New Year's miracle |18+

Jillian “Girl, my advice to you, you'd better not knock there” a shout from an elderly woman made her freeze with her hand raised. Jill turned around, trying to figure out in the dimness of the entrance corridor who was giving her advice. A typical elderly "granny", one of those who are always gossiping and spending the day and night at the peepholes of their doors, even now, in the modern world, in the era of the Internet. She had a beige beret on her head, and she was wrapped up in a burgundy coat and looked very impressive. Beside her, an obviously overfed, half-asleep dog was lazily and heavily waddling from paw to paw. The dog somehow immediately felt sorry. The old lady, unknown to her, by the way, was also not distinguished by her slimness, but that was her choice, but the animal definitely suffered because of the "compassion" of the hostess. “Why?” I didn't understand Jill's previous warning. “I need to talk.” “Whatever you sell there or try to impose, it's better not to meddle with this person. He's crazy.” and granny, in a characteristic gesture, twirled her finger at her temple. Even the dog, as if supporting the hostess, decided to yap, sending a hum down the corridor. “I'm not selling anything, I need to talk to the landlord,” and the bell didn't work. “Of course. This madman didn't pay the bills” his electricity was cut off a month ago. Tired of persuading and trying to negotiate. He yells obscenities at everyone and almost throws himself with his fists. Or maybe even run it with a bottle. With indignation at such behavior, the woman lamented in her heart. “My God, what have we come to? But our house is decent, new. Everyone is such a nice person. And then this one. No, well, just a madman, no other way. Although it seemed normal before. In the last year, it covered him. And he started drinking heavily. Alcohol is the root of all troubles.” not a young woman seemed to ponder after this decisive remark, while her dog looked melancholically into space in front of her, no longer showing signs of life. Jill didn't really have time. Neither to this sympathetic neighbor, nor to her dog, nor to just hang around here, corroded by doubts, fears and uncertainty about how the owner of the apartment will react to her appearance. Meeting him wasn't the last item on her to-do list for today. So, it was necessary to gather the will into a fist and still ensure that she was opened. Of course, there was a possibility that no one was home. He could have gone out to the store or somewhere else, right? Then it is clear why no one opens and is not even curious about what the noise is under the door» And yet, despite the lump in her throat and trembling hands, Jill had no right to just turn around and leave. “No, you know, if you think about it, he now takes out only bottles and garbage. And at night, everything, most importantly, seems to be afraid that he will be seen. Or afraid of people. He's gone wild. And stupid. And before, I would not have thought: a jacket, tie, shirts – as from the picture. And he drove such a car, all the girls from the nearest houses kept an eye on him. And here it is, rushed along the curve.” Behind Jill's back, the grandmother continued to lament, who, apparently, was just curious to find out how everything would end, so she did not leave with her unfortunate dog. And Jill. She listed in her mind the reasons why she couldn't just turn around and leave now. In the end, she was asked. Not the last person asked, friend. And she agreed. So now it's too late and ugly to shirk. Unlike some, Jill always keeps her word. Repeating this to herself once more, she resolutely raised her hand again. Wow. There are still a few snowflakes on the sleeve of the jacket, the first snow of the year has begun on the street. And for some reason, the sight of these magic crystals, miraculously not melted in a warm room, gave her a fighting mood. Taking a deep breath, as if motivating herself with the scent of her favorite perfume with a taste of her beloved grapefruit, Jill decisively knocked on the door. It swung open literally in a split second, giving rise to a vague suspicion that the owner of the apartment was still very interested in the noise under his shelter and had been following what was happening for some time. Otherwise, I wouldn't have opened it so quickly. Perhaps by listening, or perhaps by looking at them through the peephole. Or the camera that was installed on his videophone. Although there is no electricity. But at this particular moment, the mystery of how to get information had become the least important for Jill. Because the heavy, furious gaze of incredibly bright, as if unreal, eyes stared straight at her, the expression of which she often could not guess and approximately. “What the f**k do you need?” the landlord barked in such a tone that she flinched. “Get out of here, you old witch.” However, he did not look at Jill at the same time, but at the same curious and talkative granny behind her back. She even gasped, seeming to shudder all over, forcing Jill to look around. The poor little dog also screamed. “Fie on you. Crazy fool.” the neighbor snapped, almost crossing herself, snorted indignantly and, as if ashamed of her curiosity, nevertheless went down the stairs, pulling her pet along with her. “Rude, where is the world going?” her indignant voice continued to be heard. It is unclear, of course, maybe he will stop on the first floor, listening further. And maybe, after all, he will finally go out on the street. The animal probably wanted to take a walk. Although now, it's not her problem at all. Jill turned back to the door, literally feeling the back of her head as she was being studied, as if pressed into the floor by this light gaze, weighing several tons, piercing and full of hidden meanings. And not an ounce of friendliness. However, she did not expect it. And it's not for him to show character here, to be honest. Of course, she had to remind herself of this, but still she managed not to look away, and she kept her shoulders as straight as ever. He frowned even harder, clenched his teeth, clenched his lips so that they seemed to completely disappear from his face. “Why did you come?” quieter than his neighbor, but still snapped. Friendly, the man's tone could not be called a stretch. “Hello, Hank.” the greeting sounded silly, a little ridiculous. But she simply needed some kind of introduction in order to gather herself and not "crumble" into small fragments under the gaze of those eyes. It's too hard. It still hurts. Especially because she remembered well how they used to warm her with their warmth. However, it was Jill who tore everything up after what he had done, what he had done to them. With her. And she didn't forgive me, no matter what. And the bad heart ached anyway, and the soul seemed to be torn into slices at that moment, forcing it to bleed. But she wasn't going to show it to him. As well as the fact that it was painful and hard for her to see what he had sunk to, what he had become. And it's not about external abrasions or scars. The man did not respond to the greeting. He continued to stare at her from under his frowning brows, pursing his lips and clenching his jaws until vertical folds appeared on his unshaven, sunken cheeks. No wonder his neighbor thinks he's crazy. How else did you not write down maniacs and monsters? Because of the rough scar, not yet completely whitened, that crossed his forehead and descended to his temple, as if hanging over his face, Hank's facial expressions seemed even more sullen. But looking at these footprints, she could only think of his pain and her own horror, wild agony, when Douglas called her to the hospital then. Okay, not about that now. And Hank doesn't care about her sympathy and pain. So, there's nothing to regret. “Can I come in?” feeling more and more uncomfortable on the threshold of his apartment, which looked like a dark passage from a light corridor to a cave of a wild beast, she somehow pushed her chin even more. He disoriented her. Always. It was confusing and confusing. He carried me into such a crazy whirlwind of feelings and emotions that I had to collect my mind "piece by piece". As is the heart, however. Always at the maximum and to pieces. She cannot step on the same rake again. Besides, it's not that someone pulled her there, on these rakes. “No.” he said, as he cut off, somehow stooping his shoulders so sternly that he seemed to be hanging over her, and this was felt very strongly, because he was a whole head taller than her. “You can't.” as if not trusting her, Hank also rested his hand on the door jamb, completely blocking the passage. Jill raised an eyebrow in surprise, hoping that the look betrayed all her irony and surprise at his similar behavior. “Douglas asked me to talk to you. Do you want me to discuss the issues and problems of your company in the hallway of the entrance?” she chuckled, not giving away how his attitude cut inside. Can't wait. Hank hesitated. It was noticeable. Another frown from under the frowning eyebrows, a crooked grimace, as if his nails were being pulled out, but he did not want to give in. However. Jill knew what she was focusing on. Anyway, she knew a lot about this man, even if not as much as she thought or would like a stupid woman's heart. And she didn't just say what she said. It is highly doubtful that he will discuss the details of their business where anyone can hear it. And he won't let her either. And, confirming such assumptions, Hank still stepped aside, "opening" a narrow passage to his apartment. “Come in.” he snapped abruptly and sharply, accompanying this invitation with such an angry look that there was not a single doubt left: he believed that he was left with no choice. And Hank didn't like being cornered very much. Neither did Jill, though. So here they are even. And, lifting her chin higher, inhaling deeply her favorite grapefruit fragrance, she stepped past Hank into the darkness of the monster's hideout. Hoping that she's successfully showing how much she doesn't care about him. Only after going into the apartment, which she had known well before, did Jill think that there could be other reasons for his unwillingness to let her inside, besides the nasty nature. Although the latter should not be excluded. But. Hank might just not want to show her his place now. The apartment was dark. It's not surprising if you remember everything that grandma talked about. Air. Contrary to her fears, after the same story from Hank's neighbor, the apartment did not stink of alcohol or anything like that. In principle, there was no stench at all. Quite the opposite. She was enveloped in very fresh frosty air, in which there was barely any admixture. Probably alcohol. Or maybe "dry alcohol". Jill would say it's cold enough in the apartment. Very. She didn't feel hot in a nice, warm thermal jacket. And there was no desire to remove the scarf from his head. It's like the windows are wide open somewhere. And it's freezing outside and the very first snow. Only now had she noticed that Hank himself, in trousers and some kind of fleece sports jacket with long sleeves, was unusually insulated for him. And somehow managed to block the heating locally? Or is he just airing? Unclear. There was not enough lighting, only some reflections from the kitchen reached here, dim and weak. Candles? Some kind of alcohol burner, from which the smell could come? She wouldn't have guessed. And you could expect any of these options from Hank. Besides, right now, he didn't seem to her not only drunk, but also slightly drunk. So, she was leaning towards the burner option. The darkness made it difficult to really look around, but it seemed that the hallway was now empty. And even somehow booming. Only the wardrobe stood alone and a little uncomfortable against the wall, flashing with huge mirrors on the doors. The corridor looked just as empty, there was no lamp under the ceiling, which she remembered. What's in the other rooms is not visible. Deciding not to delay the examination and literally feeling how he was boring into her back with a heavy gaze, clearly realizing that Jill was looking at everything, she pretended not to feel any emotions. And, tightening her fingers in her pockets, she turned to him. "Can I go to the kitchen? Or shall we stop here?" she calmly clarified, ignoring this "creepy" silence, harsh looks and the very atmosphere of his apartment. The very taste of the cave has not gone away. Hank slowly closed the doors, methodically double-checking the lock. He froze, looking at his hands in a kind of stupor, as if he himself did not understand why he was doing this. Jill is also surprised, by the way, then drives away, then cuts off the escape routes. At that moment, he looked up at her. "Why did you come, Jill?" quietly, but still in the same unfriendly tone, he clarified, ignoring her question. And with some other intonation: either fatigue, or sadness, it is impossible to make out. He passed his palm heavily from his eyebrows to the back of his head, as if he wanted to stretch his head, but not with her. As if he hadn't noticed, he shrugged his shoulders. It can be seen that it still hurts. But we are too proud to show it; too arrogant to admit human feelings and weaknesses. With a mental snort, she didn't argue. "Douglas asked me." You're having problems. And serious, as far as I understand. Your friend needs help. "Why didn't he come himself?" Hank grimaced in disbelief. Good question. Jill had an answer, too. However, she still couldn't understand how she allowed herself to be persuaded to come here? “He's trying to sort out the problems that have arisen. Not very successful, if you want to know my opinion. You know, it's not his thing.” Jill shrugged. And walked up and down the hallway. It's cold, though» How does he stand in one hoodie and socks? «And besides, I think he's scared. “Douglas?” Hank chuckled gruffly, jerking his head awkwardly. The consequences of the injury probably affected. So he did not go to physiotherapy normally... She again mentally reminded herself that this was the least of her concerns. Hank himself had done everything to destroy their relationship, carried away by other prospects and temptations, barely properly promoted his company. It's painfully ironic that now she kind of agreed to help them save her, after such a flight from Douglas. "Why should he be afraid of me?" twisting his incredulous face, he stopped his laughter. “I think he's ashamed. Jill shrugged her shoulders. Well, he's afraid of your reaction. After all, he screwed up a lot with the last order.” an obvious reason for her, but it seems to be rare for Hank. He was still looking at her suspiciously and with disbelief. “Okay. Come on, you can tell me more about it over tea.” finally, he clicked his tongue, rubbed his head again with a short haircut, even in appearance as prickly as the character of this man. And, not interested in whether she wanted to drink tea with him, in fact, he went towards the kitchen. There was almost no lameness left. Or just not tired. And despite all the arguments, reservations and nuances, she was still pleased that Hank was gradually recovering from the accident, whatever it was. Tea. She didn't want to have tea with him. She didn't want to be there, in a house with which the happiest and most painful, humiliating moments of her life were connected. She didn't want to help either Douglas or Hank, who betrayed her as only a loved one can betray, trampling and destroying her, for the sake of other fleeting desires. Jill would just like to leave. But she couldn't help but help Douglas, whom she considered a friend. Yes and. There are a lot of "but", "if", "and yet". Therefore, without undressing and without taking off her shoes (the carpet had also disappeared from the floor), she followed Hank.