– Don’t worry about us. – The main thing, be careful, okay? And forgive us for everything. – She hugged me around the waist and tightly pressed me to her.
An hour later, I stood in line at the airport reception. It was my turn, and I handed the passport to a cute petite girl at the counter. She began to actively print something on her computer, but I could only wait.
– Sorry, but your passport isn’t valid.3 – I don’t immediately understand that they are turning to me.
– Pardon? It can’t be.4
– I’m afraid you’ll have to wait.5 – She took my passport and went off somewhere. I do not understand anything. How is this even possible? Now I am in such an absurd situation. My passport is valid for two more years. I check everything before every trip abroad. The girl returned to me with frightened eyes. – Are there any problems? The last time everything was in order, I …5
– Please, come with me.6
At that moment, two men in uniform approached me. I looked at them, not understanding what was happening.
– Allow me to take your luggage. – In imperfect, but still Russian, one of them turned to me.
– Sorry, but will someone explain to me what is going on here?
– They will tell you everything, but for this you need to come with us. – He took my suitcase and pointed to the reception desk, behind which was a service door.
They put me in one of the offices and made me wait. There were long minutes of waiting, but I still did not know what was happening. No one said anything, they just looked at me with alarm, thinking that I did not notice it. I do not know how much time has passed, but one of the men who accompanied me here entered. The receptionist girl who started it all looked at me uncertainly.
– A car came for you, – the man began, looking away to the side, – our employee will guide you. Your suitcase is already there.
– What car? I have a flight to Moscow!
– I’m afraid this is impossible, because you are forbidden to leave the Emirate. – I looked at them in shock, feeling how my legs gave way, my head was spinning, and I slowly lowered myself into a chair.
– How is it… how is it forbidden? Who forbade?
I do not understand anything. It just can’t be.
– Sorry, but I’m not allowed to talk about this. – He shifted from foot to foot, nervously fingering his fingers. – You just need to get to the car, and then you will know everything.
On numb legs, I slowly got up from my seat and followed the girl to the service exit, where a black minibus shone in the merciless sun.
– Good afternoon, Miss Mironova. Please come in. – A man of about thirty-five with a thick beard on a dark face pointed to the open car door.
– Who you are? – I crossed my arms over my chest, trying not to lose my temper. I was scared. – What do you want from me?
– You can trust me. You have nothing to fear. – a slight smile appeared on his face.
– Why should I believe you?
– You simply have no other election, – he declared, and my shoulders dropped.
I looked around, noticing that I had little chance of escaping. Behind two guards, and my interlocutor is not from frail. This person seems to be right, and I really have no other choice.
I climbed into the car and collapsed powerlessly into a leather chair. I think I’m sleeping and I can’t wake up.
– The mini fridge has chilled water and some food.
I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. Opening the refrigerator, I took out a bottle of water. I need to somehow come to my senses, start thinking rationally. This is the only thing I did well until recently. I take a few sips of refreshing water (even simple water tastes different here) and feel the coolness flowing through my body, bringing peace and relaxation. I hope that soon everything will become clear, and I will be able to return home.
CHAPTER 6
Haze… it’s everywhere. I swim in soft warm water, a light sea wind blows on me, and above me is a starry sky that fascinates with its beauty, unknown and boundless. How long I have not been so easy and good.
– Are you sure she will be fine?
– Yes, it is a harmless remedy.
– I know, but… six hours have passed, and she still hasn’t woken up.
– Don’t worry, sir. The dose was small. Perhaps due to the stress experienced, she cannot wake up. The body also needs rest.
– Yes… let her rest; she has too many shocks ahead.
I slowly open my eyes and don’t understand where I am. Around it is dark and quiet. Parents, airport, reception, office, car and… I don’t remember anything. Where am I and what is happening? I close my eyes and fall asleep again.
The next time I wake up, the sun is shining on the street, and a headache, panic, fear and powerlessness fall upon me immediately. How did I get here? Where and with whom am I? I sit in bed and slowly inspect the room. A large bed of dark wood, on the opposite wall there is a sofa covered with a beautiful oriental-style bedspread, in front of which there is a small coffee table, matching the style of the bed. A double glass door to the balcony is open, which makes the thick dark curtains move.
The door lock came to life, and I scaredly covered myself with a blanket, despite the fact that I was wearing my own clothes. A moment later, a very young girl appeared in front of me in a scarf and dress covering her entire body except her face, with a tray in her hands.
– Good morning, miss, – she greeted me, although not in perfect, but in Russian, deliberately avoiding looking at me.
– Who are you? Where I am?
She carefully lowered the tray onto the nightstand next to me and glanced briefly at me, hiding her smile.
– I am your personal assistant in all matters related to you and this house. I was instructed to help you prepare and take you to the owner of this house.
My heart was beating in my chest. Did I get to the local mafia? Have I been taken into slavery?
– Ho… how will you cook me? – I asked in dismay, clearing my throat and trying to keep my voice as even as possible.
– Calm down first, miss. No one will harm you. – She went around the bed and went into the next room, and after a moment she pulled out my chiffon dress in a small flower, which I bought before I went to my parents. My parents! I hope that everything is fine with them, and they are looking for me. – I think it will be just right. Moderately open and at the same time modest. – She laid the dress on the bed, and returned to me. – I didn’t know what you prefer for breakfast, so I brought only a little.
I looked suspiciously at the tray from which the delicious smells came, and then looked at my “assistant”.
– I need to wash my face.
– Oh yeah! Of course. Sorry. The bathroom is here. – She went to the opposite end of the room and opened the door. – It has everything you might need, but if you want something, you just need to let me know. – She went to the next door, which she had entered a few minutes ago. – I will come after you in 20 minutes.
She went out, leaving me looking perplexed at the dress lying on the second half of the