Six months have passed. Grandma was extremely unhappy that John ran away. If she wanted something, she believed that no one had the right to refuse for her. After all, she is the eldest, and her descendants should respect her. She did not stand on ceremony with me, as always. I really wanted to know why she treated me this way, but I never dared to ask her this question. Over the years she became even more harmful. And I definitely didn’t want to get a sp on the head or something worse. And I preferred to remain silent when she read morals to me, or not to be seen at all, so that there would be no reason to scold me.

  My paintings confidently took prizes at competitions, probably due to my unusual style. The art teacher was delighted and predicted a great future for me. And I would be gd. I wanted to leave this heavy, stuffy house, where, despite the kindness of the domestic workers, the presence of my grandmother did not make me feel comfortable. Peter and I corresponded regurly. He began to visit his family more often and outwardly looked happy. I’ve known him for a long time, but I’ve never seen him so happy. He always brought me flowers or some nice little things. I invariably kissed him on the cheek for this, and sometimes on the lips, but more often jokingly. And I was feeling that he was freezing, apparently afraid to disturb this moment. I rather did it because I had to, I didn’t have any of the feelings that they write about in books, and my heart remained in pce at the sight of him. Probably all people dream of such regurity, but our retionship seemed to me somehow forced and empty. Although I don’t think Peter thought so.

  Dad was supposed to come in the summer. In the test letter, he told me that he would soon come on vacation. And this will also be the st year when he will leave us, after which he will go on a long vacation or look for another job. He worked so hard that he missed one child growing up, and now he will miss the second one if he doesn’t stop working. I was extremely pleased with this statement. Yes, I’m used to him not being there. But sometimes I felt very sad without him. Although I think it wasn’t entirely about me. Waiting for him at home was a red-haired beast with freckles on her face, looking more like a girl than an adult woman. A smile pyed on her lips almost always. Any man would like this.

  “Dear daddy!

  I’m terribly gd to hear that next year we will be together. Your daughter hugs you tightly, do you feel it? I’m afraid I’ve grown up earlier than you’d like, but I always want you by my side.

  I’ll be waiting. Kiss”

  “Chris, I’ll be a little te. I came to your brother, and there was a surprise waiting for me. I don’t know whether it’s good or bad, but it seems your grandmother decided that she knows better what her grandson needs.

  To be honest, I’m shocked.”

  “Amber, huh?”

  “How did you know that?”

  I’m sure at that moment dad frowned thoughtfully.

  “I heard it by chance. Grandma wanted them to be together. John didn’t seem too happy.”

  “Hmm. Not happy, you say. Looks like he’s normal. A little more polite, but he looks quite ordinary. I don’t really understand what motivated both grandmothers. But we’ll see what comes of it.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay there? Mrs. Mabel didn’t behave well...”

  I didn’t like Mabel. The daughter could well take after her character, as she showed it in childhood. And I didn’t like that this family was getting closer now. I had nothing against Grandma Agnia, but my grandmother’s persistence surprised me. It seems that Dad and Mrs. Mabel were friends in childhood, but then things didn’t work out for them. Probably my grandmother decided to unite the families at all costs. If not children, then at least grandchildren.

  “She’s still trying to impose herself. But I’ll get over it. Her husband left her a long time ago. She has a complex character. Don’t worry, she’s not my type.”

  “I hope so. Otherwise, my mother’s death would have been in vain...”

  “You’re right. But don’t worry, I remember everything. I don’t really like the idea of my mother and your grandmother. But only time will tell whether Amber grew up to be like her mother or her father. As a child, she was a naughty child. Now she behaves more reservedly. But I’m still watching.

  We will come to you all together soon. I have already notified our family what needs to be prepared for our arrival. We’ll be home in a couple of days.

  I kiss my smart, talented daughter.”

  Well, there wasn’t long to wait.

  ***

  The day was approaching evening. The sun pyed in the treetops, sometimes illuminating the bench on which I was sitting. The brim of the hat provided shade for my face. A new July sketch was emerging in my album. Birds hid in the foliage and filled our not very cheerful estate with ringing songs. It seemed that I could sit forever, enjoying the sounds of nature and focusing on what brought peace and distracted me from everyday life. Ae pulled me out of my thoughts.

  “Miss, they’ve arrived,” she excimed.

  I perked up.

  “Does Dad too?”

  “Certainly.”

  “I want to meet him. Can you bring my album home?” I asked.

  “Okay,” she said and, taking the album from me, headed towards the house.

  I ran, holding my hat with my hands.

  “Daddy! Daddy!”

  I threw myself on his neck when he was about to enter the house.

  “I recognize my daughter!” Dad, ughing, kissed me on the cheek.

  When I let go of him, I looked towards the car. I saw my brother and the girl next to him. She was slightly shorter than John, blonde. Her hair was no longer as curly as when she was a child, but now it flowed over her shoulders in soft waves.

  “Nice figure,” I thought to myself, and looking at my ft body, I was upset, “I wish I had a figure like that. Surely a third breast size, no less, guys love that.”

  Amber was wearing a tight T-shirt and skinny jeans, which made her look even curvier. I remembered everything that happened to me as a child, and now I didn’t know how to rete to her. Dad’s ugh brought me back to reality.

  “Don’t be jealous, you’re my most beautiful. I’m sure Peter likes it that way. Besides, you will grow up and become even more beautiful.”

  “I’m already an adult, I’m almost fifteen,” I told my dad. He patted me on the head.

  “Women grow up to twenty years old.You have another five years ahead. Besides, you will always be small for me.”

  “Well, Da-ad,” I whined.“Let’s go to the house, grandma is waiting for us. Guys, hurry up…” the father called out to John and Amber, “...Cude, please help them with their bags,” he shook hands with the gardener who came out to meet them.

  “Of course, Mister Jack. Gd to see you,” Cude smiled and went to the car.

  In the evening I y in bed, covered with a light summer bnket and thought. Usually the time to think about something personal was only before bed. So I devoted this time to thoughts with which I fell asleep. Dad said that Peter likes me the way I am. And looking at him, it was obvious. He treated me with tenderness, like a fragile vase. But for some reason it didn’t grab me. Besides, we looked strange. His height was almost one meter ninety, he was thin, which made him seem even taller. And I was a little over one and a half meters tall, and looked like a child next to him. But I had no doubt about his feelings for me.

  “Does it have to be this way?” - I thought.

  “Is that what love is? It’s completely different in the books. Or maybe this will change and we need a little more time?”