𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫

4: "Malyshka"

{Beverly}

Mr. Petrov carried me to my room . He gently placed me on the bed and removed my shoes. He put my hair in a ponytail and started to examine my bruised knee.

I hiss in pain when he touches it. I immediately pull away and he looks at me with apologetic eyes. He then looks at me for consent and I slowly put my leg in his hands.

" I'm sorry, malyshka" I give him a small smile. (Translation: baby)

"Wait here, I'll get the first-aid kit" he pats my thigh and walks towards the bathroom.

Once he comes back , he starts to clean my wound.

"What were you doing there alone? hmm?" He asked me in his masculine voice. His voice was smoother than usual.

"I went to see my mama's grave" I tell him and lower my head feeling embarrassed. I always ruin everything.

"Look at me malyshka" he says as if he was pleading. I look up at him and he brings his calloused hand to my cheek and wipe my tears.

"You're okay pretty girl. I'm here" he whispered and patted my baby hair . I nod and he helps me to lay down.

"Get some rest. Yes?" He switched the lights off and closed the door behind me. Maybe it was Just my imagination, maybe it was just because I was tired but I did feel a pair of warm lips on my forehead. Just maybe......

The next morning, I woke up feeling a little better than yesterday. Ms. Moore helped me out of bed . I quickly brushed my teeth and washed my face.

"Beverly?" Mumma's voice come from outside my room.

"Yes?" I ask. She opens the door holding a plate of breakfast in her hand .

"Nikolai told us what happened. I'm sorry , I should've gone with you" she apologized and I quickly shook my head.

"No it's nobody's fault. It was just because it was too dark for me to see the rock. I'm sure I'll be fine." I assure her. She helps me clean up and change another clothes.

"Beverly your dad and I want to talk to you"
did they find out the books I've been reading? Oh no! God I'm coming to you. Rip world.

"Come on." She shakes my shoulder and I walk with her.

"Beverly come in. I need to have a word with you" dad said and pointed towards the chair .

I sit down and wait for them to scold me.

"We've been thinking about something. It's been a long time since you've gone out. How do you feel about college?" Dad asked and I look up.

"Are you suggesting......" The smile at me and give me a nod.

I squeal and pull them in a hug. Dad tells me to be careful with my leg but i don't listen. i was too excited by the news that my pain felt as it wasn't even there.

"But we have to lay some rules for you" dad tells me and I sit back down.

"As you've always been home schooled , I want to make sure you are in a safe environment so jack will always be there with you. You have to tell me if you ever feel uncomfortable in that place. And lastly, Be aware of boys" I frown at him. It's not like they'll try something like Mr. Nelson did........

I shake off my thoughts and Smile at dad. "I promise " I assure him and he gets back to work.

"Dad?" I call out and he looks up.

"Yesterday was umm...... Mom's death anniversary. Y-You weren't there. Would you l-like to go with me today?". He shuts him laptop and pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb.

"I have work Beverly. Your mom is dead. She isn't coming back. Accept it. It's not like I'll go and she's be back" My tears threaten my eyes and I rush out of the room.

I head Hanna yelling at dad as she follows me from behind. I quickly walk in some room to escape her.

"Mama, you're okay?" I ask as I watch my mom lay in the hospital bed.

"Yes my sunshine. I'm fine. Mama's going to be back home soon" she pats my hand and dad looks at us from a distance.

"Can you promise me something?" She asked and I immediately say yes.

"If mama becomes a star, can you promise me that you and papa will come and visit mama's grave?" I furrow my eyebrows. Why would she say that.

"Why will y-you become a star?" I asked frowning.

"Maybe because it's time for mama to watch you from the beautiful sky you look at and maybe because God wants to bring mama home" she smiles but her smile wasn't happy .

"Well then I'll come with you" I say firmly.

She laughed and shook her head.
"You have to be brave for papa. And I'll see you turning into a beautiful woman one day. From the stars"

"I love you my sunshine " but that day , the sky was dull. It was covered in dark clouds and there was no sign on sunshine. And on that day mama said goodbye.

I hold my tears back but somehow they rush out so fast.

"Y-you promised dad" I wipe my tears.

"Malyshka " my eyes widened when I realised whose room I'm really in. I quickly wipe my tears with the back of my hand and turn to look at him.

Mr. Petrov was dressed in a pair of grey sweatpants. His chest was on display, his tattoos scattered everywhere. His sweats hung low on his hips. And he was sweating, Mr petrov just came back from the gym. His beautiful, green eyes stared into mine and he started to walk towards me.

I take a step back and bump into the wall. He stands a millimetres distance away from me and he rests his hand in the wall beside me .

"You've been crying. What made you cry" he asked . He seemed serious so serious that he could kill anyone at this point.

I shake my head refusing to answer. I could feel warm, minty breath . He sighs and moved away.

"Leave" I nod immediately and gather myself.

As I reach the door, I call out for him and he turn to me. I give him a soft smile and say the next few words with a heavy heart.

"I'm sorry for everything. I always cause trouble"