A Long Way Home

C h a p t e r 3

The smell of sizzling bacon and eggs spread around the kitchen. Dahlia filled out a metal kettle and set it on the old gas hob, while Matt quickly set the table. The memories of her life with granny flooded her back as she looked around the kitchen. Dahlia looked at Matt setting the table, his large figure moved somewhat awkwardly and seemed out of the place in the small kitchen. A soft smile crossed her lips. Despite the change in his appearance, his movements still reminded her of the same socially awkward kid he used to be. When Jay got into a fight for the first time, Matt awkwardly petted him on the back trying to talk sense into his older brother, but Jay would have none of it. He yelled back at his brother and even the busted lip didn't stop him. That day was the first time Dahlia was Matt angry. He pushed Jay away trying to get his feelings across, but Jay was wound up. The brothers attacked each other neither wanting to let go. When she ran to them trying to push them away from each other, one of them pushed her aside causing her to fall and hit her head on the side of the table.

Dahlia pressed her fingertips to a small white scar just above her eyebrow.

Her painful scream paralysed them. The blood gushed from the wound down her face. She looked up at them wide eyed, lips trembling from pain. Granny rushed from the garden inside. It took a minute to analyse the situation. "Jay, Matt," she called out. They looked up at her in fear with tears streaming down their cheeks. "Let's get Dahlia to the doctor quickly." They boys nodded rushing to sobbing girl. Jay picked her up, he was only eleven, but even then, he was much bigger than the boys his age. Matt gently stroked her hair, whispering that it will be okay and how sorry they are. After that they the brothers never fought when she was around, and their friendship got closer. Later that night they all sat around the round kitchen table drinking apple spiced tea and eating freshly baked ginger cookies, while trying to explain what happened.

The sound of water boiling brought her back to reality. "Tea or coffee?" she asked while getting the cups. Matt walked closer and stopped behind her. If she took a step back, his chest would be touching her back.

"Tea please." He replied. "Do you need any help?"

"No, have a seat, I'll be a minute."

He stood behind her for a while longer before returning to the table. Matt watched her from the corner of his eyes. His eyes outlined her body as she reached out for sugar, his eyes caressed her hair as she pushed it behind her ear, his eyes kissed her neck as she tilted her head. Matt inhaled deeply feeling heat spreading through his body. Dahlia returned to the table with two steaming cups of tea. She sat opposite him and smiled.

"I wasn't sure if you still like your tea sweet,"

Matt sipped took a sip of the offered drink.

"I do,"

She sighed feeling relieved. "Great, because I've added three teaspoons of sugar,"

Matt chuckled and returned to the food. Dahlia sipped her tea while looking out the window. She felt good. The nervousness was finally gone. Her body was relaxed, and her mind seemed at ease. Dahlia felt happy. Granny's house and Matt brought back the warm and fuzzy feeling of comfort and home. It seemed as if there was no seven-year gap between them, as if it was just another day back home, when Matt came over to spend time with her.

Matt cleared his throat but before he could speak, her phone rang.

"It's Jay," she beamed and put the phone on loudspeaker.

"Hey mountain man," she smiled widely leaned closer to the phone on the table.

"Yo, D," Jay coughed. "You there yet?"

"Yeah, Matt and I are having breakfast. You are on loudspeaker by the way."

"Yo, Matty," Jay said cunningly, Dahlia could swear that he was smirking. "Take care of D there. Don't let her work herself into an early grave."