Fatefully Yours

by Misha Anderson

  "Yeah, maybe you're right."

  Úrsula shares her earphone with me, enjoying Ray Charles singing Georgia on My Mind, the end of the day weather so perfect that I fall asleep and take a nap.

  I wake with Úrsula, Renato, and Jarbas looking at me surprised, until Renato lowers his eyes to my feet and I look to see what he's seeing. I curl my toes, bothered by the cold breeze that numbs my feet and he looks at me astonished. Úrsula points at my feet and is unable to say a word, putting her hand on her mouth, trying to hold a shriek in. I curl my left toes again, with some effort and look at Renato with wide eyes. Then he breaks the silence and pulls me from the maelstrom of thoughts.

  "You just moved the toes of both feet. Do you know what that means, Klaus?” I shake my heads and he goes on, "It means the sensations in your legs are coming back. You're fucking coming back! Shit, I can't believe it. Now it's only a matter of time and effort, and you'll be standing again, my friend."

  We leave the beach as if we’re stepping on eggshells, dizzy, foolishly happy, I can see the hope in the three faces staring at me. I invite Úrsula back to the apartment to celebrate. Úrsula and I drink two bottles of wine, and drink some beers with Renato and Jarbas. We sing, toast, get drunk as if purging all the frustration of these last few months. I don't know how or when I fell asleep, but I only wake with Anahí loudly complaining about seeing me lying in bed next to Renato, both of us drunk.

  "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting your intimate time, but I want my bed. What got into you to drink like this? And why is your sister lying on the couch, drunk? Aren't you ashamed, Klaus?"

  I push Renato from the bed and he falls on the floor, grumbling sleepily.

  "Don't do that, sweetheart."

  "Not your fucking sweetheart! Get out, Renato. Anahí's home."

  Renato stands up, still dizzy and scratches his head, smiling.

  "I'm sorry, we drank too much, but the news asked for it."

  Renato leaves the room leaving me alone with Anahí who asks, still mad at seeing me drunk, "And may I ask what were you celebrating?"

  I settle my body on the mattress with my arms, keeping my legs straight, and silently, even though it's hard, I can move my left toes again.

  Anahí eyes open wide and she covers her mouth with her hand then jumps on me in the bed, sitting on my hips and kissing me between tears and shouts of joy.

  "That's great, Klaus. I told you! We'll keep working and we'll get there, honey. Ha! This is definitely a reason to celebrate. I love you, Viking."

  "I love you more, little cabocla."

  CHAPTER 17

  ANAHÍ

  Great gifts bring great responsibility... That sentence fits like a glove in our lives at the moment. Ever since the results of Klaus's recovery have become more evident, our work together increases exponentially. Every exercise, every drop of sweat, push us down one path: making him walk. Even though Klaus's still the same grumpy, argumentative patient as always, ever since his visible improvement, he's been more cooperative with the proposed therapy and his enthusiasm is contagious. Several times I had to tell him to take a break so he wouldn't overtire overwork his muscles.

  I turn off the TENS, an equipment used on electrotherapy in the repair of lesions and sit down to write up my daily assessment. I'm irritated, today Klaus was more scattered than ever and the impression that I got was that he was saving up his energy during the whole session. Shit! Now when we're making such big strides, he starts being lazy, slacking off? Klaus is quiet and as soon as Renato e Ciro Abib, the assistant PT, get close they start whispering. I grumble annoyed that they look like a bunch of old women, but my venting dies on my lips when I see that they're taking Klaus's chair to the parallel bars. I look at Ciro and he raises his eyes quickly and signals for me to shut up and be quiet. Renato raises Klaus from the chair with effort and leans his huge body on his arms, however, different than I expected, Klaus stays standing, his body curved and knees trembling exposing the huge effort he has to make to stay in this position, however he does stays up on his own two legs. My traitorous eyes tear up without me being able to hold it in.

  Renato helps Klaus hold on to the parallel bars and positions himself in front of him, Klaus holds the bars tightly and grimaces from the effort. Taking a deep breath and slowly, he drags the right foot forward, timidly. The sweat runs down his pale face, dripping, testifying at the herculean effort Klaus makes to stay up and try to put one foot forward, however, this doesn't stop him from moving on. Klaus takes one more step, short and shakily, on the second step his knees shake, bend, he's about to fall down, but he doesn't give up, turns his face to face me and our gaze lock... It's like time stops and there's nothing around but us and this magic moment. He tries to take a fourth step, but he's exhausted and his legs finally give out and fold. Renato supports him and Ciro brings the chair close and he sits down, supported by both of them.

  Renato throws himself down on the wood floor and sits hiding his face on his hands, there's no need for words to know what’s going to happen next, the big black giant cries, quietly and leaning over his knees, embarrassed he can't hold his emotions in. Ciro tries to hide it and dry his tears, smiling at me.

  I see them connected and moved by the same emotions, just like the spin of my soul, drowning in joy and rapture. My legs shake like jelly, but I still walk to the man I love, kneel in front of him and he smiles and cries at the same time, just like me. We don't say anything for a long time, just gazing at each other, deeply, not turning away, getting carried away by this singular moment in our history.

  At last, I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my head on his thighs and he complains, demanding more of himself than necessary.

  "Damn it, I had to keep going, but I couldn't do it."

  "Shh, don't talk nonsense. Stop asking too much of yourself. Klaus, what happened here today was fantastic, don't diminish your victory with absurd demands. You're not going to start walking like magic, it's one step after the other. There will be days that will be harder than others, but now we're sure we're on the right path. You'll get there, baby."

  He pulls me up by the arms and I sit on his lap, melting when I feel his breath falling on my neck. Klaus moves my hair to the side and whispers in my ear with a low voice, heartfelt.

  "Say it again, Anahí."

  "You. Will. Get. There. Baby," I say, giving him a kiss on his soft mouth between words.

  "With the help of all of you, I know I will. Thank you for not giving up on me, I know I can be difficult."

  Renato stands up, gives Ciro a tight hug and fist bumps Klaus, making him laugh.

  "A difficult man and a cheapskate. I haven't forgotten you owe me. Are you a man of you word Mr. Klaus Schneider?

  "Of course I'm a man of my word. What are you talking about, Renato?"

  "Did you forget your promise? You told me if I helped you with a certain person you'd kiss my ass. I did my part, now is time to pay up," Renato jokes, opening his arms and making loud kissing noises.

  "When I'm ready to pay the second part of our deal, I promise to make your dreams come true. Shit, dude, I didn't know you were so into me."

  "You're not my type. Too white, but maybe after you get a tan and some breasts, we can talk again. I have to go, my girl is waiting for me at home," he teases Klaus, and says goodbye going to enjoy his night off.

  "Go, man. Thank you one more time you two. Really."

  "You're welcome. See you tomorrow." Ciro also waves leaving the room and leaving me alone with Klaus.

  As soon as the door closes, Klaus twines his fingers on my hair making me face him.

  "Now that we're alone, where were we, little cabocla?" He asks holding my left breast under my top, teasing my nipple with a dirty look. Even with him being a grumpy, annoying, jealous person, I look at his mesmerizing blue eyes and I think that even if he doesn't realize it, it's easy to love him.

  From the first moment I saw him, in that hospital bed, I knew that he would affect me like
no other man before. And my love, the need to sleep, wake and share all the hours of my life with this maddening man, get bigger every day.

  I kiss him enthusiastically, thrusting my tongue in his hot mouth, his hands wander over my legs and stop next to my panties, Klaus drags his fingers to my pussy and pulls the delicate fabric aside, slowly sliding his middle and index finger to my wetness needing to be filled.

  I arch my body and spread my legs further, letting him fill me with his touch and take from my body every whisper of control, leaving nothing behind but a heady desire, my sex pulsing for his member. Klaus fingers me, diddling me in a rhythmic and wanton thrusting, he narrows his eyes and bites his lip, excited, hard under my ass. He rubs his long, thick cock in my pussy while tormenting me with his magic fingers, making me see stars.

  "You're going to come for me? You're going to take my cock deep into that tight pussy, hot little cabocla?"

  "Yes, yes baby. More, please, harder."

  I can't take his torture for long and come squeezing his fingers, moaning shamelessly on each wave. Klaus waits until my breath calms down and kisses my neck, from the earlobe down to my collarbone, sucking on my skin, branding it with his kisses. I get off his lap and slide down in front of him, pulling his hard as still cock out of the exercise shorts. I take off my sport bra and my yoga pants along with my panties, standing there completely naked. I turn my back to him, gifting him with the sight of my ass, I open my legs and guide his cock to my entrance, slowly sliding down his length.

  With every up and down movement of my hips, my clit bumps his balls, that massage it in a way that, with every thrust of his cock, I get closer to a maddening orgasm. He holds my hips, pulling hard against his own, harder and faster, deeper and stiffer, slapping my ass, taken over by a primal, savage lust.

  "You want more, baby? Tell me, I want to hear you say it, naughty girl." He grunts in my ear, slapping my left ass cheek.

  "I want, more, please, Klaus." I raise my ass, loving the rough and masculine way he takes all he wants.

  "Then take it, take my cock in your hot little pussy. Can you feel me deep inside you?"

  "Yes, so deep, Viking. Fuck me, I'm so close...Oh, I'm going to come so much." I squeeze the walls of my sex, screaming his name loudly and shamelessly.

  "Like that, squeeze my dick. Fuck it, so hot. Can you feel it, baby? I'm filling you up," Klaus growl, coming hard in me.

  "Yes, oh! Viking, I love you."

  "I love you too. Forever, my beautiful girl."

  After we make love, we take a shower together and sleep intertwined. Klaus pets my hair silently, seeming lost in thought and I joke, "Earth to Klaus. What is it, baby? You're looking so far way, is everything okay?"

  "Mm-hmm. I'm just thinking how to ask you something but I don't know where to start," he says shyly. His hands suddenly sweaty and trembling.

  "Now you're making me worried. I'm sure nothing can be that bad. Why don't you try starting from the beginning?"

  Klaus raises my face forcing me for face him and says seriously, "I've been thinking that even with our fights, we fucking love each other. I can't imagine going to sleep or waking up next to a woman that's not you, little cabocla. I know I still have a long way to go before I'm completely back, and even if that happens, I won't be an athlete like before. I'll probably have some limitations, but even so, having you with me fills me up with hope that I can be a better man every day."

  "Klaus, just say it."

  "I know, I know I'm beating around the bush, but all I said it's true. Fuck, I never thought this would be so hard, but here it goes... Will you marry me?"

  Shit, I didn't expect that. My heart feels like it wants to jump out my chest, beating wildly. Marriage. Are we ready for such a huge step? Isn't this too fast?

  "Klaus, I, I..."

  I can feel Klaus stiffening up, reading himself for rejection, and he says threadily, stuttering, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything now. It might seem like I did it because of everything that happened today, but I've been planning this for some time. I understand if you don't to take such a big step, after all, we've known each other for so little time, but, fuck! I was engaged to Cláudia for so long and I didn't feel for her not even a third of what I feel for you..."

  I don't listen to anything else Klaus says, my mind turning his proposal around and the change in our lives if I say yes or no. I think about my strict life, scheduled and bland, the fear of new that stifles me and has always stopped me from taking a risk and throwing myself on the arms of the unexpected. I love Klaus and even though it's a new relationship, I never fell so intensely, never a man made me feel so loved, complete, alive, like this hardheaded, contentious Viking.

  Klaus keeps talking embarrassed about everything that's stopping us from taking this step, his recovery is just starting, his flaws, our differences, but I ignore his insecurity and our fears. I hold his face, forcing him to shut up and face me, saying, "Shh, shut up, Viking, I accept. Yes, I'll marry you."

  Klaus laughs and pinches me, kissing me deeply.

  "Fuck, you scared me. I was trying to figure out what was the best way to convince you to say yes: trying to jump out of the building or tying you to the bed."

  "There's no need for any of that. I'll marry you, Viking."

  "Shit, this is one for the books, I've never been so happy, little cabocla."

  "Me neither, I've never felt so happy, my hot Viking."

  We make love the rest of the night, unhurriedly, enjoying the syncing and perfect connection of our bodies and hearts, that every hour that passes become one.

  CHAPTER 18

  THREE MONTHS LATER

  KLAUS

  Ever since the day I was able stand again, every step I take, every minute standing straight on my own legs, are new battles to be won. Sometimes I'm frustrated that I can’t move with the ease I hope for, but I know that's just a consequence of my anxious way of being. I'm a competitive man as shown by my athlete nature, I've always been like that. I try to remember a time where I wasn't and can't. The coolest toys, the hottest girl in college, the first place in the podium, in every aspect of my life I always chase victory. Being the best is the fuel that moves my life, the challenge that spurs and excites me. So, when I can't finish an exercise series or when I have to go back to the chair to rest my back, it leaves me furious and frustrated. What I want the most is to retire Penélope for good and move freely, easily. Even sitting on Pen, my thigh muscles burn after a tiring session of hydrotherapy and ambulation exercises at the parallel bars, my body in tatters.

  Today Anahí replaces my walker with crutches and, according to her, I did great. The way, the speed, time and distance I moved were well within the expect for this phase of my recovery.

  The phone rings and I smile when I see it's Úrsula calling for, let's be honest, the eighth time... Just to check that I'm going to her bachelorette party today and that I haven’t decided to let her down and quit being the best man at her wedding.

  "Hey, Ursa. What's up, girl?"

  "Don't forget Kau, the club is in Copacabana. Do you have the right address? You spoke with Renato, Ciro, and Felipe, and they're coming, right?" Úrsula ask anxiously.

  "I got the address and I spoke with the guys. We're all going to be there at 9. We're taking Ciro's car, he's will be DD and won't be drinking."

  “OK, cool. Then I'll see you later, dude!"

  I hang up and yell for Renato. Just when I need him the most he disappears, where is he? Less than 5 minutes later, Renato burst through the living room, looking guilty, biting his nails and scratching his huge head.

  "Why are you looking like that, Big?"

  "Yesterday Magali went through my pockets and found the address of the club where Úrsula is having her bachelorette party. She was pissed, Klaus. She almost broke my head with Saint George's statue. Fuck, it’s the statue of my patron saint, I was pissed off. That's not right, I told her she was wrong, I'm not going to hook up with someone. But then I
got scared, do you think the fact that she broke my Saint George is a bad sign?"

  "Fucking no, Renato. That just shows that your wife's aim sucks, or else you wouldn't be here talking nonsense. But if you don't want to come with us, that's fine man. If it's going to fucking cause issues between you two, go home, brother, I'll explain to Úrsula why you couldn't go."

  Renato shakes his head, pouting and talking with his hands.

  "No way, I keep my promises, Klaus. I told Úrsula that I was going and that's what I'm going to do. Magali has to get over her silly jealousy, after so many years of marriage she's supposed to trust me more than this. I trust her, I know the woman I share my home with, for me jealousy is a sign of insecurity. Besides, I'm just going to give your sister a hug and drink a couple of beers. Anahí made me promise to keep an eye on you and not let you get hammered. Go get ready, I'll wait for you here."

  I nod and amble to Anahí's bedroom. It takes me forever to get there and when I open the door, I'm surprised to see Anahí putting on makeup in the bathroom, wearing jeans that fit her curves like a second skin. Her tight ass calls me like a siren call and I swallow, feeling my cock stirring as I get near her. Where does she think she's going dressed like this?

  "God is good, but those jeans, huh? May I ask where you're going vacuum wrapped like that?" I ask trying to disguise my bad mood seeing her look so hot and animated.

  Anahí throws her long night-black hair to the side and it falls like a waterfall, giving her a wild look. She doesn't even bother turning to me and answers looking though the mirror while putting on some black shit under her eyes take make them even more striking. Bad, this is really bad...

  "I'm going to the same event as you, Mr. Schneider. Did you forget today is also Luiza's bachelorette party? We're going to a samba party in Lapa. They'll be here in 10 minutes. I'm meeting them downstairs."

  "I know, I'll be going to Copacabana. Úrsula is waiting for me. Are you mad that I'm going?"