The next eleven hours plus in the air was more than enough time for Ivan to have a think of the last thing that happened to him before he left Russia. He had gone to face China about sneaking into his room which she confessed to doing and apologized immediately. "I am really really sorry I snuck into your room and accidentally broke your picture, I was just so curious to know who you are." "For the hundredth time China, I accept your apology. At least you fixed the picture for me now I can take it back home like it is brand new." Ivan said with a smile. "I am also very sorry for what my parents did back then, how they treated you and your mom. I really wanted to help back then but if I did, they would have done something very terrible to me." She explained as she walked with him."It was how many years ago? I hardly even remember it happening so you don't have to worry about it. Besides, it was the work of your mean and terrible parents and not you." Ivan said. "I know, they are w
The evening air was cool and light, and there was a gentle breeze blowing, rustling through the leaves and creating a soothing sound to China's ears as she strolled down the road. "In English, soiree means “a fancy evening affair.” The word comes directly from French and was formed from the word soir, meaning “evening” or “night.” The French make a subtle distinction between soir, which refers explicitly to the time of day following sunset, and soirée, which refers to some duration of time, usually translated as “evening.” English speakers don’t use different words, but we understand the difference between “I’ll see you tomorrow evening” and “We spent the evening playing cards”—one refers to a time of day and one refers to the passage of time. "From the idea of a period of time evolved the second meaning of soirée: a party that takes place during the evening. As is typical for words that have been borrowed from modern French, soiree in English signifies the fancy version of a simple
The trafficker directed the plane on where to touch down safely and after that, Ivan got out of the plane alongside Alfred and Mia and other passengers. After leaving Incheon airport, Alfred took them to their home while he went to register their sim cards. South Korea, being five hours ahead of Moscow, the time was already three after midnight so every planned activity had to wait till dawn. Ivan laid in his bed, lost in thoughts. A lot had happened in the past few days and he was wondering if he was day dreaming. How could a pauper like him get to travel around the world? Eating new foods, drinking expensive wines, wearing clothes worth more than the money his parents -foster parents- and their generation ever had!Then a side thought came in, when would he get to enjoy this wealth with his family? Sure, Alfred had made sure they were in good hands but when would they ever know his true identity? When would be able to tell them he knew he was not their son but he did not mind it?
The smell of new recipes caused Ivan's nose to tingle and his mouth to water. Seoul was a busy place but there was still time for people to stop by and have some of those good road side meals. Where one woman yelled to create awareness about her freshly prepared Tteokbokki which is known as spicy stir fried rice cakes in English, another yelled for people to try her delicious Gyeran-Ppang which was known as egg bread, another retailer called out to Ivan to try his mouth watering Bungeo-Ppang which was a red bean goldfish pastry. "Hello! Foreigners!" One man yelled out. "Welcome to Seoul! Come here to my stall, let me give you wonderful tasty food!" He exclaimed with a broad smile on his face. "Yeah thank you!" Ivan responded as he nodded his head. "Come on guys." He told Alfred and Mia who instantly followed him."What you like? Look everything here, very very cheap and affordable but everything here, very delicious to your stomach." The man expressed as he rubbed his stomach.He s
The air suddenly became hazardous as Ivan found it hard to breathe, choking on every single attempt to draw air into his lungs. He froze, thinking of a plausible explanation to tell her that would be good enough for her to believe. He stared at her, only to notice that she wasn't staring at him but at Mia with a look that depicted utmost displeasure. "Tara," he called out to her, her eyes finally landing on him again. "Hi, what are you actually doing here? Should you not be on the school's vacation trip?""I think I should be the one asking you that question. But since you asked first, I will give you an answer. As you know, it is mandatory for every student but definitely not for me. I didn't feel like being there but felt like coming to the world's best shopping complex where real diamonds and gold are actually sold so, here I am." She explained with a smile. "Oh wow, that sounds awesome actually." Ivan forced a smile. "You..." Tara raised her index finger at Ivan. "Shouldn't you
It was a rather quick drive back to their residence and they found Alfred pacing about in the compound. Ivan hurried out of the car with worry written all over his face. Alfred paused as he saw Ivan and Mia approaching him. "Alfred! Is everything okay?!" He questioned as he rushed to meet Alfred where he was standing. "Young master Wayne!" Alfred exclaimed excitedly. "I am so happy to see you here so fast!""Are you okay? What happened-- did something happen?" "Yes! Something great!" A wide smile appeared on Alfred's face."What is it then? Don't keep me waiting in the dark!" Ivan exclaimed.Alfred turned to face a bald suited man that was standing only a few feet from them. "Hand it to me, now!" He yelled out excitedly.The bald man nodded then immediately went over to join them where they were standing and handed Alfred a black iPad. "Here you go sir." He responded in a thick bold voice. Alfred accepted it and began scrolling through it. He had a kind of look that spelt exciteme
An awkward silence filled the room as both Ivan and Mia stared into each other's eyes. The sudden and uncomfortable pause in their conversation caused Ivan to wonder why she was so silent and instead just stared plainly at him like she had something or even so much to say. The unpleasant nature of the sudden silences was associated with the feelings of anxiety that sprouted in Mia as she suddenly felt the pressure to speak but was unsure of what to say next in response to his confession. "Are you okay?" Ivan finally broke the silence. "Huh?" She seemed to have been lost while staring into his eyes. "Yeah uhm..." She lifted her leg away from him and slowly climbed down the bed. "Actually, I uh... I just remembered that I have quite the list of chores to do today and uhm... Yeah uhm Alfred... Alfred asked to do something very very important for him today to get ready for our next flight." She stammered as she slowly receded to the door. "Ohh, well I guess I understand that you are t
The sound of the four wheeler's as they were driving by echoed in Mia's head, the sound of their blaring horns and the screeching of their tires. Everything suddenly became silent except for the loud and unsteady beating of Mia's heart. "Are you okay?" Ivan asked as he took a step closer to her.She staggered back a little, almost tripping to the ground. Thanks to Ivan's quick reflexes, he caught her by the waist and held her. "Mia? Can you hear me? Please relax!" Ivan said to her. She stared blankly at him as tears began falling from her eyes. Loud high pitched ringing echoed in her head as she stared at him, she couldn't hear a word he was saying. "Alfred, what happened to her? Is Mia's mom alright? We have to go back to check on her." Ivan said to Alfred. He was so scared and worried for Mia that he couldn't hide it."We can't go back but--""What do you mean?" Ivan snapped."But, hear me out young master. We can't get back together, not all of us, only Mia has to go back on he