Chapter 10
750 Words
(Andy)
After I recovered from Magnus's farewell, I retreated inside.
My fingers moved on their own and touched the spot on my cheek, the warmth still lingering there.
Every time he touched me, it was like a fire in my belly was lit, warming every corner of my body.
It was uncanny and I've never experienced it before but … I liked it.
Marianne had already finished washing up and all three of them were in front of the fire with some hot drinks.
I slipped out of my shoes and jacket and walked in but Gus put a finger to his lips - Yann had just dozed off, curled up in a blanket. I creeped over and slid down to my boy and rested his head on my lap.
His sweet little face looked soft and peaceful so I slipped off his glasses and popped them somewhere safe.
"Stay the night Andy. And we can go by the markets in the morning as a family."
When I obliged, Marianne tried to stand to prepare our room but Gus stopped her.
"I'll do it my love, you two stay here" and he reached out and caressed her cheek.
Marianne whispered her thanks and kissed his hand.
I looked down and smiled. Their love for one another was beautiful and a treasure in this kind of world and I hoped I'd have that with someone too one day.
Gus left the room and I felt Marianne's eyes on me and I knew what was coming.
"So Andy, how was your night?"
I looked up and I could just see her eyes above her mug which she tried to use to cover her smile.
"It was fine, I had a good time," I answered.
She put her mug down and slid closer. "C'mon, Gus isn't here! Spill the beans!" she whispered hoarsely.
"Who was that handsome boy! And why wasn't it Saleem walking you home??"
I snorted at her girly demeanour and giggled.
I gave her a quick run-down of tonight's events and she swore and made gestures while listening. When I told her about Calli, she just laughed and rolled her eyes.
"So that mudak stood you up?! Sorry, I haven't gotten over that yet" she grumbled.
Yann began to stir so we switched to whispers again.
"Honestly I'm not bothered by it because it was probably something important to do with the patrols. His squadron keeps us all safe" I shrugged, in his defence.
"Ooookay but you told this ...Magnus that you and Saleem aren't gonna work?"
"Yeah I know...and I still feel the same. I just have a feeling if you know what I mean."
"Mmm good girl, you trust your gut. You are a true Russian" she said proudly and I just laughed.
"Magnus is devilishly handsome, Andy. What do you think about him?" she asked, taking another sip.
"I see what you mean, trust me, but it will never work. He is from the Archivio and I'm here….with my Yann."
She reached out and took my hand.
"Love always finds a way. And don't use Yann as an excuse because you're scared! You are wise and smart my darling, trust in God and in yourself" and she lightly smacked my hand.
Ahhh Russians and their tough love.
I just stared into the fire for a second thinking about what she said.
"Wait, love?? I just met the guy!" and we just laughed.
"Actually, when I met him earlier today, I thought he couldn't speak english" I said, thinking back.
"Why is that?"
"He came up to me and said something but I couldn't understand."
"What did he say?"
"Animus meus or something?? It was weird."
Marianne's eyes widened but she coughed and tried to hide it. Before I could find out why, Gus was back and helping me up with Yann in my arms.
He led us down to the spare room and we said our goodnights to them both.
I'll ask Marianne what it means in the morning, well if I remember.
I placed him under the sheets, quickly washed up and slid in next to him. I caressed his silky brown hair and kissed his forehead while making sure he was wrapped up nicely.
As I lay back, I couldn't help but think back to the way Magnus' lips felt against my cheek tonight … or how close he was to me…
I shook my head, feeling silly and closed my eyes.
- Writer
