Hidden Royalty

Chapter 7 Mistress of the House

CHAPTER 7 

Over the next few days I work with Katherine to learn my duties, which seem to be more like mistress of the house than personal assistant, but I have no money to leave and nothing to go back to, so I trudge on. I continue to wake up sick and fatigued, but don't want to lose my job so I pretend nothing is wrong. Katherine is a kind woman, with a generous heart. Everyone seems to respect her and no one questions her orders. I've taken over the care of Nikki. He spends the mornings with his private teacher and in the afternoons we go exploring. He tells me all sorts of wild tales. He is so adorable I can't help but fall in love with my new charge. I asked him how old he was once and he told me he had just turned 8 months old. I scolded him for lying and he burst into tears. I apologized immediately and hugged him to me. He is so convinced the stories he tells are true. I will have to talk to Vadik about this when he gets home. Nikki must look like his mother because he looks nothing like his father. He has Sandy blonde hair and beautiful golden brown eyes. His skin is fair unlike Vadik's darkly tanned skin. I'm so caught up in thought I bump into someone. I quickly apologize and see that it's Isobel and Katherine. You are just who I was looking for Isobel squeals. Katherine rolls her eyes. "What my over excited daughter means to say is she wants to know if you would go shopping with her and I'll spend some time with my favorite grandson." Nikki giggles and says "Grandma, I'm your only grandson." I have a lot of work to do and I don't want to neglect my duties I state. "Nonsense dear, you need some time off. You've been looking very tired lately. I insist. It's settled, now go." Isobel laughs and says there is no arguing with my mom when she's made up her mind. I sigh and head upstairs to get ready.

I don't know where exactly we'll be going so I where a beautiful cashmere pantsuit with a matching coat. I decide on some Italian leather boots with a small wedge heal in case we do a lot of walking. I leave my hair down because my long bouncy Auburn curls have a mind of their own. I apply a minimal amount of makeup and dash out the door only to bump into an excited Isobel and another shy girl who looks like an exact replica of her. Hey Jenna, this is my twin sister Irene, Isobel says. Is it all right if she joins us on our trip? Sure, that would be great. A smile lights up Irene's face and transforms her looks from an average beauty to absolutely stunning. I can't help but smile in return.

We head out the door and get into the limo. The driver asks us where we are headed and Isobel giggles and says Paris. When we get to the airport Isobel and Irene both drag me onto the plane. I tried to explain that I'm terrified of flying, but they just laugh it off. I clench the seats and close my eyes as the plane takes off. The twins look at each other and say you weren't kidding huh? Once the plane levels out the girls start talking to me asking me questions. Isobel in her excited tone and Irene in her quiet one. We learn we have a lot in common and that the twins will be graduating college next year. They both go to college in New York City. Isobel majoring in drama and Irene in psychology. They have never spent the night away from each other. I told them about how my parents died when I was young and how I was passed from foster home to foster home in the same small New England town I grew up in. When I turned eighteen I ran off to New York, got my GED and finished college as quickly as possible while working a full time job. They told me what a brave and amazing person I was. I know they wouldn't be saying that if they knew the whole story, but I promised myself to leave that all behind me. Before I knew it we were landing in Paris where a Rolls-Royce was waiting for us. Let's go eat lunch before we shop, Isobel says. I know of an absolute amazing bistro on Rue Cler. The food was amazing and I was exhausted after eating and talking, but didn't want to bother anybody so I plastered on my best smile intent on trudging through the day. The next thing I know I woke up in a huge bed. It was dark outside I looked around and saw Isobel sleeping on a couch nearby. When I started to get up Clare grabbed my hand and told me to just relax. Where are we? What happened? What time is it? Just lay back and rest. "You passed out when you stood up to leave the Bistro. We brought you to our family house here in Paris. Me and Isobel have taken turns watching you all night. The doctor said you just needed to rest and should be better by morning, but to take it easy for a few days. He wouldn't tell us what is wrong because we weren't your next of kin. Is there something wrong with you Jenna?" No nothing I know of. I haven't felt well for a few days I just assumed it was a virus of some kind. Why didn't you tell us, Clara states angrily. I thought we were friends. I grab her hand and say we are friends I just didn't want to ruin the trip for everyone. Clara sighs and says don't you know you are more important than a silly trip. You really need to value yourself more. Now get some rest. We are flying back home after breakfast. What about the shopping trip, I ask? I wouldn't argue with her if I were you. I jump at the sound of Isobel's voice. She has the worst bedside manner. We all laugh and the twins chat quietly with me till I doze off. The next morning we head back to Russia right after breakfast.

When we arrive Nikki jumps into my arms and gives me a hug. Katherine asks if she needs to send someone for our shopping bags. I duck my head feeling ashamed that I ruined the trip for everyone. When the twins told Katherine what happened she insisted I go lay down and wait on their personal physician. I heard Vadik's deep smooth voice ask what was going on? I started to panic. I was afraid of loosing my job. I started assuring him nothing was wrong and that I could return to work immediately. That's when the room started spinning. Vadik scooped me up in his arms and carried me to my room.