Chapter 26 - Nadia
It’s been about three weeks since I ran away and went into hiding. I had taken only what belonged to me and no more. Sitting at the small round table, I counted the money I had left. Once I found out I was carrying Abram’s child, I knew I couldn’t stay. I had to start over for my baby.
I didn’t have enough money left for much. But I felt confident that I could make it. Getting up, I straightened out my skirt and left the motel room. I couldn’t be late to the diner. Emma had been so good to me and most of the customers were regulars. The waitressing job would just be temporary until I heard back from the companies I applied to.
Entering the diner, I was greeted with smiles. The morning rush was something I hadn’t seen before. By the time I got to sit down and have something to eat, it was just past twelve already.
“How you copin’?” Emma, the elderly lady working the counter, asked.
“Good, I think,” I replied, trying to catch my breath. My feet ached from running up and down.
“Ya’ll get it,” she added, smiling. “Ya time he’s ben short, but ya gettin betta.”
Nodding, I got up and headed to the back with my sandwich in hand. I sat behind the diner, flexing my legs while I ate lunch. This little town wasn’t far out of the city but offered the peacefulness I needed. I could hear birds chirping away in the distance. Leaning back, I closed my eyes, allowing my body to relax.
“Hun?” I heard Emma saying softly as she opened the back door.
Glancing up at her, I thought I saw a flicker of fear in her eyes. Jumping up, I reached out, taking her shoulders as I spoke. “Are you okay? Is everything okay?” I heard a slight panic in my tone as my heart started racing.
Smiling, she nodded as she replied. “All good, but there three men lookin’ for ya.”
“Three men?” I questioned, swallowing hard. I knew who they were even before she said it.
“Your kin, they said,” Emma added briefly, looking up and down. “Ya wan me to send em away?” she added, whispering.
I was sure no one would find me here. I’ve been lying low. How did they locate me? Looking at her, I shook my head as I stepped closer. “No, it’s fine. They won’t just leave. I’ll see them, thanks, Emma,” I commented as I passed her and headed to the front.
I felt my heart push up in my chest as it beat rapidly. Stepping out of the kitchen, I saw my three cousins waiting in the corner booth. I collected three cups and placed them on a tray with one of the coffee pots before heading their way.
The three men rose as I got to the table. “Hi, there, please don’t get up,” I said, glancing back at Emma. I waited for them to sit back down and poured them some coffee. “What do you want?” I asked, handing them each a cup.
“Nadia,” Vadik said. He reached out gently, taking my hand. “We want you to come back to us.”
Makari and Pavel nodded in agreement. Pulling my hand back, I felt a small lump forming in my throat. I have been trying so hard to move on. Going with them would be taking a step back. I had to admit to myself that I missed them. But it wasn’t enough.
“You’re not safe being on your own, Nadia,” Vadik added, sounding more demanding.
“I don’t know…, after everything,” I said, swallowing hard.
Pavel shifted closer as he spoke. “We’ve been trying to keep our distance to protect you from the violence. We never intended to pull you into this life.”
“No,” I spat at them sarcastically. “You just used me to infiltrate the enemy.”
“It was never our intention, Nadia,” Makari replied softly. I could hear some regret in his tone. But I wasn’t sure if I could trust them.
“If you’re not having anything, I would like you to leave,” I added, hoping I sounded as determined as I felt.
“Please, Nadia, hear us out. The Chernykhs forced our hands. We would never have asked it from you. We took your punishment even.” Pavel spat. He sounded upset.
Looking from one to the other, I realized they were telling the truth. “Why do you think you weren’t severely punished for the failure?” Vadik added.
Feeling conflicted, I glanced back at Emma. She has been very helpful the last couple of weeks and even offered me this job. I wasn’t sure if I should return with them. “Can I think about it?” I inquired.
“There’s no time. Nadia, you are in danger,” Vadik reiterated.
“Just give me time,” I pleaded. “Have lunch, and then we’ll talk, okay?”
My cousins looked at each other before Vadik shook his head in agreement. “Okay, we’ll have a round of burgers, fries, and more coffee. When we’re done, you leave here with us.”
The three men stood up before I could even think of a reply. They were staring angrily over my shoulder. Turning, I was surprised to see Abram and his brothers standing in the doorway. What was going on today? I had barely started working, and everyone I was hiding from found me.
“No, no, no,” I said briskly, walking to Abram. My heart was racing. Having my cousins and the Dubow brothers in one place only brought trouble. I couldn’t afford for them to go at each other. “You have to leave, please, I don’t want a fight here,” I begged.
“We’re not here to fight,” Abram replied softly. “But we do need to sit down with your cousins.”
Glancing back, I noticed Vadik nodding ever so slightly. “Please, Abram, keep this civil,” I added. He smiled warmly at me before I turned and walked them to the table. I went to the counter and collected three more cups and a warm pot of coffee.
Vadik and my cousins were now sitting on one side, with Abram and his brothers on the other. I poured the coffee as I listened to Abram speaking. “We do not want to fight. We have come to ask you to leave Nadia alone.”
“We will, however, give you a warning,” Anton added. I could see they were very serious, and I knew this wasn’t a social call.
“If you try to take her back, or even attempt to look her way,” Abram said sternly. “We will make sure that we destroy every business the Chernykhs own. We have all the information on everything.”
Vadik opened his mouth to speak, then closed it as Anton lifted his hand. “But, if you leave her alone, neither we nor the Morozovs will come for them. We will back off and leave them alone.” Anton interrupted.
I watched in fear as my cousins shared a look. I have seen this look many times before. They understood clearly what was required of them. Vadik smiled at me as they rose from the table. The three hugged me and left without another word.
“Nadia,” Abram said softly. “Please sit with me.”
I saw Emma looking at me with raised brows. I was sure she was puzzled but also curious about what was happening. Anton and Akim got up and walked to the table by the door. I watched them take a seat before sitting down.
As I sat down, I placed my hands before me on the table. I felt nervous and swallowed hard. I had no idea why Abram and his brothers came looking for me. I was grateful that he got rid of my family, as I wasn’t ready to return to them. Looking at him, I wondered what he wanted in return.
Abram moved closer to me, taking my hands in his. He spoke softly as he caressed my hands with his thumbs. “How are you doing, Nadia?”
Suddenly, I felt conflicted, angry, and confused. “You came all this way to ask me how I am doing?” I huffed. “You could have sent a text if you wanted to know.” I heard my voice rising slightly as my irritation came through. But I didn’t care. Pulling my hands back, I placed them in my lap.
“No, no, that’s not why I came,” he uttered, quickly moving closer. If he came any closer, he was going to sit on my lap. For a moment, I thought he might.
“I wanted to see you.” Abram lowered his head as he took a deep breath. Looking up, I saw a flash of something in his eyes, yet I didn’t know what it was. “Nadia, I want you to come back with me.
Feeling dizzy from the onslaught of emotions, I got up and turned to leave. Abram grabbed my hand stopping me. I listened as he spoke without turning to face him. “Please, Nadia, I’m begging you, just hear me out.”
Glancing around, I saw all eyes were on us. I didn’t want to make a scene, so I sat back down on the other side of the table. Starring at the empty cups before me, I waited for him to continue.
“I never intended on hurting you, it wasn’t part of the plan,” he said softly.
I didn’t move as I wasn’t sure what to make of his words. I wanted him, but I didn’t want him. My mind and heart were fighting an eternal battle. Having him here was only making it harder.
He continued as I just sat like a statue, waiting for my emotions to calm. “I came to apologize to you. I have not done right by you. But I’m still the same person you got to know.”
Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Abram placing his elbows on the table and lowering his head to his hands. I could hear a hint of sadness in his voice as he continued to speak. “I’m telling you the truth. Can we start over?”
Feeling my tears bubbling up quickly, I wanted to run and hide. Shaking my head lightly, I thought of slapping him for all the pain he’s caused. But I couldn’t move. Taking a slow deep breath, I considered my words with care.
But before I could speak, he continued. “I am part of a bratva family. I have no pets. I prefer showers over bathing. I drive a red BWM. I enjoy seafood and movies.”
Baffled by his utterance of random facts, I looked at him. Why was he giving me the information I already knew? Searching his eyes, I wondered if he was trying to tell me that he was speaking the truth.
Feeling a smile touching my lips, I replied very softly. “I don’t have any pets, nor do I have a car. I prefer to bathe. I enjoy pasta more and like watching movies.”
Abram grinned as he stared at me. Moving around the table, he came closer as he spoke. “I’m truly sorry for how things ended.” Placing his hand on my shoulder he continued in a lower tone. “I didn’t intend on double-crossing you.”
Staring into his eyes, I felt my heart rate increasing. He was a gentle soul, and I knew he could be stubborn. But he was also forgiving. “No,” I replied, lowering my head. “I’m the one that double-crossed you. I’m sorry it wasn’t my intention. It wasn’t right of me.”
Abram wrapped his arm around me, pulling me closer. He lowered his head against mine as he whispered. “I promise that I will never hurt you in any way ever again.”
Nodding slightly, I swallowed the mountain, pushing up my throat. Abram took my face in his hands and gently lifted my head. “Nadia,” he whispered. “I love you. I have for some time. But I didn’t want to force you. I still don’t so if you don’t feel the same, please tell me now.”
I felt the first tear strolling down my cheek as I breathed in deeply. “Abram,” I whispered back. “I love you too. I thought you might not love me. But my feelings for you have grown immensely. I am so sorry for all the pain I’ve caused.”
Abram pulled me into his arms, laughing. He hugged me so tightly. It felt like he was trying to crack every bone in my body. Pushing back gently, I looked into his eyes, feeling all the strain and worry dissipating. He kissed me before standing and holding out his hand.
“Let’s go home if you want?” he said.
Taking his hand, I nodded as I replied. “Oh, yes. I just have to collect my things and say goodbye.”
“Say your goodbyes. I will have someone collect your belongings,” he replied, letting go of my hand.
“No, I want to do it, please,” I added, squeezing his arm.
Abram nodded and headed to the door. Walking to Emma, I hugged her tightly as my tears flowed. “Thank you for everything,” I said. Her hug was warm and comforting, almost like a mother’s.
Emma smiled at me as she spoke. “As long as ya found happiness.”
Looking back at Abram, I nodded. “Thank you again,” I added before walking to join Abram. He took me to my small abode and waited patiently for me to gather my things. Pulling the door closed on this chapter of my life was a relief.