3 THE VOYAGE

Nana's telephone calls delayed our departure.

The music is playing in the air from my portable radio.

We are humming the melodies together.

Lada is a little bit confused about the delay but she's calm.

And while we waited for Nana.

Lada and I decided to write our journals in our notebook.

I opened it and wrote.

December 19, 1980

Myshkin

My beloved,

Blessings to you, my sweet and loving present self,

You are tough and stoned, have a relief.

Breath in the air of my shadow and care...

Live each day with calmness, I dare,

Please release those anxieties and fears.

Feel me... I'm holding you,

Don't worry, I will not let you go...

Let's walk together in balance,

Our Oneness will hold the strength of stance.

Be open and receive...

The guidance and blessings you deserve,

Don't look back on that painful past,

But be healed and let it rest.

I know, our journey together will move you forward,

Will meet future self, reaping the reward,

Let us flow in synchronicity...

Like a drop of water tapping into the lake of infinity.



Beatrix

"Amelia...

" Lada...

Nana's voice awakened us from our daydreaming and writing.

We closed our journal notebooks.

"Are we ready?" Nana asked.

We both nodded in response.

Lada and I were shocked seeing the big suitcase, next to her.

I don't even dare to ask Nana why we need such a big suitcase.

It's making me sad and feeling anxious.

Then, Lada asked in a whisper "Is everything alright Nana? Why such a big suitcase?"

Nana replied, "Amelia will have a vacation to Alaska".

Our eyes just widened from the news.

Is this for real?!!? Why so sudden? Is it possible that the armed men are looking for me?

When will I be free from these fears and anxieties? My brain is restless and in total confusion.

She added "Don't worry, we will enjoy the Music Festival. Leonid will meet us there. Before the break of dawn, we will travel to Alaska in a different boat. Leonid will bring Lada back home to Myshkin, I'm sorry Lada if it's quite a rush decision. But we will need to meet a family in Alaska very soon for an important reason. It's an urgent matter.

"That's making me sad but whatever it is, hope everything is going well in your favor. I will surely miss Amelia" while looking at me and holding my hands tight.

"Let's go and hurry! we are out of time, the car is already waiting outside," she said in an order.

We put on our hand gloves, coats, and winter headscarves.

Then, when we opened the door...

A Wartburg 353 car is waiting outside for us.

On the driver's seat is the Levidiv Guns and Ammo company's driver, the personal driver of Leonid.

He opened the door for the ladies to come in.

And he helped us with the suitcase.

"Thank you, Igor!" Nana said.

"You are most welcome Madame Irina!"

We traveled just a few minutes going to the port of Volga River.

And embark immediately and settled ourselves in a warm cabin.

We removed our coats and hang them near the heater.

Then, Lada breaks the silence "I have some cookies here in my handbag."

She offered us the treat.

"Aunt Galina made these cookies, last night," she said cheerfully.

"My sunshine Lada... How could I stopped you at the Music Festival? she asked while mixing the cookie ingredients into the bowl.

"You see my sunshine, I'm very worried. This is the first time that you will be away. If I could only go with you tomorrow. But I have an urgent meeting to attend to." she added while wiping her hands and approached me.

She holds my face and gives me a peck on my cheeks.

"Aunt Galina...don't you worry... I'm fine. I'll be safe with Nana Irina and Amelia. And the boat that we will be traveling on is safe, it's a new Yacht, owned by a rich merchant. Oh, I'm so excited! " I said cheerfully and squeezed her hands.

"Well then, bring some cookies tomorrow for your trip." she conceded and hugged me tightly.

"You are my only family, my sunshine...take good care of yourself always," she added while molding the cookie dough.

Then, she put it inside the oven.

My eyes got weary and I bid goodnight to Aunt Galina.

This morning Aunt Galina was very early. She prepared the cookies into my handbag and given me some pocket money.

Then, she asked "Don't you want to eat breakfast with me, my sunshine? " While looking at me in my outfit, ready to go.

"I'm fine Aunt Galina. I might be late! I'm sure Nana will serve breakfast. I do not want you to be late for work."

She nodded.

"Always remember what I told you... Okay? Take good care of yourself. Do not forget to pray. May God protect you as you travel, my sunshine." Aunt Galina is a bit emotional since this is the first time that I will travel.

Then, she kissed me and bid goodbye.

A crew comes in and I'm cut off from my reverie, he served us some tea to warm us up.

Beatrix and Nana Irina gladly thank me and the boat crew, they have enjoyed the tea and cookies.

We have completed our afternoon tea and snacks.

Then, we rested in a warm cozy bed for a nap.

We are in the middle of our voyage when Nana heard commotion overboard.

A crew shouted and gunfire ringing in the air.

We are all startled.

Nana approached our bed and whispered in each of our ears.

"Do not shout..be brave. Always hold yourselves together and walk discreetly. Just follow my lead." Nana said in an orderly manner.

We took our coats, gloves, and shoes.

And we quietly moved ourselves to the fire exit at the back of the cabin.

"Nana!" Amelia called out in a whisper, sounded anxious.

When we heard footsteps going down to the cabin.

We hold our hands so tight together.

Lada's eyes shown fears and confusion.

"Lada...everything will be alright, I'm here for you, don't worry." I squeeze her hands to comfort her.

Voices of men filled the silence.

Footsteps is getting nearer.

We slowly walked the aisle going to the exit door.

And our bodies started to tremor.

"Amelia.. what's happening? Who are these people? Why are we running? Did we do something wrong? Is everything alright? she asked quickly in a mutter.

" Hushed now Lada... " I whispered in her ears.