Life starts now - A Bondi Rescue story

Evening at the Barnes'

A/N: Thank you for your wonderful comments. This is a bit of a filler chapter, but I hope you still like it :) Sorry if there are any mistakes, I think my brain has frostbite... with windchill factored in, we have around -17 degrees and snow right now.

That evening, Deano was adamant about giving her a lift home. Melanie, too tired to argue, accepted it with a faint smile.

"Thanks, Deano", she said softly as they came to a stop in front of her house.

He smiled at her and squeezed her shoulder. "No worries, Mellie. Are you sure you'll be okay on your own?"

The young girl nodded. "Yeah", she replied. "I'm looking after my neighbours' kids tonight, so I won't be alone."

The kind-hearted team leader acquiesced and added: "If you need anything, just call, alright?"

"I will", she promised, her heart growing warm at the genuine concern shining in his eyes.

Melanie got out of the car and waved as he drove away. There was still a smile on her lips when she unlocked the door and made her way inside the house. She blew out a long, exhausted breath while shuffling to the bathroom.

She had made a habit of applying after sun lotion to moisturise her skin after spending all day out in the heat. She always wore sunscreen and zinc, on particularly hot days even resorting to women's foundation with SPF, but the cooling lotion helped regenerate the skin even if it wasn't sunburnt.

Glancing at her wrist watch, the small brunette discovered that it was almost 7:30. She sighed and swallowed a yawn. Part of her really just wanted to stay home, listen to some music and go to bed. But she had agreed to look after the kids while Josie and Malcolm went to their dance class.

Grabbing her phone and keys, Melanie slipped back into her black thongs, locked up the front door and walked over to the Barnes residence. I just hope Liam doesn't throw a tantrum tonight, she thought to herself.

When tired, the five-year-old was prone to screaming and crying if he didn't get his way. He had improved greatly over the last year, but especially on days when he'd had soccer practice, Liam was quick to start a loud argument. He got upset when he didn't get to choose the movie or when they didn't get to have any snacks after dinner, but most of all when he thought that somebody was treating him like a little kid. He didn't see, however, that his screaming episodes proved that he wasn't as mature as he thought he was.

***

"Sorry I'm late", were the first words out of her mouth as soon as Josie opened the door.

"Nonsense, dear", the older woman said, shaking her head with a smile. "You're right on time. Have you eaten yet?"

Blushing a bit, Melanie had to deny. "I didn't have time yet", she admitted while also giving Bubbles, the family's Australian Cattle Dog, the appropriate amount of attention.

Josie gave her a look that was half amused, half disapproving. "Come on in then", she said, "and I'll make you something. Are you hungry or would you just like something small?"

Melanie hurried to assure her that it wasn't necessary and that really, she would just have a yoghurt, some cereal or a sandwich. But Josie wasn't having it.

"Don't be silly, dear", she chided lightly, "we have some leftovers that I'll warm up for you."

Recognising a lost fight when she saw one, the young girl relented and went into the living room, saying hi to Malcolm and the kids. Baby Sammy was babbling to himself as he played with some plushies. Hannah was colouring and Liam was reading a children's book about butterflies. Both children jumped up and ran over to her, squealing in excitement and nearly barrelling her over with their exuberant hugs.