Anya didn’t understand at all why they needed that man in the house. She had always wanted her mother to get married and be happy, but not with him. The girl was sitting on the couch, pretending to read a book, while half-listening to Arthur. He had just woken up and was now moving slowly and ignoring Anya, moving around the house. Arthur was on his phone all the time. And, as far as she understood, definitely not with a man. Apparently, he thought she was too young, because he didn’t bother to hide it.
“Darling, what are you saying? My wedding is in two weeks, and you want to seduce an almost married man?” She listened to what they were saying, then laughed and spoke again. Anya felt a terrible disgust. Disgusted that she had heard all this, and disgusted that this man, whom her mother loved so much, was cheating on her.
Anya abruptly put down her book. Arthur turned, looked at her carefully, and headed for the bedroom, firmly closing the door. Anya decided to consult with her best friend. She went outside and ran down the path toward the barracks, which weren’t far away. It was hidden from view behind tall vines planted as a fence, separating the elite neighborhood from the typical city slums.
If Alla Olegovna had known her daughter was there, her heart would probably have stopped. Anya looked around; no one was around. She put two fingers to her lips and whistled loudly. Instantly, the head of a disheveled child appeared through the barracks window.
“Anya, come in. The relatives went to Grandma’s house.”
He jumped over the windowsill (doors were for the faint of heart) and asked:
Why didn’t you go?
Petka, Anya’s friend, scratched his head:
“I got a bad grade in English, so I’m memorizing it; otherwise, Dad promised to beat me up.”
Anya smiled. Petka’s dad was big, bearded, and very kind. All the kids in the yard adored him, but every now and then he promised to spank Petka, even though he never did.
“Anya, what are you doing here? We’ll meet tomorrow night.”
“Petka, I need to talk to you.”
Petka was two years older than her. Anya had just turned twelve, and Petka was already fourteen, so he was a real authority figure in her eyes. They had been friends for a long time, ever since Petka helped her get home after falling off her bike. She was eight at the time.
“Yes?” Petka closed her textbook. She knew changes were coming to Anya’s family and immediately understood why she had come.
Anya told him about Arthur’s behavior and said her mother hadn’t noticed anything. “Petka, I don’t know how to tell him so he’ll believe me.”
I don’t understand why you’re afraid. You have a good relationship with your mom. Sit down and tell her everything. I’m sure she’ll listen, or at least hear you out.
Anya thought. It was true. She and her mother had always been very close, although not to the point of hugging, watching movies, or talking about everything. Now her mother hugged Arthur and talked him through everything.
“Okay, I’ll do it. Thanks, Petka.”
The boy blushed:
“No, thank you?”
“Well, for being here.”
That evening, Arthur was getting ready to go somewhere. Alla, who had just gotten home from work, looked at him in surprise.
“Where are you going?” He kissed her and replied:
“Oh, just a little while at the bar with a friend.” I’m about to get married, I’m not going out anymore, and we haven’t seen each other in a while. Don’t worry, I won’t be long.
Alla smiled:
Go ahead, I’m always with people at work and you’re alone at home. Don’t rush it, relax and spend time with your friend.
“Thanks, honey, you’re the best.”
Arthur hesitated, and Alla slapped her forehead:
“Oh, I didn’t even think about it. Here, take this.” She quickly handed him the money. Arthur kissed her again and left.
Alla watched him go for a while, then turned to Anya as if she’d remembered she existed:
“So, how about a girls’ night tonight?”
“Let’s do it, Mom.” They made dinner together. Anya had almost forgotten the last time they did. They ate, laughed, and after washing the dishes, Anya sat across from her mother:
“I want to talk to you.”
Alla sighed:
Anya, I know you don’t like Arthur. I know, or rather, I remember, that he’s younger than me, but don’t you want Mom to be happy?
He can’t make you happy. While you’re at work, he talks to other women, and now I’m sure he took another one to the bar with your money, not a friend.
Alla slammed her hand on the table:
Enough is enough. It hurts me so much to realize I raised such a selfish child. I don’t want to hear anything. And you’re too young to talk about such things. Go to your room.
Anya snorted, offended, and left immediately. It was useless. Mom simply couldn’t hear her. It seemed Anya would have to accept that Arthur was just using his mother and her money.
During the night, she woke up to loud voices. She looked at the clock: 3:30. Arthur had just returned, apparently not very well. Mom was scolding him, and then he shouted:
“Listen, Alla, why are you acting like that?”
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