| Subject: WTTS2 - 86 |
Author:
KT
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Date Posted: 22:45:45 01/11/02 Fri
In reply to:
KT
's message, "Window to the Soul 2 - More (splitting the thread *as requested by Sanlin*)" on 21:52:29 01/11/02 Fri
Window to the Soul 2 - Part 86
By KT
Copyright May 8, 2001
Nikita ran her thumb over her lips as she tucked herself into the curve of Michael's body. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his arm covering hers possesively, smiling to herself. They had spent the day dancing, making love, talking, their connection deepening as they opened their hearts further.
"So, Michael, tell me. What about your own life? Any regrets?"
Michael was silent behind her, and she feared she had trod into forbidden territory. Nikita rolled to face him, putting a bit of distance between them to look curiously into his eyes. A tiny sigh escaped him.
He lay in wonder at the woman before him. It seemed that just when one layer of feeling was peeled back, another emerged, exposed to her scrutiny. Michael took her hands in his as he accepted the physical separation she had imposed. His eyes searched hers and he decided that he would try not to compromise the trust they had painstakingly built. So many secrets revealed, so much pain, so much healing still to come.
"Regrets?" An increment of sadness seeped into his gaze. "So many, but truly only one."
Nikita lay expectant.
"Not being there for Adam. Knowing that he's growing up without a father." Michael's voice grew quieter. "Missing all the day to day events that make up his childhood, and that will shape the rest of his life. He can never come to me for advice, like I could with my father." He stopped speaking, slightly overcome with his thoughts.
"How old is he now?"
"He's eight, almost nine. I send him a present every year for his birthday, but it always comes back unopened."
Nikita was a bit shocked. She remembered how she had waited for a gift or a card from her father on her birthdays when she was little. He always sent her some little something. She recalled how Roberta's face would grow stony when there was never a return address on the envelope or package. But at least her Mom hadn't kept this simple joy from her. After a while, the packages stopped coming, and finally the cards as well. She couldn't begin to imagine what her life might have been like had she had her father there to comfort and instruct her.
Michael's eyes were looking at her but his thoughts were a million miles away. Nikita squeezed his hands gently, her face serious, and watched as he came back into focus. His expression remained guarded, but he returned the pressure of her hands. A moment later, Nikita found herself wrapped tightly in Michael's arms, his face buried in the crook of her neck as he wrestled with his emotions. Her hands stoked his back and she let him lose himself in his struggle.
They lay quietly, each wandering in the dark woods of the past, mourning for that which could not be, nor could ever come again. Sleep came once more to shelter them, and the sun slanted in the window with unrelenting reality. Their day of freedom stole across the room like a panther stalking its prey. Time moved slowly and quickly all at once. The seconds trickled down into minutes, the minutes into hours...
* * * * * * * *
The city crawled methodically out of its snowy blanket, and the day slowly gained momentum as transportation resumed. By the afternoon, the main streets were cleared and buses were beginning to run again. People were starting their cars and digging out their sidewalks. A friendly spirit prevailed as neighbors helped each other with snow shoveling. A day off from work seemed like a week's vacation. Conversation buzzed as the weathermen warned of another approaching storm front.
Walter managed to open the Café by midafternoon. The general air of cameraderie among the few customers who did wander in was a breath of fresh air. Everyone seemed so relaxed. The storm had effectively slowed the normally frantic pace of the daily grind. As he puttered about filling the simple orders, the bell tinkled softly as the door opened and closed. A melodious voice behind him made him stop his actions and turn with a smile.
"Hello Walter."
He nodded. "Sabine."
Walter took in her glowing cheeks and fresh smile. Something was different about her today. He walked around the counter and sat next to her. She took off her hat and gloves, her eyes merrily dancing in her face. His curiosity got the better of him and he commanded her with mock severity.
"OK. Out with it."
She drew a deep breath, suddenly very happy that she had Walter to talk to. "It's Nikita... She... well, I think she is recovering from the accident." Sabine proceeded to relate the events of the previous day, sparing no pity for Jamie's reputation, and told Walter of her conversation with Nikita and Michael. "They closed the Hall, so they didn't have to go in."
An appreciable minute passed as Walter took in the enormity of Sabine's news. "You're sure about this?" Then joy flowed through him as he realized that this would bring Michael back around as nothing else could. He stood up and pulled Sabine off her stool and gathered her to him in an ecstatic hug. His joy increased as Sabine hugged him back. "How wonderful," he whispered in her ear.
Walter leaned away and saw the moisture shining in her eyes. His hands found the collar of her coat and he gently slipped it off her shoulders and draped in on the back of her stool. Sabine sat silent, clearly affected by the moment. Walter poured two cups of coffee and settled himself next to her.
"So Roberta doesn't know yet."
"No. I didn't want to spoil the surprise. Oh, but Walter, I don't think I'll be able to keep it from her for very long."
Walter was amused by her dismay. "I'm sure you won't have to. Don't worry, Sabine. Not everything is your responsibility, you know."
Sabine flushed at his reprimand, knowing he spoke the truth. "I suppose not."
Walter studied her. "How did you get here?"
"Jamie gave me a lift."
"Why didn't you just call?"
Her face lit up once again. "I wanted to see your face when I told you the news."
"And was it worth the trip?"
"Oh yes." Walter's heart did a little dance as her lips curved in a delighted smile.
"Did you call Birkoff?"
"No. I thought that perhaps it would be best to let Nikita do that. It can certainly wait for a day or two."
Walter took her hand in his. "So, Birkoff can wait, but I can't?" He kissed her fingers tenderly, holding her eyes with his. "Thanks."
Sabine gave his hand a little squeeze and rose to leave. "I need to get back to the house. I left Gwen there with Roberta, as Jamie had to report to the hospice office. I hope you don't mind me coming by."
"Mind?" Walter held onto her hand, detaining her another moment as he savored her presence. "I'd have to be dead and buried." His grin matched the twinkle in his eyes. "Take care, now. And keep me posted."
He waved as she slipped out the door, politely refusing his offer to close the Café and escort her back to Roberta's. His heart followed her as she walked past the windows waving back.
* * * * * * * *
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