Alexandra
“Well, ladies,” Lisa groans, “it’s barely past bedtime for kids. Even Polina isn’t asleep yet.”
“She’s already out,” I reply without turning around.
“The restaurant was dull, and now you’re dragging me home. Why did I even bother getting all dressed up?”
“To look stunning, obviously. Did you see how Dimka was staring at you?” Alina teases with a laugh.
“You’re all a bunch of spoilsports,” Lisa grumbles as she slides into the taxi behind us. “We finally get together after ages, and you’ve all turned into old maids. What did I miss?”
“Lisa, we can drop you off, and then you can crash at my place later. I’m not hitting any clubs tonight,” Alina says firmly.
“Sasha,” Lisa turns to me with big, pleading eyes full of mock offense.
“Sorry, it’s been a rough day,” I say, leaning back against the seat.
“I’ll never forgive you two,” she huffs, turning away and staying silent until we reach Alina’s place.
We spent over two hours at the restaurant. It felt like the whole gang was there, even though it was just eleven of us. Everyone had something to say, and the conversation was flooded with memories. Mostly, we talked about the past year—a time when my heart soared to the highest peaks, only to crash painfully into the deepest abyss. I couldn’t wait to leave and slip back into my comfortable, predictable life. No emotional rollercoasters, no nostalgia, no messy feelings or unnecessary worries. I’ve grown used to it. It’s safe.
“Yuri’s off to Kryvyi Rih, so it’s a girls’ night tonight,” Alina announces as she unlocks the door to her apartment.
We change into comfy clothes first, then set up a little spread in the kitchen with fruit and champagne.
“I wish we could sit like this in the dorms just one more time,” Lisa muses. “Just the three of us in our tiny, cramped room, with the chatter of other girls echoing from the kitchen.”
“And then have the campus gossip queen show up with some dreadful news,” Alina adds with a smirk.
“When everything felt light… and free,” I say softly.
“Is everything okay with Myron?” Alina asks, picking up on my tone.
“Yeah, it’s fine.”
“Oh, come on. What does Myron have to do with anything? We’re talking about dorm life and college days,” Lisa snaps, never one to hold back her emotions.
“Sasha just seemed a bit down today,” Alina explains.
“I’m worried about Polina,” I say, finding a safe answer. “It’s her first night staying with my parents without me. Oh, that must be Mom,” I add as my phone’s ringtone cuts through the air.
I hurry to the hallway to take the call, but an unfamiliar number flashes on the screen. Unknown calls always make me uneasy.
“Hello?” I listen intently.
“Good evening, Alexandra Victorovna. My name is Ksenia. You didn’t show up for the interview today. May I ask why?”
“I’m so sorry. Something urgent came up, and I didn’t have a chance to let you know,” I say, feeling a wave of shame for letting my worries distract me. And worse, I’m upset about missing such an opportunity.
“Unfortunately, the position has been filled by another candidate. However, we’d like to offer you a different role. We’re currently looking for an assistant to the director. With your qualifications, you’d be a great fit.”
“Assistant to the director…” I echo her words. “May I ask the director’s name?”
“Pardon me?”
“What’s the director’s name?”
“Pavlo Vadymovych.”
“Ah… sorry for asking, but do you have anyone named Alexander on staff?”
“I don’t believe so. Is that important?”
“It is to me. Can I come in for an interview tomorrow?”
“I’ll schedule you for 10 a.m. Does that work?”
“Yes, thank you,” I say, ending the call and standing there for a few minutes, replaying the conversation in my mind.
Maybe he was on a different floor altogether. Maybe he was visiting a client in the office or heading to the restaurant on the top floor. And I panicked, losing my shot at the job I wanted. Fear shouldn’t control us, so tomorrow I’ll pull myself together and go back there to prove to myself that I can overcome my doubts.
“Was that about Polina?” Alina asks as I return.
“No. I hope everything’s okay; Mom hasn’t called.”
“I miss her so much. When can we all get together again?”
“Myron’s always working. Just come over whenever you’re free.”
“You two should start a family of your own,” Lisa chimes in. “Isn’t Yuri ready yet? You’ve got the business running, bought an apartment…”
“He’s ready,” Alina says, lowering her gaze. “And so am I, but it’s not happening.”
“Oh, I didn’t know,” Lisa says, covering her mouth.
“I didn’t want to burden you with my problems. We’ve had tests done. The issue is with me. And… it’s unlikely to happen.”
“Alina,” I say, squeezing her hand. “Medicine has come so far. You can’t give up.”
“I’m not giving up, but I’m preparing myself so it doesn’t hurt as much if it never works out. Yuri says it doesn’t matter to him, but… well, you know how it is.”
“He’s a good man. No matter what, he’ll always have your back,” I say, trying to lift her spirits. Yuri’s love for her is obvious to everyone.
“Let’s drink to that,” Lisa says, topping off our champagne glasses.
We sit for hours, laughing over funny moments from our college days, how we met, and the last time we gathered at Lisa’s family home in the countryside. We finally crash late into the night, and in the morning, we rush off to our separate lives. I miss these meetups with my friends; they happen so rarely. I don’t know when the next one will be—everyone’s caught up in their own world, their own struggles. But when I’m with them, I feel alive again, trading my usual routine for a taste of long-forgotten spontaneity.
I take the bus to the business center I fled from yesterday without looking back. I’m nervous, but I won’t let myself back out. I lost one job because of fear; I need to at least land this one. I’m confident that a company like this offers real career growth. It’s the best option out there. I’ve waited so long for an opening, promising myself I’d give it a shot. I can’t keep sitting at home, relying on Myron. I feel like I’m losing myself, becoming a shadow of who I used to be.
I step inside and take the elevator to the fourth floor without any hiccups. No sign of Alexander—that’s a relief. I even feel a bit calmer. A friendly young woman at the reception desk greets me, asks me to wait, and offers a drink. I politely decline and take a seat. I don’t wait long. A man in a suit walks into the office, nods in greeting, and disappears into one of the rooms. A minute later, the receptionist, Nina, calls me in for the interview. A nervous shiver runs through me, but I lift my chin and stride confidently toward my dream.
“Hello,” I say, stepping in and closing the door behind me.
“Please, have a seat,” he says without looking up from his laptop screen. He looks to be in his early forties, handsome, with a kind expression. “So, you’re here for the legal position?” he asks, finally meeting my gaze.
“Unfortunately,” I say with a small shrug, “I was told over the phone yesterday that it’s already been filled.”
“Yes, I did have an interview for that role,” he says thoughtfully, glancing at me again before checking something on his laptop. “Your name?”
“Alexandra… Demich.”
“I have it listed as Storozhenko.”
“Demich is better. I have a double last name.”
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Alexandra?” he says with a sudden smile.
“I’m sorry?” I’m caught off guard by the shift in his tone.
“Don’t remember me?” he asks, amused.
“Honestly, no.”
“I’m not surprised. We met a long time ago in a park.”
“Oh,” I say as the memory clicks into place. Me with Kraevsky in the park. And Pavlo with Maryana. “I really didn’t recognize you,” I admit with an embarrassed smile.
“I’ll be a millionaire yet,” Pavlo laughs. “So, what do you say? Are you my new assistant?”
“Well…” It dawns on me now who Alexander must have been visiting. I absolutely can’t stay here; another encounter is inevitable.
“Not happy with the boss?” he teases, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“No, it’s not that, it’s just…”
“This position will get snatched up too,” he nudges, pushing me to decide. “Don’t hurt my feelings. I’m not such a bad boss. Ready to start? Tomorrow.”
“I…” My thoughts are a chaotic mess, torn between running away and saying yes.
“It’s settled then. We start at nine, finish at six. Nina and the accounting team will fill you in on the details. With your education, you belong in a different office. I’m sure we’ll figure something out down the line. Well?” he prompts, glancing at his watch.
“Okay,” I say, hardly believing I’m agreeing. I’m setting myself up for trouble, and deep down, I’m terrified to admit that a part of me wants to see him again. Even if it’s just once more. Even if it’s just for a fleeting moment.