Avrora
"It's going to be so strange coming back after the summer and not seeing you," Lorelai says, sitting straighter.
"I know. I was thinking that the other day."
We're under the tree on Raventhorn's campus. I'm waiting for Anatoli to pick me up, and she's waiting for Dmitri. This is the first of many dates her father has arranged with him, and I know she's not happy about it.
Although she's smiling, I also know she's still putting on a brave face because of Zakh. By now, everyone knows what he did and that he's basically being hunted.
Lorelai and I haven't spoken about it much, but I know she's hurting deeply.
"You know you'll still see me, right?" I smile. "I just won't be at college for a year." Today, I did my deferment for next year. I'm due in January, but I have no plans to walk around campus in my pregnant state. We have another month of classes before the summer. By the time I get back, I'll be just over five months pregnant. I plan to resume my course the year after next on a part-time basis.
"Of course, I'm going to see you. That's not up for discussion. I'm already planning your baby shower. It's just going to be strange not having you here, but for all the right reasons."
She looks so proud of me, and I feel lucky to have her. But once again, I'm left feeling like she does more for me than I do for her.
"Thanks for being you, Lorelai."
She laughs. "Thanks for being you, too. I don't think I could have ever had a better friend, or one who knows me so well."
I tap her hand and give her a reassuring squeeze. "I'm happy to hear that because I know you're not doing so well now."
"I'm trying my best."
"You're doing good. How are you feeling, though? Truthfully."
"Like my world is ripping apart every day and I spend my night trying to patch it back up. I just can't believe what Zakh did, and I feel selfish for feeling like shit because I know I'm never going to see him again. There was never any hope for us."
I still can't wrap my head around the truth and accept the things that were done by those who betrayed us. Zakh though... Like everyone else, I never saw his actions coming. The damage he did will be reopened next week at the funeral.
"You will get through this," I assure her.
"I believe that. You inspire me to find my strength. You've been through hell, Avrora. And you got what you wanted in the end. Your happiness gives me hope."
"Thank you, but I don't think I would have gotten very far without your help."
I know I'm right when it comes to that. Over the last few weeks she's supported me with so much while Anatoli was recovering. She's done everything and even dealt with the lawyers for me when it came to the oil company. Apparently because Uther adopted me the company is still mine. Lorelai convinced me to keep it and do good with it so I've made arrangements for the charity my grandfather chose to get a massive percentage of the profits each year.
I pull her in for a hug, then, moments later, Anatoli's car comes up the drive but Jayce is driving. If Anatoli were a hundred percent and I weren't pregnant, it would be him storming in on his motorcycle again, defying all the rules.
The car rolls to a stop near us, and Anatoli gets out, holding the door open for me.
"Go be with your guy. I'll see you tomorrow." Lorelai smiles.
"See you tomorrow."
I give her another quick hug before I rush down the path to skip into Anatoli's arms.
Without even thinking, we kiss right there for the world to see, and I get lost in him all over again.
Every day is a happily ever after for us because I have him and he has me.
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Anatoli
I've had far too many sad days in my life.
This one is right up there with the rest.
I buried Leif and my father a few hours ago.
We held a double ceremony and buried them next to each other in the family plot. The turnout was astounding, and the deep appreciation for their lives by all who were there was just as impressive.
Since we got home I've been in my office sorting things out, just to get my mind off the day.
While Ehlga and Avrora are baking in the kitchen, it seemed like the thing to do to suppress my grief.
A knock sounds on my door, and I wonder who it is. It's been a while since anyone has knocked on that door. Gytha still knocks, but I'm not expecting to see her until next week when she leaves for Denmark. She's been helping us look for Zakh, but as the days have gone by with no results, I didn't want her to miss out anymore.
"Come in!" I call out.
The door opens, and Malik walks in. Although it's odd for him to be here, it's good seeing him.
"You okay?" I ask when I notice the troubled look on his face.
"Not so much. This was at my house waiting for me when I got back." He pulls out a note and shows me. "It's addressed to the both of us, so I opened it."
He hands it to me, and I notice our names on the envelope. I open it, pull out the note from inside, and read it. It says:
I didn't kill Leif. I've been set up.
I can't clear my name right now, but you're not going to find me until I can prove my innocence,
Zakh
I look at Malik and take in the stern expression on his face. Part of me would love to believe this, but I know what I saw on the surveillance recording. And I know now that I have to be careful.
"He was at your house?" I ask.
"Yes. And no one saw him, but that's the kind of shit Zakh can do. We're dealing with someone who can walk around in plain sight and be invisible if they want to."
"Fuck."
"What are you thinking, Anatoli?"
"We saw what he did for ourselves." I squeeze my hand into a fist.
"We did. He held the knife in Leif's heart. How can that be a setup?"
"Exactly."
"What now?" He holds my gaze, clenching his jaw.
"Either I find him, or he proves his innocence, whichever comes first."
Whatever happens, there will be retribution for the dead.
Whoever is responsible will pay with their life for those who lost theirs.
THE END.