Switzerland, Here I Come

By 3 am, I was bathed, all packed in four big dark red Prada travel bags, plus my black Givenchy and the small black Saint Laurent luggage to take with me inside the plane. After making a bottle of Irish Coffee with strawberry cookies to eat in the airport, I found my mother and aunt Monika waiting for me in the living room. Both in their matching baby pink winter pajamas.

In contrast, I'm in black Prada sweatpants with a matching hoodie, plus a turtle neck red sweater underneath, my dark red scarf, a also dark red hood over my hair braided in two fishtail long braids, a pair of black gloves in my bag, fluffy black socks, and my pair of UGG black heelless boots with a fluffy and warm inside.

As for make up, I only used my favorite red eyeliner, my mascara, some highlighter on nose and cheekbones, and my carmine red matte lipstick. Then I added my rings, bracelet, necklace, earrings, and the three ear piercings I have in both ears. All simple, made of diamonds, and matching.

"When will you come back? Which plane? What hour?" Mother asked, sucking on her cheeks.

What? Is that worry on her face? Doesn't really suit her. "December 20th. The flight will depart 9 am from Zurich, stop by Frankfurt in Germany for 1 and ½ hour, back to Warsaw. I'll be back by 4 pm," that is, if nothing goes wrong. "As there's no 1st class, we'll be in business class."

She clicked her tongue, "You have Jacek's jet, and there's also mine. Krys also has one. I don't see why you insist in going through a normal plane like that."

Indeed, I do have dad's jet. "It's not about having or not a jet, it's about the experience. Besides, I got this travel as a present, and uncle Krystian knows I enjoy travelling on a plane," to feel a bit more normal. "And they do too, since it's a break from the normal, and it feels good."

"It's not so safe though," aunt Monika pressed her lips together.

"The percentage of death by jet are way higher than death by big airplanes, aunt Monika. Way higher. Almost every year there's someone who dies from a jet crash. Airplanes like this are definitely, if one thing, the safer option," I tilted my head softly. "It's not like my plane will wrack or something, you know?" I mean, it could happen, but I would be very unlucky to be in such situation. It would be low key funny, though.

Dying on a plane wrack does sounds better than dying on a car accident. I would be better than dad and aunt Kamila, for sure.

"Don't say something like that!" Mother gasped horrified. "Have you gone mad?"

"Wouldn't be surprised if I did," I mocked myself. "I do have many reasons to lose my insanity. But anyways, do you want anything else, or can I go?"

They shared a look and then looked back to me, "We'll be having more people in the holidays this time," aunt Monika spoke. "And we'll all wait for you in the villa, so we can spend your birthday together."

More people? God, don't tell me this said-uncle will be there too. "More people means more food. Got it, I'll be back to cook for you and make your little drinks. Oh, speak of drinking, take care of the Nalewkas," a traditional Polish alcoholic drink that takes three months to prepare, "I made for the holidays. There's a lot. I left them in the winery of the second underground floor of the villa. They are all covered to rest. Don't touch them until I'm back, okay?" I spoke directly to aunt Monika.

A nod. "I won't. They are your specialty. And messing with them could mess with the fruits on the bottom," fruits that later after we separate them from the drinks, we can use as condiments, and they go amazing with ice cream. Though only for adults, of course.

"Good," I blinked, "can you open space now?" Mother clenched her jaw and I could almost smell her anxiety. Why is she acting like this? "What is it, mom? What's wrong?"

"Do you hate me, Zofya?" Her voice was a whisper and caught me absolutely of guard.

"No. I don't hate you, mother. I don't really like you, because of everything, but I don't hate you. I do have reasons to hate you, but I don't. I may be close to disliking full heartedly, but it's not hate," she's the one who hates me. "It's profound dislike, and I don't like your personality and the way you do things either. Now, I do absolutely loath your lying and cheating tendencies. It disgusts me and makes me want to puke on you pretty face."

Her shoulders relaxed, "I knew you didn't hate me," she turned to aunt Monika. "That bastard keep messing with me. I'm going to give him a beating when he gets here."

Bastard? I would ask, if I didn't want to leave this house as much as I do. "Now, could you, kindly, fuck off?" I smiled mockingly. "I need to go to the airport."

"Bring presents," aunt beamed.

She sounds like she's trying to sound happy that I'm leaving, which I don't think it's such an effort, definitely not for mom.

"We'll wait for you with some great presents for your birthday."

"I'll buy it if I remember any of you while having a good time," I mocked, passing through them. "I'll definitely bring something for Cyryl though, because he's my baby and he deserves it." Then I handed my things to my driver, Mr. Mariusz, and he brought it to my black Genesis GV80, the newest car I own, though I'll be the one driving since I'll leave my car in the airport so I'll be able to us it as soon as I comeback, since they will all be in our villa by then. "Anything specific that you want me to buy?"

"For the Christmas presents to our family?" Mom asked.

"Yeah, or for yourself, whatever. I mean, Switzerland is a paradise to buy presents, no? Lots of luxury brands from chocolate to clothing and jewelry are from there, so, anything?" I mean, I haven't bought presents to anybody, so, it'll be good.

"I have it in my mind, you better note it down," mom suggested. "With that aptitude of yours of losing focus of things and forgetting every single thing in the world, it's better to be prepared."

She's not wrong, but it's still annoying. Rolling my eyes, I picked my phone, unlocked it, and went to the notes app, then I stared back at her, waiting, "Anytime you want, mother," I mocked.

"First things first, go for some good wrist watch, as Rolex, Hublot, Omega, Breitling, Ulysse Nardin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Maurice de Mauriac, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe. La Prairie skincare and make up. As for jewelry, you go to Chopard, Bucherer, and De Grisogono. Now, speaking of ski gears, because why not since you are going to freaking Switzerland, go to Zai."

And she didn't stop.

"For clothes, aside from going after the luxury ones we have in here too, go to Akris, Strellson, Tally Weijl, Jet Set, Shelly Furs, and Hanro. There's one called Loubay and another called Miranda Kaloudis Bags that are perfect for… well, bags. For footwear there's Lele Pyp, Bally, Baabuk Urban Shoes. For decor items, while in Zurich, go to Harrison Spirit. Oh, oh, for cuckoo clocks, go to Schweizer Heimatwerk, also in Zurich, or to Swiss Tradition, in Geneva, since you will be in both."

She was totally planning in asking me to buy this stuff, wasn't she?

"And chocolate," aunt Monika reminded her, excitedly.

Mom snapped her fingers, "Yes, chocolate. For chocolate, buy a lot because everyone loves chocolate. Go for Lindt, Vollenweider, Toblerone, Laderach, Sprüngli, Cailler, Max Chocolatier, Camille Bloch, Du Rhone, Durig, Chocolat Frey, and as many Nestlé chocolate as you like since they have lots of different ones." And when I thought she was done, she proved me wrong, "For eyewear, go to Einstoffen and also Götti."

"Are you done or do you expect me to come back from Switzerland as if I am moving back from there to Warsaw?" I mocked. "You're lucky I'm rich, mom, because all this stuff is expensive as hell, but fine with me." Then I turned to Mr. Mariusz, "Get my black Cadillac Escalade and come with me to the airport, then you give the key there and comeback with an Uber or whatever. If I'm going to bring that much stuff with me, I'll need more than just my car, then I'll ask Lia to drive on it, while uncle Krys come back on their car."

"Yes, my Lady," he nodded softly and ran inside the garage.

I finally got inside my Genesis GV80, "Aunt, last chance," I told her, still with the note app open, "do you want me to bring any drink?"

"I do, yes. There's some that are only found there. So, note it down. Rivella, Passaia, Gazosa, Flauder, Pepita, Zuger Kirsch, Poire Williams, Absinthe, and Goldschlager. Some are alcoholic, some aren't. Buy them at last, yeah? Bring two bottles of each at least, and pack it well not to break."

Dear Lord, "Alright," I finished noting them and closed the app. "See you on December 20th!"

Then I closed my door and windows, and left that damn villa, since it was time enough for Mr. Mariusz to get my Cadillac and follow me. It didn't take long before we reached the airport, and as we did, we packed my cars inside and he handed me the keys of the Escalade and I put them on my bag together with the keys of my GV80, then he helped me with my stuff and after I gave them to the staff of the airline, as I made my check-in, he left with a taxi instead.

I was buying a cookies & cream ice cream scoop when I found Lia and uncle Krystian coming back from their check-in.

He gave me a judging look, "Ice cream at this hour, sweetheart?"

"You look annoyed," Lia came to me, holding my chin softly.

"I can't help it," I mumbled to uncle Krys and turned to her. Sigh, "I kinda am. Mom bombarded me with a bunch of stuff she wants me to buy as Christmas presents for the family. From watchers and clothing to ski gears and chocolate, all luxury. Monika also asked for lots of drinks. I was being polite and asking if they wanted a souvenir, and then, bang, a big-ass list," I licked my ice cream. "I'll just buy it all when we get to Zurich, it'll be our last stop either way."

"Ugh, she's the worse," they groaned together.

"You are going to cheer up for your birthday, and she asks you to go and buy stuff for them for Christmas?" Uncle scoffed bitterly. "Eleonora can't get a grip, can she?"

"As if you making all the food and drinks on the holidays wasn't present enough for them. She wants you to spend your money?" Lia hissed.

"It's fine," I sighed tiredly. "I'll be the best present giver anyways."

"Everyone better get you two presents, Honeyboom," Lia groaned annoyed. "For Christmas and for your birthday. Three, even. The third as a thanks for all you will be doing for them, on your birthday holiday."

"Not like I'm not used to it," I rolled my shoulders. "Either way, I like the idea of going shopping in Zurich. You can stay together while I'll go enjoy some time with myself, I'm needing that as much as you are in need of some time alone, away from Poland. It'll be good for all of us."

Then we walked to the R9 portal where our plane was going to be at, all while looking around. Me on my own, them with hands intertwined, as there's not many people at all here at this hour. At least not those we know, more like tourists and people traveling out of Warsaw like us. There are a whole lot of tourists.

"I'm serious, they better all give you 2 to 3 presents," Lia groaned.

Giggling softly as I finished my scoop, I rolled my eyes, "Whatever they get me, won't be as good as this amazing birthday present you got me. I mean, a freaking tour through Switzerland? On winter? Ugh, best present ever. No one is going to beat this."

That made them blush, "Anything to get you happy, sweetheart."

"And," Lia hit her hips on mine playfully, "you will make your man go crazy while looking for you, when you are out of Warsaw."

Well, that made me blush, "Oh, that I will," I grinned wolfishly.

"Did Eleonora tell you about your uncle?" Uncle Krys asked.

I frowned annoyed, "The only uncle I have is you. King is nothing but my mother's birth brother whom I have no connection with and neither do I want it. I made my take on this clear to you yesterday. And no, she did not. I told her I knew, she got mad that I learned about, but didn't deny it, as she said there will be more guests, in plural, he must be one of them, to my utter annoyance. Having father's family her was annoying enough, but at least I know them all. King is a stranger and will remain as such."

"But, Zofya," uncle tried again, but I stopped him.

"Look, uncle Krys, I know that he's your friend and you like and trust him, or whatever, but I don't care. You will be there, you can make him feel welcomed, because that ain't going to happen when he's near me. I don't like his existence, neither do I like the idea that a stranger like him will be there, and I will not pretend that I am happy with it. I'll make sure to make it clear that I don't enjoy him, and if that bothers him, so be it. He's free to leave Warsaw at any moment. He shouldn't have left England and come here now to begin with."

Annoyed, I grabbed my stuff, my plane ticket, and headed inside the plane first, leaving them behind to enjoy an alone moment.