“Hi, friend. You haven’t forgotten me yet?” This was the text message Patricia received. Patricia was overjoyed. She and Sabrina had once shared a dorm room for five years. It was a happy, sometimes half-starved life. They met, broke up with boyfriends. They cried on each other’s shoulders. After graduation, they parted ways. Sabrina went to her hometown. And Patricia stayed in the capital.
At first they corresponded, Patricia knew that Sabrina got married almost immediately. And then Patricia started a serious romance. Thoughts about her friend completely flew out of her head. She got married, but unsuccessfully. They could not even live with her husband for six months, they had different characters. They parted with a bang. So there, with a huge scandal. They divided everything, even a roll of toilet paper. It’s good that her parents tried and bought her an apartment. Otherwise, she would have had to live on the street.
And at work not everything was going well. The team is female. Quarrels, gossip. Their boss was young, but married. But that did not stop them from having an affair. But you can’t hide a needle in a sack. And vigilant colleagues told his wife about them. She came like a fury and made a big scandal with Patricia to the amusement of the whole team. And her boss was standing next to her and only said – “Honey, don’t. Honey, that’s enough.” And she let off steam and pointed her finger at the disheveled Patricia and ordered – “Don’t let her be here tomorrow, understand? And we will talk to you at home,” and left, blowing bangs off her forehead.
That’s how Patricia found herself without a job on New Year’s Eve. All alone. There was no one to celebrate with. Her parents were going to friends, and what was she to do? Sit at the TV and shed tears over some melodrama.
And then, like a gift from heaven. Sabrina appeared. They corresponded almost all night. Patricia complained about her unsettled life. And Sabrina, that’s what a friend means, invited her to her place. “Come to us. We will have fun. And you will have a rest from your life in the capital”. Patricia answered without delay that she agreed.
And having bought some gifts, she went to her friend’s place. It was not an easy task to get there. All roads were snowed, buses were not running. So Patricia spent a day in a hotel, waiting for the roads to be cleared. So she arrived just before the holiday.
When a fat woman began to hug her laughing, Patricia did not recognize her at first. Sabrina in her youth was thin as a board. And now the fat lady was smiling at her.
– And you, Patricia, have not changed at all. Still the same beauty.
They had no time to talk, they had to prepare the table. A lot of guests were expected.
– Can you imagine, just like an invasion of relatives. My husband’s brother will come, my sister with her family, parents, friends. It’s good that you’re here, will you help me? Or have you forgotten how to cook?” – she jokingly poked Patricia in the side.
– Of course I will, – she said and thought that her manicure would be ruined.
Although Patricia knew that there would be many guests, she did not expect this. After all, besides adults there were also children. Lots of children. A whole bunch of kids. She was introduced to everyone, but she did not have time to remember their names.
They put her next to a stern man. He hardly drank and spoke little. Patricia quietly asked Sabrina who he was. She also quietly replied that it was her husband’s older brother. After the tragedy, his pregnant wife died because of his fault. Since then, he is like a ghost. As if he is there and as if he is not. Patricia looked at him with sympathy. He noticed her look and smiled: “What do you want to regret? So let’s go. Patricia, under the influence of drink, said boldly: “What, you think you scared me? Let’s go!
Then they walked somewhere for a long time. Patricia was falling in the snow and laughing. John, that was the man’s name, picked her up and led her on. And then they went into the house and Patricia’s consciousness turned off. She did not remember what happened next.
She woke up on the couch with a heavy head. She threw off the blanket, dressed, thank God. Only her boots were missing. Then John came into the room.
– Are you awake? You like to sleep. Sabrina came twice already. Can you get up or do you want a drink of water?
She whispered with dry lips: – Water.
He laughingly brought her water, which she drank greedily. Then she stood up and asked:
– Where can I wash my face? And please forgive me, I don’t usually behave like this.
Patricia came to Sabrina. She looked like a cucumber. The house was all clean and tidy.
– Well, Sabrina, you did a good job. I can barely walk, and you fly on wings, – Patricia envied.
– So what, I’m used to it. For all the years of marriage I got used to it. And to keep the house and look after the children, and to pay attention to my husband, – Sabrina simply answered and hugged Patricia.
– Remember how we dreamed. We will live next to families. Helping each other. And life has come back. Listen, Patricia, stay with us. I will soon go on maternity leave, you take my place. Agree, – Sabrina persuaded.
Patricia moved away from her.
– What are you, a friend? I’m a metropolitan to the bone. It must be boring here, especially in winter.
Sabrina replied offended:
– We are never bored here. We have a new house of culture and a family cafe. And we just go to visit. On holidays. And you are there, judging by your stories, all alone.
****
Before Patricia’s departure, the closest ones gathered. They sat at the table. And then John asked Patricia to walk down the street. At first they walked silently along the snowy road. And then he suddenly turned Patricia decisively towards him.
– I do not know how to say beautiful words. But I can say for sure that nothing bad will ever happen to you from me. Stay and move in with me. I like you very much. I was looking at you all night while you were sleeping. And I realized, you are my woman,” he said.
Patricia was confused: – But we don’t know each other, how will we live together?
He squeezed her shoulders: “And so we will. Like everyone else lives!
She objected: – And love?
John pressed her to him: – And it will be, you will see.
And she believed. Just like that, she believed.
Sabrina and Patricia’s dreams came true. They live next to each other and help each other. However, Patricia needs help more, because she is in the last months of pregnancy.
And so it happens… She came to visit and stayed for life. It’s called fate. Which always leads you on the road to happiness.
