Our Flame

xxv

NADIA

As I continue to put my things in boxes the list catches my attention, well some specific words. In big bold letters it reads, "Go back to school."

Going back to school, finishing high school, it's definitely something I want to do before this whole marriage happens.

It's weird to even say that, staring at the list a little while longer I shove it into a box.

Today we finally start moving into our new house, and I can't wait. No more being in a hotel.

Well technically this evening.

A bark from Misha pulls me out of my thoughts, "No more running in the halls." I coo at her. I chuckle as she starts to chase her tiny tail in a circle.

I can only hope to graduate even after going back, because going back doesn't always promise graduation.

I huff closing the box on my bed, mood ruined.

A diploma doesn't make you any more important, but still it's something I want.

Something I need.

A knock at my door pulls me out of my thoughts, I'm grateful for that. I groan as the knocking continues, speeding up my pace I open the door.

"Brothers." I greet pulling open the door, both Niko and Luka raise their eyebrows at me. I then let out a very over dramatic sigh.

When they don't ask what's wrong I do it again plopping onto my bed, "What's wrong Nadia?" Luka crosses his arms.

"I want to graduate." I state.

"You want to go back to school." Niko says, more as a correction. "No-Not really." I shake my head. "I just want the diploma."

"Okay well, it doesn't work that way. But you're doing fine without the diploma." Luka tells me. "You are okay right?"

I smile at my brothers, "I'm fine guys... I just want to be more." I sigh. "More?" Niko questions. "I want to have some type of significance, my life to have some meaning." I explain.

I then shrug, "I don't know if graduating will give me that significance but it'd be something." I add. "Your life has tons of meaning Nadia, with or without a diploma."

I nod, I am more than a diploma is what I continue to remind myself.

"What did you guys need?" I wonder while Niko holds Misha in his arms. "The three of us- Halloween party tonight."

I furrow my eyebrows, "When even is Halloween?"

"And I thought Russia didn't celebrate Halloween, I never went trick or treating. Did Mama lie about that?" My questions continue.

It's very true, I never went trick or treating because my parents said it wasn't a real holiday, which it isn't but still.

"Halloween is on Sunday, Nadia." Niko laughs at me. "And this isn't a whole country party it's some teenagers who love a good time."

I think about it, I've never been to a party and I have nothing better to do tonight. I quickly make up my mind.

"I'll go." I simply answer, "Perfect." Luka and Niko smile. "But Viktor and Vadim don't know we're going to a party."

I turn to look at my two brothers, "Why don't they know?" I ask. Luka scratches the back of his neck and Niko nudges him.

"The party is an hour away and Viktor can be a little overprotective." Luka looks away. I laugh. Viktor is overprotective.