A Second Chance

[Guest]

Their short ride to the movie theater was silent the rest of the way...both of them lost in their own little thoughts and feelings. Mel was trying to stay cool and collected, while Daniel's nearness was driving her a little batty. Between his cologne, his looks and his sweet, shy demeanor, all she wanted to do was hold him close and find comfort in his arms again.

Pangs of guilt also hit her heart and mind, but she tried to remember what the women at the church had said. She wasn't old and she was far too young to live a solitairy life. She had loved Michael with all her heart, but did that mean that she couldn't love again? And if she did, could she love Daniel, his own brother? What would everyone think? In the past he had been untouchable and now, it was hard to look past that line between brother in law, to just a man whom she enjoyed being around.

Pulling into the complex, Mel looked at the lines that filled the outside ticket booths. "Looks like everyone had the same idea." She commented lightly and chuckled. "Guess we better hurry before it gets any bigger and we have to wait hours to get in."

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Opening the door on Melissa's side Daniel watched the queues to the ticket booths -- it looked as if the whole town came to see the movies this early Sunday afternoon. He smiled and took Mel's hand helping her outside, she smiled at him so nicely his stomach almost melted but he tried hard not to show the effect she was having on him this day. They agreed to see a hilarious comedy as the other two movies were some action flick and a drama and Daniel couldn't stand contemporary dramas. He found them pretentious and pathetic.

As they were taking their place in line Dan recognised the clerk and taking Melissa's elbow he led her to the front and pushed before a big lady who harrumphed at cursed under her breath.

"Daniel!" Mel scolded him but he was already tapping impatiently on the small shelf.

The man inside raised his eyes and smiled widely.

"This man had a reservation!" he called. "Daniel, you motherfu... Oh, I'm sorry. You're with a girlfriend. Two?"

"Yeah, Bill, two," Dan answered with a smile. "This is Bill Hicks and this is Melissa," He introduced the to each other only later recognising his slip that he hadn't straightened the situation out. "What are you doing here? I thought you were in Wisconsin!"

"Ah, you know how it is, grenades tend to blow when you least expect them," Bill said raising the stump that used to be his left hand.

"Oh, right, I'm sorry."

"Nevermind that. Here are your tickets. We should meet one of these days. Do some reminiscing, eh? Good day, Melissa. It was a pleasure."

When they were inside she pulled on Danny's sleeve. "Who was that?"

"Hicks? A buddy from the army. I saved his butt once taking blame when his bullet ricocheted and shattered a sergeant's knee. It wasn't that big of deal 'cause it was an accident but Hicks had enough trouble with the sarge anyway so I said what the hell. He owes me now."

 

[Guest]

“Oh…” She shivered slightly and seemed drawn to his side, “I can’t imagine having to go through pain like that. Getting shot, having limbs blown off. Ugh! No thanx.” She said and sighed softly, then brightened when she saw the snack stand. “Mmmmm…candy. Want to split some popcorn and a drink? I’d say split candy, but then I’d have to kill you and that wouldn’t be good.” She teased and laughed, tugging him along by the hand.

It seemed so natural to be this close and familiar with Daniel. It felt good to share and laugh again that she hardly paid attention to the niggling guilt that seemed to pester her mind from time to time. “Come on, there’s a line here too and I don’t want to be late for the movie. Although – being that it’s a comedy, it probably won’t be hard to figure out the plot.” She grinned at him.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

As they were standing in the line for popcorn and drinks Mel chatted happily about chocolate, cakes and generally anything sweet. Daniel marvelled how she managed to remain so slim with such love for sweets. He paid for a box of popcorn, two cokes and a bag of sweets especially for her. Jokingly he eyes the first disappearing in her mouth and made the saddest eyes he could making her laugh and escape which made him laugh in turn.

As they found their places in the hall Danny removed his jacket and placed it folded in his lap, putting the bucket of popcorn on it and to the side where Melissa was sitting. Again her perfume swirled around his head as she tossed her hair behind and reached for some popcorn. He cought himself staring at her and blushed as she turned to him, noticing his attention.

"What?" she asked with a strange smile.

"No, nothing. Sorry," Dan mumbled in response and looked around the hall. "There were so many people outside and there're so few in here. Wonder where they all went. There's probably a lottery taking place somewhere and we have winning tickets only nobody cared to inform us about it," Daniel tried joking, deliberately trying not to look at Mel again, lest she catch him gazing at her.

 

[Guest]

Mel smiled at him and laughed, “Yeah…it always seems like that though. Ah well…who cares. I hate full theaters…I always end up with some lady with big hair or some very tall man and can’t see around. I remember once…” She started and flattered, biting her lip as she remembered a fun memory of Michael that had led to more than movie watching in the theater. “Ah…I’m sorry Daniel…you probably don’t wanna hear about that.”

She smiled sheepishly and ate some popcorn, blushing. “Sometimes I forget that you’re Michael’s brother…especially recently and well, there are certain things I’m sure you’d rather not hear…or any man for that matter.” She giggled self consciously and then sighed, “Man…after today you have to keep me away from sweets or I’ll gain weight all over again.”

She smiled at him and then looked away, focusing on the movie screen as they waited for the movie to start.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Seeing as the lights dimmed and the low noise in the hall subsided Daniel shut up as well, with one thought swirling around in his head. What had Mel meant by saying that she forgot he was Michael's brother? It was boring a hole in his mind and he could find no explanation or answer to that. Women are strange, he thought and swallowed a handful of popcorn concentrating on the screen and the starting movie.

It wasn't as immensly funny as it was being advertised but it kept him on the edge of chuckling most of the time and he heard Melissa laugh really hard from time to time. Her laughter is so melodious, he thought to himself and smiled. As usual, once in a while their hands bumped in the popcorn bucket and even though it felt uncomfortable at first, touching Mel even by accident, he noticed that he didn't mind that at all. As if some gate in his head (or heart perhaps) opened and changed his point of view.

Sometimes they leaned towards each other to comment one scene or another in hushed whispers and each time Daniel found himself being intoxicated by her perfume and how close in those short moments they were being.

He groaned his discomfort and the movie ended. Having been cramped in the seat made all his joints snap as he stood up and smiled at Melissa who seemed to have enjoyed the film greatly.

 

[Guest]

As much as the movie had been fun, Mel was happy when it ended. Her bottom was rather numb from sitting in a less that comfortable chair and she winced sympathetically when she heard Daniel groan and pop as he stood.

"You OK?" She asked, picking up their trash.

He flashed her a heart melting grin, making her stomach dip and heart flutter. Goodness but he was handsome when he smiled like that, she thought and tripped over her own feet with a surprised gasp. Daniel was quick though and grabbed her as she colided into his chest, trying to steady her as trash went flying.

Grabbing his shirt for support, she giggled, feeling stupid and embarrassed. Burying her face against his chest to keep him from seeing her face she laughed, "Oh god, I'm so sorry. I'm such a clutz!"

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

His quick reflexes saved Mel from falling down but when she clung to him for support and to steady herself he delt a little self-conscious. Gosh, probably everyone saw this scene... It must have looked like... Daniel blushed and was grateful that Mel had her face close to his chest and couldn't see his face. As she had been falling he grasped her elbows but when she snuggled closer his hands slid up her arms and now he was actually holding her with his palms resting on her shoulderblades.

"It's okay," he murmured trying to regain his cool. "You ok? Didn't twist your ankle or something?"

Daniel would probably die of embarrassment if he had to carry Mel back to the car in his arms.

 

[Guest]

"No, I'm OK..." She said against his chest and slowly pushed herself away, feeling a pang of regret as Daniel's hands slowly slide away from her, back down her arms and then held her hands a second before falling off.

Still blushing, she smiled at him, smoothing her dress and achingly aware that her nipples were hard and her body singing from warmth of Daniel's body.

Goodness! She hadn't even touched bare flesh! Yet the solid harness of his chest, the warmth of his body, the scent of his cologne and the way he made her feel safe had her body working over time. "Well, um, maybe you should walk beside me or behind me...I don't want to bowl you over again." She tried to joke, "Perhaps we should head home before I do myself and injury."

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Danny sighed when Melissa pushed herself away from him and their contact was broken. Somehow it felt so good to be so close to her, warm and comfortable and natural, enveloped in her scents. This day was proving not only to be warm and sunny but also full of surprises. Her body pressed at him felt so good and fine, delicate but strong at the same time. Dan was afraid to acknowledge that might have started falling for her.

He let Melissa go first and quickly fell into step next to her, watching carefully for any sign of her losing balance or otherwise falling down, ready to catch her. She smiled at him a few times and he noticed that her cheeks were a little redder than usual which was very charming, he admitted to himself.

On their way back home they discussed the movie, laughing when recalling especially funny gags or dialogues. Daniel parked the car and got out inhaling deeply.

"What do say that you'll go and relax and I will make us an apple pie for the evening? Hmmm?"

 

[Guest]

Mel got out of the car and stared at Daniel with surprise. "You know how to bake apple pie?" She asked him, eyebrows raised and a grin spreading over her face.

Walking around the car and making her way to the house with him next to her, she laughed, "Well, in that case if you add coffee to the mix and ice cream, I'll be yours forever!" She teased with a wink, not even realizing that small innocent statement could sound so appealing to her...and him.

Pushing open the door, she sighed happily, "I'm going to and change out of this dress. If you need me, just holler for me. I won't be but a minute though." She said and made her way through the living room to the hallway leading to the bedrooms.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel chuckled. He was happy that he could do something for Mel and blessed his mother who always said that a man should be able to go around kitchen just as well as any woman. That and his practice in the army kitchens made him an excellent cook... providing that the meal he was to prepare involved a lot of cutting or peeling. Other than that Danny could only make great apple pies. Only he didn't like to boast it, he still thought this to be unmanly. Well, now it was profiting. With a smile on his face he went to his room to change into his old jeans and a white tank top. Washing his hands he tried to recall if everything needed was in the fridge.

Whistling to himself he busied himself with preparing the ingredients when Mel entered and peeked here and there with a mysterious smile on her lips and eyes that spoke of mischief.

"Oh no you don't!" He shook a ladle at her. "Shoo! Today kitchen is my domain and you will not come uninvited," Daniel joked. "Just go and relax, I can take care of myself even though making a cake doesn't involve knives very much. Go! See if you aren't by any chance present in the living room!" he added laughing as Melissa pouted and made a sad face.

 

[Guest]

Giggling at Daniel, she finally slipped back out into the living room, relishing the site of him in a tank top and getting a view of strong arms, his muscles flexing as he did this and that. She sighed to herself and plopped down on the couch, flicking on the tv and lounging back, sporting a pair of Michael's old boxer shorts and an over sized t-shirt.

Kicking back, she got comfortable, hugging an extra pillow close as she watched random shows during comercials. Comfortable and happy, she listened to Daniel putter around int he kitchen. It felt good...it felt right...her heart was already melting and she wasn't sure if she should feel the way that she was.

Closing her eyes, she yawned and found herself drifting off to sleep, forgetting all about the niggling worries in the back of her mind and relaxing.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

The pie came out marvellous, just the right colour and thickness with a generous lining of apples inside and ground sugar on top. He put the cake away to cool down on the window sill and started cleaning up. His cakes usually turned out great but the kitchen looked like a battlefield afterwards. Good thing Mel was watching TV or she would make him a Waterloo. He washed and cleaned everything in fifteen minutes and took his time in preparing coffee with cream and icecream with cocoa sprinkles. Daniel cut a third of the pie into neat cubes and arranged them on a plate.

A loaded tray in his hands Dan entered the living room to see Mel dozing peacefully off on the couch, the remote on her belly. He put the tray on the coffee table a stiffled a chuckle. She looked so peaceful in her sleep, almost like a child, trusting and vulnerable. Soon the delicious smells reached her and Melissa came back to reality, purring and stretching on the couch which made Daniel's heart skip a beat as the fabric of her t-shirt clung to her breasts.

"Hello!" he said with a smile trying not to look at her legs or breasts and instead concentrating on her nose. "Everything's prepared as per order and ready for inspection, sir... ma'am!"

 

[Guest]

Mel blinked and smiled up at Daniel who smiled down at her. "Mmmm...smells good." Her stomach growled in appreciation as she sat up. "Oh yum...Daniel, this looks so good." She said and moved aside to make room for him. Her hair was slightly messed up, her shirt rumbled and shorts gave way to a generous amount of leg as she scooted over and sat indian style. Long, smooth legs criss crossed. She didn't seem to notice the wealth of milky pale skin that was exposed as she leaned forward and took a long breath in. "Ooooh yeees..." She sigh blissfully, letting out a little moan. "You are good."

She grinned at him and nudged him with a playful elbow as he sat next o her. "If I had known you could do this, I would have made you make this a long while ago."

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

"Nah, nothing would have come out of it then. My apple pie is a success only on Sundays and when I'm in the mood. All requirements have been met today so there you are, Melissa. Help yourself and eat to heart's content," Daniel pointed to the tray with a sweeping gesture and watched as Mel took her part of the dessert.

Then he put the icecream bowl and coffee before her and served himself in the same manner. With growing heart and growing smile he watched as Mel's lips turned upward in a dreamy smile and smiled in return as looked at him and moaned in delight.

"This is great! I hope there is nothing left or I will grow fat," she joked but he was flattered that she liked his cake so much.

"Alright alright, I get it," he said swallowing. "No more cooking done by me... Say... can I at least peel your potatos from time to time?" he asked jokingly nudging her elbow with his.

 

[Guest]

Mel giggled and took another bite of the deliscious food. Before she knew it, she'd finished off her share and sat back with a happy sigh and a cup of steaming coffee. "Oh god...that was so good. I think I can go back to sleep now." She laughed and gave him a wink as she took a tentative sip of coffee and sighed again.

"Well, I'd say this is the perfect ending to a near perfect day." She said, untangling her legs and crossing them at the knees, one long smooth leg gently swaying to a tune only heard in her mind.

"What do you think?"

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

"Well, I think it was a nice appetizer for the coming week," Dan answered with a smile trying not to follow the lines of Melissa's legs. "I'm glad you liked it," he said, leaning back and relaxing as well. "But hey, what would make this day perfect, hmmm? You said near perfect. There's still some time..."

Yes, it was a very good day, Danny decided -- bright, sunny, happy and full of surprises and new revelations.

"Ah! I need a smoke!" he exclaimed slapping his knees. "Join me?"

 

[Guest]

Me wasn't sure what a perfect day would be like, but somehow the image formed in her mind of her and Daniel, sitting on the couch with his lips pressed softly to hers. Gently at first, exploring, tasting and then passion fueling both of them to heights of pure bliss. She shivered slightly and pressed her thighs together, snapping out of her slighty day dream and blushed. "Yeah...I'll join you."

She said and got up along with him, praying that she hadn't left a damp spot on the boxers she was wearing considering she hadn't thought to wear panties.

"I don't know...I guess I just never strive for perfection...just greatness." She laughed, trying to chase away more sensual thoughts that kept invading her mind and creating warmth in the pit of her belly.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Taking his coffee with him Daniel fished the smokes from his jacket and exited to the veranda. Sitting on the bottommost step he lit a cigarette and blew the smoke away into the evening air. Contented he looked around the garden -- it looked presentable, neat and inviting. It was easy to see the actual change that they had introduced over the week, working together, sweating and trying to return it to its former glory. Dan sipped some coffee and looked back and up at Mel who stood leaning on the railing. Involuntarily he followed the line of her legs up to the shorts that must have been Michael's. When he met her eyes he blushed, she must have noticed him checking her up. Gosh, it was so embarrassing he blushed red and turned back, sticking the cigarette in his mouth and pulling on it deeply.

"It looks great, doesn't it," he tried speaking. "Back to normal. Heck, this garden begs for a BBQ... why don't we have dinner here tomorrow? I'll make a Russian steak with potatoes and carrot, hmmm?"

Damn, Daniel thought, I hope she doesn't think I'm trying to hit on her or having indecent thoughts. I never would... I think...

 

[Guest]

Relaxing against the railing and looking at Daniel, she was embarrassed to have been caught admiring him and blushed when he met her eyes.

"Heck, this garden begs for a BBQ... why don't we have dinner here tomorrow? I'll make a Russian steak with potatoes and carrot, hmmm?"

Mel smiled at the thought and nodded, looking out into the yard. "Yes...that would be wonderful and I would be nuts to refuse you cooking. I haven't had a man cook for me in...wait a minute! I dont' believe a man has ever cooked for me." She laughed and shifted, crossing her legs at the ankle.

"Don't we have a party go to on Wednesday or was that the baseball game?" She asked thoughtfully, then shrugged, "Well doesn't matter...I think we'll be plenty busy this week."

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

"Hmmm?" Daniel thoughtfully murmured questioning Melissa's words. "It's football match on Wednesday and garden party at the Morgans' place on Friday... What's the plan for the other days? Oh, oh..." Dan pulled on his cigarette. "You still don't trust my cooking skills. I understand now, you think that if I start tomorrow I'll end on Friday. Thanks for having faith in me, Melissa. Much obliged!" he said mockingly and poked her knee.

Nice end to an excellent day indeed, blissful and peaceful. Daniel thought that he could get used to it.

 

[Guest]

Mel giggled and nudged him with her foot. "Oh hush! I have plenty of faith in you." She said as he finished off his cigarette and killed it, flicking the but out into the yard.

She smiled as he stood and opened the front door, Daniel followed behind. "Well, I think I'm going to take a cup of coffee with me and take a bubble bath, then retire to bed with a good book. I haven't done that in ages. I hope that's alright with you." She said over her shoulder, grabbing plates and cups off the coffee table.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel entered the house taking his cup with him and stopped Mel as she tried to take the dishes to the kitchen. He smiled at her and took the stuff from her hands.

"Here, let me. You just go and have your hot bubbly bath and relax. Let me be banished to the flames of Hell for working on Sunday even more. Off with you, Mel. Let me do something for you once in a while," Daniel said jokingly and elbowed Melissa to prod her on her way to the bathroom. "I'll get the kitchen back to order."

With Mel gone, Danny cleaned the crockery they were using and put it away into the dishwasher. He turned the machine on and in the living room played some music to liven up the evening atmosphere. With the tunes playing and the machine humming he cut the remaining part of the cake into smaller pieces and placing them on small plates put them into the fridge. Then he cleaned the table and made sure that the kitchen looked better than before he had started using it for his culinary experiments. Satisfied with the outcome he took the crockery and cutlery from the dishwasher and placed it in respective cupboards and drawers.

Whistling the melody that was playing Daniel returned to the living room and plopped in the armchair with a sigh.

 

[Guest]

Mel was surprised when Daniel ushered her away and smiled to herself as she left him to the task of cleaning. In the bathroom, she ran herself a hot bath put in a healthy amount of bubbles that filled the room with warm scents of. Slipping into the water, she sighed blissfully and closed her eyes, letting herself soak. Her sun burn had begun to peal away some, but not badly and the warm water helped wash away the dead skin.

She could hear the faint sound of music as Daniel flicked on the stereo and began humming softly. Taking her time, she shaved and scrubbed her skin clean. Washed her hair, and face and then rinsed herself off before stepping into her robe. Rosy and damp, she padded out into the living room, feeling suddenly a bit self conscious that she was naked under the robe.

She found Daniel sitting in the big over stuffed arm chair and smiled at him a little shyly. "Well, I'm off to bed. Just wanted to wish you a good night." She said and stopped short in front of him. "Night Daniel and thanx for everything." She said, then bent down and surprised him with a soft kiss on the cheek.

With that, she turned and left him, leaving her warm fresh scent behind as she vanished into her room.