CHAPTER 18

THE GREAT DIVIDE

Hey guys, how are you? I am fine, just if you wanted to know. My exams are over and I have some holidays, so I will try to write as many chapters as I could in these days. For all the Romitri FANS, the moment you have been waiting for is here. I hope you all like this chapter!

DIMITRI

I was sitting with Ivan when mamma asked me to take some dark chocolate to Roza. I waited as if someone would volunteer, I looked at Vika, but she ignored me and played with Paul. I feel as if Vika has been avoiding me. she averts her eyes as soon as our eyes meet. She tries every possible excuse to escape a conversation with me. Have I done anything wrong? or maybe it is her? I hope she hasn't done anything crazy this time!

I turned around and looked at Sonya. I regretted it as soon as I looked at her. She was deep in conversation with her husband, who couldn't keep his hands off her. Sonya was never the one to help. Ivan looked at me and stood up in my stead, but I said I would do it. I don't Ivan and Rose to have a conversation about our past without me. and I know I need to have a conversation with her. Since I know I can't avoid Roza if she's going under the same roof as me, even if it is for a few days.

I walked to the basement and knocked on the door. Roza said "Come in", I opened the door and looked at her. She was sitting cozily on the chair, a book in one of her hands. She was wearing baggy jeans along with a mustard sweatshirt. Her hair looked even darker in the firelight, and her face even more dazzling. I offered her a cup; she took it with a small smile on her lips. I sat down on the chair next to hers. Her hair was tied in a ponytail, but few strands fell across her face. She looked at me, I could feel the awkwardness in her expression. She said "We need to talk. We can't be avoiding each other forever!"

"Of course!"

I am not sure, though, from where we should start!

I asked, "How did you lose your memory?"

"I don't remember much. There was an accident while I was in Russia. When I woke up, three months had already passed. I lost almost all of my memories. I spent 8 months in the rehabilitation center."

"Then, how come you remember me?"

"I didn't at first. I kept getting flashes of my past. With time I regained most of my memories. I kept seeing your face in my dreams, but I didn't know who you were. None of my friends knew you. I started thinking maybe you were my imagination."

I didn't say anything.

She continued, her eyes full of reminiscence and sadness. "I almost forgot you, but one day I heard your name. Dimitri… I knew it had to be your name. I tried to find, on social media and so. But I couldn't. I tried to forget you, but you showed up in my dreams every once and then."

The way she said my name left me nostalgic. Her soft and warm voice speaking my name. her voice chimes in my ears. I wanted to say that I couldn't forget her as well. I remembered her every time I passed by the town fare, every time I danced at the party, every time I hear the word Comrade or Rose. Every time I looked at a flower, all I could remember is you. I never forgot, not even in my dreams. You were on my mind on the day of the first snow, on the day of my graduation, and even when I was with any other girl. I wanted to tell her everything only if…

"We were supposed to meet on your last day in Russia. But I didn't show up that day. I thought that you were angry because I didn't show up that day. I never could have guessed that you were in accident…"

She stared at me. I know how you had felt that day. I imagined it a thousand times, as I stood in front of that statue alone, waiting for a miracle to happen. I have lost count of such winter nights now, but every time it is equally agonizing. I looked at her, at her light brown eyes, which are as beautiful as the day I first saw her.

I apologized "I am sorry".

"I am sorry too. You remember things we shared. I don't even remember who I was. Can you tell me everything you remember about me?"

I was surprised by her request. I am not sure if I should or if I can? Can I express my memories and my emotions which I have been suppressing for years? Can I unlock my memories and finally find closure? Is it possible for me as well? When I look at her face, her optimism, I feel maybe I do.

I said "Sure."

I wonder if it was my regret or my guilt that made me acquiesce to her request. But when I look at her, I realize that it was just her, just her that made me do so.

"Dimitri, there's no signal here. I wanted to talk to my friends. Is there anything you could do?"

"I don't think I can help. The signal's down because of the blizzard. Until the blizzard's over, there is nothing much I could do!"

She looked at me with disappointment. If I remember correctly, there was a radio in this room. I opened the lowermost drawer and found a small hand radio. I turned it on. It was still working, I tuned in the frequency and it played a song.

I looked at her and asked, "Is this better?"

"Maybe..."

She smiled, and this time, it was genuine.

I genuinely hope you all liked this chapter. I enjoyed writing this chapter. I can't wait to write more. I can't express how previous your reviews are to me. Every review gives me the strength to write more and complete a new chapter. so, please favorite this story and review this chapter to help me keep going.

P.S. The title of this chapter is inspired by the song The Great Divide by Rebecca Black cause I felt that Dimitri's thoughts are divided by his emotions and by his responsibility. I know many of you are waiting for Dimitri to cross the line. Tbh, I am as well. Can't wait to hear from you all….

Love you all,

Ariana