Chapter 1

  "Hiraya"

" Dedushka! (Grandfather)"

              I run to my grandfather like a kid and hugged him. He hugged me back and patted my head before approaching Mom and gaved her a big hug.

"Papa have a sit first"  Dedushka sat down and gestured for me to sit besides him as Mom went to prepare food. Even though we have Carmellia helping us, Mom still insisted on helping. Ever since Dedushka found out Mom's health was diterroating he had visited us more frequently. Carmellia even joked that even though Mom was just in her forties, 75 year old Dedushka beat her to it.

I never knew the reason why Mom immigrated here in the Philippines but Dedushka said it was for our safety. I never push harder as I respect them. It's been 19 years since Mom left Russia. I studied here in the Philippines. I learned both Tagalog and Russian. Italian and German in additional.

God forbid a girl to have so much time.

My education here in the Philippines is fine. Im top of my class and now preparing for college. I chose medicine. I wanted to be a doctor to at least help Mom with her conditions. Curriculums here weren't that hard so I quickly learned, I even made a few friends.

Because of my features, people here assumed I was half. Half Filipino and half Russian—well actually I'm completely Russian. Mom dyed her hair so it wasn't obvious. That's why people here were either confused or surprised.

"Vnúchka(granddaughter), I have something for you" Dedushka held a jewelry box. The jewelry box was surely vintage and expensive at the same time. It was not that flashy, it was classy.

"What's that Dedushka? "

"It's from your father" Dedushka whispered.

From my father? I have never even meet him. Why is he doing this now? I mean it's not late but it's late for him and Mom. Considering Moms health, why is he just appearing now?

I took the jewelry box and opened it.Inside, was a necklace. The pendant was a boquet of roses. I'm not quite sure what kind of rose. The necklace alone was silver, the roses being different shades—different crystals and gems. At the back of the pendant was a word written in Russian. "malen'kaya roza" meaning "little rose". The pendant wasn't that big nor to small, just enough to see the words.

Dedushka tooked the initiative to put the necklace on me.

" Dedushka, do you know my fathers name? "

"It's Mikhail, Mikhail Rodimirivich Kholodov" Dedushka then placed his index finger between his lips indicating to stay quite. "Don't tell your Mom I told you".i nodded as an answer. We chatted more —mainly about my career choice and what college I'll go to.

I learned more about my father.Not that much just enough to satisfy my curiosity. But there's something bothering me—my last name. My last name wasn't "Kholodov" , instead it was "Bazilevsky".I took my Mom's last name and not my father. Why...?

Dedushka and I chatted more.

"Dedushka, both my parents are Russian why is my name Filipino? " I asked acting all innocent—as if I didn't learned something I shouldn't.

"It's because your Mom came across that name and thought it was a unique one" Dedushka played along as he saw Mom approaching.

"What are you two up to? " Mom asked with a soft smile. Both me and Dedushka immediately said "Nothing" unintentionally at the same time. "Okay then. Now, stand up the meal's ready" Mom said giving us the suspicious look.

We went to the kitchen, Carmellia was still preparing the table so I helped. I saw Mom and Dedushka went to the living room and talked. I didn't asked why, after all Dedushka was trying to persuade Mom to go back to Russia and get better treatment.

With my help Carmellia and I quickly finished the task. Carmellia was already old so her movements were quite slow.

"Go and call your Grandfather and Mom, Raya"

"Raya" was the nickname Carmellia gave me. Even Mom called me "Raya" sometimes. My classmates to.

"Hiraya do you want to go back to Russia? " Dedushka questioned the moment we all sat down at the dining table. It got me thinking.its not like I don't want to go to Russia it's just that I've grow up here in the Philippines. My friends are here my life is here. But I do.

I do want to go to Russia. I want to experience living in the country I was born. I want to learn and recognize my culture. I want to know more about my lineage. I want to know my rots. Not only for my own gain but also for Mom. She need better treatment.

"I do...I do want to go back to Russia" I smiled bitterly knowing my decision will upset Mom. But it's also for her own good. I don't want her to die. She's all I've got.

Mom sighed and Dedushka was happily stuffing his mouth with food. He even almost choked. Carmellia just chuckled.

"Hiraya go show your grandfather his room" Mom gently stroked my head before I go and lead Dedushka to his room. Dedushka decided to stay for a few days so he could help Mom  move around. Carmellia said my Mom likely inherit her condition from my Babushka (grandmother). Babushka also suffered from leukemia and died from it.

"Hiraya,Vnúchka.Do you really want to go back to Russia? "

"Of course Dedushka. Since I was a kid I was dying to go back to Russia"

"What about your friends? "

"It'll be fine... "

"Your education? "

"I'll apply for a scholarship to a university in Russia so don't worry Dedushka"

"You don't have to apply for a scholarship Hiraya.I can afford the tuition fees. Don't forget you have a rich grandfather" Dedushka smiled Idioticly.

I just rolled my eyes.

"Quit rolling your eyes it might get stuck" Dedushka laugh. "You're wrong Dedushka, rolling your eyes will not cause them to get stuck in a specific position" I corrected him.

"Why are you so smart? "

"You know I like to learn new things Dedushka"

"Right"

"Goodnight Vnúchka"

"Goodnight Dedushka" I smiled and Dedushka messed my hair before closing the door.My hair was short so it quickly messed up.It was already late so I immediately went to my room. When I went inside, there Mom was sitting on my bed. She patted the space besides her and I sat there.

"Do you really want to go back to Russia? " Mom asked gently brushing a strand of my hair. I nodded.She smiled bitterly. "Then prepare your farewells for your friends" she smiled bitterly. With her thin frame and pale face it hurts to see it.

She started at me for a moment before her eyes lingered into the necklace I was wearing. She gently touch the pendant and turn it upside down. Her eyes started to water when she saw the words carved in it. Mom maid me lay down on her lap, at first I was hesitant considering her health but she insists. She started to gently brush my hair with her finger.

"Hiraya did you know, your Dad and I had a promise" Mom spoke after a while. I was surprised. This was the first time she spoke about my Father...

"He got me a necklace with a pendant of a boquet of Eden Rose 85.it has nine pieces, symbolizing internal love. He carved malen'kaya roza on the back.He carved it with his own hands.And malen'kaya roza? That was what he used to call me. " Mom stopped for a bit.

Dad carved "malen'kaya roza" on the back of the pendant? With his own hands?

"He promised to get exactly the same necklace for our future daughter. That was you..." Mom looked at me with her sweet and gentle smile. "That necklace you were wearing used to be mine..." Mom couldn't stop her tears. She sobbed. She sobbed through her smile.

I didn't know what my parents went through but judging from what mom said and what Dedushka told me. It must be tragic. But I'm sure Mom still loves Dad.

I comforted Mom. And after a while Mom spoke again.

" I'm glad Papa gave it to you... " she kissed my forehead before saying goodnight and said " we'll go back to Russia on August 10 " then she went out.

August 10.. That's my birthday....

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