Empty Promises: 3 (RussiaxMexicoxAmerica)

By the time she arrived home, it was a new day. Adriana opened the door and took of her shoes. She left the suitcase at the entrance along with her coat. She walked over to her kitchen and sat down on one the chairs.

She placed her head into her hands, and looked around to see where her little dog was, "Oh that's right, Antonio's taking care of him."

Adriana let out a deep, shaky sigh. She had cried at the beginning of her trip, but somewhere along the way, had managed to stop. A searing headache had taken the tears place afterwards, and all she wanted was something to just take it away.

She eyed on the cabinets, where her drinks were kept. "You’re not only one with a problem Ivan." She thought darkly.

Should she or should she not? What would it mean? Here she was trying to help him cut back on his drinking, while she also suffered the same problem. She never told him, knowing he would be ashamed of her. He would probably call her a hypocrite, and he'd be right.

"Just one..."

Just one what? One glass? Or one bottle?

She got up and walked over to the cabinet. She was about to open it, when her mind decided to toy with her.

"Adriana...you drink too much. I'm worried about you." Her older brother Antonio said.

"And why do you care? You've never cared about me!"

"That is not true! I raised you and them what you turn on me!"

"Become you were acting like a damn bastard!"

"Adriana!"

"Ooh you know it's true, and then your stupid friend Francis tried to take me and what did you do? Nothing!" She slurred.

Antonio shook his head and placed one of his hands on hers.

"Maria Adriana Teresa Fernandez Carriedo," he only used her full name when he was sad or upset, "please put the drink down and go to sleep." His green eyes looked hurt, she couldn't say no to him when she had been the one to cause his pain.

"Fine...you win. I'll go to sleep. It's getting late already."

Antonio nodded and helped her get up, "Good night, hermanita." He kissed her head softly and watched her walk over to her room."

She let go of the cabinet's door knob.

"You know what's funny? How you see your people suffer, and your government lets it slide off, and you just follow along because you've tried everything already and all that's left is just to accept your fate." Adriana stated at one of the meetings.

Everyone looked at her in shock. They were confused, she didn't look sick or wasn't showing signs of distress. In what ways was she faltering, did that make them bad friends for not knowing or did that make her a fool for not speaking up earlier?

They all began asking questions, she only divulged a little information. At the end of the meeting, she collected her things and walked out of the room before anyone else stopped her.

She was walking a bit fast, and kept her gaze down. She bumped into something hard. She muttered something in Spanish, before looking up.

It was Ivan. She hasn't seen him in a long time, not after the revolution and the Cold War.

"I'm sorry, I should of--" Adriana began to apologize.

"It's alright, no harm done." Ivan smiled at her.

Adriana blushed and mumbled how she had to go. She excused herself and began walking down the hall.

She felt a strong hand on her shoulder. Adriana quickly turned around, meeting face to face with Ivan.

"Adriana....I--um...I know how you feel, believe me. It's a dark pain almost guilt but you know it can't be guilt because you have done nothing wrong, so you stand there and let it all pass. Hoping it will all be for the best." His eyes showed compassion, softening his words.

Adriana felt hot tears prick her eyes. She gave a watery smile, "Hmm...that's is exactly true."

"I know we haven't really talked in a long time, but I promise that I'll be here whenever you need me." Adriana wrapped her arms around Ivan, which surprised him.

"I know....don't think I have forgotten you." She whispered into his chest.

Ivan returned her embrace, "I've missed you, my sunflower."

Adriana had been hurt her the many internal conflicts time after time and then she found him, again. He was still himself after all those years. And he lent her a hand, without him knowing, he lifted her spirits. And she in turn made him better. But all that goes up must come down.

Their perfect world was suddenly shattered.

All because of Alfred's stupid remark, that set off a whole domino effect starting with their bosses agreeing to set a unifying deal.

Marriage.

Her knees gave in and she fell onto the floor.

"It's not fair, it's not fair!" She yelled before crying again.

                                       ----------

Morning broke through, light filtered in from the blinds. It scattered and began to fill the room. Not completely though, but enough to wake up him up. Ivan stirred in his sleep and stretched out his arm, half expecting she still be there.

But her side was cold and empty. He sighed and opened his eyes. The morning light caught the broken shards of glass, sending a small rainbow across the wall.

A dull throbbing pain wormed its way through his head. His nose felt stuffy and his throat scratchy, as if he had a cold. However he knew what was the matter with him. Ivan had cried himself to sleep and know the effects were showing.

Reluctantly he got up from his bed and made his way to the bathroom. After a quick bath, he dressed himself in black slacks and a white dress shirt. Ivan pulled on a creme colored jumper and a pair of black dress shoes.
He combed down his hair with his fingers and left his room, not before grabbing his scarf.

"Good morning, sir."

Toris greeted his boss as Ivan entered the dining room.

Ivan gave him a curt nod.

"Breakfast is almost done."

Ivan nodded again. He sat down.

Toris smiled nervously.

"Well, I'll just be going back to the kitchen and..." He trailed off.

Ivan waved him off. "Do what you need to do." He said dismissively.

Toris gave a short bow and left the room.

Back in the kitchen, a very worried Toris shook his head.

"How is he?" Eduard asked.

"He's fine. His acting his normal self."

"Well that is good to hear."

Eduard filled a cup with hot coffee. "Ravis, take this to the table. Toris, take the tray. I'll take the samovar."

The three men carried each thing to the dining room and served the meal.

"Mr. Braginsky, we won't need another plate for Ms. Carriedo, right?"

"Ravis!" exclaimed Toris.

Toris' eyes widened in fear and Eduard stiffened.

Ivan looked up from his plate. His violet eyes turning darkening. "No." He said coldly.  

"You are free to go eat your meal. And Ravis..."

"Yes?"

"Please shovel the driveway and clean the fireplaces and I want every room dusted. You will not be eating your breakfast, lunch or supper. Is that understood?” Ivan gave him a grim smile.

"Yes-yes sir...even Ms. Carriedo's guest room?"

Ivan slammed his hands on the table.

"What is it with your insolent questions? Weren't you taught not to meddle in private affairs?!”

"I am so sorry, sir. It's just that, Ms. Carriedo isn't here and-and..."

"Listen very carefully, the three of you."

Ivan glared at the three young men. The Baltic Trio steeled themselves to meet their boss’ icy glare.

"Ms. Maria Adriana Fernandez Carriedo, will no longer be staying with us. She had to attend personal matter at home, and I am afraid to say that yesterday was her last day in Russia."

"Will she come back soon?"

Ivan closed his eyes and let out an impatient hiss.

"No. Nor will she ever do. Now get back to work and if I hear one more question concerning Ms. Carriedo, I will personally send you back to your homeland and you can forget about your jobs!"

The three men straightened themselves.

"We understand Mr. Braginsky."

"Good."

They excused themselves and left Ivan to brood as he ate.

After his breakfast, Ivan retreated himself to his study. The meetings for the entire week were cancelled due to private matters concerning the host, but were rescheduled for next week. He sighed as he sat down in front of his computer. Already his email was clogged with notes and remainders dealing with next week’s meetings. He answered two or three, before getting to work.