Together with Ekaterina lost the sense of time, although we knew thanks to the open window it was already dark outside. We whispered to each other all sorts of things making our love filled brains be off guard, giggles and soft laughter taking over us for some minutes. I outlined with my index finger her lovely profile: her small and delicate nose, her light red lips, her soft chin…
-We fit so wonderfully together, did you notice? -she asked, getting more comfortable with her head on my shoulder.
I didn’t answer, because words were not necessary, in such cases kisses were the only possible responses. Katia smiled and closed her eyes for some moments, it seemed she was falling asleep but then she suddenly sat down in bed.
-We must have supper. I don’t even want to know what’s going on through Bernadette’s head right now! -she finished laughing.
I didn’t move from my spot and watched smiling tenderly, how she walked around the room trying to get dressed.
-Come, hurry- Ekaterina tried to make me stand up, pulling from my arm- Bernadette must be suspecting we are doing something we shouldn’t. How embarrassing, we must be making a very bad impression.
After all she was correct and it was very suspicions from us spending time with the door closed when we weren’t husband and wife. We weren’t aware of what sort of lie Gabrielle told her sister, but she did warn us of how much of a straight Christian Bernadette was. It was very probable she thought we were cousins or some sort of relatives, which worsened the sort of thoughts that could be going on in her mind after seeing us disappear for a long period of time in the afternoon and now this.
Ekaterina was the first one to open the door and make her appearance in the dining room. I followed her some minutes after, with a Russian prayer book Gabrielle had bought me.
In the dining room the fireplace was lightened and a delicious smell came from the kitchen, Katia was sitting quietly on an armchair, and her eyes wandered in the portraits that hung from the walls. I approached her, offering a cigarette which she rejected.
-Tomorrow we are leaving, we need to tell her. I want to end this calvary once and for all and never see his face again- Ekaterina whispered to me with a severe expression on her face.
-Do you remember we decided I would go with you?
-I do- she responded standing up- I’ll have to find you a place to stay… You could work for me now that I think of it. I always needed help, someone to keep my office and papers in order, and run errands for me. Would you be willing to?- she asked approaching her face to mine- That could also be a good excuse to be together most part of the day…
I glanced at her, who blinked innocently and then nodded in signal of agreement.
-Please don’t make me write. I barely can and I doubt you could understand my handwriting...
-There you are! Dinner is almost ready, please take a seat- Bernadette interrupted us and then went back to the kitchen.
We didn’t hesitate and sat next to each other, we awaited impatiently to taste what smelled so delicious. At the same time our eyes met, just like our hands did under the table: I squeezed hers smiling, and she smiled back.
-I apologize because your visit caught me without much to prepare, still, I hope you enjoy- and Bernadette presented us some meat, with the wonderful smell that had been making our stomachs growl.
Accompanying the meat, that was chicken, mushrooms and onions also were on the plate.
-How’s it called? -I asked after eating the first portion.
-Coq au vin, don’t, don’t you like it? -she responded full of doubts.
-On the contrary! It’s delicious, you’re a more gifted cook than Gabrielle.
Bernadette laughed and then added:
-Forgive me about the wine, it is not the best around. I won’t mind if you don’t drink it. It’s not my favorite either… -she paused and afterwards changed the topic, looking at Katia- Oh sweetheart, how wonderful it is to see your mood improved! You seem to have an inner glow sparkling…
It was hardly the second time I saw Ekaterina blushing violently, and I could also feel my cheeks burning dangerously. I tried to control myself to stop seeing the images of what had taken place earlier.
-I am sorry to ask, but it isn’t quite clear to me yet, is there any relation between you two? Are you relatives?
-No- Katia answered hurriedly- I am friends with Gabrielle, that’s all. Occasionally I go to her house for tea and since he’s there as well sometimes we discuss literature.
-Oh… -Bernadette appeared to be processing the information, but then continued asking- are you married, sweetheart?
-No- Ekaterina replied again, almost coughing out her food.
Our hostess with her monumental mouth didn’t know how delicate the topic was, but given her fervent Catholic views, I was more than sure she wouldn’t be pleased to know of the marriage’s failure.
-On purpose, we will be leaving tomorrow. My brother in law wrote in the telegram that the disgraced man who was stalking me was arrested. So we thank you from the bottom of our hearts your hospitality.
The news took Bernadette totally by surprise, making her speechless.
-I’m glad the man will get what he deserves… And I’m very sad you couldn’t stay longer, but I assume it is better for you.
Then, she told us what time we had a train back to Paris, and even asked us to send her a letter or telegram when we would arrived safe.
With what seemed an interminable day, I sat to reflect after dinner in my assigned bedroom. There was no way I could ever forget what took place since the very early morning. The nerves, anxiousness, then seeing Ekaterina safe… Even if she didn’t know my name, I knew very well hers and my heart pronounced that nine letter word that brought so much meaning to my life. The only candle I had lighted was enough to see some stars in the clean night sky. I smoked slowly and as I watched them glow, the words and rhymes for another poem started flowing in my mind. It was enough to remember her eyes to feel inspired, or her long hair with soft ocean waves being free, running down her back…
Behind the chair I had located by the window, I heard the door being opened slowly, almost without making any sound. Turning around I distinguished a familiar silhouette.
-I can’t sleep- Ekaterina whispered standing behind me, letting her warm lips kiss down my neck.
-I’d say you don’t want to either- I whispered back trying to bring her face to face.
If I was a painter, I’d dedicate all my career to portraying her as she was that night. Her nightgown reached her knees and was white, on her chest the silk was replaced by an intricate lace which made easy to guess what was underneath it. Katia threw away my cigarette case that rested on my lap to make a space for her. I glanced up to the shining stars outside the window deciding to whisper my latest poem right away, in the precise moment later we would discover that changed our lives.
