I’m already doing enough for you,he grumbles.If we’re both leaving the doors of our rooms open, it means that I won’t get to have sex tonight.
How about if I wear headphones for the five minutes it takes you,I joke.
Are you actually insulting someone who has the power to make you comfortable tonight?he asks.
I mock-apologize, and he goes into his room and comes out with an upholstered wing chair.My night’s sleep is looking a bit better now.And I let him know that if he leaves his door open in the morning, that will be enough.
Rosie comes out.She looks fine.Like she’s sleeping normally.She turns to us.It’s so nice of you to do all this for someone you don’t even know.
I owe her,I admit.I acted like an asshole earlier, and I’m not even sure why.
Coty snorts, and we all turn to look at him.
You don’t know?Well, it’s pretty clear to me.She’s exactly the type of woman you’re attracted to: a tall brunette.And very pretty.
So?I’m not rude to women I’m interested in,I scoff.
But Coty only grins wider.That’s because she’s different.For years, I’ve watched you resist getting a real girlfriend, and now you’re still fighting it.He points towards my bed.But that woman is your fate.
That’s ridiculous.Rescuing Evie was only what any moral person would do.
8
MY GUARDIAN ANGEL
EVIE
WHENIWAKE UP, MY EYELIDS FEEL HEAVY AND STUCK TOGETHER.ICAN FEEL SUNLIGHT ON MY FACEso I know it’s morning.So what if I can’t open my eyes?
I hear someone speaking Russian on the phone, and I realize I’m home.Back in my real home, not my dorm room.Any moment now, my mother is going to tap on my door.She’ll bring in a gilded wooden tray with black tea in delicate china cups.We’ll drink tea and plan our day.Maybe a visit to the art museum.Or that old market where they have the delicious blini.All my recent worries and inadequacies dissolve now that I’m home again.
Then I listen more closely to the words and realize that it’s not my father speaking.In fact, it’s not even Russian, it’s actually Ukrainian.And it’s not being spoken very well; the grammar is sketchy and the vocabulary limited.I focus on translating the words.
Are you sure you’re in health, Grandma?A long pause and then,No, no.Of course no.But, any news?Another longer pause.Understand.I love you.Goodbye.
There’s silence, then the speaker lets out a long sigh.I can sense the anguish even in my diminished state.Maybe I can’t open my eyes, but I must do something.
Can I help you?I ask.
Evie?Are you awake?Instantly there’s someone beside me.
With great effort, I force open my eyes.Viktor Zelenko’s concerned face hovers over mine.Well, that can’t be right.I close my eyes again, then open only one.He’s still there.But instead of the black designer shirt and jeans from last night, he’s in a white T-shirt and grey sweatpants.He looks…worried?
Where am I?I ask.
You’re in Viktor’s room in the hockey house,a female voice replies.Now there’s someone behind him, a pretty woman with auburn hair.
Who are you?I ask.Nothing makes sense.
I’m Rosie Daniels.I date Connor Wahl, you know, the goalie for the Mustangs?She smiles at me, but I’m still completely flummoxed.
Maybe she should drink some water,Viktor suggests.
Good idea.Can you sit up?Rosie asks.
Why would I not be able to sit up?I rise without difficulty.Viktor carefully arranges pillows behind my back, then hands me a bottled water.
Wait, perhaps this is the dream?I’m actually in Russia and I’m dreaming that I’m at Monarch College?It must be a dream because Viktor is being so nice to me.As I struggle to open the bottle, Rosie takes it from me and pops the top off.I take a long swallow and realize how dry my mouth feels.When I’ve finished half the bottle, I put it on the black nightstand beside me.
