Page 34 of Unholy Matrimony

“Did you tell her about her sister yet?” I shake my head.

“I haven’t had the heart to tell her yet. Blyat19 how do I tell her they purposefully moved her sister away? It's going to break her heart. It is my fault, too,” Oleg swallows his sip of tea and shrugs his shoulders. “You are going to have to tell her. If you keep it from her, she will resent you. You don’t want that.” He is right, I can’t have that. Her resenting me is the last thing I want.

Lina walks back over with Mila. “The parish is having lunch catered today so we can stay here and visit with each other.” I give her a smile, which she returns with her own. “Bathroom break,” Mila says. “This boy is going to leave me with many bladder issues after he is born.”

“I’ll go with you,” Lina follows.

The three of us standing there pass the same look around. Ilya is the one to say it. “Why the fuck do women always go to the bathroom together? You don’t see men saying, ‘Hey brat,20 need to take a piss because I got to go’.” We all laugh, because it's the truth.

The lunch is a plethora of vegan soups, sandwiches, and other finger foods. We talk about some work-related things that the girls don’t catch a hint of what we are talking about. Mila is going on about how she is ready for the baby to be here already, how she is now seven months pregnant and feeling it. We enjoy the food and each other. This is the most relaxing Sunday I have had in such a long time. Just getting to be with my wife and my best friends is a welcome treat to the shit I’ve been dealing with.

Before Lina, I took on as many jobs as I could.

Idle hands are the devil's plaything.

Except, my hands literally were that of a devil. But, look at me now. I am attending church regularly, staying for fellowship with parishioners. Moy prekrasnyy Tsvetok21, she is changing me. Little by little I am becoming a better man, not that I will ever be a good man. Maybe I will be good enough to be a father, a role model of some sort for my children.

As I stare at the face of my wife, sitting in a group with the people that matter most to me. She looks like she fits right in. I am so in love with her. I check my watch for the time and notice how late it's gotten. Only a few stragglers remain, and even Father Ireni has retired to the rector's quarters. The day is ending as it's getting dark outside.

The lovely thing about winter is it becomes night so quickly. Mila is looking exhausted, so Oleg says, “I think I will get these two home for the night,” turning to his wife, “Stay with Ilya and I will grab the car.” She yawns and nods her head.

We say our goodbyes and just as I am about to ask Lina if she is ready to go, she says, “Can I have just a few more minutes in the Nave?” “Of course, malyshka22.” She kisses my cheek and walks back through the doors.

This couldn’t be more perfect. Here I am thinking I am going to fuck her in the car. But now I have an even better idea…

1. wife

2. wife

3. asshole

4. No

5. Little bitch

6. my lion

7. No

8. baby

9. wife

10. my lion

11. love

12. Flower

13. Don't worry baby. I'll make sure you're taken care of later.

14. wife

15. Father

16. piece of shit

17. Flower