Daughters always think their mothers are foolish and don’t understand anything in life, and then they regret it, but it’s too late!
«I don’t think you’re foolish, but you really don’t understand anything! Vanya loves me! He’s waiting for me! Everything will be fine between us, you’ll see!» Yana grabbed her packed things and stuffed them into a sports bag. «I’ll call. Mom, don’t worry… Bye.»
Elizaveta Stepanovna approached her daughter, hugged her, and whispered:
«God willing, Yanochka, God willing!»
Yana was nineteen when one evening, coming back from her studies (after college she attended massage courses to earn extra money), a group of young men started following her. Initially, the girl briskly responded to their slippery jokes, but when one of them started making overt proposals and tried to embrace her waist or kiss her, she got really scared.
That’s when he appeared. The young man quickly and clearly explained to the merry group why they better go their own way, and he offered to walk Yana home. That’s how they met.
His name was Ivan. He was twenty-four, worked as a trainer in a fitness club, was fond of martial arts, and planned to someday enroll and graduate from an institute. The young people started dating.
Yana adored her rescuer and nearly worshipped him. Ivan was courteous and caring. He met her if she was late from her courses, and when she stayed overnight at his place, he drove her to classes in the morning.
The summer semester ended just as her courses finished, and Yana got a job. Lately, she almost always lived at Ivan’s, only occasionally visiting her mother.
«How are things? Vanya still training all those girls?»
«Mom, why girls? There are men too. He’s a general trainer, not just for women.»
«Yan, strange profession for a young man.»
«Why strange? What’s better—being a teacher for thirty thousand a month? No, thank you, better this way. At least he makes almost one hundred fifty thousand a month.»
«Seems like a good salary, then why do you always ask me for money? I even bought you a folding couch for clients.»
«Mom, I don’t earn yet, so I ask. Vanya already buys groceries, pays for utilities, spends on gas. I feel uncomfortable hanging my expenses on him too.»
«You live together, practically as husband and wife… And you’re afraid to ask him for help?»
«I’m not afraid, I just don’t think it’s necessary. But if you’re worried about your money, don’t worry, I’ll give it back to you as soon as I can!» Yana said irritably.
«What does money have to do with it? You’re not listening to me at all! I’m not worried about the money, but about you!»
Yana worked all summer and managed to save some money to pay back her mother. Ivan helped her a lot, recommending her as a great massage therapist.
By fall, Yana almost had no free spots left for September All weekends were booked, and she didn’t take any appointments on weekdays because her studies were starting.
«Yan, Veronica Yakovlevna told me today that she couldn’t book an appointment with you. Really no spots left? She’s my regular client, you can’t do that!» Ivan expressed his dissatisfaction to Yana.
«What can I do? I don’t have a single weekend free, all booked up. I have classes, remember?»
«Right, September! Forgot…» Ivan pondered thoughtfully and added: «You’re losing so much money because of the institute! Did you manage to save anything?»
«Yes, the last month was particularly good. Honestly, I regret having to turn people away. I understand I’m losing money, but I need to study. I don’t want to drop out of the institute.»
«Then study,» Ivan said indifferently.
But from that time, he often expressed regret that Yana was always busy and had absolutely no time. And how nice it would be if she switched to distance learning.
Yana couldn’t keep up with her studies. By winter, she was exhausted Studying and working weekends wore her out so much that she got sick, flunked her exams, and while she was recovering, Ivan persistently tried to convince her of the benefits of distance learning and how good it is to work and depend on no one.
«Vanya, what do you want to hear from me? I can’t drop out. I just cleared up some issues, I’d better quit my job, but not the institute.»
«And what am I supposed to do? I can’t bear all the costs! Income isn’t the same—almost no one buys personal training sessions, and I have to cover everything: groceries, apartment, living expenses, even your medications. I’ve forgotten the last time I went to a bar with friends. Don’t you want to contribute?»
«I’ve saved a little, let me transfer thirty thousand to you? Can’t do more right now.»
«That would be nice, I need to buy summer tires, and I’m totally broke.»
A month later, Ivan came and said he was being invited to Moscow. He had sent his resume three months ago and finally got a response—they were inviting him for a job.
«Yana, you have to understand, I can’t miss such an opportunity! Moscow is a city of huge opportunities and salaries. I would invite you with me, but your studies… You won’t drop them.»
«When are you leaving?»
«In two weeks.»
«After I leave, you need to move back to your mother’s, I want to rent out the apartment. Living in Moscow is expensive, it’ll offset some costs. And I really hope you’ll decide to join me after you pass your exams, and I’ll try to gather some clients for you.»
«Yes, Vanya, I understand. I’ll think about it.»
For the next two weeks, Yana couldn’t find peace.
How will she be here without him? How will he be there? He’ll definitely find someone else. There were just over two months left until the exams, and then she could go to him. Maybe Vanya is right? Maybe it makes sense to transfer to distance learning? And move to Moscow?
Vanya left for Moscow, and Yana moved back to her mother They called each other almost every day, and at first, more than once a day, then the calls became less frequent. And Yana took a significant step.
«Hello! How are you there?»
«Fine, working.»
«Vanya, I have news for you. I’ve thought it all over and after the exams, I’m transferring to the correspondence department and coming!»
«Is that so? You’ve decided, well, good,» Ivan said without much enthusiasm.
«Aren’t you happy?»
«Happy! Just a bit busy. Let’s talk tomorrow, and we’ll discuss everything?»
«Yes, waiting!» — Yana hung up the phone.
«She wanted to please him, and he wasn’t pleased?» — Elizaveta Stepanovna just entered and heard a bit, but from her daughter’s tone, it was clear she didn’t like the conversation.
«Mom, I know you don’t approve of all this and you don’t like Vanya, but please, don’t bother me now, it’s hard enough for me!»
«Don’t you understand that all this is wrong? You don’t need to go to him! Finish your studies quietly, then do what you want!»
«Can I figure it out myself, I’m not a little girl anymore?» — the daughter replied irritably. — «I want to be with him, I love him!»
Vanya called Yana the next day at noon «Hello! Decided then?»
«Yes, Vanya, I can’t be here without you! I miss you very much, everything’s falling apart! I think I’ll come at the end of June. You haven’t sent me the address by the way.»
«I’m actually thinking about changing the apartment, closer to work, so when you get ready, I’ll send you the address. I might have moved by then. I’ll gather clients for you, but you should also look for a place in advance, might be easier to get a job somewhere.»
«Okay, I’m looking, so I wanted the address, to be close.»
«Then look near the ‘Petrovsko-Razumovskaya’ metro station, the fitness center where I work is there.»
«Great.»
«Alright, I’m off to work, call me if anything.»
«Kissing you and missing you!»
«Me too! Bye!»
«Yana, daughter, give up this idea!» «No, I’ve made up my mind! Are you giving me the money or trying to dissuade me to avoid helping?»
«What nonsense are you talking about? Of course, I’ll give you the money, but I have this feeling that Vanya only needs your money. He’ll live with you for a couple of months and then kick you out!»
«Mom, what are you like… » — Yana wanted to say something rude.
In the last few days, she was tired of these conversations. And it all started when Vanya called Yana and she turned on the speakerphone. Mother wasn’t home.
They had a nice conversation, but almost at the end of the call, he said it would be good if Yana had some money for the first time. Moscow is an expensive city, and just the apartment costs him almost sixty thousand without utilities. Yana said she would take the money.
This conversation was overheard by Elizaveta Stepanovna, and when Yana hung up the phone, she told her daughter that she would give her the money, but on the condition that she wouldn’t give it to Ivan. Yana promised.
«To daughters, a mother always seems foolish. You think I don’t understand anything in life, then you’ll regret it, but it’ll be too late!
«I don’t think you’re foolish, but you really don’t understand anything! Vanya loves me! He’s waiting for me! Everything will be fine between us, you’ll see!» — Yana grabbed her packed things and stuffed them into a sports bag. «I’ll call. Mom, don’t worry… Bye.»
Elizaveta Stepanovna approached her daughter, hugged her, and whispered:
«God willing, Yanochka, God willing!»
Yana pinned high hopes on Moscow. New city—new life! Vanya nearby—could she wish for anything else? Ivan couldn’t meet Yana at the station—workday, he only came to the house to open the apartment.
«Vanya, my dear, finally, if only you knew how much I’ve missed you!» — Yana threw herself around her beloved’s neck.
«Welcome! I missed you too! Well, shall we go home?»
«Let’s go!»
Ivan took the suitcase, and they entered the building.
«Settle in here, I need to return.»
«Will you leave me the keys? I have an interview at four.»
«Of course I will. Where are you going?»
«Not far, to a medical center.»
«Are they offering a lot?»
«A normal salary for the start—seventy, and then a percentage of the revenue.»
«That’s normal there, but nothing here, but you have to start somewhere, so definitely go.» — Ivan kissed Yana. — «Did you bring the money?»
«On the card, need it?»
«If there is, throw ten thousand, I’ll stop by for groceries after work. The fridge is empty,» said Ivan and went to work.
Yana transferred the money and began settling into life. The apartment was a one-bedroom, clean, but not cozy. One thing was comforting—judging by the setup, there definitely hadn’t been any women in this apartment.
And the days flew by at the new place Yana got a job at a medical center. She liked living in Moscow: there were places to go, things to do, and she made some acquaintances. But over time, Ivan started working on weekends too and came home very late. He explained it all by a heavy workload and private training sessions.
«I won’t be here on the weekends—I’m going to a master class at a resort outside the city, two days. A trainer is coming, we’ll be studying a new workout format.»
«Can I come with you?»
«Do you have the money for it? Participation in the program is twenty thousand plus accommodation and meals at the resort. Why do you need this? By the way, will you participate in paying the rent this month? I might not gather the needed amount.»
«Yes, of course!»
Yana didn’t notice how the hundred thousand her mother transferred to her card flew away.
The second month of her life in the capital was ending «Yan, how much can you give this month?»
«Probably about forty. It’s mom’s birthday, wanted to send her some more, why?»
«Yeah, the car is acting up, want to take it to the service.»
A couple of months passed, and Yana went home: had to go to the institute and visit her mother. She returned ten days earlier than planned. She was in a hurry. No wonder! Yana found out she was pregnant, told no one, not even her mother.
She opened the front door with her key. The apartment smelled of alcohol, music was playing, and voices were coming from the room.
«Vanya, how much longer can this go on! My patience is not infinite!»
«Baby, give me another month, I promise I’ll sort everything out! It’s me who invited her, what should I tell her now? She already found a job, needs to at least be able to rent an apartment.»
«You’re so kind! Vanya, sometimes I think you’re just using me… You don’t love me at all! And I, by the way, even gave you my apartment so you wouldn’t have to spend extra…»
«Dasha, what are you saying? I love you! And I’m very grateful that you let me stay with you! Well, do you want to go to my parents’ for the holidays, I’ll introduce you.»
«I want!»
«Am I interrupting?» — Yana stood in the doorway and looked at her beloved, who was being hugged by another girl. «Hello… And how are you here…?» — Ivan jumped up.
«Yeah, decided to return earlier… Won’t you introduce me to your girlfriend?» — Yana addressed Ivan.
«Yana, this is Dasha. Dasha, this is Yana…» — Ivan hurriedly pulled on his pants. — «Dasha, excuse us, Yan, let’s go talk.»
«Well, let’s talk.»
Yana barely held back from saying anything and making a scene.
«Where did you come from?»
«Vanya, let’s start with you. Explain to me, please, what’s happening? That you have another one and for a long time—I understood. I don’t understand why I’m only finding out about it now and under such circumstances?»
«I didn’t know how to tell you. Listen, now that you know everything. Let’s part peacefully?»
«You didn’t need to pay the apartment rent, and the money I gave you, you just took for yourself? Rather, spent on her?» — Yana asked Ivan very uncomfortable questions
«If you don’t turn me in, I promise, I’ll return everything!»
«Do you love her?»
«Yes.»
«And why then did you tell me that you love me?»
«Because I love you too.»
«Transfer the money right now, before I destroy your hopes of marrying a Muscovite.» — Yana understood that while Ivan was scared, he would do everything she asked.
That she wouldn’t be with him anymore—she already understood that. While she stood and listened to Ivan and Darya’s conversation, she understood a lot, mainly that now she needed to squeeze the maximum out of this situation, so as not to be the one who was dumped and scammed. She was still unsure whether to tell Ivan about the child or if she should say anything at all.
Ivan opened the app and made the transfer.
«Not everything is here!»
«Yan, honestly, there’s no more, I’ll return it, I promise.»
Then Dasha’s voice was heard:
«Vanya, are you done there yet?»
«I think she has some. Go ask?» — Yana looked at Ivan with undisguised malice.
«Yan, don’t be like that. We were happy. In what happened, no one is to blame. I was alone. You there… And then she was here.
«Because of you, I dropped out of the institute, took money from my mother, moved to Moscow, tried to meet your expectations, and you couldn’t even find the courage to say that you were in a relationship with another! You’re already discussing living together! Are you normal? And if I had gotten pregnant, what would you have done? Continued to lie to me?
«What pregnancy? What are you talking about? I never even considered that possibility. We just wouldn’t have survived here. I’m categorically against having a child!»
«Everything is clear with you. Dasha is calling you.»
«You won’t tell her, will you?»
«I don’t know.» — Yana turned to the window.
Suddenly Yana heard Ivan enter the room with the words: «My Sunshine has been waiting for me!» and she felt so disgusted and somehow indifferent—whether he would return the rest of the money or not He returned most of it. But swallowing such humiliation she could not, and Yana went to them.
«Vanyusha, end the show, it’s time for Darya to find out who’s who here.»
Dasha looked attentively at Ivan.
«Vanya, what’s happening?» — Dasha stopped smiling.
«Darya, let’s get to know each other again. I’m Yana, we dated long before Moscow, then he moved here, and I waited to finish the session and move to him. And I moved. He was also going to marry me and promised to introduce me to his parents, but I never saw that. All this time I was paying part of the rent for this apartment, and today I accidentally found out that this is your apartment and there’s no rent! In exchange for my silence, Vanya promised to return all the money, but he didn’t return all of it. Of course, the chance that he’ll return it now is slim, but at least it would be fair.
«Dasha, don’t listen to her!»
But Dasha was interested in what Yana was saying.
«He apparently lied not just to me, but to you as well. So you decide for yourself if you need such a man, because I won’t fight for him, despite the fact that I’m pregnant.» — And Yana announced the most unexpected news.
«You’re lying!» — Ivan shouted.
«No, I came back earlier to tell about it, Believe me, I would have liked it to be otherwise! But here,» — and Yana handed Dasha a report from the women’s clinic. — «I didn’t think I’d be announcing this news under such circumstances.»
Dasha turned to Vanya.
«Vanya, I’m waiting for explanations. Right now!»— irritation was becoming apparent in Dasha’s voice.
Yana went to the kitchen while her ex sorted things out with his current, had some tea, snacked on the remains of a pizza, and wrote to the salon that due to pregnancy and family circumstances, she would no longer be coming to work. She sent a photo of the report from the women’s clinic, apologized, and without waiting for a response, went online and bought tickets. She decided to return home.
«That’s the story, mom! Just please don’t tell me I warned you!»
«I won’t.»
«Maybe I did the wrong thing…» — Yana was still unsure whether she had done the right thing then.
«To me, it seems he deserved it! And I feel sorry for that Dasha—she’s not to blame for meeting such a ‘G’.»
«Yes, they made up, he said the child wasn’t his, and he sent me a wedding invitation with the inscription ‘And what did you achieve?'»
«Let them be happy, forget it, you shouldn’t worry! And don’t worry about the child, we’ll raise it!»
Vanya deceived Yana by sending her that wedding invitation. Dasha broke up with him almost immediately after Yana left. But the guy didn’t lose heart and quickly found a new girlfriend with an apartment.
Yana gave birth to a charming boy, a year later she resumed her studies at the institute. After graduating, she met Dmitry, a man who adopted her child and became the most dear and close person to them.
