now. You are not ready for this decision yet. As I understand it, you need to find peace within yourself first. Look forward! In three months’ summer will be here. Is it such a long time? During the summer vacation you will get rest, think about the situation one more time, and prepare yourself for the next school year. I admit it won’t be easy to do. But you need to be there for your class graduation, you have been teaching this class for years! Am I right? This year will pass by very fast, you know if better then I do. You can use this time to prepare yourself to leave school. Do you understand how important it is? From that time on, you will be visiting school like the mother of your son only. During this last year you will find yourself another activity, so after you leave you won’t suffer from life changes. Svetlana, my dear, please think one more time. When this time is over, you will thank me, but this is not what I need. I need to know, that your life would be complete and peaceful. You don’t need any stress!
He stopped his speech and his feelings finally broke through: his wonderful aristocratic face with light tan turned red. His charming gray-blue eyes (opened wide, so they appeared big and gave unusual charm to his appearance) seemed empty and his sight revealed coldness and didn’t let any objections. Worrying feeling made the heart of Robert beat faster, and he was constantly touching his thick fair hair. Svetlana was also quite, trying to stall for time and looked at the principle with attention. He became hot. In order to avoid sweating, Robert Urievich eased his tie and took the jacket off, hanging it on the chair. Svetlana noticed that and understood that he was very concerned for her. He was not supposed to worry; his heart could break down. In spite of that, she replied:
– You know how much I appreciate your sincere care! I always felt your support when I entered school. You can see, how much I need it right now, may be more then air to breath. It the depth of my heart it is very enjoyable for me to hear your warm words, which make my problems and worries disappear. I get a relief from something unbearably heavy in my soul, from some insurmountable barrier. I would never be able to overcome it without your support. When I am talking to you right now and feeling your patronage and care, I understand that I act under the influence of emotions! I was about to make a horrible mistake that could turn my whole life around…
Svetlana became quite, suppressing sudden feelings and tears. She tried to calm down while Robert Urievich was looking at her. He was better from the thought that there were people who could understand the essence and problem of the situation right away. A smart person never blames the circumstances or other people! He sees the problem in oneself! That makes feel glad! The problem can only be solved, when it’s reasons are understood. Robert Urievich inhaled air, lay back at the chair, relaxed and waited patiently for the answer.
Svetlana took a decision to stay in school till her glass graduates. She was surprised: «What is going on with me?! Some baubles make me lose control»! When she was totally calm, she told:
– Robert Urievich, I am very sorry for keeping you away from work. Don’t keep a grudge at me, all right?
– What are you talking about, Svetlana! I am only happy to help you. You can’t even imagine how glad I am! I think that you took a decision to be there for your class graduation long ago. I just needed to pacify you a little. I managed to help you because you were the one who said to yourself: “Calm down!”. Even I, an old fool, feel glad that you did it!
– Why are you calling yourself that name?! You are the most intelligent person in the whole school. Your words affect people in minutes. They helped me to fight my confusions and fears, I was able to overcome my «I don’t want» and «I can’t», after I understood your wise words. Dear Robert Urievich, you can’t even imagine how much gratitude I have. I can’t express with words, how deeply you perceived my worries and helped me. Now I feel that I owe you for my future well-being.
– Svetlana, you know that it’s not what has happen. It was wholly your decision, and I agree that it was a proper one! My goal was to make you understand, that it was a right decision.
– Thank you so much, Robert Urievich. I understand now that it is wrong to act under the influence of emotions. It is necessary to keep up with your work and understand its importance…
– Sounds good! I saw how your first day went. How do you think your next classes would go?
– Everything will be all right, don’t worry.
– I know that you are a very strong person, Svetlana. You manage not only to comply with your teaching responsibility, but also to share your strength and mind with students.
– What do you mean? – asked Svetlana.
– I feel a great and wonderful love within you. However, I can’t even imagine who could be the object of your affection. I am very happy for you! Your love is making you a stronger, better person. I noticed it long time ago, but didn’t have a chance to tell you about it.
– You think so? It is a pleasure to hear it!
– Don’t be afraid of anything, Svetlana! You are on the right path. Let me bless you dear!
He came up to Svetlana, hugged her and kissed on the forehead. Then he sat down in his chair and continued:
– If something worries you, please don’t hesitate to stop in my office to talk. Ok?
– Yes, Robert Urievich. When necessary, I would be addressing you for the support.
They stayed in the office for a little while, looking at each other calmly as thought getting rest from the tiring conversation.
– I want you to understand, Svetlana, that love never dissipates its talents. This love can help you make another person happy. You may need to sacrifice your feelings or even your life, if you would think it was necessary to do. Accept this idea, ok? When something very important happens, you will feel that your life is turned around. Be ready for it, I am asking you from my heart. You need to get yourself together at that moment, before it is too late, even thought it would be very, very difficult to do.
Robert Urievich stopped his speech, feeling agitated again. Svetlana stood up and brought him a glass of water.
– I should go. You are not supposed to worry! Forgive me please for all that.
– God bless you. Good luck!
Svetlana left the office very surprised. How can Robert Urievich know everything? He is so amazingly intelligent! That is just amazing.
XXII
When Maxim entered school, he got a feeling that he was waited for here. It was strange, but was accustomed to surprises… The first class had already begun and the school appeared empty. He could not find an available space in the wardrobe, so he decided not to change at all: «If I get tired and would like to go home it would be continent. Plus, it is cold here». He got to the third floor without rush, knowing that the first two classes were literature. Strange coincidence! He still didn’t have a plan! What lesson should he give to Svetlana Victorovna today? Max took a sit at the window – sill because he could not find a bench. He suspected that Svetlana’s feelings got stronger. He must act right now! There is no time for procrastination! What should he do? Seems like the most severe assay for every woman (especially a woman like Svetlana) is a jealousy. He looked at his watch: fifteen minutes before nine. He needs to get in class, or he might not get admitted to it later. What should he go?!
After Maxim pulled the door handle and opened the door he saw a class full of people. Even the bench from the corridor was brought to the class for people to sit on. «I was right about her»! – thought Max. All seniors turned their heads towards the opened door and, seeing Max, started to clap hands
