They spent much of the night talking, kissing, and touching. What other couples took for granted – a night alone together in a warm bed in a safe place – was a luxury they’d never had.
They talked about so many things: Orlisia, politics, bribery, and the kind of world they wanted little Michael DeVries to grow up in. Small things they remembered about each other during their year in GYL.
“What would I do without you?” she whispered from the safety of his arms after a long while.
“I have asked myself that question quite a few times as well.”
February 18, 2014
Sophie got up before the sun to see the team off to Parnaas. She told the Rev that she and Michael would be travelling to Kaliningrad the next day, and to give her a list of anything that needed to be picked up while they were there.
“You sure it’s safe for you and your young man to be about? He’s been awfully sick. If the Commandant finds out, he’ll think you’ve flown the coop for sure.”
She added a note to her to-do list: Have another “chat” with Sergei and Sevastian.
“We’ll be fine, Dave, no worries. Michael needs to get his passport, and I’m not letting him go alone. We’ll be there and back before you know it.”
“I know. I just worry.” He grinned at her. “I’m an old man, not a fearless young thing like you.” She whacked him on the shoulder, and the convoy roared off.
Anjali pounced on Sophie that evening, gleeful.
“I heard you’re going to Kaliningrad tomorrow,” she sang. “I’m so happy for you guys, finally together after all these years!” She grabbed Sophie’s hand. “Do you have something pretty to wear to bed tomorrow night?”
“Anjali, we’re in a warzone. I don’t bring come-fuck-me lingerie on field missions.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I’m here. I knew you wouldn’t plan ahead for this possibility, so I brought you something, just in case.” From behind her back, she produced a flat package wrapped in tissue.
“Anjali, I…” Sophie was at a loss for words, overwhelmed by this tangible demonstration of Anjali’s belief that they would find Michael. She took the tissue-wrapped item from her friend and opened it. Inside was a white silk negligee.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it.” Her voice trembled. “And I love you, Anjali. Thank you.” She had to admit that her gift was badly needed. She didn’t want the most anticipated night of her life to involve her wearing an oversized coalition t-shirt.
“I figured he’d be the kind to go for something virginal.” Sophie rolled her eyes. “How do you feel?” Anjali asked, her eyes moving sharply over her friend’s face. “You look pale. I mean, paler than usual.”
“Honestly? I’m nervous.” She bit her lip, feeling like an idiot. “My stomach is full of butterflies, and I have the chills.”
“That’s so cute,” sighed Anjali. “Just like when Will and I met. Only more romantic.”
“There’s nothing romantic about spending the whole night in the bathroom because my nerves have gotten to me.”
Sophie met once more with Sergei and Sevastian, explaining that she and Michael would be leaving for twenty-four hours or so, and that they would return. This time, she had cigarettes along with the brown envelope of cash in exchange for their silence. Sevastian took the cigarettes and shared them with Sergei. But he pushed the envelope back to Sophie.
“This is not required.”
“Not required?” she said in disbelief. “Isn’t this the whole point of a bribe?”
Both of them chuffed out laughter with their cigarette smoke. “Usually, yes. But sometimes, we return the gratuity to the person who gave it. As a sign of goodwill.” Her mouth fell open. “You are a good woman, a brave woman who understands our culture well. You have treated us kindly. We show respect to you by giving this gift back to you.” He pressed the envelope back into her hands.
When bedtime came, Sophie went down the hall to the infirmary, her stomach jumping with nerves. Michael’s face lit up as she came into the room. As soon as she sat down beside him, he pulled her into his arms and started kissing her.
“I can’t stay here tonight,” she mumbled against his mouth.
“It would be best if you did not. I will not be able to wait if you remain here in my bed. And I truly do not wish to remember years from now that I had you for the first time in a hospital bed.”
She nodded, not breaking their kiss. They made out like teenagers until someone cleared their throat loudly at the door. They shot up, mortified.
Will stood there, an amused grin on his face. “The Rev asked me to give you a list of things to pick up in Kaliningrad while you’re there tomorrow.” He ambled in and handed Sophie a handwritten list.
“And Anjali wants you to have this. As your physician.” Will tossed him a plastic bag. Michael looked inside and turned red.
“Tell her I appreciate her thoughtfulness and to mind her own damn business.
Will winked at Sophie and left the room, chuckling.
“What’s in the bag?”