Sixth
Both of them were sipping tea at the hall while Alexis was sleeping on his baby mat surrounded by fluffy pillows.
"So, what's his name?" Alfred break the silence.
"Alexis Laurinaitis"
"Nice. Who choose it? You?"
"Natalia"
"Oh"
Silence engulf around them again.
The birds chirping was the only sound that echoes around them.
….
"She starts to isolate herself a few weeks after we form an alliance."
"Huh?"
"That time, I didn't suspect anything. Maybe she need some time to forget about her brother, that's all I thought back then."
Back to 1991
"Naaaattt" Someone called her from behind. Then, she felt pressure as 'that someone' hug her from behind.
"Alfred" She quickly shoved him away from her.
"Nat, why do you need to lock up yourself in your room.. Come outside, it's better. Oh, how about we go for a walk? I heard that if you keep eating a lot and you didn't exercise you'll become fatter, especially for wo-"
A knife land beside him. Nearly missed him by inch.
"Don't. you. dare. to. say. I'm. fat." She hissed. Then, she walk back to her room.
"Oh, come on, Nat. What's the matter?. Lately, you act like an emotional pregnant women." He followed her
Natalia stopped walking and her hand trembled by hearing the 'pregnant' word.
"I'm not. Don't you know the meaning of having a mood swing in women day?"
Alfred blushed.
"R-really?... Then… can I do something for you?"
"Some sweets would be fine"
"Alright .Let me buy for you" Alfred grinned and grab his bomber jacket. Before he go, he pat Natalia head softly. "Just rest while The Hero went out for a while, kay?"
She just huffed and walk back to her room.
By the time he was back, Natalia was watching the soap opera, despite it was American.
"Hey Nat, The Hero is back" his voice was loud enough until it could be heard by his neighbours.
"Hmmm… welcome back" she muttered
He walk towards with her treats in the paper bag. "There ya go. I buy a lot of it. Just don't take those Snickers. It's mine."
As he put the paper bag on her lap, her baby bump could be seen, but he pay no attention and went straight to the kitchen.
Around 1995
Alfred heard moaned and groaned comes from Natalia bedroom. He was so worried that his mind start to thought negative things Natalia did behind the door.
"Nat, are you okay?" He knock on her door a few times.
"Huh…I… I'm okay. I just slip and accidently get a bump on the head. That's all"
"Oh, well you want me to get you ice?"
"NO. I mean…. It's nothing. I can handle….. this small matter."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Can you leave now?"
"Call me when you need help" he shout from behind the door.
"I think…..maybe on that day she's having a real hard contraction and almost in her labour stage because a few days later she went out and didn't come back after 4 months, saying that she's stay in her country." Alfred fiddle with his finger in nervous.
He know that because he pay a little attention towards the Belorussian girl, she almost kill herself along with her child. Who knows if she did not gave birth for Alexis in safe, Alfred could have been in guilty forever.
"It's not your fault" Toris sigh
"No. Anything can happen when she's giving birth."
"We'll never know what she thinks. Sometimes if we thinks that was a bad things to ours, she could actually make it as a strength for herself. Even after many years I joined Soviet Union…. I couldn't figure out what is playing in her mind. I bet even Mr. Ivan would say the same thing."
Both of them sigh, feel headache with all Natalia 'brave' act.
"Well, I need to get going now. It's nice to have a chat with ya, Toris"
"Hmm it's nice to know what happen to Natalia when she didn't came back a few years back. I'm glad you tell me." Say Toris feeling relieve that Natalia could take care of herself back then.
"Welcome. I hope you have a great day" Alfred grin and bid him goodbye.
Toris slowly close the door as the sight of Alfred unseen.