Chapter 49
Dmitri
Trapped in a moment of indecision, I glance back at the house as we prepare to load onto the bus. Other than passing glances and brief comments, I haven’t spoken to my parents since the fight in the study. They’ve made themselves scarce, and I haven’t gone looking.
Eric’s hand winds through mine and jiggles lightly, pulling my focus to him. “Go find them. They’re still your parents, and if you drive off without a word, you’ll regret it later.”
“They don’t deserve my time.”
“Maybe not,” he concedes, “but you deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing you took the higher road. Show them you’re better than they could ever be… but don’t do it for them. Do it for yourself.”
“Why are you being the logical one?” I ask, begrudgingly admitting he’s right.
“One of us has to be, and right now, I guess it's my turn. Don't get too excited. It won't last long.”
I huff a laugh, leaning in to pop a quick kiss on his lips that are already curved in that soft, knowing I-told-you-so smile. “Yeah, okay. I’ll be back.”
The front door creaks as I push inside and head straight for the study. I knock once, and Dad’s voice calls me in. He’s behind that enormous mahogany desk, same as always—unbending and stoic.
“Dmitri,” he says with a dip of his chin.
“We’re leaving, so I wanted to thank you for letting us stay here and unwind.”
He nods once, like he’s expecting more. Silence stretches awkwardly until I take a sharp breath and tap the desk lightly with my knuckles. “Right then. Give my love to Mom.”
“That’s all you have to say for yourself?” His voice is cold, stopping me mid-turn.
I turn slowly and force calm. “Yes.”
“He’ll do nothing for you, Dmitri. He’ll only drag you down. A man like that has nothing to offer someone like you.”
A sad smile tugs at my lips. “Unlike you, I don’t build relationships based on what someone can do for me. He makes me happy. He brings me peace.”
He scoffs, waving a hand. “Happiness and peace?”
“Yeah.” I pause, suddenly tired in the thick air of the room. “All the money in the world, and you never managed to buy either one. I wish you could find some happiness.”
“Life doesn’t end with a happily ever after, Dmitri. You think I built all this,”—he gestures at the grand office—“from some unattainable notion of peace? This isn’t a children’s book.”
It hits me then. He’ll never get it. He’ll never understand wanting a life of smiles and quiet joy instead of power and control. And instead of making me angry, it just makes me… sad.
“No,” I finally say, voice soft. “No, it isn’t. Thank you again for letting us stay.”
He bristles at the dismissal but remains silent as I walk out of the door and close it behind me with a click. Mom’s eyes meet mine from across the hallway, something buried deep inside threatening to come to light. She leans into me when I offer her a hug.
“Take care of yourself,” I whisper.
She nods before releasing me. “He loves you, Dmitri. He just doesn’t know how to say it.”
I think of Eric and the emotion that he can’t suppress. It doesn’t matter if it’s anger, hurt, happiness, love… one look at that man tells you everything he’s feeling. Like it’s too big, too powerful to contain inside himself. He lets it fly, consequences be damned.
He doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve; he imprints it on every inch of his body.
Suddenly eager to get back to his side and immerse myself in it all, I simply nod. “One day, I hope he finds his voice.” And with that, I walk away, unable to take a deep breath until the sunlight hits my eyes and the oppressive air of this place releases its grip on me.
As the bus drives off, bumping gently along the cobblestone drive, I don’t even look behind me. My future is right here by my side.