Scene 7
It's been a while.
Restaurant. Anna and Victor are having dinner.
Victor. Thomas called me yesterday. Happy as I don't know who. Puppy delight was oozing right through the phone.
Anna. Oh, yeah. I understand. Indeed, last week we called him, talked, and I gave him Julia's contacts. I also prepared Julia. So they had met.
Victor. We met. We walked late. The mother was already worried, the whole city was on its ears. He put the phone on silent so as not to interfere. Then he called me back from home the next day. Dovo-o-lny.
Anna. Julia is not a bad girl. It won't teach you anything bad.
Victor. But Thomas can.
Anna. With such a guy, I don't worry about the young ones.
Victor. Everything is clear with the young, but what about the not too young?
Anna. Are you talking about you and me?
Victor nods affirmatively.
Anna. Come on, there's still a whole life ahead. It's too early to register us as old men.
Victor smiles.
Anna. Did you want to ask me something? Is something bothering you? Embarrassing? Is it disturbing?
Victor. Anyut, you've plowed your own. Maybe it's already good? If you really want to, let's open a private kindergarten, you will supervise it. You will be the manager when you want to spend time with the children — no question, it's up to you. But to ruin your health for pennies and also such a responsibility… We live together, the wedding is coming soon. I'll give you everything you ask for, everything I can, and now I can do a lot. Take care of yourself, please. After all, you're getting a lot of nerves in this institution of yours. Do you need it?
Pause.
Anna. And then who will stay in the garden?
Victor. But you're not alone, are you? There are other teachers there, and you can always hire a person instead of you.
Anna. Do you think there are crowds of people willing to do such a job? Vit…
They exchange glances.
Anna. I am grateful to you for everything you do for me. You are a real gift from heaven to me. And I, in turn, will try to do everything not to disappoint you, so that you will never regret your choice. But let me stay with the kids, with my kids.
Victor. No, no, I'm not insisting in any way, I'm just suggesting. It's a pity to see you hanging out there.
Anna. Yes, this job is exhausting, but I'm doing a decent job. It seems to me that this is a very necessary case. I try to do everything in my power so that children are brought up in love, understanding and warm human feelings. I believe that this will bear fruit and my labors will not be in vain.
Victor. I understand you. Okay, I'm sorry, let's not go back to this conversation. If you ever find it necessary, you will raise this issue yourself.
Anna. Good. “thanks.
Anna kisses Victor on the cheek.
Victor. Well, what about your friend Ksenia?
Anna. We are calling Ksyusha, everything is fine with her.
Victor. From her?
Anna. They have.
Victor. So, Alexander after all…
Ksyusha and Alexander, smartly dressed, enter the restaurant. They laugh loudly, tease each other, and interrupt Victor's thought.
Anna. Guys? Hi!
Ksyusha. Anka! Hi. By what fates? Hello there.
Victor. Hi hi
Victor gets up, Sanka approaches, the men shake hands in greeting.
Victor. How is it? Judging by the fact that Ksyusha's head is not crowned with a battery, did everything go as it should?
Sanka. It's all good. We have submitted an application, we are waiting. How are you?
Victor. It's also passable.
Ksyusha. What are you doing here?
Anna. We have dinner here sometimes. And also, if anything, this is Victor's restaurant.
Ksyusha. Oh?
Victor. More precisely, Anna. My wedding present.
Ksyusha (Sanka). What are you going to give me? A bag of seeds?
Sanka (to Victor). You're spoiling all my raspberries again, classmate.
Victor. I'm sorry, I didn't think of that.
Sanka (Ksyusha). I'm not like a restaurant, berry, I'll give you the sky and all the stars on it! So that they shine brightly for you! The restaurant will close sooner or later. It will go bankrupt, die, burn.
Anna. Uh!
Sanka (Ksyusha). And the stars will shine forever! And every time in your honor!
Ksyusha smiles approvingly.
Sanka. I suggest celebrating this event in this wonderful restaurant to the fullest. Vitka is paying!
Victor. I agree.
Anna. Come on, let's sit down.
Sanka and Ksyusha sit down at a table with Victor and Anna, Victor quickly brings two more glasses and a new bottle of wine. He takes care of everyone, pours.
Sanka. So, well? For the meeting, for the dispersal?
Victor. No, let me take the floor and propose another toast.
Ksyusha. We allow it.
Anna. I'm all for it.
Sanka capitulates, raises his hands.
Victor (standing up). Dear friends! It so happened that life shuffled us all in a certain way, but brought us together today in this wonderful place. Two beautiful couples embark on their new unknown path. Probably, there will also be turns along the way, some kind of winds
