Failed birthday plan and future plans
1039 Words
“So, Maria”
Natia turned to face Vera. After the troublesome fish course, Natia was given a bowl of water to 'dip her fingers'. They were now having a sorbet before the main course.
“Tell us about yourself. It seems like everyone here knows so little about you.”
“Uh, okay.” Everyone was looking at her and Natia felt like being interviewed. And something about how Vera was looking at her put her in a sense of unease.
“Well. My name is Trinity Maria... but, you already know that.” She heard a snicker from her side. She fought hard the urge to kick Aleksandr under the table.
“Relax dear, it’s not an interview.” Said Valentin.
“I am a senior in high school. I turned seventeen on the eighth of this month. I live with my grandpa in San Francisco and I love swimming, reading and camping. Yeah.. that’s pretty much it.” Natia said.
“Do you live near the ocean?” Asked Sofia.
“Yeah. We live by the beach.”
“Then I wouldn’t mind paying a visit sometime.” Sofia said in her haughty voice. But there was a dreamy look in her eyes which made Natia wonder what the actual deal was.
“Sonia?” Both Sofia and Natia turned to face Vera.
“Maria will be staying with us from next year, remember? Do you want to visit her before that?” She asked Sofia, pursing her lips.
“I guess not.” Sofia mumbled, disappointed. Then her face lit up like she had got another idea.
“ Maybe I can celebrate my birthday there. You know, with my friends?” She asked hopefully.
Vera raised a stern eyebrow at her. “We planned your birthday celebration in Paris, this time. Did you forget?”
“That’s a formal party. I mean a trip with my friends!”
“Alright. We will plan something. There are plenty of nice autumn destinations in Europe.”
“Or I can go to San Francisco.” Sofia seemed determined.
“No.” Vera said sternly.
“That’s not fair. Sasha goes wherever he wants. Why can’t I?” She almost whined.
Aleksandr sniggered at that. “Oh! So, it was all part of your ‘I am an adult too’ movement. I was beginning to wonder whether you had fallen in love with little Maria here, at first sight.”
“I am an adult. I turned eighteen last October.” Sofia responded heatedly, irritated.
“Unfortunately, you are still mama-bear’s little cub.” Said Valentin with a sympathetic expression.
“Thank god, I am not!” Muttered Aleksandr under his breath, which only Natia heard.
Natia was watching the conversation curiously. She was wondering why Sofia, who was almost nineteen, was seeking permission to go on a trip with friends. She was under the impression that you became independent the moment you turned eighteen. That was definitely not the case here, at least in the case of Sofia. Vera was still the decision maker in the matters of Sofia, while Aleksandr enjoyed his freedom. She also noted that only Sofia called Vera ‘mama’ while Aleksandr called her.... tyatyo? tyotya? something like that, which probably meant aunt, since he mentioned her earlier as aunt Vera.
Vera sighed. “I said no, because the beaches in San Francisco are not safe.” She then looked at Natia like she was expecting her to confirm what she said.
Natia was surprised. ‘The beaches in San Francisco are not safe?!! Of course they were safe. Why-ever would someone suggest otherwise?'
“They are-” She started, but got interrupted by Aleksandr.
“Yeah, I heard that too. There is the problem of rip currents, right? It’s dangerous for swimming?” Now, he was also looking at Natia for confirmation.
‘Oh, that!’ Natia thought. ‘Rip currents are a problem, especially on the oceanic beaches of San Francisco bay. If you are an inexperienced swimmer, there is a chance of drowning. But, you only have to take caution. Natia has been swimming in those waters for as long as she can remember. She knew how to break free and swim out of the current like how she knew to walk. And you could have a great time on those beaches without swimming too. They are good for surfing, and there are great views also. And also, not all the beaches have the danger of rip currents. There are some safe beaches too, like the Aquatic park. ’
“Ah! Yes, there is that. But,-” She again got interrupted. This time by Vera.
“See,” Vera told Sofia. “That’s why you can’t go to San Francisco.” Why does everyone keeps interrupting her? Natia thought a little annoyed. But, she didn't say anything. Vera seemed determined not to allow Sofia to go to San Francisco, regardless of whatever she had to say.
Sofia began to say something. But, Vera held up a hand to stop her. “Now, Sonia, that’s the end of that topic.” She said sternly. And surprisingly Sofia obeyed. She just sat back with a scowl.
Everyone continued to have their sorbet. Silence prevailed for sometime until Valentin decided to break it.
“What do you plan to do after graduation, Masha?”
“Uh...Actually, I am not sure. I will have to figure it out soon.” She said.
“Isn’t there a subject or a field that you are more interested in?”
“I don’t know. I am just an average student in most of the subjects. Maybe biology...I am not sure.”
“How about business studies then? You could attend the same school as Sasha then!” That was from Vera. She looked from Natia to Aleksandr when she asked that question. Natia felt Aleksandr stiffen beside her. Vera seemed satisfied with Aleksandr’s reaction. She sat back with a smug smile after that. Natia knew Aleksandr studies Business. However, why did Vera’s question evoke such a reaction from him, she doesn’t know. Now she felt Aleksandr’s intense gaze on her. Like he was waiting for her reply.
- Writer
