And here's the second chapter of Illya's life. Hope you enjoy!
The Past Comes Home chapter two: Unexpected
"That was a close one," Svenda sighed, "Are you okay? You could?"
"A little," Illya replied taking off her layers of clothing until she was in a long sleeved shirt and her custom pants that had a hole for her tail in them.
Svenda moved to the fireplace and started a fire. "That'll make you a bit warmer. What happened out there?"
"I just stepped outside when I heard someone hollerin'. I saw the little boy in the water and raced to help him. No one else would. I got there and pulled an' pulled 'til I got him out. Then I yelled for someone to come help and a crowd started gathering around us. That's when I noticed my hat had fallen off and my ears were showing," she finished saying, touching her pointy ears. "Mom, why were those people staring at me?"
"They're just not use to seeing anyone like you, and they're very critical about change or anything that is different. They're almost hateful towards it."
"Think they'll do anything?" Illya asked a little nervously. Svenda sat down in a nearby chair.
"I hope not, but we can't be too careful. Let's wait awhile for our next shopping spree."
"Okay. Can I go make us some hot coco?" Illya asked with pleading eyes.
"Sure thing, honey. Just be careful," Svenda answered. Watching her daughter walk to the kitchen area she hoped that nothing would come of this incident, but she had a very bad feeling.
The next day was beautiful, and possibly the warmest day of the year so far. Since it was Saturday, Illya and her mom slept in. When they woke up Svenda fixed bacon, eggs, pancakes with homemade blueberry syrup, and biscuits in gravy.
"Thanks, mom. This is an awesome breakfast." Illya praised.
"I thought if would be nice to pig out this morning." She chuckled, so did Illya. At that time there was a knock on the door. Svenda got up and answered it. Illya went into the bedroom.
"Mikail! It's a little early for a house call. How are you?"
"I'm fine. You forgot Illya's coat yesterday in all the excitement. I thought I'd bring it over for you," he said sweetly.
"Oh, we didn't even realize it. Won't you come in." She allowed him through. He seemed a little anxious. "Is there something wrong?" She asked after seeing his nervousness.
"Well, actually there is. Um...I don't know where to begin. Yesterday I heard what some of the people were talking about and just wanted to know if it's true." Svenda looked everywhere but his eyes. "I'm not like the others in town. I'm not prejudice to...differences. I just wanted to tell you that a couple of trouble makers are starting to get people rallied. If it's true then I suggest you two hide out for a while."
She stared at him a moment, weighing him then sighed deeply. "Illya, honey, come on out. It's okay." When she came out Mikail took in the view of her. She was wearing a short-sleeved shirt, jeans, and her tail was lightly swinging behind her, and her cat ears twitched this way and that in nervous motions. Mikail stood in shock for a moment.
"Well, who would have thought."
"You don't hate me, do you Mikail?" Illya asked. He walked over to her .
"Of course not, but I wish I would have known sooner." He patted her arm and noticed the fuzziness. "This must be nice in the cold weather."
"Very," she said sheepishly. He turned back to Svenda.
"You could have told me, you know." His voice was almost hurt.
"Illya, go to your room." When the young girl had disappeared, Svenda said, "I was scared, Mikail. When Arcady died I panicked. I didn't know who to trust. So I decided not to trust anyone. Seemed easier that way." She was starting to cry.
"Hey, now. It's okay. Everything will be okay," he comforted, taking her into his arms. "I always thought Arcady was stupid for leaving that night. Just to get a bottle of whiskey. He was never right for you. Drinking half the time, sleeping the rest."
"Oh, like you were better for me," she said cuttingly, moving across the room from him.
"You knew how I felt about you. Just because my family had other ideas doesn't mean I wouldn't have chosen you first. I still feel the same. Always have."
Her expression softened when she stared into his deep green eyes. "Oh, Mikail. I'm sorry. I know." She walked back and hugged him. He looked down at her, secretly never wanting this moment to end . Svenda ran her fingers over his eyes to wipe away the tears. There was a moment when neither breathed. He leaned forward and gently brushed her lips with his. When she didn't back away, he slowly deepened the kiss and pulled her closer to him. She, in turn, ran her fingers through his hair, pulling him even closer. It felt like they couldn't get close enough. They broke off, then he kissed her lightly once more.
"I feel the same way, Mikail. I have for a while," she confessed.
"Wish I'd know sooner," he said still holding her. "If it's alright with you, I think I'll stay here with you two. Just until things cool down."
"I don't know." He could hear the hesitation in her voice.
"What do you mean you don't know? Wouldn't you feel safer with me here?" he questioned. She punched him playfully.
"It's not that. I just don't think I could trust myself around you alone."
"I don't think you'll have to worry about that with little Illya around," he said pulling her still closer to kiss her on the forehead.
"Thank you so much, Mikail, for being here. For always being there for me. Hopefully things will look up," she replied.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Well, it's late." He smiled. "Think I'll crash on your couch tonight."
"I'll bring you some pillows and a cover." She went and got them, then fixed the couch up. "You know where we are if you need us. And thanks again, Mikail."
"No problem." He turned out the light and got comfortable.
End chapter two. 3 coming.
