Nikita

[FLASHBACK]

"Mom, I have a project, and I have to complete it in two days. You guys can go without me. I'll be fine, and it's not like you people are never coming back. I tell my mom. She's always so protective you'd think we were not a big family, but that's okay and I'm not complaining anyway. Besides, you'll be back tomorrow."

For what seems like forever, I try convincing my mom that I'll be okay, even though I know she won't ever believe me. She always worries too much; she might even get grey hair from that. I look to my dad for help, knowing so well only he can make mom leave me alone.

I understand that the estate is so big, but then I have always loved being alone more than interacting with people. Maybe that will change when I finally finish this darn project. Being a doctor is hell, at least right now; all I have to worry about is the darn school project.

When I finish this thing, I will join my friends in playing FIFA and kicking their ȧsses. I just wish mom would understand that there's life on the internet too. I hope she will realize that her trips won't make me change myself into someone different.

They always go on trips, and I always stay at home because home is better than any place; I can attest to that. Yuri says it's because I'm an introvert, but what does he know?

I'm still trying to communicate telepathically with my dad. I need him to convince mom that I'll be okay; besides, Natalya, our house help is also here. When dad doesn't seem to be acting fast enough, I call Natalya and tell her I will be nice to her for a week if she makes my mom leave without me.

I don't know how she does it, but she makes mom believe I'll be okay. In my defense, I'm not always mean to her; well, I have a cold demeanor, but not cruel to her. Does it even make any sense?

Thank heavens for that.

Raisa is too excited to be even worrying about me right now.

My best friend Ren is ready to go. He looks at me like I'll change my mind, but we both know the answer. I am not going anywhere with them, and the sooner they leave for Russia, the sooner I can get to talk to my grandparents, who don't believe in the power of technology.

They have all the tech anyone could use, but they always insist on physical visits. Is this how I will be when I grow old? The idea itself makes me cringe, Nikita without technology, that's a sight even I would pay to see.

"Call me if you need anything, baby, anything even if you need me to sing you lullabies. I will sing for you, my child." Mom is making the whole situation awkward, but I let her bathe in all her sentiments because they will be late if we start making comments. Not for their flight, but they will reach Russia late.

They don't need to book any plane because we have three private jets ready to go, any time of the day. Why do mothers need to be this overdramatic daily? I keep hoping mine will ever change, but then she's my mom, and I love her just the same way.

With the butler wheeling the suitcases onto the waiting plane, I can't help but feel bad for not going.

Ren didn't want to go without me, but I can be pretty convincing. Besides, he's always dreamed of going to Russia all his life. Despite being a doctor like me, he spends too much time on women than he does on actualizing his dreams.

Yuri is unique in his own way, save for the fact that he hates hospitals with a passion so strong. It's weird, especially since everyone in our house is a doctor except for Raisa, who also seems to be going in the same direction.

I know the house will feel lonely without all of them here, but I can't tell them that I will miss them, though I think the way I'm holding onto the door while watching them board is proof enough.

I know it isn't fair that I miss out on family gatherings, but you will understand me if you have ever been to those gatherings. I can't stand too many people in one place, that and the mere fact that the relatives are always so interested in our personal lives. It's creepy, but mom says it's normal.

I watch everyone go on board, and I can't help the nagging feeling of something being amiss. I can't quite put a finger to it, though. Maybe that's why instead of stopping them, I go back inside, silently praying that they reach safely. I pass Natalya, who seems sad that they are leaving. I want to tell her that I feel the same way, but some things off with all of this.

Every time they visit our grandparents, I have always been okay with that. But why is it that today I feel like stopping them even though they are already in the air? Maybe I'm just overthinking, and I convince myself as I go to get a glass of water from the kitchen.

Looking around, I already miss Raisa; she's such a beautiful and happy girl, but one who believes that everything and everyone in her world should be in. My parents don't even have the strength to deny her wishes.

She's such a darling.

I look around the house, and the presence of young Raisa is all over.

Everywhere is either pink or having her drawings.

She loves art, and that makes her even more adorable. She makes life look easy. I know that looking around the house won't make the feeling go away, so I go back to my bedroom to complete my project before the next week because I get to go back to work next week.