We’ve been seeing each other for three weeks now.He was completely right about sex improving each time.But even better than the actual sex is the time after sex.That’s when Viktor is relaxed, sweet, and funny.He’s never going to be a person who talks about his feelings, but it’s fine since I can interpret his body language.When I was young, my father would take me to a park or public square, and we’d make up stories about strangers based on our observations.What I thought was a game was actually an exercise in understanding people.
I’m completely immersed in Paul Desmond music and the German Democratic Republic when something hits my forehead.It’s a tiny paper airplane.I look up, and Viktor is laughing at me from the other end of the long oak table.
I pull off my headphones and hold up the plane.Did you hit me with this?
I didn’t want to take the chance of tapping you on the shoulder again.He laughs as he slides into the seat next to me and slips his arm around my waist.
I laugh too.I love seeing him happy like this.He carries so much worry and responsibility on his shoulders.Viktor kisses behind my ear, and I shiver.
I missed you.Thought I’d see if you need an escort home.
Whose home?I ask suspiciously, since Viktor is caressing my thigh in a very seductive way.
We’ll have to see.He’s still grinning, and I melt.I have rules about school nights, but on Thursdays I have only one class.
As I gather up my belongings, a movement catches my peripheral vision.When I turn, I see is an auburn ponytail disappearing around a corner.
Uh-oh.
My relationship with Viktor happened so suddenly and so intensely that I’ve ignored the possible consequences.
When my phone vibrates, I’m certain it’s Mia.After all, when she was complaining about not having quiet places to study, I told her that the top floor of Schultz was always deserted.
I sneak a look at my phone.
OMG, we need to talk.
I sigh, and put away my phone.Right now, I’m going to spend some delicious time with Viktor.I can worry about Alpha Z tomorrow.
Were you studying too?I ask as we walk from campus.It’s a freezing October night but with Viktor’s arm around me, the weather feels perfect.
No.I had an Athletic Council meeting.Afterwards, I stopped by the library, just in case you were there.Are you working on something?
Yes, an essay for poli sci.But then I got distracted by this book on socialist art in the German Democratic Republic.
He laughs.Only you, Evie.I’ve never met anyone who loves political history so much.
I find comfort in it,I confess.You know how people get so stressed about the news?I think it’s better to see today’s events in the context of history.Of course, things seem catastrophic when we’re in the midst of them, but if you can take a longer view, you can see all the ways that people have confronted and overcome worse circumstances.
He doesn’t respond, and I wonder if I’ve gone on too much.Annie tells me I need to stop nerding out about ideas and theories.But isn’t that why we’re at college?
When I look at Viktor, he’s so deep in thought that I’m not sure if he even heard me.Then he stops short and puts his hands on my shoulders.
It’s like you can read my fucking mind, Evie.All the things I never tell anyone.He hugs me tightly, then tilts his head down and kisses me with a tenderness that feels more loving than erotic.For a moment, I think he’s going to share something big, but he gives a little shake of his head.
Is that why you read history books too?I ask.
Yeah.I was ashamed at how little I knew about Ukraine,he admits.And it makes me feel closer to…everyone there.
He must be worrying about his grandmother.His thoughts are miles away.Sure enough, he walks me back to Humphrey without even asking if I want to come over.Obviously, something deeper is bothering him.I wish I could help, even if only by listening.
THE NEXT DAY, IMAKE MY WAY TO THE SORORITY HOUSE, FEELING VERY NERVOUS.IT’S REALLY Amiracle that my relationship with Viktor has flown under the radar this long.We’ve gone out on dates, but it’s always been just the two of us.And I don’t wait for him at the arena after games or go to the pub with him, which is the way Viktor’s girlfriends are usually announced.Maybe I’ve been trying to keep us a secret, aware that things could end at any moment.But there’s a big Hallowe’en party coming up this weekend at Delta Theta Pi house, and Viktor and I have plans to go.So everyone will find out about us soon.
My feet drag as I go up to Mia’s room, usually one of my favourite places.I peek inside, where the tasteful Mia indulges her secret tackiness.There are animal prints and glitter collages of her three cats back home.
Oh hey.Come in.Her forehead creases.And maybe shut the door.
I sit on her bed and wait in tensed anticipation.She whirls her desk chair around to face me.
