Chapter Thirteen: Are you asking to move in? #
Aliya came back at six on Friday.
“I am sorry it took me so long. Give me fifteen minutes.” Said Aliya running.
Aliya was wearing low-rise jeans tucked into high heel suede black Louboutin boots. She picked a black high-neck halter stretchy top with tiny black beads lined horizontally, ending just above her midrib. A short black leather jacket completed the ensemble. Her hair was tied in a pony.
“You are the only one who can make jeans look sexy.” Said Alex looking at her.
“It’s the boots.”
“Ok, let’s go, boots.”
They arrived at the restaurant and ordered pizza.
“Tell me about the schools to which you plan to apply.” Asked Alex.
“Columbia, Princeton, Harvard, MIT, and Yale.”
“No, Stanford?”
“No. When I went on the road trip, I died of heat. I love my boots, and I need snow.”
“Ok.” Smiled Alex. “Aliya, I should not be a factor in your decision-making. You should go to the school that is best for you. You will stay there for at least three years and maybe seven years with a Ph.D. The school should give you the best opportunity to advance your career: MIT. It is the most momentous time of your life. Staying in dormitories, sharing bathrooms, rooms, and many other things. You say every day should be a story. At university, every day will indeed be a story.”
“A bachelor is four years and not three years.”
“Once you get in, I will show you how to get it in three.”
“MIT is tough. Taking six classes and research and so many other things. I will not be able to do that. It doesn"t matter because I will not get in.”
“Let’s talk after you have visited it with me. You are not applying early decision anyway. Don"t worry about it. I will help you prepare for the interview and guide you along the way.” Said Alex holding her hand. “Just keep an open mind, ok?”
“Ok. Do you keep a diary or journal?” asked Aliya.
“No. Everything is on my computer.”
“What is your favourite theory?”
“Time travel. I have always been fascinated by it. I want to go into the future and see what happens.”
“Wouldn"t that be boring?”
“Maybe. But I want to control time. I can stop it or turn it back or move it forward.”
“Do you have a favourite quote or lyrics of a song?”
Alex laughed. “I feel like we are on the first date. Assuming you don"t want me to quote Star Wars, the quote I say most is from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. ‘Driving a Porsche in London is like bringing a Ming vase to a football game.”"
Aliya laughed. “Who is the first person you call when you are in trouble?”
“What is with all the questions?”
“You asked me questions on my birthday. I don"t want to wait so long. So, the first person you call when you are in trouble.”
“I call 911.” Said Alex laughing. “Depends on the problem and if someone else is affected by it. Otherwise, I would call my mum.”
“What gives you inspiration for your work or your life?”
“For my life, I look up to my dad. He worked hard, and I value his advice. For my work, I don"t think I have an inspiration. I focus on an idea instead of trying to solve a problem. The application comes later. Most of my ideas are theoretical.”
“Have you ever been in a car accident?”
“Yes, the one that got me to MIT.”
“Were you ever in a fight?”
“No. No fights, no broken bones, no bruises.”
“What do you do when you get angry?”
“I cry. Anger comes from hurt, and that makes me cry.”
“What was your best vacation?”
“I traveled around Asia with Dad before coming to Harvard. It was fun spending time with him and seeing all the new cities.”
“Tell me one thing you don"t like about me.”
“You don"t ask for help. I get that you have been independent, but a relationship consists of two people, not one. You don"t have to do it alone. I am there with you every step of the way. I will try to think of everything, but ask me if you want something.”
“Okay. Over the summer, I finished a draft of my applications. I will share.”
“I would love to. Top of my list.” Said Alex cutting her off.
Aliya smiled. “What would be your ideal weekend or vacation?”
“Vegas as a weekend. I have never been there. Vacation, anywhere you want.”
“What is your idea of a perfect home?”
“A place where you feel like yourself, where you feel wanted and appreciated. I hate going back to my house now. It feels empty and lonely.”
“Not even the sex dungeon.”
“Don"t remind me. That was so embarrassing.”
“Did you check if there was a basement?”
“I knew there was a basement. Do you remember the couch and the carpet? Underneath it is the basement. I thought it was a panic room. I covered it because I thought. I don"t know what I thought. I didn"t feel it right in my guy, so I shut it.”
“You will be in London in December, right?”
“Wherever you want us to be.”
“Do you still have stuff in London?”
“Yes, I have stuff in London. But most of it doesn"t have any memory connected to it. There are books, papers, circuit boards, failed experiments, etc.”
“What is the best gift you have ever gotten?”
“The trip around Asia was a gift. In terms of things, nothing stands out. Oh, my first Bugatti. It was a special delivery for Christmas of 2002. I think it wasn"t even road legal. It was a total surprise.”
“Have you ever been in love?”
Alex took a deep breath. “No. It is a complicated concept for me. There is first love, very young, very raw, but my first relationship was tumultuous. It wasn"t just the sex that was average. She couldn"t decide if she wanted to be with me. She was the first one to tell me that I am great husband material. I am easygoing. I don"t fight or argue. I listen patiently. I am perfect for a boring marriage but not exciting enough as a boyfriend. Before any party, she would break up with me; right after, I would be her boyfriend again.”
“Why would you endure that?”
“First relationship. Finally, she broke up with me for good. With every relationship, the weight of the three words felt very heavy. I felt like if I said it, the girl would tell me, sorry. Saying I love you is equivalent to asking someone to marry me.”
“Do you watch porn?”
“Yes, and before you ask, no, I do not have a category.”
“What is the sexiest clothing for a girl?”
“Something that shows a little and hides a little. When you rip my shirt, you run your fingers on my chest, back, and hair. Next topic.”
“Do you have a hidden talent?”
“I don"t think so.”
“You cook, right? There is no chef. Do you clean?”
“Clean, no. I hire a cleaning staff that comes every Monday. I usually eat leftovers from lunch. If I cook, I buy pre-marinated chicken or steak. I grill that with vegetables.”
“Do you have a chef at home in London?”
“No. My mum cooks. Your mum was right. I didn"t grow up with chefs or house managers. I had to make my bed every morning. I even had to wash my clothes and hang them to dry. That was the other problem. I was a rich man’s son who refused to spend money. My allowance was small. I couldn"t buy champagne bottles or tables at the club. I had nothing to offer in the present but everything to offer in the future.”
“What did you do in the summer at Harvard?”
“I took summer school. That is what you will do. You can transfer the credits and graduate early.”
“Alexei, thank you for your help.”
“Alexei?”
“Russian. I like it better than Sasha. Google it. I have a plan too.”
Alex laughed. “I look forward to it.”
“I like when you laugh. I am sorry that you had such a bad streak of relationships. You shouldn"t feel bad if someone was not a good fit. Do you really want to spend your entire life with someone who doesn"t even like you?”
“I understand that. But it hurts when it is every single person.”
“I don"t think about my future. I try to avoid thinking about it because there is a high possibility that it may never come. And even if it comes, it might not look how I wanted it to. That would take away the happiness of at least being alive to see that day. Enjoy today. Enjoy the memories that got you here, and relish that you are alive. A few weeks ago, there was a gun pointed at you. Your life could have ended there, but you are alive here. What was going through your mind? Did you think there was something you wanted to do that you didn"t get to do?”
“I didn"t even think about that. I thought of what a terrible mistake I had made. I wished I could invent the time machine and return to the moment she asked me, are you single? I would have answered. No.”
“She would have still tried to get to you.”
“But it wouldn"t have weakened our relationship. I have this fear that I had you. I had the girl, the relationship I wanted, and I made my life’s biggest mistake.”
“The biggest mistakes are the ones where we don"t apologize. You are fine, Alexei.”
Alex smiled.
“Let’s go home in our nondescript Rolls Royce.”
Alex laughed.
They were in the car, and Aliya took her seat belt off and slid next to Alex. “I am so tired.” Said Aliya resting her head on his chest. He placed his arm around her, and she was already asleep when they returned.
Alex picked her up, and Aliya woke up. “I am up.” Said Aliya.
Alex placed her down. They changed and went to sleep. Aliya studied Saturday and was ready in the evening. Aliya was wearing a black halter mermaid gown. It had panther-like mesh that met a bandage strategically placed to accentuate the curves. That dress oozed sex, and Aliya had waited long enough. She wanted everything about her to say that she was ready, and she wanted this night to end in bed without her dress. Everything pressing was resolved, and she could not wait anymore. Alex arrived, and he got out of the car. He looked at Aliya, and he stood there frozen. She walked down with grace and confidence.
“Hi.” Said Aliya.
Alex cleared his throat. “Hi.” After an awkward embrace, they were on their way. Alex was focused on driving. Aliya was in the same world. Alex had picked a slim-fit black silk shirt that hugged his abs. He was wearing a grey suit, and he looked hot as hell. Without a word, they arrived at the restaurant. They were seated, and neither could speak a word. Alex was trying to focus on the menu while Aliya was trying to distract herself from thinking about sex. She was trying to concentrate on anything and needed to pick a conversation topic soon. They ordered, and Aliya attempted to gather the courage to tell him that she was ready to have sex. She was trying to pick words when she blurted.
“Have you seen ‘Last Tango in Paris”?" said Aliya.
A sex movie. Clearly, Aliya was not going to make it easier on Alex.
“Yes. There is beautiful art in the credits.” Said Alex, and Alex went on talking about it.
Aliya could not remember any art. A fair assessment as she had never seen the movie. But at least she got him talking. She was not listening to any word he was saying. She was thinking about sex when Alex held her hand. “Sorry, what did you ask?” asked Aliya, feeling lost.
“I asked if you were thinking about something. You seem to be somewhere else.” Repeated Alex.
This was her opening. This was her chance to tell him she was ready. “I have been thinking about something. I think we have been doing great, and I have been feeling great. And we should have some cognac!” blurted Aliya. “You chicken!” she thought. But more importantly, she had blurted out an absurd, almost non-sentence. “Have cognac together? What does that even mean? He is going to think it is a new kid lingo.” She thought.
Alex looked confused. He was looking at her trying to decipher what she had said. She knew that he knew a few things about Aliya. She abruptly changes topics. She can sometimes talk for hours with Alex, not understanding what she is talking about. And that she loved cognac.
“He looks confused. Please don"t ask me, don"t ask me. It could be worse. He might think it’s a sex position. Is he thinking that?” She thought. She had to clarify quickly.
“No, no. I mean, it’s getting cold.” Said Aliya, not knowing what she meant.
The food was there, and Aliya was thinking of the next topic. Between thinking about food, alcohol, and flowers, she continuously ended up thinking about sex. The server was placing the next course when Aliya’s inside voice became her outside voice, “You look so hot.” She didn"t mean to say it. It was a contest between the server and Alex, who was more surprised. The server left with an awkward expression, and Aliya was quickly thinking of the next topic. Movie, play, book, math, food, right food.
“How is your food?” said Aliya.
Alex laughed, and Aliya was mortified. She decided not to look up from her plate.
“You look beautiful too. The dress is breathtaking.” Said, Alex.
Aliya nodded without looking up from the plate. She was too conscious. She was running her hands through her hair. Once she stopped that, she was fidgeting.
Alex was enjoying the show and smiling. He had never seen her nervous. “Are you eventually going to look at me?” asked Alex with a smile.
Aliya looked up, and her cheeks were bright red against her cascading black hair. She tried to explain one more time. “I said cognac because I got a new bottle of Louis XIII, and I was wondering if you would like to try it.”
“I would love to try it again tonight. Aliya, I was there when you opened the bottle on Sunday and made me try it to help me sleep. Are you feeling ok?” asked Alex touching her face, and she was burning up. His touch had caused her beating to be faster.
“I don"t feel well. Would you mind if we cut this short?” Asked Aliya.
“No, of course not. I will get the check.”
He asked for the check, and they left. Aliya was panicking because the dinner had ended early, and there was a chance that Alex would leave. He parked the car, and they went up to her flat. Aliya’s heart was racing. She was standing next to her dining table and taking off her watch. Alex took off his jacket, and he stood behind her. He placed his hands on her waist and moved her closer to him so they were touching. He removed her hair from her neck and kissed her neck. He turned her around and kissed her. She opened the first two buttons of Alex’s shirt and ripped his shirt. Within seconds, they were out of their clothes and kissing passionately. Alex looked at her and held her hand to walk, but she stopped and shook her head in no. She looked at the very thick glass dining table and knocked on it twice. She looked back at Alex, and Alex picked her up and placed her on the table. She wrapped her legs around him as he entered her, and they kissed passionately. She grasped his ass and pushed him deeper inside her as love ensued. The immense pleasure of one stroke caused Alex to collapse on her shoulder.
As Alex returned to his thoughts, he realized he had reached a new peak of intensity and pleasure. He wanted to say anything, but he had trouble breathing and making any noise. He returned to this world, pulled the hair back from her face, and kissed her. Alex pointed towards the guest bathroom, and Aliya nodded. He helped her get down and went to the bathroom. Aliya felt calm. She quickly showered and wore a white silk slip. She climbed into bed with a book and waited for Alex. Alex came a few minutes later with a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair was still wet, and water droplets were on his chest. Before Alex could say anything, Aliya climbed over to his side of the bed. She placed her hand on his chest and slowly moved it down, touching the water droplets on his abs. She inserted her index finger under his towel and pulled it.
Alex’s kissed her, slowly moving towards the bed. Instead, she pushed him down and climbed on top of him. He placed his hands on her thighs and moved them to her waist. She flipped her hair to one side and leaned down to kiss him. She kissed his neck and moved down to his shoulder. She was like a lioness marking her mate. She moved up, and the water on Alex’s chest caused her slip to become translucent. It was clinging to her chest, and she looked like she was draped in milk. Alex was hard as a rock. She placed her hands on his chest with her nails on his skin. She carefully raked his chest with just enough pressure not to scratch. Alex could no longer take it. He sat up and was inside her. As she moved on him, he embraced her skin over her slip. The friction of slip and his teeth caused Aliya to complete. She pushed him down and pinned his hands above his head. As she moved, Alex came with force.
She moved off him to the side, trying to catch her breath from the recent workout. Alex pulled her close, and they fell asleep. He woke the following day starving. She was already up and reading.
Aliya looked up and smiled. “Coffee?” she asked.
“Yes,” said Alex touching his hair at the back. Aliya was wearing a black slip as she stretched to reach for the coffee from the upper cabinet. Her slip lifted and revealed her silky white thighs. Alex got up and pinned her against the wall. Their clothes were on the floor, and Alex had fulfilled his hunger. He picked her up and placed her on the bed. He lay next to her with his head on her shoulder. His lips were touching her bare skin.
“Thank you.” Said Alex, who talked without thinking. But he realized he had said the perfect words defining how he felt.
He turned towards her. “Thank you,” he said, touching her face. “Are you. Did you feel good?”
“Yes.”
“I know that I am your first. Oh, did you date someone over the summer?”
“No.”
“How was your summer?”
“Applications, Olympiad, social events with my family.”
“Are you happy with the sex? Is there something I should do?”
“Sex is great.” Said Aliya climbing on top of him.
Another session of lovemaking later, they were lying in bed exhausted. Alex turned towards her.
“What are your plans for the next weekend?” asked Alex touching her face.
“Relaxing, watching movies, lots of sleeping.”
“You don"t have to study for SAT?”
“No. Yesterday was the last practice test. It is more important now to keep my confidence and cool. I am going into hibernating mode.”
“Ok.” Said Alex with misery.
“You should stay over. I sleep better when you are here.” Said Aliya smiling.
Alex smiled. “Ok. Aliya, I think we have been doing great too. I want you to know that I like you and want to always be with you if possible.”
Aliya smiled. “Are you asking to move in?”
“Look around you. I have been living here for the past month. I only went home to pick up my papers or a different suit on Saturdays. I can"t remember the last time I slept in my bed. Your housekeeper is doing my laundry.”
Aliya laughed. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving.”
They ate and watched movies. The following week Aliya gave the SATs and felt a sense of relief. Alex and Aliya were having dinner on Sunday.
“I want to ask you something.” Said, Alex. “Next weekend, could we stay at my place?”
“You don"t like staying here?”
“No. I love it. But I know you love my house and you love the garden. I don"t want one unpleasant event to spoil all your memories. It is still the same garden. I will cook.”
“My security will not allow it. I am no longer allowed to go to Melia’s house. Your house will be.”
Alex cut her off. “No, it’s ok. I understand.”
“Are you disappointed?”
“No. I didn"t even think about that. Things are going well. Let’s not shake it. Would your security allow me to cook here?”
“Grilled chicken? Cook away.”
Alex smiled. “Okay. Friday. I will have everything ready when you come back.”
“Okay.”
It was Monday, and Aliya came back early.
“Hey. I wasn"t expecting you until five. Don"t you have your club today?” asked Alex getting up.
“I talked to Ben. If you allow them to clear the house, including the basement, and give them access to it while we are there, we can return there.”
“Yes. Of course. But will you be safe? I don"t want something to happen and repeat the cycle.”
“Ben will be there. Inside. No sex on the balcony anymore, but rest is fine.”
“Okay. Here are the keys. The basement door is under the carpet in the lab.” Said Alex giving her the keys. “Please confirm with Ben that everything will be okay.”
“I will be back.”
The day finally arrived. Alex was early and at Aliya’s flat at 6:30 instead of 7.
“You are early.” Said Aliya looking at her watch.
“I wanted to make sure you were ok. How are you?” said Alex coming closer.
“Ok, I guess.”
Alex pulled her closer and kissed her. He kissed her again with immense passion, and Aliya fainted. Alex picked her up and placed her on the couch.
“Aliya, you ok? You just fainted.” Said Alex sprinkling water on her face.
“I am sorry. I don"t know what happened.” Said Aliya getting up.
“You are stressed. I don"t want to rock the boat.”
“No. You are cooking. My security has cleared the house. Let’s go.”
Alex held her hand. “Let’s go.”
Alex drove, and there was the dreaded Iron Gate. Aliya was drawing parallels with Arabian Nights and was singing the theme song from ‘I Dream of Jeannie" in her head. She saw the house and remembered how beautiful it was when she saw it for the first time. She remembered the moment when she got out of his car to stroll in the garden, and her heel was caught. In between all these thoughts, she forgot to get out of the car.
Alex opened her door and held out his hand. She smiled, got out, and, like a reflex, walked on the garden walkway. Alex picked her up and walked towards the house.
“I can walk.” Said Aliya.
“But I don"t want you to.” Said Alex smiling.
They were in, and Alex placed her on the floor. She looked at their picture that was still on the wall. She wanted to acknowledge it but didn"t know what to say. She was still looking at it when she heard Alex’s voice.
“Would you like to come up?” said Alex waiting on the stairs.
These were the words she was dreading. A bedroom she shared with Alex once was at the end of the stairs. A bedroom that she once felt part of but was rooted out of without her consent. A bedroom that Alex had shared with someone else. She felt like she could sense a foreign presence even after all this time. Her despair increased with each step on that stair where she once stood in a t-shirt. By the last step, she had decided to be honest with Alex and let him know that she would not like to stay there. As she entered his bedroom and was conjuring the words, she noticed everything was different. It was a different color, furniture, curtains, and very different.
“Everything is different. This is not your bed. Different lamps, chairs, desk.” Said Aliya touching the new headboard.
“Yes, I changed everything.” Said Alex hugging her. “Do you like it?”
“Yes. It is very comforting.” And she kissed him.
Little talking was done that night, but she liked coming down the stairs in Alex’s t-shirt the following day. They were having breakfast when Aliya got a call from her mom.
“Your parents are flying with my parents, arriving on Saturday instead of Friday. I guess your parents are staying here?” asked Aliya.
“Yes. For a week.”
“Ok.”
“Aliya, we need to go back. We had clearance for twelve hours, and it has been fourteen hours.” Said Ben.
“Okay.” Said Aliya.
They were back at Aliya’s flat, and Aliya tried her Halloween costume. She was dressed in a white jumpsuit that had cut on the front and her thighs.
Alex saw Aliya and was dumbstruck. “Who are you supposed to be?”
“Kylie Minogue, Can"t get you out of my head.” Said Aliya playing the song on tv.
“How is that dress staying where it is supposed to be?” asked Alex.
“Body tape.”
“And you are going like this.”
“Yes. The theme is pop stars.”
“Am I still invited?”
Aliya took out his invitation from her bag. “I am coming. I will pick you up.” Said Alex taking the invitation.
“Your parents are going to be here. You are going to leave them alone?”
“Yes. I am picking you up. Are you wearing the same thing for Mike’s party?”
“No. Let me show you that.”
She went back and changed. She wore leather pants with high heel Louboutin Shoes and a buckled corset.
“Who are you supposed to be now?” asked Alex.
“Resident Evil. Oh, come on.”
“Can you bring a date?”
“Yes. You want to go to two high school parties?”
“If you are dressed like that.”
Aliya smiled. “And who are you planning to be, Mozart? Please don"t be Jedi.”
“One of the guys from Backstreet Boys?”
“Okay.”
The bell rang, and Shireen was there.
“Wow. For Melia’s party?” asked Shireen.
“No. Mike’s. Grab a seat and let me change. The wires are digging into my ribs.” Said Aliya.
“Who are you going to be?” asked Alex.
“Madonna. Stocking, coat, top hat.”
“That sounds amazing. Mike will have a very nice night.” Said Alex with a naughty look.
Aliya walked out. “I need to talk to you about something. Can we go upstairs?” asked Aliya to Shireen.
“Sure.”
“I need a favour. I have a present for Alex. I need to have it delivered to you. He is here, and I don"t want him to see it. It is a Fabergé egg. Inside it is Alexander Palace. It is a replica of the original commissioned by Nicholas II to his wife, Alexandra.” said Aliya.
“That is unique. I gather things are going well?”
“Yes.” Aliya took a deep breath. “I am sleeping very well. Let’s go down and see your costume.”
Shireen left. They had dinner, and it was next week. Alex went to his house on Saturday to prepare for his parents" arrival. Aliya was studying, and Alex called.
“Hey. I miss you.” Said, Alex.
“You left four hours ago.” Laughed Aliya.
“I know. What time should I pick you up?”
“You want to take Bugatti to my uncle’s place?”
“Yes.”
“The security is complicated.”
“It’s ok. I will be meeting your uncle for the first time. The car is a nice icebreaker.”
“Ok. Meet me at 11. We can head over together.”
“Ok. I will see you tomorrow. And I miss you. I will have to sleep alone tonight.”
“It’s harder for me. See you tomorrow.”
She went to bed, but she couldn"t sleep without Alex. She was up and looking through her drawers for earphones when she found the sketch notebook. She started looking through it, and before she knew it, she was asleep.
She woke up in the morning, and the notebook was lying open next to her to the last page. She was rubbing her left eye as she picked up the notebook. There was something in that sketch. She needed a magnifying glass, but she didn"t have one. It was 9 in the morning, and she didn"t know where she would find one. She had an idea. She scanned the sketch in high resolution. Once done, she zoomed in. It said, “Love, Chris.”