‘It’s really not a big deal, don’t bother,’ Valerie assured me.
‘Make up your mind. I have to go out for cigarettes anyway.’ I began putting my jacket on.
‘Maybe you’re busy and I’ll be keeping you from something?’
‘It’s not a problem,’ I said trying to show hospitality again, besides it was clear that she was truly freezing. ‘Take your coat off and go into the kitchen, I’ll be back in five minutes.’
He closed the door as he went out. I was left alone. But I had a feeling that someone was nearby. I unbuttoned my coat and approached the fireplace to warm up. It was a nicely ornamented old fireplace executed in black marble with brown wood inlays. I wonder how they got the permission to install it in a five-storey building. Judging by the cold heaters, it was this piece of equipment that was warming the entire apartment. I sat down in the armchair next to the fire and accidentally hit something that came crashing on the floor. It was a box with photographs and trinkets. I hurried to quickly fix everything and return it to its place, but the photographs piqued my interest.
All the photographs were showing my new teacher hugging a beautiful woman, glowing with happiness. At first, I could not believe that the guy on the photos and the man that I knew for the second day were the same person. They were on a beach, in a park, in a photo booth, at a birthday party… They were a beautiful couple. Every photo effused love and tenderness. I even wished I were in the place of this beautiful woman. They were wonderful. I neatly put everything back in place and gazed into the fire. “Why aren’t they together?” I wondered, but was aware that I would not be able to ask such a question at this time.
My cheeks recovered their colour from the fire. I warmed up; it was even hot. I took off my coat and left it in the hallway. A cold gust of air rushed from the front door opening. Vova was holding a packet of tea.
‘It’s true, the cold outside is really not typical of March, but I managed to get some tea. Shall we?’
‘With pleasure.’
We walked into the kitchen; he put the kettle on. We sat at the table.
‘I’m sorry but I forgot that I had nothing to offer you with tea.’
‘Don’t worry about it.’
‘How come? Don’t children like sweets these days?’
‘Children might still like sweets, but a high school student watching her figure, doesn’t.’
‘Is that so?’ Vova said letting out a laugh.
‘Indeed.’
‘And how is this high school student’s love life going?’
I do not know why but such a question coming from this man made me highly uncomfortable. However, sensing that this could be an excellent opportunity to touch on a subject that was eating at me, I responded with sincerity in the hope of establishing a trusting relationship.
‘I’m not lost for choice with boys. But I’m in love with just one. Although he’s an idiot. I guess all boys are idiots in their teens.’
‘Oh, I see that you madam are perhaps over that age?’
He laughed at me.
‘No, but sometimes these boys behave so strangely that there’s nothing one can do but stop speaking to them,’ I said with a slightly raised voice as I remembered how angry I was at my boyfriend.
‘It comes with time.’
‘What comes with time?’ I asked trying to understand Vladimir’s advice.
‘A sense of tact and good judgement.’
‘Oh, I think that women and men will always be poles apart.’
‘Is this what your mother tells you?’ He smiled again.
‘No, my grandma.’ I was getting annoyed with him not taking me seriously. ‘My grandma really believes that men and women are too different to be perfectly happy with each other. But it is this same polarity that attracts them to each other, filling the gaps of one with what the other has.’
‘Interesting theory,’ responded my companion to my grandmother’s idea, ‘What if two people meet who can offer each other perfectly calm happiness?’
‘You think?’
‘Why not?’
‘Because I think that even Cinderella had squabbles with her prince.’
We both laughed.
‘Sometimes, something so ridiculous comes to my mind and I can’t help but blurt it out. Nevertheless, with every passing year, it seems to be happening less and less.’
‘Obviously, you’re growing.’ Vova got up for the kettle and poured boiling water into the cups.
‘Vova… You’re a man, an adult, tell me, did you ever have a relationship with a woman without a single squabble?’ This is how I decided to steer the conversation towards the subject that was of interest to me.
He thought for a minute, possibly recalling all his amorous affairs and then, sitting down he said: ‘There is not one love relationship that does not have its share of fights. How do you know that the tea is sweet if you haven’t tasted bitterness before?’ he said as he caringly offered me the hot cup of tea. ‘Here, warm up.’
‘Thank you.’
His company and our conversation definitely warmed me quickly. He always seemed so glum at the start, but so far I have managed to quickly elicit a smile on his face. And I think that he did not regret taking me on as a student. At least now he had someone to have tea with in the evenings.
‘We should think of a way to reach you, it’s really difficult without a phone. I don’t think I’m ready to send letters with pigeons.’
Finishing my tea, I continued to pester him with my questions for a little while longer, but I was not able to ask him straight out. Perhaps it wasn’t even worth it. When our cups were empty, he offered me some more but I declined. I didn’t want my parents to worry and the phone tucked in my jeans pocket was vibrating from time to time. It was most likely text messages from my boyfriend. But since we had an argument recently, I could afford to switch on the “do not disturb” mode and torment him with my silence.
‘Thank you for the tea and the company, I think I should be going.’
‘You’re welcome,’ he said with a smile and got up first.
Seeing me to the door, he made sure that I did not forget anything and wished me a safe trip home.
I was walking to the tramway stop within easy reach of his house and the pictures that I had seen were going through my head. I did not know what had happened, but judging by everything, he loved this woman deeply. I was hoping that some day he would want to tell me all about her. For now it was none of my business.
The tram finally arrived and I got on number seven that went straight to my house, enjoying the views of Podol at night. Ah, I really didn’t feel like going to school tomorrow… Seeing Vlad again. Remembering Vlad, I took out my mobile phone and I was right – it was his texts that I was receiving during our tea with Vova. I read them all and, without replying, I glued my face to the window, behind which Kyiv in the night was lighting up with a thousand strewn lights.
I took a shower, put on my bathrobe and went back to the armchair by the fireplace. With a gentle hand I closed the box and put it back in its usual place. Then I took the paintings standing nearby and placed them around the studio.
Yes, I could not part with them. I could neither sell them or get rid of them. They could not fit in that same box. Leaving them in clear sight, I was laying bare the feelings Marina and I shared, that lived in these works. And if Gennadiy Vasilevich believes that paintings die with the artist if they are not offered to the world, then so be it, it is not such great loss. I did not consider myself to be particularly talented. Just an ordinary amateur with the feelings of a man still in love. Perhaps the rekindled memories would inspire greater things in me.
Life is about decisions. And my decision is not let her image out of my heart. As long as I can hold her near me, I would know that she is still here, that we are still together.
Chapter 7
'Hi. Why aren’t you at school?'
‘Hi. My classes are over.’
‘I thought that high school students had a tighter schedule.’
‘Don’t be smart! Better tell my why you’re not on Andreevskiy Descent. I went over the stalls twice looking for you.’
‘I’m taking time off.’
‘Time off? Are you planning on going somewhere? Are you thinking of getting away from me?’
‘If it were only possible!’
Valerie laughed and slipped a small box into my hand.
‘Here.’
‘What’s that?’
‘Your new mobile phone. The SIM is already in.’
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