Roots

Roots - Chapter 24

Chapter Twenty-Four

Surprise, Surprise

Have you ever felt like you’ve been in a certain place or situation before almost as if it was déjà vu, only to come to find out that you were remembering a movie?  That’s basically how I was feeling during the entire lunch with the reporters.  It was like I was Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries or Emily Blunt in The Young Victoria as I entered into the dining room being escorted by a count and everyone’s well known Russian Prince.  Everyone at the table rose from their seats, including the reporters who were looking at one another with curious expressions before looking back at me.  Mandy and Eric just smiled at me, as if they were proud parents watching their daughter walk across the graduation stage, which I could only smile softly to myself.  My heart was pounding with excitement, fear, and despite this intense moment, courage.

When I had reached my chair that was placed at the head of the grand table, Ros stood to my right and Mr. Poloski took the chair on my left; and as I was about to sit down both Ros and Mr. Poloski made a clearing of the throat signal me in my tracks.  I couldn’t help but to look up towards them and then at my guests who were all smiling as if I had made a blonde joke.

“You need to greet everyone so we can finally sit down, silly goose.” Ros leaned over and spoke quietly in my ear, before standing back up straight with a grin on his face.  I couldn’t help but to feel the redness in my cheeks as I began to quickly thank everyone for coming this afternoon and to sit.

The time went by slowly, everyone was enjoying the food, and the conversations were endless.  I mostly spoke to Ros or Mr. Poloski, and a few people who were seated next to us; however that didn’t stop every single reporter from constantly looking back at me, and talking amongst themselves.  I didn’t really know what to expect, I thought they would have by now asked me thousands of questions, or had at least asked why they were there, but not one did while we were eating.  Maybe we weren’t going to publicize my Imperial name and status, I thought to myself as I felt my body begin to relax more until I saw Mr. Poloski stand up from his chair and brought his knife to his water crystal glass.  The servants came to collect the finished plates, and refilled all the glasses, while everyone began to end their conversations and turned their attention to Mr. Poloski who was waiting patiently.

“My friends and family, you all have traveled near and far on the beautiful day in Russia.  Not only does the weather outside make today beautiful, but also the most exciting announcement from the exclusive Romanov Imperial Family.” Mr. Poloski began to explain, as he looked down at me, and Ros took my hand and squeezed it for support.  I could only give them a very nervous smile, as I begged the courage to come back.  I could only just imagine what the reporters were thinking, because not one of them looked away from Mr. Poloski, Ros, and me.

“We the Romanov Imperial family, wanted to inform you all during this private lunch first.  As you all might have wondered why you signed a confidentiality agreement for a lunch party, I assure you, it wasn’t to keep your mouths shut about how wonderful our chefs are. Ha-ha.” Mr. Poloski said with a laugh, which traveled throughout everyone at the table.

“I best not keep the suspense hanging in the air for much longer; our family would like to introduce to you the newest member of our family, Her Imperial Highness Annalisa Nicola Dimitriievna Peterson Romanova, Tsarevna of Russia.” Mr. Poloski announced as he smiled again down at me.  My heart was racing, but for once I was proud to hear my entire name being spoken out loud.  It brought confidence and courage to my soul, hearing my ancestral name.  I looked over at the reporters, some with shocked faces, others who had disbelief written all over their faces, and one who had a smirk on his face.