Chapter 7
There was a warm breeze playing through the tall palm trees on Hope Island. The day was slowly fading and, as a result, the sky had become a multifaceted blanket of colors that all blended into each other. Soft pink into fiery orange into subtle mauve. Wheeler was intently observing this open-aired canvas as he swayed to and fro in the hammock he'd built, but that they all used regularly. He was full of good ideas like that, especially lounging ones.
The young American stretched his arms over his head, noticing the slight soreness in his muscles. He'd spent the day doing mechanical work on both the Cruiser and the Copter, before washing them clean. Physical labor always lulled his thoughts and gave him a chance to focus. He'd been going over his brief time with Linka in the restaurant for the thousandth time, studying it from all angles. Whatever conclusion he came to, he could not disown the waterfall of happiness that washed all his other feelings away. Linka had seemed so much softer, not as afraid to open up to him, and this was a huge improvement in their relationship. All he'd ever needed to know was that she was at least game to try. He was no fool, he knew that Linka was way too good for someone like him. She was insanely smart and cultured, a few pedestals above him if truth be told, and that was without factoring in her gorgeous looks. The mere notion that she could concede him a chance was beyond his wildest dreams. He would probably never need anything ever again.
When his phone had rang in the garage, distracting him from his fantasies-come-true, it had taken him a minute to focus on the caller. It had been Trish, and upon hearing her voice, Wheeler had been inundated by different emotions. Relief that she seemed okay, guilt over what had happened between them, anxiety over what she was going to say. Had she received any news on the interview at the art gallery?, Wheeler had inquired, to which Trish had replied in the negative, a hint of sadness in her voice. She had narrated the latest tales involving his parents, his dad was recovering slowly but surely, his mom was polishing up her baking skills and sending her home with industrial amounts of sweet goods to snack on.
It had been a fairly normal conversation between them until "I miss you", Trish had disclosed with quiet resolution, unable to hide the strong emotion behind her voice. The contents of her heart were on display in those three little words. Wheeler had switched the phone to his other ear, not quite sure how to respond to that. Giving Trish any more false hope would be cruel, but so was letting her know time and again that he was not interested in her that way. It was an awkward conundrum.
Couldn't she visit sometimes?, Trish had spoken at last, filling the silent pause between them. Was the Island such a secret?, she wanted to know, her voice slightly annoyed by this point. Wheeler had quickly served back an answer, saying that outsiders weren't allowed, which was theoretically a lie. Massive stains were collecting on his already dirty conscience. He was pretty sure he was going straight to hell for this, remembering with a groan that he had already missed two of her calls since leaving New York. Maybe the universe enjoyed watching him rolling around in pure irony, maybe fate was delighted by the endless tricks being cast on his life. How else could he explain the feverish situation that had been created? Trish forever chased after him, while he was completely engrossed in chasing Linka, who seemed to enjoy getting away from his grasp as much as he enjoyed evading Trish. Wheeler shook his head to clear it, the complicated mess resembling impossible-to-follow algorithms.
By the time he'd finished talking to the American girl over the telephone, he'd decided to pack everything up and call it a day in the garage. He couldn't focus anymore and he felt tired, all of a sudden. Wheeler wished he felt less responsible for Trish, but they had always somehow taken care of one another; perhaps, then he wouldn't feel such remorse over the way he was treating her. Or rather, why he could never treat her the way she wished he would treat her.
His inner dialogue was interrupted by nearby footsteps, and he turned his head; a definite end was put on his earlier thoughts once he saw that it was Linka. She was strolling along, probably on her way to the Commons Room, judging by the two thick folders of paperwork she was balancing in her arms. They – or rather she – had set up a little study there, with a table, chair and computer where data could be entered after being collected, the progress of their work monitored, and other number-crunching activities that gave Wheeler a headache just thinking about them. The Russian was invaluable to their team, since she put in all that extra amount of work without ever complaining or gloating about it. It was just who Linka was, he reflected with a little smile on his face, watching her unnoticed as she neared the clearing. Self-sacrificing and hard-working, responsible and punctual, loyal and bright. Wheeler shook his fist at the sky, more astounded than angry, that he should desire someone who was his polar opposite in so many ways.
"Babe," he called out to her cheerily, and watched as her eyes turned to focus on him. Wheeler was possessed by a sense of ridiculous happiness when her lips turned upwards in a smile as she came towards him. He was by this time wondering at his sanity, at the importance being placed on that little gesture, but he had long stopped caring. The strength of what he felt for Linka was a revelation that repeated itself time and again, and he smiled back in greeting, relaxed.
"Care for a little break? The sky is mighty pretty at this hour."
Linka turned her head upwards, tightening her hold on the folders against her chest, as she examined what Wheeler was pointing out.
"Hmm," she sighed, lost for a moment, before her eyes met his again.
"That is very tempting, but I better start registering these data Gi got from her time with Pontus. She has already helped out so much with the research, my contribution seems insignificant at this point."
Wheeler took advantage of the slight hesitation her tone carried and moved so that he could take her hand.
"Come on," he coaxed with a smile, shifting to make room for her on the hammock. "That can wait 'til tomorrow. Seizing the moment is what it's all about!"
Uncharacteristically, Linka let herself be dragged by his enthusiasm after considering his proposal for just a moment. She placed her burden neatly on the ground before proceeding to lay down carefully, trying to keep her personal space intact. It was a pretty difficult thing to do on a hammock. Gravity pushed them together and she ended up nearly on top of him; Wheeler was internally cackling with mirth at this point.
"Buildin' this thing was the best idea I ever had," he let out as he circled his arms about her waist. He thought he heard Linka scoff before she settled neatly on her side, clasping her hands against her chest to keep them occupied, away from him.
"You seem to be full of good ideas, Yankee," Linka gave in with a slight laugh, elbowing him as a reproach. "But… you are right. The sky is very beautiful right now and I would not have noticed had you not pointed it out."
For a few comfortable minutes, they stared up at the changing colors above them. Wheeler was encouraged by the fact that Linka wasn't rejecting his arms wrapped around her frame and that she seemed peaceful.
"That is the thing, Yankee, half the time I do not know what goes on through your head."
Linka's tone was placated and he turned to examine her profile.
"What are you talkin' about? I'm an open book!"
"Sure," she rolled her eyes before moving to face him. "If you really think about it, we do not know each other as well as you think we do."
Wheeler read a sort of melancholy –or was it apprehension? – in her tone, and he suddenly wondered if she was right. Duh! Of course she's right, she's brilliant!, his inner voice piped up, and he considered this new piece of information. Both of them were pretty guarded with their past and their emotions, and for the first time he wondered if this had been a barrier for romantic possibilities. Linka seemed to want more reassurance than most girls, she was a bit of a perfectionist who avoided mistakes like the plague, and not knowing enough was a worry for her.
Wheeler laid his cheek on top of her head and spoke up. "You know what? We should totally play 21 Questions!"
"What is that?" he could hear the frown in her voice but he continued on, amused.
"That's when we ask each other questions about anything! All we gotta do is answer honestly and think up good questions!"
"You seem excited about this," observed Linka, looking up at him. "Should I be worried?"
Wheeler laughed, but having her so close to him stilled him quite quickly. Her eyes were putting on a better display than the sky –they were vividly green at the moment- and her eyelashes were casting half-moon shadows on her smooth cheeks. Her mouth was glorious in that little pout that defined her so well, and he tore his eyes away from it with great effort, afraid he would kiss her and ruin the moment.
"I'll start," Wheeler grinned, stroking her arm slightly in a brief caress, instead.
"And why should you get that privilege?"
"Because I thought of the game," Wheeler smugly remarked, keeping up their banter. She mutter something that sounded like 'bozhe moi' in response, and he pretended to mull over his first question.
"Okay," he smiled at last, and she blinked up at him, unsure but amused all in the same breath.
"What is your ideal date? Like the perfect night out with someone you like."
Linka pondered this over, glancing up at the darkening sky before answering.
"I think… the perfect night out would be dinner at a restaurant, maybe somewhere overlooking the water, and then dancing."
"See? I didn't know about the dancing part!" grinned Wheeler, self-satisfied. "I feel like I know you better already!"
"By the way, Yankee, you do not get points in originality for that question because I already knew you were going to ask something like that."
"Just try to act surprised on our first official date, then," he winked, and she laughed prettily before her cheeks colored slightly. Her head rested on his shoulder and Wheeler tried not to move too suddenly; he did not want to frighten her off. He wanted to stay with her like this all night if possible! He was so comfortable and she fit just right tucked away in his arms. Linka was offering her trust to him freely, and he was going to highly revere that gift.
"My turn," the Russian girl broke through his cavity-inducing thoughts, and he brought his focus back to her. "What is something that no one knows about you?"
"Uhmm," Wheeler rubbed his chin, taking a few moments to think about his response. Above them, the outline of a sliver of moon appeared in the mixed hues, completing the breathtaking scenery.
"My favorite song is 'No Ordinary Love' by Sade."
Linka pulled away to look up at him, mouth agape, eyes wide.
"I would have lost all bets on that."
"Yeah, did I mention the key ingredient to this game? That is, utter and total secrecy? We are not allowed to tell anybody our answers. Anybody. That includes Gi, got it, babe?"
Linka giggled, newly resting up against him. "There is no reason to get worked up, that is an incredibly beautiful love song."
"Exactly! I would lose all my street cred if that information got out," Wheeler went on, half-teasing, and Linka laughed.
"Do not worry, your secret is safe with me," she replied softly, sincerely, and Wheeler unconsciously held her a bit closer.
"Okay, enough with the soft questions! I wanna know, what's your biggest regret?"
He sensed her tensing up a little before letting out a sigh. He did not rush her to speak, and she made no move to hurry.
Linka bit her lip and shook her head very slightly. Her tone was reluctant when she spoke again.
"It is… embarrassing, in a way."
"More embarrassing than British jazz-pop?" Wheeler jeered, rolling his eyes dramatically, and she smiled for a second.
"It is not something I am very proud of. When I was in… I guess it would be like your high school in America, except that in Russia, there are only two years after the completion of middle school. I was in the first year and I liked a boy who was in the second year. Me and the rest of the female population at school! He was very good-looking and very popular with girls. He dated many of them, but only briefly, it seemed. He started showing interest in me, he would tell my friends that he wanted to get to know me better, and he arranged for our groups of friends to meet after school. I could hardly believe he was interested in me, and I guess I liked feeling special that way. He only ever chased after very beautiful girls, usually in their last year of school or even University; it was the first time he had shown interest in someone younger. This went on for a few months, we were dating, you could say, and I was happy. I was also very silly and naïve, but I did not have the sense to be more guarded. One evening we were at a big party at a friend's house, and the girls were drinking a bit too much. They were talking about how lucky I was to be dating someone so handsome, and then they were curious about, uhm, my intimate time with him. When they found out I had not done anything like that with him, they teased me ruthlessly and pushed me to go upstairs with him, saying that was the only way to keep him. So him and I ended up alone together that night, and well… it was not at all what my friends said it would be. It was… quite horrible, actually. I was so embarrassed when it was all over that I could not even look him in the eye. He kind of distanced himself from me after that, already too busy looking for his next conquest, I guess. I just wish the memories of my first time were not so… unpleasant and disappointing. I should not have jumped in without thinking it through, and now I can never take it back."
Linka's voice was nearly quivering with the strength of her emotions, and her face was hidden securely against his shoulder, probably not wishing for him to steal a peek at the moment.
Wheeler placed a light kiss in her hair and squeezed her hand gently.
"I'm sorry, babe. That's such a bummer! I know how important that can be for girls."
She did not add anything, but seemed comforted by his sincere tone of voice.
"If it's any consolation, the guy was a big idiot who probably didn't know what the hell he was doing, anyway."
Linka's head shot up like a spring, and her eyes met his.
"You mean… there is a possibility that, maybe, it was not entirely my fault?"
"Shit, of course it wasn't your fault! Is that what you've been tellin' yourself all this time?"
The way her eyes had lost all their sparkle led him to believe he'd centered the mark. Wheeler lifted her chin up, locking his eyes on hers.
"Just 'cuz the guy presented himself as God's gift to women doesn't mean it was true! Linka, you're insanely hot, and if a guy can't work with that, well, there's no hope for him!"
The blonde girl laughed heartily, and he was glad to feel her tense muscles relaxing.
"Your unique reasoning makes me feel better about it, Yankee. Thank you. I guess I have carried around a sense of guilt tied to that incident. Like there was something the matter with me."
"I just can't picture you being bad at anything, babe."
"Maybe you have an idealized idea of who I am."
"Uhmm, well, I do have proof of your kissing abilities, and you don't hear me complaining, do you?"
Wheeler snickered at her ready blush, and he watched as she bit her lip at his audacity. His hand then caressed her cheek and he moved her body closer to his, pulling her along gently.
"In fact, you're pretty great at it."
He was momentarily lost in her glance as she took him in, studying him with something like affection. His lips gravitated naturally towards hers, softly at first, testing her reaction. It took Linka only a moment to respond, and soon, his hands were tangled in her long locks and her arms were wound around his neck and he was kissing her with utmost reckless abandon. It was right with her, it fit blissfully. Even though their connection was tremendously passionate, he retained a softness to his actions that he could only associate with being in love. Wheeler would never think of pushing her over her limits or asking for more than she was willing to give. He wanted to cuddle her in his arms like something of infinite value, cherish her.
Linka's breathing was coming out ragged, mixing with his own, as they tasted more of each other. Wheeler's hands were caressing the small of her back, her body crashing into his like a powerful wave until he was sure she could feel the effect her lovely mouth was having on him. The haze mixed with the scent of her skin, and it was impossible to think straight. Deepening the kisses, Wheeler pulled the length of her body over his, and now her curves were pressing dangerously into him from above. His hands moved up to the swell of her breasts and he heard that soft little sigh coming from her lips that drove him crazy. He doubted she knew what she was putting him through! And her very innocence would someday soon cost him his sanity, he was sure of it.
Wheeler ran his tongue over her bottom lip while his hands traveled to her hips, cajoling them to move over his. Shit, he'd never wanted something so badly, he could not believe how hard he was from just kissing her. Her body was all warmth and softness, made up of real dreams. And yet, a little voice inside him told him to slow it down, because with Linka, he wasn't just after the one thing, he wanted the whole package. He wanted her, not just physically, but her trust, her mind, her commitment. She was changing him, turning him into something he'd never thought he could be. Someone completely in love, willing to put the other person before his very needs, to compromise, to fight.
"Babe," he whispered huskily to her, finding the strength to pull his mouth away. His fingers tucked a strand of her blonde hair securely behind her ear and he smiled a little. "We'll never get to the twenty-first question if we keep this up."
Linka opened her eyes to examine him, and the green hue of them was stormier, alive. It was in stark contrast to her rosy cheeks, where a ready blush was present. Wheeler wondered if she would ever get used to their growing intimacy. He loved the fact that Linka seemed to be in awe of its effects, that she didn't see it as a given. It was like embarking on their first kiss together every single time their lips touched; reliving that surprising, overwhelmingly sweet sensation time and again. This was how he knew that growing more comfortable together was as special to her as it was to him.
"What happens at the end of the game?" she asked shyly, and the look in her eyes stirred awake all kinds of protective instincts inside him. This was the side of Linka very few people got to see, unguarded and soft, and it captivated him fully.
"Well, once you know all there is to know about me, you're probably gonna fall in love with me. It's inevitable, really, since I am pretty awesome," Wheeler grinned flashily, and Linka grumbled under her breath.
He laughed a little at her annoyed reaction, amused, before he turned serious again. The American brought their mouths together again and kissed her softly and more sweetly than he had ever kissed any other girl. The love in his heart was overflowing, bubbling up, flooding all fears and common sense. He knew in that moment this was what he wanted for his life; no one but Linka would ever bring him such completion, such sense of belonging.
"It's only fair, babe! I've been waiting all this time for you to catch up to me," Wheeler smiled against her ear, tucking her in his arms and letting her head rest on his shoulder. The blonde girl did not protest, and he started caressing her hair with soft gestures.
They remained like this for a while, Linka reflecting on his words in silence, until the rustling of leaves underfoot brought them to the present state, bursting the little private bubble they had created.
"Shit, here comes Gi," Wheeler muttered under his breath, plainly annoyed. Linka was up faster than her element, scurrying about for her forgotten folders, pulling down her shirt with shaky hands and fixing her hair a bit.
Wheeler watched her amused, opening his mouth to say something clever, before she shot him a warning look that silenced him. He chuckled a little, gracefully conceding her the little victory.
"Hey, Lin, I found the first set!" Gi was announcing as she came closer, waving a few sheets of paper over her head. Her movements were pixie-like as she half-danced through the trees in cut-off jean shorts and a little tank top. After shedding the awkward adolescent phase, Gi had definitely embarked on the girly-girl route to life. She kept her hair longer and highlighted these days, and her face was always neatly made up. Wheeler often teased her about being high-maintenance and she always stuck her tongue out at him and demanded that he introduce her to some "hot" friends. She was tired of being single, she claimed.
The Asian Planeteer surveyed both her friends with a lively glint in her almond eyes, opening her mouth to comment, before a look from Wheeler hushed her. He was not in the mood to hear her silly accusations and he did not want Linka to feel embarrassed. Gi was too open with her ideas, and she often crossed the line with her suggestions that the two friends should "just hook up already!".
"You know, there are those of us who actually work on this Island instead of swaying from its trees," Gi stuck her tongue out at him playfully, and Linka reached to take the papers from her.
"Hey, I'm the muscles around here," Wheeler replied lazily, folding his hands behind his head. "You should be thankful for that. At least this way you have something hot to check out on the beach!"
"Ha! In your dreams, red! Let's go, Linka. That big ego of his is crowding me," Gi replied theatrically, tossing her head a bit as she linked her arm through Linka's.
"Bye, sweetie," Wheeler purred, enjoying his spurring matches with Gi tremendously. She was the second most fun person to get into a fight with, the first being Linka, of course.
Gi started walking away with her blonde companion, but not before turning around to stick her tongue out at his comment.
"I wasn't talkin' to you!" Wheeler scoffed at Gi, and she gave a little high laugh in response as she continued pulling Linka along.
His heart all but flipped when Linka turned timidly to give him a little goodbye wave in return.
A/N: If you're enjoying the story, please let me know about it with a review! Your thoughts and ideas mean more than you know... it's so much more motivating to post updates when I know I have an audience eager for more :)
