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“We keep what belongs to us, between us,” I reached up, gently placing a palm to my chest, then to hers, right over her pounding heart. “No one else deserves this. Only you, and me. You understand?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
I grabbed two clean towels, wrapping one around my waist, the other around her. Then I pulled her to me, gently kissing her tears away. “You’re beautiful, Tatiana. Smart, strong.” I pressed more tender kisses to her cheeks, her eyes, her forehead. “You’ve overcome so much. Grown into such an incredible woman.” I wrapped my arms around her and held her close, tenderly. “You deserve the whole world and everything in it.”
She leaned against me, nesting her head into the crook of my neck, and we stood there, not speaking, not thinking about the past or the future. Just lived in the present. I lay my chin atop her head, caressed her skin with my fingers, holding her tight. Feeling her weight pressed against me, her heart beating in time with mine, loving the tenderness between us.
I wanted to live in this moment forever.
Finally, after a long moment, I stepped back and, after checking to make sure she was okay, I quickly dried myself off and left the room. She didn’t follow me, or speak a word, as I dressed. When I returned, she was still standing there.
I guided her to the counters and pulled soothing aftercare cream out of the drawers. I removed her towel and tenderly tended to her. “Are you okay?”
She nodded and, when I was done, I helped her into clean panties. Then I unzipped the beautiful gown I’d purchased specifically for this evening and pulled it over her head.
I turned her towards the mirror and she took in the outfit. It fit her perfectly, a V-neck, showing off her generous tits, but long, with black chiffon and lace, layered underneath with white tulle. With her graceful neck and sharp cheekbones, she looked like a swan transformed into the beautiful creature before me.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“Sit down.” I guided her towards the vanity bench.
She sat, watching me with skepticism as I gently brushed her hair, being careful with the knots and not to hurt her scalp. When I was done, I placed the brush on the counter and put my hand in my inner pocket, inhaling a deep breath.
I was suddenly nervous about her birthday gift. I’d searched forever for this gift, and it was the only one of its kind in the world. Plus, it was specifically tied to that time in the caves, when the world was chaos all around us but all I wanted was to keep her safe.
She probably wouldn’t understand it, not right away. But now was the time to explain to her why, all this time, I have called her mypolva.
When I pulled it out, her eyes didn’t go to it, but stayed on my face.
I unwrapped the most expensive piece of jewelry I’ve ever bought and draped it around her neck, hooking the clasp.
She put her hand to it, her eyebrows furrowed. “What’s this?”
“Your birthday present.”
“This?”
I nodded, and she finally took her gaze off me to look at it.
Her face went blank. “It’s a black rock.”
Pain slashed through my chest. I turned away, not wanting to let her see the hurt on my face.
I stayed like that for a moment, breathing in and out harshly. She didn’t even ask about the meaning.
I shook my head, making a decision. Tonight wasn’t the night to set things right.
“It’s okay.” I moved towards the bathroom door. “Go. Spend your birthday with Rook.” His name tasted like ash on my tongue. I walked out.
“Knight!” She called after me but I didn’t falter. I had to get away from her and this pain, away from the torment of our lives.
I moved swiftly, opening the bedroom door, then firmly shut it behind me, whispering, “Happy Birthday, Tatiana.”
SIX
age12
The water was murky today, but it was clear enough that I could see the outline of Tatiana's face, her red ribbons bright and fluttering as she peered over the edge of the dock.