Koalas (Kyle O'Shea)

Chapter 5

Everyone worked until the late evening. They  finished about half the field when Jeb called them for supper. Melody made her way over to Kyle, who smiled at her and took her hand. His smile made butterflies erupt in her stomach.

For supper they had hard bread again. Kyle sat on her right side, while Jamie was at her left side. Trudy and Lily sat in front of her as they talked about their day. Apparently they had been baking bread the whole time. They sat and talked until it was very late and Melody reluctantly left with the O'Shea brothers. They were few of the last people anyway.

They got ready for bed and Kyle wrapped his heavy arm around her and pulled her closer. It didn't take long for the brothers to fall asleep. They worked hard the whole day. Although, Melody was tired as well she couldn't sleep. Her conversation with Jamie brought up the last memory she had from her brother. It made her eyes sting with tears.

Once Kyle was out as a light, she removed his arm and slowly walked into the kitchen. She wasn't hungry but she knew Trudy was too tired to do the dishes. Melody just wanted something to distract her and if the distraction had to be dishes then so be it.

Her fingers cleaned each plate and cup carefully and by the end, when all the dishes were dry she felt her eyes getting heavy. She put the towel onto a rag to dry before going back to their room. Both brothers were still sleeping, even snoring a bit. Melody laid down next to Kyle and cuddled against him. His presence always made her heart flutter. She closed her eyes and fell asleep with a smile.

Melody woke up as Kyle started to move. The sun was up and Ian already left the room. Once Kyle noticed her open eyes he apologized.

"I didn't want to wake you."

"It's fine" she said and got up. Her bones cracked when she stretched before getting dressed, and following Kyle into the kitchen to eat breakfast.

Lily noticed her first and hugged her. She wanted Melody to feel welcome and like she belonged here. Ian and Kyle didn't have a problem integrating themselves into a group and Lily was just looking out for the younger woman.

"Today you can work with Trudy and me. We'll make some more soap so we can wash some clothes again."

Melody nodded as she took a bite of the fresh bread in her hands. Kyle had given it to her. His hand now resting on her thigh. It was Jeb again that told everyone to get started.

Melody followed Trudy and Lily. They told her how the process worked and what she had to do. It didn't take her long to get it right and soon they worked next to each other happily chatting away.

The soap burned against Melodys fingers but the women assured her this was normal. Sadly. Working in the dark tunnel made Melody lose any sense of time, so she was surprised when they were told to have some lunch.

Lunch passed uneventful and Kyle and Melody were together in their room laying next to each other. Melody traced patterns on Kyles chest as he drew on her back. They were silent and just enjoyed each others company until she sat up and looked him in the eyes.

"What are we?"

"What do you mean?" He tensed.

"I feel safe with you, and always so happy. I want to be more than friends."

The silence after that statement suffocated her as Kyle stared at her blankly.

"I don't.. I can't.. not after Jodie. I care about you but no."

Melody nodded, tears in her eyes. He was still hung up on Jodie. She got up from the mattress.

"I'll look and see if I can find Trudy. She might need help with something."