Taking a few steps towards me, he stopped appearing conflicted, then stepping back he headed towards the benches, slumped down beside it, leaning against the wall, took out his water bottle from the bag and greedily chugged down gulps of water. When he stopped, he simply sat, all quiet, staring at everything and nothing in particular .
Never before had I seen him so conflicted, so in turmoil, so expressive. Sure his eyes had a hint of sorrow sometimes, sure was a ghost of satisfaction, but it was mostly determination that shone through.
Determination and perseverance.
This was different and unexpected. Everyone around, held him on this high pedestal, called him a god. But right here, in front of me was a a man, troubled, in distress, a mere mortal.
I wondered if he'd ever let anyone see him like this. So vulnerable, so worth pity , so broken.
It took me a moment to realize that we had been in each other's company for a while, simply being there, not speaking a word, just being present acting as a support. It surprisingly wasn't awkward, while I was embarrassed to realise that I had been gawking at him unashamedly for a while.
After a while he looked up, meeting my gaze, he nodded his head to the left, beckoning me to sit. The fact that I had awkwardly been standing in the middle of the gym, simply staring at him, caused warmth to seep into my neck.
Settling down facing him, I waited, for him to speak.
"Did you know about it?" He questioned, taking his time in forming each word.
"About Lissa?" I prompted.
"Yes... What do you know?" He said, in a way that made me doubt the genuineness of the things I knew.
"Well, those novices, handed Lissa the monthly journal and a part of it covered the interview with Mr and Mrs Dragomir who had worked hard to nurse their ill son, Andre, back to health. From what I know Andre and Lissa are good friends.Thus, I guess she had been devastated to hear of it and even so late." I stated, appearing as confident as I possibly could, trying to make my self believe my words, for in front of Belikov, and the look in his eyes crumbled my resolve.
" Would you mind me asking a question? "I added tentatively.
" That depends on the question. "He simply replied.
" Why don't you trust people?"His head snapped up at my question," I... I didn't mean it like that... Wha.. What I meant was like look, we've known each other for around two weeks, and have been working out for a little more than half a week. "
" Four days. Only four days. "He interjected.
" Yeah and I don't even know your full name. Just Belikov. "I stopped to observe the look on his face, unable to read it I continued," You must be a Belikov Something? Right? Like... Uh... Like... Belikov Jackson... Or Paige... Or perhaps a... "
" Rose. "He said calmly, interrupting my words.
" Yes, yeah exactly... Like Rose for... Rosemarie Hathaway,.. Shouldn't you be a Belikov something too? "I blabbered.
" What you told me about Lissa's case was incorrect. "He replied.
Him completely bypassing my question signalled that he wanted me to drop the topic, so I did.
" Would you tell me the truth?" I questioned him immediately, without realizing how closely, the question and the one before it were related.
Looking around the gym, he stood up picked up his bag, and headed towards the door, with a barely audible, "Follow me."
Ten minutes later, were reached an old rusted door, which he opened with utmost care urging me to enter, he lead the way.
To say that I was fearless at this point, would be a lie. I wondered if I had crossed a line.
I wondered if he'd lock me up here, for the trouble I was being to him.
I wondered if this was a place of torture .
To my utter surprise, the place I emerged in was one of the best, I'd ever seen. A huge bed covered with quilts that looked sewed by hand. Rugs on the floor, a sofa with multiple smaller pillows arranged on it, in a corner. Multiple lights illuminating parts of the rooms, the wall a mix of bright green and maroon. A small table by the bedside. A rack of books, and a cute little vase with a bundle of dried flowers placed in it.
The place was invitingly beautiful. Standing there, moments later I saw Belikov observe me take in the sight, he looked away as soon as he noticed my inquisitiveness, the thought struck me that this was his way of showing me that he trusted me.
Requesting me to take a seat, he placed his bag, beside the foot of the bed and made himself comfortable, fiddling around in the room.
"Lissa's actual name is Vasilissa Rhea Dragomir." He began moments after I had placed myself on the small sofa in the corner. It wasn't often that I saw one, much less an opportunity to sit on one, so in no way was I going to let this opportunity pass.
It took me a moment to comprehend the familiarity of the name, and when I did, I couldn't help but be surprised. My mouth kept opening and closing, and no words came out.
"Seeing your reaction , I assume that you are familiar with the name."
Unable to trust my voice,I simply noded in reply. Before I could add any more words, he continued.
"Lissa is Andre's sister."
Seconds later I had a rough caricature of the situation forming in my mind.
"Oh!"I uttered, inadequately expressing the surprise and shock, the utter sorrow and the thrill that ran through my body.
" Quite unlike the reaction I was expecting. " He said nonchalantly, placing himself on the floor beside the bed, it was become a peeve now.
"Well what had you been expecting?" I questioned, trying to channel arrogance in my voice, for he was getting to me, too much, for even my liking and it scared me.
I hoped to rile him up, to distance himself as he always did, but this time, he simply looked at me and after a while spoke in the softest of voices, almost melodious,
"Dimitri."