He wouldjust smile at the insult.It was as if the pitcher knew what he was thinking because the firstball was right down the middle and called a strik.... Bill stepped out ofthe batter's box and wiped his sweaty hands on his trousers. Thecatcher said loud enough for everyone to hear, "Come on kid. Get backin there. You know there is no chance in hell you can hit my pitcher."With a determined look on his face, Bill stepped back up to the plateand dug his cleats into the batter's box, crowding. . isn't it?The aftermath's questions scourge her raw, as if to say, Not like this.December 2016 - August 2018After returning from a healing hiatus of her own, she's stunned to find he's there, bearing poetic gifts of contrition.Though the comeback causes a storm of mixed emotions, she's gotten over him and is capable of being civil, even forgiving. His explanation for the sudden disappearance is a satisfactory one. She concedes it was all for the best; she's met someone she wouldn't have. ’ She hugged herself. Sergei lifted her chin. ‘Victoria, you ask too much of yourself. You are only twenty-four. Soon, you will come to a realization about what your purpose should be and then you will do it. Be patient. But do go visit your family and recharge yourself mentally. When you come back things will seem much clearer to you.’ ‘You are a great guy, Sergei. I wish we were in love.’ ‘Yes, it would be nice if we were, but we’re not and it is best for us to part ways before the little. Having done this he placed his hand softly between my shoulder blades and firmly but slowly pushed me forward so I was bent over the table. He walked around to the other end of the table and took my hands, stretched my arms out in front of me and fastened them to the corners of the table. He stepped back and smiled, pleased with his work. Leaning forward he kissed me softly and lovingly on the lips and I raised my head the best I could to meet him. My darling slave, he whispered I do love you.