The 'Big Easy' Bonding Co. [Maksim Family] ●

[Nikolai Maksim]

The waiver in Diana’s features, no matter how slight, was not missed by Nikolai. However, what she had been hoping he would say, he knew not, could only fathom. While years of college and law school had taught him that overthinking was the way in which one won a situation, Nikolai didn’t enjoy naturally assuming his siblings withheld anything from him. Sure there were things that didn’t need to be said, but important information should easily have come to him as it had in the past. That was the trust the family was built on, or so he felt. Now though, he was left uncertain of this fact, and that in itself was not something he liked.

As Diana explained the general comings and goings of those in the office, Nikolai made a mental note. First thing in the morning, he would remember that from now on. A soft frown crossed Nik’s features as Diana went on to explain that those she worked with were ‘rough’. He had already imagined them to be wild hooligans, and he needed no more confirmation than that to imagine what other speculations he’d made of them were much the same. The words that came after that, however, earned an inner sigh. Little brothers…Certainly she had a male sibling apart from him, but the meaning was clear enough: these were the more rambunctious of ‘brothers’, not those who fell into the rules as truer men should have. These were what were expected from ‘masculinity’ in a society that was so very backwards. Hooligans. A press of lips was made, and a soft ‘ah’ escaped from him simply.

The last question posed solely as a word earned a small roll of eyes though a hint of color on his features might have whispered a secret truth. Perhaps he was a bit jealous- not of her having extended siblings of sorts but of the men she put herself around. They were the ones surrounding her for hours on end, saying and doing who knows what without recognizing her value as he did. It was almost as heartbreaking as when Yulia had decided to join the military. The notion she was going far away to be immersed in a field of battles and conflicts amongst strangers had sent him reeling initially, and it had taken so many talks for him to finally agree with it. Even then, Yulia had unwittingly shortened Nik’s sleep cycle a good few hours each night from worry – amongst a myriad of other horrid emotions. He was thankful, so thankful, when she came back home, to say the very least. Such experiences had written themselves into his blood, however. Nikolai knew them well. “I suppose, in a way,” he admitted simply after, setting his hands in his lap. “They spend more time with you, after all,” he continued allowing his gaze to drop slightly to her chin. “And even if you trust them, I do not so easily.” They were simple words, honest words, in a tone written with a subtle worry.

[Diana Maksim]

The slight blush and brief moment of uncomfort did not go unnoticed. The eye roll did not fool her in the slightest. Diana was paying especially focused attention after her question. Nikolai even admitted to being jealous!. And on top of that he voiced the reason.

"Don't worry. They're not my type" She replied with a wink and crooked grin. 'You are' was the next thought that never got voiced. Her eyes looked away quickly not able to hold his gaze. Her facial expression had gone serious. She didn't like withholding her thoughts. It was not what this close knit family did. But how could she be so bold? And definitely not after past conversations where they'd ruled out such a thing.

But that was the past. And perhaps time changed things, she reasoned. Nothing is set in stone, after all. And were those other conversations really taken seriously? It was hard to remember. They were simply voiced in passing. Like telling a story of a weird dream or something. 'A penny for your thoughts' she asked herself. Or rather, she wished he'd ask her. But even then, she couldn't possibly put voice to what was consuming her all of a sudden.

The line of thinking was pushed away for now. She could not let herself dwell on those thoughts. She may well slip and say something she shouldn't. And besides, he'd voiced a serious concern. One what she must address.

"Easily?" She echoed his word back at him in a question. Her eyes returned to his. "Nikolai, you of all people....." She said and left it hanging there. At first she thought it was because he would know what she was about to say. That he of all people should know better. That he of all people knew she trusted no one easily. That the trust was not given without being earned.... Yet it dawned on her that with this group she'd betrayed herself.

How did he know?.... And why did it take her until this moment to realize that he'd caught her in a lie she didn't know she'd told. But was it a lie?... Or was it years of experience?. Dare she flirt with the word "Wisdom?" She was fooling herself. Di didn't understand it. How did this happen? If Nik would have asked her flat-out "why" she trusted them, what would she say? Except that she was akin to them. That they were like kindred spirits. Was that even right?... Birds of a feather maybe?, she managed to joke with herself. She really couldn't put her finger on it except to say that she felt at ease with them. Doubting them never crossed her mind. Not about her safety, anyway. 'Their sanity is another thing.' She mused with a mental chuckle.

"No, You're right" she admitted after a pause. "I'm sorry, Nik. I have no logical explanation for it. I will welcome your evaluation after you've met them." Diana conceded. It was confirmation of what she was thinking about before. Things change. People's opinions and thinking change with time and experience.

Diana mentally smiled at that. It gave her hope. Something to believe in and dream about.

Nikolai Maksim