My Angel's Watching Over Me - Marat Safin Fanfic

[Annaya]

Characters

Marat Safin - A real live person to whom the story is dedicated to. He's my favorite tennis player and this is a fan fic for him
Angela Federova - nor a real person, she's purely fiction. You'll know her better as the story goes. (a.ka.Angel, Ange, Gelya)
Dinara - Marat's real sister.
Others - Other characters will figure in this story as it progress. I'll introduce them then.


Author’s note

Our story begins some time late in August 2005, while Marat was on vacation from the sport of tennis, due to his knee injury. After he withdrew from the USO. It will revolve from that time to the time he got back on tour. Some parts of the story was set in the past, like from his child hood to until he went to Spain, for background. (So it is actually, 20 or so years in the making!!!). Some things, events, people and places incorporated in the story are real, and I kind of made use of them to make the story more real…sort of. I also made up some of the names of some real people in Marat’s life because the information was not available (e.g. Katerina – Marat’s architect.). I made the story to kind of explain why Marat do and say things that he does but only according to my imagination. After all, this is fiction not fact.

Chapter 1

August 29, 2005. 11:45am, Moscow, Russia

*“Ya obeschayu.” He whispered as he was sleeping. Suddenly, the alarm sounded off. His mind was awake but he didn’t open his eyes yet. He was thinking about his dream. He doesn’t really remember, but something about it was kind of familiar. He looked at the clock and turned it off. He had set the clock so he wouldn’t sleep past lunch at least. He had just gotten back from New York last night, and was still feeling tired from the flight. He got up, rather slowly, his head throbbing.
“d**n!” He said as he looked at himself in the mirror. He looked wasted. He thought about what he was going to eat. Was he going to eat breakfast or lunch already? He was startled when the phone rang.
“Yeah, this is Marat. Who’s this?”
“Your very expensive architect. Where are you?”
“I’m on my way out the door.” Biting his lip slightly as he lied. He had forgotten he’s supposed to meet his architect for lunch.
“Good. I thought you forgot about our meeting again.”
“No, not me. I’m afraid you’ll take what I said seriously.”
“Oh, I am really going to charge you double. My time is very precious, you know.”
“Alright, I’ll be there shortly.” Then he clicked off the phone. “So much for eating.” He sighed.
He went to the bathroom to clean up, took a tablet for his headache, dressed up quickly, grabbed a carton of milk from the ref. and drank it on his way out.

“Welcome to Moscow!” said the flight attendant over the on-board radio. It woke her up from her dream. She looked outside thru the window. “Ah, finally, my beloved homeland!” she said, as she stretched her arms. It had been years since she left the city for America. It was not her choice to leave then, but it is her choice now to return. She gathered her belongings and happily got off the plane. She handed her Russian passport to the immigration guy.
“Welcome back, Ms…Angela Federova.”
**“Spasiba!” she said. “What time is it now?”
“It’s 11:45 a.m. ma’am. Almost lunch time.”
“Lunch, huh? Thanks.” She started walking away. “So, where do I eat?” She thought aloud.
She got out of the airport, hailed a cab and told the driver to go to her favorite restaurant. They use to celebrate her birthdays there when she was younger. She missed the food, which was very authentically Russian. When she came in, there wasn’t that many people around. It was already past lunchtime and only three tables were occupied. Two teenagers occupied one table, one by a couple of Chinese tourists, and a woman occupied another one. She seemed a bit agitated, like waiting for a date that was late. It was her habit to observe people around her. She opted to sit at the farthest table so she can see everyone. Besides, she was alone. She hates eating by her self especially in public places. When her order arrived, she had completely forgotten about observing the people, and ate her meal heartily.

*I promise.
**Thank you.

[Annaya]

Chapter 2

Marat just arrived at the restaurant where he was meeting Katerina, his architect. She looked a little pissed off because he was more than an hour late.
“You are late. Again.” Katerina said before he could even take a seat.
“Traffic was a killer. Don’t worry, I’ll pay for everything you’re having.” Marat said.
“You should. I had three different kinds of juices and a dozen blinis just waiting for you.”
“No wonder you’re getting bigger every time I see you!” He said jokingly.
“It’s not funny. You shouldn’t make fun of a woman’s weight. And anyway, you are to blame.”
“Okay, I’m sorry. Let’s get on with business shall we?” He sat down. “Waiter!” He signaled for the waiter to come.
“That’s business?” She asked, with one eyebrow raised to the heavens.
“Can’t do business when I’m hungry.” Marat said, smirking.
*“Ne toropis.” Katerina said. She sat back, and folded her arms.

When Angela finished eating, she saw that there was another person in the restaurant. Hmm, looks like her date finally arrived. Good for her! She thought. The man had her back on her. He had head of dark curly hair, a little bushy, tall, athletic built.
“Must be cute to wait that long for!” she said to her self.
She was trying to get a good look at the man when her cell phone’s alarm vibrated. It was time to call her mom in the States. She scanned the place for a pay phone. There was one near the bar. She finished her drink, and paid. Then she stood up to make a phone call. She walked past behind Marat and her bag accidentally hit him at the back of his head. He looked around and saw her walking towards the phone booth near the bar. She had a huge bag with a number ‘11’ on the side.
“Karma!” His architect said, laughing.
“Tourists! They act like they own everything!” Marat said, rubbing his head where the bag hit him. Then the waiter came and took his order.
“Is that all, sir?”
“Good thing I’m hungry, or I will give her a piece of my mind. Yes, that’s it”
“So, you’re nicer when you’re hungry?” Marat was just about to answer that but she cut him off.
“Forget it, just eat so we can get to business already.” She said, rolling her eyes.
“Okay, okay!” Marat said, gesturing give up.

*Take your time



Chapter 3

Angela looked inside her bag’s side pocket for her Visa card. It is accepted everywhere.
“Hello?” grumpily, her mom said at the other end.
“Hey mom, it’s Angel.”
“Oh good, I was waiting for you to call.”
“Yeah, I just landed a couple of hours ago. I went to eat first. He he…”
“As usual, thinking of your stomach first before your worried mother.”
“C’mon, I don’t eat that much, unlike someone I know!” she said, sarcastically.
“Who? Me? Hey now, you’re still my kid!” her mom said, a bit formally.
“Sorry.” Angel said, with her baby voice.
“Hmm…so do you know where you’re going?”
“Yep, I still know the place. Don’t worry, I won’t get lost. Are you sure they know I’m coming, though?”
“Of course.”
“Okay mom, if you say so.”
“Trust me on this, will ya?”
“Alright…I just would hate to be a bother to them if they weren’t expecting me…”
“Don’t worry, they are.”
“Okay, I’m going there now. I’ll talk to you again. Love ya!”
“I love you, too sweetheart.”

Meanwhile, Marat and Katerina were discussing about his apartment.
“No, that’s not going to work.” Shaking his head contemplatively, hand on chin.
“If were going to finish this section of the apartment in that time, you’re gonna have to move out.”
“Move out? And where am I supposed to stay? That’s not possible.”
“Well, that’s what I was saying. If you want me to finish it in a week, I can’t have you in there. The place is gonna be a mess before it starts looking any good.”
“Like I said, where am I supposed to stay in the meantime?” Asked Marat.
“That’s your problem, not mine. You’re a big boy, you’ll find a way.” She said, smirking.
“Yeah, real funny.” He said dryly.
Marat was getting annoyed. She was getting really bossy and he didn’t like that. After all, he was supposed to be the boss. He hired her, not the other way around. But there is really nothing he can do.

Angel left the restaurant after she called her mom and hailed a cab. She was heading to the house where she’s supposed to stay. It’s her mom’s old friends’ house. She used to play with their two kids too when she and her mom still lived in Moscow. They were childhood friends. She was 14 when they left for the States, and lost contact with them after a while. The traffic was really terrible. It was almost an hour since she left the restaurant and she’s still nowhere near her destination. So she decided to listen to her I-pod for a while.

[Annaya]

Chapter 4

Angela Federova was born in Moscow in the winter of 1982. Her father was an Italian man named Angelo Simonetti, and her mother Maria Federova is Russian. Her parents never got married. Supposedly they were to wed after Angela is born, unfortunately, her father died before she was. Her mother raised her up by herself. When she was five years old, her mom got a job at a tennis club as a secretary. She used to bring her along to work everyday after school, and she would hang around the courts watching other kids practice. She was not really into sports herself but she liked watching others play. She liked how the players move, so gracefully, so fluid in their movements. Although she doesn’t play tennis with the other kids, most of them became her friends. When she was fourteen, she and her mother moved to the US, so they left Moscow for New York.

For Angela, it was not easy living in New York. She barely spoke the language and found it hard to make friends because she was quiet most of the time. When she went to high school, things began to change. She started to develop physically. She grew to a height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm.) and her skinny frame began to be fleshy on the right places. She had beautiful long dark hair. She had fair, clear, and soft skin. But, she never really paid much attention to her looks and didn’t wear any make up or wore skimpy outfits. She started going on dates, but never really got into any relationships. She always tells them she just wants to stay friends. Her real personality began to come out as she was able to speak English better and better, and she started to make friends with the other students as well. She was also a bright student and indulged in school and other activities. Then she went to college. Life got busier but she never forgot her hometown of Moscow and the people there. After graduating from college, she decided to take a year off. A few months ago, she asked her mom if she could go back to Moscow for a while. Her mom gave her permission.

Finally, she arrived at her destination. The façade of the house had changed a little but she knows it was the place. She rang the bell.

[Annaya]

Chapter 5

“Dina”, said Rausa, “Get the door please.”
“Coming!” The doorbell rang a second time before she reached it and opened it. “Can I help you?
“Dina? Wow, you’re much taller in person” Angela said.
“Do I know…Oh…My…Gosh…Angela?” Dina said, looking surprised, “Angela Fedorova?”
“Federova, actually” Angel said, smiling.
“Oh my gosh! Angel! I almost didn’t recognize you! Come in! Wow, it has been a long time…”
“Yeah, when I left you were only half as tall” They hugged. “Now, you are so taller than me.”
“Yeah, well tennis stretched my bones I guess.” Took one of Angel’s luggages. “Mama, come quick we have a visitor!”
They settled at the living room, sat together on the big sofa.
“My God, I missed you!” said Dina.
“I missed you too! And your whole family!”
“Oh, I’m sure!” Dina said, rolling her eyes then grinned. “So where’s your mum?”
“Still in New York. She has a couple of businesses there now.”
Rausa went in the living room then. She was also surprised to see Angela.
“Angel?”
“Aunt Rausa!” Stood up and hugged Rausa, then kissed her on the cheek. “You haven’t changed a bit.”
“And you have changed a lot! But…what are you doing here?” Still that surprised look on her face.
“Didn’t mama call you? She told me she did…” biting her lower lip.
“She did…but I thought you were coming next month.” Putting her right hand on her chin.
“What’s the problem? She can stay. She can room with me!” Dina offered.
“Honey it’s not about where she can stay. Of course she can stay here.” Rausa said, “The problem is…we are leaving in two days to prepare for the USO.”
“Oh…yeah…I completely forgot about that…”
“You know,” Angel said, “It’s okay. I could just stay in a hotel. It’s no problem really.”
“No, of course not, you can’t stay in the hotel the whole time were out of the country,” Rausa said, “Don’t worry, we’ll think of something.”
“Right! First, let me show you our room!” Dina jumped off the sofa and pulled Angela with her to her room.
“Whoa, okay, slow down! Jet lagged!” Angel said.
“Now, what do I do?” Rausa said, thinking aloud.

In her room, Dina and Angel were catching up on things…
“I can’t believe you still have this.” Angel picked up the blue stuffed toy she gave to Dina when she was three.
“It has sentimental value.” She winked. Dina sat at her bed crossed legged, and Angel sat at the other facing Dina. “So tell me, how is your love life these days?” Dina asked.
“Whoa, where did that come from?”
“Come on.”
“Ah…” Angel sighed, “I don’t have one. If I had I wouldn’t be able to come back here.”
“That is true.” Dina nodded, “especially if he knew who you might see here.”
“Who?”
“Oh c’mon, Gelya! I’m talking about you-know-who.” Dina said, rolling her eyes.
“Hmm…what about him?” She said, defensively. “Look, what happened before…it was nothing. We were just kids then…It was…Kids’ stuff…I’m sure it’s the same to him…you know.”
“I don’t know. Maybe, you should ask him.” Dina replied.

Meanwhile Rausa, was on the phone with Angel’s mom.
“Yes she’s here now. I really thought she was coming next month.”
“It’s not a problem, she can stay in a hotel for a while.”
“No, no, she’ll stay here. We just have to make some arrangements.” When suddenly, the doorbell rang again. “Who could that be now?”
“What is it?”
“Someone’s at the door ringing the bell like crazy!” The doorbell was ringing like crazy, in frantic intervals. “Alright, alright, *Ya priyezzhayu! Will you wait?!” Finally she opened the door and the bell stopped ringing.

*I’m coming.

[Annaya]

Chapter 6

“Hey mom! How’s it going?” Marat said, smiling brightly.
“Masha, I think I may have a solution right now. I’ll call you back soon as I can, alright?”
“Okay, talk to you soon.” Rausa clicked off the phone.
“What is that? Dirty laundry?” Said Rausa, looking at the very big bag on Marat’s left shoulder.
“Nope, these are clean!” then, tilted his head to the right, “These…these are dirty laundry” referring to the black garbage bag on his right hand.
“Clean clothes? Are you going somewhere?”
“Nope, in fact I am not going anywhere! I’m staying right here.” Marat said, as he made his way to the living room.
“What’s wrong with your apartment?” Rausa asked with both her hands on her waist.
“I had to vacate it for the meantime while they do construction in it. I didn’t want to stay in a hotel…besides, you’ll let me stay with you…won’t you?” Giving his mom the puppy dog eyes.
“Like I can say no? Of course you can stay, you’re my son!”
“Don’t worry, it will only take a week maximum, you won’t even know I’m here.” He said as he dropped himself on the sofa “Do you have anything to eat?” then he noticed something on the floor near the couch. It was the same bag that the woman who hit him in the head was carrying in the restaurant.

“Angel, I think I heard someone rang the bell. C’mon it must be dad.” Dina called, getting out of the room.
“Okay, coming right out. You go on ahead!” Angel said from inside the bathroom where she was washing her face.
Dinara went to out to the living room and found Marat sitting at the couch.
“Oh, it’s just you.”
“Yes, it is I, the great Marat Safin!”
Dina rolled her eyes, “Where’s mom?”
“At the back. Why, you expecting someone else? A suitor maybe?” Marat teased.
“Haha…Fun-ny! …There won’t be anyone coming for that purpose coz you scared them off.” Dina bantered. “Wait, you didn’t come coz you knew she’s here, did you?”
“She who?” Marat asked, puzzled “And can somebody tell me whose bag that is?” Pointing to the bag on the floor. “Mom said it was a sur…”
“It’s mine.” Angel said from across the room. *“Privet, Marat.”
Marat could not believe his eyes at first. She knew who she is instantly.
**“Ya pomnyu tebya…Angel?” Marat walked towards her and just embraced her tightly. “I thought I’d never see you again.” He said, his eyes closed. “I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too.” Angel said, and embraced him back tightly, without realizing it.
It was like time stopped at that moment and there was only the two of them in the room.
“Well, this is uncomfortable.” Dina said suddenly. Interrupting.
Angel suddenly pulled away from Marat. She looked uneasy.
“It’s nice to see you again.” She said, trying to look away.
“Yeah. It’s nice to see you again, too” Marat said. Noticing how her demeanor changed.
“Oh good, you met your new house mate.” Rausa said to Marat.
“House mate?” Marat asked, “What do you mean?”
“You’re staying here, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“So is she. And you’ll be the host to her while we’re gone.” Rausa explained, “You will be happy to do that won’t you?”
“Oh…of course I am.” He said with a big grin on his face.
“You didn’t even have to ask!” Dina said.
“You know aunt Rausa, I’d hate to bother Marat…I’m sure he has things to do than baby-sit me. I could just go to a hotel…” Angela insisted.
“Nonsense!” Exclaimed Marat and Rausa. They looked at each other.
“Honey, it’s not good to stay in hotels when you’re alone. It’s much better here.” Rausa said.
“Exactly!” Marat agreed.
“Uh-huh!” Dina said, giving Marat that knowing look.

*Hello
**I remember you

[Annaya]

Chapter 7

“So, tell me what’s wrong.” Dina asked Angel when they were back at her room.
“What do you mean?” Shrugged Angel.
“Uh, hello, mood much?” Dina said.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I am happy to see him.” Replied Angel.
“You can tell me.”
“Nothing is wrong. I just…felt tired. That’s all”
“Just suddenly?” Teased Dina.
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Okay, if you say so. My brother can be tiring. Plenty annoying too, sometimes.”

That night they all had dinner together. They had Angel sit in between Marat and Dina. Misha was also surprised to see Angela when he arrived. She had been like a daughter to her because of Marat, especially before Dinara was born. Marat was always telling him stories about Angela and that could’ve inspired him and Rausa in making Dina. =)

After dinner, they sat at the living room and watched some T.V. Dina and Angela were still chatting about different things. Sometimes Angela would glance and see Marat staring at her, and then she would turn away. There was something in the way Marat looks at her that makes her feel glad, scared, longing to be with him, and makes her want to melt right where she’s sitting all at the same time.

As for Marat, he just didn’t expect to feel what he was feeling. She was the first girl he ever felt that way for when he was just a kid. And now, suddenly the feeling is back and it was overwhelming.


Chapter 8

The first time they met was when he was 7 and she was 5. He was playing tennis in this club his dad worked for. He was by himself, practicing his serve. He was trying to hit a certain shot. When he missed it three consecutive times, he bounced his racquet down and it hit him on the face. Angela suddenly appeared in front of him, with such a worried look on her face.
“Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?” Angela asked.
“I’m fine.” He said.
“Well, good. *No, kotoryj byl glup.” She said smiling, and handed him his towel.
Since then, she would always watch him play. Just in case he hurts himself again, she told him.

It was during one incident that Marat realized he had feelings for Angel. It was when Anna Kournikova beat him, in a practice match. He was crying out of frustration, and of course for losing to a girl. Angel sat beside him and tapped his shoulder.
“You played well, what are you crying about?” She asked.
“I lost…to Anna! It’s annoying!” He cried
“You’ll beat her next time. You’ll be better than her, you’ll see. You played really well, so don’t cry anymore. You know, it’s not whether you win or lose. It’s how you played the game.” She said, as a matter-of-factly.
“If that’s true, why do they keep score?” He said, rubbing his eyes.
“Hmm…I don’t know. I just heard that on the TV.” She said, wrinkled her nose, and smiled.
At that moment when Marat looked at her, he thought that was the most captivating smile he had ever seen. And when she held his tired hand, and put her head on his shoulder, it dawned on him.

He was eleven when he finally had the guts to tell her how he felt. His efforts were not in vain because as it turned out, Angel liked him a lot too. By the time he was fourteen his tennis skills have really improved. He had the opportunity to train in Spain. He didn’t want to go at first but Angel helped convince him it would be good for him. So he did it. Before he left, he and Angel made a pact. He promised that he would come back for her. She promised to wait for him. They promised to love each other forever. And they sealed it with a kiss. It was the first time they kissed. They would write to each other every week, then every month. One day he just stopped receiving letters from her. He waited for months but she never wrote again. Finally, he found out Angel and her mom has moved to the US. He was hurt at first. Time passed, and he moved on with his life, concentrated on his tennis. Eventually, he found a new girl. And the rest is history.

*But, that was stupid

[Annaya]

Chapter 9

It was already midnight at the Safin household and Angela couldn’t sleep. She was lying in bed in Dina’s room wide-awake. She looked at Dina sleeping soundly on the other bed.

“Dina, are you awake?” She whispered, just loud enough for Dina to hear if she was. “I’ll just have some water okay?” She sat up, stood up and walked out the door very quietly. She went downstairs to the kitchen and drank a glass of water. When she was walking back to the stairs, she saw Marat sleeping at the sofa. She looked at him for a while, trying to see if he was really sleeping. Then she crept up to him. His blanket was already at the floor, but he was sleeping soundly. Angel took the blanket and placed it over Marat. Gently. She was about to leave but she stopped. She stared at Marat’s face for a second. Then she knelt beside him. She felt the urge to touch his face but fought hard not to. Eventually, she gave in.

“Marat” she sighed, *“Ya toskoval bez vas tak.” She took some hair off his face. “You’ve changed a lot.” She leaned closer. “You look so much better up close than in pictures.” She touched his face gently. When she was almost touching his lips, she stopped. She realized suddenly how close her face was to Marat’s. She could feel him breathe. She backed away, and started to stand up when Marat suddenly pulled her close and kissed her. It was such a surprise that she couldn’t react for a few seconds. When she snapped out of shock, she slapped Marat across the face. Stood up, and ran to Dina’s room.

The two of them couldn’t sleep for the rest of the night. Marat couldn’t decide whether to lie down or sit on the sofa. Meanwhile, Angel was back to square one. Lying in bed staring at the ceiling, occasionally, tossing and turning.


*I missed you so much

[Annaya]

Chapter 10

The next morning Marat and Angel wouldn’t even have eye contact. They sat opposite each other at breakfast.

When Marat was reaching for a piece of bread, Angel reached out at the same time and their hands touched.

Both of them withdrew, and didn’t have any more bread. Everyone else noticed the awkwardness between the two, and both of them thought they had to do something about it.

So when Misha, Rausa, and Dina left the house, the two of them were forced to talk.

Angel was in Dina’s room, putting her clothes in the empty cabinet when Marat entered.

“Angela” Marat said, with his head down “I think we need to talk.”

Angela put the jacket she was holding down, and turned around. “I think so, too.” She said.

“I’m sorry for what happened last night. I shouldn’t have done it.” Marat started.

He looked at her. Angela didn’t say anything.
“I don’t know why I did it. I guess I just really missed you.” He continued.

“But, really I should be the one who’s mad here.” Angela just stared at him.

“Angela, *chto sluchilos? What happened to us?” He said, staring back right into her eyes.

He walked towards her. “You just suddenly stopped writing to me. You didn’t even tell me you were moving to New York. Not a word, not a phone call!” Marat told her.

He wasn’t planning on spilling out everything he was telling her at that moment. But it all just exploded out of his chest.

“I thought we had a good thing going. And you just all of a sudden disappeared on me!” He said, flailing his arms around.

“How could you do that to me? Talk to me for Christ sakes! Aren’t you gonna say anything to me?” putting his hands on his hips.

Then he sat on the bed. He felt much better letting it out.

“Are you through?” She said, finally.

She was just waiting for him to calm down before she talked. She knew better than speak while he was still ‘erupting’.

“Look, Marat. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you we were leaving. It wasn’t like we planned it. It just came and we needed to go immediately.” She sat down beside him.

She took his hand. Marat wanted to pull away but couldn’t. He wanted to hold her hand too.

“I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t have the time to.” She explained. “I had to leave…I needed to leave.” She stopped right there. “You have to believe me.”

“Why didn’t you try to reach me when you got to New York?” He asked.

“I did write to you.”

“I never got your letter.” Marat said.

“I can’t explain that.” She said.

Marat believed her but he didn’t say it. She’s never lied to him before. Besides, he knows how the mail service could suck.

“Does it matter?” She asked him, but it was more like she was pleading. She didn’t really want to talk about it.

“No. It doesn’t matter. It’s in the past. What matters is now.” Marat replied.

Angela was relieved.

“So, **my horosho?” She asked. Looking down her lap.

“Of course.” He said. He put his arms around her shoulders. Both of them felt the weight dissipate.

She put her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest. He felt so warm, she thought.

He looked at her. When he looks at her like that before, she didn’t get nervous. But now was a different time and she was very, very nervous.

He put his hand under her ear, scooping her face. He was getting closer. Her heart was racing. He was going to kiss her.

***“Perestan!” Angie said suddenly, right before his lips were over hers.

“What’s wrong?” Marat said.

“I don’t think we should.” Angie said.

“I thought…” He started.

“Marat, a lot of things have happened. We can’t just pick up where we left off.”

“You want to start over?” Marat asked.

“Yeah. Yeah, I guess.” She said, “We should just be friends, I think.”

Marat was quiet for a while. He was considering what she said.

Finally, he said, “Okay. Friends, sounds good.”


Although they both agreed to be friends, we all know that restrained feelings only get stronger.

And these two are no exemption. Especially when what they have is the real thing.

They did try to keep it working that way for the first few days, until one faithful night when someone came to the Safin residence’s front door.



*What happened?
**We’re good?
***Stop!

[Annaya]

Chapter 11
September 1, 2005, Wednesday 7:05pm The Safins’ Residence

“This is actually good” Marat said, having another bite.

“Is it? It’s the first time I tried cooking that.” Angela said. “I wasn’t even sure I was doing it right.”

“You’re half Italian, you must have it in you to make good food!” Marat said, his mouth still full. “What do you call this again?”

“Farsumagru. Mom said my dad used to make it for her on special occasions.” Angela said.

“Hmm…so what’s the occasion today?” Marat asked.

“Nothing. I just want to…”

The doorbell rang, three times in quick successions. But, Marat was enjoying the food so much and didn’t want to get up and get it.

“Stay. I’ll get it.” She told him.

When she opened the door she immediately recognized who it was.

“Leonid? Hi!” She smiled.

“Ah, hi! I think I got the wrong house.” He fixed his hair, trying to look better. He didn’t recognize her at all.

“Well, if you’re looking for Marat you got the right house!” She assured him “He’s in the dining. Come in.”

“Thanks.” He got in and followed Angela to the dining room. “Hey man!” He said to Marat.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” Marat was surprised to see him.

“Picking you up. What? You forgot about the party?”

“That’s tonight?” he asked, a bit bewildered. He realized he doesn’t even know what day it was.

“Yes.” Leo answered wryly. “Are you coming or not?”

Marat looked at Angela. He was going to leave her if he goes with Leo, unless…

“Can she come with us?” Marat asked Leo.

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not really into parties.” Angel said.

“Don’t worry, it’s not a wild one!” Leo winked. “Besides, I think you should definitely come with us! Right Maratik?” Leo said while obviously checking her out.

Even when she was only wearing cut-off shorts and shapeless shirt with no make up and hair tied-up, she still looked pretty.

Marat insisted she come because he didn’t want her to be alone in the house. Marat changed his shirt, and told Angela to get dressed.

She didn’t bring any party dresses with her, so Marat told her to just borrow something from Dina since she had some that she doesn’t really wear.

While she was dressing up, Marat and Leo were at the living room waiting.

“So who was that? New girlfriend?” Leo asked.

“No. Old one.” Marat said.

“Old one? That’s not the Spanish girl. And she’s definitely not Dasha.” Leo said.

“Nope. Older.”

“Older? But you didn’t have any other girlfriends aside from those two and…” It finally hit him. “That wasn’t…” Leo started.

“Yep, she is.” Marat confirmed.

“No way! Wow! She looks so much prettier!” he said, almost ecstatically

“What are you talking about? She was always pretty.”

Just then, Angela came in wearing a little white dress, little make up and hair still tied up. When they saw her, the two boys’ eyes grew bigger.

“Whoa, dangerous curves ahead!” Leo exclaimed.

Marat gave Leo a dirty look.

Leo shrugged, “What?” Then they both looked at her again. Leo’s jaw hit the floor. And Marat, simply put, was just enthralled.

“Is this fine?” Angela asked.

“Do a 360.” Leo told her, making a swirling motion with his index finger. She did. “That is SUPER fine!” Leo exclaimed. Marat ribbed Leo. “Ow! What? Man, it’s a compliment!” Leo told Marat

Angela smiled shyly, and looked at Marat.

“You look…really beautiful.” Marat said.

“And HOT!” Leo added.

“Well, let’s get going.” Marat said.

Marat drove, Leonid sat at the passenger seat and Angela sat at the back. The whole drive, Leo kept noticing Marat looking at the rearview mirror to see Angela.

And Angela, on her part always smiles slightly, blush and look away every time she catches him.

Note: Leo/ Lenya/ Leonid = Leonid Nurushenko, one of Marat’s bestfriends.



Chapter 12

At the party, the three got separated and mingled with everyone else. Several blonde girls with short dresses surrounded Marat.

Leonid was doing good by himself as well. And Angela was at the bar by herself, getting some unwarranted attention from a few guys, which she turns down almost immediately.

“Compliments from the gentleman at the corner.” The bartender told her, giving her a glass of vodka.

“Just give it back to him, and tell him thanks but I don’t drink.” She told him.

“Alright.” Bartender said.

“Thanks.”

Leo, who was standing near, saw and heard all that and excused himself from his company for a while.

“Hey, no drinking for you huh?” Leo asked.

“Yep. That was the fifth one.” She sighed, rolling her eyes. “You’d think those guys would get a hint, specially when they’re all on the same table.”

Leo laughed, “Don’t mind them. Where’s Marat anyway?” He asked.

“Where he usually ends up in. Surrounded by a bevy of beautiful blondes.” She said, sarcastically.

Leo looked for the blondes first then spotted Marat.

“Ah, yes…as usual.” He smiled. “You know, it’s not like he looks for this girls anyway. They just come up to him as if he was magnet and they’re all metals.” He said, almost looking philosophical as he did. “Don’t worry about it, you’re prettier than all of them put together.”

“Who said I was worried?” Angela asked.

“Well, you didn’t say it…but it’s obvious.” Leo told her.

“What are you talking about?” Angela said, getting a bit defensive.

Leo laughed, “Angie, Angie, you don’t have to say it. I know you’re jealous. But don’t be. There’s no reason to.” He teased her, as he got up.

“I am not jea…Leo!”

“Trust me. Take it easy!” Leo said, walking away.

Angela’s mobile rang. It was her mother so she went to the ladies’ room where it was quieter to take the call.

Meanwhile, Leonid was setting his plan into action. He went to talk to Marat. But, first he has to get him away from the girls surrounding him.

“Ladies, may I please have a moment with my friend here?” Leo said, moving towards Marat. “I’d love to be around you but it’s kind of private.” Finally getting Marat out of the circle.

“Thank you! I was starting to get suffocated in there.” Marat said, fanning his shirt.

“Who wouldn’t?” Leo said, “Now, what are you gonna do about Angela?”

“What do you mean?” Marat asked, not knowing what he was talking about.

“I mean those guys over there have been hitting on her the whole night.” Leo said.

“What?!” Marat said, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Marat started to walk toward the guys.

“Hold it!” Leo said, pulling Marat to a stop by the arm. “She turned them down.”

“Oh.” Marat said, “So, what’s the matter?”

“Duh? Dude, you’re a smart guy. So, why won’t you wake up and see what’s going on in front of you?” Leo said, “Why do you think she turned them down? They’re not bad looking at all.”

“Maybe they’re not her type.” Marat said.

“That’s right! YOU are!” Leo said, pointing at Marat’s chest at point blank. “So what are you gonna do about it?”

“Nothing.” Marat said bluntly.

“Pffftt! What do you mean nothing?” Leo exclaimed.

“I don’t know what you want me to do.” Marat said, dismissing it.

“Of course you do, man! Don’t deny it.” Leo said, getting frustrated with Marat’s impassiveness.

“You think I want it this way?” Marat said. His eyes went all quiet. He continued, “Every second I spend with her, every time I look at her, every moment I feel her skin touch mine, I want to be with her. But I can’t.”

“Why not?” Leonid asked, getting the vibe Marat’s shedding.

“Because it’s how she wants it.” Marat answered.

“She doesn’t want to be with you?” Leo asked. Marat nodded yes.

“She told you that? In those exact words, ‘She doesn’t want to be with you’?” Leo asked again.

“Well…no, not in those exact words but…” Marat said.

“Yeah, I didn’t think so.” Leo interrupted. “Look, whatever she said, I think she’s changed her mind about it by now.”

“How would you know?” Marat asked, skeptically

“Because I know the two of you. You’ve been in love with each other, practically since you were born!” Leo said.

“People can change.” Marat said, shaking his head.

“Exactly!” Leo exclaimed. “And a woman can change her mind. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about.”

“Right.” Marat said, “What, are you Will Smith now or something?”

“Will Smith?” Leo asked.

“Yeah, you know, in the movie, Hitch.” Marat explained.

“You’re watching to many movies, man! Anyway, you’re leading me away from the point.” Leo said, exasperated. “Man, it doesn’t take Freud to figure this one out.” Leo said, tapping Marat on the shoulder. “Well, if you decide to do something about it, you let me know.”

Marat was silent.

“Marat, I’m telling you. You should do something, or you’re going to lose her. Again.”

Leonid started to walk away when Marat stopped him.

“Hold on. Okay. I want to do something.” Marat said.

Leo smiled. “Good. Now we’re getting somewhere…”

So Leo and Marat made an elaborate plan. What Marat didn’t know was that Leo had other plans to help him get his objective.

Meanwhile at the ladies’ room…

“Hey mom. What made you call?”

“Oh, let’s see, hmm…oh yeah, you haven’t called for days now.”

“Sorry.” Angela said.

“Marat’s keeping you busy, huh?” Maria said.

“Sort of.”

“What’s that noise? Where are you?”

“At a club.”

“Is Marat with you?”

“Ah, no. He’s…with some other people.”

“What’s wrong?” Maria suddenly asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you’re so quiet. Usually you monopolize our conversation. Is there something wrong?”

“No, nothing’s wrong.” Angela answered. Her mom didn’t believe her.

“Honey I know you. When you’re like that something must be wrong. Did Marat do something to you?” Maria asked, suspiciously

“No, mom. Well…not exactly.” Angela said. She could never keep things from her mother even when she tries. “It’s not really like he did something.”

“But it’s because of him?”

“Uh-huh. Mom, I think I’m in love with him again.” Angela confessed.

“Honey, I don’t think you ever stopped being in love with him.” Maria said, “Tell me, what’s the real reason you wanted to go there? Was it not because of him?”

“Partly yeah. He’s injured and I just want to see how he’s doing. And I wanted to iron things out. Be friends, you know. I didn’t wanna…you know my purpose for it mom. I didn’t plan on…this…I didn’t plan on being in love with him again.” Angela said.

Then silence. For a moment, all that were exchanged were the sound of their breaths. Then.

“You know what your father would say if he were alive?” Maria said, “He’d tell you ‘Don’t be afraid to follow your heart. Life’s too short to spend being afraid.’”

Angela was still quiet. She was considering what her mother had said.

“Angie, are you still there?”

“Yeah mom, I’m still here. I’ll talk to you later. I got to do something.” She clicked her phone off.

Her mom noticed the change in the quality of Angela’s voice and she knew she was going to be all right.

[Annaya]

Chapter 13

Marat was on the dance floor, dancing with a couple of blonde girls while still surrounded by the others.

The two women, one wearing a red backless dress and the other wearing a blue midriff halter top and ultra short skirt, were almost groping him, slithering like two snakes going up and down a tree.

That was what Angela saw when she came out of the ladies’ room to look for him.

To say that she was disappointed is an understatement.

She wanted to go in there and pull them off Marat by the hair, but she didn’t. She just stood there with arms across her chest and watched, telling her self to calm down. Marat saw her but pretended not to.

He continued what he was doing. That was the plan. To make Angela so jealous, so out of desperation she would come up to him and tell him out loud her real feelings. It would’ve worked too, but they didn’t count on her being a “Zen” practitioner.

Leonid on the other hand, was looking down at his masterpiece from the second floor balcony.

“What’s your name again?” Marat asked the blonde in red.

“Lucia” She said.

“Right, right. Lucia is red.” He said to himself. She didn’t hear. “And you are?” He said to the other one.

“Melina.” The blonde on in blue said, giggling.

“Right, Melina is blue.” He said, “Let’s go sit down for a while, shall we?”

So he and the two girls went to sit to a couch opposite where Angela was standing near the bar. Angela was really trying not to blow up with all the flirting the two girls were doing as she watched them from where she was.

“Don’t you put a finger on them, Marat! Don’t you dare!” She said, whispering to herself.

But, as if Marat was trying her patience he put his arms around both girls.

That was enough provocation.

She stood up, walked towards them and stopped right in front of Marat.

“Marat, I want to go home now.” She said to Marat. Marat looked at her, looking cocky.

“Who is she?” The one named Melina asked Marat.

“She’s Angela.” He said, tilting his head over to Melina. “Dinara’s friend.”

That got her Italian side (Sicilian probably) boiling up. She had the look Clint Eastwood does, but only for a second. She was still fighting it.

“What were you saying?” Marat asked Angela.

“I said: I want to go home. Now.”

“I’m not ready to go home yet.” He said. Then he reached for his back pocket, intentionally leaning over to Lucia. Lucia giggled.

Angela’s brow arched up.

He took his wallet out and drew a couple hundred Rubbles.

“Here, *poluchite taksi.” Marat told Angela. Pressing the money on her hand.

Angela’s jaw tightened. She wanted to throw the money at Marat, and actually crumpled it in her hands. She was really getting angry.

Leonid, who was then standing a few feet behind the couch saw everything, and was starting to get nervous.

But, Angela must have been a master of the Zen technique because she actually managed to smile, much to Leonid’s relief.

“Okay. Fine.” Angela told Marat, and then she turned around and went back to the bar.

Leonid approached Marat and almost literally pulled him off the couch from the back.

“Excuse me, girls! This is an emergency!” Leo said.

“What’s the emergency?!” Marat said struggling to maintain balance.

“Man, what are you doing?!” Leo said.

“I was following the plan.” Marat said.

“Marat, I told you to make her jealous! Not to piss her off!!!” Leo said, scratching his head. “Flirting was enough. But telling her to ‘poluchite taksi!’?! Man, that is way off the mark!”

They both looked Angela’s way, and to their surprise, she was talking to someone at the bar. She was actually smiling and talking to this guy she only just met.

“Oh, man!” Leo said, “You are in deep shit!”

“Who the f@&k is that?” Marat said, more like a statement than a question.

“I don’t know, looks like Maksim. Look, man, if I’m reading this situation correctly, and I crap you not, I’d say you’re in deeper shit than you can manage to get out of, and she’s going home somewhere else tonight.” Leo said, shaking his head.

“Shut up!” Marat said, obviously getting pissed.

Angela and Maksim seems to be having fun, she hasn’t stopped smiling the whole time.

“Well, what do I do now?” Marat asked Leo.

“I don’t know. What are you asking me for?” Leo said.

“You’re the genius who made the plan that got me into this mess.”

Angela and Maksim seem to be getting ready to leave.

“Come on, man! Think!” Marat urged Leo. The couple got up and started walking towards the door.

“I can’t think. I don’t know man. This wasn’t part of my plan.” Leo said, putting his head down.

“Well, what do I do?” Marat said, putting his hand over his face in frustration.

“I think you better follow them.” Leo said, “They just went out.”

“What do I tell her?” Marat said, nodding.

“Everything.” Leo said, combing his hair with his hand.

“Okay.” Marat said, and then he ran after Angela.



*get a cab




Chapter 14


He just got out the door when he saw a car drove away.

“That musician, Maksim, did you see him?” He asked the bouncer at the door.

“Yeah, he just left.” The bouncer answered.

“Did you see the woman he was with? About this tall, dark hair, white dress?” Marat asked.

“Of course, who wouldn’t notice her? She was hot!” The bouncer said.

Marat winced, his shoulder dropped, then, he walked towards the sidewalk, hands on hips.

Thunder cracked, and rain began to trickle. He stopped just at the edge and looked up to the sky.

He felt all his frustrations caught up with him. And you know what he does when he feels that way.

“Idiot! Stupid, stupid idiot!!” He said to himself. He breathed in, then, “MARAT YOU’RE AN IDIOT!!!” He screamed to the sky, but another thunder drowned his voice out.

He put both his hands on his face, covering it for a while, then, ran his hands up through his hair. He closed his eyes.
The raindrops were falling faster. He could feel it on his face.

Suddenly, the rain stopped falling on him. He opened his eyes and saw a red umbrella over him.

“You’re going to get sick, you know.” He heard a familiar voice say from behind him. He turned around slowly, and saw what he was looking for.

“Angela?” Marat said. Looking into Angela’s eyes, and she looking back into his, he felt relieved. Almost like a huge brick wall that was on top of his chest has been lifted. He didn’t even notice the small smile he had on his lips.

“The bouncer said you were looking for me.” She said.

“I thought you went with that Maksim guy.” He said.

“Tsk. What kind of girl do you take me for?” She said, frowning. “You’ve been around those girls too much, you think everyone’s the same.” She added, rolling her eyes.

“Oh, yeah…about that…I didn’t mean any of it…I was just trying…to make you jealous.” Marat said, “Thought if you get jealous then I’d at least know how you really feel about me…I didn’t mean to piss you off or any…”

She placed her hand over his mouth to stop him from talking.

“Shut up.” She told him. “Let me talk.” She took her hand off. “I know you were just acting back there.”

“You do?” Marat asked.

“Yeah. You’re not that kind of guy.” She said, as a matter-of-factly. “And you certainly wouldn’t have told me to ‘Just get a cab’, even if I was just ‘Dinara’s friend’.”

“Do you know why I did it, though?” Marat asked.

She started bumbling. It’s the thing she does when she doesn’t know what to say. It was Marat’s turn to put his hand over her mouth.

“Shut up.” He told her. “Let me speak.” He took his hand off when he was sure she was not going to talk. He looked really serious. As if on cue, the song “Nobody Wants to be Lonely” started blaring from inside the club.

“It’s because I love you. *Ya lublu tebya, Angela.” Marat said “But you’ve been trying to avoid that the whole time. Why won’t you let me love you? What are you scared of? Is it because of the image the media has brought me out to be? That you think I’m a playboy or something? None of that are true. When I’m in a relationship, I am in it. And right now, I want to be with you. Why won’t you let me?”

They were silent for a minute. The rain was getting heavier, and the thumping sound it was making on the umbrella Angela was carrying, and on the pavement was getting louder.

“It’s not that.” Angela said finally, “I know you’re not like that. I know you.” She looked into Marat’s eyes. “Marat, there are so many reasons why I shouldn’t…say…what I’m going to tell you now. So many reasons why I shouldn’t feel the way I am feeling…for you. Why I should be scared. But I was told not to be afraid. And I’ve decided to listen.” Tears started to form in her eyes. “So, I’m not afraid anymore. I won’t ever be afraid again.” Her tears fell like waterfalls. “I love you, Marat Mikhailovic. I’ve loved you from the first time I saw you. And I’ve never stopped since.”

Marat wiped her tears away. Then he pulled her towards him and he kissed her. She dropped the umbrella, held his face and kissed him back. They stood there under the rain for a few minutes.

“I want to go home now.” Angela said, against Marat’s neck.

“I’m not ready to go home yet.” Marat said.

Angela looked at him with a slight surprise.

“My apartment’s closer from here.” Marat told her. She smiled.

Marat went to get the car. Angela returned the red umbrella to the bouncer. And they drove to Marat’s pad.

Leo was right after all; she was going home somewhere else that night.

Back inside the club in the DJ’s booth, Leonid received a text message from Marat saying that he and Angela were heading to his apartment.

He was right after all, he thought. Angela wasn’t going home at Marat’s parents’ house that night. The song “Nobody Wants to be Lonely” has almost finished playing.

How appropriate, Leo thought with a smile. “Well, me neither…Now, where are those girls?” He said, talking to himself.

Maksim received a message on his cell phone. It said, “Thanks for the assist.” It was from Leonid.


*I love you