Reality Bites - Wattys 2018 Shortlist

Chapter 53 - Piggie

"There you are," Abe said, coming out on to the porch to see Dimitri and I cuddled together on the swing, enjoying the first sunshine of the day. "I've been sent to collect you for dinner," he said with a smile seeing us cuddled together looking so peaceful and happy. Following Abe back into the farmhouse, we headed to the dining room where the huge table had been set for eight. Pulling my chair out for me, Dimitri sat in the final remaining seat beside me.

In front of us was a veritable feast. A succulent roast pork topped with crackle sat surrounded by every side imaginable. Pavel sat at the foot of the table and stood to carve. Sitting opposite me, I could see Lissa regarding Dimitri and me with a smile. I guess I must be looking as happy as I was feeling.

Holding my smaller hand in his between us on the dining table, Dimitri was absentmindedly stroking my middle finger where I was wearing my promise ring.

"I love that you wear it milaya," he said so softly only I could hear.

"I love that you gave it to me, Comrade" I replied.

"What are you two whispering about?" Christian asked, spoiling the moment.

"Just saying how the weekend would have been perfect if you weren't here" I responded, poking my tongue out at him. Lissa rolled her eyes at us.

"Aww come on Rosie – you know you love having me here. Besides if I wasn't here keeping Lissa occupied you'd get to spend less time with lover-boy."

Well now you mention it – he has a point... Lissa flushed scarlet at the suggestive way in which he said 'occupied,' but Pavel saved the day.

"Pass these down please – this one is Mr. Mazur's."

Passing the plates down with the roast slices, I had to have a little giggle. Baba's had two neat slices. Mine – which came next – had four or five. And then came Dimitri's which looked like a carvery! You could barely see the plate due to the number of slices on it. Once we were all served, we passed the sides between us. I chose roast potato, pumpkin, and onion, some string beans, carrot, steamed broccoli and gravy. In fact, I only stopped when I physically couldn't add any more to my plate without it overflowing.

Closing my eyes, I was groaning with pleasure as I ate – opening them only briefly to reload and take another bite. After several moments I realized all conversation had stopped and I opened my eyes to see Dimitri resting his chin in his hand watching me with a look of absolute adoration on his face. And while Dimitri was watching me, everyone else was watching us.

"I love watching you eat milaya," Dimitri said, oblivious to our audience.

"Just as well Belikov, because you'll get a lot of chances with the way piggie over there puts it away" Christian joked, earning himself a slap in the back of the head from Lissa.

Piggie? PIGGIE? Throwing Christian a 'you'll keep' look, I leaned forward and kissed Dimitri gently.

"What can I say? Suzanne's cooking is awesome. Of course I'm enjoying it."

"Yes it's absolutely delicious," Mom complimented Suzanne, followed by the rest of the table offering her their thanks.

The conversation flowed easily after that. This must be what it feels like to be part of a big family, I thought happily. I noticed Dimitri was particularly quiet, but he had a soft smile on his face that reached his eyes, so I wasn't concerned. After finishing our roast, then each having a serve of Suzanne's apple pie with cream, we both sat back full and happy.

"Do you want to play a board game?" Lissa asked us, looking as though she'd much rather retire to bed with Christian, but not wanting to be the first to suggest it.