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Post by Noora on Dec 30, 2006 1:18:29 GMT 10
Ohh I dislike Valerija. She isn't gonna be all that nice to her when they're shopping..I think. Something about the way she acts..is cold to Abby..adores Luka..annoys me. I love the relationship between Natasya (beautiful name!) and Luka. I think he kinda sees Lauren in her and that she will grow up to be like Natasya. Not wanting to lose her little girl, eh? Wonderful!
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Post by larue on Dec 30, 2006 3:15:52 GMT 10
Luka frowned a bit as he surveyed the bags and boxes and bottles assembled on the table. He shifted Lauren in his arms and absently popped a raisin in her mouth. He didn’t look up as Abby approached. She picked up the bottle of white wine and her eyes widened.
“Wow,” she said. “You definitely have your work cut out for you. Is this to drink while you are working or does it go in the bread?” Luka rolled his eyes and frowned at her.
“It goes in the bread,” he said. “Along with the figs that I have to chop and the almonds I have to blanch and the raisins and the hazelnuts and the honey and the two kinds of flour.....”
“Okay...okay,” she laughed and held her hands up. “Maybe I should stay home and keep that one out of your way.”
“Tata will be here,” Luka said absently as he went back to checking his supplies. “And Mati Levac will probably come by as well.” He looked up. “The woman always seems to sense when I am doing this and has to give me her advice.” Luka stopped when he noticed the woeful expression on Abby’s face. He set Lauren down on the floor and circled the table to wrap her in his arms.
“I’d rather be here,” she sighed as she leaned against him. “She doesn’t like me, Luka.”
“She likes you....” he chuckled. “Why wouldn’t she?” There was a knock at the door and Mati Levac opened it and laughed as she saw them.
“Auto je cekivanje za nju,” she said. Her eyes shifted to the table and she clucked in disapproval. Luka rolled his eyes and nodded.
“I know, I know....” he said. “I should have blanched the almonds and chopped my figs last night.” He pressed a kiss to Abby’s forehead.
“She said that Javor and Valerija are waiting outside for you..” Abby nodded sadly and slipped her purse over her shoulder. The jovial neighbor said something else and Luka gasped.
“Mati Levac!,” he scolded indignantly. “I know what I am doing. I don’t need to have you making sure I do it.....right!” Abby lifted Lauren and kissed her cheek before handing her to the older woman. She waved sadly at Luka and stepped outside. Javor was leaning against the car and grinned as he opened the door and bowed gallantly. He laughed as she rolled her eyes at him and slid into the back seat next to Valerija.
“Do I pick up Jelena and Nastaya now, Mama, or are they meeting us somewhere?” Javor asked as he slid behind the driver’s wheel. He glanced back and winked at Abby.
“They are meeting us at Trg Bana Jelicica,” Valerija said. “Jelena had some errands to do first.” Javor nodded and turned the key to start the car. Abby settled back in her seat and gazed out the window. She shifted uncomfortably and glanced toward Valerija. She had not taken her eyes off Abby. Valerija smiled slightly.
“So,” Valerija said quietly. “What do you think of our family?” Abby’s face reddened and she shrugged.
“Um.....that Luka is lucky to have all of you?” she said. Valerija’s expression didn’t change.
“Only Luka?” she asked. Abby turned her attention to the passing sidewalks and then looked back at Valerija. She was still watching her.
“I want you to see something,” Valerija said. She leaned forward and spoke to Javor in Croatian. He nodded and the car turned at the next street. Abby watched out the window as they left the newer section of Zagreb and wound their way through the older streets of the upper section, the older section, of the city. The car came to a stop on a cobblestone street in front of a huge cathedral. Abby’s eyes were wide as she looked up at the old tiled roof and twin spires that reached to the sky. Javor closed the door behind them and leaned against the car.
“You’re not coming in?” Valerija asked. He grimaced and shook his head. She shrugged and made her way up the steps with Abby right behind her.
“One of a mother’s greatest disappointments, I think,” Valerija sighed. “Except for funerals, baptisms and weddings, my sons shy away from anything to do with the church these days.”
The heavy wooden front door opened easily on well oiled hinges and their footsteps echoed as they entered the huge sanctuary. Valerija crossed herself and bobbed as she slipped into one of the back pews. Abby followed suit and sat beside her.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Simple.” Valerija sighed as she gazed around. Abby nodded. Sunlight streamed through huge stained glass all around them. Other than that it seemed no different than other Catholic churches she had been in.
“So why have you refused to marry Luka?” Abby’s eyes widened and she turned to look at the woman beside her.
“Refused?” she said. “Did he say that?”
“You have a daughter with him,” Valerija went on. ‘You seem to love him. I know he loves you. Why have you refused?”
“Is that why you don’t like me?” Abby asked. Valerija’s perfectly shaped eyebrows rise ever so slightly.
“And I thought it was because you were friends with his wife,” Abby sighed.
“Friends with Danijela?” Valerija said with a smile. “I suppose it would be thought so since we grew up in the same part of town. She was nearly five years older than I however. Difficult to be friends with that much time between you as young girls. Besides, Danijela thought I was a bit of a bitch.” Abby quickly bit her lip and suppressed a smile. They were both silent.
“I love Danijela,” Valerija said quietly as she looked around. “Even more so for dying when she did.” She turned to Abby who was frowning in confusion.
“Has Luka ever told you about that time?” she asked. “When Danijela and the children died?” Abby shrugged.
“Just that they were killed when a mortar round hit their apartment building,” she said quietly. “And that he had gone out for supplies.” Valerija nodded slowly.
“It was the 16th of November in 1991,” she said. “Luka spent the next four days digging them out, making arrangements for them to be buried, attending their funerals....” Valerija took a deep breath. “Communication was bad. None of us knew it had happened.”
“On November 20th,” she went on. “.... the hospital in Vukovar was stormed and 260 patients, doctors, civilians were marched to a nearby field and massacred. Their bodies were buried in a pit. If Luka had been there, it would have been 261. Instead, after he learned what had happened, he made his way to a nearby town with other refugees and then home to Zagreb.” Abby was unaware of the tear that had slipped down her cheek. She didn’t know what to be thinking. She felt as though she were hardly breathing.
“If things had of happened any differently....” Valerija’s voice trailed off and she sighed. “He came back a devastated, broken man. It broke my heart that he chose to leave Croatia for the United States. I am afraid Andro has made it difficult for him each time he has come home. And always, he has gone back. But it was the right thing for him. His mother knew. I know that now. I have seen it.” She turned her head pointedly to face Abby again.
“So why are you refusing to marry him?” she asked again. Abby fought down the bristling that had built up inside her. This woman loved Luka. Probably even as much as she did herself. All of them did. She sighed and cocked an eyebrow at Valerija. Maybe it was time to let someone in on her secret.
“Well......actually,” she said very slowly. “I’ve got something you can help me with.” Valerija gazed at her for a long moment and then a smile began to spread across her face.
Luka was sleeping on the couch when she opened the door of the apartment. Abby dropped her packages quietly on a chair and slipped her coat off. She laid it carefully over the back of the chair and admired the 8 loaves of crusty bread lined up on the table. She leaned over to sniff the fruity, honey laden smell and smiled. She made her way to the couch and sat on the edge of the coffee table and watched him sleep for a moment. She smiled and leaned over to press a kiss to his lips. Luka’s eyes fluttered open and he grinned as he stretched.
“Hey...” he said as he reached for her hand. “Have fun?”
“Yeah....I really did,” she said as she threaded her fingers through his. “I learned a lot.”
“Like what?” he chortled.
“Like.......people in Croatia actually exchange gifts on St. Nicholas’ Day on the 16th but your family waits till Christmas when you are in town,” she said. She frowned and looked around. “Where’s Lauren?”
“Tata took her to play in the park for a bit,” he said. “I think he’s planning to stop by the coffee shop to show her off. And don’t worry....I dressed her cute. I promise.”
“Soooo....we’re alone for a while?” Abby drawled slowly. Luka’s eyes searched her’s and then a smile crossed his face.
“Uh...yeah,” he said slowly. “Quite a while, maybe, since they just left.” He swung his legs off the couch and pulled himself to a sitting position. He leaned over and slipped a hand to the back of her neck and drew her face closer to his.
“No Valerija Viper bites?” he asked softly.
“None at all...” she whispered as their lips barely touched.
“I’d forgotten. Danijela thought she was a bit of a bitch....” he said.
“She told me that....” Abby said. Luka pulled back and frowned.
“She knew?”
“She’s Valerija,” Abby scoffed. “She knows.....everything.” Luka nodded thoughtfully. Abby sighed in disappointment and sat back again.
“Are we gonna do this or not?” she asked. Luka grinned and swept her up into his arms. She laughed as he tore through the apartment and dropped her roughly in the middle his father’s big bed. Abby raised herself up on her elbows and glanced around them.
“Isn’t this kind of kinky?” she asked as he whipped the tee shirt off his back. “I mean, it’s your dad’s bed after all.” Luka stopped and looked around. He shook his head.
“Naw,” he said after a moment. “I am sure he and Mama made good use of it as well.” Abby laughed as he grinned rakishly and slipped his jeans off before dropping onto the bed next to her. Luka held her chin in his hand and searched her face for a moment before their lips met. Abby’s hands dropped weakly as his lips traced over her eyes and her cheek and then down to her neck.
“Uh...Luka....” she whispered breathlessly.
“Yeah....” he sighed as his fingers unbuttoned the soft blouse that she wore. He pressed kisses down her chest to the crevice between her breasts. His nose nudged the lace of her black bra aside. Abby shifted and eased the blouse and a bra strap off her shoulder.
“I want us to get married here,” she said softly. “Here...in Zagreb....with your family.”
“Okay.....” he sighed as he slipped the other strap off her other shoulder and eased the bra down to her waist. He twisted it around and unfastened it. He dragged it off her and tossed it over the side of the bed. He looked up and saw that she was frowning at him.
“I’m serious....” she said. He shrugged.
“Okay,” he said. Her frowned deepened and her eyes never left his. Luka sighed and slumped back into the pillows.
“I have the chapel at St. Stephens and a priest ready for us on the twenty seventh,” he said warily. “And the paperwork is all in place too. You just have to sign a couple of things.” She pulled herself up and raised herself onto her knees.
“What?” she cried. His face was flushed but he wasn’t sure if it was because she was suddenly angry or if it was the sight of her bare breasts in front of him. He sincerely hoped it was the latter. He tore his eyes away to look at her face. He smiled slightly.
“Could you...uh.... please act surprised when you open up your Christmas present from me?” he asked. “It’s the paper work that needs to be signed.” Abby slumped and gazed thoughtfully at him. His grin began to fade and she shook her head. She leaned forward and their mouths met. Luka’s fingers slipped into her hair and he carefully eased the hair clip free so her hair spilled over his face like a curtain. His arms encircled her and he rolled her over on the bed. He pressed his face into her neck and began to sing softly.
“Going....to the chaaapel...and we’re gonna....get maaarrried.....” Abby laughed and pulled his head back so she could look at his face. Luka grinned.
“I love you, Abigail Marjorie Wysczenski Lockhart, with every single beat of my heart,” he sighed. “Will you marry me on December the twenty seventh?”
Abby’s own heart thudded in her chest as she studied his face. This face that had seen so much....that had lived through every possible bad thing that could happen to a man. The face that had given her a daughter. The face that she loved waking up to every single morning and going to sleep with every single night. The face that she had loved since the very first moment she had kissed him in the ER ambulance bay. The face that she wanted to grow old with. His smile had faded as he waited. She smiled and pressed a hand to the side of his face.
“Yes.....” she said. “But why the 27th? Could you have at least asked me.....” Luka shook his head and stopped her as he captured her lips in a kiss. Abby’s arms wrapped around his neck and she laughed.
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Post by Noora on Dec 30, 2006 3:41:03 GMT 10
Aww that was so sweet! Great update!
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Post by *Natalie* on Dec 30, 2006 7:32:52 GMT 10
Brill updates Glad their getting married natalie x
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Post by hollygirl on Dec 30, 2006 8:50:57 GMT 10
Perfect! great update! I loved it! and can't wait for the wedding!!!
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Post by steffi1986 on Dec 30, 2006 9:07:51 GMT 10
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Post by zelda on Dec 30, 2006 10:06:07 GMT 10
Larue, I was smiling and reading this sweet passage and...BOUM, a remembrance of the war. I don't know why, but it was so brutal, that I had tears in my eyes. And had to wait a little before reading the rest of the story. These lines about Vukovar were so overwhelming that I couldn't help being a bit detached with the end of the story. I hope you understand what I mean, Lyn. I will have to read it again tomorrow. But you really upset me....this is the sign of your talent, you know that!
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Post by ERFanRach on Dec 30, 2006 11:15:48 GMT 10
Great Update!!!!
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Post by larue on Dec 30, 2006 12:48:18 GMT 10
These lines about Vukovar were so overwhelming that I couldn't help being a bit detached with the end of the story. Hmm...and I was very worried that the opposite would be true. That readers would be caught up in what happened with the END of the chapter and not remember what she was told about Vukovar.
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Post by <3 Luby II 2 <3 on Dec 30, 2006 14:07:44 GMT 10
Great update!!
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kia
Duchess of Luby
Posts: 316
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Post by kia on Dec 30, 2006 23:07:56 GMT 10
wow, i like it! they're getting married, i'm so happy!!
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Post by jacobsmommy on Dec 31, 2006 4:05:27 GMT 10
Great update
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Post by Cornflake Girl on Dec 31, 2006 8:20:55 GMT 10
I really liked what you said happened with Luka in Vukovar, it was compelling to read. I can't imagine the pain of going through something like that. And like Luka says everything happens for a reason, so maybe they died so he could live and meet Abby.
Fasinating take of the whole situation Larue.
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Post by J£nan!s on Jan 1, 2007 0:35:22 GMT 10
I love how you write and it's a great exercice for me to read your story because my English misses vocabulary, and you're using a lot of "smart" words ! It's true that I'm very tired when I have finish to read your fanfiction but after, my english teacher is happy !
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Post by larue on Jan 1, 2007 13:34:19 GMT 10
“Mama.....maaaama......up.....pease!” Abby opened one eye and peeked down at the end of the bed where Lauren’s crib was stationed. Her daughter was standing up with her arms hanging over the crib’s rail watching them. Her long hair was tousled and laying over the shoulders of her yellow sleeper.
“Maammaaa....” she said again. Abby pulled the comforter closer around her shoulders and started to jostle Luka. She stopped as she heard the bedroom door open quietly and Lauren rattling the crib walls excitedly. Abby smiled a little as she heard Tata whispering and then lifting his granddaughter out of her crib.
“Shhh...halo dijete djevojka,” he murmured. “Baby girl....volim tee.....” She heard the door close again and then snuggled closer to Luka to go back to sleep.
“Think we can talk him into moving in with us? I could get used to him doing that for us,” Luka whispered. Abby grinned and wrapped his arms around her.
“How long have you been awake?” she sighed.
“All night long.....” Abby shifted to look at him. Luka shrugged sleepily.
“I can’t stop thinking about it,” he said.
“Christmas?” He shook his head. He grinned and leaned in to whisper in her ear.
“Going to the chapel.......and we’re gonna get maaaarrried......” he sang softly. She giggled and covered her ears.
“Not again.......” she cried and stifled a laugh. Luka chuckled and drew her back against his chest and held her there. They relaxed and enjoyed the feel of having one another close. He started to drift off again.
“Luka,” she said quietly as she opened her eyes.
“Hmmmhmmmm...” he mumbled.
“I can’t get married in the church yet,” she said. “You know that, right? Because of my divorce.”
“Ummmhmmmmm...” he mumbled and sighed.
“So the priest and the chapel.......”
“It’s a civil ceremony, Abby,” he said quietly without opening his eyes. “There is a priest from the Presbyterian church that’s going to bless it for us.......”
“You mean a minister?” Luka’s eyes opened.
“A minister? Yeah....I guess, I do.” He sighed and closed his eyes again. “We can do the other....later....if you need to.”
“You’ve thought of everything,” she said. He smiled.
“Yeah......”
“How did you know that I would want to do this now?” He grinned and sighed as his eyes stayed shut.
“Can’t tell you that right now....but soon,” he said. They were still for a moment and then he started laughing again.
“What?” she moaned softly.
“I just want to hear it one more time.....” Abby sighed and then opened her eyes. She waited.
“Will....you...marry me?” he asked softly. She rolled her eyes, grinned and then turned around to face him. Luka opened his eyes as she studied his face for a moment.
“Yes.......” she whispered. “Yes.” He grinned and then bent to take a nip at her neck. Abby giggled and pulled the coverlet over their heads.
And it was that way for him all day long. She helped with the breakfast dishes and he nudged her hip with his and drew a smile from her. They wrapped packages together and he teased her with the tape and ribbons. They took Lauren for a walk in the park and were soon rolling in the falling snow stuffing the white stuff into each other’s faces. He nuzzled a few of his favorite places as they were getting ready for Christmas Eve church services and never stopped smiling as they sat with his family ....holding hands....during mass.
Zoran and Jelena hosted them all for Christmas eve dinner after church. There was bean stew with spicy sausage, tender cooked cod with mashed potatoes and Luka’s honey glazed Badnji Kruh. And then there were the desserts to be dealt with. Everything looked almost too pretty to eat. Abby was a bit overwhelmed with the food and the laughter and banter that flew all around her.
Luka was at his jovial best handing out the gifts they’d brought. He put Lauren to work and Abby was surprised at how quickly the little girl had picked out who was who in the crowd. She wasn’t shy with anyone and was absolutely adored by everyone. That was the best thing. Her daughter was surrounded by a loving, adoring family.
Tata had given them a painting. A beautiful painting in a simple frame. Lauren’s face was in a top corner and a messy colorful handprint in a bottom corner. In between was a series of slashes and smears that could only have been her very first attempt at painting on her own. Tata had laughed as he told about sneaking her into his studio while Luka was baking bread and being very proud that his son hadn’t even suspected. Tears bleared her eyesight as she studied the gift in her lap again.
‘Abby....” Luka shook her from her thoughts and held up a tiny pair of black and white soccer cleats. Abby laughed and shook a finger at Zoran. He nodded and shrugged. Lauren was already in the middle of the floor with Javor and Natasya rolling a mini soccer ball back and forth, teaching her to kick it. Lauren collapsed in giggles as Javor ‘missed’ the ball and fell backward as Natasya shrieked ‘skor!’. Abby laughed as Lauren could hardly stand up with laughter and then ran to get the ball from her cousin. She carried it to Luka and waited for him to roll it to her. She kicked the ball and promptly fell on her bottom. She stopped and then looked around as everyone clapped and cheered for her. She ran to Abby and buried her face in her mother’s lap for a moment. Abby picked her up and kissed her before setting her back on the floor and nudging her toward the ball. Luka chuckled and slipped an arm across her shoulders as they leaned back and watched their daughter with her cousins. They were a happy, rowdy bunch and yet, even in the middle of all of it, she still felt a little lonely.
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