Strawberry Fields Forever

Amelie yawned as she slowly dressed herself. The night before, Lucile and some third random guy kept her awake. Luckily, she’d been able to take a quick nap after coming home from babysitting Cash and River all day. Those kids were a piece of work, really.

But nevertheless Amelie enjoyed herself when she was around them, building lego houses and cooking them veggies. It was almost like she was developing some kind of maternal instinct. Unfortunately, she had to leave almost immediately when Matt returned since she'd forgotten her key and Lucile was leaving the inn at this time.

For some reason, Lucile didn’t think it was appropriate to let her sleep anymore during the nights, partly because Amelie quit her job on the strawberry fields. I really need to find a new job and another place to stay, she thought as she slowly combed through her dirt blond hair before pulling it into a ponytail, getting ready for another day of job-hunting in a part of Huntington Beach she hadn't gotten to so far.

The sun rose early and the birds and the traffic woke her up after what felt like a mere hour of sleep. Last time she checked her watch was at 3.30 am and her roommate was far from done for the night at that point. Lucile and her night’s companion, on the other hand, were still soundly asleep, not at all bothered by the noise Amelie was making on purpose.

I really hate her guts, Amelie thought as she watched her naked nemesis sleep, who didn't even bother that her stark naked ass was clearly visible to Amelie. Lucile wasn’t evil but she was reckless. It seemed to Amelie that she probably never thought about her or anyone else but herself. She just pulled through whatever she desired to do.

In a way, Amelie thought that model of life wasn’t the worst, but on the other hand she didn’t want others to think of her in the way she thought of Lucile. And they would. That was Amelie’s problem all along: She cared too much about other peoples’ opinions. She was never really able to really relax or put herself first.

She slammed the door behind her as she left, pleased to hear muffled sounds from inside. At least she'd managed to wake the evildoers up. They deserved that lack of sleep.

Amelie immediately recognized Matt’s convertible pacing Baker Street right in front of the youth hostel she was residing at, obviously looking for a parking spot. For a second, she panicked. If Lucile saw him! Worse even: If Lucile saw them together! She wondered why he was coming to see her, but that one thing she knew was she couldn’t let Lucile see him. Being a diehard Avenged Sevenfold fan, would recognize him immediately. Amelie was all but ready for that drama.

Not exactly knowing how warm it would be, she threw on her jacket over her plain white shirt and denim shorts before she ran out to see him, not even bothering to change her shoes. Lucile and she used the same cheap I <3 CA flip flops for the shabby and dirty shower. They certainly made sure not to spend any more time than was necessary under it. You could literally see the bacteria on the drain.

She reached Baker Street just in time to see Matt pull into a vacant parking spot. “Matt,” she exclaimed, making him aware of her presence.

“Hey Amelie,” he greeted her with a warm smile, “I was just gonna go in to talk to you.” Amelie took a moment to take him in. He was looking good in his white tight t-shirt with the “FCK CNCR” print and his blue jeans. His usual Lakers cap and the aviators completed the look. “My roommate is gonna freak out if she sees you here,” Amelie explained as she let herself into the passenger side of his car.

“Alright,” he said with a nonchalant grin as he got in again and started the engine. “Care for some breakfast?” Not wanting to cause rumors, they ended up going to Matt’s house for pancakes. With a click, Matt let them in from inside the garage while Amelie, once more, took in his deathbat flag. It was as if he hid a whole different world in his garage, something you wouldn't be able to tell if you saw him on the street. Only the heavily tattoed arms would give you a clue.

“So why were you looking for me?” Amelie asked with a genuine curiosity as she walked over to the open kitchen and turned on the stove. They were already a good team when it came to making breakfast. “Milk.” “Absolutely. And I was gonna talk to you about something,” Matt replied and opened the fridge to take out the milk.

“Mhm,” Amelie said, waiting for him to continue. "Uhm, considering what I... told you yesterday..." he began. "Yeah...?"
"Do you still think the same of me as you did before?" Amelie took some seconds to think about the question. Did she? Well, I used to want to sleep with you, now I'm not sure anymore, her inner voice replied something she'd rather not say aloud, though you're incredibly hot and I'd probably still do it.
"I guess, I mean... I don't know," she responded while putting the whisks in his automatic egg beater. "Does it matter?"

"In a way," he replied, carefully choosing his words. She watched him take a deep breath. "In a way," she replied thoughtfully, "in which way?" “You know, you said you were looking for a job,” he said. Amelie grinned, thinking that he always talked like that when he was up to something. He would say one sentence and then wait for her to respond. It was strange, she thought, that after such a little time knowing each other she could sense that.

“Uh-uh,” she let out, mainly because she didn't want to wait forever on his answer. She switched on the egg beater, mixing all the ingredients to an even dough. “Yeah so, turns out I would be needing someone for the kids for a while,” Matt finally let out, talking loudly so she would hear him over the noise.
“What, you mean, me?” Amelie said, sounding surprised as she switched off the machine. She slowly filled some of the pancake mix she just made into the pan. A spluttering sound started to fill the air, as well as the heavenly smell of pancakes. Matt’s muscles flexed as he opened the fridge to take out the maple syrup.

“I mean, why not?” he began, “You love the kids, they wouldn’t have to get used to someone new. I’m starting to feel like you can handle them better than I do. You’re looking for a job anyway and now you can be that au pair you told me you originally wanted to be. And you can finally get out of this ugly hole on Baker Street.” She heard him breathe. "And I really like spending time with you," he admitted with a boyish smirk.

Amelie thought about his proposition as she made the pancakes, one after another. It sounded tempting. She would have a large bed. No more hearing Lucile’s moans of pleasure in the middle of the night. She would have a clean shower, even, and a job that would definitely pay off more than the strawberry fields. And then, of course, there was the opportunity to be around Matt for some more time.

“Where do I apply if I’m interested,” she asked. Matt grinned. “Can you set the table?” she ordered as she flipped the last pancake in the air.

“Uh, I’m actually planning to head up to my cabin in Big Bear for a week or two. You’ll love it there,” Matt said as they finally devoured the pancakes. “I got some stuff in my head that I just need to write down. I just can’t here, too many distractions.” She nodded, knowing exactly what he meant. In the past month, she’d really grown fond of Huntington, but she knew if she lived here she would desperately need some alone time on the countryside.

“What would I do there?”
“Well, as I said. Take care of the kids, maybe cook. I mean, I’m happy to assist, but you’re way better and more creative than me.” He let out a chuckle. “You know, there’s amusement parks, a water park, a wildlife camp for kids their age. River loved it last time we went.”

Although by now, Amelie was sure she’d take the job, she somehow didn’t like the way his voice sounded when he said “we”. She knew he meant him and his wife back then when they were a real family.
“I’m gonna do it,” she announced, suddenly very convinced. Matt’s dimples popped out of his cheeks as he smiled at her. He was obviously glad she’d chosen to do so.

“We haven’t talked about money so far,” he said. In fact, Amelie would have probably done it for free, seeing as she was getting food and a place to stay as well as seeing new places. Maybe, she thought, she’d even end up tangled in his bed with him… A rush of heat came through her with those thoughts. She allowed herself to daydream for some more seconds before pulling herself together. She would not ruin this arrangement. After all, a 34-year-old widower with two children just wouldn’t exactly be the first time she’d always dreamed of. But could one really plan it? And he was just... Get yourself together!!! she told herself.

Still, it was in that unfortunate moment right after deciding to work for him that she realized she would want to if she could. He wouldn’t be interested in a little girl like her anyway, would he?

“Let’s be frank, Amelie,” he said. That was all it took for her to finally snap back to reality. “Huh?” “I... got more money than I’ll ever be able to spend. You know it, I know it. So I’m saying when you’re ready to leave I’ll just book you a flight and pay for the hotel in Hawaii. And then one grand for you to do whatever you please. It’s enough to travel around without having to work in Hawaii for about a month. And when you’re ready to go back to Germany, I’m gonna pay for that flight, too."

Amelie didn’t have to consider that offer twice. He was right about the money. He didn’t have to worry about that. “I’m more than fine with that.”

“Good,” Matt said as he took their plates back to the kitchen, “you can start by picking them up from kindergarten at 12.30.” He took a glance at his watch. “That leaves you plenty of time to pick up your stuff from the inn and get moved in here. I’ll be down in the music room in the cellar if you need anything. Oh, and please take the other car. There were too many rumors on the internet after you were spotted with my chevy last week.”

He threw her a last grin before finally disappearing through the door, leaving her gobsmacked. Did she really just decide that in a heartbeat? She took the car keys from the clay bowl where he kept them. Judging from its imperfect look, Amelie assumed that River made it in kindergarten. Muffled piano tones were starting to fill the air and for a second, she wanted to eavesdrop and just lose herself in watching him. But she had a job to do, which felt pretty good to think.

When she arrived at the inn, Lucile was gone already, but she knew exactly she wasn’t going to weep over her. If she was lucky, she was going to have the room to herself anyway, which was exactly what she wanted.

“Lucile,” she wrote on a piece of paper, “I found a job with a family. I’m going to live with them now. Au revoir, Amelie.”

Somehow, she was glad she didn’t have to face her again and pretend she would miss her. She certainly wouldn’t. Quickly, she put her clothes back into her suitcase and made sure to take all her things from the bathroom, leaving behind the flip flops. She was not in need of them anymore. Amelie traveled light, only bringing a suitcase and a backpack to wherever she went. When she was done, it was almost time to pick up the boys from kindergarten.

By the time they got home, Cash was already asleep. She tucked them in for their nap and then decided to check up on Matt before deciding what to cook.

She had never been to the cellar, but it looked exactly how she imagined it to be. There was a big wooden piano right next to the door. About a hundred sheets with sticky notes and pencil-written arrangements with lyrics only Matt could read were lying around on the floor, only a part of them being on the desk that was probably originally thought to be his working space.

He had electric and acoustic guitars as well as a bass guitar and a drum set. Having read up on him on the internet, Amelie came to learn that he could play all of these instruments. At the moment, he was sitting at the desk with his headphones on, not noticing that she entered the room. He looked like he was busy, so Amelie decided to quietly go back upstairs.

Somehow, she just couldn’t turn around, she had to watch him. His expression was so peaceful, his eyes were closed. His built body was relaxed. Amelie wasn’t sure why, but she had this strange urge to crawl onto his lap and just be close to him. She knew she couldn’t allow herself to have those feelings, especially not after just agreeing to work for him, but she had them anyway. Just fucking leave the room, she scolded herself before finally turning around.

She was almost out the door when he turned around. “I heard you, you know” he said with a soft smile as he slowly opened his eyes. “I’m sorry if I…” “It’s alright. Don’t be. I was just going through some old stuff. I can’t seem to be productive here, no matter how much I try to.” He let out a chuckle. “Yeah you said that earlier,” she replied, thinking that she must have sounded like a total idiot.

“You wanna hear something?” he suggested, motioning for her to come closer. Alright you fool, her inner voice seemed to be talking to her, you’re so not going to sit on his lap. “I’d love to,” she smiled. But as she walked closer, she suddenly heard River and Cash fighting upstairs.
“Looks like I’m gonna need to postpone this,” she said with an apologetic smile.

“Wait, I’m coming along. I just don’t understand why they’re not getting along these days,” he retorted, sounding frustrated. As they walked upstairs, Amelie felt his arm touch hers, resulting in chills all over her body. Was it really such a good idea to work for someone you’re so attracted to?

Right on the stairs, she suddenly felt his grip on her arm. Unable to move or even think she watched as he turned her around and cupped her face with his hand. “Amelie,” he mumbled as his eyes met hers. “Matt,” she mouthed. Goosebumps covered her whole body. He wrapped his arms around her as they hugged. She felt his unique scent invade her mind like a parasite. His breath sent shivers down her spine.

Every fiber of his body ached for him. Why was he doing this? She watched in shock as he came closer, without a doubt wanting to give her a way out she was not going to take. She closed her eyes like an overwhelmed little child thinking no-one would see it if it didn't see anyone.

His lips met hers for a brief second, and tingles rushed down her spine. Matt's arms snaked around her, just gently pressing her body into his. Softly, their lips started moving in sync before he broke them apart mere seconds later. Matt hugged her close for what felt like a long time.

Finally, River screamed “Daddy!” at the top of his lungs, breaking them apart. Without another word, Matt walked up the rest of the stairs, leaving behind a very surprised Amelie.

Notes

Alright, you're getting another update today because I want to give you some more to read before I go on holiday on Friday. On Thursday, unfortunately, I will post the last chapter for roughly 2 weeks :( but don't worry, I have some more pre-written ones that I will be posting as soon as I'm back :)

Thanks so much for actively participating. :)