Page 42 of A Sixpence For Your Shoe

“Hi mommy, how are you?” I say excitedly.

“The same as always.” She smiles into the phone. “How’s work? You sound thrilled, so I assume you haven’t been fired yet.” She laughs.

“Ha - Ha.” I snap sarcastically. “Actually, things are amazing. I’m doing really well, and they’ve signed me up for a long-term contract of employment here - so - I have a surprise for you.”

I pause for dramatic effect, and I can sense the tension pouring from my mother.

“What is it, Misha?” She asks when she can’t take it anymore.

“I’ve rented you a new place in the city. A safe, more beautiful place. Somewhere you can call home without worrying about anything. I’m paying for it.”

“Misha - no. I can’t accept that. You need to save your money for your future. I’m perfectly fine where I am now and?—”

“No, mom. You’re not fine. That mold will make you sick. The damp gets into your chest and makes you sick. The noise from the streets keeps you up at night and not sleeping makes you tired, which will make you sick. You’re not fine there mom and I need you. I need you to be healthy and happy. Besides, it’s already done. It’s too late to argue. I am sending a car to fetch your things this afternoon and you’ll be in the new place by tonight.” I say proudly.

“Misha this is - this is crazy.” She stammers in disbelief.

“I know. I love you too.” I laugh.

She laughs, it sounds like relief and confusion. Then she cries.

“Mom?” I say nervously.

She giggles, taking a moment to gather herself. “I’m so proud of you, baby.” She says, her voice tight with emotion. “I’m really proud of you.”

The smile stretched across my face is bigger than it’s ever been.

“I love you so much, mom. I’ll send you the info later today once the moving car is arranged. You can pack in the meantime.”

“Alright.” She says, then after a little pause she adds. “I’m really excited.” With a laugh.

My heart swells with happiness.

“Love you. Talk to you later.”

“Come on, let’s take a drive, little raven. I’ll show you the place your mom is moving into.” Vincent says, sliding his phone into his pocket as he walks towards me. I jump up to follow him and he slips his arm around me, pulling me close.

I’m terrified.

Because I might be falling in love with him.

And he doesn’t seem like the kind of man I’m supposed to fall in love with.

But my heart is a wild creature. An untamed, uncontrollable creature.

And I can’t help who it falls in love with.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Vincent

On the drive to the apartment, I have cleared for Misha’s mother, she is over excited but trying to contain it. I kept glancing at her, at her bright smile and the way her eyes are glittering.

Making her happy has an incredible effect on me.

It makes me happy.

Seeing her so full of life and excitement - it makes me excited.

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