Desperate times call for unexpected loves (Melisha Tweedy x FemOC)

Chapter 21: Chickens go in, pies come out

An unexpected rain put an end to any conversation, forcing us to go inside the house. I was thoughtful, without speaking. Chicken pot pies or the end of our love story. I cursed life for being so unfair, for forcing me to choose between my principles and my heart.

I stopped being aware of time, only my thoughts existed, only those doubts, that uncertain future.

The afternoon arrived without even bothering me. The rain had subsided and the two of us were alone. There were no words, no looks, just the melancholic sound of the radio songs.

The atmosphere was depressing, empty, as if I had gone back to those days when I was only a nuisance to Melisha. Maybe I never stopped being one.

I looked at her out of the corner of my eye, while she studied some papers without looking up. I was lying on the couch. I didn't even feel like reading. There were too many things going through my head, all of them worrying and sad things. I assumed it was the prelude to the end, a sad, hopeless last journey.

I couldn't help but sob, wiping a tear from my cheek, as I looked out the window. The sunset was one more sign that told me that this would not end well. The sound of pen rubbing against paper stopped.

I didn't want to look. I didn't even want to see if she was looking at me, if I had caught her attention. How cruel fate was, putting me in such a difficult situation. I had to sacrifice my ethics, the conception I had of those chickens. They were special animals, but I will never be able to prove it.

What for? A new life? Where? What was I going to tell my parents?

Even the optimistic vision of that successful future had its problems.

Ella Fitzgerald playing on the radio didn't help me at all. It was Melisha or me. It was a decision to make, one for which fate had prepared its dice. A decision stained with the blood of beings which understood my words and were capable of reasoning.

I sighed, focusing my gaze on the chicken coops. I wondered if they were aware of their destiny. Part of me wished I hadn't stopped that group that day and they had been able to escape. That would mean ruin for the Tweedys, ruin for Melisha. Was that a bad thing? If the farm went bankrupt, wouldn't it make a difference? She wouldn't have the need to be with him anymore. She could be poor anywhere else and she wouldn't be alone, she would be with me.

I shook my head in horror at my own thoughts.

A hand on my shoulder startled me. She was always stealthy. She always went unnoticed if she wanted to. There was no one like her. I would never find someone like her.

She didn't say anything. She just looked at me curiously, with a serene, understanding look. Of course Melisha Tweedy was an expert at reading thoughts, although you didn't have to be an expert to do it at that time.

She understood me and at that moment I realized. She was still silent, extending a hand towards me. She knew what I needed. I needed her love, her affection, her understanding. She needed to not feel alone. I needed her to remind me why I had to keep hoping.

I took her hand, letting her gently lift me up, pulling my body.

I didn't say anything either. Words were not necessary at that moment.

The music played in the background as she put my hand on her shoulder, wrapping it around my waist.

Our movements were slow, following the rhythm of that melancholic music. A calm and silent dance. I closed my eyes, enjoying the gentle sway, that subtle act of love, one that I didn't ask for, but that I needed.