is stubborn."

"Well, I hope you'll be cheering for me, hmm?" He asked and she grinned.

"But of course! You know, I used to be a cheerleader in high school. Too bad I didn't bring my pom poms." She joked, laughing at the idea. "I used to be pretty good, did the splits and everything. But I got bored with it. Always smiling and cheering. I felt like a doll or something."

She giggled and glanced out at the field, "Looks like you may win after all." She leaned closer and whispered, "The daddies look a little out of shape."

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel laughed at her comment and patted his chest. "Yeah, I thought as much, you know. Just..." he looked around at the wives and daughters. "Don't say this aloud. Someone might want to stone you or something for voicing it. I won't be giving them any quarter. I just hope that the younger kids can keep up."

The teams began gathering on the field and Daniel sighed. "Well, seems I should join or they will start without me. Sheesh... I hope I don't get killed but any suitors of Karen," he joked and smiling to Mel he went back towards the field.

Halfway through Karen jumped at him again and pulling on his elbow she made him lean in and kissed him on the cheek. "Good lock, tiger!" she purred into his ear and giggled.

With his back stiff Daniel continued towards his team, he didn't look back and hoped that Melissa didn't notice.

 

[Guest]

But Mel did notice and mutter something under her breath that resembled the word 'slut'. Shaking her head, she headed over to the other women who smiled and greeted her with hugs and smiles.

"Nice to see you guys here, Mel!"
"That Daniel sure is a hunk!"
"How's life Mel?"
"Are you going to the BBQ, Mel"

She was suddenly invovled in a drawn out convorsation with everyone, chattering with the wives and girlfriends happily and cheering on the men. Daniel was good, better than a lot of the men out there. A few times she lost herself watching him and was elbowed by a friend who slanted her knowing grins and winks.

She blushed and laughed it off, claiming it was a good game.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

The game was an easy one, contrary to what Daniel had expected. The 'daddies' were in no condiiton to surpass the youngsters and Danny and his team gained a huge advantage literally destroying their oppponents. The game was clean and nice and very competitive, fair play observed and by the time it ended everyone was tired but happy with the physical exercise and the game itself.

Everyone fell on the grass, the ball and the cheering audience of women and children forgotten. All around on the grass lay a group of tired, sweaty and panting men. Finally after a few minutes some began getting up and going this way and that, joining their families and friends and cheering some more.

Daniel got up as well and making sure Karen wasn't anywhere nearby headed for the closest grill to get something to eat.

 

[Guest]

As the families regrouped, Mel went over to Daniel and wrapped an arm around his waist as he stood in line for some hamburgers. She gave him a bit of a squeeze and then let go. "Eeew yuck! You are all sweaty." She giggled and got herself a paper plate to join in. "Good game though...you did good."

She spotted Karen ahead and warned Daniel as they grabbed their food and a couple of cokes. "Why don't we go sit over in the grass. One of the ladies in the group gave me a blanket we can sit on." She suggested, "Hurry before she gets ya." She teased and laughed.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Heeding Melissa's warning Daniel looked around inconspicuously and noticed Karen. Hunching a bit so he didn't look so big he followed Mel to the blanket she mentioned and thankfully plopped on the ground with a sigh.

Munching slowly on the burgers and sipping cold coke he tried to regain a little of his strength.

"Gosh, it was a good exercise. Not as straining as fully equipped runs in the army but as taxing. I feel like I'm not gona be able to move a muscle for a week," he joked and took a big bite.

"Hey, Dan! I hope you'll be staying around a little longer. With you on our side we can win any game," one of his team-mates came over and congratulated him.

Daniel lowered his head and blushed a bit which did only little to redden his cheeks any further as he was flushed after the game anyway. He would love to, he felt good in the calm neighbourhood and Melissa's company was more that pleasant but he didn't want to impose on her too much. It was high time he went his way...

 

[Guest]

Mel grinned and chuckled lightly as Daniel seemed a little embarrassed by all the attention. She loved that everyone really enjoyed his company as she did. "I'll be right back." She murmured softly and got up, "I'm going to get a coke...want one?"

He simply nodded as the guys continued to chat with him and so she headed away from the group to the cooler stashed with heaps of different drinks.

As she reached it and dove her hands into the ice, a familiar voice reached her ears and a hand tapped her back. "Hi Mel...long time no see."

She spun around, slightly startled and coming face to face with an old friend of Michael's named Ted. "Hey Ted...I didn't know you were here."

He was dressed in casual slacks a polo shirt, so she knew that he hadn't participated, which was just like Ted. He would sit back and chat with everyone than get dirty and sweaty. He always had seemed too put together for her taste. He gave her a charming grin and chuckled, "Yeah...I just got wind of it and heard you'd be here. Thought I'd drop by."

"Oh? That was nice of you." She said and tried shifted a little, glancing over at the blanket where Daniel sat.

"Yeah...um...Mel, look I'm really sorry about what happened to Michael." He said and surprised her again by grasping her hand and running his thumb over the top if it. "But I was wondering if perhaps you'd like to have dinner with me some time?"

Stunned, she could only stare at him, wide eyed and suddenly very uncomfortable. "Um...that is, uh...I don't think so Ted."

He gave her a slightly hurt look, like a little boy who couldn't get his way. "Come on Mel...dinner, some dancing. I promise you'll have a good time."

"Ted, really...I appreciate the offer." She said, trying to tug her hand away, "But Daniel, Michael's brother is helping me with things right now and I'm concentrating on me for a bit."

Ted kept a hold of her hand and brought it to his lips, boldly kissing her knuckles, "Well, alright then, but the offer is always open, OK? Anytime...call me, Mel. I'd love to take out such a beautiful woman."

Blushing, Mel pulled her hand away, fighting the urge to wipe his kisses off and gave him a curt goodbye before walking back to Daniel. Oblivious that she'd forgotten their drinks...

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

As Melissa left to bring some more drinks, Daniel stuffed his mouth with another burger and chatted with some of the fellows he played with, from time to time glancing in the direction Mel went. When one of the guys mentioned a particularly bold maneouvre he joined them in a discussion but soon found himself looking at Mel in her light, summer clothes that made her look so fresh and attrative.

He noticed she was talking to some elegant guy he didn't recognise as one of the players, They were too far to see Melissa's expression but she seemed as if she enjoyed the man's attention and even let him kiss her hand as they parted. Something stung Danny deep inside and he caught himself wondering if he ever did the same... He was kind and gentlemanly but couldn't recall that one particular gesture. Who was that guy? he wondered looking at Mel who returned and sat down, her face a little pink.

He wanted to ask who the guy was but bit his tongue although curiosity burned him.

"Oh my, Daniel, I'm so sorry. I forgot about the drinks..." she glanced back at the spot.

"It's alright. I'll bring some more. I'' get some more burgers as well. I'm positively starving," he smiled at her a little weakly and went to a grill.

As he was picking up a plateful of sandwiches someone patted him on the shoulder. Turning, he saw the same man who had talked to Mel a while ago.

"So you're the Daniel, I gather?" the man said a little mockingly but before Dan got a chance to reply one his fellow team-mates interrupted.

"Yeah, he's our personal saviour, aren't you, Dan? Saved our honour and helped us show our dads we're ain't the weaklings they're taking us for, right?"

"I heard you're Melissa's late husband's brother... Is that right?"

"Yeah..." Dan answered carefully. "What about it?"

"Oh, nothing. New face, I wanted to know who the person is."

"Now that you know, may I be of some help? I'm kinda tired after the game..."

"Oh, oh. I'm sorry for taking up your time. I just wanted to warn you that I invited Melissa to a dinner."

"Did she agree to go with you?" Somehow Daniel felt that she hadn't agreed at all but who knows. The guy was handsome enough and was talkative and seemed to be liked.

"She didn't say no. Well, don't let me keep you. I'll be seeing you." This said Ted departed.

"Not if I see you first, dumbass," Danny muttered and fished a six-pack from a fridge. Completely loaded he returned to the blanked.

 

[Guest]

Everyone had dispurced again as Daniel left and Mel noticed Ted approach him, suddenly feeling terribly nervous. What in the hell was he up to? She wondered.

Finally Daniel returned with a tons of food and cokes. "Wow...you must be really hungry and thirsty." She said, trying to sounds like and airy, but it wasn't entirely working.

Picking up a burger, she bit into it and watched as Ted moved away from everyone and retreated to his car. A sporty red thing that most men like him drove. It made her stomach slightly nauseous.

"I hope you had a good time today...looking forward to the bbq on Friday." She said, chasing the burger down with some coke.