Witch

Charles worked at prestigious Moscow restaurant on Smolensk. The waiter. And like at the age of twenty eight years it would be possible to find already to itself employment become serious, than to smile to visitors and to accept orders, yes at least to grow to a post of the manager of a hall at the same restaurant, but to Charles was laziness. Laziness to be responsible for someone, except itself, laziness to wake up before three o'clock in the afternoon to come on job, laziness to think and make of the decision. And to a youth to it designated an outstanding career. Still: parents have attached in MGIMO, have involved communications to send the child not in any unpromising solitude, and at once – to Strasbourg, capital of Europe. Have beaten out a place in Consulate of Russia.

The consul out of respect for the status of parents suffered newly appeared enfent terrible the whole three months, yet has not understood, that else slightly, and it will turn grey definitively, having earned in addition a stomach ulcer because of nerves. Charles could not be found before midday, it did not remember the appointed meetings and preparation of necessary papers for negotiations, but the young man with interest compensated the day passivity at night. For three months in small European small town does not remain any restaurant where it would not be noticed on the rough party, any Russian girl whom he, and in most cases most advantageously, did not try to tempt, any wine pogrebka from which it would not pull out by means of police. The consul tore on itself hair and as could, rescued reputation of Russia in the opinion of the foreign colleagues, fairly impaired a little by the representative of "gilt youth".

To leave Strasbourg Charles did not want. The consul has been compelled to go for an extreme measure and to threaten with informing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The young man has drooped and, disappointed with routine and boredom of diplomatic job, has returned to Moscow. He tried to work in "Aeroflot" – of it have diligently got rid, then its miracle have attached the personal assistant to the head of Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – two-month "career" has ended with scandal, took the manager in travel agency – it has broken the transaction with "Siberia", him have expelled. There were some more places, but anywhere Charles could not hold on longer six months. It toshnilo from senselessness and melancholy of office existence. Really it was necessary to ruin own youth and a life as a whole on jumping at the crack of dawn – in eight mornings, to run in office, contemptiously to yawn there all day long and to receive tiresome and always the same scoldings? It left, it dismissed. The life settled into shape only in intervals between these "jobs".

After the lapse of three years of attempts, disappointments and drudgeries, Charles in a root has reconsidered the relations with a whimsical reality and couple of years did not work anywhere in general, actively pretending, that is occupied by creation of own business. The blessing, apartment on Smolensk has got to it from the grandmother, the father, inspired it is masterful the played interest of the son to the organisation of the company, resignedly paid bills of the child-overage, and mother on the quiet put a money «on pocket expenses». Before arising business to it there was no business, and here that at a sonny has appeared, at last, the constant girl pleased inexpressibly. Ekaterina Petrovna even has started to prepare secretly for wedding – after all one and a half year of the child already together live. But to Alain which so liked the future mother-in-law, absolutely inopportunely has managed to become pregnant. The poor thing for twenty minutes of a way from clinic to the house has had time to get used to thought that becomes fast it mum. And in heart inexplicable tenderness, pleasure and reverential trembling before expected miracle has arisen. It, womanly and enamoured, has found unintentionally sense of life. Has felt the mission put in pawn in it.

When it has entered, Charles smoked, standing at a kitchen window.

-Karlusha, — she has told tenderly and has embraced him behind, closely having nestled, — at me for you news.

What? – Charles has instantly turned back, having begun to smile in reply to mysterious and promising intonations Alains. – your parents have decided to give us the house before wedding? Here and correctly. And apartment we will hand over, thousand for two. Yes, the kid?

-Charles! – Alain has interrupted its enthusiastic monologue with a fast kiss. – I not about it wished to tell. Parents still have solved nothing.

About what? – Charles has disappointedly exhaled and again began to look out of the window.

Us with you will be the child! – Alain has fallen asleep with a happy smile on lips, anticipating as he now will be delighted as will seize it in an armful and will begin to whirl on apartment.

There has passed the whole minute. Charles was silent, it at all has not turned to it the person. And has then begun. Alain in any way did not expect such terrible reaction from the darling, reckless, it is simple not till the end of matured, the young man: he has turned pale, has become green, has run on pair minutes into a strange version of a coma, and has then hissed, hardly moving with lips: «immediately get rid!». Charles zatoshnilo from one thought on posterity. He also could not imagine, that on light suddenly there will be a being which will limit his life, to steal precious time and money, to demand attention and care. No! Not for this purpose he so passionately achieved freedom once to get in the silliest trap of paternity. Alain has burst into tears. Charles was relentless. In a week of the child did not become: he has brought the girl to clinic and sat – watched, that it has not run away anywhere. As soon as Alain has come to the senses so to collect things, it has left to parents. For ever.

Ekaterina Petrovna has become angry inexpressibly, couple of months refused to see precious "Karlushu". The father has stopped the payment of invoices. Dvadtsatisemiletnemu the boy had nothing to eat, and it has gone, at last, on job searches.           

The restaurant has seemed the offer tempting – to work it is necessary since six evenings, approximately till one o'clock in the morning, in day. A place convenient – in ten minutes of walking from the house. And people here dropped in sometimes rather and rather interesting. A trade of waiter Charles concerned philosophically. And not without success inspired to itself, that the primary goal of any correct expert of sphere of services – not to serve, and to create good mood to the client. He has learnt masterly, one kind to show love to visitors. Its eyes shone pleasure, the smile blossomed on the person at each word or even a sight turned to the client, it was nenavjazchiv and is precautionary simultaneously. It was necessary to the man to take out divine a cigar as Charles there and then appeared near to a lighter in hands, it was necessary to the lady to postpone devices and to take in hands a handbag, as Charles already was behind her back to remove a chair and to help it to rise. He knew all and all at the restaurant. It, as a true gourmet with the experience, painted advantages and flavouring shades of dishes. It remembered names-patronymics of constant clients, knew, that they prefer, to whom it is possible to talk about a life whom to pay a compliment and for whom to turn to the invisible being and to operate so as if no waiter is present and in pomine, and all changes on a table occur by itself, on magic.

To it gave generous tip. He paid in that unmistakably guessed and granted of desire of the client. All remained are happy.

But there was one more reason on which Charles has unexpectedly passionately grown fond of restaurant. Women. Languid or playful, talkative or silent, star or unknown: all as one was thrown on a young handsome man by mysterious sights. Charles was indeed extraordinary good itself. Shrill, vseponimajushchy a sight of brown eyes, long, slightly the curly hair which has been taken away in a tail, a courageous figure, elegant poses which it skilfully accepted before clients, and the happy pleasure of life radiated by all its being, resulted ladies in frenzy and secret delight. Someone at once, not thinking of questions of morals and own social superiority, left the card together with tip; someone long, throughout many months came to restaurant to observe and only then to start talking. Charles did not refuse to women, but also communications of these did not appreciate. Too easily they were given to it. Without trembling, without an anticipation, it simply took that itself went to hands, and cynically showed a master class.

In bed Charles was tireless. And, he addressed with the numerous mistresses so as if it them "removed" it for one night, instead of they it. Ordered, disposed, did not suffer objections. First the lady, being in a condition not always to it of habitual and full submission, only delightfully screamed and roughly sighed, then started to glance scaredly at the partner, then asked for mercy, and in the ending already simply peeped as the wounded mouse and tried to creep out from under the insatiable torturer. Each first meeting appeared last. Each lady, having come, after some days after that in restaurant, crookedly smiled in reply to a kind greeting of the waiter and utykalas in a plate. But invariably left royal tip.

To Charles it was pleasant, that, possessing bright gift to involve women, it did not admit close to itself(himself) any of them. He Too valued loneliness, independence, too long and diligently searched in a life for a way which allows not to adhere and not to become attached most. It with ecstasy served some kind of a toy in hands missing Moscow baryn, but at heart was firmly convinced in that, he plays. And women gave in to its and minute whim, gave everything, that he wanted, and then, having become impregnated with new sensations, left for ever. Whether did not establish long communications not to call suspicion of the precious husbands, whether were afraid, that the novel is any more an entertainment for one night – with the waiter will come up outside, whether were afraid of love. Who knows? But for this reason Charles also appreciated women from the higher circle – they, nateshivshis, it threw. Any tears and any ugryzeny, any «paternity traps». For their level it would be simply ridiculous.    

In Moscow secular lionesses and glamour adventurers sufficed. Every month Charles had time to learn from five to fifteen of them.

The dress of the late visitor – colours of an emerald under lamps and black agate in a shade — has drawn attention of the quick waiter at once as soon as it has entered. He has radiantly smiled. The lady has hardly looked, but Charles has had time to notice with surprise, that eyes of its same colour, as a dress. Having taken away a passionless sight, it has defiled by. By sight to it was years thirty, it is no more. Though who now will disassemble them, these become overripe girls, with modern plastikoj, botaksami, salons and other attributes of a worthy life. All «years thirty», yet you will not undress. She has chosen a separate office and has reserved cognac. Probably, was going to someone to wait: continually she glanced at a graceful watch on a thin wrist. And Charles span round it as on a frying pan, and did not understand, what is it suddenly on it has found: hardly restrained whether not to stick every second with a question «it is necessary that else». Heart beat without restraint, eyes were dimmed by a fog. For the first time the man behind its little table has lighted from own lighter, and the lady has risen itself. The manager of a hall has called up Charles and ordered to hurry with service of again come pair – such never precisely happened! At last, the stranger, probably so anybody and not having waited, has asked the bill. Charles flied to it as on wings. And it even has not lifted eyes – has thrown pure crackling denominations on a table and has left. With inexplicable trembling Charles touched the left money, dreaming to find out among them cut-away. Anything. But «on tea» it was necessary almost hundred dollars. The usual sum after high-grade service of the company from four-five persons. But not for a cognac glass!

Next morning Charles was ill. The temperature – exactly thirty seven and seven has risen. The head broke up, it became difficult to breathe. By the evening all has completely passed, but he has decided to be reinsured and not to leave before job the house. Even has drunk aspirin.

Not clear illness repeated now each time after Charles served at restaurant the lady with izumrudno-black eyes. It came, reserved a glass “Hennessy XO”, one sat thirty minutes and, having drunk cognac, left. After its visitings Charles, shivering approached to the become empty little table, in hope to find out desired cut-away. Each time it found only hundred dollars on tea.

From the moment of the first arrival of the stranger has passed forty days. Neither sights, nor hints, attempts to start talking – anything! Charles has lost rest and could not understand, that occurs: weigh its habitual vital way has been destroyed. It has ceased to react to other women – its thoughts have been occupied only by one. For all this time it has not used uniform, left to it, cut-away. There were no neither desires, nor forces. Moreover and the vile illness accompanied by a terrible migraine, did not give in the mornings rest though doctors unanimously confirmed as if it in a full order and did not wish to write out medicines. Charles handed over and handed over analyses, registered in consultations to experts. The verdict was one: excellent health and any deviations from norm. Really, by the evening all completely passed.

For the forty first night it was after usual – before the closing of restaurant. Charles already felt finished to a limit: he waited for it in habitual ten evenings, it has come to half first. Two and a half an hour have seemed to it for years. The most difficult was to create all this time visibility of service for clients and the manager of a hall — about ideal job of speech already and did not go: thoughts of the waiter were irrevocably far. When the door has opened and it has entered, Charles has shuddered all body though stood a back to an input in a hall. For the first time she has answered its smile with a long penetrating glance. Charles did not ask what to bring – silently has put before it a cognac glass. She hardly has considerably smiled.

The hall has become empty. All tables, except one, have been cleaned. Not finding itself of a place Charles, has dared to approach, at last, to it and unusually shivering lips to ask to the visitor a usual question:

-Something else?

The lady has looked at the waiter indulgently and has grinned.

-You … Also call me Leja. – she has added.

Charles's heart from all to scope has crashed somewhere downwards. And then he has felt, as Leja has taken hold of its palm is a touch has burnt through. As in a narcotic dream he went for the woman between tables and massive chairs «under olden time» which were familiar to it to last roughness, to each bend of drawing on a gobelin. Before the doors, blocking an input in restaurant, there was black "BMW". The driver, having caught sight of them, has jumped out of the car and has obligingly opened a back door for the mistress. And a lobby – for the captured gentleman. Charles with inexplicable pleasure has plunged into leather sitting and is unexpected for itself has instantly fallen asleep, having failed in blackness.

He has found out itself(himself) sitting on a sofa in huge apartment. On a coffee little table before it there was a bottle all the same “Hennessy XO” and two flaunted graceful konjachnyh a glass. Leja has approached also villages nearby, having drawn in under itself feet. Charles silently has marvelled grace from which it has accepted this, apparently, absolutely house, a pose. He has thought, that it is necessary to begin somehow conversation, but has not dared. Habitual questions from daily occurrence area «and where you work seemed absolutely silly in these unreal conditions?» Or «and who at us the husband?». They could be addressed everybody, only not to it.

In Charles's hand silently have enclosed a cool glass which an instant later has published a melodious ring from contact with its glass. Charles has mechanically brought the portion to lips and has drunk. Then it has approached to it the person and has softly concerned with the first kiss. Charles as if has felt the weak category of an electric current which has passed from lips and language downwards, on all body. It has risen and has called: «Go here!». He fluctuated the whole minute: at first wished to explain, that it is necessary to learn is better each other, then thought to suggest to drink still, but having looked on Leju which was above it, stretching a hand, and could not say words — has obediently risen and there and then has been carried away upwards on a ladder, in a bedroom. No bed in a room existed and in pomine. The small eminence which occupied all right half, has been covered by a soft carpet, and atop – a thick blanket and set of multi-coloured pillows. Charles have pushed on this motley mountain which without serious consequences has accepted it.

They undressed each other – hasty, with impatience, burning from fast touches. Body Lei released from clothes was shone in darkness by silver light and reflected the moon. Charles has been amazed to what young and thin its nakedness seemed. 

You a body pjatnadtsatiletnej girls. – Charles took a broad view of it the opened eyes.

Do not flatter me. – Leja has covered his eyelids with gentle kisses in which the flattered smile disappeared.

They loved each other long and exactingly. Charles reached the ending and, not leaving its body, in a minute started all over again. It coiled under it, sighed, groaned, even shouted, and it had to calm her, repeating endlessly «is more silent! More silently! More silently!» . Those minutes when Charles had a rest, laying in its embraces, the consciousness came back to it, and he had time to think, that for a long time already it was time to it to surrender. But Leja only burnt and nestled on it in the mute, violent request even more persistently. By the morning Charles has understood, that any more will not sustain minutes – hands and feet shivered, on all body such is painful-pleasant weariness has spread, what even a finger to stir he could not any more. But Leja looked at it shining eyes and, judging by playful shine in them, was ready to continue. Charles has raised with astonishment eyebrows – a maximum, on what it has appeared is capable – and has failed in a deep and forgetful dream. The last, that it has caught, passing from the reality world in dreamland, there were its words, on intonations more similar to grateful rumbling of a full cat: «Thanks! With you I have revived».

He has woken up only by the evening. Has opened eyes and has habitually plunged into a measured reasoning on a theme, where it and with whom. Has recollected. It was pulled. Muscles have responded a pleasant pain, as after good training. He has unwillingly looked at hours – there were six. chertyhnulsja, has risen, has put on and has gone on empty apartment in search of a bathroom. The room was, and even the fresh towel was is left on a regiment near to a washstand. And on a mirror which occupied practically all wall, the sheet of paper pasted by an adhesive tape with bright orange words «Leaving flaunted, slam a door». So Charles also has made, after has taken a shower, with simplification having carried a note to a category of "farewell".

The rest of day has passed excellently – Charles felt improbable ease, as if having suddenly released from inexplicable weight of last one and a half months. On road home he has glanced in liked cafe – was hungry as never in a life. And after a plentiful breakfast-supper has hardly reached the entrance, has risen on the lift on the fifth floor, has opened a door in apartment and with pleasure has fallen in own bed not to wake up about one tomorrow.

  It again worked with pleasure, unmistakably guessed desires of visitors and radiated such happy charm, that in a hall the eye could not tear off the majority of women from it. Gratitude of the treated kindly clients did not know borders. Now he each time left work with absolutely indecent razdutym a purse. And the collection of cards has expanded so, that bulged a pocket. However, Charles for some reason and has not used any of them since has spent night at Lei. One only time has come to it mind to spend with the woman the day off and on road from job it has started to deliberate the one to whom from ladies to call tomorrow morning to make an an appointment. It already has almost made a choice and has decided to stop on enough young actress – the protege and to the mistress of known show-mena – its patron has stepped for a long time over a mark "sixty" and hardly could indulge dvadtsatishestiletnjuju the beauty izyskami impetuous love. Funny, but sometimes Charles considered itself, almost as the benefactor: It with ease gave to the woman for pair hours so much pleasure and delights, how much their rich and dear sponsors, lovers, the husbands exhausted with job, a never-ending nervous tension and age illnesses, could not master and for half a year. But as soon as Charles was defined with a choice and has solved, who exactly becomes for the next day object of its passionate harassments, the head was suddenly pierced with a terrible pain. Whisky has compressed, as if in a vice, it became difficult to breathe. It has hardly reached the house and at once has laid down to sleep. Sutra has woken up in such nasty condition, that about any love affairs or even calls could not be and speeches.         

Lei Charles has felt approach in some minutes before the door in almost become empty hall of restaurant has opened. It was captured by a disturbing presentiment: the desire to see the new mistress struggled with desire immediately to disappear and run away. But he was not in time. And then all has repeated to within a minute: Charles has brought a glass with cognac, she has waited, while all visitors will disperse, took it for a hand and has brought to itself. This night has appeared is filled by the same violent passion, as previous. Both have happily got tired so, that have fallen asleep after the next local storm, not having worked at all to be separated.

So there has passed all next week. Leja came to restaurant when Charles worked, reserved cognac, waited closings and withdrew the waiter with itself. And the Charles in the new way of life has more deeply co-ordinated – where not he chose, not it tired, not he saw off to a threshold – the it would be desirable it to find lost freedom more. Leja has suddenly filled up itself all its time, all its vital space. In this space does not remain already places for what, except the one and only woman and habitual job. Charles has started to choke with monotony of a new way of life and all-consuming boredom. Yes, its mistress was in own way interesting and uncommon, yes, to it from it it was easy – so, that it seemed, as if he knows it already one thousand years. But this one thousand years of the same woman, the same actions, madly tired the same apartments. Charles was afraid to stick itself, was afraid to be caught on a hook of female feelings. It always successfully balanced on the verge – only passion and any collateral emotions, only pleasure and any continuations. But Leja one only the fact of the existence threatened this practice. He with horror has found out, that other women a little it interest now — it was necessary to think at least of someone from them as depression rolled and the head started to be ill terribly. Charles drank tablets and attributed a migraine to a syndrome of chronic weariness which pretty often overcame its eminent clients.

On Friday Leja has arrived to restaurant on an hour before the usual. As always, has reserved cognac and began to observe of Charles. Under its steadfast sight he felt disgustingly – all fell from hands, spilt and scattered. It became as a result absolutely clear that finish it cannot. Having referred to sudden weakness, Charles has asked the manager to release it before closing. Has quickly changed clothes in podsobke and left on street through an office input. Also has already passed – to be exact has almost run — kind three hundred metres, even has curtailed into a court yard, through which it was necessary to pass to get to the house as has heard behind the back silent rustling of tyres on asphalt. Black "BMW" has overtaken it, the back door and Charles instantly has swung open, not having been in time even to come round, has come to be inside.

Did not wish to see me today? – Leja spoke slowly, drawlingly, distinctly saying words.

No, — Charles has frowned from again rolled headache – not in it business.

-Here and well. – Leja has nodded. A head has released. – we need to talk.

-With pleasure. – Charles understood, that intonations give it away, but to hide the displeasure could not any more.

TH I know, that your life consists of a train of absolutely spontaneous events. – Leja has heaved a deep sigh. – in it is not present either a plan, or sense. You run from everything, that makes value of a life of any normal person. Neither families, nor children, neither career, nor achievements, even aspirations. Senselessness of life.

Charles listened, having frowned eyebrows, and thought of how its it is all has got. It was necessary to the woman to feel his life part, and it started to bring up, tried to get on its personal space and something there to change. That mum, that Alain, that now here Leja – business was all to it, all tried to impose to it grebanyj meaning of the life in that understanding in what it saw it. Is not present, it is time to stop these feeble efforts, to chop off on the roots. Did not suffice only that it tried to square and alter. To be rescued, by all means.

It not seems to-you, what I will understand? – Charles has looked at it almost contemptiously. – lived somehow to you.

-Somehow veins. – Leja has not reacted in his opinion and continued to speak, having turned away to a car window. – I do not know, how I have managed to get on this hook, but I have fallen in love with you. – Charles has hemmed. Leja has painfully frowned and has deeply sighed. — though one thousand years already anything similar done not happen. Such sensations, that feelings strong slept. 

-Has woken on the head! – Charles has grumbled, hiding the flattered smile.

-That's it. – Leja has covered eyes. – enough an easy touch, and I start to go mad. Enough a fleeting kiss that all in me has turned over upside down. And after all usually I hardly transfer affinity of other people. I am irritated, when dare to touch me. To you has not carried, poor my Charles – she has again heaved a deep sigh — I do not suffer semitones. It is necessary for me either everything, or anything. Clearly?

What?! – Charles was already ready to start to yell in reply to its shameless statement. — but you and so has occupied with itself all my time. I do not have either forces, or possibility, free minute to reflect about something else. – he was angry more and more. — you wish to catch me entirely? Will be it never!

TH has understood. – Leja has not turned to it a head. – fine I know what to try to give to the person is all the same more what to give it not that. It is a pity.

-Where we now? – Charles has tried to smooth sharpness of the words a little. – as always?

No. – Leja has looked to it in eyes. On cheeks its Charles with surprise has found out tears.

-Slu-at-ushaj, – it was pulled by a hand to her face, it was discharged – well do not take offence. Give we will agree. Simply at me the difficult period. I need time to think, to classify all. And all these «I can not be with you and I can not already be without you» time and again passed. 

Do not compare. – Leja it is angry has led shoulders. – go.

-Well, and that you want? – Charles was angry whether with this which goodness knows where from have fallen down it, the woman with its whims, whether that has allowed itself in all it to involve. – you wish to hear, what I like you?

No. – Leja has fastidiously frowned.

I also was not going to to you to say lies: I do not like. – Charles felt internal satisfaction of that has told all as is. Now, at least, she knows, that its intervention during his life not that it is undesirable – is impossible.

TH all has understood. – Leja has said words practically on syllables. – go.

TH you will call? – Charles has suddenly felt a disappointment prick: really she so will simply refuse it? And itself said, that likes.

Do not work me very hard. – Leja has again turned away. She waited, when it leaves the car. 

Charles left. The car has left, sharply having jerked from a place. In half an hour it has dialled its number – tube Leja did not take. To Charles became annoyingly. He has written the message. The answer has not followed. Strange, but has rolled vile feeling of loneliness and emptiness. 

Next morning gets up Charles could not – the headache was painful: tears continually in itself were rolled on eyes. He drank also aspirin, and tsitramon, and but-shpu: tablets did not help. In a head scraps of thoughts, images, images were stirred. The life seemed that chaos, a train of senseless events. It that tore urgently to correct something in system of the values it was irritated and decided not to change anything all to spite; that mentally was sorry at Lei for sharp words and thought, that it to it is not indifferent, was angry with it for all event and inspired to itself, that it is necessary to give to such woman will – and perekroit, not reflecting, you on own image and similarity. Leja also drew the dissimilarity on others, and pushed away that aspired to supervise all. Further Charles has lost a thread of own reasonings – thoughts have got confused one in another and uvjazli in own champing weight. He has ceased to understand, what now hour, and then – and what day of week. Even to reach a hand a mobile phone and to dial number of the doctor, it seemed to it a problem impracticable. Has what is the time passed in a condition of feverous and viscous drowsiness, Charles and could not define.

He has regained consciousness on a familiar sofa – in apartment Lei. Behind windows is eternal-celebratory evening Moscow shone , on a coffee little table candles burnt. Leja faced to a huge window a back to Charles and looked at fires of an unruly city. It has turned a head when Charles has made unsuccessful attempt to rise.

How yourself you feel? – Its voice sounded tenderly and warmly.

-Anything good. Charles has frowned. – how much I was ill, and how you have found me?

Not important. – she has mysteriously smiled. – but if very much you wish to know – you were sick exactly thirty days.

How?! – Charles was late was frightened for the life.

Do not worry. – Leja has approached to it and has sat down on hunkers at a sofa. – with you all in a full order.

Job? – Gradually the consciousness has definitively come back to it. Thoughts rushed about in a panic. For the whole month while it was absent in this world, much that could change.

Any more you do not work at restaurant. – Leja has stroked it on hair. – it does not approach you.

-What does it mean? – Charles has told it such zamogilno-severe voice, that at any normal woman heart in heels has left from fear. Leja only has smiled to it in the answer. – why not I have solved it?

. – Leja continued to iron it. – we have decided, that you will find something become more respectable. For now you search, you will have a rest and you can understand, at last, that you want from this life. 

TH I do not know! – Charles nearly has not choked in own anger. – and the nobility of it I do not want! How you could get into my affairs? How you have dared?

-Here so. – Leja has smiled. – You would not risk anything to change.

Charles's first thought was to crush its fragile body, to get rid at once of all – and from a new uninvited life, both from the woman, and from problems. But the anger inside its beings as has come across there something soft has not had time to rise: on Charles has rolled sudden, inexplicable calmness.

On what I will live without job? – Only he also has told, with interest peering in darkness of its black pupils.

Do not worry. — Leja has playfully looked at it green eyes and has cast away a blanket – Money has no value.

Charles many times tried to understand, how could occur, that it has stayed without memory of the whole thirty days and it has appeared as a result at Lei. But during that moment as soon as he started to reflect especially persistently on this theme at once fell asleep. And having woken up, already what such did not recollect. Its life has got new regularity – he began to sleep very much, sometimes for fifteen-eighteen hours a day. Woke up to eat or make love only. When Leja after is painful-long pleasures fell asleep with it nearby, it absolutely subconsciously pressed it to itself(himself) strong-strong, as if the little boy who embraces a plush bear in a dream. And after a while felt through a dream as it cautiously gets out of its embraces and somewhere leaves. To Charles was laziness to find out where it constantly disappears, and he again fell asleep. Then it came back: prodrogshaja, also got to it under a blanket. «Where you were?» — he asked, not waking up. « On kitchen » — answered Leja, shivering all body –« there it is cold ». Dozing, he again embraced her, pressed to itself and felt, how its flesh is filled again with desire. Leja it was warmed quickly. 

So, in thoughtless and happy languor, there have passed some months. Gradually the consciousness came back to Charles. He has ceased to sleep as the baby — to sleep, now nine-ten hours quite sufficed it. And as in the afternoon Leja was absent – its job demanded devil's a great lot of time – it quite often, having gone in shop and having made something for a supper, was filled up to sleep. But at night, as well as it was peculiar to its nature, has again learnt to be awake. And in one perfect evening has made with what interfered earlier, goodness knows where from undertaken drowsiness: when at night Leja once again has cautiously got out of bed, Charles, having waited for some minutes, has followed it. It has gone down on tiptoe from a bedroom downwards. Lei was not in a bathroom – light is switched off also a door is outside closed, there was no it and on kitchen. Suddenly he has noticed any movement on a loggia – has crept and has seen, how the prompt shade was threw in the Moscow night from a parapet. Charles has scaredly called Leju aloud. Its call remained without the answer. It has risen in a bedroom, has put on, took cigarettes and left on a loggia.

Charles smoked – long and nervously, touching and kneading the cigarette fingers, one for another. Has started to dawn. The sky from the deep black has turned in grey, the biting wind has blown. There was such sensation as if air streams have concentrated on one, enough narrow, a footpath and, not mentioning other space, rushed on this most, it is not known whom laid, a track. Then suddenly in air not under control fear has hung – Charles has felt as its all body and has instinctively sat down, having hidden for a parapet. A second later the rustling sound was distributed, the storm from a dust both small grains of sand has risen, and Charles nearly has not thrown a strong stream of air about a wall. It has seized for a handrail and by miracle was kept. When it has wiped eyes which have appeared are filled up by small sand, over it stood Leja – bared, with the hair dismissed and confused by a wind. Her eyes were shone by green light and impetuous rage. Charles has involuntarily moved back from it. Light in eyes has gone out, on change to it surprise and a fright have come. A minute later she has regained self-control, has jostled Charles in apartment and has entered itself. Has thrown shoulders with the silk dressing gown left on a chair and, knocking teeth, has silently said: «Calm down. Go to sleep».

-Yes about what you?! – Charles left a stupor and has shouted at it to muffle own fear – I all the same now I will not fall asleep! Never!

Do not exaggerate. – villages Leja for a table, muffling up in a dressing gown, and poezhilas. – Put better tea. Hot it would be desirable.

-So, means, you … me … I … that is are all were sorcery?! – Charles still shouted and shivering hands poured water in an electric teapot. It the fever too banged. The common sense refused to participate in an event, having given way to emotions.

-Become silent, neighbours you will wake. — she has deeply sighed, has risen and took from a sofa a plaid. Has muffled in it. – About sorcery – I do not know, as to tell. Partly – yes, partly – is not present.

To TH why I?! – Charles with scope has struck by the teapot button. – veins to itself it is quiet, stirred to nobody, touched nobody! Could not find to itself other idiot?

Could not. – Leja has smiled and with tenderness at it has looked. – For some reason with you has fallen in love.

-Yes about what you?! – Charles has flopped on a chair on other party of a table. – what love? You, you …

It is not necessary so to worry. – has interrupted it Leja. She wished to touch his hand, but it has recoiled. – you wished to tell – "witch"? But it, that is I, too the woman. And to blame for this love, by the way, except you, there is absolutely nobody.

-Why it, interestingly? – Charles again shouted.

Be not nervous. – has again repeated Leja and has reflected for a second. – I will explain. You understand, between us and people since olden days there is a contract: we do not touch positive, valuable copies, people do not climb in our affairs. Otherwise balance of the world will be broken.

-My God, delirium what! – Charles has clasped hands a head and has fallen on a chair.

Do not speak! – has cheerfully supported Leja. – But works. – she already has more seriously added. – look. The witch, for example, not begins to apply for the decent man: first, it is less subject to its influence – than more at the person of defects and the is worse he understands, what for lives, the gives in to sorcery is easier; secondly, according to the law, it is necessary for leaving to the weaker sex. Otherwise the human race will interrupt. You represent, that will be, if we not capable to a child-bearing, we will take away to themselves respectable husbands, and to women we will leave idlers like you which do not wish neither to work for the mankind blessing, nor to breed.

Leja has risen, has poured to itself of hot tea and has again fallen on a chair.

-Besides the usual woman, - continued it — not a witch, will reach nothing in your world without support of men: the strong male who will provide the patronage, a material resources, the help is necessary to it. See attentively all these star biographies – on the majority of them all you will understand. And here it is not necessary for a witch any protektsy: it and itself is capable to manipulate, concentrate forces, to achieve. Therefore also presumes the man who does not represent for a society, for a life of the mankind, any interest. Would not like you to offend a word "garbage", but as a matter of fact so it and is. Gloomy alcoholics, malicious bachelors, "roll-field", should sense, the purpose – here our clients.

Charles did not react in any way to speeches Lei – sat, having hung a head on a breast and having closed eyes. It was hardly considerably shaken here and there.

TH we do not complain. – Leja continued to speak – its voice became zavorazhivajushche-deep. – at such as you, are the advantages: they are not burdened by responsibility, affairs, care and consequently save impetuous temperament. And for us it means very much. See you with you I really long time did not live almost. All energy left on supervising over the company. Competently to operate to the personnel, to save profit, to hold «on privjazi» the Ministry and to win round people. And now you, that not noticing, give me huge vital forces and power. And business was put in motion. 

You such? – To Charles it became suddenly rather terrible. Habitual representations about a life were scattered in a dust.

There is-enough. – Leja has grinned. – Look back around. Newspapers, whether that, esteem.

How?! – Charles has begun to blink eyes, as if trying to get rid of a mote. – also that, and …

It is not necessary names. – Leja has wearily sighed. – you the fairly clever boy.

-Listen, — Charles spoke through set teeth – do not dare to manipulate me more. What you did, I all the same will leave. To you it is clear?

-Can be. — Leja has disappointedly looked at it – It is impossible to possess the person against will. But before think. Your life can get the present sense, I am capable to give you possibilities of which you and did not dream earlier. Only solve, that you want. Only tell!

No.

-Lines! – Leja has become angry, in the opinion of it polyhnul green fire. Then it took herself in hands. – and you want, I will make so that your child was born in due time. The girl. It would be now live.

-Lag behind!!! – Charles has jumped because of a table and has rushed to an entrance door.

Do not leave, at least for the sake of itself!

These words have reached Charles for a second before it from all force has slapped heavy, upholstered with iron, a door.  

Leja has constrained the word and has left Charles alone. He did not suffer any more a headache, did not feel internal obstacles to own thoughts, did not suffer a sleeplessness or, on the contrary, constant desire to sleep. It only avoided now independent women who have achieved in a success life. Though after history with Leej the weaker sex in general has for a while ceased to exist for it: he did not search and did not use new acquaintances.

After couple of weeks after leaving from Lei it was arranged in new, only here one of these days, the opened restaurant. And the life has gradually started to come back in a habitual channel. The summer has ended, there have passed September and October. Charles worked, met friends, rejoiced vnovobretennoj to freedom and avoided women. And then, as usually, at restaurant he has met Lena. The young mistress of the elderly oligarch. To it it was painfully boring – papik has departed on rest with a lawful family on the whole two weeks. Lenochka anywhere did not work and killed time that slept in the forenoon, went to beauty salons and went with girlfriends on boutiques and cafe. This time they all company have come to reconnoiter, what is this a new place on Arbate and for its what reason so desperately praise.  

Lenochka it was pleasant to Charles. Neither on the business lady, nor on beginning politician, on arising star the girl was not similar. Ambitions any, conversations on rags. She talked without a stop about the is thoughtless-glamour life and fondly made eyes at the waiter. Charles has sighed with simplification and has relaxed. This time he has taken the initiative in hand. Courted around their little table, made jokes, it is dazzling smiled, did compliments and looked on Lenochku enamoured eyes. Girls also have not noticed, how time has flown by, having sat up to closing. Diligently having got rid of unnecessary girlfriends, Charles was called to spend Lena to the car. It did feeble attempts to be released from importunate guardianship of a young handsome man: thoughts that it is not good to deceive the kind and generous person – its precious PalOlegycha, did not give rest. But Charles was irresistible, its easy touches "accidentally" burnt and praised to skies. Lenochka has thawn. Little by little, and she has agreed to bring up it – as to the Smolensk hand a tax.  

In twenty minutes it has parked pink "Mercedes" at its house. Through thirty they already undressed each other in its apartment and kissed as madwomen. Charles has just now felt, that all these months abstention cost to it. In it as if the mad, insatiable animal which prepared for attack has woken up, aspired to seize and not to let out the victim from claws to full they be is not present, all the same they be exhaustion. Yes, with the nature it is difficult to argue. What it was the fool that has given in to fear after all these silly cock-and-bull stories Lei and so long veins without women.

Lenochka was blissfully happy in its embraces – strong, exacting, rough. She has forgotten for a long time already, as it happens, when the young and passionate man wishes you so, that the love becomes similar to aspiration to destroy. From excitation, from delight, how it has compressed it, it has started to lose consciousness and has become soft in strong hands. Charles has torn off from it, become suddenly motionless, a mouth the lips and has opened eyes. That he has seen before itself(himself) has forced heart to fight often-more often, and cold sweat large drops polosovat a high forehead and a suntanned back. It was person Lei. With thin, laughing lips, with eyes in which green fire danced. More precisely, not only the person, and all it. Perfect and shining with silver light Leja it was shaken from silent laughter in its embraces which for horror it could not even open. In Charles all has broken and has freezed for fear.

* * *

Ekaterina Petrovna has started to worry already the day before. Usually Charles always appeared for days-two before the birthday and hinted ancestors what not bad to give it a gift. Especially considering, for example, that fact, that its "Ford" is any more the car. Or that time has come, to replace the old TV normal "plasma". This time he at all has not called.

In the street brought down snow. Strange, early still – the beginning of November. Ekaterina Petrovna could not sleep longer. It has asked the husband to give it the driver with car and has gone on Smolensk.

Door long did not open. Well though the spare key was at it with itself. Ekaterina Petrovna has unlocked the lock and has entered into apartment. As always, things have been scattered everywhere where only it is possible: on a floor without slippers it was opposite to go – stockings to a dirty tile stuck. Ekaterina Petrovna has heaved a deep sigh and has gone to a bedroom. If Karlusha there were houses – that to find it now was possible only in a bed: to its measures was still too early.

He really slept, but for some reason having undressed only half and across a bed. Its eyes were to a floor-are covered, and the skin seemed unnaturally pale. Ekaterina Petrovna has touched powerlessly hanging down hand, was drew aside and has cried – the brush of her son was cold as marble.

Young children in shape have rummaged around each corner of apartment – tried very much: the chief has warned, that very important people have suffered. Nothing specified in that indoors someone recently has visited, except its owner. On a body also it was not possible to find out a uniform bruise, a cut or a bruise – that is any traces of a violent death. Have authorised for export in a mortuary.

Opening has shown, that the young man has died from heart rupture. About three days ago. Not having lived sixty hours to own dvadtsatidevjatiletija.     

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04.09.2007 16:49 Thanks for the story. Everything was inexpressibly familiar, cho by you is written.

P.S.: witches exist
Galina

21.09.2007 17:01 has interested.) there is such coil of thought... uvlekkaet. It would be desirable semantic loading. I will wait for new stories. Thanks.
Tatyana

23.09.2007 12:43 Mother my woman...
DJANA

26.09.2007 09:48 To what a correct name of the protagonist. Charles, Karlusha... In it there is something shutovskoe, dwarfish, left unfinished. The name for itself speaks.
backoffice

08.02.2008 13:38 Excellent raskaz! Carries away, tightens, it is impossible to come off. I re-read again and again, worrying, as for the first time.
And why that at once zahotedos to buy a silk dress of emerald colour))
Lea