– Let’s buy tickets. They sat and talked for a long time in Marina’s room.
The next day, Marina told the staff that she would not be able to go with them. And all her thoughts were occupied with the sea. She closed her eyes and heard the sound of waves, imagined dolphins. But most of all she was alarmed by incomprehensible sounds, she heard the sound of running water, and could not understand what it was and where they came from. I am probably going crazy, she thought. I keep seeing things and imagining things. It is strange; these sounds seem to be in my head. The most difficult thing for her was to tell her best friend that she was going without her. She did not know how best to do it. The girl was sitting in the smoking room, in her usual in the pose, she was sitting sideways on the floor, and one leg hanging on the floor, the other was on the windowsill. She was looking out of the window as usual, and slowly smoking a cigarette. It was heard as someone quietly closed the door. and quietly and slowly approached in her direction. Marina knew who it was, so she did not even move. A guy from their team sat down with her, and, as always, afraid to look into her eyes, did not know how to start a conversation. – Juliana told me you are not coming with us, why? The guy asked with sadness in his eyes.
– My plans have changed; I am going to another place, with another person.
– Who is this man? He spoke with a tremor in his voice.
– This is my aunt; we are going to the sea with her. What else? What questions do you have for me?
– None of them. Sorry. I did not want. The guy put out his cigarette and left the room. Marina understood that she was wrong, and could not help herself. The upcoming evening, a conversation with a friend, was pressing on her. A trip in a crowded subway, it greatly annoyed the girl, and she understood that she did not want to live like this anymore. Evening came, and the long-awaited phone call rang.
– Tell me, how was your day? Marina heard her friend’s voice, and she felt uneasy. Have you discussed everything down to the smallest detail for the upcoming weekend? Have you changed your mind, maybe to the country with us?
– I do not know how to tell you about it, but Aunt Natasha was visiting us yesterday, and she bought me and herself a ticket to the sea. There was a minute of silence on the phone. Marina’s heartbeat increased.
– Well, relax with your aunt. I thought we were going together.
– You know how important this trip is to me. I need to go. We will definitely go together. The girl heard short beeps in the receiver. A feeling of resentment overwhelmed Marina that she did not understand her. After all, a friend has a boyfriend, and she has someone to spend the weekend with, and not just weekends, but days and nights, and perhaps a lifetime. Okay, the girl thought to herself, and started packing her suitcase.
ChapterВ 2
The airport was crowded. Everyone tried toВ fly away for the holidays. AВ little further, away, she saw the boss, and pretended not toВ notice him. What aВ pity that my friend did not come toВ see me off, the girl thought toВ herself. How IВ missВ her.
– What are you sad about? Pretty woman? She heard her aunt’s cheerful voice. We will find you a groom. I’ll sing you love songs!!! I love you Marina, more and more every day!!!
– Aunt enough! The girl shouted irritably, and her face and neck turned red with anger. Dear forgive your crazy aunt; I am just in such a good mood! The plane landed at Sochi airport. People got off the plane in high spirits. Everyone was having fun, and it seemed that no one was tired on the way. – Sochi welcomes us, my aunt said happily. Let us go, let us leave our things, and we will catch the maximum positive! I have booked a nice room, in a nice hotel, you will like it. Marina, silently, agreed with it was useless to argue with everything that Aunt Natasha would tell her. A short time later, two young ladies were coming down to breakfast. Marina was wearing a short denim skirt and a stylish T-shirt; her black curly hair hung from her shoulders and involuntarily attracted the attention of men. The girl always wore a high heel, which emphasized the slimness of her figure. Sitting at breakfast, in a cozy cafe at the hotel, two girls discussed the planned events. – First we will go to the sea, then to the Riviera Park, and in the evening, I looked at a cool cafe on the embankment. Marina listened animatedly to her interlocutor, and her eyes sparkled. The girl showed with all her appearance that she was happy, and nothing burdened her.
The view from the hotel window accordingly overlooked the sea. The girl stood on the balcony and admired the seascape. The sea was calm, and went far beyond the horizon. It was transparent and clean, settled during the winter months, after the summer bathing season. The weather was hot; the beach was gradually filled with vacationers. Some have already bathed inВ the sea. Marina inhaled the clean, moist sea air, and could not breathe enough ofВ it. This place seemed toВ her an oasis, aВ paradise, after long trips on the subway.
– My child, she heard her aunt’s voice, is this your first time at sea?
– No. As a child, I flew to Turkey with my parents several times. But that was so long ago. And it’s not that at all. Especially since you know Mom, is it possible to fly somewhere with her.
– Oh, yes, that is right. Let us go quickly; we do not have much time. Two beautiful women were coming down the stairs to go to the beach. Marina felt the eyes of men on her, she liked it, and at the same time, it was a little annoying.
– Marinochka, your character does not match your image and style at all. You need to be a little more brazen, especially in our time.
– Yes, I agree with you. I need to be at least a drop of your character, or the character of my girlfriend.
– The day spent on the beach was just great. I even got a little tanned! Natalia said enthusiastically, finishing her glass of wine. Let us discuss tomorrow. What are our plans? Riviera Park, excursions to waterfalls, or just the sea, the sea.
– Of course, first the sea, and then everything else! How good that you came that evening, if it were not for you, I would be sour now at the dacha in the suburbs, in the company of these bores. And also this kind guy, he got me.
– «What guy?» Auntie asked eagerly. Marina told her everything about a colleague who liked her very much. At the next table, a cozy, evening cafe, excursions were also discussed. The two women were talking about a trip to the boxwood grove, and Natalia could not help but keep silent, and got into the conversation. Marinochka!!! As always, she said happily. That is all settled, we are all going to the waterfall together tomorrow. After a morning, hike to the beach of course! Marina happily agreed with her every word.
The trip to the waterfall was carried out on its own. That is why it was so fun and entertaining. In the morning, Marina did not leave the feeling of excitement, and she could not find an explanation for this. The girl’s heart was beating anxiously, and a slight tremor passed through her body. Vacationers were approaching the entrance to the Sochi National Park. The company consisted of three cheerful, charming women, much older than her. This company had a heightened sense of humor. And the age difference was not felt in any way.
– The weather in this place does not coincide with Sochi. Look what a cloud.
– Yes, it is a light cloud; a light rain will come out of it. I will not go to the waterfall in the rain, another objected, it is dangerous, it is slippery, I know, I have been there a hundred times.
– Girls, do not quarrel. There’s a great cafe there, I’d like some wine!!! We’re at the sea!!! There were several cars and three motorcycles at the entrance to the park. Then there was the territory of the cafe. There were many vacationers walking around the territory, people were sitting at the tables and waiting for the ordered dishes. An order was being prepared on the grill, and this smell teased Marina’s appetite.
– Aunt, let’s sit down!!!
– Of course, we will sit down, why I came. The territory of the cafe was a large circle, and a cozy layout. Two large halls, one upper, one lower. A summer dance floor, live music, there were also summer benches on the territory, and vacationers could sit down and admire the surrounding nature. The vacationers sat down at a table, the waiter served the menu. Marina was spinning from side to side, looking at the local attractions. She could not help but hear the sound of water, and involuntarily asked the neighbors accompanying them,
– What are those sounds?
– This is a river – a «Miracle beauty», you see there a stream, and it has not dried up yet. Go and have a look. This water flows from a mountain waterfall, a place of wonderful beauty, is not it!
– Yes, it is, Marina agreed, and went to look at the mountain stream. Approaching the water, the girl realized that this was the very place she had been looking for for so long. Returning back, she asked, «how to get to the waterfall?»
– It is dangerous to go after the rain, we do not advise you, and we do not have that much time.
– It is a pity. I would like to go. It must be very beautiful there. And what is this gazebo that is located there behind the bridge? She asked the waiter.
– This is a summer gazebo for vacationers. Come to us in the summer, it will be great here. Here is the scene for the evening show.
– And what kind of show?
– We will have a show in the style of «Ancient Russia», pagan Russia!
– I must definitely come here, Marina thought to herself. Alone or with someone, it does not matter. That is what I need. That is what I was looking for. I need to know everything about this place. Where and how, and from whom? There were many questions in her head, and she was already mentally writing material about this place.
– Honey, where are you flying? Her aunt’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
– I am here. How I miss the Light. Marina thought. Remembering my best friend. I wish I had her here. And here is the rain, and quite strong. The rain gathered all the vacationers under one roof. Marina stood by the table and admired the wonderful beauty. «I like to watch the rain,» she said aloud.
– Yes, it is a beautiful sight.
Marina involuntarily looked back, and her eyes collided with a guy passing by. For a few seconds, they stood silently and looked at each other. It seemed to her that this moment was an eternity, and she has known this man all her life. The guy stared intently at the girl, and involuntarily wanted to step forward. Something stopped him, perhaps not determination, or Marina’s entourage. And he continued to stare at her.
– Bro, let us go sit down, one of his friends called him. The guy did not freely agree, and before leaving, he looked back again in the hope of seeing the girl. Their gaze collided again, this time they did not want to let go of this moment, they wanted to say something to each other. The guy retired to the lower hall, and Marina remained standing by the open gazebo and watching the raindrops drain from the leaves of local plants. She closed her eyes and thought, what is wrong with me. Her heart was pounding, goosebumps ran through her body, and she was shaking inside.
– Marinochka, drink some wine, baby, you will feel better right away. Marina returned to her seat and took the glass from her aunt’s hands.
– Yes, I think I will have a drink. The whole event took less than a minute, and no one had time to figure out what was going on.
A group of friends went down to the lower hall, but since there were no empty tables there, they returned and settled down at the bar. While they were walking back, Marina examined the person from head to toe. He was a tall, strong, young man, of Slavic appearance, about thirty-five years old, with soft facial features, gray-blue eyes and light brown hair color. You could tell by his eyes that he was a kind man, he radiated warm. The slight stubble on his face gave him masculinity, and said that he did not shave it very often. The guy often smiled, and it seemed to many that he had a heightened sense of humor. He was wearing a mottoed uniform. What gave the guy away, about Motto’s passion for technology. The rain intensified, and it was raining with such force that it seemed like a flood had begun.
– Yes, southern rains, that is something. Not to compare with our central strip.
– A wonderful place, isn’t it? The air alone is worth something, boxwood is boxwood. Did you regret going?
– No, not at all! How can you regret such a thing? Natalia answered. Marina, did not think about boxwood, and about the place, she was thinking about the upcoming separation after the rain. About parting without even having time to be acquainted. She wanted this rain not to end, and then maybe they could get acquainted.
– The harder it goes, the faster it will end. We talked at the next table. After the rain ended, tourists began to leave the cafe. Marina went to the bar, hoping to see the guy again, but they did not have time to cross, and she saw a man’s figure receding.
– Artem, let us go quickly! Marina heard his friend call him. Artyom!!! His name is Artem. Now I know his name. The people came up to the motorcycles, and put them in order, after a heavy rain.
On the day of departure, Marina, as usual, stood on the loggia and slowly smoked a cigarette. She admired the morning sun, and how the sun’s rays shine on the surface of the sea. «I don’t want to leave,» she said. Aunt, you know, deep down I would like to give up everything and move to live here.
– My God, baby, what kind of thoughts, from where? Are you really going to give up life in the capital and move here?! In addition, your job? How are you without her? You are just depressed, because of the disorder in your personal life. You find a guy, and everything will be fine.
– I thought I could open up to you, trust you, and you are just like my mom.
– Don’t worry; it will be our little secret. I will not tell anyone.
– Thank you Aunt.
– And I am not worried about work, I am not sure that journalism is mine.
– And what would you like to become?
– I do not know myself, maybe a writer, or a history teacher. I know history well, my section in journalism is aimed at ancient mythology, esotericism.
– Good choice. It is worth thinking about. I ordered a taxi. It is better to arrive at the airport in advance.
– Yes, you are right as always. The taxi has arrived. We have to go. The plane took off, and Marina felt for the first time what loneliness was. What is separation, distance? I will definitely be back here, very soon. She thought to herself, and, closing her eyes, sank into a half-asleep state. A surprise was waiting for them at the Moscow airport. Her friend, the girls hugged, met Marina. – How I have missed you. I have so much news. I urgently need to tell you everything. Now I have the material to work with. Now I know how to promote myself.
– And what, you won’t tell me anything else?
– «What else do I need to tell you?»
– I can see that you are head over heels in love, you cannot fool me, and I am your best friend.
– Yes, you cannot hide from you. And Marina told her everything about the guy she met her eyes with. And how could they meet again? I am sure that we will definitely see each other again.
– Of course, you will see me; we will all go together soon.
– Hurry up.
A festive table was waiting for them at home, in honor of their arrival. Everything was perfect, my aunt never blabbed about anything, and my mother never asked about anything, and did not press her advice. Marina breathed a sigh of relief and left her room with her friend. – Tomorrow is a hard day’s work, and everything will start all over again. How tired I am of my job. How I want to quit. I just do not know where.
– Now everything will be different. Do not forget. You brought new impressions.
– Yes, I think so too, I have so many emotions, such a good feeling.
– You see! Come on, see you later. The friend left, and Marina was left alone in the room. She was thinking about the upcoming working day, and mentally preparing material for work, being sure that the boss would approve it. But no matter how she occupied her thoughts, the image of the guy from the «Miracle Beauty» did not give her peace of mind. And she didn’t know what to do about it.
– Hello everyone!!! Today I’m on time like never before!!! Marina said joyfully at the entrance, and confidently walked to her workplace.
– «What’s the matter with her?» Probably, the rest was good. Marina heard the whispering of colleagues. – I am waiting for you, you know where. Juliana said softly and left.
– Why is it so quiet? – Where is our favorite chef?
– He has not arrived yet.
– Tell me, how did you rest? Marina outlined the condensed information to her colleague. Then they quietly laughed at the boss, and decided to come up with a nickname for him. The boss did not take long to wait, and went to work the next day.
– Good day to all! My wonderful team!!! Anyone who has good news for me, come up and tell me. Marina!! You are on time today, very strange, you are scaring me. What do you have for me? Marina handed over the folder with the material that she had prepared especially for him. The chief quickly left, and no one saw him during the day. The next morning, Marina heard the boss’s voice asking her to come to his office. – Your material interested our editorial office. Historical monolith, enchanted forest, etc. Now you have something to work on. Marina breathed a sigh of relief and left the office.
The work occupied Marina so much that she did not have time to go somewhere or chat with a friend. But these thoughts about work couldn’t get the thoughts of that guy out of her head. Every evening, closing her eyes, and lying in a warm cozy bed, Marina remembered that wonderful beauty. She thanked the sky for the fact that it shed a warm, spring rain, which gathered us under one roof, thanks to which she met Artem. The girl was sure that they would definitely meet again. And she remembered with warmth the sweet and kind smile of the guy whose look she could not forget.
Three inseparable friends were sitting on the beach. – Global heat is being transmitted this summer.
– Yes, the summer will be hot, the friend agreed.
– Artyom, why are you silent?
– He has been like this for a long time.
– Don’t touch him; let him come to his senses.
As usual, they gathered in the garage of one of their friends, and arranged gatherings there. – The opening of the moto season was great!!! Don’t you think so?
– Yes, it is!
– Artem, at least say a word.
– «Yes, I agree with you,» he replied. Let us drink to that. The guys drank beer and discussed pressing problems.
– Tell me what happened to you?
– I met the girl of my dreams. And missed her. I was afraid to approach her. She is not like everyone else.
– «At your age!
– Quiet, bro.
– Yes, okay, a lot of girls will come for the summer, and everyone will be beautiful in their own way!!!
– She is not everything.
– Oh, it is serious.
– «If you’d seen her.» Her eyes are bright blue. Black long eyelashes. Thin and beautiful eyebrows. Regular and strict facial features. She has long curly hair, black as pitch, and skin as white as snow. She looks like Snow White from a fairy tale. She is a goddess. She is the one.
– It is bad, we are losing a friend. – And how are you going to look for her now?
– I do not know yet. But I know that I will definitely find her.
– I will just finish the season! A friend laughed.
In a cafe, preparations were underway for the evening show. – When is the first performance?
– Officially on the twenty-fifth of June, on Kupala. One of the participants of the program answered.
