MaryI felt my body come back to consciousness without the damn headache and the bad mood. Great, a few hours of sleep was all I needed. I slowly opened my eyes, bumping into Allie's Jade-colored eyes and platinum hair, causing me to pull away as quickly as possible without screaming, falling out of bed in the process. " Damn it Allie," I shouted, getting up, "are you trying to give me a heart attack?”" I didn't want to wake you up," she justified herself by sitting up. " And then you come into my room, lie down next to me, and watch me sleep? " I questioned. " Your mother allowed it," she shrugged." Why doesn't anyone else respect my sleep? " I widened my eyes. " Come on, I thought you'd never wake up to tell me all the details.”" Allie, there really isn't much to tell," I took a deep breath. " Your mother told me about the immigration problem.”She couldn't have known, could she? " What did she say? " I tried to sound disinterested. " That you surrendered everything in des
MaryI got out of the car and walked towards him, I saw in my peripheral vision Jacob heading towards the Taxi to help Allie down, was he waiting there at the door? " We arrived together, Peter," I offered my best smile. Pyotr turned toward me, discreetly appraising me. Did he think I was pretty? Not that it matters, but it would be nice if he thought I was pretty. " Mary," he offered me a small smile. " I'm sorry about that," I began shyly, looking away from him to Allie, who was too busy kissing her boyfriend's to notice us. " It's okay," he followed my gaze, "but we're going to have to have a better talk about all of this.” " Tomorrow, I promise." I sighed when I saw that we finally had the attention of the couple, who were coming toward us. " But I honestly don't know how to act today.”" We should probably be closer," he remarked, watching Allie and Jake holding hands. We were both at a suspicious distance apart, and I took a step forward, narrowing the space between us, b
MaryMaryWe started discussing some details of our story while Pyotr was driving me home after our double date. We agreed to tell them that we have been together for seven months, got involved after a conference we went to together in Miami and have kept everything a secret ever since. After getting all the simple stuff sorted out, we were missing the details that would make all the difference in whether people would believe our story or not. We hit some traffic on the way around Central Park to my parents' house, which gave us some extra time to talk, but this subject was far from being finalized. " Mary, it would be better if we could get this over with. We can't put it off any longer, I think this dinner was proof of that," he argued. " We did well, they believed us.”" Because they didn't pay attention and trust what you say," he retorted, "If they were suspicious, as many are, they would have found our behavior strange.”" What do you want to do, go out for a drink? " I fina
Mary We walked to the car, and I couldn't take my eyes off my ring, still in awe of its beauty. Pyotr really knew how to choose. Should I be so happy for a fake engagement? I covertly watched the man driving in silence. Is what I'm feeling really because of the ring? Well, it must be. Peter is a nice guy, but I don't think of him that way, I'm just helping him out as a friend! " You can sleep at my place for a few days," he commented, "I'll sleep on the couch.” " I don't think that's necessary," I looked away, still confused by all the euphoria, "We can schedule the wedding quickly. The sooner we get married, the sooner we can get divorced, right?” " Of course " He looked at me confused " You can choose the date.” " Thank you," I forced a smile, feeling anxious again. We went on in silence for the rest of the way, I thought again about everything Pyotr had said before. We'll have to look like a couple, but... This is so strange. " Hey Peter," I called as he stepped onto m
Mary I got up, took a shower, and put on my pajamas, getting ready for bed. But this time I didn't Sleep, I stared at the ceiling for a long time remembering the feeling of kissing Peter. I shouldn't have enjoyed that kiss so much, and just thinking that it won't be the only one my stomach churned with anxiety.Peter is right, our kisses will be quick, just to convince whoever is watching. Nothing more than that. We don't need complications in our lives. I kept waiting for the man's call, but obviously today that I have been up all night, he decides not to call. What's the fun in not waking me up? I slept a little before dawn and ended up being late the next day. I spent a few extra minutes putting on my makeup trying to cover up the effects of the sleepless nights I had that week. I arrived at the publishing company almost at eight o'clock, ignoring the curious looks on the way. A year ago I was gossiped about because I was working as a personal assistant and now because I was en
Pyotr Soon after dropping Mary off at home, I drove back to my apartment. My mind was spinning, wondering what had happened. What was that all about? I could still feel the effects of that kiss. My breathing was still labored and I kept going back to that moment all the time. The feel of Mary's lips on mine, her soft skin, the way she kissed back. I had to get out of there quickly to keep her from realizing the real situation she had left me in. A simple kiss made me want to have her all over me, and that can't happen. I'm sure things will be more difficult than I imagined. I parked the car in my space, leaning my forehead against the steering wheel. I need to pull myself together, I need to find a way to avoid feeling the way I'm feeling right now. I went to my apartment, devoting my attention to Libby, who seemed to smell Mary's perfume on me as she followed me around, nibbling the hem of my pants. I got rid of my clothes and went to take a shower before going to bed for anoth
PyotrI tried in vain to concentrate on work. The lack of sleep, Mary, the stress and all the changes of the last few days were affecting me. I couldn't focus on anything and as lunchtime approached, I decided it was best to go home and not deal with it until tomorrow. Mary looked confused to see me leaving, but I needed this time to get my head on straight. Especially with the engagement dinner approaching, I have no idea what Mr. Navruz might be planning. I headed home in order to calm my mind a little. I slept, caught up on my reading and managed to totally disconnect from all that during the afternoon. I was playing with Libby after dinner when my cell phone rang. I noticed Mary's picture there. I wondered if she had arranged another surprise dinner. " Hi Mary.”" Hey Peter, you're missing " she looked worried. " Sorry, I had some things to take care of," I blurted, trying to hide how much I needed a little distance from her. “How was your day?”" It was ok. I didn't have mu
Pyotr We accepted her instructions. Mary rode in my car, I couldn't help but watch her discreetly on the way, she looked very beautiful. I also felt her glance at me from time to time, but we remained silent until we almost reached the restaurant. " Did you send the pictures to your family? " Mary asked as we pulled onto Fifth Avenue. " Not yet," I commented, "I decided to do it after dinner, so we'll probably take more pictures tonight.” " Yes, we probably will," she replied thoughtfully. Mary's father parked the car in front of a white building with red and gold details. I stared in surprise at The Russian roon. The valet soon took the car, while he waited for Mary and me to get out of the car. " A Russian restaurant? " Mary questioned in amazement as we approached. " You're going to marry a Russian," he explained, "I thought it would be appropriate.” " But," Mary stammered. " What's the problem? " I questioned as we entered the restaurant. " I've never eaten Russian f
Mary I kept alert during dinner, but nothing different happened. Am I becoming paranoid? Do I not know my father well enough anymore? " The most awaited time has come," Omar smiled as the plates were cleared away, "time for dessert.” I frowned as a Red Velvet cake was brought to the table by a waiter my father had hired for the evening. My surprise increased even more when he handed a cake knife with a spatula to Pyotr. " What's going on? " I stammered in confusion. " I thought it was clear that this is a celebratory dinner, Marianne," my father explained as if it were obvious. “Doesn't the cake tell you anything?” " That you've lost your mind and I can have you committed and take over the publishing company? " I tried. " What do I do with this? " My husband whispered to me. " I'm sorry to disappoint you dear, but my sanity is still intact," he smiled, "but it was a good guess.” " Can someone explain it to me? " I asked. " Don't look at me," Ian shrugged, "I've just been inv
MaryThe next day was the same as the others. Breakfast, walk with Libby in the park, lunch, physical therapy. I was surprised to get a call from my dad inviting us to his house for dinner.This was strange, because he usually took us to some restaurant or something, but I decided not to argue. At the agreed time we went to my parents' house." Why the last minute invitation? " Pyotr asked " Your father usually likes to plan things in advance.”" I don't know, he must be feeling lonely," I yawned. “I just hope he doesn't try to drag us off to some opera or theater or whatever.”" I warn him, you're tired," he assured me, taking me in his arms as we reached the door to the old man's house. He climbed the steps to the front door, setting me down and supporting me so that I could take the few steps to the door and ring the bell.To my surprise, it was Ian who answered, staring at me with a nonchalant look on his face." Hey, you're standing up " he smiled." Can you support her while I
MarryWe remained silent until we were in the car going back to the apartment." I'm sorry about that, he shouldn't have brought Margot here without consulting you," Pyotr sighed." We got through it," I stared at him, "She had a chance to explain herself, and now we can move on, Peter. We have closed this chapter of our lives.”" Really?”" Pete, I told you I've forgiven you," I pointed out slowly, "Don't you think you need to do the same?”He remained silent, after a quick glance. I knew how much he blamed himself for my condition, but I didn't want him to stay with me out of guilt, but because he loved me." I'm sorry," he finally spoke up, "I... I just hate seeing you like this thing.”" And I hate being like this," I took a deep breath, "but there's not much you can do about it, is there?”" If I had told you... " He looked away." If I hadn't decided to drive at that moment," I retorted, "If I had slowed down, or if I had remembered to buckle up, who knows. If I had…”" Mary…”"
MaryI awoke feeling the warmth of Pyotr's skin enveloping me, I snuggled into his arms, as that feeling of fullness came over me once again. Every part of my life was whole again.After Peter took me to the terrace yesterday I had no doubt, he is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, I could never give this up. After I had this certainty, the rest was easier.We enjoyed our evening at home, and after dinner went straight to bed. I outlined Pyotr's face with my fingertips, thinking how lucky I was to have him by my side." What time is it? " he murmured, his eyes still closed." I don't know," I kissed him softly on the lips. Hearing the protests from the other side of the door " But the kitty and Libby didn't like that they slept outside.”" They'll have to get used to it," Pyotr laughed, moving away to look for his cell phone. “I will prepare breakfast.”" If you help me get dressed, we can do it together." I sat up in bed, looking around for my clothes." Help you? Why
pyotr" Pyotr? " Denise's voice caught my attention " Can you help me a little?”" Excuse me? " I closed the door, turning towards her." She doesn't want to do the exercises," the physiotherapist explained, walking towards me. “Could you…”" Sure," I sighed, walking into the living room.Denise had moved the furniture aside, laying out a mattress on the floor. Mary was lying there, she was panting and covering her eyes with her arm. " What's the matter? " I questioned."I increased the weight on her ankles” The woman indicated as I sat down on the floor beside her." It hurts," Mary whined." How much does she need to do? " I sighed.Every time Denise introduced a new exercise, or increased the weight, I had to intervene to get Mary to do the exercises." Ten," Denise said, "Ten on each leg.”" Anne," I pulled her arm away from her eyes. " Come on, just ten.”" But…”" You can do it, моя девушка¹ " I assured her, caressing her face " Come on.Mary took a deep breath, starting to do
PyotrIt was the first week of October, Mary had started physical therapy and slowly she was allowing me to get closer.First we were able to have a conversation, then she began to allow me to help her, touch her, and finally we were back to sharing a bed.As promised, I was giving her space, and it seemed to be working. Little by little we were on our way to becoming the couple we were before." Are you ready? " I questioned Mary as I heard the ringing of the doorbell. It was almost time for her physical therapy session and she seemed a bit down today." Sure," she sighed, as I walked to the door." Is everything alright? " I frowned, interrupting my path." It's nothing," as usual, she guided her chair to the window. I hated to see her like this, but according to Denise, her physical therapist, Mary was responding well and would soon be using the walker." You know you can tell me anything, right?”" Answer the door, Pyotr," she said, "Soon Denise will give up and leave, you shoul
MaryThe sound of the door opening caught my attention. My mother stepped forward to help my husband who came in carrying some bags, Libby and the kitten that were in their transport cage." Sorry for the delay," he smiled, "I thought I'd better come by and get them both at once, I'm sure they'll miss you.”My mother took the groceries to the kitchen, while he released the two from their little prisons. It seemed like a century since that Friday when my perfect life fell apart." He's huge! " I exclaimed as I saw the kitten run towards me and jump into my lap.Libby did the same, but stopped at my feet and whined." How are you feeling? " Pyotr approached." Fine," I assured him, "Can you put her on my lap too?”" That's a start " Pyotr fulfilled my wish, while I stroked Corgi's ears and the kitten nibbled her paw." I'm going home " My mother commented as she approached me " I'll be back tomorrow, okay?”" All right " I smiled." Don't push or rush," she lowered her tone, "Just don't
MaryAfter a hellish week in that hospital, I was finally able to go home. According to Dr. Clark, the surgery was a success. Slowly the feeling in my legs was returning, although I didn't have the strength to move them, which was a bit painful.I hated going back to the apartment with Pyotr, I wanted to keep as much distance from him as possible. It was hard to have all those conflicting feelings inside me. I loved my husband, I wanted him to be around, I wanted his support. But I couldn't forget what happened. I felt anger towards him. Not for my situation, despite what everybody said, I didn't blame him for that. But I blamed him for our situation, I blamed him for feeling alone so many times, I blamed him for not being able to trust him, I blamed him for not being able to feel his touch without me remembering everything, I blamed him for having that whole fight tarnish the memory of the first time he told me he loved me.How can we get through all this?" Here we are," my mother
PyotrI went back to the apartment at night, knowing that I couldn't stay with her while she was in the ICU. I felt lost being in the apartment alone. I went to our room, deciding to take some things to the room on the second floor.It is already Tuesday and I haven't slept properly since Saturday, which means I am exhausted. But I couldn't sleep there alone. We still weren't sure about the success of the surgery, and even if it had been successful, it would take Mary a while to walk again. I fell asleep on the couch around four in the morning.Omar, Elena and I came to the conclusion that it would be better to tell her about the report only when she went to her room, so as not to disturb her recovery. I visited her in the morning, and didn't have much to do for the rest of the day until the next visiting hours, so I decided to go to the publishing company to see how things were going.As soon as the elevator doors opened, Halley stared at me in surprise. Her gaze then turned to conte