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– Do you expect many guests?
– I do. I think we need to sit here, and let parents celebrate in the living room. What do you say?
– That is a good idea, – said Lyana.
– Lyana, can you please tell your mom that we want to sit separately?
– Max, I think you need to get rest. I will set our table with Lyana.
Maxim lay down to get rest, feeling sorry that the most important and desired guest, Svetlana Victorovna, will not attend his celebration. «She does not even know when my birthday is, – sighted a birthday boy. – Even if she knew, she still would not come over. What for»? He tried not to think about it anymore. He didn’t move, and just lay still to get rest before the occasion he didn’t really need…
Through the sleep he felt someone kissing his cheek.
– Maxim, Happy Birthday dear!
Ludmila, who came in, put a box near him and a T-shirt on top of it.
– Thank you. Could you please put it on the table?
– Keep it on the bed, the table is all covered with other presents. All right, I will go to see your parents. Have a great day!
Max’s room was full of guests, and the ones who were invited by his sister he didn’t even know. He looked at them for a while, and then left to the living room.
– Here is the birthday boy! – Guests screamed out loud. He was in the corridor, when he heard: – Maxim! This toast is for you!
To make it to his room he needed to pass the living room again. He heard people trying to talk to him, but it was not clear what they were saying because the music was playing loudly. Entering his room, Max was immediately hugged by his sister.
– Happy Birthday, brother! – She celebrated him and added quietly: – I love you very much.
– I love you very much too, thanks!
– Let’s go to the table, everyone is waiting for you!
Max sat at the table and everyone raised glasses with champagne immediately. Maxim preferred tomato juice. – We want to congratulate you with your holiday! We wish you the best experiences, and most importantly, good health…
– Thank you very much for your congratulations! – Birthday boy stood up to give another toast. – I really enjoyed your attention! I am glad that you found time to come over. I’ll finish the meal and will go to see the presents. I am sure I will like them all.
Max ate slowly, watching people around him. He really liked the shirt presented by Lyana. It will be his favorite one now. Maxim took a decision not to think anymore, but to rest spiritually with his friends. They really tired to make this holiday memorable. His friends were talking and looking around. Room doors kept being opened: his mom entered the room to ask if they needed more food, his friend’s parents were taking photos and asked Maxim unnecessary questions. Despite the noise and lack of the opportunity to rest, Maxim felt very good. After the meal he took a place on the couch, stretching his leg and relaxing it.
Later his friends moved the table to the wall and started to dance. Maxim always loved dancing, but he could not join the entertainment at that time. He went to the table and saw various presents: watches, shirts, T-shirts, perfumes, key rings, money… He also found shaving gel, shaving foam, gum and many postcards. More then anything else Maxim liked the statuette of the God of prosperity, which was located away from the rest of the presents.
– Maxim, how do you feel about playing cards? – Asked Kate.
– Sure, why not?
– Who wants to play cards?
Everyone got together in one circle and took a decision, that whoever lost the game should leave it; then they ate a cake.
Slowly the guests started to leave. Andrew promised to walk home Lyana and Natalie, who lived close to him. Saying good-bye to his guests, Max and his sister helped to clean the room. When everything was done, he went to bed to enjoy a good night sleep.
XXI
– Svetlana, you know it very well that neither I nor school wants to loose such a valuable specialist like you! Can you realize it or not?!
– Robert Urievich, I have informed you long time ago that I am planning to leave school forever. When we had this conversation last time, you refused to sign my application. You advised me to work for as much time as I would be able to handle it.
– My dear, I understand it very well. Everything has its limits: will power, patience – absolutely everything, – said school principle calmer. – You are mature, intellectual, smart and beautiful woman! They should tolerate your asperity. It’s for their own good.
– Robert Urievich, it is very difficult for me to leave my work, but it is very difficult to stay too. It seems that I don’t have that much time left to finish educational year, but something in my soul is against that. Every single day I go to work with a great mood and with the desire to work. I have these feelings inside me… However, when I start work all my enthusiasm dies. Even staying in this atmosphere, which is so familiar, is depressing.
Robert Urievich was looking at Svetlana Victorovna absolutely peacefully, but inside he was furious. He knew that every teacher, just like any other professional, had a moment like that. The person becomes so overwhelmed that he asks: “Do I need this job?” He regrets and feels sore about loosing a job, but he does not have strengths to come back. The principle of the school did not want Svetlana to have that experience. He saw a lot of opportunities for development in her, professionalism, a great desire to work. That job was a purpose of living for her. She will not be able to survive without teaching, especially if she leaves her work out of the sudden and would have only memories left. To avoid this situation, she needs time to prepare herself for finishing a career and find another activity that would keep her happy in life. He did not want her to loose composure. When Svetlana finished her explanations, Robert Urievich took a pause in order to give her time to prepare for listening. Then he stated his speech, understanding, that the outcome of the talk depends on it:
– Svetlana, after listening to you I realized that it is not a good time for you to leave school now. You are not ready for this decision yet. As I understand it, you need to find peace within yourself first. Look forward! In three months’ summer will be here. Is it such a long time? During the summer vacation you will get rest, think about the situation one more time, and prepare yourself for the next school year. I admit it won’t be easy to do. But you need to be there for your class graduation, you have been teaching this class for years! Am I right? This year will pass by very fast, you know if better then I do. You can use this time to prepare yourself to leave school. Do you understand how important it is? From that time on, you will be visiting school like the mother of your son only. During this last year you will find yourself another activity, so after you leave you won’t suffer from life changes. Svetlana, my dear, please think one more time. When this time is over, you will thank me, but this is not what I need. I need to know, that your life would be complete and peaceful. You don’t need any stress!
He stopped his speech and his feelings finally broke through: his wonderful aristocratic face with light tan turned red. His charming gray-blue eyes (opened wide, so they appeared big and gave unusual charm to his appearance) seemed empty and his sight revealed coldness and didn’t let any objections. Worrying feeling made the heart of Robert beat faster, and he was constantly touching his thick fair hair. Svetlana was also quite, trying to stall for time and looked at the principle with attention. He became hot. In order to avoid sweating, Robert Urievich eased his tie and took the jacket off, hanging it on the chair. Svetlana noticed that and understood that he was very concerned for her. He was not supposed to worry; his heart could break down. In spite of that, she replied:
– You know how much I appreciate your sincere care! I always felt your support when I entered school. You can see, how much I need it right now, may be more then air to breath. It the depth of my heart it is very enjoyable for me to hear your warm words, which make my problems and worries disappear. I get a relief from something unbearably heavy in my soul, from some insurmountable barrier. I would never be able to overcome it without your support. When I am talking to you right now and feeling your patronage and care, I understand that I act under the influence of emotions! I was about to make a horrible mistake that could turn my whole life around…
Svetlana became quite, suppressing sudden feelings and tears. She tried to calm down while Robert Urievich was looking at her. He was better from the thought that there were people who could understand the essence and problem of the situation right away. A smart person never blames the circumstances or other people! He sees the problem in oneself! That makes feel glad! The problem can only be solved, when it’s reasons are understood. Robert Urievich inhaled air, lay back at the chair, relaxed and waited patiently for the answer.
Svetlana took a decision to stay in school till her glass graduates. She was surprised: «What is going on with me?! Some baubles make me lose control»! When she was totally calm, she told:
– Robert Urievich, I am very sorry for keeping you away from work. Don’t keep a grudge at me, all right?
– What are you talking about, Svetlana! I am only happy to help you. You can’t even imagine how glad I am! I think that you took a decision to be there for your class graduation long ago. I just needed to pacify you a little. I managed to help you because you were the one who said to yourself: “Calm down!”. Even I, an old fool, feel glad that you did it!
– Why are you calling yourself that name?! You are the most intelligent person in the whole school. Your words affect people in minutes. They helped me to fight my confusions and fears, I was able to overcome my «I don’t want» and «I can’t», after I understood your wise words. Dear Robert Urievich, you can’t even imagine how much gratitude I have. I can’t express with words, how deeply you perceived my worries and helped me. Now I feel that I owe you for my future well-being.
– Svetlana, you know that it’s not what has happen. It was wholly your decision, and I agree that it was a proper one! My goal was to make you understand, that it was a right decision.
– Thank you so much, Robert Urievich. I understand now that it is wrong to act under the influence of emotions. It is necessary to keep up with your work and understand its importance…
– Sounds good! I saw how your first day went. How do you think your next classes would go?
– Everything will be all right, don’t worry.
– I know that you are a very strong person, Svetlana. You manage not only to comply with your teaching responsibility, but also to share your strength and mind with students.
– What do you mean? – asked Svetlana.
– I feel a great and wonderful love within you. However, I can’t even imagine who could be the object of your affection. I am very happy for you! Your love is making you a stronger, better person. I noticed it long time ago, but didn’t have a chance to tell you about it.
– You think so? It is a pleasure to hear it!
– Don’t be afraid of anything, Svetlana! You are on the right path. Let me bless you dear!
He came up to Svetlana, hugged her and kissed on the forehead. Then he sat down in his chair and continued:
– If something worries you, please don’t hesitate to stop in my office to talk. Ok?
– Yes, Robert Urievich. When necessary, I would be addressing you for the support.
They stayed in the office for a little while, looking at each other calmly as thought getting rest from the tiring conversation.
– I want you to understand, Svetlana, that love never dissipates its talents. This love can help you make another person happy. You may need to sacrifice your feelings or even your life, if you would think it was necessary to do. Accept this idea, ok? When something very important happens, you will feel that your life is turned around. Be ready for it, I am asking you from my heart. You need to get yourself together at that moment, before it is too late, even thought it would be very, very difficult to do.
Robert Urievich stopped his speech, feeling agitated again. Svetlana stood up and brought him a glass of water.
– I should go. You are not supposed to worry! Forgive me please for all that.
– God bless you. Good luck!
Svetlana left the office very surprised. How can Robert Urievich know everything? He is so amazingly intelligent! That is just amazing.
XXII
When Maxim entered school, he got a feeling that he was waited for here. It was strange, but was accustomed to surprises… The first class had already begun and the school appeared empty. He could not find an available space in the wardrobe, so he decided not to change at all: «If I get tired and would like to go home it would be continent. Plus, it is cold here». He got to the third floor without rush, knowing that the first two classes were literature. Strange coincidence! He still didn’t have a plan! What lesson should he give to Svetlana Victorovna today? Max took a sit at the window – sill because he could not find a bench. He suspected that Svetlana’s feelings got stronger. He must act right now! There is no time for procrastination! What should he do? Seems like the most severe assay for every woman (especially a woman like Svetlana) is a jealousy. He looked at his watch: fifteen minutes before nine. He needs to get in class, or he might not get admitted to it later. What should he go?!
After Maxim pulled the door handle and opened the door he saw a class full of people. Even the bench from the corridor was brought to the class for people to sit on. «I was right about her»! – thought Max. All seniors turned their heads towards the opened door and, seeing Max, started to clap hands and stamp their feet. Girls were squealing while boys were whistling. At that time Maxim was looking for the place to sit and could not find one. He knocked to his friends to greet them, smiled and closed the doors. He had to search a couple of cabinets before he managed to find an empty chair. He grabbed it and walked to the class of Svetlana Victorovna again. He opened the door abruptly, entered the class, put the chair down. Then he closed the doors and looked at the teacher because there was no where else to look at. All this time she was looking at Maxim with her eyes wide opened. It appeared as thought she wanted to say something, but she remained silent. Max was walking around the class with his chair trying to find a place to sit. «Should I sit down or keep on walking, giving her a shock or maybe I should say something»? – He thought with doubts. Svetlana moved and Max put his chair down near Michail, whom he knew. When he was about to sit down, Michail jumped from his chair as if he was bitten by a bee:
– Don’t’ sit here! There are three people sitting here already!
– Well, show me a place where to sit if you are so smart.
– I don’t know, choose a place yourself, – Michail became confused, not expecting such an answer.
– You already objected my choice and now you advise me to choose myself. I don’t seem to understand you.
So Maxim took his chair and started a trip around the class again.
– Ok, sit down next to us! I was joking!
– Keep your jokes for other places.
– Maxim, joins us! – Students from Svetlana Victorovna class invited him. Max put his chair down near them with pleasure, greeting them by shaking hands. After that he took a look at the teacher. Her face didn’t express anything; she was still sitting quietly, looking oddly in the class full of silent seniors. She was watching Max, who entered her class as if he entered his own house! He stressed her with his behavior because he broke all principles of communication. Other students don’t even aloud themselves to enter the empty class without her permission!
