​A DIFFERENT WORLD TO ENCOUNTER

My head feels heavy and my throat hurts.

I sit up on the bed slowly. Glancing around, I remember everything about last night. 

The windows are closed and the curtains are drawn down making the room way darker than its shade. For an instant, I forgot what had woken me up, the banging on the door.

I quickly walked out of the warm blanket and unlocked the door.

"We are expecting you in the dining hall... please hurry"

Pearl looked tensed which made me think what might have the worry been for. I glanced around the room, I had nothing to get ready. I had not brought anything with me.

"Pearl! Where is she?"

We heard her mother shout again. She grabbed my hand and pulled me down the stairs. I tried my best to match her speed.

She finally stopped inside the dining hall. Everyone had already started having their breakfast. Her mother looked surprised. She got up from her chair and walked toward us.

"Go have your seat, Pearl"

She demanded. 

Pearl walked off to the dining table. I clutched my fingers not knowing what to do.

"It's half past 8 and you woke up just now, Czarina"

She said with a straight face.

"I was-"

I could not finish.

"Speak when you are asked to. I don't remember questioning you why for you to answer"

She said.

I looked at my bare feet. I could not even wear the shoes before I left the room.

She scanned me from top to bottom.

"Why did you not change?"

My eyes drifted off to Pearl. I do not know if she was told to show me my room and perhaps offer me some clothes. Pearl avoided my gaze. Beside her was sitting Vladimir. He was, as usual, just concerned with his meal.

"I asked you something"

She demanded.

"I do not have my belongings with me..."

I said in a low voice.

No one has ever talked to me this way before. No one ever had the right to. Does she have one?

I was taken aback for a while. I just stand here trying to think without just staring at her face.

"I clearly remember arranging clothes for you from the finest shops across the town inside the cupboard of your room, Czarina"

I looked at her, surprised.

She gave out a heavy sigh.

"Go get changed"

I nodded and turned around to leave.

Pearl, your stupidity made me take all of this without speaking a word back but I'll forgive you this one time since it's my first day here.

"From tomorrow I want you in the Dining room sharp at 7"

I kept walking, silently gritting my teeth.

________♡________

After dressing up properly and tying my hair in a neat bun, I slowly walked downstairs.

The house was airy and sunlight invaded almost every corner of the living room. The room was quiet and empty. I walked inside the dining room. By now, it was empty as well.

They have already had their breakfast.

I sat in the empty seat where I spotted a plate of food covered by another plate.

I take a bite of the food I have no idea of. It tastes good with the essence of Western cheese. It is so odd to have a meal alone. In my 23 years of life, there had not been a single day when I had no one to sit beside me while I ate.

My heart suddenly ached for my parents. Never in my dreams did I ever think of parting with them this soon.

After finishing breakfast, I got up with the plate. I kept it in the sink with several other dirty dishes.

I walked out of the Dining room after washing my mouth. The living room was not empty anymore. Mrs. Leonid sits on one of the couches with her daughter, sipping some tea.

She smiles as soon as our eyes meet. I took a while to smile back though.

"There you go, looking so pretty"

She says keeping aside the cup on the plate.

"Dear, please wash the dishes before they get dry"

I take a while to give out a mild frown at her request. Do what?

"She just came here yesterday"

Pearl explained.

"I know she did but it's good to take responsiblities from an early age. I remember I did the same when I was the new bride. She can do it, can you not, Czarina?"

She asked.

"I can"

I said defeatedly.

How can I possibly say that I cannot? Wouldn't that be the real defeat to not being able to do something you are not fluent in?

"And you Pearl, I need you to accompany me to the market now. Get ready"

She said to her daughter. 

I was about to turn around when Mrs Leonid stood up.

"And Czarina, I would love to take you to Mrs. Jones who lives down the street in the evening. I am sure you will slowly get used to our customs and blend into our family just well"

"Sure"

I said before taking my leave.

I take the apron from the chair and wear it. This might be the first time I have to wash dishes. It's awful. I feel like, somehow using a time machine, I have landed back into the early 1900s"

I wash the dishes and spoons one by one.

When I was done with the last set I felt my shoulder aching mildly. I looked at the window in the side. The sun was shining brightly today. There was a small farm attached to the house. There were no cattle to be seen though or maybe I am yet to see one.

I kept aside the almost wet apron on the counter and made my way outside after I was done with the task. The entrance door was slightly open hinting that the mother and daughter duo had already left.

I open the door a bit wider to match my frame. There are not many houses in the locality. The street is empty at the moment. I can although hear the ringing of a cycle bell from afar. It is like a completely different world I have landed in.

The sun's rays fell on my pale skin. It was nothing near too harsh but softly warm. 

"Mind walking out of my way?"

I heard Vladimir's rushing voice all the way from the stairs. He is running late for something I know not of but if I dare try to stop him for something silly he might get rid of his rage on me.

 I open the door wider and step aside to make him the way he so eagerly wants to have.

"Do you have a minute?"

I ask anyway.

I see his back tightening up. He sighs and turns around.

"Not really. Shoot"

He says with a calm tone.

"I was wondering when am I getting my belongings"

especially my phone.

He runs his fingers through his well-managed straight hair.

"I will bring them back tonight when I return. You really need your dresses back 'cause you  certainly don't look well suited for these"

He said that with a flicker of smirk and left without sparing a second after that.

How dare he make fun of my appearance in this manner. If I was to not marry him then he would have been lying motionless on the floor by now. I don't care how older is he than me in this regard.

I close the door with an audible noise.

________♡________

I dressed into a pretty pink colored dress and tied my hair in a loose braid tucking some beautiful flowers his grandmother brought me from the field.

I used a bit of makeup from Pearl and left my room as soon as the clock struck 6

"There you are"

Mrs. Leonid stood up. She always looks exotic and expensive with the pensive way she behaves. I won't lie I fear her to a certain extent. The question although lies in, for how long?

It's a type of relationship I know not of. I would love to keep this new relationship away from any bitterness but I sometimes do wonder, for how long am I going to keep my calm when I am not really gifted with a lot?

I stop just in front of the staircase waiting for her to speak.

"The car is waiting outside. Let's get going and Pearl, do not forget to serve your father the soup I kept near the table. Now, come close the door after we leave"

A whole evening with her alone is next to a nightmare itself but I will manage.

As soon as the car started she whispered, "It's an important meeting for our family tonight. I hope you do well"

What is that supposed to mean?