My Angel's Watching Over Me - Marat Safin Fanfic

[Annaya]

Chapter 15

Both of them were soaked because of the rain, but they didn’t mind. The car’s AC was even on, but they kept each other warm.

Angela put her head on Marat’s shoulder, and her arm across his chest, while Marat drove with one hand on the wheel and the other around Angela.

It took only a few minutes to get to Marat’s apartment. There was no traffic since it was almost one in the morning already.

“We’re here.” Marat said.

“I could just stay here like this.” Angela said, not moving a bit. Marat put her hand under her chin and lifted it up so he could kiss her. And he did. Its like every time they kissed, it gets more passionate.

“Come on, let’s get that dress off you.” Marat said. Angela gave her a look. “So you can change in to something dry.”

“Oh, okay.” Angela said.

While they were walking towards Marat’s apartment, he noticed how the light really showed off the shape of Angela’s body through the white fitted dress she was wearing. And since it was wet, it clung to her like a glove.

At the elevator, he tried to look away but he keeps staring at her and her reflection on the mirrored elevator door.

He pushed the button. As soon as the door closed, Marat grabbed her by the waist with one arm, placed his other hand at the back of her neck, and kissed her.

“Marat, what are you doing?” She managed to say. He didn’t answer but she knew exactly what he was doing. She kissed him back and let things take its course.

The elevator reached Marat’s floor and they stumbled to his front door while kissing each other.

Marat took his shirt off as he led Angela to the bedroom. Angela sat at the edge of the bed, backing up as Marat crawled over.

He was starting to unzip the dress from the back when Angela suddenly pushed him slightly back.

“Wait! Stop!” She said.

“Oh, c’mon! What now?” Marat asked, still crouched over Angela

“I’m…” Angela started. Marat saw a worried look on her face.

“If you don’t want to, we don’t have to…” Marat said, starting to get up.

“No, it’s not that.” Angela said, as she held Marat’s arm to keep him from getting up. “It’s just…I’m nervous…” Angela said, “I’ve…I’ve never done this before.”

“Oh…I see…” Marat said, “As in never?”

“Never.” Angela said, biting her lower lip.

“Well,” He said, smiling “Don’t worry, it’s going to be great.”

And well, I’m not going to elaborate anymore on what happened inside that room. Suffice it to say LOVE became a VERB in that room.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Marat shifted on his bed and felt Angela was not beside him.

He opened one eye to see if she really wasn’t beside him. He glanced at the table clock, and it was almost four in the morning.

He turned to the other side and saw her standing near the window, looking out. She had the blanket wrapped around her. It has stopped raining. Her hair flowing at her back, and the moonlight shining through the window gave her such a divine silhouette.

She looked so beautiful, Marat thought. He stood up, and walked towards her. She didn’t even notice until he was right behind her.

“Hey.” Marat whispered. “Rain has stopped, huh?”

“Yeah. Why are you up already?” She asked him.

“You weren’t beside me.” He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and kissed her hair. “How are you feeling?” He asked.

“Wonderful. I feel wonderful.” She said, leaning back at Marat. She pulled his arms together so that he’s holding her tighter. “What about you?”

“Me? I feel…happy. Really happy.” He said. “I love you.” He whispered to her ear.

“I love you, too. So much.” Angela said.

She closed her eyes. Marat tipped her chin up and kissed her on the forehead. She turned around slowly pushing off Marat’s arms around her waist.

“How’s your knee?” She asked, with a teasing look in her eyes.

“It’s holding up. It’s fine.” He said.

“Good. Come on.” She said, smiling, taking his hand and leading him away from the window.

“Where are we going?” He asked.

“To make you happy some more.”

[Annaya]

Chapter 16

September 5, 2005 Sunday 11:36am Safins’ Residence

After three days of seclusion in Heaven (Marat’s apartment) the two decided to go back to Marat’s parents’ home.

It was mainly because Angela wanted to wear her own clothes already. She has been wearing Marat’s clothes half the time they were at his apartment.

Angela went straight to Dina’s room to change while Marat stayed at the living room and listened to the messages on the answering machine. There were six.

Message from Rausa: “Marat, where are you? Why is your cell phone off? Call me when you get
this.”

Message from Maria (Angela’s mom): “Angie, it’s your mom. Where are you? I can’t reach your
phone. It’s been days; call me back when you get this. (sigh) All right,
it’s not like I don’t know what you guys are up to…bye.”

Message from Dina: “Marat where are you and where have you taken Angela? Mom’s been
trying to call you. Gelya, call me! I’m worried about you.”

Message from Mikhail: “Marat, it’s your dad. Don’t mind your mother and sister. Attaboy!
(laughs)”

Marat laughed at that message too. The other message was from Peter. It was regarding treatment for his knee in a facility in Germany.

Then he played the last message.

“Hello, Marat. It’s Lenya’s mom. I’ve been trying to call your mobile, and your apartment. Lenya…he had an accident. He’s…he’s gone, Marat. He’s gone. I hope you get this soon. I’ll see you.”

His mood changed as soon as he heard the news. He was in disbelief for a moment, but he had enough presence of mind to get to the couch.

He was like that when Angela came back. She immediately sensed something was wrong.

“Hmm…finally, clothes that fits! Hey, what’s wrong?” She said.

“It’s Lenya.” Marat said. Angela sat next to him.

“What about him?”

Marat looked at her, “He’s gone.” He said.

“Gone where?” She asked, confused. “What are you saying?”

“He died, Ange. He’s gone.” He said, with difficulty. Angela was shocked for a moment.

“How? What happened?”

“Some kind of accident. I don’t know.”

The two of them sat silently for a while. They were just with Lenya a couple of nights ago and they couldn’t believe that he was gone.


Lenya’s funeral took place the next day. He asked Angela if she wanted to come. She declined. She never liked going to funerals.

When he got home, he was still very quiet. He seemed to be in deep thought the whole day. He and Lenya were very close, so Angela understood Marat’s situation and didn’t bother him.

The next day, Angela woke up to the smell of bacon and freshly baked (bought) bread as Marat entered the room, tray on hand.

“Good morning!” Marat said, rather cheerfully. “I bring breakfast!”

Angela sat up on the bed. “What’s going on?” She looked at the clock. It was 7:45 in the morning.

Marat set the tray down. “Nothing’s going on. I woke up early and decided to make…well, buy breakfast.” He smiled. She reached for Marat’s forehead.

“Are you sick or something?” She said, then, she tried his neck. He took her hand and kissed the back of it.

“I’m not sick. I just…what happened to Lenya. It made me realize how precious life is. And how short.” He said, “I just want to make the most of it. Starting with making breakfast for the woman I love.” He winked at her.

Angela smiled. “What about you? Have you eaten already?” She took a piece of bread and ate.

“No, but we can share. It’s not like we don’t share everything else. We even share my boxers.” Marat laughed.

“Oh! You!” She threw a piece of bread at his face. He picked it up and ate it.

[Annaya]

Chapter 17

September 10, 2005, Frankfurt, Germany


Marat had just arrived from the hospital. He had a consultation with Dr. Lohrer, and was advised to stay for the rest of the month to rehabilitate his knee.

He picked up the phone to call Angela who was in St. Petersburg visiting some relatives.

“Hello?” Angela said at the end of the line. Marat felt glad just hearing her voice.

“Hello, Can I talk to Ms. Federova?” Marat said, disguising his voice.

“Yes, Marat, you can!”

“How’d you know it was me?”

“I can recognize your voice even if you disguise it.” She quipped. “So, how are you?”

“I’m…missing you.” Marat said with a sigh.

“You’ve only been gone a day!”

“Yeah. But you’ve been gone eight years.” Marat said, sounding serious.

“Hmm…okay, so how can I make it up to you?” She asked, playing it down. Marat didn’t answer quickly.

Then he said, “Stay with me forever.” Almost whispering.

“Forever’s a long time. Won’t you get tired of me?”

“I’m serious.” Marat said. There was nothing Angela would’ve wanted more.

But instead, she said, “Don’t be so serious. You’ll get old fast and then forever’s not gonna be as long.”

Marat sighed, “Alright. I just really miss you.”

“I miss you too.” She said. “So what did the doctor say?”

“I’m gonna have to stay here at least till the end of the month.”

“That’s so long.”

“It’s your fault.” He said.

“*Ya? What did I do?”

“The doctor asked me if I have been engaged in some ‘strenuous activities’ these past few days, and the only thing that came to mind were the activities you’re a part of!” Marat said.

“What?! Oh, you! So now it’s my fault? Coz as I remember I asked you how your knee was doing, and you said it was fine!” She told him.

He was laughing. “Hmm…now, I’m having second thoughts on whether I should join you there!”

“You’re thinking of coming over?” Marat said, surprised.

“WAS. But since you think it’s my fault…”

“No, no, no! I was kidding!” Marat defended.

“Convince me.”

“Come on, it’s the least you can do to make up for the eight years you were gone.”

“Oh, that’s right, attack my conscience.” She said, acting defiant. Marat didn’t answer. “Bah! Alright…I’m convinced.” She said finally.

“So you’re coming?” Marat said, with new energy in his voice.

“Yes, I’ll be there in 3 to 4 days.” She said.

“Hurry. I miss you.” Marat said.


She got to Germany after two days.


*Me

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Chapter 18


September 14, 2005 Wednesday Frankfurt, Germany


It was a lazy afternoon and Marat and Angela were watching T.V.

“I’m bored.” Marat said, lying on the couch with his head over Angela’s lap. “I’m bored out of my wit!”

“Hmm…I knew you’d get bored with me sooner or later!” Angela kidded.

“Not with you!” Marat replied, shifting on his side so he’s facing Angela’s abdomen. “I mean this…here…I’m bored. There’s nothing to do!”

“What do you wanna do?” She asked, twirling his hair with her finger.

“I don’t know, something. I want adventure. Something exciting!” He said, sitting up.

“Something not bad for your knee!” She chimed in.

“Yeah” He smirked.

“Well, what do you plan to do?” She asked.

“I’ll think about it later. First, we have to get out of here.” He said.

“How are we gonna do that?”

“We walk out the front door!”

“I mean without being recognized.” She said, “Look out the window Mr. Safin.”

There were paparazzo’s hiding in plain sight. Those baboons can smell famous miles away.

“You had to rain on my parade, don’t you?” Marat said, miffed.

“Not my fault.” She said, “I know! You need a disguise!” Jumping off the couch.

“A disguise? What kind of…” Before he could say another word, she got out of the room.

She came back a few minutes later with a bellboy’s uniform. “Where and how did you get those?”

“Ay, Marat, you’re not the only one who can charm his way to anything, you know!” She said. “Well, suit up!”

As he did, she took one of Marat’s shirts and went to the bath to change.

“Okay, this fits well. What are you going to be disguised as?” Marat called out. She came out wearing his shirt.

She took Marat’s clothes that he changed out of and rolled it into a ball and stuck it inside her shirt.

“This.” She said, pulling the ponytail off her hair and shaking it down.

“Oh. A hot looking pregnant woman. Nice.” Marat said. She smiled.

So then, they managed to walk out the hotel unnoticed. They just looked like a pregnant woman needing help getting to a cab and a bellboy escorting her.

Only, of course, the bellboy suddenly jumped into the cab as well. Which no one really noticed or minded. They asked the driver to just drive.

They managed to change into their real clothes in the cab. But she told Marat to wear sunglasses on and to pull his hair back so he won’t be recognized.

“WOW! You look cool!” She said, “Sort of like Antonio Banderas.”

“Right. Thanks.” Marat said, “Anyway, that was kind of exciting.”

“Yep. So where are we going now?” She asked.

“Want to keep going?” The cab driver asked them.

“Yes, keep going!” Angela answered.

“You want to go to a club or something? See a movie?” He asked.

“Nah…we can go to a club or see a movie anytime. Let’s do something different.”

“Well, you’re adventurous!” Marat remarked.

“You said you want adventure!” She answered.

They didn’t have a destination, but told the cab driver to just drive on and just took in the scenery. They were already outside the city then, when they drove past a small celebration going on.

“Excuse me sir, what is going on there?” She asked the cab driver.

“Oh that? That’s Meinhard and Astrid’s 50th wedding anniversary.” The cab driver said.

“How do you know?” Marat asked, surprised that the driver knew.

“I live around here. There’s my house, see? You told me to drive anywhere, so why not to my house? You are still paying me, right?” Said the cab driver.

“Huh, should’ve known…” Marat said.

“Yes, of course we’re still paying you!” Angela said, laughing. “But, we’ll get off here now.”

The cab stopped. “Why here?” Marat asked Angela.

“We’re going to attend the wedding celebration!” She said. She paid the cab driver. “Keep the change, Mister….”

“Call me Lukas. Thank you!” Cab driver said. They got out of the cab.

“Why?” Marat asked. Looking kind of confused.

“It’s not everyday you get to attend a 50th wedding anniversary!” She told him. She took his hands pulling him. “Come on!”

[Annaya]

Chapter 19

The groom, Meinhard, was starting on his speech when they came in the yard. He and his wife, Astrid, were about seventy years old.
Marat and Angela sat at an empty table near the back so no one would notice them.

“Our relationship has not always been smooth sailing. We’ve had our share of fights, of struggles and the like. I’ve done things I’m not particularly proud of.” Meinhard started, “But through it all, my wife stayed with me. I may have done things that would’ve pushed any woman away, and all of you know what I mean!”

Everyone laughed. Then he continued, “But she accepted me still and loved me the same. She stayed with me through it all. You may call it martyrdom, or stupidity, but I call it real love. And her love made me realize my mistakes, and made me a better man.” He turned to Astrid, “My wife, thank you so much for loving me. I love you very much.” They kissed, and everyone clapped. Even Marat was clapping.

“And you didn’t want to come?” Angela teased Marat.

“It’s a good story.” He said.

“What? That he made his wife suffer?” She asked.

“No.” He answered, “That the two of them still love each other after all they’ve been through.”
He looked at the old couple. “You know, for a love to be kept alive for such a time is already great. But, to go through hell and back is just amazing. I want that.”

He looked at Angela and she was looking like she’s trying not to laugh. “What?”

“I didn’t know you were such a romantic!” She said.

“You’re teasing me.” He said, rolling his eyes.

“No, I’m not.” She said. He raised an eyebrow. “Really, I’m not. In fact, I like it very much.”

They were interrupted when Astrid started on her piece. She began by telling a little story.

“When I was little, my mother used to tell me a story about our souls. She said: Before, souls had two heads, four arms and four legs. But the gods wanted to make them look like themselves. So, they decided to split each soul to two, each half having one head and one pair of arms and legs. Then they created people where they put these souls in. Through out their lives, man struggled to find the other half of their souls.”

She turned to her husband, “When I met my husband, I knew instantly that he is my soul’s mate. That’s why I never left him no matter what. For, he is my completion, my other half. It is only with him that I am whole.”

Meinhard took Astrid’s hand, and kissed the back of it. The guests and family members were clapping and some were wiping their tears.

“Marat,” she said, putting her head on Marat’s shoulder. “Do you believe in it…in soul-mates?”

“I don’t know.” He answered. “Do you?”

“I’d like to.” She sighed, “I like to believe it’s you.” She looked up at Marat. He looked at her. He took the stray hair off her forehead, held her face up so he could kiss her, but before he could…

“Excuse me.” A woman, in a pink dress said. “Do we know you?” She looked sternly at them.

“Ah…no.” Angela said, “I don’t think so. We just wanted to see…we’re...visiting…our relatives…you’re neighbor, Lukas.” Marat was staring at Angela in amazement.

“Oh, Lukas! Well, if you’re a relative of Lukas then you are invited!” The woman said. A boy of about seven, probably her son, came out behind her. “They always are reliable in taking care of our children when we need them to. Well, enjoy the party.” Then she turned around and left them.

“How do you come up with that stuff?” Marat finally got to ask Angela.

“It…just came out!” She said, smiling.

“Excuse me.” The woman’s son said. They didn’t notice he was still standing there.

“Oh, hey!” Angela said.

“Do you think…could you maybe…” the boy said, stammering.

“What is it?” She asked the boy. He looked at Marat, then back to Angela.

“Would you like to dance with me?” He finally got to say.

“Oh.” She said, “Sure, I’d like that very much.” She looked at Marat and winked.

As she was dancing with the boy, (the song “Fools Rush In” by Elvis was being played) Marat was left at the table, watching her, smiling, thinking about the story the old woman said, and about Angela’s question if he believed in soul mates.

He decided he didn’t. He doesn’t believe Angela is his soul mate. She is just simply his soul. He wanted to tell her that, and he plans to that night…only he forgot.


Chapter 20

After the song, Angela went back to Marat. She wanted Marat to dance with her.

“Come on, stand up!” Angela said, walking towards Marat. “Dance with me.”

“Oh, no!” Marat said, shaking his head. “I don’t dance.”

“Right…you can dance with those girls in the club, but you won’t dance with me?” She frowned.

“I wasn’t dancing…I was merely swaying. I CAN’T dance!” He said.

“So sway with me!” She said, almost as if she’s pleading. “And you can’t say you can’t dance. You do footwork all the time, dancing is a lot about footwork.” She took hold of his arm and started to pull him off his seat.

“You are persistent, aren’t you?” Marat sighed. “All right…but, don’t blame me if I step on you!” He said, standing up.

“I won’t.” Angela said. She led him to the middle of the dance area.

“And also, you’re gonna have to stop undressing me with your eyes.” Marat joked, walking behind her.

She looked back at him, giving him a sultry look in her eyes “I can’t, you’re too sexy!” She said. She couldn’t keep the look, and she burst in to giggles.

The song “The Way You Look Tonight” started playing.

“Okay, just follow my lead. Let your soul feel the rhythm.”

“Oops, sorry!” He said. He stepped on her foot.

“Don’t be so tense. My instructor said dancing isn’t just moving your body. It’s about moving your soul. So, when you’re dancing with somebody, it’s like your souls are moving together in the same beat.” She said.

“You studied dancing?” Marat asked her. She put her head on his shoulder.

“Yeah, jazz, ballet, and pole dancing.” She whispered.

“What kind of dance is…pole dancing?!” Marat asked surprised.

“Yeah, haven’t I told you?” She said, “It’s a new trend in New York. Pole-dancing instead of aerobics. It’s a good cardio exercise. Plus the studio’s just below our pad.”

“Hmm, I’d like to watch you during one of your sessions.” Marat said, smiling naughtily.

“Well, if you’re a good boy I might give you a private viewing.” She told him with a little laugh.

“Will you? What time are we going back?”

It wasn’t long after that they decided to go back to the hotel.

They said their good-byes to the old couple and their daughter and grandson.
Then they went over to Lukas’ house and asked him if he could drive them back, and he agreed. When they got to the hotel, the photographers weren’t there anymore so they didn’t have any problems going back in.


“That was fun, wasn’t it?” Angela asked Marat as she sat down on the couch.

“Yeah. I had a lot of fun.” Marat said. He sat right beside her, and tilted his head back and spread his arms on the back of the couch.

“Good.” She said, “I’m glad you did.” She kissed him on the cheek, and hugged him.

“So…how about that private pole dance?” Marat asked

“Marat, the reason it’s called pole dancing is because you do it with a pole. There is no pole in here.” Angela said.

“I’ll be the pole.” He said.



Well, I’ll leave it to you to decide whether he got what he asked for or not.

[Annaya]

Chapter 21

September 27, 2005. Tuesday. Moscow, Russia


Marat and Angela arrived from Germany the night before. They headed straight to Marat’s apartment.

He called his mom to say that they’re back that morning.

He was gone for almost a whole month and Rausa, his mother, missed him so she invited Marat and

Angela to a dinner that night at the 1, Red Square.

Marat and Angela arrived early and waited for Marat’s family.

“I told you we’re early.” Marat told Angela as he sat to the table reserved for them.

“Better early than late.” She answered.

“I just don’t like waiting.” He said.

“So you make everyone else wait instead?” She bantered.

“Oh, so is that what we’re going to do tonight? We’re gonna fight?” Marat asked, slightly miffed.

“No.” Angela said, “I don’t want to fight with you. Life’s too short to spend fighting with people

you love.”

Marat frowned. “You always say that.” He said, “Life’s too short, blah, blah, blah…”

“What’s wrong with that? It is true.” She said, sipping some water.

“I know.” Marat said, looking away. “I just don’t like the way you sound like saying it sometimes.”

He paused. “Like you’re leaving or something.” He continued.

She touched his arm. “I’m not going anywhere.” She told him, “Unless you tell me to, I’m not leaving you.

I’ll always be with you.” She smiled.

Marat looked at her. “You promise?” He asked her.

“I promise.” She told him. He stroked her hair and touched her face and leaned over to kiss her. They

were kissing when Dina, Rausa and Mikhail came.

“Okay, your PDA is long enough. And it’s still early.” Dina said. They stopped kissing.

“Perfect timing! All the time!” Marat whispered loudly to Dina. Dina snorted. He stood up to pull a chair

for his mother. Angela gave a little laugh at them.

“Thank you.” Rausa said to Marat. “You are early for a change.”

“Must be influenced by an Angel.” Misha said. He smiled at Angela. She smiled too.

“Yeah. My own personal Angel.” Marat said, sitting back to his chair putting his arm around the back of

Angela’s seat.

While eating dinner, Marat’s mom updated him on news about their relatives. Dina filled him out with

news around the circuit. And his dad updated him with his finances. Marat has been picking food off Dina’s plate.

“Well geez, if you want my food so much why didn’t you order the same thing?” Dina said to Marat.

“I like variety.” He said, taking another piece and eating it.

“Mom, tell Marat to stop eating off from my plate.” Dina said.

“Marat.” Rausa said. She gave Marat a stern look but, Marat just smiled at her sweetly and she lost the

look. “Do you think smiling sweetly would get you your way all the time?” She asked him.

He reached for another piece on Dina’s plate but she slapped his hands off. He looked at Dina and she

nodded at Angela so he’d look at her. She wrinkled her nose in a frown and gave him a look of disapproval.

“Apparently not all the time.” He said to his mom.

“Serves you about right!” Dina told him, smirking.

“You ganging up on me now?” He asked Angela. She just smiled. Under the table, she nudged his leg

with her foot.

She knew Marat doesn’t like being admonished, and that was her way of telling him she was just kidding

without letting Dina know. Marat got the message, and smiled back.

“By the way, I think I’m gonna take up that invitation from Shamil to go to Kazan.” Marat announced.

“When are you going?” Misha asked.

“Next week, maybe. Dad, why don’t you come?”

“Are you really asking me?” Said Misha.

“Of course! It will be a good chance to spend some quality time with you.” Marat said. Misha looked at

him suspiciously. “Besides, it’s a long drive. We can take turns on the wheel.”

“I thought there was a catch.” Misha said. Rausa was laughing.

“Come on, I know you like taking long drives. Clears your head, right?”

“Fine, I’ll go.” Misha said. Rausa was shaking her head, smiling. “Who else is going?”

“Gelya.” Marat answered.

“Oh!” Angela exclaimed, “I can’t come.”

“Why not?” Marat asked, obviously disappointed.

“No. My mom asked me to come home for a while.” Angela said.

“She said why?” He asked. Angela shook her head no.

“It’s probably important.” Rausa said.

“Or she just wants Angel to have a chance to get away from you.” Dina offered. Marat rolled his eyes at

her. Then he turned to Angela with eyes pleading as if asking her not to go.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it.” She touched his arm.

Marat sighed, “I was hoping to go around Kazan with you. Tour around. I haven’t taken you around yet.

Not even here.”

“You can bring your camera! Take pictures of everything so I can see what you saw. And you don’t have

to tour me around. I’m happy just staying in a house with you.”

“Awww…that’s so sweet!” Dina said. Marat thought she was teasing and gave her a look. “I meant it.

You’re lucky, brother.” Marat smiled, as well as their parents.

When they were almost finished eating, Marat noticed Angela had not eaten almost half of her food.

“What’s the matter, you don’t like the food?” He asked.

“I do. I’m just…full.” She said.

“Full? That wasn’t even half your capacity.” Dina teased.

“What does that mean? That I eat a lot?” Angela said.

“Well, let’s just say, on a good day, you and Marat eat like your competing in an eating contest!”

“Ah!” She gave her a look of shock, “How dare you?” She said, shaking her head.

“For what it’s worth, I am amazed how you can keep your figure.” Dina said.

“Hmm, thank you.” Angela said, with pride.

“With all the food you put in there in a daily basis…” Dina continued.

Everyone on their table was laughing at the little comedy taking place. It went on all night until they went

home. Everybody was full in their hearts and stomach. But things were about to change really, really soon

and really, really drastically.

[Annaya]

Chapter 22[/u]

October 3, 2005, 3:00 p. m. Sheremetyevo Airport, Moscow, Russia


A couple of days before Marat and Mikhail set out for Kazan, Angela left for New York. Marat drove her to
the airport.

“Don’t come down anymore.” Angela said. “I can go from here.”

“Why?”

“You know why!” She said. He does. She wants to keep things private, not letting shutterbugs a single

shot.

“Do you really have to go?” Marat asked.

“My mom said it was important.” She said.

“All right.” Marat said. Sighing.

“Well, I better get off.” She reached for her bag at the backseat and hit Marat on the head with it.

“Ouch!” Marat exclaimed.

“Ooh! Sorry.” She said. Marat rubbed his head.

“That’s the second time that bag hit me on the head.” Marat said.

“Second time? When’s the first?” She asked.

“The day you came. At the restaurant we used to go to when we were younger. I was there, you hit me

with that bag when you got up to make a call.”

“I did? I’m sorry. Here let me make that up to you.” She moved closer to Marat and kissed him.

“Forgive me?”

“How can I not? You give the best kisses ever.” Marat said, smiling. “What’s with the number 11,

anyway?” He asked.

“November 11, 1992. That’s when you told me you love me.” She teased.

“I didn’t say I love you.” He said.

“You didn’t?” Angela asked, sounding a little bit disappointed.

“No. I said; I love you very much.” He said.

“You remember?” She smiled. And they kissed…again.

“How can I not? You threw your book at me because I was talking to a girl, and you wouldn’t talk to

me before I told you that. And it was a very heavy book.” Marat said. She wrinkled her nose and smiled.

“Go on, get outta here before I change my mind and not let you go.”

“Okay.” She got off the car. Took out her belongings. “I love you.” She said.

“I love you too. Take care. Call me when you get there.” Marat said.

“I will.” She winked and closed the door and left.

Marat stayed and watched her until she disappeared from view.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


In New York…


“Yes, she’s flying home by now. She might arrive tomorrow night.” Maria said. “I’ll take her. Mark? …Is it

possible you could be wrong? …I understand. Thank you.”

She put the receiver down very slowly. As if time was playing tricks on her making her see things

in slow motion. She put her hands over her face, and started sobbing.

“Please, don’t let it be. I beg you.”

[Annaya]

Chapter 23


October 6, 2005, 3:00pm Manhattan, New York.


“Angela, are you ready to go?” Maria asked. She and Angela were going to the hospital.

“Yeah, I was just saying good-bye.” Angela answered. She was talking to Marat on the phone.

“Well, you heard my mom. I gotta go. You better sleep now. It’s a long drive back to Moscow.”

“All right. I’ll call you when I wake up?” Marat asked.

“I’d probably be deep in sleep by then.” Angela said, “But, okay, talk to you later.”

She put the receiver down. “Let’s go!”


In the hospital, Angela and her mom were meeting Dr. Mark Dane, their physician.

They were waiting at the lobby. Angela went to get some coffee when Dr. Dane came.

“Dr. Dane!” Maria said.

“Maria, hi! Wow! You look…beautiful today.” Dr. Dane said, looking weirdly at her.

“Thank you, Mark.” She said.

“What are you doing here?” He asked.

“My daughter…?”

“Oh yeah!” He said, remembering he was the one who asked them to come.

“She’s here with me.” Maria said.

“Did you tell her?” He asked. Maria’s expression suddenly became serious.

“No. Just that you need to take some more samples.” She said. She looked away.

“But, I didn’t tell her about…”

“That’s fine.” Dr. Dane said. He took Maria’s hands. She looked at him.

“Don’t tell her yet. Please, Mark?” She said, “Not until were sure.”

“I understand.” He said, looking at her, very seriously.

“Thank you.”

“This week on General Hospital!” Angela said, appearing suddenly behind the doctor.

He let go of Maria’s hands.

“Angela! It’s good to see you.” He said to Angela.

“I’m sure it is but, not as good as seeing my mom! Right, doc?” She said, smiling playfully.

Dr. Dane couldn’t help but smile in agreement.

“Yeah. Let’s go in my office shall we?” He said.

“After you.” Angela said, getting out of the way. “So, when were you planning to tell me?” Angela whispered

to Maria when Dr. Dane was out of earshot.

“Tell you what?” Maria asked. She got a bit tensed because she thought Angela knew her

and Dr. Dane’s secret.

“About you and Dr. Mark!” Angela said.

“Oh! That!” Maria said, relieved. “We’re just dating.”

“STILL just dating?” Angela said. “You know mom, if you’re worried about me, I have no problems with him.”

She put her arm around her mom’s shoulder. “He’s a decent guy, unlike some of the guys you dated before. And he’s cute too.”

“Oh, you think so huh?” Maria said.

“Yeah. He looks a little bit like Marat.” Angela said, “So, if you like him, go ahead. He’s

got my vote.” She told her mom, with a wink.

“Good to know.” Maria said.


After running the tests they needed to perform and taking the samples they needed, Dr. Dane let them go.

“Okay, that’s it. You’ll hear from me for the results.” He told them.

“How long?” Maria asked.

“Couple of days.” He said.

“You will call me, right?” Maria said. Angela rolled her eyes.

“Of course.” Dr. Dane said.



After two days…


“Hello?”

“Maria? It’s me, Mark.”

“Mark, hi. How are you?” Maria asked casually.

“Maria, listen. I don’t know how to tell you this but…” Dr. Dane started.

“Wait.” She stopped him. Angela came in the room.

“I’m going out, mom!” She said as she swoops out the door.

When Maria was sure she was gone, “Okay, tell me now.”

[Annaya]

Chapter 24


October 9, 2005, 9:40 p.m. New York, USA


After her phone conversation with Dr. Dane two days ago, Maria wasn’t quite her usual cheery self.

She always seem like she’s spacing out or in deep thought. She would stare at Angela but when

she asks her what the matter is, she always says that it was nothing.

That night Maria told Angela to come to the restaurant she manages and co-owns for dinner.

She decided she needed to tell her daughter the truth about what Dr. Dane told her.


“Hey, Bruce!” Angela said to the coat checker.

“Hey, Angel! Where have you been?” He said.

“Went home to Moscow.” She said, “It was really great, you should go there sometime.

“Well,” He said, “If your mom ever give me a huge pay check, I will!”

“Is she inside?” She asked.

“Yeah, probably at her office. Hasn’t really come out since she got here.”

“Does she have a problem?” Angela asked.

“I don’t know. Business is good.” Bruce said, “Besides, you’re her daughter, you should know!”

“Right.” She gave him a nod and left.


She went straight to their favorite table where she can see everyone else in the restaurant and texted

her mom to say she’s there already. Her mom replied that she would be out shortly. Then Marat’s message

came in. He asked if he could call, and she told him okay so he did.

“Hey!” Angela said.

“Ah, it’s so good to hear your voice early in the morning!” Marat said on the other line.

“Hmm, yeah, what are you doing up already? It’s just almost 6 in the morning there!”

“I just got home a couple of hours ago!” He said, laughing. “I was out late last night.”

“Yeah, where did you go?” She asked.

“I was at the MTV Russia awards.”

“Cool!” She said, “Hmm…Who did you go with?”

“No one. Just me.” He said.

“Really…?”

“Yes, really.” He said, “Why? Are you going to be jealous if I went there with someone?”

“Well, yes.” She answered. “But, if you tell me there’s nothing to be jealous about, I’ll believe you.”

“There’s nothing to be jealous about.” Marat said.

“So you did go there with someone!” Angela said,

“No, I didn’t! I swear I didn’t!” Marat said, laughing. “I love it when you’re angry…jealous-angry!”

“Hmp! Well, don’t make me do it too often.” She said.

They talked a little while longer. She just said goodbye to Marat when her mom came to the table.

“Hey, mom.” She said, smiling.

“Who’s that?” Maria asked.

“Marat.” She said, with an even bigger smile. “He said he misses me and wants me to come back soon.”

“I see.” Maria said. Then the food arrived. “Well, lets eat.”

“Yeah.” She put the phone down.

Maria was watching Angela the whole time. Angela looks so happy, she thought.

Then Angela finally noticed her.

“What?” She asked her mom.

“Nothing.” Maria told her, “It’s just…I haven’t seen you like this.”

“Like what?” Angela asked.

“Happy. I haven’t seen you this happy.” Her mom said.

“I’ve been happy.” Angela said.

“Yes, but not like this. Like you’re glowing.” Her mom said. “I’ve never seen you this happy.

Not in a while. Not since we had to leave Russia.”

“You know why, mom.” She told her. “I got back what I lost when we left. It’s all I ever

really wanted.”

“I know. I know.” Maria said. And as she continued to watch her daughter, all the preparation she

did in telling her what she needed to just dissolved into thin air.


After dinner, Maria told Angela to go home and that she needed to stay at the restaurant for

a while longer. Angela wanted to wait but she told her that she just had to take care of some business and

it might take long. When Angela left, she immediately called Dr. Dane.

“Dr. Dane.” Dr. Dane said on the other end of the line.

“Eric, it’s Maria.”

“Maria.” He said, the quality of his voice becoming worried. “How did it go? Did you tell her?”

“I tried.” Maria said, her voice quivering. “I couldn’t do it.”

“What happened?” He asked.

“I couldn’t tell her.” She said, crying. “She looked so happy. So glad to be alive and to be

with the man she loves.” She continued, “I can’t bear to tell her it’s not going to last. Eric, I can’t tell her she’s

going to die. It would shatter her.”

“I understand.” Dr. Dane said. “But you still need to tell her. She has to know. It’s her

right to know.”

“I know that, but I can’t.” Maria said. She sat at her chair, feeling her knees getting weak.

“Maybe you just have to find a better time to tell her.”

“There is never going to be a better time.” She said, “Why does this have to happen?

First, my husband and now my daughter?”

“Maria.”

“I can’t lose her, Eric.” She said, “She’s all I got.” Her arm dropped at the table, still holding

the phone as if her nerves had locked it in her hand. She was crying, and her tears burned like acid that

stings her heart.

“Maria,” He said, “Maria? Maria, are you still there? Hello?!”

[Annaya]

Chapter 25

October 11, 2005 Moscow 9:15 am

Marat's phone have been ringing against the sound of buzzing cars for several seconds already.

He didn't hear it, but he saw it flashing its light, so he picked it up without reading who was calling him.

“Hello?!” Marat said, almost shouting.

“Shh! It’s me.” Angela said “Where are you?”

“I’m in the car.” Marat said, “Stuck in traffic…as usual. How about you?”

“I’m home. My mom’s still at the restaurant, so I’m alone here.” She said.

“I see. So…what are you wearing?” Marat said.

“Do you want to get in an accident?”

“That little, huh?” Marat said, laughing.

“How did you become this naughty?” She said, giggling. “You weren’t like that before.”

“Hmm…someone told me, ‘People change’, so why can’t I?”

“Right.”

“So, when are you coming back here?”

“In a couple of days. I already bought a ticket.” She said, “Do you miss me?”

“Do you have to ask?” Marat asked.

“No, I just want to hear you say it.”

“I miss you, I miss you, I miss you, I miss you.” He said.

“I love you.” She told him.

“I know.” He said, smiling.

He caught a glimpse of himself in the rearview mirror, and he smiled even wider, shaking his head.

“All right, I’m gonna take a bath…have to put the phone down now.”

“You have to tell me you’re taking a bath? How am I supposed to concentrate on my driving now

when I’m imagining you?”

“Don’t imagine!” She said laughing. “Bye.”

“All right, bye.”


New York

As Angela submerged herself into the warm bath, she suddenly felt very tired. She had a busy day.

She woke up early that morning to go for a jog. She dropped by at the hospital to visit some kids she’s made friends

with as a volunteer before, and played with them a while. In the afternoon she went to the dance studio just below

their pad, initially just to visit her instructress but ended up giving demos. And that evening before her mom

called she was at the park sketching.

So, now feeling drained, she fell asleep in the tub.

Moscow

Marat got to his architect’s office 15 minutes ahead of their scheduled meeting.

He went to the front desk and asked the secretary, Olga, to inform Katerina of his arrival.

“Mr. Safin, do you have an appointment with Ms. Pugacheva?” Olga asked.

“Yes, please tell her I’m here now.” He said.

Olga pushed some buttons and Katerina picked up from the other end.

“Yes, Olga?”

“Ms. Pugacheva, Mr. Safin is here. Shall I let him in your office?”

“Mr. Safin? Marat Safin, you mean?” She said, surprised.

“Yes, ma’am”

“Are you sure it’s him? He’s 15 minutes early, that’s not usual for him.”

“Excuse me, I can hear you.” Marat said.

“I know. I meant for you to hear.” Katerina said. “Olga, let him in.” She said finally.

“Thank you.” Marat said, sarcastically. “Women! You’re late, she’s mad. You’re early, she’s still

mad! What’s a man gotta do, huh?” He said to Olga.

“Be on time?” Olga shrugged.

“Of course.” Marat said. He followed Olga to Katerina’s office.

“Thank you, Olga” Katerina told her, and she left. “So, Mr. Safin, what did you want to talk about?”

“Kitchen.” He said, “I want to talk about my kitchen. I think I’m gonna need a bigger one.”

Katerina raised a brow. “A bigger kitchen?” She said, with a touch of cynicism in her tone.

“Why would you want a bigger kitchen? You don’t really cook!”

“Who said anything about me cooking?” Marat said.

“Ah…it’s a girl, huh?” She said, finally reading in to Marat’s mind. “You finally found someone who

can endure you?” She said with her eyes lighting up as if in amazement.

“You never cease to be funny don’t you?” Marat said, rolling his eyes.

“I’m sorry. Did I hurt your feelings?” Katerina said. Marat flashed her a fake smile. She just laughed.

“Okay, okay…you’re the boss. Why don’t you check these designs for now, see if you like any of them

then we’ll see if it’s good for your place, plan for adjustments and schedule it.”


New York

Angela woke up suddenly to the sound of police sirens eight floors down. She’s been down

and out for thirty minutes. She got off the bath and put on her robe. Her mom still wasn’t home. She walked

to the sink to brush her teeth. She opened the mirrored cabinet on top of the sink to get her toothbrush.

When she closed it, she felt like she was shot with a bolt of electricity when she saw her reflection

on the mirror. Blood was trickling from her mouth. She took a towel and wiped her lips. She washed her

mouth with water, gargled and spat it out. She checked her tongue for cuts but there was none. She

gargled again and the water she spat out was clear. But, she was still worried. This wasn’t supposed to happen to her.


When Angela was already asleep, her mom came home. She went to see her in her room

to kiss her good night, but she went in the bathroom first to wash her hands. She picked up a towel

to wipe her hands dry. Then she saw it. The towel had blood on it. She took it, and went to Angela.

She was sleeping soundly. She didn’t want to wake her so she left her room. She made up her mind right

then, she was going to tell her daughter first thing in the morning. She wants Angela to stay in New York

so she can at least get continuous check ups, medications and therapy. Dr. Dane had told her it wasn’t going

to be much help but it will at least delay the symptoms and give Angela an extra couple of months at least.

[Annaya]

Chapter 26


The next day, Maria woke up to the rattle of utensils in the kitchen. Angela was making breakfast.

She sat up on her bed, psyched her self up for the task at hand. She said a little prayer and went out the room.

“Hey, good morning!” Angela said as Maria came in to the dining. “I made your favorite, pancakes,

bacon and eggs! Take a seat.”

“Gelya, I need to tell you something. Please sit down.” Maria said. Her heart was pounding.

She was worried about how Angela was going to take what she was about to tell her.

“Okay, I need to tell you something too.” Angela said, sitting down not noticing how tense

her mother was. “I’m leaving for Moscow tomorrow.” She said.

“Angela, please let me…” Maria started but Angela didn’t stop talking.

“Marat called the other night and he misses me. I miss him too so I told him I’m coming back

tomorrow. I already bought the tickets I just have to pick it up later. And I’ve already packed. I didn’t bring a lot,

I still have clothes in his apartment.” Angela said. She looked so excited and happy, not a care about the world.

“You can’t leave. You have to stay here.” Maria tried to say with force, but just couldn’t. She

sounded more like pleading.

But this time, Angela noticed how tense she was. She noticed that she was serious. As serious

as she was when she told her they had to leave Moscow eight years ago. She would never forget that

feeling as it signaled for her having to leave everything she hold dear behind. Including Marat.

“But I already gave him my word. I don’t want him to be mad at me, mom. Not again. I’m not

going to do that to him.” She said, with steely conviction. “I can’t. You know how hard that was

for me the last time.”

Silence.

Then.

“Well, alright. Have to pick up the ticket. Places to go, people to see.” She said, jumping

out of her seat. She was suddenly little miss sunshine again just like that. “I’ll see you later, mom.”

And she was out the door.

Maria sighed of disappointment. Disappointed in herself not being able to do what she

needed to do. And disappointed in the situation because now, Angela has made up her mind, and it was

going to be much harder to convince her not to leave.


The next day, JFK Airport 8:30 am

Angela and Maria were sitting at the waiting area inside the JFK Airport. They haven’t

spoken to each other since they left their pad early that morning. In the car, as Maria was driving,

Angela could feel the awkwardness in the silence. She knew her mom doesn’t want her to go back

to Moscow, but what she didn’t know is why, and why just suddenly. They’ve already discussed

and agreed that she could stay in Moscow as long as she wanted, in one of the long distance calls

to each other while she was still in Russia. She wanted to ask her mother what the matter was.

But, she didn’t really want to give her mother a chance to try and convince her to stay. And she knew timing

is what she needed to avert that. So, she just waited until the firs call to board the plane was aired.

“Mom, do you want to tell me what the matter is?” She asked. Maria looked at her.

She stared back. Maria was silent for another second.

“If I tell you, would you stay?” Maria asked. It was Angela who waited a while now before answering.

She was trying to read her mom. She looked really worried and sad, like how she did eight years ago

when she told her they were going to leave Russia.

“No.” She answered finally. She looked down, took a deep breath and continued, “Mom, I know

you’re worried about me. We both know I could get sick again anytime. But I can take care of myself.”

She didn’t realize she had a small smile on her lips. “It took me a while to grasp that, but I have.

And now, I just…want to live my life to the fullest. You know, make everything right.” She looked at her mother,

“I just want to be happy for the rest of my life.” She said, shaking her head a little and shrugged,

“However long or short it may be.”

Maria opened her mouth, tried to say something, but Angela continued what she was

saying and cut her off.

“I don’t want to be confined in the hospital and be just another lab rat again.” She said,

with conviction. “We’ve agreed on that. That’s why we chose to go with the medicines. But I’m feeling

fine now. Nothing’s wrong. I thought you understood?”

“I do, honey, it’s just…” Maria started saying but was cut off this time by the last call to board the plane.

“Mom, I gotta go.” She kissed her mother’s cheek and started to gather her belongings.

“Have you even told Marat?” Maria asked. “Have you told him the truth about why you had to leave

without a trace back then?” That stopped Angela on her tracks, at least for a moment. She sighed.

“No.” She smiled. “I haven’t told him. It’s kind of hard to just suddenly say, ‘Oh, by the way I had

cancer and it could come back anytime’ while you’re having a romantic time, you know.” She slung her

bag on her shoulder. “I’ll tell him. I just need some time to do that.” She said. She turned around

and walked to the ramp.

Maria watched her disappear. When she could see her no longer, her tears fell slowly, silently.

“That’s the problem, honey. You don’t have time. You have three months.”

Her pain increased as she whispered those words to herself. She wiped her tears dry, and sighed.

“Be safe, honey. Be happy, my Angel.”