Awakening [Przebudzenie - eng]

Introduction

- Oh, God! Helena, you look so beautiful! – I'd heard before I was able to see my friend's face.

Parents of Beata were taking us to the restaurant for dinner. Restaurant! I was supposed to seat in one table with all of Important Personas and eat with them! At fact, I had to borrow clothes because none of my sweaters or even my skirt which had stain I couldn't get rid of was not good enough for such an occasion. Luckily in the flat next door lived two German girls, sisters. Both of them were unmarried, which was really strange for me because such elegant, nice women had to have a lot of wooers.

When I got closer, I could finally have a good look on my friend. She was wearing dark lipstick and her thick, light hair was sticking out from under the hat. She welcomed me with a big smile that revealed her white teeth. She was very stunning. As for me, she looked like an angel with her round, soft face. Everyone has expected a lot of young men will propose to her and it was like this indeed, but she always refused. She wanted to study on University, in a Big City. Maybe Warsaw or Cracow, I don't remember well. I was sad because of this, because she dreamed of something I couldn't get involved.

- It's really nice to see you – she said with a sweet, gentle voice and she took my hand. I just smiled sincerely and didn't say anything.

I was stunned. I felt so little near to her and meaningless . She knew the world, she knew important people and she spoke English fluently. Nobody I knew spoke English. There were some teachers that spoke French, Russian or German, but English was something new, fresh. Beata's father said nowadays everyone should learn it because America will rule the world someday. 'Maybe they will rule the world, but for sure not Poland' I thought.

Beata pulled me into the car where her parents had been already waiting. I wanted to say something but I couldn't find the right words. I felt out of place. After long, unpleasant silence, I could finally tap a greeting. I said how honored I felt about their invitation.

- Have you ever eaten crème brûlée? – asked middle-aged woman. She was also wearing a hat, just like Beata, but hers covered half of her face.

- Cream briée? – I blushed. – I'm afraid I've never heard of this before.

Woman leaned toward me and look with some kind of fascination at me. She had sparkles in her eyes. Or maybe it was only street lights which light was reflecting off her eyes. With a smile and dark lips she looked very young. Actually she looked just like Beata but had dark hair and deep wrinkle between her brows, I guess she worried a lot.

- I'd be delighted to taste anything you recommend, Mrs Zych – I smiled gently.

The road was long. I got a bit sick and I had to ask to open a window for me. From our village to bigger city it was about twenty kilometers and I wasn't used to cars. I tried not to say anything silly or betray my embarrassment.

- I hope your parents didn't mind our invitation – asked Beata's father.

His name was Thomas and he was stocky, blond-haired man. He used to call himself a proud owner of big nose.

- Actually not, why would they? They were happy I have an opportunity to see something more than our ground. I don't have many occasions to relax – I said, trying not to look directly on his face.

- I guess you have a lot of responsibilities, don't you?

- Yes, Sir, I've got plenty of work with my siblings. Mum wouldn't be able to take care about all of them – I smiled. I liked my simple, ordinary life. – Also I have to take care about animals. Chickens and cows. I guess taking care of others is my job. What about yours? What do you do in life, Sir?

- What do I do in life... - he touched his short, thin beard – I bring in various items from abroad, but it's not the best job now.

I've seen a shadow of anxiety on his face. I didn't want to ask about anything else, I didn't think it was proper. I've learned men don't liked to pushed or interrogated, especially if they are talking about money. I guess they think women are not able to understand some things. Maybe they are right, for sure I've never tried to understand some.

- War is about to come – he said. – People will kill each other for some reasons. There is always war that is coming, even if one has just ended, another is waiting. In Germany there is more and more troops. They want to attack Europe. At least people think so, but let's not think about it, it's not a good topic for such a lovely night. Oh! Here's there restaurant and Adam is already here, we've got what to celebrate. My first-born is coming back home and he's just graduated from university! I couldn't be more proud of him.