Anastasia Novelization

The Neva Flows

I keep my head low as I pass through the crowded evening streets of St. Petersburg. I pass the train station in record time noticing just how empty it is. They were canceling trains left and right if we didn't get a move on soon we'd have to find a different way. I think of Natasha wondering if I would be forced to do the same as her someday. I shake off the idea picking up my pace as I turn the corner onto my street.

I should have noticed something was off. No one was outside, no one was at the door. I didn't see the familiar faces in the windows either. I freeze turning realizing they'd most likely been called to attention by a government official. I haven't gotten two feet forward before I'm stopped by two uniformed men. "Ms..." I try to keep my breathing even and my shakes at bay. 

"Anya." I say looking down. There is no warning before the two grab me by the arms. 

"If you'll please accompany us."

"What are the charges?" I ask calmly. They don't warrent me a single word. I become more frantic now as we end the street. "Please, what are the charges!" I can already feel the helpless panic coming on, much like I felt when I was trying so hard to remember my past. I scan my brain for any infringment anything I might have said... Of course someone had found out that I had been in the palace for the past two days. This just might be the end for me. I look up at the sky as I'm dragged along hopping for a guardian angel. 

I'm taken into the building on the square I'd stared at for months while working the streets below, where I often saw Gleb walk in and out from. I'm forcefully dragged onto the lift and we go up three floors. I'm taken into another room a man looks out a window and I'm finally let go of.

"It's a remarkable city our Leningrad... all those people coming and going creating their futures. I stand at this window for hours admiring them... including you. You know I can even see down to the old palace. Funny business going on there..." The voice had settled me, or had it frightened me more? It was Gleb I could see that now. When he turns I can see that he's just a little surprised, but he keeps his composure.

"Why was I brought here?" I ask holding my head up higher.

"Perhaps you could tell me?"

"I've done nothing wrong."

He stops the the demands, "I'm happy to see you again Anya."

"What's the charge." I ask again.

"There's no charge. Should there be? Life has been good to you? You have a job, food on the table, your own place." Well I had a job, and  even with it I had rarely had food, and my own place was that of 24 other strangers.

"And I'm very thankful." I answer, catching myself before I can complain.

"Which is why I'm warning you to leave your world of make believe before it's too late!" I knew it. Someone had seen me. My mind turns to Dimitri and Vlad. What would become of them if they were found?

"I don't think I understand." Trying to play the confused girl for as long as possible.

He turns back to the window inviting me to join him. Reluctantly I do. "The legitimacy of this government must not be challenged. Even by a street sweeper." He's motioned down to the people on the streets. "If you really are who you're pretending to be they would kill you without hesitation." He waits for me to look at him before he continues. "But since you're not lets be friends shall we Anya? I am a deputy commissioner, but you already know that. Please sit." He steps back to his desk and pulls out a chair for myself. 

Knowing the gig is up I answer, "Everyone imagines being someone else. I'm no different. It's harmless." I shrug my shoulders trying to persuade him that it truly didn't mean all that much to me.

"No it's dangerous!" He says almost losing his temper. "Look at who you are, and be thankful.  Look to the future of our beloved Russia not its heated past. It's beautiful, strong, young. Just as you are Anya." The way he looks at me now makes me feel uncomfortable. How dare he make such comments to me when it was his own family that helped to bring this oppressive government into the world. He continues on explaining that I shouldn't be alone. How I should get involved with the government, that a life in here would be much better than out there. After he offers me tea, I insist that I must be going back home to help a friend who was sick.

"Always in a hurry?" He asks intrigued. I get up to leave.

"Thank you for your warning comrade."

"It's Gleb. Please." He holds up a hand to stop me. "I hope we haven't seen the last of each other." He stands and then approaches me with an outstretched hand. He holds on a beat too long, "You're eyes, a man can look right into them." He realizes what he says and quickly steps away. "Be careful comrade they'll give you away."

"May I go." I whisper unsure how to handle the comment.

"Have I made myself clear?" He asks standing straight and finally letting go of my hand.

"Well yes thank you."

"Then we are done for today." The way he emphasized 'today' makes me want to leave the country today and never come back. As soon as the words leave his mouth I turn quickly and take the lift back down. I need to find Dimitri as soon as possible and warn him of everything I'd been told.

I'm escorted back out of the building by the same guards that brought me in. They give me a little shove back onto the street and once they've retreated back inside I back away very slowly and then turn to run down the street. I've only made it by two buildings when someone grabs me by the torso and sweeps me into the ally.