Damned: Chapter 24) On the Edge

For the first time in a long while, I felt at peace. I felt the pillows kiss my sides and the blanket cuddle me like my mother used to. My heart thumped gracefully like a calm flowing river. I opened my eyes and shifted off the bed. It was so strange how safe I felt. Looking out the window, the sun had already risen yet the darkness was still threatening above. From a distance, I saw James standing near this huge tree just overlooking the sky. I walked out of the house towards him, he hadn’t turned around but somehow I knew he knew I was there.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked in a soft ached voice. Pain seemed to be dripping out of his tone, I didn’t understand why.

“Surprisingly yes, I should have more sleepovers here.” I smiled.

My smile broke as I looked to the ground where he was standing.

It looked like someone was buried there and freshly plucked flowers were placed.

“James,” I breathed, “Is someone…”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Try me.” I frowned.

Turning to me, he took a step closer and I noted how deeply blue his eyes were. They weren’t the raging sea like Vitaly’s. Instead, they were a calm kind of blue that seemed to consume someone, with a hint of green almost like the deepest part of the ocean where you can just float on the gentle waters.

“It’s funny how life puts you in a situation you don’t know how to handle.” he began, “You feel conflicted.”

“What’s conflicting you, James?”

He took a step past me and took a small breath.

“If I told you that Marc’s wife is dead and buried there, would you believe me?”

My heart dropped upon hearing that.

“What? But he said that his wife was kidnapped and he’s trying to get her back by working for Vitaly.”

“He refused to believe that she’s dead, Katherine.”

“How are you so sure it’s her then?”

“When I met Marc he was almost dead. This is not long after I came to your country for some work. I had attended a function. That same night, I heard some noises just outside the hall at the back door. When I got there it was almost too late. The woman was in a bad state, she was stabbed multiple times. Marc was bleeding to death but hugging her and begging for someone to save his wife. I saw the old man who did it but saving them was more important. I carried them to the hospital but doctors couldn’t save his wife, only Marc made it. He lost his memory of the incident but remembered making the deal with the Rostovs to get his wife back.”

“Oh my god.” I stood shocked at what he was telling me.

“I tried telling him what happened that night, to stop working for those people. He never listened to me. He still believes she’s alive.”

“And his child?”

“With the aunt. He tries to visit him every other week or whenever he could.”

“This is awful.” I frowned, “And didn’t the old man try and kill him so why take him back to work for him?”

“They’re just taking advantage of him. Marc is still traumatized, Katherine.”

I couldn’t believe this.

“You should get back inside, Marc’s on his way here,” James stated.

I sat on the sofa deep in thought. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to think about anymore.

“Are you always like this?” the sound of James’ voice broke me out of my worry.

“Huh?” I turned to him as he sat calmly at the end of the island stool, drinking his coffee.

“You’ve been like that for fifteen minutes.”

I somehow knew he wanted to laugh but he restrained himself from doing so.

“How can you be so calm? Marc is in this mess and we’re just sitting here.”

“Who’s to say I’m not doing anything about it?” James replied.

Hearing that felt like a wave of relief washed over me somehow. Before I could say anything, there was a knock on the door.

“Novak, it’s me,” Marc called.

“Marc!” I ran up and hugged him as he came in.

“Hey kid, you alright?” he laughed, “Novak isn’t that bad.”

James sat back where he originally was and continued with his coffee, “Damn Marc, you came back so soon, I was supposed to torture her and feed her to Gonzo.”

“Gonzo? Who’s that?” I asked.

“Gonzo’s our little woof woof.” James gave a soft smile and showed me a picture of a huge fluffy black dog.

“Ohmygosh!” I beamed happily, “Where is he? Is he here? Can I play with him?”

“He stays with Marc’s sister, not here.”

“You guys,” Marc sighed to get our attention. That’s the moment I realized that my happiness was short-lived. I could not be happy as long as I’m involved with the Rostovs. When my smile faded, Marc noticed, “Hey it’s not bad news, Kid.”

“That’s surprising.” I scoffed, “Sure you got the right info?”

“Vitaly’s aware of your escape.”

“And how is that good?”

“He left me in charge of finding you,” Marc smiled, “Plus he had to leave for a trip to Europe for a few days because of an important deal.”

“Well the trust is real,” James inserted, “Do you take sugar in your coffee? But yeah, that’s great, we’ll have more than enough time.”

Throughout the day, James handled fixing the car while Marc was in and out. I stayed with James because Marc claimed it to be the safest place I could have been. Honestly, I wasn’t going to complain as I was entirely grateful to these two.

“Wrench,” James spoke as he looked into the car and stretched out his arm towards me.

“Rude. There’s no need to be offensive.” I scowled.

“Not wench, wrench. Hand me the tool at the side of your foot.”

“Oh,” I blushed with embarrassment, I am such a corn.

Giving him the wrench, I sighed.

“Marc brought your bags from the Rostov’s, you can change into your clothes- well wear something nice tonight.”

“What’s tonight?”

“Jimmy, Marc’s son, it’s his birthday. His sister invited us over and we can’t leave you alone here.”

“I don’t want to intrude on anyone, James.”

“Martha’s a lovely woman, I’m sure you’ll both enjoy each other’s company.”

Quickly changing into a casual dress, I met with Marc and James who drove us to Martha’s.

“So,” I began, “I never got your son’s name, Marc.”

“Daniel, he’s seven,” Marc said with a smile.

“Oh, well I can’t wait to meet him.”

“It’d be wise if Katherine stays close,” James interrupted, “Don’t leave the diner without either of us.”

“Diner?”

“Yeah, Marc’s sister runs one downstairs.”

It was not too long until we arrived at the corner of a busy street. The diner’s lights were beautifully decorating the building and the atmosphere felt so homey yet so lively inside. Oldies played on a recorder while the aroma inside smelt so heavenly. I felt like I went back in time. Customers laughed and drank happily while others had their food served by the friendliest-looking employees. I sat on one of the swirly stools near the bar area while James sat on the one next to me. The urge to spin was eating me but I had to keep my calm. Marc excused himself through the kitchen door, probably to meet Martha.

Before I could have said anything, one of the waitresses came and smiled happily towards us, “Ordering?”

I looked down at the menu and to be honest, I wasn’t very hungry so I looked at the drinks sections and had to admit the names were so cute I just had to ask, “Oh what’s the ‘Fabulous Fiona’?”

“Oh that contains peach and passion fruit,” she smiled, “And what about you, Mr. Novak? You should try the ‘Hot-Shot’ would more than likely suit you.”

I couldn’t help but noticed the blush on the young girl’s face.

“No thanks, I’m fine for now,” James answered calmly.

“Are you sure? You look so stressed, Jamie.” The girl stated placing her hand on his.

“James.” He corrected.

Something told me he wasn’t interested but I sat quietly and enjoyed it. 

“Of course,” she awkwardly left.

Now that I thought about it he must get that from a lot of women. James had everything going for him, a perfectly sculpted facial structure that was probably defined from the Greek Gods themselves yet there was this subtle softness to his face, not to mention the calmness of his blue absorbing gaze that would probably pull any woman in and make them float on cloud nine. He had those perfect teeth and his hair was so thick and long and well-kept with a few strands falling out gracefully. Words seemed hard to define this man. He didn’t need a suit and tie to make him beautiful. I wasn’t sure how jeans and a black casual leather jacket could look so good on someone who honestly doesn’t try to look good but just does.

“Well,” I smiled teasingly, “That was something.”

“Megan’s not for me.” He answered.

“Oh, so you have a type? I mean, she’s really pretty though.”

James gave a soft, short laugh, “You can be the most beautiful woman in the world, but if you’re heart’s full of shit, that’s not for me.”

I honestly hadn’t expected him to say something like that. It wasn’t a ‘Vitaly Response’. His way of thinking was so different than what I assumed it was.

“Kid,” Marc called me as he poked his head out the door, “Ya’ll can come on in here if you want, would like if you meet Martha.”

I hesitated a bit but James indicated to me that I should go.

James got kept back with a phone call so I followed Marc through the room and up a flight of stairs where we came to a cozy living area with a few doors to the side and a small open concept kitchen at the corner.

“Oh this is lovely,” I smiled. The atmosphere gave such a welcoming hug.

“Oh you must be Katherine!” a hearty voice called from behind me. A thick dark woman with short curly hair and a beautiful smile came up to me and gave me a short embrace, which I returned politely.

“I am, and you must be Martha?”

“I sure am, hope you heard nothing but good things come out of this stinker’s mouth.” She laughed looking at Marc.

“Oh I’ve heard only good,” I smiled assuring her, “Marc didn’t step out his line.”

“He better not,”

“Ladies, please, calm yourselves.” Marc interrupted teasingly.

“Daniel is in his room with some of his friends, you all can go on in.” Martha showed us to the room.

There were a few kids around the ages of seven all playing with nerf guns and balloons. I could distinctly pick out who was Marc’s son from the set as he looked like a copy and paste of him. Well, a smaller version.

“Daddy!” the child ran up to him cheerfully embracing him.

I missed hugging my dad like that and being with my brother. I missed my mother a lot and truthfully it hurt that I could never have that again with her.

“Who’s this?” Daniel asked his father a bit confused as he looked at me.

“This is a family friend, Danny, her name’s Katherine,” Marc answered.

“Hi Daniel,” I smiled politely as he also returned a wave.

“James!” the little boy beamed and ran up to him standing near the door.

“Hey Danny,” James gave a half-smile as he knelt to the ground to reach Daniel’s level, “How do you feel now buddy?”

Pouting, the little boy folded his tiny arms at him, “I don’t feel much older. I want to be old and strong like you.”

“Well, then you know what that means. You got to eat a lot of vegetables. I heard you love them.”

“Bleh,” Danny stuck out his tongue and surprisingly hugged him, “Thank you for the gifts, I love them!”

After cutting the cake, a few of the girl children came up to me asking to play with them because the boys weren’t playing the types of games they wanted to play. James, who sat next to me, continued speaking to Marc and Martha.

It had been a while since I actually been around normal people so I grabbed the opportunity and helped them build a house with large puzzle pieces making obstacle tracks for them to fit through. It was honestly the most fun I had in a while. I liked how carefree the environment was.

“That’s my girl!” I high-fived Samantha, the cute little brunette with the glasses.

I turned around to observe Martha pouring juice into glasses so I excused myself from the kids to help her.

“Oh honey, you don’t have to.”

“I couldn’t let you do all this by yourself.” I smiled when I noticed James looking at me curiously, almost confused.

“So which do you want, Novy? Fruit punch or apple?” I asked with a laugh.

“What did you call me?” he arched an eyebrow.

“Oh James is too common, Novy is cute. You know, like a soft little bunny rabbit that just wants to cuddle in your hands.”

“You’re reasoning is impeccable.”

“I know right.”

“I am so happy James,” Martha sighed and looked at me, “I’ve been waiting for the day he finally brings home a girl but he’s always too busy.”

“Oh, I’m not-”

“You don’t have to feel shy,” she laughed.

“Martha, she’s not my-”

“Oh shut up, James, I don’t want to hear your nonsense.”

From the back, I heard Marc snickering and crunching on Pringles.

“Aunty Martha, can I have the juice?” Daniel stretched out his hands smiling.

I was about to give him the glass of fruit punch when James interrupted, “Apple, he likes apple juice.”

As time went by, I observed how close and caring James had been with Daniel. It was as if they were family by blood.

Marc suddenly got a call and stepped aside, when he came back I noticed a saddened expression.

“I- I have to leave for some important work now,”

“What?” I frowned.

“Ded. I have to leave,”

“Daddy no,” Daniel rushed up to him, “Don’t go.”

Hearing that broke my heart.

“Hey,” Marc smiled and knelt down to face his son, “I promise I’ll be back soon, kiddo.”

“You always say that and you never come back until weeks.”

“This time- I will, son.” Marc sadly held his child’s hand, “We’ll all be together soon.”

When he said that, I quickly glimpsed at James who had been staring, with a serious expression, out the window. As I turned in that instance, I saw the shadow of a woman on the balcony who turned and left.

“James?” I asked confused unsure of what that was about.

“Excuse me.” He sternly stated and left the room.

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