Many Russians live in big American cities. They have their communities; they even have their newspapers and TV stations. But in this small town, which proudly called itself «city,» a siren still sounded every Saturday morning at ten o’clock, reminding the residents of the Cold War.
Six people, who arrived at one time, were the first Russians to ever come to this place. This is why the townspeople were curious, and the town hall was full, when the mayor welcomed the new citizens.
There was a couple without kids: a tall, athletic, broad-shouldered man about forty years old and a woman, who looked to be substantially younger than her husband. Her plain pale face with small, refined features reminded one of a marble mask, and a long, thick chestnut braid adorned her head.
«Vera Grach and Oleg Merkulov,» the mayor introduced the couple, and they waved their hands.
Next was a young family: a slim blonde man, his wife, a stout short woman with doe eyes and curly black hair, and a five-year-old girl.
«Vlad Lapin…» The mayor faltered for a second, seeing the last names of the females written a little bit differently from Vlad’s, with the additional «a» at the end. The mayor thought his secretary had made a mistake. He did not know that it is typical for Russian family names. «Please, greet Nina and Larisa Lapina.»
«Larisa, say „Hello!“» The woman gently pushed her daughter forward, but the shy girl with pigtails and big pretty bows stayed close to her parents, even when the mayor gave her a teddy bear as a welcoming gift from the people of the town.
Last in the queue of people introduced was a slender single girl in her mid-twenties.
Like a cloud, fluffy blonde hair framed her sad face. Her name was Marina Aleksandrova, and she took up a guitar and all the Russians sang the traditional «Katusha,» the song that is played at every hockey game.
That was how the Russians came here.
Chapter 1: The Babysitter
In the students’ laboratory, professor David VanStein was speaking on his cell phone with his wife Megan. «Honey, I bought these tickets almost a month ago! Is it so difficult to find a babysitter? What about Ashley?»
«She can’t today; they’ve some special meeting to attend. She told me about a week ago. I just forgot. Sorry…»
David closed his eyes. «How stupid,» he thought. «She’s sitting all day long at home, and can’t even find a babysitter.»
«Why don’t you ask some student?» Megan suggested.
«Yes, why didn’t I think about it?» The advice of his wife surprised David.
«Okay, I’ll try,» he said coldly and hung up.
He looked around the laboratory, thinking about a possible candidate, and the first person who caught his eye was Marina Aleksandrova.
The teaching assistant was patiently explaining a task to a student. It happened frequently during laboratory work. Lazy or light-minded students did not prepare for the lab, and did not know what was required or how to go about it.
Sometimes the students asked such senseless questions that they astonished David, but Marina listened to them without irritation and peacefully answered.
The professor came close and addressed the student. «You should have read it at home!»
The student made a plaintive face and started making excuses.
«It’s okay.» Marina glanced at David, and turned to the student again. «Did you understand? If you have any questions, I’ll be glad to help.»
The student walked to the lab table, and David shook his head. «I’m simply amazed that you have the patience to explain the same things again and again.»
«I was the oldest child in my family,» Marina answered calmly looking at him. «I’m used to being patient.»
