Little Green Apples (Ivan×OC)

Chapter 5

Days had turned to weeks, and weeks had turned into months. The days blurred one into the other, but in the best way possible.

Jess had slowly been growing closer to her new friends she had inadvertently made in the last five months. She knew all of the ins and outs of the church and had steadily made the library her haven. She remembered the day she and Ivan spent setting it up.

~~~

Boxes. So. Many. Boxes. They were slowly becoming satisfied with how full the shelves were filling up. The focal point being the bookcase full of first editions of some of her favorite books: Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Little Women, the list went on. And of course she had to have her tea set and family photos on display.

"Ivan, could please hand me another armful of books? This shelf looks a little sparse."

"Sure thing, Jess."

He rolled up his sleeves. It was a hot summer day and the library was sweltering. As he dug some books out she couldn't help but notice his arms... Thin, but there was also lean muscle under his tanned skin. She shook her head quickly before he could notice her staring.

"Here you are, dear", he declared, holding out a stack of books to her with a smile.

She couldn't help but grin back.

~~~

Right now they were all in the church listening to his sermon. She had become accustomed to her routine.

Monday to Saturday: help Ivan in the office in the morning, work in the garden, read in the afternoon, have dinner and socialize with the others in the evening, and have a good sleep. She found it so much easier to rest out in the country. It was always so peaceful and quiet. Sunday was her favorite day. She got to see Ivan shine. She couldn't help but develop a small friend crush on him, especially after he took her in with open arms. It made her happy to see him in his element.

Once his sermon was over, he was mingling with the small group he saw every Sunday. After the crowd dissipated, she hurried over to him. It was her turn to make dinner that night, since they rotated on a schedule.

"So, what should I make tonight?"

"Hmm... Hoooow abooout... We barbecue tonight?"

"Sounds like a plan to me!"

"Barbecue it is then!"

After that was decided, she retreated to her library for some relaxation before cooking. But not before she passed through the kitchen to brew herself a cup of tea to enjoy with her current book, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie.

'An English book calls for English tea', she reasoned.

She had just put water on to boil when Ivan showed up.

"If I make tea, would you like one?", she offered.

"Tea would be lovely," he chirped.

She poured two cups of water and stuck the tea infusers in them to steep.

"Busy day planned?", she asked.

"Not really, I was just going to relax and sit in the garden until dinner. How about you?"

"I planned on reading more of my book."

"Well, why don't you join me in the garden? Some company would be nice."

"I would love to; it is quite nice out today", she pointed out.

She went to snag her book, when she found Gunnar browsing through her collection. He gave her a fearful look, as if he had been caught doing something bad.