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Anastasia’s Point Of View
Being the only two people at breakfast felt strange. My almost stepfather had already left to meet lawyers and take care of his financial matters now that he was no longer a dead person. Hannah sat beside me in a reflective mood, looking weary from a long, early morning training session she had finished ten minutes earlier.
My girlfriend’s training regime dominated our lives. Mom was right to chastise me for wanting to visit Russia with her, so I stayed behind to support Hannah, even though a monumental challenge confronted me, and I could use Mom’s help.
The silence between Hannah and me felt like a lover’s quarrel, but it wasn’t, so I wrapped an arm around my girlfriend’s shoulder and pulled her closer.
“I’m glad you stayed with me, Anastasia. I would have missed you terribly.”
“Me too, honey. I hate us being apart.”
“I know you are busy, so I understand your commitment.”
“I’m never too busy to support you, baby girl.”
“Thank you.”
Diana glanced at me, grinned, and slid a bowl of rice pudding across the counter to Hannah. My girlfriend’s eyes lit up, and she sniffed the dish like a slice of heaven had been sent to entice her.
“I made it especially for you at Anastasia’s request, Hannah.”
“I usually go with porridge for slow-release energy.”
“Do you enjoy rice pudding?”
“I love it but never had a bowl for breakfast.”
“It will give you the same slow energy release you need, and a change is good, right?”
Hannah took a spoonful and tasted it. My sweetheart grinned from ear to ear, and she gripped my hand, squeezing it tightly. Her expression was like an early-stage orgasm as she savored and stared at the dish, enjoying its vanilla flavor and creamy texture. I felt a little envious, especially when reviewing my breakfast choice: plain toast with a meager sliver of butter that barely filled the tiny caramelized pores on the surface of Diana’s home-baked bread.