Family Memories

Nadya takes a deep breath, "Home back on the mainland... was not a happy place. When I was old enough, I fled. And when I arrived here on the island, I was truly alone. I thought I had prepared for this, for life on my own but the first year was rough. Especially the rainy season. I wasn't fully prepared for how the sky itself tried to crush my life when the rains hit. I thought I was a goner, nights shivering in a structure that let water in... it was so cold. I caught a fever and was **** to head into town. That was when I met Penelope. She… didn't have to help me but she did... I spent several days at her place recovering and then she introduced me to Electra."

"Electra?" I ask.

"A member of the Seven Sisters, she introduced me to a new family. At least they still feel like family..." She trails off.

I feel my shoulders slump as the implication hits me, "and, then you met me?"

Nadya sighs, "Yes, then I met you... and I've never been happier." Nadya's eyes water though as she continues, "But the Seven Sisters are not friendly to men."

"Yeah, I know, they shot us... at least they did in the dream." I respond, the memory of the pain in my chest coming back to me.

Nadya visibly shudders as her body slouches defensively, "I never expected that from them, or HER rage after the fact. I thought leaving home the first time was the end of that kind of thing."

I lean forward and hold Nadya in my arms for a long moment. Our breathing slows and then after a long pause she continues, "But we're still here, and this is my home now. I'm not leaving."

"There is a social engagement of the real movers and shakers tomorrow night. If we are ever going to figure out this mess, we must be there. It won't be easy though; not sure we'll get off as lightly this time. Are you in?", she asks.

"Is that even a question?", I lean in and kiss her lips. They taste of salt and relief.

She nips my lower lip and pulls away, "Good. In the meantime, do you like games?" Nadya says as she turns to leave the hut.

"Sure?", I follow after her to the edge of the huts clearing.

"Good," She unclasps her cloak and I watch it slide down her bared breasts. The moon is out tonight, and the light catches on her skin as the cloak flows over her hips. I watch it fall off her toned legs. The thoughts of what those legs would feel like against me… I’m pulled away from my thoughts when I hear a single smug word, "Strip."

My breath catches as I hurriedly pull off my clothes. I lack the same grace Nadya displayed, and the corner of her mouth pulls up as she watches me hungrily.

"Excellent, now for the rules..."