Let's get three done as well.

The Past Comes Home chapter three: Found and Lost

The next morning was a lot drearier then the day before, but Svenda felt oddly better then she had yesterday. She filled the sink with water to wash her face, then looked back in the bedroom to the precious little girl, fast asleep, curled in a bundle of covers. She walked into the front room to put on some coffee. Mikail was still fast asleep on the couch. His cover had fallen from him tossing in the night. She picked the blanket up, and covered him again. A silent moan escaped his mouth as he snuggled deeper into the couch. She put a pot of water on the stove to heat up then got out the coffee strainer and coffee grounds and two cups.

Ten minutes later, the water was boiling. Svenda poured the hot water into the strainer then poured her a cup. She was drinking her cup at the counter when she felt someone push away her hair and plant soft kisses on her neck and shoulders.

"Good morning, Mikail. I made you some coffee," she said turning around. He placed a warm kiss on her soft lips then replied.

"I'd love some." They sat down at the table, each cradling their cups.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked.

"Like a baby. Had a dream about you too," he said, his voice hiding the playfulness.

"Oh, really. What was it about?" she asked taking the bait.

"Let's just say I woke up very...happy." He chuckled slyly. She stared at him a second then spoke again.

"Mikail, can I ask you something?"

"Sure thing, love."

"Do you ever miss her?" she asked quietly.

"Sometimes. A part of me loved her dearly. But then most of my heart always belonged to you. And now, all of it does." He clasped her hand in his and smiled reassuringly to her.

"Mama?" They heard from the bedroom. "Mikail? What are you still doing here?" Illya asked.

"I decided to stay with you two. Just until things cool down a bit," he answered.

"Cool. Mom, what's for breakfast?" she asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"There's left over bacon and toast if you don't mind it cold," she replied.

"Thanks." Illya got out a plate and fixed her food. Then she walked over to the couch and sat down. Svenda followed Illya's movements with her eyes.

"Mikail, I'm worried. What if something does happen?"

"Don't worry. Nothing will. But if something does happen I'll take care of you both," he promised.

"Mikail, I want you to promise that if anything ever happens to my you'll get Illya out of Russia."

"Svenda, nothing is..."

"Promise me, Mikail," she pleaded interrupting him.

"Okay," he spoke softly. "I promise," he agreed taking her hand.

The rest of the day went by quietly. Illya played outside for a couple of hours under the watchful eyes of Svenda and Mikail. She could feel something was amiss, the tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a butter knife. Night was quickly falling, so the three decided to content themselves with hot chocolate and a game. Illya had to go to bed at nine, but Mikail and Svenda stayed up a while. They sat together by the fire place and talked about the day.

"Yeah, it was funny when Illya hid and jumped you," Svenda said as he sipped at another cup of coco.

"She hid in the snow pile. She has an unfair advantage." He laughed. "She is so sweet, Svenda. Your life must be so full." She nodded her head.

"Sometimes it seems like something's missing."

"What?" he asked setting down his cup and taking her hands in his. "What could be missing from your life?" He stroked her jaw line, eyes locked on her face.

She looked up to his face and said, "Love."

"Oh, but you do," he breathed softly, leaning closer to her. About that time there was a knock at the door. Svenda laid her forehead next to his and sighed.

"It's eleven at night. Nobody goes visiting this late. No one comes here at all." She went to answer the door, but looked through the window first. "Oh, no!" she screamed. "Mikail, get Illya."

"Mommy, what's wrong? Mikail?" At that time they heard, "We know you're in there, freaks. Come out here now, and we might not hurt you."

"And if we don't?" she yelled back.

"We'll burn this little shack down," the leader screamed.

Svenda turned to Mikail who was comforting Illya. "What should we do, mommy?" she asked from inside Mikail's arms.

"Mikail, will you take her out the back door, please," she said solemnly.

"You're not going to talk to them are you, Svenda?" Mikail asked astonished.

"I have to. Or I'll lose the house."

"But you could lose your life." She just looked at him. "Fine. Come, Illya. Let's go play in the back yard." He led her outside and around to the corner of the house to watch. "Stay quiet, little one. I'm here with you."

All the young girl could do was watch with tear-filled eyes as the door opened and her mother stepped out. She could tell they were having a heated argument, and it seemed to be getting worse. All of a sudden Svenda was yanked into the middle of the crowd, kicking and !" No one paid attention to her yells, no one but the man named Mikail and the shivering girl in his arms.

He had to keep her safe. Illya was Svenda's life. But he promised to go back for her. He ran, carrying the girl in his arms, away from the house, the crowd, the screaming. As they started to turn Mikail slipped and cried out in pain. When he rolled onto his back Illya could see the ancient bear trap engulfing his right knee. Another scream cut short. Illya looked to the crowd in time to see was her mother's body go limp.

"Illya, run!" Mikail screamed. Panic turned to fear and she ran, away from everything.

End chapter three. 4 coming.