In a crazy world, only crazy people are sane.
Akiro Kurosawa
- Damn!
The combat flyer was caught by an enemy shell, causing it to tilt noticeably. The right engine failed, the speed dropped by almost a third. There is very little ammunition left. Tavi cursed through her teeth as she frantically pressed buttons on the armrests of the pilot's chair. A thin line of the safest trajectory lit up on the screen before my eyes.
The flyer descended as far as possible, now the peaks of a low mountain range overgrown with sparse forest flashed under its belly.
“Come on, darling, come on,” Tavi whispered, anxiously peering at the red dots on the side screen with which the on-board computer displayed enemy combat units.
There was very little left to the base, when suddenly a black flyer without identification marks emerged straight ahead. Mine? Stranger? The scanner remained stubbornly silent. After a couple of seconds, guessing whether the ship belonged to the Allies lost all meaning. Because two ballistic missiles were fired towards Tavi, almost point-blank.
“Nooo,” she managed to moan before the screen before her eyes exploded with a blinding orange flash.
Tavi pulled the pilot helmet off her wet head—the screens inside it were still flickering with reddish lights—and climbed out of the deep gaming chair.
She had not been able to pass this level for two weeks. Michelle laughed at her and called her hobby stupidity, unworthy of an adult woman. Deep down, Tavi agreed with her. But what can you do if the dizzying feeling of flight has recently been available to her only in computer games. She dreamed of someday saving money and repairing her old flyer, which had been collecting dust in the garage compartment for two years. Sooner or later, she will definitely take care of it, but for now.... For now, all the money was spent on paying off the loan for the apartment, and everything that was left after that was spent by Michelle at incredible speed on outfits and jewelry. Tavi didn’t blame her for this; her status as a fashionable singer required her to look impeccable. One thing was good: there were only two payments left. And the dream of flight no longer seemed so unrealistic.
Standing under the cool streams of the shower, Tavi even hummed. Something joyful and meaningless, invented right there on the spot. It was her first day off in two weeks, and the mood was rosy. She didn’t even immediately hear the telecom ringing. Maybe it's Michelle?
“I’m listening,” she purred, pressing the button.
But it wasn't Michelle. They called from the Reproduction Center with a reminder that the material needs to be submitted this month. Tavi nodded absentmindedly to the formally polite voice, looking at the standard splash screen on the screen. Of course she won't forget. No, she is not taking any medications. Yes, yes, no alcohol or stimulants ten days before the test.
- Thank you for your cooperation. In the name of Balance.
“In the name of Balance,” Tavi repeated obediently.
Ignoring the wet marks on the floor, she padded over to the large mirror and threw off the towel. Tall, well built, hardy, flexible. On a toned stomach, the contours of the abs slightly protrude. Tavi tried to monitor her own physical shape and demanded the same from her subordinates. In six months she will turn thirty, and the need to donate genetic material to the center quarterly will no longer be required - by law this was the responsibility of young and completely healthy women. If she wishes, she can even be given a sterilizing injection. Tavi brought her face closer to the mirror, meticulously examining the tiny wrinkle on her forehead. If you don't look closely, you can barely see it. And so - appearance is just appearance, nothing special: blue eyes, brown hair almost to the shoulders, a slightly long nose and her pride: plump lips, absolutely natural. Michelle also had pretty plump lips, and they were done so well that if Tavi had not seen photographs of her in her youth, she would never have guessed that they were corrected.
Her thoughts were interrupted by another call. This time, before pressing the communication button, Tavi glanced at the ID: the number was working. I had to put on a robe.
“They call it a day off,” she muttered. - I'm hearing you.
An excited female face in a uniform cap appeared on the screen.
– This is the duty officer of the central police station, Sergeant Anna Vittel, personal number 11-23-4A. We have an emergency situation, ma'am. An armed man was discovered early this morning twenty miles from the city. With the help of our employees, he was detained and taken into custody. He resisted arrest. There were no casualties.
Tavi felt the blood drain from her face.
- I’ll be there now.
Half an hour later, the chief of police district No. 27, Major Litavia Elizabeth Kendal, was at her workplace and quickly looked through the report submitted by Anna.
- I'm sorry, ma'am, that I had to call you, but...
- No, no, you did everything right. Try to prevent information from leaking to the press. We don't need panic now. Where are his personal belongings?
– The backpack and weapons are sealed in a storage locker. The things from the pockets are in this bag.
– Take the detainee to the interrogation room. I'll be there now.
- Yes, ma'am.
Walking through the endless corridors, Tavi felt nervous. Due to her profession, contacts with men were included in her training. But that was a theory. And to do this, one on one in a closed room... My heart was pounding like crazy.
The locks clanged and she stepped out the door. An ordinary investigation room: two chairs, between them a table with a jug of water and glasses, no windows. She conducted the investigation herself dozens of times and was present at the trial even more times. Only this time the person under investigation was... unusual. A man stood near the table. It was the first time Tavi had seen a man so close and against her will she looked at him hungrily. Tall, half a head taller than her, but she is by no means a baby. Blonde, his long strands reach almost to his shoulders. Unshaven, noticeable stubble covers his cheeks and chin.
She moved slowly, walking around him in a circle and trying not to get closer, despite the fact that his hands were cuffed behind his back. The man turned his head, watching her warily with his eyes. Bright blue, almost blue, Tavi noted. He was barefoot - his shoes had been taken off during his arrest, and, unable to resist, she chuckled in surprise, noting the size of his feet.
The man shrugged his shoulders.
“Remove the handcuffs,” he asked hoarsely, and Tavi flinched at the unusually low voice. “I’ve been wearing them since this morning, my hands are numb.”
Tavi paused.
– Do you guarantee that you will not attack?
“I’m not crazy,” he snorted.
- You are a man. You can't control aggression. You resisted arrest, right?
- I defended myself. I'm sure that if you were me, you would behave the same way.
The words of the instruction spontaneously came to mind: “Remain calm. Try not to argue unless absolutely necessary. Be polite and distant. Remember that the psyche of men is unstable. They get irritated easily about anything."
“Okay,” she agreed. “I will free your hands, and you promise that you will answer all my questions truthfully.”
The man nodded and Tavi uncuffed him. He raised his hands, rubbing his wrists.
“Sit down,” she nodded to the chair and sat down herself. - My name is Major Kendal. I'll ask you a few questions. So, what's your name?
– Mike Addington.
- Age? – she made a note in her notebook.
- Thirty-one years old.
– Where do you live?
– Reservation M44.
– What do you do where you live?
– Repair of civilian flyers.
– How did you end up so close to the LS 15 Reservation?
“I was heading to the coast, to the port of Macy. My flyer made an emergency landing, the square is indicated in my navigator, which, by the way, was confiscated during the arrest. I had to walk.
– For what purpose were you heading to the port?
– Purchase of components for on-board navigation systems.
– What exactly caused the accident?
“In my confiscated items there is a list of parts that need to be purchased in order for my trough to take off again.
– Why did you have a weapon with you?
“It’s not prohibited by federal law,” he shrugged.
– You used it during the arrest! – Tavi said accusingly.
- I ready was to use it,” Mike corrected. - It's not the same thing.
Litavia had a different opinion, but did not argue.
– Who could act as your guarantor?
“Matthew Young,” the man answered without hesitation, but suddenly winced and shook his head. - No, not him. Ben Crichton, my neighbor.
Tavi wrote it down.
– Why did you name one person first and then another?
“I...” Mike looked confused. - Just out of habit. I forgot that we recently broke up.
– Is Matthew your partner?
- Yes. Former.
– Were you married?
- No. We just met.
Tavi knew that this circumstance had nothing to do with the matter, but she could not resist asking:
- Why did you break up? “She was ready for Mike to refuse to answer this question, and, in fairness, she would not have insisted, but...
He answered anyway.
– Matt had problems with alcohol and drugs. He is a representative of the creative profession, a choreographer. And from time to time he needed to “de-stress,” as he put it. And what could be better for this than a drink, a joint and... - Mike twitched his eyebrow: - sex? Do you agree?
He suddenly leaned forward and put his hands on the table. Against her will, she stared at his hands. Unusually large, tanned, with long fingers. She had never seen hands like these.
“Well... if you follow moderation in everything...” she muttered.
“Exactly,” Mike nodded. “Matt didn’t follow through on anything. Lots of alcohol, lots of drugs and lots of sex. Tellingly, not with me.
“You are not like other men,” she blurted out.
– Do you know many men?
- To be honest, you are the first. But I read a lot about them... about you... and watched educational films. If I summarize everything I saw, I learned that men are rude, extremely aggressive creatures, with a limited emotional spectrum. They love alcohol, fights and dangerous sports, however, I personally do not see any sin in the latter. They may look different, but in general they are sloppy; many do not shave their facial hair. Their chests are also covered with hair,” she added, as if she were taking an exam.
Mike ran his hand over his cheeks and grinned.
– I have no hair on my chest.
Tavi realized that she had gotten carried away and felt herself blush.
- Sorry.
“You don’t look like typical women either,” he noted.
- Oh, have you met them?
- Yes, I had to. The last time was less than a month ago, at the Reproduction Center. These “cute” creatures were employees of the center. I have never met more unpleasant people in my life.
– Could you tell us more about this conflict?
– There’s nothing special to tell. At that time, I could not submit the material for a long time, despite the abundance of erotic films and magazines in my personal room. On this basis, I had a scandal with my employees. Arrogant, hysterical creatures. Not without sadistic tendencies,” he added.
Tavi realized with a shudder what he had kept silent about.
– How often do you have to visit the center?
– Once a quarter, as scheduled. But, to tell the truth, I try to avoid these visits by all means.
- Why?
“Because I don’t want my chromosomes... to be... crossed,” he almost spat out the word, “with God knows who.”
“But why “the devil knows with whom,” Tavi was a little confused. – The center conducts a thorough selection of genetic compatibility, a number of important indicators,...
- I don’t care! Do you understand? I don't care what they pick up there! I want it myself, you hear, myself! – choose the mother of your child!
Obviously, she touched on a sore subject.
“But,” she became embarrassed, “the law allows only homosexual marriages.”
- I know. But... I would like my child to have a mother. Like mine.
Tavi thought she had misheard. She poured herself a glass of water with a trembling hand and drank it in one gulp.
– Are you wildborn?
– I prefer to call myself natural born.
– Do I understand correctly that you were carried and born by a woman, and not in the Incubator?
- That's right.
- Wait. After all, you said that you live... in the M44 Reservation?
- This does not mean that I was born there. Have you heard anything about the so-called “Green” Reservation S 01?
Tavi frowned.
“I know that she is outlawed.” There is some confusion with the social structure.
– This is a small island territory. Basically, one small town and several fishing villages. Ordinary people. Ordinary life. But only the majority of families are heterosexual. I was born into such a family. I had a father and mother. They never donated genetic material. We all lived together until I was five. Then there was an armed conflict with the Unification forces, my parents were killed, and I was sent to one of the Nurseries, where I grew up.
The switchboard on Tavi’s hand beeped, and she looked at it with annoyance.
- Sorry, I have to go. - She got up. - We'll continue tomorrow.
An excited Anna was waiting for her outside the door.
- Major Kendal, the mayor of the city is waiting for you in your office. Mrs. Finch insists on an urgent meeting.
“What the hell brought her,” Tavi muttered, forcing a smile onto her face.
“Madame Mayor,” she exclaimed, entering the office, “what do I owe to your visit?”
A painfully thin woman of about fifty in a strict business suit stood up to meet her from the guest chair.
“Litavia,” she said, putting out her dry and skinny hand, like a bird’s leg, for a handshake, “extraordinary circumstances brought me here.” I learned that a man was detained near the city today.
“I would like to know who is leaking information to this harpy,” Tavi thought, and said out loud:
– Absolutely, Mrs. Finch, you, as always, are aware of all events.
“It’s my duty,” the mayor said modestly. - But to the point. You understand what this means and what the consequences may be, don’t you?
“Frankly speaking, not really,” Tavi admitted.
- Darling, think for yourself! It's obvious that this man is a spy!
– In the name of Balance, what are you talking about?!
- Well, of course! – The mayor excitedly walked around the office in circles. - Just imagine! What certain members of Congress warned us about has happened! They've started attacking again!
- They - you mean men? – asked Tavi.
- Well, of course! Believe me, things will get much worse if you don't stop them now! Others will come after him, and then the Balance will be shaken again.
- He... doesn't look like a spy.
Mrs. Finch brought her face with burning eyes close to Tavi and said almost affectionately:
“He shouldn’t look like him.” He's a professional, isn't it clear? But you and I... we see right through his tricks and must stop his plans.
- OK then. – Tavi moved away slightly. – Let’s imagine – just imagine! - that you are right. What solution do you propose?
- Oh, it's simple. Regular physical liquidation. Secret, of course.
- Liquidation?! What if he is innocent?
“I don’t have time to figure out whether he’s guilty or not!” Not today or tomorrow, journalists will dig up this case, and then there will be such a noise that you never dreamed of! I won't allow this, keep that in mind! This is my city, my Reservation, and this is not why I sit in Congress, wringing out benefits and lobbying for laws that are beneficial to us, so that one day a war will start again! And just because you and I, Major, did not react in time to the danger!
Tavi felt her head begin to ache. She rubbed her temples with her hands and tried to concentrate.
- Mrs. Finch, I have not yet completed the investigation and cannot say with certainty that this man is a criminal. I suggest that you be present during the interrogation so that you can judge how dangerous this man is.
- I?! – The mayor pulled back. - I'm with him?! In one room? No, thank you. This is your responsibility. However, I do not see the need for an investigation, I repeat. This infection must be eradicated before it is too late.
She walked to the door.
“I give you until tomorrow, Major Kendal.” I insist on liquidation. I hope you share my point of view. Otherwise... believe me, I have enough power in this city.
As soon as she entered the house, Tavi realized that Michelle had not yet arrived.
After changing into home clothes, Tavi poured herself some herbal tea and went out onto the balcony. Below, children were making noise in the playground. The first floor of the building was occupied by the Nursery, and the pupils were taken out for an evening walk. This Nursery was her family, and she knew every corner of it. The little ones squealed and ran after each other, the older girls walked decorously in pairs or gossiped in secluded corners. The plump figure of Miss Jenks still sat on the bench under the canopy. It seemed that this woman had not changed at all over the years, and yet she also raised Tavi herself. As an adult, Litavia sometimes loved to visit her mentor.
There was a game of hide and seek among the children, and a little fair-haired girl of about six ducked under the porch. Tavi nodded approvingly: next to the steps, an acacia bush grew lushly, making this place almost ideal. She herself hid there many times as a child. And she was never found.
- All here? – a bunch of kids near the sandbox were counting each other. - No, there is no Waif. Lost!!! Come out!
Tavi shuddered: that was her nickname. She herself was nicknamed that way in childhood for her amazing ability to hide in the most unexpected places. And now... now that's what they call this baby.
Meanwhile, the girl quietly got out from behind the bush and walked towards her friends with an independent air. And Tavi suddenly thought: this could very well be her daughter! Her and... for example, Mike Addington. This thought made me feel hot. My hand shook so much that I had to put down my mug of tea. Why had she never thought about this before?
A shiny convertible in the now fashionable retro style appeared in the driveway and pulled into the parking lot. A spectacular blonde in a tight dress burst out of it, laughing, waved goodbye to the other girl behind the wheel and headed towards the entrance. And Tavi went to open the door.
Michelle was a little drunk. Again. Without taking off her evening dress, she fell onto the sofa and began to complain about a hard day.
- Who brought you home? – Tavi asked, putting away her scattered shoes.
“Oh, this is Sylvia, our new administrator,” Michelle waved her hand carefree. - A very nice girl.
- I noticed. Will you have dinner?
– No, I had a snack at a restaurant.
– You completely stopped eating at home.
“Well, honey, don’t sulk,” she said, hugging Tavi. – Homemade dinners are so boring!
After her shower, Michelle expressed a desire to have a cocktail.
-Will you do it for me? – she asked, making a pitiful grimace.
Tavi took hold of the shaker with a sigh.
- And for yourself!
“No, I have to work tomorrow,” she shook her head. - I wanted to talk to you...
- Yes? Michelle raised her eyebrows. Without makeup, she looked much younger than twenty-three, almost girlish, and Tavi suddenly doubted what she wanted to discuss. But still...
- Let's have a baby.
Michelle choked on her cocktail.
- A child?! Why did this suddenly occur to you? We're not even married, and only married couples can take children from the Nursery, you know!
- I know. But... we could get married.
Her answer was a ringing laugh.
“This is the most original proposal that anyone has ever made to me,” Michelle said, laughing it off. “You’re not serious, are you?”
- Actually, seriously.
- This is ridiculous, and you know it. Tavi, just imagine: where am I and where are the children?! I'm at the peak of my career, I don't want children. Not now, not later. Why do you need it?! – getting excited, she jumped out of her chair. – It’s not in vain that we pay taxes, it’s the responsibility of the Nurseries to raise children! Think how much time and effort you will have to spend on this! And funds! And what is all this for?!
“I want to,” Tavi shrugged. – Besides... it is not necessary to take the child from the Nursery. You can contact the Reproduction Center and... carry it out yourself.
Michelle stared at Tavi as if she had grown two heads.
- To me? Are you suggesting that I carry the child?
- Not necessary. Only if you want. But actually, I meant myself.
– Do you want to walk around with this... with your belly? Michelle rolled her eyes. – Spoil your figure and health? And for what? Why this senseless sacrifice, when the Incubator can do all this? You're crazy...
- But some people do that!
– Yes, and then they are shown in all sorts of evening shows! Honey,” she impulsively stepped towards Tavi and hugged her, “you’re just tired.” I came up with God knows what... Let's talk about it tomorrow. “She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed her on the lips. “Let’s go,” she pulled her towards the bedroom. -You need a distraction.
Tavi lay in the dark, listening to Michelle's sleepy breathing, and thought about how different they were from her. And of course, it’s crazy to start a family with her. In less than six months they will divorce. God knows why she suddenly proposed marriage to her.
Could not sleep. For some reason my thoughts revolved around Addington. What if he's not telling the truth? What if the mayor is right and he really is the enemy? Equilibrium was achieved relatively recently, less than one hundred and twenty years ago, and it came at too high a cost to both sides.
Tavi studied history at school, including the era before the Great Divide. It was a strange and scary time. Society did not accept homosexual couples, considering such relationships abnormal and perverted. The so-called sexual minorities began to actively fight for their rights. First, they achieved that society began to treat them more tolerantly. They started writing about it and talking about it on television. Many gay people have achieved impressive career heights. Then belonging to minorities even became fashionable. They now have their own representatives in ruling circles. Over time, the number of hetero- and homosexual government officials became equal. And when opposite-sex couples realized it... the war began. First it’s informational, then it’s real. “The War of the Rainbow,” as historians unofficially called it among themselves. Which ended in an impressive victory for sexual minorities. However, no one would hesitate to call them minorities now. The majority, absolute and overwhelming. But even after winning, men and women could not exist together. A new round of hostility led to a logical outcome - the Great Divide.
Men and women are two parallel worlds, and it is better for them not to come into contact with each other - a resident of any Reservation knew this rule. Only for the sake of reproduction of offspring, but this problem was also solved over time thanks to the Reproduction Centers.
Tavi was born and raised in peacetime. Perhaps that is why she was so disgusted by the thought of the cold-blooded murder of a detained man. He hasn't even been charged, so on what grounds would she kill a potentially innocent man? Just on suspicion? It's savage and barbaric and... and... she just can't do it. Tavi understood this quite clearly. She can't kill him. And she won’t let anyone, because... The thought that flashed through her in the evening finally took shape quite clearly. This man could be the father of any girl from the Nursery on the first floor. Among which may be her daughter.
Tavi made her decision. She quietly got out of bed and began to quickly pack her backpack, looking at the sleeping Michelle.
Before showing up at her station, she stopped at a 24-hour repair service.
A crumpled list lay on the counter in front of a sleepy woman on duty on the night shift.
- I need these components. And hurry up, I'm in a hurry.
Mike was shaken sharply on the shoulder.
- Addington! Get up, quick!
A jacket flew into his face, and his own backpack and boots plopped down next to the bed.
- Major Kendal? – he asked perplexedly.
- Get dressed! Move if you want to get out of here.
Mike didn’t ask any more questions, silently put on his shoes and buttoned his jacket.
- I'm ready.
Tavi looked out into the corridor and waved her hand.
- Follow me and try not to make noise.
They passed several corridors and went down two floors. The scanner in Tavi's hands beeped obediently, opening the door locks. She pushed open the inconspicuous side door - and suddenly they found themselves on the street. Mike breathed in the cool night air with pleasure. The sky in the east was beginning to brighten, we had to hurry. Tavi headed towards the company car with tinted windows. It was only when they drove out into the empty morning streets that she looked at Mike.
– We will leave the city along the southeastern road. We will get to the old dairy farm, where our employees detained you. Then we'll go on foot. I'll escort you to your flyer, help you with the repairs, and make sure you leave our territory. Unfortunately, I was unable to officially complete your case; some problems arose.
Mike thought quickly.
“As for the repairs...” he began.
“I have the necessary parts in my backpack,” Tavi nodded. - Everything according to your list.
- Thank you. I can't help but ask, Major...
“Litavia,” she interrupted him, unexpectedly even for herself. - My name is Litavia. My loved ones call me Tavi.
“It’s a beautiful name,” he remarked. – Litavia... why are you doing this?
– I have my reasons for this. And one of them is my reluctance to take responsibility for your death.
“You will have problems because of me,” he said affirmatively.
“For sure,” she nodded. – But, I hope, not catastrophic.
- I wouldn't want you to get hurt.
- Do not worry. I'll get out. In addition, fortunately for you, the detention was carried out extremely secretly, only a narrow circle of people know about it, and all of them, with a few exceptions, are my subordinates. So everything will be fine.
Without any special adventures, they got out of the city. Tavi parked the car under the canopy of an abandoned, dilapidated farm and climbed out of the car.
“Get out,” she said, putting on her backpack. - Let's continue on foot. According to my calculations, we should reach there by noon.
Mike checked the navigator and pointed towards a small grove:
“We should go there,” and went ahead. Tavi followed.
An hour later, he took off his jacket and tied it around his waist, leaving him in a thin T-shirt. The sun began to heat up mercilessly, and the small open forests did not protect from the heat.
“Addington,” she called out to him, “tell me about your flyer.”
He stopped, waiting for Tavi, who had lagged behind.
– Only if we switch to “you.” Do not you mind?
- Not at all.
- Great. I bought this flyer a little over a year ago. And I fell in love with him at first sight!
- In the flyer? – Tavi laughed.
- Imagine, into it! – he also laughed. “I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life.” This is not a new model, Shark 720X, but I really like it. It would look like a pill if it weren't oval. And so - perfect streamlined shapes, stabilizers are almost invisible.
– I also like this model. I have a slightly older one, 613Q.
– Oh, you have a flyer too?
Tavi winced.
- He's not moving. Two years already. I got into a serious accident, and I just can’t get around to repairing it.
“Mine also had an accident, although the damage was minor. Okay, a couple of scratches. Matt once had too much whiskey and decided to have a speed competition with his friend. He was lucky he got off easy.
– What speed can you reach at seven hundred and twenty?
“More than three hundred and fifty miles an hour.”
Tavi whistled.
– My old man never dreamed of such a thing!
“If I got it into my workshop, I’m sure I could make it fly faster than the brand new models!”
Meanwhile, the grove gave way to a rocky ridge, and walking became noticeably more difficult. Sometimes you had to jump from one boulder to another, and in this case Mike always gave his hand to Tavi. Each time, she involuntarily noted how different these touches were from Michelle’s usual touches. Instead of a thin soft palm, there was a hard calloused hand, a strong grip of long fingers, and for some reason she liked it. She liked his voice - low, hoarse. I liked the way he laughed, throwing his head back. And it was scary because she liked it all.
In her thoughts, she didn’t even notice how he stopped until she bumped into his back.
- We've arrived.
In front of them, on a small rocky ledge, lay the most beautiful flyer she had ever seen. He was exactly as Mike had described, and she immediately understood his words about love at first sight. Round, silvery-white, on the transparent roof of the pilot cabin, the sun scattered into a million shining bunnies.
“He’s amazing,” she whispered, stepping forward.
Mike nodded proudly.
After Tavi excitedly examined the flyer inside and out, they began to repair it. However, it quickly became clear that her knowledge of technology could not be compared with Mike’s experience and knowledge, so Tavi considered it best not to interfere. Instead, she began cooking dinner on the camp burner.
By the time Mike finished the repairs, dusk had already fallen on the ground. Tavi lay in the pilot's seat and watched the first stars light up in the sky above her head.
She heard him come and quietly sit down on the floor next to her.
- Mike... do you believe that before all people lived together, men and women... They didn’t just live, but loved each other...
- I believe. And now this also happens. Rarely. But it happens.
- How do they meet? We are practically isolated from each other. Even in Congress, meetings are held in separate rooms.
“Everyone has a different path,” Mike shrugged. – Do you remember I told you about Reservation S 01? Recently, opposite-sex couples have been actively participating in public life and fighting for their rights. I think next year there should be a member of the heterosexual minority from this Reservation in Congress. Because the number of opposite-sex couples there has exceeded seventy-five percent.
- How do you know all this?
– I go there sometimes. No one there considers heterosexual relationships to be a perversion.
They were silent for a while.
“You sleep here,” Mike said. “And I’ll lie down in the passenger seat.”
“I don’t want to sleep,” she objected. “Look,” she extended her hand. - There's Venus over there. And there is the constellation Taurus. And wow, there, to the left, is my favorite constellation Coma Berenices. Do you know the myth about this constellation?
- No.
“I read about him in ancient history, when men and women still lived together. Once upon a time there lived a powerful pharaoh, whose wife Veronica was famous for her beauty. Her hair was especially beautiful. One day the pharaoh went to war and did not return for a very long time. His wife prayed for his return to the goddess of love Aphrodite and promised her her beautiful hair as a sacrifice. Soon a messenger brought news of the return of the pharaoh, and Veronica, true to her word, cut off her hair. Aphrodite placed her hair in the sky in the form of a constellation so that all people could admire it.
- A beautiful legend.
“Beautiful,” Tavi agreed.
“I like your hair,” Mike said and ran his hand over her head.
And Tavi allowed him to do this, moreover, she enjoyed it when his fingers dug deeper into the thick strands. There was something terribly wicked about sitting in the dark, alone with a man in a confined space and letting him stroke your hair. But it was not half as vicious as his moving face, blocking the entire sky; like his breathing, quiet and intermittent; how her lips parted... Collided... Kiss... Like the final chord of her own madness.
It was unusual. Completely new sensations. Instead of soft girlish lips - hard and persistent. And for some reason tender. Overgrown stubble slightly scratches the skin. As if in a dream, Tavi raised her arms and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
Parallel worlds collapsed, forming one... Which now seemed the only correct one.
The next morning, Tavi tried to dress very quietly so as not to wake him. She silently opened the hatch and was about to jump to the ground, when suddenly strong arms hugged her from behind.
- Don't go.
His breath made the hair on his temple move.
- I have to go. “She turned around in the circle of his arms and looked into his eyes. - Someone is waiting for me. They will look for me. I must...
- That is why! – he answered with some strange, passionate conviction. “You risked yourself to save my life.” I know you'll be in big trouble. And I can't let you go. I don't want to let go.
– In the name of Balance, what are you talking about? – she shook her head.
– When there is no opposition, balance is impossible.
- Who said that?
- That's what I said. And you will understand it too.
– I still have no choice.
– There is always a choice!
- And what do you suggest? Go with you to the Reservation M 44? That's where they'll be happy to see me! – she laughed forcedly and then abruptly stopped laughing: it sounded somehow creepy - this morning, under this sun, with this... person.
“Come with me,” Mike was extremely serious, and his voice was quiet. – To the Green Reservation, there have been no armed conflicts there for a long time, you can live there!..
– Perverts like us? – Tavi smiled bitterly.
- No. – Rays of wrinkles scattered from his eyes. - No, stupid. If the whole world is abnormal, there is no need to try to go crazy in order to conform to it. We will have a chance to remain ourselves.
– There is no “us”, do you understand?! This is all wrong. Our entire meeting was a complete mistake. We shouldn't have met at all!
- Stay with me.
- No.
“I couldn’t meet you just like that.” Choose me, Tavi. Choose! Me!
My eyelids burned from the approaching tears, and there was a lump in my throat. She shook her head, unable to speak, pushed him away and jumped down. Without looking back, she jumped over the stones, moving further and further from the flyer.
Leaving him.
My heart was torn into shreds. Michelle's curls, Mayor Finch's dissatisfied face, Anna's frightened eyes, Waif flashed before my eyes, as if in a kaleidoscope...
- I'll be waiting for you!!! Here, another day! Do you hear?!
The next dawn found Mike in the pilot's seat. With red, inflamed eyes, he stared intensely at the edge of the grove. The rising sun first colored the tops of the low maples pink, the rays descended lower and lower, becoming more golden, until they reached the thick grass. Not far away, the awakened birds whistled. As the weather began to heat up, Mike admitted the obvious: she wasn't coming. He hoped in vain.
The flyer reluctantly took to the air. A ridge of flat boulders and a small stream slowly floated under its belly, and light forest flashed and ended. The speed has increased.
To the right, across the field, waving its arms, a figure in a khaki-colored overalls was running, almost merging in color with the grass.
Vusalya came home all angry. Her friends tried to calm her down as best they could, but it was no use. How she allowed herself to be kissed. what an arrogant guy, and then he said such nasty things about her to his friends. The worst thing is that she liked it, for the first time in her life she liked a guy. His blue black hair, black eyes with long eyelashes that Vusalya herself could envy, tall stature, pumped up body, broad shoulders and that impudent, self-confident smile... wow... no no, I need to throw him out of my head and forget him like a bad dream. The girl came into contact to check her email. This is what my friends and my sister write. After answering everyone, she went downstairs to have lunch. One aunt was sitting at a large table.
“Hello,” the girl greeted.
“Hello, sunshine,” answered Aunt Jessica.
- Sit up straight, don’t slouch - before she had time to start eating, her aunt began to nag her - And take a fork and spoon, don’t eat with your hands, it’s not decent
“Auntie, let me eat in peace,” she waved her off.
- Darling, I do everything for you. You're already an adult and you act like a child.
The woman's gaze fell on Vusali's hands
“Who did you fight with this time?” she said indignantly.
“It was his own fault, but I made it possible for him to remember me for a long time.” “He’ll look in the mirror and remember,” the girl laughed.
Uncle Timur came into the room
- I left him with my left, then with my right - The girl stood up and began to show blows - and then naked in the stomach.
- My school. Smart baby - Timur patted her on the shoulder
- Yes, uncle, as you taught me - Vusalya was pleased with herself
“You two will drive me to my grave,” Jess sighed.
- Well, my dear, he probably pestered her and our sunshine gave the unfortunate man a lesson that he will remember for a long time. Yes sun? - Timur looked at his niece
- Yes, it was, word for word - it’s unlikely she’ll ever tell them about the kiss
The girl touched her lips... a sweet and tender kiss. The guy smelled of expensive wine, cigars and cologne. He simply radiated strength and courage. It all came together in one aroma that made the girl’s head spin... and his black eyes in which you can easily drown
“By the way, baby, we’re leaving tomorrow morning,” her aunt’s voice brought her back to reality.
Like tomorrow, they have to leave in a week.
She's not ready for this. In a week but not tomorrow. I still need to buy a lot of things and say goodbye to my friends.
-Are you pretty baby? - Aunt and uncle looked at her hopefully.
“Yes, of course,” Vusalya squeezed out something like a smile.
- Is there something wrong? - You can’t fool anyone, Uncle Timur. He knows his niece better than anyone in the world
“I wanted to throw a farewell party,” the girl admitted, “I doubt I’ll see them again.”
To be honest, she hasn’t made any best friends in 6 years in this city. Yes, there are girls and guys with whom she is interested in communicating, but she won’t remember being bored, but she won’t be bored. This city became a lifeline for her. The bunker in which she hid herself from pain and disappointment. She is grateful to this city and its residents for their warmth and understanding. but it could not be called home. Despite everything, Vusalya is not ready to go back to where she once fled.
“You can have a party today,” Timur advised
- Where? We need to book a place in advance,” the girl sighed.
“For example, in our club,” Jess recalled. “The establishment is very popular in the city.” Your friends will be happy
- Good idea. I'll close it for you tonight. He will be at your disposal all night - uncle smiled
“Thank you,” Vusya answered dryly.
- What is it this time? - Jess looked at her
- I didn’t have time to buy gifts, and I didn’t buy anything for myself - that was one of the reasons
- Nothing scary. You can buy everything in Paris - my uncle said this with his face buried in his plate
- Where???? - well, Vusali lost all her appetite, she pushed the plate away from her
“Paris is the capital of France,” explained Timur, who does not understand
- Baby, didn’t we tell you? - Jess looked at Vusala. She shook her head - We are going to Paris from there to Moscow to Ashot and Karina for a few days.
Vusya has completely forgotten about food. She ran up to her aunt and uncle hugged them.
It was an ordinary day. Hot afternoon, a boring mass of people were hurrying in all directions. Women and Men in gray suits were hurrying to lunch so that they could then go back to tedious work... children, teenagers and young people with gloomy faces walked home after classes.. It could have been an ordinary weekday if our heroes had not met. Three best friends were sitting on a bench.
“I’m going to die of boredom right now,” Shamil sighed.
More than anything, guys hated being bored. Over the weekend they managed to visit all the clubs in San Francisco (Yes, yes, they are in America)
“And what do you suggest we do?!” Toli asked or no, his second friend Said
“Shall we go somewhere?” Sham looked at the guys hopefully.
But his hopes were in vain, they shook their heads.
“Personally, I’m tired,” answered Emin (Yes, the same one) “And in general,” Said looked sternly at Shamil, “We are flying to Dagestan in the evening.”
You can't argue against such arguments. Under no circumstances should they appear there drunk. Madina will bury them alive under a tree and then forget which one. As always, Shami will get the most. Because Madina knows well that he is up to such drunken things.
Madina is Said's happy wife in five minutes. In a few days they will have a magnificent wedding in Darbent.
- F@@b I don’t remember the last time I slept - Emin rubbed his sleepy eyes
- Six hours ago with that blonde with a fifth... - Sham reminded him
- I don’t think he was able to sleep. Blame the same fifth - Sid smiled
The guys began joking and laughing to talk about things that it’s better for us girls not to know about.
Emin stood in the airport building where people rarely appeared. My head was splitting in ten places. He stood leaning against the escalator with his back. Strong coffee in a plastic cup warmed my soul, preventing me from falling asleep on this cold morning. He didn’t sleep all night after seeing his friends off at the airport. Emin went to see the beautiful Nicole. The guy was going to spend the night with her in one of the nightclubs. They chose the popular club RAY. But they were stopped at the entrance by security.
- Sorry, but there is a private party, entry only to its own
- Friend, understand, I’m with a girl - I tried to get there Em - I think we’ll sit there in the corner, we won’t disturb anyone
The bully shook his head negatively.
- I think this will convince you - the guy slipped him a few bills
The guard hesitated. He looked at the large sum in Emin’s hands. But it seems that work and his own skin were more important to him.
- There’s no way it won’t work out. The owner's niece is there. If they find out, they'll throw me out
“Don’t be upset, baby,” Nicole whispered in his ear, “I know what we can do tonight.”
What can young and beautiful people do alone? The night was wonderful, he even mentally thanked the girl who decided to throw a party in that club.
He is the sweeter the night, the more terrible the morning. Another sip of coffee... ugh, what disgusting. It seems she has already cooled down. Let's quickly get on the plane and fall asleep
They were sitting opposite the institute and cockroaches began to stir in Shami’s head... Redheads are so cunning.
- Let Em be the first one to leave the building and kiss her?
“Why me right now?” Emin was indignant.
- Said can’t, he has a fiancee...
“Beloved bride,” Sid added his two cents.
- And I am the author of this idea.
“Okay,” Em sighed.
-The kiss should be a hickey, you can do it in French - yay, the cockroaches will applaud while standing)
“Not just any guys,” the thought of fagots made Said turn inside out
- And not some old ladies
“The girl will be about our age,” the author of the idea agreed.
The guys silently stared at the gates of the building. The gates were iron and high. Each of them prayed.
Said hoped that a Caucasian girl with 200 brothers would not leave there.
Emin prayed that a blonde would appear with the same fifth, or a brunette with a fourth, what difference does it make.
Shamil was thinking about the same thing... only exactly the opposite. A small fat woman whose mouth stinks.
As they say, whoever prays earnestly will have his desire fulfilled. The gate opened with a creak and a round ball appeared from there.
- hahahaha..hahaha..- Shami doubled over laughing
- Stop it - Sid pushed his friend in the side. But he himself was without sin, he could barely restrain himself from laughing - Hihihihi
Emin looked at his friends who were already lying on their backs and holding their stomachs. Well, no, he won’t show them his weakness.
He raised his head proudly and walked forward to meet his misfortune. With every step he moved closer to her. Closer, IT seemed even scarier. Courage and bravery were leaving him. He wanted to catch up with them and hide in the bushes until THIS disappeared from sight. The laughter of friends behind me became even louder. Gathering the last drops of courage, Emin took a big step towards the unsuspecting girl. So you need to close your eyes and imagine Aishwarya Rai instead, for example. Suddenly, out of nowhere, there was another chubby girl near him. It was as if she had grown out of the ground. This was partly true. The girls left the institute together. But the second one got loose. the laces were on the sneakers and the green-eyed beauty bent down to tie them. When the guys looked, of course they didn’t see her. He took off his glasses and kissed her. The poor girl did not move from surprise for the first seconds. But after getting out of shock, she began to hit the guy in the chest and break out of his hands. Well, where is it, a fragile one and a half meter girl against a tall, pumped up one. Emin kissed her tenderly and caressed her back with his fingers. Thus allowing her to relax. Emin was a skilled lover; it was not for nothing that girls ran after him in herds. He knew how to give each of them pleasure. His sweet lips drove the girl crazy. In a few seconds she forgot about everything, where she came from and where she was going. And who is she anyway? forget yourself in his strong and gentle hands. Vusalya no longer felt the ground under her feet; she was flying in a world of pleasure and bliss. The first kiss is what it tastes like. Yes, my friends didn’t lie, he was the best. Emin pulled away a little from her.
“Raspberries,” he said, breathing heavily.
The guy pressed the girl's fragile body to himself. And he kissed her truly passionately and hotly. Time stopped for these two. Seeing no one and nothing around him, there were only He and She and the rest was not important.
Why did this girl who doesn’t really know how to kiss drive him crazy? A womanizer and a lover who had so many girls that he lost count, he lost his head from a simple kiss.
Running his fingers through the girl’s collected hair, Emin loosened her hair with one movement of his fingers. Vusali's blond hair fell in waves over her shoulders. Emin inhaled the floral scent
“Lilac,” he whispered
How long they stand here enjoying each other, neither he nor she knows. For them, time has lost track. Finally, not even though the guy let her go from his arms
Well, what did the guys eat? - Em went up to his friends - Mmm.. how sweet she is, what lips, what a figure..
Vusalya stood stunned in the middle of the street. Reality hit her like a whirlwind. In reality, she was brazenly kissed by an unknown guy in broad daylight. No, she won’t leave it that easily. Em was bragging to his friends about his exploits and did not notice the girl. She attacked him with her fists
“Get this crazy woman away from me,” Emin fought her off.
The friends just stood on the sidelines and laughed, as usual, casually.
The morning was not good for Vusali either. The night at the club was the best of her life. Of course, my uncle made sure that there were no drugs and that Vusalya did not get drunk to the point of crazy when the girls forget about everything and dance on the table. Yes, they drank, but purely to relax. After the club, she immediately arrived at the airport. My head ached like crazy and I wanted to lie down somewhere and fall asleep. The eyes closed treacherously. And the noise and voices of those around seemed to sound inside my head and hit my skull every time.
“I’ll go for a walk,” she said to her uncle and aunt.
“Yes, of course baby,” Jess shouted after her.
The blonde’s legs themselves carried her to where it was warm and quiet. Aunt Jess made her wear something feminine and not trashy torn jeans and a sweatshirt. Despite the summer, the morning was cold. Jessica chose a long sundress with high heels. The clothes were not familiar to her. it hindered movement. Vusala stumbled at every step. So wait, where is she? How did she get here? It was so bright here that the color hurt the eyes, White walls, white floor. Vusalya noticed an excavator going down and going up. There was a guy standing in the middle, his face buried in a plastic glass in his hands. It seems he fell asleep. We need to go down and find our relatives. The heel caught on the hem of the dress. Vusya turned around abruptly and fell into the guy’s arms. Emin, who did not expect this, fell with her
Vusalya kicked him, bit him, and scratched him. I did everything to cause him at least some pain. No matter how hard the guy tried, he couldn’t calm her down; she seemed to have not two arms and legs, but 10, she was waving them and Emin was trying to catch them. A crowd of onlookers stopped to look at this church, well, of course, give people bread and circuses. As expected, Emin got tired of this and grabbed the rebel, squeezing her arms and legs. Vusalya tried to escape from his hands. The girl floundered like a mermaid caught in a net, while swearing like a shoemaker, which made the parents cover their children’s ears,
The crazy blonde's friends lured her away from the already evil Eminya, out of harm's way, as they say
“Crazy,” he shouted after them, “Um, you tore my T-shirt.”
- Crazy - Vusalya tried to escape from her friends’ hands
“Um, you better not make her angry,” Shamil advised his friend.
- What are you doing - Said looked at the crowd - mind your own business
Emin looked for a long time to where the girls had disappeared. The first time a girl scratches his face and arms and back and chest... no, of course not, but it was somehow pleasant
“Ugh, what a greyhound,” Shami broke the silence.
- poor girl - Sid shook his head sympathetically - Looks like our Casanova has forgotten how to kiss
“And fight,” said Sham
“I don’t hit girls,” Em answered, “why didn’t you keep her away from me?!”
“Well, you kissed her and you have to figure it out yourself,” Sham smiled
- F*** I still have a black eye now
“Nothing will heal before the wedding,” Sham consoled him.
“If not, then I’ll borrow a foundation,” Said patted him on the shoulder
“Ugh, that’s why you have such perfect and smooth skin,” Shami joked
“Yes, I’ll take it from Madina,” Sid corrected
“Ask for permission first,” advised Emin.
“I’m not henpecked,” Sid said indignantly.
- Calm down bro - Emin and Shamil began to laugh
“If you fall in love, I’ll look at you,” Sid was offended.
- Not when. Death is better - Sham shook his head - Eminem and I will not stoop to that. Yes bro?
The guy didn’t answer, he remembered green eyes and the smell of lilac.
They fell onto the marble tiles separating the two escalators. The girl shivered with fear and pressed herself tightly to the guy’s chest. while crumpling his T-shirt. Emin hugged the girl with one hand and grabbed the edge of the marble with the other hand to at least slow down the watering so that they wouldn’t fall and break their heads. The girl's blonde locks fell on his face, blocking his view. The already familiar smell of lilac teased his nose. Remove her hair, he looked down, they already need to slow down at the edge. The little adventure turned out to be without casualties. Em and Vusya stopped safely. They got down to the floor. The girl covered her face with her palms, her shoulders rubbing. She seems very scared.
- Don't be afraid. Everything is already behind - Emin said as gently as possible
Before Vusya had time to answer, they were surrounded by restless people.
- How are you?
- No one was hurt?
- Where is it not broken?
Questions rained down from everywhere, the guy did not have time to answer. And the still frightened Vusala was taken away by her aunt
“Everything is fine, thank you,” Em replied, “I just tore my T-shirt.”
He was wearing a blue T-shirt with a large S on the chest
- Oh, that's what a superman he is
- A true hero
- Not like my son
- What a good guy
- And so beautiful
- Excuse me, I need to change clothes - the guy slipped through the crowd
“Your hand is bleeding,” someone shouted to him.
Damn it, now I need to go to the pharmacy. Emin just noticed something strange; a light brown Chanel women's scarf was hanging around his neck, clearly not his. The scarf came in handy; he used it to clean the wound on his palm. You can, of course, return it, but let it be a small bonus for saving it
The guy changed his clothes and cleaned himself up. I washed the wound and bandaged my hand with a brown scarf. Now he was sitting on a cold iron bench. Time seemed to be passing slowly on purpose. I wish I could quickly get on a plane and fly to Paris, where I need to buy my friends a wedding gift. Where can you buy a gift for the newlyweds, of course in the most romantic city in the world.
- Is this seat taken? - The sexy girl, without waiting for an answer, sat down next to him
- I saw your heroic act
“It’s nothing,” Em responded.
- My name is Rose
- Emine
- Hear it for the first time
The guy didn’t answer, he looked at the time. The arrows didn't move. Maybe the watch is broken, you need to add buying a watch to the big list
- You know, I love adventure and often get into trouble - damn Em has already forgotten about her - Would you like to become my savior?
“I don’t want the world for any amount of money,” the guy smiled tenderly at Rose.
- WHAT
-What did Barbie hear?
“How dare you.. yes I.. I am a famous model... yes every man dreams of having me,” the embroiderer was indignant
“You see that guy,” Emin pointed to a teenager with glasses, “offer your services to him.” He will be very happy to become your personal slave
The girl began to trample with her long foot, shouted something and walked away
- Go, go
Em looked at his watch again. No, time is definitely mocking him. Someone sat down next to him again
- What else do you need?! - the guy shouted
He expected to see that girl with sawdust for brains. But a young man in an expensive suit looked at him in surprise.
“I wanted to thank you for saving my baby,” the man said.
“It’s nothing,” Emin answered for the second time this morning.
Because of his ton, Emin realized that that girl was his mistress. Today's girls are ready to do anything for money. Even dating a man twice their age who is old enough to be their father.
- For me this is not a trifle - the man took a thick wad of money out of his pocket
- First of all, it was my duty. Secondly, it was she who saved me; if she had not pressed herself so tightly against me, I would have fallen myself. And thirdly, do I look like a homeless person who needs your handouts?
Well, the morning was very difficult. and it looks like it doesn’t want to end.. Well, where is this damn plane
- My boy, what is your nationality? - the man asked
- Azerbaijani - what difference does it make to him?
“I thought so,” Timur rejoiced. “You are my fellow countryman.” By the way, I'm Timur, for you Uncle Timur
The man extended his hand to him. But Emin did not want to shake it. Uncle, of course. This means he is Azer and is definitely married. It turns out that he left his wife and children there and he has fun here with his young mistress. Why get married so that you can go out later? Get a divorce, then go out as much as you like. The woman is there waiting for him there to hope and he is having fun here.
“I understand you won’t take the money,” Em shook his head.
Timur's gaze fell on the guy's hand.
- Oh yes, of course it’s yours - Em tried to spread
scarf
- Keep it for yourself - Timur saw a large red blanket on the rags
Emin smiled at Timur. Despite everything, I liked the man. He had unusually kind eyes.
- I’ll go - Timur stood up - Thank you again for saving my niece
So stop. what did this guy say? Niece. That means she’s not a mistress, but just a niece. Blonde hair that smelled of lilac. No, it can’t be where she is and where he is now. He saw her in the city near the institute. And he was at the airport. Vryatli. But still, who the hell isn’t kidding
Vusalya was already sitting on the plane in business class with only her and her relatives. As soon as they took off, the aunt turned on another soap opera in which some kind of Maria loves Juan, who is married to Antanina, who gave birth to a child from Pablo, who breathes unevenly towards Violeta, who adores Sebastian.. True, my head went spinning. Now Vusya is already confused about who, where, who and why.
An hour later, when this drug addict’s nonsense ended and my aunt fell asleep, Vusalya turned on a horror movie. Everything is simple here, a preoccupied guy chops everyone down with an axe. Arms and legs are flying, guts are out, blood is gushing out. This is beauty. Vusya could not concentrate on the film. Her thoughts were about the guy who kissed her in an impudent way. Black eyes, dimples. The guy is mindlessly handsome. And she could swear that the girls were hanging around his neck. He spends every night changing girls. With his appearance, you can afford anything. She knows such people well.. But Vusalya was not interested in this. A boor, a rude man, an ill-mannered bigot, how he knew how to rip the first kiss from her lips. The girl dreamed that it would be somehow more romantic with the person she would fall madly in love with. Let's meet him again and hit his brainless head with something heavy to knock the crap out of him. Vusya didn’t even realize that they had seen each other not long ago. And fate will collide them again and again. Even now, he is very close by on the same plane, sleeping in a quiet sleep. They say that if you dream about someone, it means he is thinking about you. Emin dreamed of a green-eyed nymph. The girl was sitting in the middle of the desert. There were no souls, no people, no animals, no plants, no mountains around. One smooth golden sand. Coming closer, Em realized that she was crying. She looked at him with wet eyes
Promise that you won't leave me. Promise.
Emin didn't know what to answer. If she says no, she will cry again. If she answers yes, then she will have to keep her word and always be by her side. But the guy didn’t know whether he loved her.
- I love you Emine
Her voice sounded very quiet and she disappeared. Gone from his life forever.. forever..
Paris is the capital of love. In which every blade of grass, every stone is absorbed with love. The aroma of love floats in the air, turning people's heads. Here, young and old go for a walk with a couple. It doesn’t matter how old you are, 6 or 60, everyone has a soulmate. If you are alone in this city, you will definitely meet your love.
Vusalya was happy like a child, of course this was the city of her dreams. Timur and Jessica left her in a large shopping center and went for a walk. Vusalya was even happy about this; she bought gifts for her family. Watches for my father, clothes and cosmetics for my sister, souvenirs and all sorts of gadgets for Mary. Without forgetting about yourself, your beloved. Of course, shopping is a joy for any girl. But when your hands are full of purchases and you are wearing high heels, the joy becomes less. You should buy comfortable ballet shoes at the first boutique you come across. At least I don't fall here. We must go slowly, step by step. Just not to fall in front of everyone
- hahahaha - imagine in this state Vusala passed near Emine
- Why are you laughing? - brother was surprised
Emin was shopping in the same shopping center. Unlike Vusali, he had done his shopping a long time ago and was sitting talking with his older brother
“Yes, there’s only one fool here in heels,” said Em. “You should have seen her, she walks like a wounded grasshopper.” At least she would fall. I would laugh my heart out
- Don't mock the girl. You better tell me when you arrive
- I’ll go to the wedding.
- Listen brother, behave well there. The Caucasus is not America, people here are raised differently
- Orhan, when we felt bad - Em was offended
Orhan did not answer this. He has known this cheerful trio for a long time. More than once he had to pull them out of the pit into which they fell.
- How is mom and dad? - asked Emin
“She left somewhere, but I don’t remember the last time I saw him,” Orkhan said honestly, Samir was rarely at home, his business trips last for months
Emin had lunch at the flying cafe next to the Eiffel Tower.
“I’ll sit, friend,” again, without an invitation, a stranger sat next to him. From bitter experience the guy knew to expect trouble
- I'm Gakha
- Emine
-Are you from the Caucasus too? It’s rare to see your own people here - ooh, definitely trouble is just around the corner - I came by boat to find myself a chick, preferably a Caucasian one. It's easy to powder a girl's head here. Romantic setting and all that
Should this guy shut up or does he need help shutting his mouth?
- You see that chick. Her aunt is American and she herself is from the Caucasus. Easy prey. I'll go try my charms on her
Gakh stood up and went to the table where a young woman and a green-eyed nymph were sitting. His nymph was the one in San Francisco. Amen could not be mistaken, it was her. And if a girl bites on the cheap bait of Gakh. For some reason he wanted the nymph to send him off. That is Gakha
Support and acting.
Flaws
A movie for a couple of times.
Details
The film directed by David O. Russell, based on the novel by Matthew Quick “Silver Ray of Hope,” from the first minutes captures the viewer’s attention with the heartfelt monologue of the main character and keeps in suspense until the last minutes.
“For every crazy guy, there's a crazy girl” is the tagline of the movie My Boyfriend Is Crazy, and for Pat (Bradley Cooper), Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) is the one who can bring him out of his state of heightened mental instability. But she is not so simple, and she also took the same pills, she also did all sorts of stupid things in her life, but she is not going to give up at all, trying to prove (to herself, first of all) that she is capable of changing her life for the better.
This is a story about broken, but strong and resilient people who believe in the best. This is a film about people who help each other overcome their fears and illnesses. About the case when the best treatment is not medicine, but communication with a person to whom you are not indifferent and dancing. Their dance evoked a lot of emotions in me, because it was simply unpredictable. Although, he’s crazy, and she’s his crazy!
Although the film also contains comical moments that do not let the viewer get bored, for me it is primarily a dramatic film. After all, almost all the characters in this film are psychos, each in their own way. But they live for real, without pretense. And the sincere conversations between Pat and Tiffany give the viewer food for thought. After all, this picture teaches us to be who we are, think positively and look for our own ray of hope.
This is a film for those who love not only just sentimental, beautiful comedies, but also life films that you can reflect on, find a piece of yourself in each character and draw conclusions.
First of all, I can’t help but draw attention to the title of the film with which he was released in Russian cinemas - “My Boyfriend Is Crazy.” The original title of the film is “Silver Linings Playbook” or “Collection of Rays of Hope.” As we know, film titles are often found in free translation. Here, in my opinion, the translators have gone quite far from both the original title and the idea of the film. In these very “rays of hope” one can notice a special meaning both of the whole picture and of the director’s point of view.
The main character Pat (Bradley Cooper) repeatedly talks about “rays of hope” throughout the film; they help (or rather, he thinks that they help) him fight a mental disorder, and therefore seem to run like a leitmotif through the entire film. Pat thinks he needs a lot of work on himself to restore his relationship with his wife, because they are the perfect couple! And he holds on to these “rays of hope,” afraid or even unwilling to admit that it’s all over. And the fact that it’s all over is somehow immediately clear to the audience, because Niki never appears in the frame. They meet only at the very end of the film, only to part forever. The lost hero greedily clings to these “rays of hope” - hopes of returning what has already gone. And in these futile attempts he finds something new and surprising. This is what always happens when something ends. One thing goes away and something completely different begins...
The main character Pat, by court order, was in a psychiatric hospital because he had beaten his wife's lover. And this incident changed his whole life. After 8 months, he comes out and tries to get back what he had: a house, a wife, a job. But instead he meets a girl who is just as crazy as he is. What happens to them next helps Pat (and at the same time the audience, of course) look at familiar things from a new perspective. And a touching and funny story happens about two crazy people who even like their abnormality. As the protagonist’s friend (who was also in a mental hospital) said: “We have our own vision of this world, a kind of sixth sense that we are not afraid to use.”
At first glance, the film “My Boyfriend is Crazy” is a film with a simple plot, where everything is built around the “abnormality” of the two main characters and their relationship. And so much has been filmed on this topic that it seems that nothing new can surprise you. Films with similar themes come to mind, like “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” for example. But the director managed to make a film that was not imitative; on the contrary, these references fit the film into a context familiar to the viewer, while at the same time presenting ideas from a new point of view. Here and there, small details and clues emerge that reveal the director's intent.
A special place among these details is occupied by the so-called “psychological points”. Not all are crazy who are in psychiatric hospitals, but not all are normal who have not been there. And this is perfectly reflected in the film. Each of the heroes has their own cockroaches in their heads and their own delusional obsessions. This, however, does not prevent them from thinking that they are normal. This "fad" can be called the tendency of Pat's family to rely on signs and superstitions. Pat's father is not just superstitious, their "family business" is built on this. Or another “trick” - Pat’s friend keeps coming up with non-existent amendments that would help him get out of the psychiatric clinic. The main character himself runs around in a plastic garbage bag... At some point, all these details and signs add up to one picture, and it becomes clear that, in general, each of us has our own “remote control”, similar to the one that Pat's father always positioned at a precise angle "for good luck." The entire film is filled with such “signs”, and the main character Tiffany (Jeniffer Lawrence) herself occasionally reminds of them, you just need to learn to see them.
The main characters' relationship begins at a dinner with Tiffany's sister. To everyone's surprise, Pat and Tiffany find a common language, but only in a very peculiar way. After all, what topic can two crazy people agree on? They begin to discuss what medications they were given and what effect they had on them. And this dialogue takes place in front of the surprised sister and her husband, who just wanted to have a quiet dinner. But in such a company there simply cannot be calm dinners :) After the acquaintance, dialogues between the two crazy people follow, and now they are already agreeing on a first date. By the way, it doesn’t even look like a date. And in general, everything about this couple is “not like people.” It is very interesting to watch the characters, because they both understand that they are not entirely mentally healthy, but at the same time, each believes that his partner is doing much worse in this regard.
Pat and Tiffany's relationship culminates in a dance they prepare for the competition. It simultaneously resembles episodes from “Step Up”, “Dirty Dancing” and somewhere even the famous dance from “Pulp Fiction” performed by John Travolta and Uma Thurman. But at the same time, Pat and Tiffany’s dance is original, two crazy people couldn’t come up with anything else! :) They turn the whole competition upside down, and rejoice at not the highest score as if they took first place. The audience is delighted, the jury is perplexed. Their dance becomes proof that even something imperfect can be beautiful, you just need to invest strong feelings.
The ending of the film is also not entirely ordinary. Yes, the happy ending was predictable, the love of two crazy people won. And in the final scene of the film, when all the characters gather together, it becomes obvious that each of them was left with some kind of special feature. This is where the director puts a subtle and at the same time important emphasis. The main thing is not just to fall in love, but to find exactly your person. And let us all be a little “wild”, because for every crazy person there is a crazy one! :)
Critics' opinions about the film are divided, some are already calling it the best film of the year, others say that it does not qualify for the Oscar. I have long noticed that the opinion of the film academy is sometimes simply unpredictable (for me at least). I can assume that he will not take the best film of the year. But Best Actress (Jenniffer Lawrence) and Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro) could very well have won. Well, in total, the film “My Boyfriend is Psycho” received eight Oscar nominations: best male and female roles, best male and female supporting roles, best director, best film, best adapted screenplay, best editing.
Meanwhile, My Boyfriend Is Crazy has already won the main prize at the 37th Toronto International Film Festival, a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical for Jennifer Lawrence, and three Hollywood Film Awards for Best Actor for Bradley Cooper), Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Director (David O. Russell). The film was included in the American Film Institute's list of the ten best films of the year.
Photo kinopoisk.ru
If you haven't seen it yet, then check it out, I think you won't regret it. It's quite interesting and fun to be a little "out of your mind"! :)
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The film “My Boyfriend Is Crazy” was well received by critics. The film won many awards, including the most prestigious - Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA Award. Critics praised the young but very talented actress Jennifer Lawrence, who showed herself to be a true professional.
“For every crazy person there is a crazy person”
My Boyfriend Is Crazy is an adaptation of Matthew Quick's novel A Collection of Rays of Hope. Actually, in the original the film has exactly this name, but our distributors often change everything in their own way. In general, the original title of the film does not make you think about mentally ill people, but when instead of “A Collection of Rays of Hope” you read “My Boyfriend is Psycho,” the perception of the story as a whole changes dramatically. You paint a picture not of a way to solve problems, but of the people who live in the asylum. Personally, this is how I initially imagined it.
What is the movie about
Pat Salitano spent eight months in a mental hospital after an argument with his wife. There he learned to think positively and look for a “ray of hope” in everything. He returns home with a firm decision to do everything to bring back his beloved. But then Pat meets a girl, Tiffany, who quietly enters his life and changes it radically.
Bradley Cooper's character spent almost the entire film in a garbage bag. Perhaps this is a special feature that characterizes the character, or perhaps this was done in order to further emphasize his illness. Like, he can do it, he’s crazy!
If you look closely, the entire house of the Salitano family is a real mental hospital. Each of us at least once in our lives said something like this: “Not a family, but a real madhouse!” The Salitano family is no exception. And everyone here is going crazy in their own way. The brother is hot-tempered and unbalanced, he is not far from Pat in his behavior, he tries to rise in the eyes of the family so as not to be considered a loser, the father is a very superstitious football fan who sits with three TV remote controls and strictly makes sure that no one comes to them didn't touch. But Pat's mother seems to be the only normal person; she is most likely a doctor.
The most iconic scenes of the film in my opinion: the first session with the psychiatrist, where we are shown Pat’s vulnerability; a date with Tiffany for Halloween, here they emphasize the girl’s condition; a fight at a football match, where we already see that Pat, with full awareness of his actions, gets involved in a fight; and, of course, the dance, when it becomes absolutely clear that Tiffany and Pat are really in love with each other.
Trailer and reviews of the film My Boyfriend is Psycho"You can't be happy all the time"
The film is strong in its psychological side. This tragicomedy makes you think about what, sometimes, trifles a person’s peace of mind can depend on. What a thin thread this is - balance, which can easily break, especially in moments when a person experiences acute shocks.
Scattered, lonely, misunderstood by their families, they slowly destroyed themselves until they met. Tiffany was luckier - she was simply prescribed pills, while Pat ended up in hospital. But this is understandable - women are much stronger than men, because they live by emotions. Tiffany had just taught Pat to hear himself. She helped Salitano realize the emotions of disappointment that were eating away at him and release the pain that he had suppressed, and when Pat did this, he was miraculously healed.
Habits rule our lives. So, Pat is used to loving his wife Nicky. That is why he did not immediately realize that the feeling that arose in him after treatment had nothing in common with his ex-wife. Tiffany was used to helping and not receiving anything in return, so it was difficult for her to communicate with loved ones, and when feedback was established between her and Salitano Jr., she finally opened up, understood herself and what was happening around her.
Everyone is used to dealing with difficulties in their own way. Nowadays it is so difficult to find something positive, something that will hold us and will not allow us to go beyond the brink of madness. The heroes of this picture found a way.
The film was shot with a documentary effect (the frame is constantly dancing). Apparently, this effect was used to enhance the feeling of general incontinence and nervousness in the families of the main characters.
An interesting detail is that the word “Excelsior” in the film is Pat’s personal motto. I was interested in the meaning of the word, especially since it further says that this is also the motto of New York. The meaning of the word means “higher and higher!” When I learned the meaning, it became clear to me what the main ray of this whole story is - personal growth. Tiffany and Pat went through a lot, but they found the strength to live on, they developed - they grew.
So, how could this film attract the attention of world critics? I think that first of all it is the impeccable acting. The Cooper-Lawrence tandem turned out to be successful. Apparently, therefore, in addition to this film, they will also appear together in the film, which will be released very soon, and the film “Serena” is also expected this year, where Bradley and Jennifer will be together again. Their pairing looks advantageous and the success of the films is certainly guaranteed.
“You have to do the impossible. You need to work hard. And if you succeed, you are positive, you have a ray of hope.”
The film is certainly not for everyone, but I still recommend watching it. On the one hand, the main characters constantly shouting at each other are annoying, but on the other hand, this is a romantic and generally positive film. A happy ending at the end always puts you in a positive mood, which is why, after everything you’ve experienced, it’s so joyful to look at the main characters in love and happy. This film is worth watching for those who are looking for themselves, who want to believe in the best. And perhaps for someone he will become a personal ray of hope.
This picture brought actress Jennifer Lawrence the prestigious Oscar statuette for Best Actress. For such a young actress this is a huge success. Moreover, critics noted Jen’s excellent performance before, and even nominated her for the same prestigious award for her role in the film “Winter’s Bone.” True, then Natalie Portman overtook her.
I’ll go into more detail next time about the life and career path of Jennifer Lawrence.
