It happens to me all the time: you see incredibly lucid images in your dream, as if you fell into a Hollywood blockbuster with a plot full of twists, well-paid actors and multi-million dollar visual effects. And then you wake in the morning without remembering a thing.
That's what I was trying to do – to restore the images shown by my relaxed brain. But this part of memory was empty – either archived, or formatted at all.
~ I seem to be an early bird today. ~
Olga Dmitrievna was still sleeping, wrapping tightly in her blanket.
~ Wrapping so tightly?.. In a hot summer?.. Humph... ~
I got up, stretched, came to the mirror to have a look at myself.
~ I better shave. ~
Strange idea. Before 2 times a month was enough, but now nothing depends on the way I look
I haven't found a razor anyway.
~ Why do I even need it – if I look like I'm seventeen at most? ~
~ So... Breakfast can't start earlier than 9 a.m., and this means I have plenty of time. ~
Which I can spend in walking and washing, for example.
Vice versa – its cute coolness helped me to brace up and to come back to reality (whether all these events could be called real).
The tooth powder didn't seem to be such an outdated thing. A quick thought has struck me that it’s not that different from toothpaste.
She was standing in front of the mirror and fixing her hair.
Good morning, Semyon!
Morning.
Because of lack of sleep, my head was still singing, and the thoughts were all jumbled together. However I didn't regret waking up instead of usual sleeping two or three hours more.
How come you got up so early?
Just happened...
And no neckerchief once again. Let me...
I'll do it myself, not a big deal... on my way to the canteen.
I don't think so, do it now! Did you forget about the lineup before the breakfast?
~ How could I ever forget? ~
And what's the lineup going to be about today?
We'll discuss the agenda for the day.
So what’s the agenda?
Frankly speaking, I didn't care for
what might be on the agenda for our courageous pioneer troop. I was mostly interested in
where our brave leader will lead our little pioneer army for the following 12-15 hours – maybe I will manage to avoid enemy dislocations.
She gave me a wily smile.
Olga Dmitrievna, you know, my stomach is getting upset – I'd rather... Well, you know...
I believe that's ok to miss the lineup once. It would get all nasty if I failed to control it right there...
~ Where did all this courage come from?.. ~
You have five more minutes.
I'm afraid I need more time. Could you tell me right now, please.
Oh, fine! On our list for today is cleaning the camp locations, organizing the books in the library, some other minor tasks. And, of course, we have a dance party in the evening.
Watch yourself! You must take part in the camp activities today!
~ You bet! ~
Definitely! And now I'd rather...
Come on, hit the road!
Actually, I didn't have any particular reason to behave this way.
But the voice within me kept telling that I have nothing to do at the lineup.
...
After the camp leader left, I went back to the cabin and decided to wait for breakfast there.
~ Cleaning and organizing – that's not what someone in my situation should be doing. ~
Two days have passed, and I'm still there where I started.
All tenants seemed to be perfectly ordinary people. They weren't involved in any conspiracy, weren’t communicating with aliens and had no idea about time warps.
Of course, each of them is a bit peculiar. But these peculiarities do not step out of line at all.
Moreover, having met any of these pioneers in my familiar world, I wouldn't suspect anything wrong.
They seemed to be even more normal and natural than, let's say, my very self.
This line of reasoning was quite logical, the illogical part was the absence of answers.
~ Ordinary people in a non-ordinary place. ~
~ I've heard and have seen that already, somewhere... ~
~ Dozens of pioneers (or even more) live their familiar lives and do their regular stuff day by day. They don't understand that the world around them is not what it looks like. ~
~ Okay. But this is their point of view. As for me, I'm not acquainted with both the world of 'Sovionok' camp and its tenants. Even if they seem to behave the way normal people would under the same circumstances. ~
~ I have to decide here and now – are those people involved in what's happening to me? ~
~ Can they give me any answers? ~
~ Or I have to seek the truth somewhere else. ~
...
Or even inside the canteen.
Probably, most of them had their breakfast before 9 a.m.
~ That's even better. Two is company; three is a crowd. ~
Lena was sitting in the farthest corner of the canteen, lazily picking with her fork an amorphic lump that vaguely resembled porridge.
Having a breakfast with her seems like a good idea. We can have a chat in peace.
~ Or at least try to have one. ~
I was on the way to her table when suddenly somebody grabbed me by the sleeve.
Take your meal and come. We need to talk.
...
What are you waiting for?
I was a bit confused.
Pardon, isn't it a bit too... sudden?
What's wrong? Take your meal and sit down.
I suppose that she judges her behaviour as something completely normal.
Nope.
I was sure that Lena won't mind if I sit next to her.
Hold on! Wait a second!
Go be nazi somewhere else.
Sorry. Maybe, later.
I gently loosened my sleeve from her grip and headed to the farthest corner of the canteen.
Zhenya was shouting something my direction, but I tried to ignore her.
Having heard the librarian shouting, Lena was stealing glances at me for a while.
Morning...
Strangely enough, she didn't blush, but smiled instead.
Would you mind if I join you? I'll take the meal and get back in no time.
Yes, sure.
...
In a minute I was already sitting in front of her with a simple set of plates on the tray: porridge, 2 poached eggs, 4 pieces of wheat bread, a boiled sausage, a glass of kompot, made of unknown fruits and berries.
Have a nice meal!
Thanks.
I was trying to eat as neatly as I could – no chomping, smearing the food or pouring the kompot over myself.
You have to -try- to not eat like a pig?
~ Seems like eating like a human and not like a hog was not that hard at all. ~
As usual, Lena remained silent, that means I should start a talk.
Going to disco tonight?
Probably...
She kept silence for a while.
And you?
I don't know yet...
Though I didn’t want to go there at all.
I didn't like disco parties since my school days...
Why so?
What do you mean?
My mind was still far away, in my school times.
Why don’t you want to go?
I didn’t say I don’t want to...
Okay then.
But if you’re inviting me...
Lena turned red and looked away.
Uhm, I don't really...
Sorry, just kidding.
I felt confused. It was better not to
joke that way.
Fine.
Indifferently said Lena and focused on her food, while her face turned even more red.
~ Why do I stuck on this disco as if we have nothing more to talk about! But wait! Is there actually anything... ~
By the way, maybe you know what Zhenya wanted to ask me?
Who cares?
Huh?
I mean, when I just came in... she wanted something from me.
I don't know...
I see.
The conversation reached dead end and so I tried to seem fully focused on my meal.
Lena had finished her breakfast first.
I should go. See you later!
See you!
I was finishing chewing on the sausage, tasted like a twisted-pair cable.
I wonder if they have an internet access here?
~ Guess, no. ~
A pioneer sitting at the other table has noticed me talking to myself and stared at me. I smiled and waved to him in return.
After such a friendly greeting he, for some reason, left the canteen quickly without finishing his breakfast.
~ Done with the food – it's time to search for some clues. ~
~ I have nothing to do in that place. ~
Though the nurse seemed quite caring, it's better to keep the distance from her.
WHAT?
Such benevolence is actually scary!
She may know something, but I had no courage to just enter the infirmary.
~ Moreover, I had no motive. Not a single one. ~
Immersed in my own thoughts, I didn't notice the nurse, who was standing at the porch.
HELLOOOOOO NURSE!
She came closer.
You must be sick, came for medicine?
No, no... I... was just wandering around...
Oh, the truant I see.
But if you're here, I have a serious task for you.
I gave her a look of inquiry.
The word 'task' made me feel uneasy, it sounded like something inevitable.
The nurse smiled spitefully.
You both will help me to make the inventory of the supplied medicine, which arrived today.
~ Both? Who are we? Perhaps, I misheard. ~
~ But what word can be confused with 'both'? ~
Lena emerged from the nurse’s back.
Seemed strange that I haven’t noticed her until now.
Come here after dinner. I had explained everything to Lena, she will tell you what to do.
~ Medicine, huh? Supplied today? ~
~ But Olga Dmitrievna told me that no bus will arrive in the next couple of days. ~
Obviously, bus is the vehicle best suited to transport medicine
So, there were visitors in our camp today?
Yes, they arrived from the city this morning. Why are you asking?
Just curious...
Alright then... pioneer! So tonight, after dinner, you'll be here!
Maybe I...
Lena was barely noticeable this whole time.
Surely, she's able to keep invisibility like a skilled ninja.
I could do it on my own.
Strange, she seemed more spirited during the lunch.
No way! There are lots of boxes.
And the pioneer is always ready! Isn’t it so... pioneer?
She gazed at me and smiled menacingly.
I don't want to spend whole evening doing something like this, also I’ve got more important things to do.
But rejecting this request would be really improper.
If it wasn’t Lena who’s standing here, I would definitely think my way out.
Meh. May as well agree and bail later if possible. Spending whole evening with Lena doesn't seem very exciting.
Nicely! That's how a true pioneer should answer!
Even after these words I hardly came a step closer to 'Be prepared! Always prepared!' motto.
Then, you can go.
I looked at Lena, who was still staring sill at the ground.
I guess all that time she was staring at the ground was enough to learn everything there is to know about life and habits of different insects.
Plus, Lena likes to read, so she probably read many biological, botanical and so on books.
~ Perhaps, she wants to become an entomologist? ~
...
Lena’s words drew me away from the obscure thoughts.
We'd been standing at the square for some time, and my speculations about bugs’ life were only an attempt to escape this awkward situation.
~ Though, why did I see it awkward? ~
Just do not forget, alright?
Do not forget what?
Well... Tonight, after dinner... At the infirmary...
Her face got a slight grumpy feel to it.
~ No way, that's impossible! ~
Alright, alright! Right after dinner I'm at your service.
I'd bethought too late – after my words Lena blushed harder.
I need to find the way to ease this situation.
Why did the nurse ask you to do it?
I don't know. I was just sitting at the bench and reading a book, when she came and...
~ It's smart to ask a failsafe person, who would never say no. ~
Okay. Well then, after dinner...
Okay. I'll go then
Yes, sure!
She walked off somewhere aside the clubs, and I just stood at the square for some time.
~ So, what's next? ~
I decided to visit my cabin, in order to collect my phone.
~ Don’t know where I'll find myself today, but having a watch is always useful! ~
~ Though having a wrist watch is much easier. ~
Suddenly I heard a different tune, which was coming through the usual noise of this camp.
I listened to it carefully. Sounds like an electric guitar.
Three repeating chords, no more.
But this melody still was somehow 'warmer', as if vacuum tube-based audio amplifier was used.
~ Could there be such a luxury here? ~
Definitely, the sound was coming somewhere from the stage area.
~ I wonder, who could that be? ~
I guess it won't hurt to check it out, better than wandering around aimlessly at least. Even if it's Miku.
I couldn't recognize the melody but I was pretty sure that I've heard it before.
~ Probably something from of the Soviet rock. ~
I could have named a dozen of bands in this genre right off the bat but I was hardly an expert.
Song seemed really simple, literally a three-chord progression.
Probably even I could have played it given some time to practice.
~ I wonder where did Alisa get her playing skills? ~
She didn't exactly appear as a musical one so far too. Wasn't expecting that.
In USSR such music had never been nationally acclaimed.
The future rock star wasn't taking any notice of me.
It was like she was trying to become one with the music, to resound in every note, in every bar, in every triplet.
Rock-heroes of the eighties instantly came to my mind – many of them were devoted to the music in much similar way.
~ If she gets dressed into something more suitable for that period's fashion instead of pioneer uniform, no one would notice the difference. ~
Her
performance was coming to an end.
Picking up a couple of last chords, Alice has finally noticed me.
Did you like it?
She doesn’t seems as surprised as I would have expected.
Yeah, that was cool.
As if you can do it better!
Smiled Alisa slyly.
I'm not saying that I can do it better. I'm not a pro in music.
No doubt.
Yep.
I didn't know what to tell her next and was on my way.
Wait a minute.
What?
Heard of the evening disco party?
I thought it was just dancing...
Disco or dance – what's the difference?
She frowned.
Yes, I did, and so what?
Are you going to come?
With these words thrown, she turned away.
I'm not sure... And you?
What am I going to do there? Watch a herd of morons?
We've been doing that for the last three days.
There was some truth in Alisa's words, but this scenic disrespect surprised me.
It's clear that it's not the idea of disco parties that she hates.
But why?
What do you mean by 'why'?
Well, why don't you want to come? Disco parties ought to be fun...
Do you really think so?
Annoyance flashed in her voice.
Don’t know. But I thought that you would...
Never liked them.
She interrupted me.
Absolutely nothing to do at such parties!
I wonder why, with her awesome personality.
I see... So what’s you plan then?
I asked just to keep a conversation.
Just will move on with practicing.
What are you practicing?
The song, silly ass! You've even heard it!
Alisa had gone totally mad. A few more wrong questions – and I will have to run for my life.
Who wrote this song?
I did!
So, you've written it by yourself?
By myself!
Cool...
An awkward silence hung in the air.
Okay then...
Finally.
Don't you wanna listen?
Didn’t I just hear it?
That's not what I meant!
She pouted.
The whole song! It’s just a jam for now.
Ah... Come on, do it then...
Not right now.
Do not do it then...
I felt uncertain about what she wanted from me.
You are such a moron.
You mean you don’t want me to play.
~ Seems like frustrated her. ~
I got ready for a guitar smash on the forehead or something even worse.
But there was only an upset expression over Alisa's face.
I want to – I've told you.
Come here tonight then – I'll play it for you.
~ 'For me'? How cute. ~
Tonight is a dance party.
You said that you won't go there!
~ I didn't say that... ~
Frankly speaking, I didn't want to go, but messing up with DvaCheh was no good either.
Olga Dmitrievna won't get it...
Screw her!
Said Alisa, getting up steam.
Ah, what the hell. Let's just agree so we have more options later.
Between a shame at the dance party and Dvachevskaya's mad guitar skills I'd rather pick the last.
Good boy.
She smiled strange.
I was just thinking if the decision I made was a right one when suddenly I was interrupted by the ringing, calling the pioneers for lunch.
I looked towards the canteen.
~ I suppose, it's time to go – hunger is a sharp thorn. ~
I turned around with an intent to call Alisa to come along.
But she looked so cheerless and down.
Every musician should know when it's time to leave.
I grumbled under my breath.
...
Pioneers
in a lot usually marched to the canteen in 'Sovionok' camp.
I was looking for a place where no one would disturb me, just like it happened before.
~ Just so I can eat in peace! ~
And for that I have to be at least not the last one to come.
~ But I was pretty sure: whatever happens here, happens whether I want it or not. ~
Well, Semyon, were you working hard today?
Hard enough.
Well done, truly well done! And the hardest is yet to come!
~ You bet... ~
Fine, take a seat next to the girls.
She pointed at the table next to the pillar. Slavya, Ulyana and Lena were already sitting there.
~ Not a bad company. At least, not the worst one... ~
I took the meal and came up to them.
I caught myself sounding a bit scenic. There were no other free places anyway.
Yes, of course!
Please do.
Lena remained silent.
Today the meal consisted of a plate of borscht (I suspected some meat to be lurking in it, but I had no evidence of that), some poultry (chances are 'chickenus domesticus') with fried potatoes and a traditional glass of kompot.
I found myself liking the local food more and more.
I guess I just came to a conclusion that I have no other choice. Which means that there's no use in complaining.
~ Thank God there’s
something to eat. ~
Coming to the dance party tonight?
I don't know.
~ Though I already had my arrangements with Alisa... ~
He'll come! He got nowhere to go!
Ulyana said happily.
You will come for sure...
Of course! I can't miss the opportunity to watch you make a fool of yourself.
She got it right so I've decided not to reply.
And what about you?
I asked Lena.
Yes...
She replied briefly.
Wait, weren't you supposed to sort medicine? Or are you planning to sort them after the party?
See? You should go too then.
Said Slavya as if leaving me no choice.
Don't forget to put your tailcoat on.
Apparently Ulyana was so pleased with her joke that she laughed out loud.
But I really had nothing to wear.
My wardrobe was just a pioneer uniform and winter clothes, which would be inappropriate even in the evening.
And what will you be dressed in, entertainer?
Se-cret!
Will it be a little dress just like in kindergarten's matinee?
Ulyana have turned red – looks like I managed to offend her.
No, I will wear a biohazard suit! Just so I don’t get any infection from you!
I wonder what kind of infection are you planing to get from me?
Enough, you guys! Don't quarrel!
Imbecility, of course!
Looks like Ulyana was highly pleased with her, as she thought, brilliant answer again.
You know, if you already have a flu you can't catch a cold.
It’s a game for two.
What are you implying?
Oh nothing, nothing at all...
I looked away slyly.
Do you mean that?..
She got red again.
I don't mean anything.
Guys...
Given that it was Lena who interfered, probably it was really time to stop.
You'll get what you’re asking for!
What? You'll finally grow wiser?
Instead of replying, Ulyana grabbed her plate filled with borscht and toppled it over my head.
This game met an unexpected finale...
Oh, you little...
She jumped up and tried to run away.
~ Em, and now what? I can’t just smash her head against the table! ~
This mime show lasted a few seconds.
Suddenly, Ulyana skillfully grabbed a glass full of compote and splashed it in my face.
That way she managed to get my hand off her.
She dashed off to the counter, and I chased her.
This resulted in several flipped tables, a pile of smashed tableware, five crippled pioneers with various injuries and full exhaustion of both parties.
~ A draw, sort of. ~
~ A belligerent draw. With too much of belligerence. ~
And this is a guy in his mid-20s.
We stood before each other and breathed heavily.
Tell me you won't behave this way again!
And you?!
When you look down on it, such a riot couldn’t be unnoticed.
Well, are you satisfied with yourself now?
Her voice appeared to be calm, but I was sure she was just about to explode.
And who's gonna clean up all this mess?!
Exactly what happened.
Who, I'm asking you, who?!
Him!
Replied Ulyana with full confidence.
Her!
I objected less confidently.
Both!
The camp leader has given a quietus to this still ongoing argument.
Generally, I wasn't sure that my share of the blame is more than hers.
Although Ulyana didn’t have a drop of guilt on her face.
Beat it! I am not cleaning! Ain't nobody got time for that! This is his fault! He started first!
No, it isn't!
Oh yes, it is!
I’m not going to sort out all that nonsense!
Semyon, go grab a mop, a bucket, some cloth, you know, that kind of stuff in the closet, and you!!!
She looked at Ulyana with such a burning gaze, that I felt bit sorry for the girl.
Start to collect the broken tableware immediately!
Olga Dmitrievna took a deep breath and continued:
You're nothing but a trouble! How many times have I told you...
I've decided to skip the lecture and went to the closet that appeared to be near the exit.
Suddenly a perfect idea flashed in my head – why don't I just run away?
Sure, Olga Dmitrievna has caught us already, but I'm not the one to blame.
Of course, I'm not that
true pioneer she keeps talking about, but in comparison to Ulyana...
Anyway, she's the principal culprit.
~ It's not like I have nothing better to do than cleaning up the mess here. I have to seek the answers! ~
'The truth is out there' somehow flashed through my mind.
As the girl said, ain't nobody got time for that
The solution came out of thin air.
While Olga Dmitreivna was scolding Ulyana, I've sneaked up to the exit, thank goodness it was nearby.
Getting outside, I've hesitated for a few moments and ran into Electronik.
Where's the fire?
Fire?.. My shuttle is leaving in ten minutes.
What? Hey, wait!
Electronik's words hung in the air behind me.
It's definitely not the best place to hide.
Indeed, in the state of stress or fatigue, I frequently start talking to myself.
Well, not really talking but rather mumbling under my breath.
It helps me to concentrate and find the right solution quickly.
Ok, where to next? Where should I go?..
The best place would be the one with the least amount of people.
~ Consequently, my way lies to the woods. ~
~ That was one hell of a getaway! ~
~ Hope that will teach Ulyana to behave! Indeed, she's not a child anymore! ~
~ Well, sad but true... Not a child anymore... ~
Now, a thought crossed my mind: I might have sort of mishandled the whole situation.
'Sort of'
~ A fair share of broken tableware is on my account. ~
~ Moreover, one might mention that I didn't have to engage into this mess at the beginning. ~
It got me thinking.
How's the weather?
~ How does she managed to sneak up unnoticed? Thank goodness, it's not Olga Dmitrievna. ~
Fine...
That were the only words I've managed to squeeze out of myself.
I just thought I'll find you here.
Why?
I'm not sure, it's just...
She looked up at the sky.
There are less people around here.
~ Does Slavya really think I have some sort of a social phobia?! Thinking twice, she actually has a reason to think so. ~
And what are you... doing here?
Looking for you.
She smiled again, but this time her smile looked a bit different. A little friendlier, I guess.
Me? Why?
Can’t you guess?
I braced and prepared for a harsh lecture.
I understand that you're guilty to a lesser degree than Ulyana.
~ It is the camp leader's assistant defending me! I felt even more pathetic. ~
~ Damn, get serious, we're not playing
bad cop / good cop here! ~
But granted that you aren't gonna help her, you will help me.
Saying that, Slavya looked up at the sky yet again.
~ I wonder what is she looking for in there? ~
And what do I need to do?
We have to reorganize the books in the library.
It's way better than disciplinary enslavement together with Ulyana. And anyway, it was an offer I couldn't refuse.
I'm all at your service, mademoiselle. Or madam?
M'lady~
She laughed.
Then follow me, monsieur!
All the way I kept looking around in fear of meeting Olga Dmitrievna.
It looks like Slavya didn't notice my anxiety.
~ And still, it's quite odd that she hasn't scolded me. ~
Well, if we are to continue our analogy, Slavya is definitely a good cop.
This is a special library dust with its distinctive smell that you can never confuse with anything.
These microscopic pieces of moribund collected works of Marxism-Leninism classics.
~ That's interesting, does the dust near the fiction shelf smell alike to the dust near the books on physics and chemistry? ~
You start with those rows.
Slavya pointed at the bookshelf near the Lenin's sculpted head.
Okay but what exactly do I have to do?
Just remove the books from the shelves and put them on the floor. We'll dust them and then we'll put them back.
By looking at all this dust, reading is barely a pioneers' favourite activity.
Any idea where Zhenya might be?
Don’t know, she probably went somewhere.
~ Strange. ~
~ It appears that there are just two places in the world where one can meet Zhenya – library and the canteen. ~
I got into gear.
I guess I've never held so many books in my hands simultaneously in my entire life.
Anyway, I'm much more used to reading from a computer's screen or a tablet.
Firstly, there is no need in paying for electronic books, and secondly, you cannot find everything in printed form.
How is it going?
Asked Slavya, standing behind the bookshelves.
It's ok, goes on little by little.
Have you read anything from that?
From what?
Well, about communism...
Nah, I'm kinda more into historical books. And adventures.
Me too...
Well, historical literature wasn't exactly my favourite, but the class struggle under socialism was definitely was no match for it!
Hey, don't take grudge for Ulyana.
I don’t...
Indeed, I felt that my ego mostly recovered from the incident at the canteen. Besides, I managed to clean myself from the lunch leftovers in a forest lake.
It's not like she's doing all that out of spite.
Out of spite or not, but one should think through his own actions! Ah, whatever...
I kept moving around dozens of books written by people totally unknown to me.
~ I'm gonna forget who they are in a minute, and I'll never get to know what they were writing about. ~
~ That is a doom of many writers – to become a forsaken set of letters in a hard cover on a bookshelf in a library of a non-existent pioneer camp’s reality. ~
Have you finished?
Yeah, I think so.
Me too. Okay, let's do it this way, I'll be wiping them up and you will be putting them back on the shelves.
But I don't remmember in what order they were placed before.
It's okay. Nobody reads them anyway.
~ It looks like she has a smile for every occasion. ~
Only a couple of times I've managed to notice slight differences, shades of emotions in that smile – joy, happiness, sadness...
But these shades were so evanescent, I wasn't really sure that I'm not imagining things.
This time her smile looked a little flirty.
Yeah, probably. At least, I wouldn't be reading this stuff.
Slavya was wiping the covers with a damp cloth, and I was putting the books back on the shelf.
We were a good team – our job was almost done.
Why didn't you take anything from the upper shelves?
Upper shelves?
I've looked up.
Sorry, haven’t noticed them.
It's alright.
Wait a moment! I'll bring the chair.
Even with my rather considerable stature, I won't be able to get them.
I stood on the chair and proceeded with removing the books from the shelves and passing them to Slavya.
After a while, there was only about a dozen books left at the farthest end of the shelf.
It looked to me that it won't be hard to reach out.
I always felt like taking a larger bite than biting twice. And doing that bite without moving the chair under me...
Became the fatal error...
- THUMP -
Are you... Did I... Are you alive?!
I got a fright of my life.
~ Even if I'm only 17 now, falling down from a chair on a girl is something else! ~
I'm fine.
Her face was only an inch away from mine.
Anything broken?
Don’t think so.
You'd become a rather bad stuntsman.
She laughed.
You bet.
I've looked into her eyes. Just looked.
I wasn't sure what should I say... And Slavya either hesitated too or just let me take the lead.
~ At this rate something might happen... ~
~ Her lips were so close to mine! ~
The natural desire started to awake in my body, but was it
right?
I had an desire to stand up, but was unable to do it.
Slavya's was just lying in silence and looking me straight into the eyes.
All of a sudden, I noticed the bell sound on the edge of hearing.
It's dinner time.
Yeah...
Shall we go? Or shall we lie some more?
She smiled again and this time her smile seemed foxy to me, as if she was hinting something.
Let's go...
I haven't moved an inch.
Well, to get going, you got to get up first.
Obviously...
It felt like some invisible force was holding me in place.
Slavya seemed to recognize that, and carefully slipped out from under me.
Are you going to stay there?
She laughed.
At that point I finally came to my senses and stood up.
I'm sorry...
That's ok.
But we haven't finished it all. We'll have to clean up the rest later.
Yeah, sure.
Slavya rambled on about her slice of life in the camp, but given that it was indeed a monologue, I wasn't paying much attention.
Don't you want to explain anything to me, young man?
Now I remember that I've forgotten something...
Nope...
How was your cleaning duty?
Eh, good enough...
It was terrible.
Yet Ulyana told me that it wasn’t.
That's all her fault!
And what did I tell you?
I ordered to clean it up together! And what were you doing?!
I didn't know what to say, as deep down I knew that she's right.
Don't blame him! Semyon was helping me at the library.
Oh, really?
Yeah!
Well, it's all great and stuff but... To cut a long story short, you won't get a dinner tonight!
How is that?! Why?!
I protested.
However, my protest looked more like a demand for a refill at the prison mess hall – bold and daring, but still stupid and counterproductive.
Hope that will teach you a lesson!
At this instant, Olga Dmitrievna looked more like an ancient Roman legionnaire commander than a tiny pioneer camp leader.
I had no idea how to object her.
Forgive him! And take me as a responsible one!
Camp leader took her time to think it over.
Alright, if so!
Thanks!
Thanks...
Well, I'm gonna join the girls, we had a prior arrangement. Take care!
She smiled and waved her goodbyes.
Seriously, where would I be without her!?
There were no free places near Slavya, and, besides, I wasn't introduced to her friends.
It seemed that I will have to share a dinner table with Electronik and Shurik.
There were no more places to sit.
Every time I had to deal with them, I was getting an itching desire to tease them or at least to drop something cheeky or cocky.
It might be too risky to behave myself that way, but
electronic brothers were my primary source of positive emotions.
How are you doing?
Fine. What about you?
Hits and misses.
Has anything happened?
Lots of stuff.
Mind sharing?
Nah, some other time maybe.
As you wish.
He made a helpless gesture.
We are going to the disco after dinner!
Electronik giggled.
I know that.
Who would you want to ask out?
I haven't thought about it yet. What about you?
I... Well, I...
It seemed that this question caught him off guard.
Ask Ulyana. That would make her happy.
No, thanks!
Electronik furiously waved his hands.
And you, Shurik, gotta ask Alisa out.
Thanks, I'd rather abstain.
He looked calmer than his mate.
Oh, come on, guys, it would be fun!
And in any case... We've got things to do! We still have to finish the robot!
Oh, that's a marvelous idea! Ask out your robot! Can it dance?
It can't even walk yet.
Shurik probably missed the point completely.
Why, it would be a great demonstration of our achievements in front of the camp!
And what would we show to them?
Yeah, you're right...
They both stared at the plates disappointingly.
...
...
...
I asked Shurik and Electronik.
We don't have anything special to wear. We'll go as we are.
He pointed at his pioneer uniform.
~ They don't seem to care about their appearance at all. ~
~ Why should I care then! ~
~ Wearing winter clothes is not an option, so I'll go just like that. ~
When does it start?
After nine o'clock.
Got it.
I remembered those rare discos I used to go to at school.
Hesitation, insecurity and even fear...
I couldn't dance, I didn't know how to react if someone would invite me, I wouldn't dare to invite someone myself.
All in all, I felt pretty uncomfortable about it.
And it was even more unpleasant to watch others having fun.
Not envy at all. More likely it was an abrupt feeling that people can enjoy something so odd for me.
I thought that there was still lots of time till disco so I could sleep a little to be fresh in the evening.
...
Clock was showing nine.
Such a rare thing to happen.
I felt sluggish though.
~ Probably it wasn’t the best idea to sleep during the day after all. ~
Going to see Alisa instead of the disco.
So it's time then.
But I've agreed to help Lena...
~ And what should I do now? ~
Ugh. I guess it's dance 'party' and then helping Lena... If our previous encounters with Lena are any indication, it its going to be one awkward evening. And I'm really tired of our emo crap regarding disco. At least with Alisa there should be something happening.
~ Maybe it was a bad idea accepting the offer? ~
~ Just talking to Dvachevskaya means danger... ~
~ On the other hand I wasn't eager to go to the disco. ~
~ What can I show there? I'll only disgrace myself... ~
Oh for fuck's sake, we went so we wouldn't get this discophobia shit.
~ No! I'd better listen to Alisa playing the guitar. ~
Coming closer I saw a person sitting on the edge of the stage with her legs dangling.
Don't make me regret it.
Alisa put the guitar aside and jumped to the ground.
There was even a trace of joy on her face for a moment. Playing for someone is surely more interesting than being alone.
As you can see...
What are we going to do?
What do you mean 'what'?
I’m asking you.
Well... you wanted...
I got a sudden idea that this situation is one of her usual pranks and I shouldn't expect any guitar songs.
I am going to sleep. Bye!
Alright, we can still make it to the disco I guess...
I turned around and waved a hand intentionally slowly.
Hey!
Alisa snatched my sleeve.
What?
Don't you want to listen?
Listen to what? You don't know yourself what you're going to do.
I know everything!
She took the guitar and hit the strings with a mediator couple of times.
Sit next to me.
~ Better this way. ~
~ Miss the disco, leave now, and what will I be doing next? ~
The role of a stranger was more suitable for an observer and not for the eager searcher of the answers, who I wanted to be so badly.
So, I'll show you how to play this song now.
Just like that? Right away?
What right away?
I haven't held a guitar for a long time...
~ She, probably, knows better what and when I've held. My skills were enough to make a cat laugh. ~
There is nothing difficult!
I threw an intent look at Alisa.
It distinctly appeared to me now that she just can't express her feelings.
She could lose her strange self-control for a moment and I'll see a casual and even funny and friendly girl.
And when her self-confidence and impudence turn back on, then greet the tit as my mother liked to say.
~ And who is the real one? ~
Hey!
What?
Stop sleeping!
Oh, yeah, sorry...
So, are you watching?
I am. What song is this?
The one I played in the morning of course!
Ah... Okay. I am listening.
Alisa made up her mind and started to play.
...
That's it! Did you get everything?
~ I may have understood, but I probably won't be able to repeat. ~
How shall I put it...
It's okay. Practice bears results.
She is undoubtly right on this point, but I had problems with practice all my life.
Well...
It was hard, as if my fingers tied into the knot and dreadfully didn't want to be in the right place.
I did better before, but now I wouldn't even be able to play 'Twinkle twinkle little star'.
Well?
Wait a moment...
Looks like you won't be a rock hero!
She laughed kindly.
It may be better this way...
I hissed, vainly trying to remember the order of strings to press.
Well...
The guitar started to make devilish sounds resembling groans of a wounded dinosaur.
Let's call that a progressive rock.
Progressive? Well, well! Give it back!
She took the guitar away and it sounded completely different in her hands.
I felt embarrassed about my clumsiness for a moment.
Alisa's skill may not be on the level of a real guitarist, but, nevertheless, she played simple things like this with confidence.
She must have had a lot of practice.
Did you get it this time?
She finished and offered the guitar to me.
Well...
As to any other good enough level.
I was aware of being totally worthless compared to her.
~ Seems so simple – play a song with three chords! ~
I put the guitar aside.
Alisa was lost in thought for a moment.
Even a pre-school kid would play it better!
Thanks, I tried!
I noticed!
She might be trying to demonstrate her evident superiority of playing the guitar.
It’s not like everyone can be a musician.
Not really...
Alisa looked up at the sky.
Though you can’t be one for sure!
Why is that?
You should have listened to yourself!
I started to regret coming here.
~ Well, don't mind me. Why does Alisa need this? It is obvious that I am a horrible guitarist. ~
Obviously. But if I have some practice...
So, will you practice?
I don't know... Maybe I will.
The guitar was the most minor of my problems though. It was a strange world I can't escape from... It is more important than stupid argument with Alisa.
I suddenly felt an annoying self-pity, apathy and a wish to leave this place, to forget this evening.
Those feelings left a nasty impression and a burning desire to do (or to say) something stupid.
As if it will change anything!
What?
That I'll learn to play a guitar!
You surely won't! You'll strum the guitar for a couple of days and give it up.
I'm not sure reverse psychology will work on material as dense as this.
Alisa's words pierced my heart.
You know what!
Oh well, should she
know? Is it a concern of hers?
Do I react this way just because it is true and that it’s Alisa who spoke that truth?
You can't know how to do everything!
Probably not... But you should be able to do at least something.
So, you mean I can't do anything?
How should I know?
You know, I...
~ I what? ~
~ Should I tell her about my computer skills? Or about the books I've read and movies I've watched? ~
Ah well, it is a pointless conversation.
It goes without saying.
You’re just all about having fun!
And you are all about whining.
Forget it!
I jumped down from the stage and walked away from a concert area.
Go-go!
I heard Alisa yelling to me.
Already going!
I hissed.
Why are VN protagonists such unlikeable cunts?
[slsmi] Oh, Semyon, hi! I thought everyone is already asleep.
No... What are you doing?
Cleaning up after the disco. Why didn't you come?
Just...
And where have you been?
I...
I hadn't a slightest intention to tell Slavya how I shamed myself on stage with a guitar in front of Alisa while the whole camp was having fun at the square.
I took a walk.
Okay... But you should have come. It was fun.
Glad you had it.
I sweated like a pig today because of worries or just a hot night.
Hey, do you know where I can have a bath?
Certainly. Go straight, then a bit to the left by the path, then to the right and there will be a bath-house.
...
Should I accompany you?
Yes!
No, no need. I'll find it myself!
I totally didn't want to burden her more.
My whole body was itching.
~ How didn't I notice it before? ~
And what else didn't I notice, more importantly.
~ If things keep going like this then I'll have to stay in this world forever. ~
I've shivered of the thought.
Probably of the idea that I didn't feel any terror or even just fear.
Just like it’s all a natural flow of things.
~ And why do pioneers have baths here? ~
~ Olga Dmitrievna had said something about repairs of the showers though. ~
No reason to worry about it now...
There were soap and clean towels so I quickly washed myself, went outside and breathed in a full chest of fresh night air.
~ Ah, it so wonderful that a physical cleanness brings out a spiritual cleanness! ~
All my problems, if not went away, then just became less important. It’s like the water washed away not only dirt from body, but also the anxiety from my mind.
I suddenly started yawning so I headed to the leader's cabin, rubbing my eyes.
You... What are you doing here?
Was just washing myself.
She had come to her senses and spoke again.
And?
What?
I don't know what!
Then why do you speak if you don't know?
All my peace of mind vanished in a moment, only the irritation and the weariness stayed.
Okay, if you don't mind...
Wait...
What else?
If back there on stage you thought that... well... I didn't want to offend you or anything...
It's okay. I am not offended. I just can't play the guitar. Nothing special, a lot of people can't.
I felt that there were obvious signs of irritation in my voice, but I couldn't do anything about it. I wanted to speak everything in her face right here, right now.
Exactly, you can't!
Alisa obviously restrained herself from laughing.
Oh I already had enough of you!
She totally drove me out of my wits that moment.
In a second I would have started to yell at her... Or worse.
Wait.
Would you just leave me alone!
Alisa followed me but didn't try to stop me.
I really didn't want to offend...
Some invisible power made me to turn around.
Okay. Can I go now?
Yes... Of course...
In the moonlight Alisa looked very beautiful with a quick guilty expression on her face.
~ If you could just shut her mouth... ~
What are you smirking at?
~ Although... ~
Nothing. I just thought that if you'd be a little bit more polite...
Then what?
You are not to finish such phrases, anybody could hit upon an idea according to own intellectual abilities.
Then nothing.
Well. You must finish what you've started!
There is nothing to finish. I am very tired and I am going to sleep.
Stop right there!
Don't make me run away from you!
As if you can!
She may be right. I am already exhausted of this day. And, naturally, I had no intention to run after a bath.
So what?
What?
If I would be more polite then what?
Try that and you will see.
Why should I do something for such a fool as you...
Then don't try. What does it have to do with me?
I sighed and dragged myself to the square.
And you then?
What?
I replied without turning to her.
Well, if I would then you?..
I don't know what are you talking about, but let's think that 'I would' if it is easier for you.
Moron!
Alisa yelled at me and headed to the bath-house.
~ That's Slavya! ~
~ And I just argued with Alisa and nothing else... ~
~ What for? ~
~ As it was really necessary! ~
~ And her behaviour... ~
In any other situation I would have surely said that Alisa likes me, and just hides it behind her rudeness.
~ It is of no importance right now though! ~
Relationships, love, anything...
~ Maybe she is not even a human! ~
~ And what if she’d be a human and this all would be happening in the
real world?.. ~
I drove these thoughts away and headed to the leader's cabin. Tiredness had overwhelmed me.
~ Olga Dmitrievna certainly would like to know where I was and why missed the disco. ~
~ I'll get a full interrogation for sure. ~
Counting the absence of Alisa on the disco too, it wouldn't be hard to guess that we skipped it together.
~ On the other hand, should I even tell her that instead of the disco Alisa practiced playing the guitar and I just went with the flow? ~
~ Nothing special actually... ~
Doesn’t really matter why I left.
~ So... ~
At the same time I thought that it would be better to keep silent.
~ Well, I'll decide on the spot. ~
I sighed and pulled the door handle.
HELLOOOOOO LEADER
So, Semyon, where have you been?
I...
Whatever, just tell the truth so we can end this day.
To tell the truth, I was on the stage with Alisa.
And what did you do there?
Played the guitar...
Okay, that is not important. Why didn't you come to the disco?
Well, frankly speaking, I don't like dancing...
So what? That was a camp public event which means every pioneer had to attend!
She looked at me intently.
You could just sit somewhere quietly.
I'm sorry...
I sighed.
Okay.
The leader softened.
Go to bed quickly!
The storm had passed.
...
My head was full of thoughts about music, guitar and Alisa...
~ I wonder, could I become a professional musician? ~
~ And do I even want to be one? ~
~ Why should I
want to?.. It certainly would be pretty fun, but nothing else. ~
~ Or is Alisa the reason? ~
~ She is really like an energy vampire, sucks all your juices! ~
...