If you knew what your precious sister was up to in the capital, youd never mention her again, let alone boast about her.
My daughters such a clever girl! Oksana bragged to the neighbours. Straight As on all her exams! And she even manages to earn a bit on the sidenever asks us for a single penny!
I envy you, Oksana! My lot only know how to beg for money, the woman sighed. And they cant be bothered to study. Maisie says shell marry straight out of collegereckons her husband should provide. And my son oh, dont get me started! She waved a hand, thoroughly disappointed. But your Anastasias a proper go-getter, making her own way.
Oh, sure she is, Michael muttered under his breath, stepping away from the gossiping women. Hed have gladly gone home, but his mum wasnt done with the shops yet. With his father at work, the proud title of “bag-carrier” fell to him. If you knew what she really does, youd never speak her name again.
Did you say something? Oksana shot him a sharp look. Couldnt he wait five minutes? She hadnt even finished listing Anastasias achievements.
Just that Ive got a presentation and an essay due tomorrow. Maybe save the bragging for another time? Michael replied, calm but firm.
Youre just like your father! Never let a woman talk! Fine, lets go
Michael shrugged, catching the neighbours relieved glances. Theyd clearly had their fill of Oksanas doting. Every conversation was about Anastasia, delivered with such pride youd think the girl was the second coming.
But he knew the truth. Knew, and kept silent. He didnt want his mother to worry
***
Does Anastasia Miller live here? The disdainful look from the well-dressed woman threw Oksana off. The two men looming behind her didnt help.
My daughters at university in London, Oksana replied proudly. What do you want with her?
University? Anastasia? You cant be serious, the woman laughed, sharp and mocking. She dropped out after the first term. Failed every examno surprise, since she never attended a single lecture. Too busy chasing rich men.
How dare you slander my girl! Ill sue you for defamation! Oksana faltered at the sound of whispers from neighbouring doors. Letting this woman inside would mean admitting she was right. But turning her away? What rumours would that spark?
Let them in, Michael cut in. No point feeding the gossip mill. Mum, step aside.
But, Michael!
Let them in.
At sixteen, he seemed older just thenstern, steady, just slightly tense. He led them to the sitting room, gesturing to the sofa. The woman smirked and claimed the armchair instead. The men stayed standing.
Michael! How could you invite them in? Did you hear what she said about Anastasia?
I did. Thats why I let them in, he snapped. With his father away, he was head of the house now. Damage control was his job.
What are you
You must know your sister better, the woman drawled. Any idea where she is now?
Shes in London, like Mum said. Just not in student halls, Michaels smile was bitter. Shes in a flat. Paid for by her boyfriend. And no, I dont have the address. But I do know hes married, twenty years older, with three grown children. And filthy rich.
His name wouldnt happen to be Gregory?
Let me guessyoure his wife? Michael tensed. What had his idiot sister tangled herself in?
Thank God, no. His sister. And Im sick of cleaning up his messes, she said coldly. Gregorys wife is the daughter of our biggest business partner. Shes devastated by these little distractions of his. Divorce is imminent.
And we cant have that, can we?
Clever boy, she murmured. Any idea where that brazen sister of yours is hiding?
Not me. But her friend might. Ill call herbut first, I want to know your plan. Ive only got one sister.
Michael, whats happening? Whos Gregory? What flat? Whats wrong with my girl? Oksanas face drained of colour. Michael bolted for the bathroom, where his mother kept her pills.
Should we call an ambulance? The woman almost sounded guilty.
Michael shook his head. Hed already called one on his way to the pills. The paramedics would be here in minutes.
Michael how did you know all this? Oksanas voice was small, refusing the truth. Her daughtera mistress. How could she live with that?
Last time Anastasia visited, her phone broke, remember? Borrowed my laptop to message her friend. Forgot to log out. I read the chat. Asked her straight aftershe didnt deny it. Just begged me not to tell you.
Michael hated seeing his mother like this. She was kind, goodher only flaw was bragging about her children. He burned with shame every time she gushed over his grades.
Later, once Oksana was settled in bed under medical watch, Michael faced the visitors again.
So whats your plan?
Simple. Ill give her money. Introduce her to some unmarried menproper ones. If shes smart, shell land a decent husband.
Right. Give me a minute, he sighed, dreading the call. Anastasias friend was vicious. He spun a liea “congratulations on passing her exams” gift from her brother. A courier would deliver it.
Here, he handed the woman a slip of paper. Hope you keep your word.
I will.
On her way out, the woman announced loudlyfor eavesdropping neighbours:
So sorry for the fuss! Just needed a private word. Im sure no nasty rumours will spread. And if they do, Ill apologise to Anastasia myself. Though I doubt ityouve such lovely neighbours here.
Rumours did come, but weakly. Oksana shut them down, defending her daughters honourthough she stopped boasting. Stopped leaving the house much at all.
Michael spoke with his father. They agreedtheyd move. Oksana couldnt face the neighbours, not after lying to them for so long.
One bright morning, the family left. As Michael told the curious: to London, to be nearer to Anastasia. Better doctors there, and his mother hadnt been well lately.
Anastasia never visited. She married welland forgot her family entirely.
