But the host team soon tied the score, and when a player from the host team scored the final goal, the stadium burst into an elated victory ovation.
«We won!» shouted Vlad, grabbing Nina into his arms. Carrying her like she was a child, he spun around a few times.
No one had ever done this to her, and the wowed girl panted, wild with euphoria. It was their first day together, and she prayed that it would not be the last.
When they went downstairs to the metro station, people going from the game were throwing coins making a glittering tapping stream of money running down along the steps.
«Why are they doing this?» wondered Nina. Vlad shrugged his shoulders.
«We won. It’s a tradition.»
She saw him hesitate, but he took out a small coin and threw it too.
«Oh, you’re a tightwad,» the girl thought, but even this only increased her feelings for Vlad.
At home, as Alla opened the door, the giddy Nina gleefully addressed her: «Mom, I’m gonna get married!»
While her daughter was telling her all the details of the day, Alla just stared at her.
When the girl finished, smiling like a drunk, Alla slowly replied, smoothing her daughter’s hair. «It’s okay. Even if he abandons you with a child, I’ll help you raise our baby, don’t worry.»
Nina could not reply, and Alla left the room.
«Abandon me?» This thought made the girl anxious, but another, stronger feeling immediately pushed all her worry aside. «No matter! I was happy today. No matter what happens next. No one can take this day from me. No one.»
* * * * *
Recalling that day, thinking about her family life, Nina thought, «What did I do that God sent me such happiness?»
She was tired after the Halloween walk, but Nina also was glad, as she liked this tradition. It was the first Halloween in their life, due to the fact that this holiday does not exist in Russia.
Asleep, Vlad was next to her, and, feeling his calm breathing tickling her breasts, Nina smiled, losing herself in the thrill of peace and love.
Chapter 4: To Be With Your Loved One
At the same time that Nina and Larisa Lapina were getting home, Vera entered the city supermarket to do her shopping. In spite of the fact that today was Halloween, she knew no kids would be at her door, because she lived in an apartment building.
She was not in a hurry, and at a leisurely pace she walked down aisle after aisle looking for staples.
«Hello!» she heard. Vera saw a black police officer, and she recognized Jeff Menard.
In this small town they often met by chance. They had already had a few short talks, and Vera smiled. Nobody was around them now, and they were free to chat for a while.