Chapter 190

Book:Her Volkovs Published:2024-11-9

The next morning, I woke up early to welcome the day that I am 27 years old. I kissed Nikolai and Alexei on their lips and prayed. I prayed and thanked God for another year given me and for giving Nikolai, Alexei and these little Volkovs in my life. For some reason, I found myself not asking for more. I am sincerely content and happy.
I tried calling my parents as I know they are awake at this time in Palawi but to no avail. I cannot reach them, perhaps they are busy. Just when I was going back to sleep I got a call from my best friend.
When I answered, she sang happy birthday both in our language and in English.
“Thank you A.”
“I know you’re up early. How’s the birthday girl in the middle of the craziness of the gangster world?”
“I’m good. Still overprotected. You know how Nikolai and Alexei are.”
“I know but please next time watch what you are eating? You can’t have another allergic episode or your babies will go swimming outside your vagina on their own. And you know I am not even being funny here.”
“I know Mum.” I said trying to lighten up the mood. We both know her words could not be truer. I have to be very careful now. I am just lucky I was able to survive that night. If we lose our baby, I don’t know what I will do. More so, I don’t know what will Nikolai do. I don’t even want to start guessing.
“So, do you have any plans today?” She asked.
“Well, I guess Nikolai and Alexei took care of the preparations since yesterday. Matushka is here as well. All I know is that we will hear mass later at Kovrov.”
“So your back in your mansion?”
“Just last night.”
“I see. Uhm B, here’s the thing. I thought you’re still kept somewhere because of what happened so I went out of town. And I don’t know if I can come back today.”
“Hmm. Out of town where? With whom? Omg. You have a boyfriend and you’re with him?”
“Whow. Jumping to conclusions is not a sport B.”
“Don’t even A. What’s his name? Give me his complete address. I’ll have someone look into him. Where are you? I’ll send men over.”
“Calm down Mary Arabella! What is wrong with you? Ultra Boss and Extra Boss’ craziness is rubbing on you severely.”
“Okay. I am calm.” I wonder if I can have this number traced later? Just to check if she’s telling the truth.
“I’m here for a quick job. I get to be paid good for a night shift as a caregiver.”
“Hmm. How many times have you turned down Alexei’s job offers?”
“B. If I work there, I will most probably be putting my nose where it does not belong because I care too much about you and I am the type of chick who does not back down especially when I am being tested by dicks.”
“Hmm. I guess you’re right. I don’t need a third parent in the mansion.” I retorted playfully.
“No, the point is whether you admit it or not, your Nikolai is a dick and don’t even try to defend Alexei because he is no lesser dick.”
“But I love those dicks.”
“Exactly. Too many dicks in the mansion. Not good for me.”
There’s a moment of silence after she said that and then we burst out laughing.
After the call, I went back to sleep to get more rest because I know this is going to be a long and busy day.

I woke up to Nikolai and Alexei looking at my face like creeps. Alexei brushes the back of his hand on my cheek while Nikolai is kissing me all over my face.
A smile instantly formed on my face. “Hey.”
“Hey baby.”
“My princess.”
Nikolai took a tray of food from the table and placed it onto the bed. It has three bowls of oats topped with berries and toasts on the side.
“Wow, brunch in bed. Thank you.”
The two are already wearing white shirts, the sleeves folded up just below their arms revealing their watches on the left wrist and their tattoos on their right forearms. They both smell so attractive -the scent that speaks romance, power and testosterone combined with a bit of roughness and lust. It is indeed a happy birthday to me.
“What time is church?” I said while kissing Alexei’s veiny hand and his ring and then doing the same to Nikolai.
“It’s fine, we have time princess. You have all morning to rest. Church is this afternoon.” Alexei replied.
As we eat our brunch, I realized that the two have not spoken of or hinted at talking about my birthday. I don’t understand why. I am sure they know that I saw the preparations in the whole mansion last night with the red daisies and all.
But then again, these two have their own way of giving surprises. I decided to just give them a little nudge, perhaps they will give a hint about their plan or something.
“So, it is a special day today.” I say, heat crawling up my face.
“It is a special day.” Nikolai answered stoically. Not the reaction I was expecting. If this is an act, he sure is a good actor. But why would he look passive-sad even?
Alexei on the other hand remained quiet. He finished his bowl of oats, wiped his mouth with the napkin, and then told me to prepare for church after I shower. He specifically told me to wear either white or black. Not the first choice I had in mind for my birthday but I obliged nevertheless.
On our way to Kovrov, our entourage consisting of five black SUVs ran like we were being chased or something. We made a few traffic stops and still we arrived at the Orthodox Christian Church in roughly under twenty minutes. The two are still in the same mood. And to be honest, I feel like we are going to a funeral rather than to a birthday mass.
I remember what Amy said to me about jumping to conclusions and so I refrained from doing so.
There are a lot of people coming into the church, most if not all are wearing black. Women and children going inside are holding red daisies in their hands. The Russian Mafia’s elders are present and almost everyone in town is here. Nikolai told us to go inside first as he was going to speak with some of the elders waiting for him outside the church.
As we near the entrance my heart started to bang in my chest. That feeling of doubt and uncertainty is slowly creeping into my thoughts. What if I was wrong all this time? What if there is no surprise? What if Nikolai and Alexei truly did not remember my birthday that is why they did not even say a simple greeting this morning? What if this is all me being delusional?
I got my answer almost immediately when the doors to the church were opened. I feel like I have been drenched in cold water as reality hits me in the face. This is not my birthday mass.
We are at a church service for the dead.
There are red daisies on the altar and a framed picture of a woman in front. The flowers they are arranging last night at the mansion are not for me. The feast we are having tonight is not for my birthday. What Nikolai said about today as a special day is not for me but for his sister. This is why Nikolai looked so sad and Alexei was not himself this morning.
Today is Yelena’s death anniversary.