The Redroom

3. past

"Natalia!" A young boy exclaimed as he ran towards the girl.

She looked up from the book she was reading as she heard her name being called. She realised who it was that had called her and she smiled, "Yuri!" Natalia exclaimed. She got up and hugged the boy.

"Its been so long, Natalia. отец(father) says I can stay longer this time. We need to be careful though. He can't find out we know each other." He tells the younger girl. Who looks at him in confusion for a moment.

"Well you always say that, Yuri. But never explain why." She says out of curiosity. He gives her a guilty face.

"You're too young to understand, Natalia. Perhaps when you are older. Just promise me you won't show any recognition towards me whatsoever in front of my father." He tells Natalia. Who frowns a bit out of not understanding well but nods anyways.

"Okay, Yuri. But I'm not that young! I'm a big girl now! And you aren't so old yourself! You are only 4 years older than me!" She says and gives him the meanest look she can pull off.

"Yes. But it still means I'm older than you, doesn't it?" He says, giving her a slight smirk. She makes a, 'hmph' sound.

"Will you be watching my performance?" She asks. He smiles brightly.

"Of course I will be, little spider." He nods eagerly as he says this. "I always love watching your ballet. Especially that dance.. what was it called again? The one where you spin 3 times before you leap to the left?" He asks.

"Well Madam B. doesn't have a name for it but I call it, Черная вдова(Black Widow.)" She says cheerfully. "Do you like the name?" She asks Yuri.

"I love the name, Natalia. Perhaps you could suggest it to Madam B. she isn't that bad, right?" Yuri asks her.

Natalia smiles, "Oh Madam B. is just the most wonderful teacher here! She sometimes teaches me in private! But she tells me not to tell the others or they'll get jealous." Natalia says, whispering the last part which makes Yuri laugh.

"I'm sure they already are with how you dance." He tells her truthfully. "But I'm afraid I must be off now before father gets someone to come looking for me." He says and Natalias smile fades.

"Well at least I'll see you tonight." He tells her making her smile once more, "Goodbye, Little Spider." They quickly hug and wave each other goodbye as he leaves the room.

That night

Natalia stands behind the curtain, looking nervous as ever. The only thought on her mind is whether Ivan, the KGB and Yuri will like her performance. Especially Yuri.

The curtains open and the music begins. She bows first. Then points her feet in different directions as she flutters her hands gently. Then as the music gets more intense she begins to spin and leap all over in different spots. She spots Yuri in the crowd, giving her a smile and thumbs up, she wants to give one back but she knows not to show any recognition and decides against it. She continues to dance gracefully but trips over a wire for the music. The music stops and shes suddenly fallen to the ground.

The men in the crowd begin to laugh very loudly, so do the women. Natalia has tears in her eyes as she runs off stage. Once she gets there she sees Yuri standing there and she instantly runs to him for a hug, not noticing Yuri's head shaking a 'no'. "Oh Yuri! It was so embarrassing! T-there was a wire left on stage and I tri-" A cough was heard.

Natalia stops hugging Yuri when she notices a man standing nearby with an angry look on his face. Natalia doesn't like the look she is getting from him but he seems important so she keeps her mouth shut. "General!" Yuri says instantly and looks nervous.

"Mr Petrovitch. Would you like to explain to me why you are speaking to this insolent little brat. You aren't... friends with her are you?" He asks. Natalia thinks the man is silly, of course they are friends.