"She works hard," Sergi's voice is deep and soft, and Aleska only jumps slightly, looking over to her father-in-law.
In his hands he held a present, carefully wrapped in black, silver and glossy paper, studded with glittery stars. A belated celebratory gift for Jupiter no doubt, for the removal of the casts on her arms. She knew with a faint certainty that Sergi would try to spoil Jupiter- And Jupiter would not allow it. Despite her appreciation of pretty clothes, Jupiter was always reluctant to accept any luxury. Aleska hoped her daughter would never lose her humility but would learn to accept some things that would make her life easier.
"Yes," she mummers, conscious of her rough accent. Even after four years in America, and her year with Max, she never lost her accent. It was a great contrast to the crisp, sophisticated accent that her father-in-law spoke in, "Jupiter is determined to heal by her birthday… She is eager for the start of our new life."
Sergi, still looking at Jupiter through the glass meant for the kin of the injured and recovering, gave a smile that painfully reminded Aleska of Max.
"The crew is almost finished with the restorations. Turn of the century home with a new green-house, eager for any plants she would be pleased with."
"She will insist on growing vegetables and fruits- she enjoys giving us the fruit of her labor."
Sergi gave a slight sigh, wistful.
"I look forward to that."
"Are there any close schools?" She asked, ever the scholar.
Though her daughter was young, it had already been something that had haunted Aleska. Her self determination to keep her daughter safe from the authorities had Aleska with the vague plans to home-school the girl. How had been unknown, with her occupation as a maid, Aleska had feared her little Jupiter would have to take her lessons between toilet scrubbing and vacuuming. But with Sergi, Aleska was both glad and ashamed that Jupiter would get the finest education.
"With her physical therapy being so long term… And her relative intelligence, I thought perhaps a tutor or… Or we could take her education between the two of us," the offer was meant as an olive branch.
Aleska wondered what Max would have done. Would he have been glad of the effort of his father? Or would he have spat in the offer's face, as part of Aleska wanted too?
No. Max was many things, but vengeful was not one of them. He was good and kind- fanciful and a fool- but good. He would have forgiven you, Sergi… And I wish to do as he would have wished.
"Perhaps a tutor for the areas we lack, " she compromised with a slight smile, "I was a Teacher of Mathematics and have little merit in the Humanities."
Sergi returned the smile.
"Well. I was a good hat at languages and literature before my turn in Politics. The Arts, Sciences- We will have to outsource."
Aleska's mind turned.
"Some physical activity?"
"Once her injuries are mended enough."
"Are you not worried for her social education?" Aleska fretted, "So far out in the country and with our education she will have little interaction with children her age. She is already so solemn a child…"
"Let us focus her primary education with us. Jupiter is a mature child and to me has shown little inclination to interacting with those her age. Perhaps schedule trips to social areas?" Said Sergi, a thoughtful look on his face.
Aleska nods, reluctantly.
"Very well. Are there any close neighbors?"
"An Apiary farm is our closest neighbor actually, the man sold us the property in fact. He said over the phone that his home is nestled in the middle of his property, two miles I believe, away from our new home. We are a good twenty miles away from the nearest town."
Aleska, thinking of the cramped circumstances of her previous homes, the constant treading of toes and being in other's spaces, wondered if the thought of so much space. So much isolation away from people.
It sounded like Heaven.
"Thank you," she told him, honestly, "For this place."
Sergi's hands tightened over Jupiter's wrapped gift.
"I only want for my- our family to be right, Aleska. My pride and Max's stubbornness has torn us apart… And hurt both you and Jupiter."
The inclusion of herself surprised Aleska and eased some of the anger that had long stayed rooted in her heart.
"I believe it has hurt us all, Sergi," she looked to her daughter, still struggling, still striving to heal her body. It gave Aleska, hope, and pride, but it also reminded her of why they were mending this bridge, "But all wounds heal. And we have our Jupiter to think of."
"I am sorry for being a stubborn, stupid old man and for being disgustingly prejudiced."
"THROWING YOUR LIFE AWAY FOR AN UPSTART, RUSSIAN JEWISH GIRL WITH NOTHING TO HER NAME!"
"I am sorry for letting my anger destroy a relationship between Max and I and you."
"YOU ROT IN A HOLE, YOU IDIOTIC, STUBBORN OLD MAN. YOU TAKE YOUR PREJUDICE AND CHOKE ON IT!"
"We have made our bed, Aleska. Max choose you. Loved you and made that girl there."
"Father… I'm sorry. I love Aleska. Be damn your thoughts on her religion, her origin- I will love this beautiful woman until my last breath. When you get your bloody head out of your arse, perhaps we can speak like adults. I love you, Father."
"Get out. Never darken my doorway again. You'll get not a cent out of me. Not for this whim, not for the rest of your life."
"How happy, Max would be. To see us like this."
"The sky is full of miracles," said the man, half-frozen, eyes different and wonderous, shimmering with emotions.
Aleska smiled, softly, so is the Earth, my love.
AN:
The author apologizes for the delay in this chapter. I struggled with some aspects of it, like the structure. This me trying to give further context to what happened between Aleska, Sergi, and Max. I always thought that was something very powerful in the story that was lost in the final product of the film. Which I adore, flaws and all. It is an immensely fun sandbox to play in, and I hope my foray into it entertains everyone!
If anyone among you keeps an eye on my other stories, you may notice that I've been doing a massive overhaul of all my fanfictions, which is why there has been a delay of updates, more so than usual across all my stories. She is But The Wind is included in that, and there has been some editing done to all the previous chapters. Most of it has been minor because this fic is relatively new, but some grammatical errors have been addressed, dialogue/awk. sentences have been changed, and some additional sentences in description or dialogue have been added. It hasn't changed the story overall, but feel free to look over the previous chapters. Lots of love, and thank you for the reviews, keep this fandom going my friends!
~Happy Reading,
Moon Witch '96
