Free Highfall by Ani Alexander Page A

where it was.  He tried to recall if they’d ever been there before, but nothing came to mind.
     
    Annika could sense the tension in the air.  Their silence was also unusual.  Both were in anticipation of something important.  The only difference was that Annika knew what the important thing was and Vasko did not.  She was enjoying the game though.
     
    When they reached the address of the unknown building, Vasko paid and they got out.  Annika led him to the entrance and they went in and climbed up to the third floor.  Annika took some keys out of her bag and opened a door.  They went in.
     
    It was a nice studio-flat.  Very small but with lots of light, and cosy and clean.  Annika had already arranged some things when she had last been there a few days before.  She had brought curtains, photo frames and a few other little things which made apartments more homely.  It felt as if had Annika been living there for a while already.
     
    “What does it all mean?” Vasko finally asked.
     
    “For a financial analyst you don’t seem too overly clever,” Annika chuckled with naughty sparkles in her eyes.
     
    There were question marks in Vasko's look.
     
    “I could not wait any more so I moved.  Starting from today I am going to live here and, if you want to be with me, you’d better go home, pack your suitcases as fast as you can and move here too.  I’ll get dinner ready while you’re doing it.”
     
    Vasko was quite shocked but very, very happy.
     
    “You are my treasure,” he said squeezing her in his arms.
     
    They kissed.  Thirty minutes later they already had official proof that their new couch was very comfortable for sexual activities.

 
     
    ****
     
    “WHAT? No way! You are not going anywhere!  Especially you are not going to her,” Vasko's mum was more than upset with the news.
     
    “Mum, I am old enough to decide for myself.  You can’t keep me tied to your apron-strings forever.  I am packing my suitcases.”
     
    This time Vasko was not going to give in.
     
    “No you are NOT,” Vasko's mum shouted.  She was fuming.
     
    She had never liked Annika and was happy that Annika lived far away.  Sensing her presence two days a week was bearable.  She knew long-distance relationships did not work, especially in that age.  That was why she had patiently been waiting for it to end.  Now things had taken a completely unpredictable turn.  She did not want to accept the fact that, from now on, she would have to put up with Annika seven days a week, that her son would no longer live with her because of that unpleasant girl, and that she had no control over the situation.
     
    “Mum, calm down, please.  You know I will leave anyway, whether you want it or not.  I love Annika and no one will stop me.  I am happy and I deserve this happiness.”  This was the first time Vasko had stood up to his manipulative mother and it felt pretty good.
     
    “You deserve much better than that Annika of yours.  Think about it.  She is far too eccentric for you.  Look how she moved without even discussing it with you.  She controls you.”
     
    “Look who’s talking...  I love being controlled by her.”
     
    While they were arguing Vasko was opening his wardrobe and chest of drawers and throwing things into his suitcase.  He wanted to get packed and out of the house as soon as possible.  Knowing his mother, he was sure that she would shout and complain for as long as she could.
     
    When Vasko was finished, he took the suitcase, kissed his shouting mum's cheek and went out without looking back.  He had always wanted to be free but had never had the courage to do it.  Annika had triggered the action and he was glad.
     
    From that day on Vasko's mother hated Annika even more.
     
     
     

 
     
    19
     
     
    With each passing day the chances of getting Annika back were decreasing.  At some point Stefan realised that she was lost to him forever.  There was absolutely nothing he