Chapter 3

Stephan Vaganov was a strict but kind man, much like his older brothers were turning out to be, Gleb was sure of that, and he hoped that one day, he'd be just like them, but he had also heard his father say that out of his 3 sons, he was most like his mother, although Gleb could barely remember her, Tonya had been beautiful and young when she had been taken from the world all too suddenly, but she had made Stephan happy for as long as she had been alive.

His brothers didn't speak much of her though and Stephan refrained himself to do so, mostly, Gleb figured because he didn't want to make Linda uncomfortable, but the woman actually encouraged Ivan and David to speak of their mother and remember her. And Gleb would mostly always honor his mother.

That was why he had worn his best Sunday clothes to dinner that Friday; he got home from school early and showered, cleaned up and hoped not to be late if he took the bus. "Sweetheart, are you ready? Let me look at you..." A kind voice said behind him as he finished combing his hair.

"Do I look good enough to be at an ambassador's house?" Gleb asked. "Russia's ambassador?"

"Oh honey, of course you do. So grown up in fact. Whatever happened to that little boy I used to play with in the park?"

"I'm not sure if I am ready to do this. What if I make a fool of myself?"

"Gleb, how could you possibly? You are well mannered and Anya and Alexei already like you."

" I am not supposed to make them like me. Nicholas Romanov is practically Russian royalty."

"Right well. I'm sure he's going to like you either way." Linda smiled, stepping closer to Gleb and arranging his shirt collar. "Are you sure you don't want me to drive you? My meeting got moved up and Celia is taking the kids out to the park."

Gleb smiled. "If you don't mind. I really don't want to be late taking the bus." He said with a charming smile and Linda glanced at him once more.

"Alright, let's go then."

"Hey Mom?"

"Yes?" Gleb bit his lip. He wasn't sure if he was ready to let Linda know that he wished this dinner could make Nicholas and his family like him enough to be able to ask Anya out on a date.

"Nothing, never mind. We better go." He said, leaving the room after grabbing a jacket and heading down in front of his stepmother.


Anya had glanced at the mirror for the 10th time until Maria had come to tell her off. To make fun of her more like it. "If you didn't like him, then you wouldn't be so worried about how you looked."

Anya fought the urge to roll her eyes so she wouldn't prove her right. To be honest she wasn't really sure why she was so anxious about Gleb coming over. It had been her Papa's invitation, not hers, plus, she wasn't meant to be interested in boys, she was meant to be focused on her studies.

But her father had also said it was good to make friends, and Gleb had been the first one she'd made at St. Peters, so she wasn't breaking any rules. Yet.

The bell rang and Anya's anxiety got the best of her. Thankfully, her sister had just gone downstairs and had not seen her.

Only Jimmy was there to watch her, check herself in the mirror again and give a huge sigh before heading downstairs.

"So, what time should I pick you up then?" Linda asked as they were let in by the guards at the gate and had parked just in front of the main entrance a few feet from the house.

"You really don't have to…"

"Yes I do, it's the weekend and you are still sixteen and living under my roof. So yes I do, and I will."

"How about I let you know then?" Gleb offered. Linda could be such a cool person sometimes, and sometimes, such a Mom.

"Sounds like a plan." She said as a couple of people were coming down the stairs of the house. Mansion more like it. "Now remember to just smile. That smile can do wonders."

"I'll remember that Mom." Gleb opened the door of the car, looking back at Linda one last time and of course he smiled.

"Young Master Vaganov I presume?" A man said as he greeted Gleb by the door. "My name is James, if you could please follow me?"

Master? That was a new one.

Gleb nodded and then allowed himself to be led through the main door. He figured James to be a butler of some sort. And just there by the top of the stairs, stood Nicholas Romanov and his wife Alexandra. Both looked so well dressed, but yet again, Gleb had done his homework, or rather Dimitri had and knew they practically met people for a living.

"Gleb. Nice to see you again." Alexandra was the first one to speak to him. She sounded nice and motherly. "I am sorry this was a little sudden but since you've made such an impression on Alexei, we couldn't let it pass, we are just so grateful he's having such an easy transition at school and from what we hear it's mostly thanks to you."

"Oh well, it's not easy for anyone, and especially to be Alexei's age and having to get used to being at boarding school…" Gleb said.

"It builds up character in a boy that I will say. Look at you; you seem like a nice enough young man." Nicholas said, his voice was calm but still made Gleb stand up straighter. "It is very nice to meet you Gleb, let's go inside now, what do you say?" And so it was the first time Gleb had stood in such a home.

It was exactly as the pictures showed and beyond anything that his father's flat, or his grandfather's farm in Yekaterinburg were.

"Come on over here, the children must be around." Alexandra said kindly. Instead of Alexei or Anya though, Gleb was greeted by a few furry paws he figured to be the Romanovs dogs. He recognized both Joy and Jimmy from the pictures they had shown him.

"Gleb, hi, you actually came." It was Alexei. He was dressed almost in like school uniform and wore a small hat on his head, his crutches holding him in place as he grinned at him.

Gleb beamed back as he thanked the ambassador and his wife for the invitation again.

"Well, Alexei did insist, he seems to have taken a shine to you, come on, anything to drink my boy?"

"Just water, thanks." He said kindly. Nicholas gave an order to someone as he led Gleb and Alexei to another room followed by Alexandra.

That was when he saw the girls. He saw Maria and Anya, and two other ones he hadn't met, but figured to be the older sisters Anya had said were in University. He greeted the girls politely as they looked at each other. Gleb figured it was some sort of secret language between the sisters but Anya did look a bit embarrassed and he hoped it wasn't because he had actually shown up. "So Gleb, why don't you tell us a bit more about yourself?" Nicholas asked as Gleb took a seat beside Alexei as Joy sat by them both. He looked at Anya for some kind of assurance who nodded, and then Gleb continued, turning back to Nicholas as he explained his father's life in the military, and told him a bit of his early childhood in Russia, at the mention of it, Nicholas looked proud.

"And you are mostly focused on your studies right now?" Alexandra asked.

Gleb was about to answer when Maria interjected and said he was also the captain of the school's swimming team. He could have sworn he was blushing a bit, but Alexandra and Nicholas looked impressed by his involvement in after school activities. He was sure more questions were to come until Nicholas was called away to his office and Alexandra ushered her eldest children and Alexei away, which left Gleb alone with Anya. They had not sat together, but it was the first time he had the chance to look at her. She was dressed in elegant leggings and a blouse, her hair was up in a sort of messy bun. "I am sorry about all of this, my parents get carried away." She said to him.

"Oh, no, it's no problem, they are both so kind to have invited me."

"Well yes, Alexei insisted." She said. Gleb smiled. Had she insisted on having him over too?

"Well I am glad, I got to finally meet your sisters and Joy and Jimmy." Gleb said to her, Joy had trailed behind Alexei but Jimmy laid there beside Anya and he had lifted his head at the sound of his name being called as Gleb patted him behind the ear. "And your parents of course."

"Of course. They have heard a lot about you actually."

"They have?" Gleb asked, surprised. "From Alexei?"

"Yes." She said quickly. "But they make such a fuss about everything; I still hope this is not too weird."

"Why would it be weird? Alexei and I are friends…" He hesitated. "Just like you and I?"

"Yes, of course." Anya said without giving it a second thought.

"See? It's normal." He assured her. She smiled at him. It was then that they were called over to eat and their conversation was cut short.

The rest of the night flew by, there were still glances between the Romanov sisters and questions from the ambassador and his wife, but mostly Gleb found himself having a good time, the family was kind and seemed genuinely interested in his life and his family's story in England. How his father had served, and how he had lived in Russia in the early years after the Cold War.

Gleb had tried to not look over at Anya much though, he didn't want to give the wrong impression but he couldn't help it and it seemed that when she reciprocated the glances, it was harder to not look over.


Linda had texted him around 10 to let him know it was best if she picked him up because she had a meeting the next day and his father would be flying home on Sunday before he and Evie went back to school. Alexandra, Nicholas, Anya and Alexei had said goodbye to him at the door and then her mother suggested to Anya to walk Gleb over to his car. So she did, giving Alexandra a glance before she led Gleb down the steps after he thanked her parents again. "Thank you for coming, you didn't have to feel obligated to, but I am glad you did." Anya told him.

"No problem." Gleb replied. "And listen, I was serious on what I said earlier, if it works for Alexei, swimming could be a great option for him and I would be happy to help."

"I am sure he'd love that." Anya said to him, beaming over just how kind he always was to her little brother. "Thank you."

"We'll make it work then, I am sure Coach could let us use the pool from time to time." Gleb offered kindly. Anya nodded as they reached the car. "Listen, I really did have great a time. Please thank everyone again for me."

"I will." She said as James opened the car door for him, as Gleb said goodbye again with a small smile and climbed inside the car.

She gave him a small wave and Linda greeted the young girl, then pulled away, then Anya turned around; thankful Gleb wasn't around to listen to her loud sigh as she walked back to the house.

She had not even reached the stairs when Maria was already waiting there for her. "So, it was all Alexei's idea, was it?"

Gleb tore his eyes away from the house and Anya until they had left the street behind. "So, how was it?"

"It was, fine. Fun actually, the family, they are all very nice."

"Oh, just nice?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"And, what?" Gleb asked. Linda stared at him and then turned back to driving.

"Well you clearly like that girl… is there some part of you that wants to maybe, tell her that?"

"I barely know her Mom…"

"And yet, your eyes speak for themselves my sweet boy." Linda told him. "I was young once too, you know?"

"She's… it's not like that."

"Oh, it isn't?"

"No, she's… she's the Ambassador's daughter."

"And you are what? You are a nice boy, from a good family. Better than most her father would hope for her child and Russian, isn't that sort of a big deal?" Gleb shrugged. "Because you do like her that way, don't you?"

Gleb found himself nodding. Proving her right.


Anya could barely contain herself from rolling her eyes at her sister's drilling of Gleb. Not only Maria but also Olga and Tatiana had sat her down.

"But did you see the way he was looking at you?" Olga said. "Please tell me you did."

"Looking at me? Looking at me, like what?"

"Oh my sweet Anya, he likes you, it's very obvious."

Anya then found herself blushing. "But I barely know him. I mean, yes, he's been kind to me and Alexei and…"

"And he was clearly trying to impress you by coming to dinner tonight."

"Mama and Papa invited him, he was just being polite." Anya said.

"Maybe he was, but the two of you were making eyes at each other constantly; you better not try to deny it." Tatiana said.

Anya bit her lip. "I was?"

"Yes." Her sisters said in unison. "I am sure even Mama noticed and that's why she asked you to walk him to the car."

"The question here is, are you two ready to do something about it?" Maria asked.

"He's already offered to give Alexei lessons and he's clearly made an impression on Mama and Papa. He's got everything going for him."

Anya felt butterflies invade her stomach. Was that really how she was beginning to feel about Gleb?


Monday was a weird day, Gleb tried to avoid Dimitri at all costs because he couldn't stop asking him about Friday, but they had every lesson together so it was very hard to. "Would you please stop?"

"What? I am curious, the man is an ambassador Gleb, it is kind of an important thing."

"I know." He huffed. "But beyond the tittle, they are just regular people who are grateful someone didn't treat their son any different and showed him a little bit of kindness."

"And that will get you a long way if you want to get somewhere someday."

"Uh?" Gleb loved Dimitri, but he was too much for him sometimes, and just sometimes, he would like to punch him in the face.

"Well, you've said you don't want to go into the Military like your father and brothers, maybe you could be a diplomat of some sort and being in good graces with Nicholas Romanov can get you there."

Gleb had not admitted that to anyone but Dimitri and Linda, he wasn't ready to defy his father's wishes just yet. "I, don't even know what I want Dima, alright?" Dimitri sighed, Gleb could see there was something else in his friend's mind but he hadn't had the chance to say anything because Coach had called them over to go and rest. Dima said he'd meet him at the dorm when Gleb stayed behind.

"Something on your mind Vaganov?" Coach Carson asked. Gleb hesitated for a minute. "On you go then boy…"

"Actually sir…" Gleb said before he would back down. "You know Alexei Romanov? He's, well he has this condition sir and I've been doing some reading on it and I think swimming could really help him improve…"

"And his parents want my help?"

"Not exactly but I did offer them to try and help Alexei practice and see how it goes for him, so I was wondering if maybe we could the pool sometimes during the week? On our free time of course."

Coach looked at him and then smiled. "Come up with a schedule that could work and we'll talk about it."

Gleb beamed at him. "I will, thank you sir."


That late afternoon, he went in search of Anya and found her on her way to dinner. "Hey."

"Gleb, hi. I haven't seen you around all day."

"Yes, sorry, I had practice and had to catch up on some homework. So how was the rest of your weekend at home?"

"It was fine. My grandmama came to visit. She's in town from Paris for a few weeks." Anya said. "I love it when she comes, we barely see her anymore."

"So she lives in Paris?"

"Yes, I was actually thinking about going to live with her before my parents agreed to send Alexei here." Anya admitted to him. "It is just our special place, you know?"

"Yeah, I get it. My grandfather's farm is that place for me, I guess." Gleb said. They remained quiet for a moment. As if they were both trying to find what to say. "So, I talked to Coach Carson, about Alexei's lessons. He said I should come up with a schedule and he'd see if we can make it work."

"Oh, that's amazing, should we talk to his Housemaster?"

"Well, I was actually hoping you could help me come up with something that could work first?"

"Of course, you are doing this for my little brother after all." Anya said. They walked over to the main building, the weather was beginning to get colder and he could see she was shivering.

"Are you alright?" You are shaking…"

"No, I'm fine. I should have brought my scarf though..."

"Here." Before she could protest, he was taking off his jacket and handing it over to her.

"No, you'll freeze."

"I will be fine, trust me." Gleb smiled as she huddled closer into his jacket and without thinking she inhaled in his scent, he smelled of lotion and… was it chocolate? Anya walked into the dining hall and sat across from him on a table. "Here. I'll bring you some tea, it will warm us both up." Anya smiled as he headed up to the counter. He soon brought two cups of tea and handed one to her. "How's that? I remember you told me you really liked oranges."

"Yes, they remind me of my grandmama." Anya said with a wide smile. "I can't believe you remembered that."

"I like remembering the little things." Gleb fought hard not to blush. He glanced around to see if he spotted any of his friends, thankfully they weren't around, he liked to spend time with her alone without them prying or interrupting. "So what do you say we talk to Alexei? I don't want swimming to affect any of his lessons."

"Yes, that will be a good idea." Anya agreed. They drank their tea and had some light dinner before he walked her over to her dorm. Gleb had forgotten Anya still had his jacket until she handed it back to him.

"I would hate for you to get sick because of me." Anya said. Gleb put his jacket back on and smiled at her. "Thank you though."

"Anytime... so, I'll text you then and we can talk to Alexei?"

"Yes, sounds good. He's going to be so happy to get to spend more time with you."

"That makes two of us." He said honestly. "Goodnight Anya."

"Goodnight Gleb." She beamed at him, he waited a minute to walk over to his own dorm after she had closed the door behind her.


Over the next few weeks, they began spending a lot more time together, both sort of using Alexei as an excuse, not that the boy would complain over all the attention. It was Saturday morning when Alexei was meant to have his first lesson with Gleb and he was pretty excited about it. He normally hated PT but the older boy was turning out to be quite the good influence on him.

Anya arrived with her little brother to the pool, were Gleb was already waiting. "Are you ready Alexei?" He asked kindly, he wore sweatpants and a jacket while Gleb was down to his swimsuit and a hoodie.

"I guess." The little boy said.

"We'll go easy and if you get tired you let me know and we'll stop, how's that sound?"

"Is it okay if I stay and watch?" Anya asked. Gleb suddenly felt self conscious, it was usually prohibited to have boys and girls together at the pool at school hours, but during the weekend, anyone barely set foot there.

"Sure, I don't see why not." Gleb said, mustering all his courage not to blush. Anya helped Alexei sit by the edge of the pool as the older boy took his hoodie off, not a shirt under it.

"Anya?" Alexei asked innocently glancing at his sister and then at Gleb who had jumped into the pool. "You can sit over there." He said when he caught her unable to move her gaze away from where Gleb had been standing.

"Right, I'll be here if you need me?" Anya offered but her brother had already turned his attention back to the older boy.

"I hope you are better than my last teacher, you know? He didn't last too long." Alexei told him, half joking, which made Anya glance at Gleb apologetically.

"Oh, we'll see how I do then." He smiled as he stretched his arms so Alexei would move over to him, he hesitated at first but then he slipped inside slowly and swam closer to Gleb who was ready to catch him, as Anya watched the interaction, her heart swelled.

Later, that first afternoon, Gleb had carried a tired Alexei to his room and he and Anya had gone to the dining room cafeteria to work on some homework. "He did well, didn't he?"

"Yes, he was great, I have a feeling he'll learn fast." Gleb assured Anya.

The girl nodded. "You know, you are a really good teacher Gleb."

"You think so?" He asked, utterly surprised.

"Yes, I could see how Alexei trusted you and he actually wanted to let you help him. You have a gift for sure."

Gleb beamed at her. "I am glad to be able to. It's good that he keeps active as much as he can, and swimming is more fun than physical therapy, that's for sure." Anya smiled at him again.

They were practically alone in the room as he looked at her, holding onto her glass of water, staring at it all of the sudden to avoid his gaze. But he was supposed to be the one who was anxious.

"Anya?"

"Yes?"

"There's something…." Gleb began. He was fighting against himself because he didn't want to ruin things by admitting something to her that might not be reciprocated. "I was just wondering if next weekend, when we go home, you'd like to go to this café. We could..."

Anya's heart skipped a beat. "Gleb, are you asking me out? Like to go on a date, with you?"

"I guess I am. Would you like it if I was?" He asked, hopeful, Anya didn't want to sound too desperate, but she had been waiting for this moment for a while, ever since that dinner at her house and her sisters insinuations that she liked Gleb as more than just friends. And she pushed away any thought of the prohibition her father had made up until that point of her dating boys.

"I would love to." She said with a shy smile. Gleb mirrored it back, though wider.

He couldn't wait for next weekend.


Okay... so Glenya's going on their first date. Can you guess I'm excited? Please leave me a review if you can guys. It keeps me motivated to write!