Chicago 11:33pm 1991 April 4th Sunday,
Feeling sick to my stomach being driven back home, to pack the rest of my last things. Before I leave for Russia...the car door opens for me, as I thank the chauffeur and bodyguards walking inside the huge big white estate. “Mama”! Calling out as I already see all of my suitcases and bags packed by Leon’s men, I scoffed. “What the fuck is all this, thought there was still time before we leave”? My father and Leon are speaking. Looking up seeing my mother Marliene walk down the stairs looking as elegant as ever right next to Meris, the baby girl of our family, everyone came down to see me and I smiled. “We wanted to say goodbye baby”. Hugging Mama and Meris and kissing both of their cheeks, bending down to pick up my little black tabby cat Bella hugging her tightly. My younger brothers and older brothers weren’t there yet. “We’ll miss you diamond” My dad says I felt my eyes getting glossy, I’ll miss them a lot. Looking around Leon said something to my dad in Russian and he replied, tilting my head "when did Papa know Russian”? I thought pushing passed it “didn’t even tell me you were leaving, Vivi” Whipping around seeing one of my best friends Honey running to hug her tightly. “Where is Angie”?! Honey sighs loudly her sparkling gold hoops made her shimmer somehow and reflected off to her brown skin and pink glasses . “She’s sick but..promise you’ll call”? She asked in a hopeful tone, pecking my cheek and handing me a box telling me not to open it until I land in Russia. “Of cours-Вперёд!” Interrupted by Leon to rush me and his men out. He opens the car door for me but doesn’t make eye contact or look at me. Starting the car as Leon sits in the passenger on an important phone call. It was chilly, almost midnight, and in the middle of spring in Chicago. Wearing a mint green halter slip dress. That I totally stole from Honey as I stared out the window the whole drive. Thinking about my baby Bella “You should’ve worn a jacket Harper”. That deep gruff sexy baritone. “I’ll be fine Ivanov” snarling at him, he chuckled. I kept a tough front but deep down, I was scared of my new life having to leave my own home.. “Don’t worry You’ll have enough jackets to give her after the honeymoon”. Mark, his right hand man, joked whipping my head around, “Honeymoon?! WEDDING”?!! I shrieked as Ivanov pinches his nose bridge and nods confirming the worse. “When is it?”. Raising my eyebrow, pissed Mark coughs out “April 23rd” Looking away as I glare at that’s 2 weeks away Tuesday. Barely any time to adjust.