#aaron plushenko

”What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it happening again.” - Anne Frank

It was a line that glaringly stood out the first time she’d read the diary, and it was a line that she’d been repeating to herself time and time again as the boxes were packed, taken out as discreetly as was possible, given the circumstances. She could never compare her current circumstance to that of the thirteen year old girl in the midst of such a heinous time in history, yet Sofia couldn’t help but wonder if the emotions she was feeling were even half of what she’d felt. 

Leaving in the middle of the night, at the darkest part of the night, the most silent time... that made her wonder all the more.

There was a silent agreement between the toddler’s parents that they’d wait until the last possible moment to wake their son, until everything was confirmed ready to go. When the last box had been taken out, when Aaron and Sofia had ensured that all of their most precious belongings were heading for the same destination they were, only then would they wake him.

After all, they were about to upset Andy’s entire world, to uproot him from the only place he’d ever known.. at the very least, they would let him sleep as peacefully as he was, for as long as they could.

Standing in the kitchen at this hour, the darkness enveloping every corner where the sunshine normally splashed the walls, she was reminded of the night she’d given herself over to the Italians, to save her husband, and all those she held dear. It was an hour such as this that all those things had occurred, and it left her wondering... could anything good happen at such an hour? Her dark eyes scanned the kitchen slowly, memories of the meals cooked, tears shed, and discussions had enveloping her mind, one by one, an endless string. 

Sofia’s attention turned to the family room, laying to rest on the place where Andrew had taken his first steps, the spot on the couch where Sofia and Aaron had fallen asleep together so many nights, drifting off as he indulged her in the viewing of a black and white film. It was the place where they’d met their friends at the base of the stairs when she’d miscarried their first child, before they’d gone into the yard for their service. The memories played one after another as she gazed around the room, a deep sigh escaping her.

Good luck tonight, darling. We are all very proud and rooting for you. Congratulations!

Ps: Aaron insisted on these. I think he’s copying Kanye.

Ivanna sat with her hands in her lap, and jaw clenched as she looked at dashboard now covered with white. If only her glare could burrow a hole through the snow, and get them out of this predicament. ❝ I said let me drive, but no. ❞ She finally said turning her head to look at Aaron. He'd been trying to get them out of the ditch the car had skidded into for close to half an hour now. Nothing had worked. The snow surrounded them on all side but the back window, the doors were jammed and they could not get out. They were stuck.

Undoing her seat belt she shifted around in her seat. They'd been driving for three hours already. She felt stiff and just wanted to get out of the damn car already. ❝ Turn off the engine, we should conserve gas until we're found! ❞ She said as she leaned down unzipping her boots, taking them off before she pushed her seat back all the way and proceeded to climb to the back seat to looked out the only window not completely covered by the snow. Maybe someone would see the car and not think it was abandoned if they could see her at the window.

Close your eyes, Have no fear, The monsters gone, He's on the run and your daddy's here, Beautiful, Beautiful, beautiful, Beautiful Boy,

"Sofia, you have to push, on my count, okay? One, two, three... push!"

The doctor's voice could be heard above the hustle and bustle in the room, scrubbed nurses relaying messages regarding her blood pressure and the baby's heart rate. She wasn't sure the length of time she'd been in the room, how many hours nurses and doctors alike had been coming in and out, telling her she was doing well and it was "almost time". Aaron was there now, standing beside her dressed in scrubs, a head covering hiding his hair (although she was quite sure he'd protested at least slightly) as he tried to comfort her, coaxing her along as the doctor did. The awkwardness between them was gone for the time being, the impending meeting of their son joining them temporarily. 

The young princess's eyes were squeezed shut, new sweat forming on her already-soaked skin as she pushed with all her mind, a mild yell escaping her, exerted by her efforts. "I can't," she shook her head as she gasped for breath, a few tears escaping at what seemed to  be a wasted effort. "I can't do it."

The nurses doted over her endlessly, shaking their heads and trying to reassure her, yet after the hours she'd spent in labor thus far, with all the pain and no baby to show for it, her willingness to try seemed to be fading quickly.

"Sofie..." his voice transcended the noise in the room, his green eyes demanding attention from her. He was eye-level with her now, his gaze daring not falter; hearing her nickname in his voice only made her more attentive to his words, the Russian's breathing still heavy. "You're one of the strongest people I know," his words were confident, sure. "I've seen you get through more than most people experience in a lifetime these last few years. You always come out a better person, even stronger..." Sofia's eyes were tired, as if the pain that had only intensified in the last few hours had depleted all the energy she had.

"We used to talk about this all the time, do you remember? How excited we both were about meeting our baby?" his question resonated with her, causing a few more tears to fall down her face. She nodded, the memory returning to her at his mention, that having been the first time he'd brought up the past since his return. "That's what's about to happen right now, Sof," he assured her, his eyes brighter than she'd ever seen them. "You've carried this baby around for the last nine months, I know you've thought about him every second of all that time. You're the only one that can bring him here to us, Sofia," Aaron told her gently, taking her hand as he squeezed it ever-so gently. "Come on, Sof, you've gotta push..."

The brunette gripped his hand, her sweaty bangs clinging to her forehead as she inhaled deeply, pushing as hard as she could as she fought through the discomfort. "That's it, Sofia... just like that," the doctor reassured her, a loud groan escaping her as she nodded. "Another one, just like the last..."

Before you go to sleep, Say a little prayer, Every day in every way, It's getting better and better, Beautiful, Beautiful, beautiful, Beautiful Boy,

"One more, Sofia... one more big push and your son will be here," the doctor told the tired Russian, her nearly twelve hour labor finally coming to a close. "C'mon Sof, it's just one more... you can do it, you're almost there... " Aaron's voice, accompanying the doctor's as he continued to persuade her, the excitement and encouragement evident.

A deep breath came before the moan, a yell following as the brunette pushed with every ounce of energy she had left in her tired body. She didn't stop... not until she felt the relief she'd been working toward for the last twelve hours, and the shrill cry of her son as he took his first breath. 

The delivery room was filled with his cries, and his weakened mother only caught the slightest glimpse of him before her body forced her eyes closed, reveling in the reprieve. She felt Aaron leave her side, no doubt following the doctor to ensure that nothing go wrong. A few tears escaped her eyes, coaxed by hearing the little person she'd thought about constantly, the anticipation to see his face nearly overwhelming her. She heard the doctor instructing Aaron on how to cut the umbilical cord, and although Sofia assume he was hesitant, when the doctor and the nurses took the baby across the room she knew he'd done it. 

He returned to her in the next instant. "Sofia... he's perfect," the Russian relayed to her, his eyes teary. "You did so wonderfully," he continued, the pride evident in his every word. HIs hand found hers instinctively, and she nodded, a small smile on her face. "You certainly did, and you have a beautiful baby to show for it," one of the nurses added, turning her attention from the table where her child was, still screaming as loud as his little lungs would allow.

The brunette became impatient to meet her son, sitting up slightly as the nurses urged her to stay put. "We're just going to weigh him and measure him and then he's all yours, alright?" one of them told her, her eyes growing more and more distressed with each passing moment she continued to listen to the baby cry. "Almost, Sofia... just relax, alright?" the doctor's voice echoed from the other end of the room, no doubt trying to give her the baby as soon as possible.

Another few minutes passed, Aaron looking desperately between Sofia and the doctor taking care of his son, knowing that holding her hand and promising her the baby wouldn't be with her soon wouldn't keep her satisfied for long. He didn't have to worry long; the moment he was about to ask the doctor what was taking so long, he arrived, the baby swaddled in a soft, blue blanket. "Sofia, here's your son... seven pounds, 11 ounces, 19 and a half inches long. He's in perfect health, as you can hear, I'm sure," he chuckled, all the while placing the baby gently in his mother's arms.

Tears came again the moment he was placed where he belonged, in her arms. He seemed to know, as well... after only a few moments of being there, his screams slowly began to cease, quieting to gentle groans and an assortment of different baby noises. She never tried to stop the tears, and she found herself not wanting to blink, to even lose sight of the baby next to her chest for even a moment in time. The brunette was unsure how long she'd stayed like that, her breath held as she went over each of his features, once, twice.

"Hi," she breathed, her voice just barely a whisper. "I've been waiting so long to meet you."

Out on the ocean sailing away, I can hardly wait, To see you to come of age, But I guess we'll both, Just have to be patient, Yes it's a long way to go, But in the meantime, Before you cross the street, Take my hand, Life is just what happens to you, While you're busy making other plans,

"I counted his fingers and toes. Five on each hand and foot.... I counted twice, just to be sure," her doctor said with a gentle chuckle. A single of Sofia's fingers brushed the baby's nose, tears still gently falling from behind her lashes as he opened his eyes, the color immediately sending a jolt through her system. They were the most beautiful shade of hazel, a darkish brown with delicate hints of green... the perfect combination of both his mother and father. The little hair he did have was lightly colored, a blonde much like Aaron's; his cheeks were round and rosy, his nose rounded as well, similar to hers.

"I'll leave you two for a few minutes," he noted quietly, chuckling gently as he realized Sofia's gaze was unwavering.

"He's amazing, Sofia," Aaron told her quietly, brushing his finger along his son's cheek quietly. His other hand rested lightly on his former wife's shoulder, massaging smoothly, comforting her. "All the times I imagined what he would look like," she began quietly, sniffing. "All those times... I never could've imagined he would look like this... that he'd just look like- an angel."

"Did you come up with a name, while-?" his statement was cut short, clearly not wanting to bring up his absence. A stagnant pause overtook the room, hanging between the pair, yet the noises coming from the baby only a few minutes old the only sound. "A few," she told him gently, looking up at him for a moment before her gaze returned to her son, the tears finally ceasing.

"Whatever you want, Sofia," Aaron told her, somewhat forfeiting his own opinion, most likely due to the fact that he'd never been there to discuss it with her when he should've. "I had a bunch of ideas, but looking at him... I can only think of one," she admitted quietly. "What is it, Sof?" he asked her, his eyes fixed on the baby she held in her arms as well.

"Andrew," the brunette said with a grin, the sound of saying the name out loud resonating with the image of his face, the perfect match that she hadn't seem to come across until now. "Andrew Joseph."

"It's perfect," Aaron agreed as the baby opened his eyes, both his parents visible. "He's perfect," she concluded again, her finger brushing his cheek gingerly. "Andrew, our little Andy..."

As difficult as I thought it would be to shop for you, it was actually surprisingly easy. In fact, the other night at the fundraiser, when I saw you wearing my gown, you made it surprisingly easy. I looked long and hard to find something that you might like, but I think I’ve got it with this one. Don’t feel like you have to wear it, or anything, but I think it pretty much sums you up: bad. ass. mother. fu-

All dominatrix, huh? I helped design it just for you. And it’s Versace (they told me when I went to talk to the designers that Donatella herself said it was a piece of art. Donatella! I guess your friend has a future in fashion design, huh?)

So, going along with that, I saw this bag while I was there and couldn’t resist. Still working on that dominatrix, talking-over-the-world-because-I’m-badass vibe; I think it works for you.

I hope you like them. I know it’s not a lot this year, and I know things have been crazy, but I do hope you know that you can always count on me, and that I’ll always be here for whatever you need. You’re the sister that I never had, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

I love you, and I we hope you have a Merry Christmas.

Love,

Sofia (and Aaron)

The difference between the biting cold outside, and the instant gentle warm of the restaurant would have been astounding, had Sofia not been so used to Russian winters already. Snow drifts were being blown every which way, and as Aaron flipped the keys to the valet, not even a look over her shoulder was required to know that her husband was right behind her.

The restaurant staff smiled graciously as they entered, Aaron now next to her as they offered to take the pair’s coats, which Sofia shed willingly. She ran a hand through her curls only momentarily, the last of the delicate snow nowhere to be found, aside from outside the window. She took in the surroundings of the restaurant that he'd requested they visit as he approached the hostess regarding their reservation. The decor was much like he was: extravagant, expensive, yet just the right amount of appropriate, and as her dark eyes scanned the room, she barely noticed his hand find the small of his back, guiding her with him as the young woman showed them to their table.

When they arrived, Aaron pulled out her chair as he always did, and she sat graciously, crossing her legs delicately. He was seated just across from her, the candlelight coming from both the table decor and the room itself illuminating him in the most magical way. “This is lovely,” she noted softly, her doe eyes finding his sweetly as he smiled at her, not looking at the scenery even the slightest as he answered, “It really is.” Sofia felt a blush rise in her cheeks as she shook her head slightly, no longer looking away from him as he gazed at her, as she had when they had first gotten to know one another. It had been unsettling then: that someone that she barely knew seemed to have the ability to gaze inside her, to see each part of her, yet now she found it comforting.

When the waiter came to the table, she smiled politely, a Russian greeting from the two of them as polite as any ever were. Aaron ordered their wine as the waiter left, and Sofia smiled as he grabbed her hands from across the table, lacing their fingers delicately. “Do you remember our first real date?” he prodded gently, promoting a smile from her. “Of course I do…. I could never forget. Who would have thought we would be here, celebrating our wedding anniversary…?” her voice was teasing, but in the best of ways, and it prompted a smile from him. “I love you so much, Sofie…” Aaron spoke quietly, yet despite the low level of noise in the room, she heard perfectly. "I love you too..." she drawled lazily, a smile on her face as she cocked her head gently to the side.

"How did you know about this place...? It's so nice..." her voice faded into the hustle and bustle of the room, her fingers slipping out from under his hand as she traced patterns on the back of his hand lazily. Her grinned, raising his brows slightly as he shook his head at her, before he answered, "I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve, Sofia Plushenko, and I will not reveal my secrets."

"... well then. I suppose there's still things I don't know about you."

"Of course there is. I'm saving them for our five and ten year anniversaries... so you'll have to put up with me until then."

She giggled gently as the waiter returned, pouring each of them a glass of wine as the quiet sounds of Swan Lake found their way around the room, even despite the chatter of elder Russians around them. 

Before either of the men had a chance to speak, Sofia rose quietly, drawing both their attention unnecessarily. "I'm going to go freshen up; darling, order for me, won't you? You know what I'll enjoy..." she told Aaron simply, before she excused herself from the table, bag in hand as she headed for the restroom.

After Sofia had touched up her foundation and fluffed her curls, she applied a bit of lip gloss and sighed deeply, adjusting the straps on her dress as she studied her reflection momentarily. She appeared different now than she ever had before: more confident, stronger, able, and most of all... loved. Her eyes seemed to tell a story, each memory that had led her here reflected in them: the child they'd lost, the struggles and the torture they had both endured to both protect and stay with one another all adding to the glimmer in her eye.

She made her way back to the table a few moments later, taking a sip of the wine as soon as she was seated. It only took her a moment to notice the glimmer in her husband's eye, that didn't seem as though it was present before, and instantly, she was suspicious.

"Aaron... what did you do...?"

"... I don't know what you're talking about."

"Aaron!"

"Sofia, you're going crazy..."

"Aaron! I know you did something while I was gone!"

"... I ordered our food?"

Sofia sighed in mock frustration as she shook her head, knowing he just wouldn't give up the information until he was good and ready to.

"You know I'll find out, eventually..."

"... only if I say so."

Their conversation flowed into the arrival of their dinner, and Sofia hadn't been the least bit surprised when the dish that came was exactly what she had been craving. The traditional Russian meal made her feel even more at home, even in the atmosphere that seemed much older than the other two. The chatter of the locals in their native tongue surrounded them, yet the young couple speaking English in the near center of the room seemed in their own world, enjoying the company of one another as they laughed and reminisced about the year that had just passed. 

In the midst of their conversation about the first night that Sofia had tried to prepare dinner herself, Aaron had realized that she'd completely forgotten about what she'd been suspicious of before. After they'd shared a slice of cake, he seemed to study her as she sat back in her chair, her eyes closing slowly as it was evident that she'd eaten more than she had anticipated.

The same waiter that he'd spoken to earlier, the gentleman that had taken care of them all evening, stood at the far end of the room, behind Sofia, so that only Aaron could see. It was time now, for the simple surprise that Aaron had planned, and while her eyes were closed, Aaron nodded to the man.

Only a moment later, the already-dim lights in the establishment dimmed further, and the candlelight seemed one of the only sources of light remaining. This wasn't a problem, however; candles lined the walls and were present at least three to a table, yet the sudden loss of light prompted a whisper to fall over the crowd. Upon hearing the commotion, the Russian princess opened her eyes lazily, as she sat up, looking around, slightly confused.

Before she could ask what was going on, however, he reached for her hand, pulling her out of the chair next to him. The room was quiet, and as the music that had been playing stopped, Sofia was aware that everyone's eyes were fixed on the two of them. 

"What are you doing...?" she whispered nervously, glancing around quickly at the older people staring at the young couple. "Everyone's looking at us!"

"Do you trust me?" he questioned softly, his features not showing the slightest hint of nervousness.

"Of course..."

"... then don't worry. Just dance with me," he told her gently, as the beginning of a song she'd never heard before began to sound through the restaurant, the last of the chatter falling quiet. 

I need you to know this won't be broken, And all that we said will not be lost into the dawn. And you would be the last thing I saw coming I'm still surprised...

Her dark eyes still looked apologetic as she glanced over his shoulder, her body tense although the music was soothing. She became aware that he'd done such a thing on purpose, and at first, she wasn't sure what would cause him to embarrass her so.

You are lovely tonight, You, dear, will guide me into the morning light You are lovely tonight, Lay here beside me - I see the rest of my life with you.

"Relax, Sofia... just relax. Dance with me..." his voice was like honey to her worried soul, and she took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax her body against his as they danced.

Alone we are fine; but when we're two, we are eternal The moons have aligned our separate lives; here become one And you would be the last thing I saw coming, I'm still surprised...

Although the patrons of the restaurant, as well as the staff, hadn't the slightest clue what the lyrics to the song were, they seemed in-tune to the love in Aaron's eyes for his wife, and the confused stares had begun to turn soft, just as Sofia was slowly letting go of the nervousness that had consumed her initially.

You are lovely tonight, You, dear, will guide me into the morning light You are lovely tonight, Lay here beside me - I see the rest of my life with you.

As the song continued, Sofia held Aaron close to her, her head resting on his shoulder as the world became irrelevant, as it seemed to always find a way to do when she was with him, somehow.

Aaron had a way of removing her fears and inhibitions, both about herself and any situation she seemed thrown into. She was oblivious to the audience that the two of them had turned from annoyed by the interruption, to in awe of the young couple in front of them, even not understanding the words of the song that he'd intended for her.

"Thank you," she whispered quietly in his ear, between verses of the song as she held onto his shoulders comfortably. There were a million things that she felt she wanted to say, but Sofia only wanted him to know a single thing, more than any of the others. The memory flashed in her mind, of the beach sunset, just a year ago, where she'd said the same words, just following their ceremony, "I love you, Mr. Plushenko... always and forever."