Alexei went back into the locker room. He felt exhausted but happy. No wonder, he had just finished a wonderful performance at the SOI tour. It had been a great evening everything went perfect and the audience was stunning. The crew got standing ovations and tons of flowers and stuffed animals came down from the ranks where people where applauding and shouting.

He was quite used to this excitement but he felt happy again every time. He needed the support of his fans to convince him he did the right thing. Right now, he just wanted to take a shower and then join the little party the SOI management had organised. All the skaters and some other invited people would be there. After several weeks of touring through the US he would enjoy some entertainment. They had worked really hard on their programmes to get them perfect.

And now it was time to relax a little bit. Just a few more performances and then the tour would be over. He really enjoyed his time here but he was also looking forward to coming home again and taking a little break before he started working on his new programmes for the next season.

But now he would have to hurry up a little bit if he wanted to be at the party in time.

The party had already started when he arrived half an hour later. He recognised a few other skaters among the various groups of people standing around talking. He was in a great mood so he decided to get something to drink and then find some company.

He walked towards the bar backwards as he was intensively watching a group of girls chatting and giggling. They suddenly seemed to notice him and all three of them started grinning from one ear to another. He smiled back ....

Bum. He suddenly bumped into someone coming from behind.

"Im really sorry" he said, turning around to look into a pair of amazing blue eyes. It was a blue, almost black deep like the ocean. "Im ok" A soft voice brought him back into reality. These eyes ... he got totally lost in them. He watched the person closely. It was woman, about his age. Her hair was a mixture of red and golden, shimmering brightly in the dimmed light. It fit perfectly together with her dark olive toned dress. Her eyes were still fascinating him ... he had never seen such beautiful eyes before. Never?

It suddenly hit him like punch on the head. "Anya?" he asked with great disbelief. "Yeah, thats me" she replied smiling "I was already wondering how long itll take until you recognise me."

"But ... Im sorry. I still cant believe it. How long is it since weve last seen each other? It must be years ... I ... I dont know what to say." He was totally startled.

"What about hi?" she suggested.

"What? Sure ... please forgive me but this came totally unexpected. Youre the last person Ive imagined to meet here ... I mean, dont get me wrong. That sounded kinda rude. Im just so ... stunned. I dont know how to put it into words ..."

"Dont worry, I know what you mean." She smiled again.

And then, all of a sudden he got over his surprise and pulled his arms around her. He held her closely, feeling very safe and relaxed all of a sudden. Without even thinking he placed a soft kiss on her lips. "Its so good to see you again" he said, grinning.

"Now, what was that?" she asked, slightly surprised.

"I just kissed an old friend. Besides, weve been far more than that ... remember?" he explained with a challenging look. She didnt answer this time. "Theres so much you have to tell me" he continued. "Lets find a quiet place to talk"

He took her by the hand and led her trough the hall which was full of people. There was a smaller one next to it, with several tables in one corner. They took one of them and he ordered something to drink. "One Baileys for the lady" he ordered. "And one Vodka Orange for the gentleman" she told the waiter. They were both smiling. "So you still remember my fave drink" she said. "Of course. How could I forget?!"

There was silence until they got their drinks. Alexei took his glass "To the most beautiful in here tonight" he said seriously and smiled at her. "Still the flatterer you used to be ...." she smiled back.

Once they started they were soon talking like they havent been separated for so long. It turned out that Anya was living in Boston for almost 3 years now. She had finished studying Economy & Business and was now looking for a job. In the meantime, she was working at a news agency writing articles on different occasions but mainly organising that everything went the right way. "I never imagined myself working in such an office but its quite fun" she told him. "Its quite busy there but also a lot of fun. I do articles on totally different topics; whenever theres something left Mr Kingsly comes over and asks if I can do it. But mostly they are about Economy or Lifestyle ... stuff like that. Its no big magazine at all but I really enjoy the atmosphere there. Im still surprised that I got the job. I just went there and had an interview but I thought they would take someone more experienced than me I havent even studied journalism." "But you always had a great way with words" he interrupted her "They way you can talk about things even economy is fascinating. You make it sound so interesting, so lively." He smiled. He clearly remembered how she used to tell him about the most common things but she made them sound special. It had been a great time when they had been together ...

Thinking back to those days he sighed. "Whats wrong?" she asked. "Ah, nothing. I just had to think of those days when we were still together ... I wonder what would have happened if I hadnt gone to the US ! It seems so unreal that we havent seen each other for so long how could that happen?" he said, deep in thoughts. "Well. I guess we somehow lost contact" She seemed to think about it, too. "if you hadnt gone ... well, I would have gone anyway. They offered me a place on the Boston University shortly after you moved over to Connecticut. But I didnt go immediately. You know, I love my home country ... and I was a bit young, too. But it was a great experience. So I decided to stay here. And if I get some job ... there are more opportunities here!" Alexei just watched her talking. She had changed a bit. Her appearance was more mature now. Well, she had been 18 when he had last seen her. And now she was almost 24. Just like him. "I know what you mean" he replied "But you have to promise me something: since I know youre here now I dont wanna wait 5 more years to see you again." It made her laugh. "Ok, I promise!"

"But you still havent told me what youre doing here. Tonight I mean." He looked at her exspectatingly. "No great story. I just wanted to see SOI. I dont get the chance to see so many talented skaters together very often. And one of my friends is working for a Sports magazine she got the invitation to this little party. Unfortunately her husband has some health problems so she asked me to go. I thought this might be interesting ... partly, since I hoped to see you here!" There was a shy smile. "Im happy you did" he said softly.

There was music coming from the other hall, together with laughter. "Dont they miss ya over there?" she asked. "I think they will get along without me. We see each other every day, for several weeks now. I guess a little break wont hurt anyone."

He suddenly noticed the glance in her eyes. "Wanna dance?" he asked, offering his hand. "Sure. But I thought you dont like it ..." "Theres an exception to the rule everywhere ... besides, I know how much you love it!" Its amazing how well he remembers everything, Anya thought as he led her to the dance floor.

But now it was different. He softly pulled his arms around her waist, holding her close. They moved in perfect synchronisation in a slow rhythm to the music. She remembered only one time they had been dancing like this. " Hey, remember the prom?" she asked. "Of course. Youve been the most beautiful girl of the night ... everyone was jealous. I still dont know why youve chosen me to go there with you." "Maybe cuz Ive liked you" she teased him. "We had quite a lot of fun there" "Yeah, life was so easy then ..." he agreed.

Anya had been a bit nervous when she got there that evening. She was dying to see him but she was also afraid. How would he react after such a long time? But now, in his arms she felt totally relaxed and safe. She stepped a bit closer and placed her head on his shoulder. It felt good to be so close to him. Anya hadnt been going out much the last years ... not only because of studying. But she doubted that she would have felt the same way in the arms of another man, anyway. Even back then, when they had still been innocent teenagers she knew that he was something very special that he would be a special part in her life. If she had only known how true that was ...

But she didnt want to worry about things now. This was their night and she was determined to enjoy it as much as she could. She wrapped her arms around his neck. This was the most wonderful night for a long time. Not that she was unhappy but nights could be very lonely ...

Alexei was slightly surprised on her reaction. They had been a couple once, but that was years ago ... and she had never been that kind of easy girl. She had a great pride, he remembered that and a strong mind. Right now, she seemed vulnerable and still strong. He could feel her soft skin on his cheek and her warm breathing. Somehow, it was funny ... of course he had been thinking about her. She had been his first love one didnt forget that. But he didnt quite expect to meet her again after they lost contact ... and now he felt quite unsure about his feelings towards her. There had been several woman in his life, but it never lasted long. Maybe it was because he had always compared them to her ... She had always been of equal birth to him whereas most of the other girls had just adored him. She could even made him dance ... he felt like a teenager again.

It made him a bit nervous. The fact that he really liked holding her in his arms, being so close to her ... he couldnt really tell why but it made him feel like home. He closed his eyes and pulled her even closer.

They were dancing until the music ended. Only a few people were still there and Anya decided that it was time to go home. "Wait, Ill bring you" Alexei told her.

It was a warm night. They went by foot since both felt like they needed some fresh air. Besides, Anyas apartment wasnt too far away. They walked along, talking and laughing about incidents they remembered from their past.

There reached a long avenue of trees along the street. They stopped in front of one of the houses.

Anya turned to him. "That was a wonderful evening. Thank you."

"No I have to thank you. You made this a special one." Pause. He seemed to be thinking about something. "May I call you tomorrow?" he finally asked.

"Sure. If you want to. Heres the number of my office." She took a small card out of her bag and handed it over to him.

"Great. Thanks." He replied happily. Why did he feel so excited suddenly, he wondered. Really, like a teenager ...

It was time for a final good-night. She kissed him on the cheek. But he suddenly turned his head and kissed her on her mouth, again. Anya turned away, feeling that this was not the right moment. "Im not sure if thats right ..." she said quietly, looking at him a bit worried. "Im sorry ... Good night. And thank you for the nice evening, again." With these words she turned around and went upstairs. She took one last look at him before the door finally closed behind her.

Alexei stood where she had left him. Hed been a fool ... but he suddenly had felt a great desire to kiss her. Of course he knew that this was quite early. She was right, they needed some time. He would call her tomorrow ...

The next day started quite busy. Anya arrived at the office early but left again very soon to get some "material" as Mr Kingsley put it for the article she was writing. She spent almost 3 hours talking to different people to get some more information on her topic. It was a hot day and all the running around was tiring. Nevertheless it was interesting and Anya showed great enthusiasm. It was that enthusiasm that opened doors and mouths for her ... her lively and confident personality had always attracted people even though she was so young, or maybe just because of that.

When she finally came back to the office, one of the other writers, Joyce greeted her with a huge smile. "Hey you got really famous. There are 4 calls in absence for you ... I wrote down the number! Its on your desk ... he sounded very excited, by the way! Anything you wanna tell me ???" she told her.

Anya looked a bit startled. 4 times? Who on earth was missing her so badly ??? she found the little note on her desk just as Joyce had told her. It was a cell phone number. She took the receiver and dialled. It was ringing 3 times before a well-known voice yelled "Hello?" "Hey, its me" she said "You must have been very desperate to call 4 times in just 3 hours" she replied. "I was missing you" Alexei told her happily "I just wanted to know if youre free for lunch?" "I guess I am" Anya said. "Where are you now?" "Not far away. Ill catch you from your office in ... lets say half an hour. Ok?" "Ok. Ill be there. Bye" "See you then. Bye!"

As she put down the receiver a little smile appeared on her face. Just hearing his voice made her feel happy, without any specific reason. It was strange ... but she had to admit that there were feelings for him, even if she wasnt sure of what kind. Thinking about the last night when he tried to kiss her. It would be a lie to say she wouldnt have wanted it but he needed to know a few things first ...

She still wasnt sure how to tell him but she somehow felt that she had to ... These thoughts made her nervous so she decided to continue with the article until he arrived. She got so deep into her work that she almost forgot about time ...

He was already waiting when she rushed out of the entrance door right into his arms. "Hey, why so fast? Looking for someone?" he joked. She gave him a smile and a kiss on the cheek. "So, where do we go now?" she asked. "I thought were looking around a bit. Do you feel like something special?" "I know a good restaurant ... its not that far away" "Ok, lets go then!"

They walked along the avenue in the warm sunshine. It was one of the quieter streets that was what Anya liked most. She knew about the advantages of the big city but she never liked the hectic and the millions of people crowded at the same place.

She was so deep in her thoughts that she shrieked when he suddenly put his arm around her. "hey, you look so worried. Whats wrong? Is it that kiss yesterday ? you know ..."

"No, its not the kiss. Its nothing. I was just thinking ..."

"You know, I really wanna say sorry for that incident ... I know I shouldnt have done it but ..."

"Would you stop this nonsense?! It wasnt your fault and it didnt kill me, either. Dont worry about it any longer ... its such a beautiful day. Lets talk about something different. I dont want to give you sleepless nights because of this incident, anyway."

"Too late. You already did." He smiled at her. Anya gave him a threatening look. They both had to laugh.

They arrived at a lovely little restaurant, with several tables out on the sunny terrace. Alexei chose one of them and waited until she had sat down. Wow, perfect gentleman, she thought.

They ordered their meals and started talking again. This time it was Alexeis turn to tell about his life. He told her everything from the day he left Russia up to his victory at the Olympic winter games in SLC and his 5^th World title this year. She could clearly see the fire and the pride in his eyes the passion when he talked about skating. She had known it before, but right now it was even stronger.

"Youre amazing" she told him "I saw you on TV quite often and I was stunned every time. Who would have thought youre such a great talent?!" she teased him. He gave her a smile. Of course, it had always been obvious that he was more than a normal skater. Everybody had told him a great future. And she was no exception. From the first day they had met she had known that Figure Skating would play the biggest part in his life and that he was an extraordinary talent. And he himself had always known it, too.

Right now, when she was watching him, she felt that power again. The power of his passion and his dedication to the sport he loved. Yet he was so young, but she couldnt deny that he had grown up throughout the last few years. The naive teenager who had left Russia at the age of 18 had turned into a handsome and confident young man. Oh yes, handsome was the right word ... with his amazingly blue eyes, his blonde hair shimmering in the early evening sun, all his moves and gestures so full of life. She found herself staring at him and quickly turned to something different. "Its getting late. I really enjoy being here with you but I need to go back. Theres still some work left for me ..." she told him. "Oh, ok. I dont want to cause any trouble ..."

They had spent several hours there, talking and laughing and making fun. Now it was time to go get back home. Alexei paid as he had always done, as long as she knew him. They left the restaurant and slowly headed back to her office.

They had just arrived the building when suddenly someone shouted "Mommy, mommy!" A little girl of about 4 years of age came running towards them. Alexei was quite startled but Anya just bent down and caught the little one who flung into her open arms. "Hey sweetheart. How are you? Did you miss me?" she said softly. "Yeah, I missed you so much. You know what Ive done today? We went into the park ... !" Her eyes were glancing and she was smiling brightly, with red cheeks as she told Anya all that.

"Thats great. But I want you to meet someone" Anya told her, turning to Alexei. "This is Alexei, one of my friends. Say hello to him!"

The girl turned to him and watched him closely. "Hi Alexei!" she said, grinning.

Alexei was too startled to say anything at first. Mommy? Why didnt she tell him anything? He still couldnt believe it. Of all the things this was the last one he had expected. He never expected Anya to be a mother she was just 23! And he knew that she wasnt the kind of woman who ...

Anya watched him, a bit anxious. She knew she should have told him but she hadnt expected Elena to be back so early. What was he thinking right now? He must be shocked ... she could read it from his face.

Just then he got onto his knees and said "Hi. Im Alexei. Nice to meet you. And whats your name?"

"Elena." She replied.

Alexei smiled at her, then he looked up to Anya. Why didnt you tell me, his eyes were asking. Right then, Joyce came running towards them. "So here you are, you little run-away" She said, out of breath. "Im sorry, I just let her off my eyes for second. They brought her a bit earlier today cuz theyve been in the park" she explained to Anya. "Since I didnt know when youll come back ... I guess everythings ok now." She smiled. "Gotta go now. That article is killing me. But I need to finish it until tomorrow. See ya then ..." she waved a good-bye and left.

In the meantime, Elena had started telling Alexei about her day in the park. She was quite busy in trying to get all his attention and Alexei listened carefully. Anya had to smile when she saw them. It seemed as if he had got over his shock.

"Mommy, can Alexei have dinner with us?" Elena suddenly asked. Alexei looked at her, a bit unsure what to say. That was another unexpected thing ...

Anya thought for a moment but the begging eyes of her daughter didnt give her a chance. "Ok, but you have to promise that youll behave" she sighed. "Im always a good girl" Elena protested "Come on" she took Alexeis hand. "Ill show you the way"

Alexei looked back at Anya. "are you coming?" he asked, smiling. In a strange way he felt very comfortable with the little girl pulling on his hand.

It was still light when they arrived at Anyas house which he already knew. But he had not gone inside yet. They took the lift to the 2^nd floor and Anya opened the door.

"Hey honey, why dont you go and wash your hands? And take off the dress before it gets dirty" she told Elena who quickly disappeared for the bathroom.

They were alone in the kitchen now. Alexei watched her carefully. None of them knew what to say. "Why didnt you tell me?" he finally asked. "I didnt know how ... Its not that easy." She replied, trying to look more confident than she actually felt. Really, it wasnt that easy ...

"What do you think now?" she asked carefully. "What should I think? Do you think I dont like you anymore just because youve got a child? You should really know me better ... It was just a bit of a surprise I didnt expect something like that, to be honest. How could you ... I mean, how old is she?" His voice was very soft. "Four." She replied.

He looked at her and she caught see a glimpse of surprise in eyes. "But that was ...." "Yeah, it was a long time ago. Just after I finished school ..." she interrupted him. "But ... I never thought youre ... I mean youve always been such a good student and ambitious ..." "Well, some things just happen" "That must have been hard for you." "Kind of. It wasnt exactly what I planned but I had to accept it. And my family was a great help so I could go on studying right after she was born. It was not easy but I dont regret my decision. I loved her from the very first moment ..." She looked so peaceful now and he could see on her face how much she loved her daughter. She had always loved like that all or nothing. There was one question bothering him but he didnt dare to ask. He wasnt sure if she wanted to talk about it ... "Have you been .... married?" he finally asked. "No." It was just one word but he understood. She didnt want to go on any further about it and he accepted that.

Just then Elena came into the kitchen, quite excited. "Do you wanna see my room?" she asked him. "Of course, Id love to" he replied. She took his hand again and led him through the flat. It was a nice one. He noticed that there were only light colours with wooden furniture and many plants. He could feel Anyas presence in every room, in the way she had arranged the flowers on the table, in the pictures on the wall. Everything was so typical her. It was like he had just come home ...

While Anya was preparing dinner in the kitchen she watched Alexei and Elena, playing in the living room. They were sitting on the floor and the little girl was busy explaining some kind of game to him. Anya was slightly surprised. Elena was quite a lively and open-hearted girl but she wasnt always like that to strangers. Did she sense it?

But even more surprising was Alexeis reaction to her. He paid all his attention to her and he looked so happy and peaceful. There was an expression on his face she had never seen before ... It was like he had found something missing in his life. They looked so sweet together ... it almost made her cry.

Elenas happy laughter brought her back to reality. She could see in the eyes of her daughter how she adored Alexei, even if she just knew him for about two hours. Never had she seen her so happy and over-excited for a long time. Even though there had been no signs about it yet Anya somehow felt that Elena was missing a father ... something she wished life wouldnt be so complicated.

The two were still fooling around on the floor when Anya told them that dinner was ready. Alexei quickly got up and took up Elena. "Youre a little princess" he said in Russian. "Yes, and youre my prince. Youll have to marry me!" she replied in Russian. He was so surprised that he almost let her fall down. "You speak Russian?" he asked, disbelieving. "Sure, she does. Its her native language" Anya told him. "I want her to know where she comes from" "Amazing" he said.

They had dinner and quite a lot of fun. Elena was entertaining them with little stories from kindergarten and her experiences in the park. It was like she never wanted to stop. It was already 9 PM when Anya finally told her that it was bed time. "But Im not tired" she protested. "Well, you have to get up early tomorrow. And Alexei needs some rest, too you know. Hes quite busy and he wants to go home and sleep as well." Anya replied in a more serious tone.

That seemed to convince Elena. They all got up and went to the door. "That was a wonderful evening. Thank you. Youre a great cook, by the way." He gently kissed Anya on both cheeks. "I want a kiss, too" Elena claimed. Anya looked at her in astonishment. Never had she said that to anyone. Alexei seemed a bit startled as well but he bent down and kissed her on the forehead. "Good night, princess. And listen to your mommy, huh ?!" He ran his hand through her goldblonde hair. The was so much love in his eyes that it took her breath away. He hardly knew this little girl yet he already loved her. The same with Elena. Anya knew about his impact on women and Elena had fallen for him already.

She reluctantly let off his hand when he got up a smiled a shy good-bye at Anya.

"Will you come again tomorrow?" Elena suddenly asked, well she was almost begging. "Do you want me to come again?" he asked, with an asking look to her mother. "Of course" Elena yelled. He was still waiting for Anya to say something. She seemed to think about it. "Call me tomorrow" she finally said "Then we will decide what to do, ok?" "Ok." He waved good-bye to Elena.

He was almost out of the door when he turned around and whispered "I love you. You know that ?!" into Anyas ear. He left her startled.

Elena stood beside her, holding her hand and watching Alexei going downstairs with her bright blue eyes. An amazing blue. Just like Alexeis ....

The next day, Alexei called again when Anya was in her office. It was a warm and sunny day so they decided to go for a walk.

Anya picked up Elena who was so excited that she couldnt sit still for a second. They had planned to meet at the huge park near to the Skating Centre where Alexei had been training. He was already waiting when they arrived.

Elena started running towards him and flung into his arms. "Hello princess!" he said, kissing her on the forehead. He kissed Anya gently on her cheeks when she arrived, but soon paid all his attention again to the girl.

They went along the park, Alexei and Elena running around and making fun, Anya leaving behind a little bit. She just enjoyed watching them from apart. It was so moving to her that he had problems not to start cry out of joy.

The way Alexei behaved towards Elena was amazing it was like they had known each other long before. He was chasing after her, making her laugh and took her up spinning her around.

After some time they got tired and sat on a bench in the sunshine. Elena was sitting on his knees, telling him one of the stories Anya used to tell her before going to bed. After she was finished, the two adults started talking. Elena soon got bored with their conversation and headed off to play with some other kids nearby. "Dont go away too far. And be careful!" Anya shouted after her. "She adores you" she continued, turning to him. Alexei didnt answer, he watched the girl with a dreamy expression on his face. He finally turned to her and put his face into his hands, forcing her to look into his eyes. "I really meant what Ive said yesterday" he said quietly. She didnt know what he meant at first but when she remembered what he had told her in the doorway she blushed slightly. "I dont expect you to feel the same I dont want you to force into anything. But when I spent my day with you I realised that I never stopped loving you. I fell in love with you even harder than before. I wanted you to know this." He was paralysing her with his blue eyes, waiting for an answer but Anya simply didnt know what to say. She couldnt deny that she felt something for him. He made her feel happy, she was longing for his presence, for his gentle touches ... but was she ready to let herself go the way he wanted her to? Right now, she couldnt tell him. "I dont know. I mean, I really like you and in a way I loved you all my life. You were my first real love youll be a part of my life forever. But I cant promise you anything. I need time. I cant decide it here and now." She made a pause. A look into his eyes convinced her to go on. "But I would give it a try. Dont expect too much, though. You know, I have to think of Elena as well. Though she loves you even now." She smiled. He smiled back. There was nothing else to say since both of them knew perfectly well what they other one meant.

He slowly leaned forward and their lips touched. For the first time she didnt reject him. She lost herself in that kiss, which was gentle and full of passion. Noone had ever kissed her like he could she even remembered how she felt when he had kissed her for the first time ever. They slowly departed and he rested his head on her shoulder. In all these years of training and competing he had only been thinking of his skating. But for some time now he had felt that something was missing in his life. He wanted someone to care for him, to wait for him when he came home. But with all the travelling he had no time for things like that. And now he had found her again ... She made him feel like noone else before. He just felt that they belonged together. And Elena ... he was surprised himself but he already loved this little girl more than anything else. She made him feel needed and special. The way she looked at him was the greatest reward ever ...

They stayed on the bench for quite a while. Anya sitting, and Alexei half lying with his head resting on her lap. She was running her hand through his hair, pulling single strands of hair from his face. They both felt very comfortable and for the first time in his life he felt able to talk about his fears. He told her how much he was longing for a family, especially since his mother was still living in Russia so he didnt see her very often. How he had started to feel that figure skating wasnt the only thing in life. They talked and talked, well Alexei did most of the talking and Anya listened carefully. The sun was starting to go down and finally Elena came back as the other children went home. She was out of breath, but smiling happily with red cheeks and shimmering eyes.

They decided to go home, too. Elena was begging and complaining until Alexei lifted her up and promised to carry her home. Anya gave him a look but didnt say anything. With one arm he was holding Elena who fall asleep exhausted in his arms after some minutes, with the other hand he hold Anyas. So they went home.

It was almost dark when they entered the flat. Alexei insisted on carrying Elena into her room and gently placed her into hr bed. She turned around in her sleep and murmured something he didnt understand. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and quietly left the room. "Good night, honey." Anya whispered. She kissed her, too and then followed Alexei. He was standing in the doorway, watching the child sleeping. "Shes amazing" he whispered.

"Shes yours" Anya replied quietly.

There was silence as he stared at her. Anya anxiously waited for some reaction but he didnt say anything. Thousands of thoughts were running through his mind. And from deep inside his heart he knew it was true, that he had known it from the first time he saw Elena. He had felt that there was some kind of connection between them ...

It seemed to be an eternity until he said something. "But it was only one time ..." "It was enough" she simply replied. She was searching for some reaction in his eyes but the only thing she could see was the great love he felt for her. He gently pulled his arms around her, kissing her on the forehead. "Why didnt you tell me?" he whispered as he looked deep into her eyes. His eyes were paralysing her again so she looked away. "I ... It was not easy for me. I was just 18. Anyway, I just realised it after you had already left. Besides, I felt ashamed. What should I have done? Call you and say "Hey, I just wanted to let you know Im pregnant ... ??!! Anyway, would you have come back if you had known it ?" He didnt answer.

Anya turned away. It was hard to hold back her tears. "I knew you wouldnt want to throw away all your career just because of that. And I didnt want to destroy your future, either ..." Her words made him fell ashamed. "Anya, please. You must understand. I was too young then. But now things are different. I dont know what Id have done if I had known but now I know. I may have made some mistakes in the past but Im determined not to repeat them in the presence. Whatever had happened I love you more than anything else. I just realised it. And I love Elena, too. I didnt know why but from the first moment I had those strong feelings for her ... now I know. And I dont want to lose you again. I just wish you would have told me earlier ..."

Now the tears started running down her cheeks. Her whole body was trembling. "I didnt know how .... I ... it was not that easy. Im so sorry ... I didnt mean to ..."

"Hey, stop crying. Theres nothing to apologise for. Youve had such a hard time ... if I had just known. Im the one to be sorry. I should have been there for you ..." his words made her cry even harder. "Anya, look at me!" He gently forced her to face him. "Everythings ok now. Im here. And I wont go without you. I love you God knows how much I love you ..." She looked at him as if she couldnt believe what he was saying. Then she flung her arms around his neck and buried her face in the collar of his shirt. "Oh Alexei. I love you, too. I love you ..." she sobbed. He gently caressed her, stroking her hair and holding her until she started to calm down.

Anya wept away some tears from her face, trying to smile. "I feel so stupid ..." she whispered. "Dont. Its ok. Im here ..." He stroke her cheek, feeling her hot face under his fingers. "Im here ..." he repeated before he bent down and kissed her. All their feelings, all their sorrows and all their hopes and wishes for the future lied in that kiss.

"Youve made me so happy." Alexei told her. "I always wanted to have a family ... and now ... shes my daughter. Shes MY daughter ..." he sounded as if the greatest wonder on earth had just happened to him. There was so much love in his voice that Anya nearly started to cry again. "Can I see her again?" he begged. "Of course you can ..."

Anya took his hand and slowly opened the door to Elenas room. She looked like an angel. Alexei quietly stepped in and bent down over here. He placed a soft kiss on Elenas forehead. This was his daughter! Tears started to fill his eyes. He quickly turned away so not to wake her up.

Anya had come close and kneeled down beside him. "Everything ok?" she whispered. Alexei nodded. "Im just so happy ... you two, youre all I ever wanted!" He wrapped his arms around her and so they stayed in silence, watching over the girls sleep.

Suddenly Elena woke up. "Mommy?" she asked with a sleepy voice. They looked at each other and smiled. She surely was gift from heaven. And she would get all the love in the world.

"Dont worry babe. Its just Alexei and me !" ...