After Their Story Began

Chapter 53

Natasha's POV

It's been two months since I accepted Vladimir's apology. He's been in the dance room every single day I practice. I've grown accustomed to his company.

Anya is still taking father's death really hard. I've been fully immersing myself in ballet so I don't have to think about him being gone. I just cry myself to sleep at night.

I'm currently sitting in a split. Today's ballet lesson was very long and physically exhausting. I still want to practice on my own so I'm taking a breather.

I hear the door open and instantly know who it is without looking.

"How was your ballet lesson?" Vladimir asks as he walks around to sit in front of me

"Long and challenging."

"You should rest then." He suggested

"My rest day is on Sundays. I'd hate to waste today away doing nothing." I shook my head

"We could visit the bakery and keep each other company."

"We can go Sunday."

"Do you think spending time with me is a waste of time." He sulked

"Of course not. I just like to be strict with myself when I dance. If I go this one time I'll want to skip personal practice time more often." I explained

"But you'll be leaving in September for school. How will I make you fall in love with me if you never spend time with me?"

"We're too young to be thinking about love. Especially you." I giggled

"I'm only two years younger than you." He complained

"But you act so much younger. Why are you throwing a tantrum so early in the day?"

"Because all you do is dance. You don't even spend time with Anya or us."

"I don't skip meals and reserve my Sunday's for the family. What more do you want?"

"Anya has been feeling lonely. Maybe try to spend time with her."

"She could be in here just like you are but she isn't."

"You could be at her skating lessons just like Vladelin or Roman but you aren't." He retorted

"Anya never has anything nice to say. Why would I want to be around her?"

"She's just grieving."

"I forgot. The poor thing lost her only remaining parent. I can't imagine going through something like that." I rolled my eyes and stood up

"That's not what I meant. She just needs people to check up on her since she's really sensitive."

"I don't want to be around you anymore." I told him harshly

"So you wanted to be around me before?" He smiled

"I like your company."

He smiled and made his way to the door. Before he left

Sunday

"How are you girls doing?" One of father's old friends Pavel asked Anya and I

"We're doing better by the day." Anya smiled

"We have the Volkovs and Ivanovs to thank for our high spirits." I added

"That's good to hear. It's an odd situation."

"That's an interesting word."

"Mind yourself Petrova. A little girl shouldn't be speaking out of place to made men. I only say it's odd because the Petrov's served the Volkov family as bodyguards but here they are protecting you. It's a backwards scenario don't you think?"