Аннотация: A guide for men who is looking for a fiancй abroad
In pursuit of two princes
(If you are looking for a fiancИ abroad...)
1
Natasha Galushko again looked out of the window. Somewhere, at the bottom, the Atlantic Ocean was shining brightly. The aircraft felt as if it was motionless in the air, maybe because for the last forty minutes the view from the window has not changed. There were three hours left before the plane landed in Toronto and the airplane entertainment aired another movie in English - obviously a comedy because the people around her were smiling. She learned English in high school as part of the standard Russian education system which meant that she would sometimes recognize familiar words but to decipher who was who and to understand the plot, was absolutely impossible. In medical school she didn't learn English properly, because she had an affair with an English teacher and he always gave her the best marks. If she knew that she would end up in Canada ...then she certainly wouldn't have skipped her English lessons and would have studied the language more seriously.
Natasha couldn't fall asleep, probably due to nervous tension and oppressive uncertainty. Thoughts of the upcoming meeting with Konstantin Sapozhnikov, a man with whom she almost fell in love and who was her prospective groom, did not allow her to rest. Who is he really? Is he the same man he's been pretending to be during their last two-month of communication over the Internet? And even during the video conference, which they had twice, he seemed like superman... but in reality he could turn out to be not nearly as fantastic. By the way, how did she look? For their first video date her entire beauty salon participated in her preparation. Her colleagues gave her a classical hairstyle, and carefully selected an appropriate dress. Natasha worked in this salon for the past five years, intentionally changing her career from doctor-dermatologist to just a regular cosmetologist. It's funny... Maybe all of her efforts were just a waste of time. Maybe he had deceived her. Maybe he was not forty, as he said, but fifty and just looked good for his age. Maybe he is even a pervert or maniac. How else could she explain why such a witty and handsome man couldn't find someone in Toronto? He was never even married! Although this is probably for the best and he does not have children. By the way, what about his height? When he said that he is 5'-8", she immediately dropped one inch from her own 5'-7". Well... just in case... Who knows, maybe he has inferiority complexes. Anyway, she will never give up the high heels! Still it's not clear why he decided to look for a bride in Zaporozhye? Connected to his roots? Or earns a pittance. So, who needs him in Canada? There probably too picky women. Not like in the Ukraine. Our women are logical - "Does he drink? No? Well than he's a catch!" She is a different story! In spite of being 35 years old, she is still slim and very good looking (and it's not just her opinion! ).So many men flirt with her and drool over her. So Konstantin better not think that she's some silly girl from a provincial city and that she'll kiss his feet because he pulled her out of their polluted Zaporozhye! By the way, she is coming to Canada not by his invitation and her flight tickets weren't paid by him! She is after all a doctor! And the Ukraine is not like India... The Ukraine is, apropos, the center of Europe! That's all! So she doesn't owe him anything! Yes! Yes... She owes him nothing. I will study his behavior ... He is, by the way, from Zaporozhye, like me, so he shouldn't think too much of himself! So he's a Canadian... Big deal! Hmm... Although, to be honest, he never showed off, only sometimes he inserted a few English words. Usually he was very friendly, a little cheeky, but always telling jokes of all sorts. Hmm ... He was really funny, as a student. He was in Canada for about twenty years, but still worked as an accountant. Well, at least he's supposed to be a senior accountant or something like that ... Well, I don't know, maybe he's the chief accountant... But still, frankly speaking, she immediately liked this Sapozhnikov. He had something kind about him ... Well, let's see ... In the worse case scenario, if she sees that this soul connection with Mr. Sapozhnikov isn't going to work out, then she always has a reliable alternate - Victor Stein. He's the one who invited her to Canada and paid for the tickets. He is already in her pocket. You can see immediately that this man is positive, gentle, intelligent and fun to be around. Not greedy. Not a redneck. He spoke very respectfully, like a true gentleman. Hmm ... It is increasingly rare to meet man like that in our Zaporozhye... But with all these positive characteristics, something was wrong. There was no spark or soul connection. Not like with Konstantin! And Victor..., this ... well, he was too boring, maybe too positive... Well, why worry in advance? Maybe, if Natasha will not succeed with Konstantin, she will meet Victor the following week, like nothing had happened. But to not take advantage of this opportunity would be absolutely silly! Then she'll be regret for the rest of her life! Actually, is it my fault that I was born in the Ukraine and not in New York?! Some people are lucky to be born Jewish and go to Canada, America or somewhere else... Why, for example, the Ukrainians in Canada do not lobby immigration from the Ukraine? Then I would have also left and wouldn't have needed this Viktor Stein or some other admirer from overseas! She would come to Canada and will start working as a doctor. In Canada, perhaps, doctors are paid a bigger salary. Not like in this pitiful Ukraine... In Canada the patient comes to you, looks into your eyes and asks timidly: "Doctor, how are my tests?" And you tiredly, avoiding eye contact, looking at the test and sagely mumbling some strange numbers while the poor guy turns blue, then red and finally grows pale from the strain. Silence in the room, and in the patient's eyes there's only one question: "Doctor, tell me, will I live?" Hmm ... Yeah... And what about a beautician like me? it is I who like a poor relative, look into clients eyes always wondering whether they will come back again or decide to save their money instead.
It all began half a year ago. Natasha had a new client, Sveta, a woman about her age. She ordered a costly procedure, did nutrient injections under the skin and even Botox, which removes wrinkles. For three weeks the new client had spent at least two thousand dollars, which was completely at odds with her "village" manners and primitive vocabulary. Actually she was a classic "red neck". According to her appearance, Sveta even close wasn't looks like a prostitute, even as a cheap one. And to suspect her in obtaining a multimillion Booker (literature) award or an Abel (mathematics) award - was also very hard. When the two women became better acquainted with each other, Galushko, with interest, learnt that Sveta picked up some Russian-speaking German, Gena. He's been living in Stuttgart since 1988. Gena was a widower and older her on 12 years. They met online and it became apparent to Natasha that there was a special Russian-speaking dating site, and that former USSR citizens from all over the world visit this site. Anyone can join and it's absolutely free. Gena came to Zaporozhye from Germany and they immediately realized that it was a fate! Now Sveta was put herself in order (for the wedding) and in two weeks she will fly to Germany. To say that Galushko felt envy wouldn't be entirely true. She just flipped out!
- Honestly, this Sveta - the classic farm girl with no brain, - Natasha indignantly shared with her best friend Nadia, - no pretty faces, no clean skin, just one corny anecdote! Maybe on a desert island, somebody could become interested in her ... but just as another source of meat! Yellow teeth, and the last time she had manicure was in high school ... And here you are! She caught a real guy, not some drunken trucker from her level. I saw his picture. He is a pretty good looking guy. Not Brad Pitt, of course, but relatively OK. And me, a doctor, with my good looks and inelegance can't find anyone
- So, find out what site your Sveta visited. You have a computer at home, - Nadia pointed out to the corner of the room, - I'll send my son over. He is just 14 years old, but he already understands computers better than Bill Gates! We will take a proper picture of you, remove a couple of years from your age, and could catch any guy you like! These foreign men also have their own interest. Local women are not stupid! If anything is wrong they immediately run to court. Not like our silly girls... working like horses, cooking dinner, washing, dragging bags from the groceries...
- And you think it's different there?
- Yes, everything is written in the contract! What man has to do, and what his wife has to do. Well, you know these fascists! They keep everything in order! Not like our men! There are only rogues, thieves and alcoholics on the Ukrainian market... In short, I'm sending my son over. He will connect you to the internet and explain everything.
The next evening, Nadia's son spent twenty minutes scanning Natasha's photos (from three years ago), and registered her on a dating site. By the way, he's been a member of this site for over a year and asked Natasha to keep this secret from his mother. And dating business started to move.
Letters to Galushko began to arrive from all over the world! She had no idea that Russian speaking people can be found everywhere in Japan, Botswana, Jamaica, Bhutan, and other exotic countries, which she never even heard of. But frankly speaking there were also some assholes and people who were seriously deranged who were probably suffering from mental illness. Sometimes there were even children posing as adults. These potential "Grooms" from her city (Zaporozhye) were the most repulsive and persistent. After just twenty minutes of texting they would bluntly ask her to come over, demand her phone number or would unceremoniously ask her name a price. After about a month, Natasha got lucky and met a former Zaporozhyenian, now a citizen of Norway. His name was Sergei, and he was the same age as Galushko. On the second day of their correspondence he candidly told her that he would be coming to Zaporozhye to visit his parents in four days and that he would remain in his hometown for about a week. He did, of course, want to stay longer, but the ship on which he works as a mechanic, sails away for a month, so he only has a week. Therefore, he admitted, he has no time to court her but his intentions towards her were very serious. He confessed that he doesn't speak Norwegian well (or at all) and that local women were not interested in him. Natasha liked Sergei. He was a mechanic, a real man, with oil on his hands, an easy manner and a good sense of humor.. Every morning, he helped his sick parents, and in the evening he would come over to visit her with a bottle of expensive wine and flowers.
-When I'm at sea, I won't have internet or phone connection. Even the captain doesn't have one, - he said to Natasha on the day of his departure, - but I'll write to you the moment I return.
- Okay, I'll wait... she replied
She didn't wait too long. Three days later, Galushko was delayed at a housewarming party of a distant relative. Her relative's house was far from downtown, where she lived, and she decided not to take the risk and order a taxi. To her surprise, the taxi driver was Sergei the sailor! On his hand she immediately spotted a wedding ring, and from the windshield hung a sign: "Driver name: Nikolai Gromov". After an awkward chuckle, Sergei, or rather Nikolai, apologized for his "joke".
- To put simply my wife and children went away for a week to visit the in-laws, -He said honestly with a smile, obviously enjoying himself. - Well, and you believe that you're not a bastard?! Nothing but a cheap bastard!
- Look, I said, I was sorry and... By the way, you better forget my real name and how I look like. To be fair, I won't charge you for this ride.
Dropping her off, close to her house, he stared into her eyes and said
- You know what? Don't think that I'm kind of quiet guy. If you're going mess with me and my wife hears about this, I will rip your fucking legs out and stick them up your ass! I have no patience for whores!
Natasha jumped out of the car as if she'd been burned by a frying pan. When she entered her apartment she immediately grabbed a cigarette, in spite of quitting four years ago. Afterwards she took a shower, because the whole incidence left her feeling as if someone dumped a bucket of slop on her.
For a full week she didn't go on the dating site, but eventually curiosity got the better of her. She calmed down and began answering the letters which seemed the most promising. She stopped believing everyone she met virtually and through some seemingly innocent questions she learned how to crack down guys like Sergei the taxi-driver/ sailor! Natasha was no longer in rush, and eventually got lucky!
Luck's name was Victor Stein. He was a Canadian citizen, not married, forty years old, and seemed like an overall nice and intelligent man. He didn't have a university education, he just completed some courses and worked as a programmer, but he was a very well-read and widely diversified person. He knew a lot about art and music, wrote poetry and was making some kind of electronic devices. After talking to her for about a month via the Internet, Stein asked for her phone number. His voice completely matched the image that Natasha formed in her head during their communication. Finally, Victor decided to come for a visit, he even ordered the tickets, but his company suddenly received a rush order preventing him from going. Victor's boss, who knew about his plans and his personal situation, offered a compromise. Victor will receive a one-time bonus of $2,000 and will invite his girlfriend, to Toronto. Natasha was extremely excited by the idea and the groom began to gather all necessary documents. Galushko even installed a web camera to her computer, and started communicating with Victor practically in person.
And then, finally, she received a Canadian visa! Stein bought her flight tickets, and she was scheduled to travel to Toronto in six weeks - on July the 15th. Victor certainly would have liked Natasha to arrive earlier, but the airline had a fantastic promotion that offered discounted flights in six weeks. Well, big deal, what are six weeks?!
But in these six weeks a most interesting development transpired. A new man suddenly appeared on the dating site, Konstantin Sapozhnikov. And most importantly, he was also a forty-year bachelor and lived in Toronto, like Victor! No wonder that the people have a saying - either a feast or a fast. This Konstantin was a much better looking guy, not balding and overweight like Victor. Sapozhnikov was handsome, well built and more importantly extraordinarily funny. After talking to him via webcam a few times, Galushko simply fell in love with him. If with Victor she was constantly conscious of trying to look amused or interested than with Konstantin it was the exact opposite. She truly enjoyed hearing his jokes and funny stories. And Sapozhnikov laughed loudly and openly, dramatically throwing back up his still curly head of hair. She was sincerely relaxed and received a lot of pleasure from chatting with him. Once, during a Skype conversation, Natasha deliberately said that pretty soon she will be coming to Toronto, to visit her friend, and if Konstantin was interested, they could meet. Of course, Sapozhnikov was very interested, especially since he wasn't doing anything special. Moreover, he offered to meet Galushko at the airport and even suggested that she could stay at his place. The idea immediately took root in her mind! Natasha said that she will be arriving in Toronto on July 8th (not 15th) and it will be her pleasure to stay at his place. Konstantin immediately sent her his phone number and home address.
Natasha ran to the travel agency and paid $100 in order to change the date of her departure andthe ticket was changed to the 8th of July. That's it! Oh, how well it all turned out! She'll kill two birds with one stone! If she hits it off with Sapozhnikov then, she could call Victor and apologize. And when she'll move to Canada as a permanent resident, she'll pay Stein back for the tickets. On the other hand, if Sapozhnikov doesn't work out, and she'll see that he has no intention of marrying her, she will tell him "bye-bye" and a week later will go to the airport, to Victor, as it was planned originally! Maybe it was not very nice, but not use this opportunity will just be plain stupid! This sort of thing happens once in a lifetime...
2
Natasha felt an unpleasant pressure in her ears as the plane began its slow descent. She opened her purse and pulled out a mirror. The flight only deepened her small wrinkles, which appeared a few years ago. Yes, 35 years - is 35 years. Sighing heavily, she resolutely started to work on her make-up applying shadows to the eyes, treating the wrinkles, tinting the eyelashes and putting on a bright lipstick.
Walking through the long airport's corridors, she cursed herself for wearing expensive 5 inch heels and a black miniskirt to show off her beautiful legs. Even the glances of interested men glances did not compensate for the l inconvenience of pulling her damn suitcases in such an outfit. In addition to this, Natasha just wasn't able to bend and therefore each time had to squat.
"I wanted to wear jeans! -Galushko thought angrily - But Nadia convinced me that I have to go dressed as a queen! She said that the first impression is the most important! Big psychologist ... I will recall it to her!"
Having done taken a lot of unnecessary turns and walked around in circles, because all the signs were in English, Natasha finally made her way to the waiting room to wait for her potential groom.
There weren't a lot of people in the waiting room. She looked around for somebody with a sign or at least with a bouquet of flowers but saw nobody. It was absolutely impossible to miss her. Usually people dressed like that when they were going to the theater. She inspected the waiting room one more time, but the welcoming Mr. Sapozhnikov was nowhere to be found. Galushko suddenly felt very tired. At the same time she felt dryness in her mouth and felt extremely thirsty. But there were no benches in the waiting room. In a closest cafИ she saw a chubby black woman behind the counter. Natasha realized that this woman unfortunately doesn't speak Russian. In addition, Mrs. Galushko was alone, a rather big inconvenience as it was absolutely impossible to leave her huge suitcase unattended. And so she was forced to carry it around. Another twenty minutes passed. Natasha wanted to use the toilet. It was very stuffy and her skin began to sweat and itch under a thick makeup. This whole situation was clearly out of her control and our Ukrainian tourist was absolutely unprepared for this scenario.
"Surely he will be here any moment, - she tried to stay calm, - She was told once that Toronto has terrible traffic. I'll wait for another fifteen minutes, and then try to call him. After all I have his phone and address. Or maybe he didn't like me? No! That's nonsense! Quiet... He's probably just late; he will show up soon..."
After an additional half an hour, Natasha, could no longer suppress the desire to go to the washroom. She, sadly, rolled her suitcase in the direction of the restroom. Her feet hurt and even started to swell a bit from the high heels. After visiting the washroom she returned to the waiting room. Nothing happened. The desperate" bride", hesitantly went to the cafe, hopelessly dragging her suitcase behind her.
-Water please, - she said confidently upon approaching the smiling black woman. The woman uttered an incomprehensible a reply in English and pointed towards the refrigerator that contained the water bottles.
-Water, water, - again repeated Mrs. Galushko, pointing her finger at the water bottles.
The black woman said something again making Natasha nervous. She pulled out a $10 bill from her purse and handed it to the saleswoman. She took the bill and with an honest smile said something again pointing at the water cooler.
-Do not understand! - Said the Ukrainian tourist, who had exhausted her entire English vocabulary and started speaking in Russian, -you took my money, and didn't supply me with water! Is this the way you greet tourists in Canada?
The saleswoman finally realized that Galushko doesn't speak English. She came from behind the counter, opened a refrigerator and got the water bottle.
-Yes. Yes, - nodded Natasha happily.
Taking the change, Natasha was surprised to find out that a single bottle of water costs $3. For half a liter of regular water! But in Kiev, in any supermarket, this same bottle is ten times cheaper! She only had about seven hundred Canadian dollars! Or more accurately, she only had $697! And what am I supposed to do if Konstantin does not appear? More than two hours had already passed. He wasn't going to show up. I must do something. It'll be dark soon where will she go!? She also, somehow, has to survive for a week. This was not a really funny development... So, stop, stop, stop... And where will I stay tonight? Well, a ... Hmm ... Hmm ... should I call Victor Stein and surprise him? Play the fool and tell him that I changed the arrival date to surprise him? No. No, no way! Then I may lose everything and remain with nothing. Devil pulled me to this Toronto! This Sapozhnikov is such a fucking bustard! He probably just forgot! He is an irresponsible idiot! Or maybe he already got a new girlfriend? Just a second... Oh, what a fool! I have his phone number and address!
Finally realizing that nobody was going to meet her, Natasha went to the bathroom to unpack her suitcases and change. She put on jeans and sneakers and removed the thick layer of various creams and other cosmetics from her face. After that Galushko went to look for a public telephone. However, this turned out to be a dead end because some English-speaking woman seemed to have picked-up the phone on the other side. Natasha repeated several times, "Konstantin, please", but every time the woman replied something in English. Finally, Natasha hung up. During this short conversation Galushko clearly heard children's voices in the background. Now all that remained was the address. Well, and if this address is also phony - the only choice would be to call Victor and make-up some story. In any case, staying at the airport for much longer did not make any sense.
The taxi driver looked at the address, which Natasha wrote on a piece of paper and began to ask some questions. Natasha could only smile stupidly back and shrug her shoulders helplessly. The taxi driver took a deep breath and began to type the address into his GPS. After that, he again began to explain something to her. From his explanation, she realized that this address is not in Toronto.
-Do you speak Russian? - Tiredly asked the taxi driver.
-Yes! Yes! - with happiness answered Natasha, naively thinking that this driver studied in the USSR.
-OK. I can drive you to the Russian area and you can ask there, - friendly added the driver.
There was no choice, and Galushko resignedly nodded. In the middle of the road, she suddenly recalled that she didn't ask how much it will cost, but after some thoughts, she decided that she had no other choice anyway.
After half an hour of driving the taxi stopped in a large square. Natasha was relieved to see that many of the shops had Russian signs. The driver took her stuff out of the trunk and charged her $50. He left Natasha in the middle of the Russian-speaking district of Toronto with a large suitcase and without any plans for the following week.
Night was falling and Galushko suddenly felt very hungry. She looked around with interest and immediately noticed a supermarket with Russian advertising. Moving through the narrow aisles with some difficulty, and not paying attention to the comments about her suitcase, Natasha involuntarily overheard a conversation between two women approximately her age. They spoke Russian, like all the customers in the supermarket.
- Is it not enough to that I work like a dog, and for such a low salary, apparently I still have to listen to complains! -said one of the women with angrily. .
- Yeah, it's not fun... - soothingly replied the other woman.
- I have calluses on my knees and all my muscles are sore. Oh, I do not need this kind of life. It's probably time to go back to Belarus. My eldest son will finish college soon which will immediately reduce then our costs. Except for that there is nothing holding me here.
- Me too. But I told to myself that I won't go anywhere until I earn enough money to buy a condo in Belarus. It is really hard and you come across all sorts of different clients. I recently had one client, a grandpa, at first he was nice but then he turned out to be exactly like the rest! Natasha examined, with interest, these two women. They looked about forty, slim, but very tired. Short-cropped fingernails, blue jeans, no rings, no jewelry... By Ukrainian standards, they evidently weren't prostitutes.
- Has he molested you or something like that?
-Oh no! He's just a senile bustard! He loves to watch me when I work.
- Yes, It's not always easy to clean after old people. They have nothing else to do that's why they are so picky. Well, Valentine, I have to run.
Galushko bought two deliciously smelling sandwiches and big bottle of water. To her surprise, the water cost only one dollar.
Once she was on the street again, she ravenously started eating the sandwich. When almost all of it was eaten, she noticed one of the cleaning ladies whose conversation she overheard, on the doorway of the shop.
- Excuse me. Do you know where I can find a nearby hotel? Well... or maybe a dorm...
- A dorm? Ha-ha. Ha, you're really amusing, - the woman was laughing honestly. What, are you student? Why do you need a dorm for?
-Why? I need somewhere to spend the night.
-Have you just arrived? Are you looking for a job?
-No, not exactly... I've got a week to spend somewhere... there's been some unpredictable hassle...
-Come on! You can tell me. I'm also a partisan
-Who?
- Well, I'm not in Canada legally. Where are you from?
- From Zaporozhye and you?
- Oh! I'm from Dnepropetrovsk! Hello neighbor.
- So, what about the hotel?
-What you are talking about? Who are you, a millionaire? A hotel will cost you at least 80 dollars a day. The basement, where I live, will only cost you $500 a month and there's a room that just became available last week. And by the way, this price includes Russian TV and laundry.
- But I only need a week...
- Hmm. Well, we could ask the owner... Maybe he will agree to charge you $150 a week.
The new friend, Valentine, did not live far away. Luckily the owner was at home. After a long negotiation, the owner, who was no more than thirty, had agreed to take $150 per week and temporarily took an additional $150, in case something breaks or if Natasha doesn't clean the room before checking out.
The room was in the basement. It was quite clean and there was even a small kitchen. After showering and unpacking her suitcase, Galushko knocked on her neighbor's door, to thank her once again for her assistance. With pleasure, Valentine invited Galushko over for tea and a short chat. The new friend was a little over forty. She looked better than in the store, but when she was smiling, the absence of her two front teeth immediately became apparent. In Dnepropetrovsk, she worked as a history teacher and lived with her husband and son in her mother in law's condo. After the divorce, she had to rent an apartment and the shortage of money became a real problem so she opened a business trading socks from Turkey. Unfortunately, her booth in the market was robbed after a year and a half leaving her with no money, not even enough to bribe the cops who kicked her out of the market. They found some official reason, like her license was not legitimate. In addition, she had to pay back the loans she took from the bank as well as from her friends and relatives. The bank had a semi-gangster background and bank's representatives had a very "serious" talk with her, said Valentine while raising her upper lip to reveal the absent front teeth. Her son was sent to the province, to live with her cousin with the promise of sending $150 every month. She then rushed to her ex-husband for help. Since the divorce he has become a "rich guy" with connections and money. It is not known how, but in two weeks Val got an international passport, and a phony job offer. She visited the Canadian Embassy in Kiev, and got a visa for two years. Her ex-husband bought the tickets and in exchange Val signed documents refusing any alimony. Her life in Canada was not so bad, just, God forbid, if you get sick! Then all of your savings evaporate in a second. She was waiting for the moment she could embrace her son again... On average she can save about a $1000 per month. And in a provincial town, where her cousin lives, you can safely buy a good two bed-room apartment downtown for 30 thousand dollars.
Natasha, in spite of the skeptical comments of the new friend, told her story, and even brought the address and telephone number of the potential groom. At the end of the story, Val put the phone on the table and handed it to Galushko.
- Well, if everything is so romantic, like you told me, then just call your Victor Stein. Moreover, if the address is not forged again, it is about fifteen minutes away on foot.
- What do I tell him? How do I explain to him ...
- Don't worry, I'll cover for you. I would say that, it was all part of the plan, and that you intended to stay in my place but that a last minute business trip is making me leave town early.
- And he will not guess...
- Just call him and we will figure it out. To be honest, everything about your story seems a bit strange.
Natasha heard a long beep. After a while the answering machine turned on.
-Hey, Val, they are saying something in English. Could you translate?
After listening to the message, Valentine started to talk confidently.
- Oh, Victor, hello. This is Natasha's friend. I asked her to come early so she could stay in my place for a while, but due to unforeseen circumstances I have to leave immediately on a business trip. Please call me back... at any time. Natasha and I are waiting for your call.
After hanging up the phone, the partisan from Dnepropetrovsk looked at Natasha and said thoughtfully
-The phone number indeed belongs to Victor Stein. Maybe he just went out for walk. So, I hope he will call you back. If everything works out - you'll owe me a bottle.
- Oh, thank you. I don't even know what to say. I am so grateful for your help... I'm in this deep shit because of this Konstantin.
- Well, to be honest, in the beginning I didn't believe your story... too much Bollywood...
- Hmm... Why I would lie to you?
- How should I know?! People tell "strange" stories all the time! I had heard so many psycho stories, I'm even ashamed to repeat them. Someone told me that she was abducted by aliens from the street in Bryansk (200km from Minsk). After they did all sorts of experiments on her, they parachuted her near Toronto. And what a miracle - in her purse she found a passport, a diploma, a thousand Canadian dollars and a birth certificate! What can I say? It's all so logical. I mean, it is understandable because, in Bryansk nobody leaves the house without these documents.
The women talked for a half an hour, occasionally glancing at the phone. When it was past 11 Valentine said she had to wake up early and couldn't wait any longer.
Next morning Galushko woke up late. After strolling for a bit in the neighborhood and looking at two-story houses with green backyards, she went to the same area, where the taxi driver left her last night. After walking through different shops on the plaza, Natasha went back to the same Russian supermarket and bought a small cake, a loaf of fresh bread and an assortment of sausages - so as not to visit Val empty handed later this evening.
Everything Natasha saw was clean and beautiful, but the Ukrainian tourist expected to see something special. Is it that really all there is to Canada?
At 5 p.m. Natasha began listening attentively to noises outside her door to determine whether her neighbor returned. At 8 p.m., she started to get nervous and went out into the corridor every 10 minutes to check whether Val was back already. During one of these excursions outside of her apartment, Galushko came face to face with the owner of the house, who happened to descend into the basement for some tools.
- Hi, - said the owner of the house indifferently, - do you need something?
- Hi. I just wanted to see Valentine...
- Today is Friday, so she'll probably be back after 11:30 p.m.
- How come she'll be back so late? I mean, I really need her...
- Haha, she probably found herself a nice Canadian guy who's helping her `improve her English'... in bed! In any case, maybe I can help you. I'm Anton as you probably know...
- Yes, I do. I'm Natasha. Yes..., there is something you can help me with... I would like to call someone...
- No problem, give me the number, - Anton eagerly pulled out a cell phone from his back pocket, - if it's here in the city, it's no problem at all.
- Oh, thank you. Just a second, I have the phone number in my purse.
Taking the phone number of Victor Stein, Anton vigorously pressed the buttons of his cell phone and gave it to Natasha. Unfortunately after four rings the answering machine turned on again. Returning the cell phone to its owner, Galushko noticed that the glance of the landlord has changed. His eyes openly inspected her and were focused on her chest.
- Thank you, - she said coldly, returning the phone.
- Hmm. Maybe you'd like to join me up upstairs for a cup of coffee?
- Thank you, but I`m not interested.
- What the problem? I'm free and you're obviously not busy.
- I'm sorry but I'm just not in the mood.
- Did something happen?
- No, everything is fine.
- I'm not going to bite you, you know. It's just a cup of coffee and short talk...
- You know what, Anton... Sorry, but I'm not... not what you think I am.
- In the beginning Valentine also spoke very disrespectful. Is it just part of the Ukrainian style? Did I offend you?
- No, no I'm not offended. But still, I'd like you to leave me alone.
- There's no need to be so defensive. I'm just trying to...
-I got it. Goodbye.
- Well, it's up to you, - Anton chuckled philosophically and left the room, not even closing the door behind him.
The neighbor came back in the middle of the night. Natasha immediately went out into the corridor.
- Oh! Are you awake? - said Val who was genuinely surprised.
- Well ... I wanted to check ... if Victor called you or not.
-Yes, of course. Come in, let's check.
Going into the room and briefly glancing at the phone, the partisan from Dnepropetrovsk shook her head and shrugged her shoulders.
- And what am I supposed to do now? - The lost Galushko sat on the chair.
- What to do? Well, he's expecting you next week, so maybe he is on a business trip or visiting relatives. How was he supposed to know that you've changed your plans and arrived sooner?
-Yes, I understand...
- Well, and now... I want to go to sleep. Come see me tomorrow after 11 p.m. and we will work everything out.
- By the way, Anton has been dropping some dirty hints...
- And what did you do?
- I sent him away.
- That was foolish and rash decision. He's not a bad guy. He's helpful and fair. So maybe his social skills are not perfect, but... Don't worry; tomorrow we will solve all of your problems. Go back to sleep.
3
A week has past and Victor still hasn't called back. This was the last day - the official arrival day of the Madame Galushko in Canada. In the morning Natasha, as usual, knocked on Valentine's door. The neighbor had already learned Victor's number by heart. Again she heard the standard rings and answering machine turned on. There was no point in driving to the airport.
-You can call in the evening, just to be sure...
- Val, what am I supposed to do now? My flight back is in three weeks.
- Like I told you before, earn enough rent for a month and don't spoil your relationships with the owner...
- Yes, that's what you've been saying... but I only have 100 dollars plus the security deposit I gave to Anton of $150. And I'd have to pay $450 for the apartment and I'd need eat something in the next few weeks.
- Like I said before, come house cleaning with me. They pay $10 per hour and you get Sundays off. That should give you some income for the next few weeks. And about the rent - go to Anton, cry on his shoulder and tell him everything...
-And what if he starts undressing me with his eyes again?
-Well, in that case, try running away, but friendly even flirtatious manner... Come on woman, you're not a child! And besides, he's a nice looking guy and a pretty decent lover.
- Really? Then why doesn't he have a girlfriend?
- Who knows ... Once in a while somebody coming here then disappears. In Canada being 30 years old is like being 20 in the Ukraine. He came here when he was five. So, you see he's almost a native Canadian! By the way, did you notice that he speaks Russian with an accent?
- Did you sleep with him?
- Well, hmm... Why do you ask?
- So you did.
- Why are you acting so surprised?
- No, no don't get me wrong I don't mean to offend you... I just...
- Are you judging me?
-Me? Why would I?
- I ate so much crap in the Ukraine that in comparison this Anton is a golden man! He took me to Niagara Falls, lent me some money when I needed it and he always translated things for me. He even helped me with a couple of new clients...and when I was sick last year... You can't even imagine! I lay motionless like a dead body and there was nobody... Absolutely no one around to help me. I was completely alone! Like somebody who's lost in the desert... Alone in a foreign country... Without language and without money. If it weren't for Anton's help, I'd probably be dead and buried already. Yes, he is certainly not an intellectual, and works as a landscaper but so what? He's from a good family and is not stupid. He actually reads a lot... and besides it's natural for a young and healthy guy to look at women... In any case, he helped me when I was in trouble and did not expect a thing in return. But I don't like feeling like I owe someone something! I don't think you get it, when I was young and pretty, I sent so many men to hell, including my own husband, and now what?! Look at me, I'm away from my country, I have no home, I'm alone - even without my son, and am cleaning someone else's shit! - Valentine brushed away a tear, and took a sighed heavily. Anton had a rough life as well you know. He's parents separated a long time ago. They started their own new families, and he was raised by his grandmother. He inherited this house from her.
- Sorry, I really didn't mean to offend you, especially since you help me so much. If it wasn't for you, I don't know what I would have done. I hope you're not a lesbian because I too hate being in someone's debt, said Natasha with a smile.
- Ha-ha-ha! That was a sharp joke... No, I'm not but it's an option I'm considering if I start the immigration process to Canada. I could claim refugee status as a lesbian.
- What immigration process?
- Well, I will claim that as a lesbian I was oppressed in the Ukraine. My lawyer said that it's my best and most reliable option.
- Hmm, interesting... But you have a son.
- In Canada they don't see the connection. Okay, well we have to leave soon. Go change into something simple and I'll call my boss and ask her for permission.
Cleaning an apartment in Canada was not an easy process. You had to learn the names of all the different chemicals and learn how to use them. For example, the cleaning solution for the kitchen should never be used in the bathroom and each surface, be it glass, metal, plastic or wood, required a different cleaning detergent. Also, it turns out that cleaning process has secrets of its own. If you were to clean diligently, like you do in your own home, you'll never be able to clean a 3000sq.f house in six hours. But since the owners are only willing to pay about 90-100 dollars for a house cleaning, which on average comes out to 15$/h not including the percentage you give to your employer, you have to find the right balance between quality and earnings. IF the quality of the work is poor the owners will refuse to use your services but if you work too diligently work you'll have a very low salary! But that's not all. It is important to make the owners believe that you've been working very hard! Therefore, after you finished cleaning you must shift all the furniture, as a demonstration that you indeed cleaned everywhere. Of course, any Russian sergeant would reveal all these little secrets in two minutes, but luckily all of these sergeants are still in Russia.
Natasha quickly got used to this job, and by the end of the first week she felt in good physical shape and earned 600 dollars. 450 dollars immediately left her pocket to cover the rent, but still it was something. On Saturday, returning from work, Valentine gaily asked her:
- So tomorrow is Sunday! Do you want to see Niagara Falls?
- Of course!
- Ask Anton.
- Get out! I thought you were serious.
- Well, as you wish, but seeing as you're so nearby - only two hours away- not going seems ... well frankly, absurd! You will return to Zaporozhye and your family will ask you: What did you see in Canada? And what you will tell them? I lived in the basement for four weeks and worked as a house cleaner?
-Fine, I'll think about it.
After taking a shower and putting herself together, Galushko, resolutely went upstairs and knocked to the owner's door.
The owner of the house opened the door wearing nothing but old shorts and a beautiful pair of thin glasses. He was holding a book and looking at her with perplexity. Those glasses made his face look intelligent and even attractive. Natasha suddenly noticed that he was perfectly fit and tanned, with a clearly distinguished abs and impressive musculature. He reminded her of a Greek statue at the Hermitage.
- Well, what do you want? - asked Anton tersely.
- Well-a, I ... I came.
- Yes, and...?
- I was wondering if I could borrow a book?
- Hmm, everything I have is in English. Are you sure that you came here to borrow a book?
- Uh ... well in addition to the book...Val told me that tomorrow you'll be going to Niagara Falls...
- Really? Do you think I have nothing better to do?
- So, no plans about Niagara at all?
- No, I'm not going.
- And maybe your plans will change? I mean... I've been here for two weeks already, and I really didn't see much... - said Galushko approaching Anton. Perhaps she was influenced by the smell of his young healthy body, or perhaps it was because it's been four months since Natasha ...but somehow her hands touched his abs and her lips stretched out for a kiss. The book fell from his hand, loudly banging on the hardwood floor. Natasha's cotton robe noiselessly slipped to the ground and all of a sudden she was swept off her feet...
Finally, sweaty and tired, they came off each other, like strangers in the desert come off the well, having satisfied their thirst. It was quiet. Natasha suddenly remembered that they did not use a condom.
- Anton, what was that? - She finally broke the silence.
- I do not know. It was like a spark or lightning in the fog.
- Yes, I fell the same way. And we didn't use any protection.
- Why didn't you say anything before? I thought you were on birth control pills or some other safety measure.
- There was no need for it. I haven't been with anyone in over four months.
- Strange. You told me that you came here looking for a groom...
- So what! I didn't come here looking for sex, I was looking to get married.
- What do you mean?
- Let's just drop it. I should probably go anyway.
- Maybe you could stay? In the morning we could continue...
- I love to sleep in the mornings.
- By the way, you wanted to go to Niagara Falls.
- Exactly. I forgot. So when can we leave?
- Well, it is almost four o'clock in the morning. If you don't mind, we could go now. We'll wash up, jump in the car, and avoiding the traffic, we'll fly to Niagara like birds. And if we leave now, we might make it there by dawn and watch the sun rise over the falls.
- Hmm... Honestly, I am really tired and am dying to get some sleep.
- That's not a problem; you can sleep in the car.
Anton's car was flying on the night highway. All around there were dark woods interspersed with gleaming lights from small towns. Suddenly, they went onto a huge bridge, which stretched for several kilometers. On either side of her Natasha could see the shimmering water, weakly reflecting the moonlight. In the distance Galushko could see the lights of a big city.
-Is this Niagara? - she asked excitedly.
-No, not yet. This is only Hamilton. Another forty minutes to go. Sleep.
The sky was slowly becoming lighter, but it was a few hours before daybreak. They parked the car and briskly walked toward the sound of water. The noise level was gradually becoming increasingly louder. Big clouds of water spray appeared not far ahead. A few drops fell on Natasha's face and finally Niagara Falls opened in all its glory! Her first impression was of the noise! A loud humming noise was pressing on her ears, like a running turbine. Anton embraced Natasha and shouted in her ear:
- At night the roar of the waterfall can be heard for up to 5 kilometers away. It is the largest waterfall in the world, if you count quantity of falling water.
Standing on the viewing platform, Natasha, as if spellbound, watched the tons of rushing water fall down past her. The water was like a cobweb, hanging in the air, woven from the finest gemstones. With the first rays of the sun, the web started to gleam becoming radiant. A spray of this magical web gently descended on her face, refreshing her skin.
- So in school we were taught this legend about the Maid of the Mist, - shouted Anton in her ear, - When the Iroquois Indian tribe lived here, they had an annual ritual of choosing the most beautiful girl in the tribe and bringing her here as a sacrifice to God Manitou, who they believed lives in Niagara Falls. They dressed this girl in beautiful clothing, like a real maid, and put her in an Indian boat. They would place the boat on the water and watch as it drifted towards the waterfall, crashing at the bottom of it. Just imagine, falling down from this height! Once they chose the daughter of their leader, but the chief refused to leave his beloved daughter, and they sailed over the falls together. Deprived of an experienced leader, the tribe lost several wars and in the future decided to stay away from all this garbage, i.e. tradition. Well, shall we go?
- Can we stay for a little bit more? Please...
- Okay, well I'll be in that cafИ over there having a cup of coffee. You can join me when you're ready.
Shrouded by a fine spray and fanned by the wind the falls were changing their shape and color. Tons of falling water rushed over the falls forming tufts of white foam at the bottom, which resembled a giant water curtain. She could look at this live canvas forever, falling through it in time and losing all touch with reality.
On the way back Galushko, silent and happily, smiled. She could still feel the drops of water on her face, saturating her skin with moisture.
- Thank you, - Natasha said fondly, and kissed Anton on the cheek.
4
The next day, after returning home from work and not even having time to wash, Natasha went to her neighbor and briefly described the events of the last day.
- Now you see! You should always listen to the elders! - said Valentine triumphantly while lifting up her fist.
- You were right, you were right. But that's not all.
- Well, what else?
- Everything happened so fast... And ... We even didn't use a condom...
- Are you telling me that you're ...
- Yes, that's exactly what I'm trying to say.
- What's wrong with you? Or is it your plan to blackmail him?
- Don't talk nonsense. I have no intention of blackmailing him.
- And raise a child... Ok, look I understand a guy's mentality- never mind what happens, just go to bed. But you're not a little girl anymore! Have you even thought about the consequences?
- Well, I'm telling you. Everything happened so fast, like a hallucination...
- Well, well. She came to Canada to get married and returned to the Ukraine without a husband, and pregnant.
- Anyway I'm flying back in two weeks. My close friend - she is gynecologist at the hospital, so I will have an abortion. It's not like it's my first time.
- Okay, well it's up to you. Anyways, I have a small work party tonight. So feel free to join us, especially now that you're seeing someone.
- What should I bring?
- Buy something from the Russian store. Just don't spend too much. After all everyone will bring something. Now go to your room. I still have work to do.
Galushko tried not to think about the fact that she's most likely pregnant. And as for the landlord, nothing was clear as well. Should she continue the relationship with him? Should she go to him or wait until he comes to her? Should she talk to him about their future child? Or forget about a future with a child and just have an abortion?
Returning from the Russian store, she stopped at a pay phone and dialed Victor Stein's number again. Everything was as usual. Four beeps and voice mail. What a fucking life! In all these recent years, there was only one bright spot - last night with Anton and the trip to Niagara Falls.
The company of partisan from Dnepropetrovsk was rather amusing. They were mostly women between the ages of 25 to 45. All of them were in Canada illegally, or have already submitted documents to obtain refugee status. They had the heavy fate of a broken life, with children and husbands remaining on the other side of the Atlantic. All their stories, with slight variations, were very similar to Valentine's. But in spite their difficult lives, they remained optimistic and continued to hope for the best. For example, they all played in the weekly cash Lottery "Lotto 6/49" or "Super 7." Moreover, on average, each woman spent 100 to 200 dollars a month on lottery tickets! Every party, regardless of what the conversation was about it would always end with a discussion of "What would I do with the money if I won ten million dollars". One by one they would each outline their dream scenario, genuinely sharing the most intimate details with their colleagues. At the same time the others would actively participated in the distribution of the virtual money, giving advices and providing a detailed analysis of all the possible scenarios.
- You know what I was thinking, - one of the cleaners, a chubby woman of about 45 with a rustic good-natured face, began to develop her version - if I won a million bucks, then I will go back to my Omsk (an industrial city in Siberia) and that all! Expel my alcoholic husband to hell. Immediately buy my son and daughter a downtown apartment and after that I'll have a surgery on my chronic hernia and suck the fat out of my belly...
- Why do I need plastic surgery for? Am I not cute enough?! Ha-ha. Anyway, I will buy some pretty car from overseas, like a jeep...
- What for? You have no license anyway.
- The car is not for me. It is for my future husband. You better stop interrupting. Now where was I? Right, if I won ten million dollars there will be no point in returning! I will sponsor my children, and buy them each a house. For myself I will buy a luxurious apartment downtown with a lake view. I will have surgery...
- You mentioned the surgery already...
- That was surgery in Omsk! And now I'm talking about Canada! Are you even listening to me? Okay, let's start from the beginning...
- First of all I will fix my front teeth, - jumped in Valentine, - I am tired of being ashamed to smile. Then I'd bring my son here... And I'll immediately start my own cleaning company.
- Super idea Val, go ahead! Then give us a job! - Approvingly said the guests.
- Then I will buy a huge house and out of principle I'll never clean it on my own. Let someone else come and clean it, and I'll just go around and check if they did it properly. I mean who can fool me? I know all the tricks! And I don't want be married anymore. Let guys chase me and I'll choose. This one has a stomach, and this one is bald, and that other one has a bad sense of humor...
- Bravo, Val! - Again supported her guests, filling their glasses with vodka.
- Well, and what about you, my friend? Why are you silent? - Said Valentine turning to Galushko, - or maybe you just don't want share? What are your dreams?
- But, I do not play the lottery, - honestly answered Natasha.
- So, you do not believe in luck! And people who do not believe in luck - they're never lucky, - said the cleaner from Omsk confidently, while knocking back another glass of vodka.
- No, you do not understand, - Natasha slowly waved her arms, - it was obvious that she was relaxed bit tipsy from all the alcohol, - I do not want to win anything.
The whole room fell silent. Everyone looked at the Ukrainian tourist with interest.