Love in E Flat (33 page)

She pulled the shawl around her, leaning against the cold windowsill. Inga’s words ran through her mind—their happiness, she had said, was the most important thing.

Wiping the tear that ran down her cheek, Agata knew what their happiness would be. She walked to the bedside and sat next to Lou, who stirred but did not wake. Agata ran her fingers through her hair. How much has happened, she thought, watching Lou sleep. So much pain, yet so much love. It made Agata’s head spin.

Lou’s eyes fluttered open, and she smiled up at Agata. “Staring at me while I sleep is kinda creepy,” she mumbled as she stretched. “But I like it.”

Agata laughed and leaned down, kissing Lou lightly on her warm lips. “I like it, too.”

“I’ve been thinking or dreaming…” Lou said, shaking her head.

“Of what?” Agata asked softly.

“The kids.”

Agata cocked her head. “And what about them?”

“Well, we have a few choices. Depending on your flexibility. From our sexual escapades, I think you’re very—”

“Go on…” Agata tried not to smile.

Lou chuckled. “We could live here in Chicago. Or in Connecticut. I could still work for the
Sentinel
and send my articles in via the Internet. I don’t spend much time in the office anyway. The only problem…”

“Yes?” Agata pulled the shawl closer to her. How she loved this woman.

“The kids and school. They really should stay in one place.”

“I agree.”

“You do? Well, then,” Lou sat up, “that narrows it down.”

Agata regarded Lou for a long moment. “You are willing to change your life like this?”

Lou reached over and took her hand. “I’m willing to do anything to make you and those kids happy.”

“Thank you. You know how much that means to me. Will you do whatever I think is best for them?”

Lou searched her face. “They’re your responsibility, sweetie. Their happiness is what Inga wanted you to make sure they had a lifetime of, so it’s your decision. And whatever you decide with them, I will go along with.” She looked hesitant and uneasy as she held on to Agata’s hand. “I only hope I’m still part of the orchestra.”

Agata kissed her hand, then held it to her breast. “You are, Loushka. But there are many parts of the orchestra to consider ensuring the children’s happiness. Yes?” When Lou nodded, Agata stood. “Good. Now get up. I have things to do, and you have to go.”

Lou frowned deeply as Agata laughed. “I have to leave?”

“Yes. Go to Edie’s. I will meet you there later.” Agata walked toward the bathroom.

“This sucks.” Lou heard Agata’s laughter as she closed the door.

Chapter 25

“That’s all she said?” Edie asked Lou, who ate the leftover pie.

“Yes. I thought it was very rude the way she threw me out.”

Edie laughed and sat across from her at the table. Ana came bounding in. “Eathie, look.”

Edie took the drawing and held it at arm’s length. “It’s beautiful.”

“What is it?” Lou asked.

“It’s me, Demmi, and Brown Bear sleeping by the fireplace,” Ana said. “Oh, and the Christmas tree.” She looked at Edie. “Which you need to get.”

Edie held up her hand. “Next weekend.”

“Okay. You keep that, Eathie. I’m gonna draw another one.” She ran out of the kitchen before Edie could say a thing.

Lou watched as Edie smiled, then hung the picture on the refrigerator with a kitchen magnet. She then sat down and toyed with her coffee cup. “So what do you think…?”

“I have no idea what Aggie is doing. She just wanted to make sure I was on board.”

“And you are, right?”

“I hear skepticism in your voice.”

“This is a big step. And it’s happening so fast.”

“I know, right?” Lou asked, eating the pie. “But I can’t help it. I love her. I can’t even imagine not having her in my life. The thought of her moving to Connecticut without me…”

“I believe you. You’re hooked.”

“Right through the gills, and I love it.”

They heard John’s car in the drive. “They’re home! Finally,” Edie said, jumping up.

“So?” Lou asked. “They weren’t gone that long. Good grief.”

Dmitry ran up the back stairs and was the first in. He was breathless.

“Did you have fun?” Edie asked. “I love the jacket.”

Dmitry showed off his new Bears jacket and waved the orange and blue pennant on the stick. “Thank you. And I thanked John, as well. I told him he did not have to do that. But since I spilled mustard on my other jacket.”

“What?” Edie looked at John, who had just walked in, carrying Dmitry’s jacket. “What happened?”

“Mustard and ketchup from his hot dog.”

“Did they win?” Lou asked.

“Are you kidding?” John replied.

“Wait until I tell Agata,” Dmitry said. “She is not here?”

“She’ll be here in a bit. So I take it you liked the game?” Lou asked.

Dmitry slipped into the kitchen chair; he did not take his jacket off. “It is not at all like European football. They use their hands and wear protective helmets and pads. They hit each other hard,” he said, shaking his head. “It truly looked like it hurt.”

Ana came bounding back into the kitchen. “Demmi! Look.” She shoved the picture in his face. “I painted it myself.”

“Very good, Ana.” Dmitry glanced at her and turned the picture upside down. “Ah. This is better.”

Ana laughed. “That is not funny. Where did you get the jacket?”

Dmitry smiled proudly. “John got it for me.”

Ana pouted and looked at John. “Did you buy me anything?”

“Hmm.” John struck a thoughtful pose and sat down. “Seems to me I have something in my pocket, but I don’t remember which one.”

“I’ll look!” Ana noticed a bulge in his breast pocket and reached in, pulling out a gift bag. “For me?”

“I hope so,” John said.

Ana threw out the tissue paper and pulled the stuffed bear out of the bag. It was brown and had on a Chicago Bears jersey. Ana screeched with happiness. “It’s like Brown Bear, only smaller. It could be his little brother.”

“Or sister,” Dmitry mumbled.

“What will you call him?” Lou asked.

“Hmm…I think Little Brown Bear,” Ana said, proud of her choice.

“How original,” Dmitry said with a grin.

“Agata!” Ana called out.

Lou turned around to see Agata standing in the doorway. “The back door was open. I hope you do not mind.”

“Don’t be silly. Get in here.” John stood and offered Agata his chair. “We were just talking about the game.”

Agata smiled. “Yes, I heard you. I did not want to interrupt. So, Dmitry, you had a good time.”

Dmitry nodded tentatively. “Yes. John was very nice to buy this jacket. And I told him he did not have to.”

“It’s very nice. You must tell me all about American football.” Agata looked at everyone. “But first, I need to talk to John and Edie for a moment. Why don’t you take Ana into the living room?”

Dmitry saw the serious look and nodded. He took Ana by the hand and led her to the swinging door, looking back once before going to the living room.

Agata smiled as she watched them, then turned back to the three serious faces that greeted them. “Please, I need to talk to all of you first before I talk to the children.”

John sat at the other end of the table, Edie sat next to him. Agata reached over and took Lou’s hand. “You have left some pie for me, I hope.” Lou laughed but said nothing, waiting for Agata to continue, which she did. “You all know how much I am becoming fond of you. Well, Lou a little more, but you know what I mean.” John and Edie chuckled along with Lou. “I have been thinking of this since the day Inga died in that horrible accident. Thinking of what is best to do for the children. And now I think I know.” She looked at John and Edie. “I see how they act with you. And I see how much you feel for them. I wonder…”

Edie held tightly on to John’s hand, but they said nothing.

“They need stability in their lives. They need to come home from school to a happy home filled with love and safety. I know I can offer this to them, but I feel I am being selfish in this. I am so concerned with Inga’s wish that they be happy that I think only I can do this for them.” She stopped. “Could I have glass of water, please?”

Lou and Edie jumped up, nearly knocking each other over in the effort. John sighed and gently pushed Edie back into the chair. “Let me get it before you kill each other.” He returned and handed the glass to Agata.

She drank it, her mouth completely dry; she knew her hand shook, as well. “As you know, I am legal guardian. I called Thomas and my lawyer, who wasn’t too happy I interrupted football game, but I wanted to know what my responsibilities were. And it seems I am able, if it is mutually agreed upon, that the children can stay with you, if you so desire and if the children so desire. I only say this if it is something you would want to consider. As I said, I see great affection between you…”

Edie broke down. She buried her face in her hands and wept. John, teary-eyed, put his arm around her shoulders.

“I am sorry. Have I said something wrong?” Agata suddenly felt as though she had made a grave mistake. Her hand tightened around Lou’s as she looked to her for help.

“No, you haven’t. Believe me,” John said in a strained voice. “We…We were just talking last night after Ana climbed into bed with us. We wondered if it was selfish of us to think maybe this could happen. We…” He stopped and took a deep breath.

Edie sat back and wiped her eyes on the napkin Lou gave her. “We didn’t want to pray for something that could cause you pain, Agata. We know you love the children and you want them happy. So do we.”

Agata smiled through her tears. “This is good,” she whispered. “I have been thinking always about this since…” She looked at Lou. “I know you would do anything for me and the children. What do you think if John and Edie raised Dmitry and Ana?”

“Raise them?” Edie asked; she was stunned. So was John.

“Yes,” Agata said. “I did not make myself clear? It would not be fair to keep them bouncing from me to you and back again. I said they need stability and a safe home. We all love them, but it is my belief that you and John can give them more.” She smiled again. “I know a little from what you had said, you cannot have children of your own. Dmitry and Ana love you. They love me, as well. This I know. I also know my heart. And in that place…” She stopped and swallowed the tears that had been threatening to overtake her all morning. She collected herself and continued. “And in that place of my heart, I know what is best for them, and I truly know now what would make them happy. And what would make Inga happy. And it is you and John to be their parents. This I believe.” She stopped and only then did she allow the tears to fall. “It is good, yes?”

Edie held on to John’s hand and nodded. “Yes, Agata. We’d be honored. If the children agree. It’s really up to them.”

Agata looked at Lou, who wiped her tears away. “What do you think, Loushka?”

“I think it’s the most selfless thing I’ve ever seen,” Lou said, trying not to cry. “And I’m so in love with you right now.” She cried and held on to Agata’s hand. “But…”

“But what?” Agata whispered.

“We can have them for a weekend or vacation, right?” Lou wiped her eyes on her sleeve.

Agata laughed and reached across the table. John met her halfway, his big hand engulfing hers. Edie reached over and covered them. And Lou, not wanting to be left out, placed her hand on top of theirs.

It took a while for the adults to calm themselves and stop crying before they brought the children into the kitchen.

Dmitry held on to Ana as he cautiously walked up to the table. Lou had to smile at Ana, who now carried two Brown Bears.

“What is wrong?” Dmitry looked around the table. “I will give the jacket back, Agata.”

“Dmitry, no, no,” Agata said. “Come here to me.”

Both children walked up to her. Agata smiled and placed her hand on their cheeks. “You are beautiful children, and your mother and father would be so proud if they were here. Now,” she took a deep breath, “I have been thinking very hard about this every day. And I want to know what you think because it will be your decision. So I want the truth from you, yes?”

Both children nodded and waited.

“Good. There is much I have to consider regarding where we are to live, your schooling…”

“I like the schools here,” Ana blurted out.

Agata smiled again. “That is good to know,” she said, glancing back at Edie and John.

“But we will go to school wherever you say, Agata,” Dmitry said softly. “You have been so good to us.”

Agata cocked her head, knowing how loyal Dmitry would be and what he was willing to do. This cannot be, she thought. “That is my next point. I have busy schedule with my touring. And you cannot be traveling around the country and beyond. Is not good for you…or for me,” she added firmly. “If you will go wherever I say, then I say you go to school here in Chicago.”

The emotions that flashed across Dmitry’s face were priceless. They ran from elation to curious to stoic stubbornness. “What will you do? Travel alone? You cannot…”

“It is done. I say you stay here and go to school.”

“You said it was our decision,” Dmitry argued.

“I lied. It is mine,” Agata said. “Do you not want to stay here?”

“Yes,” Ana said quickly, looking from Dmitry to Agata. “So do you, Demmi. You just said you hoped Agata will let us…”

“Keep still, Ana,” Dmitry said harshly.

“Dmitry,” Agata said. “I know you would like to stay here with Edie and John, and it is okay.”

Dmitry said nothing, but his bottom lip quivered. “Look at me,” Agata said. “Is truly okay. This is what has kept me up all the time. Wanting and praying to know what is right thing to do. This is right thing. It is my wish, and Edie and John’s, as well. Is it what you want? Please tell the truth. You will not hurt my feelings.”