The Romanov Series Book #1: My Rogue Girlfriend

Chapter Thirty Six: The to-do list

Terr's POV
School.

Therapy.

The mob.

Taking care of mom.

This is my typical to do list on a daily basis. It's just three categories to check off but each is involving. I moved a class higher because I'm too smart for the class I'm in. That means more challenging assignments and a lot of reading. I'm exhausted.

Everyday after school, I have mandatory therapy thanks to dad. I don't hate it as much as I did the first time. I just have to be selective about what I tell her. It feels good to talk to someone about life. I just wish I could talk to someone about these changes I'm going through and it's not just the mob. My body is changing and as much as I know why it's sort of freaking me out. I can't tell dad because I haven't seen him since grandfather's funeral. We didn't speak then and definitely not now. I think he hates me and disapproves of my decision. It is awkward to talk to mom about the messed sheets every morning. My voice is changing. I sound like a croaking frog. I am not sure whether to tell Nick. He's not around that often.

Every day after therapy, Alexei picks me up for training. Sometimes it's simple Q and A. He gives me scenarios and he asks me to think and answer. Sometimes he wants immediate answers. There is also a physical aspect to training. It's mostly martial arts and it's exhausting. He also expects me to make certain decisions. By the time I get home, I'm beat. Dog tired at it's best and I just want to crash and sleep but then there's mom.

Ever since she got back from Russia, she doesn't leave her room, she doesn't talk to me and she doesn't eat. I think something happened that really hurt her. It could be grandfather's death. I was insensitive to her feelings and she's yet to respond to anything I say to her. Sometimes I buy food but I try to cook for her on Fridays.

This evening isn't any different. My knuckles are badly bruised. The Trainor had me punching the trunk of a tree. I don't question his techniques. I do the work. I dropped my back pack on the floor. I checked the voice mails.

"Kat, it's Katerina. Have you noticed we can both go by Kat? Anyway, I'm just checking on you. Mom and I finally found a house. Guess where! Call me."

"Hey! It's Kei. Call me."

"Lorraine, I'm not sure if you remember me but it's Gustavo, Ferrer's father. I'm concerned about it. If you can please call me back, we can figure something out."

That explains it.

Did they fight?

The rest of the voice messages from her friends expressing concern for her followed. I listened to all of them even naughty messages from Bea and Naila. I looked through the empty fridge. Should I hire a maid?

I can afford to.

Alexei showed me my new account balance. It's comfortably seven figures. He says the money will keep growing. My grandfather left me everything on his will. There's more money but Alexei says I'll get it when I'm twenty one. I can afford a maid who will clean and cook so that I can come home and go to bed.

When I become a father, I'll suffocate my children with attention and affection. I slammed the fridge door shut. It's take out. I'll call McDonalds.

I ordered chicken nuggets, iced coffee and hash browns. That should do.

"Mom." I called her when I opened the bedroom door. She hasn't even moved. What is wrong with her? "Mom? Are you still alive?" She didn't answer. I sat on the edge touching her face. She feels too warm. "Mom, are you unwell? Just nod."