Here it goes another chapter. There's a part (that you'll find without problem) which is not detailed, and it's open to the reader's imagination. Enjoy!
In the morning I woke up to see Olga sitting, raising an eyebrow, probably because how close Dmitri was from me. Or most likely because his hand was around my waist. Rapidly I removed it and sat down.
-How are you feeling? -I asked trying to wipe away the guiltiness from my face.
-I’ve been better, thanks -she said in a sarcastic tone -first Maria, now you?
-It's not what you're thinking about.
-I don't know, you tell me.
It didn't take her long to get stubborn and sarcastic again. But after all I was glad she was awake and able to walk.
We had breakfast all together in the kitchen, while we were sitting eating I could see how Dmitri's eyes were sparkling. I couldn't help it but blushing. Maria could sense something was going on, so when we resumed our journey -not after grabbing soap, food, and clothes from the cabin- she asked softly:
-What's going on?
-We're walking, Maria. -I played the innocent card.
-No, I mean with Dmitri. He seems happier, and so do you. You're radiant.
-It probably must've been because I didn't sleep surrounded by bugs, and mosquitoes.
-Oh seriously? -she looked at me raising her eyebrows.
-Yes, seriously, my dear. - I smiled.
We kept walking. The idea was to reach the Chusovaya river. And there see if the other man was there with Nastya.
Dmitri told us we were 2 days away from the river. In the evening we stopped again; we couldn't feel our legs. Again the fever made another visit to Olga, I changed her bandage and cleaned the wound. It seemed to be better but it was still infected. She drank some milk and fell asleep. The temperature outside was still high to be at night. The stars were shining in the sky, and the air smelled like fresh pine. Ivan and Dmitri armed the tent again. We placed again the blankets in the inside, now we also had some pillows we took from the cabin. Surprisingly we weren't hungry. But we definitely were tired. Maria was the first one to fall asleep, and of course, to snore. A couple minutes later, Ivan did the same. Only Dmitri and I were up. We hadn't exchanged many words since the kiss, and to be honest, I didn't know what to say.
I decided to go outside. I could feel the tension in the air. Of course he followed me.
-Are you alright?
-I am, thanks for asking.
-Look, I'm sorry about what happened last night. It was improper, and won't happen again -he apologized.
-It's fine, really. It was the moment, I get it -I replied.
He looked up, to the sky, like trying to find strength.
-Good Lord, there’s no moment in the day in which you don't appear on my mind -he whispered.
I smiled delicately. But still, I didn't know what to do. Or say. It was the first time in my life I didn't know what to do next. I couldn't decide, even though, people always said I was good at making decisions. He seemed to understand what kind of struggle I had.
-Nothing is stopping us from being happy, and I won't push you to do anything you don't want. I am here for you, I am here and I'm not going anywhere.
Of course I had the same feelings, but I didn't know how to react to them. Dmitri looked me in the eyes and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I felt how my heart stopped for a second. I didn't know what was going on with me, I felt so weak and pleased at the same time. His lips were warm and I felt butterflies in my stomach. Why was I so weak to surrender my pride for a kiss?
An awkward silence followed next but we kept talking and enjoying the breeze, then we decided to get in the tent for some sleep. For our surprise, my little sister had found solace in the arms of Ivan.
-For God's sake, Maria, behave a little- I said.
Nothing. They ignored us.
-We'll sleep outside Tatiana. C'mon- Dmitri said.
I was furious. Dmitri actually had to drag me out because the anger was preventing me from moving.
-How am I supposed to sleep? How? - I asked - Thank God Papa and Mama are not here to see this shaming.
I sat down on my blanket trying to calm myself down. But it was impossible.
-I wish I could give you an answer, Tatiana. Let's better try to get some sleep.
He was right. But I still couldn't get into a sleeping mood. I was too angry, too worried and too scared to do it.
On the other hand, sleeping -or trying- in the middle of the forest wasn't something I was eager to try. We were too exposed to being found by the wrong people.
I kept awake, trying to be alert.
-When I say trying, I don't mean keeping your eyes open, Tatiana. -Dmitri pointed out.
I looked at him.
-You know I actually can't.
-Are you going to give up your sleep for this? We have a long journey tomorrow. You need rest. And please, stop worrying or overthinking something you can't fix.
-For you it's not a problem, clearly - I responded mad.
I saw guilt in his eyes.
-I’m sorry, honestly I think Maria will regret it when she's older, just like I regret things -his face showed deep grief.
I felt very guilty for my sharpen words. I put my hand on his chest. He held it and kissed it.
-I am truly sorry. It wasn't my intention, but sometimes when I'm angry I can't really watch what I say.
-It doesn't matter. Would you hug me, please?
Of course I gave him a hug. The warmth of his body made me forget about everything and calmed me down.
We fell asleep hugging each other.
