Ya ne znal

Chapter 10

Thursday May 23

Maks and Meryl were sitting on the porch together. They were cuddled up and enjoying looking up at the stars. Adalyn was finally asleep. Just like Cheryl, had said it was a rough night for Adalyn. After reading a book and kisses goodnight, Adalyn started crying hysterically. She is scared and wants someone to stay with her. After talking it through with Cheryl, Maks lays with Adalyn, playing with her hair until she fell asleep. He snuck out of the room and then gwent to find Meryl.

"I've missed the stars."

"I know Princess. That's why I brought us out here. Being outside and seeing the stars always calms you down and helps you relax." He places a soft kiss on her forehead. She melts even further into his arms. They sit there quietly together for what felt like hours but no one really knew how long they sat there.

"Do you know what else helps me relax?" Meryl says quietly.

"What Princess?"

"A nice bath with my husband."

"Oh that sounds wonderful to me."

"Let's go husband." Meryl stands up and offers her hand to Maks. He takes it and leads her upstairs to the bathroom. They listen into Adalyn's room to make sure she was still asleep. When they are reassured that she is asleep, Maks goes to start the bath and Meryl relaxes in bed. She reads until he calls for her.

"Mer, the bath is ready."

She grabbed their pajamas and went to the bathroom. They weren't at their house so they can't go around naked. Meryl comes to the bathroom and smiles at Maks and starts to undress. His face lit up and he starts to undress as well. Meryl walks over to the tub and gets in, all while never breaking eye contact with Maks. He climbs in behind her and pulls her into him so that she is in between his legs with her back on his chest. His hands started roaming her body.

"Mhmm Maks, you have to behave. My parents are down the hall. So is Clayton."

"Meryl, this is torture. I don't think I can do this." She takes his hands and puts them on her belly keeping their fingers intertwined.

"Just close your eyes and relax Maks."

"I'm trying Meryl. Trust me, I'm trying. It's not working very well."

Meryl just laughs and leans into him. All of a sudden they hear crying. They both let out a sigh.

"I'll go" Maks says and starts to get up but Meryl stops him.

"No, I'll go. You got her to sleep so now it is my turn. Plus, you are too um... excited." She gave him a gentle kiss and quickly gets dressed and rushes off towards Adalyn. She opens the door and Adalyn sits up quickly. She cries harder.

"Mama!"

"It's ok Adalyn. I'm right here. You are safe." Adalyn curls up in Meryl's lap. "Did you have a bad dream?"

"No."

"Did you just wake up and get scared?"

"Da."

"Oh milaya devushka. We are safe here, I promise. Let's lay down and try to sleep. Ok?"

"Ok." Adalyn climbs off of her lap and lays down. She grabs Lambie and turns so she is laying on her side looking away from Meryl. Meryl plays with her hair and tells her a story. After five minutes, Adalyn is asleep. Meryl quietly get off the bed and leaves the room. She goes to the bathroom but Maks isn't in there. She checks the bedroom and sees Maks on the bed sound asleep. She couldn't help but laugh. She closes the door and goes downstairs. Clayton and her parents are still awake and sitting in the living room talking. Clayton is the first to notice her.