The Unexpected Ending of a School Night: What Life Was Like for the Class’ Top Student

The unexpected truth

The guests began to whisper and complain. After a moment, Vera’s decisive voice rang out:

— Naum Sergeevich, what’s going on?

— The problem seems to have not been solved again…

« How many times have I told you to take care of the installation? What if the hall was full? What if there was a wedding? Please start the generator. I’ll see you in your office in ten minutes. »

The light returned, and silence fell over the table. Everyone stared at Vera, who was calmly finishing her crab salad.

« Vier, was that you who said that? Who are you? An administrator? » Pyatakov asked.

— No. The owner. This is my restaurant.

Pyatakov just whistled and fell silent.

« Vierochka… really? » Liza spoke to her with respect for the first time. « It’s the best place in town. Everyone knows it’s run by some mysterious Vera Avdeeva. »

— That’s me. Avdeeva is my married name. The restaurant was named in my honor.

“And is the Vera confectionery factory yours too?” Liza asked, suddenly turning pale.

« Yes, ours. And we live in the same Brzozówki that Pyatakov can’t afford at the moment, » said Vera calmly. « Your ‘Scared One’ lives where you clearly can’t afford it. »

Igor asked why she didn’t cancel the meeting when she found out who was coming.

« The administrator took the reservation without my knowledge. When I found out it was you, I couldn’t resist this evening. I thought you’d grown up. That we could calmly reminisce about something good. My pastry chefs made you a cake. I really didn’t hold a grudge against you anymore. I have a teenage son, and I know what young people can be like. But you remembered again that I was « The Scarecrow » and that I stole that damned bun. »

Wiera told them directly that there was no food in the house at that time, and her father drank everything he had. She was hoping for a good evening, but she got the same thing as years ago.

« You can eat the cake. It will be served soon. For me, this evening is over. Goodbye. »

She got up and went to her office. Her former colleagues sat in silence for a long time. No one touched the cake.

Last conversation

After the meeting, Vanya knocked on Vera’s office.

— Can I come in?

— Come in.

He wanted to talk. He asked how she had become so wealthy. Wiera answered without pathos: she studied, worked, and wanted to escape poverty. She was a senior technician at a factory, then met her future husband. At first, they had nothing, but together they fought for a better life.

Vanya admitted that he liked her very much at school, but was afraid of the reactions of others.

— Were you afraid because I was the « Scarer »?

— No. I was afraid of condemnation. I don’t think I could have withstood the pressure.

—And yet you became a surgeon. A surgeon should be strong and decisive.

Vera glanced at her phone. Pyatakov had already texted her, asking for help in buying a house in Brzozówki on favorable terms. Vera just laughed.

“Will you help him?” Vanya asked.

—Of course not. Not anyone from my old class.

Vanya asked why she never called him back.

— Because you were on their side.

— I never called you names.

« But you never defended me either. I don’t know which is worse. »

Wiera said her goodbyes calmly. A driver, a house, and suitcases were waiting for her to pack for her departure for Italy.

She never saw her old friends again. Some still called her, asking for help with important matters, because they knew her husband had influence and connections. However, Vera didn’t delve into their problems. She didn’t lift a finger. She simply continued living her happy life.

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