***
It’s difficult leaving everyone, but at the same time, I’m excited.
At least I have my phone back now so I can stay in touch with the girls over WhatsApp. which makes it less difficult to be so far away from them.
In so many ways, it feels like my life is just starting. Such amazing things are happening to me, and the last piece of the puzzle is getting my brother to see that I’m happy and safe.
We arrive home late afternoon, and my head is already looping with ways to make my brother understand.
Anton is being very affectionate lately. He likes to keep me close, and I realize he must also be worried about Illyin. He hasn’t said anything to me yet, and I won’t say anything to him because I’d rather avoid the conversation until after I’ve contacted Illyin.
It’s late. We are sitting snuggled on the sofa after dinner, watching the fire lick at a fresh log he just tossed in there. I reachbehind the pillow and pull out a heavy box wrapped in matte black paper with a glossy silk black ribbon.
A grin spreads over my face as I set the box in Anton’s lap.
“What is this, little pixie?” he asks, sitting up a bit straighter and smiling curiously.
“It’s a thank-you.”
He has to pull me closer against him to open the box with both hands while not letting me go.
I giggle and crawl closer into his lap.
“For what?” he asks, tugging at the ribbon. “I can’t even remember the last time anyone gave me a gift,” he says with excitement flowing through his words.
“For being amazing,” I say. “You um, you didn’t keep me locked up. You have given me a lot of freedom and trust, and you’ve let me be me,” I tell him.
He pauses unwrapping the gift and wraps his hand around my jaw, pulling my face to look at his. “Pixie, you are the most incredible person, and I wouldn’t want you to be anyone butyou!”
My cheeks flush pink with happiness as he presses his lips to mine and kisses me, but only briefly. He’s far too excited about his gift.
As he pulls the lid off the box, he takes in a sharp breath.
“Is this…” he stammers, lifting the glass paperweight from the box and holding it up to the light. Colors shimmer through the carefully created lines and swirls inside the heavy artwork. He stares at it in bewilderment. I wait, grinning, enjoying his reaction.
“This is Markus Lexton, one of my favorite artists. Where in the world did you find this. He only made a limited number of these paperweights,” he mumbles in shock.
“I saw it in a gallery. I knew you’d love it!” I say happily.
“Love it? This is now my most prized artwork!” he blurts out, pulling me all the way onto his lap and holding me so tight I can barely breathe. “Thank you so much, little pixie. I don’t even…I don’t know what to say,” he says tightly, caught by emotions.
“Well, you don’t have to say anything. I’m the one who's thanking you,” I whisper against his ear with my arms around his neck.
My heart is full.
There is only one last thing I need to sort out before everything is perfect.
***
It’s a beautiful morning. The garden is coated in a soft, thick layer of powdery snow.
“What are you up to today?” Anton asks, handing me my decaf coffee.
“I’m going to the mall. I want to start looking at baby things. I know it’s really way too soon, but I’m starting to get excited about it all.”
“I would come with you if I could, but I’ve got to go into the office. You’ll take a guard with you?”
“Of course,” I say, nodding, then taking a sip of my coffee.
