The Cold North

Page 6

After breakfast we were left to wander and socialize. I wasn't much for either of those things unless I stumbled upon something interesting. Miranda was talking to Aleksey, Chloe was talking to a group of girl, and Ellie and Dimitri were busy. So, I decided on wandering.

I walked around aimlessly, having no idea where I was going or really caring where I ended up. I came across a large door and peaked in. My eyes fell upon shelves full of books. I stepped inside and was started by a voice.

"There aren't many in English." Viktor said without looking up from his reading.

I deflated and felt stupid for not gathering that the books would be in Russian. I looked back to Viktor, who still wasn't wearing a shirt. He was leaned back in an antique chair with his feet up on the table. Somehow he didn't look that relaxed.

"So...what are you reading?" I asked in an attempt to communicate.

He rubbed a hand over his close cut black hair and glanced up at me for a moment. He didn't answer. I sighed heavily and left. There was an extra swing in my step as I walked to my room. When I'm irritated people know it, but unfortunately the "mess with me and I'll tear your throat out" rock of my hips is as attractive as it is intimidating.

Once I got to my room I lied on my back on the floor and just stare up at the ceiling. Now, isn't Russia fun? I'm not normally one to complain, but this is turning out to be the worst thing that's ever happened to me. This is going to be the coldest, most boring winter of my nineteen years of life.

I caught a draft and pulled Viktor's coat off my bed. I pulled it on and lied on my stomach, staring at the wall this time. I worked my socks off with my feet and crossed my ankles in the air. My feet were always cold so what difference did it make? I buried my nose in the sleeves of the coat and breathed in Viktor's scent.

A flash that I had at first thought I imagined bathed me for an instant. I looked over to the door that had been cracked open just enough to get the lens through.

"Your mother demanded pictures." Aunt Ellie said as she walked in and closed the door behind her. I looked back at the wall and sighed heavily. She sat in front of me so I had to look at her, but I could tell an interesting conversation was coming on. She had a knowing and half teasing grin that had to be means for trouble.

"I see you like Viktor's coat." As she said it her smile grew. I played it cool and shrugged.

"It smells good." I mumbled into my arms.