The Christmas Eve's morning began for Anya like few pervious ones. She woke up with headache and retch, but this time she wasn't uneasy why she feels this way. She decided to stay a bit longer in bed, so she might feel better. And it worked, soon Anya felt pretty well, so she got up, and as she was about to leave the room, the door was opened by Dimitri.

"Hey, why you're up already? I guess you should rest bit more…" He said holding her tenderly.

"Can't you act like usual? Please, don't treat me like I was about to die. Yeah, sure it's nice to know that you care so much, but… Oh, it's just I'm not used that you're so kind. Normally you're sarcastic and ironic, but for last four days you act differently."

"Because you need more care right now."

"Well, the doctor told me that I actually can do everything, but carrying heavy stuff, that's all. So, I still can play with kids, all I can't do is lifting Sasha like I normally do."

"You're even more stubborn than usually. But, fine, I guess I have no chance to oppose."

"At last! And now, better think of how you wanna tell everyone about our news…"

In the afternoon Anya with Vlashnikovs were preparing the dinner in the kitchen, and Dimitri with his father were packing the gifts in the living room. As the men were in the middle of their work, Mr. Ivan started a new topic.

"People say that orphanages are the worst places for kids, but this is different. I see that everybody here feels like home with you."

"Well, at least we try to give them what they need. But it's hard, cause for example Annushka and Sasha have much more needs than the older ones. We don't wanna to pay too much attention to only one of the kids, but how to say 'no', when this little reflection of Anya, or Sasha comes to you and just holds on your shirt like grim death."

"Even not really wanting it to happen you got used to these two the most, didn't you?"

"Well, yeah, I did. I didn't mean that, but, you're right, they're my favorites. But, they can't know it, cause they would be even more spoiled than they are now!"

The father laughed.

"They know it anyways."

"How is it that you and Anya are always right?" Dimitri asked with a sarcastic frown.

"Glad you mentioned her… I noticed that for last few days she has rather hard mornings…"

Dimitri combed his hair with his fingers.

"It's cause she doesn't want to stay in bed for at least one day. I told her, she should do that, cause otherwise she will feel even worse, but you know Anya, she's awfully stubborn. I do my best to at least make her resting more, but…"

"She doesn't have a cold, does she? You're different for her, you don't argue with her, and for all the time you're asking her is she's alright… You take care of her even more than usually…Plus, she looks different… Dima…"

"Uhm… well… uhm…" Dimitri didn't know what to say now. On one hand he wanted his father to know about the baby, but on another one, he knew he should keep the word and wait with telling everything till the evening, like Anya asked him to.

"Okay, I know already. But, you don't have to tell me this now. I can wait." Said the older man and again continued packing the presents.

As they were done, Dimitri went to see if Anya's alright. When he joined her, she was talking with her step-parents. Annushka was with them, helping Anya to cut small ginger cookies.

"Alright, we're done." Said Dimitri coming over to his wife.

"Great. Then you have new thing to do…" She replied, kissing his cheek.

"What this time?" He rolled his eyes.

"Nothing, you just gotta go to pick grandmamma up."

"And that's all? Or am I to buy something in my way to Paris?"

"Not this time, but maybe Annushka could go with you…?"

"Fine. So, come on, you little Gabbler. I guess it's time." He said and took his little step-daughter by her hand.

For all way long to the center of Paris he had to answer thusedands of Annushka's questions. If he wouldn't love this child, he would tell her few harsh words. He was about to answer one of her questions, when Annushka jumped on her sit at the back of the car.

"What's wrong?" He asked uneasily.

"I don't have a gift for Anya!"

Dimitri turned into one of the streets, and parked the car. Then he looked at his step-daughter.

"Alright, we still have some time… So what you wanna give her?"

"Well, I'm not sure… Or maybe….? Papa, what do you think of an album for photographs? I know we have lots of pictures at home, but Anya keeps them in a box…"

"I guess it's a good idea. Come on, we're going for a walk."

"But…"

"Don't worry, I didn't get anything for her either. And that's why I parked here. I saw something in this jewelry shop. And then we can look for an album, alright?"

"Fine."

The two went down the street to a little shop full of golden chains and rings, as well as expensive stones and other jewelries. It was first time in her life when Annushka was in a shop like this. Even though it passed almost three years since the orphans came to France, it wasn't often that the kids were going to the center of the city. Of course from time to time they were going for a trip, but not for shopping. Soon Annushka started to look around in amazement, and then she noticed golden earrings that were almost identical to Anastasia's necklace. The little girl pulled Dimitri's sleeve.

"Papa, look they're just like Anya's locket!" Said the girl pointing the little golden roses with small peaces of turquoise.

"That's why we're here. I saw them couple days ago, and just hoped they will still be in this shop." He replied with a smile, riffling Annushka's hair. "And now, just look around, and I will wait till they pack this earrings."

"Can I go to the shop across the street?"

"The candy shop?"

"Nah, this one with frames and other photographic stuff, maybe I will find an album for Anya?"

She was about to run from the shop, but Dimitri grabbed her by the cloak.

"You won't go anywhere without me. Just wait few minutes, alright?"

Annushka rolled her eyes the same way as Anastasia always did.

"Do you have to copy Anya in everything?" He asked playfully.

"I'm not copying anyone!"

"You even argue with me just like her." He laughed. "Oh, well, never mind. Just wait for me." He added letting the girl off.

Half an hour later they were at the door of Marie's apartments. As Dimitri knocked to the door, the mayor domo opened it within seconds and let the two inside, and to the office, where the Empress was waiting for them.

"Nice to see you." Greeted the Empress. "How are you?"

"Fine!" It was Annushka who replied first.

"I'm sorry for her, I still have some trouble with…"

"You're doing great, Dimitri." Marie cut him off with a big smile.

"Grandma, do you also think that I'm copying Anya? Dimitri still tells me that!"

The tutor gagged Annushka's mouth with his hand.

"Can't you stop talking at least for a while?" He asked trying to sound serious, even though he still had a little smile across his face.

"It's alright, Dimitri." The Empress was amused. "And, you're right, she's a lot like Anastasia when she was at Annushka's age."

The child forced her step-father, to let go off of his embrace, and made few steps away from him.

"So, I'm like a princess?" She asked excited.

"Maybe, we would go now? I guess Anya's waiting for us…" Dimitri entered into the conversation.

"Lets go then." Replied Marie. And the three of them went to the car.