Page 4

Erik

I show Inessa the bathroom and the bedroom, fetch her an extra blanket in case she’s cold, and hover, not knowing what else to do. She hasn’t said much yet, but I guess that’s to be expected. She’s had a long flight. She’s probably feeling overwhelmed. And English isn’t her first language.

It will be easier in the morning.

Thankfully Loren agreed to take Snickers for a couple days while Inessa gets settled, so I don’t have to deal with her jumping all over us as soon as we walk in the door.

But moments after we get into the apartment, she shuts herself in the bedroom and I’m left alone in the silent open plan living area feeling a bit useless.

My Russian clearly isn’t very good. I don’t even think she knew what I tried to say.

I can hardly communicate with my new bride and I have no idea how to help put her at ease.

Perhaps she’s hungry .

I could eat.

I mean, I could always eat, but maybe that’s a good way to help her feel relaxed.

I open the fridge and stare listlessly at the few items inside. An open bottle of flat soda, leftover dinner from too many nights ago, a withered looking head of lettuce and some tired tomatoes.

I need to go to the store. I should have done it yesterday except my boss, Kivrayn, said there was an extra shift available and I thought I could get in one more and start building up my savings again.

I was lucky her flight was delayed. I was nearly late.

I tap softly on the door. “Inessa? I’m just going to walk down to the store. Are you hungry? Is there anything you’d like me to get?”

There’s no answer.

I try again.

When there’s still no answer, I turn the door handle slowly and peek into the darkened room.

It takes my eyes a moment to adjust. When they do, I see a small shape curled up on the right side of the large bed. She has her back to me with her knees tucked up toward her chest. I freeze, staring hard, wondering if she’s sleeping or only lying very still.

When she doesn’t move, I dare to take a step into the room.

Knowing that I shouldn’t be doing it, I creep closer, holding my breath and trying to be as quiet as possible.

The second her face comes into view, I let out a long gust of air. She’s so impossibly beautiful in person. Even more than in her pictures. She has a small nose and thick brows. Her full lips are slightly parted in sleep. They look almost as if she’s waiting to be kissed.

Which is ridiculous!

She made it pretty clear she wasn’t ready for that sort of thing. I didn’t mean to scare her, but the way she jumped when I touched her leg in the cab tells me I’ll have to move slowly.

This is all a lot for her and I want to make sure she feels completely comfortable with me.

Still, she’s here and she’s mine. That’s enough for now.

I’m going to take such good care of her she’ll be happy and relaxed in no time.

With that thought in mind, I tear myself away and sneak back out of the room. Slipping on my shoes, I snatch the keys and hurry down the stairs. I don’t want to leave her alone too long in case she wakes and wonders where I am.

There are only two other people in the store when I squeeze myself in through the door. I have to hunch forward to avoid banging my head on the overhang. When I straighten, the old lady at the counter takes a nervous step back, and in the bread aisle, a satyr flicks his tail and quickly places two loaves into his basket.

I hate making people uncomfortable. I don’t mean to.

I try my best to move around the city and not get in people’s way. Not to take up so much space.

It’s hard, though, when nothing in Heartstone is orc sized. I never fit in any of the seats on the metro. On the sidewalk people cross to the other side to avoid being hit with my swinging arms. I’m always knocking things over and having to apologize to someone .

I thought I’d love living in the city. I thought I’d meet so many new friends. But people here don’t smile at you in the street. They barely even look.

And it’s hard to hold down a job and afford an inner-city apartment while saving enough for a mate and still make time for friends and dates.

I turn sideways to fit into the first aisle and begin delicately selecting items from the shelf. Pancake mix—everyone likes pancakes. Some fresh bread, cheese. Who doesn’t like cheese?

Soon my basket is full and I lift it onto the counter and give the clerk a bright smile. “Shopping for two this week.”

He grunts and rings up the stuff, shoving it into two paper bags.

I sigh. Not even the clerk will give me the time of day.

The trudge back to my apartment feels longer than usual. I call out softly as I open the door. “Inessa?”

There’s no answer.

When I check, she’s still sleeping.

Heading for the kitchen, I mix up a batch of pancakes and turn on the stove. I figure if anything will rouse her, the smell of freshly cooked pancakes will. But half an hour later there’s a stack of them piled high on a plate and still no stirring from the bedroom.

I mean, who wants pancakes for dinner anyway?

I pour maple syrup over the stack and sit at the bench, only intending to eat a couple.

Before I know it, the plate is empty.

I guess I’ll make another batch in the morning .

With a sigh I push it away and stand. She needs rest. In the morning we’ll talk. Or I’ll try. I had hoped her English might be better, but she’ll learn. She just needs time.

The apartment sure is quiet without Snickers around.

I make up the sofa bed and switch off the light. My feet hang over the edge and I left all the blankets in the bedroom. That’s OK. It’s not cold.

I twist and turn, trying to find a comfortable position. All the while my head runs through images of me and Inessa together. We could take walks in the park with Snickers. I imagine her small hand in mine, me tucking her close against my side as a cool fall breeze whips around our ankles. I smile to myself as I think of how she might enjoy getting ice cream at the gelato stall by the large iron gates. Or how she will probably love the Christmas market in Town Square.

Now that she’s here, it's all within my grasp. I just need to be patient.

Patient and understanding.

I can do that.