She clears her throat.I just wanted to apologize for everything that happened with Vik.I know that he found out about the Revenge Squad and he was really upset.Her eyes glisten.I heard that you guys broke up, and I’m so sorry.It was my fault for asking you not to say anything.
She lets out a little sob and covers her face with her hand.
Oh Mia, don’t cry.I hug her.Everything is okay with Viktor now.We made up.
She blinks, like she can’t believe me.Really?He was so awful the last time I saw him.Dylan told me everything Vik has been going through.I guess you knew, but it made me feel even guiltier that we tried to hurt him.
I know, and that’s why I gave him grace.I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you earlier, but you know how private Viktor is.
She nods.I was shocked that he told the whole team about his brother.
I think he’s trying to be more open.It’s nice to talk to someone who knows Viktor as a person and not the icon that most people on campus believe him to be.
Do you want to know what happened to Angelica?Mia asks.
I nod.Although I figured out she was the one who told, she was really trying to hurt Viktor, and I was only collateral damage.I’m more angry about the way she broke his trust in women when they dated.
Des was furious and rushed off to show the signed confidentiality agreement to the sorority executive and complain about Angelica.Des never thinks ahead, and weallgot disciplined.But not as harshly as Angelica—she got kicked out of Alpha Z and banned from all Greek activities for the remainder of her senior year.
Oh my gosh, that’s really going to hurt her,I reply.Angelica’s entire identity was integrated with the sorority.I don’t think she has any friends outside of Alpha Z.In fact, I’m not sure she has that many inside either.Despite all the things she’s done and said, I feel sorry for her now.
But my mom was right: placing value in bigger things has helped me to weather the various crises in my life here.The kind of volunteer work I really enjoy is not fundraising but helping people directly, and I’ve been able to do that by working with foreign students and struggling essay writers.
I’m not sorry for her at all,says Mia.She’s not a good person.
I have to get to class, so I part from Mia with promises to get together soon for a shopping excursion since I have Christmas money to spend.
It’s not until I get out of my last lecture that I check my phone.There’s a message from Viktor.Well, actually a photo.
It’s Viktor with his arm around another man.The man has the same prominent cheekbones and round eyes, but instead of stylish layered hair, his head is completely shaved.And he’s very thin, his jacket hanging loose on his body.Both of them are smiling widely.If you couldn’t tell they were brothers, they’re showing off the fact that they’re both missing a front tooth.I didn’t even realize that Viktor had a false tooth.But now that flaw is something he shares with Marko.
I stare at the photo for long minutes, taking in all the details.The Ukrainian flag wrapped around Marko’s shoulders.People celebrating in the background.Banners of welcome.It’s a scene of joy, but from my research I know that some people journey to each prisoner release and go home without their missing family member.So there is elation and sadness mixed.
I run my finger over Viktor’s face as if I could touch him.Truly he looks happier and more worry-free than I’ve ever seen him before.Now he can finally relax and enjoy his senior year and his hockey team.
WEDNESDAY IS THE DAY THAT VIKTOR WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO COME BACK, ANDIFINDmyself looking around campus and checking my phone much too often.I’ve been doing all the normal things like homework, Crafty Club, volunteering, and even attending the hockey game.(They lost 3–1 to Essex College without their captain.) But life is not the same without Viktor or even just the possibility of seeing him.Rationally, I understand that he could be delayed for many reasons: his brother’s health, getting his grandmother organized to move, government paperwork, logistical roadblocks.It’s too easy for me to imagine the worst-case scenarios.I miss him so much.
So after dinner, when I check my phone yet again, I’m delighted to finally see a message from Viktor.
Hey, just got back.Kinda beat, but is it too late to get together?
Too late?It’s only 8:30.I let him know I’ll be right over.And then I take a quick shower and dress up a little.After all, a returning hero deserves something special.
But when I get to his house, I’m surprised to find the whole team here.
Hey, Killer!Antoine welcomes me and ushers me into the crowded living room.Bergy, move over and let Zee sit next to his girlfriend.
Viktor rises when he sees me, breaking into a huge smile.He takes me into his arms and kisses me hard as his teammates hoot and cheer.So much for the guy who isn’t into public affection.
I missed you so much,he murmurs into my hair.I snuggle next to him on the couch, happy to feel his solid presence again.
I was just telling the guys what happened in Chernihiv,he says to me.
Sure, keep going,I urge.
This bus pulls up to the town square, and prisoners start to file out.They’re blinking like they just came out of the darkness—which I guess they had.The windows were blacked out, and nobody knew where they were going or what would happen next.
Viktor takes a deep breath, then continues.
