​THE TOUCH OF WARMTH

Mom knew I wouldn't eat anything after they leave so she managed to make me agree to eat supper before they take their leave. Everyone has already started leaving one by one with smiles and wishes.

The clock struck 2:00 am when Dad finally called the driver to pick them up. I was not yet ready to let them go but Vladimir's words kept coming back in my head over and over again.

Dad gently held my face and kissed my forehead. They were sad because they won't see me for three months or more but I am sad because this is nothing like I imagined would happen. It was so sudden, I was not ready for this. I wish I could say no to their faces as any spoiled rich brat would do but my parents would have slapped me for that in front of them so I managed to stay quiet.

"The car is here, sir"

Informed Mr. Leonid, Vladimi's uncle.

I followed them to the entrance door. Everyone has already left. His family bid goodbye to them from the dining hall. Pearl, although, accompanied me. Vladimir was nowhere to be found. 

"Goodbye darlo, take care"

Mom hugged me and kissed my cheek before getting into the car. Dad waved us bye before the driver kick-started the engine. I can't believe it's a goodbye.

"Come, I will show you your room"

Pearl said pating my shoulder before leaving.

I stand there alone now, looking at the dark road through which my parent's car is leaving. I don't even have my phone. They will bring that tomorrow.

I was on my way to turn around when I caught Vladimir leaving the house with a phone in his ear, talking.

"Where the hell do you think you are going?"

I caught his sleeve tightly, not letting him leave so easily. How dare he purposely do this to me? I feel like kicking his head open.

"I'll talk to you later"

He said on the phone and cut the call before looking at me.

"How does that concern you?"

His tone does not hint at any kind of emotion.

"Yes, it does. How coul-"

I could not finish my sentence.

"It does?"

He smirked in such a way that made my face heat up suddenly out of nowhere. I let go of his sleeve.

"You purposely did not inform us about this stupid norm, didn't you?"

I say frowning trying my best to convey my disregard and anger.

"I don't know if it is stupid or not but you will have to deal with it. You clearly know why"

He started walking ahead toward his black Bugatti with the same cold tone. I wanted to shout at him, curse him and his life but I could not. All I did was stand there in the cold and watch him go away in the dark in his car, god knows where.

I walked back into the house.

There was no one in the hall now. I closed the door behind me. The house has turned so quiet now that it feels like the ball just a few hours ago was just a dream.

"Czarina, here!"

Pearl shouted from the first floor pointing at the stairs in the corner. I quickly nodded and headed toward the stairs. The dress feels so much heavier now, that I wonder if she could lend me a light dress for tonight.

"Come, I will take you to your room. I have decorated it myself"

Pearl said enthusiastically. She is just one year younger than me which makes us friends in a certain way.

We were stopped by her mother's voice.

"Pearl come here, please. I need to have a word with you"

Her voice came from downstairs.

"I'll be there in a bit Mom"

She shouted back.

"Now Pearl"

My eyes involuntarily widened up from the rigid tone of her mother.

She gave out a heavy sigh and quietly whispered, "Wait for a bit then..."

"Sure"

I waited there looking here and there. My eyes caught hold of a picture that hung on the wall of the adjacent corridor. I walked ahead to get a clear view of the picture.

There was a couple with a baby in their hand. They looked nothing like Mr. Leonid and his wife which must mean they are Vladimir's parents. The picture looks so bright and happy. My heart smiles through my eyes at the smiling faces.

I go back to the place I was previously standing. It has been a while and she has not come back yet. My legs hurt from standing for so long since the evening especially because of the heels. I hesitantly sit on the floor leaning against the wall. It's so cold here. Moscow is way colder than I imagined.

God knows for how long am I supposed to stay here. Where is Pearl?

________♡________

I don't have any idea when did I fall asleep but someone shook me out of my sleep. When I opened my eyes it was all dark. 

I was still sitting on the floor but next to me was Vladimir, holding my arm. He thinks I am still sleeping, with my eyes open. I am not sleeping, I am just trying to get back all the memory I need to speak.

"Why on earth are you sleeping here?"

He said leaving my hand.

"I was just.."

I looked around. It was of no use, the whole floor was dark.

"... waiting for Pearl to show up but she did not come back I see"

He gave out a light laugh before getting up.

"So you decided to sleep on the floor instead. Interesting decision"

He started walking ahead without giving me a second glance.

"Wait!"

I said quickly before he used his long legs to go away somewhere again.

"How may I help you, Czarina... take you to my room?"

He says turning around with an arrogant gesture. I might just kill him here when no one is looking but I need a warm bed to sleep tonight so I decided against the heavenly Idea.

"Just tell me where my room is"

I say glancing at the floor. My head feels so heavy that I want to have Wisky now so bad.

He sat on the ground on one knee in front of me.

"Why don't you join me in my room instead?"

He said in a low voice touching my chin with his thumb. 

My heart suddenly started beating faster. I am glad the lights are off for my face must be deep red by now. 

"Don't touch me"

I say backing away. No one touches my face, my body, my back.  

He scanned my breathing for a while with confused eyes before getting up and giving me a hand to hold.

"I am not helping you again after this"

I look at the hand for a while before taking it. His hand is so warm in this cold weather. My hand although is dead cold.

We do not talk on the way. I am regretting inside for behaving so adversely just now. I cannot help it when someone touches my face or back other than Mom and Dad.

It terrifies me. Haunts me of the past.

He pushes open a closed door on the way.

"This is it"

He said pulling his hands inside his pockets.

I step inside the room and look around. It's so pretty. It's colored in all white and lavender, my favorites. I will need to thank Pearl for this tomorrow.

When I turned around he was not there. I quickly walked out but he was out of sight already. I could not thank him or explain to him why I behaved that way but well even he purposely tricked me into this unwanted ritual. 

I wonder if he is actually that bad. He could have easily left me there and gone off to his soft warm bed rather than helping me find my room. 

I slip inside the warm bed sheet.

When did my life turn so dramatic?