«But you can!» The girl was still shouting. «Your damn money allows you to study whatever you want, and for as long as you like. They allow you to have fun with that handsome playboy despite his wife’s studying here. Of course you’re supporting that damn VanStein. Because you’re acting the same.»
Gasping, Lana ran to her car.
Inside she cried, and on her way home she recalled a dialogue she had with Marina a few weeks ago, when Lana was working in the laboratory.
The process was underway. She checked the time, and found that she had a few minutes to spare. She glanced at Marina walking between the tables and called her. The teaching assistant neared her with the usual emotionless look on her face. «Problems?»
«Yep.» Lana glanced around to be sure no one else could hear her. «I wanted to ask you… How does it feel to love a married man?»
Struck by such a frank question, Marina kept quiet, but, then a sarcastic smile curved her scarlet lips.
«It’s awful,» she answered calmly. «It’s a painful, shameful, and hopeless condition. It’s a damnation of Fate. Yes, I do love a married man. You’re welcome to make fun of me. But as I know, you’re in the same situation.»
Lana gaped at the assistant, as the girl did not expect that anyone noticed her relationship with Oleg.
«What are you talking about?» She tried to face it out, but the hypnotizing glare of Marina’s icy eyes paralyzed the will of the girl, and she hung her head. «And what should we do?»
«I don’t know.» Depression sounded in the tired voice of the teaching assistant. «If you have questions about the process, I’ll be happy to help.» And she quickly went to another student who called her.
* * * * *
«Yes, yes.» Driving home, Lana whispered, gulping tears. «What should we do? I do study psychology. Why don’t I use my knowledge in my own case, in my own life? Why? I have to break up with Oleg, but I love him. I do love him, don’t I?»
But suddenly she thought about Ruslan Grafinsky.
Because of his control, this finals week had been easier for her than any previous one, and Lana was sure she would have at least all B’s this time.
«I have to say thanks to him.» The girl became confused, thinking about his caring with gratitude.
Lana wanted to talk with Ruslan right away, and she drove to his apartment. He rented it in her block. So she parked her car in her parking lot and walked to the apartment building.
She looked around and drew in deep breaths.
Joy and a peaceful feeling reigned in her heart. Retaining drops of water after a short warm rain, the emerald new-sprung grass and leaves glittered brilliantly under the rays from the sun slowly moving down to the horizon. The hot day hours had already abated, and a fresh wind was bringing evening aromas.