Hey, Kovaleva, is it true that your mother washed our locker room yesterday?» Kirill Bronsky asked loudly, leaning on his desk and deliberately waiting until the class quieted down.
Sonya froze, not even having time to put her textbook into her backpack. A tense silence fell over the classroom. All eyes turned to her.
«Yes, my mom works as a cleaner at the school,» she replied calmly, continuing to gather her things. «So what?»
«Nothing,» Kirill sneered with a smirk. «I just imagined how you’ll be getting to the prom. By bus, with rags and a bucket?»
The class erupted in laughter. Without a word, Sonya slung her backpack over her shoulder and headed for the door.
«Your mother is just an ordinary cleaner!» Kirill shouted after her. «Get used to it!»
Sonya didn’t look back. She had long learned not to react to mockery. Back in fifth grade, when she transferred to this prestigious gymnasium on a quota for gifted children, she realized: here, money and status rule. And she had neither.
Nadezhda Kovaleva was waiting for her daughter at the staff entrance of the gymnasium. At thirty-eight, she looked older—years of hard work had left their mark on her face. A simple jacket, faded jeans, and her hair tied up in a careless bun.
«Sonya, you seem a bit gloomy today,» Nadezhda remarked as they walked to the bus stop.
«Everything’s fine, Mom. I’m just tired. There was an algebra test,» Sonya lied.
She had never told her mother about her classmates’ teasing. Why add to her worries? Nadezhda already worked three jobs: in the morning at a business center, during the day at the gymnasium, and in the evening at a supermarket. All for Sonya to be able to attend a good school, go to extra classes, and prepare for university entrance exams.
«You know, next week I have Wednesday off. Maybe we could go somewhere together?» Nadezhda suggested.
«Of course, Mom. Just not on Wednesday—I have extra physics classes,» Sonya replied.
In reality, there were no extra classes at all. Sonya had taken up a part-time job at a nearby café—as a waitress for half-time. The pay was low, but it was a start.
«Kirill, are you really up for the bet?» Denis asked when he and his friends were sitting in the school café.
«Absolutely,» Kirill said as he took a gulp of juice. «If Kovaleva’s mother shows up at the prom not by bus but in a decent car, I’ll publicly apologize to both of them.»
«And if it’s a taxi?» Vika chimed in, biting into her sandwich.
«A taxi doesn’t count. I’m talking about a proper car. At least middle class.»
«Deal!» Denis extended his hand.
Sonya was standing around the corner with a tray, collecting dirty dishes from the neighboring tables. They didn’t see her, but she heard every word.
That evening, she couldn’t fall asleep for a long time. A decent car for the prom… It was a chance to rub Kirill and his entire crew the wrong way. But where could she get the money? Even renting the most modest car with a driver cost more than what she could earn in a month at the café.
At the «Mercury» business center, Nadezhda Kovaleva began her workday earlier than anyone else—at six in the morning, when the offices were still empty. By eight, she had to finish cleaning the corridors and restrooms so as not to disturb the employees.
«Good morning, Nadezhda Andreyevna!» a voice rang out as she wiped the glass doors of the «VIP-Motors» office on the third floor.
Igor Vasilyevich Sokolov, the owner of the company, always arrived before others—at the beginning of eight.
«Good morning, Igor Vasilyevich,» Nadezhda replied politely, a bit flustered. Most of the business center’s employees didn’t even notice the cleaners, but this successful businessman always greeted her by name and patronymic.
«How is your daughter? Preparing for prom?» he asked, unlocking the door with his key.
«Yes, only a month left. Time flies so fast.»
«My Maxim is also graduating next year. Although he thinks more about cars than about studying.»
Nadezhda smiled. Igor Vasilyevich often spoke about his son—with pride and warmth. He was raising him alone since his wife had left when the boy was eight.
«By the way, we have some important meetings today. Could you please take an extra walk through the conference room after lunch? I’ll process it as a separate payment.»
«Of course, no problem.»
For two weeks, Sonya worked almost without a day off. Studies, her part-time job at the café, and then home—preparing for exams. She counted every penny, but she was still far from the needed amount.
On Saturday evening, as she was returning from work, a heavy rain began. Soaked to the bone at the bus stop, Sonya noticed a black SUV slowing down nearby.
«Need a lift?» a guy asked from behind the rolled-down window.
Sonya became wary. Getting into a stranger’s car was the last thing she wanted.
«You’re Sonya Kovaleva, right? I’m Maxim Sokolov. My father—Igor Vasilyevich from VIP-Motors—employs your mom.»
Sonya studied the guy carefully. He looked ordinary—jeans, a T-shirt, short hair. Nothing out of the ordinary.
«Hop in, don’t be afraid. I asked my dad to pick up our system administrator; he lives nearby. He saw you on the way.»
It was warm and dry inside the car. In the back seat sat a middle-aged man with a laptop.
«What grade are you in?» Maxim asked as they started moving.
«Eleventh. Prom is in a month.»
«I’m in tenth. I study at the 22nd school.»
They got home quickly. When Sonya got out of the car, Maxim handed her a business card.
«This is my online channel. I talk about cars. It might interest you.»
At the end of April, Nadezhda noticed that her daughter began coming home later than usual.
«Sonya, has something happened?» she asked directly. «You’ve been so nervous lately.»
Sonya sighed. There was no point in hiding any longer.
«Mom, I’m working part-time. At the café ‘U Mikhalycha’ as a waitress.»
«What? Why? Exams are right around the corner!»
«I wanted to make you a gift for prom. A beautiful dress, shoes…» Sonya left out the main goal—the car.
Nadezhda embraced her daughter.
«Silly girl, I don’t need any gifts. I have a decent dress. You should focus on your studies.»
But Sonya was stubborn. The day after their conversation, she visited Maxim’s channel and sent him a message.
«I don’t think it’s a good idea,» Maxim said when they met at the mall. «Even renting the simplest car with a driver for the evening costs more than twenty thousand.»
«And without a driver?»
«Does your mom know how to drive?»
«No.»
They sat in the food court; Sonya was picking at a salad with a fork, not really eating.
«Listen,» Maxim suddenly perked up. «What if we ask my dad to help? He has an entire fleet at his company.»
«He wouldn’t agree,» Sonya waved off. «Why would he do that?»
«I don’t know. But he always speaks so respectfully about your mom. He calls her a ‘responsible person.’ And that’s the highest compliment coming from him.»
Igor Vasilyevich listened to his son with an unreadable expression.
«So, you’re suggesting I provide a car with a driver for the mother of your new acquaintance because some school kids are making fun of her?»
«Yes,» Maxim leaned forward. «Dad, you should have seen how Sonya was upset. She’s really working hard at that café, saving every penny. And those rich kids are mocking her mom just because she’s a cleaner.»
Igor Vasilyevich tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully.
«What if we do even better?» he suddenly asked. «Not just a car, but something truly impressive?»
A week before prom, Nadezhda was wiping a desk in Igor Vasilyevich’s office when he entered.
«Nadezhda Andreyevna, I have a business proposal for you,» he said as he sat in the chair.
«I’m listening,» she replied cautiously.
«As far as I know, your daughter’s prom is coming up soon. I thought, maybe I could give you a ride? I’m headed that way anyway—partners from the Moscow suburbs are arriving, and I’ll be picking them up near your gymnasium.»
Nadezhda was taken aback.
«Thank you for the offer, but I don’t want to impose.»
«No imposition at all. Consider it gratitude for keeping our office in perfect order,» Igor Vasilyevich smiled. «Besides, I know how important prom is for parents. You want to look your best.»
Nadezhda hesitated. On one hand, being driven by her boss would be wonderful. On the other, it felt a bit odd.
«And also,» Igor Vasilyevich added, «we have a vacancy for an administrator. I think you would do an excellent job. The salary is twice as high as your current one, plus a benefits package.»
«Me?.. As an administrator?» Nadezhda almost dropped the cleaning cloth.
«But you have responsibility and attention to detail. We’ll teach you the rest. Think it over before prom.»
The day of prom began for Sonya with a message from Maxim: «Everything’s set. Operation ‘Cinderella’ is a go.»
She smiled. Over the last month, they had grown very close. Maxim turned out to be nothing like the snobbish classmates—simple, with a great sense of humor and a passion for cars.
«Mom, are you ready?» Sonya shouted from her room as she finished her makeup.
«Almost!» Nadezhda replied. «Just need to fix my hair.»
Sonya had saved not only for a dress for her mom but also for a trip to the beauty salon. That morning, for the first time in many years, Nadezhda got a professional hairstyle and manicure.
There was a knock at the door.
«Will you get it? It’s probably Igor Vasilyevich,» Nadezhda said from the bathroom.
Sonya swung open the door and froze. Standing at the threshold was Maxim in a sharp suit.
«Hi, Cinderella, your carriage is ready,» he winked.
Sonya looked out into the yard and gasped. Instead of the promised car, parked by the entrance was a long white limousine with the «VIP-Motors» logo.
«What’s this?..»
«Surprise!» Maxim smiled. «My dad decided that if you’re going to do it, do it right.»
Nadezhda emerged from the bathroom and also froze upon seeing the limousine.
«This is… for us?»
«Yes, Nadezhda Andreyevna. My dad asked me to pass on his apologies—he was urgently called away by partners. But he arranged for our best driver to take you to prom.»
When the white limousine arrived at the gymnasium, a crowd had already gathered—graduates, parents, teachers. Everyone turned at the sound of the approaching car.
The driver opened the door, and Sonya was the first to step out, wearing a simple yet elegant light blue dress. Behind her, Nadezhda followed. In an emerald dress, with a new hairstyle and makeup, she looked like a completely different person—confident and dignified.
Sonya immediately noticed Kirill with his parents. He stood there, mouth agape, hardly believing his eyes.
«Come on, Mom,» Sonya said, taking her mother by the arm.
They walked past whispering onlookers straight to the main entrance. Along the way, the class teacher called out to Nadezhda:
«Nadezhda Andreyevna, you look absolutely stunning today!»
«Thank you, Elena Petrovna.»
At the door, Kirill caught up with them.
«Sonya, can I have a word?» he asked.
She stopped.
«I…,» he hesitated. «I wanted to apologize. To you and your mom. For all the stupid things I said.»
«You really lost the bet, huh?» Sonya asked bluntly.
Kirill blushed.
«Yes. But it doesn’t matter. I truly was wrong.»
«Apology accepted. But not for me—bring them to your mom.»
Kirill then turned to Nadezhda.
«Nadezhda Andreyevna, please forgive me for disrespecting you. It was foolish and unkind of me.»
Nadezhda looked at the young man in surprise, then at her daughter.
«What’s going on, Sonya?»
«I’ll explain later, Mom. Come on, we’re late for prom!»
The evening turned out to be magical. The graduates danced, took photos, and swore eternal friendship. The parents discreetly wiped away tears.
At one point, Sonya noticed that a dignified middle-aged man had approached her mother.
«Who’s that?» Vika asked, following her gaze.
«Igor Vasilyevich Sokolov. The owner of VIP-Motors.»
«Really? And what does he want with your mom?»
Sonya smiled.
«I think he just wants to invite her to dance.»
Two months later, as Sonya was preparing for university admission, Nadezhda came home with a special sparkle in her eyes.
«What’s wrong, Mom?»
«I got promoted. Now I’m the head of the administrative department.»
«Wow!» Sonya threw her arms around her. «Congratulations!»
«And also…» Nadezhda hesitated. «Igor Vasilyevich has invited us to spend the weekend at his country house. You, me, and him with Maxim.»
«Are you two dating?» Sonya asked bluntly.
«No! Well… not exactly. We just have lunch together sometimes. He’s a very interesting person. Not at all like the rich businessmen I imagined.»
Sonya smiled slyly.
«Mom, remember how you used to read me Cinderella stories as a child? It seems that in our family, that fairy tale is becoming a reality.»
A year passed. Sonya studied at university on a state-funded basis. Nadezhda managed the administrative department at VIP-Motors and attended English courses on weekends.
One day, in the university café, Sonya ran into Kirill. He had also enrolled there, though on the paid program.
«Hi,» he said, sitting down at her table. «Mind if I join you?»
«Hi. Sure.»
They sat in silence for a moment.
«You know, I wanted to apologize once again,» Kirill began. «Not for the bet or in public. I mean it sincerely. I was a real idiot back in school.»
«Yes, you were,» Sonya agreed. «But that’s in the past.»
«And how’s your mom?»
«Good. She’s now the head of department at VIP-Motors.»
«Really? What a career!»
Sonya smiled.
«It’s not about the career. She finally got what she deserves.»
«And you? How are you doing?»
«Fine. I study, work as a tutor on the side. And also…» she hesitated, «I’m dating Maxim Sokolov. His father owns that very company.»
Kirill whistled.
«So that’s where that limousine at prom came from!»
«Not just there. I was also saving money, working at the café. I wanted to prove to all of you that my mom deserves respect. That it doesn’t matter what someone does for a living—what matters is who they are.»
Kirill thoughtfully twirled his coffee cup in his hands.
«You know, the strangest thing? My dad went bankrupt. His construction company collapsed. Now I know what it’s like to have no money.»
«I’m sorry,» Sonya said sincerely.
«Don’t be. Maybe it’s for the best. I’ve rethought a lot over this past year.»
They talked a little more about life, studies, and future plans. As they said goodbye, Kirill suddenly said:
«Thank you.»
«For what?»
«For the lesson. The most important lesson in my life.»
That evening, when Sonya returned home, she found her mom preparing dinner. A vase of flowers stood on the table.
«From Igor Vasilyevich?» Sonya nodded toward the bouquet.
«Yes,» Nadezhda blushed slightly. «We’re going to the theater tonight.»
«You’ve been seeing him for six months, and you’re still as shy as a schoolgirl.»
«Sonya!»
«So what? It’s wonderful. I’m happy for you.»
Nadezhda approached her daughter and embraced her.
«You know, sometimes I think this is all a dream. A new job, new relationships, your admission to university…»
«It’s not a dream, Mom. It’s life. Our new life.»
In the corridor, the phone rang. Nadezhda went to answer.
«Yes, Igor, I’m almost ready. In half an hour? Okay.»
Sonya watched her mother and smiled. Who would have thought that the phrase «Your mother is just an ordinary cleaner!» would one day completely lose its meaning. Now her mother was a successful businesswoman, a respected manager, and, most importantly, a happy person.
And that white limousine at prom was not just a means of transport—it became a symbol of the changes that had forever transformed their lives.
