Vasilisa’s Point of View:
The ringing in my ears wasn’t intense enough that I couldn’t hear and understand Francine’s faint cry. I blinked slowly, but couldn’t move. I felt my wrists being restrained with handcuffs. Someone had my ankles and I tried kicking instinctively, but a blunt force came down hard on my stomach. The wind was knocked out of me and I gasped like a fish out of water. Cynical laughter roared nearby.
“Good girl, I like your mouth better when it’s not spewing shit you can’t back up.” Yuri’s husky voice was suddenly low in my ear and I clenched my teeth. The unmistakable stench of booze and cigarettes invaded my nostrils and I couldn't escape. Activity was buzzing around me, but I was too out of it to notice any particular action. I felt him grasp my chin roughly to get a good look at my face before he released it and stood back up with a threatening grunt.
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I’d been Skyping Vasha almost constantly since the night Yuri and his group of thugs attacked her. If I wasn’t at PetSmart working, grabbing a quick bite to eat, or asleep, I could be found in my bedroom video chatting with my girl. When she was ready to turn in and attempt sleeping, I’d watch over her whenever I could. It crushed me to see her jump at every noise, and the nightmares she was having weren’t any better. She’d wake up screaming in terror and I hated myself for not being able to comfort her the way I wanted. If I could just hold her, I knew we’d have a better chance at getting past the hardest part together.We were having a particularly rough time about a week after the incident. I’d just gotten off of work an hour prior, and hopped into my bathroom to take the world’s fastest shower. When I accepted Vasha’s Skype call a flat five minutes later, I saw a shadow of her former self staring back at me like a woun
“I’d love to come!” Liza’s bubbly voice shrilled refreshingly in my ear fifteen minutes later as I compared sweaters in the full length mirror hanging from my door. I closed my eyes and images of Vasha embracing me in front of it surfaced from memory.Her arms had been wrapped securely around my waist as we swayed to imaginary music. Her chin was resting in the crook of my neck, and I felt like nothing could touch me while she stood from behind. We must have been in sync, because she whispered, “You’re my ocean...” into my ear, and goosebumps kissed my skin immediately. “I heard it too...” I mummered, and together we sang the chorus of our song. “You are my ocean, my unbearable-I love you so strongly.You are my ocean, my cosmos-my universe, extraordinary
Tell us the best and worst thing about your current sex life.I lifted an incredulous eyebrow at Brody, who sat back against the couch with crossed arms looking smug as could be. Liza seemed like she’d rather be getting skinned alive than live through the likely mortifying answer, and Charlotte excused herself to grab more tequila from the freezer.Olivia hid a nervous laugh by clearing her throat repeatedly and eyeing Brody in shock.Was she serious? I’m a pro at making people uncomfortable. Two could play this game.“Well, I guess the worst part about it is it’s non-existent right now.” I always like to begin with the bad news first; leaving things on a good note is more my style.“Ah. No girlfriend, then?” The ray of hope in her expression both amused and pissed me off.“How are you so sure I’m gay?” I challenged, winking sarcastically and scooting up f
One week laterWe hadn’t heard a peep from Brody since the night Megan crashed our party by whisking her away. I’m sure Olivia knew something, but I had enough sense not to press for information. I just wish it didn’t bother Liza the way it was. Of course, she denied ever having feelings for Brody to my face, but I’ve been there and knew how much it sucked being in her position. I still wasn’t sure what happened myself. I knew I wasn't imagining the unmistakable connection they'd made. This weird part of me hoped she’d show one of these nights and apologize to Liza for taking off like she did, but it was a silly fantasy. She didn’t owe anyone anything.My Visa came in the mail, approved. I felt like shit keeping the news from Vasha, and everyone else for that matter, but it just didn’t feel the same as when I applied for it several months ago. My correspondence with Vasha was occurring less and l
If I were in the right frame of mind, I might've asked Brody what she was doing at a mostly abandoned Skate park this time of night. Then again, I was here too so I couldn't really talk. I glanced up at her with a half smile as she continued to peer at me with a gentle interest. “No, this seats taken.” I joked, but pat the place next to me in case she didn’t get it. A sarcastic laugh cut through the air.“You’re a riot. I didn’t know you board, should’ve figured though.” Brody’s hazel eyes were illuminated in the darkness as she openly checked me out. I guess that made enough sense. My style was all over the place, but I never strayed too far from a punk stuck in the early 2000’s. Pre 2010 Avril Lavigne would be so proud. “Long time ago.” I sighed, throwing my head back to take another swig. She set her skateboard between us and I traced my fingers along the grainy surface nostalgically. “Ho
Two days later“You’re looking better and better everyday, France.” Brody’s teasing voice pulled me from my favorite book, “Keeping You A Secret” by Julie Ann Peters. One jean clad leg crossed over the other, she leaned against the door with a large pizza in hand. Her dark burgundy sweater hung off her slightly muscular frame alluringly, and I discreetly bit my lip. Megan really was lucky, and I wondered if she knew that. Taking in the spicy pepperoni smell, I waved her in.“Oh it’s nothing, really.” I replied dryly, earning me one of Brody’s bright smiles. She set the pizza on a rolling chair in the middle of the room and slid into the only other available one just like it. Producing two paper plates, she started divvying out a slice for each of us and handed me my portion. I’d been stuck here for the last couple of days, goin
Nobody asked any questions once I was finally able to return to work, and I'm pretty sure it's because they figured there wasn't any point. I was on my way out anyway, so why shit all over the extra help while it was still here?As my shifts came and went without a hitch, I started getting a move on with my final duties. One thing was for sure, I definitely underestimated how hard it was going to be having to say goodbye to all my regulars. “Are you moving salons?” One of my favorite pet parents, Amee Richardson, held her adoring arms out as I placed an overly excited Maya into them. For only being a seven month old Maltese puppy, she always behaved amazingly well for her baths and nail grinds. With Amee’s permission, I’d also attached a different handmade bow onto her pink studded collar at the end of each appointment.Smiling sympathetically at them, I crossed Maya’s name off my list and handed Amee her invoice. “I&
By the time my plane finally landed at Roshchino International Airport in the Tyumen Oblast region of Siberia, I was completely disoriented from the time difference. I’d already changed the appropriate settings in my phone, and it reflected 3 P.M in the afternoon. Meanwhile, my internal clock reminded me I should be getting ready for bed instead of moving around awake. Too nervous to sleep much, I think I got a total of four hours throughout the entire trip. Which isn’t great, considering I’ve been on three different planes in the last twenty six hours. Leaning my head against the window, I stared in amazement at the vast blanket of snow covering everything in sight. It’s a good thing I remembered to change during my last layover, because the thin jeans and flimsy hoodie I left Arizona in wouldn’t cut it in this weather. I’d be a frozen popsicle before Andrei had a chance to greet me. As the plane came to a complete stop, a tall blond-haired atten
You made it! The end to “Our Young Funny Voices.” I just wanted to take the time to thank you for coming along Francine and Vasilisa’s journey. I began writing this novel in January of 2019, but didn’t start really plowing through it until April 2019. My characters are loosely based off my own experiences, and the experiences of people in my life. I’m dedicating this book to those in the LGBTQ community without a voice. We still have a long way to go in our fight towards equality for all- and while Vasilisa’s decision won’t be everyone’s, I’m hoping wherever you are it gets better. Remember, we all have the right to love and be loved. ❤️If you enjoyed “Our Young Funny Voices”, please let me know your thoughts. This is my first finished novel, and would love to know who my fans are. If you want to co
Four months later“It’s so big!” Vasha looked around Indian Steele Park in amazement as hoards of people stood around eating, listening to live music, and dancing their hearts out to the vibrating beat. Gay Pride was in full swing, and for once I didn’t care that it was hotter than the devil’s ass crack outside. I hadn’t been to one of these celebrations in three years, and I wanted Vasha to have the experience. She tugged on the hem of my high-waisted white skater skirt, and motioned at Brody and Liza, who were grinding up against each other sensually. “It finally happened.”“About time.” I grinned and waved when Liza looked over. She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted.“COME DANCE!”“PHOENIX PRIDE, HOW WE DOIN!?” The DJ boomed enthusiastically. The crowd erupted in cheers and cat calls. Suddenly, “Anna Sun&
One month later“Great work this week, Francine. Enjoy those glorious two days off!” The middle aged Sicilian owner of my new workplace, Joey Alfonsi, looked up from the cash he was counting to watch me scurry out the back doors before anyone could ask me for another favor. I’d already been here an hour past quitting time as it was. I took a bite out of my baguette and gave him a two finger salute. I already loved working here, and looked forward to many pleasant years with the small business.“Thanks! See you on Tuesday.” My first morning shift at Joey’s Italian Paradise— which didn’t open until 2:00 P.M for lunch, meant I wasn’t due in until 11:00 A.M after my long weekend.Swell enough for me!Jogging briskly over to my used 2002 white Pontiac Grand Am, I unlocked it and slid into the driver’s side. I’d gotten over my fear of driving and worked hard tow
“Was there another reason? I thought you came all this way for me.” Vasha wrapped herself in a sheet and opened the window right above her rustic oak headboard. I’d since thrown on my girlfriend’s tiger sweater, and tucked my knees inside of it. I tried to answer, but felt chilled to the bone. Even my blood felt like frozen red jello.Damnit. It’s so fucking cold.Having lived in the perpetual desert that is Arizona for most of my life, nothing could have prepared me for an impromptu visit to Siberia...in December.Well done, Francine.“You can’t tell me anything with your chattering teeth, detka. Here.” She laughed fondly, pulling me to the corner of her bed where the wind wasn’t nipping as much. She piled on all the blankets, and I looked up at her adoringly. Vasha seemed to be returning to her normal, sweet self. “Poor thing. Don’t worry bunny, I’ll make
“I’ll call you everyday to check in. Are you sure you’ll be alright here?” Andrei asked hastily as Vasha fumbled to unlock her bolted front door. It really was something, with a digital programmed code and everything. She shook from the cold and stomped a boot clad foot impatiently.“Yes, if the door opens before you return to Tobolsk.” She turned around to find me shivering my tits off. “Detka, wait in the car. This damn snow will freeze you to death.”“I-I’m alright...” I chattered, huddling close to Andrei. He threw an arm around me comfortingly and laughed in merriment. His vibrant green eyes twinkled the same way Vasha’s did when she was excited.“Before you know it, you’ll both be warm and cozy. Look, she’s got it open. Let’s move along inside.”He didn’t have to tell me twice.We managed to lug everything in with one
“Vasha, it’s very important. Tell me what happened with you at the hospital.” Andrei still managed to appear calm, but I knew it was solely for his daughter’s sake. She looked at us with a terrified expression, and eased back into her chair.“You can’t say anything....they’ll just hurt others there out of spite.” Her large green eyes brimmed with tears. “They break you. You come in afraid and leave scared of your own shadow...if you ever get to go home. I was tied to my bed, and they laughed at me when I asked to use the restroom...” she looked completely embarrassed to be sharing the details with us, and I almost had to sit on my hands to keep from punching something. “They fed me more pills than food. I’d get so hungry at night I’d cry from the emptiness in my stomach. The only time I had anything other than bread and water was right before you came to visit.” She glanced at Andrei, then low
I’ve always known Vasha to be docile and quiet. She’s soft spoken, and thinks long and hard before she says anything...the only exception being when she’s drunk. That’s why I thought it was strange that she seemed on edge tonight, and I didn’t know what to make of it. With her phone still untouched on the coffee table, I mentally began ruling out any possibilities of her hearing from Olya in the half hour we’d been getting everything ready to bake. Coming up empty, I built up the courage to strike up a conversation.“Detka, do you want to talk about anything?” I was sitting on a barstool facing Andrei’s spacious kitchen island, watching Vasha roughly pound and roll a generous pile of raw gingerbread cookie dough. I’d given up on helping when it became clear I was just getting in the way. The kitchen is no place for me to begin with. I’m a lot more comfortable as a spectator.“Fine. Why do you ask?&
I typed out a few sentences, then deleted them right away. Nothing was coming out exactly the way I wanted it to. If Vasha wasn’t dead to the world, I would have left the situation for her to deal with. I wish she would have told this lunatic to hop on someone else’s dick a long time ago. Some people don’t deserve second chances.God this is so fucked.“Not my circus, not my monkeys...” I mumbled the infamous Polish saying under my breath. Just as I was talking myself out of messing with any of it until my girlfriend was awake enough to read the texts, Olya fired over another one.SMS: I know you’re reading my correspondence. Where are you? I’ll come to where you’re at right now.Fuck no you won’t. The wrath building up inside of me overflowed to the tips of my fingers as I furiously typed back.SMS: I’m not Vasilisa. Leave my
“What’s this say, detka?” Vasha had my passport laid out on the perfectly made up bed we’d been staying in for almost fifteen hours straight, and pointed at my middle name. Andrei woke us up ten minutes ago with the promise of porridge and sliced rye bread, which I was excited to try. Figuring we’d be leaving soon, I was hoping to have all my things ready to go, but Vasha had gotten to them first and was curiously pulling my identification out to study it closely.“Alice. My middle name is Alice, little bat.” Most people I met were indifferent to their middle names or just simply didn’t have one, but I loved mine. I smiled at her, watching as she ran her fingers over the glossy photo gingerly.“Beautiful.” She mummered, tossing the document back into my carry on bag and started getting dressed for the day. Choosing a pair of distressed blue jeans and her Siberian tiger sweater, she finger brushed her short bla