The Unusual Trio

Chapter 1

Mali got up from her nap. She realized that it was already dark. She had to go to Moscow to get more items for her home. Just as she was about to go to wash, she heard a knock. She went to the door to see who it was. No one was there, but a letter was there. Mali opens the door to retrieve the letter. Once she closed the door, she examines it to see who it was from. It was from her parents. She opens it hastily.

Dear Mali, How are you? I hope you enjoyed your trip to Japan and Malaysia. Was the sight beautiful? Were the people friendly? Did they have manners? We're getting off topic. We need you to come to Moscow on Friday. We're visiting Viktor's grave. Now, we know that you know that it's way too early to go because it's not December 31, but we're leaving the country in December for research purposes. We won't be in Russia for the whole month of December. We hope to see you soon Mali.
Love, Mother and Father.

She sighs. Mali knew that it's not even October yet and they're going to visit his grave. Why couldn't they do it in November? Her parents don't make sense sometimes. She had to go to Moscow again on Friday to visit the grave. She felt her stomach growl.
"Oh, I guess I forgot to eat supper." She mumbled to herself. She thought to go ice fishing, hoping for fish. She got on her heavy coat, a hat, gloves, a scarf and her fishing pole. She puts on her snow boots too.

She writes, 'Gone out fishing' because her neighbors are concerned for each other.
She reaches a place to start fishing. It would be a while before she got a catch. After getting a catch, she went back home and got herself situated. She cooks the fish and ate it. Mali didn't eat the whole thing, just a few bites. Mali got ready for bed and headed for her room. She got a book and starts reading it.

_______________________________________________________

Rose looks at the floor in shame. She dropped her only cup of tea. She didn't have the patience to make another cup of tea. Instead, she cleaned it up and just had water. She went back on the couch again and watched the news. The house phone starts to ring. She looks at the caller ID. It was Suki.
"Hello?"
"Hi Rose. What's with you?"
"Nothing much. Just watching the news. Did you just get back?"
"It's not nine o'clock yet. I wish it was."
"So, what did you call for? Have any exciting news?"

Rose believes that Suki is grinning wide on the other end.
"I do have exciting news." Suki gleefully stated.
"Ooh, tell me." Rose became excited.
"Okay. I have two plane tickets to Russia!"
"Eeek! But how?"
"It was for my sister and her husband originally, but she started going through labor."
"She's ready to deliver?"
"Not sure exactly. She's in this very hospital now. I would visit, but I don't work in the neonatal department like that."
"Oh. So when do you depart?"
"Friday."
"Cool."
"But you're coming with me as well Rose!"
"Give me a moment please?"
"Um, sure."

Rose puts the phone down and squealed like a little child. One of the places she always wanted to visit was Russia and this was her chance to finally go.
"Suki, but I didn't request off."
"You did now because I just requested it for you."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much."
"You're welcome. We depart on Friday at five in the morning."
"Why so early?"
"I already told you that the plane tickets were originally for my sister and her husband."
"Right. I guess I have something to do finally. How long are we staying over there?"
"Probably two weeks."
"I'll start packing."
"Great, you do that. I'm going back to the stupid paperwork."

Rose hangs up and puts the phone away.
"Wait, if I'm going to Russia, what should I wear? I definitely cannot bring a summer dress. I should bring coats. I think it's cold. Wait, let me do the research." She talked ro herself. She got on the computer to do research about Russia. Rose couldn't contain her euphoria. Finally getting out of the country. Somewhere different. She had to let her parents know that she would be travelling.
"Hello?"
"Hi Mommy."
"Rosie, how are you? How was your day?"
"I'm good. My day was the same. People making fun of me as usual."
"I already told you that there will people who will make fun of your culture."

Rose sighed over the phone.
"I know. Enough about me, how's your pregnancy coming along?"
"I'm doing okay. The due date is now in early April."
"Awesome. Nothing drastic in your pregnany that you should let me know? Even though I'm not a neonatal nurse, I can still help."
"I know and no. Nothing drastic that you should be aware of."
"That's great to hear. I would also like to let you and Daddy know that I'm travelling to Russia on Friday."

The mother gasped over the phone. Rose became worried instantly.
"Mommy, are you okay?"
"I'm fine sweetie, but don't you think that's way too soon?"
"But one of my coworkers, A.K.A Suki-"
"Suki?"
"Sukiwara Chang. A CRNA."
"Right. Continue."
"Suki invited me to travel to Russia. She had an extra ticket and said that I could come along. I always wanted to go to Russia and this is a dream come true for me."
"Well, okay then. I guess you can go, but how long will you be over there?"
"Probably two to three weeks."
"I can live with that. You may already know, but Russia is pretty cold. Layer up. Find heavy coats. Bring all of your winter clothes for all I care!"

Rose chuckles at her mother's motherly instinct.
"Mommy, don't worry. I did some research."
"Okay then Rosie."
"Where's Daddy?"
"He's on his way home from work."
"Tell him that I said hi."
"Will do. We will speak again soon, okay? I love you Rose."
"I love you too Mommy." They hung up. Rose squeals again.
______________________________________________________

Jordan picks the phone up.
"This is Jordan Kubo speaking, how can I help you today?" He spoke in a bored tone.
"Oh Dr. Kubo." A gruff voice spoke.
"Mr. Yasimi."
"Hehehe. That's right. Anyway, I called because you have an important assignment."
"Am I teaching kids at an aquarium? The last time that happened, the chaperone supervising them lost half of the group."
"Something bigger."
"What is it?"

Mr. Yasimi cleared his throat before he spoke again.
"You're travelling to Russia." Jordan said nothing, but a few seconds later, he starts bellowing in laughter.
"Mr. Yasimi, I appreciate your joke of the day, but seriously, what's my actual assignment?"
"Dr. Kubo, this is no joke."
'Well damn, I screwed that up.' Jordan thought after the sudden realization hit him.
"I'm sorry Mr. Yasimi, but this is the worst time to travel to Russia. I have bills to pay and I especially need to pay rent."
"Don't worry Dr. Kubo. Everything has been taken care of."
"Seriously? How?"
"A plane ticket will be sent to your home and you'll receive it by tomorrow."

Jordan covered his mouth in surprise.
"All the expenses have been paid. Your hotel reservation will be sent as well. All you need is your passport. You will depart on Saturday."
"Wait, am I travelling in different time zones?"
"Correct. Fortunately, you're going backwards. Not forward."
"So...what does this mean?"
"You will arrive in Russia by Friday."
"Okay. What is my assignment?"
"Since you never been in a cold climate, you will be researching on marine life in that type of climate. You have between two to three weeks to complete your research. I expect nothing but your best."
"You got it. Thank you." They hung up.

Jordan sighed and leaned back in his chair.
"I'm finally travelling, after all this time." He mumbled. He had to let his brother know st some point. His parents were out of the question mainly because they went to Hawaii for their vacation. Just then, his phone rings.