Astrid Hoffmann was born in West Germany. It was 1987 and she was helping people get past the wall until the sunset. She was walking when she found an odd necklace and took it home to give back to somebody tomorrow. However, Hoffmann Wakes in a new...
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November 1912
Today was Olishka's birthday, she was turning seventeen years old. I was excited for her obviously! I couldn't wait to give her the presents I made for her! Liesel quickly woke us up and Cian decided he and Caoimhe would give her Chocolate Whoopie Pies. I've tried some and they are SO good. The big pair are in a separate room to us. I wanted them to stay in our room but the adults knew if we stuck together we'd sneak to hear their conversation.
Cian, Kiki and I did that but we couldn't really hear. I sat as Liesel did my hair. "Are you excited to turn fifteen? You can put your hair up soon." I totally realized I had broken that rule but mama let me. Oh well. "Let me do my own hair." I pleaded. Liesel bit her lip. "No ill get fired anyway!" She told me.
"I'll take the blame!" I pleaded. After ages of convincing she decided to act as if she was helping Cian and Kiki which was nice because they were quick. I walked to the table where grandmother was reading. "Good morning." I say as I take a seat next to her and catch her attention. "Good morning Ast- What have you done to your hair?!" Grandmother demanded. "I styled it myself." I shrugged. "You can not go with your hair like this! Go change it before your papà and sisters come here!" Grandmother demanded.
As if it was on cue, Papa, the big pair and Aunt Olga walked in. "Good morning Star." Papa beamed kissing my cheek. He sat next to me while Aunt Olga sat across from me, and Olga sat next to Papa. Tanechka sat next to Aunt Olga. "Good morning dear! We have special breakfast prepared!" She said as she switched tones. Servants came in and I was surprised they cooked with those guys making whoopie cakes. They placed pancakes and fruits in front of us and scrambled eggs with sausages. "Granny! You shouldn't have!" Olga said looking at the food in front of her.
Everyone began eating their food silently and I saw Cian and Kiki run past with Liesel holding a weird bag. "Astrid, your hair looks odd." Tatiana started. I swallowed the food I had in my mouth, "I styled it myself." I replied. "Ummm, well where did you learn to do this?" She asked. "I learnt it a while ago!" I uncomfortably replied. I didn't mention 1987 because that won't help with my brain surgery. Aunt Olga noticed my uncomfortable manner and changed the subject. "Olishka are you excited?" Asked Aunt Olga, "yeah! What are we doing today?" Asked Olga.
"It's a surprise." Grandmother said, we finished eating and got ready for the day. I saw what they did, it was a tray and beautifully set and it looked like something Olga would like. We pulled Olga aside, I gave her the bracelet and the sweater and they gave her the tray of whoopie pies. "Astrid, Caoimhe, Cian! I am at a loss of words.. this gift is the best. Thank you so much darlings!" Olga smiled as she took us all in embrace and we left the tray on a table, Olga put them in a bag.
Liesel helped me get dressed, Cian and Kiki were all ready already. I got dressed in the clothes grandmother picked out, it was a white dress which was short sleeved. I got it on and kept my hair the same, Liesel was perfuming me. "Where are we going?" I asked. "We are going to town for shopping today." She answered. "Does Olga know?" I added. "No."
After Liesel finished preparing me, we walked down stairs together. "Do you want to get married?" I asked. Liesel went red with my question. "Well um, yes I do." She replied. I looked at her analysing her expression and reaction. "So young?" "It's not young, it's the average age to get married."
"Do you love him?"
"Yes."
"When are you getting married?" Liesel smiled at me, "during the summer time when you don't have to wear heaps and heaps of coats." She said. We got to the big doors where grandmother stood with a cane and a hat on her head. She stood with three ladies in waiting and talked to aunt Olga. I joined them while grandmother instructed to Liesel what wrinkles needed to be fixed on my dress. The big pair came with two ladies in waiting and wore matching pink dresses.
I made a nickname for Liesel, it's Lies. She doesn't mind because she often lies to the Empress for my sake. "Well my dear darling Olenka, for your lovely birthday we are going shopping in the town." Grandmother said, Olga and Tatiana squealed in excitement. Grandmother smiled at their reactions and looked at me. I smiled. Cian and Kitty were also smiling. I turned to see Liesel standing with the Russian ladies in waiting looking uncomfortable.
The servants came in with fur coats to keep us warm in the cloudy November, they helped us put them on and opened the door with the guards escorting us to the two carriages waiting. Tatiana whispered in Olgas ear and Olga went red as she playfully pushed her, Tatiana died in giggles. I walked alone as Russian officers stood and guarded us. My eyes wandered for Malcolm and his glareful look but I didn't find him.
When we arrived to town, the whole street was closed off for us containing the most luxurious stores. Olga wanted to go to a jewellery store so we went there first. I had Liesel by my side helping me choose a ring. "Liesel please go back to your spot." Grandmother commented. I turned to looked at her. "What! She's helping me!" I said in a protest, grandmama sighed. "You have your family to help you. You have your sisters." I sighed frustratingly but not loud enough for the big pair to hear.
Cian and Kiki had their rings. I knew I didn't need a ring but it was nice to look at. After Liesel was sent back to her spot with the other ladies in waiting, I lost interest and stood patiently waiting for everybody else to finish. I looked at the silver ones, they were so beautiful. I don't personally like gold. I looked at the eight year old Kiki who had a silver one with her brother too.
When everybody finished we moved to a hat shop. It had all the size hats and shaped hats you can imagine. The big pair giggled as they put on hats that were too big for their heads. Some had towers on top making it look like Marie Antoinette's hair, I laughed at what Cian did. He found a boat hat and it looked like Marie Antoinettes weird boat hair and he kept saying he was Marie Antoinette. I laughed at what Olga did too. It was large and green and covered most of her face with a pile of tacky flowers. I honestly felt bad for the store clerk and owner of the shop as they stood patiently with the most nervous looking expression on their face. They had their eyes on grandmother as she travelled around the big store while talking to Aunt Olga with ladies in waiting trailing behind.
The big pair brought five matching hats that were medium sized and coloured violet with three flowers sewn into it and letters. They said it was for OTAMA when I return home but I couldn't help but feel i wasn't returning any time soon. I shrugged them off when they said it. I didn't mean to seem cold and uncaring but I didn't want to think how long I'll be without my sisters and mama and papa.
