A Second Chance

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel woke up as usual at 5:30, even without the morning call his body still adhered to the strict rules of daily life. He quickly brushed his teeth and put on his track suit. Silently he crept to the door and went for his usual morning run coupled with a few stretching exercises. Slowly at first and then speeding up he fell into his usual tempo, covering the distance in a steady rhythm of steps and breaths. He used his running sessions for clearing his head, concentrating on his breath only in a strange perversion of quasi-Zen meditation. Daniel took the opportunity to run around the neighbourhood, checking the places in the area, other houses, gardens and generally looking at how people lived here.

Deciding it was enough for today, Danny ran back to Melissa's home, taking a different route though. He entered as silently as he had left, trying not to breathe too loud, but hearing sounds coming from the kitchen he relaxed and peeked inside. Mel was busying herself with preparing breakfast, moving this way and that, taking care of several things at the same time. She noticed him and Daniel smiled a bit, nodding to her.

"Good morning, Mel."

"Oh, Daniel. I thought you were still asleep and you're already up and running."

Dan smiled at the pun that appeared in her utterance.

"Nah, I always get up early. It's only been a few weeks since discharge and I still can't get used to getting up like a normal human being. I'll take a shower and be right back to help you."

"No, you needn't, it's almost ready so hurry up and get ready."

Daniel nodded and went to his room where he quickly undressed and took a shower, washing away sweat and the remains of sleepiness. Then he shaved and put on clean clothes. Refreshed he returned to the kitchen.

 

[Guest]

She was already setting things up at the kitchen table which she and Michael used usually for themselves. When guests arrived it was always an informal affair. Usually a BBQ or some sort of party that they enjoyed. She looked up as Daniel came in and smiled slighlty, "I hope you like all this...I didn't know what you prefered, so I made scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, pancakes." She motioned to the assortment of topings and sides for him also. "There is butter, syrop, jellies and jams, whatever you need. Most of this stuff survived my stint in shopping. So help yourself."

Slowly she sat in one of chairs facing him and pointed a silver flask. "That has hot coffee in it and then there is juice." Picking up her fork, she looked down at her already served plate and took a bite of egg, chewing slowly. "I hope you don't mind me doing this...I've decided that it's about time I do something with myself. I know that Michael probably wouldn't want me crying day and night for him...it's just hard...not having him here. But I must admit..." she said, feeling herself flush a little, "It's nice to have some company that isn't constantly nagging at me like my parents or friends."

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel sat at the table and sighed, the breakfast, though simple, had a homey feeling that made him smile. He helped himself generously, feeling ravenous after his morning run. Eating slowly, he glanced at Mel from time to time, she looked somehoe different this morning... fresher? Surely she seemed livelier than yesterday, he decided munching on the pancake.

And her attitude changed as well, she was friendlier, more open, almost talkative. He assumed that Mel understood that his presence here was for her good and since he didn't moralise upon her state, and she knew him to be silent, accepted his company. Danny welcomed this for two reasons: he would get to know Mel better (although he regretted it would be in such circumstances) and additionally maybe she would decide to open to the rest the family as well.

Daniel stifled a burp and smiled.

"Oh, this was great, Mel, really. I could exchange all that synthetic food they had been serving us for one such breakfast as today." He stroked his left forearm and continued, "You're right, Michael would have wanted you to be happy and smiling but I guess it's alright to mourn too... Anyway," he smiled weakly, "what do you intend to do today?"

He poured himself a cup of coffee. "Do you need anything done around the house? Something I can help you with?"

"I'll think about this and let you know," Mel answered.

Daniel nodded and got up from the table, taking the cup with him. "Thanks, I really enjoyed this and company other that a bunch of men. I'm going out for a smoke."

 

[Guest]

She gave him a little nod and watched him leave before looking back down at her almost empty plate. A small smile curved her lips, happy that she had done something good for someone else. Even if it had just been breakfast. With breakfast done, she began to clean up, loading up the dishwasher and wiping down counters as Daniel had his smoke outside.

When she was done, she padded out into the living room and looked around. What was she going to do? Maybe a trip to the store was in order...they could get more groceries and she could play around with some recipes like she used to. Maybe bake a cake or two. She used to enjoy those types of things. Her eyes glanced around, noticing dust on all her pictures. She needed to pack some things up, but wasn't quite ready yet. Maybe later in the week or month...she didn't know.

Behind her, she heard the front door open and turned to face Daniel. "I was thinking we should take a trip to the store...buy some things like food and toiletries...you know, regular stuff. What do you think?" She asked softly.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel was having his morning coffee and smoke in silence of the morning. Mel's mood made him feel optimistic about this whole mess. He wondered if she would ever try to get her life straight by herself, without snyone help or would she just cry herself to death to meet her beloved husband earlier. Her resolve to prepare breakfast for the both of them and fresh looks were promising. Dan killed the cigarette and threw it away in the weeds.

He finished his coffee and re-entered the house, in the living room he saw Melissa look around, her face thoughtful.

"I was thinking we should take a trip to the store...buy some things like food and toiletries...you know, regular stuff. What do you think?" she asked.

"Hmmm, good idea, I guess. Yesterday I could only carry so much with me so I bought only the fridge essentials. I'll be ready in no time and if you already know what is needed we can practically go right away. By the way, what do you say to dining out today? I thinks this might do you good, find yourself among people. You don't have to asnwer now if you feel uncomfortable about this we can always go another time. I just thought I'd bring this up..."

Danny shrugged and half-smiled and went to the kitchen to wash his mug.

 

[Guest]

Daniel's question about dining out caught her a little by surprise, but she didn't mind. Instead, she pondered the thought and turned to get her things. In her bedroom she found her purse and a light leather jacket she used to wear quite a bit and returned to the living room to fetch her keys.

Hearing Daniel in the kitchen still, she walked in and jangled her keys a bit. "Ready or do you need a minute?" She asked. Feeling somehow looking forward to the small outing. "There is a small chinese place I really like in town...maybe later or sometime in the week we can go there, for lunch or dinner or something like that."

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel turned and smiled, it was nice hearing that Melissa agreed to go out from the house not only after the everyday necessities but to luch or dinner as well. Things were definitely looking up. And Mel was definitely looking good in her jacket.

"No, I'm ready to go. I was just checking if we could still buy something to eat but I guess there's all that's necessary... unless something comes to mind."

Daniel put on his shoes and jacket, checked if his smokes and wallet were in pockets and opened the door, letting her go out first and then waited for her to lock the door.

"Well, after you. I found one shop yesterday and some more when I was running earlier but I guess I should get to know the neighbourhood better."

 

[Guest]

She smiled a little and locked the door, leading the way to the car. "I wish I had the drive to run or work out, but unfortunately I don't." Unlocking the car, she slid inside the drivers seat with a bit of a sigh and closed the door. Her hands trembled slightly as she pushed the key in the ignition and turned the car on. It started with a purr, as if she had been driving it every day when in reality it had been months. Reaching for her seatbelt, she tried to focus on the convorsation and not the fear of going out on the road.

"There are a few stores around here, but most are a little spendy because we're in a small town. I prefer going a little further out to the big market and get everything at once. But maybe another day we could explore and you're welcome to use the car. I really don't mind."

Trying to push away her fears, she gave him a quick smile and pulled out of the driveway, easing into the feel of things again. "I was actually thinking that other than general house cleaning, I really should look at the yard...the grass needs mowing badly. If you're up the task."

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel was looking out the side window as Mel drove. I felt strange to be in the passenger seat and the seat position was weird, he couldn't get himself to sit comfortably. An annoyed sigh escaped his lips.

"Sure is smaller than the trucks I was driving in the army. Guess it'll need getting used to but I think I'll manage if I ever need to use it. I don't really know where I could go around here. Unless you want me to fetch something that is."

Dan listened as Mel suggested doing some work in the garden. Well, he didn't mind and seeing as the yard was quite big he would have something to do for a few days and have time to think about this situation some more. Getting Melissa out of the house was already a small victory and Danny actually thought she would be more reluctant to do anything besides sitting in a darkened room and hugging a pillow.

"No problem, sure beats commando crawling on gravel and is useful. I can take care of that, actually wanted to propose this myself. Melissa, you can count on me, ok?"

 

[Guest]

She glanced at him and smiled, “Yeah…this is a pretty small car. I was thinking about getting a bigger one before things go the way they are. Who knows…perhaps in a little bit I’ll re-think it. But again, whenever you want it. You do have your parents and brother to visit, you know?” She kept her eyes on the road until he mentioned that she could count on him. Glancing his way she smiled softly, “I know I can, Daniel. I never had a doubt about that, it’s just not…the same.”

She shifted uncomfortably, feeling like shit that she had to say it that way, but it was true. He wasn’t Michael. He was her brother in law and they barely knew each other. She knew he would do what Michael wanted him to do…follow up on his ‘duties’, but it wasn’t the same as doing it out of love. Forcing her gaze to the road, she let them fall into silence until they reached the super market she used to frequent. “Well, here we are. I think we’re going to probably need two carts – so lets get to it. Best to get things done early before the afternoon rush hits.”

Climbing out of the car, she shoved her keys in her purse and straightened her clothes as they began to make their way into the market.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel kept silent for the rest of the way to the supermarket and when Melissa was locking the car he fetched two carts. Why two? he wondered. Were they going to buy things to put on every shelf in the house? But he also remembered that his mother always shopped in this manner, even if she went to buy meat and bread she would return with several loaded bags of fodstuffs. Besides, maybe indulging in mammoth shopping would turn Mel's mind from grief on to some more mundane things.

When they entered the market Dan gaped at the sheer size of the place. It's been so much since he'd been to one that his eyes went wide with amazement. On the outside it wasn't as impressive.

The words Melissa spoke in the car reverberated in his head and finally hed had to stop to clear this matter up. He picked up a packet of paper towel and played with it before tossing into the cart, gathering his courage up again.

"Look, Mel, I don't intend to try and fill in for Michael in your life. I just want to help you because we are family after all... although we hardly know each other. Let's consider this a chance to get acquainted better if nothing else. You know as well as I this is one crazy situation..."

This was getting more and more uncomfortable by the minute and even though initially Mel consented to his presence it seemed she was still unsure about all this. No wonder.

 

[Guest]

Mel smiled softly and nodded, "Come on...this place is horrible once people start to pile in." She commented, diverting the convorsation and trying to ease the discomfort they both felt. Automatically she took the lead, leaving Daniel sort of trailing behind as she began to meticulously pick out foods. Everything from meats and sides, to spices, snacks, frozen foods, drinks, a few bottles of wine and then moving on to toiletries. She was sorely low on everything. So next came toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and cleaning supplies. When her cart seemed completely full, she turned to Daniel and smiled again. "I thought perhaps we could get some gardening things...you know, flowers and fertilizer for the pots and flower beds that are just about all dead or overgrown."

Daniel nodded, he looked thoughtful and a little uncomfortable too. She wished she could do or say something to ease his mind. It was bad enough that she was having to deal with her grief...then it hit her and she faltered in her steps and looked a little shocked. He had lost someone he loved too...someone he had known his entire life. A brother who he had loved and cared for...not the same sort of love Mel had shared with Michael, but still a strong bond. Now he was thrown in this mix with her and all she could think about was herself. Not of how his family had grieved or how he was handling things, but only of herself, her loss, her sadness, her pain.

Taking a deep breath, she blinked back tears, not wanting to break down right there in the store and tried to occupy her mind, but it was rushing. Perhaps Michael hadn't put them together just for Me's sake...perhaps he somehow knew that Daniel needed her as well.

In the gardening section, she tried to bury her nose in an isle of seeds and gardening tips, hoping that Daniel didn't think she had gone off the deep end.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

It seemed as if she handn't listened to him at all, dismissing his confession and proposition simply by hurrying him up to move to another department. Daniel shook his head and followed obediently, reasoning that perhaps she didn't want to talk about this in here or just tried to shield herself by the neutral topic of shopping for gardening stuff.

When they reached the section Mel browsed the seeds packets, or so it seemed, while Dan lugged bags of soil and fertilizer and some tools he thought would be necessary and was sure were not present in the house.

"Mel, I've no idea about flowers, so you just choose whichever plants you think will look nice. I'll go and ask an assistant if the fertiliser isn't too strong for a regular garden."

Melissa, nodded, looking at him and he thought her eyes were a little red. Had he overdone it? Maybe he shouldn't really have dug into this topic in here. This was still a fresh wound for the both of them and instead of healing it he only made it bleed again. First of all they should really talk about this lest they create situations like this over and over again.

When Danny returned Mel was already done with choosing the seeds and plant. He tried a smile and pulled the carts.

"Are we done or do we need something more?"

 

[Guest]

Having taken some control over her emotions, she forced another smile and nodded, 'No, we're good. Lets go before the crowd gets worse. We've been here a few hours already...are you hungry?" She asked...maybe lunch would do them both good. She was already trying to fight off the urge to hug him and tell him she was terribly sorry for her actions and lack of emotional control, but she managed.

Wheeling her cart beside his, she motioned to a free lane and moved her cart into position to unload it.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

They paid and pushed their carts to the parking lot to load it all into the car. Then Daniel hurried to put the carts back in the booth and returned to the car.

"Yeah, I'm ravenous. Let's have a lunch somewhere. Maybe that oriental place you mentioned earlier? I never tried chinese food, even instant. I'd love to try."

Dan decided to abandon the delicate topic of Michael for the moment. It still wasn't the time to get down to discussing it. First they needed to become more comfortable in each other's company. If time allowed and they came to an understanding they would try and come to terms with the memory of Michael.

 

[Guest]

Mel smiles and nods as they pull out of the parking lot. “Sure…it’s great. I can’t believe you’ve never tried oriental food. Although Chinese is my favorite of them all…I don’t like spicy foods. So I stick mostly to the sweet and sour stuff. Like Sweet and Sour chicken. Mmmmm…” She laughed softly.

The drive isn’t far from the store…Mel pulls into a small parking lot and gets out, leading the way into a quaint little Chinese
Restaurant. One little lady brightens as she recognizes Mel and gives her a warm hug. Her accent is thick, but her English good. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Mel. I’m so happy to see you again.” Glancing at Daniel and looks at her curiously, “Who is your friend?”

Mel feels herself blushing a little, even though she has no reason to feel guilty or embarrassed. “This is Daniel…Michael’s middle brother. He’s in town…helping me with…things.” She says carefully.

The little lady nods in understanding and motions them to a table. “Come…lunch on me, please, order whatever you’d like.”

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Dan felt enchanted by the place, it was small, quaint and removed. The smell of meals and exotic spices tickled his nose and intoxicated him, making his head spin. It was a calm restaurant, with soft music sounding from hidden speakers. The little woman who approached them was smiling and very kind to pass her condolences. Daniel smiled at her as she led them to a table.

"Mel, I've really no idea what's what here," he whispered, leaning over the menu and eyeing Melissa for help. "Just order what you think is good... and spicy. I like it hot... I think."

This place would be really great if Danny had the slightest idea about Chinese cuisine, then he would feel more at ease. As such, he was afraid to make a crazy or unsuitable choice of dishes and make a fool of himself.

 

[Guest]

Mel flashed him a grin that truly transformed her features and chuckled, "OK...that's fine." Turning to the little woman when they were seated, she handed her the menus back. "Here...you know me, I already know the menu." The women exchanged a few more pleasantries and then Mel got down the business and ordered a sample platter of different foods for Daniel to try and some hot and spicy soup to start him off with while she settled for her usual sweet and sour chicken and fried rice.

Smiling, the little lady left only to return with their drinks and then vanishing once again. Mel punched her straw through the paper covering and placed it in her glass and took a long draw out sip with a little sigh. "I forgot how nice this place is. I used to come here a lot. This is more than I've done in a while, shopping, lunch...I may have to take a nap after this!" She teased lightly, feeling a little more like herself and trying to keep things more airy between them.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel smiled hearing Mel's joke and took a sip of his drink, waiting for their lunch to arrive.

"You know, spending time outdoors will make you sleep better in the night. After field training I used to sleep like a log. I'm glad you decided to go out like this... And you look much better today already. Livelier," he smiled and sipped again looking outside at the street.

Then the little woman brought their dishes and wished them a nice meal. He smiled and thanked her and curiously eyed the variety of foods and smells they were giving off. Oh yes, it smelled spicy, and looked great too.

Danny nodded to Mel and started with his soup only to flush on his face and wince trying not to breathe fire. He liked it hot, bot not THAT hot. This was spicier than anything he had ever tried. He decided to bear it but soon had to order another drink to calm the inferno raging in his throat.

"This is real good," he panted. "Just the right amount of spices... Hooaa...!"

 

[Guest]

She giggled softly and happily ate her meal without such problems, sipping on her drink occasionally. She couldn't help but study him as they ate, trying not to be too obvious about it. He certainly was handsome. Dark hair, blue eyes all the more pronounced by dark eyebrows and lashes most women would kill for. She wondered why he had such a hard time with the ladies...he certainly had the looks. He was tall and in good shape, lean with broud shoulders and probably an impressive amount of muscle...although she couldn't tell by what he was wearing and couldn't remember a time ever seeing him in any less.

Deciding that checking her brother in law out was probably not the greatest idea, she concentrated on her food and lightly chit chatted with him about this and that. Finally full, she pushed her plate away and looked at Daniel, "So...what did you think?"

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel enjoyed the meal immensly, even though it was way too hot even for his tasted, his throat was on fire no number of drinks could douse. At some point during the main course even tears appeared in his eyes. He couldn't deny though that what he had just finished eating was delicious and innovative. He could begin to like this cuisine and definitely would come here for more some time in the future.

Dan put his chopsticks away, his cheeks and ears burning with red, and looked at Mel, who sat and smiled happily on the other side of the table. She looked satisfied and happy even, although he could still see the darkness in her eyes. He smiled back at her.

"Excellent, Melissa. Thanks for bringing me here," his voice came out in a hoarse whisper and he chuckled. The meal had gotten to him indeed. Blinking he tried to laugh but broke out coughing. "How are you feeling?"

 

[Guest]

She gave him a nod, "Yes...I feel a bit better, thank you. Just taking it one little step at a time. No sense in rushing head on into things." When he coughed, she gave him a small bemused smile, "Are you alright? You know, maybe some bread and butter could ease the sting of those spices. You want some or would you rather just go home?"

He looked flushed, his face almost shiny with sweat. She couldn't help but find it amusing. Michael had done the same thing once and they had ended up laughing about it for days later. She had teased him without mercy until he kissed her silly and then made love to her. To her shock, the thought made her tingle with awareness and she quickly downed the rest of her drink and squashed the sensation away.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Yes, going back home was a nice idea, especially so since he remembered a nice, cold bottle of beer in the fridge. That would surely cool his insides off. He forced a painful smile and sighed, trying to ventilate his burning mouth.

"I'll be fine, Mel, I think. Let's just return home," Daniel whispered, barely controlling his voice.

They got up and went back into the car and Melissa carefully drove them back to the house.

"Why didn't you tell me it would be so hot? You could have warned me. I like my food spicy but... not THAT spicy... Oh damn, I feel like I could drink the whole Nile down!"

 

[Guest]

She bite back another giggle and parked the car, getting out and tossing Daniel the keys with a grin. "Here, go and get yourself a drink or something to cool your tongue and insides off. I think there is something in the medicine cabinet too that may help if stomach hurts. I'm really sorry...I don't like spicy foods, I just know what they are." She said innocently enough and began unloading the groceries from the car.

 

[Poganin]

Daniel

Daniel ran to open the door and quickly took a beer from the fridge. Walking back to the car he emptied the bottle in one long swig. It didn't solve his problem though, his throat was still sore although now he felt a weird coldness in his stomach. Never again, he promised himself taking the heaviest bags from Melissa and taking them inside. He hung his jacket on a peg and made another round to take away the bags with soil and fertilizer to carry them to the tool shed. His throat still burned.

Making sure that there was nothing left to carry Danny went inside and from the fridge took a yoghurt, deciding that maybe something sweet would soothe his irritated mouth. He felt he also needed a smoke, as usual after a good meal. Melissa was in the kitchen, stuffing foodstuffs into the fridge. He sat at the table and absentmindedly looked at her move around, not really paying attention that he was staring until Mel looked back at him.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?!"

"Hmmm? What? Oh, sorry, Melissa, I guess I was woolgathering. I didn't mean to stare."

"How are you? Any better?" she asked.

"A bit, I think I will be sore for some time still. I'm not used to such delicious and exotic cuisine after the monotony of GI kitchen," he smiled and sighed. "Thanks for taking me there. It really did lighten things up, didn't it?"