Title: Russia's wife
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 4: Surprise!
The round cut diamond ring sat happily on her ring finger. The three-carat diamond sparkled like no other in its little setting surrounded by tiny diamonds like a little halo. It was a classic cut specifically chosen by a traditionalist like Ivan.
Amelia didn't really mind. In fact, she thought she would never marry. She was the land of the free in its literal sense. She depicted the life of a free and independent woman who didn't need a man in her life. She was after all a feminist. Fate, however, had another thing in store for her.
When she came by to speak with him. He was already armed with a pair of rings and decided to hold their marriage in a week.
It was a surreal affair. Even the First Lady helped in the wedding preparations but complained at the short span of time. She then sent the personification to her personal designer that had her on pins and needles, literally. Amelia happily let her decide all matters concerning her wedding. The wedding dress complemented her figure and her hallowed face was covered in makeup.
In the end, the marriage was a confidential matter and the only people who attended were their presidents, the cabinet and their wives. In no way we're they allowed to speak to other nations most especially China, England, Japan or Russia's sisters. Well, not yet anyway. He was still wearing his trademark scarf when he signed his name on the dotted line while Amelia wore a white mermaid lace dress chosen by the First Lady.
Nothing but the best said the First Lady who treated her like a daughter.
In the end, she didn't even have a chance to enjoy her new husband for his President and his entourage were recalled to return to Moscow while he was ordered to go to Canada to discuss trade agreements.
She didn't know if she was lucky or unlucky that she escaped her wedding night but it was a temporary reprieve from all the hustle and bustle that happened in a week. Amelia didn't even have the chance to properly say goodbye to her husband before he left. The only reminders of the grand affair was chaste kiss and a little photoshoot during the wedding.
The rest turned into a short and boring one. The only people that were left was hers as all of the foreign diplomats accompanied their President on his way home. It didn't really change much because before they signed the agreement both parties of the bride and groom exerted a kind of tension that made an ordinary moral wonder if there was going to be a Third World War.
Still, an absentee husband was not what Amelia expected. This was not the way she wanted to start the rest of their lives.
Ivan later called to apologize and like the supportive and accommodating wife that she was asked to be, she accepted his apology. He promised to return after speaking with Canada.
When he did return a few days later, Amelia was already packing her bags on her way to the world meeting. Thus, they decided to go together. Looks like they were going to spent their honeymoon in Moscow.
According to their bosses, they had 24 hours to announce at the world meeting of their marriage/alliance before the representatives of their respective governments would inform the world jointly of their perfected agreement the next day.
Russia offered to announce it at the world meeting alone but she refused. As his wife, it was her duty to stand by her man. A talk that was ingrained in her head by the First Lady.
Marriage is hard, Amelia. It is often riddled with compromises so you have to be ready to support him in any way possible said the First Lady.
She needed to show her support for this to work. She later begged him that she would like to first inform her friends and family before they announce it to the rest at the world meeting.
Thus, there they were, on the way to Moscow to attend the world meeting for the very first time as husband and wife. They discreetly boarded the commercial plane to their destination and to America's new home. According to the treaty stipulations she was allowed to stay with her husband half the year for as long as she finished all her paper work on time.
While the plane was boarding, she texted her boss of their flight. As usual, her boss reminded her of her promise not to interfere.
Just because you're married to Russia doesn't mean anything, he blatantly said.
Amelia gave him her million dollar smile, even though the president could not see it, promising her best behavior.
She was later joined by her tall, muscular husband after he spoke with his own boss. Russia eased himself down beside her just prior to take-off. Amelia decided if she could immerse herself in a magazine maybe Ivan would correctly assume her disinterest in indulging in polite conversation and leave her alone. She took a magazine from her bag and studiously lifted through its pages.
After a while her attention wandered. The world meeting occurs once a year to talk about the world's problems. Twice if it's an emergency. Sometimes, Amelia frowned over such meetings because they never really do anything in it. They just come together to bicker and squabble over the world's problems. Often times they lack the teeth to implement the decisions they made. America wanted to voice out her complaints but as promised to her boss, she refrained from making a scene.
Discreetly she looked at her new husband, noting the quality and cut of his long heavy tan cut. The faint aroma of his aftershave teased her nostrils. There was a faint smell of vodka but that was understandable. She was married to Russia after all. A watch graced his wrist. It was old and worn down. She saw that his hands were broad with strong tapering fingers.
Russia looked like was a man that would spent his time traveling from one country to the next. Amelia mused speculatively. Ivan noticed her staring but he paid her no mind. He extracted a folder from his briefcase and he became engrossed for the next few hours.
A faint smile appeared on her lips. People watching was such an absorbing pastime especially if one was her mysterious husband. However Amelia shook her head and chose another magazine and read an article then another and another.
She must have dozed for she came sharply awake at the faint thudding sound of the plane's wheels touching down on the runway. She discovered that her seat-belt had been fastened while she slept. The culprit could only be her husband.
The need to freshen up elicited a murmured request to slip past him as he stood to his feet and moved into the aisle. She surmised that even if she wore her three-inch heels her eyes were barely leveled with his shoulders. He was just too tall.
Amelia's cool, "Thank you," elicited a smile from her husband. She could get lose on his violet eyes. Fifteen minutes later, she resumed her seat, relieved that this was the final stop-over. It brought her closer to her new home. She turned to the window but all she could see was darkness. She wondered what it would be like in his home.
"Amerika, are you alright?"
At the sound of his deep, accented voice, Amelia schooled her expression into a polite cheerful mask. She looked at his lips twist into a semblance of a familiar smile she was used to.
"Never better, why?"
"You've been vaguely silent the rest of the trip."
She offered him a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. Just a little tired. I guess, California wore me down, is all."
"Rest, podsolnechnik. You've worked enough."
Amelia gave him a faint smile but her smile never reached her eyes. In her mind, her work was never enough. As long as that damn economic crises is still subsisting, she'll never stop working until it's over.
Silence ensued.
She later adjusted her seat and leaned back against the cushioned head-rest and tried to escape into sleep. After a little while, she dozed off again.
The touch of a hand on her arm caused her to stir, and she blinked, disoriented for a few minutes. She became humiliatingly aware that her head was resting against a hard, muscular shoulder.
She moved at once, conscious of a faint tinge of pink coloring her cheeks trying to sit upright.
"I'm sorry, Russia." The words emerged scarcely before she could give it any thought.
His answer was only a smile.
She looked at the window tinged with the glow of a new day's dawn and she watched in fascination as the sky lightened with the coming of the sun.
Breakfast was served an hour before their scheduled arrival in Moscow and Amelia eyed the array of food with disinterest. Usually she had a healthy appetite but nowadays she could barely stomach anything except coffee and bread. Long were the days that she could eat all the hotdogs she could eat. Now as if a silent protest of her people's suffering, she refrains from such indulgences.
Damn it! What I wouldn't give for a hotdog and relish it like I used to.
She silently craved. She noticed Russia staring at her but he never spoke a word. She gave him a smile in return. After drinking a second cup of coffee, she admitted she felt human again. After they ate, she excused herself to the bathroom to brush her teeth and change to into a blouse and a pencil skirt. The water was cold but it was always cold in Russia. Thus, she opted to cover her hands with her good old reliable leather gloves. It hid the glittering stone on her finger.
Disembarkation at the Domodedovo International Airport and dealing with Customs took a considerable amount of time and when they were finished, they noticed they had an hour before the meeting.
Later they were free to emerge from the arrival lounge and decided to take a taxi. In all honesty, Amelia tried to be friendly and cordial to Russia. The trip to the world meeting was riddled with silence but it was only because fatigue caught up to her again and she fell asleep on the way.
She was awakened by Russia's gentle nudging. Amelia was embarrassed that she fell asleep on Russia's shoulder again and she apologized but Russia merely smiled.
Amelia wanted to bang her head on the building wall. Damn it, girl! Put it together, you fell asleep on Russia again! For crying out loud.
Amelia frowned. She tried apologizing again but Russia merely smiled and said he didn't mind. She tried paying for the cab but he already paid it in full. She tried to split the bill but Russia merely shrugged and told her they were going to be late. Looking at her watch once again, she had no choice but to agree.
In the end, both of them were late because of the security check. When they got there, Germany was already discussing about the latest topic on food shortages. Both of them earned a glare while they tried to find their seat.
China gave her a disapproving stare when he saw her. Same old, same old. Russia merely smiled at the crowd while Amelia was tried to look at the floor.
At lunch break, France came to her seat. "Mind telling us what happen, ma petit?"
Amelia merely frowned. "If your talking about Russia and I being late. We're sorry. It happens. Move on, dude."
"Are you sure, mon ami. It's like looking at a man who just won a lottery."
"France please, don't start. Let it go."She pleaded.
"Fine but mark my words, ma petit. He adores you."
Amelia merely laughed. "You think too much. Want to join me for lunch?"
"Are you asking me on a date, Amelia?"
Again Amelia chuckled and shook her head, "Come on, Casanova. I'm starving."
As they went to the cafeteria, they missed how Russia glared at them while America held France's arm.
While on their way to the cafeteria, they came upon Finland and Sweden. Happily Amelia hugged her adoptive parents in greeting. Finland then looked at her from head to toe and expressed his disapproval regarding her weight. He tsked when he saw the heavy eyebags under the makeup as well as her pale complexion.
"You must eat, darling! You're skin and bones." Finland commented while Sweden merely nodded his accent.
America merely chuckled and assured them she was just stressed but she will not fly away
Finland, Sweden and France merely frowned at her reply. Tino offered to buy her a meal which she gladly accepted. The group was later joined by Japan, Canada and England during their lunch. She told them about her experience at customs, how they were so strict and how they were late because of the security checks. She didn't tell them how she fell asleep on Russia's shoulder twice.
Pretty soon, the party grew bigger when Italy, Germany, Austria and Hungary joined the group. Actually Hungary badgered Austria to join them at their table. They recalled stories of their experiences during the last couple of months. Japan even complained how she was left alone in Hong Kong's party. Then came the teasing of America and Russia again by France.
"Well, it can't be helped but I thought you were trying to avoid him, America?" asked Hungary.
"I wasn't really avoiding him. I mean, my boss warned me a couple of months ago to stay away. I guess he's scared that I would initiate world war 3," Amelia laughed.
England and Japan looked at one another but no one uttered a word.
"Anyway, do you mind if I stay with you, America. In my haste to get here, I forgot to book a hotel room on the way here," asked Japan.
"That's alright Sakura. You know you can always stay with me."
"Thank you, Amelia."
"Hohoho, maybe I can also stay there, ma petit?"
"Not a chance, Frog!" England vehemently objected at his proposition. "There's no way, I'll allow you to sleep on the same roof with this two around."
"Jealous mon ami. You could always join us?"
"Hell no! America tell him, he cannot stay with you and Japan." England ordered.
America merely laughed and gave England a mock salute, "I'm sorry, dude, but you heard the chief."
Like a champ, France answered suavely. "That's alright, America. I was merely teasing."
England merely raised an eyebrow. "Teasing my arse, you lecherous frog!"
As usual, Canada was the one that tried to pacify his parents but to no avail.
Looking at them, Amelia missed her friends and allies. Even if they had several disagreements, she knew, they were always there for her. This is the only reason why she even goes to these things. A reason to see her friends. Sort of a get together among her own kind.
France was about to speak back when Russia came along to their table.
"Privyet everyone!" Russia gave them all a smile. Somehow America wasn't convince by the smile he gave. "May I borrow, Amelia for a second?"
Everyone was surprised when she readily agreed.
"What's up, big guy?"
"Podsolnechnik, I think you forgot to tell them of our marriage."
Amelia felt her eyes widen in shocked disbelief as she met his faintly mocking gaze. In he happiness, she almost forgot what she was suppose to tell her friends and family during lunch time.
But why now? Surely she could do it later. She hated to burst everyone's happy bubble. She turned to look at the group before facing Russia again. She silently pleaded with him. Please not now? Not when they were having a good time?
Russia gave his usual smile. He was aware of her reluctance. Damn him! It was there in his eyes, the faint challenging gleam. A mocking smile graced his lips.
"Russia." Amelia pleaded.
"So shall I tell them the happy news."
Amelia vaguely felt the cold wedding band on her left hand. The reason no one questioned her was because the evidence was hidden by an old leather glove.
"So shall we?"
"No wait!"
As if not hearing her response, he took her hand and went back to the group. All eyes were on their intertwined fingers.
"Everyone, I think Amelia forgot to tell you the happy news?"
The group looked at her mortified face.
"And what would that be, old chap?" England decided to humor him.
"Only that Amelia and I got married. May I introduce to you, my wife, the new Mrs. Ivan Braginsky." Russia carefully articulated the words.
True to her word, the result was uproar.
At first no one really believe him. Sweet old England thought he even heard him wrong, so ask him to repeat what he said and so Russia repeated his announcement to the group.
Something broke in her old mentor. She was stoned silent after that.
France was the only one happy about the news. "Hohoho, Russia, you fox! I never knew you were such a smooth operator?" He then stood up and congratulated the pair.
Canada was so shocked, he said the first thing that came into mind? "Are you pregnant?"
America frowned, "No. I'm not pregnant."
"Did he threaten you?" asked Hungary.
"No, he didn't threaten me."
"Did he force you in anyway, America?" added Japan.
"No." America's brow creased. "What is this, twenty-twenty question?"
"I highly doubt, you would be willing marry him, Amelia," said Canada. "I mean, he is Russia."
"Is this a joke?" added Germany.
America frowned. "No, this is not a joke."
Despite, Russia at her side, he did not say a word at first. He left all the explanations to her. He watched as it unfold right before their eyes.
A few seconds later, after seeing her discomfort. She felt Russia's squeeze her own. It felt reassuring to have him there. She felt that she was being backed into a corner.
As usual frivolous Italy who could not read the atmosphere happily greeted the couple. "Ve ve, congratulations, America and Russia! I hope you have a happy life together."
"Happy life? Are you insane, Italy?" exclaimed Austria. "Do you not know the repercussions of their actions to the rest of the world?" Austria exclaimed. He was already feeling a headache coming along. He needed to lie down to take in all of this. Hell, he needed to express his frustration through the piano.
"I find it quite romantic," said France. "Did you two eloped, ma petit?"
"Elope? More like coerced her, you mean?" added Finland as he finally joined the fray for the first time.
"Somehow I hardly believe that America is a victim here?"said France. "More like her wearing the pants in this marriage," he surmised.
"No, Russia fooled her into it!" Hungary offered her opinion.
The discussion soon evolved into a debate whether Russia coerce America or not. It became so heated that America had to shout, "Enough!"
Everyone turned to her. She removed her gloves to show her ring to everyone present. "Ivan did not force me ok? I willing gave my consent. Thank you very much. The least you could do is support us in our decision." Like a peacock that had her feathers ruffled she took her husband's hand and walk out of the room.
The couple were later found seating together in a corner. When it was time, Amelia joined her husband at the podium and repeated the announcement to the rest in the world meeting. After which they walked out of the ballroom and left.
Russia merely gave them all a smug smile. During lunch time before he came to his wife, he silently informed his older sister Ukraine of his marriage. At first Ukraine was stunned into disbelief before she graciously gave her congratulations. Sweet older sister Ukraine has always been so understanding. He thanked the heavens that she was in his side. He also spoke with China and the older nation happily told him, he finally got his prize.
All in all, Russia had a nice day. It was made even better when Belarus failed to appear to ruin their announcement. According to Ukraine she would come the next day but by then the world would have already known his alliance with America.
When Amelia saw him smiling, she asked him why but he merely shook his head.
The two later proceeded to Russia's residence. Unlike the typical Russian, Ivan had a two story house near the city. If Amelia was not tired, she would have surveyed her new home but the moment she fell into the bed, she was sound asleep. She vaguely felt someone cradling her like when she was a child.