The love that changed me

Chapter2

After school I wait for Ethan. We live in the same apartment building. So we are neighbours. That’s how we became friends on the first place. At the beginning I thought that he is stalking me. Later we start helping each other, have deep conversations, or just hanging out. I don’t know how but our personalities just matched. And actually I feel very calm and good in his company. We can stay and talk for hours about everything. With him I can be myself without being judged or criticised.

“Baby, did you finish your classes?” He said approaching me and I nod my head “What do you want to have for lunch?”

“Ethan, let’s go home. I’m in a mood for something homemade. I’ll cook.”

We return in my condo where originally I live with my mother, but she is always travelling with her boyfriend, so almost all of the time I’m alone. While I’m cooking Ethan and I chat about how our day was. We do that everyday. I’ve made some Russian recipes that my grandma taught me. I really miss my life in Moscow. My grandparents are the only people who ever loved me and took care of me.

“Wow, Mari your cooking is so good baby. I can eat that everyday. I enjoy the Russian cuisine so much. I have to try more.We should visit your grandparents. I want to meet them. Why not go in the summer vacation?”

“Well the idea is not so bad, you know I miss them a lot. But I have to study for my exams. I have to make it into the college. It’s important for my mom. If I fail to become an engineer she will throw me out.”

“I know, I know. Where is she by the way? She haven’t been home for almost 3 months, but somehow keeps torturing you. This woman is the devil.” He said

I look at him and don’t know how to respond. Actually I myself have no idea where my mother is. Since I started living with here it have been this way. She come home for 3-4 days. Make my live living hell and then disappear for several months. But call me from time to time to check on me and of course to remind me about my studies and “our” dream. She is the most domineering person I have ever met.

“She is gonna come home when is time for my exams.” I replied simply avoiding his gaze while digging in my plate “I have to go to the math club. I’ll come home late this evening.”

“Okay. I’ll wait for you. I’ll prepare dinner and then we can have something to drink.” Ethan said

“Whatever you like” I answered and start preparing myself for going out

At the math club my teacher Mrs. Roberts is waiting for me. After five hours of solving math tasks we are both exhausted.

“Marissa, you have to stop doing this to yourself and to me. You are so smart and I’m sure that the university is going to accept you. But I’m not sure that you can make it there alive. You lost so much weight and your face is so pale. Do you even have time to sleep? How can you be so hard on yourself. Success can’t be on the price of our health and wellbeing. Please child, take good care of yourself.”

“Thank you for your concern Mrs. Robins! I’ll do my best in the future. You know how important this is to me.” I replied and start to pack my stuff.

Outside the building I saw Ethan waiting for me in front of his car.

“Baby, it very late and I come to fetch you. I’m worried for you coming home alone this late at night.”

“Thank you, Ethan! I’m so tired than I’m going to pass away any minute. Please bring me home.” I said to him while laying on the back of the car.

20 minutes later we arrive in from of our building.

“Come on, Mari! Let’s go upstairs. You have to eat something and then you are going to sleep in your bed.”

I look at him half asleep and just nod. I don’t have strength to talk.

We go at my apartment where Ethan serves me a big salat and chocolate cake. This is actually what I eat. Salat and something sweet. He knows me very well. “Thank you” I murmured

I took of my clothes and go to the bathroom for shower. After that I just dropped myself on the bed. I haven’t been sleeping well the past week and I had so much work to do at school and in the math club. I really need some peaceful time to rest.

“Good night, Mari! I’m going to go home now.” Ethan said and I saw him preparing to leave

“Please, Ethan stay with me. I don’t want to be alone. Hold me to sleep.” I murmured while waving for him to come in my bed.

I nestled myself in his arms and drifted to sleep.