BEWITCHING POTION
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When Andrey Petrovich has assisted Natasha to collect the leaflets which have scattered in the different parties from the folder which have fallen to a floor, she has noticed, that, despite of the is far not an early age, he very much neduren itself; and when next day in the morning he has paid it a compliment in occasion of its successful hairdress, she has understood, that Andrey Petrovich also is charming. Such combination of rare advantages in modern to the man could not leave Natasha indifferent. she has become interested in the nice colleague and soon knew about it everything, and including the most important.
Andrey Petrovich seven years has been dissolved also veins one.
Besides the fine marital status, Andrey Petrovich had the separate apartment, not a new foreign car and saws moderately – only in very good company. It was necessary to be surprised only why any more the employee of their company has not attempted upon this treasure; but, as is known, the crowd is blind, and weights are short-sighted. Natasha who has read through « Game in beads » up to the middle, and « KHazarsky the dictionary » completely, fairly counted itself above crowd and has developed the detailed plan of conquest of a perspective bachelor.
The main rate in the big game has been made on appearance. To put on something another it would be simply unreasonable. First, men love eyes; secondly, Natasha firmly knew, that is beautiful. In an early youth she has paid attention on surprising similarity between the face and a portrait dekabristki Aleksandry Muravevoj in a black veil. The same sight, sad and attractive, the same subtlety of features, the same spirituality. Looking at itself in a mirror, Natasha often thought, that was born too late, and longed, that she for ever and ever cannot enter in siyayushchuyu ball to a hall in a white dress and with a diamond wreath on chele, admiring all high society the beauty.
However, different circumstances – that nedosypanie, a cold the bad hairdresser – constantly prevented Natasha's clean, raised beauty to be shown in full force. Besides its type of appearance has been too refined for the modern world prevented on vulgar aggressive krasotkakh with an artificial bust. Separate individuals of a male with nasty taste even counted as its grey mouse, but on such Natasha did not pay attention, no less than to the individuals of a female applied to its exterior an epithet "ordinary". However, partly they could be understood: they have got used to see the daily, tired, rolled up woman, is frequent with a make-up quickly and without manicure, and did not know about the magic butterfly concealled in a grey doll. And only one Natasha knew to itself the original price.
Now this price should learn and Andrey Petrovich. On Saturday in the ware market on the money postponed for repair, Natasha has purchased two new business suits – one sexual red color, another with very original skirt, and the Italian leather shoes on high heels. On Sunday she has made the new, very successful hairstyle which unusually has dexterously emphasized advantages of its refined appearance. On Monday with an idea: « Well, Andryusha, now keep! » In it is proud to the lifted head she has entered in a new red suit and new shoes into a department where the subject of its desire worked.
Natasha's transformation has not passed(has not taken place) not noticed: ladies have there and then begun to chirp, affably and not so, that Natasha to not learn(not find out), and Andrey Petrovich has smiled the charming smile. Clearly, he did not wish to show the feelings at others. As the clever woman, Natasha in a trice has thought it and was to Andrey in the beginning of a lunch break when colleagues and sosluzhivitsy send away(have left) to have dinner. From Belief Sergeevny she knew, that Andrey does not like to interrupt work, yet will not finish the certain stage – some kind of the pedant – and often works during the lunchtime if work goes, and to have dinner leaves later. The heads in a rate also does not object. And it is valid, the room was empty, and Andrey Petrovich sat at a computer and briskly clicked on keys. The anxious kind extraordinary went to it. « Ah you mine lapochka », – have thought Natasha, and have lingeringly told:
– And it again I!
Andrey Petrovich has lifted a head and has smiled a little bit strainedly.
– I stir(prevent)? – lilejnym goloskom Natasha has inquired, and, having received assurance, that at all, has begun to scatter networks, stirring for the sake of appearance about any nonsense and from time to time throwing(stopping) on Andrey Petrovicha is mysterious-tempting sights of the fatal woman. Sights in five minutes have punched the reservation of coolness of the pedantic workaholic: he has ceased to scoff at the keyboard and has passed from interjections and terse offers to the developed(unwrapped) verbose retorts so hour of a dinner has passed(has taken place) very pleasantly.
– You come to us, – Natasha at last has asked, and, having smiled to a dazzling Hollywood smile, has left. For first time it has been made enough.
Next day Natasha, in a new violet suit with an original skirt, again has come to Andrey Petrovichu to lunch time. Conversation was not less amusing but when Natasha has hinted, that it would be possible to have dinner together, he has politely refused.
And it was led. Within several weeks Natasha, having improved the moment, suited to Andrey Petrovichu and the ringleader with it provocative conversations. The man willingly went on contact, joked and laughed, discussed with it different themes – from household up to philosophical, was irreproachably polite (the gentleman!) and even it is gallant, but further conversations business did not go. Andrey Petrovich did not call to it home though she has under a specious excuse left to it phone, did not express desire it to spend after work and did not come at all to it into a department. It was nastiest that aspiring to confuse a perspective bachelor in the networks, Natasha has got confused itself. This person started to like it really, up to a shiver, up to night tears from its indifference. Also it was not clear how to force it to test something similar in relation to it.
Now Natasha rose on half an hour earlier to have time to make up duly: to put the basic cream, to shade fine lacks of a leather(skin), to put a voice-frequency cream, to shade veki, to cover eyelashes with ink, to draw a contour of lips and to put lipstick, but not in the usual way, and a brush – lessons of the visagiste have not passed(have not taken place) gift(for nothing). All this was a little bit tiresome, but when Natasha put(rendered) touch-up – slightly powdered the face – she could not be kept from admiration: such beautiful, effective woman looked at it from depth of a pier glass. Alas, even more often ezheutrennee contemplation of own beauty came to an end with a heavy sigh: for whom these efforts intended all, it is persistent them did not notice. The most radical means has not assisted even: a supersteady lip glosser with a double shade. Andrey Petrovich smiled and joked, joked and smiled – and only.
Attempts to steal up to a mysterious bachelor on the other hand that is to carry away it not shine external, and depth of a private world, also have come to the end with failure. Vainly Natasha studied(investigated) sports pages in newspapers and listened to all programs of news: Andrey Petrovich, the truth, pleasantly was surprised, that she too is a fan of "Dynamo" and knows, where there is Iraq, but declarations of love this was followed. Conversations « about clever » inspired it even less, than conversations on the common themes: Andrey Petrovich obviously did not belong to admirers of women-èíòåëëåêòóàëîê. But the role of the little fool which from despair was tried(tasted) by Natasha, at it and has not turned out at all so then even it was unpleasant to recollect.
The charter from fruitless cunnings of love, Natasha has decided to make a small pause as on firm any unnecessary conversations have already gone(send already). Obryvok one it has heard edge(territory) of an ear in a toilet: «... Runs behind it, as a silly woman ». And though the name has not been named, Natasha has not doubted, about whom there is a speech. Well and let. To spit. There's nothing to be done, presence of spectators – an inevitable minus of service novels. If all will turn out at it with Andrey, they is shut up, and is not present – will be pulled about and will find other theme. The problem was in other. Former strategy has not brought success, and Natasha could not understand, in what its mistake(error).
From the point of view of common sense Andrey's behaviour was absolutely illogical. What does the man when to it pays attention young make lonely, for 15 years is younger, the beautiful and clever girl? Correctly, cries with happiness, or even immediately does(makes) a step towards. Some times having called at various times to Andrey home, Natasha was convinced: he really lives one, and, similar, nobody has, since happens at home and evenings in target. Thus, resolutely nothing prevented to answer it on Natashiny feelings; but the answer was not.
To assume, that she does not approach(suit) it on any parameters, Natasha too could not. Eventually, who such Andrey Petrovich? Not an oligarch, not the superstar and not well-known football player Ronaldo. Usual decent the man, for which she, Natasha – princess Diana and Merilin Monroe in one face. And if he not in a condition of this to understand, he simply fool. But, though this version also explained Andrey's indifference to the most flatter for Natasha in the image, accept it she could not, even pokriviv soul. Unfortunately, Andrey Petrovich was rather and is rather fairly clever.
Natasha puzzled, broke, touched in the smallest details of their meeting, recollected everything, that heard about Andrey Petrovicha – and nothing has thought up. The promising novel zabuksoval in an initial stage, and December Natasha met last days with disgusting mood. It the meeting of New year in the pleasant friendly company could not dispell mood even . Have sat perfectly, danced up to I shall fall, there were some interesting men, but all Natasha's successes were reduced to a toast « For our clear head Natasha! » As it would not be desirable it to revenge artful Andrey Petrovichu, vlyubiv in itself any handsome man, an internal pressure(voltage), the grief and melancholy have not allowed its female charm to be shown in full force. Nobody has taken its phone, nobody spent home, and the unique acquaintance which has received continuation, was acquaintance to Tamara – the high dark-haired girl dressed in black dress.
Tamara, as well as Natasha, worked as the manager on sales, but to guess its trade on appearance it was impossible. Silent, little bit released, she seem mysterious lady not from this world, and Natasha has at first thought, that before it the representative of bohemia, like Renaty Litvinovoj, or the simple silent madwoman during remission. And that, and other assumption has appeared incorrect, but Tamara's main hobby indeed was unusual. During free time from work she took a great interest okkultizmom.
Natasha, during the safe periods of a life concerned magic, an astrology and any nonsense with healthy irony, has suddenly got under influence of the new girlfriend strewed with an air of detachment by weighty mystical words like "nekromantiya", "onejromantiya" and "astral". she with interest prochla the book « Stars and destiny », having learned(having found out) in a Taurus and Streltse herself and Andrey Petrovicha, also has willingly responded on Tamarino the offer to tell fortune in the way « Small Albert ». If to the beginning of a guessing the rests of scepticism still moved in Natasha's shower(soul), after a phrase:
– All is clear: you are meekly enamoured in trefovogo king, – last bastions scorch(have fallen). Natasha has given vent to soul to the new friend up to last droplet, and, vytrya shivering fingers predatelski acted in corners of eyes of tear, has asked, not hoping to receive the explanatory(sensible) answer:
– What to make, Tamara? he does not want me.
– How that? – the fan of white and black magic was surprised. – To give it a bewitching potion, and business with the end.
– You are serious?
– Certainly. Opaivanie – the loveliest business.
– Also that... There is an effect?
– Absolutely. – that he did not know the main thing, that drinks. Result within a week.
Tamara spoke so easy as if(as) it was a question of the most usual business and so it is confident as if(as) advertised(promoted) shampoo from furfur. In Natasha's mind(wit) the crazy idea has immediately flashed: « And can, indeed? » However, from the first up to the reference(manipulation) to forces unknown seldom who ripens. Natasha needed two months and indifferent, without a smile Andrey Petrovicha's sight again to bring up a miracle drink, and even a week to be solved.
– Tamara! You are able to prepare for a love potion?
– That you! It is aerobatics of magic, this should study. But I know one woman, a hereditary witch in the thirteenth knee. she is able.
« The hereditary witch in the thirteenth knee » is sounded strashnovato, and at the last minute Natasha nearly has not changed the mind.
– I am afraid, – she has fairly told to the friend, costing(standing) on a trolleybus stop and with melancholy expecting arrival of a trolley bus which should bring it to a den kolduni.
– And to remain the old maiden you you are not afraid? – Tamara has bitten. – be not afraid, anybody will not eat you. Opaivanie is not prompting of damage, this business clean and ugodnoe to the maximum(supreme) forces.
– Yes? Why?
– Because you do not cause(cause) any harm to the person. You simply open to it eyes, and he falls in love with you. You as though remove from its eyes a veil – and only. That here bad?
– Really, anything, – Natasha has agreed.
– Then have gone.
The witch has appeared the nice red-haired woman of uncertain age. As Natasha has been excited, she has had time to examine fluently a room where it have entered. There lived a witch very well: plaster ceilings with a stucco moulding, vitrazhnye glasses, the leather dark blue sofas, dear(expensive) black-and-white carpet on a floor. Above one sofa the diploma of School of white and black magic and occult sciences, above another – a picture oil(butter) « Guessing tsyganka » hung.
– From you fifty dollars and some drops of blood, – the witch to Natasha when Tamara has stated all circumstances of business(affairs) has declared(announced).
– Blood... – Natasha has turned pale. – what for?
– Differently the potion will not work.
The mysterious potion has appeared a dark dense liquid in small puzyrke from under cheap spirits. The witch has demanded, that Natasha has written down the exact mechanism of its application on a piece of paper.
– To not add at all in alcohol. An optimum variant – coffee or tea. To drink simultaneously: to itself – three drops, to it – the rest. To give from the hands. To not hint at all, that he drinks something unusual. To watch(keep up), that he has drunk at once. After that to look to it it is direct in eyes and mentally to tell: « You mine ». Operates(works) within three day. All is clear?
– Everything, – Natasha has uttered indistinctly, – that is there are no … And why to me only three drops?
– Because you and so are enamoured. Be not afraid, the girl, – with an indulgent smile has added charodejka, is not any chemistry, it naturprodukt, on grasses! Will work so, that you and to come round will not be in time.
Feeling the sinner, worthy burnings on a fire, Natasha has clamped in a cam puzyrek and has paid off with a witch. Houses she long considered it on light and even smelt, but a bewitching potion nothing pakhlo – neither chemistry, nor grasses. At night Natasha even has decided not to give its Andrey Petrovichu – eventually, it was simply dishonest, but in the morning, having looked at the exhausted face with dark blue circles under eyes, has understood: other output(exit) is not present. Or sir, or was gone. If other way to involve the man, except for a bewitching potion, no, it is necessary to use a bewitching potion.
Three next days have passed(have taken place) in vain attempts to realize devil plans. In an hour before a dinner Natasha became itself not the, spinning on a chair and checking presence treasured puzyrka in a handbag. Without five hour she darted off and hidden in a niche on a ladder platform: therefrom it was visible everyone who went down downwards from their floor. And as to spite Andrey Petrovich, having changed a usual rule, left to have dinner in due time Evgenie Fedorovna, the opposite thick woman from its department, remained on a place to chew the food brought from the house. Only for the fourth day all send away(have left), and he has remained, and Natasha with a fragile heart has rushed to itself, has got two laid up cups – red and dark blue, tea, sugar, has included an electric kettle. While water heated up, she, not in forces to sit on a place, went there-here on a room, the blessing, witnesses of its madness were not. At last already boiled water in a teapot was warmed up to the necessary degree and tea has been prepared. There Was a main thing.
Having compressed will in a fist, Natasha has opened puzyrek and has poured out its contained in a dark blue cup then has carefully stirred tea. For excitement she has absolutely forgotten about three own drops. Having put both cups on a tray, she slowly – and that not raspleskat tea and consequently, that at it foots have weakened – has gone to Andrey Petrovichu. That, having seen it, has smiled, but from tea – as if(as) having a presentiment of something! – has started to refuse.
– Well for the sake of me, – its Natasha, as persuaded mother of the child. Is an excellent(a different) tea, with a bergamot.
– Well, if for the sake of you and with a bergamot, – Andrey Petrovich, – that well has indulgently smiled, – and has taken the dark blue cup stretched to it.
Even if Natasha also would like tea, she all the same could not drink: while Andrey Petrovich slowly otkhlebyval fragrant tea, its throat has squeezed such nervous spasm, that she hardly breathed. he has noticed and has asked:
– And you that do not drink?
–.. I... – Natasha has started to murmur and hardly was: – And I love cold.
– Strange tastes at you, – was surprised the man and has drunk up one drink a remained liquid. – thanks, Natasha.
Natasha so worried, that nearly has not forgotten to look in eyes and to tell: « You mine! » Having told fatal words, she for an instant has felt simplification: come what may, and it's done! – also has there and then recollected manual of a witch: « three drops to itself ». And! she has made all incorrectly, now the potion will not work! Andrey Petrovich spoke something, but the shaken(amazed) Natasha, not in forces to penetrate into its words, has seized cups and almost run has left(abandoned) a room, having left the man in strong bewilderment – is fast, however, the past.
In a corridor Natasha has not sustained and has burst out crying, nearly not having dropped a cup. The strong nervous pressure(voltage) has not passed(has not taken place) gift(for nothing). Suddenly all history has seemed to it a silly and pity farce, the ridiculous act unworthy the formed person, and Natasha sincerely damned both new familiar, and the artful swindler, and, and even Andrey Petrovicha.
In a toilet Natasha long put into itself the order, washing off with persons(faces) the rests of the cosmetics which has spread from rough tears then has carefully washed cups. Empty puzyrek she has hidden in a bag to throw out it somewhere on road home and by that finally to destroy all proofs. And though washing by cold water, and then routine of working duties have almost returned to it composure, Natasha's mood was disgusting, as never earlier. It is quite natural, that Natasha felt a silly woman; but also besides this any vague melancholy … and can, not the melancholy, and alarm has caught heart claws and did not wish it to release(let off).
The oppressive feeling has not left Natasha and houses; moreover, it became opredelennee and is sharper. she distinctly(clearly) felt, that has made nasty business even if no consequences will exist; but here it was too obviously felt, that consequences – and nasty – will not keep itself waiting. As to spite, about nine evenings Tamara has called, but its voice has caused such inflow of irritation in Natasha, that she has hung up. Before, as the person brought up and intelligent, she never such allowed herself. As the animal in a cell(cage), Natasha metalas on an apartment, not in forces to borrow(occupy) in something useful and the more so not in forces to have a rest. Nearby polunochi she has literally forced itself to lay down in bed, but, certainly, to fall asleep to it it was possible neskoro, and she has woken up not from a habitual ring of an alarm clock, and from a nightmare.
To it has dreamed, that any person in a dark blue dressing gown, like the doctor, and the doctor can, and not, cut off to it a brush of the left hand. Process of amputation was absolutely painless, and it was not visible to blood, but when to Natasha have submitted on a small silver tray its own brush still(even) moved with fingers, she has cried for horror – and has woken up.
On hours it was equal nine mornings. At this time Natasha needed to enter into office or at least to come nearer to it(him,them). « It is not enough you of all – also for work was late! » – Natasha has shouted at itself and feverishly has begun to gather, passing(missing) such important stages, as a shower, drawing of a make-up and even a breakfast. For a month it was already the fourth delay – and Natasha with horror imagined crimson for a rage the face of the chief. The unique hope for rescue consist in its absence at office – but also then will be wishing to inform.
In general, day has begun nasty, and Natasha at all was not surprised to full absence of any public transport: the first bus has approached(has dropped in) in half an hour of painful expectation at a stop, and she has not grasped money for a taxi. If does not carry, does not carry. Natasha has entered into the office at eleven o'clock ten minutes, mentally saying goodbye with the premium and preparing for pity justifications, but here she was waited with the first similarity of success: the door in a cabinet(study) of the chief has been locked. It meant, that he has gone to branch. Ur. If now it was possible imperceptibly as the ninjia, proskolznut in the room, that, is possible(probable) … Natasha has cautiously suited to the slightly opened door: to its surprise, the room was empty. The pleased Natasha has quickly come, villages for the table, has hung up a handbag on a back of a chair and has included a computer. When in five minutes behind a door voices were heard, she already has been completely shipped in work.
The entered colleagues, appear, have not paid to it any attention, and Natasha has calmed down: probably, will carry by. But she as sounded in Igor's conversation and Aleshi the surname – Romanenko – has forced it to be guarded again has not had time to take breath. Romanenko there was Andrey Petrovich.
– Yes, has not carried to the muzhik, – Igor, and Natasha has grievously told, not having sustained, has turned back. Heart has trembled: something happens. The vague presentiment in a little concrete forms as sat next Rita has intercepted its sight has not had time to pour out and has asked:
– You saw?
– What? – Natasha has whispered, growing cold.
– "First aid". All of us have run in a corridor to look. Romanenko have just taken away in reanimation.
– What? What? – Natasha, not understanding, that does(makes), slowly rose from the place.
– Speak, the hardest poisoning.
Looking the unseeing expanded eyes on Rita, Natasha's blond bang has risen, has removed a chair – and there and then with a roar has failed on a floor. she has heard nothing – neither Rita's shrill cry, nor lost(confused) mata children, having fallen down in a faint for the first time in a life. However, even before arrival "fast" for it, she has come to the senses, generously sprinkled by mineral water from a plastic bottle. Simultaneously with physicians on casual concurrence in office the chief who so was frightened to flash of not clear epidemic among employees that has there and then released(has there and then let off) Natasha home though doctors, honesty having measured pressure, pulse and temperature, were limited to the banal recommendation « has returned also lie down a little, have a rest, such happens » and at all did not begin to make any injections.
Having crossed again a threshold of the apartment which she has left any one and a half hour to that, Natasha instead of rest has immediately rushed to ring round hospitals and, having found out where Andrey Petrovich lays, has rushed there to a taxi. she hastened(hurried) vainly: to patient Romanenko it have not started up, as he was without consciousness. The worst, that to it have not told at all when, even approximately it is possible to count on visit. The doctor, something imperceptibly similar to the man from its nightmare, was dry, even rezkovat, and in its voice as has seemed to Natasha, the shade of a verdict was heard, why in a hospital hall to it again it be not become bad nearly.
On road home Natasha has bought in a drugstore of all somnolents what were on sale without the recipe, having solved(decided) in case of a lethal outcome, tsenoyu lives to expiate the fault. It was not the unique radical idea which was come to to it mind. Natasha did not doubt, that in Andrey Petrovicha's reanimation has sent proklyatoe a bewitching potion, and some times – last time in four o'clock in the morning – she sat down to write on leaves of format À4 the application(statement) to militia, so that as Dissenters, to betray itself in hands of justice. But, though its repentance was more than sincere, distinctly to commit to paper the impulse somehow it was impossible; more precisely, all left awfully silly, especially if to consider, that Natasha at all did not know a name proklyatoj a witch, vsuchivshej to it a poison. Well you will not write seriously, really: « I have poisoned Romanenko Andrey Petrovicha with a bewitching potion, but not wishing its death, and wishing that he has fallen in love with me »?
Especially Natasha muchili three fatal drops which she has not drunk itself. How much(As far as) to it it would be easier, lay she with the same diagnosis – a poisoning – in the next chamber! « And so, – Natasha thought, – any court will not believe! » Terribly heavy meditations interrupted attacks hysterical otchayanya. Natasha cried, damned itself and tried to pray. The consciousness of what she becomes the murderer of the favourite person, has been intolerable. In the morning, after sleepless and awful night, Natasha, having called for work and having informed on the illness, has again gone to hospital.
In hospital yesterday's gloomy eskulap it was replaced nice by the man with mushketerskimi short moustaches. he has kindly informed Natasha who has reached last limit, that to patient Romanenko it is better and if positive dynamics(changes) will appear steady, by its dinner will translate(transfer) in the common chamber and, probably, will start up to it(him,them) Natasha. Certainly, if the patient will want it to see.
Till a dinner Natasha has stayed in a hall of hospital, stupidly(bluntly) looking in one point. it nothing interested, even own not kormlennyj the second day a stomach. she felt herself prestupnitsej, otverzhennoj from all world, the terrible sinner for whom no punishment will exist too heavy. Natasha already also was afraid of a meeting with Andrey Petrovichem: it seemed to it, that he knows all and will begin to hate it; but when hour per four doctor has told to it, that to the patient it is possible to come for five minutes, she has not gone, and has run.
At a kind of exhausted face Andrey Petrovicha she has not restrained also the beginnings violently to sob, than, similar, has slightly frightened still the weak patient.
– Well you, Natasha, it is not necessary, – he has murmured. she zakivala a head, has tried to constrain tears, but the grimace has turned out.
– Forgive me, forgive, – she whispered, and he did not hear, and having caught, would not understand, about what speech.
At last Natasha any miracle has mastered itself and has started to behave more or less adequately, that is has wished sick of a broken voice of the prompt recover and has dropped pair words that « on work very much experience all ». Here Andrey Petrovich also has noticed sharp change in appearance of the girl: face Natasha, with dark circles under eyes, on color practically did not differ from a white hospital wall. Through pair minutes the doctor has entered and has deduced(removed) the girl from chamber, having suggested to come tomorrow; the nurse has then entered and has made an injection; after-dinner time has smoothly passed at evening, and Andrey Petrovich could not dismiss the deathly face sosluzhivitsy in any way: Natasha looked(appeared), perhaps, not better it. « Really because of me so experiences? » – he has thought and has admitted to itself, that it flatters it.
Next day, confirming its assumption, Natasha has come again. she looked(appeared) still unimportantly, but kept where better, assuring it in the prompt recover and suggesting to bring any transfers.
– Thanks, but while anything is impossible for me, – Andrey Petrovich has tried to smile and suddenly has inopportunely recollected, as for transfers to prepare there is nobody. Mother for a long time has died, and he did not see the former wife seven years. Unless this girl will prepare …
Natasha is again cunning, and sour ideas have remained. Stay in hospital seldom directs on optimistic lad, but Andrey Petrovicha had reasons for additional melancholy. With a poisoning the organism has consulted, but the fear has remained. Hitherto not complained health strong sorokapyatiletny the man has suddenly sharply felt the death rate, and has felt not abstractly (« all there we shall be »), and all leather(skin), all interior – how feel a verdict not a subject the appeal.
« How many I so still podrygayus? – he thought, beholding cracks on a hospital ceiling. – years five, ten, and what then? Illnesses and a lonely old age? At us muzhiks long do not live … Slyazhesh – and waters there will be nobody to submit ». Having touched in mind(wit) of all near and far, Andrey Petrovich has come to a unfavourable conclusion: yes, behind a glass of water in case of what it is necessary to creep on kitchen(cuisine) most. In fact and for five days, lead by it in hospital, he was visited only by one person whom he, strangely enough, never took seriously. It is no wonder, that, again having come to work and having seen in a corridor the familiar figure, Andrey Petrovich was felt with inflow of sincere gratitude.
– Natasha! – he has called to it, and she has there and then run up, joyful, that he has called. Saying the put words, he closely(attentively) considered it, as for the first time: a figure ordinary, the face ordinary – is good though has ceased to paint itself under a nested doll; legs hardly polnovaty, but in general looks(appears) it is fresh, is younger than the years. However, the main thing not it: for the 45 it has already understood, is how much deceptive there is an appearance of the person. The main thing, that he, similar, in this world is not necessary to anybody, except for this girl.
– And if I shall invite you in restaurant, you will not take offence? – has finished the monologue Andrey Petrovich.
– No! – hasty, Natasha has too hasty exclaimed. Also has added absolutely recklessly: – I at you for what I shall not take offence …
At dinner at restaurant in cafe, at supper in cafe – joint visiting of a concert of Alexander Malinin, the supper has followed a concert – walk in park under the moon. Andrey Petrovich obviously did not hurry up, but also did not withdraw, and vymechtannyj, the gained, long-awaited novel was developed(unwrapped) how always it would be desirable Natasha. But the absolute happiness on light does not happen, and all the minutes lead near to favourite, have been impregnated by poison: inescapable consciousness of the fault. And the further their attitudes(relations) came, the tormented Natasha remorses more strongly.
Certainly, to go to a regional police station she now did not gather, but the desire to tell the truth to Andrey has turned at it to obsession. As to spite and to consult there was nobody, except for this madwoman, Tamara; Natasha was frightened with a idea, that mum or the sister, let alone strangers, learn(find out) about its mad act. Tamara who absolutely not has been not shaken(amazed) by reanimation of Andrey Petrovicha, repeated one as a parrot:
– In no event!
– But he has not died nearly! – vsplesnula hands Natasha. – I nearly have not killed it!
– Nearly it is not considered. The main thing – privorot has worked! And on my cards(maps) at you in general wedding leaves, so do not make a fool.
– Your cards(maps)! You have gone mad on the magic!
– And who has assisted you of the muzhik zakhomutat? Not magic?
To argue with Tamara it was useless and it is tiresome, and Natasha has soon stopped this employment(occupation), besides to count on reasonable advice(council) from this person it was not necessary. Natasha again has remained alone with the conscience. It was possible to keep silent and pretend, certainly, as if nothing was; but any feeling prompted Natasha that it is impossible to build a temple of serious feelings on lie and the more so on blood – good it will not bring anything. It is necessary to tell to it the truth, and let he solves … though to predict(forecast) Andrey Petrovicha's reaction was, certainly, easy.
« What normal person will forgive such? – Natasha wondered, and there and then caught at other idea, as rolling(drowning) for solominku: - But if he really loves, he will forgive ».
Exhausted by all these passions, Natasha has grown thin for seven kgs (what even was quite good), and has almost lost a dream (that was already bad). It is not known, what she has reached in the samomuchitelstve if unexpectedly there was no output(exit): the letter.
« Dear Andrey!
I for a long time wished to tell to you, but was not solved. And now it is difficult to me to write these lines, but I should, because I do not want, that the lie stood between us. It I am guilty that you have appeared in reanimation. You have poisoned with a bewitching potion which I have added to you to tea with which I have treated you. The potion to me was given by one witch, to which I have addressed, because did not know how to make so that you have grown fond of me. All has occured(happened) because I too strongly have grown fond of you. That's all. Now you know the truth. If you can, forgive me.
Your Natasha »
« That's all, – Natasha thought, hiding the letter in a handbag. – tomorrow I shall give it in the morning. And let does(makes) that wants. Will forgive – will forgive, is not present – so is not present, will go to militia – let goes. I it have deserved. Come what may, but I more so cannot ».
Strangely enough, this night, night before fatal day, Natasha has fallen asleep quickly and slept so strong as did not sleep for a long time. And it is no wonder: anything so not tomit soul as uncertainty, and anything so does not calm as the made decision.
Having woken up up to a call of an alarm clock, she has risen from bed and has wide open opened a window. Early morning promised fine continuation, and has constrained the promise: day was such elegant, fresh and solar, that Natasha, having left on street, has suddenly felt itself updated. In a court yard by it there has passed(there has taken place) the neigbour with a bucket full of a cherry plum (it is visible, already from the market) – to success. As under the order, hardly she has suited to a stop, has approached(has dropped in) polupustoj the bus, and Natasha sensitive to signs, the beginnings, being afraid and mentally knocking on a tree to trust, that all will manage and nicely begun day will end not less well.
he will forgive, if loves; he should forgive.
And still, when she has crossed a threshold of office, it indecision – or, has captured, cowardice more precisely. Even in the evening Natasha has decided to give Andrey the letter at once as soon as will come for work; but have passed(have taken place) both ten hours, and eleven, arrows of big nastennykh hours were closed on figure " 12 " – and she sat, as if(as) pasted to a chair. For some reason and Andrey did not come into their department though recently did(made) it willingly. Can, something has a presentiment?
Hardly this idea has flashed in Natashinoj to a head as the door has swung open, Natasha has shuddered – but only disappointedly to be twisted: Andrey, and its colleague sat with it in one room, Anton whom all because of reddish hair teased Antoshkoj has entered into a room not.
– About, Antoshka has welcome! – has stretched to it a hand Igor. – as a life young?
– You that, at us such zaparka – Andryukha sit not lifting a head since nine mornings, – there has begun Anton, taking seat on a chair.
« That is why he does not come – at them a lot of work, – Natasha has understood and has looked at hours. Half first, till a dinner of half an hour. – means, during the lunchtime ». In half an hour … in 25 minutes she will rise and will go to Andrey. And, as if(as) wishing to support the determination, Natasha has taken out the letter from a handbag and has hidden in a pocket of a skirt.
Man's idle talk meanwhile from works just has smoothly passed to the world of pleasures.
– … means, on Saturday go to Carpathians, – deaf(indistinct) teterevinym a voice bolbotal Antoshka. – And by itself, with fuel.
– And that as! We have solved, that it is less cargo to drag, buy vodka directly at station …
– Yes you that! – has exclaimed Antoshka so, that Natasha and Rita have involuntarily looked back. – from hands to buy it is impossible, you that, will poison, as Andrey! Tell to it, girls, that vodka from hands to buy it is impossible.
– Certainly, no, – with business tone Rita while Natasha was reached with sense told has confirmed.
– Here, the expert(auditeur) speaks. Now full false vodka … – Anton wished still(even) something to tell in occasion of falsification of essential commodities, but Natasha a kite has thrown on it:
– You have told, what Andrey has poisoned with vodka? At what here vodka?
– How and? You that, did not know? – has shrugged chubby shoulders Antoshka.
– Close people always learn(find out) the last, – Igor has sarcastically winked, but Natasha has not understood its irony.
– Whence you know, what he has poisoned with vodka?
– Yes everyone know this(thus), you of that? Andrey has on the eve got drunk somewhere palenoj vodka and has not died nearly ….
Natasha has jumped and has rushed to doors. Captured by a uncontrollable impulse, she has flown, as a meteor, in Andrey's with concentration counted any figures room, and, not paying attention to ironical sights of colleagues, literally force has pulled out it in a corridor.
– Andrey, tell to me, you that, drank vodka that day?
– In what? – has a little become stupid has stared at it the man.
– When you have got in reanimation!
– Aaa … Yes, and unless I did not speak you? Only not that day, and on the eve. Saw off the friend from Kharkov, saw a bottle for two, purchased at any woman near station. I cannot forgive to myself!
– And the friend too was in reanimation?
– You that, there such were – it from a train have removed(have taken off), at night, at any deaf(indistinct) station, miracle have pumped out … Only if you not against, I to you shall tell all in the evening. At us terrible zaparka, I even for a dinner shall not go. We shall talk in the evening, about ` kej?
– About ` kej. Only tell: you are precisely assured(confident), what it is vodka?
– Not I, and doctors.
Andrey has returned to itself, and Natasha has come into a toilet, has got the letter from a pocket, has torn it on fine-fine slices and has thrown out in a garbage box. Then, more likely mechanically, has suited to a washstand to wash hands, has looked in a mirror at the face – with the big, disturbed, round eyes and the smeared lipstick – and has burst out laughing. she was captured with such uncontrollable, such deafening, such hysterical laughter, that come in ten minutes in a toilet Rita had to support Natasha back almost and minutes fifteen otpaivat valeryankoj – but it any more had no value. This all any more had no value.
… In four months Natasha has married for Andrey Petrovicha. she does not communicate With Tamara any more.
ALICIA FRIDMAN (ATHENS,GREECE)
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