A new leaf

Chapter 9 - You will look good without any clothes

He just said that without second thoughts and just letting his guard down. Three words and eight letters that seemed easier to be said in foreign language but they just came out from his mouth. He regretted it for half of second when he saw a fear in Nina's eyes but then she hugged him tightly. It was probably too soon but Melovin never hided his true feelings and he even didn't want to do. It was irritating when people were playing games and tried to cover their emotions with some masks. He could always sense a change of people's intentions. Now they were going green alley and Nina's look in eyes reminded him that moment when he confessed to her few days ago. She thought that he didn't observe her and that he didn't notice how her smile was unnaturally appearing as soon their gazes were meeting again. 

- We will go by train?- She asked him when old locomotive drove on a track. She didn't know what kind of surprise to expect and it didn't seem anything interesting. Especially when Nina saw this rusty train with no wagons and there were only trees around. They went up and stood on a edge of train that moved forward. That's when she understood. As much as they were entering deeper, all trees above rail were forming into tunnel of yellow leaves.  It's like they were going to mysterious garden from fairytale.

- Oh, I get it - She smiled and Melovin smiled, putting his hand on her arm and pulling her closer. 

- I wanted to take you here before.. When we planned to go on date - He said and suddenly a view around them started to look less beautiful to Nina. Maybe because she automatically thought about blood on a sidewalk, police stations and her own tears from a last week. Maybe because she was aware that sweet, quality time with Melovin could be over very soon. Or maybe because of both reasons. It's been two days since she had this strange pain in her stomach and sometimes it was hard to breathe.

- There's this art gallery I want to go with you today..

- Mel, don't - She said, picking her seatbelt when they ended their trip and came back to car. Melovin kept looking at her - You don't have to try to distract me.

- Distract you?

- I don't like to pretend that everything is fine when we can be called by police anytime.

- I don't pretend - He said with irritation - I wanted to go out with you. 

Nina avoided his piercing gaze and waited till he starts his car.

- But I see that I'm the only one who wanted this..

He drove on a road. Nina tried to say something but there wasn't a right answer in her mind and the way Melovin was looking ahead like there was nobody else in a car except him, made her anxious. His face expression was harsh. It was taking two hours to Lviv and twelve minutes of driving seemed like ages.

- For God's sake, say something! - Nina said with frustration.

- What do you want me to say when I'm angry?! I don't think you want me to start yelling.

- I just don't feel well - She said and it was partly a true. After looking at his face, her voice softened and she smiled - How can you be such a dork and think I didn't want to be with you?

She leaned to touch his arm but Melovin didn't react so she moved away.

- Because I can see your change. You're thinking about something else all the time and it's driving me crazy because I know it's because of that case.

- You should understand it. How can you expect me to be smiley after all what happend?

- That's not it. You don't understand - Melovin said and stopped a car on a sidelines. He turned to Nina - I want you to trust me and be sincere with me. Say and do what you really feel. You're keeping distance.