Mail Order Bride
by Craig Faustus Buck
I'm in the loop. Where R U?
What means R U?
Are you. It's text speak.
Sorry. My English not so good.
Your English is excellent.
You teach me text speak?
Sure. On our honeymoon.
For real, my sweet golubchik?
For real, my princess. Where are you?
I am waiting for suitcase.
In baggage claim?
Da.
OK. I'll just drive around the loop until it comes.
If is no trouble.
Are you kidding? You're my darling Tsarina. Nothing is too much trouble.
You are loving me?
Do you think I would spend all that money to bring you here if I didn't love you?
But will you love me after you are meeting me?
How long have we been Skyping?
Three and one half months or more.
How many times a week?
Every day. Sometimes two or three times.
Don't you think I know you by now?
You have never seen me in my person.
I've seen all I need to see on Skype.
It is not same as real live.
Real love is enough for me.
Baggage belt is beginning to move. First bag is coming down.
I love you, Princess. I can't wait to be married to you.
Is not foolish to loving someone you no meet?
If it is, I'm a fool for love.
You are so sweet. Maybe too much sweet for me.
Don't even joke about that. You're too sweet for me.
Of course. That is why I am princess :)
Shit.
Why you say shit?
A hotel shuttle just crashed into an Airporter bus right in front of me.
You are all right?
I'm fine, but a cop just parked behind me and went to deal with it. I'm boxed in. It looks like I'm going to be stuck here for a while.
Where you are?
I'm on the far side of the loop. It could be a long wait.
Is no problem. I already wait three months, I can wait little time more.
Well I can't wait to finally hold you in my arms. Kiss your tender lips. Caress your beautiful body.
You will go slow, yes?
I promised I would, didn't I?
I am, how you say?
Still a virgin. The first I've ever dated, by the way.
I promise my babushka I would be virgin until I am married.
Don't worry. We'll drive straight to Vegas from here and tie the knot.
Tie what knot?
It's an expression. It means get married. We'll go find some Elvis impersonator to make us legal.
Oh nyet.
You don't like Elvis?
I see very bad man.
What do you mean?
Yakov Ivanovich. Is here
The man I paid money to?
Da. He is looking around like to find somebody.
You?
I am hoping no.
You've got nothing to worry about. You paid him the thirty grand I sent you, right?
Da.
Then we're all paid up. He must be looking for someone else.
He is seeing me. He is coming this way. You must come fast.
I'm can't. I'm stuck.
Anastasia?
PAUSE
I am back. I must to run from man.
You actually ran from him?
Da. I am out of breathing.
Where are you?
Ladies room.
Did you lose him?
I do not know.
But he ran after you?
Da. He is very big and very strong but very slow.
Which ladies room are you in?
Near rental cars place.
Dial 911. The police can protect you.
Nyet. No police.
Why not?
Please. Just believe me. Police will be very bad.
You're not in Russia anymore. You've got a legal visa. There's nothing to worry about.
Anastasia?
Maybe visa not so legal.
What? We paid a lot of bribe money for that visa.
It is long story.
I'm not going anywhere soon.
Maybe I forgot to pay Yakov some of money.
Forgot?
Babushka wanted new car.
You blew my money to upgrade your grandmother's ride?
She grow up in Siberia. She have long hard life. She deserve something nice.
That money was to buy your freedom. Our future together.
I am sorry. I love you, but I love her most.
Christ.
I hear Yakov speaking outside ladies room.
Can you hear what he's saying?
He is asking janitor for to come into ladies room. He say he look for sick wife.
Get in a stall. Lock the door.
OK
Put your phone on silent so he can't hear your texts.
I hear boots coming in.
They're pushing the bus off to the side.
I am scared.
I'm clear. I'll be right there.
A lady came in and screamed at him. He ran out.
Did he see you?
He saw my Russian shoes. You must hurry.
I'm running in. Hold tight.
Be careful. He is very big. Very strong.
I can see the ladies room. I don't see a big ape hanging around. Come on out.
I am already out.
Where?
In America. Free at last.
I don't see you.
I am in your car. With Yakov. We waited at the curb until we saw you drive up and rush into the terminal.
He kidnapped you?
He is my husband. In a few hours we will leave your car and be gone.
Yakov is your husband?
Thank you for the $30,000 and the new life! You will always be my prince. Dasvidanya, my love.
App