– Oh, no! You gave me a task to do independently.

– I would be interesting in reading your paper about the Gorky’s novel “Mother”.

– I have read the novel; I just don’t know what topic to choose for the paper.

– Write an overview paper, concentrating on the relations between the mother and the son.

– Do you mean psychological analysis of the relationship of the close people, right?

Svetlana was shocked; she did not expect such an exact and scientific answer.

– Yes, it is a right perception of the topic. It is necessary to fully cover the psychological aspects of their relations and present it to other students transparently. All aspects should be covered properly.

– How long should this paper be?

– Ten pages should be enough.

– For this volume, it will have lots of quotes and not much of my thoughts.

– Maxim, write like you think is necessary. Make sure you cover the topic we discussed, allright?

– I will try, Svetlana Victorovna!

– Do you know, at least approximately, when you come back to school?

– I will stay home all February long, and will be back for sure after the eighth of March.

– Sounds good! Do you miss school?

– To be honest, I don’t miss school, I miss you.

Svetlana did not know how to reply to this, so she kept quite for a moment and said:

– This is ok; we will see each other soon. Get well sooner, and promise me not to come to school till you are fully recovered. Promise me?

– Yes, Svetlana Victorovna, you have my word.

Svetlana was sitting on the couch near the phone, overwhelmed by emotions. She did not believe she found courage to make a call. She understood very well how important that call was for Maxim. If she did not call him, he would call her himself.

– Svetlana, what happen? – asked Vadim.

– Nothing, let’s try your stir-fry. I bet it tastes great.

– We sure did take a long nap! It is half past nine!

– Does it mean we won’t get out today?

– Why not! We will!

– Give me a moment to re-heat food.

Svetlana, making noise with pans, set the table and boiled the water for tea.

– Svetlana, do you want ketchup or mayonnaise?

– I want mayonnaise and garlic, if possible.

– How can it not be possible?

– Who knows…

– What do you want to say? – Vadim did not understand, and since he received no reply, he decided not to torture her with questions any more. They ate peacefully, looking at each other and smiling from time to time. Then Svetlana cleaned the table and washed the dishes. Vadim was waiting for her outside, while she was getting ready without rush, as if she was getting ready for something important.

Sleepy Maxim left his room around three pm leaning on the crutch. In the leaving room he saw a celebration table, set up with wine, champagne and even brandy. “That is strange, – thought Max, – what holiday is it which I am not aware of?!" He felt tasty smell of the fried chicken and various salads. Listening attentively, he heard his mom getting something out of the oven.

After some time, he smelled an aroma of his favorite cake. His stomach started to make noise, so he decided not to wait any longer and proceeded to the kitchen. The mother spotted him in the corridor and approached him with the smile.

– Mom, what is the occasion?

– Hello! Your majesty is turning sixteen today!

– Oh! I totally forgot…

– Happy Birthday, dear! I want to wish you happiness and a good health, as for the money I am sure you will earn them yourself! Go to the living room, you will find your present between the TV set and the couch – it is from the whole family! I’ll get you something to eat in the meanwhile.

«What kind of present can it be? – thought the birthday boy, limping to the living room. – And why is it between the TV and the couch»? He didn’t want to circumvent the table, so he got on the couch, turned head towards the TV and saw his present. It was a huge tape-recorder with removable speakers and radio.

– Thank you for the present mom, I love it! Its it expensive?

– Go get something to eat, you haven’t eaten for the whole day. That’s bad!

– Mom, when are the guests coming over?

– After six or seven, whenever people will be able to get here from work.

– What cake did you cook?

– With honey, as you like…

– I probably need to dress nicely. What should I wear?

– Put on trousers, a shirt or a T-shirt. Whatever you feel like.

– I will figure it out, don’t worry!

Max left for his room, turned on the music quietly and heard a door bell. «Probably, my guest», – he thought. The mother’s voice could be heard: «Come in». It definitely was his guest. Maxim went out of his room and saw Lyana. He didn’t know weather to be surprised or happy.

– Happy Birthday! – She said, then kissed him on the check and presented with a new shirt and a postcard, adding: – Enjoy it!

– Thank you so much, Lyana, I was wondering what to wear today. I have the solution – I’ll wear your shirt.

– Try in on first; I hope it fits you well.

– It is exactly my size.

– I am so glad. I was worried!

– That is a great present, thank you!

It was Maxim’s turn to give her a kiss on the cheek.

– Lyana, you are a great friend!

– I know, – she sighted. – You think it makes me feel better?

– I don’t feel great either, but what can I do?

– If you don’t know the answer, how can I know it?

– Lyana, remembers I asked you once if you wanted to be my girl-friend. Do you recall what you answered?

– I said: «Why do you need me? I am unattractive, and terrible at housekeeping. Even if I get married, my husband would have to cook and clean himself. May be we would take turns».

– Do you remember what I answered?

– Sure! You said that it is up for the guy to determine how attractive a girl is, and house holding things are not that important.

– You didn’t agree with me then, Lyana.

– It was back then, not now.

– You said it yourself that you want to be friends only, right?

– Yes, Max, I remember.

– This idea works very well for me, – Maim smiled enigmatically. – What happen to you, Lyana?

– I don’t know Max. What could happen to me?

– Could you fall in love?

– Don’t humiliate me! Shame on you!

– I am not humiliating you, I am just stating a fact. I don’t want to loose you as a friend.

– Especially your best ones.

– Do you love me, Lyana? My personal opinion is that you don’t. It just seems to you.

– Hey, Lyana! – Andrew, who entered the room, greeted her. – Happy Birthday, Max! I wish you to have an attractive girl-friend, just like this one! I bet that Lyana is the prettiest one.

– Thanks, Andrew. I think Lyana is very attractive, but she does not think so I have told her million times, that all girls are pretty, it is guys who have different tastes. One girl can’t be beautiful for everyone, however, it happens sometimes.

– Is it easier to walk?

– Not really: my leg is getting tired very fast, I need to take a rest after walking.

– Do you expect many guests?

– I do. I think we need to sit here, and let parents celebrate in the living room. What do you say?

– That is a good idea, – said Lyana.

– Lyana, can you please tell your mom that we want to sit separately?

– Max, I think you need to get rest. I will set our table with Lyana.

Maxim lay down to get rest, feeling sorry that the most important and desired guest, Svetlana Victorovna, will not attend his celebration. «She does not even know when my birthday is, – sighted a birthday boy. – Even if she knew, she still would not come over. What for»? He tried not to think about it anymore. He didn’t move, and just lay still to get rest before the occasion he didn’t really need…