| 6
aug 2007
ALICIA FRIDMAN (ATHENS,GREECE)
ROMANTICISM
.
It never saw such beautiful woman. Having slipped on his pictures a fleeting sight on the move, she has probably become interested, has stopped and has started to get accustomed to them more closely(attentively). And all that time, that she examined his pictures, It stealthily considered her is and admired. « Would be uneasy to draw her portrait, - It summarized the supervision by cleanly professional remark, - features correct and paints gentle, but expression very much izmenchivo, it is difficult to seize ». Really, in some minutes while fine neznakomka considered his creations, on her face hardly ulovimo bewilderment, surprise, pensiveness, inspiration, thoughtfulness and the easiest irony – a word, the whole scale of feelings were in time proskolznut.
-- You romantik? – she has suddenly asked, having transferred a sight from pictures on their author.
It for some reason was surprised to a question and has answered, hardly zameshkavshis:
-- Yes. And how you have guessed?
-- On plots of pictures and on paints, - has willingly answered neznakomka. – you draw fine animals, locks, clouds, flowers, knights and maidens with jugs in hands, and all this pink, lilac, golden and pale-green. And to what school romantikov you belong?
-- To the purest(cleanest) romantikam, - smiling, It has answered.
-- Then you, likely, have not enough buyers, - in opinion of neznakomki has flashed a spark, there and then replaced a fog of easy(light) affliction. – alas, in the world remains very little romantikov.
-- It is the truth, - It has dissolved with hands. – but my pictures buy, do not think …
-- I trust you, because itself I wish to buy from you a picture. Here this where the knight feeds birds.
Usually at words « I wish to buy your picture » from him heart started to knock joyfully, but now It It tested other and not too pleasant feeling. Expected to sell a picture with the knight for 150 dollars at least and if it will be possible and for 200 with superfluous. Dear clothes and a well-cared kind fine neznakomki clearly testified, that money she has, and manners, variability of a sight and as if(as) poured around of her in air, as hardly ulovimyj aroma of spirits, charm of original feminity served as bail what to bargain she not begins. And It for an instant was captured with fluctuation: what price to name? neznakomka has understood his silence differently:
-- You love this picture, and it is a pity to you to leave with her? Yes? I have guessed? Then I shall buy another, anything terrible.
-- No, no, I do not love this picture … That is I love all of them, business not in this. she costs 150 dollars, - It has told with hardly ulovimym a sigh (« Never you will learn to earn money! »).
-- Only? You underestimate yourselves, - has cheerfully told neznakomka. « It is exact », - It has mentally agreed. she has got a wallet from a dark brown leather handbag of the same color and quality. – I shall give you this sum of grivnas, anything?
-- Anything, - It has responded, removing a picture from a place, and tieing up her twine. – here, - It has stretched the creation to the fine customer, - will inform?
-- And I not itself, - she have looked back, and the square young man has suited to them in black glasses. – Denis, will inform a picture up to the car?
-- There are no conversations, - the square young man has quickly taken, has almost pulled out the image of the knight-altruist from hands of the artist and has vigorously walked to "Mercedes" parked nearby.
-- I hope, my picture to you long will not cease to please, - It has told at parting, hiding money.
-- I have bought(purchased) her in a gift, - have charmingly smiled neznakomka and have disappeared.
That day till the night It and could not put in order the emotions. That It admired and again admired, beauty of the charming woman, closed eyes and having caused her shape became angry that has sold a picture on a floor price when could take for her and three hundred dollars mentally drew her thin face, smoothly combed pitch hair, big eyes with a precise pattern on bright bluish-gray raduzhke, white well-cared hands, her light linen kostyumchik with nacreous buttons, a dark brown handbag. It has been almost offended, that she has bought(purchased) a picture not for herself, and in a gift: really considers(counts), what his pictures are unworthy her? – and there and then named similar ideas childishness. Eventually, turning at daybreak on inconvenient to a box, It has told to itself(himself) « Forget about her, the friend, forget about her for ever. she goes by "Mercedes" with the security guard and for her 150 dollars – not money, and you are the poor artist who has arrived to Kiev from the Pike perch, not having even constant habitation and for three years achieved one – the rights to sell the pictures on Andreevskom descent(release) » - and have fallen asleep.
It carefully tried to forget some days neznakomku, and is doubtless, would achieve full success if in one fine summer day she has not risen before him, finer and young, than last time. It even gauging, having seen her as there was she not during the moment most favourable to him: when It, having eaten a sandwich with sausage, wiped a shining mouth the back party(side) of a palm. With her again there was a square security guard.
-- You learn(find out) me? – she has asked, and It silently zakival a head. – you know, for those some days, that your knight has stayed at me, I so have got used to it(him,them), that hardly could leave him, - for an instant she has writhed plaintive grimasku, funny having frowned and having lowered(omitted) corners of a mouth. – at your pictures kind aura, - her face became serious, concentrated, - and I wish something to buy for myself.
-- Yes? Please! Here almost all my pictures. Choose, - It was delighted.
-- I like this, - has specified neznakomka a white hand the image of the girl in the huge hat which is starting up(is letting) on water not ships, but small locks, lungs and as though air, - but not up to the end. I like the girl, but not her employment(occupation).
-- Has not understood.
-- You do not find, what if she would feed a small manual dragon, would be more cheerful? I know, it is the banal plot which has been worn out by world(global) painting – the maiden and snakes, the maiden and a dragon, but here in this picture at you the knight drinks beer with very ridiculous dragon …
-- You know, - has suddenly dawned upon him, - I can draw everything, that you want, a picture on any plot – and for the same money. Can think up everything, I voploshchu your imagination on a canvas.
neznakomka has looked at him, has thoughtfully shaken a head – not that koleblyas, not that reflecting.
-- Want, I shall show you my sketches, sketches, photos of pictures which are already sold, can, it will help(assist) you to be defined(determined), - It has started talking with excessive pylom, and she has smiled.
-- We can simply meet and discuss the plan of a picture, - It has murmured the fallen voice. – you do not think anything such, I …
-- You have phone? – has asked neznakomka, taking in hands a handbag, this time white varnish.
-- Unfortunately. But I can call to you …
-- Then here that: let's meet on this Friday at five o'clock … on Institute, near National bank. Know, where it?
-- Certainly. But why there?
-- There there lives one my friend. Then we shall talk about pictures and dragons.
-- Let's talk, - obradovanno It has repeated and spent her eyes.
Though anything in intonations and a sight neznakomki did not suggest about flirtation, It prepared for this meeting as to appointment – descended(went) on Thursday in a hairdressing salon, since evening has ironed trousers, in the morning on Friday has put on a new T-short, was carefully shaved and even has scattered on a neck the rests of a man's deodorant. On Andreevsky It has decided to not go: to come since morning with pictures, postoyat some hours, then to bring them to a workshop served and an apartment, and therefrom again to go to city centre it was not meaningful. And it is unprofitable: usually It was brought up up to the house by the artist lived in the same area, for what It helped(assisted) him with different technical works, but, certainly, so early It home will not go to Friday, it is necessary to take a taxi, and is the terrible sum. Fine lady could appointment and for more later time but who It her, to care of his time?
Without a quarter five it sticked out at a dark grey building of Natsbank, in 100-th time wondering, whether it is not necessaryl to take flowers. « It will be cleanly business appointment, - It spoke, and there and then objected: - but in fact appointment! And she to me is pleasant … » « And you to her? – the malicious internal voice objected. – you Think, the unfortunate house painter, at you is chance? » « We shall look! » – it is proud It answered an internal voice, at all not feeling confidence.
she has arisen unexpectedly, and It any more was not surprised, has got used to her sudden occurrences from under the ground, as well as it is necessary to fantastic princess.
-- Hello, - she has smiled. – you represent, I only at home have thought, that I do not know even, what is your name. I go on appointment – and with whom, I do not know. I know only, that you the artist and romantik, and all. Funny, is not that so?:
-- My name is Oleg … Oleg Zubilo, - has dared to say It aloud the unloved surname.
-- And I Carolina, - she have stretched to him a hand for hand shake which It has there and then kissed. It has had time to catch, that her leather(skin) hardly ulovimo smells as a strawberry. Is my present(true) name, not a pseudonym.
-- Your present(true) name – romantichka, that is … - It has kept in the background from a unsuccessful neologism, - that is..
-- That is I same romantik how you, only a female, it you wished to tell?
It has noded.
-- You have guessed. Let's go, we shall sit somewhere, and one romantik will tell to another a plan of a romantic picture.
On road to the nearest cafe It has noticed, that she without the security guard and has asked her about this.
-- Yes, to get rid of him was not so easily, - Carolina has sighed.
In cafe she has ordered orange juice which almost did not drink, telling him a plot of a picture:
-- You read a drama of the Block « the Rose and a cross »? Is not present … then prochtite, to you much will clear it in my plan. she should be close to you, there the same outlook, only more tragical. Present – the lock, ancient, with walls, uvitymi an ivy, with turrets and the narrow loopholes, surrounded by transparent waters …
It listened to her, tried to penetrate into her words and to present images developed(unwrapped) before him, but felt only one: sudden, desperate love. Locks of the pitch hair today freely laid on shoulders, continually drop to her on a high white forehead, she allocated(removed) their hand. From broken dynamics(changes) reached any vulgar melody, behind a little table opposite loudly talked rough voices, and It sat deafened, lost(confused).
-- Yes you do not listen to me? – she has suddenly asked, strictly having looked on him.
-- There is no … Yes … I, basically, all have understood. But that the picture has turned out, I should learn(find out) about you more.
-- What for? – Carolina has crafty smiled. – In fact it not a portrait?
-- All the same, it is a picture to order, with your plot, in her your person … - « My God is reflected, I bear(carry) what bosh! »
-- Aha, in her my person about whom you know nothing is reflected! Yes you are glued, kind, the word of honour!
-- Yes, - It has resolutely told, - you very much like me. Want – we shall talk and about this, want – look at me only as on the artist.
-- I shall think, - she has risen. – my time has expired.
-- How? So it is fast? When we again shall meet?
-- It not so is easy(light), - the beginnings was Carolina, but eventually has agreed to meet him in picture gallery, in three, on next Saturday. The idea with picture gallery belonged to him: It is easier than girls at once invited in the workshop popozirovat, girls is more intelligent at first conducted in picture gallery or in a museum. However, this tactics had in the basis the most low and banal reason – shortage of money for cafe, restaurants and other expensive amusements.
On Saturday how Carolina among pictures easy felt, on a subtlety of her remarks It has understood, that his new friend not bad understands painting. It even has asked, whether the critic she by education.
-- About is not present, from what you have taken?
-- You so understand pictures …
-- In the childhood I often hurted(was ill,was sick) and with boredom hours considered albums of reproductions, of them was full in the house … From here my some knowledge of art, but from here is very far up to original professionalism. I the layman, instead of the expert(auditeur).
-- I too the layman, I anywhere did not study.
-- Then you a nugget, instead of the layman.
It has asked Carolina where she works, and how her face has grown dark, has understood, that has made a mistake(an error).
-- Anywhere. I have finished inyaz, but anywhere I do not work. I – a birdy in a gold cell(cage), - sadly both am angry she has told and has transferred conversation on another.
Soon Oleg has learned(has found out) from Carolina, that she the unique daughter of diplomats, that she has lead the most part of the childhood abroad, that study in inyaze was last light period in her life, and then she has married the person is more senior than itself, children at them are not present and cannot be – on his fault and that she, perhaps, repents of the marriage(spoilage).
-- We absolutely different people, the sky and the ground. My world – books, pictures, music, performances – it is perfect(absolute) to him it is alien, him interest only money and authority, money and authority, about as it has bothered me! To me often it seems, that to him all the same, I with him beside, or someone(someone else), on my place could appear any other woman, beautiful enough to serve him as a decent signboard! You will ask (they already were on "you") why I have married him? Well to tell, that It seem to me another before wedding and I was deceived – but was not present, I did not have illusions. True that I am afraid of a life. I am not adapted absolutely not to her, I am not able to be arranged, I am not able to achieve the … I am able Nothing, only to dream and build castles in the air. Someone should stand between me and this severe world that I could live and breathe normally. Earlier it were my parents, but now my father has died, mother is ill(sick) … I more, than any other person, I am afraid to remain one. But as a result I and not one, and at the same time am even more lonely, than when that was.
It cried from her words and ironed her dense, fluffy hair. It was ready to listen hours to her stories similar to magic fairy tales on the childhood. she told about exotic Latin American city with huge ancient cathedrals where it is always cool where drivers do not observe rules of traffic and where the fortuneteller-ìóëàòêà in the green scarf fastened on bedrakh, has foretold her a long life, uncountable wanderings and unique love – in this city has passed(has taken place) her childhood. About the European capitals where there have passed(there have taken place) her adolescence and an early youth, about that shock which has brought to her returning in the country in 1990, about attempts to find the place in this life which has seemed to her such not clear and terrible. The father from Moscow has moved to Kiev, the Union has then broken up, both all not clear and terrible became even more terribly and more not clearly. « I know, that we visitors on the Earth, but at me this sensation eternal strannitsy, all another's and anywhere not having havens, became constants, any background of my attitude », - she spoke, and It tried to imagine this sensation and told that has tested when has moved from a southern lazy Pike perch to Kiev as before tried to act(arrive) in Surikovskoe school twice and has not acted(arrived).
Carolina with big interest listened to his stories about the childhood in the Pike perch, about always cheerful and hardly poddatoj mothers (It did not remember the father), his sister Galina who has married Greek Kostyu, cheerful prokhindeya, all life traded than has got. Kostya persuaded him to go to Yalta, to draw portraits of health-resort visitors – « And with local kodloj I shall agree, be quiet! » she found this life delightful – can, because It when it is conscious when unconsciously tried to embellish her. Which about what, however, It to her did not tell. For example, as one time collected bottles and went on the market before closing when half of dealers already cunningly – to select rolling on the ground kartofeliny and if will carry, other vegetables.
They became close in October, under unremitting crying of an autumn rain, and already in the beginning of December It has understood, that cannot without this woman not similar to anybody, selecting under each dress the spirits, is extraordinary thin feeling art and the nature. Sometimes It searched in her for lacks, meaningly, being frightened by this idealization at times passing in need of worship – and could not find. From the aesthetic point of view all in her was faultless, from a figure before movement which she took a cup with tea, and features of her character, It could not name her feebleness, pensiveness, ignorance of a life lacks – they were simply her part, a part infinite of some her advantages. When her long was not – and pauses between appointments were significant, to her was not so simply to think out pretexts and to get off the security guard – It grieved, could not find to itself a place. Once It did not see her three weeks, and it has been intolerable. When she has come, It, instead of lask, just did not hurl her reproaches.
— The darling, I could not leave. All these holidays, christmas receptions, charitable evenings – I have been compelled(forced) to go together with him, to smile to any boring people, to speak any to banality … But I so I can not any more, — she has sat down on the pressed through chair and has burst into tears. It for the first time saw her tears, was frightened, that it It has finished her, and has started to be sorry in a lap.
— You are not guilty, do not apologize, — she has wiped platochkom eyes and a nose. – I am guilty, I for a long time should tear with such life, but I do not have not enough courage …
— You would marry me? – It has quickly spoken, being pleased, that has not had time to rise from knees so the offer has turned out is natural(naturally)-romantic.
she has risen, has lifted him from knees and has embraced.
— You know, I with you am ready though on edge(territory) of light!
It embraced and kissed her overflown by happiness. All the pictures, the hopes and half of remained years It with ease would give all for openly to name this woman of the, and it seemed to him, that very soon dreams become yavyu.
— You will divorce, — It spoke her, laying in bed, — and we shall get married. If you will not want to live here, we shall lodge at your mother. I shall draw, and you will help(assist) me advice(councils), you in fact so are thin feel art … — — Anything, we shall live and without big money.
she has stroked a hand his face, as if(as) calming the child.
— You have not considered one: my husband. You do not know this person.
— No wonder, that I do not know, you not much about him told.
— I at all do not represent, that It will make, tell I to him, that I wish to divorce.
— Really will kill?
— Do not joke. He/she is the proprietor, the owner. Business not in love and jealousy, I for him a thing which so simply will not give another. And at him big opportunities, very much big, and very persistent character.
— You want, I shall talk to him?
— And to think do not dare! I something shall think up.
— When?
— Soon. Wait a little.
In the beginning of spring at Carolina "vykristallizirovalsya" as she spoke, the following plan.
— Kiev to all of us it will not be equal to a life, to go in the Pike perch – senselessly, what you will do(make) there? The unique opportunity – to leave abroad. I have a girlfriend in Germany, I have called to her, and she has agreed to send two invitations – me and you. I have some thousand dollars, initially this will suffice. You talented, your pictures will be a success, and I shall become your agent, I in perfection know German, English and French. There we are waited not simply with safety, but also glory, believe to me, I have a presentiment of it.
At first It poorly resisted, the plan seem to him too fantastic, unreal (« Yes at me and passports are not present where I shall go? »), but the further It thought and turned idea of Carolina that of one other party(side), the osnovatelnee and she became more convincing. Dreams have quickly carried away him afar: here It sells pictures for thousand … tens thousand marks, here already pass(take place) across all Europe his personal exhibitions, and siyayushchaya beauty Carolina near to him accepts congratulations of critics and patrons of art, here they buy a charming country house on seacoast and retire there together … Besides It has successfully sold at once three pictures that happened(was possible) infrequently, and in hands It had a sum quite sufficient for development(manufacture) of the passport not in a place of a constant registration. The girlfriend of Carolina has constrained the promise and has sent two invitations, to her and his name. It was necessary to develop(produce) visas. To stand long turn in embassy to him it would not be desirable, and It has addressed to one friend, « kind affairs to the master » as It for fun named him.
Having drunk and having had a snack ogurchikom, kind affairs the master has closely listened – in general – Oleg's to romantic history and has good-natured laughed.
— And vono tobi treba? – It has answered, pouring in a muddy glass the second portion of vodka.
— I love her, — is proud Oleg has answered. – can, the some it is not clear …
— Vso it is clear. To the young woman it became boring, and she has decided to have a good time at your expense. — you Think, she will throw such rich cholovika? Where you take bachiv, tell meni!
— In, you see the passport? We leave, as soon as I shall receive the visa from which I ask you to help(assist). You do not want – it is not necessary, I shall find another …
— Not, not, zachekaj, do not hurry up, — the friend talked on surzhike, mixes of Russian and Ukrainian words. Surzhik always irritated Oleg, loved in all cleanliness and accuracy, but in lips of kind affairs of the master this deformed speech seem extraordinary organic. – I promised, I shall make. But remember my word – nikudy you will not go, so, vykynesh money on viter … — and It has waved with a thick hand, as though simulating movement of a wind.
Is my care. You do(make) the visa?
— Goods. Give the passport and call to me the day after tomorrow, I shall tell, when bude the visa and for skoko.
The day after tomorrow Oleg has woken up nearby from a sharp call to a door. Being perplexed who can come in such wound, It poshlepal barefooted legs to a door and has opened. On a threshold stood high, very decently dressed the man of years of forty.
— You will allow? – It has asked and, not waiting the answer, has entered.
— And who you, actually? – the wondering artist has wiped eyes.
— I the brother of Carolina. And you Oleg, certainly.
Having a presentiment of unpleasant conversation, Oleg with irritation has slapped a door.
— A little bit early time for visits, you do not find? You have roused me.
— It is good to be bohemia, — it is poisonous the visitor has told. – where at you here a decent chair where it is possible to sit down … This like stronger, I shall risk … the Half-ninth – and It in bed!
— Listen, I did not call you also to me to spit, that you think of my daily routine …
— Be not angry, I concern to you better, than you think. And even more I love the sister and I wish her of good luck. And consequently should tell: you zateyali nonsense. Yes sit down, do not cost(stand), in legs of the truth is not present.
— Carolina has told all of you?
— Certainly, though and unwillingly. And I have told to her the same, as to you is a nonsense. Well, has taken a great interest, has had a good time, happens …
Is not ðàçâëåêëàñü-has taken a great interest, and love!
— You very much love her? – iskosa the visitor has looked.
— Very much!
Is because, that you know her a little. Carolina – very complex(difficult) person, and to you in any way pair.
— Yes, certainly, certainly, I do not cost(stand) daughters of the diplomat …
— Has put at all in this. The normal woman, instead of spoilt tuneyadka is necessary to you. I know Carolina where better you. He/she is phenomenally lazy person, integrally – I emphasize, integrally – unable to long effort. What she to you sang? What to her it is bad with the husband and she is unfortunate?
— And what, it is very happy?
— By the way, she has married in 24 years, at quite adult age, and it was absolutely conscious choice. Nobody forced her.
— That you know! she has left for him because was afraid of a life, nothing understood in her …
— she did not wish to work, pathologically did not want! Know, where her have arranged after institute? In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the assistant to one official where her work consisted in that from two tens foreign newspapers to get everything, concerning(touching) the certain region, for example, Southeast Asia, briefly to state the maintenance(contents) of clauses(articles) and to unpack(print out) the digest. Thus she sat in a separate cabinet(study) with the conditioner and a ficus, and worked from nine up to five, with a two-hour break for a dinner! And it was necessary to prepare for this digest of one-two time a week, instead of daily, and the chief was the old friend to her father. How many, think, she has worked? Two months! Exactly two months! Also has run away in postgraduate study where it was possible to not do(make) a fig further.
Is means nothing …
— Means, in this episode – all Carolina. she hates a life, despises work and loves only itself. Well, you will leave for Germany, what you will do(make) there?
— To sell the pictures! I shall draw, and she to sell, she knows languages …
The visitor has sincerely burst out laughing.
— You it is serious? she, with her follies, migraines, whims and dresses from Versache begins to run on German galleries and to sell your pictures, she which and for itself all life was lazy to strive! Go down from heavens on the ground! You will live together exactly so much while at her will not end money, and then she will throw you and will return back. Unless will find to itself the rich German-fool who will see in her new embodiment Gretkhen …
— Eventually, it is not necessary for me, that she sold my pictures! she is necessary to me!
— Listen, the young man, listen to me closely(attentively). I wish you goods. That Carolina – the whimsical young woman spoilt by parents, is half-troubles. Well, will live and rasstanetes, it not so is terrible. Worse that her husband about this does not know anything and when learns(finds out) … — here the morning visitor has started talking absolutely other tone, — that will kill you, and is possible(probable) – and Carolina.
— Really? – to Oleg became not on itself from this tone, but It tried to not submit to a kind.
Is a terrible person! You think, Carolina would began to conceive all this adventure, if not panic fear before the husband? To go somewhere with the insignificant sum, with the three-monthly visa – yes she during lives would not go, if would not know the husband!
— Yes, she spoke, that in Kiev to us lives will not be …
— Not only in Kiev. It everywhere will get you. He/she is the person with big communications(connections). Think, the killer will take for your life much? And the killer it is not necessary. As soon as you will delay the visa, It will knock on you to German authorities, and you as the illegal migrant deport back to Ukraine. And on border you will be already waited … by you and to Kiev will not reach, I warrant(vouch) you …
On Oleg's back has involuntarily passed(has involuntarily taken place) kholodok.
— But the most terrible – she! It will kill you quickly, and above her will long scoff! And I, the native brother, can prevent nothing!
The visitor has waited an effective pause and has expressively looked at Oleg. « About, My God, — has flashed in mind(wit) of that, — it is similar, I am healthy vlip ».
— What to do(make)? Oleg-has whispered, has whispered very silently, but the unexpected visitor had an excellent(a different) hearing – It has there and then answered an eternal question tone not supposing doubts:
— To leave! Immediately leave in the Pike perch. I shall explain all to Carolina.
— I cannot so to leave, that you! I should talk with her … Can, something can be thought up … I cannot leave with her!
— Well, choose – or to leave Carolina, or to leave a life. Your business. Only do not speak then, that I have not warned you. Understand, Oleg, it not jokes! As you think, I would spend time, would talk here to you, if not my sister! Yes burn you fire! Do not wish me to listen – die.
Strangely enough, the irritation and roughness have worked on Oleg more strongly, than arrangements and threats.
— Means, to leave with her for ever? You offer It to me?
— I have not told "for ever", I have told "to leave"! Whence I know, what will be tomorrow? Can, the husband himself will throw Carolina, can, will get(start) to itself the mistress and will start to look through fingers at her communications(connections) on the party(side), can, will die! Understand, I do not speak, that you more never will meet. I speak, that now you should leave. For the sake of her.
— Yes … All right … Let so. But I should say goodbye!
— No, in no event! The husband suspects something, It has started to watch(keep up) for her! You ruin her!
— But I shall write …
— Then will write. Not now. It is necessary to wait time.
— No, I shall not leave, — Oleg has very firmly told. — I should say goodbye, and then, to me will live there is nothing in the Pike perch.
Is I has provided. Twenty thousand to you will suffice?
— That?
— Dollars.
— E … As …
— Here, — the brother has taken out from a pocket two packs of green banknotes. – two 10 thousand. Can count.
— E … to Me … I …
— I understand, that money to you are not necessary, but without them can be absolutely bad. And suddenly the husband about all learns(finds out) and will decide to reach you and in the Pike perch?
With money you can leave anywhere.
— I should think, — still changed (or Oleg assured itself, that kolebletsya).
— That here to think? You that, wish to be neopoznannym a corpse in a city mortuary? Here to you the ticket for a train "Kiev-???oNO«»«?y", compartment, the bottom place. Then will write to her on my address: the Central post office, p.o. 459. Also do not reproach itself – you in what are not guilty.
It has written nothing. Up to the Pike perch It went as though in zabyti, having obeyed to another's will. Houses all has told mothers and the sister – everything, except for money. They have agreed, that It has acted(arrived) reasonably.
— Yes she then you to despise the beginnings, that you not from diplomats, — summarized mother.
— And custom-made murders there the usual thing, — echoed the sister, under "there" understanding Kiev, Moscow and other never vidennye her(it) big cities.
It has left in May and all the summer long has lead to idleness, only not delightful, but burdensome. Native It as calm has told, that has earned in Kiev enough money a few(a little,little bit) to have a rest. Vainly Kostya has renewed zazyvaniya to Yalta – It rolled on a beach and nothing did(made). And in vain – work It though a little, memory less would bother. And so It has appeared alone with itself(himself) – and with memoirs on Carolina. The full huge moon was above peninsula, in zarosshem a tall weeds to a garden cicadas, and somewhere there, in huge city chirred, the woman who so wished to find in him the knight and the defender cried and It has sold whose love for green pieces of paper.
Sometimes Oleg tried to draw her, but the pencil and a brush dropped out of hands, a spasm pressed a throat. It has destroyed not finished picture with the lock and fine lady – that which has started to draw under her order and which and has not ended, It could not look at her. Grown thin, not sunbathed, and turned black(blackened), It, certainly, has very soon started to drink in loneliness, and in the end of August has distinctly understood, that should return to Kiev at any cost.
The capital has met his torrential rain – the autumn, and easily dressed Oleg fine prodrog here has already begun. Cold a wind broke yellow leaves from chestnuts, pale passers-by hasty went on wet streets with multi-coloured umbrellas(parasols) in hands. It has brought back money, wishing to return to their her brother, and has stopped at kind affairs of the master – his semibasement have already handed over someone to another. A shivering hand, with besheno a beating heart It has written to Carolina on a user's box the heart-breaking message on eight leaves of format À4, not having forgotten to specify phone of the time(temporary) owner. A leitmotif of the long letter with psychological explanations and frank recognitions was carefully thought over phrase, forced if to not excuse to clear his sudden disappearance: « I was afraid to bring to you a pain, I felt, that nedostoin you ». About money in the letter it has not been told words. In the beginning It fairly wished to tell the truth as from the sum given to him It has not spent cent and has firmly decided them to return, but to write about this so that all episode did not look(appear) doubtfully and unworthy, at him it has not turned out. Yes the matter was so low so You were not entered in the common tone of the letter … « – a unique star in the black sky of my life … And though your brother has given me money, but I did not spend them … » Fie, does not suit anywhere, all to delete. More shortly, « I wait for your answer which becomes my destiny. Forever your Oleg ».
It was necessary to wait for the answer three days. Contrary to expectations, she has called in the morning, about ten when It washed in bathing, and it is good, that It has heard a call because of leaky covered door. Naked, with drops of water flowing down from a body, It has seized a tube and has shuddered, having heard a gentle familiar voice:
— Good morning, I can ask to Oleg Zubilo's phone?
Is I, Carolina! – It has cried in a tube so, that at her, likely, has rung out in an ear. Probably, to these(it,this) the coldish brevity of her words also spoke:
— Oleg, I wait for you on Monday in cafe " Ïåðåïåëûöÿ " about eleven.
And all. Not having said goodbye at all (that was so not similar on her usual politeness), she has hanged up.
As almost all creative people, Oleg were impressionable enough, hence, It is sensitive to nuances and shades, and during other time, undoubtedly, would pay attention to the changed intonation favourite; but now It was so happy, that in a trice has forgotten about everything, except for the main thing: she is alive (and It was afraid already and for her life), she about him remembers, she wishes him to see.
Two days till Monday lasted infinitely. The sluggishness of time tortured him, and it is no wonder literally, that It has entered into Monday of cafe for half an hour up to the appointed(nominated) term. In the cafe issued in folklore style, there were no visitors: morning, Monday. It has borrowed(occupied) a little table in the center – that she at once has seen him, has ordered to tea (coffee to drink did not want, heart and so besheno beat). How she will meet him? What will tell to him? In any ten minutes It time passed five with despair to hope, representing as she will tell with tears on eyes: « Alas, we should leave forever », in advance being pleased with the most desired news: « I here because It have decided to agree to divorce me! »
In such experiences has passed(has taken place) half an hour. In eleven Oleg zavertelsya on a place: now, now she will enter. But vainly It hypnotized eyes a door – have passed(have taken place) five minutes, ten, fifteen, and Carolina all was not. Instead of her the barman held in hands by something small, wrapped up(turned) in usual paper napkin has suited to Oleg because of a rack.
— You wait not Carolina? – It has unexpectedly asked.
— And what? – not so was surprised, how Oleg has become puzzled.
— But in fact you Oleg? Oleg Zubilo, the artist? – the barman insisted.
— Yes.
The barman once again okinul Oleg a close(an attentive) sight as if(as) comparing mentally signs, and, probably, finally having made sure, the subject wrapped up by a napkin has stretched to him:
Is to you.
Oleg izumlenno has looked at the barman. « It still that such? »
Is a dictophone, there the cartridge, — the barman has explained, and, not waiting Oleg's reactions, has returned to itself for a rack.
Slightly shivering hands Oleg has opened a napkin in which, precisely, was a small black dictophone. Got used to test personal feelings not only to people, but also to subjects, It at once has like hostility to a dictophone: in accurate black plastic to him something has seemed to a box of a dictophone malicious and mischievous. And, the main thing, a dictophone could not replace Carolina in any way.
Overcoming the latent unwillingness to touch a subject, It has examined a dictophone, has found the necessary button. Any rustle at first was heard, and the familiar voice … « … well then was suddenly distributed to be by bohemia … ».
It has learned(has found out) at once: on the cartridge his conversation with the brother of Carolina has been completely written down. Silently, not moving, in any catalepsy, Oleg has heard to him up to the end, yet has not heard dry click. SHCHelk – the button has jumped out, the cartridge has ended. Strange, but in his memory this conversation so often scrolled in consciousness on sleepless nights, has remained absolutely another. Words were the same, It has remembered them not bad, but intonation, a rhythm, something imperceptible, that is present at each dialogue, seem absolutely others. At a sight (is more exact, listening) from conversation has lost the heavy relevancy, in his retorts there was something ìåëêîòðàâ÷àòî-fussy (fear for the skin?), And retorts of the brother of Carolina became genuinely humiliating. Whether not too quickly It has surrendered? One party(side) polutorachasovoj cartridges – 45 minutes, and that in the end some minutes went simply extraneous noise, means, all conversation was prolonged minutes 35, from force – 40. And this has sufficed him to refuse the love, to run away?
Oleg has squeezed fists to a pain, has squeaked teeth. As all has ridiculously and meanly left! It would like only one — to see Carolina and all to explain, and It instead of this saw circles from glasses on badly washed surface of a table. From a condition of painful(unhealthy) catalepsy It was deduced(removed) with rustle of a chair at his table. Oleg has convulsively exhaled air, has murmured « sit down, I already leave », have risen on a chair and have again flopped on him, just not having opened a mouth. Before him there was the Carolina which has turned pale, with smoothly combed hair, in a black leather coat. It literally words has grown dumb with unexpectedness though, as a matter of fact, there was nothing to be surprised — in fact she has invited him here.
— What, did not wait? – Carolina instead of a greeting has told, specifying on a dictophone, and villages, sharp movement having turned to itself a chair. – My God whom only I did not imagine you – from Eshli from « Carried away by a wind » up to Modigliani in a youth, and you have appeared inherently ordinary zhigolo. Only the æèãîëî-fan, trusovatyj and selling, as all muzhiks of such grade.
Oleg at last has gathered with forces and has begun to be justified hasty:
— All of money are whole! I am ready to return them to your brother …
— To what brother, the gigolo! Well you listened to my stories about yourself, I to you repeated ten times, that I the only child!
— So who it was? – It was taken aback.
— My husband, who else. My God, what happiness, that I have not escaped with you as idiotka, and has dared to tell all to the husband.
It has felt, as blood has flowed to the face.
— And It has decided to not kill me, and to pay to me, yes? The same Charges, and on soul it is less than sin ?
Is there was a check, my Casanova. When I have told all to Igor, It very much was upset, has left to itself in a cabinet(study) and there was no hour three. I did not know, as to think, regretted, that all have told. And It has suddenly left with a bottle to cognac and speaks: if you wish to leave, it washing wines. You represent, we have lived four years together, and him at all did not know! It has appeared the noblest person, and has told literally the following: I am am excited only with your happiness. If to whom you leave, the worthy person, I resignedly release(let off) you. Naturally, I began to assure him, that you the most worthy of worthy, It doubted, and then we have thought up check.
— It is interesting, how it was?
— Yes I have told, I do not remember already in this connection, that you will not exchange me and for one million, It has told, that you and for 10 thousand will sell me. And here I was occurred with an idea to test you. My God, I was so of you is assured! I even have suggested to double the sum. The husband then laughed, spoke, that 10 thousand, but not would suffice you also dollars, and griven!
— Very ridiculously! You have made of me the idiot! – It has cried and has stopped short.
— I have shown you, — Carolina has coldly told, looking at him an another's sight, — that you are actually. You a pity, greedy, cowardly pettiness. Strange, I so loved you, simply raved you – and as has heard this record, all has instantly disappeared, as cut off. Even it was not sick, — she has broken off, has brought thin fingers to eyes and has brushed away two tiny teardrops. – almost was not.
— Carolina, this all is severe, I … forgive me! I was frightened, I have become puzzled … — It did not find words.
— Farewell, romantik. I can tell in a consolation one – I never shall forget you. And at us with Igor now all in a new fashion as if(as) we have just got married. And the main thing – now at us will be the child. It has agreed on my artificial fertilisation from the donor.
With these words she has risen and has left.
ALICIA FRIDMAN (ATHENS,GREECE)
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