Leyla and Maxim ended up having vigorous sex.
They relished the evening breeze after having carnal knowledge.Maxim lay on his back staring at the night sky.A heavy burden laid on his chest but he didn't want it to be alleviated because that would mean hurting Leyla
"You're acting weird".She shifted to his side
"What makes you think that?"
"You got me a birthday gift and it's not even my birthday"
"Is it wrong to spoil my girlfriend before her birthday?".He glanced at her
"I guess not but in this case it's wrong"
"Why—"
"When are you leaving?".She asked straightforwardly.She saw all the signs but desperately wanted to ignore it.During the party,he looked like he wanted to tell her something and when he was thrusting into her,she felt he was trying to tell her something.
Maxim's heart sank.He wanted to tell her,but she had already figured it out
"In three hours".He said solemnly
"I see".She replied, turning away from him.He wanted to reach out to her,to tell her his reason for keeping it,but he waited for her to deal with it
"How many weeks?".She turned to him
"A month"
"A month?! That's the entire winter holiday"
"I'm sorry but you know this isn't my fault.You know what happens when I try to go against his wishes"
Leyla knew it so well.That was the worst month of her life.His father had him removed from school and forced him to be homeschooled for an entire month.
"I'm sorry but your dad's a dick"
"I've called him worse".Maxim hugged her from behind.
Leyla wanted to struggle.She wanted to punch him for not telling her earlier.But,the thought of not seeing him for an entire month was heart wrenching.
She had made several plans this month.She thought they would go on to host several parties.
"This is not how I imagined this day would end".Leyla whimpered
"Me neither".
"Why do you have to go with him?"
"It's a family affair.The family business is rapidly expanding so we have to attend this huge meeting to discuss the way forward"
"But you're not even interested in the business".Leyla sobbed
"I know".He brought her head to his chest.
Maxim stroked her hair until she calmed down.He could see how much this would hurt her but it was also painful for him.All he would do for an entire month was work.
Leyla seemed to calm down until a ring broke the silence.
"It's time".He rose
She whimpered as he helped her up.Her heart felt empty as If a crucial part had been taken out.
"The blanket?".Leyla asked
"Don't worry".He clasped his hand in hers and headed down the path.
Leyla's tears had obviously gotten to maxim but he couldn't show it.
"Never show weakness".His father once said."Always strive to uphold the good name of this family"
They walked down the deserted road, enjoying the peace and quiet of the still night.
The ten minutes walk to Maxim's house felt like five seconds as they stood in front of the massive mansion.
"I love you".Maxim hugged her and kissed her forehead
"So do I".She seized his lips fiercely.
Maxim didn't say goodbye:He wasn't going forever,it was just a month and he'd be back
"I'll see you in a month".He waved before walking through the large black gate.
"Yeah".Leyla replied,staring at his back.
As soon as he went on the family's helicopter,Maxim felt his life return to Its boring old state.
"You have no idea how much I'll miss you".He murmured with tears in his eyes as the helicopter flew past the city.
Leyla went back home feeling empty.Suddenly,she didn't feel like doing anything or going anywhere.The one thing she wanted couldn't be hers for an entire month.
"I wish I could hibernate".She curled up on her bed.
Daniel had mixed feelings about what he said to Tara.Truth be told,he had never attended a class party,not to mention going with someone.But,he felt like her invitation was forced as if she was only doing it for herself.
He checked the calendar.The next party was in two days
"It's going to be a boring month".Daniel slumped on his bed.
"Wait".He rose suddenly
It was all coming together.She was the one,it had been her all along.
Tara sent that note.Daniel wanted to refuse but he saw her handwriting when she signed out of the library.
"Ok,Daniel just breathe".He tried to calm himself."There's no reason to get all giddy."He said while grinning ear to ear.
But,he couldn't.He remembered how happy he was when he saw that note and now.He knew who sent it.
"She really did care after all. I have to apologize".
Daniel raced down to Tara's house which was on the other side of town.He didn't want to take the subway and taxis weren't active at this time.
After thirty minutes,he stood at her doorstep sweating and painting.He rung the bell and stepped back.
"Who is it?".A mature female voice answered
"I'm a friend of Tara's.May I speak to her please?".He said politely
"Ok".Joyce was taken back by his politeness
"Tara, you have a guest".She shouted
"Coming".Tara trudged down the stairs."Who is it?".She asked before opening the door
"I don't know but he's really sweet".Joyce smiled and left the room
"Daniel?".Tara opened the door
"Yeah,it's me.I wanted to say I'm sorry for turning down your request.You were obviously looking out for me,trying to cheer me up but I couldn't see it.I thought you were taking advantage of my sorry state".He said quickly as he couldn't stop pacing on her doorstep.
"It's ok".She said
"Ok".He smiled
"I'll see you at the party?".She asked
"Yes,if you still want me".Daniel said.He felt something well up in him.He felt like a new person.The feeling that someone wanted him was strange but peaceful.