|
Post by Annie on Apr 28, 2006 9:51:25 GMT 3
Chapter 46
“Are you okay?” Peter asked Marat as they finished their practice.
“I’m not feeling so well,” Marat confessed as he wiped the sweat from his brow.
The Monte Carlo sun showered Marat’s face in yellow and orange, revealing everything Peter needed to know. Under Marat’s eyes, bags were forming dark shadows along the area. His complexion was pale, and he continued to blow his nose as he packed his racket bag. Finishing off his water bottle, Marat threw the plastic container into a trash bin and walked to the players’ village with Peter.
“Is Daniela joining us for dinner?” Peter asked as they were seated in a secluded area of the village.
“She’ll be here in a few minutes,” Marat muttered staring at his menu.
“Would it be rude of me to say I’m happy Daniela’s back?”
“Not at all,” Marat answered. “Why would you think it would be rude?”
“I thought it would be disrespectful towards Elena,” Peter responded.
“Elena and I will remain friends. I won’t bad mouth her, but the connection wasn’t there from the beginning,” Marat explained and looked down at his watch.
“What’s wrong?” Peter asked. “Is the battery dead in your watch?”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Then what’s wrong? You keep staring at your watch,” Peter continued to probe.
“Daniela should be here,” Marat said.
“She’s a big girl, Marat,” Peter laughed at Marat’s worried face. “Everything will be fine.”
“What will be fine?” Daniela asked from behind Marat’s chair.
“Daniela! Where have you been?” Marat asked standing up from his chair.
“I’m only a few minutes late,” Daniela smiled.
“I was worried. You can’t be late like that,” Marat said giving her a kiss.
“Some circumstances are beyond my control,” Daniela shrugged.
“Then leave earlier to avoid them,” Marat commanded and leaned down to whisper, “I don’t want anything to happen to you or the baby.”
“I wouldn’t let anything happen to our child,” Daniela whispered in return.
“Good, have a seat,” Marat said pulling a chair out for Daniela. “Are you hungry?”
“I’m starving,” Daniela exclaimed.
“So am I,” Peter agreed rubbing his belly.
“You’re always hungry,” Marat teased.
“Well, it’s hard work taking care of Marat Safin,” Peter joked.
“You don’t take care of me,” Marat said indignantly.
“No, that’s my job,” Daniela replied with a smile and a squeeze of Marat’s hand.
“True,” Peter agreed.
“Well, now you have two Safins to deal with,” Marat smiled.
“Two? What is he talking about, Daniela?” Peter asked confused.
“Should we tell him?” Marat asked looking at Daniela.
“We have to after you decided to make that comment,” Daniela answered with a playful slap across his chest.
“Do you want to say it?” Marat asked.
“I’ve already told my coach; you can tell yours.”
“Peter, Daniela is pregnant!” Marat exclaimed.
“What?! How far along are you?” Peter asked Daniela.
“I’m seven weeks into the pregnancy,” Daniela answered as Marat kissed her cheek.
“Isn’t it great news?” Marat asked Peter with a huge grin across his pale face.
“I never thought I’d see the day when you would become a father,” Peter nodded. “But I feel honored to see it happen. Congratulations!”
“Thank you,” Marat and Daniela replied in unison and laughed.
“How did Nigel take the news?”
“He was very supportive,” Daniela answered thinking of her coach.
“That’s good. How long are you going to continue to play?” Peter asked.
“I’ll take a break after Roland Garros. I’ll enjoy the time I’ll have to just be, to just be…” Daniela stumbled trying to find the right words.
“To just be pregnant?” Marat suggested.
“Yeah, what he said,” Daniela confirmed.
“This is quite the surprise,” Peter said as he wiped the sweat from his neck. “Today is really humid.”
“Try being pregnant!” Daniela laughed and continued to enjoy the rest of their dinner together.
*****
“Peter, is he okay?” Daniela asked during a changeover.
The sun was set high in the sky, and down below the box where they sat, Marat was losing to Paul-Henri Mathieu. Daniela fingers twisted in her player’s pass, and her teeth were sore from grinding them together relentlessly.
“His ankle is killing him. It doesn’t help that he’s sicker than a dog,” Peter answered with his eyes fixed on Marat hobbling to the baseline to resume play.
“Why didn’t he withdraw?”
“He’s stubborn. You know that, and I know that. There’s nothing that will persuade him once he’s made up his mind,” Peter sighed.
“If only he wasn’t so stubborn,” Daniela replied as she watched Marat lose.
Marat exited the court with the same attitude he had entered with. Throwing his bag on his right shoulder, he walked into the hall that led him to the locker room. Daniela picked up her jacket and followed Peter to the locker room. Their journey there was quiet and resembled a funeral procession. Marat had been sick; he had nothing to be ashamed of. How many players would have played in that condition?
“Ankle?” Peter asked Marat as soon as they entered the cold, empty locker room.
“My ankle, my head, my nose, my eyes, my stomach, my throat, everything!” Marat exclaimed throwing his hands in the air.
“Let me see if you have a temperature,” Daniela said reaching out her hand to his forehead.
“Daniela, please don’t,” Marat said brushing her hand away. “You can’t get sick. I’d feel terrible if you did.”
“Well, someone has to take care of you,” Daniela mumbled helping Marat up from the bench. “Let’s get you home.”
“He has a press conference,” Peter informed.
“He’s right,” Marat said sullenly.
“Can’t they wait till the next tournament?” Daniela asked frantically. “At the moment, you resemble a corpse.”
“I didn’t give them one the last time I lost,” Marat explained. “It has to be done eventually. Go on home. I’ll see you there.”
“Fine, but when you get home, it’s straight to bed,” Daniela instructed.
“Yes, doctor.”
*****
“Hello?” Marat croaked from the foyer of Daniela’s house.
“Marat?” Daniela called from upstairs.
“I’m home,” Marat answered dropping his bags to the floor in exhaustion.
“Come upstairs to the bedroom. You promised,” Daniela reminded.
Leaving his bags where they fell, Marat sauntered up the stairs and down the long hallway to their bedroom. Entering the room, Marat found Daniela fluffing the pillows on the bed. The curtains were drawn closed, and there was a steaming cup of tea on the bedside table. Smiling lazily at her efforts, Marat started to undress.
“Why are you so smiley?” Daniela asked taking Marat’s shirt from him.
“I feel so lucky to have a nurse as gifted as you,” Marat replied stepping into a pair of pajama bottoms.
“I’m not gifted, but I know what makes me feel better when I’m sick.”
Hugging Daniela lightly, Marat let go and slid under the cool covers. He could feel his fever burning through his insides. Feeling Daniela’s hand on his hair, he closed his eyes as she twirled her delicate fingers through his curls. Listening carefully, he could hear her humming softly.
“You’re going to be an amazing mother,” Marat managed to say.
“Shhh,” Daniela comforted. “Your throat must be killing you.”
“That tea looks good.”
“Here, drink some,” Daniela said helping Marat sit up.
“Thank you,” Marat said as he took the hot cup from the bedside table.
“Better?” Daniela asked as Marat gulped down the scalding contents of the cup.
“Much better,” Marat said setting the cup down.
“I’m surprised you didn’t burn your tongue,” Daniela commented.
“I hardly have any feeling in my throat or mouth,” Marat explained.
“In your mouth?”
“Yes, my lips, too.”
“Oh, please. That’s ridiculous.”
“You could find out for yourself,” Marat taunted pursing his lips.
“Oh, you’re such a devil,” Daniela teased leaning down to meet her lips with his.
Even sick and injured, Marat was easily the best kisser that ever graced the earth. Combing his fingers through Daniela’s hair, Marat pulled her closer to him until their bodies were touching intimately.
“You’re sick,” Daniela mumbled and tried to move away as Marat attempted to remove her shirt.
“It’d make me feel better,” Marat replied and pulled Daniela’s shirt over her head.
“Oh, I’m sure it would,” Daniela laughed.
“I love you,” Marat whispered as he pulled Daniela under sheets with him.
“I love you, too,” Daniela returned as Marat kissed up and down her stomach.
“You’ll look so cute with a tummy,” Marat commented.
“You’ll say anything to get what you want,” Daniela replied.
“Did I persuade you in my direction?” Marat asked.
“Yes.”
|
|
|
Post by Annie on Apr 28, 2006 9:52:14 GMT 3
Chapter 47
The morning sun peaked through the cracks in the bedroom window curtains. Spindling across the room and unto Daniela’s face, the sun opened her eyes slowly, and she peered around the room. She could feel the warmth of Marat’s body pressed against her back. Closing her eyes once again, Daniela tried to fall back asleep.
But as she drifted to sleep, her bedroom phone rang on the bedside table behind Marat. Opening her eyes instantly, Daniela rushed to answer the phone before it woke Marat. Shifting away from him, she rolled out of bed and unto the carpet. Racing around the bed, she answered the phone on the sixth ring.
“Hello?” Daniela whispered.
“Hi, Daniela. It’s Nigel.”
“Oh, how are you?” Daniela asked.
“I’m fine. And you?”
“I’m okay. Marat wasn’t feeling too well last night. That’s why I didn’t call you about our plans,” Daniela explained.
“I understand. When shall we meet for practice?” Nigel asked.
“One second,” Daniela said as she tiptoed into the bathroom and shut the door. “Sorry, I left the bedroom so I wouldn’t wake Marat.”
“So, when are we meeting for practice?”
“That’s what I wanted to tell you last night. Since we’re leaving tonight for Fed Cup, I think it’s better I spend the day with Marat,” Daniela concluded.
“Daniela, that’s not the best idea. You need to practice,” Nigel asserted.
“But I want to get in as much time with him before clay season.”
“You’ll have plenty of time with Marat when you take a break for your pregnancy.”
“Nigel, I need this time with Marat,” Daniela pleaded.
“You know, Daniela. I’m not sure you really want to win,” Nigel sighed.
“What do you mean?”
“You want the results, but you’re not willing to work for them,” Nigel declared.
“That was harsh, Nigel. You know that’s not true,” Daniela replied.
“No, it is true. And do you know why you’ve become this way?”
“No, tell me Nigel. Tell me why I’ve become this way,” Daniela answered sarcastically.
“Marat, Marat, Marat. He’s under your skin and messing with your head.”
“If anything, he’s made me more comfortable with myself,” Daniela defended.
“Oh, yeah sure. Cheating on you and getting you pregnant. He’s really looking out for your best interests,” Nigel laughed.
“Why are you saying all of this?” Daniela asked. “Don’t you understand how much this hurts me?”
“You needed to be told. I think your mother would agree with me.”
“She wouldn’t agree with you. She wants the best for me,” Daniela shouted into the phone.
“Are you saying I don’t want what’s best for you?” Nigel shouted back.
“Yeah, I guess that’s what I’m saying.”
“Fine, I quit!”
“You what?!” Daniela exclaimed.
“You heard me. I quit!”
“Why are you doing this? Are you jealous of Marat?”
“No, I’m just tired of your shit!” Nigel yelled.
“Well, I’m tired of yours,” Daniela responded.
“Good, but have fun trying to find another coach. They’ll have a lot of stuff to deal with.”
“I’ll make sure to find one with some balls,” Daniela snapped.
“You should do the same with your boyfriend!” Nigel shouted and hung up the phone.
“UGH!” Daniela grumbled.
Raising her arm in the air, Daniela threw the phone handset to the tile floor. The phone hit the floor with a crash. The plastic backing of the phone shattered off and fell around her feet. Sighing loudly, Daniela clasped her throbbing head in her hands. Suddenly, a knock came at the door.
“Daniela? Are you okay? I heard a crash,” Marat called from the other side of the door.
“I’m fine,” Daniela reassured. “I dropped the phone by accident.”
“Okay, I’m going downstairs.”
“Alright, I’ll be down soon,” Daniela replied as Marat’s footsteps moved out of the bedroom and into the hallway.
Emerging from the bathroom, Daniela walked into the room cautiously. Quickly making the bed and picking up their discarded clothes from last night, Daniela finished cleaning the bedroom. Only fifteen minutes ago, Daniela had been positive things were turning around for her, now everything was changed.
*****
“Mom, is that Dad and Igor?” Daniela asked in surprise as they exited their plane in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
“I know they’re not Marat, but I thought two of them would suffice for one Marat,” Marianna shrugged and smiled.
“Mom, they’re wonderful!” Daniela exclaimed hugging her mother tightly.
Plovdiv was the site of Slovakia’s Fed Cup match against Great Britain. For both countries, their further success in Fed Cup was dependent on this one weekend. Running to Igor and her dad, Daniela shrugged off the disappointment with Nigel and the pressure of Fed Cup.
“Dad! Igor!” Daniela shouted gleefully. “I can’t believe you’re here!”
“We couldn’t pass up an opportunity to see you again,” Igor explained.
“And Dad! I never thought you’d use your precious vacation time,” Daniela teased.
“I was told we had much to discuss,” her father replied.
“We do,” Daniela said staring down at the floor.
“We can discuss it at the hotel after you’re settled in.”
“How much have they told you?” Daniela asked.
“They left you to tell me. I’m waiting on you,” her father smiled.
“I’m ready.”
*****
“Sit down, Daniela,” Igor said as soon as Daniela entered her parents’ hotel room.
Marianna quietly slipped out of the room using the disappearance as an excuse to shop. Standing with her back to the door and her face toward her father, Igor, Daniela twiddled her fingers behind her back. Clearing his throat, Igor patted the seat of the chair next to him. Following the gesture, Daniela walked over to the chair and sat down.
“Tell me, Daniela. Why was it so important that I be here this weekend?” Igor asked.
“Do you promise not to yell?” Daniela asked feebly.
“Have I ever yelled at you for telling the truth?”
“No, you never had,” Daniela answered in embarrassment.
“Go ahead, Daniela.”
“I’m pregnant. What’s worse, I don’t know who the father is yet,” Daniela blurted before she could stop herself.
Igor didn’t respond. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled loudly and deliberately. His eyes wandered away from Daniela’s face and to a picture hanging on the wall across from him. Uncrossing his legs, Igor stood up from his chair and turned around to look outside the window. Daniela waited patiently in her chair like a schoolgirl waiting to be admonished by the principal.
“I wish you would have told me sooner,” Igor said flatly.
“Dad?”
“You should always feel comfortable telling me these things,” Igor said turning back to Daniela.
“So, you’re not mad?” Daniela asked.
“I wouldn’t say that. You’re turning 23 in a few days, and you’re pregnant. You don’t know the father, and you’ll be out for months to have your child,” Igor answered.
“There’s not a lot for me to be happy about.”
“Please, Dad. Don’t be mad. I’ve already lost Nigel. You’re my father, and I need your support,” Daniela pleaded as tears built up in her eyes.
“Nigel quit?”
“He says I’ve changed since I met Marat,” Daniela answered.
“You’ve changed, but don’t let yourself believe the changes are bad,” Igor explained sitting back down in his chair.
“What am I going to do?”
“I don’t know,” Igor said taking Daniela’s hand and squeezing it. “But I’m your father, and I’ll be here for you no matter what. Nigel was a substitute but was nothing compared to me.”
“You’re right. You’ll never leave my side,” Daniela acknowledged.
“Never.”
|
|
|
Post by Annie on May 5, 2006 9:43:43 GMT 3
Chapter 48
“Daniela! Daniela, wake up!” Marianna yelled excitedly. “It’s Sunday! It’s your birthday!”
Sitting up in her bed and rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Daniela mumbled incoherently about the open curtains on the other side of the room. Hurriedly, Marianna rushed to the window and drew the curtains closed. Returning to the side of Daniela’s bed, Marianna found Daniela curled under the sheets once again.
“Daniela, you must get up. First of all, you have to finish your Fed Cup matches. Second of all, you’re turning 23 on April 23rd. That’s a special occasion.”
“Why is that?” Daniela asked with her eyes closed and her face stuffed into a pillow.
“I don’t know, but that doesn’t matter. If you won’t be happy on your birthday, you should at least be happy that Slovakia has almost secured a win over Great Britain,” Marianna said pulling the covers off of Daniela.
“Almost. All I need to do is win my match and we’re secure,” Daniela said as she stretched sitting up in her bed.
“I know you can do it. We all believe you can,” Marianna said referring to Daniela’s father and brother.
“I only wish Marat was here,” Daniela sighed getting out of bed.
“I thought you asked him not to come.”
“I did, but only because I wanted to concentrate. I miss him so much. It would have been nice to celebrate my birthday with him.”
“Is that why you’re so depressed on your birthday?” Marianna asked as Daniela walked into the bathroom.
“Yes, it is. But I’ll be back with him in Monte Carlo in a day,” Daniela answered as she washed her face.
“That’s a good way to think. I’m going to breakfast with your father, but I’ll see you at the match,” Marianna called as she exited the hotel room.
“Cheering me on?” Daniela asked quickly before her mother left.
“Always.”
*****
Guiding the rotating ball over the net with her racket, Daniela moved back to the center of the court to prepare for the next shot. But the shot would never come as her opponent’s backhand shot slammed straight into the net. Daniela had just clinched the Fed Cup match for Slovakia. Raising her hands in the air over her head, Daniela smiled widely and ran to the net to shake her opponent’s hand.
After she had shaken hands with her opponent, Daniela was attacked by a wave of tracksuits baring the colors of Slovakia. Excited and accomplished, Daniela joined in the celebration of cheering and jumping for joy. Dancing around on the court, Daniela felt a growing sense of pride.
Nigel had never said she couldn’t do it, but she was making it without him. For the first time in a long while, Daniela understood what it felt like to do something just for herself. Searching through the rows of seats in the stadium, Daniela found her family. The family was incomplete. Nigel was missing and would remain that way, but Marat would be there again sometime.
“Daniela!” the Slovakian Fed Cup coach called. “You did great! I’m so proud of you!”
“Thanks.”
“Are you going out with us tonight?”
“No, I’m heading back to Monte Carlo. Marat and I both have no tournament to go to this week,” Daniela explained.
“Oh, okay. But you’re going to Warsaw next week, right?”
“I’ll be there with bells on,” Daniela laughed.
“You’ll do fine. This is a great birthday gift for you.”
“It’s definitely one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten,” Daniela agreed. “I’ve got to run. I don’t want to miss my flight.”
“Bye. I’ll see you at the next tie.”
At this last comment, Daniela froze by her bags. She hadn’t realized it sooner but she wouldn’t be at the next Fed Cup tie. Daniela would be sitting at home with a growing belly and appetite. Sighing to herself and taking a last, long look at the stadium before entering the hallway to the locker room, she memorized the sights and sounds of the crowds.
“I’ll see you next year,” Daniela whispered and turned her back on the waving flags and cheering crowds.
*****
“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Daniela,” Marat sang badly as they drove home from the airport.
“Not anymore,” Daniela giggled.
“No, it’s still your birthday here in Monte Carlo. Look at the clock,” Marat said pointing to the digital clock above the CD player. “It’s 11:56 p.m.”
“Fine, it’s still my birthday. But please, I’m begging you,” Daniela pleaded, “Don’t sing ever again!”
“My singing is amazing. You’re just jealous,” Marat laughed poking out his tongue at Daniela.
“Who do you think you are? Andrea Bocelli?”
“I’m far better than him. I own the song ‘Con Te Partiro’. Would you like to hear my version?” Marat asked with a devilish grin.
“I’d rather not have my baby go deaf.”
Laughing at Daniela’s comment, Marat continued to drive along the streets to Daniela’s house. Looking over at Daniela during a red light, Marat watched as Daniela’s hand rubbed her stomach. Her stomach had only grown outward by an inch at most, but to her, it seemed like five. She was so excited to be pregnant, and he was excited she was pregnant with his child.
“We’re here,” Marat said pulling up in front of the house. “Home sweet home.”
“It’s nice to be home. I need to work on that baby room. I can now since all the heavy duty work is done,” Daniela commented getting out of the car.
“Well, I did a few things to the room while you were away,” Marat admitted taking Daniela’s bags out of the trunk.
“Oh, and what did you do?” Daniela asked climbing the thick, stone stairs to the front door.
“Why don’t you go see for yourself?” Marat said opening the front door and gesturing for Daniela to enter.
Glancing at Marat apprehensively, Daniela entered their home and climbed the stairs to the second floor. The baby room’s door was shut and the hallway seemed eerily quiet and long. It reminded her of the long corridor in the film, The Shining. Reaching for the door knob, Daniela felt the cold metal under her hand as she opened the door.
The light flowing from the ceiling light flooded Daniela’s sight in yellow. But when her eyes adjusted to the brightness, Daniela’s hand flew to her mouth in awe. When Daniela had left for Bulgaria, the walls had been painted and the floors had been refinished, but everything was different now.
The crib was situated in front of the window made up with white crib sheets trimmed with lace and embroidered delicately with blue thread. The changing table, dresser, and rocking chair with ottoman were also in the room. There were light blue, lace curtains in the windows and a rug in the center of the room. Along the walls were small shelves filled with stuffed animals and mementos from both Daniela and Marat’s childhood.
Walking to the shelf in the center of the room, Daniela traced the silver picture frames with her finger. Inside the picture frames were baby pictures of Marat and of her. Feeling the tears welling in her eyes, Daniela sat down in the rocking chair and stared out the lace-framed windows. Seconds after she had sat down, Marat walked casually into the room and smiled.
“So, what do you think?” Marat asked with his hands stuffed in his pockets.
“It’s, it’s…” Daniela stuttered.
“Peter helped me out a lot. But using your plans from earlier in the week, we managed to almost finish the room,” Marat explained.
“It looks finished to me,” Daniela commented looking around the room.
“Well, the dresser needs to be filled with clothes and toys. The changing table needs diapers, lots of diapers. The rocking chair needs pillows. I suppose there’s still a lot to be done,” Marat shrugged.
“A lot,” Daniela agreed while continuing to stare out the window.
“You never answered my question.”
“What question was that?” Daniela asked taking her gaze away from the window and onto Marat.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it. It’s beautiful. It’s everything I wanted,” Daniela answered beginning to cry.
“I hope those are tears of joy,” Marat teased walking to her chair.
“Oh, they’re more than joy. I’ve never felt so happy before,” Daniela said as Marat lifted her from the rocking chair.
“I couldn’t be happier that you’re happy,” Marat said wiping a tear from Daniela’s cheek.
“I’m so emotional,” Daniela whined drying her face with the end of her sleeve.
“It’s to be expected,” Marat comforted. “Not much longer and you can take time off.”
“Warsaw is next week.”
“I know.”
“I don’t want to leave this room,” Daniela smiled looking around.
“You don’t have to,” Marat laughed. “I took a nap in the rocking chair earlier today.”
“Sleepy head.”
“Would it make it better if I said I dreamt about you?” Marat grinned devilishly.
“Maybe,” Daniela said walking out of the room.
“Where are you going?” Marat asked and chased after her.
“Our bedroom.”
“Why?”
“I was thinking we could make that dream of yours a reality.”
|
|
|
Post by Annie on May 11, 2006 11:20:25 GMT 3
Chapter 49
Marat and Daniela couldn’t believe their luck. They were both off for the week and could simply enjoy the attention of one another. And like any week before in Monte Carlo, Daniela was determined to visit the posh boutiques that littered the streets of Monte Carlo. Marat on the other hand wasn’t as excited.
Strolling into the living room casually, Daniela walked to the couch where Marat was transfixed on a new DVD he had just bought. With his disheveled hair and baggy clothes, Daniela could have sworn for a second that a homeless man had found his way to her couch. Sitting down next to him, Daniela sighed loudly to get his attention. He didn’t respond at all. Trying a new method, Daniela coughed loudly till it made her choke. That finally got his attention.
“What’s wrong?” Marat asked after he stopped the DVD.
“Oh, nothing. I’m just bored,” Daniela sighed.
“Then watch the movie with me,” Marat suggested.
“No,” Daniela replied as he was about to press the play button, “that’s what we always do. How about we go shopping?”
“We always do that,” Marat answered.
“Not for the baby. Please, Marat,” Daniela said sweetly.
“I’m tired. I really don’t feel like beating off the crowds of women shopping today.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I’ll handle them,” Daniela ensured. “I’m a champion shopper after all.”
“You need a hobby,” Marat groaned.
“So do you,” Daniela replied.
“I suppose this baby will be our new hobby.”
“No, it’ll be our life,” Daniela corrected.
“Each other and the baby will be our lives.”
“Marat?” Daniela asked biting her lower lip.
“What?” Marat asked as he got up from the couch to stretch.
“Do you think we’ll be good parents?”
“No, we’ll be terrible parents. Our child will hate us. And it will have to visit a psychiatrist when it’s an adult to discuss the many problems we bestowed upon it,” Marat responded.
“Marat!” Daniela exclaimed slapping his leg from where she sat.
“Daniela, Daniela,” Marat hummed as he pulled her off the couch. “Only time will tell what kind of parents we will be. But, and this is just a guess, but I think we’ll be amazing parents together.”
“Are you sure?”
“I said I’m only guessing.”
“But if you had to answer yes or no,” Daniela continued.
“I’d say yes.”
*****
Marveling at the mountains of shopping bags, Marat whistled loudly and leaned against the doorframe to the baby’s room. Marat and Daniela had been shopping for the last three hours. They had easily exhausted the economy in baby clothes. From now on when they walked to the shopping district, the salespeople would be jumping for joy.
“Well,” Marat sighed, “those dresser drawers will no longer be empty.”
Standing by the dresser opening the drawers, Daniela laughed in response. Turning around, Daniela placed her hands on her hips as she contemplated the shopping bags that covered the rug in the center of the room. Looking from the dresser to the bags, a wrinkle appeared between her eyebrows.
“We might need a bigger dresser,” Daniela finally spoke.
“Oh, no,” Marat groaned and threw his head back.
“I guess we went a little overboard,” Daniela laughed.
“WE? I believe most of this mess would be yours.”
“Oh, whatever. You were as shop-happy as me,” Daniela said rolling her eyes. “Remember? ‘Oh, Daniela. Isn’t this cute?’”
“I didn’t sound like that,” Marat eagerly tried to defend his masculinity.
“Oh, yes you did,” Daniela replied.
“I wouldn’t say the word ‘cute’,” Marat continued to argue.
“Fine, whatever you say Marat,” Daniela laughed as she unpacked the shopping bags.
Growling under his breath, Marat bent down to help unload the bags. Turning a shopping bag upside down, baby clothes poured out and onto the rocking chair. Repeating this process until all of the clothes were piled on the rocking chair, Marat and Daniela began to fold the clothes and place them in the drawers. They had purchased an assortment of clothes in neutral colors since they still didn’t know the sex.
“Last one,” Daniela said placing a folded yellow bodysuit in the top drawer.
“It can’t be true,” Marat teased as he closed the drawer shut. “We’re finished.”
“Oh, wait,” Daniela said. “There’s a bag over in the corner of the room. Could you get it?”
“Oh, I almost forgot about that,” Marat answered and retrieved the little bag from its hiding place.
“What do you mean you almost forgot?”
“I got this while you weren’t looking,” Marat said handing the shopping bag to Daniela.
“What is it?” Daniela asked trying to peak through the tissue paper.
“Open it and find out.”
Nodding her head, Daniela sifted through the layers of white tissue paper till she found the bottom. Feeling around the bottom, Daniela’s hand touched a cool object. Grabbing hold of it, she pulled it to the surface and into the late afternoon light. Glittering in the light and reflecting Daniela’s image, the surprise gift was an ornate, sterling silver baby rattle.
“Marat!” Daniela squealed.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it. But it must have been so expensive,” Daniela awed as she twirled the rattle in her hand.
“Nothing’s too good for our little one.”
“Oh, Marat,” Daniela squealed as she clasped her arms around his neck. “I love you.”
“And I love you.”
*****
The week went by so quickly. Before Marat and Daniela knew it, they were saying their goodbyes at the airport. Marat arrived in Estoril, Portugal, and Daniela arrived in Warsaw, Poland thinking of one another and their child. In Portugal, Marat awaited the arrival of his friend and doubles partner for that week, Dmitry Tursunov, at a seafood restaurant.
“Why so glum?” Dmitry asked when he greeted Marat. “Did you run out of conditioner for your curls?”
“Funny, Dmitry,” Marat replied sarcastically. “Sit down.”
“Oh, thank you. I was waiting for your approval,” Dmitry teased as he sat down across from Marat. “What’s been going on with you since Davis Cup?”
“More has happened in four weeks than has happened in my whole life,” Marat answered. “You won’t believe half of it, Tursunov.”
“Try me,” Dmitry replied as he glanced through the restaurant’s menu. “By the way, are you paying?”
“Sure.”
“Hello, lobster dinner. Okay, continue,” Dmitry said gesturing for Marat to begin once again.
“After Davis Cup, Daniela and I broke up, because I thought she was cheating on me with Andy,” Marat began.
“Roddick?”
“Yeah.”
“Interesting choice,” Dmitry mused. “Was she?”
“No, but let me continue. Anyway, I started dating that Russian actress, Elena Korikova. When I came to Monte Carlo to play, I saw Daniela in a store.”
“Women do like to shop,” Dmitry teased.
“It wasn’t the fact that she was shopping; it was where she was shopping,” Marat explained.
“Where?”
“A baby store. Dmitry, I’m going to be a dad. Daniela’s nine weeks pregnant,” Marat revealed.
“WHAT?!” Dmitry screamed almost falling out of his chair.
“We’re back together. We’ve only told a few people, but I thought I’d tell you.”
“Oh, wow! Are you sure it’s yours?” Dmitry asked.
“That’s not funny,” Marat growled.
“I’m not trying to be funny this time,” Dmitry defended. “Are you sure it’s not Andy’s kid?”
“I didn’t think of that,” Marat whispered softly.
“Wow!” Dmitry gasped. “Here you are, all excited, when this kid might not even be yours.”
“It has to be mine. Plain and simple.”
“I’d ask for a paternity test if I were you,” Dmitry added.
“You would, but not me. Dmitry, I don’t think you understand how much I love her. Even if this child isn’t mine, I would still love her,” Marat explained.
“But would you still love the child?” Dmitry asked playing devil’s advocate.
“I don’t know. I really don’t know.”
|
|
|
Post by Annie on May 12, 2006 9:07:08 GMT 3
Chapter 50
“Daniela! Wait up!” Iveta shouted in the hallway of their hotel.
“What is it, Iveta?” Daniela asked in agitation.
“Jeez, you walk fast,” Iveta commented as she arrived next to Daniela.
“Well, I just lost in the second round of a tournament for the millionth time this year. I think I have a reason to get out of here quickly,” Daniela snapped. “Besides that, I’ve also got an ex-coach who’s probably happier than hell right now that I lost. I’m a little frustrated.”
“Wow! Calm down, girl. At least you won your first round match, I bombed out in my second,” Iveta laughed at her own result. “It could be worse.”
“Oh, I’m sure it could,” Daniela said and continued to walk to her hotel room.
“Are you getting a new coach?” Iveta asked as she trotted beside her.
“I don’t know.”
“How much longer will you be staying in Warsaw?”
“I don’t know,” Daniela answered.
“Do you want to hang out?”
“I don’t know.”
“Do you know anything?” Iveta asked taking Daniela by the arm to stop her.
“I don’t know anything. I’m completely lost. I’m aggravated and depressed. And I want to be with Marat right now,” Daniela sighed.
“So Andy is no longer in the picture?”
“He was cut out a long time ago. Iveta, something happened, or someone I should say,” Daniela revealed.
“What? Who?” Iveta asked excitedly. “What’s going on?”
“Ooo, I want to tell you so bad, but I can’t. Too many people already know.”
“You can trust me, Daniela.”
“I know I can, but this hasn’t to remain under wraps. It’s nothing bad though. I want you to know that things will be changing for me soon,” Daniela explained.
“You’re not retiring, are you?”
“No, of course not. Iveta, I’ve got a plane to catch. I’ll see you soon,” Daniela said leaning down to peck Iveta’s cheek.
“It’s a date,” Iveta agreed and watched as her friend disappeared down the corridor.
*****
“Ugh, that flight was terrible!” John Roddick exclaimed as they stepped off the plane.
“That was nothing compared to the flight to Australia,” Andy informed.
“Let’s get to the hotel. Are the tournament directors sending a car for us?” John asked.
“I think so,” Andy answered as his cell phone rang. “Hold on a second. I’ll meet you in front of the airport where the cars are.”
“Okay, buddy,” John agreed and walked outside with Andy’s trainer, Doug.
“Hello?” Andy said when he answered his phone.
“Andy, it’s Nigel. How are you?”
“I’m fine,” Andy responded cautiously. “Is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine. Don’t be worried.”
“Why wouldn’t I be worried? I haven’t spoken to you since Daniela dumped me. I think I have a reason to be concerned.”
“Well, something has happened. But if anything, you should be excited,” Nigel explained.
“Excited? How?”
“I can’t believe Daniela hasn’t told you yet,” Nigel commented. “Her immaturity shows.”
“Nigel, I want answers now. What’s going on?”
“Daniela’s pregnant.”
“Excuse me?” Andy asked in disbelief.
“You heard me. Daniela is pregnant. And I have a feeling that she was never going to tell you.”
“Is this some sort of joke?”
“Not at all.”
“How far along is she?” Andy asked rubbing his forehead.
“Almost ten weeks,” Nigel answered.
“Why the hell hasn’t she called me?”
“You know why.”
“No, I don’t know why. That’s why I’m asking you,” Andy snapped.
“She doesn’t want you to know, because she wants Marat to be the father.”
“Doesn’t Marat know the baby might not be his?”
“He’s too excited to notice. So, what are you going to do?” Nigel asked.
“Maybe I should wait for her to call,” Andy sighed still absorbing the news.
“Do you really think she’s going to call you? Are you that stupid?”
“Shut the **** up! Why are you telling me this? I never thought you would go against Daniela’s wishes,” Andy yelled.
“I’m no longer her coach. I don’t answer to her.”
“You’re just getting revenge,” Andy realized.
“The truth had to come out. Bye, Andy,” Nigel said and hung up the phone.
“Nigel! Nigel!” Andy yelled into the phone but he was gone.
Slamming his phone shut, Andy cursed a line of obscenities while bystanders stared in surprise. Walking out to meet his brother and trainer, Andy stood next to them in silence. Noticing his lack of conversation, John and Doug started to talk with him.
“Who was on the phone?” Doug asked.
“Nigel,” Andy answered as he stared at the line of cars picking people up.
“Nigel? Daniela’s coach?” John asked.
“Yup, ex-coach. Daniela’s pregnant.”
“What?!” John and Doug shouted at the same time.
“She wasn’t going to tell me. Nigel might be an ass for going behind Daniela’s back, but he helped me out for calling.”
*****
Daniela arrived in Germany for her next tournament; her mind was still shadowed by her second round loss in Warsaw. Walking into her hotel room, Daniela groaned and moaned at another dull and gray room. She was already tired of the weekly grind of moving from place to place without an end in sight. But for Daniela, the grind would be over after the French Open. Setting her suitcases down, she heard her cell phone ring.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Daniela,” the voice greeted on the other side.
“Nigel?” Daniela asked in astonishment. “Is something wrong?”
“Why do people keep asking me that this week?”
“Well, our final words toward each other weren’t exactly harmonious,” Daniela commented.
“I wanted to wish you a happy birthday,” Nigel shrugged.
“My birthday was almost two weeks ago.”
“So it was. But better late than never, right?”
“Sure. Okay, Nigel. What do you want?” Daniela asked bluntly.
“Want?”
“Why are you calling me? If it’s to rub my loss in my face, you’re in dangerous territory,” Daniela warned.
“Whoa! Calm down, Daniela. I wanted to check on you and the baby,” Nigel replied innocently.
“We’re fine. You know, Marat is also around. He is the father after all.”
“Really? You’re so sure about that.”
“I’m very sure.”
“Are you even going to tell Andy? Get a paternity test?” Nigel probed.
“Nigel, that’s none of your business.”
“It used to be my business. Remember when you used to depend on me?”
“Yes, Nigel. You were a great friend. But the keyword there would be “were”. You ended the trust weeks ago,” Daniela explained with a twinge of regret in her voice.
“Don’t sound so sad, Daniela. If anyone should be sad right now, it would be Andy.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, he has no idea he could be a father,” Nigel answered. “But not to worry, I took care of that for you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“It was nice talking to you, Daniela. Bye,” Nigel said and hung up the phone.
Before Daniela could respond, Nigel was gone. The hotel room was once again empty but not her mind. Thoughts of Marat and Andy swirled in her head. They were both in Rome now. Had Nigel told Andy? Was he that evil? The answer she had to face: he was.
|
|
|
Post by Annie on May 15, 2006 9:49:45 GMT 3
Chapter 51
Sitting down to breakfast with Peter, Marat breathed in the strong aroma of coffee. They had arrived at Caffè Sant'Eustachio in Sant’Eustachio Square early in the morning when only somber businessmen crowded the tables. Leaning back in his chair, Marat looked around the city square from his outdoor table. Peter was busy scavenging through the menu for something good to eat.
Playing with the cloth napkin folded neatly on the table, Marat’s scattered thoughts drifted to Daniela. Even in the beautiful city of Rome, his thoughts still revolved around her. After his conversation with Dmitry in Estoril, Marat’s life had been rocked. Only a week ago, he was walking from place to place with the knowledge that he would be a father. But now, he had come to the realization that the baby might not be his.
Marat had never thought of the possibility before. If anything, he was mad at himself for not being smart enough to consider it. After he was done being mad at himself, he was angry and hurt by Daniela. Why had she let him go on and on without bringing up Andy? What was she covering up? Maybe she already knew the baby was Andy’s.
“Marat. Marat!” Peter screamed over the din of people.
“What? What’s wrong?” Marat asked coming back to earth.
“I’ve been trying to talk to you for the last five minutes,” Peter explained. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
“A lot of things are going on,” Marat sighed raking his hand through his hair.
“Like what?” Peter asked.
“Peter, what if you found out your kids weren’t yours?”
“I’d be extremely confused, hurt. Why?”
“Dima and I went to eat in Estoril, and we had an interesting conversation,” Marat began.
“Continue,” Peter replied drawn into the story.
“He brought to my attention the possibility that I might not be the father of Daniela’s baby,” Marat finished.
“That could be true,” Peter commented. “But is that really how you want to be?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve trusted Daniela for weeks now. She is almost ten weeks pregnant. Why think that she’s lying to you now?” Peter asked.
“I do trust her, but…”
“If you trust her, you trust her. There are no ‘buts’ about it. Love is about trust.”
“You’re right,” Marat sighed. “I can’t believe how much I’ve been doubting her lately. If she’s confident the baby is mine, I’m confident.”
*****
Walking with Peter after their afternoon practice, Marat shrugged off any stress he had accumulated during the hitting session. The two men were off to the players’ lounge for lunch when Peter’s cell phone began to ring. Stopping in the hallway, Marat waited for Peter to finish his conversation.
“Marat, I’m sorry,” Peter said as he closed his cell phone. “I need to get back to the hotel.”
“That’s okay. I’ll see you at dinner,” Marat said and continued to walk to the players’ lounge.
It wasn’t the most enjoyable idea, eating alone, but his stomach was growling and gurgling. Stepping into the players’ lounge, Marat searched for an empty table. Sighting the only empty one in a corner, he quickly made his way through the maze of players. But as he was about to sit his bag down on the table, another player placed his racket bag down.
Looking away from the table and at the player, Marat groaned and swore under his breath. Standing before him in a Lacoste t-shirt and his Babolat racket bag on top of the table, Marat’s worst nightmare was materialized. Andy looked just as uncomfortable and unsettled. Scratching the back of his neck, Andy cleared his throat.
“Um, I can leave. You saw the table first,” Andy offered reaching for his bag.
“No, you got here first. I’ll leave. I’m sure you’ve got your whole team to seat,” Marat said.
“Not today. I’m eating lunch alone. I have a lot to think about,” Andy explained and stared Marat directly in the eyes.
“You’re not the only one,” Marat mumbled swinging his bag over his shoulder.
“Maybe we should sit down together. We seem to have a common thread, no matter how much we dislike each other,” Andy said before Marat could leave.
“Dislike? Try hate. We’ll never get along,” Marat snorted and tried to walk away again.
“For Daniela,” Andy whispered and Marat stopped in his tracks. “We need to make this easy on Daniela. Let’s talk this through now.”
Mumbling under his breath, Marat set his bag down on the floor and sat down. Andy followed suit, moving his racket bag to the floor and sitting across from Marat. Messing with the player’s pass around his neck, Marat avoided eye contact with the one man he had been trying to escape. Waiting for Marat to speak, Andy tapped his fingers on the table.
“I love Daniela, and I’d do anything for her,” Marat explained. “I would even talk to you.”
“I feel the same way,” Andy said matter-of-factly.
“You don’t love her,” Marat laughed at the absurd confession. “You only dated her for two weeks.”
“It was a very special two weeks,” Andy shrugged. “And if the baby turns out to be mine, it will be even more special.”
“Since we’re on the subject,” Marat said leaning into the table, “how did you find out?”
“Nigel.”
“That bastard! Why would he do that to her?” Marat said pounding his fist on the table.
“He obviously wants revenge. There are always bad feelings after someone is fired. How’s Daniela doing?” Andy asked.
“She no longer has morning sickness. She’s in her nesting period now,” Marat answered.
“Has she finished the baby room yet?”
“We finished the room together,” Marat informed.
“Lucky you,” Andy murmured and looked out the window. “Does she know who the father is?”
“No, we haven’t discussed the possibility of another father,” Marat replied.
“I thought you were relatively smart,” Andy teased. “Didn’t the idea pass through your mind?”
“No.”
“Then why did you know I knew? Why were you uncomfortable?”
“I didn’t think about it until a friend brought it up,” Marat shrugged.
“Well, thank God for one reasonable person in your life,” Andy laughed.
“Does that mean Daniela’s not reasonable?” Marat asked.
“She wasn’t going to tell me she was carrying my baby.”
“Who says it’s your baby?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it. When will she find out?” Andy asked.
“Find out about what?” Marat returned.
“When will she find out the paternity?”
“She doesn’t even know I know about the problem with the paternity. Once again, we haven’t discussed the matter at all,” Marat explained rubbing his forehead.
“I want you to know something. If the baby is mine, I’ll take care of both of them,” Andy explained. “So if you feel hurt and don’t want to be around Daniela, I’ll take care of her. We’ll be happy together.”
“It’ll be a cold day in hell when I’ll just hand over Daniela to you,” Marat shouted. “And even if the child isn’t mine, I’ll still love Daniela and be there for her. Do you understand?”
Not waiting for Andy’s response, Marat pushed out his chair and grabbed his bag. Walking out of the lounge briskly, Marat slammed the lounge’s door behind him. All eyes went to Andy who casually shrugged and grabbed his own bag to leave.
*****
“Hello?” Daniela said as she answered the phone.
“Hi, Daniela. It’s Andy.”
“Oh, no. Nigel really did it. He told you,” Daniela sighed feeling a headache start in her temples.
“Someone had to tell me,” Andy said. “Were you ever going to tell me?”
“Not unless the baby was yours,” Daniela answered massaging her head.
“Wouldn’t you need me for the paternity test?”
“All I would need is the result that Marat’s blood and the baby’s didn’t match to know who the father was,” Daniela explained. “Andy, I didn’t mean to hurt you, but I was looking out for Marat.”
“That’s nice of you. But you would have been better off discussing the problem with him,” Andy commented.
“Why do you say that?”
“He knows Daniela of the possibility. A friend of his brought it up. Did you really think you would get away with it?” Andy asked.
“No, I knew it would come up sooner or later.”
“Well, I talked to Marat today. We showed up at the players’ lounge at the same time alone,” Andy confessed.
“Andy! Why did you do that? You were only rubbing it in,” Daniela shouted.
“I was worried about you. He was the only one who had the answers I needed.”
“Then why didn’t you call me before you talked to him? You called me now,” Daniela asked.
“I didn’t plan on meeting him, Daniela. I would never purposely hurt you,” Andy said apologetically.
“You were playing a different tune in Miami,” Daniela muttered under her breath.
“What? I think you’re breaking up,” Andy said straining to hear her.
“It was nothing, Andy. I’ve got to go. I have a boyfriend to worry about,” Daniela said hanging up the phone.
But instead of dialing Marat’s number, Daniela sank back in her chair. Absorbing the silence of her hotel room in Germany, her thoughts centered on Marat. How would this call go? And where would the relationship go afterward?
“Hello?” Marat said when he answered his phone.
“Marat, it’s Daniela.”
“Daniela, how are you?”
“I think the better question is how you are. Andy called me. He knows, I know, and you know,” Daniela sighed.
“Daniela, if you think I’m mad, I’m not,” Marat said.
“No, you should be mad at me. You have every right. I was trying to protect you, but I only hurt you,” Daniela said feeling tears form in her eyes. “I’m so sorry.”
“You were only doing what you thought was best. I don’t blame you.”
“But you should,” Daniela sobbed.
“But I’m not. Daniela, please don’t cry. Andy is nothing, and he will remain nothing. No matter what, I’ll always love you and take care of you,” Marat comforted.
“Even if the baby isn’t yours?”
“I’ll love it like my own. Daniela, we’ve gone through too much to let this stop us. I’m not going to lose you.”
“Oh, Marat! I love you so much!” Daniela exclaimed wiping a tear from her cheek.
“I love you, too. Now please, don’t worry about anything. Do your best at the tournament; I’ll take care of Andy.”
|
|
|
Post by Annie on May 22, 2006 10:24:03 GMT 3
Chapter 52
She didn’t have much to be proud of. Daniela had once again bombed out in the early round of a tournament. And this loss was harder than the rest. She had fallen to her friend and Marat’s sister, Dinara. Dinara was improving and becoming a serious threat to the usual top ten players. But as Daniela walked down the streets of Rome with Marat, she felt a glimmer of confidence deep in her soul.
She was with the man she loved and the man that loved her. He loved her so much that he was willing to ignore the controversy surrounding the child growing inside of her. Squeezing his hand tightly, Daniela took in the moment while it lasted. This was the last night they would be together in Rome. Daniela would stay in Rome for her tournament, and Marat would go to Germany.
“You’ve been awfully quiet tonight,” Marat commented as they crossed an intersection. “Is something on your mind?”
“Nothing at all,” Daniela answered smiling up at him. “I’m enjoying the calm before the storm.”
“And what would the storm be in this case?” Marat asked wrapping a protective arm around her shoulders.
“The tournament. The competition can get to the best of players,” Daniela sighed remembering all the nerves that had passed through her at the previous tournament.
“You have to find more confidence in yourself. You’re a talented player. Many people would kill to have the success you have achieved,” Marat said in a matter-of-fact way.
“I wish I saw it that way,” Daniela said leaning her head against Marat’s shoulder as they walked into their hotel lobby.
“Let’s talk about something else,” Marat said as he pushed the button for the elevator. “Having any cravings?”
“You mean you haven’t noticed?” Daniela asked in surprise.
“Noticed what?”
“I guess you haven’t looked in the cabinet near the mini-fridge,” Daniela giggled walking into the elevator.
“What would I have seen?” Marat asked when the elevator doors shut.
“You would have seen ten half-eaten jars of peanut butter,” Daniela answered.
“Peanut butter?”
“Tons of it. I can’t put it down,” Daniela laughed as they stepped out of the elevator and walked to their room.
“You’ll have to show me your stash when we get there. Peanut butter,” Marat chuckled to himself. “Peanut butter.”
*****
Marat flew to Germany the next morning. Daniela was left to find her own entertainment. Even though the men’s tournament was still going, she felt weird about going to an event Marat was no longer in. So instead, Daniela settled into her bed and pajamas to watch a movie. The movie! Love Actually. Warm and cozy under the covers with a jar of peanut butter, she watched the movie she had seen a thousand times.
But as the movie neared its end, Daniela heard a knock at the door. Pausing the movie and taking one last bite full of peanut butter, she hopped out of bed and answered the door. Standing in the door way with his face turned down was a freshly showered Andy. Wearing his signature pair of cargo shorts and Lacoste polo shirt, Daniela could have sworn they went from Italy to the United States in seconds.
When Andy finally looked up and made eye contact with Daniela, she suddenly felt self-conscience. Her hair was tangled, and her pajamas were faded. Combing her fingers through her hair, Daniela waited for Andy to say something. She was still trying to dissolve the peanut butter stuck to the roof of her mouth.
“Can I come in?” Andy asked awkwardly.
“I think it’s better that you don’t,” Daniela replied.
“Do you really think it’s safe to talk out here in the hallway?”
“Fine, but you can’t stay long,” Daniela mumbled letting him into the room.
“I won’t be long,” Andy assured sitting on the edge of the bed. “I have a flight to Austin in two hours.”
“Did you lose to Monfils then?” Daniela asked standing over Andy with her arms crossed over her chest.
“Yes, I lost. My shoulder started to feel bad in the first set,” Andy shrugged. “But at least I didn’t retire.”
“You’re hard-working like that, Andy,” Daniela commented. “I’ve never known you to cheat a fan out of their match.”
“Thank you,” Andy mumbled. “So, how are you and Marat?”
“You’re probably sorry to hear this, but we’re fine,” Daniela answered.
“Daniela, no matter what you may think, I do want what’s best for you. And if you think that’s Marat,” Andy sighed, “then I’m happy for you.”
“I appreciate that. Now I only wish you would practice what you preach,” Daniela replied.
“How can I not help but interfere? You’re carrying my child.”
“That’s only a possibility,” Daniela explained.
“Daniela, it’s not only the baby I want. It’s you,” Andy said getting up from the bed and standing in front of Daniela.
“Andy, I think it’s time you leave,” Daniela croaked from the nearness of Andy.
“There must have been something between us. Our relationship wouldn’t have gone as deep as it did if you hadn’t felt something, anything. Daniela, say there was something there,” Andy pleaded with expectant eyes.
“Andy,” Daniela murmured running a hand across his cheek. “You’re a good man. I love you for that. You’re also a great friend. And maybe there was something more there, but we’ll never find out. Marat arrived first in my life.”
“What if we had become involved first? Would you have still picked Marat over me?” Andy asked lost in the touch of her hand on his cheek.
“There are so many questions in a person’s life. Andy, you’ll find someone someday. But it won’t be me. I’ve already found my someone,” Daniela explained taking her hand away from his newly shaven face.
“I should go,” Andy wheezed. “Good luck in your tournament.”
“Thank you,” Daniela responded opening the hotel room door for Andy. Stepping out into the hall, Andy turned around to face Daniela.
“I’m here if you ever need me,” Andy whispered.
“And I’m here for you. I’ll call you when I find out the paternity,” Daniela said kissing his cheek.
“Why didn’t I put up a better fight for you in Miami?” Andy half muttered, half asked.
“Because you’re a gentleman. You’re a nice guy,” Daniela answered with an affectionate smile.
“Yeah, but I guess it’s true what they say,” Andy murmured. “Nice guys do finish last.”
*****
“Oh, these are great,” Daniela giggled over the phone to Marat. “I’m going to print these out and frame them.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” Marat declared adamantly. “It was all for fun. But I’m glad they’re lightening your mood.”
Sitting in front of her computer screen, Daniela’s sides ached from laughing. The pictures were of Marat and Tommy dressed up in tennis garb from 100 years ago. Playing tennis with wooden rackets and long trousers, Marat and Tommy pulled off a spectacular show from the view of the camera lens. It was just what Daniela needed after losing to Stosur in Rome.
“These pictures will provide me with hours of entertainment,” Daniela teased.
“Well, enough of me,” Marat said quickly changing the subject. “What will you be doing today?”
“I’m no longer playing, so I’m going to visit the doctor today,” Daniela informed.
“I wanted to be there for your first visit. Why couldn’t you come to Germany and see a doctor here?” Marat whined and moaned.
“Because I already made this appointment long ago. I just thought I’d be in Rome longer,” Daniela answered rolling her eyes at her early round lose. “But that’s sweet you want to be here, but you have to work. I’ll be fine.”
“Why don’t you bring along Dinara?” Marat suggested. “I’d feel better if you weren’t alone.”
“Marat, I’m a grown woman. I don’t need a babysitter,” Daniela asserted.
“It’s not that I don’t trust you to make it back and forth alright; it’s that I want you to be able to share the moments with someone,” Marat explained.
“I don’t want to drag along your sister.”
“Why not? She’ll be its aunt after all.”
“But you haven’t told your sister yet,” Daniela reminded him. “Unless your parents told her.”
“No, they haven’t,” Marat assured. “They’ll leave the announcement to us.”
“Well, we’ll wait to tell her in person. I still feel bad we didn’t get to tell your parents in person,” Daniela muttered biting her lower lip.
“They lived. And they’re overjoyed about the pregnancy.”
“That was a relief,” Daniela sighed. “Oh, look at the time! I’ve got to go, or I’ll be late.”
“Okay, I won’t keep you. Bring back ultrasound pictures,” Marat instructed. “I love you. And be careful.”
“I always am.”
|
|
|
Post by Annie on May 23, 2006 10:07:47 GMT 3
Chapter 53
Enjoying the warm and sunny weather of Rome, Daniela decided against a car and walked to the doctor’s office. It would only take her 15 minutes to get there with her long-legged strides. Humming a little tune in her head, she had a perpetual smile across her face. Walking past the stoop of an apartment building, Daniela saw a young mother and her child.
The boy looked to be only two and the mother was trying to put his shoes on. Every time the mother would put a shoe on his foot, he would kick it off with a laugh. Although it looked amazingly frustrating to the mother, Daniela couldn’t help but smile wider. She couldn’t wait to have her own child to take care of.
A baby would mean she would have to grow up. Marat would have it easier since he was 26, but Daniela was only 23. Most girls at 23 were partying and developing their careers or going to university. But Daniela’s late nights would soon be attributed to a crying baby, and her tennis career would be put on hold.
The agony of leaving the tennis world for so long seemed too much to imagine at times; especially because her results were disastrous so far this year. Would she even want to come back after the baby? Daniela had heard of many mothers who had given up their careers after a few weeks of maternity leave. The idea of leaving her child for even a second made Daniela shudder as she finally arrived at the doctor’s office.
The office building was tall and narrow, with barely enough room for two alleys on either side. Stepping inside the air conditioned building, Daniela found a sign to tell her what floor her doctor was on. Using her finger to hold her place, she looked down the list till she found her doctor was on the third floor. Turning around, she saw no elevator but flights and flights of staircases. Moaning under her breath, Daniela climbed her way to the third floor.
When she arrived in the waiting room, Daniela told the secretary she was there and sat down in a chair. Glancing through a stack of baby magazines on her right, Daniela gingerly picked one up and began to scan through it. In every picture she found with a pregnant woman, there was her husband next to her. It made a sore spot in her heart to know she was alone.
Finding the magazine to cause nothing but loneliness, Daniela put it back down and looked around the waiting room. But smiling back at her were the faces of happy couples here for their appointment. It was too much for her to take. She really did need someone here and that was Marat. Standing up, Daniela walked back to the secretary.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but is there anyway I could move my appointment to later?” Daniela asked.
“Yes, of course. But is there something wrong?” the lady asked concerned.
“No, I just realized how much I wish my boyfriend was here. I think I’ll wait for him to come to Italy,” Daniela answered.
“I understand. When would you like to reschedule?”
“Can I step out a minute and call him?”
“Certainly. I’ll be right here,” the lady answered and went back to typing on her computer.
“Thanks,” Daniela said and walked out of the waiting room and into the hallway.
Feeling for her cell phone in her purse, Daniela extracted a few items before she found the elusive device. Triumphantly holding it up to the light, she dialed Marat’s cell phone number.
“Hello?” Peter answered.
“Peter? It’s Daniela.”
“Hello, Daniela. How are you? I heard you had a doctor’s appointment today,” Peter greeted.
“I’m fine, thank you. About the appointment, I was calling Marat about that.”
“Is there something wrong?” Peter asked.
“Oh, there’s nothing. I just couldn’t go through with the appointment alone. I wanted to know when he would be in Rome,” Daniela answered.
“It won’t be long,” Peter muttered.
“Why do you say that?”
“I’m on my way to the locker room. Marat lost his first round match a few minutes ago,” Peter explained.
“Oh, that’s terrible. We’re both having a tough time out there,” Daniela sighed.
“You’re both worried about your child. There’s nothing wrong with that, but your fans don’t know the full story.”
“They’ll know soon. I can’t keep hiding my tummy. And I’ll have to stop playing soon,” Daniela commented looking down at the tiny bulge under her t-shirt.
“Daniela, I just arrived at the locker room. Here’s Marat,” Peter said.
“Thanks, Peter,” Daniela said before the phone was transferred.
“Daniela, shouldn’t you be at the doctor’s office?” Marat greeted unceremoniously.
“I couldn’t go in there without you. I’m rescheduling, but I needed to know when you would be here,” Daniela answered.
“Soon,” Marat groaned. “I can get a flight tonight. We can go to your appointment tomorrow.”
“That sounds good,” Daniela agreed.
“Good, I’ll see you late tonight.”
“I’ll be at the airport waiting. When will your flight come in?”
“Daniela, I don’t want you staying up to wait on me at the airport,” Marat sighed. “I’ll take a cab.”
“There’s no way I can persuade you otherwise, is there?” Daniela asked.
“Nope.”
“Fine. I love you,” Daniela said.
“I love you, too.”
*****
The surroundings were familiar. Daniela had only traveled the same way a day before, but it was different now. The toddler and his mother weren’t on the stoop, and Marat was walking with her. He was still tired and upset about his loss but managed to smile back at her when she looked up at him. Climbing the stairs together, hand in hand, Marat and Daniela walked into the waiting room as a couple.
After checking in with the same secretary, they sat down on a loveseat together. Marat dazed off into the distance while Daniela looked around the room. She was no longer alone; she was part of a couple, a cohesive unit. Sliding her arm underneath Marat’s, she intertwined their fingers and collapsed her head on his shoulder. But the comfortable position soon ended when they were called to a room at the back of the office.
Sliding into the leathery, patient’s chair, Daniela watched as Marat pulled a chair from the other side of the room and set it down next to her. Taking her hand in his, he played with her fingers. Marat seemed in a trance to be honest. He was there, but not really there.
“You look good,” Marat commented randomly.
“Thanks, and you look like hell,” Daniela replied.
“I’m sorry. I promise to perk up,” Marat said.
“And soon,” Daniela added as the doctor came in.
Going through the motions, Daniela’s blood pressure, weight, height, and other vitals were taken. As a precaution, her blood was drawn for tests. Finally, they arrived at the fun part of the day.
“Would you like to know your due date now?” the doctor asked looking over her charts.
“I’d love to know,” Daniela answered.
“Calculating from your last menstrual cycle, your due date is December 4th,” the doctor informed.
“It’ll be an early Christmas gift for you,” Marat commented with a smile.
“For you, too,” Daniela added.
“Well, I believe we’re ready for your first ultrasound,” the doctor said rolling his stool over to the machine.
“Ooo, this is exciting,” Daniela squealed.
“All right, I’m going to spread this gel around on your stomach and use this device to find the baby,” the doctor explained as he rolled the clear gel around and over her bulging stomach.
“What was that?” Marat asked at the sound of a repetitive boom.
“Hold on a second,” the doctor said. “Yup, it is. That was your child’s heart beat. There it is again.”
“Is that really his heart beat?” Marat asked staring at the black and white screen of the ultrasound machine. He was awake and alert now.
“His? Since when did it become a boy?” Daniela asked with a smirk.
“I’m tired of calling the baby ‘it’,” Marat shrugged.
“If you look right there,” the doctor informed pointing to a white spot on the screen, “that’s your baby.”
“The first time we get to see our child,” Daniela whispered feeling the tears well in her eyes.
“The baby’s so small,” Marat commented staring at the white mass on the screen.
“It’s only about two inches long right now,” the doctor explained.
For the next ten minutes, Daniela and Marat stared and listened to their child. This was a surreal situation for both of them. They were witnessing the start of human life. The start of their own human life. But when the machine was put away, Daniela began to feel a twinge of embarrassment and regret. She had to find out the paternity, for Marat and Andy’s sake.
“Are there any questions?” the doctor asked before he left.
“I have one,” Daniela said. “This is very uncomfortable for both of us, but we need to have a paternity test done.”
“Daniela, you don’t have to do this,” Marat said.
“Yes, I do,” Daniela asserted.
“Okay, I’ll need to draw blood from you,” the doctor said referring to Marat.
“Daniela, are you sure you want to do this?” Marat asked.
“I’m positive.”
“Fine. Go ahead, doctor,” Marat waived and waited as the doctor drew his blood.
Once Marat’s blood was drawn, it was the baby’s turn. Inserting a needle into Daniela’s stomach, the doctor found the amniotic fluid and extracted the baby’s blood. Once the procedure was finished, Daniela and Marat were left alone to wait. The room was quiet and unnerving.
“No matter what?” Daniela asked.
“No matter what,” Marat answered immediately.
After their brief exchange was made, the doctor entered the room. In his hands was a piece of paper that would affect their lives in unimaginable ways, or not at all.
“The results came in,” the doctor said clearing his throat. “I’m sorry, but the child is not Marat’s.”
The room moved back and forth in Daniela’s vision. Lights swirled around in her vision, and she felt herself get up from the chair. Pushing her way past the doctor, Daniela left the room and ran out of the office. She felt dizzy and out of control. She was no longer controlling her movements.
Reaching the hallway, Daniela heard Marat behind her, calling her name and running behind her. Tears flooded from her eyes as she neared the stairs. As she reached the top of the stairs with blurry sight, she felt her foot reach for the first step. But instead, her foot caught the floor, and she hurdled forward. She didn’t even have enough time to scream as she began to roll down the stairs violently.
|
|
|
Post by Annie on May 24, 2006 9:44:29 GMT 3
Chapter 54
Sitting next to Daniela’s hospital bed, Marat found himself praying to no god in particular. It didn’t matter where he found a miracle as long as he found one for Daniela. Lying in the hospital bed, she looked defenseless and so far way. Surrounding by white hospital sheets, Daniela seemed paler and skinnier than before. Holding her cold hand in his warm one, Marat placed a kiss on her knuckles.
Marat was so entranced by her face that he didn’t hear the sound of his mother entering the room. But when she placed a hand on his shoulder, he felt her presence and the realization he was in a hospital for the first time. Crying uncontrollably, his head fell on the mattress next to Daniela’s body.
“Marat, don’t cry. You’ll have to be strong for Daniela,” Rausa comforted smoothing his hair.
“Mom, how could this have happened? She didn’t deserve this,” Marat cried out.
“Neither of you did. We can’t always control our fates,” Rausa cooed.
“But I was supposed to protect her and the baby. I couldn’t stop her fall,” Marat wailed. “How will she ever forgive me?”
“It’s not your fault. She was upset and tripped. There was nothing either of you could do,” Rausa said rubbing Marat’s back.
“How will I tell her when she wakes up?” Marat asked wiping the tears from his cheeks.
“I don’t know, darling. I really don’t know.”
Together, their gazes fell onto Daniela. With a bandage across her forehead, scratches on her cheeks, and an IV in her arm, Daniela was the sleeping aftermath of a disaster.
“May I come in?” Dinara asked from the doorway.
“Of course,” Marat answered and hugged his sister when she came to the bed.
“Marat, I’m so sorry. I wish I had known about the baby earlier,” Daniela apologized.
“It’s not your fault. It happened so fast. Everything happened so fast,” Marat croaked.
“Have you called her family? Marianna? Igor?” Dinara asked.
“I called them on the way to the hospital,” Marat answered. “They’re on their way.”
“I can pick them up when they arrive,” Rausa offered.
“That would be helpful. Hopefully, Daniela will be awake by then,” Marat said looking over at her.
“It’ll be all right,” Dinara assured Marat and squeezed his arm.
“I doubt that.”
*****
Cracking her eyelids apart, Daniela winced from the introduction of light into her world. Peering around the room from her bed, she saw the white, sterile hospital room. Looking down at her arm, Daniela saw the IV inserted into her vein. And above the sound of the heart rate machine, she heard the familiar sound of someone sleeping. In a chair next to the bed, Marat was slouched to the side asleep.
When she opened her mouth to speak a puff of air escaped. Her throat was so dry she couldn’t speak. Lifting her neck, Daniela’s head fell right back onto the pillow. Her body ached from the exertion and she groaned in pain. The sound awoke Marat as he looked over at Daniela. At first he looked to be in disbelief, but then he was elated. Scooting his chair closer to the bed, Marat clasped Daniela’s hand in his.
“Water,” Daniela croaked before he could say anything.
“Of course,” Marat said handing her a glass.
“Thank you,” Daniela said after she had drunk the glass dry.
“Are you in pain?” Marat asked after he put the glass way.
“I’m sore, that’s all,” Daniela answered.
“Do you know what happened?” Marat asked.
“No, I remember very little after, after…” Daniela said as she began to cry.
“Daniela, don’t cry. Please, you’ll make me cry,” Marat pleaded.
“Okay, I’ll try,” Daniela said as Marat wiped a tear from her swollen and scratched cheek.
“You fell down the stairs at the office building,” Marat explained. “Your foot caught the floor, and I wasn’t able to catch you. Daniela, it was terrible. I had to stand there and watch you tumble down the stairs. When I reached you, I thought you were dead.”
“Oh, Marat. I would never leave you,” Daniela whispered reaching for him.
“But you almost did. If it hadn’t been for the landing stopping you at the end of the flight, you would’ve died. I would’ve lost two people I love, instead of one,” Marat cried softly into the palm of Daniela’s hand.
“What do you mean, Marat?” Daniela asked worriedly.
“Daniela, you lost the baby. We lost the baby.”
“No, no, no. It’s not true,” Daniela cried as tears rolled down her cheeks. “You’re lying. It’s all a lie.”
“Daniela, I’m sorry,” Marat whispered.
“You bastard! Stop lying to me! It’s not funny,” Daniela yelled.
“Daniela, don’t be that way,” Marat tried to comfort.
“I’ll be any way I want,” Daniela shouted. “I want my baby back!”
“The doctor had to remove her,” Marat informed trying to deflect Daniela’s spiteful words.
“Her?” Daniela asked in tears.
“From what the doctor could tell, it was a girl,” Marat said softly.
“Oh, my God. I don’t deserve to live. I’ve killed my first child,” Daniela cried.
“It wasn’t your fault. It was an accident,” Marat explained reaching for Daniela’s hand but she slapped his away.
“Get away from me! Where’s my mom? Get Marianna,” Daniela screamed at Marat.
“Daniela, she’s not here yet.”
“Then leave!”
“I’m not going to leave you alone like this,” Marat said.
“Go away, please. I’m a terrible, horrible person,” Daniela cried.
“No, you’re not. You’re confused,” Marat comforted.
“Please, Marat. I can’t even look at you. This is my entire fault,” Daniela said burying her face in a pillow.
“Fine, but I’ll be right outside your room,” Marat sighed getting up from his chair. “Daniela, I still love you.”
But Marat received no response in return. With her face buried in the pillow, Daniela ignored the statement and focused on the grief that surrounded her.
*****
“Here we are,” Marianna said softly as she helped Daniela into her house in Monte Carlo. “Home sweet home.”
“Mom, I’m so sore,” Daniela moaned.
“You must be after that flight,” Marianna agreed. “Let’s get you up to bed.”
“Where do you want me to put her bags?” Marat asked from the doorway.
“Leave them there for now,” Marianna instructed. “I’m going to put her to bed. Could you make some tea for us?”
“Of course,” Marat said and put down the bags. “Gets some rest, sweetheart.”
Walking over to Daniela, he tried to place a kiss on her lips, but she turned her face and his kiss landed on her cheek. The moments afterward were awkward. Marat was hurt and angry. Daniela was quiet and had a slight image of defiance in her eyes. Clearing her throat, Marianna nodded to Marat and ushered Daniela up the stairs.
When they reached the top of the stairs, Daniela’s eyes wandered to the baby room door. She stopped mid-stride and stared at the door. She wanted to open the door and find her daughter in the crib, but she knew that would never happen. Pulling at Daniela’s arm, Marianna got her to walk again and led her to the master bedroom.
Clumsily, Marianna helped Daniela change clothes and get into bed. As the covers rose and fell over her, Daniela stared up at the ceiling. She noticed little cracks and bumps she hadn’t known were there. Finally, she noticed her mother sitting on the bed next to her.
“Daniela, what was that all about?” Marianna asked.
“What was what?”
“You wouldn’t let him kiss you. You’ve been cold to him since you found out you miscarried,” Marianna replied.
“How can I not?” Daniela asked. “He was so insensitive about it.”
“Insensitive? Daniela, he was as upset as you were. Even after he had found out the baby was Andy’s. How could you act this way toward him?” Marianna asked.
“I don’t know, but I know one thing. I can’t be left alone with him. Not yet, Mother,” Daniela explained.
“I’ll allow you this time, but you must talk to him,” Marianna urged.
“I will, I will. But not yet.”
|
|
|
Post by Annie on May 25, 2006 10:07:31 GMT 3
Chapter 55
“How is she?” Marat asked as soon as Marianna entered the kitchen.
“She’s very tired. I wouldn’t bother her if I were you,” Marianna informed and sat down at the kitchen table with Marat.
The kitchen windows were covered by the draperies, casting a sense of doom and death around the room. Marianna watched as Marat poured her a cup of steaming tea and set it in front of her. Staring into his own cup, it was obvious to Marianna that Marat had something on his mind. Blowing into her tea to cool it, she waited patiently for him to talk.
“Marianna, how can I fix this? What did I do wrong?” Marat asked finally breaking the silence.
“What do you mean, Marat?”
“You saw it in the entryway. She turns away every time I try to kiss her. She won’t even look me in the eye anymore. What did I do wrong?”
“Marat, you did nothing wrong. Very few men would stay around after they found out their girlfriends were pregnant with another man’s baby,” Marianna comforted. “Daniela is confused. For some reason, she thinks you’re happy she lost Andy’s baby.”
“I’d never be happy about something like that. Where did she get that idea?” Marat defended.
“I know you’d never feel that way, and Daniela also knows that, but she’s not thinking clearly. She’s lost in her grief,” Marianna explained.
“I wish she would let me help her get through this. She shouldn’t be alone at a time like this. But in the last two days, she’s pushed me farther and farther away,” Marat sighed taking a sip of his tea.
“She needs time, Marat.”
“But how much time do I give her?” Marat asked.
“As long as it takes. When she’s ready to talk, she’ll come to you first. I know she will,” Marianna replied. “She loves you so much.”
“Thank you, Marianna. This talk means a lot,” Marat said and got up from the table. “I’m going to take a nap in the living room. Give her some space.”
“That’s a very good idea, Marat,” Marianna agreed. “I’ll wake you when Daniela awakes.”
*****
Waking up to darkness, Daniela felt an increase in her depression. Black represented death, and the room she was in exemplified that. Tossing and turning in the expansive bed, she tried to fall asleep. The more time she spent asleep, the less time she had to think about the steps she had to take next. Daniela knew she needed to call Andy, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
Sitting up in bed, she stared at her phone on the bedside table. Andy would be in Dusseldorf by now for his tournament before Roland Garros. Roland Garros? Would Daniela even go to Roland Garros? Biting her lower lip, she reached for the phone and dialed Andy’s number.
“Hello?” Andy answered.
“Andy, is that you?”
“Yes, who is this?” Andy asked.
“It’s Daniela.”
“Daniela? I didn’t recognize your voice. Is something wrong? You sound terrible.”
“Andy, the baby wasn’t Marat’s,” Daniela said softly.
“That’s why you sound terrible. Did he yell at you? Is that why you’re sad?” Andy asked concerned. “What did he say to you? I’m so sorry you have to go through this.”
“Not anymore,” Daniela whispered.
“What do you mean, Daniela?”
“Andy, after I found out the news, I lost it. I ran out of the doctor’s office. I ran away from Marat in particular. Andy, I did something terrible,” Daniela confessed as she began to cry.
“What is it, Daniela? Please don’t cry. I won’t be mad at you,” Andy comforted. “Tell me what happened.”
“I fell down. I fell down a flight of stairs. I had to go to the hospital. When I woke up, Marat told me I had lost the baby,” Daniela cried.
“Oh, my God,” Andy moaned.
“Andy, I’m so sorry. It was an accident. I don’t know what happened. I tripped on the first step. I want to die. I’ve lost our child,” Daniela continued to cry.
“Daniela, it wasn’t your fault,” Andy said as he wiped a tear from his cheek. “When did this happen?”
“Two days ago.”
“Is someone there to take care of you?” Andy asked. “Are you okay?”
“I’m sore, but my mom’s here,” Daniela answered.
“Where are you? I’m coming to take care of you,” Andy declared.
“No, Andy. I can’t make you do that. You need to practice for Roland Garros.”
“That’s the farthest thing from my mind right now. You’re my number one priority. I’m sure you’re not getting help from Marat,” Andy sighed.
“What help he gives me, I don’t want,” Daniela replied.
“Then that settles it: I’m coming out there.”
“But Marat is here,” Daniela remembered.
“Get rid of him. Or better yet, I’ll take care of him. You wouldn’t have run out of that doctor’s office if you weren’t so frightened by him,” Andy said adamantly.
“Andy, you have no idea how much this means to me,” Daniela whispered.
“I told you I’d be there for you,” Andy reminded Daniela.
“Thank you, Andy.”
“Daniela, I love you,” Andy said plainly. “I hope someday you’ll feel the same way.”
“I’m already starting to feel that way,” Daniela admitted.
“Really?”
“Really,” Daniela answered.
“You have no idea how good that feels to hear,” Andy sighed.
“When the doctor removed the baby, he figured out the gender,” Daniela informed.
“What was it?”
“A girl,” Daniela revealed.
“I’m so sorry it ended this way, Daniela. If you’ll let me, I’ll give you another girl someday,” Andy said solemnly.
“Oh, Andy. You’re so good to me,” Daniela gushed.
“I’ve only begun.”
*****
Marianna had woken him up a few minutes ago when Daniela emerged from her bedroom. Marat was surprised to find out that Daniela had headed straight for the baby room. This would not help Daniela at all. Seeing the crib and the tiny clothes meant for the baby would drive her faster into an infinite depression.
Climbing the stairs two at a time, Marat arrived at the baby room. The door was wide open and he could see Daniela sitting in the rocking chair. She was wrapped in an oversized sweatshirt and had a blanket draped across her legs. But from where he stood, Marat was surprised to see her shivering under all those layers. Knocking on the doorframe, Daniela looked up and meant his gaze.
“I thought you’d come up here,” Daniela greeted blankly.
“Marianna told me you were awake,” Marat replied.
“How nice of her,” Daniela said sarcastically.
“Daniela, I love you. Please don’t be this way.”
“I’ve already told you; I’ll be any way I want,” Daniela declared. “Marat, there is so much that needs to be said.”
“I agree,” Marat nodded. “Do you mind if I start?”
“I’d rather start first,” Daniela answered.
“Of course. Go ahead. I’m listening.”
“I’m glad you’re listening. Marat, this cannot work. I was pregnant with another man’s baby. And no matter how many times you tell me it doesn’t bother you, I don’t believe you. And I wouldn’t blame you if you were mad. You have a right to be,” Daniela explained.
“Daniela, I was telling you the truth. I love you enough to look past it,” Marat said reaching for her hand.
“Marat, please don’t touch me,” Daniela said brushing his hand away. “I don’t want to look past it. It was my first child. I’ll always regret what happened. But in a way, I think it was meant to be.”
“Why would you think that?” Marat asked.
“We’re not meant to be together, Marat. The pregnancy brought me closer and closer to Andy. I also am in debt to Andy for losing our child,” Daniela explained.
“You don’t know what you’re saying. Love isn’t bought, it’s destined. We’re supposed to be together.”
“Marat, you’d be better off with Elena. She’s nice enough. You’ll be happy, and you can avoid all of this. Please, Marat. Don’t make this any harder than it has to be,” Daniela said softly.
“This is what you want?” Marat croaked.
“It’s not what I want, but it has to be done,” Daniela answered as she felt a burning in her eyes.
“I didn’t ask that. I asked: Is this what you want?” Marat snapped.
“Yes, it’s what I want.”
“Fine,” Marat said and left the room.
From the rocking chair, Daniela heard the sounds of his footsteps on the stairs and then his shoes on the marble floor of the entryway. The door opened and shut loudly. And as the house fell back into silence, Daniela finally realized what the burning in her eyes was. Tears streamed down her face at last, and she fell to floor sobbing.
“Marat,” she whispered. “Marat.”
|
|
|
Post by Annie on May 26, 2006 9:29:32 GMT 3
Chapter 56
Pacing the entryway floors, Daniela wrung her hands and stared at the front door. Andy was going to be here any second, and she didn’t know how to feel. He was the only glimmer of hope she had left. When Marat had slammed that same door behind him yesterday, he did it for the final time. She wasn’t going to change her mind. It was time for both of them to move on.
Hearing the sounds of her daughter’s shoes against the marble, Marianna walked into the entryway. Leaning against a wall, Marianna sighed and took the image of her daughter in. For the first time in days, Daniela had showered and gotten dressed. Skimming the floor in a pair of beaded sandals, dark rinse jeans, a light blue cardigan, and her hair in a French braid, Daniela didn’t look like she had just had a miscarriage and a break-up.
“I suppose this is what’s best,” Marianna sighed.
“What do you mean, Mom?” Daniela asked while she continued to pace back and forth.
“You’ve finally taken your mind off your lost child. You also no longer smell like horse manure,” Marianna teased.
“Thanks, Mom. I didn’t know I smelled that bad.”
“Oh, you didn’t just smell terrible. You looked like an escaped mental patient,” Marianna laughed.
“Mom, can I ask you a question?” Daniela asked stopping in front of Marianna.
“Yes, dear. I’m all ears,” Marianna answered.
“Do you think I did the right thing?”
“You’re slowly getting over a very tragic event. I’m very impressed and relieved how far you’ve come,” Marianna responded.
“I knew I did the right thing.”
“I said I was happy you were recovering, not that you got rid of the love of your life,” Marianna corrected.
“Mom, it wasn’t meant to be.”
“You don’t really believe that. Deep in your heart, you’re crying out for Marat,” Marianna said softly.
“I have Andy now,” Daniela reminded.
“He’ll never mean anything to you. It’s Marat you belong with.”
“Whose side are you on?” Daniela asked furiously.
“I’m on your side. I want what’s best for you; and that is Marat. I wish you could see your mistake before you regret it,” Marianna sighed.
“Mom, it wasn’t a mistake. I did the right thing,” Daniela defended.
“You asked for my opinion, and I gave you it,” Marianna shrugged. “I’ll leave you to your pacing.”
Once again alone in the entryway, Daniela counted the tiles on the floor. If Andy didn’t get there soon, she was going to go crazy. The wait was killing her. She needed the reassurance that everything was going to be okay. Andy would give her that. He would bring security, friendship, but never love. He would try and give his whole heart to her, but she’d never be able to accept it. Her heart was still with Marat, and she still had Marat’s.
“Who am I kidding?” Daniela groaned and rested her head in her hands. But before the tears could fall, she heard a knock at the door.
Wiping her face checking for tears, Daniela walked to the door. It wasn’t a surprise to see Andy standing there, and it also didn’t make her heart beat faster to see him. With Marat, it was always constant butterflies fluttering around in her stomach.
“Daniela, how are you?” Andy asked capturing her in his strong arms.
“I’m better now that you’re here,” Daniela answered taking in the smell of his cologne. “Thank you for coming out on such short notice.”
“Daniela, I wanted to be here,” Andy said taking her face in his hands. “This is a difficult time for us.”
“For us?” Daniela whispered.
“We’ll get through this together,” Andy comforted placing a kiss on her forehead.
“How long will you be here?” Daniela asked.
“I have to return to Dusseldorf on Sunday before play starts,” Andy answered.
“Oh.”
“But I want you to come with me. I know you don’t have a tournament this weekend. It would be beneficial for you to leave the confines of your house,” Andy explained.
“I can’t imagine being around people,” Daniela said shivering.
“They don’t know what happened, and we’ll keep it that way,” Andy comforted. “Everything will be alright. You have to get out eventually.”
“Do you promise to be with me every step of the way?” Daniela asked searching the dark brown pools of Andy’s eyes.
“I promise,” Andy whispered against her ear and kissed it.
The intimacy of the contact was too much for Daniela to take as she sighed loudly. Andy followed up his last kiss with one below her ear. Trailing kisses down her neck, Andy stopped at her collar bone and looked up. Gently smoothing her face with his fingers, Andy took her face in his hand and kissed her lips. The contact sent shivers and sparks down both their spines.
“I don’t believe we’ve met,” Marianna said clearing her throat from behind Daniela.
“Oh, Mom! Hi, um, this is…,” Daniela fumbled.
“I’m Andy. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Andy said reaching out his hand to Marianna.
“I’m Marianna, Daniela’s mother. Would you like something to eat? I just finished making lunch,” Marianna offered.
“Thank you. I’m starving,” Andy replied.
“Good,” Marianna smiled. “The kitchen is that way. Fix yourself a plate and we’ll be in there in a minute.”
After Andy had left, the smile vanished from Marianna’s face. Her eyes grew cold, and wrinkles appeared around her eyes and mouth. Tapping her foot on the marble, Marianna waited for an explanation.
“What?” Daniela asked.
“What was that? The kissing and the groping are something I haven’t seen out of you since you were a teenager,” Marianna answered.
“I missed him. And he missed me. We have a lot left to go through, and we’re here for each other,” Daniela defended.
“Daniela that is the most ridiculous excuse I’ve ever heard.”
“Why?”
“You’re all over him, and he’s all over you. With Marat, you had love. But with Andy, you have lust,” Marianna answered rolling her eyes.
“I don’t ever want to hear Marat’s name again!” Daniela screamed finally losing her temper. “I’m tired of the drama. I just want a nice, simple boyfriend. And if I ever hear Marat’s name again, I’m going to scream!”
“That’s your decision,” Marianna replied turning away from Daniela and walking towards the kitchen. “But that doesn’t mean it’s a good decision.”
*****
Marat was surprised how quickly he had arrived in Moscow. The weather from Monte Carlo to Moscow was a shock, but it was a shock he needed. Anything would do after the bomb that Daniela had detonated on him. But he had stopped thinking about her on the flight over, because it hurt too much. Marat had to find something or someone to keep his mind off of Daniela.
Even after that realization, he couldn’t believe where he was going. He couldn’t believe what he was going to do. It was the sensible choice. As he climbed the stairs to apartment 34, Marat counted the stairs. One, two, don’t turn around, three, four, five, don’t turn around, sounded in his mind. It wasn’t too late to go back. But before he could talk himself out of it, he knocked on the apartment door.
“Marat?!”
“Yes, Elena?” Marat asked trying to smile.
“What are you doing here?”
“Can I come in?”
“Sure, but you need to tell me what’s going on,” Elena said ushering Marat into the apartment.
“You must know. I made a mistake. You were right,” Marat sighed falling into the couch.
“I knew it! What did she do?” Elena exclaimed in triumph.
“The baby wasn’t mine.”
“I told you, but you wouldn’t listen,” Elena gloated. “Who’s was it?”
“I think it’s better I left that unsaid,” Marat answered.
“Oh, come on! I want to know. I promise not to tell anyone,” Elena said smiling devilishly.
“Andy Roddick,” Marat revealed.
“Oh, ouch. That had to hurt, Marat,” Elena whispered twirling her fingers through Marat’s hair.
“I wasn’t surprised. But she miscarried two days ago.”
“I don’t like the girl, but I feel sorry for her. I could never imagine losing my little boy,” Elena sighed.
“How is Arseniy?” Marat asked.
“Oh, he’s just your normal 12-year-old,” Elena shrugged.
“Where is he? I’d like to see him,” Marat said.
“He’s not home. We’re all alone,” Daniela sighed dropping her head on Marat’s shoulder.
“Hmmm. Let’s take advantage of that,” Marat replied devilishly.
Following Elena to the bedroom, Marat closed the door. An hour later when he was lying in bed, he looked over at Elena. Elena was gorgeous, that was undeniable. But Daniela was a natural beauty, far out shining Elena’s layers of make-up. He had thought after sleeping with Elena everything would be better, but it wasn’t. He wanted Daniela, and nothing would make the want go away.
|
|
|
Post by Annie on Jun 4, 2006 10:08:14 GMT 3
Chapter 57
The French Open had begun. Paris was overflowing with tennis fanatics from around the world. Many were here in hopes of witnessing another Federer versus Nadal final. But for Daniela and Andy, their hopes were centered on moving past the first round of Roland Garros. Unpacking in their hotel suite at the Hotel Napoleon, Daniela hummed quietly as she placed her last pair of neatly folded shorts in a drawer.
Turning around to watch Andy unpack, Daniela laughed as Andy grabbed an armful of wadded up clothes and threw them in a drawer. Hearing her laugh, Andy stretched and smirked in Daniela’s direction. Looking to the bed and back to Daniela, Andy winked and made his way over to her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he trailed kisses along the line of her jaw.
“Andy, it’s too soon,” Daniela sighed running her fingers across his back.
“How much longer?” Andy asked.
“Physically, I need to wait for another two weeks. But emotionally, I don’t know how long it will take me to recover,” Daniela answered looking into Andy’s eyes.
“Daniela, I’m not asking you to get pregnant again. But I want to be with you in a deeper way,” Andy said massaging her back.
“I feel the same way, but…,” Daniela said biting her lower lip.
“But what? Oh, I get it,” Andy sighed loosening his grip around Daniela’s waist. “It’s Marat.”
“No, it’s not. I haven’t thought about him till just now; and that’s only because you mentioned him,” Daniela replied moving away from Andy and crossing her arms across her chest.
“Daniela, I’m sorry. I should have known better than to bring him up,” Andy apologized.
“It’s fine. But don’t do it again,” Daniela smiled giving Andy a peck on the cheek.
“Are you hungry?” Andy asked.
“I’m starving, but I really don’t feel like going out. You shouldn’t be walking on your ankle more than you have to,” Daniela answered staring at Andy’s taped left ankle.
“Room service, then?”
“Perfect.”
“What would you like?” Andy asked flipping through the room service menu.
“Oh, I don’t know. Surprise me,” Daniela shrugged staring out the bedroom window.
“Okay, but you might not like it,” Andy said as he walked out of the bedroom and into their sitting room.
“I can always have you for dessert!” Daniela called.
“Looking forward to it,” Andy replied from the couch as he ordered their food.
Staring out the large picture window, Daniela peered down the street at the Arc de Triomphe. The imposing arch was nothing compared to how imposing Andy had seemed only a few minutes ago. Standing in front of her, he had accused her of thinking of Marat. The unfortunate truth: he was right. After they had left for Dusseldorf together, Daniela’s thoughts and dreams of Marat returned to her like the plague.
It seemed she couldn’t escape his mysterious green eyes, his long, masculine hands, and his mischievous smile. The expression on his face from the night she told him to leave haunted her nightmares. She hadn’t slept very much in the last few days because of him. He was everywhere to her, especially when she opened her jewelry box. The charm bracelet was still in there, and she knew she had to get rid of it.
“The food should be here soon,” Andy said as Daniela walked to the bathroom.
“Okay, thanks,” Daniela replied as she opened her jewelry box.
“What are you doing?” Andy shouted from the opposite side of their suite.
“Nothing. I just remembered I borrowed a bracelet from Iveta,” Daniela answered pocketing the bracelet and closing the box.
“Are you taking it back to her right now?” Andy asked as Daniela walked into the room and towards the door.
“Yes, she loves this bracelet. I’ve kept it from her long enough,” Daniela smiled. “I’ll be back.”
“Love you,” Andy said as she shut the door and stepped into the hallway.
Cursing under her breath, Daniela leaned against the door. She couldn’t love Andy yet. The pain of ending her relationship with Marat was still fresh in her mind. But as she arrived in the hotel lobby, her tensions eased because of what she was about to do. Smiling at the eager desk clerk, Daniela plopped the bracelet down on the counter in front of him.
“Can I help you, mademoiselle?” he asked.
“Yes, I have a delivery for Marat Safin.”
The clerk looked at her suspiciously. She could tell he was trying to figure out if she was a crazed fan.
“I know he’s staying here. I’m playing at Roland Garros, so I’m not some teenie bopper,” Daniela assured pushing the bracelet closer to him.
“Your name?”
“Daniela Hantuchova. I’m in the suite on the fourth floor,” Daniela answered.
“Oh, I remember you now!” the clerk exclaimed. “Marat Safin?”
“Yes. Can you please give this to him?”
“Why don’t you just give it to me now?” a voice asked from behind her.
Gasping as she recognized the voice, Daniela’s eyes popped out of her head, and she couldn’t bring herself to turn around. But as she stood there with the clerk staring at her, she felt the familiar warmth and pattern of breath from Marat.
“Daniela?” Marat asked.
“What?” Daniela asked coolly turning around to face him.
Her plan was to seem disconnected from him. They couldn’t be together, and she had to enforce that with him till he understood that. But when she looked at his face, she felt her mouth form an “o”. Marat’s hair was disheveled and dark bags were forming under his eyes. Hunched over from the weight of his racket bag, he was even closer to her than usual.
“Was there something you wanted to give me?” Marat asked.
“Uh, yes,” Daniela answered taking the bracelet from the counter and holding it up to Marat. “Here.”
“The bracelet?” Marat croaked.
“Yes, well, it makes sense Marat,” Daniela shrugged.
“I gave it to you. I want you to keep it.”
“I don’t want it. Take it,” Daniela said sternly.
But when Marat didn’t open his hand and stared at the floor, Daniela felt angry instead of determined. Didn’t he know this was killing her as much as it was hurting him? Why didn’t he just end this and take the damn bracelet? Feeling her frustration mount, Daniela opened his hand, slapped the bracelet onto his palm, and closed it. The contact seemed to scare and electrify Marat as he jumped back.
“Good night, Marat,” Daniela said and walked away.
Marat remained in the lobby but sat down at one of the plush couches lining the ornate room. His hand was still clasped around the bracelet. Finally he opened his hand and saw the charms clinging to the chain. They were all there: the heart, the sun, the tennis racket, the “M”, and the “D”. The bracelet was a short timeline of their relationship. A relationship that was cut short.
*****
“What did you think of my selection?” Andy asked as they finished eating at their small dining room table in the sitting room.
“It was good. Very American,” Daniela giggled taking a sip of her water.
“Red meat is good for you,” Andy laughed slapping Daniela’s arm. “Put some meat on those bones.”
“Hmmm,” Daniela replied as she continued to sip her water.
“I’m going to put these plates outside the door so the hotel staff can take them,” Andy declared as he got up from the table.
“Thanks.”
“You sound bored,” Andy commented clearing the plates off the table.
“Cleaning isn’t interesting,” Daniela shrugged.
“No, it isn’t. But you looked bored during dinner as well.”
“I guess I’m tired,” Daniela replied staring at the wall.
“Then go to bed.”
“I will.”
As Daniela lay in bed ten minutes later, she felt empty. The dinner conversation was all wrong. There was none of Marat’s smirks from across the table and his long-winded answers. With Andy, it was short answers and childlike antics. Daniela was starting to agree with her mom. Although it wasn’t love, it wasn’t lust either. She felt more of a friendship forming between Andy and her than anything else. And that wasn’t going to do.
|
|
|
Post by Annie on Jun 9, 2006 9:34:12 GMT 3
Chapter 58
Daniela had accomplished something she had never accomplished with Nigel. Coachless and boyfriendless, since Andy retired in the first round, she had single-handedly made it to the fourth round of Roland Garros. Excited and relieved could hardly describe her reaction. Of course, she had lost, but she was finally seeing improvement in herself. Maybe in some small way, she was fighting for her daughter that never got the chance.
And as Ai and her defeated the doubles team of Black and Stubbs, she looked up into the overcast skies. Peaking behind a menacing cloud was a ray of light warming her face. In some weird way, Daniela felt her child was there with her as they won their quarterfinal match. After shaking their opponents’ hands, the two women grabbed their bags and headed off the courts.
“Well, look at that,” Ai exclaimed looking up into the sky. “The sun is finally coming out.”
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Daniela smiled.
“It is, but it’s too bad it wasn’t out while we were playing,” Ai shrugged and led the way to the locker room.
Adjusting to the crude accommodations known as the women’s locker rooms, Daniela sat down on a bench to untie her shoes. Biting her lower lip, Daniela thought deeply about whether to talk to Ai or not. Ai knew the whole story, but she didn’t know what was going on Daniela’s head. Nobody did.
“Ai, is something wrong with me?” Daniela finally asked.
“What do you mean?”
“You know that ray of sun that came out after we won? I thought that was my child smiling down on me,” Daniela answered.
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Ai said sitting down next to Daniela and putting an arm around her shoulders.
“But I keep thinking I see signs that she’s there,” Daniela sighed.
“It’s a human thing to want someone back that you’ve lost. The important thing to know is they’re in a better place. And for all we know, our lost loved ones do look after us,” Ai comforted.
“I just wish she was still here with me, with Andy,” Daniela mumbled. “Andy would have been a great father.”
“You would have been an equally excellent mother. By the way, what would have happened to you and Marat if the accident never happened?”
“I’ve never thought about it,” Daniela replied.
“Would you have left Marat for Andy?”
“Probably not. The reason I finally ended our relationship was because of the accident. It made sense that we weren’t meant to be. So many bad things happened to us,” Daniela explained shaking her head.
“But you made it through all of them, because you are in love.”
“We were in love. Now I’ve moved on,” Daniela corrected.
“With Andy?”
“To be honest, I doubt this relationship with Andy will last. I’m seeing that the best option for me right now is to be alone. I need to be independent. I’ve relied on men to solve my problems for as long as I’ve been old enough to date,” Daniela shuddered. “The cycle needs to end.”
“I’m here for you no matter what. But, please, think before you say or do anything. You’ll live to regret spur-of-the-moment decisions,” Ai counseled.
“Like Andy.”
*****
Marat should have been elated to spend the two weeks in Moscow, but that wasn’t the case this time. After a disappointing loss in the first round of Roland Garros, Marat packed his bags and flew out of Paris with the shame of lost opportunity over his head. He didn’t even go to the post-match press conference but paid the fine.
Sitting in his car as he drove to Elena’s apartment a week after his loss, Marat’s life seemed to be in shambles. After the loss, his ranking would drop to nearly 100. But worst of all, he was returning home to Elena instead of Daniela. He could still feel the sting of her touch on his hand. Her bracelet was still in his pocket, dangling with each step as he got out of his car and walked into the apartment building.
The journey to Elena’s apartment was easy to remember now. Winding through the stairs and the hallways, Marat shoved his hand in his pocket and clutched the bracelet. In some weird way, the bracelet was the only life line he had to hold on to. The only hope he had left that Daniela and him could be together again.
“Welcome home,” Elena said softly as she opened the door before he could knock.
“That was quick,” Marat commented as he raised an eyebrow.
“I thought you deserved a warm welcoming,” Elena shrugged grabbing hold off Marat’s shirt and pulling him close.
“Yes, because it’s so honorable to lose in the first round,” Marat replied sarcastically.
“Even more reason why you need me.”
Reaching up on her toes, Elena found Marat’s mouth. But as she pressed hers to his, there was no response to her touch. His arms remained at his sides and his lips were motionless. Sighing loudly, Elena slipped back down and looked at Marat. His face portrayed no emotion. It was like he was a million miles away.
“Are you okay? You look sick,” Elena asked.
“I’m fine. I’m tired,” Marat said pushing past Elena to enter the apartment.
“You could have at least given me a peck,” Elena replied following behind him.
“Fine. Do you want a kiss? Here,” Marat said kissing her forehead coldly. “There. Happy?”
“No, and I have a feeling I never will be,” Elena answered.
“What does that mean?” Marat asked turning around to face her.
“Marat, we both know the truth,” Elena sighed sitting down on the couch.
“You’re talking in code, Elena,” Marat grumbled.
“The truth is you’re in love with Daniela, and you always will be. I can’t believe I thought I could replace her. No one can replace a true love,” Elena said rubbing her forehead.
“A true love? She left me!”
“Marat, I’m not stupid. Look at you! You’re so far away you might as well be back in Paris chasing after Daniela,” Elena laughed darkly. “What’s in your pocket?”
“Nothing.”
“Marat, what’s in your pocket?” Elena repeated loudly.
“It’s a bracelet,” Marat finally answered.
“Is it the bracelet you gave to Daniela? The charm bracelet?” Elena prodded.
“Yes, but she gave it back to me,” Marat whispered bringing the bracelet out of his pocket.
“That must have been hard,” Elena said softly. “Marat, what are you doing? You should be fighting for her. You shouldn’t be pretending with me.”
“I know, I know,” Marat agreed.
“I need someone who loves me. I suggest you leave and think about how to get Daniela back and quick. You look like hell without her,” Elena smiled.
“Thank you. I will,” Marat said hugging Elena and leaving the apartment.
*****
Tapping his fingers on the table, Marat contemplated calling Daniela. Her cell phone number was going through his head. He wanted to call her, but he couldn’t work up the nerve to do it. But in a burst of confidence, he went for it.
“Hello?” Daniela’s voice echoed over the phone.
Her voice was imprinted in his mind. It was almost calming just to hear her say one word. He was losing it. He was also losing his confidence and hung up the phone. But as the minutes ticked by, he regained his confidence and composure and called her again.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Daniela. It’s Marat,” he stuttered.
“What do you want, Marat?” Daniela sighed.
“I, um, I, well,” Marat continued to stutter.
“Marat, spit it out,” Daniela groaned.
“I, uh, I’m calling to say congratulations on how far you’ve gotten at Roland Garros in doubles,” Marat blurted out.
“Uh, thanks. But what do you really want?” Daniela asked.
“Nothing. I just wanted to say congratulations. Bye,” Marat said quickly and hung up the phone.
“Marat? Marat!” Daniela yelled before she accepted he was gone.
|
|
|
Post by Annie on Jun 13, 2006 9:53:32 GMT 3
Chapter 59
“Cheer up, sunshine,” Andy teased as he enveloped Daniela in his arms.
“Cheer up? Sunshine? Are you feeling okay?” Daniela asked sarcastically.
“I’m sorry about yesterday, but Ai and you made it so far. I’ll never make it to any kind of final at Roland Garros,” Andy laughed. “I don’t know. Maybe if I put a wig on, I could compete in the women’s final. What do you think?”
“You’re crazy,” Daniela smiled hitting his chest with her fist.
“Tell me something I don’t know,” Andy said taking Daniela’s carry-on. “Baggage claim?”
“Baggage claim,” Daniela sighed wrapping her arm around Andy’s waist.
“Don’t you like baggage claim? I love baggage claim. The agitated people, the shoving and pushing, it’s great!” Andy exclaimed trying to cheer Daniela up.
“Then I’ll wait in the car, and you can battle alone for my suitcase and racket bag. Good luck,” Daniela mocked and tried to break free of Andy’s grip.
“Oh no, you don’t! We stick together,” Andy smiled placing a kiss on Daniela’s forehead.
Twenty minutes later, Andy and Daniela finally recovered her bags and were safe and sound in their car. Riding in the back seat of the chauffeured car provided by Andy’s current tournament, they cuddled as Heathrow Airport disappeared and the sights of London graced the windows. For Daniela, it was calming to be a pair of arms that would protect her and believe in her. But deep inside, she knew that all she wanted from Andy was friendship.
“What are you thinking about?” Andy asked peering down at Daniela.
“Oh, nothing. London is beautiful. It must be very different from Texas,” Daniela sighed.
“They are very different, but I feel at home in both. The people in both cities make it all worth it. You can’t buy support like that,” Andy smiled looking back out the window. “We’re here.”
*****
“Wake up,” Andy whispered. “We’ve got a full day ahead of us.”
“Andy, go away. I need to sleep,” Daniela groaned throwing a pillow over her head.
“Fine. I’ll give you ten more minutes, but then you have to wake up. Is it a deal?” Andy asked.
“Deal. Now let me sleep,” Daniela agreed.
But as the time ticked by, Daniela couldn’t go back to sleep. Tossing and turning, Daniela tried hard but couldn’t find a position that put her back to sleep. Throwing the covers off her legs roughly, she walked into the next room where Andy sat watching the television calmly.
“I hate you,” Daniela croaked still adjusting to being awake.
“You’ll love me once you are awake,” Andy replied not taking his gaze off the TV.
“We’ll see,” Daniela said falling into the couch.
“Shouldn’t you be getting ready?” Andy asked looking over at her.
“In a minute,” Daniela answered. “We need to talk first.”
“Look, I’m sorry I woke you up. But I wanted to enjoy our day off together,” Andy explained.
“It’s not that, Andy. It’s sweet how you think of me,” Daniela smiled placing her hand on Andy’s. “But there’s something more serious to discuss.”
“What is it?” Andy asked turning off the TV.
“Andy, you’ve been an amazing friend to me. I haven’t had an easy year, but you’ve made it easier for me. You look after me and try to make me laugh. You’re a great friend,” Daniela said emphasizing the word “friend”.
“Friendship is the basis of any relationship,” Andy shrugged.
“That’s true,” Daniela agreed squeezing his hand. “But for us, I believe friendship is as far as our relationship can grow. When I think of you, I don’t think of a husband. I think of an older brother.”
“An older brother?”
“Yes, because you do an amazing job of looking after me like my brother Igor does for me. In some way, you’ve been a surrogate brother. I’ve misconstrued the feelings I have for you, and I apologize,” Daniela said softly.
“Is it Marat?” Andy croaked.
“No, not at all. I’ve come upon these findings because I feel I need to be alone. No boyfriends. I need to learn to depend on myself,” Daniela reassured.
“Daniela, you’re confused. We’re more than friends. I think you’re protecting yourself from being hurt again, and I won’t let that happen. You’ll only hurt yourself,” Andy declared.
“I think I know what I’m doing, Andy.”
“No, you don’t. A husband is someone that looks after you, and you even said I do. I always try to make you laugh. We made a child together. You pushed me away once, but I’m not going to let you do it again,” Andy said searching Daniela’s face.
“This is what I want,” Daniela tried to say convincingly but as the moments wore on, her conviction fell.
“The last time you said that, you went back to Marat. And look what happened,” Andy exclaimed. “You lost our baby, and Marat showed his true colors.”
“He wasn’t as horrible as I made you think,” Daniela replied meekly.
“Yeah, whatever. Daniela, listen to me,” Andy said taking both her hands and moving her to face him on the couch. “We belong together. And it’ll take more than your fears for me to let you go. Understood?”
“Yes,” Daniela whispered.
“Good,” Andy said placing a kiss on her frozen lips. “Now go get ready to have fun.”
Nodding, Daniela got up from the couch, walked to the bedroom, and shut the door. Leaning against the divider, Daniela felt herself drain away again. Was she returning to her old self? The one that never spoke up? The one that listened to everyone but herself? As she showered and got dressed, it became clearer who she was becoming.
*****
Two weeks later, Daniela was up to her eyeballs in Andy and Wimbledon. The only grass court Grand Slam of the year was taking place. The women and men of both the ATP and the WTA were swarming the grounds and hotels of Wimbledon Village. One of those would be Daniela as she waited in line at Starbucks. Tapping her foot impatiently, she looked up the line and behind her to see she was last in line.
“Great,” Daniela groaned. “Last in line as usual. How early do you have to get here to beat the lines?”
“Around three in the morning. The line is already down the street by five,” a voice answered behind her.
“Crazy people get up that early,” Daniela laughed darkly and turned around to see who she was talking to.
“Hi, Daniela,” Marat said as he saw her stunned expression.
“Uh, hi. I’ll see you later,” Daniela said trying to get out of line.
“No, don’t do that,” Marat whispered. “I’m sure you’re picking coffee up for Andy as well, and he wouldn’t be happy if you returned empty handedly.”
“Yeah, but I don’t know,” Daniela mumbled.
“Daniela, we’re in the same business. You have to get used to seeing me. I’ve gotten used to it, and I’ve got it worse than you do.”
“And why do you have it worse?” Daniela asked looking up at his handsome face.
“Because I’m still in love with you.”
Stunned and perplexed, Daniela folded her arms across her chest and turned back around. The name of the game now was to keep focused on the coffee. But just the sheer presence of Marat so close to her and his declaration was enough to make her knees weak and her heart race.
“Nice haircut,” Daniela commented not looking back.
“You like it?”
“You look different without your curls,” Daniela shrugged.
“Do you miss my curls?”
“Sure.”
“How about me?”
“That’s enough, Marat,” Daniela warned ending the conversation.
The rest of the wait in line was quiet and uncomfortable. Picking up her coffee and turning towards the door, Daniela nodded her head in Marat’s direction and left. As she walked down the street, she kept telling herself that this was what was right.
“That took a long time,” Andy greeted from the couch when Daniela arrived at the flat they were renting for the fortnight.
“The line was horrendous,” Daniela explained as she handed Andy his caramel macchiato. “But it was good to get some fresh air.”
“Are you going to sit down with me?” Andy asked as she began to walk out of the room.
“No, I’m going to finish replying to emails in the other room so I can concentrate,” Daniela explained blowing a kiss to Andy as she exited the room.
Sitting down in the desk chair, Daniela threw her purse down on the floor beside her feet. But when it touched the floor, it made an unfamiliar sound. The sound was similar to keys clanging together but not exactly the same. Reaching through her purse, Daniela’s hand touched cool metal at the bottom of the bag.
Clasping the object in her hand, Daniela stared in wonder. Somehow, Marat had slipped the charm bracelet in her purse while they were in line. Balancing the bracelet in the palm of her hand, it brought back fond memories of Marat. But something was different about the bracelet. Dangling next to the “M” and “D” charms was a four-leaf clover decorated with tiny, green emeralds.
“A four-leaf clover for good luck,” Daniela said to herself. “We’ll need all the luck in the world to stay away from each other.”
|
|
|
Post by Annie on Jun 14, 2006 13:04:43 GMT 3
Chapter 60
Sitting down to dinner at an exclusive New York City restaurant, Marat leaned back and took in the room. Wimbledon was long gone, and the U.S. hard court season was almost done. The last stop to be made was in Flushing Meadows at the US Open. Back in 2000, Marat had defeated the tennis legend Pete Sampras in straight sets. At 20 years of age, Marat’s life changed in many ways, not all of them good.
Six years later, Marat was fighting to keep in the top 100 in the world. At the beginning of the year, he saw his life at the US Open differently. He thought he would be back in the top 20 and with his long, curly hair and Daniela at his side. But instead, his hair was short and Daniela was on the arm of another man. The more he told himself to let her go, the more he wanted her back.
But in the back of his mind, Marat remembered that Daniela hadn’t given back the bracelet. It was a sign that he didn’t have to give up on her yet. Somewhere in her heart, she still loved him and missed him. But what was it going to take to get her back? Just as those thought flew through his mind, Daniela and Andy walked past his table and were seated at a booth near the back of the restaurant.
Daniela looked beautiful as usual. Her hair was swept up in a ponytail with a bow tied neatly in the back. Her mint green, knee-length dress brought out the color of her eyes in the dimly lit restaurant. The presence of her brought Marat into a completely new focus. He had to talk to her. Even if they didn’t talk about their relationship, he wanted to make sure she was alright.
“Green is her color,” Peter teased noticing Marat’s stares.
“Huh?” Marat asked coming down to earth.
“Daniela.”
“I miss her, Peter,” Marat sighed.
“You never stopped missing her or loving her. She’ll see that someday. Hopefully before it’s too late.”
“How so?” Marat asked taking a sip of water.
“Soon enough, you’ll want to get married. And it just may happen that she’ll decide to come running after you, and you’ll already be married and moved on,” Peter explained.
“I can’t move on,” Marat said softly.
“Don’t you want to get married? Have children?”
“Yes, of course,” Marat answered.
“Then you have to move on and find a woman you can marry.”
“I’ve already found her. And she’s sitting in that booth over there with the green eyes, cute smile, and loveable disposition. I’m not giving up on her,” Marat declared sitting back in his chair.
“If you’re so determined, I suggest you marry her before Andy does.”
“Why? Are there rumors going on about Andy asking her to marry him?”
“From what I heard, but this is just gossip, Andy was seen leaving Tiffany’s yesterday alone. Apparently, while he was there, he purchased a diamond solitaire ring. It doesn’t look good, Marat,” Peter sighed.
“I can’t let that happen,” Marat exclaimed.
“I saw her go to the bathroom a minute ago,” Peter winked. “Maybe you should say ‘hello’.”
“I’ll do that,” Marat grinned standing up from the table and walking to the bathrooms.
*****
Impatiently pacing the floor in front of the women’s restroom, Marat watched as woman after woman entered and exited the doors, but none of them were Daniela. Marat began to wonder if Peter was wrong when Daniela bumped into his 6’4” frame. Blown away by the impact, Daniela fell to the floor in a heap.
“Oh, Daniela,” Marat said. “I’m so sorry.”
“What were you doing, Marat?” Daniela asked as he helped her to her feet.
“I’m not going to lie. I was waiting for you,” Marat confessed.
“Why?”
“I have to talk to you. I’ve heard some things. And I need to warn you.”
“What is it, Marat? Now I’m worried,” Daniela said softly looking up at him with green, glittering eyes.
“If Andy asks you to marry him, you have to say ‘no’!”
“Marat, why would you say something like that?” Daniela asked.
“Daniela, please listen to me,” Marat said taking her hand in his tenderly. “I love you, and I can’t let you go. Please, don’t settle for Andy.”
“Marat, we’ve already had this discussion. We weren’t meant to be,” Daniela whispered taking her hand back. “Enjoy your dinner, Marat.”
Making a final pleading glance, Marat watched as Daniela walked back to her booth. He watched as Andy visibly lit up when she sat down. It was obvious Andy loved her, but Daniela didn’t love him. She tried to act happy and laugh at his jokes, but Marat saw through the act. All she was right now was a shell of the woman she had been with him.
*****
The sun set over the beaches of Monte Carlo with the promise of a better and newer tomorrow. For many of the languid tourists that populated the beach all day, it was the end of the day for them. They would return to their hotels and go to sleep. But for Daniela, as she walked down the desolate beach alone, the day would not end with the sunset.
She still had to endure the night of December 4th. Alone and cold, Daniela had shrugged off Andy’s assistance that he come with her and his coat. On a day like today, after being coddled by Andy, she wanted to be alone. She needed to be alone to reflect on the past year. Daniela had fallen in love, been betrayed, conceived and then lost a child, left the love of her life, and was now living a lie.
Daniela could no longer hide behind her tennis racket. The tennis season was over, and Andy was invading her home more and more every day. They had much to discuss and plan in the next few months. After the season had ended, Andy had proposed to Daniela and she had accepted. The news was circulating in the tennis world furiously. It would be any day now that Marat would call to scream and reprimand Daniela.
But secretly, Daniela wanted Marat to call her. She wanted him to change her mind. She wanted him to sweep into her house, shove Andy out of the way, and take her away from everything. But no matter her wants, Daniela had to face reality. They were both moving on. And soon, she would just be a fond memory to Marat to be stored away for a laugh or two with his future wife.
Another reality to face: Marat would eventually get married. Of course, she could always hide behind her façade of a marriage to Andy, but it would be a lie. Inside she would be crying and bleeding to be Marat’s wife and the mother of his children. To be given the chance to have his child would have been unbelievable. But instead, she had gotten pregnant with Andy’s. And on this day, December 4th, Daniela would have given birth.
Life had to go on. It wasn’t every girl that was engaged to the tennis stud Andy Roddick. She should feel honored to have such love and affection poured on her. Straightening her shoulders, Daniela continued to walk along the sand. Behind her were the sounds of feet crushing the sand as they jogged along. Stepping to the side, Daniela waited for the jogger to pass her.
But as soon as the footsteps were close, they turned into a walk. Daniela turned around to see the sight she had longed to see for months. Standing in front of her in a windbreaker and jeans, Marat smiled down at Daniela as he caught his breath. Trying to catch her own from the surprise of seeing him, Daniela couldn’t help but smile back. After all, deep inside, this is what she wanted.
“You’ve got to be freezing,” Marat finally said.
“A little,” Daniela admitted.
“Here, take my jacket,” Marat said unzipping the windbreaker and placing it on her shoulders. “This is kind of like our first date.”
“Only we know a lot more about each other and we hadn’t fallen in and out of love yet,” Daniela whispered.
“We never fell out of love. I’ll admit that I’ve tried to forget you, but it’s been useless. I still love you. And you know what?”
“What?” Daniela asked staring into his determined eyes.
“You still love me,” Marat said taking Daniela in his arms.
“Marat, please don’t. I’m engaged to Andy,” Daniela cried trying to free herself.
“That excuse won’t work because you don’t want to be. I’ve let you run away from me many times, but I won’t let you anymore,” Marat declared.
Cradling her chin in his hand, Marat tilted her face upward. Smoothing the contours of her mouth with his thumb, his breath grew heavy with her own. Seizing her lips with his own, Marat clasped her body to his. Wanting to be even closer to him, Daniela wrapped her arms around his neck. The kiss lasted the rest of the sunset.
“I love you so much,” Marat groaned as they pulled apart.
“How did you know where to find me?” Daniela asked.
“I went to your house,” Marat grinned.
“You asked Andy where I was?!” Daniela shouted.
“Yes, he wasn’t very happy about it,” Marat smiled. “I had to put him out so he wouldn’t follow behind me.”
“What do you mean, ‘put him out’?” Daniela asked worriedly.
“I punched him right in the nose. He went out cold,” Marat laughed.
“Marat! That’s not very nice,” Daniela reprimanded.
“Oh, come on. You know it’s funny.”
“Well, maybe a little. He can be a prick sometimes, and cocky,” Daniela giggled.
“Daniela, why are you with him?”
“It’s the safe decision, Marat,” Daniela answered. “I owe him.”
“You don’t owe him anything. It wasn’t anybody’s fault you lost the baby,” Marat comforted. “Don’t let something bad ruin something good. Please don’t marry him, Daniela.”
“I have to, Marat. You’re too late,” Daniela said feeling tears well in her eyes.
“Is it a proposal you want?” Marat asked. “I’ll give you a proposal.”
Falling down on one knee, Marat held Daniela’s hand in his hand. Daniela’s eyes immediately began to water. This is what she wanted, but Andy had already been hurt by Daniela so many times. But kneeling below her was the man of her dreams.
“Daniela, I know I don’t have any ring to offer you. I didn’t go to Tiffany’s or Harry Winston’s, because I don’t need a ring to win you over. I have our love, oh, and this bracelet,” Marat said taking the charm bracelet out of his pocket and putting it on her wrist. “That’s better. We’ve gone through so much to turn back now. I love you more than you’ll ever know or I’ll ever be able to show.”
“Marat,” Daniela whispered.
“Daniela, will you marry me?”
THE END
|
|